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A Joyful Riot

A Large Gathering of Happy Things

Archives for April 2016

A Mother’s Day Picnic Brunch

April 28, 2016 ·

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A lot of times with Mother’s Day the focus is on what children should get their mother or significant mother figure in their life. But what about the dad?! It is just as important for the father to shower his spouse with some needed love on this special day. So when FTD challenged us with putting together a tablescape featuring their florals to help inspire dads we jumped at the opportunity!

First off, look at all these gorgeous Mother’s Day bouquets! If there is one thing that is a no-fail gift it is having flowers delivered. No way that cannot improve someone’s day and every time I have gotten flowers delivered to my mom or mother-in-law they have loved it! If you take the flowers and pair it with a simple brunch then you have definitely out done yourself this year.

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I decided to throw a simple outdoor brunch picnic with the beautiful Sunlit Meadows bouquet. Now, you might be thinking this is a lot to do but trust me – all you need is a lovely spring day, a blanket, these flowers and some quick breakfast food and you have the most fabulous Mother’s Day surprise! I chose a wood pallet as the makeshift table but of course any blanket will do. And grab some pillows to make it even more inviting!

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Brunch is a common Mother’s Day gift and of course I would never encourage anyone to not treat their wife or significant other to breakfast in bed. But I also firmly believe you have to take advantage of May weather and there is truly nothing better than a picnic. Planning one for someone you love is such a warm gesture and laying on a blanket in the sun is one of the true joys of life. I just am not convinced there is any better way to celebrate Mother’s Day. Plus, if you have a yard or patio then no one even has to get out of their pajamas!

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For my picnic I grabbed some blueberry muffins, orange juice, strawberries and pie (at brunch it is perfectly acceptable to have dessert). I kept it small and easy to show all you dads how easy it is to create a lovely spread. No cooking required!

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Extra flowers are always a plus. I always just go to my local grocery store and buy two bunches of flowers and stick them in whatever vases I have around – it so easy to DIY floral arrangements. Above I am using votive holders (hence the no water) and below I am using lanterns so really anything works.

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And one more look at those flowers! I just love the vase so much and will definitely be using it in the future!

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Posted by Malissa / Filed In: Mother's Day, Parties

Mother’s Day Gift Guide + A Giveaway!

April 25, 2016 ·

mothers.day.gift.guide.2016

Because we absolutely love to make (and to see) gift guides (and because we’re still racking our brains to decide what to get our Mom and MILs) we decided we better scour the internet and find the best options the web has to offer for quirky, pretty, practical, and sentimental Mother’s Day gifts and put them together in a handy little AJR guide, just in time for anyone else whose still looking for ideas!

We have something for everyone here, and every budget, and I have to say I would not be one bit mad if I got any of the items on this list :D and what’s even better is that one of you could win #1 (which is currently the #1 on my wishlist too!) by heading on over to our Instagram and entering in the giveaway, which will run until midnight tomorrow (MST, 4/26)

  1. Klix Klutch Designer Wallet Case – This case, which combines your wallet and your phone into one handy and beautiful location is perfect for the organized mom (or the one who needs some help getting there..). It comes in many different colors and patterns (mint! fuscia! florals!) and there’s a case for every smart phone! Just choose which one is perfect for Mom and maybe grab one for yourself! (also enter to win one on our Instagram!) $25
  2. The Doorstop Necklace – I absolutely adore this commemorative necklace that let’s you personalize it with an address that means something special to you. Maybe your mom loved her childhood home or loves the home she currently lives in, or where you were born. Wherever the special location, let her keep home close to her heart. $98
  3. Floral Tumbler – Perfect for the mom whose always on the go! Now she can sip her fave drink in fresh style. $14
  4. Floral Embroidery Tote – Is your mom the kind that always has chapstick, and tampons, and bandaids, and a sewing kit, and coupons, and…on her at all times? then I bet she’s right now looking for a pretty option to store it all in! Help her out. $49
  5. What I love About Mom Book – Let’s face it, all mom’s are sentimental and would love this book. $10
  6. Cool Mom Tee – Even if your mom isn’t a huge Mean Girls fan, I’m positive she’d like to be called “cool” by her kid. $27
  7. Selfie Toaster – This is hands-down my favorite quirky gift ever. Upload a photo and they’ll send you a toaster that NO JOKE puts that photo (i.e. your face) on every slice of toast your mom makes. I guarantee she’s still looking for an excuse to eat those cheeks up and this way, you keep your dignity and stay slobber free. $75
  8. Birchbox – This is my favorite subscription box. Mainly because it’s so cheap and you get killer name brands! It perfect for moms who both love beauty products, or those who never really splurge on any but would probably like an excuse to try those brands they see in Sephora. Also, its a package in the mail every month and no one hates that. $10/month.
  9. State Pendant – Personally, I adore my home state, Utah and I know a lot of people who have a ton of pride about where they were born, or wherever they call home. If your mom is one of these people, what better than a necklace shaped like that state? This necklace comes in a variety of colors and doesn’t have to be glittery if that’s not your mom’s style. $49
  10. Sweet Tea Towels, Ice Cream & Popsicles – These happy and bright tea towels adorned with sugary treats are perfect for summer home decor and the mom who loves her kitchen! $4.50
  11. Adult Coloring Books, Mandalas and Flowers – Adult coloring books are all the rage right now because they’re a great mindless way to release some stress. Both of these options are beautiful and perfect for mom! Mandalas, $3.70 and flowers, $10.80.
  12. Instax Mini Instant Camera – Your mom might’ve grown up with a polaroid or maybe she just loves to get photos printed out to save. Recently my BFF has been sending me Snaps of her Instax photos and I’m so jealous, this truly is a gift for all the generations. $70
  13. Adorable Muslin Swaddle Blankets – Maybe your mom is expecting another baby soon, or your friend or your sister and you want to give them a Mother’s day gift. While I usually think Mother’s day gifts should be something just for mom to use, who wouldn’t love one of these gorgeous swaddles for their upcoming baby? I wouldn’t be mad. $18-22
  14. Vintage Flower Scarf or Gem Dangle Earrings – In a world full of scarves, earrings, accessories of all kinds, sometimes it can be hard to find one that stands out above the rest. Here are two. Scarf, $39.50. Earrings, $38
  15. Zodiak Sign Pins – I’m not even big into astrology, or even at all in to astrology, but I would like these pins. In a world of silly flair, these ones are classy and cute and even sentimental. $16.50

So there is our 2016 guide. I hope you found something that’s just right or at least inspires you. Any of these perfect for your mom or yourself? Let us know which ones you’re diggin’ in the comments! And don’t forget our giveaway!

Posted by Machelle / Filed In: Gifts/Party Favors, Mother's Day

Citrus Straw Umbrellas | Free Printable

April 18, 2016 ·

So last week I was on vacation in Mexico and even though I came back to really quite freezing cold windy days here in Utah, there are some green leaves sprouting and lots of trees blossoming! This leads me to believe that Spring is in fact coming which then means that summer will eventually come too and I just could not be happier about this.

Citrus Straw Umbrella free printables from @ajoyfulriot-10

Of course, I don’t need the trees to tell me it’s going to happen, I do know it’s pretty inevitable, but you know seeing those little indications of life really do make the whole thing seem sooner and THANK GOODNESS! I never loved winter growing up, I’ve tried to reconcile myself to it in the last several years, but this year, for some unknown reason, my hate for it really came back with a vengeance. Look, I know it’s important, and beautiful, and after all, I am choosing to live here where it faithfully makes an appearance for at least five months every single year. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not painful every time I have to get into a below-freezing car, or slip on the ice, or look at my pale white skin and red nose in the mirror.

Citrus Straw Umbrella free printables from @ajoyfulriot-2

So, we’ve decided that whether or not the weather catches up any time super soon, AJR is done with winter and winter crafts and all things snow or cold-related (unless its a refreshing treat or drink) and we are diving head first into summery, bright, happy, colorful, warm crafts! I think we can all agree this is ok, right?

And to kick it off on a really bright and colorful, summery note, we made lemon, lime and orange fruit slice straw umbrellas that are free to you and a cinch to whip up! We’re big fans of paper straws, and adorning them with umbrellas (see these watermelon umbrellas and our donut umbrellas) and so this just seemed like the most natural thing to do, given the circumstances. Click through for the free download and instructions!

Citrus Straw Umbrella free printables from @ajoyfulriot-23

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Posted by Machelle / Filed In: Free Printables, Party Crafts

Simple Copper Mirror Stand

April 14, 2016 ·

copper mirror stand @ajoyfulriot

Copper pipe has been somewhat sparse over here lately. So I thought it was about time to feature it in a home decor project.

I don’t have a great full-length mirror and actually for the longest time I didn’t have any longer mirror. Evaluating my outfit was basically me standing a little precariously on top of our tub peeking into the small bathroom mirror! Well finally a few years later I scored a free mirror from my friend with the idea that I would dress it up and finally have done it!

copper mirror stand @ajoyfulriot

Click through to read how I created this simple mirror stand.
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Posted by Malissa / Filed In: Home Decor DIY

DIY Acid Stained Concrete Floor

April 11, 2016 ·

How to acid stain a concrete floor with step by step pictures! Easy and cheap way to get an awesome renovation via ajoyfulriot.com @ajoyfulriot

I had mentioned in our fireplace post from last week how excited I was that the floor under the heinous old carpet of our living room was concrete because I have always wanted a modern acid stained floor. I have always loved the look, as long as I can remember, usually only seeing it in restaurants or other retail formats.

I mean, just look at the awesome, mottled blotching and variety that can be achieved?

How to acid stain a concrete floor with step by step pictures! Easy and cheap way to get an awesome renovation via ajoyfulriot.com @ajoyfulriot

So, having always been a fan of modern, industrial feels in decor, I jumped right at the chance to incorporate this trend into my own home. I was also excited to have a very good reason to tear up that carpet that I hated so much and offer up a cheap DIY flooring alternative that I knew my husband couldn’t say no to.

And when I say cheap, I mean seriously cheap! For all the supplies you need, I mean ALL the supplies from brushes to the stain and polish, you’re looking at about .65 cents a square foot. I mean, you can’t find any flooring option for that inexpensive and even the cheapest of cheap options require some know-how or skill. But not this. Seriously, any beginning DIYer could do this project. Which I know sounds insane, but really it’s not. Acid staining requires cleaning, spraying, waiting and more cleaning. Don’t you think you could probably handle that? I bet ya could.

How to acid stain a concrete floor with step by step pictures! Easy and cheap way to get an awesome renovation via ajoyfulriot.com @ajoyfulriot

I personally love how uncertain the results are with acid staining. No two floors will be the same! The muriatic acid reacts with the lime deposits in the concrete so there is no telling exactly what your floor will look like and I think that’s exciting. You can also get a lot higher-gloss type of coatings, but none that I felt were safe to do on an indoor space we were currently living in, especially with a young daughter and me being pregnant again. Most of those more intense products involve VOC that should be carefully regulated within your home, and probably is by law to a certain extent.

So anyway, those were just not for us as much as I loved the idea of getting a really glossy wet coat. But, if you’re doing this project on a home you haven’t yet moved into or on an outdoor area, those products may very well be for you! So, just know, you can get a lot more of a glossy coating than what we have here, if that’s your thing.

Either way, the direction to follow can be found right here. There are quite a few steps and materials and the process can be more involved if you’re looking at a particularly rough or uneven surface, but the acid staining itself is pretty straight forward and I really don’t feel like you can mess it up so don’t be intimidated by the longer tutorial. I promise you can do it!!

How to acid stain a concrete floor with step by step pictures! Easy and cheap way to get an awesome renovation via ajoyfulriot.com @ajoyfulriot

What do you think of my turquoise floor? Is it something you would consider in your home? If turquoise isn’t your thing, you can also chose from a variety of browns and earth tones, is that something you would consider? I really want to hear so leave your answers in the comments below!

Posted by Machelle / Filed In: Home Decor DIY

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We're twin sisters Malissa & Machelle. We love parties. We love design. We love to make things! We share fresh posts about those topics right here!

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Instagram post 2166194611461545085_1214239932 This balloon dog Halloween costume is such an easy last minute DIY if you are scrambling for a unique last-minute costume! #halloween #costume #babycostume #ajoyfulhalloween
Instagram post 2127420962658996699_1214239932 Feeling victorious that we actually took a picture together 🙌🏼
Instagram post 2119203447894174189_1214239932 Toronto is full of the most charming bakeries and coffee shops. #ajoyfuladventure #toronto
Instagram post 2057732735237319001_1214239932 One of my favorite parts about Otto’s room is this ‘A is for Airship’ print by artist Greg Paprocki who has the most delightful illustrations in his @babylitbooks. This one is from the adorable book “M is for Monocle” that Malissa gifted us a few years ago and was when I fell in love with his work. He is also a SUPER cool guy that I now consider a friend! What a cool time we live in ☺️
Instagram post 2054605545708605204_1214239932 Can you still call it a nursery if the child sleeping in it is now a toddler?! 😅 It only took me more than 3 years (Otto is 2.5 years old) to get his room done but I’m finally ready to share it! Today at ajoyfulriot.com > > link in bio!
Instagram post 2024122102499629609_1214239932 The Southwest is magical. #arizona #ajoyfuladventure
Instagram post 1994632293062531098_1214239932 So much personality this one! He makes me so happy. #babypierce
Instagram post 1938607487611620805_1214239932 I never want to take our Christmas decorations down. More of this plus a cutie baby on the site! #ajoyfulchristmas  #christmasdecor
Instagram post 1929372092407487427_1214239932 I love our place at Christmas time but this year it is even cuter than usual! 👶🎄 #ajoyfulchristmas
Instagram post 1927204897015632991_1214239932 Feeling extra excited for the holidays this year! What are some of your favorite traditions? I want to start some new ones this year with baby Pierce! #ajoyfulchristmas (and yes that’s lipstick on his face, I kiss him at least 1000x a day)
Instagram post 1922756825887828531_1214239932 We’d never miss an opportunity to bake cookies for Santa (literally my daughter asks everyday if we can) so we were excited to join a bunch of other awesome bloggers for this year’s @pinholepress Holiday Bake Off!! 🎅🏼🍪✨ Head to their Insta to get all the deets (you could win $1000 in amazing prizes!!) and to our blog to get our recipe for chocolate orange chocolate chip cookies 🤤
Instagram post 1902640367942006843_1214239932 Nope, didn’t get the tutorial up for this costume in time but it was done 2 weeks ago at least so the only stressful part about today was convincing everyone to get in it (my daughter had to be bribed out of her Mal from Descendants costume 🤣) HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! 🧡🖤🧡
Instagram post 1900282038880148229_1214239932 Halloween is already so much fun with my little love! This year he is a sweet little red gummy bear and it was so easy to make - jammies, a hat with ears, and a sparkly felt tummy attached with Velcro! #ajoyfulhalloween #halloweencostume #gummybear
Instagram post 1899545854147057316_1214239932 I remember like 5 SECONDS AGO people were sharing their first costume DIYs (in Sept) and I was like omg already?! And now there’s only 4 days left and I’m like “Cool. We won’t even get pictures of our family costume in time 🤦🏻‍♀️” THIS though is my fave family costume to date 👆🏼Lion + cookie = sprinkled animal cookies! 🦁 🍪 🎪 My family did this in 2014 for our first time as a family but Malissa’s SIL absolutely killed it in 2016 🤩 DIY details for all of it on the blog 👻
Instagram post 1898895239867843211_1214239932 Anyone partying this weekend?! I’m excited for our annual witches night out party tomorrow and to do ALL THE HALLOWEEN THINGS we can find 🎃 But I’m not hosting a single Halloween party this year 🙌🏼 Last year we did two in one day (one being my son’s first birthday carnival 👆🏼) and it WIPED ME OUT! So we’ll just enjoy everyone else’s hard work this year 😅 Happy Halloween Weekend everyone!!! 🧡🖤🧡🖤
Instagram post 1897357989107480508_1214239932 Oh hey! BTW! My kids and I made a video together 😂 I waited approximately 6 months for my daughter to ask me (wanted her fully on board) and then 8 months to finally edit and post it (just watch the video if you want some insight as to why it takes me so long... 👩‍👧‍👦🤦🏻‍♀️) SO if you wanna be a little bit frustrated but also see some cute dancing, random discussions of animals, sprinkle-covered faces and a @spoonflower tutorial for balloon animal soft toys, then head to link in bio 😃
Instagram post 1895884479613002492_1214239932 I think cardboard is by far my most favorite costume material 😂 (I just shared this year’s family cardboard costume in our stories!! 👩‍👧‍👦🌈) Versatile and free, what more could you wish for?! Carousel horse DIY on the blog (with templates!), absolutely one of my faves!!! 🎠 🎠 🎠
Instagram post 1893656992627807346_1214239932 I’ve always thought my son Otto had such a vintage baby look to him and my brother in law nailed it on the head when he figured out he looks like the pudgy, big-eyed Bob’s Big Boy statue 😍 What do you think?! This DIY costume on the blog!! 🍔
Instagram post 1887221187407625067_1214239932 My kids had a blast putting out the ‘flamingo costume party’ on our lawn this year. My favorite probably has to be the tie dye hippie one ✌🏼 Which is your fave?! DIY on blog, search ‘flamingos’ 👻
Instagram post 1884270522141958042_1214239932 I waited a whole year to share my son Otto’s ONEderful Halloween Carnival birthday party so it would be timely and today is the day!! 🎃 Head over to link in profile to check out all the spooky details, silly puns, furry petting boo (which was made up entirely of our own animals 🐐🐓🐇), games, potions, and costumes!! 👻
Instagram post 1883592000490881866_1214239932 Looking forward to another weekend with my little love! Hope you all have wonderful fall activities planned this weekend! Best season of the year!! #ajoyfulweekend

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