You can find links to everything here!

Favorite Things Friday, favorite finds for women over 50, affordable beauty products, empty nester kitchen ideas, Mother jeans review, Wonder Oven review

Favorite Things Friday: My Favorite Finds for Women Over 50

One of my favorite parts of blogging has always been sharing the little things that genuinely make life easier, prettier, and more enjoyable. Before social media became what it is today, blogs were where we swapped recommendations with friends. We shared products we loved, decorating ideas, recipes, and little discoveries that made everyday life feel a little more special.

As I begin this new chapter, I wanted to bring that tradition back

Every Friday I’ll be sharing six favorites that I’m genuinely using and loving. My hope is that these posts become a resource you can come back to whenever you’re looking for a great beauty product, a cozy home find, a kitchen gadget worth buying, or simply a little inspiration for your own next chapter.

Today’s roundup includes a few discoveries that have made my week better.

Kitchen Favorite

The Wonder Oven Is Perfect for Empty Nesters

One of the biggest adjustments after becoming an empty nester has been changing the way I cook. I don’t need to prepare meals for six anymore, and I definitely don’t want to heat up my full-sized oven for one or two servings.

That’s why I’ve been loving this adorable Wonder Oven.

Not only is it incredibly cute sitting on the countertop, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. It air fries, bakes, toasts, reheats, and cooks small batches much faster than a traditional oven. It’s become my go-to for lunch, roasting vegetables, warming leftovers, or making a quick dinner without the extra cleanup.

If you’re cooking for one or two people, I honestly think it’s one of the handiest appliances you can own.

Home Favorite

My Rechargeable Candle Warmer Lamp

I’ve always loved burning candles because they instantly make a home feel cozy, but lately I’ve found myself reaching for my rechargeable candle warmer even more.

Instead of burning the wick, the warming bulb gently melts the wax and fills the room with fragrance. The one I’m using has several brightness settings, so it doubles as a beautiful ambient lamp in the evenings.

I love that I don’t have to remember to blow out a candle, and my favorite candles seem to last much longer.

It’s one of those little luxuries that makes everyday life feel just a little bit calmer.

Beauty Favorite

An Affordable Lip Gloss That Rivals My High-End Favorite

If you’ve followed me for very long, you know I’ve been loyal to Buxom lip gloss for years.

Recently I picked up Revolution’s Pout Bomb Plumping Lip Gloss, and I was honestly surprised by how much I liked it.

It gives that same glossy, fuller-looking finish with a comfortable plumping effect, but it costs a fraction of the price. It has quickly earned a permanent spot in my purse.

I love finding affordable beauty products that perform like luxury brands because they prove you don’t always have to spend more to get great results.

Fashion Favorite

Two Pieces I’ve Been Reaching for Again and Again

There are two fashion favorites I keep grabbing this summer.

The first is my Mother jeans. I’ve talked about these before because they’re truly worth the investment. The fit, stretch, pocket placement, and quality are unlike anything else I’ve found, and they hold their shape beautifully year after year. I’ll be linking my favorite styles in my LTK so you can see exactly which pairs I wear most often.

Fashion over 50: my favorite jeans for fall!

In your 50s, it’s time to stop apologizing for buying good jeans. Buy the inexpensive top. Invest in the jeans that make your butt look amazing. A great pair will last for years—and these Mother jeans never let me down. The reason I love Mother jeans is the stretch technology and their pockets are the perfect size and placement. You can’t go wrong!!

Here’s the link to my favorite Mother jeans!

The second is this lightweight leopard satin robe.

I’ve been searching for a robe that’s comfortable enough for summer but still feels a little luxurious. This one is soft, lightweight, and just fun to wear while getting ready in the morning or winding down at night.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make everyday routines feel special.

Organization Favorite

A Padded Laptop Sleeve That Makes Traveling Easier

I carry my laptop almost everywhere, whether I’m heading to a coffee shop, filming content, or meeting clients.

This padded laptop sleeve has become one of those purchases that I use every single day.

It protects my computer without adding a lot of bulk, and the soft gingham pattern makes me smile every time I pull it out of my bag. It’s practical, simple, and exactly the kind of organizing product I appreciate because it solves a problem without overcomplicating things.

Just Because Favorite

My Favorite Little Self-Care Routine

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that self-care doesn’t have to mean an expensive spa day.

Sometimes it’s as simple as slowing down for an evening.

One of my favorite rituals lately has been putting on the Mediheal Hyper Hyaluronate sheet mask, slipping into my leopard robe, making a cup of tea, and watching a movie.

Those quiet moments help me recharge after a busy week of work, remodeling projects, and everyday life.

I’ve found that taking care of ourselves in small ways often makes the biggest difference.

What I’m Doing This Weekend

Remodeling, Real Estate, and the Farmers Market

This weekend is going to be a busy one.

I’m hosting an open house tonight, spending time working on projects at the Tudor, and hopefully wandering through the farmers market on Saturday morning. There’s something about fresh flowers, local produce, and strolling through the market that always inspires me.

I’m excited to share more of those adventures during Saturday Strolls this weekend.

As always, you’ll find links to everything featured in today’s post—including my favorite Mother jeans—in my LTK and linked throughout this post.

I’d also love to hear from you.

What’s one thing you’ve been loving lately that you think I should try? Leave me a comment below because I’m always looking for new favorites to share in a future Favorite Things Friday.

And be sure to join our Tatertots & Jello; The Next Chapter community! With daily themes and all kinds of ideas and inspiration!!

Thank you for spending a little part of your Friday with me.

Which one is YOUR favorite??

Until next week!

xoxo,

The post Favorite Things Friday: My Favorite Finds for Women Over 50 | August 7 appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Warm and Cozy Fall Ideas

Hi friends! How was your week? My daughter started school and I’ve had company so this week was a whirlwind! Our bathroom is coming along. Almost all of the tile is done. Next up, is the beadboard and hopefully we can get our new vanity and toilet in the room soon so my daughter can start using it!

New Projects

This week I shared a couple warm and cozy ideas!

18 DIY Pumpkins to Make

I gathered all of my favorite pumpkin ideas and put them into ONE post. SO many adorable and easy pumpkins that you can make for fall!

Early Fall Decorating Ideas

I joined some friends who also shared some easy ways to decorate for early fall. Be sure to check them out!

Fall Recipes

I love baking and cooking in the fall. Here are a few fall recipes that my family loves!

11 Warm and Delicious WW Fall Soup Recipes

11 Warm and Delicious Fall Weight Watchers Soup Recipes. Keep on track this Fall with these easy and fast soup recipes with Weight Watcher’s Points! 

Warm and Cozy Fall Ideas

Here are a few other ways that I love to keep our home warm and cozy for fall!

14 DELICIOUS Fall soups to make!

14 DELICIOUS Pumpkin Soup Recipes for Fall! There’s nothing better than warm, delicious soup when the weather gets cold. These pumpkin soup recipes are perfect for cold weather!

16 delicious low carb keto soup recipes

16 Low-Carb Keto Soup Recipes Your Whole Family will Love! Just because you are eating low-carb or keto doesn’t mean you have to make two dinners every night. Try these delicious low-carb soup recipes your whole family will love!

12 Absolutely Amazing Pumpkin Recipes

12 Absolutely Amazing Pumpkin Recipes. All of the BEST Pumpkin recipes all in one spot! Check out these pumpkin recipes and make something special to celebrate FALL!

Welcome Cynthia from Vintage and Grace Living

This week we welcome back one of my favorite instagram friends – Cynthia from Vintage and Grace Living!

Cynthia has the BEST ideas that she shares! I love the way she has transformed her home. You need to click over to see what it looked like before! I love her light and bright home.

I loved Cynthia’s Summer Home Tour. So many beautiful ideas! Another thing that I love is that Cynthia shares projects that are super affordable and easily done.

Another room that Cynthia has transformed is her kitchen. It looks so different than it did before. I love how cozy and charming it looks now! Be sure to follow along with Cynthia on Instagram at @vintageandgraceliving. She shares the BEST ideas!

Welcome Home Saturday

The Tattered Pew / 4 Simple Steps for Creating a Floral Centerpiece in a Pedestal Bowl

She Gave It a Go / Console Table Fall Decor

tatertots & jello / 18 DIY Pumpkin Ideas for Fall

White Arrows Home / Early Fall Decor Before Pumpkins

Crisp Collective / Early Fall Decor

Vintage and Grace Living / The Best Fall Apple Dessert for the Fall Season

What are YOU love this week?

Let us know in the comments!

xoxo

The post Create a Cozy Home for Fall appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Before I tell you more – here’s how to sign up. Just click here (or below) and use the code Tatertots for 10% off!

Ready to learn a little more?

I’ll be teaching this fun class …

on Saturday afternoon for a fun class on using Project Life (and yes, the cool stuff from my lines)!

And I’m extra excited for my class with my friend Lisa Bearnson!

We’ll be talking about how to use scrapbook pages in home decor … and showing her new Anthology by Lisa Bearnson products! I hope you can join us at the Pinners conference!- remember to use the Tatertots code for 10% off!

And I’m excited about Lisa’s new Anthology products! Check it out:

Sometimes it’s hard to get everything assembled for a project, but Anthology makes it easy – with monthly project kits and complete instructions. … Like this cute card kit:

Or this cool limited edition stamp set – with seasonal stamps for Halloween and Christmas!

Plus, check out all of the cool tools – and all of the kits and fashion-forward designs!

You’ll see it all at the Pinners conference – come join us and all of the amazing presenters!

And remember, you’ll get 10% off when you use the code Tatertots!

Come meet us – pick up some great home decor tips – and get inspired!

See you there!

xoxo

I may get compensation for products or services mentioned. See my disclosures.

The post Join Me & Lisa Bearnson (!) at the Pinners Conference + Announcing Anthology! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Today we unite as Women. Women helping Women.

I’ve learned so much in the eight years I’ve been blogging. It’s been an incredible blessing and I think it’s an amazing way that women can get together and change the world.

I’m honored to introduce you to BeadforLife, a non-profit organization who’ve been helping the poverty stricken women of Uganda, Africa for over a decade. What’s even cooler than that is they’re now ready to take those efforts to the world!

I’m touched to be one of the many female online influencers who want to reach out and help; to be part of something bigger than just one because together we can all make a difference in the lives of women living in extreme poverty around the world.

And we can lend a helping hand to Ignite 1 Million… and make a difference: Women Helping Women!

It starts with a spark

They have been working with women in Uganda who are among the poorest of the poor, helping them transform their lives and the lives of generations to come. Through the Beads to Business program, they’ve reached thousands of women, giving them the confidence and know-how to launch their own businesses. Their entrepreneurial training model works.

Now we have seen that The Street Business School program works and we’re dreaming big. We’re taking this poverty eradication program to the world to ignite the lives of 1 million women! Over the next three years, we will be working with other like-minded organizations across the globe. We will scale The Street Business School model, tailoring it to new cultures and continents and building a network of trainers to help women rise out of poverty.

Join us as we ignite potential to end poverty! Make a direct donation or support the cause by visiting our Woman helping Woman Marketplace or making a purchase.

Click here for more information about how to host your own Marketplace either in-person or on-line! Help spread the word in your community by hosting an event! It’s so easy to be involved and with the holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to get a jump start on holiday gift giving!

This is the beautiful handmade Ignite Bracelet created for Ignite 1 Million campaign…

Together we can make a difference! It just takes one spark…

xoxo

The post Make a Difference: Women Helping Women appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

With Expressionery,  she’s introduced the fun “Me and My Peeps” stationery line, and she was kind enough to send me a cute set of stationery personalized for me!

To celebrate this new line, she’s offering every Tatertots & Jello reader 30% off anything from Expressionery, and

One lucky winner will get a $250 VISA Gift Card and “Me and My Peeps” Note Cards!

Stationery is always a great gift. But it’s even better personalized (and adorable – and on sale!). People can always use stationery, and it’s the perfect choice for that hard-to-shop-for mother-in-law, sister-in-law, mom, sister, niece, teacher, or friend.

You can personalize notepads, notecards, address cards — with your names and cute characters that look like you – and your family!

Here’s how it works – and how you can get the special discount and enter to win!

Just visit Laura Kelly’s special Expressionery store, and look for the “Me and My Peeps” products.

Click on a product, click “Personalize,” and choose from (what looks like hundreds) of characters and even animals to populate your “Peeps family.” You can choose up to 10!

Customize your stationery and you’re good to go!

And TT&J readers can get 30% off sitewide!

(Hurry, last day for Christmas orders is December 19th!)

Use the promo code PEEPS to get your 30% discount!

 * * * * *

And here’s how to enter to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you can’t see the Rafflecopter widget above, click this link to visit the contest entry page!

 * * * * *

What’s your favorite Laura Kelly “Peeps” character?

xoxo

 This post sponsored by Laura Kelly & Expressionery. See my disclosures.

The post Laura Kelly’s New “Me & My Peeps” Stationery – Win $250 Gift Card & Note Cards! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

But the best part — I get to introduce you to the other talented, creative women featured in the issue, too. There’s a full list at the end of the post — you’ll want to visit them all!

In this issue the editors featured the 1905 Cottage – here’s a peek at it:

Also in the article, they featured two of my favorite cottage projects:

The Beaded Chandelier!

Pegboard Frame Organizational wall, and one they didn’t link to in the magazine …

 EASY Industrial Globe Pendant light!

 * * * * *

Now that you’ve had a chance to take a look at some of the cottage projects featured in this issue, visit the next site in our Blog Hop!

Next in the blog hop is the amazing Jennifer McGuire! The things she can do with paper are jaw-dropping, and she teaches you how you can do the same projects! Go visit Jennifer …

… and you’ll want to check out every one of these great, creative sites!

Paper Crafts & Scrapbooking magazine

Cathe at Just Something I Made

Kristi and Kelli at Lolly Jane

Beckie at Infarrantly Creative

Haeley at Design Improvised

Tracie at Cleverly Inspired

Carola at Boxwood Cottage

Lia at Lia Griffith

Jen at Tatertots & Jello <– You are here!

Jennifer McGuire

Jill Yegerlehner/Jillibean Soup

Amanda Coleman

Jen Gallacher

Becky Olsen

Stephenie Hamen

Jodi Sanford

Elle Price/Elle’s Studio

Mary-Ann Maldonado

Michelle Hill

Sherry Mendoza

We R Memory Keepers

Graphic 45

Cosmo Cricket

Fancy Pants Designs

Simple Stories

Michelle at Chalkboard Blue

Stacy Cohen

DCWV Inc.

Hazel & Ruby

Be sure to check out all of these talented, creative ladies … and Creative Spaces!

xoxo

The post Inspiring Creative Spaces! [Blog Hop!] #creativespacesvol3 appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I have had such amazing contributors in 2013!

I’m excited to feature new voices in the new year, so I’m opening up a handful of slots for awesome contributors in design, decor, sewing, recipes/food, and maybe more!

I’ve so enjoyed all of the fabulous contributors to TT&J in 2013!

Each of them is amazing! Be sure to go to their blogs and see their creative ideas. Here are a few of my favorites:

Here’s her newest post, Family Chore Station (with Free Printables)  –  Carli at Dimple Prints (and here’s the shop)

 Make Your Own All Natural Cleaning Spray from Jessica @ Mom 4 Real

Modern Dresser Makeover (Chalk Paint!) from East Coast Creative

Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole (Yummy! Sign. Me. Up.) from Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil

 Pantry Organization Tips from the super organized Anna @ Ask Anna

 5-minute Chain Link and Ribbon Bracelet from Amy @ Positively Splendid (sewing projects and way more!)

* * * * *

The contributor application will only be open a short time. I’m excited to feature you!

xoxo

The post TT&J 2014 Call for Contributors! [Update: Now Closed] appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday if you are celebrating!

I’m having a little open house at my 1905 Cottage today and I’m super excited about it! I’ll be putting pictures on my Instagram Account throughout the day of different rooms.

Connect with me there to join in the fun! I might even make an Instagram video of the cottage and post that!!

And speaking of Instagram, my good friend Rhonna of Rhonna Designs just released a new app that you can use with Instagram. It’s amazing and she has included TONS of great fonts, graphics, sayings and more. It’s such an awesome way to make your Instagram pictures even cuter.

You can see some of the ways people are using the app if you search these hashtags in IG — #rhonnadesigns_app #rhonnadesigns #heyrhonna.

I love printing mine off and displaying them, like my contributors at East Coast Creative did in this Outdoor Instagram Wreath tutorial a couple of months ago. 

And speaking of the cute EC2 girls, If you’re around this weekend, you’ve gotta check out Knock It Off! Monica and Jess from East Coast Creative Blog are the designers and hosts of this new DIY/Home Design show and it premieres this Sunday at 7pm!  Check out all the details here!

The post Happy Fourth and Favorite Things This Week! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

Every year our community has a pancake breakfast, followed by a down home paradeand carnival.

My kids LOVE decorating their bikes and joining in. The 1905 cottage that I’ve been working on is right on the parade route. I was thinking it would be fun to have the house open after the parade!

Come for the parade at 10 am and then the 1905 Cottage will be open right after the parade from 11 am – noon. I’d love to have you come by and see what I’ve been working on for the past year!

Email me if you want to come and I will send you more details! 

jennifer@tatertotsandjello.com

Have a Happy Day! 

xoxo

The post Fourth of July Open House at the 1905 Cottage! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.

I’m still going through the links, but I just had to share these 45 amazing DIY projects that were linked up. 

If you are looking for a project to spruce up your home in 2013, be sure to check out these fabulous tutorials!!  

Beautiful Wall of Built-Ins @ Just a Girl

Herringbone Dresser @ The Golden Sycamore

Add Character with Planked Walls @ The Inspired Room

Kitchen Makeover @ Home Stories A2Z

DIY Hanging Daybed Tutorial @ Jordan Valley Home and Garden Club

Library Built-Ins Using Kitchen Cabinets @ Thrifty Decor Chick

DIY Barn Door @ The Olde Farmhouse on Windwill Hill

Painted, Stenciled, Upholstered Bed @ Infarrantly Creative

Faux Wood Beams @ Beneath My Heart

Condo Kitchen Makeover @ Addicted 2 Decorating

DIY Bookcases using Kitchen Cabinets for Bases @ Worthing Court

Rustic Master Bedroom Headboard Wall Treatment @ Liz Marie Blog

Stenciled Houndstooth Porch Floor @ Girl Loves Glam

Craft Room Makeover @ How to Nest for Less

Master Bathroom Makeover @ 320 Sycamore

Cottage Living Room @ All Things Thrifty

Bell Jar Pendant Lights @ The DIY Village

DIY Secret Garden @ Not Just a Housewife

Scrapwood Wall @ Pretty Handy Girl

Subway Tile Backsplash @ Southern Hospitality

DIY Dutch Barn Doors @ Remodelaholic

Modern Vintage Playroom @ Makely School for Girls

Farmhouse Landry @ Shabby Creek Cottage

Orange and Aqua Laundry Room @ Decor Chick

Striped Blue Desk @ Refresh Restyle

Industrial Family Room Makeover @ Design, Dining and Diapers

DIY Kitchen Island @ Osie Moats

Landing Makeover @ DIY Showoff

Dressed Up Storage @ The Mustard Ceiling

Kitchen Makeover @ Homey Home Design

Wood Crate Linen Cabinet @ Gingerly Made

Open Shelves and Buffet @ The Ironstone Nest

1800’s Dresser Makeover @ Southern Revivals

Kitchen Makeover @ Remodelando la Casa

DIY Nursery @ View Along the Way

Blessed Life Atop a Cake Stand

Guest Bedroom Makeover @ Less Than Perfect Life of Bliss

Sofa Table to Kitchen Island @ Desigining Domesticity

Painted Wood Floors @ Mom 4 Real

Kitchen Cookbook Shelf @ With a Blast

Living Room Media Center @ A Diamond in the Stuff

Ombre Dresser Makeover @ Paisley and Polka Dot Threads

DIY Craft Table @ Organize and Decorate Everything

$10 PB-Inspired Mirror @ Dollar Store Crafts

And also, be sure to check out ALL of the projects linked up so far.

They are SO inspirational!! 

I will be sharing another BEST 2012 wrap up soon!!

Thanks for making 2012 such a CREATIVE year!! 

I can’t wait to see what you come up with in 2013!!

xox

PS — It’s Friday!! 

It’s almost time for the Weekend Wrap Up Party!! 

Come link up YOUR favorite projects from the week.

And, is also a FABULOUS giveaway that will help get YOU more organized for 2013!

Yay!!

The party starts at 6 pm MST

The post YOUR Best DIY Projects of 2012!! appeared first on Tatertots and Jello.