Fun Friday: Happy Mothers Day

First and Foremost, I would like to acknowledge all of the mothers in the world. Happy Mothers Day and may your day be filled with the love you bring into your childrens lives.

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love." ~Mildred B. Vermont


Here are a few DIY projects that everyone can make for their Mothers Day Gift. The best part about it is that it is afordable and cute!

Photo Vase DIY

They will have several colors to chose from…just pick your favorite! I found the product to be easy to work with and quick. I love a quick transformation. A few bare wood picture frames and some wood glue is all you will need….here we go…



A soft cloth, rubber gloves and a work surface you don’t mind getting messy is helpful. Squirt your Color Express out and dip your cloth in the stain. Rub onto the wood…wiping off the excess. What I love about this product is the ability to have a rich color…but yet still see the grain of the wood. I found it to be smooth and even too. It is water-based…so easy cleanup! The stain also dry’s quickly. I only did one coat…but you could do a few to make the color more intense.



When the 4 frames are dry you can glue them together. A thin bead of wood glue does the trick.

I stood mine up on newspaper and allowed it to dry. You can touch up any spots you may have missed with a sponge brush.


I picked out four pictures (from past summers…oh their little faces…sigh…) and popped them in the frames.

A favorite flower in a glass jar or vase…can be placed in the center.





http://cleverlyinspired.com/2012/05/diy-photo-vase-sponsored-by-minwax-express-colors/

Easy Candle Upcycle

Do you have candles that look like this? If the answer is yes then you can do something with

your candles that are so creative.

This was such an easy project to do. I can't believe I never did this before.

All I needed to get were these wicks from Michael's and one new glass container. I decided to get a new glass container because it was only $1 and I needed something clean to pour the first candle in. Then you can start cleaning out the old ones and reusing those glass jars.

Step 1: Melt your first candle down completely. I put mine in a pot of boiling water. It only took about 5 minutes for the candle to turn to liquid.

Step 2: Place the new candle wick in your clean jar. I wrapped it around a popsicle stick so it wouldn't fall over.

Step 3: Pour melted wax into new jar. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Once the first layer of wax was completely hard, I melted the next candle down on the stove and poured it over the first layer. Repeat with one more layer or until your glass container is full.

Step 5: Cut the wick. Burn and enjoy your new candle!!

Hope you all enjoy!

-Denea Duran

Inside the Hurricane Recovery Program

When nearly 4.5 million people needed help following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Irene, millions of individuals, foundations and corporations rose to the occasion. In just a few months, the American Red Cross was entrusted with nearly $2.2 billion to assist those affected. Hundreds of thousands of individuals and families looked to the Red Cross.  

The Red Cross has continued to support those devastated by the 2005 hurricanes through the Hurricane Recovery Program (HRP): a nationally-developed, locally-tailored initiative addressing the long-term needs of Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Wilma survivors. 


Working alongside local and national nonprofits and other partner agencies, the Red Cross ultimately helped tens of thousands of people obtain emotional support, create recovery plans and meet housing or occupational needs through the HRP services. Additionally, HRP built new partnerships and communities…ultimately empowering families and neighborhoods alike.

The Hurricane Recovery Program is a story best told by the thousands of families who received support – the thousands of faces that share equal parts grief and hope every day. It is often best told one story at a time.

-Denea Duran

Content Credit: redcross.org
Photo Credit: SERVPRO