Life Lately: Where I’ve Been

 

Life Lately: Where I’ve Been (because… yeah 😅)

Hey friends! 👋

So… life happened. And by “life happened,” I mean a whirlwind of crafting, reading, way too many late-night Pinterest dives, and honestly… just trying to keep my glitter under control (spoiler: I failed 😅).

If you’ve been wondering why I’ve been MIA here on the blog for a minute, grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment 🍷) and let me spill the tea.

Craft Chaos

First off, crafting has been chaotic but magical. I’ve been hoarding supplies like a glittery squirrel preparing for winter and diving headfirst into new projects. Some are winners… some are “what was I thinking?” But hey, it’s all part of the process, right? 💖✨

Reading & Escaping

I’ve also been devouring books like a pro. Between travel, work, and random life chaos, escaping into a good story has been my lifeline. I may or may not have a stack of “to-read” books that’s threatening to overtake the couch… again. 📚😅

Life Outside the Blog

Beyond crafting and reading, life has just been… life. Between daily adventures, tackling projects, and catching up on things that don’t fit in a Pinterest aesthetic, I realized that sometimes you just need a little pause to regroup.

So, yeah… that’s why the blog got a little quiet. But don’t worry—your favorite crafty, beauty-loving, glitter-fighting gal is back, refreshed, and ready to share all the chaos and creations with you! 💪💖

What’s Next?

I’ve got some fun posts coming up: new craft tutorials, beauty experiments that may or may not explode (literally, let’s hope not 😬), and some personal “life lately” musings because, well… that’s just part of who I am.

Thanks for sticking around, friends. You’re the reason I keep creating, writing, and sharing—even when life gets a little messy (and glittery).

Catch you soon with more sparkle and sass,
– Amanda ✨💖

Craftin’ Wife’s Creations: Spring DIY Decor

 🌸 Craftin’ Wife’s Creations: Spring DIY Decor – Easy, Cute, No Stress Allowed! 🌸

Hey crafty friends! Amanda here, your glitter-free, glue-gun-wielding partner-in-crime, ready to help you freshen up your space this spring without losing your sanity. Because let’s be real… life’s too short for complicated Pinterest fails. 🙃

1. Blooming Mason Jar Vases 🌷

All you need: mason jars, some faux flowers (or real if you’re feeling fancy), and a little ribbon. Tie a cute bow, fill with blooms, and voilà – instant spring vibes. Bonus: these are perfect for your desk, windowsill, or even your RV table if you’re like me.

2. No-Fuss Spring Wreath 🌿
Grab a foam wreath base, some floral picks, and hot glue (or wire if you’re fancy). Arrange your picks however you like – asymmetry is chic! Hang it on your door and watch neighbors smile… or at least wonder why you’re crafting at 3 PM.

3. Cute Citrus Coasters 🍋
Foam sheets + permanent markers + some mod podge = mini citrus coasters that scream “I have my life together,” even if your laundry pile says otherwise. 🍊

4. Easy Peasy Painted Pots 🪴
Plain terra-cotta pots? Not for long. Pick your fave spring colors, paint funky patterns, and add a little plant. Herbs, succulents, or fake greenery – all fair game. Instant shelfie-ready décor!

5. Tabletop Bunny Parade 🐰
Tiny figurines, little floral garlands, and a cute tray = a bunny-themed centerpiece in under 10 minutes. Bonus points for chocolate bunnies (for you, not the display).

✨ Amanda’s Tip: Don’t overthink it. Spring is about light, fresh vibes – not stress, not glitter explosions, not crafting disasters. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and your space will thank you.

Alright, my fellow DIY-ers, that’s your guilt-free spring decor roundup! Go forth, craft a little, sip some coffee, and enjoy your stress-free, cute space.

💖 Amanda

April Blog Schedule

 

🌸 April Blog Schedule is HERE, Babe 🌸

Okay, okay… I know. March got a little chaotic. Life happened, vibes shifted, and honestly? We just weren’t about to force content for the sake of it. 🙃

BUT we are so back and April is giving fresh starts, cute projects, and glowy skin energy — and I am READY.

If you’re new here (hi, hello, welcome 💕), we keep things simple and fun around here with a Monday / Wednesday / Friday posting schedule:

• ✂️ Mondays = Crafts
• 💄 Wednesdays = Beauty
• 🌎 Fridays = Anything Goes (aka whatever I’m feeling that day 😌)

So grab your coffee, your glue gun, or your favorite lip gloss… here’s what’s coming this month:

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✂️ Mondays — Craft Time, Baby

Because obviously we’re starting the week with creativity ✨

• April 6 – Spring DIY Decor (easy, cute, no stress allowed)
• April 13 – Budget-Friendly Craft Haul + Mini Projects (because we love a deal 💅)
• April 20 – Upcycle Glow-Up: Turning Old into Adorable
• April 27 – Florals Without the Fuss (no overcomplicated nonsense here)

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💄 Wednesdays — Beauty Vibes Only

Midweek glow-ups are mandatory, sorry I don’t make the rules 😌

• April 1 – Spring Reset: Let’s Refresh Everything
• April 8 – Drugstore Favorites I’m Actually Loving
• April 15 – “No Makeup” Makeup Look (aka we tried, but chill)
• April 22 – Self-Care Night Essentials (you deserve it 💕)
• April 29 – Beauty Empties + The Honest Tea ☕

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🌎 Fridays — Anything Goes Chaos

This is where we just ✨vibe✨

• April 3 – Life Lately: Where I’ve Been (because… yeah 😅)
• April 10 – Travel Talk: Small-Town Gems I’m Obsessed With
• April 17 – Craft Room Check-In (send help… or storage ideas)
• April 24 – Real Talk: Balancing Creativity & Real Life

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April is all about getting back into the groove, making cute things, feeling good, and not taking anything too seriously. We’re crafting, we’re glowing, we’re figuring it out as we go — and honestly? That’s the vibe.

If there’s something you want to see this month (crafts, beauty, chaos, all of the above), you already know — drop it in the comments or come hang out with me on socials 💬

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Stay creative, stay cozy, and don’t trust glitter… ever. ✂️✨
— Amanda 💕

Anything Goes: Q&A & Community Chat

 🌈 Friday, March 27 – Anything Goes: Q&A & Community Chat

Happy Friday, friends! 🎉

It’s that time again—our weekly “anything goes” post where we slow down, chat, and have a little fun together. I didn’t get any actual questions this week (though you know I’m always listening!), so today I thought I’d share some “pretend” questions from readers, along with my answers, plus a peek at what’s coming up here on the blog.

Q: Amanda, what’s your current favorite crafting tool?
Oh, that’s an easy one! Right now, I am obsessed with my new set of blending brushes. They make everything—from paints to powders—blend like a dream. Bonus: zero glitter fallout! 😅

Q: Any tips for keeping your crafting space tidy?
Yes, yes, yes! I’ve been using small baskets and clear containers to keep all the little bits organized. And I always have a “quick sweep” rule at the end of each project—just a few minutes, and suddenly the space feels brand new again.

Q: What are you reading right now?
I’m diving into a cozy mystery series that’s so addictive I keep telling myself, just one more chapter… until suddenly it’s 2 a.m. 📚 I love books that let me escape a little while I sip my tea and watch the world go by.

Q: Can you share a sneak peek of upcoming projects?
Absolutely! I’m planning some spring-inspired crafts, with lots of pastel colors and fun textures. And because you all know I hate glitter disasters, there will be plenty of sparkle-free options. Plus, a few beauty experiments I think you’ll enjoy—easy, colorful looks you can pull off in under 15 minutes.

Beyond crafts and beauty, I’ve been thinking about adding some “mini-challenges” for us to do together—quick little creative prompts that anyone can try, even if you’re short on time. I’m really excited about that idea, so stay tuned!

And now… I want to hear from you. Even if it’s just a tiny update, drop a comment below and let me know: what have you been making or trying this week? Any weekend plans or fun little wins to celebrate? Let’s make this Friday chat a little community corner where we can all share and inspire each other. 💖

Thanks for stopping by, friends. Here’s to a weekend full of creativity, laughter, and maybe a little mess (the fun kind!).

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If you want, I can also add some fun “fake reader questions” about bizarre or silly things, to make it even more playful and scroll-stopping. Do you want me to do that?

Sure

Perfect! Let’s sprinkle in some playful, silly “reader questions” to make the post extra fun and scroll-stopping. Here’s a revised, longer version with those added:

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🌈 Friday, March 27 – Anything Goes: Q&A & Community Chat

Happy Friday, friends! 🎉

It’s that time again—our weekly “anything goes” post where we slow down, chat, and have a little fun together. I didn’t get any actual questions this week (though you know I’m always listening!), so today I thought I’d share some imaginary reader questions—the kind you didn’t know you needed—and answer them for fun. Plus, a peek at what’s coming up on the blog!

Q: Amanda, do you ever craft while eating cookies?
Absolutely. In fact, I consider it essential multitasking. 🍪 Some crumbs may escape into the craft supplies, but that’s just adding character, right?

Q: Can a paintbrush double as a magic wand?
Only if you believe hard enough. I’ve tried waving it while chanting “make it pretty!”—results may vary, but my workspace does feel magically happier afterward. ✨

Q: How do you handle glitter… without losing your mind?
Ah, the age-old question. Trick is: I don’t touch loose glitter. Ever. Instead, I stick to glitter sheets, pens, or glitter glue with controlled application. Keeps the floors, hair, and pets blissfully sparkle-free. 😅

Q: What’s your ultimate comfort craft snack?
Popcorn. It’s crunchy, salty, and light enough that you can grab a handful between brush strokes or cutting paper. Bonus points if it’s covered in caramel. 🍿

Q: Can you craft and binge-watch at the same time?
Yes, but with rules: choose shows with low dialogue density, keep hands free for glue and scissors, and never, ever attempt glitter while watching a horror series—you’ll regret it.

Q: Any tips for staying inspired when creativity feels stuck?
Step away for a bit, go for a walk, sip some tea, or even just rearrange your crafting space. Sometimes the best ideas sneak in while you’re doing something completely unrelated.

Sneak Peek of Upcoming Projects:

• Spring-inspired crafts: pastel colors, fun textures, and zero glitter disasters.
• Quick beauty experiments: easy, colorful looks you can pull off in under 15 minutes.
• Mini-challenges: tiny creative prompts we can all do together, no matter how busy the week has been.

And now… let’s hear from you. Even if it’s just a tiny update, drop a comment below: what have you been making or trying this week? Any fun weekend plans or small wins to celebrate? Let’s make this Friday chat a little community corner where we can share and inspire each other. 💖

Thanks for stopping by, friends. Here’s to a weekend full of creativity, laughter, and maybe a little mess (the fun kind!).

<3 Amanda | Craftin' Wife

Beauty Organization in Small Spaces

 💅 Wednesday, March 25 – Beauty Organization in Small Spaces

If you’re like me, your makeup collection has a personality of its own—colorful, chaotic, and sometimes completely out of control. But what do you do when your dream vanity room doesn’t exist, and every surface in your home is already full? Fear not! Small spaces don’t mean you have to sacrifice style or accessibility. With a few clever hacks, you can keep your beauty essentials organized, functional, and—most importantly—fun to use.

1. Go Vertical with Tiered Organizers
Stackable trays or tiered shelves are lifesavers when counter space is limited. They allow you to see everything at a glance without spreading your collection across the entire bathroom. Bonus: clear acrylic tiers make it easy to spot your favorite shades quickly, while still keeping your space feeling light and airy.

2. Get Creative with Drawer Inserts
Drawers aren’t just for hiding things—they can be a treasure trove of organized bliss. Shallow boxes, ice cube trays, or purpose-made drawer organizers can separate lipsticks, brushes, eyeshadows, and tools. The key is to categorize by type or frequency of use so that everything has a home and nothing ever gets lost at the bottom.

3. Magnetic Boards for a Chic Display
If you’re feeling crafty, magnetic boards can turn your collection into art. Attach small magnets to the bottoms of your metal makeup containers and stick them on a wall-mounted board. Not only does it save counter space, but it also adds a visually stunning focal point to your room. Perfect for the makeup lover who appreciates both style and functionality!

4. Don’t Forget Over-the-Door Storage
Those overlooked doors are prime real estate for organization. Hanging organizers or clear shoe pockets can hold brushes, palettes, and other tools, keeping them off your counters but still within reach. This is especially useful in apartments or rooms where space is at a premium.

5. Keep Essentials in Portable Caddies
Sometimes, what you need most is flexibility. Small rolling caddies or baskets let you store your everyday items neatly and then tuck them away when you need your space back. They’re also great for taking your beauty routine anywhere in the house—or even outdoors for a little sunlight check on your foundation!

Pro Tip: Keep your daily essentials at eye level and store seasonal or rarely used items out of the way. It makes your routine faster, reduces clutter, and keeps your space looking serene. A little organization goes a long way toward enjoying your collection rather than feeling buried under it.

<3 Amanda | Craftin' Wife

Custom Vinyl Keychains – Small, Personal, Perfect for Travel

 🌼 Monday, March 23 – Handmade Gift Idea (Non-Holiday Specific)

If you’re anything like me, finding a thoughtful handmade gift that fits in an RV can be a challenge. Space is tight, but that doesn’t mean your gifts can’t be meaningful! Enter the Cricut Joy and some vinyl magic: personalized keychains that are small, portable, and totally customizable.

Why I Love This Project:
Keychains are practical, lightweight, and something anyone can use. Plus, with the Cricut Joy, you don’t need a huge workspace—perfect for life on the road. Each keychain can be completely personalized with names, initials, tiny icons, or fun phrases. They’re a gift that feels special without taking up a ton of room.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Cricut Joy + Smart Vinyl (permanent or removable)
• Keychain blanks (acrylic or leather are great options)
• Transfer tape (essential for clean application)
• Weeding tools (small and travel-friendly)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Design your keychain in Cricut Design Space. Keep it simple for best results: a name, initials, or a small icon works perfectly.
2. Cut your vinyl using the Smart Vinyl—you don’t even need a mat!
3. Weed your design, removing the excess vinyl carefully with your tool.
4. Apply transfer tape to lift your design and place it neatly on your keychain blank.
5. Attach to a keyring and you’re done!

Extra Tips for a Travel-Friendly Craft:

• Layer two vinyl colors for a pop of personality without needing extra space.
• Tiny icons like stars, hearts, or mountains make each keychain extra special.
• Keep extra vinyl scraps in small zip bags—they’re easy to store and perfect for future projects.

Why This Makes a Perfect Gift:
These keychains are small, easy to send in the mail, and totally personal. You can make one for a friend, family member, or even yourself as a little reminder of your travels. And because they’re made with love and creativity, they’re far more meaningful than a generic store-bought item.

Whether you’re RVing, living tiny, or just love compact crafts, custom vinyl keychains are a fun, fast, and heartfelt gift you can whip up anywhere.

What I’m Reading + Current Favorites

 Craftin' Wife's Creations Blog

📚 Friday, March 20 – What I’m Reading + Current Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! This week I’m sharing some books that have kept me hooked, whether with suspense, heartfelt moments, or just pure reading joy.

Currently enjoying (or just finished!):

• The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore – Sweet, cozy, and perfect for warm, comforting vibes.
• Found by Dave Musson – A collection of chilling short stories that’ll make you double-check the locks at night.
• Golden Hour by Rachel LaBerge – A touching tale of love, basketball, and life’s messy, beautiful moments.
• Adventures of a Bookworm by Kathleen Brooks – A fun, escapist read for anyone who loves getting lost in stories.
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King – Epic time-travel suspense, history, and twists that keep you glued to the pages.

Current favorites:

• Cozy reading nooks (bonus points if there’s sunlight!).
• A hot drink that feels like a warm hug.
• Discovering little sparks of inspiration—through books, crafts, or everyday moments.

What are you reading this week? I’d love to hear your picks—let’s swap favorites!

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If you want, I can also make a super short, scroll-ready version that’s punchy and full of cozy vibes for your readers. Do you want me to do that?

Better, now make it longer, more like a blog and less blurb.

Absolutely! Let’s expand it into a full, cozy blog post with more personality, anecdotes, and a lifestyle touch, keeping it warm and approachable for your readers:

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Craftin' Wife's Creations Blog
📚 Friday, March 20 – What I’m Reading + Current Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a good book in hand, a cozy spot to sit, and maybe a warm drink nearby. Lately, I’ve been diving into a mix of stories that have kept me entertained, inspired, and sometimes a little spooked—because why not have all the feels in one reading session?

Here’s what’s been on my nightstand:

• The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore – If you’re looking for a cozy, feel-good story, this one is perfect. It’s sweet and heartwarming, the kind of book that makes you wish you could visit the cafe yourself. I found myself imagining the scents of coffee and baked goods as I read, which made me want to have a spontaneous baking session in my kitchen.
• Found by Dave Musson – Okay, full disclosure: this one is a little creepy. A collection of short stories that lean into horror, Found had me checking the door a few times! I love that thrill, though, the way a story can sneak under your skin and linger in your mind long after the last page. It’s the perfect balance of suspense and storytelling that makes you want to keep reading… even when your imagination is begging you to stop.
• Golden Hour by Rachel LaBerge – I adore stories that show life’s messy moments can be beautiful. This one is about love, basketball, and how two people can connect through all the ups and downs. It’s touching and hopeful, and reading it reminded me how important it is to notice the little, everyday moments that bring people together.
• Adventures of a Bookworm by Kathleen Brooks – Sometimes, you just want to escape into a world of stories, and this one delivered. Fun, light, and easy to get lost in, it’s a reminder of why I love reading so much—the joy of diving into someone else’s world and letting it carry you away for a while.
• 11/22/63 by Stephen King – And then, of course, there’s Stephen King. Time travel, suspense, and history all rolled into one epic story. This one grabbed me from the very first page and didn’t let go. It’s long, but worth every chapter, and I loved the way it made me think about choices, history, and how even small actions can ripple through time.

My current favorites, beyond the pages:

• Cozy reading nooks with plenty of light—bonus points if there’s a blanket involved.
• Hot drinks that feel like a hug in a mug (coffee, tea, or cocoa, I’m not picky!).
• Finding inspiration in little things: a scene in a book that sparks a craft idea, or a character’s perspective that makes me pause and think.

Reading has always been my way to slow down, recharge, and dream a little. Whether it’s a spooky short story, a heartwarming romance, or a sprawling historical adventure, I love how each book leaves a little mark on me—sometimes making me laugh, sometimes tugging at my heart, and sometimes keeping me up at night in the best (or worst!) way.

So, tell me—what’s on your nightstand right now? Any books I absolutely need to add to my list? Let’s swap favorites and share a little reading joy today.

<3 Amanda | Craftin' Wife