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Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

DIY, Holidays!

Tell Me My Future…

2.12.2015

DIY Valentine Fortune Cookies 4If you finished that sentence with anything other than “you will win the $500 million Powerball” you are not my friend.  But if you did finish it with something other than that, you could have been a fortune teller. Clearly I did not win the $500 Powerball. Why is that clear you might ask? Because I’m here, blogging. Don’t get me wrong, if I won the lottery, I would still blog. But I might take a few days off for celebratory purposes. That, and my blog would change to something along the lines of, “What I am doing with my $500 Powerball winnings.”Fortune Cookie SuppliesSo if you’re as good of a fortune teller as I am, then this Valentine’s treat is right up your alley. I saw these a long time ago on Pinterest (I would give credit to the original, if I knew who the original was). They are super easy, and really appreciated by the receiver. In my book that’s a win/win.Valentine Fortune Cookies DIY 3You’ll just need felt, pipe cleaners, and these printed fortunes. Use about 3″ circles, cut a pipe cleaner to hot glue along the middle. Fold the circle in half, and hot glue along the top (do not enclose the whole half circle, you’ll need an opening for candy and fortunes. Once it’s dry, fold the pipe cleaner in half, and you’ll have a fortune cookie shape! I used Valentine candy corn to fill, and put my fortunes inside.Valentine Fortune Cookies 2Now that I’ve made all my Valentine’s, I’ll keep a look out for all of yours in my mailbox. And don’t worry, if they’re too big for the mailbox, I will be home to accept the large packages.

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Pink Hearts and Glitter
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Comments

  1. Bobbie Beckman says

    2.12.2015 at 12:20 pm

    I didn’t win the lottery either but was hoping you did. Oh well better luck next time.

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.12.2015 at 12:24 pm

      If I don’t win, I hope you do. Then I can share the wealth. Thank God you only had one child. I wouldn’t want to share.

  2. hmdrah says

    2.12.2015 at 12:40 pm

    This is such a cute idea for Valentines day!

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.12.2015 at 12:41 pm

      Thanks! And they’re really easy too!

  3. juliableck says

    2.12.2015 at 1:34 pm

    Now this IS easy! And so cute, could be used for New Years too!

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.12.2015 at 1:45 pm

      You’re right!! Great idea! I must do it next year!

  4. Very Bangled says

    2.12.2015 at 4:28 pm

    Oh my god. These are soooo flipping cute. I love them! Also, I’m so relieved to hear you like candy corn. It’s quite the controversial topic!

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.12.2015 at 4:39 pm

      Thank you so much!! Can you tell I really tried to step up my photo game?!!? And yes, it is definitely a controversial topic. Hopefully all my coworkers like it tomorrow!

      • Very Bangled says

        2.12.2015 at 4:41 pm

        Your pics are always so great. It’s inspiring! Do you have any tips?

        • Shauna841505 says

          2.13.2015 at 7:57 am

          Hahaha I am always trying to make them better – I notice that the successful blogs have the most amazing photos, and I always wonder if they have a professional photographer at their house! I started by making a Pinterest board of good photos that were in the similar genre as my blog, and then just started implementing their ideas into my photos. Like the ‘details’ around the actual prop was a big one. Also, it sucks because we do NOT have good lighting in my house at all, and that’s the first step to having great photos. If you do, or can, take them by a window or door, in the middle of the day. 🙂

          • Very Bangled says

            2.13.2015 at 11:40 am

            Hmmm… what a clever person you are. Between your post and another one I read about photos I think I need to start working on mine. Do you use a camera? Or your iphone/ipad?

          • Shauna841505 says

            2.13.2015 at 11:44 am

            I actually use my iPhone! I have a really great camera too, but it just is so much work to get it out and get things going, that I always opt for the phone. Really, the quality is just as great, for me it’s all about the editing. Use Picmonkey.com to add text and designs, it’s definitely a great first step (and I still use it on every photo).

          • Very Bangled says

            2.13.2015 at 11:46 am

            Is that how you put your text on your images? I’m sorry to pester you with a MILLION questions!! Your presentation is so good and I really appreciate learning how you do it.

          • Shauna841505 says

            2.13.2015 at 11:57 am

            Oh my gosh don’t hesitate to ask! If you want to message me privately with any questions feel free! You can email me at my personal address: shauna841505@yahoo.com

          • Very Bangled says

            2.13.2015 at 11:43 am

            Also, I am totally effing pinning this to my new pinterest board :DDDD

          • Shauna841505 says

            2.13.2015 at 11:44 am

            Yay!!!!!! Thank you so much! 🙂

          • Very Bangled says

            2.13.2015 at 11:47 am

            Also I just totally internet followed you on everything.

  5. hugsxheart says

    2.12.2015 at 4:52 pm

    I Love fortune cookies and these are just too cute 😀 I hope you will have a great Valentines Day

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.13.2015 at 7:54 am

      Awwww thanks!! Just imagine I sent one to you! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day too! 🙂

  6. A Splash of Mimosa says

    2.12.2015 at 7:46 pm

    I woke up this morning to my mother telling me that we didn’t win. Thanks, Mom.
    Those fortune cookies are adorable!

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.13.2015 at 7:55 am

      Hahaha My mom told me the same thing – I was hoping at least one of us did so I could mooch off her winnings! 🙂

  7. delightfulnibbles says

    2.13.2015 at 1:51 pm

    Love the pics on your blog. They’re so colorful and festive. And what a cute idea, too! 🙂

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.14.2015 at 9:55 pm

      Awww thanks! 🙂

  8. Britney says

    2.14.2015 at 7:01 pm

    I TAGGED YOU IN A THING.
    HERE’S THE THING:

    https://allthingsbritneylee.wordpress.com/2015/02/14/the-love-tag/

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.14.2015 at 9:55 pm

      You’re amazing! I love your post! Hope your Valentine’s was AHHHHHMAZING!

      • Britney says

        2.15.2015 at 7:17 am

        Thanks shauna!! It was AHHHHMAZING! I hope yours was too!!

        • Shauna841505 says

          2.17.2015 at 8:16 am

          It was great – even if it was on Sunday! 🙂

          • Britney says

            2.17.2015 at 9:08 am

            Hehe good 🙂

  9. funkyfashion007 says

    2.18.2015 at 12:41 pm

    This is so cute and original! I’ve never seen anything else like it, love it! 😀

    • Shauna841505 says

      2.18.2015 at 12:42 pm

      Thank you!!! I love making them, they’re the perfect treat for co-workers/friends! 🙂

Trackbacks

  1. Happy Valentine’s Day! | Breakfast With Bentley says:
    2.14.2015 at 6:38 am

    […] Tell me My Future -> I was hoping for a Powerball win […]

About Me

About Me

Hi Mamas! My name is Shauna, a 30-something (big emphasis on the 'something') new mama and wife living in Southern California. I've become a Stay At Home Mom to Sawyer, and I would do it forever if I could! I'm originally from Wisconsin and am a total Cheesehead! I'm here to share DIY's, travel tips, and baby stuff I'm sure!

Follow Us on Instagram!

stayinghomesawyer

I saw this viral template and as soon as I heard t I saw this viral template and as soon as I heard the first part I immediately thought, “that’s the worst part too.” Then I heard the rest of the audio and just felt that. It’s so true. It’s the most bittersweet thing a human being goes through. Raising children.
We always see these crazy parties on social media, We always see these crazy parties on social media, but how much do they ACTUALLY cost? If you know me, then you know I’m the most frugal person on the planet, so my parties are destined to be inexpensive. I’m going to give you the real life breakdown, with all my money saving tips. Let’s go!

(Let me know if you have any questions that I didn’t cover)

This is one of my biggest tips, which is pretty obvious I suppose. Hand make EVERYTHING. Decorations, treats, food, etc. The only time I wouldn’t suggest making your own food is if you have a huge guest list, in which case ordering Costco pizza is your best bet.

For the paper chains, I’ll be honest, they’re not cheap. Finding paper that’s inexpensive is hard. So pro tip: you don’t NEED cardstock, regular paper will be cheaper (and easier to hang). I found these packs of red at Walmart on clearance for $1.50 each. The pictured chains was three packs of 50 pages. Also pro tip: use a generic stapler to staple them into the ceiling, tape doesn’t work.

Also, because I throw parties a few times a year, I have a general stash of party supplies. I try to use similar colors so that I don’t have to store every color. I happen to have a lot of pink (because, duh, two girls). So table runners and vases and such were things I already had. If you don’t, I suggest Temu. And if you’d like to start collecting a supply for future parties, get some nice ones in white because you can always use white! 

I made this box out of 9 pieces of foam board from the Dollar Tree, one roll of wrapping paper (back wall) from the Dollar Tree, and two cans of spray paint from Walmart. If you had more time, acrylic paint would be cheaper, as my spray paint cost $13 alone. My cost for the project could have been cut in half if I used acrylic from the Dollar Tree (they have extra large bottles for $1.25). I just didn’t have time to do a few coats of acrylic.

The backdrop was made from four sheets of poster board from the Dollar Tree ($2), and one roll of Dollar Tree wrapping paper ($1.25). 

My splurge. The larger scalloped plate is from American Girl and when we were at the store I couldn’t resist. That alone brought up my total by almost $10. Ha
She turned NINE and wanted a doll party. And hones She turned NINE and wanted a doll party. And honestly? I loved every second of it.

Because I know that at this age, some girls are already asking for Sephora trips and makeup tutorials, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. But there is something so special about a little girl who still wants to play with dolls, have a themed birthday party, and lean into the magic of being a kid. 

I know I can’t keep her little forever, but I can stop rushing her into growing up. There’s no prize for growing up the fastest. The world will ask her to be older, cooler, and more mature soon enough. So if she still wants the dolls, the dress-up, the silly games, and the magic of childhood, I’m going to let her.

Because one day, I know I’ll miss these days more than I can imagine. And if I can give her a few more years of being little, I’m going to cherish every single one. 

Let them be little. There’s plenty of time to grow up. 

#americangirl #americangirldoll #diyparty #americangirlparty
Save for later. PS: This is my husbands rendition Save for later.

PS: This is my husbands rendition of a “Sexy Willy Wonka.” You know, because being Aladdin, Flynn Ryder, Prince Charming…he couldn’t just be a regular guy for one year. 🤣🤣
Don’t spend today wishing for tomorrow. Find five Don’t spend today wishing for tomorrow. Find five things every night that you’re thankful for, and BE thankful for them. So much of our lives are spent waiting for the next best thing when in reality, it’s sitting right in front of us.
If there’s anything I’ve learned in this life, it’ If there’s anything I’ve learned in this life, it’s to SLOW DOWN.

So much of life is spent going, going, going. Waiting for the next stage. Telling ourselves, “Once we get through this, things will be easier.” Once the kids are older. Once life settles down. Once we have more time. But what if we’re missing the whole point? Because the moments we’re so eager to get through ARE the moments.

Today is the important stuff. The ordinary days. The messy days. The little conversations, the giggles, the routines, the chaos, the moments that don’t feel significant while we’re living them. We spend so much time wishing for the next chapter that we forget we’re already living one we’ll someday wish we could go back to.

So slow down.

Be here.
Pay attention.
Let the moment take as long as it needs to.

Because someday, these will be the days we miss.

**And if you know us personally, you know why I had to jump on this social media trend**
This is your permission slip to let the crafts be This is your permission slip to let the crafts be messy. 

They don’t need to match your house. They don’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. They don’t need to be made with a neutral color palette and a Cricut. They just need to be theirs.

Because someday I’m probably going to miss the paper scraps, the glue everywhere, the questionable color combinations, and the little masterpieces I had no idea what to do with. Let them make the ugly craft. Let them make a mess. Let them create something that looks nothing like what you had in mind.

Childhood doesn’t have to be aesthetically pleasing to be beautiful.
When you stop to think about the fact that one day When you stop to think about the fact that one day all of her toys will be someone else’s toys, she’ll be heading off to college, and all I’ll be left with are these videos…
This is NOT a post to bash moms that are happy the This is NOT a post to bash moms that are happy their kids are going back to school. My neighbors and I commiserate all summer long about how long the days are, how frustrating the kids can be, how much they’re fighting, etc. 

But my days are always like that, and even though it’s exhausting and overwhelming at times, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Even if I only have ONE moment like this a day, it’s one moment a day I could miss out on if they were in a traditional school. 

So here’s to whatever choice you are making in regards to your kids education. What’s best for YOU is most important. And what’s best for us is this.
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