Author Archives: Amanda Dover

Spirit Riding Free Birthday Party

My oldest daughter is obsessed and I mean truly and completely obsessed with horses.

It started at about 3 and a half and has progressively grown since then.  She has an impressive collection of Schleich horses, of which she can tell you each and every breed and it’s distinguishing characteristics.

Naturally, her favorite show is Spirit Riding Free, so when it came to picking a birthday theme this years was obvious.  Cue the Spirit Riding Free intro music…

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Trolls Birthday Party

Several months ago, my youngest discovered the movie Trolls.  And by discovered, I mean became utterly and completely obsessed.

We watched Trolls approximately eleventy billion times. So many times in fact that I truly believe I could recite the whole movie from beginning to end.

So when we started planning her third birthday party, the theme was inevitable.  She wanted all the things TROLLS!

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20 Merry & EASY DIY Christmas Craft Ideas

Yes, I know the leaves are just starting to turn and we’re not even through Halloween yet.

To me, Christmas and the birth of Jesus represent hope and the promise of better days.  Christmas is like this bright light in the middle of a long, cold winter.

I also enjoy channeling Buddy the Elf.  I love decorating for Christmas most of all!  I want it to look like Christmas in every corner.  So I’ve been creating Christmas crafts left and right.  I’ve got a ton of cute DIY Christmas craft ideas and free Christmas SVGs to share with you and  I’ve also rounded up some of my favorite DIY Christmas crafts & from other bloggers!   If you weren’t in the holiday spirit, you will be soon!!

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DIY Glitter Ornament Tutorial

I feel like Christmas always sneaks up on me.  It’s like the pool closes and then suddenly it’s Christmas Eve and you’ve forgotten gifts.

This year I’ve vowed to get the jump on Christmas.  I’m chipping away  at my gift list and have got started on my to-craft list.  Christmas will not get the jump on me this year!

This little craft is a favorite of mine because it is soooo stinking easy!  These diy glitter ornaments are done in no time at all and they look gorgeous on a Christmas tree!  You can leave them plain to match a color scheme, or you can add a vinyl decal and jazz them up a bit.  They are so versatile. They make great gifts too!

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20 MORE Free Christmas SVGs!

Hot off the heels of the success of my free Halloween SVGs sequel, I’ve decided to create another roundup of Christmas SVGs to add to my Ultimate Free SVGs post!

Christmas is less than 90 days away, and I’m already making my lists and checking them twice.  I’ve also got the jump start on all of my holiday crafting.  And…thanks to this list of Free Christmas

SVGs, I’ve got tons of other super cute holiday crafts to add to my to do list!

In this post, I’ve rounded up over 20 of the merriest cut files out there.  And did I mention they are FREE!  You’re welcome.  Christmas just came early!

Also, dont’ forget!  In addition to these ultra merry free Christmas SVGs, I’ve got 25 more amazing Christmas freebies for you in my first Free Christmas SVGs round-up post!  Don’t forget to check it out!

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15 Christmas Gifts Teachers will Love!

Christmas got away from me last  year.  I struggled to stay on top of my to-do this and hence, my blog suffered a bit.

I had a TON of Christmas blogs I wanted to post and never got around to. But, since we’re less than 100 days til Christmas, I’m going to start catching up now!  I’m starting with this post full of Christmas gifts for teachers and I’ll also soon be updating my Ultimate List of Teacher Gift Ideas post with all the ideas for ALL the holidays so be sure to pin that!

That said, though, spreading Christmas cheer at any time of year is never a bad thing.  Teachers deserve All the gifts, so if you decided to bribe pamper your child’s teacher now, this list is pretty amazing any time of year!

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The ULTIMATE Free SVGs Round-up!

If you’re here, you likely found your way over from one of my previous round-up posts. I spend a lot of time pursueing Pinterest, in search of the cutest free SVGs out there!

But as a busy Mama, I am all about saving time. I’m not going to lie, an afternoon leisurely pinning on Pinterest sounds divine, but in reality my free time is limited. So in an effort to save myself time, as well as my readers, I create free SVG roundups for holidays, seasons and other occasions. Then all I have to do when looking for a super cute free file is reference my post, download a free SVG and get to crafting!

These posts are the result of over a years work,  so creating posts not only for free holiday SVGs, but lists of other amazing free SVGs.   This is one you’re going to want to pin, because you’ll come back to it time and time again!

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20 MORE FREE HALLOWEEN SVGS!

Last year’s Free Halloween SVGs post was a huge hit. It seems there are a lot of my fellow Sanderson Sister alumni out there! In fact, it was such a big hit that I’ve decided to create a second series devoted to All Hallow’s cuteness.

Seriously guys, Pinterest is crawling with cute free SVGs! It took a little digging, but I managed to find over 20 more adorable freebies! So, many Halloween craft ideas!!

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Frozen Pool Party – Birthday Party

My sweet niece celebrated her fourth birthday this year.  As you’ve probably figured by now, my nieces have me wrapped.  So when she asked for a Frozen birthday party, I knew I had to get my party planning in gear and help with a fun little fiesta!

Since she has a summer birthday, her Mom decided to have the birthday at the pool again.  We all know Olaf dreams of summer days, so I’m pretty sure he’d approve!

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15 tips for visiting Carowinds with Small Kids

When I was a kid, Carowinds was the place everyone wanted to go. It had all sorts of cool rides perfect for thrill seeking adolescents. I didn’t get to make it as often as I liked, but when I did I had a blast. I’d ride rollar coasters and eat junk food until I thought I would throw up. And then I’d do it all over again.

As an adult, Carowinds has a completely different feel. Just looking at the rollar coasters now is enough to give me the spins. Luckily my two kids aren’t old enough to ride yet, so that was one battle I didn’t have to fight yet. I did bring my niece and her friend but they were old enough to ride on their own. And yes you read that right…I took FOUR kids to Carowinds!

Not only did I travel to Carowinds with a 2, 5, 11 and 13 year old in tow, I also did it without the help of my husband. How did I survive? Luckily I had the help of a good friend who also happens to be a veteran Carowinds enthusiast full of tips and tricks for visiting the park.

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