Whether you are shopping for a holiday gift basket, a new baby gift basket, or a birthday basket, here are some ideas and resources to help you shop and figure out what gift you want to give! Popcorn and Pretzels While the Popcorn Factory is a good go-to – check out Popinsanity for a trendy […]
February 19, 2021
How to Make a Leprechaun Trap
Here is how to make a Leprechaun Trap so the kids can see if they can trap a Leprechaun on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. Here are a couple of ideas, but anything they can think up and imagine is always a great thing too. Leprechaun Trap Items Just find empty coffee containers, empty […]
January 28, 2021
25 Life Organization Goals To Do in February – Free Printable
So you have tackled your home organization goals in January using this checklist challenge. Now it is time to do these 25 life organization goals in February (or whatever month you want to do it in!) This is a blend of home, personal, and family goals that will help you get organized before spring. Hang […]
January 6, 2021
Free Sports Zoom Backgrounds for Football and Baseball Fans
For the sports fans out there, here is a way to share your sports vibes on your next virtual meeting on Zoom or another platform. From baseball and track to football and turf fields, hopefully, one of these nine virtual backgrounds will fill your fandom needs! To download, use a desktop and right-click the image […]
January 4, 2021
Free Sophisticated and Chic Zoom Backgrounds For High Style
Whether Skype or Zoom, if you have a virtual meeting for work, and don’t want to show your messy office, room, or house in the background, then you will need one of these virtual backdrops. These Zoom backgrounds are very realistic, classy, sophisticated, and stylish – so even if that is not the case in […]
December 30, 2020
Free Book Backgrounds For Literary Lovers on Zoom and More
If you love libraries, reading, books or want to look like you are a sophisticated scholar on your next Skype, Zoom, or remote virtual meeting, then these book backgrounds may be the best thing! There are office libraries, colorful libraries, traditional libraries, white libraries and brown libraries. Grab one that fits your style! To download, […]
December 28, 2020
Awesome Apartment Zoom Backgrounds That Are Better Than Reality
If you are Zoom-ing, Skype-ing, or otherwise virtual meeting in your apartment, then you want a great virtual background to hide the real status of your abode. While these stylish Zoom backgrounds are an option, or even these library/book themed Zoom backgrounds, these apartment Zoom backgrounds are a logical choice to look like you are […]
November 27, 2020
How to Make a Winter Window Box – Idea on a Budget
The challenge of Winter Windowbox ideas is how to make Window Boxes look festive. Yet, still get through the New England Winters. I love the window boxes on our house. This is the first full season I have got to enjoy them in our new home. Yet, it is always a challenge to figure out […]
November 27, 2020
An Easy Budget Friendly Idea for a Classic Winter Planter
If you read my winter windowbox idea with faux filler, you can see I like the challenge of being on budget, being creative and having a winter scape that will last until spring. So I also created a winter planter! In a similar fashion on how I came to create my winter window box, I […]
November 20, 2020
Five Thanksgiving Zoom Backgrounds For The Holidays
Here are five Thanksgiving Zoom backgrounds to use for your holiday virtual gatherings!
January 29, 2020
The Best Rose Scented Lotions and Sprays That Last
I am obsessed with the smell of roses. Whether it is body lotion or room spray, I need my life to come up roses. I have tested a lot of rose-scented products over the years. Either the scent does not last long, or it’s a sticky sweet smell that is more chemical than couture. However, […]
January 8, 2020
10 Hermes Gift Ideas That Are Under $500
Whether you are on the waiting list Hermes Birkin Bag, lust after an understated Hermes Kelly Bag, or are just one of many people who admire the brand from afar, it may seem that you’ll never own anything from Hermes. Yet, there are some great Hermes gift ideas to consider! Hermes is an expensive, luxury […]
April 9, 2019
Move In Countdown Week 7: Home Design Advice
After seeing the progress on the house, it is amazing that it is finally taking shape. As I walk around our future home, I can remember every step and home advice decision made along the way during the home design project. As a result, there are things that I have learned that were essential to […]
April 1, 2019
Countdown to Move In – When the Project Does Not Go As Planned
It is week 8 in the countdown. This week I am writing about one of the most frustrating things in new home construction and new house construction design – when not everything goes as planned! Building a new home and designing a new house has its challenges! Home Construction Mistake #1: Not according to plan […]
March 28, 2019
Pantry Pain Turns Into Pantry Inspiration
During our home construction journey, we made a decision along the way not to go with expensive kitchen pantry cabinetry. Nor did we decide to go with standard kitchen pantry organization in the form of shelves. So, I needed some interesting kitchen pantry design ideas and pantry inspiration STAT! Let me explain our kitchen pantry […]
March 25, 2019
Week 9: Happy (Home) Ever After
I’m often asked how we selected the house design for our home construction project. The key is to finding your architectural design based on the story you want to live. First, it depends on the type of house construction project. If it is a spec home, you may be required to assume the house design […]
March 17, 2019
Countdown: 10 Weeks to Move In
One of the things I have observed on our how to build a house journey, as we have progressed during our home construction over the past several months, is that there is not a lot of visual progress during the various steps to building a house. As the saying goes, “There’s a lot of talk, […]
March 7, 2019
Countdown: 11 Weeks To Move In
We are now at 11 weeks in the Construction Chronicles countdown! The big change this week is that the kitchen cabinets have arrived and the wood floors are being laid. The trim is finishing up as well. With the exception of one bathroom, all the tiles are down too. Last week, I spent most of […]
February 25, 2019
Countdown: 12 Weeks to Move In
Want to know what is it like to go through the house building process? To build a house from scratch? Interested in learning how to work with architects, builders, and designers? I’ve got some stories to share as I count down the day until we move {finally] into our new family home. The Backstory It […]
February 19, 2019
Outfit Planner: Tips on Putting Together An Outfit
Need outfit ideas or an outfit planner? Wondering what to wear today or tomorrow or how to pick an outfit? Whether you wonder what to wear with black leggings or what to wear with a white shirt, I have some tips to share to make putting together an outfit easy! Step One: Put Together an […]
February 4, 2019
Tips on Hiring an Interior Designer (and Why You Should)
If you are building a new home or want to undergo a remodel of your new home, you know to call the contractor and architect – but what about an interior designer? With tight budgets, decorating may seem like a frivolous thing. Especial if you want to be on trend. However, in actuality, it may […]
January 31, 2019
Current Interior Decorating Ideas for Your Home
With our new house underway, decorating has become a new hobby! As we have progressed on our house, we have learned about several current interior decorating ideas for our home. Working with many interior designers, tile specialists, home stores and contractors, there are key trends that are popular for home decorating right now. Especially if […]
January 18, 2019
Best Dog Toys for Your New Puppy
Dogs need to play and they have fun playing. It is also an essential bonding opportunity between owner and his/her best friend! Whether playing in your family room, backyard or dog park, having a dog toy box with a great selection of toys, is essential for your pack mate. Think about stocking up on toys […]
January 17, 2019
Five Fun Finds for Dog Agility at Home
Whether you want to give your dog a fun thing to do, provide a fun fitness option, or more formal agility training, there are five items you need to have at home. The best part is that you don’t have to break the bank! These are easy to find and great price points to get […]
January 16, 2019
Puppy Extras: Fun Things for a New Puppy
When it is time to bring a new puppy home, it can be daunting. Just like babies, it is amazing how much you need! While it’s true that all dogs need is food, water, collar, leash, and a place to sleep, it is a lot more than that for most pet owners. After having 6 […]
Hi! I'm Charlene! I'm a Toy Expert, Creator, Media Personality, and a Mom. I love helping fellow families learn how to play, find the best educational games, or discover the best toys. My first job was in a toy store and I've been happily playing professionally in the toy industry for the past 10 years. So let's play together!
