Today my daughter turns five-and-a-half.  She's very aware of this momentous occasion, and seems to believe it should be treated like a whole birthday.  Not so, says this broke-post-April-15th mama.  Perhaps though, we could make something along the lines of this lovely cardboard castle?  She'd be thrilled. 

There are plenty of ways to help kids plant an edible garden, make a fairy house, build a fort, etc. And they are more than capable of figuring out things for themselves as well. But I remember how happy kits made me when I was a kid... 

These projects are another great way to create fun out of things lying around the house, just waiting to be re-used. Try some of these materials to create your own DIY stamps:

Need something to cuddle at night after you tuck your iPhone into its dock for bed? Or do you have a kid who's already addicted to tech, and thinks your shiny, bright iPod is their new favorite toy? If you have some basic sewing skills, you can make them their own plush Apple iGear with this cute fabric pattern and instructions.

Do you have a fairy garden in your yard? If you haven't considered it before, you might be swayed by looking at these inspirational gardens we've found around the interwebs. Which one is your favorite?

Brittany has a tutorial for some amazing masks over at The House That Lars Built. These are a step up from many masks, with dimensional features built upon a cardboard base. They are easily made from scraps around the house, and perfect for costumes, or just some pretend play around the yard. 

It's time to trade in frosty snowmen for flowers, sleds for umbrellas, and shaggy polar bears for butterflies. Feel instantly lighter and warmer with these five projects:

After a long winter, Easter comes around just in time to brighten things up. Whether you have kids or not, dying eggs and decorating the house is a great way to welcome Spring. Here are 22 posts to help you embrace your inner Easter Bunny this weekend. Hop to it!