DIY Project: How to Hang Outdoor String Lights

One of the first projects I wanted to work on for our deck was to hang string lights. I just love the warm and inviting atmosphere string lights create. When we were house hunting, the deck was a big bonus for us. I envisioned hanging out back watching the kids play and eating meals al fresco. 

Today, I am sharing how to hang outdoor string lights and some helpful tips we learned along the way. This project was easy, effective and budget-friendly. The whole project cost me about $80. 

Before I bought supplies, I did some research on how I wanted to complete the project. I planned out the design for the lights, the distance the lights needed to cover and what type of lights I wanted to use. I love the look of Vintage Edison bulbs. I found a set on Amazon that were heavy duty to ensure they can withstand the outdoor elements like wind and rain. 

I had to decide how I would attach the lights. I researched lots of options, but ultimately choose to go with electrical conduit. It is durable, effective and budget-friendly. 

What You'll Need:

(1) 1" electrical conduit

(1) 1" screw coupling electrical metal tubing

(1) set of outdoor string lights 

black zip ties

(1) 15 ft. outdoor extension cord

deck/wood screws (I used 6)

cup screws (I used 4) 

(3) 1" conduit straps

(1) can of black satin spray paint

Other tools needed:

drill

ladder 

Once I bought all the supplies, I spray painted the electrical conduit black. You can also spray paint the coupling to match. I used the coupling so I didn't have to drill a hole in the pole to attach the lights. This prevents the zip-tied lights from slipping down the pole for any reason. 

Next, I mapped out where I wanted to attach the cup hooks into the side of our house and where the pole would need be attached. We used the conduit straps and deck screws to attach the conduit directly onto our deck. Once the cup screws and post were in place, we were ready to hang the lights. 

Before hanging the lights, test out the strand by screwing in a bulb and plugging it into the outlet. Our strand of lights did not have the bulbs attached. I recommend hanging the lights without the bulbs first so there is no chance of breaking any bulbs in the process. 

We started hanging the lights from the point where we plugged the lights in. We secured the strand to the cup hooks with a zip tie. Then, we extended the strand to the post and secured it with a zip tie in-between the screw coupling. We strung the cord back to the side of the house and so on. 

Once we finished hanging the entire strand, we attached the bulbs and plugged the lights in. I love how it turned out. The lights give off the perfect amount of light that is warm and inviting. I also purchased an outdoor outlet so we can control the lights with my phone or voice control with Google assistant. 

Helpful Tips:

• Map out the design for your lights to ensure you buy enough sets to cover the desired distance
• Test the strand out before hanging the lights.
• Remove the bulbs before hanging the lights to prevent bulbs from breaking 
• Start with the end that plugs in.  

We cannot wait to enjoy more time outside this summer with our new outdoor string lights! 

DIY Custom Beaded Bracelets

This past weekend I was brainstorming some ideas for Mother's Day gifts. It's been challenging to think of gifts since I can't exactly make it out to stores. Thanks for Michael's curbside pick-up option, I thought it would be fun to get crafty this year. 

It also helps to pass the time while we are all spending more time in the house. 

I was browsing the bead selection and loved the idea of rose gold bracelets. 

Today, I am sharing this super easy DIY project that only requires a few things in addition to a pair of scissors.

WHAT YOU NEED:

elastic magic cord

alphabet beads for personalization

beads for the rest of the bracelet

 HOW TO ASSEMBLE

Step 1: Set aside the alphabet beads you'll need for your custom message/name

Step 3: Unwind the elastic and start adding filler beads. I used 25 beads before adding my alphabet beads. I added 25 more beads. *You may want to measure out your wrist to ensure it fits comfortably on your wrist. 

Step 4: Wrap the bracelet around your wrist to ensure a comfortable fit and cut the string. Leave it a bit longer so you can tie the two strings together. 

Step 5: Triple tie the knots to secure the bracelet. You can use glue to ensure the knots are more secure. 

I made sure to make a set for myself too since I had the extra beads. 

They pair perfectly with my Apple watch that is also rose gold. 

This project was fun, super easy and only cost me about $10 total for the 11 bracelets I made.

Since I have some beads leftover, and to celebrate Mother's Day, I'd love to make a custom set for one of my readers! 

TO ENTER:

1) Follow me on Instagram (@glitterandjuls)

2) Like my last three IG posts
3) Tag a friend or two

3) Comment below with your custom set request.

I'll choose a winner this week! Good luck! 

4 Fun Ways To Celebrate Valentine's Day With Your Family + DIY Valentine Dessert Charcuterie Board

Valentine's Day has become more about showing my family love than it is a romantic holiday for us. Ever since I had the kids I have had so much fun celebrating with them. Since it's the start of Valentine's Day week I wanted to share some fun ways to celebrate this week of love with your family.

1. Festive Family Dinner - On this week's menu I thought it would be fun for us to make our own heart-shaped personalized pizzas. The kids always have a blast customizing their pizzas and it's a great way for everyone to get involved and spend time together over a yummy meal. I'll be sharing how our pizzas turn out later in the week on my Instagram Stories so if you aren't following me, make sure you do so you don't miss out on our adventures (@gitterandjuls)

2. Love Notes - I usually get small candy treats for the kids and last year I included handmade valentine cards. As part of kids' valentines this year, I am including love notes that lists 14 reasons why I love each of one of them. I can't wait for the kids to read them and I hope they feel extra-loved!

3 - Acts of Love & Kindness - I am challenging everyone to reach out to someone in an act of kindness each day this week. For every act of kindness they get a Hershey kiss. I  think it's important to spread kindness every day and this is just a fun way to positively reinforce it!

4- Friday Night In - This year, Valentine's Day is on a Friday. A fun way to celebrate that doesn't cost much for a family of 6 is to order take-out and snuggle up for a good old fashion movie night! I took a stab at creating my very first Valentine dessert charcuterie board. I thought it would be a fun treat for us to have while we watch a movie together. I did some Pinterest-ing for inspiration and I wrote down a few treats to pick up that I know everyone in my family loves like strawberries, Twizzler's, gummies, popcorn, pretzels and chocolates. You can create your own DIY dessert charcuterie board with your own family's favorites! Simply assemble everything on a big platter or board and utilizing any little bowls you own. Just have fun as there is no right or wrong way to create your own charcuterie board! Friday is a still a few days away so you still have time to create your own! Here is a closer look at my first attempt my own charcuterie board and I can't wait to recreate it again on Friday!

How do you plan to spend your Valentine's Day? However you spend your day/night I hope you're surrounded by love!!

Simple DIY "Thanks A Latte" Holiday Gift and Other Gift Ideas

I always like a fun DIY gift to give as holiday gifts for the teachers. With 4 kids I can't splurge like I would want to so it's usually a thoughtful handmade gift or a gift card. Gift cards are always a top teacher gift when I have taken a poll.  But I don't like just stuffing a gift card in an envelope so I like creative ways to package them.

The idea was sparked when my office catered Starbucks coffee and there were holiday cups left-over the next day. There were enough for all four teachers so I saved them and found a cute printable from blog, Feeling Nifty!

I also picked up some candy and cards so the kids could each write a personalized note to their teachers. I think they turned out so well so I thought I would share how I put them together!

Below are some other great DIY gift ideas I've done in the past:

• Cozy fleece blanke with gift tag "Have a Cozy Little Christmas"
• Hand painted plastic ornaments as seen here  
• Holiday socks and nail polish with gift tag "For your Mistle Toes"
• Hot cocoa mix in clear plastic ornaments

DIY Thank You Gift for Doctors: Prescription Strength Candy Jars

I recently posted on my Instagram account (@glitterandjuls) about a fun DIY project - Prescription Strength candy jars. Since I received some great feedback, I thought I would share how I put them together. 

We have follow-up appointments with Lily's doctors and I wanted to express our gratitude with a small token of appreciation (along with a handwritten thank you note). 

During the week in the hospitals, we showered the nurses and staff with donuts, macarons, and chocolates from our favorite local shops. I wanted to also present something to the doctors and their teams from Lily. 

Insert the prescription strength candy jar idea! These candy jars were so easy and fun to make. I hope doctors and their offices enjoy them! Who doesn't like a sweet treat? 

Here's what you need:

Glass Jar(s) (I found these jars from Hobby Lobby - they were on sale for 50% off too!)

Copy Paper

Printer

Scissors

 Double-sided tape

Candy 

Feel free to download the label I created in Word HERE. 

These would make great teacher appreciation gifts too! 

Teacher Gifts: DIY Christmas Hand-Painted Clear Plastic Ornaments

This year I wanted the kids to be involved in their teacher gifts and I thought it would be fun to make our own Christmas ornaments. The ornaments turned out so cute and I really hope their teachers love them.

I love homemade ornaments from the kids because they are always adorable, make great keepsakes and we make great memories doing them.

I headed to Michael's and the Dollar Tree for supplies and used some supplies we already had around the house.

Instagram Story Templates: Mom Edition

I have really enjoyed reading all the Instagram Story Q&A templates I have seen lately and I decided I wanted to create my own... mom edition! 

Be-pom pommed Sandals and Pouch

Pom poms are super trendy right now and I can't get enough. During the weekend I picked up some supplies to create my own pom pom creation. Much like the be-dazzler, I be-pom pommed a pair of thong sandals and a printed pouch.




I originally got my inspiration from these pair of Aquazurra sandals. Especially because I was not going to pay the retail price of $441! My $12 I spent was definitely something I could live with.

Supplies needed for my version:

Sandals (picked mine up from Wal-Mart) for $8.76

pom poms

hot glue gun

There's not much to it, just pick the pom poms you want to use and glue away!

My next DIY was inspired by this colorful clutch. It retails for $41.00.

Over the weekend I came upon this printed pouch for $3 in the Target dollar spot.

I'm pretty happy with both of my projects. My husband says my shoes look like clown shoes and my clutch looks like a preschool art project. He's a hater. I love them and will rock both all summer!