Shelly Latinovich

Do you find yourself looking for something new and different for mom each year when Mother’s Day rolls around?  Me too!  Let’s face it….you know mom will be happy with whatever you gift her, but sometimes you just need that something that’s a little extra.  The good thing is, I think I have hit the jackpot with this one!  Every mother is sure to love this unique DIY Mother’s Day Planter! Bonus:  while this is indeed a great Mother’s Day gift, it is also a great gift for many other occasions as well.  A beautiful flower or plant potted in a moss covered tea cup and saucer…perfection! ... Continue Reading

Ok….so Easter is nearing….your are hosting….and you haven’t planned everything yet!  There is still time to create these awesome and very easy DIY Easter crafts.  Whether you try all three of them or concentrate on one, they are sure to spruce up your Easter tablescapes or home decor! Maybe you aren’t hosting….but you want to take a nice hostess gift….I’ve got you covered!  These little carrots and bunnies are sure to delight everyone.  Best of all….you can say,  “I made it myself!”  You go girl (or guy)! Easy DIY Easter Crafts ~ Notice the plural on craft(s)!  I just... Continue Reading

Spring is around the corner and that means it is time to start thinking about outdoor decor and flowers!  Every year I always feel like I need to buy new things to spruce up the yard.  This year, I am working on doing some DIY and upcycling things that we already have around the house.  As luck would have it,  it is time for our monthly Sustainable Craft Challenge Blog Hop so I decided to try my hand at making upcycled tin can planters. Each month Julie from Sum of Their Stories gives us a theme and challenges us to create a sustainable craft to share.  This month our theme is rainbows. ... Continue Reading

I never excelled in history….I just wasn’t that person that enjoyed the subject much.  Maybe this is why I enjoy historical fiction so much now…to catch up on everything I missed in a “story-like” fashion vs. just memorizing the facts.  Kristin Hannah stated in her interview that she wanted to wait until she was a more established writer to write about The Vietnam War.  The country was divided about the war so she wanted to be ready to present it well.  The Women is the end result and came together fantastically. The Women:... Continue Reading

Whether you are looking for an easy DIY Valentine craft or an everyday heart decor item, this DIY Valentine Rag Wreath Heart is perfect!  Changing the color scheme from colorful to neutral can easily make this a beautiful decorative piece for holiday or everyday.  What’s even better is that it is so easy to make and you most likely have everything you need already. This was perfect timing for the craft blog hop group that I take part in.  Julie from Sum of their Stories challenges us each month to a Sustainable Craft Challenge.  Each blogger takes the theme and creates a fun craft that is... Continue Reading

Everyone finds themselves in a tumultous relationship at some point in their life…whether with friend, family or spouse.  However, not feeling love from a parent has to top the list of most painful.  A child is constantly trying to gain affection from a parent…sometimes even when they themselves are now an adult.  Dive into this book review of Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah to see how this evolves. The Characters ~ Meredith Whitson – mother; daughter to Anya & Evan; sister to Nina, wife to Jeff Nina Whitson – photojournalist; daughter to Anya & Evan; sister to Meredith Evan... Continue Reading

Ahhhh….the age old question that sparks conversation all around the world…What would you do?  Author Nikki Erlick presents a very thought provoking scenario for this very question.  On an otherwise normal day, all around the world, every person aged 22 and above receives a little box at their house/dwelling/etc.  Each one looks the same and has the same inscription, “The measure of your life lies within.”  Would you open it? The Measure by Nikki Erlick is a fascinating story that carefully weaves you into the lives of several different people.  Some are “short stringers”, some... Continue Reading

It’s that time of the month again…the wonderful time that I share a sustainable craft that I have made AND also share with you several other ladies’ crafts as well!  It’s a bonus post that is filled with wonderful ideas…and the theme for November is Christmas!  I have been very intrigued by string art lately so you guessed it….DIY Christmas Tree String Art is the choice for me! Sustainable:  Using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.  Many crafters (myself included) find it so hard to throw stuff away because they are just SURE there is something... Continue Reading

Chances are you already have several items laying around that can be used for a DIY Bubbling Cauldron.  Whether it is a plastic Halloween cauldron you have purchased or you have a fun bucket of some sort that can be converted to one.  With a few supplies, you can easily convert it to a spooky cauldron filled with a realistic looking witche’s concoction that is sure to be enjoyed by all. Items Needed for DIY Bubbling Cauldron ~ clear ornaments – different sizes craft paint – green, orange, yellow, rust/bronze, black (depending on your color scheme) paint brushes/sponge of various sizes half... Continue Reading

As we start edging toward a new decade in our life, many people find themselves feeling anxious over their past ten years.  Where does society say I should be at this point in my life?  I say to heck with all of that jibberish….just enjoy where you are.  Every year has highs and lows….let’s celebrate the “death” of one decade and happily move on to the next.  That’s exactly what we did when planning the 30th birthday party for our daughter, Karleigh. Death to My 20s ~ Yes, this was the theme for celebrating our beautiful girl.   We are not saying death to the 20s because they... Continue Reading