Easy Silhouette Cameo Project - Personalized Doggie Vinyl Window Sticker

I admit I totally copied this idea from places like this on Etsy, but it was a really fun, easy project to break in my Cameo.  Sorry I didn't capture the whole process with photos - if you know a little about the Cameo it is easy to figure out.  This is the perfect beginner project -- if you don't have your Silhouette yet, I'd appreciate you using my affiliate link!

New Toy! Fabric Tube Turner

Remember my post about using two pencils to turn fabric tubes? And how I mentioned that I wanted a tool I saw on Sew It All (PBS) that looked like curved scissors/tongs?  Well my dearest mommy got them for me for my birthday - yippee!  And here's how it works:

Zipper Lunch Box Tutorial

I think I spent twice what a store-bought lunchbox would cost, but at least my daughter got to customize the fabrics and I got to try something new!  I was hoping for some cute oilcloth or cotton laminate for the inside, but JoAnns selection was lacking so I tried Pellon Vinyl Fuse with some home decor cotton instead. My daughter was very specific in the style she wanted which it so happens is a pretty classic lunchbox (as opposed to a bag style like my Cowboy Velcro Lunch Sack). I based the dimensions (8 x 5.5 x 5.5") on this promotional Oakland A's freebie that we have that fits her reusable sandwich box, thermos (we do soups and chili a lot) and a bottle of water perfectly.

Clean And Light Summer Party Food For Mom's 60th Birthday

I received so many compliments on the food at my mom's birthday at La Nebbia winery that I had to share my strategy and menu. My mom is very heath-minded and I wanted the food to parallel her lifestyle (think Paleo) .  Also, everything needed to be do-ahead and self-serve since I didn't have a caterer or waitstaff.  Check out this Pinterest board to see lots of other fantastic ideas that didn't get used.  Here is the menu and keep scrolling for details and recipe links...

• Watermelon Gazpacho
• Shrimp Ceviche
• Thai Peanut Slaw
• Tropical Chicken Salad With Mint
• French Potato Salad
• Flourless Chocolate "Cupcakes"
• Mini Cheesecakes With Raspberry Lime Sauce

One of the first things I pinned was this Tangled Thai salad which spoke to me because they use a spiralizer to make carrot and beet "noodles" which is something my mom uses in her kitchen.  Also, I love a good peanut dressing!

From The Canadian Gift Guide

Awesome Chunky Chain Bracelets

I had another Pinterest attack this week. I made these chunky chain bracelets with my little cousin.  Well, she is 18 -- but I'm 36, hence "little".  Plus she is short, so it fits.  Moving on!  We found some super chunky chain at Hobby Lobby in the fabric section with the ribbon, one yard makes 4 bracelets.  They only had shiny gold color, but I prefer more tarnished looking gold tones or silver so I'll have to keep an eye out for where I can buy more chain like this.  We also got some suede cord and a toggle clasps. You could also use strips of fabric, ribbon, lace, and silky cord too.