A Stroll In The Garden OOTD Pt. 2 Bloopers

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A Stroll In The Garden OOTD Pt. 2 Bloopers

Hello everyone and welcome to the blooper reel from part two of my Stroll In The Garden OOTD series! When Johnny and I take blog pictures together, it takes roughly ten minutes. In that time, he literally does not stop taking pictures and that’s a good thing! This gives me a considerable amount of great, good, and yikes shots to sort through. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s a bit time consuming but us bloggers do anything in the name of content! Here are the shots that definitely didn’t make the original cut – Until now, that is:

I LOOK GREAT!! 😀

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Sassy ladyyyy

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About to drop some mad truth on Johnny

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Having a full blown discussion with my imaginary friend

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I actually kind of like this one lol

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Would you look at that?!

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It looks like something really pissed me off!

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Johnny is always making me laugh!

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Johnny has been assisting me with my OOTD shoots for well over a year and the process truly runs like a fine tuned machine now. Prior to developing his own method of rapid fire shooting, taking pictures used to take way longer. He used to take a few shots, show me, then try again. Now, it’s more like he takes fifty shots in a row, I take a quick look, and we move onto the next thing.

I am a huge fan of this method for many reasons. The most important one being that I usually don’t get hit with the “are we done yet?” until we’re about to wrap up lol! And, of course, it gives me a plethora of options to use that just weren’t possible before Johnny’s PPM (Pictures per minute) wasn’t twenty or so. He finally understands what I mean when I say “take a lot of pictures” and I am so appreciative and thankful for it!

The rapid fire method is obviously liable to lots of bloopers but it sure is fun to share them with all of you. Keep it posted for a Date Night OOTD soon!

How many pictures do you take during a typical OOTD shoot? Where is your favorite place to take pictures? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Simple Solutions For A Pest Free Home This Winter

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Simple Solutions For A Pest Free Home This Winter

Pests are not something that anyone wants to have around the house. However, these little creatures sneak into our homes when the weather outside is cold and dry. They look for places with minimal airflow and humid conditions as these help them thrive in such situations. Keeping your home pest-free during  the winter is not an easy task.

However, typically, the best way in which to prevent pests from sneaking into your home is by, first, checking possible entry points at all times and, then, if you discover a problem, enlisting the services of a Pest control service in Heath, TX (or elsewhere) for quick and painless removal. Here are some further tips to keep your home pest-proof this winter:

Maintain a clean and tidy home:

Cleaning and tidying up your home are essential to keeping your home pest-free. As a part of your regular cleaning schedule, keep your house free of clutter. Make sure to eliminate all messes that may be providing shelter to pests. Pests love dark, humid, and warm places filled with tiny particles. Regular cleaning will help you keep favorable conditions for your family and not pests. Remember that pests will always be in search of food so clear countertops and sweep regularly. Common signs of raccoons in your home can often circle back to a food source, so be diligent.

If you are having a problem with pests, a deep cleaning can go a long way in helping. This is understandably a tough job that you might not have the time for. Should this be the case for you, consider using the services of www.wecleanhomes.co.uk (or a similar company in your local area). Once a cleaning service has provided a good deep clean, it will be so much easier for you to maintain what they have done. A clean home is a happy, pest free one!

Seal up your home correctly:

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for pests. Make sure there is no gap between the window and the frame and that house doors are tightly fitted against the jamb to prevent pests from entering your home. Roofs and foundations are other areas where pests can quickly enter your home. Make sure there are no gaps or cracks in these areas too.

Use pest control services:

If you cannot control pests on your own, hiring professionals for pest control services is a good idea. They will help you identify the pests that have entered your home, determine the best way to remove them, and prevent them from returning. If you opt for pest control services, make sure to do your research and learn more about the services available. You should look for companies with a good reputation, eco-friendly chemicals, and knowledgeable staff.

Bear in mind that depending on where you live, you will need full expertise of the pests in your area from the pros you choose. For example, you might need scorpion pest control in Arizona or help with mosquitos if you live in a humid climate. This might call for a more specific pest control company as opposed to a general one.

Use essential oils:

Essential oils are natural and non-toxic. They can repel pests without causing any damage to your furniture, carpets, or walls. Moreover, they do not leave any harmful residue behind. They have a strong smell and can be used to keep pests away. You can place them in a diffuser or even use a cotton ball to rub them on door knobs, hinges, or any other area where pests might enter your home. Apart from pests, these oils can also be used to repel mice and other insects. Choose peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender to help keep your home pest free this winter.

After your home is deep cleaned by a service like Maidbright Cleaning, take the time to apply some essential oils throughout your home and in problem areas. Not only will your place be better protected from pests but it will further enhance relaxation after your house is sparkling clean. Pest problems are stressful and a deep clean paired with essential oils can help alleviate some of that anxiety.

Pests are a real problem that can affect the health of your family. Keep on top of the tips above to keep any unwanted guests at bay!

Featured Image By: Pexels

4 Ways To Fortify Your Home From The Elements

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4 Ways To Fortify Your Home From The Elements

There are plenty of fun and unique ways to make your home more comfortable and match your style. However, you also need to think about protecting your home. While this may not make it comfortable in the traditional sense, it’s still a vital component of maintaining your home, especially from all types of extreme weather. Whether you own your home or are renting the property, here is some advice to keep you as safe as you are comfortable all year round:

Keep Out the Storms:

If you live somewhere that gets more rain than you’d ever thought possible, you need to make sure you keep your house secure from the water pounding at your door like a particularly aggressive salesperson. Storms can often cause much more damage than you expect, which is why plantation shutters and robust guttering are essential. The shutters offer a sophisticated yet protective barrier, while guttering will direct heavy rainfall away from your home to prevent flooding in the basement. This is crucial as the basement is typically the area of your home most prone to flooding, after all – the water will always drain downwards to the lowest point it can. Contacting a reputable company and getting a high quality adam basement waterproofing service performed at your property can seal the problem areas of your basement. This can help to prevent water from entering your basement and works in tandem with your other storm management systems to keep your house safe and dry.

Repair Your Insulation and Ventilation:

You should also focus on improving insulation and ventilation within the house. This is beneficial throughout the year, helping your home remain warm during the winter while allowing it to breathe during the blistering summer months. This is especially important if you live in an older property, as the existing features may have worn down or are unsuitable for the current climate. An inspector can check your house and provide advice to give you an idea of what you need to do to make the house more livable.

Check Your Pipes:

The drastic temperature drop during winter means there’s a chance that frozen water occurs within your pipes if they have not drained correctly. This can cause severe problems if you are not aware of it, and your home may flood if you don’t get ahead of the issue. You can use foam insulation strips to cover the pipes and keep the water from freezing. Draining the pipes regularly will also reduce the chances of ice forming. Again, it may be worth getting the pipes inspected by a company to check that they have not rusted or disintegrated.

Invest In Dehumidifiers:

Many people think a dehumidifier is only necessary if you live in a humid part of the country, but this is not the case. Dehumidifiers can reduce the risk of mold in your home no matter where you are. This improves the air quality and prevents respiratory problems that could lead to even worse issues. Identify the dampest parts of your house (typically the basement or laundry room) and install the dehumidifier. By doing this, you should keep damp from spreading throughout the house and make it easier to breathe, especially during rainy seasons.

You don’t need to raise the battlements and invest in a moat (although that would be cool). Instead, these tips can help you keep your home safe from the elements all year!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

A Stroll In The Garden OOTD Pt. 2 Bonus Pics

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A Stroll In The Garden OOTD Pt. 2 Bonus Pics

Hey! Today, we are going to check out some bonus pics from Part Two of my Stroll In The Garden OOTD. Johnny took these pictures and prior to being with him, I always got a kick out of the “husbands of Instagram” posts. I thought they were so funny and sweet and I admired the significant other for assisting in all of the pictures. They seemed like the partner to have and I feel like the luckiest girl to have me a blog husband of my own!

Not only is Johnny the best in every aspect of my life but he turned out to be a formidable iPhone photographer as well. His method of “just take a million pictures” works perfectly every time and I am so appreciative whenever he helps me out for my OOTD shoots. Take a look at his handiwork:

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Taking pictures used to be something I was really self conscious about due to constant battles with low self esteem. To this day, I still don’t let just anyone take my pictures and have a handful of people that I like to work with. In fact, the first time Johnny took some OOTD shots, I was SO nervous! That feeling quickly dissipated, however, because he treats every photo shoot like an America’s Next Top Model moment… Even the bloopers!

Johnny’s comments of “you’re working it”, “you look great”, and “are we done yet?” make all of our photo sessions a joy. He truly makes sure that every picture he snaps is shot just the way I like it and has also gotten so good at not cutting my head or feet out! My blog is something that I take a lot of pride in and being able to collaborate with my husband for OOTDs is really special to me.

A HUGE shout out to my sweet blog husband for indulging me in my OOTD shoots. He is the behind the scenes hero of almost all of them and my love and self confidence soars with every picture taken. I LOVE YOU, BABE! ❤

Who is your favorite person to take pictures with? What or who makes you feel confident? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

New Violet & Punch Pink Nails

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New Violet & Punch Pink Nails

Hello! After several long and stressful weeks, I was in desperate need of some self care and had been counting down the days till my next appointment at Elysian Nails. Not only did I need a pampering session but my nails were looking JANK. As always, Elysian got me right and my nail tech did a fabulous job on my talons. Check it out:

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Normally, I have a color palette in mind before I go to the salon for a fill. This time around, however, I decided to let the polish wall speak to me and made my choice almost instantly. Directly in my line of sight was the OPI shades in Strawberry Margarita (Which I totally get) and Grandma Kissed A Gaucho (Which I don’t get at all).

Lol despite one nail polish name making no sense to me or my nail tech, I am in love with this color combo. It is such a perfect palette to wrap up summertime with before we move onto plum, oxblood, and jewel tones for fall. These nails look like a sweet candy treat or summer sunset and I catch myself looking at them constantly. So cute!

As you all know, pampering is my favorite form of self care and this trip to Elysian Nails definitely helped put some pep back in my step. It’s almost impossible not to when I leave the salon with nails looking like a billion bucks!

What color of nail polish are you wearing? What are your favorite summer nail polish colors? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

A Stroll In The Garden OOTD Pt. 2

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A Stroll In The Garden OOTD Pt. 2

Hello! Despite a crazy couple of weeks, a blogger’s work is never over and I was able to work in a brand new OOTD shoot. Although the backdrop of my dad’s garden is the same as the last, you sometimes just have to roll with it and I’ll get to a different location when things slow down. Regardless of the where, the “wear” was fabulous and I love this little summertime look:

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We interrupt this shoot to feature a bunny in the backyard:

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Who? What? Wear?

I actually wore this outfit for mine and Johnny’s housewarming/birthaversary party at the end of May. I have been meaning to take pictures of it ever since because I think that it’s just the cutest. I am obsessed with my mom’s jean jacket and using it as an add on piece makes this OOTD ideal for a cool spring day or a summer evening. With or without, the outfit is great so if it gets too warm, all you need to do is take it off!

Both the top and bottom in this look were purchased during a recent TJMaxx Haul. You might also recognize the shoes from my White Hot OOTD. My super happy dream world would consist of different clothes and shoes for every day of the year but the Sbicca wedges were a very obvious choice for this outfit and color palette.

While I love the Premise pants, I will be the first to admit that they are a bit tricky to style. It was an instance when I had to utilize one of my TJMaxx Shopping Pro Tips and take a second round through the store to find a top to go with it. In fact, the Love On A Hanger top is still the only top that I own that goes with the pants so this is a look that I can’t bust out too frequently.

I’m sure we all have a piece of clothing that you adore but don’t know what to wear with it and my advice is as follows:

As you can see from this outfit, the LOAH top was not a perfect match to the pants in terms of the base color or embroidery. Neither was the blue in the shoes. However, it worked because the colors still came from the same family.

It’s easy to think that this closes off your options but it opens them up exponentially. It would be rare to find an exact color match to the China dish patterned pants. But, I pulled from the white and added a cream top and from the indigo pattern on the pants I added navy, periwinkle, and denim. According to this rule, I could wear an admiral or steel blue top with the pants and get away with it – Now, the trick is finding one!

Patterned pants are a new thing in my wardrobe simply because it’s hard to find ones I like and styling them is more difficult than a patterned top. Don’t let this scare you, though! Perfect matches for your top and shoes are boring and multiple shades of one color will add visual interest and something special to your OOTD!

What is your favorite pattern? How do you style patterned pants? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: Tune in tomorrow to peep my new nails and then keep it posted the following day for bonus pics and bloopers from this shoot! ❤

Start Living Healthier With These Tips

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Start Living Healthier With These Tips

Health is wealth. This proverb could not be more accurate, especially in today’s society. With so many processed foods and pollutants in the air, it can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, by following some simple tips, you can make strides towards a healthier you. This blog post will give some of the best tips for living a healthy life:

Eat a variety of foods:

It is important to eat a balance of healthy foods to get all of the nutrients your body needs. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and sugar. They can also be low in essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins. Limiting your intake of processed foods to maintain a healthy diet is important. Healthy eating habits can help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Should you not be getting enough of a certain nutrient, talk with your doctor before adding any supplements or vitamins you are considering to your regimen. There are a lot out there! Perhaps you simply need more Omega 3s or are interested in starting a dietary or health supplement like those offered by qisupplements.com. Bear in mind that it might take a while to notice any meaningful differences when adding a new vitamin or supplement. That doesn’t mean it’s not working, though, so monitor how you feel for your next doctor’s appointment.

If you are struggling with your diet, you are not alone and oftentimes a multifaceted approach works best to get you healthier. This can include a combination of an improved diet, exercise, and recommendations from your doctor. At Shine Functional Health (or a similar facility in your local area), the experts understand that successful weight loss employs several different methods and can help you reshape your lifestyle to achieve it. Indeed, losing weight can change your life drastically but it will be worth it when you are feeling much better mentally and physically.

Get active and stay active:

Regular physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and improving overall health. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week. This can be achieved by doing 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. Some examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, swimming, or mowing the lawn.

Physical activity doesn’t have to be boring! There are many enjoyable ways to get active that can fit into your lifestyle. For example, taking a dance class, going for hikes with friends, or playing tag with your kids are all great ways to get moving while having fun. And if you’re still unsure about what fun physical activities are right for you, you can try sports. There are loads of sporting activities that aren’t too intense, are fun, and are also excellent for those starting their healthy living journey.

A perfect example is Pickleball. Not only is it easily accessible, but it’s also pretty gentle on the joints. Experts like Ashley Roberts Tampa have provided several reasons why Pickleball is a great form of exercise. Pickleball has truly swept the nation and for good reason – it’s fun! However, before you hit the courts, ensure that you have all of the necessary equipment ready. For instance, it would be a wise move to research Pickleball Paddles to find the best one for you.

Get enough sleep:

Sleep is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood, reduce stress levels, and promote overall physical health. Most adults need between seven and eight hours of sleep per night. However, some people may need more or less depending on their age, activity level, and other factors.

If you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, you can do a few things to improve your sleep habits. Creating a bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine in the evening, and keeping a relaxed and comfortable bedroom environment can all help you get the restful sleep your body needs.

Manage stress:

Chronic stress can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Some helpful coping mechanisms include exercise, journaling, deep breathing, and spending time with loved ones. If you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, it is important to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. Alternative remedies like yoga, meditation, natural products (medicinally) such as Delta 9 Gummies, and aromatherapy can also be helpful in managing stress.

Stress can also be managed through self care. This could be taking the time for afternoon tea, reading a chapter in a good book, or having a long soak in the tub. Self care like establishing a beauty routine for day and night can also be especially soothing. Even more so when you are using products for your skin and hair with natural ingredients. Products from https://naturallylinda.com/pages/international-stockists (or a similar company) are a great example so you can begin to experiment with the best options for your skin type. Once you find the regimen that works for you, you will notice an invigorating boost in the morning and a calming wind down routine at night.

Visit your doctor regularly:

Regular doctor visits are essential for maintaining good health. These appointments provide an opportunity to receive preventive screenings, discuss any health concerns, and update vaccinations. It is recommended that adults visit their primary care physician at least once every three years for a physical exam. Additionally, women should have a well-woman exam with their gynecologist every year. Men should also see their doctor regularly to discuss any health concerns and perform preventive screenings.

Making small changes in your lifestyle can significantly impact your overall well-being. Get started with these tips today!

Featured Image By: Pexels

All In Your Own Backyard

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All In Your Own Backyard

Hello!! When I first started working as an Independent Provider for people with special needs, I was mainly on the evening shift for purely social outings with my clients. For free and fun entertainment, we would often hit up the local libraries in the greater Akron area. Activities ranged from vinyl record clubs to art projects and murder mysteries and it was always a blast.

Now, I work in the mornings and afternoons and provide care under the umbrella of daily living skills. It has been a while since I scoured the library and community websites for outings and I, honestly, kind of forgot how amazing all of our local programs are until this summer. My family has certainly been making the most of them!

This past summer, people in my family have attended numerous events including a watercolor painting class and a Comicon style vendor fair. We have also loved taking my sweet niece to story time almost every week at the library. It is the most adorable little hour filled with books, songs, and crafts. My heart just melted when I took Val last week. ❤

Over last weekend, I experienced one of the best community events I have been to in a while with my dad and Val – the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. It was held at the Goodyear Heights Metro Park and featured awesome performances by various dance groups. We got to watch a jazz and ballet troop as well as the dancers from ArtSparks, which is a dance group made up of people with special needs. It was SO cool!

The main event of the night was a performance by Pilobolus, a world famous troop. However, we didn’t get to watch them because it was getting close to Valerie’s bedtime. All of the dancers we did see were spectacular but the best part of the night was when the kids in the audience got to take the stage. Val had a blast learning different ballet and jazz moves. She also unintentionally stole the show when she was showing off her newfound skills during another performance lol it was so funny. 😀

After Val learned some dance steps, she said that she would like to take dance classes and that’s what is so wonderful about all of these community programs. Not only do you get to meet new people but you also get to try your hand at new things for free or close to it. Similarly, my mom and I now paint in our free time after the ten dollar watercolor class we took.

Children, teenagers, and adults alike can all benefit from local programs – you just need to know where to look. Library websites, newspapers, and community pages can all point you in the right direction. If you are searching for new activities with minimal funding, then this is the way to go. Explore your community and have fun!

What community events do you like to attend? Have you learned a new skill or hobby recently? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Delicious Guacamole Recipe & Cilantro Lime Rice

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Delicious Guacamole Recipe & Cilantro Lime Rice

Hello! This past Saturday was a very busy one. We visited my mom at the Cleveland Clinic, I cooked up a feast, and watched my niece while her baby sister was born. For dinner, I treated my dad, brother, and Johnny to homemade Cheesy Gordita Crunches. This is the second time that I have made them and the meal turned out excellent. And in the words of Emeril Lagasse, I definitely kicked things up a notch.

The last time I made Taco Bell style Cheesy Gordita Crunches for dinner, I used the beef crumbles by MorningStar. While I didn’t care for it, Johnny liked it well enough so I just decided to use real beef for the guys and vegetarian refried beans for me. I have never cooked ground beef in my life and apparently it turned out good lol. Not that I was surprised because, I hate to toot my own horn, but Johnny says I cook bacon better than someone who eats meat. GREAT SUCCESS! 😀

Not only did I make all of the fixings for our taco dinner but I also prepared some extra additions to enhance the meal. I made a new Pinterest recipe for cilantro lime rice, which can be found here at Downshiftology. I also whipped up a batch of my own personal recipe for guacamole that I think is simply the best. Check it out:

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^^^ Obviously I should have taken a picture of my guac before we chowed down!

Of course, Taco Bell was the source of inspiration for this meal and my life in general. However, I was also trying to serve major Chipotle vibes. The recipe that I used for the cilantro lime rice claims to be a Chipotle taste alike and I completely agree. It. Was. Delicious. The zingy lime and cilantro balanced out the garlic and salt perfectly and I honestly think that I could have ate the entire bowl. I highly recommend making it during your next taco dinner!

I also hate to toot my own horn again but I truly believe that my guacamole is a Chipotle taste alike too. It is SO easy to make with minimal ingredients and tastes divine. This is my recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 mashed avocados
  • A small portion of red onion, finely chopped
  • Juice, pulp, and zest from one lime
  • Several sprigs of cilantro
  • Course sea salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

While you can add anything you please to your guacamole like chopped olive or tomato, I always say that simple is best. All of the different flavors and textures in my recipe blend together so well and that extra dose of lime in the zest and pulp sends it over the top. I also just mash up my avocado with a spoon, which makes it very similar in texture to Chipotle’s, which is definitely more chunky. Now, if only I could make a taste alike for their tortilla chips. YUM!

As you all know, I love cooking for Johnny but it was SO nice to be able to make a meal for my dad and brother too. Cooking soothes my soul and watching people enjoy what I make makes it even better. ❤

What are some of your favorite taste alike recipes? How do you prepare the perfect taco? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bubble Pop Craft

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Bubble Pop Craft

Hello! This past weekend was a whirlwind because my sister just had another beautiful baby girl! I am so excited to be a TT of three and my Val Gal is over the moon to be a big sister. While the little miss was making her grand debut, my dad and I watched Val over the weekend. We had an absolute blast playing outside, going to see a dance program, and making a super fun bubble craft!

When I was little, I could stay outside picking dandelions and blowing bubbles for hours and Val shares the same sentiments. On Sunday morning, it was very dreary so we couldn’t play outside. But, in the recesses of my brain, I remembered a craft that I had seen on Pinterest by Broogly that was sure to keep her occupied. Check it out:

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What You’ll Need:

  • Bubble soap
  • Food coloring
  • Paper

What To Do:

  • Mix food coloring and bubble soap together
  • Blow bubbles over your piece of paper to create your pop art. The longer the bubble sits on the paper, the deeper the color will be.

This bubble pop craft was so easy to put together and Val and I spent over an hour and a half making six masterpieces for her baby sis, uncles, and grandma. While this is definitely a better craft for doing outside, we were able to make it work with minimal mess by placing beach towels over the kitchen floor to blow bubbles on. The mess actually came after the project was complete when I accidentally knocked into Val and blue bubble soap spilled all over the floor. WHOOPS lol.

Not only was this craft entertaining but it was educational too. I got to teach Val all about mixing colors to make new ones and she assisted in helping me make purple and orange bubble soap. I loved how her orange turned out! She would tell you that the purple was the best and, as always, it’s her favorite color. ❤

The next time we make this craft (because there will for sure be a next time), hopefully the weather will be nice enough to do it outdoors. I plan on getting bigger sheets of paper and think that it will turn out really cool if we use one of the automatic bubble blowers. Do give this craft a try if you have little ones – they will love it!

Where do you find fun crafts for your kids? What crafts have you made together this summer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah