Brassy Apple

Craft Fail - Over bleaching DOTS and how I fixed it

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Fri, 02 May 2014 10:10:00 +0000

Last week I shared my refashion Tutorial on creating DIY polka dot colored shorts from skinny jeans. I love how they turned out BUT that was AFTER I was able to fix my CRAFT FAIL that happened while creating them. Let me show you what happened and what I did to fix it.

Basically I over bleached some of the DOTS. oops!!! Pretty obvious right? In the process of "redabbing" I got a little carried away. At first I was thinking, "Oh well, it's not a big deal", BUT they were so over bleached that my eyes went right to them all the time. I showed my husband my new DIY'd shorts and he confirmed my craft fail by saying, "What happened there?" and pointing directly at the over bleached spots. LOL. SO - I had to ditch them or give them another REfashion and try to fix them. And I love a challenge even if I'm not successful at it.

So how was I going to UN - bleach them so much? I turned to PAINT!!

I darkened up an orange paint I had to match my short better and then added some fabric medium so the paint could be washed. I needed to add some of the orange color back into the over bleached dots so it had more of a similar look to the other dots and not so WHITE!

I used the small round dabber I had to create the bleached dots but this time putting paint on the end instead. I didn't want it all gone so I dabbed the brush into a paper napkin to remove a lot of the paint. Slow and steady this time.

See the difference? It was already adding back in orange and blending them into looking like the other dots. WHEW!!! These can be keepers after all. Now that you know my craft fail and my secret, if you look at my shorts again you can probably spot them. And that's OK. I still love how they turned out!

If you over bleach your dots consider trying to fix it with this method. A little fabric paint just might do the trick!

You can see more REfashion and craft tutorials on my Pinterest board! follow along....

Fun with CREPE PAPER - Family Fun ideas #2

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 10:18:00 +0000

Last week I shared lots of out of the box ideas for having fun with PAINT! Be sure not to miss (and pin) that one!! This series of fun ideas is for ANY time of year for any function, party, get together - ANYDAY! Great for adding to the Summer bucket list and Summer fun!

Today's list of fun is all about CREPE PAPER!
( I love that it's easily accessible and super inexpensive for all the ideas and fun you can have with it!)

Crepe paper wind catchers -

what could be easier? A stick and some colorful streamers!

DIY laser game -

A favorite around our house! Play spies or ninjas in training. Good for anytime of year!

Paper bag pinata -

I'm sort of dying over the simplicity of this and the scale. No need to wait for a special occasion like a birthday! These are great for anyday and everyone could make their own to bust open!

Mini party tent -

Tea anyone? How about a fun lunch? In just seconds you could transform a little space into something special.

or an outside version -

If you don't have access to the perfect tree think about using a swingset or something else that might work!

Color wheel -

Oh how fun would this be!!! It's a color tornado!

Birthday bust out -

This is a birthday tradition at our house but it would be fun just to booby trap someone's door one day!

Windsock -

It doesn't have to be the 4th of July to create something similar and colorful!

Crepe Paper Chandelier -

Similar to the windsock above but longer. Love the look of this Chandelier. Get the easy DIY

Dancing sticks -

Have a popsicle stick on hand? Turn on the music and get dancing.

Do you know of another idea I should add to my list?

Don't forget to pin this post so you can use it later when Summer boredom hits!

Victoria Secret skirt knockoff REFASHION

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 09:54:00 +0000

I love a quick, easy refashion! This is the last one from WobiSobi before my new team of contributors comes on and is announced! Take a look at the inspiration and the tutorial she is sharing today!

-----------------

I saw this skirt while I was looking thorough Victoria's Secret and

I thought it would be so easy to make out of a sweatshirt.

VIA

Tutorial

Things you need.

Sweatshirt
Scissors
Scrap tee-shirt
Safety pin
Studs*Optional *Hobby lobby

I found this sweatshirt at Wal-mart for $5.

Cut the sweatshirt straight

right below the arms.

I took another shirt and cut an 1 1/2 inch strip to make my tie.

Stretch it out to make a string.

Cut a small hole in the band.

be careful to only cut one layer

Place your string on a safety pin or

I used a hair clip.

Weave the string through the hole all the way around the skirt and pull it out on the other side.

tie a knot on each end of your ties.

If you want to spice up your skirt add some studs or paint.

Whatever you want to make it your own creation.

I placed studs all the way down both sides.

or you could just leave it plain.

A great little summer skirt or beach cover up,

all for just $6.

For more DIY visit my Blog

WobiSobi.

A Great Big Thank you to Megan for letting me share with all of you for the last year.

Lots of <3.

Anne

Our Marriage Secret and tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:18:00 +0000

I like to celebrate the everyday. If you are a long time reader then you already know this. I try to live in gratitude daily. I try to not sweat the small stuff. The more I try to do this the easier it becomes. The more my focus is on what truly matters most in my life the easier it is to stay in this mindset. Do I still slip up? You betcha!!! I'm only human after all (wink).

Life experiences give us perspective. They form our opinions and/or expectations. They can give us an "out" or a pattern of behavior to follow. These can be both good and bad things in our own lives. The same goes for Marriage. What examples did you have growing up about what marriage was? What expectations did you have while dating and then for your first year of marriage? I can honestly say that I didn't have a lot of real life references when I got married. One thing my Mom always said that stuck with me was, "You have to work on your marriage everyday." Yeah, yeah I thought......wedded bliss is what I am expecting and isn't that they way it goes for everyone? Especially in the beginning? I know you are probably chuckling to yourself right now because as I soon learned it's not really how it goes. Yes there is was still some wedded bliss in there but what I came to find out was my Mom was right. Marriage is hard work and I needed to put a little effort into it everyday.

My husband and I recently celebrated our wedding anniversary of 16 years!!! (whoa!!! How did I get that old? LOL) Since I shared a tradition last week I thought I'd share another one. We started this Wedding Anniversary tradition 6 years ago for our 10 year anniversary. It's nothing grand but it's something we have come to treasure already and have been so glad we take the time each year to do it. What is it? We get couples photos together - that's IT! Simple yet important.

Now before you right off this idea thinking "my husband would never do that" - let me tell you my husband wasn't too keen on it the first year either. Now he doesn't mind and actually enjoys it. AND this photo session we did with Chelsea Peterson Photography only took 20 mins out of our date night together!! We had plenty of time to still go out.

It is fun to capture a moment - one that is just us outside of family photos that we get done each year. Now these moments look great and like everything is "perfect". Let me assure you, it is not. We have our ups and downs each day and it's our choice to let the bad moments fester and stew or to forgive, move on and let it go. It's our choice to let it ride or take a little time for each other. Listen, connect, unplug.

(source)

It's our choice each day to stay committed to each other. To find another reason to "fall in love". We believe that our relationship goes beyond this life here. That it is for more than "until death do you part." I have learned that marriage teaches me to not be selfish. It teaches me to serve in a different way. It teaches me love and compassion even when I don't want that lesson. I am glad that we went into our Marriage with an eternal perspective. That we can fall back on that when we let too much of the world in. I often am reminded of a favorite quote:

(source)

Life isn't easy and neither is marriage. Some days are definitely easier than others. I am trying to be grateful for each of these days. I don't know how many we actually have. No one does. Look for the good and you will find. Look for the bad and you will find that as well. I am choosing to put my focus on the things I can change. The things that are in my control. The blessings I am given each day and one of those is my spouse whom I chose. It's a give and take relationship. The more we each put into it the more we are each getting out of it.

How many years have you been married and what's the biggest thing you have learned? See all the real life advice from people all over the world!

REfashion - Jeans to DIY Polka Dot shorts

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 09:08:00 +0000

Time to shorten up the hemlines - warmer weather is here! Snag those jeans and let's create!

This tutorial is great for jeans that have gotten to short for your kids (any age!) and/or if you are wanting to give new life and wear to a pair of jeans! These skinny's had such a narrow ankle opening I found myself not wearing them as often as I'd like. SO I solved that problem and refashioned them into something I will WEAR - shorts!

Supplies:

Jeans

Scissors

Measuring tape

Bleach

Small container

Paper towels

Cardboard/wax paper/newspaper

round sponge or cotton swab

ruler or yardstick

MEASURE: Find the length you want your shorts or capris to be. 1) Use an existing pair of shorts and capris. Lay over the top, measure and cut. 2) Measure from your hip (or where the waistline of the jeans sit on your body) down your leg to where you want them to hit.

**For either technique add a few inches to the end length so you can roll the unfinished edge.**

PREP: Using cardboard, wax paper, newspaper or freezer paper - slip a layer in between the legs of the jeans. This is help the bleach from soaking through one side to the other. We don't want that. Make sure your layer is thick enough and you are covered from side to side, top to bottom.

BLEACH: Let's make dots!!! Now the fun begins! Determine the size of dots you want. Cotton Swabs make a wonderful small dot. If you want a bigger dot find a round sponge brush or cut a sponge to the size you'd like. Pour some bleach into a small dish.

SEEING SPOTS: Determine how far apart you'd like your dots to be - across and the rows up and down. Different sizes will need more or less room depending on the look that YOU like. Dip your sponge or Cotton Swab into the bleach. A bigger sized sponge than a cotton swab might be dabbed onto a paper towel so it's not dripping wet with bleach. This won't produce a very good circle. Dip and Dab as necessary on a paper towel. **You might want to do a few test spots on the extra pant legs that you cut off. Better safe and comfortable with the process than sorry!**

Using your ruler, dab your spots on the jean fabric and refill your applicator with bleach often. The fun part is your spots will start appearing within seconds. If after a minute or two you haven't seen your spots start to appear your applicator wasn't wet enough with the bleach. But it's better to lean on the side of more dry then to wet. To wet with bleach and your shape lines will get blurred out. Go slow and dab away! I like to start at the bottom and work my way up the pant leg. Evenly space your first row using the top of your ruler at a guide. Then alternate your 2nd row in between the dots of the 1st row.

Keep going adding on dots as needed the higher and wider the pant leg gets.

If one of your spots didn't bleach out as much as you'd like, just redab that spot! I sort of liked mine having more of a washed look than totally bleached out. Some of those completely bleached out spots I didn't like as much. But I was also working with a bigger circle.

Repeat the process on the other front of the pant leg. Let dry and flip over to add polka dots to the back. Or just have spots on the front! The design it up to you! Let them dry for 24 hours or overnight and then run them through the rinse cycle of your washer and dry.

Finish up the hemline by folding it up a few times.

Spring and SPOTS go hand in hand! Create your own DIY look today!

Make sure you aren't missing any of the DIY, Motherhood, and Refashion ideas shared here by following Brassy Apple on Pinterest.

Laundry & Motherhood & mountains to climb

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:33:00 +0000

This post brought to you by Biz Stain & Odor Eliminator. All opinions are 100% mine.

Kids, Laundry, cooking, running around and RAISING a family is quite the demanding everyday schedule - and that doesn't even really cover anything on the TO DO list right? There is ALWAYS someone that is hungry and wants a snack, someone who is having a meltdown or a problem, someone who is putting up a fight about homework, someone that needs ran somewhere and someone who needs laundry done. As a mom I have learned to pick my battles through the years.

I recently had the chance to try Biz stain fighting liquid. It's been around for years and just recently got a new makeover! Biz contains more stain fighting ingredients than many others out there. Honestly, I don't like having to worry about the laundry. My boys are messy, dirty, adventerous....typical boys!! Half of the time I don't see all the food, grass, dirt, etc that may be on their clothes. I just know that is their laundry basket is full and the clothes need cleaned ASAP!

Laundry and picking my battles goes hand in a hand as a mom. Just like we have "mountains to climb" in life there are weekly mountains of laundry to do as well. Do I want to spend my time working on my laundry stains or do I want to spend my time working on my family relationships, teaching and playing with my kids? I'm leaving the stain fighting to Biz and making my life easier - one less battle.

I love that Biz allows me to pretreat stains or simply just add it to my wash with my laundry detergent. Great for those stains or ground in dirt that maybe I didn't catch. I gave Biz a test by tackling the SOCKS! Here's our before shot - do you have the same dirty bottoms of socks in your household? Seems like they don't get quite as white or clean when I've washed them before.

I tried out the pretreat method on some of them. Gave it a little rub and let them site or a few minutes. Then into the wash they went.

Results? They actually LOOKED brighter to me! and I love the nice, clean smell that Biz gave the socks and the rest of the clothes that were in the load of laundry too.

So I tried it again. I ran more loads of laundry. Some pretreating and some just pouring the Biz in and letting it do it's thing. I have been happy with the results from all angles. Laundry battles? Bring them on - they just aren't that big of a battle anymore! Now, folding it all and putting it away is another story. LOL!

One of the things we say at our house when someone is really dirty is, "looks the sign of a good time!" So let them be dirty. Let them have fun and let Biz tackle those battles for you!

(source)

Want to try some? save $1 on Biz with this coupon and find out where to buy Biz that is close and convenient for you! Of course they are on Facebook too sharing tips, tricks and more.

Fun with PAINT - Family fun ideas #1

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:02:00 +0000

It's almost that time of year when the Summer Bucket List posts start popping up. When Moms are scouring blogs and Pinterest for ideas to keep the kids entertained and having fun in the Summer. How about some lists of ideas that maybe Moms could use whenever? After all there are rainy days, winter days, parts of the world with different seasons as different times and sometimes Moms just need some ideas! That is what I am going to give you. So PIN each of the FUN LISTS that get posted so you can reference them whenever you are in need of an idea!

Today's list of fun ideas is all about PAINT!

(ps - It's ok to let them get dirty and messy. The other fun part could be spraying them down with a hose to get clean!)

Handpainted Chair

- Have an old chair that needs a makeover? Maybe one you are getting rid of or you could even pick one up 2nd hand. Let the kids have at it one day with some paint!

Temporary body art

Washable markers and crayons are perfect for getting creative with!

Painting with Eggs

- Fill empty eggs shell with paint and throw them as a canvas. See what you can create!

Bed sheet canvas -

Use an old or 2nd hand bed sheet as a large canvas. Hang it up outside or lay it flat on the ground.

Have a Paint fight or participate in a 5k color fun run

Play messy twister

Good ol' game of twister has gone up a notch!

Lawn twister

Take the game to a bigger scale - its less messy but you are using paint to create the game board.

Painting slide with colored ice

- This fun option could keep them busy for hours. I love the spin on painting using the slide and FROZEN colors!

DIY spin art

- A Salad spinner was never so cool!

And since it's always fun to out with a "BANG"....how about some

Exploding Art

or Exploding Chalk Paint Art

So which one are you excited to try??!!!

Don't forget to pin this post so you can use it later when Summer boredom hits!

In loss there can still be happiness - family tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 10:03:00 +0000

As I pondered what Motherhood or real life moment I wanted to share today it seems only fitting to share a part of our forever story. And I'm not talking marriage....I'm talking about forever families. With Easter weekend just wrapping up I can't help but reflect and be grateful for my Savior. Because of Him I get to live again and so do my loved ones. I get the chance to be with and raise our baby daughter who passed away at 2 weeks old.

A few months ago we recognized her 11 year anniversary of coming to our family and blessing it for even a short time. I get choked up even now as I think about all the blessings that came to our life during this time even though it was the hardest thing I have ever done.

I let it teach me, not harden me.

I took in all the moments instead of wishing them away or that I had more.

Life is gift.

Life is a blessing.

And Life isn't easy.

It's the load that gives us traction to keep going.

And keep going we do.

We are happy now. We aren't waiting for a "someday". There is too much joy to be had, seen, experienced and given TODAY. We are living our happily ever after knowing that this life isn't the end. We were honored to travel to be with family and overwhelmed by those that traveled to be with us (also a heartfelt thank you to a friend who took the time to capture this moment for us through her camera). Our ceremony was simple and quick. We passed out balloons to each of the families that were in attendance and the balloons were let go one by one.

My hope is that you can find comfort in your trials. That you can see these type of hardships and experiences as opportunities. I like to see them as one of two things - an anchor that is going to weigh me down or as an arrow that will launch me forward. I get to choose how I allow the experience to change me.

I used to say, "We have 4 in our home and 1 in our heart." That was our number. Now that we are foster parents it's a little tricky since our number is always changing. So what is your "number?" Do you have certain rituals or traditions your family does to honor someone who has passed?

DIY Felt Lollipops - for kids!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 09:47:00 +0000

Hey everyone! I hope you are enjoying the first part of Spring! I have a happy project for you all to make today that requires no sewing! At our house we have a variety of felt food for my girls' kitchen: cupcakes, sugar cookies, chocolate chip cookies; and as of today - Felt Lollipops!

I thought I would add Felt Lollipops to their collection because my daughter, Olivia, is obsessed with suckers and lollipops! She literally asks me if she can have one at least 5 times a day! I thought I would start handing her these felt ones instead to save us trips to the dentist! Haha!

Here is what you need to make them:

(per 1 lollipop)

One lollipop stick

2 sheets of felt (different colors)

Good fabric scissors

Hot glue

Stabilizer (if desired)

First you will need to trace 2 circles onto your base lollipop color. I traced a drinking glass.

You will have two circles.

Now is the time to decided whether or not you want to put stabilizer onto your felt. The benefit of doing this is that it makes the lollipop a little more stiff so that it holds its form better. If you choose not to, it won't make a huge difference. (I did only because I already had it on hand)

Next, you will want to trace two more circles on the "swirly" color of your lollipop. Once you have the circles cut out, start cutting into them and swirl all the way around.

After that you will simply hot glue the swirl onto your bases. *note: you will not use the whole swirl. You will cut most of the larger part off into a point.

Take your stick and sandwich the end between the two sides and hot glue around the edge of the circle.

That's it! You're done!

How cute would it be if the Easter Bunny put these Felt Lollipops in Easter Baskets this year?

Easy ways to Accessorize a Swimsuit + a GIVEAWAY

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 09:30:00 +0000

Giveaway for a free Beverly Swimwear Swimsuit at the end of the post. Don't miss entering!

You either look forward to Swimsuit season or you dread it. Or maybe you do both!? Either way it's coming upon us fast. Or me I look forward to the warmer weather and getting in the pool with my kiddos, but some days I just want to be poolside mom. There are opportunities to be at the pool without being in the pool right? If you want to enjoy these times BUT don't want to necessarily "bare all" let me share some tips for looking appropriate for the occasion, still being able to enjoy the warm weather and get some sun on you but feel pulled together, stylish and covered.

(ps - I'm going to "bare all" in this post and share some pictures of ME in a swimsuit - not tanned, not toned - just real life me. It's not as a bad as you think. Maybe I can give you courage to do the same this Summer!)

1. Covered up but still getting sun - Maxi skirts and wraps are your new best friend! If the lower half is what you are wanting to mask or disguise (and I think most women do) then try one of these options.

Swimsuit - Beverly Swimwear
Maxi Skirt - DownEast Basics

Swim Wrap

2. Sandals or Flip Flops - I know that may sound funny but shoes can dress up an outfit anyday! A great pair of Summer Sandals can help you feel more chic in your swimsuit (and skirt or wrap). If Flips Flops are more your style or more appropriate for where you are going think about a pair that is "umpf'd" up a bit. They make Flip Flops with a wedge, blinged out and in all sort of colors. Don't be afraid to buy a fun pair this Summer!

Colorful Sandals

Gold Sandals

3. Accessories! - Now that we have the bottom half taken care of with the skirt and sandals let's shift our focus to your upper half. There's no reason why you can't wear a pair of statement earrings or a necklace if you are going to be poolside. Again, we are going for feeling chic and confident in swimsuit which makes us feel not so confident (wink). Statement pieces or ones that shimmer and shine just may draw more attention to themselves distracting others from areas you don't want to them looking or seeing (smart right?!). Think Silver and Gold OR a fun color that compliments or contrasts the color of your swimsuit.

Along with Accessories, Sunglasses are always a must! Again, pick a fun color if you want, shape, pattern, aviators, or the classic black or brown. You always look cool with sunglasses on.

So we've talked accessorizing your swimsuit but what if you are wanting or needing a new SWIMSUIT!! You are in luck! Beverly Swimwear wants to give 1 lucky reader a NEW SwimSuit!

ENTER and check out the more pics of my awesome swimsuit below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I chose the Vintage Vixen cut and also the Green and Navy color combo. Beverly Swimwear has lots of options, colors and fun cuts!

Good luck in the giveaway!
Don't forget to pin this post so you can reference the accessorizing ideas!

Best GO TO fashion tips from Flats to Flip Flops

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 09:31:00 +0000

I can't believe my time on Brassy Apple has come to and end! Serious single tear. I have loved popping over once a month to share a little something with you and hope that you have had fun too! So to go out with a bang I have to decided to compile my best of the best styling/shopping tips! My top 10, never fail, go-to, help you when you are staring aimlessly at your closet or helplessly at the store tips!

#10 Think it Through Before you jump right in to a trend, think it through. Make sure it makes sense for your wardrobe. Don't do a trend just for trends sake.

#9 Check your Undergarments. I can't even tell you how much this will make a difference! If there is anywhere you can splurge in your wardrobe this is one of those places. If you have never gone and got a bra fitting...go and treat yourself! A good bra can seriously take 5-10 pounds off. You can also invest in some slimming underwear(like Spanx) for those special occasion outfits.

#8 Use the rule of 3's. When you buy something make sure it can go with at least 3 other pieces in your wardrobe. Especially if it is a spendy item. Make sure you can get the best bang for your buck!

#7 Find new inspiration. Inspiration is every where. From Pinterest to blogs to magazines, there is an endless supply. Look around and find something that speaks to you.

#6 Check out the accessories. Accessories are a great way to add a little piece of you to an outfit. Earrings, necklaces, watches and scarves(just to name a few) are a great way to add something special to an outfit! Look for pieces that are unique to you and your sense of style!

#5 Wait a day. Not sure about that purchase? Sleep on it! My rule is if I can't get it off my mind in 24 hours, than it's a solid purchase.

#4 Go through your closet every 6 months. This is one of my favorite things to do. Get rid of any item you haven't worn at all the previous season. You won't be wearing it again, I promise! And for extra brownie points, donate your old clothes to your local Goodwill shop.

#3 Mis-Match It!

No need to be matchy matchy. Try pulling a few things from your closet that you love, even if they don't "go together" and see if it works! Most likely it will!

#2 Love your body(or at least like it). I know that this is a hard one. But it is super important. Dress for your body type and don't compare yourself to others.

#1 Don't be afraid to be you. Are you the crazy cat lady? Are you skull obsessed(like me) then add pieces to wardrobe that reflect you and your personality. Don't be afraid to let you shine through your clothes!

You guys! Don't be a stranger! If you haven't already you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or Twitter! And make sure you stop by flats to flip flops and say hi!

Refashion - taking in a dress

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 09:19:00 +0000

Before and after taking in the dress. Also before and after highlighting my hair, obviously.

Hello again! It's Kara from While Camden Sleeps.

Today's refashion shows the power of tailoring clothes to fit your individual body. Refashioning doesn't always mean that you have to completely change something--traditional altering can often make something feel like new again.

I got this dress at Ross for $10. It was about 6 sizes too big. Obviously this was a problem that called for some changes.

Taking in the side seams was the easiest and most dramatic change. And luckily, because it has capped sleeves, I didn't have to remove and resize the sleeves after taking in the dress.

What I did

First, I tried on the dress inside-out and marked where the new seam would be on each side.

The dress was a sheath, but I made it more of a subtle A-line when I took in the seams of the skirt.

I also used a seam ripper to remove the hem and lower it. This made it just under 2 inches longer.

After taking in the side seams, I discovered that the neckline was too large and didn't rest on my chest properly. I assessed the dress and decided the best solution for this was to add an additional pleat to each side of the neckline. Normally, I would take it up in the shoulder seams, but since this dress already had pleats in the neckline, this made more sense.

To remove extra material in the bust area, I added darts for a better fit. I don't have a dress form, so I tried the dress on inside-out and marked where I wanted to take it in.

The neckline and bodice after the alterations.

And the final result!

Summary: Having a dress fit properly can make a huge difference!

Side by side comparison before and after taking in the dress.

Until next time,

Kara
While Camden Sleeps

The 10 compliments game - say the good stuff!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Mon, 14 Apr 2014 09:42:00 +0000

What if you said every good thing that came to your mind?

What if you told that friend she looked great today?

or told that stranger you liked her shoes?

What if you took just a moment to utter a few words that could make someone's day?

How much time and energy does a few good words really take?

What if we all could have LESS of this of this mindset......

and MORE of this?

(source)

A couple of high school seniors put this good thoughts idea to the test and started saying all the good things that came to their mind. Can you imagine how saying all those good things made other feels and who how the ones GIVING the compliments felt and changed??? I believe you get back what you put out. So why not put out more good? I say YES!!!

This goes along perfectly with a an EASY game that my husbands cousin introduced me to one day - The 10 Compliments game.

Anytime you are out with your kids (or friends even) you set a number and a time frame or destination limit. Then you and all the other players (kids, friends, etc) compete to be the first person to hit that number before the time limit is up!

Example:

Give 10 compliments to others before we leave the grocery store.

Ready, set, go!!!

Who is going to win first???

My kids are getting used to my "crazy" antics and ideas so they don't see it or me as weird - ha ha ha.

This does helps us recognize some of our good thoughts and just how many good thoughts we have each day. Goes right along with our CLICKER TOO! It also helps each of us get outside of our box a bit. People aren't that scary although giving someone that first compliment can make you a bit nervous. It teaches everyone to overcome that fear. I've also noticed it helps be more aware. A little friendly competition forces you to be looking for compliments to give and in that process we are paying more attention to who is around us. Sometimes you might be able to spot someone who looks like they could really use a kind word.

So give this game a try! It doesn't require any pieces and it can be played anywhere. It does produce big smiles, bigger hearts and better human beans - so watch out. You just might become more awesome than you already are (oh look at me giving a compliment! I'm one up already! *wink*)

Time with MOM phone FREE

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Fri, 11 Apr 2014 10:16:00 +0000

Hey Brassy Apple readers! This will be my last time posting here as part of Megan's team and I've had a lot of fun over the last year coming up with kid's crafts to share with you. I hope you've been inspired to do some creating with your kids, even if you haven't done exactly what I posted about.

I admit to feeling a little stuck when trying to come up with something for this last post, and I think it's because there's something I need to write about. And I haven't really been doing it. Which makes me feel a little fake about telling you to do it, and then bad for not doing it. Double Whammy. I think writing about it is going to be just the kick in the pants I need to start it up again. It's not even Earth shattering or amazing. It's so simple. Mom Time. Over a year ago I had this feeling that I needed to spend more time with my kids. I laughed to myself at first, because I'm a stay-at-home mom. "I'm with my kids all the time, how can I possibly spend more time with them!?" Then I started to pay attention. Two of my kids were in school. The time we "spent together" in the morning was breakfast and chores and getting ready for school. The time we "spent together" after school was homework, piano practice, dinner, dance class, piano lessons, meetings for me for church or PTO, their reading-to-self, you get the idea.

Then my son was still home with me all day. Our time "spent together" was me cleaning the kitchen or doing other things around the house, blogging, running errands, while he played in his room, or watched a movie or had to come with me to the store. Of course all these things have to get done, but I realized that all the time I thought I was spending with my kids, I actually wasn't. So there had to be something I could do. I started doing Mom Time with the kids, one on one, and tried to do it at least once a week (more with the one who's not in school)

Here's how it works: One of my kids gets my undivided attention for a set amount of time (say 30-45 minutes---set a timer!) and they help decide what we will do. It could be reading together, playing with cars, doing a craft, writing a story, painting nails, building a castle with blocks, etc. Not complicated, usually free and usually not leaving the house.

We talk, work on our activity, and I don't touch my phone! They know that I am theirs for that time. If your kids have phones (and if they do hopefully they're much older than mine ;) then make the same deal with them! It helps to get help from the other kids/ your spouse so that you're not having to get pulled away by anyone else's needs. Like I said, this is a routine I need to start back up again, and the kids always love it so much. Do you have any tips for spending time with your kids when you aren't distracted by other things? I'd love to hear!

And I'd love for you to keep up with me on Instagram or Facebook. If you try Mom Time, let me know how it goes! Find fun activity ideas here to get you started:

Spring GIVEAWAY - wardrobe and home

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 10:19:00 +0000

Put some SPRING in your step with some new items for your wardrobe and home! I'm teaming up with Flats to Flip Flops to get you in the know about this giveaway! From spring cleaning to spring fashions to getting fit for spring..this giveaway is for YOU!!!

2 Packs of DrainWigs from DrainWigs

Sage & Harper bag from flats to flip flops

Pencil Skirt from Agnes & Dora

Infinity Scarf from Free Time Frolics

Mocs from Freshly Picked

4 BottleBands for you and your friends

One winner gets it all! Enter using Rafflecopter below! Open to U.S. Residents only. Giveaway ends April 15th! Fingers crossed!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DIY Tulle Skirt Refashion

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 10:01:00 +0000

Hey Brassy Apple readers! I'm Kilee from ONE little MOMMA and I'm excited to be back this month with a project that has been a long time coming! Megan and I have a lot of things in common and two of those things are thrifting and refashioning. I love to shop at thrift store and I especially love to find projects while I thrift. Back in January I happened upon this amazing, although dated formal dress. I tried it on and found that the bodice was too small for my rib cage- but I couldn't leave that beautiful tulle skirt behind!The dress came home with me and I got to work creating an amazing skirt from a vintage dress.

I love easy projects and this is one that you can recreate too. It can be done in one afternoon with very few supplies. The materials needed for this projects are a formal dress, scissors, pins, a marker, a ruler and a sewing machine.

I started by cutting the top half of the dress off. I left about 4 inches of fabric from the bodice still attached to the skirt, but the rest came off. As I cut, I had to cut through the zipper on my dress because it ran from the bodice into the skirt. The MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is to unzip the dress all of the way before you start cutting. By unzipping the dress all of the way down, the pull piece of the zipper is still on the teeth and you will still be able to zip up what is left of the zipper on the skirt.

After cutting the top off of the dress, you are left with the skirt and need to finish off the edge. I would recommend first serging around the cut edge if you have access to a serger. If not use a zig zag stitch to 'finish' the cut edge. Then fold the cut edge under and pin it all of the way around with about a 1/2 or more seam allowance. You can determine your seam allowance based on how wide you want your waist band to be.

Next run a straight stitch around the waist band, removing pins as you go, to hold the cut edge folded under. I ran a stitch at about 1/4" and a 1/2" distance from the top of the waist in order to create a strong finished waist. When you get to the zipper, just carefully sew over it. You are sewing a stop for the cut zipper which will prevent the pull from coming off as the skirt zips up. You can see the inside of the waist seam above and the outside below.

Below you can see the new altered waistband which converts the dress into a skirt.

After sewing the waist, I needed to check the length. I tried on the skirt several times and cut the skirt to the length that I wanted.

To cut the skirt length evenly I used a ruler and marker to mark six inches up from the bottom of the skirt lining all of the way around. Then I used those dots as my cutting guide.

Next I laid the skirt out and cut the tulle layer to match the lining. I tried the skirt on again and determined whether any more trimming was necessary. Once I got the length cut, I needed to finish the bottom edge of the skirt. The tulle did not need to be hemmed, but the lining did. I folded the fabric of the lining under just enough to finish the edge by sewing a straight stitch all of the way around the skirt.

And that is it! Basically this amazing refashion just comes down to cutting off the extra material from the top and the bottom and hemming both edges. It was easy, quick and I loved the result of mine!

This refashion is perfect for upcoming proms or formal to semi formal events. Thrift stores have an abundance of outdated formal dresses that still have great full skirts! How fun would it be to alter a dress into a skirt for just a few dollars and then find a sequined tee or a basic blouse to pair with it!?! I would have loved to have that option in high school and certainly will keep it in mind when I do have a dressier event to attend!

And as you can see on Pinterest and all over style blogs these days, tulle skirts are not only for formal events. I'm sharing a few ways to wear a tulle skirt on my blog today. I'd love to share them with you!

Weight loss - You can change now

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 16:05:00 +0000

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Last year Chalyce and I took on the challenge to Refashion our lives with a weekly video. A little snippet of something motivational, inspirational, true and from our own life experiences. So often as January comes each year we make goals or resolutions right? I know I do! and how often when February comes around (dare I say even the middle or end of January) are these new goals and aspirations like "dust in the wind." Been there done that lots of time! Raise your hand and own it if you've done that too! You're not alone and it's empowering to recognize that....and then move on.

Staying in a state where you are unhappy, where you are wanting or needing change is your place of power. No one can make you change. No one can do it for you. You hold the power to change your story right from this moment.

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I bring this up now because it's April and WOW has this year gone by fast! I'm sitting here as the weather is getting warmer and there's a new focus on spring colors, spring/summer wardrobe and of course the dreaded question, "Are you swimsuit ready?" Which my quick reply is, "Well no! I'm never swimsuit ready!" I'm also thinking where did January go and all my lofty goals of change in many areas of my life. I thought by April I would look different, or I thought something different would have happened, or I wish something else would have worked out, etc, etc, etc....

My point with all this rambling is it's not to late to change the ending. Heck, don't even worry about the ending - let's make this "chapter" something to remember. And that doesn't mean a great adventure or anything over the top. It means when you look back you will like what you see, how you felt inside about yourself and you will smile at the actions or strides you took. Even if they are just baby steps.

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If you are wanting to change physically who cares if it's April and who cares if it's Tuesday! You don't need to wait for January to roll around OR for Monday to come.

You can start to today.

YOU have the power to do that.

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There's no need to re-invent the wheel or in this case the information when Chalyce and I created and shared it last year. Here are 4 videos where we address making a change about your physical appearance in the weight loss area.

The 80 lb. Purpose

Chalyce's weight loss secret

Fear of Food

Are you eating backwards

Today is your day.

What are you looking to change?

and remember...

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Angry Birds and Minecraft are Math and Science? + a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 09:18:00 +0000

This is a sponsored post by Zaniac. I have been compensated for the event I attended and also for sharing it here on my blog. I am also part of the Mom it Forward blogger network.

We all want what is best for our kids/grandkids and sometimes just being aware and informed of the tools available can be half the battle. Let me share with you one of these amazing resources.

With Summer on the Horizon have you thought about what to involve your kids in to keep their brains engaged and learning? Do your kids like Angry Birds, Minecraft and Robotics? Hey, mine too!

Did you know that all three of these have ties to Math and Science? I didn't but when I heard that Zaniac was tying 3 things together that my kids already LOVED with educational stuff I knew I wanted to check it out.

Zaniac is new to me. I had never heard of it and when they offered to host my whole family to come and experience Zaniac I was in! I love finding resources that can help my kids and get them excited about learning and activities that engage them so much they don't even realize they are "learning". Sneaky, sneaky. That is exactly what we found. My kids went right for the Lego Robotics room. The instructor took them on a journey of everyone figuring out how to make this robotic vehicle make it around the track by programing in the right angles, length of time, etc. All my kids from my little to my oldest were participating.

Zaniac ignites imagination through their STEM programs. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering an Math. They have after school programs, summer camps, Spring break camps and Parents Night Out when everyone gets a break and fun night!
They also offer homework help and one of their services is Math testing. They can test your child and help you understand where they at and how to best help them.

Not only were the kids engaged but me as a parent got involved with another parent and blogger. We jumped into a fun but simple math game with the kids swatting at the answers to multiplication, addition and subtraction problems. Seriously! Can learning math facts look more fun??

And if you need more proof of engagement take a look at this candid shot I got. He was really into navigating the angry bird through the maze and programing the computer to tell it what to do so he could get it right.

What I really loved was knowing there is a resource out there that wants to give kids the opportunity to excel in the STEM areas. They are relating to what the current interests are that are already in their everyday lives. What a cool job right? And what a cool opportunity for your kids(s) too!

Zaniac wants to give YOU the opportunity to experience how they can Ignite your child's Imagination too by giving away a free 6 week Zaniac program of choice to 2 lucky readers ($299 value each).
Programs are:
Minecraft
Lego Robotics
Chess
Touch Typing
Computer programming

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!!

Girls day out - meet up In Logan

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 09:30:00 +0000

This has been in the works for awhile. If you follow me on social media then you know I've thrown this idea out there, we did a save the date and now here are the details! It will be a fun day that is open is all women - bloggers, family, friends, etc. If you are local to the area be SURE to join us! I will want your input on where to shop, eat and explore later that day! If you aren't local and want a little daytime getaway please join in the fun as well!

Huge THANKS to AdornIt Shoppe for hosting the morning events.

I would love it if you RSVP'd by leaving me a comment or emailing me. It makes it easier to know how many we should expect BUT you don't have to RSVP to come.

Sassy Steals and I are hosting an Accessory swap. Just bring 1 item wrapped that you no longer use or wear that is an accessory but still in good condition. We will anonymously swap them and you will go home with a "new" to YOU item! So spring clean your accessories and swap with us!

After those 2 morning events the rest of the day is YOURS.

Snag your girlfriends, meet some new people, connect, laugh and have a good time.

I hope you'll take a day for you and come, so I have the chance to get to know YOU!

See you in just a few weeks! xo - Megan

Want to watch with me?

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 09:46:00 +0000

This weekend is a favorite event for our family. It is a "cup filling" weekend for me. I am not the person I am today without it. I am not the mother I am today without it. It gives me direction. It grounds and centers me in what is really important. I reminds me how simple life can be and gives me inspiration to go forward. To go on with joy and with faith.

I love connecting with other people. I love living my beliefs and if you'd like to know more about what makes me tick you can watch the exact same messages I will be watching this weekend as well during what our church calls General Conference.

I will of course be instagramming and tweeting through out the weekend and using the hashtag #ldsconf. Feel free to search it if you'd like and see worldwide who is watching, how they are watching and what messages touch their hearts.

A meeting for all women in our church worldwide ages 8+ was just held this past weekend. It was a weekend just like the one my family will have this weekend but it was just for women. An opportunity to speak just to us. I love the messages shared. Here's a few favorite quotes from it:

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Isn't that the truth?
If you have any interest, please take the time to watch. I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions or heck, I'd even come and watch it with you if you wanted me to!

If you have little ones, sitting through that much TV can be difficult. There are lots of sites that offer conference printables, games and activities to make it more fun. (and maybe it's not only the kids that need these games - wink, wink)

Check out LDS Living 53 Conference activity ideas. They even have them broken down into different ages.

Over the Big Moon has a packet for kids aimed for the school aged kids.

and Mormon Momma has a whole slew (yes I just said slew) of ideas for making it memorable. Besides being in my kids memories and doing the fun stuff, I want them to know what is important to me spiritually. I want to not doubt what I believe. I love being a part of a religion that supports this, encourages this and gives me the opportunity to grow and have joy.....not to just simply endure my journey here.

want to hear it straight from my mouth?
read my other posts where I have talked about my religion -

Did I ever mention I'm a Mormon?

Why do many Utah women blog?

New Project and TV interview

I know it, I live it, I love it

Dress Remix for a women LDS Missionary

Sharing pieces of my heart through photos

I thought this was funny. I can honestly say this is how I feel regardless of what others believe. You don't have to believe the same as I do. I will still be your friend and I would still loved to meet you, talk with you and get to know you. But this is my core. This is who I am - and hopefully we can still get along and each stand in our truths and individuality.

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My Acts of Kindness Birthday recap

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:01:00 +0000

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Good thoughts without actions are just that....words and thoughts. I can't type out here on my blog and share what I don't personally live. So after sharing ideas for acts of kindness and paying it forward on your birthday I couldn't help myself but GO OUT and LIVE it! Honestly, I wanted to be more prepped. To have more time to be ready for that day but the weekend was consumed with a family event and there just wasn't time. But what is better than being there with family when they need you? Priorities were in line and what needed to be done got done.

So my birthday morning rolls around and I knew I want to spend the day doing small acts but I had no game plan really so what do I do? I take a breath, I don't stress and I decide to do what I can do and enjoy the process as it unfolds.

I got myself together and the kids ready later than I wanted. We headed out later and then forgot some stuff so we headed back. By now they are hungry and ready for lunch which he had plans for but I just thought I would have gotten a few things before the tummy grumbles started. Even in the middle of all of this I kept my cool. Why I am sharing this part of my day and the wonderful the process that unfolded? Because I am human and I want you to know that. Some days it's hard to let go of the schedule and the idea of "how we want the day to go". Sometimes letting it go can take you on an adventure you didn't know was out there waiting for you. Maybe even being taken where you need to go.

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I had started the day prayerful and had the desire to keep that peace with me through out the day. Getting all up tight was not going to help me accomplish anything other than having memories left over at the end of the day that maybe weren't as cherished for me or my kids. And I certainly didn't want that.

If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen the run down of the day. I typed and shared so much there through my whole day. If you missed it. Let me share it with you know. And if you'd like to refer to this post later be sure to pin it for later.

"I overheard a young man struggling with a high amount of fines at the library as we were checking out. I anonymously paid off his balance and slipped out of the library."

"My team of kindness kids helped me sneak some bookmarks into library books with positive messages on them that they helped create. Sneaky sneaky. .. hope it brings a smile to someone's face"

"Not just people need kindness. We stopped to feed the ducks and also share our bread with any other kids wanting to feed the ducks today too. My kindness crew (aka my kids) have been calling today "operation good deeds" and then excitedly asking "what are we going to do next????""

"Ice cream anyone? While at McDonald's as a birthday lunch for our foster daughter, I ordered 20 ice cream cones and passed them out to other people there :) one lady asked how much there where. When I told her they were free and explained I was spreading cheer today for my birthday she said "well this is cheer indeed!""

"Pictures just cant convey the happy, gratitude and surprise of the recipents as I walked around Mcdonalds handing out ice cream cones. I even ran into someone i knew and i got to treat her and her kids today."

"Easiest way to do random acts of kindness any day is simply hold open the door for someone and share your smile with them. So often we are engaged in our phones and we aren't so good at being the real kind of "social" anymore. I'm always surprised at how surprised other people are when I smile at them or say hello or thank them and use their name. Its the little things. .....the little things are the big things"

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"Only takes a quarter to give a little happiness and get a smile. Next stop in our random acts of kindness day was game stop at the grocery store. Lots of kids wishing they had quarters. We were happy to dish them out."

"After passing out quarters to the kids that were around we left some on all sorts of different games, rides and candy machines in two different spots at the store. The kids were so excited - both the receivers and my own doing the giving. We swung back around to see if any of our quarters had been taken. We saw a group of kids so excited to find the quarters and then their mother told them to put them back. I don't know what she was only thinking nor can I judge but I'm sure she thought she was doing the right thing. I told my kids "sometimes we don't get to see the fruits of our labors. Sometimes you just do good and you never know what the outcome is....""

"Hiding a little surprise around the $1 store . Some we handed directly to people and some we placed around the store in different sections."

"Just one more. This was a favorite. One I've wanted to do for awhile now. I stood and searched the check out lines for the "right" person. I had been prayerful all day through the acts of service we chose to do. With this gesture I wanted to find someone who really needed it. Even though I would have no idea who that was, I kept a prayer in my heart to be guided with my choice. I didn't have any fear approaching this woman when I felt like this was the right choice. I embraced her, told her I'd like to pay for her groceries and she didn't know what to do . "Seriously? You would do that?" She had a very quiet voice. When it was all taken care she said "god bless you"..... its been a wonderful day. Full of heart. I hope my kids remember this day and I hope this day repeats itself again in a new way with new experiences and new people to give smiles too. Thanks for peeking into my birthday "

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Birthday kindness ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 09:34:00 +0000

5 things to do on your birthday instead of having people celebrate YOU!
Did that come out right? LOL!

(yup that's me on my 3rd birthday!)

I grew up with a Dad that on his Birthday he liked to give gifts to other people. They didn't have to be anything big or extravagant, but just a nice friendly way to make someone's day.

Or he liked to celebrate by doing things with people and not putting the focus on himself. Maybe he didn't want it there, I'm not sure. But it rubbed off on me a little :)

Birthdays are a fun day to celebrate another year but they can always be an opportunity to celebrate those in your life that make your everyday or that past year something to be remembered. Birthday random acts of kindness have been "trending" for a few years and so since it is my birthday today....I'd thought I'd share some of these "unusual" ways to celebrate this day!

I think the first blogger I really saw go for this and post about it was Whippy Cake. Check out how she filled her birthday with acts of kindness.

Since the mail carrier is usually the one delivering those birthday cards, I love the thought of thinking of them on this day (instead of just at Christmas time)

And what about Birthday Money? Anyone else still get the Birthday $1 from grandparents? I love it and look forward to it! Well, how about paying that forward....

Birthdays always involve cake right? What about creating a birthday in a box and donating to your local Christmas box house, shelter, food bank or similar. As a foster parent and having worked with the Christmas Box house a little bit I know how valued these Party in a BOX packages are. Make someone else's day a PARTY by creating one of these.

Sometimes that easiest way is the simplest way. Give a little bit of your time and yourself.

Hold the door for someone.
Call your grandmother.
Say an extra thank you.
Give a compliment.
Let someone go in front of you in line.
Give someone a hug.
Treat a friend to a cup of coffee.
Wish someone a great day or a wonderful weekend.
Check on elderly neighbors.
Help someone with their cart at the supermarket. - See more at: http://www.pifexperience.org/40-ways-to-pay-it-forward-on-your-birthday/#sthash.0exCNLsh.dpuf

Simple ideas like:
Holding the door for someone.
Letting someone go ahead of you in line.
Give a compliment.
Call a friend (no texting, Facebook messaging or email) Actually calling them.
They share 40 simple ways to give to others on your birthday.
(ps - I'm not turning 40 this year - let's just be clear about that - LOL!)

I'll be putting some of these ideas into action (already have done a few) to celebrate my birthday! Do you have a favorite that you've done?

How to wear a Turban Headband + giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:36:00 +0000

Have you tried to wear the turban headband trend? Did you feel silly? or maybe you haven't tried it YET but you'd like to? That was me. I just didn't think I could pull it off and then I didn't want to look dumb either. After playing around with one I got from So Loved Designs, I figured out a few tricks to successfully pulling this look off!

1) PLACEMENT - It's a turban style and it needs to be worn lower on the head/forehead. At least for me. I felt like it was more "turban-y" than just a regular headband. Too low and you can't see and too high and it becomes a headband. Find the "sweet spot" for placement on your forehead. This can always vary a bit depending on the width/style of your turban headband.

2) HAIR - I don't have a lot so this was key in creating a look that I was comfortable with. I've seen them worn in countless pictures of women with long hair (easy!) but I didn't want to lose to much of my hair when it was worn (I just don't like how I look).

Hair tip #1 - Keep your hair over your ears or for me the headband definitely covers them a bit.

Hair tip #2 - Keep your hair forward. If you have longer hair don't push it back but rather "smush" it down with the headband.

Hair tip #3 - BANGS! I love having my bangs come out from underneath the headband. I don't like how I look without them. I like the angles it gives my face and how it softens some of those angles. Find your comfort level.

Hair tip #4 - Puff it. The headband it flatten out your crown area so give your hair a little tug to give you some volume on top.

I'm not a hat wearing girl but I've found out I like this option when I need to run out the door and I'm dealing with my crazy short haired BED HEAD! LOL...At least it tames it a bit and helps me feel pulled together. It's a fun way to add color to your outfit too!

Want to try this style for free from So Loved Designs? Enter the giveaway below! 1 winner will get a lace turban headband and an all knit one as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

want more easy to do style tips? Follow me on Pinterest!

Crafting Chicks SPRING FEVER!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 10:58:00 +0000

Have you got Spring Fever? The Crafting Chicks do! They are hosting a Spring Fever series on their blog right now and I'm a part of it! What would I share other than a Refashion right?? Hop over to Crafting Chicks and see what I did with these Skinny jeans. Hope you like it!

Don't miss the other Spring Fever ideas they have shared like:

Spring Printable

Little Girl Room Makeover

Homemade Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs

Bow Sweater Knockoff REfashion

noreply@blogger.com (Megan/Brassy Apple) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 09:45:00 +0000

I saw this amazing sweater on Pinterest about a year ago and I have always wanted to re-create it. I finally decided to make one using a hot pink sweatshirt that only cost me $5.00.

I just want to thank Megan for allowing me to be part of her blog.

Aprils post will be my last one for her. She has such great spirit and heart, and it comes through on her Blog. I know she will be doing some amazing things. While my journey will be taking me in another direction, I will be forever thankful to have met Megan and been part of this blog.

Love to you all.

Anne

Inspiration

Tutorial

Things you need

Sweatshirt
Ribbon or Scraps from another shirt.
Scissors
Sewing machine
Needle and thread.
Straight pins

Before

Cut off the collar

I took one of my other shirts,

and I used the hem part of the sleeve for the bow.

You could use a favorite ribbon to do the exact same thing.

Cut 7 to 8 inches down one arm.

Fold over your edges and pin.

Pin your ribbon on the edge of each side

Sew

Tie and wear

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

Lots of <3,

Anne

For more Re-styles

Head over to my Pinterest page.

HERE

or my Blog

WobiSobi