Sunday, April 28, 2013

Let me know what you think!

HELLO THERE! Thank you SO much for visiting my blog! As you can see, it is a work in progress. I am transferring content from my old blog, over to this new one. Would you take a moment to let me know what you think of my content, and/or share your suggestions for projects you would like to see in the future! I'm always up for a challenge!

I would LOVE to hear from YOU!


Easy DIY Flip Flops









Landfill to Lovely: Leopard Print Scarf


Here is the first re-fashion project for the Landfill to Lovely series! This gorgeous leopard print infinity scarf was once a pretty played out long skirt from the 90s...you know, the kind that hits your leg at just the wrong length?



Can you believe this is how it started out? I was thinking of shortening the length and wearing it as a skirt, but it's a few sizes too small and I'm not quite that advanced yet! haha :)


Here it is on one of my good friends. I thought she would look so cute in it, so I gave it to her! 

 I am planning selling these soon!
How do you feel about scarves? Would you buy something like this?
Please let me know! Comment below!
 I would love to hear from you!

Thrifting Tips: Do's and Don'ts

Size:
DO try on items even if it's not your normal size! I can't stress this enough! I have clothes two size too big and two sizes too large. Some size smalls are made really over sized and some XL are made really form fitting. Picture this: There is a really cute dress that catches your eye, and everything about it is a go. You're about to walk into the dressing room to try and on and you notice an "S" on the tag. You think "I'm normally a large...this wont fit, I better put it back." THINK AGAIN! You could be putting back the greatest score ever! It (usually) doesn't hurt to try things on. Over sized dresses or tops are easily remedied with a waist belt.

DON'T buy something that does not fit in a flattering way (too small or tight), just because you like the brand or style. You probably wont feel comfortable in it, and wont get much wear, if any out of it.The money would be better spent elsewhere, unless you want to give it to a friend. :)


Season:
DON'T put something back just because the season you would wear it in is a long way off. It'll eventually be hot or cold enough for it (sometimes unexpectedly!) and you will be happy you picked it up ;).


DO buy something cute even if there are only "3 official weeks" left of of the season. You can always layer!


Name Brands:
DON'T buy something JUST because it's a high end name brand. If it's peeling, or really faded, it's not worth it.

DO buy something if it's a low end brand, and it's really cute. Who cares if it's from Wal Mart? If you have the choice between a like-new cute Wal Mart blouse, and a ripped and faded Old Navy top-- Go for it! No one is going to be checking your tags, and it will look so much better on you, and will get a much more wear out of it...No one will know where it's from anyway! It's better to have a chic outfit for cheap, than a cheap looking shirt with a chic label. Now let's get out there and find some awesome deals!

What are some of your thrifting tips and tricks?

Landfill to Lovely Series



I'm starting a new series called "Landfill to Lovely" where I take items found at the thrift store that nobody wanted! I try to keep my eye out for unique and fun patterns, that could be modern, only they are usually in the form of some hideous 80s or 90s skirt or dress. With a little creativity and a few snips I am going to refashion these items into something completely fresh, new,modern and LOVELY! The landfill part comes in where I hit up the thrift store on the 50% off day...so it's the stuff so (seemingly) awful it's just been sitting there, and is about to end up at the pound store, and most likely eventually in a landfill! If you look for nice heavy, durable fabrics like snazzy polyester (seriously, this stuff could survive the apocalypse!) it will hang nice if your turning it into a scarf or something to wear. It's so fun when I go to check out because I know the employees are thinking "what on earth is she doing with this?" haha -- or maybe not! I'm such a dork...I get all giddy and wait for them to ask me what I'm going to do with it...but they don't...hmm...
I looove thrifting! :)

I have several fun projects coming up soon (including an awesome leopard infinity scarf from a long 90s skirt)! Stay tuned!
Do you have any challenges for me? Let me know in the comments!

Easy DIY Wall Art: Dot Trees


I was inspired by a painting I saw at World Market the other day. While I do love to create all my own original art work, when it comes to home decor I find it fun to try to re-create some of the ideas I see, for 1/10th of the price!! These types of paintings are usually mass produced and pop up at all the home decor stores...but I definitely try to put my own spin on it. They don't have to hand made, one of a kind feel to them, because they are so mass produced. Just too many reasons not to try!


 
This was really just a test run. I got the craft itch while I was making my son lunch the other day, and just grabbed some left over supplies I had from the painted vase project. This took about 15 minutes to make. I painted over a canvas print I got from the dollar store. I just poped it out of the frame and sponge painted the background cream. Then I mixed some colors I had to make a brownish color and painted "V-Trees" (middle school art 101 ;) and then I took a small brush and swirled to make circles.
I plan on getting a large canvas to do this again soon with a detailed tutorial...stay tuned!

*I hand painted this, but for a simplified tutorial for beginners check this out.

Do you have any art projects your working on right now? Or would like to see me re-create? Leave a comment and I just might!!

I Scream, You Scream!...



We all scream for dairy & nut free ice cream!


Allergy friendly ice cream and treats can get expensive! One of my favorite things to do is to get Trader Joes Organic Soy Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream, and add in toppings like they do at Cold Stone Creamy. It's seriously half the price ($2.99) for a tub double the size of the other flavored soy ice cream brands, that are $6.00 and up. We add in our favorite toppings like Oreos and marshmallows and stir in a bowl or cup. The majority of store bought ice cream cones are are dairy, egg, and nut free, so this makes for an awesome summer time treat!

I can even whip of my own version of a Chik Fil A cookies and cream milk shake. Just add some vanilla soy ice cream in a tall cup, crumble in some oreos, and pour in a little rice milk (or your milk of choice) and mash and stir it all up with a fork, adding more milk until you get the consistency you like. It is soo good! I think I am going to go make one now!...