DIY Lock, Shock, and Barrel Halloween Costume Ideas and Tips

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The mischievous trio from The Nightmare Before Christmas — Lock, Shock and Barrel — make a standout group costume. Below is a clear, practical guide to assembling each character’s look using a mix of DIY techniques and easy-to-find store items. This approach offers a fresh alternative to the typical Jack and Sally costumes and works … Read more

Perfect Gift Wrapping Tips and Holiday Giveaway Guide

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I recently enjoyed learning cake-frosting basics and decided to team up with Craftsy again to improve another party essential: gift wrapping. Although I already felt somewhat confident wrapping gifts, my corners and edges never looked as crisp as I wanted. After taking Craftsy’s Paper Arts class, taught by Alton Dulaney, I discovered a few simple … Read more

How to Dye Flocked Iron-On Letters for Custom Apparel

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We revisited our DIY graphic tees with a fresh idea: dyeing flocked iron-on letters. Rather than settling for the usual black and white options from the craft store, we experimented with fabric paint and discovered a simple technique that consistently yields bright, custom colors—perfect for creating an ombré rainbow or a single bold hue. Here’s … Read more

30 Stylish Round Dining Tables for Any Budget

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When we bought our house I obsessively researched every option before deciding on anything. In our case, the small square dining room made a round table the obvious choice. I spent hours looking at round dining tables online before finally choosing the perfect one from West Elm with the help of friends. That dining room … Read more

Our Family Getaway to Coronado Island: Top Things to Do

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We spent a few relaxed days on Coronado Island over the weekend. Although we’ve traveled a lot with Arlo, our trips were usually work-related or with friends and family. This time we wanted a short getaway just the three of us, and we were thrilled when The Hotel Del Coronado invited us. We ended up … Read more

Complete Guide to Choosing and Storing Halloween Candy

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Candy on a colorful surface

Last week I asked on Instagram what your favorite childhood Halloween candy was—and wow, the responses gave me a serious sugar craving. Between crafting costumes for the past two months and bingeing those “how it’s made” food shows that tour candy factories, I was inspired to put together an Ultimate Guide to Halloween Candy. We gathered fan favorites and dug up fun facts to celebrate the classics and the quirks behind them. Ready? Let’s go!

Candy corn on a colorful surface

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Lucky Poppers DIY: Make Festive Surprise Party Poppers

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It’s time for another confetti popper DIY—and these are lucky ones. Filled with tiny four-leaf clovers and bits of gold, they’re a festive twist on the classic confetti popper. Instead of pinching someone who isn’t wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, try cracking one of these overhead for a playful dash of Irish luck. These … Read more

Rugs I Passed Up So You Should Know — Vol. 13

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Volume 13 of my rug round-up — here we go! This edition has a mix of runners and several larger rugs; clearly colorful floor textiles were on my mind. I’ve selected pieces with bold color, interesting texture, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Scroll through and tell me which one you love most. Multicolor Pink Vintage Runner: A … Read more

DIY Sequin Easter Eggs: Step-by-Step Guide to Sparkling Decor

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As promised, my first Easter DIY of the season is here — and it’s delightfully sparkly. Lately I’ve been obsessed with gold sequins, so I decided to decorate Easter eggs with sequin trim. These aren’t your traditional painted eggs, but they’re perfect for anyone who prefers a modern, glamorous take on Easter décor. Spell a … Read more

DIY Lipstick Piñata Tutorial — Make a Cute Cosmetic Party Favor

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A lipstick piñata

A lipstick piñata is a playful, show-stopping addition to any celebration — perfect for Valentine’s Day, bachelorette parties, birthdays, or a girls’ night out. It’s whimsical, bold, and surprisingly simple to make. Fill it with candy, small gifts, or even lipsticks for an over-the-top treat. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to building your own lipstick-shaped piñata.

A woman holding a big lipstick piñata

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