Mom 4 Real

DIY Bathroom Rack w/ Hanging Buckets

2012-02-23T09:03:00.000-05:00

I have been working hard re-doing our 1/2 bath for about two weeks now. I painted the bathroom a spring green, then added a huge white strip all the way around the room. I loved the look, but realized quickly that something was missing. Something had to happen within the stripe. So, yesterday, I made this little rack with hooks, and hung my Target dollar bin buckets from it. I literally walked out to the garage and grabbed a piece of wood we had left from when we repaired our fence last year. I painted it black, screwed in two hooks, and hung my little buckets. Easy peasy!

My sweet little bathroom is coming along, but still needs a little more work. As soon as it's finished, I will post all of the pictures...notice anything about the mirror? I can't wait to share!

This post is sponsored by Ava Anderson Non-Toxic

Don't forget to sign up for the fabulous Ava Anderson giveaway going on this week at Mom 4 Real...

just click HERE! You do not want to miss out!

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

Trash to Treasure...Bathroom Cabinet

2012-02-22T09:25:00.001-05:00

You guys know how much I love to take something old and give it new life. Well, this hideous little cabinet was just sitting on the side of the road (or in my neighbor's trash), just waiting for me to work some magic. It's horrible, huh? Well, not for long...

I washed it down, sanded it, and painted it white. I didn't bother with pics of those steps, because they are pretty boring. After prepping the cabinet, I picked out some pretty black and white paper. Huh? Paper, you ask? Yep, we are going to Modge Podge this baby!

{I also used this same paper to make a headband holder for the same bathroom...you can find that tutorial here.}

Next, I painted a thin coat of Modge Podge all over the top of the shelf. Try to make it as thin as possible, to prevent bubbles from forming under the paper.

Then, smooth out the paper over the Modge Podge. I used a roller that Modge Podge makes, but you can totally use your hands...just make sure to get all of the air bubbles out.

Once the Modge Podge is dry, paint a coat on top of the paper. Make sure it isn't too thick, and try to get all of the air bubbles out as you are smoothing on the top coat. You can take your roller or hand and smooth them out as you go. It will dry nice and smooth with a little bit of shine.

I changed out the existing knob for a sweet little K knob that I found in the Michael's dollar bin. Too cute!

I decoupaged the front door too, as you can see. I just love this adorable little cabinet! I can store t.p. and room spray in the cabinet, and it has the perfect spot for magazines! I cannot wait to put it in our 1/2 bath that I have been working on...I will share that as soon as it is finished!

Next time you see something just sitting on the side of the road, will you take a second to think about what it could be with just a little love and elbow grease?

This post is sponsored by Ava Anderson Non-Toxic

Don't forget to sign up for the fabulous Ava Anderson giveaway going on this week at Mom 4 Real...

just click HERE! You do not want to miss out!

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

Rolled Flower Rosettes {tutorial}

2012-02-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

I have been looking for tutorials on how to make these adorable rolled flowers {you can use them for so many projects}. I have seen many, but some were very confusing, so I decided to take a bit from different ones, and make my own.

First I cut a piece of fabric (2 inches X 28 inches). I folded in half, lengthwise, then tied a small knot at one end. This will be the center of your rosette.

Start by wrapping your fabric around the knot until you get back to where you started. Add a dab of hot glue to keep it from slipping.

Keep wrapping your fabric around, but start twisting your fabric as you go around. Add dabs of hot glue here and there to keep it from coming apart while you work.

Once you get the the end of your fabric, hot glue the end to the bottom of your rosette.

You can hot glue your flower to an alligator clip for the cutest rosette hairclip...

You can make several rosettes, and hot glue them to a fabric covered headband. I even made rosettes using old sweaters and made a wreath...you can find that tutorial here.

This post is sponsored by Ava Anderson Non-Toxic

Don't forget to sign up for the fabulous Ava Anderson giveaway going on this week at Mom 4 Real...

just click HERE! You do not want to miss out!

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

Ava Anderson Giveaway!

2012-02-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Last week, I had the pleasure of trying out several new products by Ava Anderson.

What is Ava Anderson, you ask?

Here is a little bit of Ava's story...

Ava discovered at the age of 14, the issue of chemicals in personal care products and their hazardous health effects. The more Ava researched, the more concerned she became. She started a blog to talk about where to find safer products. The market is flooded with “organic”, “natural”, “safe” and “pure”, yet there were almost always toxic ingredients included as well. After throwing out most of her products, her mothers’ and grandmothers’ too, she still had nothing “Ava Approved” to replace them with, or to recommend.

Ava had become truly disturbed at how consumers were unaware of the risks of common brands and how those who thought they were making safe choices often did not know what was really in the products they were purchasing. After months of research, Ava realized that she needed to create her own products. Through a family friend, she located a manufacturer with research facilities that could develop and produce products to her standards. It was a great challenge to develop these revolutionary formulas, but with her vision and persistence she succeeded. Ava’s personal care company was launched in December 2009.

What products does Ava Anderson offer?

Ava Anderson offers an extensive line of products for your skin, body, face, and even sun care...all without harmful chemicals! I truly loved all of the products that I tried! I was most impressed with the alcohol free hand sanitizer, ava sun lip balm, and the shower gel!

Now, on to the giveaway! Ava Anderson is allowing me to give away one of their most popular sets, there non alcohol hand sanitizer sets valued at $33.95!

This set includes a 16 oz. bottle with pump and two, 2 oz. purse/backpack sizes! I have been using this product for two weeks now, and I am amazed! I used to carry other well known brands of hand sanitizer in my purse at all times, and while they were cute, and fruity smelling, they always dried my hands out. Well, Ava Anderson's non alcohol version smells clean, and feels like lotion, plus no stinging! I love it!

What must you do to enter?

Simply visit their site... Ava Anderson Non-Toxic, and tell me in a comment what your favorite product is.

Extra Entries...

1. Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook!

2. Like Mom 4 Real on Facebook!

(Make sure to leave a comment letting me know!)

If you would like to place an order, you can do so directly from this site...Ava Anderson Non-Toxic!

This giveaway will be open until 11:59 p.m. on 2/26/12.

Winner will be announced Monday, 2/27...Good luck!

4 Real Friday Link Party {1}

2012-02-16T20:05:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Mom 4 Real's first 4 Real Friday Link Party!

I have linked up my projects at so many great link parties, and am so excited to start my own as well!

Let's get this party started...

Headband Holder {Tutorial}

2012-02-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

Having a little girl means there are girly things spread all over our house...you know, ribbons, ponytail holders, hair clips, headbands. Well, I have been trying to find a way to keep her girly things more organized and accessible. Last month, I tackled her hairbows by making a Hair Bow/ Clip Holder (tutorial here). Now, I am going to show you the easiest way to organize all of those headbands!

BTW, how cute are these headbands and the sweet little girl who wears them? She made the one in the middle, and I bought the other two at the cutest store, Something Fun (here in Lexington, on Richmond Rd).

All you need is a large oatmeal container, some pretty paper, and some Modge Podge.

Turn the paper over and paint on a coat of Modge Podge.

Smooth the paper onto the oatmeal container...Modge Podged side against the container.

Once the paper is on the container, paint a coat of Modge Podge over the outside of the paper.

Let dry, then pop the top back on. You can store ponytail holders and ribbons inside if you like. Isn't it adorable?

Once we finished, Kate thought it needed a little more bling, so we added some boa trim around the top, and a paper flower with a covered button in the middle. To see how to make an Easy Flower Hair Clip w/ Cover Button, check out this tutorial. We used the same method to make the headband with the flower on it...too cute!

Linking to these fabulous parties!

Pin It

How To Cut Fabric Using Cricut {Heart Tee Tutorial}

2012-02-14T12:15:00.000-05:00

I have been dying to learn how to cut fabric using my Cricut, so yesterday, I decided to just go for it. I had bought some fusible web on clearance not too long ago, and had the cutest Valentine's fabric, so I decided to make a heart tee for Kate to wear on Valentine's Day.

I read the directions, and started by placing the rough side of the fusible web to the back (wrong) side of my material.

Then, I ironed it out, pressing for 2-3 seconds in each area to make sure the fusible web adhered to the fabric.

Next, I flipped the fabric and fusible web over and ironed the front of the fabric, just to make sure they were attached well. Then, I smoothed the fabric with webbing onto my Cricut mat, making sure it was adhered completely.

I worked on my design using Cricut classroom. If you have a Silhouette, you could absolutely use that instead.

I held my breath and waited for the machine to do it's magic, and the heart came out perfectly. I tried to cut her name out too, but that didn't work out so well...either because my blade was not sharp enough, or the letters were too small.

The next step is to remove the fabric from the fusible web.

Then, iron the fabric onto the shirt.

And that is it, my friends...a simple heart tee!

I also used my i-top to make Kate a matching flower hairclip using some of the extra fabric. You can find my Easy Flower Hair Clip with Cover Button tutorial here.

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

Easy Flower Hairclip w/ Covered Button

2012-02-12T16:20:00.001-05:00

I have been making Kate's hair accessories for years, using silk and paper flowers with brads or buttons in the middle. My options have been pretty limited, until I saw a fabulous tool on TT&J last week. Jen had written a post about some really cool crafting tools that she saw at CHA, and I immediately knew that I had to have this one...

It's an i-top, and is made by Imaginisce. What is does, is take a any piece of paper or fabric, and helps attach it to a cover button. I make and sell monogrammed ribbon flip flops with cover buttons, but have always had to cover them by hand...this tool is a life saver!!! I rushed to Michael's yesterday morning and grabbed one up with my 40% off coupon...woot woot! Their is an entire line of supplies that go with it, so I bought some buttons and hair clips that actually screw together. I had tons of these paper flowers at home, so I ran home and put this adorable flower clip together in 5 minutes...

Michael's sells a stencil set that goes with the i-top, for $2.99, so I bought it. I traced and cut out the stencil for a 22mm (medium) button. I am going to go back and buy the punches instead, since I know I will be using it a ton!

Then, I followed the super easy instructions, and placed the paper and button in the i-top, and gave it a squeeze.

And out popped my paper covered button. I think I prefer fabric, but this was the pattern I wanted for her hair clip.

Next, I flipped the button over, and slipped my flowers over the screw.

Finally, I screwed it onto the alligator clip.

Super, ridiculously easy and gorgeous!

I cannot wait to make more! I love that I can put whatever I want on the button. You can use a picture of someone, a letter, or anything! I am going to make her a headband next, then myself a cute necklace!

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

Make Your Own Cutting Board

2012-02-10T08:16:00.000-05:00

I have been hiding something...shhhh, don't tell anyone, but I have a hideous crack in my counter top that I have been hiding from everyone. Now that my secret is out, let me show you what I mean...

Shameful, huh? Well, it may not bother some people (and by some people, I mean, Matt), but it makes my skin crawl. Replacing our counter tops is on our list of to do's, but since we just had new carpet and windows installed, it's not at the top of the list right now. So, I decided to hide it. I have a love for chopping blocks/cutting boards for some odd reason. I just love chopping and prepping things...I guess it makes me feel like a tv chef, which is absolutely laughable! I have been searching for a chopping block large enough to cover this crack for two years with no luck. The ones I have found are either too small, or cost hundreds of dollars. Well, three weeks ago, I was at Lowe's looking for a shelving unit, and ya know, just walking aimlessly through the store, when I found this 24" round piece of wood that looks like butcher block. I quickly grabbed it and found a sales clerk to see if it would work as a chopping block and he said yes! The best part was...it was only $15! I was elated to say the least! I brought it home, sanded it down, then rubbed in a coat of mineral oil (not mineral spirits...that is something else entirely). Mineral oil is the lovely oil used to keep butcher blocks from drying out, and it gives your chopping block a beautiful sheen.

The final step I took, was taking the small legs off of my old chopping block, and adding them to the new one. They had built in wood screws, so I simply twisted them into the bottom. You can buy these at Lowe's if you don't have them already, like I did.

Shew, I feel a little bit better now that my secret is out. And, I love, love, love my new chopping block!

Note: Do not cut meat on wooden surfaces...always use plastic for chicken, pork, beef, and fish.

Sneak Peek

2012-02-08T14:35:00.001-05:00

I've been working hard re-doing our half bath...I have used all of the existing fixtures, but given them a whole new look...I am revealing the before and after on Monday...can't wait! Here is a little sneak peek...

Advertising Available!

2012-02-07T10:20:00.000-05:00

Mom 4 Real is now offering advertising/sponsorship options!

For a monthly rate of only $10, Your 125x125 button will be featured on my sidebar. I am also offering a deluxe 3 month advertising package for $25. Your 125x125 button will be featured on my sidebar for the duration of the sponsorship. This sponsorship will also include a feature/giveaway. If you'd like me to review an item for you, I can do that as well. Just shoot me an email so we can work out the details. Giveaways will run for one week and I will be promoting it on the blog, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Only one giveaway will run at a time.

Some important info for you to know...

I am averaging 1,000-1,800 pageviews per day. 30,000+ per month.
I currently have 800+ subscribers via Feedburner.
612+ followers via Google Friend Connect
244+ "likes" on Facebook
1,050+ followers on Twitter
412+ followers on Google +
283+followers on Pinterest

And I am happy to say that these numbers are growing everyday! I am confident that a sponsorship with Mom 4 Real will generate some good traffic to your shop/blog!

If you are interested, please email me at mom4real@insightbb.com so we can further discuss the details and any questions you may have! I look forward to working with you!

Note: If you have a business/Etsy shop, but don't have a logo button, I can make one for you!

Canvas Sign

2012-02-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

Today, Mom 4 Real is the guest designer at Exploring Cricut! Exploring Cricut is a fabulous blog all about teaching you different and creative ways to use your Cricut! They have new and fantastic projects daily!

So, my project...well, kind of Kate's guest project, was this adorable sign for her room. It was our first time making one, so we had to modify it a bit, but I think after this, it will be a breeze!

Here are the steps...

1. Create your design in Cricut Craftroom. We used the Alphalicious cartridge for the font, and Cricut

Essentials for the flower.

2. Put vinyl on the surface of your mat, and cut your design.

3. Once the design is finished, lay transfer tape over each part.

4. Transfer your design onto the canvas.

5. Make sure everything is exactly where you want it.

6. Paint over the design.

7. If you need to, paint a second coat.

8. Peel the vinyl very slowly.

I loved being able to come up with our own design. I made another one for our bathroom, but I am saving that for my bathroom makeover reveal next week!

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

Lampshade Redo

2012-02-03T10:18:00.003-05:00

This fabulous lampshade is one of my favorite redo's so far!

It's just so bright and refreshing!

This is the lamp that used to sit on my desk. It has served it's purpose for many years, but to be honest, I was just tired of looking at it. Plus, it just didn't fit in with all of the bright ribbon, fabric, and paper in my craft nook. So, I decided to experiment, and I am so glad I did...

I took a seem ripper (you can totally use scissors), and ripped the top layer of fabric off of the shade frame. I decided to keep the second layer on just in case it didn't turn out well...it also gave my fabric something to stick to.

Next, I traced the shade on some of my favorite fabric.

(I used this same fabric to recover a chair this week...post coming next week!)

I then used some Aleene's Tacky Spray to adhere the fabric to the existing frame and liner. I swear, I use this stuff for everything!

It took some stretching, but I got the shade covered. There is no need for perfection here, because there is much embellishing to come!

Now it's time to get really creative. I went through my ribbon, and picked out some different colors/patterns. I also found a long piece of belting to use, and just went crazy with my glue gun. At the very end, I added a rolled fabric rosette (tutorial also coming next week).

So, what do you think? I'm not crazy about the way the base turned out, but that's an easy fix. Somehow the lamp ended up in Kate's room...guess I better make myself another one!

DIY iPhone Case w/ Modge Podge!

2012-02-01T14:50:00.000-05:00

This is one of those projects that I have been dying to do for months, but I was a little scared! There was absolutely no possible way I was paying $50 for the phone case that I actually wanted, so I made my own...complete with my initials on it!

This sweet phone case is made with...wait for it...Paper! I simply laid down a piece of thin scrapbook paper, and traced the phone case. I left about an inch extra of paper all the way around, then painted a thin coat of Modge Podge on the inside of the paper (the white side). If you haven't tried Modge Podge yet, you must do it! It's the best product ever, and I am absolutely not getting paid to say that! Okay...after you paint a coat of Modge Podge on the plain side of your paper, lay your phone case down in the middle, then start pulling it over the edge of the case, and flatten out with your fingers. Now you wait for it to dry...about 2 hours. After it dries, take an x-acto knife and cut (slowly) through the camera lens opening on the case, and the opening for your volume buttons on the case. Once you have done that, paint a thin coat of Modge Podge over the entire case and let dry thoroughly. After your case has dried, use your x-acto knife to trim away any extra paper. I went back the next day and put an additional coat on just to protect it. I also added a vinyl monogram that I cut on my Cricut machine as well.

Please excuse the hideous fingernails...I have been working on many projects.

Also, I had already made my case without taking pictures, because I was concentrating, so these pics are of me showing you how to fold the paper over the case I had already made...they turned out slightly fuzzy because I was holding a camera and folding paper at the same time...can you say multi talented?

I tried this with a very inexpensive case. It took some adjusting, so try not to get frustrated, and maybe get an extra sheet of the same paper ready in case you mess up...I did, and had to start over after the first try.

I absolutely love my case, and nobody else has one exactly like mine! Yay!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Linking up to these fabulous parties!

What is Pinterest?

2012-02-01T07:40:00.001-05:00

A few friends and readers have asked me, "What in the world is Pinterest, and why should I use it?" So, I cruised around the internet, and this is the best tutorial I have seen by far. The fabulous girls at Pin Savvy Social have explained it perfectly for anyone interested, but confused!

Now that I have been using Pinterest, there is no way I could live without it. The best way I can describe Pinterest is that it is like pulling pages out of a magazine without the mess. You could be looking for a recipe that you pulled out of a magazine, and never find it. With Pinterest, everything has a place and is organized...did I mention how much I love organization?

Go check it out, and get pinning already!

Jessica

p.s. If you don't have a Pinterest account (which is free), send me an email with your email address, and I well send you an invitation. That way you don't have to wait!

How I Fixed My iPhone After It Fell In The Toilet...

2012-01-31T08:20:00.001-05:00

Does this image make you want to vomit?

Well, it does me...especially since this is almost exactly what I saw this past Saturday night...except the toilet seat was down, because I am a girl.

So, here is my story...

Matt and I went to an engagement party for some friends of ours. We had a babysitter for Kate, so instead of keeping my phone in my purse, I put my phone in my back pocket...HUGE mistake! I went to the little girl's room to ummm...powder my nose, and as I was "powdering my nose," my phone just happened to slip into the toilet. I panicked! I grabbed my phone out of the toilet...luckily, it was clean...and proceeded to dry my phone and wave it around to air dry it. It worked! Well, it worked for about 15 minutes, then it was dead. I decided there was nothing I could do right then, so I put it in my purse and had a good time with my friends.

As soon as I got home, I went on a search for rice, because that's what everyone told me to put my phone in. Well, we had no rice, so I put my phone in a tupperware container of cous cous. (Cous cous is a very tiny pasta that absorbs moisture quickly.) In the morning, I checked my phone...no power. I went to the grocery and bought rice. I put my phone in a tupperware container of rice, and checked it the next morning...no power. I was so sad, but I am a "let's look at the bright side" kind of girl, so I thought I will just get a new SIM card put in my old iPhone. My old iPhone that didn't have a volume button, and only rang when it felt like it. I pouted a bit, then remembered something Matt had said about putting a watch on the fridge to get water out of it. If your watch gets wet, you are supposed to put it on the top of your refrigerator for a few days, and the vibration of the fridge will dislodge the water and it will evaporate. So, I thought, okay, if that works for a watch, wouldn't the vibration from the dryer work? I then went a bit further...rice is suppose to be absorbent...what else is really absorbent? Diapers! Of course! So, I put my iPhone in a diaper on top of the dryer, and since I was doing laundry, it ran all day. I know, crazy weird, but guess what? It worked!!! My 3 month old fantastically fabulous iPhone 4 is working again! I'm not sure exactly what did it...it could be the combo of all 3 methods, but I can tell you this...I would have tried 50 things to make it work!

I hope this helps someone, and a word to the wise...never put your cell in your back pocket, unless you are dying to try my methods!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Ribbon Heart Tee

2012-01-30T08:27:00.001-05:00

I have been on a serious Valentine's kick this year!

I have seen so many cute Valentine's Day shirts in the stores, but decided to try and make my own. I drew a heart on a plain piece of paper and cut it out. Then, I started laying ribbon down in a pattern on the heart. Next, I cut the ribbon around the edges of the heart. One by one, I glued the ribbon onto the shirt in the same pattern I had on the paper. I used Aleene's Okay To Wash-It fabric glue. I used the same glue to make Kate's Ribbon Christmas Tee (found here), and it washed perfectly! After adhering the ribbon to the tee, I used puffy paint and went around the edge of the heart to keep the ribbon from fraying and to give it a more finished look...plus, I thought it looked cute as a balloon heart.

Kate absolutely loved it...what do you think?

Keep it real!

Jessica

DIY Sweater Wreath

2012-01-27T08:26:00.001-05:00

I absolutely adore my new wreath!

This adorable wreath is made out of 3 cardigan sweaters that were a little big for me. I loved the colors, and have been hanging on to them for some odd reason. I keep seeing all of these sweet rosette wreathes on Pinterest, and have been dying to make my own! So, I decided to try to make my own using those pretty cardigans, and I absolutely adore it!

I started with a grapevine wreath that I paid 1 dollar for. I cut strips of the cream sweater, and wrapped them around until the entire wreath was covered. (I just tucked the ends into the wreath at the end of each strip, but you could easily hot glue them to the wreath.) I then went about making the rosettes, which are made from the sleeves of the sweaters.

Here are the steps...

1. Cut the sleeve off of the sweater, and lay it flat.

2. Take the cuff, and fold it in on both sides, and hot glue.

3. Fold the cuff inward to start twisting.

4. Start pulling the rest of the sweater around the cuff.

5. As you are pulling it around, twist the sweater upward.

I like to hot glue little dots as I go along to

keep it from falling apart while I work.

6. Keep doing step 5 until you get to the end of the sleeve.

7. Flip the rosette over, and hot glue the end of the sleeve to the bottom.

Once you have the rosettes finished, simply hot glue them to the wreath. That is it...super easy, ridiculously inexpensive, and absolutely adorable!

Note: The first time making a rosette may be a little aggravating, so instead of glueing the first time, play around with it a few times...trust me, it gets easier!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Chalkboard Heart

2012-01-26T11:24:00.001-05:00

How cute is this sweet little heart shaped chalkboard?

This is one of the easiest projects I have ever made. I bought the wooden, unfinished heart at Hobby Lobby for $1.29.

I started by painting the outside of the heart red. Then, I painted the front with black chalkboard paint, and decided to paint the polka dots around the edge.

Now, it is the perfect addition to my Valentine's Mantel!

This would make the perfect gift for a teacher for Valentine's Day...don't ya think? It was so easy, that I am going to let Kate make them for her teachers!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Pearls n Polka Dots is Open for Business!

2012-01-24T09:33:00.000-05:00

My new Etsy shop, Pearls n Polka Dots, is open and ready for business! I will offer custom made birthday/party banners & party supplies, vinyl monograms for cell phones & laptops, and lots of girly accessories!

I am so excited for my new adventure!

In addition to the banners I have already added to my shop, this week I will also be adding...

* Disney themed banners.

* Rolled flower hair clips and headbands.

* Monograms for cellphones/laptops.

Next week, I will be giving one of these items away to one lucky reader!

Is there something that you would like to see that I don't have listed? Just send me an email, and I would be happy to make a sample!

Thanks so much for your support!

Jessica

My Valentine's Mantel

2012-01-23T11:12:00.000-05:00

Since starting my blog, I have been so inspired by all of the different holiday decor I have seen, especially on Pinterest. I used to keep my mantel the same all year round, but I have been having so much fun decorating for the holidays, that I can hardly wait from one to the next to change it up! So, this is my Valentine's Day mantel...

I took the picture out of the frame that usually hangs above my mantel and rolled it up for safe keeping. I then cut the Love is... out of vinyl on my Cricut machine and adhered it to the front of the glass. {The vinyl will come right off after the holiday.} Then I made a small banner out of some cute paper that I found at Michael's. {Also using my Cricut} I had the ivy plant, and just used some floral wire to shape it into a round topiary...I love it so much, that I think I will keep it this way. The small frame on the right is an extra one that I had in my garage. I simply took the picture out, painted it white, strung jute string in a zig zag pattern, then clipped some sweet heart cut-outs on the line.

I think I am really getting a knack for making new things out of the old things that I have around my house...home has become my favorite hunting ground! Sometimes it just takes a little inspiration, like a picture in a magazine or something you see on Pinterest to make you realize that everything you need may just be right under your nose!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Working Hard

2012-01-19T10:22:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be taking a blog break for the rest of the week. I am working like crazy on tons of cute items to stock my Etsy shop.

The grand opening will be Monday, January 23rd!

I can't wait for you to see some of the things I have been working on. If you would like a sneak peek, go check out my shop...

Pearls n Polka Dots

You can either click on the above link, or use the link in my sidebar.

There are only a couple of items in my shop right now, but by Monday, it will be nice and full!

Can't wait to share with you!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Crock Pot Pulled Chicken

2012-01-18T08:44:00.000-05:00

My good friend, Becky, has been begging me to post this for months, so here it is...The Easiest Crock Pot Pulled Chicken...ever! I make this once a week, and freeze in containers for soups, salads, enchiladas, tacos, and wraps. There is absolutely no effort involved...you simply place 3-6 boneless, skinless (frozen) chicken breasts in your crock pot, cover with water, cook on high for 6-8 hours, pull out and shred with two forks, and that is it! The chicken comes out soooo moist, and makes it's own broth.

My favorite recipe to use this in, is white chicken chili in the crock pot...I will post that later this week. Sometimes, Becky simply shreds it, and feeds it to her toddler straight from the crock pot...it is that good! I must give credit where credit is due...I got this idea from our bachelor friend, Dana, who made us the yummiest chicken tacos ever with it...thanks, D!

Using this technique has saved me so much time! It is absolutely my favorite kitchen "how to" ever!

Keep it real!

Jessica

DIY Ribbon Storage

2012-01-17T08:06:00.000-05:00

Last night, as I was trying to work on a new project (can't wait to share it!), I decided that I needed a better system for my ribbon storage. I had it all in a basket on a shelf, but it ended up in a tangled mess every time I used it. I looked online, but every ribbon storage system seemed a little small. So, in typical Jessica fashion, I went on a hunt through my house for inspiration. As soon as I walked in the garage, a light bulb went off in my head! We had 2 extra shelves that had been taken out of one of our closets...you know, the white wire ones that come in just about every closet on the planet? Well, I thought...why not? I took a pair of wire cutters and snipped off every other row. I then cut one end of every other row of the remaining rows. Then, I slid on my ribbon rolls...it worked perfectly! I even used the end where it curves (where you normally hang your hangers), and clipped my extra ribbon on with alligator hair clips.

It is so much nicer to cut it right off of the roll, and it is so much more organized! Did I mention that it was free???

I hope this helps someone else whose ribbon is in a ridiculous mess like mine was!

Keep it real!

Jessica

Linking to these fabulous parties!

A Birthday Banner!

2012-01-13T09:50:00.000-05:00

I made this adorable banner for my friend Shannon's sweet little girl, Maggie. She is having a birthday party next week!

I used my Cricut machine to cut out the shapes and letters...I swear, that machine makes everything so easy! I used the cartridges, Birthday Bash and Alphalicious. After cutting everything out, I pulled yellow ribbon through the holes, sprayed the backs of the letters with Aleene's Tacky Spray, and tacked them on to the scalloped circles. I then tied extra ribbons in light pink shades in between each letter! Too cute, and super easy! I hope she loves it!

Happy Birthday, Maggie!!!

Jessica

Linking up at these fabulous parties!