Tonya Staab

Make and Takes: How to make a Pin Cushion Jar

Does anybody else have an obsession with jars, or is that just me? There may be an entire cupboard in my kitchen filled with jars of every shape and size, from new jars to vintage jars, to jam jars that I've washed out and just can't part with because they have a red and white checked lid and are perfect for picnics.

My favorite finds at antique and thrift stores are wood products I can re-purpose and canning jars. It makes me absolutely giddy when I spot something that I can re-purpose. 

I'm over at Make and Takes this week showing you how to turn an ordinary jar into a pin cushion jar. Perfect for the sewer in your life. Make one for yourself and give more as gifts. It's a great way to use scraps of fabric and put some of those canning jars to good use. 

Head on over there, say hello, and grab the tutorial to make these handy household items. 

 

Make These Angry Birds Face Masks

We were invited to a screening of the new Angry Birds 2 movie this weekend and I have to tell you that I didn't think it would be a movie I would like, but it was HILARIOUS! We barely stopped laughing the entire time. 

So, if you are heading to see it at a theater or drive-in next week, make these fun masks before you go and you can have 'resting bird face' or join 'Squeal Squad 6' too. 

Also, make sure to rent the first Angry Birds movie before you see the second one too, this will make for an extra fun Angry Birds fun-filled day. 

Now, before we get started with the tutorial, let me show you why where I got the inspiration to make these fun masks.

Harper Kids: Handmade Friendship Bracelets for Friendship Day

National Friendship Day is August 4. Let’s teach our kids kindness, friendship, and to be inclusive and understanding of others, especially in light of school starting back shortly. 

Over at Harper Kids we’ve got some fabulous books all about friendship, and  instructions to make these pretty friendship bracelets.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold 'Boots' Pinata

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Paramount Pictures.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold hits theatres on August 9. Have you seen the preview yet? It looks like such a fun movie. Flynn and I first saw it in the movie theater a couple of weeks ago (I'm sharing it down below if you haven't seen it). If you're thinking it's probably just for little kids, it's not. If you think you know Dora, think again! Dora is actually a little bit older so this will appeal to older kids too as Dora navigates things like high school after having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents.

I've got a really fun project for you to make before taking your family to see it - a 'Boots' pull-string piñata. The kids will love pulling the string to get to their gold 'treats'. 

I've made it easy for you and included a template of Boots head which you can download and print here.

This pull-string piñata is so easy to make, requires very few items, and the kids will love refilling it with treasures.

5 Quick and Easy Sides for Country Fried Steak

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Tyson Foods, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.​ #SamsClubFastFixin​ 

Being a single mom with three kids and working full-time, our weeknight meals are normally quick and easy. Between homework, extra-curricular activities, and life, there is simply not enough time to prepare a meal where I have to spend more than about 30-minutes in the kitchen. 

The kids also don't like it if I repeat the same dishes over and over again, so I've learned to get a little creative and switch a few things around so that everyone is happy. Because don't we all just want to get through a meal without any complaints? Plus, Jay is at work or school later some nights so I always prepare a plate for him that he can reheat quickly in the microwave once he gets home.

So, I've put together five quick and easy delicious meal ideas for you using my new favorite Fast Fixin' Restaurant Style® Country Fried Steaks. You can find them in the freezer section at Sam's Club, and although they do microwave in minutes I prefer to pop them in the oven while I prepare the sides. This not only makes sure that everything is hot and ready at the same time, but it also gives us that crispy, homemade taste! 



Whether you are a breakfast for dinner person, or a meat and vegetables person, you will love all five of these quick and easy family meal ideas.

Make and Takes: How To Make a Kaftan

Got 30 minutes to spare? I'm over at Make and Takes this week with a quick and easy beginner sewing project that's perfect for summer. 

I'm showing you how to make your own kaftan in about 30-minutes, for under $20 and all you need to be able to do is cut fabric and sew a straight line. 

Pop on over, say hello, and let's get crafting.