Memorial Day Activities and Favorite Recipes....

Our children are officially out of school and their summer vacation has begun.  I know, I know, Summer doesn't technically starts until June 20th. 

The last week of May doesn't only bring the end of the school year but it also brings a very important date to remember.  Memorial Day is a day of prayer for absolute and permanent peace.. 

While many of us will be firing up our grill, having pool parties with some fireworks or maybe you have plans to enjoy the weather by visiting your local beach.  

It is imperative that we explain to our children that Memorial Day it's an occasion to honor the men and women who have died serving our country. 

Did you know.....

"Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, a day to honor American Civil War dead.  Following World War I, Memorial Day became a day to honor soldiers killed in all war"...

Find memorial Day Lessons here: NEA: Memorial Day Lesson Ideas K-5th

My Favorite Activities....

Patriotic Wreath

This easy to make wreath can be used for Memorial Day, Independence Day and/or Fourth of July.  This craft will not break your bank when buying the required materials and it can be used year after year, saving you even more money.

However, I will warn you, it can be time consuming and if you choose to do a larger size wreath, you will most likely spend an entire afternoon wrapping the yard around the foam wreath.

 Memorial Day Crafts for Kids

by

Metroparent.com

Popsicle Stick Star Streamers

"Pom-Pom" American Flag Painting

My Favorite Recipes....

Strawberry Blueberry Limeade 

by 

The Taylor House. 

Check out her website to get this delicious recipe The Taylor House: Strawberry Blueberry Limeade Recipe.

Watermelon Stars with Strawberries and Blueberries

by

Amanda of Wit & Whistle

Baked Beans Cowboy Style

by

WickedGoodKitchen.com

How delicious!! Of course we all have our own special recipes our families love... you know the ones that have your kids lick their fingers!!  :)

Now, who can forget the special sales from clothing stores! After all we do have to get all of our swimwear ready for the beach!! 

We hope you have a safe and fabulous three day weekend!! 

DIY: Ribbon Christmas Trees

Hello Everyone! 

The countdown to Christmas has begun and our little Elf, "Snowflake" has taken our letter to Santa Claus.  Soon, it will be Christmas morning but first, let's put on our "crafting hats" and start by creating some beautiful Ribbon Christmas Trees. 

These Christmas Trees made out of ribbons are so cute and they have become very popular in the last couple of days.  

I originally crafted these trees for our children's teachers as a "Thank You" for all the hard work they do.  

I have to say that the response from all of our fans.... really overwhelming !

The Materials: 

• Small Box of Pins;
• Ribbon of your choice (approximately 3 to 4 spools);
• Foam cone, I used the medium size cone, approximately 3-7/8 inch x 8-7/8 inch.
• Something to use at the top.  A 3D Star would be ideal but it all depends on you.  I used Small/medium size poinsettias to match the ribbons, and some really nice floral decorations I found at Micheal's.
• Scissors.
• Ruler.

The Steps: 

1.  Cut the ribbon (about 4.5 inches long).  Tip: this is the time consuming part of this project. 

2. Start pinning the first row around the corner. Tip: Make sure is close enough to cover the cone.

3.  Continue to pin the strips of ribbon around the cone until you get to the very top.  (you may chose each row a different color. Remember this is your project.) Tip:  Each row should only be half an inch above each row.  

4.      I used a glittered snowflake foam sticker to cover the very top.  Each end of the sticker will cover the pins on the very top row, and will also cover the top of the cone. 

and your Ribbon Christmas Tree is now done!! 


We have now these beauties available for purchase! 


      Frozen Ribbon Christmas Tree
 
                       
                                               The Traditional Ribbon Christmas Tree

We are currently taking orders, each tree is $15.00 plus shipping.  To place your order please email us your request to caramelcurlznswirls@yahoo.com. 

These are a great addition to your decor or as a gift!  

DIY: A Festive Fall Wreath Tutorial!

Hello Everyone: 

Labor Day has passed, the rains have began to arrive, along with the chilly mornings and warm afternoons. 

It truly feels like fall but officially Fall begins in just a few days, September 23, 2015! 

With my favorite season in mind, I can't help but to be excited to see the amazing colors, the pumpkin infused coffee and the right to wear BOOTS!! 

If you follow our Facebook Fan Page, Caramel Curlz N Swirls, then you already know my obsession with boots and nail polishes.  Of course my dear Husband always indulges me when it comes to my footwear! 

Although Fall has not officially began, this is the perfect time to create your DIY Projects!! The majority of the crafting stores are filling their shelves with winter decorations and all of the Fall & Halloween items have to be cleared from the floor, which means SALES SALES and more wonderful SALES!!!

I bought my items from Michaels, all of their Fall Decor & Fall Floral Accents on sale 40% but starting September 20th the sale will increase to 50% Off.  (Check with your local Store for more accurate prices, current sales and coupons)

The Materials:

 1. Glue Gun; 

2. Scissors; 

3. Wire cutters; 

1 Straw Wreath Form- 18 inch;

 2 Plaid Glittered Fall Ribbon (or the ribbon of your choice);

1 Green Floral Wire- 24 Gauge

1 Bush of Orange Mums;

1 Bush of Blood Red Flowers 

 4 Pumpkin with leaves embellishments

1 Pumpkin Shaped Wooden sign 

The Steps: 

 Start by applying a few drops of glue on one end of the ribbon and

apply it to the wreath form; 

Continue by tightly wrapping the ribbon around the wreath form;

 Continue to do the same until the entire wreath is covered or until half the wreath form is covered (whichever you decide); 

(In order to covered the entire wreath form, you will need 4 Ribbons)

 Cut the mum using your wire cutters make sure you leave approximately 2 inches of the

steam attached; 

Place the mums on the top half of your wreath form; 

Fluff them, rearrange them until you get the look you desire; 

I used one Orange Yellow mum, then 2 Red Orange Flowers; 

Cut the Pumpkin stems, again make sure you leave 

approximately 2 inches so that you may glue the wire 

to the wreath; 

 Here is the final result! 

If your wreath is too wide to fit on your wreath hanger, don't panic.  Simply apply 2 screws approximately 3/4 of an inch apart, cut some green floral wire, approximately a 2 1/2 inched long.  Wrap each end to one of the screws.  Now you can hang your wreath!!

A pre-made wreath like this can cost you approximately $60 to $89.00 depending on the size and fullness of the arrangement. 

Here is the total I spent making this: 

18 Inch Straw Wreath Form....$6.99

2 Glittered Wired Fall Ribbon....$4.98 

1 Green Floral Wire 24"....$1.99

1 Bush of Orange Mums....$5.99

1 Bush of Red Orange Flowers....$3.19

4 Glittered Pumpkin Accents....5.96

1 Pumpkin shaped Wood Sign....$3.59

TOTAL:  $32.69!!!

How Fantastic is that!!