June is here and that means that school will soon be over for the year! But before that happens, there will be a rush of end of year activities and class trips, and Moms will scrambling to fit it all in. If you are like me, the busier things get, the more I become overwhelmed with trying to think of gift ideas to make or buy for teachers as a thank you gift. So I have rounded up some of the most budget friendly & fun gift ideas from the projects here at Echoes of Laughter. Strawberry Lemonade Mix. Read More »
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
It will soon be strawberry season in many parts of Canada and I love strawberries in any form! I created these delicious strawberry shortcake cookies as a finger food alternative to the traditional strawberry shortcake made with cake or biscuits. These are easy to make and easy to serve and have the lovely flavours of strawberry & whipped cream on a sugar cookie base. To make this cookie, I used my grandmother`s sugar cookie recipe which I have shared on this blog before here, here and here. It`s an easy recipe which uses very basic ingredients. Sugar Cookies {makes approx. Read More »
26 Gorgeous Wedding Ideas
Although it’s been almost 18 years since my husband and I said our “I dos”, I still love looking at wedding ideas and pictures and I occasionally pick up the Martha Stewart Weddings issue. I am enthralled by the simplest of ideas that can make a wedding so special. I love all of the personality that is expressed through take-home favours and centerpieces, and I have rounded up many of the ideas that I LOVE the most to share with you! IDEAS for SIMPLE & LOVELY Wedding Favours: Homemade Preserves Favours Wedding Favours in a Paper Bag Birdseed Favours Read More »
40 Amazing Family Reunion Ideas
Summer is that time of year for family reunions, picnics, company parties and lots of other gatherings. Our family used to have a family reunion each summer that was organized by one of my Aunt’s and her husband. My aunt loved planning this gathering each summer and we always had things like an egg & spoon race and a hat decorating contest. Many, many happy memories were made and laughs were shared at this once-a-year frolic, and in the spirit of that, I have rounded up 40 ideas that I love for family reunions…including everything from food & drink ideas, Read More »
Cashew Pretzel Hugs For Dad
It’s no secret that we love our HUGS at this house…both the real kind and these special but-oh-so-easy homemade treats. Since my husband loves cashews, I thought I would put a bit of a different spin on regular pretzel hugs and replace the M&M candy with cashews. And they taste AH-mazing with the cashews. And I think that ANY nut would work just well…peanuts or almonds, for instance. I have made many versions of pretzel hugs including a Valentine’s version and an Easter version, in addition to the Christmas version. They are just such a wonderful gift and everyone likes Read More »
Easy Homeade Peanut Brittle For Father’s Day
Before I share this post about how to make easy peanut brittle in the microwave, I have to say that while I was working in the kitchen today, I was also watching the news about Oklahoma and my heart just breaks for all those people. I am feeling very grateful tonight for my family, a roof over my head, food and a warm bed to sleep in. This recipe comes from my Aunt Nannette, who is my mother’s youngest sister, and an amazing cook like all of my mother’s siblings. She shared this recipe with us about 10 years ago Read More »
Italian Pasta Salad Picnic Lunch
{To celebrate Summer as part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias, I made this Italian Pasta Salad from ingredients found at the Bulk Barn Canada. #cbias} Summer is here! And that means it’s the season for one of my very favorite summer activities…picnics. Our family loves taking picnic lunches to the park, beach or outdoor concerts & events, so I created this cool & fresh Italian pasta salad that is a great travel trooper and will satisfy any appetite on a hot summer day. The inspiration for this recipe came when I was browsing the aisles of Bulk Barn and Read More »
Dad’s Snack & Surf Kit +Free Printable Tag
This week I started projects and crafts for Father’s Day and I am so excited to share this little idea for a ‘Dad’s Snack & Surf Kit’. Almost every Dad I know enjoys relaxing in front of the TV and what could be better for him than his own special treat of a caddy filled with snacks, a drink cup, movie with some room left for remote controls? I found this lovely green caddy at our newly opened Target Store in the gardening section for $5.49 and I thought it would be the perfect size to hold some mason Read More »
Chocolate Cake Hug In A Mug +Free Printable Tag {Gift Idea}
I think that this is one of the cutest gift ideas ever….Chocolate Cake Hug In A Mug. It’s a homemade single serving cake recipe that is cooked in a mug in the microwave. It’s super easy to make and results in a tasty, fudgey chocolate cake. And to take it one step further, I created an adorable tag that can be printed and attached to each gift. This is perfect for any little thank you gift, teacher’s gift or a party favor. {It just so happens that I found the adorable cake mug at Dollarama for $2} The recipe testing Read More »
15 Treats for Coffee on The Porch
I love this time of year as it brings weather that is perfect for visiting with friends & neighbours on the front porch, back deck or cottage. I often like to serve a little something sweet to my guests along with coffee, iced tea or lemonade. Here are 15 of my absolute favourite Echoes of Laughter treats to share depending on whether I am looking for something that is along the lines of breakfast, brunch, a seasonal fruit dessert.or just gooey! Peaches & Cream Muffins. Luscious Lemon Chip & Sweet Cranberry Scones Strawberry Rhubarb Scones Breakfast Cookies Cherry Crisp Read More »
27 Beautiful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
With Mother’s Day just a few days away, I went through the Echoes of Laughter archives to pull out 27 beautiful ideas for you to make, bake, craft or create for someone special on Mother’s Day. I hope you enjoy these ideas….many of my favourite projects ever are here! Mint Lime Foot Soak Mint Grapefruit Sugar Scrub Mini Scrapbook in a Tin Spring Flower Frame Photo Tray Gardening Gift Basket Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub Bath Gift Basket Vacation Memory Box Strawberry Butter Peppermint Foot Soak Gourmet Oatmeal Cookie Mix Kitchen Recipe Board Mother’s Day Breakfast Vacation Scrapbook Read More »
Front Porch Makeover
As I write this, we are just winding down from an absolutely gorgeous weekend. I am so happy because I was able put a plan for a front porch makeover into action. Behold the newly freshened front porch makeover that is bright and cheerful and full of fun in the colours of pink lemonade. On a very small budget, I was able to transform this porch from dreary and boring to fresh, fun and full of personality. On May 2nd, I was invited by Walmart Canada, along with many other bloggers from across the country, to take part in a Read More »
Strawberry Rhubarb Scones
If you have been reading my blog for awhile…it’s NO secret that I love scones. My love affair with scones carries into all the various flavours there could possibly be…the tenderness of the said little sweet biscuits draw me in like super magnet every time. Let’s see…in the past I have shared Luscious Lemon Chip & Lemon Scones, Gingerbread Scones with White Chocolate & Cranberry, Pumpkin Scones with Cinnamon Maple Frosting, & Chocolate Scones with Candy Cane Kisses Scones. With spring coming, I wanted to make whip up some scones with seasonal flavours….like strawberry & rhubarb. This recipe is not Read More »
15 Inspiring Outdoor Spaces
With Spring arriving more than a few weeks ago, I have been itching to get outside to clean & freshen up my outdoor spaces. I have been looking at some beautiful inspiration pictures to help me get some ideas and I want to share with you my 15 favourite outdoor spaces in case you are looking for some ideas too! I love the freshness of this Outdoor Living Room Chic. Or how about reading a book in this Beautiful Outdoor Garden Lounge Space? I love the black & white of this Cozy Outdoor Dining Nook. How about the pink & orange Read More »
Make a Pretty Table Runner
It’s Spring and I am craving beautiful, glorious colour! Lately, I have been putting into action some plans for a fun makeover for our dining/living room area. I have lots to share in upcoming posts {wink} but for now, I want to share with you one small project I finished for our dining area. As part of my re-decorating plan, I was on the search for a colourful table runner to tie-in with some of the other changes I made in the living room. The few table runners I found were either the wrong colour, or way outside my Read More »
Make A Pretty Decoupage Vase
If you are searching for a craft project to make for Mother’s Day, a teacher’s gift, or just because…then I have the sweetest little budget-friendly project for you. Using a recycled can, a sheet of scrapbook paper and some paint, a pretty decoupage vase can be created to make a beautiful, handmade vessel to hold flowers. This is a wonderful craft activity for children and teens, and each crafter will love that each vase can be personalized in the colours & patterns of his/her choice. These lovely rustic-looking vases would also work well for almost any type of party too. Read More »
Mint Grapefruit Body Scrub +Free Printable Label
Hello dear friends! I hope you are well. Today I am sharing with you the last of the special body treats that I created for Mother’s Day…..Mint Grapefruit Body Scrub. So far, I have shared Honey & Lavender Sugar Scrub, Mint Lime Foot Scrub, along with a Bath Gift Basket and a Gardening Gift Basket that was put together for under $10. We have been having lots of fun in April so far! This is another easy gift to whip with just a few ingredients, a bowl & spoon and a few small canning jars. Anyone who can stir can make this Read More »
Gardening Gift Basket +Free Printable Tag
Our snow has finally melted and I am so excited! The gardening centres in my city are getting ready to open soon…a totally positive sign for sure. To celebrate, I created this gardening gift basket which is a perfect gift for the special ‘green thumbs’ in your life for Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Appreciation or just because. This basket contains a few things that any gardener would need for Spring…..some pretty, new gardening gloves, small peat pots, gardening shears, plant markers, plant ties and plant food spikes. I found all of these items while browsing the aisles of the local Read More »
Mint Lime Foot Soak +Free Printable Tag
A few years ago I shared a very simple gift idea for a peppermint foot soak at Christmas time which was very popular, so I made a new version just in time for Spring & Summer. This one is Mint Lime Foot Soak, which has a wonderful mint and fresh citrus scent that is perfect for tired tootsie and ‘flip flop feet’ in warmer weather. This would made such a perfect gift for Mother’s Day or a teacher’s appreciation gift. This is very easy for anyone to make and can be made in bulk to create many little jars for Read More »
Bath Gift Basket +FREE Printable Tag
I love putting gift baskets together. I have always loved themes and colours, so this could be why I adore putting special packages together. I was at the dollar store not long ago, and as I was shopping for craft supplies, this theme of a bath basket in purple jumped out at me. You will be happy to know that I put this together for less than $10 and it includes: exfoliating bath mitts, a pumice stone, emery boards, a manicure kit, lavender & chamomile foot scrub,a foot file, and English lavender soap….which smells so incredible. Everything in the Read More »
Make A Flower Frame
I created this spring flower frame this week and I have to say I love how it turned out with the bright colours. It reminded me of the fun I used to have scrapbooking when a layout would come together just beautifully when the right colours were used. With Mother’s Day around the corner and the end of the school year coming soon, that would make an excellent handmade gift. This is not a difficult project and would be great for kids who love to paint and glue. Here are the supplies you will need: Project Supplies: -1 wooden & Read More »
Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub +FREE Printable
I love making homemade gifts. I am also beyond thrilled when I receive a homemade gift. I always feel so special knowing that someone took time and effort to make something for me. Honey Lavender Sugar Scrub is a wonderful treatment for dry, rough hands, elbows or feet, or an all-over body rub to use in the shower. With Mother’s Day coming up, and the end of the school year, I am creating a few gifts for some of the people in our lives, and I would love to share this one with you. This is a super easy gift to make that only takes Read More »
Pineapple Cherry Bars
My grandmother made these Pineapple Cherry Bars often while I was growing up. They were one of my favorite treats out of her kitchen. Sadly, my grandmother suffers from Alzheimer’s now and doesn’t bake anymore. I haven’t had these bars for many year, but lately I had a strong desire to taste them again, so I made them for my family. When I asked my grandmother for her recipe, she was not able to find the recipe that she had used for years. I was able to find the recipe in one of my other Grandmother’s old cookbooks. You know that Read More »
10 Lovely Spring Brunch Ideas
I am so ready for some spring weather these days. We are still getting snow where I live. I am so very tired of snow. I found myself dreaming of pretty tables for Spring brunches, so I thought I would share some lovely Spring brunch ideas with you. First of all, I can’t wait for my peonies to bloom so I can have a Peony Brunch for Two. I love the simplicity of this Lovely Buffet, with gorgeous yellow flowers. I adore the fresh greens & blues of this Garden Party Theme. Another brunch idea in Cheery Yellow. I’ll take one of those Read More »
Me on TV, a Magazine and The Nest
Hello dear readers! Today, I want to share some exciting things that have been happening recently at Echoes of Laughter. First up. Last week I was absolutely thrilled to make my very first TV appearance on CTV News at Noon here in Edmonton. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to pitch some ideas to Erin Isfeld, the news anchor for the program, a few weeks ago while I was at BlogWest. The following week, I received an email from the producer, inviting me to come on the show to share some Easter crafts and recipes. I cannot tell Read More »
4 Fresh Salads For Spring
I love salads and I eat them almost every day for lunch. My family prefers to eat salads over cooked veggies, so I often make a salad to go with dinner. I find the salads that we enjoy the most are the simple salads made with only a handful of ingredients, and a favourite dressing. I want to share with you 4 fresh salads for Spring that are new favourites at our house! We are so lucky because a few weeks ago, the kind people at Kraft sent us 4 NEW dressings to try on our salads, which we Read More »
Easter Birdhouse for Spring
If you are looking for a fun project for the kids this weekend, this might be just the thing you are looking for! This little birdhouse is such a colourful creation and each little artist can personalize it and make it their own in the colours of their choice. A group of birdhouses together would also make a fabulous mobile or decoration hung from the ceiling too! Little wooden birdhouses are easy to find at the dollar store or Michael’s. I found this one at Michael’s for $1.50. The rest of the supplies I had at home. Here is Read More »
Sweet Chickadee Bracelet
I am still crafting Easter projects. This sweet little chickadee bracelet is the latest creation. I love these beads and chickadees so much because of the pretty colours. Plus, I just keep seeing cute stuff at the dollar store that I just have to make something with. It’s an addiction I tell ya! My daughter LOVED crafting when she was younger, and making things with beads was one of her very favorite things. This beading project is an adorable craft to make with little ones for Easter. All of the supplies can easily be found at the dollar store. Although I Read More »
Easter Wreath Favors
Easter is this weekend and I have been busy planning our family Easter dinner. I saw some beautiful Easter wreath table favors at a home decor store that I absolutely loved, but could not afford at $14.95 each. So like any DIY/Craft blogger, I went home and made my own for a fraction of the cost, and just as pretty too I might add. This is a project that anyone can do, and I will share with you just how easy it is. To start, I picked up some supplies at the local dollar store, including 6 mini grapevine wreaths and Read More »
Easter Baskets Made From Recycled Cans
I had so much fun this weekend turning some recycled tomato cans into Easter baskets for my pretty chillens. I love creating and it’s always amazing to me how scrapbook paper and ric rac ribbon can dress almost anything up! My kids are now a teen and a tween, and other than a special family dinner, we don’t celebrate Easter in a big commercial way. In fact, giving each child a little basket with a few treats inside is just fine for them, so this year I have decided to downsize the baskets and replace them with something smaller. Just so happens my husband made Read More »
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