The Mellow Month of May

The mellow month of May...or anything, but! Most families, like ours, have a million and one things going on in May. Graduations, Mother's Day, Communions, Birthdays, Labor Day, Weddings. You name it, it's happening, and all within the next 31 days! Z and I have Mother's Day, a graduation, three birthdays (one sister, one niece, and one BFF), and a wedding all within seven days. Sadly, we will miss some celebrations, as we cannot be in Jersey for the whole week, but we get to be there for half the fun, and that is a lot of fun!

Considering all the craziness and party happenings in May, I am finding myself more than ever needing to take a MAJOR chill pill. So, in the event that Summer is fast approaching, and I want to be ready for it, I have decided to give myself a challenge. Cinco de Mayo,Memorial Day and all, doesn't matter the festivities that soon await me, I have decided to make May, my most mellow month. That means one thing mainly (& only) - no booze. I have never done a 30 day drinking detox, but I am doing it this month. I am not giving up everything that's "not good", but the alcohol is a definite. Considering how much I enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the beach or any party I attend, this is going to be a tough one for me, but that's why I am doing it. No pain, no gain. Anyone, want to join? Let's get beach bod ready!! Wish me luck, eeek! xo RCN

 

This Is 30 Gift Guide

My outlook on turning 30 is simple and good. 30 is the same as being 20, but maybe even better, right!? And after all, if it is just as good as my 20s, then I think I will be in pretty good shape.

I lived a full life in my 20s and had a wonderful time. Yet, there are a few things I did or dealt with then, that I am glad I no longer have to conquer or do in life, ever again. Nothing terrible, just things that I am happy to have accomplished, signed and sealed. College, for example, it was a blast, but at the end of the day I don't want to study for midterms or worry about getting my first "real" job, ever again. Zach and I were married at 25. It was the most beautiful day of my entire life and I wouldn't change a thing. That being said, I am so happy I am married and don't ever have to worry about finding the man of my dreams, ever again. I am blessed we nailed the forever thing down in our 20s.

Then, there are the things that I am glad will stay the same from my 20s to 30s. At 21, I was legal to drink champagne, mojitos, and all my favorite libations. The same will happen in my 30s, as I am glad there is not a law to revoke drinking at 31. I traveled around the world in my 20s and I for sure hope that fortune continues. I plan on it. I worked really hard at my career over the last decade, and I plan on doing the same for the next ten years, no matter what I end up doing each day. 

So, 30 for me is about continuing to live and love life and build dreams. I want to grow a bigger family with my husband, explore new places, and find a forever home that I can put as much wallpaper and hang as many plants from the ceiling as I desire. With all those additions to the things that continue from my 20s, I am projecting my 30s to be the best years yet. Cheers to 30! Here is my birthday gift guide for anyone that is turning 30, 20, or older! All are based on the thoughtful presents my loved ones gifted me this year. xo RCN

 

Magazine Trees

I learned how to make magazine trees years ago, thanks to Martha! I have put my own spin on it over time, always changing up the embellishments and decoration each year. This is one of the easiest craft projects to make over the holidays and it's great for kids too! Select a favorite holiday movie on Netflix and get to folding. You will have a recycled forest before you know it. Watch the youtube video and pictured steps below to create a magazine tree (or few!) of your own. Have fun! xo RCN

Step 1. Select a magazine, the larger the magazine, the longer it will take to fold, but the bigger it will be. Be sure to massage and flatten out the binding as much as possible. This will come in handy as you fold more and more. The pages will become more flexible to manage.

Step 2. Fold cover down to make the top edge of magazine lined up with binding of magazine.

Step 3. Fold the same cover once more so that the folded edge then lines up to the magazine's binding.

Step 4. Fold bottom edge that is sticking out, underneath and parallel to bottom of magazine edge.

Step 5. Continue steps 1-4 repeatedly until all pages have been folded.

Step 6. Once you have come to your very last fold, (the bottom edge of the last page), you will take that small cornered edge and tuck it into the bottom edge pocket of the page/cover that is next to it. Refer to images below and video for complete understanding.

You are complete with folding. Now, onto the decorating. For the embellished tree pictured below, I used glitter, ribbon, and extra/old Christmas decorations I was doing away with. First, I applied tacky glue to the top of the tree with a paintbrush, followed by sprinkling glitter on top. Then, using hot glue, I attached the bells, bows, and pinecones. This tree is quite eclectic, a bit' like my home. How did you decorate your paper trees? Send me a shout out in the comments below, would love to hear your ideas!

 
Source: http://www.marthastewart.com/269354/magazi...