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Summer Craft Roundup: Planning a Crafternoon

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It’s summer. You’ve got some extra time on your hands. And you’d love to plan a crafternoon.

“What exactly is a ‘crafternoon’?” you may be wondering if you’ve never heard the term before. Simply put, it’s an afternoon solely devoted to the joy of crafting.

In other words, it’s a time to relax, have fun, and let your creative juices flow!

This summer, take respite from the heat and activity-filled zaniness to enjoy a lazy afternoon with one of these easy-to-make home and garden décor craft projects. (Lemonade or iced tea optional—but highly recommended!)

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1. DIY Outdoor Pillows via Meet the B’s
2.  Garden Markers via Wit & Whistle
3. Drink Covers via Martha Stewart
4. Driftwood Seahorse via Creative in Chicago
5. Simple Summer Totebag via Crafting Chicks
6. Mason Jar Tiki Torches via The Frugal Homemaker

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4th of July Recipe Roundup

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She’s a grand old flag! Ahh, that she is, and summertime couldn’t be grander than it is when we celebrate our nation’s independence. The 4th of July immediately summons memories of hot summer sun, parades, sparklers and fireworks, and bbq grills filling the air with all kinds of delicious goodness. It’s the epitome of summer celebrations, and America loves to do it proud.

Our editors at Blue Mountain wanted to give you some fun and different ideas for your holiday gathering this year, and we didn’t hold back on the red, white, and blue! Festive and delicious with a “wow” factor, these recipes spark fireworks all their own. Happy Fourth!

06292015_July_Fourth_Roundup_BLG_BMA 1. Fourth of July Firecracker Dogs via Handmade in the Heartland
2. American Flag Layer Cake via Sugarhero
3. Cheesy BBQ Bacon Jalapenos via Forgiving Martha
4. 50 Stars Barbecue Chicken via In Honor of Design
5. July 4th Layered Drinks via In Katrina’s Kitchen
6. Tortellini Kabobs via Real Women & Homes

 

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Have a blast with the grandkids this summer!

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There’s no denying it. All kids love summer. And no wonder! This season usually means sunny days, free time, and lots of exciting opportunities!

Enhance the fun of these days by involving your grandkids in crafty projects that are not only creative and imaginative, but entertaining and interactive as well. It will keep them busy while also providing lucky grandparents some special one-on-one bonding time together.

Here are six of our favorite summertime craft ideas for you to do with your grandkids. Happy summer!

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Paper Plate Tambourines via Education.com

Pinwheels via Angel Street Mom

DIY Kids Binoculars via Sweet C’s Designs

Folded Paper Bracelets via Picklebums

Marshmallow Catapult via It’s Always Autumn

Driftwood Boats via Alisa Burke

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Memorial Day Recipes – Plus Recipe Card Printable

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Memorial Day is the one day a year we get to honor the memory of all those who so unselfishly gave their lives for our country. For most of us, Memorial Day also signals the beginning of summer and a chance to celebrate with a fun outdoor event—usually in the form of a picnic!

The editors at Blue Mountain have gathered some really exciting Memorial Day recipes for you to try this Memorial Day. Whether you’re hosting the event or you need to bring something to a potluck, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for. From traditional crowd-pleasers to health-conscious, even gluten-free fare, we’ve got your covered!

We’re also including a free recipe card featuring the whisky burgers listed below for you to print and enjoy.
Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

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1. Whiskey Burgers via Mantitlement
2. Quinoa & Vegetable Salad (Gluten-Free) via Betty Crocker
3. Grilled Lobster Tails with Sriracha Butter via A Farmgirl’s Dabbles
4. Honey Porter Glazed Chicken Skewers via The Beeroness
5. Pressed Italian Sandwiches via Seasons & Suppers
6. American Flag Pie via The Winthrop Chronicles

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Mothers Day Brunch Recipe Roundup

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Everyone knows that mothers should be appreciated for all they are and all they do. Every. Single. Day.

But if there’s one day in particular when they should be exceptionally fussed over and pampered, it’s Mother’s Day! And if there’s one meal they would especially love being treated to, it’s brunch! This year, whether someone plans to surprise you with breakfast in bed, or whether you plan to join in on preparing a multi-generational get-together, here are some wonderful Mothers day brunch recipes you are sure to enjoy.

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Avocado Bacon and Eggs via Lil’ Luna


Blueberry Oatmeal Yogurt Pancakes via Damn Delicious

Easy Cream Cheese Danishes via Baking Bytes


Strawberry Chia and Quinoa Breakfast via Maria Ushakova


Ham & Cheese Quiche with Spring Vegetables via Eat Well 101


Ombré Grapefruit Cocktail via Handmade Mood

 

 

 

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Easter Craft Roundup

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Easter is a day full of life…and renewal…and blessed joyfulness. Which is why it’s so much fun to make beautiful, colorful crafts to share and enjoy with loved ones on this special day.

To jumpstart your creative process, the editors at Blue Mountain culled their favorite Easter craft ideas to share just with you! These projects include dainty décor items to brighten up both your home and your tablescape. They also include fun and easy projects you can do together with your grandchildren.

Whatever your inspiration, we hope you’ll enjoy these delightful crafts that are sure to make this Easter more special than ever before!

03262015_Easter_Craft_Roundup_BLG_BMA1. Hanging Easter Posies via Gardenista
2. Découpage Eggs via Honestly Yum
3. Eggshell Votives via Martha Stewart
4.  Easter Egg Hunt Bags via The Purl Bee
5. Bunny Ear Headbands via Twirling Betty
6. Bunny-Stamped Easter Goodie Bags via Minted Strawberry

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St. Patricks Day Roundup

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It’s gettin’ close to time to where you’ll be kickin’ up your heels with some good ol’ fashioned merriment and mischief. St. Patricks Day is all about good food, good drink, and good fun, so we wanted to gather some ideas together for you that we think are just grand.

Have a go at a few of them this year, and we bet all eyes will be smilin’!

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  1. One of our favorites from last year, this Quick Irish Soda Bread includes the free recipe card!
  2. Add some leprechaun magic with these St. Pat’s Magic Vases via Yesterday On Tuesday.
  3. This delicious, dreamy Colcannon via Simply Recipes will set your toes to tappin’.
  4. The name says it all—Bottoms UP! Irish Cream Hot Fudge Cupcakes via SprinkleBakes.
  5. Invite faith, hope, love, and luck into your home, and for all who enter, with this gorgeous Four Leaf Clover Wreath via Blue Sky Confections.
  6. A take on the traditional corned beef and cabbage, these Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage Sliders via Celebrations will win everyone’s heart.
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Winter Craft Roundup

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When the weather outside is frightful and all you want to do is nest and stay warm and cozy indoors, it’s time to liven things up with a creative winter craft! Whether it’s a personal treat, something adorable for your home, or a fun activity you can do with your grandchildren, the ideas we’ve compiled for you are sure to fill your days with plenty of enjoyment and heartwarming pleasure.
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1 Sea Salt & Sugar Scrub via Liz Marie

2 Winter Bird Feeder via Fireflies & Mud Pies

3 Finger-Knit Wreath via Flax & Twine

4 Sweater Pillow via Stone Gable

5 Frozen-Inspired Play-dough via Paging Fun Mums

6 Branch Chandelier via Better Homes & Gardens

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Holiday Party Planning – New Ideas!

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You’re an expert hostess who knows how to throw a great party. Whether it’s a formal sit-down dinner for 20, or a casual get-together for family and friends, you’ve done it all. In fact, you’ve been doing it for years. You’ve got all the details down. And you always seem to make it look so seamless, so effortless. However…

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…there are always going to be some exciting, new ideas you may want to consider to freshen up your tried-and-true entertaining routine. Perhaps an especially pretty tablescape detail. Or a particularly unique recipe. Or maybe even a clever party theme.

The editors at Blue Mountain have joined together to assemble some of their favorite suggestions for your upcoming holiday party. We hope by doing so, we’ll inspire you to try at least one new party idea this joyous season. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

1. Ornate Framed Menu Chalkboard via HGTV
2. Rosemary Wreath Place Card via The Happier Homemaker
3. Candy Flower Centerpiece via Stonewall Kitchen
4. Christmas Tree Cheese Board via Kraft
5. Simmering Homemade Potpourri via Marty’s Musings
6. Hot Chocolate Bar with Free Chalkboard Printables via Yellow Bliss Road

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Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

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Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks…and enjoying each other’s company. Traditionally, we do that around a bountiful table of delicious, traditional foods and desserts. This year, as a treat, the foodies at Blue Mountain thought it would be fun to share some recipes with you. But not just any recipes. They’re a slightly unusual—but decidedly tasty—twist on the classic Thanksgiving recipe everyone tends to make year after year. We hope you’ll give these fabulous options a try! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

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1. Cornbread, Bacon, Leek & Pecan Stuffing via Martha Stewart

2. Cider-Glazed Turkey with Lager Gravy via Food & Wine

3. Sweet Potato Tater Tots via Super Glue Mom

4. Cognac Cranberry Sauce via Tablespoon

5. Crispy Baked Parmesan Green Bean Fries via Dashing Dish

6. Caramelized Phyllo & Pumpkin Marshmallow Napoleons via Baking Obsession

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