Stuff You Won't Make Archives - Totally The Bomb.com

In my ongoing decent into eccentric aunt territory, I have become...a knitter. A person who knits in public. And like a lot of knitters, I will wax poetic about how much I love to knit, and how soothing the rhythm of the needles can be, blah blah blah. But when I have my knitting out (because I'm the kind of person who knits in public, because why not) I meet two kinds of people: Those who knit. Those who don't think they can knit. It's because of this I'm going to share a bit of information on how to learn to love knitting. An eccentric aunt's guide to learning to love knitting, so to Keep Reading >>>

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Online Pearl Parties…Is That A Thing?

I'd never even heard of an online pearl party until a couple of months ago. Now, I've been to 4 this month and I've bought two pieces. That's a rarity for me. It's a fun experience. I enjoy seeing what other people pick and which setting they've chosen. I like the suspense of the openings and the fellowship of other viewers as we congratulate the customer on their pick and then feel a small twinge of what I call "pearl envy." I love jewelry and, for me, this adds the mystery of an online subscription box into the mix. Plus, I get to witness the pearl coming out of its shell for the first time, Keep Reading >>>

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Zen And The Art Of Sticks And String

I come from a long line of knitters. I remember being at my grandmother’s house, and she would knit while we watched the Cowboys games on TV. The worse things would get for the Cowboys, the faster and stabbier she would knit. Some seasons she got an awful lot of sweaters knit in a short amount of time. I learned from her, but every time I put the knitting down for a while, I’d have to relearn, and who has the patience for that? Zen And The Art Of Sticks And String Then came a span of three or four years when I spent a ridiculous amount of time in hospitals and doctor’s waiting rooms Keep Reading >>>

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Love Spell Soap

If I had to choose one scent to smell forever it would probably be Love Spell from Victoria's Secret. It's just so fresh and smells like a field of fresh flowers in spring. I dunno, I just love it! So I had to just find a way I could incorporate that smell into my life like daily and that is when I came up with an idea to make Homemade Love Spell Soap. It smells like the real thing and now I can have this smell whenever I want. If you like this smell too, you will love this tutorial! What You Will Need to Make Homemade Love Spell Soap: White Melt & Pour Soap Purple Mica Keep Reading >>>

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Valentine’s Day Strawberry Sugar Scrub

Home Decor You Will Forget To Make

I've never really been a follower of that whole "go organic" movement. It's hard to care about that kind of thing when you can barely afford the regular, non-organic foods. But now that I've got the choice, I still can't say that I know what I'm doing when it comes to the world of organic things - what's actually better for you and what doesn't really matter. But there's one big exception: natural beauty products? I am all over that. That's why, in honor of America's favorite upcoming Hallmark holiday, I made this Valentine's Day Strawberry Sugar Scrub to make sure I'm ready for the big Keep Reading >>>

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How I Took My Dining Room From Functional To Fabulous: 10 Easy Steps!

I'm going to start with a confession: my dining room was never my favorite place. Sure, I love to cook, yes, I love to entertain, but for a long time that dark, small space is where we stored backpacks and stacked bags of groceries. These Affordable Tips to Brighten a Small Space changed all that. I Loooooove my dining room now. In fact, it might be my new favorite room in the house. I'm so excited to share these affordable ideas with you and I can't wait to see pictures of how you've transformed your own spaces. Happy DIYing! 10 Affordable Tips to Brighten a Small Space 1. Right off the Keep Reading >>>

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20 Butterfly Learning Activities

Crafts Your Kids Won't Make

Kids go through so many changes growing up, and that can be confusing. These 20 Butterfly Learning Activities will help kids understand that not only are changes a part of nature, but they can be beautiful! 20 Butterfly Learning Activities: 1. This Butterfly Alphabet Garden from No Time for Flash Cards will teach kids the beauty of spring, and their ABC's. 2. Kids will marvel at the science in this Chromatography Butterfly Craft by Buggy and Buddy, and then delight as their experiments turn into beautiful butterflies. 3. Use this Monarch Butterfly Symmetry from Buggy and Keep Reading >>>

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Last Minute Gift Ideas: DIY T-Shirt Shadowbox

If you're like me, you've probably forgotten to get someone a gift. It can be hard to be thoughtful when you're scrambling at the last minute to put together a present so someone doesn't feel forgotten. I've come up with a solution that is one part unique gift, one part cleaning out your closet: The DIY T-Shirt Shadowbox! Last Minute Gift Ideas: DIY T-Shirt Shadowbox While going though some family photos for another blog post, I ran across a photo of my Mom and my brother. I instantly recognized the t-shirt mom was wearing. It was her super cute fuzzy ironed on letter "Is there life Keep Reading >>>

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Why We Have Not One…But Seven…Christmas Trees

Home Decor You Will Forget To Make

You read that right, we don't have one Christmas tree. We have seven. Believe it or not, that's our version of compromise. When two people move in together not all things are going to be wonderfully in synch. For as great as my boyfriend and I have combined our lives there are some things we will never agree on. Ever. And to that end, we have seven Christmas trees. Why? Why would we, people with three cats, have that many trees? Why We Have Not One...But Seven...Christmas Trees Well, it comes down to decorating style. I'm what you might call a tree theme decorator. I want a Keep Reading >>>

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Keeping The Earth Alive And Your Yard Undead: Upcycled Halloween Decorations

Any true craftsman will say, “Measure twice, cut once.” But if you’re like me it’s more like, “Close your eyes and hope you don’t lose a thumb.” It’s Halloween, and if you’re an environmentally friendly hippy with time on your hands between protests or if you’re a broke guy with an underwhelming job, this post is for you. I love this holiday and I love decorating for it. The first year I decorate my yard, I realized that not only did I not have the money for any of this stuff, but also the store-bought products looked terrible. I wasn’t about to pay $50 for a tombstone that I could make on Keep Reading >>>

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The Best Halloween Playlist

Stuff You Won't Make

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of BOSEbuild for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine. The weather is cooler and the leaves are falling. That can only mean one thing... Halloween is near! While the creepy decorations certainly help make a party, it's really The Best Halloween Playlist around that keeps guests entertained. We've got you covered with the best Halloween songs that will make your guests dance under the full moon all night long! The Best Halloween Playlist So the only way we could do this right was to provide you with more than a handful of songs. How about 31 Keep Reading >>>

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Boys Are Tough, Especially On Their Clothes…

Stuff You Won't Make

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by the Maker of OxiClean™ through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about their Max Force™ Laundry Stain Remover, all opinions are my own. You guys, I am tired. Maybe it's because I stay up late writing my book or maybe it's the fact I spend almost all day cleaning up messes one of my boys made. When I say "boys" I am not just referring to my two sons, I am talking about my husband and even our new puppy (Drogo) that just happens to be a boy too. Boys are tough to take care of. Want to know what's even harden to Keep Reading >>>

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The Beauty of Sound Through Science

Stuff You Won't Make

There you are sitting in your car and your favorite song comes on. Maybe you are outside enjoying your morning coffee listening to the bird's chirp. That my friend is The Beauty of Sound Through Science. No matter where you are or what you are doing, there is sound going on around you at all times. Isn't it amazing to think that sound truly starts with science? My family and I recently took a challenge to explore the world of sound using science and the outcome was amazing! I encourage you to keep reading to see how you can do the same with your own family. The Beauty of Sound Through Keep Reading >>>

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DIY Pikachu Clay Figure

Home Decor You Will Forget To Make

When you start itching to make and bake something, it doesn't have to be something sweet. You can make and bake a DIY Pikachu Clay Figure that is totally cute and bit feisty. We had so much fun making this adordable little guy and we are sure you will too! Pika Pika means let's get started! What You Will Need to Make a DIY Pikachu Clay Figure: Sculpey Oven Bake Clay (you will want yellow, red, black, white, and brown) Pottery Tool Kit Oven Pikachu Image for Reference (can put this up on your computer, tablet, or phone) Note: As you start to work with the clay, it will Keep Reading >>>

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Design Rebel: Break These Small Space Decorating Rules

When it comes to decorating small rooms, it can be tricky to know what to do with the space. When searching for ideas you might find some familiar rules for decorating for a small space, but I’m here to tell you that rules are meant to be broken and you can still do all the same things you would do in a normal sized room can be applied to a small room as well. So, if you have ever been told that you need to paint small rooms white or choose appropriately scaled furniture, take a look at some of my favorite rules to not follow and how you can become a Design Rebel: Break These Small Space Keep Reading >>>

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How To Make Sparkler Nails This Independence Day!

Well, we couldn't let the fourth of July pass without some really boss Independence Day Nails, now could we? Seriously, these Fourth of July nails are super easy to do and why let the fireworks be the only sparkly one at the party? Enjoy! Want more nail fun plus so much more? Check out why I'm a Pinterest Mom (And I Am Totally Okay With That). Keep Reading >>>

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Have a COOL Summer Popsicle Gift + Free Printable

Free Stuff

If your kids aren't already out for summer, they will be soon. My son only has a few days left so I thought it would be fun to gift his friends something delicious, sweet, and fun on the last day of school. We are parenting with Popsicle® today to share an idea I came up with. It is how to gift a Popsicle® to each of his friends with a fun "Have a COOL Summer" Gift tag. Cool idea, right? What You Will Need to Make A Have a COOL Summer Popsicle Gift: Popsicle® Brand Popsicles (I used the Popsicle® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kind) "Have a COOL Summer" Printable Keep Reading >>>

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15 Things For Your Summer Bucket List

It can be really hard to make the most of your summer when it's super hot outside and no one feels like leaving the comfort of the A/C. Let's face it, we're all pretty lazy, which is a shame because having the kids home from school all summer is the perfect time to introduce them to all kinds of new opportunities and experiences. Or to mentally scar them for life. You should probably shoot for those exciting new experiences though. If you're looking for an easy way to plan for the best summer ever, look no further than our Summer Bucket List! It comes with a calendar, a sample checklist with Keep Reading >>>

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20 April Showers Crafts for Kids

It's raining, it's pouring, your kids think life is boring, these crafts are fun, we're all-for-one, we call this #ParentScoring! Seriously, though, after this super snowy winter these 20 April Showers Crafts for Kids might be just what you need for the rainy days to come. Have fun! 20 April Showers Crafts for Kids: 1. Your kids are going to love making it rain with this Rain Cloud in a Jar. 2. Jackson Pollock step aside, there's a new artist in town and this Action Painted Umbrella the masterpiece! 3. Free Weather Printables are perfect for the kid who wants more homework Keep Reading >>>

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DIY Personalized Photo Book

Throughout the year I capture hundreds of photos and videos of my boys and the things we do. That is why every Christmas we typically take all of those images, print them out, and make photo books for each of the grandparents. It's a great way to give them an inside look at our life but this last year I totally dropped the ball on this. I didn't realize until the other day that I had completely forgotten to do that this last year. So as soon as I remembered, I jumped on it and came up with this DIY Personalized Photo Book and our sponsor Reddi-Wip is helping share this tutorial with you Keep Reading >>>

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100 Things To Put In Easter Eggs {That Aren’t Candy!}

Easter Egg Hunts are so fun. I remember when my daughter was really little and she would get maybe one or two eggs before all the big kids snatched them up. Now she's a pro, and brings home piles and piles of them. The problem is, they are filled with candy! I think Easter almost brings more candy into my house than Halloween! There's no need to stuff your eggs with candy! Check out these one-hundred OTHER things you can stuff your eggs with. And, happy hunting! Keep Reading >>>

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Magical Mermaid Crown

Every good king or queen needs a crown, but why limit yourself to simply being a king or queen when you could also be a mermaid? I mean, why should you have to choose when you could just be both? Ariel's not a Disney Princess for nothing...in fact, I bet she's probably got her own Magical Mermaid Crown stashed away somewhere, and if you want to claim your title as the best mermaid that's ever existed, you're going to need one too. What You'll Need to Make a Magical Mermaid Crown: Starfish Hot glue gun Plastic tiara Jute twine Assorted seashells How to Make a Magical Mermaid Keep Reading >>>

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Magical Mermaid Wand

What kid doesn't want to be a mermaid just like Ariel? Swimming around without a care in the world, accidentally starring in a musical...the possibilities are as endless as the ocean. But there's just one problem: Ariel might be a big shot under the sea, but in our world, it's the wand that makes the mermaid. And no self-respecting mermaid would be caught dead without their Magical Mermaid Wand. What You'll Need to Make a Magical Mermaid Wand: Wooden dowels Starfish Hot glue gun Sequined ribbon (optional) How to Make a Magical Mermaid Wand: If you plan to paint your wand a Keep Reading >>>

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Neon Flower Bath Soap Crayons

Spring is on it's way and things are about to get a lot more colorful! Flowers will be blooming and birds will be chirping. But you know me, I am not going to wait for all that. Instead I went to my kitchen and whipped up some Neon Flower Bath Soap Crayons. Sure they are great for kids but if you want to have a little fun in the tub...do! I won't judge! What You Will Need to Make Neon Flower Bath Soap Crayons: Flower Silicone Mold 1 Tablespoon Imperial Sugar Light Brown Sugar 8 ounces White Glycerin Melt-and-Pour Soap Food Coloring (I used neon colors for these) Knife Small Keep Reading >>>

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BiriBiri Washi Is The New Adult Coloring…And You’re Going To LOVE IT!

I'm always looking for new crafting fads (or new to me), and when I heard about BiriBiri Washi I knew I wanted to see what it was all about. Never heard of it before? Basically, you've got this special Japanese paper made from tree bark, and it's already been dyed in gorgeous colors and patterns. Now, here's the fun part: to do BiriBiri Washi, what you do is cut and/or rip this paper to create art that looks like it's been painted. It really does look painted, too! So here's my experience with BiriBiri Washi and why I think you're totally going to dig it, too! BiriBiri Washi Is The New Keep Reading >>>

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Very Blueberry Sugar Scrub

Are you feeling blue? Do you travel into the wild blue yonder once in a blue moon? Did you order the blue plate special out of the blue and think it deserves a blue ribbon? Does a blue sky make you talk until you're blue in the face? Would a blue screen of death leave you saying "What in the blue blazes?!" Do the blue bloods with their blueprints and blue books make you want to phone those true blue boys in blue? Do you want me to stop talking about things that are blue and just tell you how to make this Very Blueberry Sugar Scrub already? Alright, alright, I'll do what you want...just don't Keep Reading >>>

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Get Clean with Rosemary Soap

Soap is one of those common household items that I never think about until I'm washing my hands and discover that I've only got the "water" part of "soap and water." This happens to me way too often - someone should probably come and revoke my adult card. And I'm not saying that making my own soap is magically going to solve this forgetfulness problem, but it's way more fun to Get Clean with Rosemary Soap that I've made myself than taking the walk of shame through the store when I run out of the liquid stuff yet again. What You'll Need to Make Rosemary Soap: 1/4 brick Melt and Pour Keep Reading >>>

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5 Ways to Save Time On Laundry

General

Laundry is a real chore. It's one of those things that is done for a few minutes or even less if you have small children or in my case a messy husband! So when you really get down to thinking of the dirty business, you realize you spend so much time actually doing laundry and it's a NEVER ENDING cycle of wash loads. Well I am going to help with that! Today I am partnering with ARM & HAMMER™ to bring you 5 Ways to Save Time On Laundry. I know, I probably answered your prayers and you are welcome! 5 Ways to Save Time On Laundry Do laundry in smaller loads. You may think this is more Keep Reading >>>

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Organizing Your Workspace

For the majority of us, work is an occasionally awesome but mostly unfortunate fact of life that we just have to deal with. Why would you want to sit at a desk when you could be sipping Mai Tais on a beach somewhere? If you're lucky enough to work from home, then you have a lot more leeway when it comes to decorating your workspace (and whether you get to have Mai Tais after all), but no matter where you work, Organizing Your Workspace is an important thing to consider to keep you happily typing away. Organizing Your Workspace Start by taking everything off your desk - give Keep Reading >>>

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Organize Your Home with Shelving Units