Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

by

Baby Graduation Cap and Gown

Whether you’re looking to dress your baby in a graduation outfit to mark their graduation from baby to toddler or you are graduating from college in the near future and would love to purchase a baby graduation cap and gown so that your baby matches you, simply continue reading to discover how to choose the right baby graduation cap and grown.

How to choose a baby graduation cap and gown:

1. If you’re purchasing a baby graduation cap and gown for your graduation, find out what color your robes and gown are likely to be

If you’re looking forward to taking photos of yourself in your graduation outfit with your baby and would love your babies cap and gown to match yours, check your university website to find out what color your college or degrees robes are. As an example, your graduation robes may be black but they could also be navy or red depending on the college which you attended.

2. Consider whether you want to personalize your baby’s graduation cap

If you want your baby’s graduation cap to stand out you may want to consider getting your baby’s name or a cute phrase such as future grad embroidered on to the top of their graduation cap. The latter of which is a particularly fitting idea if you’d love to present your baby with their baby graduation cap as a memento, when they one day graduate college as a young adult.

3. Don’t be too fussed about the size of your baby’s graduation gown

Just like adult graduation gowns, babies graduation gowns are designed to be one size fits all. If your chosen baby graduation gown ends up being a little too long for your baby, simply carry your baby in your graduation photos or use Hollywood fashion tape to take up the hem of your baby’s graduation gown. Without causing any damage to your baby’s graduation gown.

Tips on getting the perfect photo of yourself with your little graduate:

1. Get a family member or friend to get your baby’s attention

If you want your baby to look directly at your camera, get a friend or family member to stand right next to your photographer and to wave your baby’s favorite toy and call their name. Which will make it far easier for your photographer to get a winning shot of yourself with your little graduate. Alternatively, some parents find that their child will look straight at a baby rattle if it is rattled in their direction!

2. Make sure to pose in a spot which offers adequate natural lighting

Also, make sure to pose in a spot which offers adequate natural lighting. If in doubt, you can’t go wrong selecting to take your graduation photos with your baby in tow outside.

What to do with your baby’s graduation cap and gown:

1. Keep both items for their future graduation

You may want to keep both items for your child’s future high school or college graduation.

Hopefully, if you’re interested in acquiring a baby graduation cap and gown, you have all the information you need in order to make a wise decision!

by

Almond Joy No Bakes Peanut Butter Recipe

If you enjoy treating your loved ones to scrumptious, delectable, mouth-watering treats but don’t have a lot of spare time to bake edible goodies, continue reading to discover how to make almond joy no bakes peanut butter cookies.

Almond Joy No Bakes Peanut Butter Recipe:

1. Use a blender in order to crush one cup of oats

Pour one cup of oats into your blender and pulse your oats 5 times to ensure that they are adequately crushed. As you don’t want to work with whole oats when it comes to following this particular recipe. However, whatever you do don’t over blend your oats as you don’t want your oats to resemble a fine powder.

2. Place all of your ingredients into a medium sized bowl

Into a medium sized bowl pour your crushed oats, 1/4 cup of chocolate chips, 1/4 of pre-shredded coconut mix, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened honey, 1/3 cup of healthy almond butter and 1 serving of vanilla powder. Although you can also elect to use chocolate powder instead if you’re not a fan of vanilla as a flavor.

3. Mix all of your ingredients thoroughly

Using a wooden spoon or a non-stick plastic spoon start to mix all of your ingredients in your bowl thoroughly.

4. Decide whether or not your mixture is too dry

If your mixture is too dry and you have trouble mixing your ingredients simply add another teaspoon of honey or coconut oil to your mixture. It’s also well worth taste testing a spoon of your mixture as if it’s not sweet enough it’s also a sign that you may need to add a bit more unsweetened honey or coconut oil to your mixture.

5. Use a spoon to dish out each portion

Next use a small spoon to dish out each portion of your mixture, which you’ll then be able to roll into a small circle, which you can then place onto a baking sheet. Just ensure to grease up your baking sheet with butter prior first so that your no bake peanut butter cookies won’t stick to your baking sheet!

If you have a small ice cream scoop, you may find it easier using your ice cream scoop to create your cookie balls instead.

6. Place your no bake peanut butter cookie balls into your freezer for 10 minutes

Once you’ve finished dishing out your no bake peanut butter cookie ball mixture onto your baking sheet, carefully place your baking sheet into the top shelf of your freezer.

7. Remove your no bake treats from your freezer

After 10 minutes remove your no bake treats from your freezer and place them on a decorative serving tray to serve to your loved ones. Just remember that if you don’t eat all of your edible goodies, to place them in a plastic tupperware container, which you can then store in your fridge, which will keep your no bake treats fresh.

So if you think that your family and friends would love to try out almond joy no-bake peanut butter treats, it’s well worth testing out this particular recipe!

by

How To Make a Skirt Out of Ties

Whether your dad has plenty of old ties which he no longer uses or you think you can easily find two dozen silk ties at your local thrift store, it’s well worth experimenting with using old ties to create a brand new, fashion-forward skirt.

If you’re interested in making a beautiful skirt using old ties but have little sewing experience, continue reading to discover how to make a skirt out of ties with minimal fuss!

How to make a skirt out of ties, the simple way:

1. Acquire as many old silk ties as possible

It’s well worth asking your dad, grandpa and male friends whether they have any spare silk ties which they never wear and which they are comfortable donating for your DIY fashion project. Although you can also find inexpensively used silk ties at your local thrift store or on an online auction site such as eBay!

2. Iron each of your silk ties using a delicate silk-friendly setting

Make sure to iron each of your silk ties, so that they don’t have any nasty wrinkles or creases before you start your DIY fashion project. Just be sure to set your iron to a silk-friendly setting before you start ironing as you don’t want to burn or ruin your silk fabric.

3. Start cutting each of your silk ties in half

In order to ensure that your cut each silk tie accurately, simply fold each tie in half before cutting it in half.

4. Trim your tie pieces so that they are all the same length

As the last thing you want to do is to end up wearing a skirt which has a jagged or uneven hemline it’s definitely well worth trimming each of your silk tie pieces so that they are all roughly the same length. This step is crucial as it will ensure that your end product looks professionally sewen instead of like a child’s home economics project.

5. Next, line your tie pieces up and pin them so that they are tacked together and slightly overlap

Next, you’ll need to line up and pine up your silk tie pieces to that they are tacked together. Make sure that each tie overlaps the next tie by at least 2 inches.

6. Use your sewing machine to sew each tie piece to the next

As you’ve already used pins to tack up your skirt, start to sew each tie piece to the next until each of your ties has been sewn to the next tie. At this point, your tie skirt should look like a semi-finished skirt.

7. Create an elastic waistband

You’ll need to measure your waist in order to sew an elastic waistband which will be the right size for your waist.

8. Sew your elastic waistband to the top of your tie skirt

The final step in sewing your tie skirt is to sew your elastic waistband to the top of your DIY tie skirt!

So if you love the idea of sewing your own tie skirt, it’s well worth following the steps listed above in order to ensure that your tie skirt looks professionally sewn!

by

How To Make a Tie Skirt

If you’re curious as to how you can turn old ties into a one of a kind skirt, that your friends will all be jealous of, simply continue reading to discover a step by step guide to making a stunning tie skirt.

How to make a tie skirt:

1. Visit your local thrift store in order to source enough silk ties to create your tie skirt

It’s well worth visiting your local thrift store in order to get your hands on enough silk ties to create your skirt if in doubt try to purchase a pile of silk ties.

2. Fold each of your ties in half, before cutting each of your ties in half

This step is crucial in ensuring that all of your pieces of material are roughly the same size. If you find that your pieces of silk aren’t the same length, simply use a ruler to trim each piece so that it is the same uniform length, so that your skirt’s hem will be uniform in length.

3. Make sure to iron each tie before you start sewing ties together

Once you’ve cut your tie pieces make sure to iron each piece so that it lies flat and straight and is easier to sew to other ties.

4. Sew the front of a tie onto the back of a tie

Just keep in mind that the front of the tie, which you sew on the back of the tie you’re working with doesn’t have to match, although it can if you’d like. The beauty in crafting your own skirt is that you’ll be able to design a skirt which you love and which suits your own uniques preferences.

5. Keep repeating step 3 so that you start to sew all of your tie pieces together

Repeat step 3 over and over until all of your tie pieces have been successfully sewn together.

6. Measure your waist in order to create a waistband which is tailor-made for your body

Next, use a measuring tape to accurately measure your waist, so that you’ll be able to measure out a piece of elastic, which you’ll then be able to cut. Next, sew each end of your elastic together to form an elastic waistband.

7. Pin your elastic waistband one inch down from the top of your ties

Simply use a few pins to pin your new elastic waistband to the top of your ties, making sure to leave a one-inch gap between the top of your tie skirt and the position of your elastic waistband. As you don’t want your elastic waistband to show.

8. Now, sew your elastic waistband to your makeshift tie skirt

Now is the time to use your sewing machine to sew your elastic waistband onto your makeshift silk tie skirt.

9. Sew up the side of your new skirt

Lastly, sew up the side of your new stretchy silk tie skirt and voila you now have a ready to wear, one of a kind, DIY tie skirt.

So if you love wearing one of a kind pieces of fashion and enjoy fun DIY projects, it’s well worth trying out this simple sewing project!

by

Football Rice Krispie Treats

If you frequently enjoy inviting your sports mad friends and family members over to your home to watch exciting football games and are looking for scrumptious finger foods to serve your guests, it’s well worth experimenting with preparing delicious, mouth-watering rice krispie treats.

If you’ve never made rice krispie treats before and are looking for a simple, foolproof recipe, simply continue reading to discover how to make your own football-themed rice krispie treats!

Football Rice Krispie Treats: Tips and Tricks

1. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium to large sized saucepan

Your first step in making homemade rice krispie treats will be to heat 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium or large sized saucepan. Keep your saucepan heated until all of your butter has melted, before moving your saucepan to another element which is turned off. Ensure that the saucepan which you choose can comfortably fit six cups of cereal, to be on the safe side.

2. Stir your butter

Make sure to stir your butter thoroughly so that it has an even runny consistency. As you want to eliminate any clumps of butter which may be present in your saucepan.

3. Measure and pour six cups of rice krispie cereal into your saucepan

Next, pour six cups of rice krispie cereal into your saucepan. Before stirring your cereal so that it is lightly coated with the butter at the bottom of your saucepan.

4. Coat your non-stick spatula with butter or an oil based spray

Now it’s time to coat your non-stick baking spatula with butter or an oil based spray such as an olive oil cooking spray.

5. Scoop all of your mixture into a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan

Firstly, you’ll want to grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan, before using your spatula to scoop all of your rice krispie mixture into your baking pan. Make sure that your baking pan is evenly filled with rice krisipe mixture before letting your rice krispie mixture settle for 30 minutes.

6. Cut your rice krispie mixture into minature squares

Lastly, once your rice krispie mixture has settled for 30 minutes, use a small sharp knife in order to cut your mixture into miniature squares, which will be easy for your guests to pick up and eat, whilst they watch your football games.

7. Consider placing your rice krispie treats in little cupcake wrappers

It’s well worth considering serving your rice krispie treats in little cupcake wrappers. Better yet, why not purchase cupcake wrappers in your favorite football teams official colors, to show support for your favorite team?

8. Consider adding mini marshmallows to your rice krispie mixture

Once you’ve had a go and creating standard rice krispie football treats, you may want to consider taking your rice krispie treats to the next level by adding miniature marshmallows to your rice krispie mixtures. You can even use food dye in your favorite teams colors to dye your mini marshmallows to match your favorite football teams official colors.

So what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present to experiment which making mouth watering, delicious football snacks such as rice krispie treats.

by

Tinkerbell and Piriwinkle Homemade Costumes

Whether you’re keen to dress up as Tinkerbell for Halloween or as her sister Piriwinkle, simply continue reading to discover a simple guide to creating a fuss-free fairy outfit which is bound to leave your friends and family members spellbound.

Tinkerbell and Piriwinkle Homemade Costumes: Tips and Tricks

1. Use an old dress as the basis of your halloween costume

There’s no need to go out and purchase a brand new green on blue dress, in order to put together a stunning Tinkerbell or Piriwinkle costume. Instead take a look through your closet, to see whether you can find a basic blue or green dress, which you’ll be able to spruce up into a fairy costume, with a few simple adjustments.

2. Purchase a few meters of tulle to place over your blue or green dress

Next, head to your local craft store or fabric store in order to purchase a few meters of blue or green tulle, which you’ll be able to use to create a simple skirt, which you’ll be able to place underneath your chosen dress or on top of your chosen dress. So that your old blue or green dress will look more like a fairy dress and less like an ordinary dress.

If you’re keen on this idea, make sure to pick up 2 meters of elastic which you’ll be able to use to create the waistband of your homemade fairy costume. If you’re feeling particularly creative you may also want to consider covering your tulle skirt with green or blue sequins, which will sparkle all night long!

3. Create your own fairy wings using cardboard and elastic

If you don’t want to purchase store brought fairy wings, you have the option of tracing out oversized fairy wings on large, stiff cardboard, which you’ll then be able to cut out and paint. Again don’t be afraid to go a little crazy when it comes to using glitter and sparkles as every fairy deserves to shine.

Also, make sure that you have enough elastic on hand to create two loops which you’ll be able to attach to your cardboard wings so that you’ll be able to wear your fairy wings comfortably!

4. Decorate a plain plastic headband with gold glitter or blue glitter

To top off your Tinkerbell or Piriwinkle outfit it’s well worth covering a plain plastic headband from your nearest dollar store with gold glitter if you plan on dressing up as Tinkerbell or blue glitter if you plan on dressing up as Piriwinkle.

Just remember to put your hair up a Tinkerbell style bun. If you don’t have blonde hair you may also want to consider purchasing a blonde wig which you’ll be able to style in a bun, to look just like your favorite fairy.

5. Make sure to craft your very own DIY fairy wand

Use a straw or a pencil to form the base of your fairy wand, which you’ll be able to top off with a cardboard star covered with gold glitter. Feel free to paint the base of your fairy wand so that it no longer resembles a straw or a pencil.

So if you have your heart set on dressing up as Tinkerbell or Piriwinkle for halloween there’s no time like the present to get started on crafting your costume!

by

DIY Christmas Earings

If you always look forward to getting into the holiday spirit and are interested in crafting your own DIY Christmas earings it’s well continuing reading to discover how to create your very first pair of DIY Christmas earrings.

DIY Christmas Earings:

1. Purchase earring hooks or plain clip on earrings

To create your own DIY earings you’ll need to get your hands on a few pairs of earring hooks or plain clip-on earings both of which you’ll be able to pick up at your local craft store. Better yet, you should be able to pick up a few pairs of hooks or plain clip-on earings for a couple of dollars. Which makes handcrafting your own Christmas themed earrings a cost-effective option.

2. Purchase Christmas colored beads to create Christmas themed earrings

One way to ensure that your DIY earings scream Christmas time is to purchase an assortment of red, gold and green colored beads which you’ll be able to use to create eye-catching drop style earrings. If you’re particularly lucky you may also be able to acquire little beads which are shaped like gold Christmas bells, which will instantly make you think of Christmas.

3. Search your local craft store for Christmas themed beads

Chances are high that your nearest craft store will also offer Christmas themed beads, such as miniature Santa Claus beads or snowflake shaped beads, which you’ll be able to use to create stunning Christmas themed earings.

4. Use clay or plasticine in order to create cute Christmas themed characters to hang from your earings

Imagine the compliments you’d get if you turned up to a Christmas party wearing Christmas earings which are shaped like Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or Frosty the Snowman!

In order to create cute little characters to hang from your DIY earings simply visit your local craft store or art supplies store, in order to purchase clay or plasticine to bake your very own one of a kind Christmas characters. Which you’ll then be able to use in order to adorn your plain earings. Other examples of characters which you may want to create include angels, gingerbread men, and elves.

5. Consider using silver charms to create gorgeous Christmas earings

If you want your DIY Christmas earings to look classy and sophisticated you may prefer using silver charms to create gorgeous, Christmas earrings which are sure to turn heads when you walk into your upcoming Christmas parties.

As an example, if you like the idea of creating classic understated Christmas earings you may be more interested in crafting silver angel themed Christmas earings rather than bold red, green and gold Christmas earings.

6. Use wire from a coat hanger in order to create fun Christmas tree shaped DIY Christmas earings

Alternatively, you may want to consider using wire from an old coat hanger to create fun, festive Christmas tree shaped Christmas earings! Better yet, why not place a gold star at the top of each earring, to act as your Christmas trees’ stars.

So if you’re keen to spread a bit of Christmas cheer this holiday season, you can’t go wrong DIY crafting your first pair of DIY Christmas earings.

by

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Ideas

If you’re looking forward to throwing or attending an ugly Christmas sweater party, continue reading to discover a few fun ideas that may inspire you.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Ideas:

1. Offer a prize for the party guest who turns up to your Christmas party wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater

When you send out your invites for your upcoming party, encourage your guests to turn up wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater which they can find. Also make sure to let your guests know that there will be a special prize up for grabs, which will be awarded to the individual who turns up in the cheesiest, ugliest Christmas sweater.

On the actual day of your party provide each guest with a tiny piece of paper which they can use to anonymously vote for the individual who they think has turned up in the ugliest Christmas sweater.

2. Make sure to provide a couple of extra Christmas sweaters for guests who turn up without an ugly Christmas sweater

As it’s highly likely that at least a couple of your party guests will turn up to your party without a suitable ugly Christmas sweater, it’s well worth purchasing a few pre-loved Christmas sweaters, which you’ll be able to hand out on the day or night of your party.

3. Consider offering a craft table where your guests will be able to create their own Christmas sweaters

If too many of your guests complain about not having time to get their hands on an ugly Christmas sweater, you may want to consider organizing a craft table, where guests will be able to decorate plain black, red or green sweaters with Christmas decorations. Such as tinsel, pom poms and Christmas tree decorations such as stars and candy canes.

4. If you’re looking to create an eye-catching ugly Christmas sweater decorate a plain green sweater to look like a Christmas tree

You can’t go wrong purchasing a basic, inexpensive green sweater for a couple of dollars which you’ll then be able to decorate as if it was a Christmas tree.

5. Consider getting a retro Christmas photo printed on a plain sweater

If you really want to impress your friends and family members, you may want to consider getting one of your family’s retro Christmas photos printed on the front of a plain sweater. Especially if you can find a humorous or embarrassing Christmas family photo.

If you plan on attending a Christmas party with your family members or hosting a Christmas party that your family members will attend, you may want to get a bunch of Christmas sweaters printed. Each of which will feature a Christmas photo from a different year. To show how your family has grown over the years.

6. Sew plush Christmas toys onto your Christmas sweater

Alternatively, if you’re lazy and looking for a simple Christmas sweater idea, simply purchase a few cheap plush Christmas toys such as plush reindeer, elves and bears, which you’ll be able to sew or velcro onto your choice of Christmas sweater.

So if you’re looking forward to throwing or attending an ugly Christmas Sweater party, it’s well worth utilizing a couple of the ideas listed above.

by

Easy Olaf Costume

If you have your heart set on dressing up as Olaf from Frozen one of Disney’s recent animated films, simply continue reading to discover how to put together an easy, fuss-free Olaf costume.

How to put together an easy Olaf costume:

1. Pair white overalls over a brown long sleeved shirt

If you’re able to get your hands on a cheap pair of white overalls, such as the type of white overalls which painters typically wear to work, you’ll be able to put together a fuss-free Olaf costume without any difficulty. Simply wear your white overalls over a long-sleeved shirt as Olaf has brown twigs for arms.

To complete your outfit stitch three oversized black pom poms onto the front of your white overalls as Olaf has three buttons on his torso. If you’re really looking to wow your friends, also place a white beanie on your head as Olaf’s head is made out of snow.

Finally, paint your nose orange or wear a carrot shaped nose created out of cardboard, as Olaf has a carrot as a nose. If you choose to opt for a cardboard carrot for your nose, just punch two holes through your cardboard carrot nose and threat elastic through both holes, which you can then tie up, so that you’ll be able to wear your carrot nose like a red clown nose.

2. Simple use an oversized white plastic bag in order to create a fun Olaf costume

If you can find a long oversized white plastic bag, simply cut a hole at the top for your head in order to create the base for your cute low effort Olaf costume. Then use a black sharpie to draw three buttons onto your white plastic bag to simulate Olaf’s buttons. You may even want to consider strapping a pillow to your stomach so that you look a little more like Olaf, who has a full body shape as a snowman.

Underneath your white oversized plastic bag, make sure to wear white leggings or jeans. Again you can’t go wrong wearing a brown long-sleeved t-shirt underneath your white plastic bag, in order to simulate Olaf’s twig arms.

4. Pair white or black shoes with the rest of your Olaf outfit

You have two options when it comes to choosing shoes for your Olaf halloween outfit. You can pair white flat shoes such as plimsoles, Converse or Vans with your Olaf costume as Olaf is white as he’s made out of snow or you can choose to wear brown flat shoes as Olaf could theoretically have twigs for feet.

5. Consider painting your face white to complete your halloween outfit

As Olaf has a white face, you can’t go wrong choosign to use white face paint in order to complete your Olaf outfit. Alternatively, you can also use cardboard to create an Olaf mask out of cardboard.

So if you’re convinced that you’d like to dress up as Olaf for halloween, it’s well worth getting together all the supplies which you’ll need to create your eye-catching halloween outfit!

by

How to Make Corpse Bride Halloween Costume

If you’re looking for the perfect halloween costume and are a huge fan of the Tim Burton film “The Corpse Bride”, you may be interested in putting together a realistic Corpse Bride Costume.

How to make corpse bride halloween costume

1. Purchase a bright blue wig or use a temporary blue hair dye to dye your hair blue

As the Corpse Bride has bright blue loose curls, it’s well worth trying to get your hands on a bright blue wig. However, you can also use a temporary wash out blue hair dye to dye your own hair blue or to dye a basic blonde wig blue, if you have trouble finding a suitable bright blue wig.

2. Purchase a few inexpensive plastic flowers and bobby pins to place in your hair or wig

The Corpse Bride has blue flowers in her hair so to recreate her iconic look, simply purchase blue plastic flowers from your local craft or dollar store, which you’ll be able to secure onto your hair or wig using inexpensive bobby pins. Alternatively, you could get away with wearing a floral crown instead of pinning individual flowers to your hair or wig.

Also, make sure to purchase a few extra plastic flowers to tie together to create a makeshift Corpse Bride wedding bouquet.

3. Visit your local thrift store to find a cheap used wedding dress

It’s well worth trawling through your local thrift store to find a cheap used wedding dress, which you’ll be able to use as the base for your corpse bride costume. Don’t worry if you find a dress which has visible flaws such as loose stitching, holes or rips as they will just make your costume look more authentic.

Alternatively, if you can’t find a suitably used wedding dress simply purchase a preloved white dress of any style as once you add accessories to your outfit, you’ll still look just like the Corpse Bride.

4. Use cheap lace to create a veil for your halloween costume

Also try to get your hands on a few meters of cheap lace, which you’ll be able to use as a veil for your Corpse Bride costume.

5. Purchase enough blue and white face paint to cover your face, neck, chest, arms and hands

In order to be easily recognized as the Corpse Bride you’ll need to get your hands on plenty of blue face paint and white face paint as the Corpse Bride has skin which is blue with a ghostly tinge of white.

When it comes to painting yourself blue, it’s advisable to start off with painting your face, neck, hands, chest, and arms with blue face paint before using a slightly damp sponge to lightly dab white face paint onto your exposed skin.

6. Pair your costume with a cheap pair of white ballet flats or heels

To finish off your stunning Corpse Bride halloween costume, simply pair your outfit with a white pair of high heels or ballet flats.

And if you’re hosting a Halloween party and want to create a memorable musical experience for your guests, LVL Music Academy offers workshops, group classes, and performance opportunities. Learn and play some spooky tunes and get everyone in the Corpse Bride spirit.

If you follow all of the 6 steps listed above you’ll be sure to wow your friends and family members with your Corpse Bride outfit!