Earlier in the week, I mentioned that we made foam crowns at Grace’s princess birthday party.
Some of the kids wore their crowns for the entire party. A few more wore their crowns on and off, and a couple of them wanted to take them home to hang on the wall.
Needless to say, the crowns were a big hit.

In my poll of readers and Twitter friends, 6 moms said there’s no way they’d try to make the cake and 3 said they would try it.
I would think it’s clear by now which group I’m in.
I saw the cake and thought, “I could totally make that.”
I’m ambitious and creative and patient. I thought the cake was totally impressive, I knew Grace would love it, and I was up to the challenge.
If I weren’t pregnant, I think it would have  been a lot easier, but it was tough to finish. …

If you saw this cake on a box at the craft store, what would you think?
I think there are 3 possible responses to Wilton’s Romantic Castle Cake Set.

* “Wow, that’s nice. I wonder if the bakery could do that.”
* “Wow, that’s nice. I wonder if I could get it printed on the cake at the grocery store.”
* “Wow, that’s nice. I bet I could make it.”

I love to give and receive homemade gifts.
I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t rather receive a present that Grace made over a new trinket or book or blouse.
Not even my dad, who would like to pretend otherwise.
Grace and I are in the middle of making some awesome Mother’s Day presents for the most important women in Grace’s life.
Martha Stewart’s website has 50 different suggestions for Mother’s Day crafts, and many of them are quick and easy. I found this project on that site.
Homemade Mother’s Day Gift – Colored Totes

I …

Remember Joe’s new hobby?
He spent last weekend building 3 raised garden beds. The space he’s always used for a garden has fairly poor soil and lacks the bright sunlight to really produce.
To remedy those problems, he decided to build 3 raised garden beds. He placed them in a sunny spot in our yard, and he filled them with high-quality top soil.
He says he’s building more raised beds next year if these work out like he hopes.
How to Build a Raised Garden Bed
Materials for one 4-foot by 8-foot raised garden bed

For …