As Seen on The TODAY Show: 10 Brilliant DIYs for Labor Day

Brit Morin
Sep 03, 2015

You guys — Labor Day is this weekend! Whether you plan to spend the day on a lake, at a park or in your backyard, you will love our last-minute DIYs that will step up your celebration game (or your bocce ball game). If you were up early this morning, you may have seen me on the TODAY Show offering easy projects for Labor Day. Here are 10 sure-fire ways to get your Labor Day festivities started.

1.The Ultimate Hot Dog Bar: Every Labor Day party needs an expansive spread of food. We suggest a full-on hot dog bar, equipped with toppings galore. Your friends and family will love making their own perfect dog. Our bar included the classics like ketchup and mustard, and we added some exciting extras like jalapeños and pepperoni.

2.Watermelon Grill + Fruit Skewers: As summer comes to an end, it’s important to savor the last of all the delicious seasonal fruit. To do so, we made fruit skewers for easy finger food. Stick them on the grill OR stick them on a watermelon grill which is an adorable centerpiece. Just hollow out half of a watermelon with a melon baller, poke three holes in the bottom and insert celery sticks. Add blackberries to your “grill” as the coal. Then use the watermelon balls on your skewers!

3.Corn Dog Cookies: No party is complete without dessert, so to stick with our hot dog theme, we made corn dog cookies. Bake sugar cookies, adding a bamboo stick before they go in the oven. Then frost them with peanut butter and add a swirl of yellow frosting.

4. Popsicle Garland: Moving away from the buffet, we’ve got some decorating tips starting with an adorable popsicle garland. And get this — we made it out of a pool noodle! Attach popsicle sticks to a section of noodle using hot glue. Then hang your “popsicles” on a string, adhering them with masking tape.

5. Pineapple Vases: Let’s talk flowers. They add so much color to a tablescape, they smell delicious and they are incredible eye candy. For a tropical flair, we’ve hollowed out a pineapple to use it as a vase. Your guests will be in awe. And you can add the pineapple to your skewers!

6. DIY Cooler: Okay, now onto the important part: drinks! Though summer is winding down, it will most likely be warm out for Labor Day, so it’s important to keep all of your beverages on ice. That’s why we made a tabletop cooler in a wine box. We are all about re-purposing, so we just love this idea. If your party is big, you can make a larger one in a planter box.

7. Floating Pool Cooler: For those of you who are lucky enough to be spending your holiday at a pool, this project is going to top them all. No need to get out of your inflatable donut to quench your thirst. Your cooler can float around and keep you company. Simply find a plastic container, string pool noodles onto twine and tie it around the outside of the container.

8. Ladder Ball: Not only do we like to feed our guests, but we also aim to entertain them. First off, we’ve got a new favorite game: ladder ball. To get started, head to the hardware store. Once you’ve got your materials, it’s a breeze to construct. To make one ladder, you will need nine 2-foot pieces of pipe, six 1-foot pieces of pipe, six T fittings and six elbow connectors. For the balls that you toss, you need a box cutter, large paper clip, twelve tennis balls and string. Cut small X incisions at the top and bottom of the tennis balls and then thread them onto the string with the help of the paper clip needle. Add two balls to each string and knot the string in order to hold the tennis balls in place.

9. Lawn Dominos: Who said dominos were only for indoor gaming? We made a huge version of the game for guests to enjoy out on the lawn. These are super easy to make. Just get three 10-foot 1×4 pieces of wood cut into 7-inch rectangles. Paint them, add dots and you are ready for domino action.

10. Giant Scrabble: In the same vein as dominos, we are bringing everyone’s favorite word game to the park. Get this — we used old linoleum flooring to create giant scrabble pieces. Just be sure you make the correct number of each letter. We are very serious about our scrabble scores :)

As Seen on the TODAY Show: 7 Easy Peasy Easter DIYs to Make With Your Family

‘Round these parts, Easter DIYs are our bread and butter. Yesterday, I shared some of my favorite un-egg-spected (and easy!) Easter DIYs with my friends over at the TODAY Show. Scroll on for the DL on all the DIYs that were featured in the segment. Now, hop to it!

PSA: All puns in this article were 100% intended.

Sharpie Tie-Dye Easter Eggs

That’s right. We’re using Sharpies to tie dye. It’s one of my all-time favorite hacks, and you probably can find almost all of the materials for these (besides the egg!) in your junk drawer.

Materials + Tools: (makes 1 egg)

Instructions:

  1. Cover your hard-boiled egg in Sharpie marker. Don’t be afraid to use tons of colors!
  2. Pour nail polish remover into a small container, dip a Q-tip into the container, and dab it onto your egg. The solution will blend the colors.
  3. Set aside and allow them to fully dry. You’re done!

Check out the full Sharpie Tie-Dye Egg tutorial!

Baker’s Twine Easter Eggs

Wanna skip the mess? Try this baker’s twine DIY instead. Bonus: Using wooden eggs means you can keep these year after year.

Materials + Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Spray the bottom of your egg with spray adhesive.
  2. Starting at the base, wrap the twine around the egg.
  3. Once you reach the middle, coat the top of the egg with spray adhesive.
  4. Keep wrapping until you reach the top of the egg, then secure the end of the twine with a drop of school glue. Cut the excess twine. Voilà!

Find the full tutorial over at So Much Better With Age. (Photo via So Much Better With Age)

Temporary Tattoo Easter Eggs

Turns out, it’s just as easy to put temporary tattoos on eggs as it is on your skin! Ink up your eggs with this easy breezy DIY hack.

Materials + Tools

Instructions:

  1. Remove the clear plastic sheet from the temporary tattoo, then carefully press the exposed tattoo to your egg.
  2. Slowly cover the tattoo sheet with a wet paper towel, then hold firmly in place for 30-60 seconds.
  3. Carefully remove the paper towel and tattoo sheet — the tattoo should be fully transferred to the egg. Let dry.

Check out the full Tattoo’d Egg tutorial for more info!

Cacti Easter Eggs

Not that I’m playing favorites, but this might be my favorite Easter DIY yet. I totally got back to my Texas roots with this charming cactus egg.

Materials + Tools (makes 1 egg):

Instructions:

  1. To create your dye, mix together boiling water, green food coloring, and vinegar in a heat-safe cup or bowl.
  2. Drop your egg into the dye with a spoon. The longer you leave the egg in, the darker the color will be.
  3. Remove egg from the dye and let it dry completely.
  4. With your fine-tip pen, draw on cacti needles and flourishes.
  5. Glue pink tissue paper to the egg’s top to create cactus flowers. Let the glue dry completely.
  6. Add a handful of plant pebbles to the terracotta pot, then top with your cactus egg. Ta-da!

The full tutorial can be found over at Delia Creates. (Photo via Delia Creates)

Glow-in-the-Dark Easter Egg

How sweet are these little light-up critters? Up-level your Easter egg hunt with these darling glow-in-the-dark bugs.

Materials + Tools (makes 1 egg):

Instructions:

  1. Turn on the LED tea light and place in your plastic egg.
  2. Create legs and antennae from pipe cleaners, then glue them to your egg with a hot glue gun.
  3. Add sticker or googly eyes. You’re done!

Peek at the full tutorial over at Apartment Therapy. (Photo via Apartment Therapy)

Paper Plate Bunny Baskets

Made with paper plates, this bunny basket is easy as pie. Grab your pom-poms and get gluing!

Materials + Tools (makes 1 basket):

  • 2 white paper plates
  • scissors
  • 2 googly eyes
  • 1 light pink + 2 white pom-poms
  • hot glue + glue gun
  • 1 piece of light pink construction paper
  • hole punch
  • 24-inch pink ribbon
  • Easter candy to fill (Psst: Make sure it’s thin enough to fit in the basket pocket!)

Instructions:

  1. To create the back, cut one paper plate in half. Set aside for now.
  2. Onto the front side! Start by hot gluing googly eyes onto the back of a whole paper plate.
  3. Next, glue the 3 pom-poms to create the nose.
  4. For the cheeks, cut and glue small circles of pink construction paper.
  5. Cut bunny ears out of your leftover half-plate, then glue pink paper to the insides.
  6. Glue each ear to the back of your front plate, then let dry.
  7. Glue front and back plates to one another along the rims, then let dry.
  8. To make a handle, use a hole punch to make a hole on either side of the bunny basket, then thread through your ribbon. Keep ribbon in place by making a knot at each end.
  9. Fill with candy. That’s it!

Inspired by The Best Ideas for Kids. (Photo via The Best Ideas for Kids)

Upcycled Fruit Carton Easter Baskets

Skip the wicker and make your Easter baskets with upcycled fruit cartons. Add some trusty pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and crinkle paper, and you’ve got a winner.

Materials + Tools (makes 1 basket):

Instructions:

  1. To make the basket handle, poke the end of a pipe cleaner through the outer side of the carton, then bend inward. Arch the long end of the pipe cleaner over the top of the basket, then poke through the outside of the opposite side. Bend the remaining piece of pipe cleaner inward. If your pipe cleaner comes loose, you can secure it in place using floral wire.  
  2. Hot glue mini pom-poms around the top of the carton.
  3. Fill the carton with crinkle paper and Easter treats, such as dyed eggs and marshmallow bunnies. Voilà!

Full tutorial can be found at DIY Real. (Photo via DIY Real)

And there you have it, enough fun projects to keep you and the kiddos “hoppy” all Easter weekend long.

Need some more eggy inspo? Follow us on Pinterest for more Easter DIY action!

Easter DecorEaster EggsToday ShowEaster

15 Graduation Gifts Perfect For The Class Of 2024

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

graduationcollegedormshoppingshopping roundupshopping guidepartygraduation giftsgifts

Avoiding Your Next Haircut? Don’t Make The Same Mistakes As Me

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

beautybeauty tipshaircutshair tipshairHair

20 Nifty Gifts To Give Your Step Mom This Mother’s Day

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more gift guides for Mother's Day and beyond!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Image via brands.

shoppingmothers daymomfamilymothers day giftsgifts