You’re the Balm Valentine! Easy printable DIY valentines

January 27, 2015

We are big fans of homemade valentines. Each year we create a new valentine and try to attach them to a little something unexpected.

Our cereal box valentines will always be one of my favorites, but this year we have several printable valentines that are just as cute!

These Valentines are beyond easy to make!

All you need is:

Our free You’re The Balm Valentine printable (Save and print it from here!)

Lip Balm of your choice (This is a great deal! Only $10.99 for 24!)

Scissors

Sticker Maker (I have the Xyron and I use it ALL the time. I absolutely LOVE it!! It’s inexpensive and makes DIY projects super easy! You can also use packing tape to attach the labels to the balms if you prefer.)

Your child will want to be sure to sign the valentines before you start. If you plan on using the sticker maker, simply run them through the machine and wrap around the bottle of lip balm. These can stick right on top of any existing labels that are on your lip balms! If you are planning on using tape, I recommend packing tape since the width is pretty spot on with the balms! Place a small piece on one end of the label. (Depending on your lip balm of choice, you may need to trim the labels slightly to fit.)

Line the label on your lip balm. Make sure you leave the area for the lid to come on and off!

Wrap the label around. If you are using tape, secure with another small piece of tape.

Ta-da! That’s it!

Don’t forget to pin!

This post contains affiliate links.

Disney’s Frozen Inspired Melted Snowman Ornament

December 10, 2014

Last year the movie Frozen came out and it’s been going crazy ever since. I’m not sure if it was the characters, the sisterly love, the girl power message, or all of the awesome songs. It was probably a mixture of all them. Normally movies fade and new ones come out, but it seems like Frozen is one that will stick around forever!

Sydney is just getting to that age where she wants to get her friends gifts and take them to school. Seriously, what is better than a DIY gift?! We needed something cute, girly and budget friendly. Frozen isn’t just for the little kids! The girls in middle school are totally obsessed too!

Source

We were totally inspired by Olaf. He’s one of the sweetest characters in all of the history of Disney. Seriously, who can resist an adorable snowman? So we decided to make the cutest Frozen Inspired Snowman Ornaments Ever. Because some people are worth melting for.

Totally.

You Will Need:

Glass ornaments
Sea Salt (I used coarse sea salt)
Orange cardstock
Tape
Black Beads
White Glitter
Fine Blue Glitter
Ribbon and Tulle For the bow
Mini Clothes Pins (optional)
Bakers Twine
Thread
Our Free Printable Tags

(Just save our tags and have them printed at your local office supply store on Cardstock!)
This is a free printable to be used for personal creations only. This is not intended to be sold.

The process for making these is pretty simple. I used the card stock to create a funnel. Then pour in some white glitter, a little blue and some sea salt until you get your desired amount. Then you will want to drop in two beads for the eyes.

For the nose, you cut a triangle from your orange card stock and fold it to create a cone shape. Just a little piece of tape will hold it. Then drop it in!

Tip: I used a kabob stick to help move the eyes and nose where I wanted them!

Next, it’s time to create a bow. I used ribbon and this wonderful glitter tulle. I really wanted the bow to give it a Frozen effect. Use your Baker’s Twine to attach the bow in front of the top of lid of the ornament. Also, don’t forget a string for hanging!

If you want you can punch a whole in the printable card and string it through. I chose to use these adorable mini clothespins that were the perfect shade of glittery blue to hold the card to the ribbon. (I found mine on clearance at Hobby Lobby!)

Then attach the lid back on the ornament. Ta-da! You are done!

Your adorable snowman is complete!

Easy Teacher Christmas Gift Idea

December 7, 2014

If you have followed the blog for some time now, then you know that I’m kind of the Queen of Cheese when it comes to corny tags for gifts. Christmas is no exception. And no one is safe, even teachers from the cheesiness that can happen.

I know many of you liked our teacher appreciation gifts and while many of those tags can easily be used for Christmas gifts (or even end of the year gifts), I decided to create a special tag for one of our most popular teacher gift ideas.

When I used to work in a school, one of the gifts that I got one year was a candle warmer and some wonderful scents. I really loved it, because it was safe to have in my classroom and it made it smell so wonderful! Ever since, they are my go to gifts for teachers!

Simply save our gift tags and print on cardstock. You can also save them on a flash-drive and send them to your local copy shop to have them printed. (I printed mine as 5×7’s.) Then, a simple hole punch and ribbon and your gift is complete!

It really can’t get easier than this! Every year, the teachers really seem to love this gift!

Snowman Candle Warmer
Medallion Crock Warmer
Owl Plug In Warmer
Christmas Cottage Candle Warmer
Owl Candle Warmer (I have this one and it is REALLY adorable!)
Santa Candle Warmer (I have ordered this one for gifts several times and it is always a hit!)

If you are looking for some great scents you can also check out these packs.

Baking Scents (Pack of 6)
Best Selling Scents (Pack of 6)

Don’t forget to pin!

Posts on It’s a Fabulous Life may contain affiliate links.

Magic Reindeer Food Poem & Free Printable

December 4, 2014

Christmas is a magical time of year. I absolutely love it! There is something about seeing the kids faces light up this season.

One of my favorite things to do with the kids is to make Magic Reindeer Food. We have been doing this since Josh was a toddler and it’s something that we look forward to every year!

It’s such a simple ‘project’ and you can really use anything you would like in the food.

We take oats (because those are reindeer’s favorite!) and add in a good dose of Christmas sprinkles. I’ve found that the bigger sprinkles work best. We happen to like the confetti ones or the sprinkles that are shaped like Christmas trees and snowflakes! We do add a good dash of the colored sugar in there, but just know that it will settle at the bottom.

Some people like to put glitter inside their mix. Our dog has been known to go out and eat any Reindeer Food that Rudolph may have left so we skip the glitter! 🙂

Mix it all up in a bowl and your reindeer food is ready! Simple, right?

We add our food to cellophane bags and package them up nice and neatly. And you know I can’t let you leave here without a free printable!

Just save the image above and print it (or send it to your local copy shop to have printed). I like to print on cardstock. Simply hole punch, add a little ribbon and ta-da! Adorable magic reindeer food!

On Christmas Eve, get out your reindeer food and have the kiddos sprinkle it on your driveway or front lawn. The reindeer will smell it and will be sure to come quickly! They simply can not resist Magic Reindeer Food! 🙂

What fun traditions do you have at Christmas time with your family?

Posts on It’s a Fabulous Life may contain affiliate links.

DIY Advent Calendars You Can Make

November 28, 2014

10 DIY Advent Calendars Countdown to Christmas

I loved Advent Calendars growing up. It’s a tradition that I have very happily passed on. Every year we purchase a calendar (you can see our favorites here!), but I also love a fantastic DIY project! Just because it’s almost December, doesn’t mean that you don’t have time to create one of these easy DIY advent calendars!

Looking for something super easy? This calendar is ready for you to print and fill!

Using library pockets this advent is perfect for filling with holiday activities to do together.

Check out our list of 30 winter activities to help you get inspired!

I know my son would love this scratch off Advent Calendar. Find out how to create it and it can also be used for many other activities!

This advent calendar can be used again year after year! Fill it with candy and treasures to countdown until Christmas!

How cute is this set up? I love how it doubles as a pretty decoration!

How fun are these Advent boxes? I really love this Rudolph inspired calendar!

This fun advent calendar was made from empty toilet paper tubes! Fun, easy and very adorable!

This calendar would be a cinch to create! Plus, it looks pretty too!

Each night have your child unwrap a new book to read! This is a tradition I started with my son when he was little.

Here is a list of our favorite holiday books!

I had to choose one DIY Advent Calendar for the adults! 🙂 I think that some fun labels and this would make for a fun packaging for a gift! Or who knows, maybe you do plan on using it as an advent!

10 Cheap Stocking Stuffers Under $2.00

November 25, 2014

Looking to help Santa fill those stockings on a budget this year? Here are 10 cheap stocking stuffers you can get for under $2.00!

Pink Rose Feather Headband for $1.97 & FREE SHIPPING!

One Pack of Shocking Gum $1.73 & FREE SHIPPING!

Cute Strawberry Foldable Reusable Shopping Bag just $1.78 & FREE SHIPPING!

Rhinestones 2400 Piece 12 Color Nail Art Nailart Manicure Wheels just $1.59 & FREE SHIPPING

Vintage Camera Chain Necklace in Black $1.49 & FREE SHIPPING!

Women Rectangle Dotted Sanitary Pad Holder Pouch Only $1.89 & FREE SHIPPING!

Set of 10 Number Wooden Fridge Magnets $1.94 & FREE SHIPPING

Bottle Opener Ring $1.25 & FREE SHIPPING

Key to My Heart Cute Couple Keychain $0.55 & FREE SHIPPING

Rhinestone Sailor Anchor Earrings $1.83 & FREE SHIPPING

(Thanks, Super Coupon Lady!)

Prices on Amazon can change at any time. Make sure to check the price before checking out!

ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas Schedule – December 1st-6th

November 24, 2014

One of my family’s favorite yearly traditions is to watch the Christmas specials on TV. Come December 1st our TV is set on ABC Family! The ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas is such a great program! It’s filled with movies – both classics and new ones – that really bring out the Christmas Spirit!

Each week I will be posting the movie schedule so you and your family can enjoy them as well! Here is the first week of ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas schedule for 2014!

December 1-6

Monday, December 1
(4:00–5:00 PM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(12:00–1:00 AM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)

Tuesday, December 2
(4:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH AND FROSTY’S CHRISTMAS IN JULY
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) ELF
(8:00–10:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE
(10:00 PM–12:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) PRANCER

Wednesday, December 3
(5:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) PRANCER
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) A VERY BRADY CHRISTMAS

Thursday, December 4
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) RUDOLPH’S SHINY NEW YEAR
(6:00–7:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(7:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) THE POLAR EXPRESS
(9:00–11:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(12:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) SNOW

Friday, December 5
(5:00–6:00 PM ET/PT) THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS
(6:00–8:00 PM ET/PT) DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
(8:00–10:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(10:30–11:30 PM ET/PT) SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN
(11:30 PM–2:00 AM ET/PT) – FRED CLAUS

Saturday, December 6
(7:00–9:00 AM ET/PT) ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS
(9:00–11:00 AM ET/PT) A DENNIS THE MENACE CHRISTMAS
(11:00 AM–1:30 PM ET/PT) FRED CLAUS
(1:30-2:00 PM ET/PT) FROSTY’S WINTER WONDERLAND
(2:00-4:00 PM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(4:00-6:30 PM ET/PT) DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
(6:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) TOY STORY 3
(9:00-11:00 PM ET/PT) ARTHUR CHRISTMAS – Network Television Premiere!
(11:00 PM–1:00 AM ET/PT) THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE
(1:00–2:00 AM ET/PT) JACK FROST (1979)

5 Things You Need For Holiday Entertaining

November 9, 2014

Can you believe that the holidays are here? Thanksgiving dinner will be served. Holiday shopping will begin. Cookies will be baked. And family will be coming in to visit. That’s what the holidays are all about right?

We all love company, but sometimes the preparing of company can be a little stressful. Here is a list of 5 things that you should have on hand and ready for guests to arrive!

Food One of my favorite tricks is to have a little something in the freezer ready to go. I make a really great lasagna. So when I make dinner, I just make an extra one and put it in the freezer. Lasagna is a great choice because not only is it delicious, but it will feed a crowd! When I have friends and family over that I haven’t seen in a while, the last thing I want to be doing is to be spending my time away from them and in the kitchen. Having a pre-made meal means they get something homemade and I don’t have to worry about it!
Some extra toiletries Not only can it be stressful for the host to get ready for company, but visiting can be stressful for the traveler as well! I know that when I am getting ready to leave for a trip, I can check and double check my things and it seems like I always end up forgetting something. Keep a few extra things on hand for these kinds of emergencies like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razor, shampoo, etc. And as a bonus: If no one uses them this time, they won’t expire!
Electronic Help When you have a guest coming over help them out with their electronics! I keep an extra one of our cell phone chargers in the spare room. I tell our guests to not even take theirs out so they don’t have to worry about forgetting it. I also write down our wifi password and have it ready for them so they don’t have to ask or go searching.
Extra blankets and pillows It’s always a smart idea to have a few extra pillows and blankets available. Everyone is used to something different on their beds. Some are used to lots of pillows, some not so many. Some are used to their rooms being very cool and some people may come in for the holidays from a warmer climate and need an extra blanket. Just by setting out some extras can really go the extra mile for your guests.

Febreze Oh yes! This is a must! Febreze offers so many items in so many different scents. The Febreze Holiday Collection has perfect scents that are designed to get everyone smelling the holidays!
Just smelling the scents like pine and winter, vanilla and sugar, or apple and spice will get you in the holiday mood.

Febreze was nice enough to send me a wonderful (and adorable!) box of Febreze Holiday Collection products and some really fun holiday ideas!

There were so many recipes, home décor ideas and DIY projects that are perfect and so fun in my box. But these scents! They have me singing Holiday songs and put a little holiday pep in my step. You can find the Febreze Holiday Collection at Walmart. They are just perfect for getting your house ready for your holiday guests!

This post is sponsored by Febreze. I was compensated for this post, however all opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

Cheap Stocking Stuffer Ideas – Under $2.00 Shipped!

November 3, 2014

Halloween has passed and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. To help you out I’m going to be posting lots of holiday recipes, decorating ideas, gift ideas and family activities! If you are looking for cheap stocking stuffer ideas here is a list that won’t break the bank. In fact, they are less than $2.00 each – SHIPPED!

Skull Face Tube Mask – perfect for cold winters – just $1.22 & FREE SHIPPING

Fashion Wallet for holding credit cards just $1.80 & FREE SHIPPING!

Little Paper Notebook just $1.64 & FREE SHIPPING!

POPULAR Candy Color Heart Shape Refrigerator Magnet just $1.70 & FREE SHIPPING!

Adorable Rose Flower Headband just $1.98 Shipped!

Fashion Retro 5 Strands Suede Rope Bracelet $1.94 & FREE SHIPPING!

Mushroom Christmas LED Night Light only $1.20 & FREE SHIPPING!

Sweet Lovely Pink Daisy Earrings for only $1.73 & FREE SHIPPING!

Bronze Yellow Rose Long Pendant Necklace Chain only $1.63 & FREE SHIPPING!

Shampoo Bathing Protect Soft Cap (keeps shampoo and water out of baby’s eyes) for just $1.99 + Free Shipping!

(Thanks, Super Coupon Lady!)

Prices on Amazon can change at any time. Make sure to check the price before checking out!

November Free Printables

October 27, 2014

I can’t believe that October will be coming to an end this week! It feels like this month has flown by. Don’t worry though, we are back with more holiday help to get you through November!

And we’ve made it to the last week of October! Hopefully you’re nice and organized and well-planned and have been able to enjoy all the spooky festivities. I know our family has enjoyed not having a last minute scramble for costume pieces, treats, and pumpkins. Instead we’ve gotten to really enjoy the parties, decorating pumpkins, and getting to do all the fun things this Halloween entails. So now it’s time to set you up for the same sort of peace in November! Today we’re sharing a set of November Planning Printables. We’ve also got your top links from last week’s link party and a new, fresh link party for all your favorite printable and Fall fun!

We’re going to get you decluttered, organized, cleaned, decorated, and ready for all the holiday fun…without you needing to be committed to the looney bin before New Year’s.

It takes quite the team to pull this off, but we’re here for you! We’ll be here every Monday through the end of the year to make sure you’re on track and able to enjoy everything you have planned.

Ready to meet the team?

Sheri from Career Girl Interrupted

Dani from Dani Schnakenberg Studios

Katie & Jairus from KatieMarcum.com

Jessica from Jessie Bee Healthy

Kristen from From Son Up Til Son Down

Stephanie from Sharing A to Z

and our lovely co-host Amanda from It’s a Fabulous Life

Each week we’ll take turns bringing you something awesome to help you stay on track preparing for the major Holidays of the season. Be sure to come back and link up your holiday posts each week so we can share the fun!

Click Here to Download

Now, who’s ready to party? Share your Fall and Thanksgiving-inspired posts with us this week!

Link Party Rules:

Follow all hosts: subscribe, FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter…whatever you prefer!
Be sure to link directly to your specific post, NOT your blog’s homepage.
Don’t link and run! Be sure to visit the last couple links before yours and let them know how you found them through #HolidaySurvivalGuide2014!
By linking up, you give all hosts permission to pin and share your projects (with links back to you, of course). We’ll also be sharing the top three clicked through with each following week’s project!
Be sure to follow the Holiday Survival Guide 2014 Pinterest board, too!

It's A Fabulous Life