tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71356050654122596822024-03-02T12:29:20.419-05:00DIY Newlyweds: DIY Home DecoratingThanks for checking out my blog, DIYNewlyweds.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-33457933425123785762013-03-29T23:19:00.001-04:002013-03-29T23:19:06.272-04:00Friday Faves - Easter EditionSince Easter is just a few days away, I figured I’d make this week’s Friday Faves Easter related. Here are some of the cute Easter ideas I’ve come across.<br />
<br />
Excuse me while I try to take a bite out of these <strike>delicious</strike> adorable <a href="http://theseasonalhome.com/2013/03/11/a-patch-o-peeps-in-the-easter-garden/" target="_blank">giant Peep decorations by The Seasonal Home</a>.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Giant Peeps Decoration - The Seasonal Home" height="375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u5py3kRrwkg/UVZYGbTM-5I/AAAAAAAAF2M/MdzSOteuXHw/Giant%252520Peeps%252520Decoration%252520-%252520The%252520Seasonal%252520Home%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<br />
If you have kiddos, I love this fun idea- <a href="http://beautyandbedlam.com/magic-jelly-beans/" target="_blank">plant jelly beans the night before Easter</a> and in the morning the kids wake up to lollipops that “sprouted” up. Lovely idea from Balancing Beauty & Bedlam.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Plant Jelly Beans Grow Lollipops - Beauty and Bedlam" height="334" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sAvgwqeg__4/UVZYGic6ZfI/AAAAAAAAF2U/wk4h6YSRLmA/Plant%252520Jelly%252520Beans%252520Grow%252520Lollipops%252520-%252520Beauty%252520and%252520Bedlam%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<br />
If you’re looking for a super cute Easter appetizer, check out these adorable <a href="http://www.extrasforme.com/community/easter-chickreations/" target="_blank">deviled egg chicks</a> by Breida with a B. There’s nothing devilish about these cuties.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Baby Chick Deviled Eggs - Breida with a B" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wp9GSQdZ22o/UVZYHA68PWI/AAAAAAAAF2c/F9QMIs3xS4g/Baby%252520Chick%252520Deviled%252520Eggs%252520-%252520Breida%252520with%252520a%252520B%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<br />
But if dyeing eggs is more your thing, I love these <a href="http://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2013/03/tea-stained-easter-eggs.html" target="_blank">natural egg dye ideas</a>. Yummy Mummy Kitchen was very clever and used natural dyes from things she already had in her kitchen like tea and wine.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Natural Dyed Easter Eggs - Yummy Mummy Kitchen" height="601" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O2bv5BaUH1o/UVZYHciN06I/AAAAAAAAF2k/SAekvE36Wms/Natural%252520Dyed%252520Easter%252520Eggs%252520-%252520Yummy%252520Mummy%252520Kitchen%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<br />
If you’re looking for some more Easter ideas, you can check out my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/04/easter-dessert-ideas.html" target="_blank">Easter dessert ideas</a> post from last year. Do you have any plans for Easter this year?<br />
<br />
<i>P.S. If you're pinning any of these images onto Pinterest, please click over to the original blog post and pin from their site.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-61412383219786613362013-03-27T08:08:00.000-04:002013-03-27T08:08:00.739-04:00Check Out My CribI’ve quickly learned that having a baby means you have to buy a lot of stuff (or register for a lot of stuff and thank your lucky stars you have generous family and friends.) In all of the buying/registering, the three items I found the hardest to pick out were the stroller, crib, and mattress. It took me hours of online research and 3 or 4 baby store trips to pick out a stroller! Pregnant women should not have to rack their brains with decisions like these! I will spare you the details of the stroller decision, but since we’ve been talking about the nursery, I figured I’d share my crib buying experience. Just call me Little Miss Fickle.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<img alt="little miss fickle" height="243" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5j-tfh9At_w/UVKKvYZ3pQI/AAAAAAAAF0s/jA4YDeiQpaw/little%252520miss%252520fickle%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="237" /><a href="http://www.mrmen.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source</span></a> </div>
<br />
Buying a crib sounded easy enough at first, but after doing a little research I found out that all cribs are not created equal. Some cribs of lesser quality are made of pressed wood that use glues with could contain a bunch of chemicals in them and the crib finishes/paints/stains can also contain scary sounding chemicals. After adding up all of the hours a baby spends snoozing, I realized that the little one will be spending a lot of time in there and I want the crib to be as safe and non-toxic as possible.<br />
<br />
And let’s not forget the crib should also be cute! Admittedly this is less important and the baby isn’t going to care what the crib looks like, but heck I want to have a cute nursery! As I mentioned back in my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/turquoise-nursery-mood-board.html" target="_blank">Nursery Mood Board</a> post, I’d like the baby’s room to have a mix of white and wood furniture. So I decided to go with a two-tone crib so it would work with both. Plus although this isn’t always the case, it seems that a lot of white cribs are geared towards girls and dark wood cribs are geared towards boys. Since we didn’t find out the baby’s gender, and want to use the crib for future babies, a two-tone crib sounded like the perfect solution.<br />
<br />
After a lot of research, and knowing I wanted a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/10-modern-cribs-under-400.html" target="_blank">modern looking crib</a>, I narrowed it down to three two-tone cribs that were within our budget.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Two Tone Cribs" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gu25W3cpDMQ/UVKKvqQ48gI/AAAAAAAAF00/fwpXvSUWO_A/Two%252520Tone%252520Cribs%25255B17%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="529" /><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10957612" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Delta Springtime Crib</a> – $330 Babies R Us<br />
2. <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.14659336&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F14659336%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby Mod Olivia Crib</a> – $299 Walmart<br />
3. <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.5983290&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBaby-Mod-ParkLane-3-in-1-Baby-Convertible-Crib-Amber-and-White%2F5983290%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Baby Mod ParkLane Crib</a> – $279 Walmart<br />
<br />
Then I started doing some research as to the safety specifications and materials used to make each crib. I wanted to dig into this because some paints/stains used on a crib can pass government standards, but still contain some levels of phthalates and other chemicals that I would rather avoid even if they are at the government approved level. <br />
<br />
For the first crib, the Delta website listed that it has a “non-toxic finish tested for lead and other toxic elements to meet or exceed government and ASTM safety standards” and “JPMA certified to meet or exceed all safety standards set by the CPSC & ASTM.” That sounded positive, but their website did not specify what kind of wood it was made from, it only listed that it was made from “strong wood construction.” So being the overprotective mother I already am, I decided to call them to see if I could get any specifics about the type of wood and other things like phthalate levels. The woman I spoke with on the phone, said that the crib was made from different types of pressed woods. So I said, “Oh, so it’s not made from solid wood then?” but she insisted it was “solid wood” even though it was made from various types of woods that are shredded and then shaped and pressed together by her explanation. I’m pretty sure she had no idea what the term “solid wood” means, because “pressed wood” sounds like the complete opposite to me. She also said that they didn’t use any glues to press the wood together. I’m no wood expert, but I would guess that you’d need some type of glue to hold the pressed wood together. Plus, she wasn’t able to give me any further information about the levels of various chemicals used in the crib’s paint. Now, I could be wrong about all of this, but she did not sound like she knew what she was talking about and I had no confidence that this was a solid wood, glue free crib like I was looking for. To be fair, I also emailed them because this woman could have just been an anomaly, but I got no helpful information in their email response either.<br />
<br />
At this point, you can picture me looking something like this (but with a less cool mustache.)<br />
<br />
<img alt="detective" border="0" height="276" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HBNTvnX9nz4/UVKKv68FObI/AAAAAAAAF08/WTF3ewAGt3o/detective%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="450" /><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the other two cribs are both made by Baby Mod and had more detailed information in their descriptions which said things like “solid wood, wood veneers and drawers; no paper press boards used” and “solid New Zealand pinewood construction.” This had me feeling better already. I still went searching for more information, but could not find an actual website for Baby Mod. However, Baby Mod’s parent company is <a href="http://www.themdbfamily.com/" target="_blank">MDB</a> who makes cribs under the brands Million Dollar Baby, DaVinci, and Babyletto among others. And Babyletto makes the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z3DWHK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Z3DWHK&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mercer</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HORL1I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HORL1I&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Modo</a> cribs which are nearly identical to the two Baby Mod cribs I was deciding between. (The Babyletto cribs are currently on sale on Amazon, but at the time I was shopping around they were not, making them a lot more expensive than the Baby Mod cribs so that’s why I decided against them.) The Babyletto cribs had much more detailed information on their website about the paints used in them. <a href="http://www.babyletto.com/safety/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">On their website, they write</a>:<br />
<br />
“We exceed JPMA regulations and go through annual paint tests. Paint is called safe when it has toxic materials under 300 parts per million (ppm). In order for a company to claim low toxicity and as mandated by CPSC, it must be no more than 90ppm or 0.009%. All of our products here come in at less than 0.001%, way below the level allowed, making it absolutely lead and phthalate safe.”<br />
<br />
Now, that’s specific to the Babyletto website, but their website does have a pledge to safety across all of their brands and I figured if the Babyletto and Baby Mod cribs look so similar, they probably have similar construction. (Again, I’m just guessing about that, but I was impressed by the safety information given across the various MDB brands.)<br />
<br />
So after all that, I narrowed it down to the two Baby Mod cribs, Olivia and ParkLane.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Modern Two Tone Cribs" height="212" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-39N5fmMcrb8/UVKKwXzJP5I/AAAAAAAAF1E/mbxVZpbMbTM/Modern%252520Two%252520Tone%252520Cribs%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="470" /><br />
<br />
I like the <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.14659336&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F14659336%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" target="_blank">Olivia crib</a> and that the two-tone wood part was actually part of the crib, not just a drawer front. On the other hand, the <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.5983290&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBaby-Mod-ParkLane-3-in-1-Baby-Convertible-Crib-Amber-and-White%2F5983290%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ParkLane crib</a> has a drawer and after all who couldn’t use more storage. But, Walmart offers a free mattress with the Olivia crib (at the time I was shopping, both cribs were the same price, but the Oliva came with a mattress and ParkLane did not.) But, I don’t know anything about that mattress and if it has all the safety specs I’m looking for in a mattress. But ParkLane ends up being more expensive since no mattress is included. And I went back and forth like this for weeks! See image above of Miss Fickle.<br />
<br />
I also looked online and saw both cribs looking cute in various nurseries. I realized that the ParkLane crib was the same crib chosen by <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/02/nursery-progress-crib-notes/" target="_blank">Young House Love for their nursery</a>. I even sent John and Sherry a message asking them how they liked the crib after over a year of use, to which they kindly replied and said only nice things about the crib. I also asked if they thought the crib was too short, as it’s a little lower than some other ones and that was another concern of mine, but they didn’t have any issues with its height. <br />
<br />
The back and forth in my head continued for a while and then I finally decided on the simple fact that the ParkLane had a drawer and that would probably be useful, so that’s what I went with!<br />
<img alt="Baby Mod ParkLane Crib" border="0" height="321" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3T4Nd5hL6SY/UVKKwh95VYI/AAAAAAAAF1M/clyBDlSPVBM/Baby%252520Mod%252520ParkLane%252520Crib%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
The crib was delivered exactly one day after we ordered it online. As soon as I opened the box I was impressed because it was not smelly at all and I was worried their might be a “painty” smell. It was fairly straightforward to put together (says the person who watched her husband do it without helping.) All of the parts seem nicely constructed and high quality too. <br />
<br />
Here it is with the drawer open since that was the deciding factor after all.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Crib with Drawer" border="0" height="354" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_YnKyhIn008/UVKKw1PwwLI/AAAAAAAAF1U/LNjNu2IltCI/Crib%252520with%252520Drawer%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
So after weeks of driving myself crazy over the crib choice, I can confidently say that I’m happy with the crib we chose! Woot!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Two Tone Crib" border="0" height="388" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PvSvzCmpQjQ/UVKKxO2mpII/AAAAAAAAF1c/jL5-JQrC3ag/Two%252520Tone%252520Crib%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
So that's an overly wordy description of the craziness my brain went through in choosing this crib. Thank goodness I liked it once we got it because I wouldn’t want to go through that again! Have you had to rack your brain or did you have trouble making purchases for your little ones?<br />
<br />
P.S. Don't forget to enter my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/03/conscious-box-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Conscious Box giveaway</a> which ends at today.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-52623144452817451952013-03-25T07:46:00.000-04:002013-03-25T07:46:00.486-04:001983 Trivia - 30th Birthday Party GameA couple of years ago I made a 30th birthday party trivia game for my husband’s birthday with questions about the year he was born. This game has become a hit on Pinterest so I’ve updated it for any babies that were born back in 1983 and are turning 30 this year. Just print out copies of the 1983 trivia card I designed and have your guests take their best guesses (or stretch their memory) at the big pop culture hits and other facts from 1983. It’s the perfect kind of laid-back game for a 30th birthday party or even a 30th anniversary or reunion celebration. Well, “laid back” as long as you’re not me and don’t take trivia games super seriously and get all competitive and make your friends fear you (don’t mess with me at Quizzo)!<br />
<br />
<img alt="1983 Trivia Game for 30th Birthday Party - DIYNewlyweds" height="335" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iJgbNoffDac/UU_nSzRPUjI/AAAAAAAAFzc/qobewCbbqKk/1983%252520Trivia%252520Game%252520for%25252030th%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520-%252520DIYNewlyweds%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
This year, I designed two styles for the trivia cards. Below are snippets of the two looks, but the actual trivia card contains more questions than what's shown in the images below. The first look is what I like to call the “Back to the Future” design:<br />
<br />
<img alt="1983 Trivia Game - DIY Newlyweds" height="488" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TOAUiNcy6Xg/UU5x1NHs_tI/AAAAAAAAFzE/Fzef6G2VtO4/1983%252520Trivia%252520Game%252520-%252520DIY%252520Newlyweds%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="350" /><br />
<br />
<br />
And the second design has fun rainbow letters:<br />
<br />
<img alt="30th Birthday Party Trivia Game - DIY Newlyweds" height="464" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pj0oy5E2qOw/UU5x1UR5HMI/AAAAAAAAFzM/iqMx_aP5oLg/30th%252520Birthday%252520Party%252520Trivia%252520Game%252520-%252520DIY%252520Newlyweds%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="350" /><br />
<br />
Since I’m a nerd and really into trivia, it actually takes me quite a bit of time to research the answers to each of the questions so I can make sure the the answer key is accurate (especially for the questions about the cost of certain items back in ‘83.) I’m talking about digging through old census data and government reports. Yeah, I take trivia seriously! <br />
<br />
So since I put a ton of time into making this trivia game each year and it’s available for download here totally for free, I ask that you do me a solid and follow me in one of the following ways in exchange for downloading this awesome game for free.<br />
<br />
1- <a href="http://bit.ly/11AToHO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Subscribe to my RSS feed</a><br />
2- <a href="http://bit.ly/1073SMH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Follow me on Pinterest</a><br />
<br />
Thanks for understanding! Now, here are the links where you can download either of the 1983 trivia cards and the answer key.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/16QwDDE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1983 Trivia Game – Back to Future</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/15FMhye" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1983 Trivia Game - Rainbow</a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/15FMDVJ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1983 Trivia Answer Key</a><br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy this game and please make sure to either <a href="http://bit.ly/11AToHO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscribe to my RSS feed</a> or <a href="http://bit.ly/1073SMH" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">follow me on Pinterest</a> before downloading!<br />
<br />
P.S. If you’re looking for previous versions of this game, you can find the <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/07/30th-birthday-party-time.html" target="_blank">1981 game here</a> and the <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/02/1982-trivia-30th-birthday-party-quiz.html" target="_blank">1982 game here</a>.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-62162665200398217112013-03-23T00:33:00.001-04:002013-03-23T00:33:22.120-04:00Friday Faves<p>Happy Weekend!  I’m a little late with this week’s Friday Faves, but we’re friends and you’ll forgive me right?  Awesome, I knew it!  Now, onto the faves:</p> <p><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/decorating/ideas/interior-design-standard-measurements-0711" target="_blank">10 Must-Know Measurements for Decorating</a> from House Beautiful.  It answers questions I can never remember like how high to hang lighting fixtures.</p> <p><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="" alt="10 Must Know Measurements for Decorating - House Beautiful" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3UXGoSLqjm0/UU0wjcmO85I/AAAAAAAAFyc/2YBTwvT9Su8/10%252520Must%252520Know%252520Measurements%252520for%252520Decorating%252520-%252520House%252520Beautiful%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="229" height="293" /></p> <p>And if we’re discussing decorating “rules” you should definitely check out this post with <a href="http://www.home-decorating-and-staging.com/top-ten-tips-for-mixing-fabric-patterns.html" target="_blank">10 tips for mixing fabric patterns</a> from Home Decorating and Staging.  It has some really good info!</p> <p><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="" alt="10 Tips for Mixing Fabric Patterns - Home Decorating and Staging" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F3pOCcM1kUE/UU0wjjmdm0I/AAAAAAAAFyk/gDcpDczfDyc/10%252520Tips%252520for%252520Mixing%252520Fabric%252520Patterns%252520-%252520Home%252520Decorating%252520and%252520Staging%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="293" /></p> <p> </p> <p>And how about a  big shout-out to Better After blog for featuring my desk makeover.  Woohoo!</p> <a href="http://betterafter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="" src="http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr207/a4christ/beforeafter/feature.png" /></a> <p>You can see the <a href="http://www.betterafter.net/2013/03/particle-accelerator.html" target="_blank">feature here</a> and read all about my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/diy-craft-and-office-desk-makeover.html" target="_blank">desk here</a>.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="diy-craft-desk-before-after-makeover" border="0" alt="diy-craft-desk-before-after-makeover" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Gs2HUH8D7IQ/UU0wkLMuoAI/AAAAAAAAFys/tu_leSTLg7Q/diy-craft-desk-before-after-makeover%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="444" height="293" /></p> <p> </p> <p>And finally, make sure you enter my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/03/conscious-box-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Conscious Box giveaway</a>!  You could win a 3 month subscription which will deliver a box full of natural and organic products to your doorstep.  Woot!</p> <p><a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/03/conscious-box-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 0px auto; display: block; float: none" title="" alt="Conscious Box Giveaway" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3BwscFHD_N0/UU0wkY6Gh0I/AAAAAAAAFy0/OKFJtW9p8Wg/Conscious%252520Box%252520Giveaway%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="259" height="293" /></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-44235203887075763432013-03-20T08:11:00.000-04:002013-03-27T02:12:48.963-04:00Conscious Box Giveaway!Have you ever wished your birthday was once a month instead of once a year? Okay, maybe not the aging part, but the birthday presents part? And that all of the presents were eco-friendly? Well that’s kind of what Conscious Box is like. <a href="http://bit.ly/Xoe4Qu" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a> is a service that sends a box full of natural products to your doorstep each month! I don’t know about you, but getting a box full of goodies delivered to me each month is sure to bring a smile to my face! <br />
<br />
<img alt="Conscious Box" height="400" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q-zstu1_9f0/UUjwuBGPUhI/AAAAAAAAFwY/gGjQcN5T0KQ/Conscious%252520Box%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/Xoe4Qu" target="_blank">Conscious Box</a> is a fun way to try and discover eco-friendly products. Their boxes are full of sustainable, organic, fair trade, pure, and natural goodies. The boxes are filled with things like beauty products, organic food, and natural home products. They even have vegan and gluten free boxes! Isn’t that cool? <br />
<br />
Well guess what, one of you is going to win a 3 month subscription to Conscious Box! But that’s not all! Conscious Box is offering all of my readers 50% off any of their <a href="http://bit.ly/YES2rT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">subscriptions </a>with the promo code <b>DISCOVERNATURAL</b><br />
<br />
To enter this giveaway, please use the Rafflecopter widget below. There are several ways to earn entries into the giveaway. Just click below on the entries you’d like to earn. The giveaway runs from today until 12am on 3/28/13. Good luck!<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3feb740/" id="rc-3feb740" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-40742850018289318112013-03-19T08:00:00.000-04:002013-03-23T00:15:19.700-04:00Guide to Pinterest Analytics for BloggersLast week Pinterest rolled out a new analytics tool. If you’re a blogger, you’ll definitely want to check it out. After using it for a few days, I put together this guide to Pinterest Analytics to share what it is, how to sign up for it, and how to use the analytics features.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Pinterest Analytics Guide For Bloggers - DIY Newlyweds" border="0" height="259" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TonyKpLpfoo/UUfbm7e0L1I/AAAAAAAAFvA/yhwraV_fbPE/Pinterest%252520Analytics%252520Guide%252520For%252520Bloggers%252520-%252520DIY%252520Newlyweds%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
<strong><u>What is Pinterest Analytics?</u></strong><br />
Pinterest analytics allows you to see things like the number of pins, pinners, repins, clicks, and visits you got. Essentially, this tells you how many people are pinning from your blog and seeing your pins. I know this is something I had been wishing to see.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Pinterest Web Analytics" border="0" height="273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-q717Fow1MvE/UUfbnFaAldI/AAAAAAAAFvI/L_isihtaySA/Pinterest%252520Web%252520Analytics%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://business.pinterest.com/analytics/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Image Source – Pinterest</span></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
Even better, there is a view where you can actually see the pins from your blog that were most recently pinned or are the most popular or most clicked on during a selected time period. It’s awesome to visually see the pins that are getting the most traction!<br />
<br />
<img alt="How to see pins from your blog" border="0" height="133" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IjbyNZuiX_k/UUfbnot0KBI/AAAAAAAAFvQ/ErYKygMq7zY/How%252520to%252520see%252520pins%252520from%252520your%252520blog%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
I love seeing what’s being pinned from my blog. It’s a good way to gain some insight into what your readers like to see and perhaps give you some ideas for future posts. I found a few surprises in my results, several of my Christmas and Thanksgiving projects were most recently pinned. I was surprised those pins were popular this time of year.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>How to Get Pinterest Analytics - Signing up for Pinterest for Business</u></strong><br />
<strong><u><br /></u></strong>
Now that you’re intrigued about Pinterest Analytics, here’s how you can access it for your blog. In order to see Pinterest Analytics, you must sign up for Pinterest for Business. Don’t worry, it’s free and you can use your existing Pinterest account to do so. You can access the signup page by going to <a href="http://business.pinterest.com/" target="_blank">this Pinterest for Business link</a>.<br />
<br />
Once you’re on the Pinterest for Business page, you’ll want to click on “Join as a Business.” You can also find Pinterest overviews, tips for using Pinterest, and read case studies about how businesses are successfully using Pinterest from this main page.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Pinterest for Business" border="0" height="283" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WI08nl6MZPk/UUfbnyQHrmI/AAAAAAAAFvY/SJMTFHAUjWI/Pinterest%252520for%252520Business%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
Once you click to join, you’ll be taken to a new page with a form to fill out. However, if you already have a Pinterest account you’ll want to click the link at the top-right that says “Already have an account? Convert”<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Signing up for Pinterest for Business" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jAgNEVXqbUs/UUfboPSe7YI/AAAAAAAAFvg/1QeHJlISM64/Signing%252520up%252520for%252520Pinterest%252520for%252520Business%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="437" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Then, you’ll be taken to a new form that will probably have some of your profile information already pre-populated. Here you’ll need to select a Business Type. If you are a blogger, you’ll probably want to select “Professional.” Make sure your website address is also entered on this screen.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Sign up for Pinterest Business Account" border="0" height="261" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tjpPkmIbaHU/UUfboZO3EzI/AAAAAAAAFvo/VY8bs6DGC48/Sign%252520up%252520for%252520Pinterest%252520Business%252520Account%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="450" /><br />
<br />
<br />
After your business account has been created, you need to verify your website. This is to ensure that the website you are trying to get analytics for actually belongs to you and that you’re not some wacko trying to spy on the analytics for someone else’s site.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Using Pinterest for Business Account" border="0" height="165" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uo1p6NTaRD4/UUfbozIy-TI/AAAAAAAAFvw/NddmMjV7rOU/Using%252520Pinterest%252520for%252520Business%252520Account%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="450" /><br />
<br />
After clicking the “Verify Website” button, you’ll be given two choices to verify your site. You can either upload an HTML file to your domain or add a meta tag to your site’s code. My blog is hosted on Blogger so the meta tag option was easier for me to do. Basically, Pinterest gives you a line of code and you have to add it to the HTML of your site. If you’re not familiar with HTML this may sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy. <br />
<br />
For those of you on Blogger, here’s a quick look at how to add a Meta Tag. Once you login to your Blogger account, click on “Edit Template” in the left sidebar. Then click on “Edit HTML” as shown below.<br />
<br />
<img alt="How to add a Meta Tag in Blogger" border="0" height="269" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bg5LevznaB0/UUfbpFzs6XI/AAAAAAAAFv4/xS9wex3fUW4/How%252520to%252520add%252520a%252520Meta%252520Tag%252520in%252520Blogger%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="356" /><br />
<br />
A new window will pop-up with the HTML for your site. To make this process really easy, just copy the line of verification code Pinterest gives you and paste it right under where it says <head>. This will always be towards the top of your HTML. Once you’re done, click “Save Template.”<br />
<br />
<img alt="Adding a Meta Tag to Blogger Blog" border="0" height="116" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ujXOWgQWdW4/UUfbpTHtBDI/AAAAAAAAFwA/An7HjOwrZck/Adding%252520a%252520Meta%252520Tag%252520to%252520Blogger%252520Blog%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="450" /><br />
<br />
That’s it! Then just go back to Pinterest and click the verification button. You should be verified now and have access to Pinterest analytics!<br />
<br />
<strong><u>How to Use Pinterest Analytics</u></strong><br />
Once you’ve verified your blog, you can start using Pinterest Analytics! To get into the Analytics portion of your account, you need to switch over to the new Pinterest look. This isn’t available for everyone yet, but it will be rolling out to everyone soon. Once you have access to the new look, you can access Pinterest Analytics it by going to Analytics from the new drop down menu.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Access Pinterest Analytics" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Merq8YB7XEI/UUfbpqaXqeI/AAAAAAAAFwI/zOggASz-gjA/Access%252520Pinterest%252520Analytics%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="201" /><br />
<br />
Then start having fun! Well, fun if nerdy analytics stuff is your jam, like it is mine. Pinterest put together this nifty video explaining all of the analytics features, so I will it speak for itself.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DFTYC9K9Uls?rel=0" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<br />
Have you checked out Pinterest Analytics yet? Are you an analytics nerd like me? Yay line graphs!<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post is shared on <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/03/world-label-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Tatertots & Jello</a>.</span></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-44813077936789203362013-03-13T08:02:00.000-04:002013-03-13T08:02:00.089-04:00Painting the NurseryI’m excited to start sharing some nursery updates. As I mentioned in my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/turquoise-nursery-mood-board.html" target="_blank">nursery mood board</a>, we wanted to a gender neutral room and decided that turquoise colored walls could be fun for either a girl or boy’s room. I wouldn’t normally pick such a bright paint color, but hey this is a nursery, let’s have some fun! <br /> <br />Of course picking the right shade of turquoise is another story. Since it’s already a bold color choice (for us), we didn’t want to go too bright with it. We also didn’t want it to be too minty or too blue. Okay, we may have gone a little nuts when trying to chose the color with quite a few paint samples, and then we even mixed some of those colors together in search of the perfect shade. Eight paint patches on the wall, that’s normal right? <br /> <br />
<img alt="Choosing a turquoise paint color" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wlKq17L7DLY/UT6L4-5htCI/AAAAAAAAFpo/PYaC3FZJuVo/Choosing-a-turquoise-paint-color8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /> <br /> <br />Now, it would probably be helpful if I could remember what each of these colors are, but these pictures were taken a while ago (there’s been more nursery progress than I’ve let on) and sadly I have no idea which color is which. But fear not! I still have the sample paints so I painted them on a piece of white paper so I’d be able to share which color is which. Whew. <br /> <br /> <br /><img alt="mint green paint comparison" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lnyZU-PIzXM/UT_HRSg_GhI/AAAAAAAAFqw/Rqfvi93s4to/mint%252520green%252520paint%252520comparison%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="turquoise paint comparison" border="0" height="249" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3pyU2GmtT70/UT_HRrYP-8I/AAAAAAAAFq4/JVzkZZ8PA1Y/turquoise%252520paint%252520comparison%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /> <br /> <br /> <br />We decided that the first three color choices were all very similar and were all too light and minty colored (this much I do remember.) So that left us with the Sherwin Williams choices. Tame Teal was a little bluer and Aquatint was a little greener than we wanted, so after much back and forth we decided that Waterfall by Sherwin Williams was just right. <br /> <br />We went with the Waterfall color in the Sherwin Williams Emerald line of paints because they are no-VOC. We also chose a satin finish because we figured kids are messy and we’d want something more wipeable than a flat paint, but still not super shiny. Luckily, Sherwin Williams was having a sale when we bought the paints because they are on the pricey side. <br /> <br />Before tackling the walls, we painted the ceiling with Sherwin Williams HGTV Home line of paints. The previous owner had painted the ceiling an off-white color, but we prefer the look of a crisp white ceiling. We went with the HGTV line for the ceilings because it is a less expensive option, but is still zero VOC. <br /> <br />Here’s a progress shot of the room after the ceiling was done and we started cutting in with the turquoise paint. Sorry for the iPhone pics, but after working on the room, this pregnant lady didn’t have the energy to get the real camera (stairs + pregnant lady = lots of huffing and puffing!) <br /> <br /><img alt="Painting a turquoise room" border="0" height="533" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JeAYKkRLaSw/UT6L7irEVHI/AAAAAAAAFqA/5zWvmyQoVZU/Painting-a-turquoise-room4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="400" /> <br /> <br />And now for the room after one coat of paint: <br /> <br /><img alt="Painting turquoise nursery" border="0" height="533" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ur_Tq8R-Fzc/UT6L8EdHmUI/AAAAAAAAFqI/5QWl7_ws0LI/Painting-turquoise-nursery4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="400" /> <br /> <br />Aaaand, the finished walls. Sorry to only show a few corners of the room, but I didn’t take any pics of the walls while the room was empty and there’s some furniture in there now, which I’m keeping under wraps for the time being, mwahaha! Plus, I think seeing the color next to white doors gives a better idea of the shade (because between my camera and individual monitor settings, there’s bound to be some differences between the photo and the color in real life.) <br />
<img alt="sherwin williams waterfall paint" border="0" height="466" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9y4Hh1RalYo/UT6L85AxyQI/AAAAAAAAFqQ/iBeDwhlFH50/sherwin%252520williams%252520waterfall%252520paint%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="350" /><br />
<br /><img alt="waterfall by sherwin williams" border="0" height="466" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9kgnsEYScNI/UT6L9e-MhuI/AAAAAAAAFqY/WTjr_Mvkeu0/waterfall%252520by%252520sherwin%252520williams%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="350" /><br />
<br />And now for a shot of the baby’s big brother guarding the room, gotta protect those baby shower goodies! <br /> <br /><img alt="" border="0" height="468" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Q4uLMTWzh-0/UT6L9wRTNvI/AAAAAAAAFqg/zLidUA9XShE/nursery4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="350" /> <br /> <br />I really like the quality of Sherwin Williams paints, the walls had a very nice finish after 2 coats of paint. However, I was hoping the no-VOC paint would mean it wouldn’t be smelly at all, but there was still a slight smell from the paint. The smell was less than a regular paint would leave behind, but since this is a baby’s room we still did a considerable amount of airing out the room with the windows open and a fan going to get the paint fumes out. <br /> <br />I’m also really happy with how the paint color turned out. At first I was worried we went too bright or bold, but once we got some furniture in the room it looked just right. I’ll be back soon with an update on the furniture!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-86542235133031198472013-03-08T23:34:00.003-05:002013-03-08T23:34:37.625-05:00Friday FavesHappy Friday! I didn’t get a chance to share any projects this week, but I did find a ton of inspiration online. Hopefully I’ll be ready to share some nursery updates with you next week. Now onto what I was loving this week:<br />
<br />
This very <a href="http://www.twotwentyone.net/2013/03/home-office-makeover-reveal/" target="_blank">pretty office makeover at Two Twenty One</a>. I could get a lot of work done in a place like this!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Home Office Makeover - Two Twenty One" height="383" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C5kOTwq1sfw/UTq7AFTMkKI/AAAAAAAAFoI/WA2m_Ykja80/Home%252520Office%252520Makeover%252520-%252520Two%252520Twenty%252520One%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="259" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This very cute <a href="http://www.thehandmadehome.net/2013/03/how-to-make-a-puzzle/" target="_blank">diy wooden puzzle from The Handmade Home</a>. This would make such a wonderful and thoughtful kid’s gift!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Handmade Puzzle - The Handmade Home" height="293" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T9gPtz6dFio/UTq7AWFgG_I/AAAAAAAAFoQ/k8vlqwVDNrU/Handmade%252520Puzzle%252520-%252520The%252520Handmade%252520Home%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="440" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This clever and easy no-sew tutorial to <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-No-Sew-Cardigan/" target="_blank">turn an old sweater into a cardigan</a> on Instructables. So clever, I must give this a try.<br />
<br />
<img alt="DIY Cardigan - Instructables" height="293" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sS6sfc-RAKo/UTq7A7xKzXI/AAAAAAAAFoY/qINcyNhYpXA/DIY%252520Cardigan%252520-%252520Instructables%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="391" /><br />
<br />
<br />
And finally, how about a big shout-out for daylight saving time! Don’t forget to spring forward and set your clocks forward one hour this Sunday. I love it when it stays light outside later in the evening!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<img alt="mustache clock" height="293" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RxpASk3Q4rs/UTq7BRZnIAI/AAAAAAAAFog/xPAF5f_ZK-U/mustache%252520clock%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="290" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DTXZI2/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005DTXZI2&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mustache Clock – Amazon</a></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
Anything strike your fancy this week? Do you get excited by the clock change in the spring too?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-80757385419184383052013-03-01T11:30:00.000-05:002013-03-01T11:30:00.115-05:00Friday FavesIt’s Friday, woot! You know what that means, time for another look back at some of the stuff I’m digging this week.<br />
<br />
Mom 4 Real combined chalkboard paint and a ceramic tile to make this clever <a href="http://www.mom4real.com/2013/02/chalkboard-tile-cheese-board.html" target="_blank">chalkboard tray</a>. Using tile is genius!<br />
<a href="http://www.mom4real.com/2013/02/chalkboard-tile-cheese-board.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<img alt="chalkboard tile tray - mom4real" height="293" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sokdIn6hRJI/UTBVxg677UI/AAAAAAAAFmY/WaNdy8hm_WM/chalkboard%252520tile%252520tray%252520-%252520mom4real%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="430" /><br />
<a href="http://www.mom4real.com/2013/02/chalkboard-tile-cheese-board.html" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<br />
<br />
Lilikoi Joy <a href="http://www.lilikoijoy.com/2013/02/low-cost-big-impact-paint-patterned.html" target="_blank">stenciled this awesome accent wall</a>. She has a tutorial on how to make your own stencil too.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.lilikoijoy.com/2013/02/low-cost-big-impact-paint-patterned.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Stenciled Accent Wall - Lilikoi Joy" height="407" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GsKHXntf75o/UTBVyLi_dkI/AAAAAAAAFmg/gp1-JTC65Vw/Stenciled%252520Accent%252520Wall%252520-%252520Lilikoi%252520Joy%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="271" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I am also loving this awesome website, <a href="http://wordmark.it/" target="_blank">wordmark.it</a> which helps you choose fonts. It lets you see all of the fonts that are on your computer. Just type in a word and you can see it in all of the fonts you already have. I’ve already used it a bunch of times and it is so convenient! Below is a screenshot of what it looks like when I typed in the word “fonts.” Thanks to <a href="http://www.justagirlblog.com/wordmark-it-how-to-choose-fonts/" target="_blank">Just a Girl</a> for sharing this helpful tip.<br />
<img alt="" height="236" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kK0thRNRpM8/UTBVyXmDUyI/AAAAAAAAFmo/ts4hjFpGAOk/choose%252520fonts%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="450" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Since <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/my-biggest-best-project-ever-exciting.html" target="_blank">babies are on my mind</a> big time, I loved reading this article “<a href="http://www.askyourdadblog.com/2012/11/5-things-i-forgot-about-having-newborn.html" target="_blank">5 Things I’d Forgotten About Having a Newborn</a>” from Ask Your Dad blog. His story of sleep deprivation had me laughing out loud (much funnier when it happens to someone else!) I also love this quote from this blog post, “I may have made some unnecessary remarks about why I shouldn't have to watch a show about Canadians redecorating their living rooms.” Haha. I can totally relate to that, I never even realized that pretty much sums up all of the HGTV I watch.<br />
<a href="http://www.askyourdadblog.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="109" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6t2Wruas1ck/UTBVzEwXb5I/AAAAAAAAFmw/wTLFMtWYYh0/ask%252520your%252520dad%252520blog%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="307" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
What are you digging this week?<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-20746919242455734482013-02-28T08:31:00.000-05:002013-02-28T08:31:00.361-05:0010 Modern Cribs Under $400For our baby’s nursery, I’ve been in search of a modern-ish looking crib, something with clean straight lines and a simple design. (You can check out my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/turquoise-nursery-mood-board.html" target="_blank">nursery inspiration mood board here</a>.) However, I've had trouble finding a modern crib that’s both affordable and not over the top wacky-modern looking. If you Google “modern nursery cribs” you can find several online stores that specialize in modern nursery furniture. The problem is, many of their cribs will run you well over $1,000, with most costing at least $600. There’s nothing wrong with splurging on a pricey crib if it will make you happy and you can afford it, but I’m looking for something less expensive. As long as the crib is comfy and safe, I think my baby will be just as happy snoozing and pooping in a crib with a lower price tag! <br />
<br />
In my crib research, I found 10 modern looking cribs priced under $400, even including several under $200 crib options. Here they are, in no particular order: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="modern-cribs" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3a7RZaiK96Y/US7aHAW3gpI/AAAAAAAAFlc/bYIhZoXlBQI/modern-cribs7.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="525" /></div>
<br />
1. Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007CRJHUI/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B007CRJHUI&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon $299</a> <br />
2. Baby Mod ParkLane 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.5983290&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBaby-Mod-ParkLane-3-in-1-Baby-Convertible-Crib-Amber-and-White%2F5983290%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart $300</a> <br />
3. Child Craft London Stationary Crib – <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.17350831&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FChild-Craft-London-2-in-1-Convertible-Fixed-Side-Crib-Matte-White%2F17350831%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart $180</a> <br />
4. Sorelle Commuter Crib – <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.21437537&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSorelle-City-Lights-Commuter-Convertible-Crib-Set-in-Two-Tone-White-Esprsso%2F21437537%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart $358</a> <br />
5. Ikea Sundvik Crib – <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90192924/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ikea $119</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="modern-nursery-cribs-under-400" border="0" height="299" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C1PLufNewXg/US7aHlsjUAI/AAAAAAAAFlk/jzhb9Esg8bo/modern-nursery-cribs-under-4003.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="525" /></div>
<br />
6. Babyletto Mercer 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z3DWHK/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000Z3DWHK&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon $339</a> <br />
7. Baby Mod Olivia 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.14659336&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F14659336%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart $300</a> <br />
8. Ikea Gulliver Crib – <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20203332/" target="_blank">Ikea $100</a> <br />
9. Baby Mod Modena 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/link?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&offerid=223073.15529736&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBaby-Mod-Modena-3-in-1-Fixed-Side-Crib-Navy%2F15529736%3Fsourceid%3D0100000012230215302434" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Walmart $199</a> <br />
10. Babyletto Modo 3-in-1 Convertible Crib – <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002HORL1I/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002HORL1I&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Amazon $351</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
There are some cute options! I like all of these cribs, but for the nursery I’ve been planning, I think I like cribs #2, #4, and #7 the best. <br />
<br />
However, if none of these cribs are modern looking enough for your taste, I stumbled across this one: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="modern-lucite-crib" height="293" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VorfRXuJP0g/US7aH52mDuI/AAAAAAAAFls/Yw58yuK-t5Y/modern-lucite-crib%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="295" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.allmodern.com/Nurseryworks-Vetro-Crib-S1000-NWK1222.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
It’s a lucite crib which costs $3,750! I’m sure someone out there has this crib in a nursery that cost more than my entire house, but I’m struggling to understand several things with the above image. Aside from the price and the lucite material, it kinda looks like a fish tank, plus it’s filled with bouncy balls! Now I haven’t taken any parenting classes, but I’m pretty sure a crib full of bouncy balls is a safety no-no. Add in the creepy head statue on the dresser, and my mind is boggled about the kind of baby who would live in this room! <br />
<br />
So what do you think- Are modern looking cribs for you? Any other affordable modern crib suggestions that weren’t on my list? And what about the lucite crib, work of art or craziness? <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-3125540661923323792013-02-27T08:32:00.000-05:002013-03-04T22:48:56.612-05:00Gold Painted CorkboardIt’s Pinterest challenge time! Today, I’m joining in on the Pinterest challenge put together by <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Young House Love</a>, <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bower Power</a>, <a href="http://decorandthedog.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Decor and the Dog</a>, and <a href="http://www.theremodeledlife.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Remodeled Life</a> in which we actually MAKE a project inspired by something we pinned on <a href="http://pinterest.com/diynewlyweds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I took today’s challenge quite literally as I made something perfect for “pinning” – an updated corkboard!<br />
<br />
My husband had a standard boring corkboard hanging near his desk in our home office (this is separate from the awesome, much girlier <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/diy-craft-and-office-desk-makeover.html" target="_blank">desk</a> I have for myself). The corkboard got the job done, but it’s surely nothing to brag about.<br />
<br />
<img alt="corkboard makeover" border="0" height="389" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lAkq18WfIug/US3PkuAvA1I/AAAAAAAAFjg/9a7F3YTkxEY/corkboard%252520makeover%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="300" /><br />
<br />
I decided to spice it up with some spray paint thanks to some inspiration I found on <a href="http://pinterest.com/diynewlyweds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. The first pin (found <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/75153887501280311/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, originally from <a href="http://www.ballarddesigns.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/burlap-message-board/wall-decor/bulletin-boards/195170?redirect=y" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ballard Designs</a>) gave me the idea to transform a regular bulletin board into something prettier, and the second pin (found <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/75153887504019996/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>, from <a href="http://thehappyhomeblog.com/?p=4033" target="_blank">The Happy Home</a>) gave me the idea to paint it. <br />
<br />
<img align="left" alt="Burlap Corkboard" height="300" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aHZd7oU_f1M/US3PkyCFv1I/AAAAAAAAFjo/_t87pTnNaRk/Burlap-Corkboard7.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: inline; float: left;" title="" width="225" /><img alt="Painted Corkboard - The Happy Home" height="297" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0PAVtsoUZJw/US3Plf1CIVI/AAAAAAAAFjw/v8XR0pQzg00/Painted-Corkboard---The-Happy-Home9.jpg?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="230" /><br />
<br />
<br />
So I cleared off the corkboard and got to work spray painting it. I first covered up the actual corkboard so I could start by spray painting the frame. I used Rustoleum spray paint in “night tide.” It was a can I had grabbed on clearance from Home Depot a while ago, but I hadn’t used before. I thought the color would be more navy, but it ended up being more like a deep turquoise. <br />
<br />
<img alt="spray paint corkboard" border="0" height="355" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MSM2iovRBkI/US3PltJNIcI/AAAAAAAAFj4/0ynnqYpl2V4/spray-paint-corkboard5.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
The nice thing about spray painting a corkboard is that I didn’t need to tape off the inside, I just used thumbtacks to keep my newspaper in place. As a bonus, I spray painted the thumbtacks too so they would coordinate with the finished product. Here’s how it looked when I was done painting the frame- better already!<br />
<br />
<img alt="spray painted cork board" border="0" height="347" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8j_CIpmYLfc/US3Pl2i0ymI/AAAAAAAAFkA/N8lqsrV5Kqw/spray-painted-cork-board8.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="481" /><br />
<br />
Then I got to work on the actual corkboard. I decided to spray paint gold stripes which gradually got wider. I started off with about a 1 inch strip at the top and made each of the following strips about a quarter of an inch wider. At the very bottom, I decided to add the word “work” for some added interest. To make the letters, I pulled up some block letters on my computer screen and used it as a light box to trace the words onto a wide strip of painter’s tape. Then I just cut them out with scissors and an exacto knife. It was actually much easier to do than I thought it would be.<br />
<br />
<img alt="diy corkboard" border="0" height="441" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-y_IYvC1H45w/US3PmZSdadI/AAAAAAAAFkI/ZCo6KyrRn0Y/diy-corkboard11.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="375" /><br />
<br />
Then it was time for the fun part, spray painting the whole thing gold. I used Touch ‘n Tone spray paint (from Walmart for under $2) in “metallic gold.” And here’s how this baby looks now:<br />
<br />
<img alt="spray painted gold corkboard" border="0" height="482" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7AMNpmg_6SM/US3Pmu3n4vI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/S_igBS6-bYY/spray-painted-gold-corkboard6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="375" /><br />
<br />
And now with some stuff on it. You know, important work things, like pictures of my dog.<br />
<br />
<img alt="diy spray painted cork board" border="0" height="478" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zbWrhAoA4RM/US3Pm_wtzCI/AAAAAAAAFkY/20O8dXDtj08/diy-spray-painted-cork-board4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="375" /><br />
<br />
<img alt="diy bulletin board" border="0" height="511" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BHfOEFAdSak/US3PnO4ynMI/AAAAAAAAFkg/vc_aTJX1utE/diy-bulletin-board4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="375" /><br />
<br />
Much more glam! Well…about as “glam” as a cork board can look in my opinion. I like that the gold is subtle next to the original cork color, but it’s still colorful enough to add some shine and a fun look. I really like how the word at the bottom turned out too.<br />
<br />
<img alt="diy painted corkboard" border="0" height="396" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rRaVCdJtdtg/US3Pnq7RuDI/AAAAAAAAFko/oon0Hhe_pxI/diy-painted-corkboard4.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<br />
Since I had all of the supplies already at hand, this project cost me a whopping zero dollars and it didn’t cost me much time either. The corkboard went from something I mostly didn’t notice to something that makes me happy when I look at it now! Isn’t that the best, especially from a quick and free project?<br />
<br />
<img alt="DIY Painted Corkboard Before and After" border="0" height="388" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jgsM8ZO1t3k/US3Pn_0JlbI/AAAAAAAAFkw/5Ix_uJ6IiXc/DIY%252520Painted%252520Corkboard%252520Before%252520and%252520After%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="525" /><br />
Have you made any freebie updates to anything you own lately? Are you also joining in on the Pinterest party today?<br />
<br />
<div>
P.S. You can find my past Pinterest challenge projects here: <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/08/map-photo-frame-challenge.html" target="_blank">Map Photo Frame</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/11/travel-gallery-wall.html" target="_blank">Gallery Wall</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/diy-photo-coasters.html" target="_blank">Photo Coasters</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/07/summer-fun-list-2012.html" target="_blank">Summer Fun List Poster</a>.</div>
<br />
P.P.S. You can follow me on <a href="http://pinterest.com/diynewlyweds/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm also linking up this project to parties at <a href="http://www.beneathmyheart.net/2013/02/best-diy-projects-of-february-linky-party-2/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beneath My Heart</a>, <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2013/02/27/hookin-up-with-hoh-137/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">House of Hepworths</a>, <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2013/02/transformation-thursday-no-193.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Shabby Creek Cottage</a>, <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/02/wfmw-my-daily-happy/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a>, <a href="http://bec4-beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com/2013/02/under-100-linky-party_27.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond the Picket Fence</a>, <a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.ca/2013/02/whatever-goes-wednesday-159.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Someday Crafts</a>, <a href="http://www.katiesnestingspot.com/2013/02/a-crafty-soiree-131.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Katie's Nesting Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/2013/02/catch-glimpse-party-120.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A Glimpse Inside</a>, <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2013/02/camellias-show-and-tell-friday.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Romantic Home</a>, <a href="http://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2013/02/frugalicious-friday.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Finding Fabulous</a>, <a href="http://ifitsnotbaroquedesignblog.blogspot.com/2013/02/tuesday-link-party-8.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">If It's Not Baroque</a>, <a href="http://designeddecor.com/talkin-thursday-link-party-9/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Designed Decor</a>, <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/03/whats-shakin-link-party-49.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shaken Together Life</a>, <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/03/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-silhouette-portrait-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tatertots and Jello</a>, <a href="http://whipperberry.com/2013/03/friday-flair-link-party-folding-chair-makeover-edition.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whipper Berry</a>, <a href="http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/2013/03/sns-177-decorating-with-plates.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Funky Junk Interiors</a>, <a href="http://www.serenitynowblog.com/2013/03/weekend-bloggy-reading-link-up.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Serenity Now</a>, <a href="http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/diy-ideas-monday-funday-8/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Uncommon Designs</a>, <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-99.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Home Stories AtoZ</a></span></i><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-18820099832688856112013-02-22T12:05:00.000-05:002013-02-22T13:42:33.777-05:00Friday FavesIt’s Friday, yay! It’s also time for another look at my favorite things from the past week, yay!<br />
<br />
Check out this gorgeous <a href="http://www.ohmy-creative.com/home/garden/diy-backyard-pond-landscape-water-feature/" target="_blank">waterfall pond</a> from Oh My! Creative. I would love to have something like this in my backyard, it’s beautiful and must be so relaxing.<br />
<br />
<img alt="DIY Waterfall Pond - Oh My Creative" border="0" height="307" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XpcFG_qtsMw/USbhZuj-DwI/AAAAAAAAFUU/euujayqLrnY/DIY%252520Waterfall%252520Pond%252520-%252520Oh%252520My%252520Creative%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="430" /><br />
<br />
<br />
How cute are these <a href="http://ohhappyday.com/2013/02/lollipop-flower-valentines/" target="_blank">lollipop flowers</a> that Oh Happy Day made from crepe paper, what a great idea. A bouquet of these would be such a cute gift.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Lollipop Flowers - Oh Happy Day" border="0" height="411" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qPGfShzbnDk/USbhaG6iQmI/AAAAAAAAFUc/9fSNI1bTv3M/Lollipop%252520Flowers%252520-%252520Oh%252520Happy%252520Day%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="274" /><br />
<br />
<br />
My Clever Nest was very clever to make this <a href="http://www.myclevernest.com/2013/02/decoupaged-mirror-with-napkins-winner.html" target="_blank">decoupaged mirror</a> from napkins! What a cool way to spice up an ordinary mirror.<br />
<br />
<img alt="DIY Decoupaged Mirror - My Clever Nest" border="0" height="397" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YtoHyCbB8Gc/USbhal0dmcI/AAAAAAAAFUk/qG2l58QHsCw/DIY%252520Decoupaged%252520Mirror%252520-%252520My%252520Clever%252520Nest%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="266" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Kitchen Fun With My 3 Sons whipped up fun <a href="http://kitchenfunwithmy3sons.blogspot.com/2013/02/presidents-day-abraham-lincoln-pancakes.html" target="_blank">Abe Lincoln pancakes</a> with her boys. She has several other clever presidential pancakes on her blog.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Lincoln Pancakes - Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons" border="0" height="324" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-na-_sze4MQs/USbhbYNQRSI/AAAAAAAAFUs/xCnjpm-D9ro/Lincoln%252520Pancakes%252520-%252520Kitchen%252520Fun%252520with%252520my%2525203%252520Sons%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="330" /><br />
<br />
<br />
In non-blog things, another one of my faves for this week is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0545265355/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0545265355&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hunger Games Trilogy</a>. I know I’m behind on the times as this book came out a few years ago already, but I just finished it this week and loved it!<br />
<br />
<img alt="hungergames" border="0" height="293" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FrcFjnmGqHU/USL9V0zS7rI/AAAAAAAAFSY/efJ5Wrh_jmc/hungergames%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="220" /><br />
<br />
<br />
So that’s what I’m loving this week. Has anything caught your eye recently? Any book recommendations now that I’m done reading the Hunger Games?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-76759530597781415642013-02-21T19:30:00.001-05:002013-02-21T19:31:58.562-05:00Past Resolutions UpdateYesterday I shared my list of DIY projects I hope to accomplish this year, dubbed my “<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/2013-new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">New DIYear Resolutions</a>”. Shamefully a couple of items on this year’s list were left overs from previous years. In an effort to redeem myself I thought I’d share updates on some of the projects from past years’ list (you can check out <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/01/new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/01/2011-new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/01/2012-new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2012</a> here) that I actually accomplished. Plus they’ve ended up being some of my favorite projects so I figured I’d share.<br />
<br />
<strong>Front Yard Landscaping</strong>: This is from the 2010 list and we’re so happy we tackled this project. Not only did it add curb appeal to our house, but it also makes bringing in groceries a heck of a lot easier. We used to have a very small planted pathway leading to our front door which we <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/10/new-paver-walkway-day-1.html" target="_blank">ripped out</a> so that we could install a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/10/paver-walkway-day-2.html" target="_blank">new paver walkway</a>. Then we <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/05/front-yard-retaining-wall.html" target="_blank">added a retaining wall</a> and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/05/front-yard-landscaping-progress.html" target="_blank">some plants</a> of course. I also spruced up the area around our <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/09/fall-door-decor.html" target="_blank">front door</a> a bit.<br />
<br />
<img height="237" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y0xyy2WmYxg/TcFw9oEhj1I/AAAAAAAADTI/NCheYGknlUc/s640/front-yard-landscaping-transformation.png" width="519" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Fireplace Mantle Update:</strong> This was a project that was on my 2010 and 2012 lists and has been a work in progress that I finally finished last year. We added an <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/03/diy-fireplace-mantle.html" target="_blank">expanded mantle shelf</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/06/hiding-tv-cables.html" target="_blank">hid the tv cables above the fireplace</a>, painted the brass accents black, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/05/white-painted-fireplace.html" target="_blank">painted the mantle white</a>, and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/10/fireplace-phase-5.html" target="_blank">added mosaic tile around the mantle</a>. <br />
<br />
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2peYmCQA24Q/T8Zv5L5lUaI/AAAAAAAAE3s/h5H6qeW2bJ0/diy-fireplace-makeover%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Kitchen Updates on a Budget:</strong> In 2010, I hoped to make some updates to our kitchen which we accomplished by <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/01/installing-granite-countertops-kitchen.html" target="_blank">installing granite countertops</a>, a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/01/kitchen-backsplash-installation.html" target="_blank">new tile backsplash</a>, and a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/02/dear-new-kitchen-sink-and-faucet-i-love.html" target="_blank">new faucet and granite sink</a>. Hmm…I really need to share some newer photos of the kitchen, I’m going to get on that! <br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="319" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aNnPtNYxoIc/USa8LaSs01I/AAAAAAAAFUA/ozti0v_NQxI/P1080048%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="425" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Home Office Update:</strong> This has been one of my favorite projects around the house. I <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/diy-craft-and-office-desk-makeover.html" target="_blank">transformed an outdated computer desk to a new office and craft work area</a>.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hw6HlPuYWmI/UFDNEHvvCcI/AAAAAAAAE8M/wl6Wmgngkck/diy-craft-desk-before-after-makeover%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Powder Room Update:</strong> In 2011, I tackled updating our powder room and transformed it from builder’s grade to an updated look for under $70!<br />
<br />
<img alt="Inexpensive Bathroom Makeover Update" border="0" height="338" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Sanx4l-m-00/USa8L5qx1RI/AAAAAAAAFUI/vDyajTVI13w/Inexpensive%252520Bathroom%252520Makeover%252520Update%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="504" /><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Sew New Pillows:</strong> I went a little crazy with this resolution from 2011. I sewed a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/08/beach-print-pillows.html" target="_blank">vintage tea towel pillow</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/08/placemat-pillows.html" target="_blank">animal print placemat pillows</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/12/diy-sweater-pillow_08.html" target="_blank">a sweater pillow</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/02/pillow-talk.html" target="_blank">patterned pillows</a>, and a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/nautical-map-pillow.html" target="_blank">nautical map pillow</a>. Turns out, I like to sew!<br />
<br />
<img height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D2W0iK-7_X4/Tt8i5QSq40I/AAAAAAAAEO4/pRsSDodKHP4/argyle-sweater-pillow%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="442" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Organizing Around the House:</strong> Organization has been on my to-do list each year, partly because I believe this is an ongoing process and partly just because I’m a messy person by nature and this helps me keep on top of things! I’ve done a lot of organizing projects over the years which you can check out in my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/search/label/Organizing" target="_blank">organization</a> category. (Our <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/01/our-mail-organization-system.html" target="_blank">mail center</a> is pictured below.)<br />
<br />
<img alt="" height="334" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_R-_ONwRsAR8/TTUlDn938hI/AAAAAAAADB8/ZxNZlt3AcdY/mail_organization_system%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="" width="394" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Whew! Turns out I accomplished quite a few things from my yearly resolutions. I better get started on this year’s goals now! Do you have any accomplished resolutions you’re proud of?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-84726145295763012152013-02-20T16:37:00.001-05:002013-02-20T19:31:46.698-05:002013 New DIYear ResolutionsSo we’re halfway through February and most of us have probably forgotten about our resolutions already, but I’m just getting around to sharing mine now. But since I shared my resolutions for <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/01/new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2010</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/01/2011-new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/01/2012-new-diyear-resolutions.html" target="_blank">2012</a>, I couldn’t break tradition this year. Better late than never, right? <br />
<br />
As with past years, I call my house to-dos for the year “New DIYear Resolutions” since they are all hands-on DIY projects I want to accomplish during the year. I failed big time with two of my resolutions last year, not even getting started on them, so they are back on the docket for this year. So here’s what I’m hoping to tackle in 2013:<br />
<br />
<strong>Refinish This Chest:</strong> Okay, this one is embarrassing. I bought this soon-to-be-awesome chest at a garage sale back in 2010 and it still hasn’t been refinished. I’m giving myself an ultimatum to finish it this spring, no excuses!<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="349" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--01MzzjverU/USVB93p2iUI/AAAAAAAAFTI/m5kDIcNXO-A/P1110241%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="356" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Create a Proper Window Seat:</strong> This is another leftover from last year’s list (boooo). Our living room has a built-in window seat area, but needs a nice cushion and new pillows. Good news is that I already have the fabric to tackle this project!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="456" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4pof5phNLrQ/USVB-e2O9pI/AAAAAAAAFTQ/77ty5tqU2Do/P1120940%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="335" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Complete Baby’s Nursery:</strong> This one I know will get done! The nursery must be finished for our little bundle of joy. You can read all about our <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/02/turquoise-nursery-mood-board.html" target="_blank">nursery mood board and plan here</a>.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="294" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XvN0tcqDItQ/USVB-8PDuzI/AAAAAAAAFTY/UrfEfYIIEYk/modern%252520turquoise%252520nursery%252520mood%252520board%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="490" /><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>Have a Baby!:</strong> Since we’re having a baby this year, that’s at the ultimate top of my to-do list! Given that this a pretty darn big project, I’m keeping the rest of this New DIYear Resolutions list pretty short so I can focus on the whole having and caring for a tiny human being thing. It’s kinda a big deal!<br />
<br />
How are your resolutions going for this year? Do you have a list of DIY projects to tackle?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-85631316310911843512013-02-15T20:55:00.001-05:002013-02-15T21:03:16.990-05:00Friday Faves<p>Happy Friday! I didn’t have to look very far for this week’s Friday Faves because they are all from some of my favorite daily blog reads.</p> <p>You have to check out this adorable <a href="http://www.lemondroplife.com/2013/02/15/nursery-reveal/" target="_blank">space themed nursery from Lemon Drop Life</a>.  It is out of this world! (Sorry I couldn’t resist.)  But seriously check out the solar system wall, her little guy will love it!</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Space Theme Nursery - Lemon Drop Life" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7PBOEjcfuxo/UR7nFLnN13I/AAAAAAAAFRg/c9QcbHkyeEg/Space%252520Theme%252520Nursery%252520-%252520Lemon%252520Drop%252520Life%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Over at <a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2013/02/12/check-out-the-kids-teal-and-grass-green-bathroom-makeover/" target="_blank">House of Hepworths, she completed her kid’s bathroom makeover</a> including an awesome beadboard wall.  She made it look so easy, it makes me want to add beadboard to my bathroom.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Beadboard Bathroom Makeover - House of Hepworths" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o-MvC4FzEUs/UR7nFcgxoFI/AAAAAAAAFRo/X3OPdrDP3Y0/Beadboard%252520Bathroom%252520Makeover%252520-%252520House%252520of%252520Hepworths%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="376" /></p> <p> </p> <p>And the <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2013/02/diy-arrows.html" target="_blank">Nester made these very cute feather arrows</a>.  I think they’re such a cute decoration from Valentine’s day and a nice change from classic heart decorations.  Plus I’m in the middle of reading the Hunger Games trilogy so I have a thing for arrows right now, thankfully these are much cuter and less deadly than the ones in the book.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Feather Arrows - The Nester" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xMk2JNPAtLw/UR7nF_mdwmI/AAAAAAAAFRw/BdDGBvk-qSU/Feather%252520Arrows%252520%252520-%252520The%252520Nester%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="327" height="400" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Have a great weekend!  I’ll be sharing more nursery updates of my own next week.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-72026811598325011912013-02-08T16:45:00.001-05:002013-02-08T16:45:15.191-05:00Friday Faves<p>I come across so many great projects and photos online so I decided to start posting some of my favorites each week.  I’ll be posting anything that struck my fancy during the week here, whether it be something I saw on another blog, elsewhere online, or out in the offline world!</p> <p>This week, I’m loving:</p> <p>This <a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-gold-side-table.html" target="_blank">gold painted table from Honey We’re Home</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://honeywerehome.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-gold-side-table.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Gold Side Table Makeover - Honey Were Home" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5XP1GBIDyPk/URVx549Yi1I/AAAAAAAAFQo/P7Jg0O4AaGg/Gold%252520Side%252520Table%252520Makeover%252520-%252520Honey%252520Were%252520Home%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="441" height="293" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>This very cute <a href="http://beinghome2012.blogspot.com/2013/01/boy-bathroom-before-after.html" target="_blank">kid’s bathroom makeover from Being Home</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://beinghome2012.blogspot.com/2013/01/boy-bathroom-before-after.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Kids Bathroom Makeover - Being Home" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2nKhCGAlxdE/URVx6A-NN6I/AAAAAAAAFQw/piyeO-ZiMSw/Kids%252520Bathroom%252520Makeover%252520-%252520Being%252520Home%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="622" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>And this <a href="http://www.inspirationfordecoration.com/2013/02/blog-post_7.html" target="_blank">beautiful white kitchen with pops of orange</a> from BHG (found via Inspiration for Decoration):</p> <p><a href="http://www.inspirationfordecoration.com/2013/02/blog-post_7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="White and Orange Kitchen" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-e3JhQkhCIOU/URVx6Qn7a_I/AAAAAAAAFQ4/22WndzzfaXM/White%252520and%252520Orange%252520Kitchen%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="466" /></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-46485002143260769102013-02-06T21:06:00.000-05:002013-02-06T21:06:30.592-05:00Turquoise Nursery Mood BoardNow that I’ve <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2013/01/my-biggest-best-project-ever.html" target="_blank">spilled the beans</a> on my super exciting secret project (a baby!) it’s time to get to the question that’s on everyone’s mind- what’s the nursery going to look like?!<br />
<br />
There are a few things I know I want for the nursery:<br />
<br />
1. A gender neutral design. Since we are not finding out the gender of the baby until d-day (delivery day that is), something gender neutral is a must. I’m thinking a turquoise colored room since that will look pretty with colors like coral and yellow, as well as both pink and blue down the line.<br />
<br />
2. Slightly modern-ish. While I don’t want an uber modern showroom style room, I’d like the furniture to have clean lines and a simple design.<br />
<br />
3. Mixed furniture. To me, white furniture is often associated with girls and dark wood furniture is often for boys. Since we don’t know what we’re having I’d like to use both light and dark furniture. Plus, I think this will be a cool way to make the room look more personalized rather than buying a complete furniture set from a baby store.<br />
<br />
4. Not too babyish. Yes, this is a nursery for a baby, but I don’t want “baby" furniture that will only work for a baby or toddler. Instead, I’d like furniture that will work in the long run and fit in any stage of the kiddo’s life and could even be used in other rooms of the house if we rearrange stuff down the road.<br />
<br />
5. Fun colors and accessories. Although I don’t want a super babyish room, it is a nursery after all which gives me a chance to use some bright colors, fun accessories, and funky patterns. It’s the perfect place to play around with some fun decorating I might be afraid to choose normally. I’m also thinking of going with a few tropical or jungle accessories, but trying not to be over the top “theme-y”.<br />
<br />
So of course I had to put together a mood board to visualize my ideas. Mood board time!<br />
<br />
<b>Modern-ish Slightly-Tropical Turquoise Nursery Mood Board:</b><br />
<br />
<img alt="modern turquoise nursery mood board" border="0" height="306" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-D1urub4RLik/URMLi72byLI/AAAAAAAAFQA/44wZuSRCL0g/modern-turquoise-nursery-mood-board3.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="modern turquoise nursery mood board" width="510" /><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://linksynergy.walmart.com/fs-bin/click?id=fc1HyFYAjPQ&subid=&offerid=223073.1&type=10&tmpid=1082&RD_PARM1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBaby-Mod-Olivia-3-in-1-Crib-Amber-and-White%2F8810319" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crib</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-6-drawer-espresso/-/A-12173908" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dresser</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10196431/#/70103085" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shelves</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49889695/#/S39900066" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chair</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0023VBXAU/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0023VBXAU&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elephant Hamper</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004P1IVVA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004P1IVVA&linkCode=as2&tag=dine0b8-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jungle Mobile</a><br />
7. <a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000028505128&pid=TNW1023&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2FZutano-Elephants-Changing-Pad-Cover-Z23VPC-L3793-K~TNW1023.html&usg=AFHzDLsFQEFGvhfR4m1J_fZhn30KZpf1ow&pubid=21000000000226587" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Changing Pad</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-amber-drapery-rod-black/-/A-14104998" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Curtain Rod</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=6f77ead6-858c-449d-b40c-d1b6a3e5c286" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Elephant Fabric</a><br />
<br />
So that’s my plan for the room. What do you think??Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-79063166879876152882013-02-05T17:19:00.003-05:002013-02-05T17:20:54.383-05:00My Biggest & Best Project Ever - Exciting News!Yesterday I mentioned that I had been taking a break from blogging over the past few months to work on a really big project. In fact, it is the biggest and best project I have ever, ever done! I won’t keep you in suspense any longer, time to spill the beans:<br />
<br />
<img alt="crafty" border="0" height="280" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-anD_benFhZ4/UQrhZTpbTcI/AAAAAAAAFOs/UDigfip590U/crafty%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="crafty" width="280" /><br />
<br />
I’m having a baby! And it is definitely the most wonderful “project” I have ever done. Nothing says “DIY” like growing your own little human! I am due early this year and the gender will be a surprise. <br />
<br />
So if you’ve been wondering where I’ve been the last few months, I have been focusing all of my time and energy on being pregnant. It sure makes a lady tired. Between being physically tired, preparing the house for the baby, the holidays, and working full time, something had to give so I ended up taking a blogging break. BUT, I have so much fun baby stuff to share that I couldn’t stay away for long. Expect nursery updates and baby preparations galore! (Tomorrow I will be sharing my nursery plans!)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-39097696686425321832013-02-04T12:55:00.001-05:002013-02-04T12:55:27.641-05:002012 Top ProjectsHello again! Remember me? I’ve been taking a break from the blog over the last few months, but I’ve missed it and am hoping to get back in the groove of posting regularly. And I can promise you that I’m back for reals because I have already written several posts, so booyah- I’m back! If you’ve been wondering where I am, I have been busy working on a super exciting secret project that I will be spilling the beans about tomorrow!<br />
<br />
But before I get into that, I wanted to take a look back at 2012. Hey, it’s only February! Even though I trailed off blogging towards the end of last year, I still managed to accomplish a few pretty awesome projects, if I do say so myself. So let’s take a look at a few of my favorite projects and most popular posts from last year. In 2012…<br />
<br />
I transformed a dated 90s computer desk into a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/diy-craft-and-office-desk-makeover.html" target="_blank">beautiful new craft and office space</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/diy-craft-and-office-desk-makeover.html" target="_blank"><img height="322" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hw6HlPuYWmI/UFDNEHvvCcI/AAAAAAAAE8M/wl6Wmgngkck/diy-craft-desk-before-after-makeover%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="488" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I took the plunge and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/10/fireplace-phase-5.html" target="_blank">painted my oak fireplace white</a> and added new tile in a seemingly never ending multi-phase project. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/10/fireplace-phase-5.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2peYmCQA24Q/T8Zv5L5lUaI/AAAAAAAAE3s/h5H6qeW2bJ0/diy-fireplace-makeover%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I sewed <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/02/pillow-talk.html" target="_blank">green patterned pillows</a> and a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/nautical-map-pillow.html" target="_blank">nautical map pillow</a> (made from an unexpected source.)<br />
<br />
<img height="296" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-43RZfqcjF44/T2_jwTEVSbI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/YyYi30Xstv8/map-placemat-pillow%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" /><br />
<br />
<br />
I made <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/diy-photo-coasters.html" target="_blank">cute coasters</a> using vintage images of the Jersey shore:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/diy-photo-coasters.html" target="_blank"><img height="376" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-taCpB-PoKO4/T2ClkyaxkHI/AAAAAAAAEg4/3iNIHw_eGmI/vintage-photo-coasters%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I shared a trick to <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/easy-trick-to-grow-green-onions.html" target="_blank">grow your own green onions indoors</a>:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/03/easy-trick-to-grow-green-onions.html" target="_blank"><img height="382" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-D-XUnIY3zd0/T12bT_qEoMI/AAAAAAAAEfw/QAsP3-jEgtU/grown-green-onions%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="227" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I showed you how to make a few yummy recipes like a delicious <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/10/amazing-breakfast-panini-recipe.html" target="_blank">Nutella breakfast panini</a> and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/05/chocolate-peanut-butter-banana-bites.html" target="_blank">chocolate peanut butter banana bites</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/10/amazing-breakfast-panini-recipe.html" target="_blank"><img height="155" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IJrRJRKLVBo/UGkhbDXaz8I/AAAAAAAAFCc/9vAh7d4X4G8/nutella-breakfast-panini%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/05/chocolate-peanut-butter-banana-bites.html" target="_blank"><img height="155" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kua5DFtCF3g/T6vhXeZiJ5I/AAAAAAAAEyQ/QNuQEeR2lRI/chocolate-peanutbutter-banana-bites%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="228" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I made a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/clementine-box-turned-storage-container.html" target="_blank">storage box</a> by repurposing an unusual object.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/09/clementine-box-turned-storage-container.html" target="_blank"><img height="278" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Uv5-gMQdVkA/UFsZdkcF5hI/AAAAAAAAE_w/5hYPJe_1Dfk/free-pantry-storage-box-idea4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="397" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I designed a <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/07/summer-fun-list-2012.html" target="_blank">concert poster style summer fun list</a>:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/07/summer-fun-list-2012.html" target="_blank"><img height="389" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7HskjAJrHpY/T_0QkE86fYI/AAAAAAAAE4w/6HbT7SBbzlE/summer-fun-list%25255B20%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="290" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And finally I made a cute <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/12/diy-matryoshka-felt-ornament.html" target="_blank">felt matroyshka Christmas ornament</a>:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/12/diy-matryoshka-felt-ornament.html" target="_blank"><img height="355" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FfLKSOH8OYg/UNA4J9MewoI/AAAAAAAAFKI/hVQ4w6HpiVA/diy%252520matroyshka%252520ornament%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="236" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
So that’s a little look into my life last year. Here’s to 2013 being a bigger and better year! In fact, I can assure you it will be, I’ll be spilling the beans on why and how tomorrow!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-69138654377752085892012-12-20T09:34:00.000-05:002012-12-20T09:34:00.290-05:002012 White House Christmas DecorationsEvery year I enjoy taking a look at the White House Christmas decorations. The 2012 White House Christmas theme is “Joy to All.” <br />
<br />
The main Christmas tree is an 18+ foot Fraser Fir located in the Blue Room and is dedicated to military families and veterans. The banner on the tree reads “Joining Forces” and it is decorated with ornaments made by children living on military bases. <br />
<br />
<img alt="2012 White House Christmas Tree" border="0" height="640" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gZW6Lzo0gMQ/UNLLWv1rbSI/AAAAAAAAFL4/ApK46hEbXxk/2012%252520White%252520House%252520Christmas%252520Tree%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="400" />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/gallery?section=news/national_world&id=8904172&photo=3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<br />
<br />
The Blue Room tree is one of 54 Christmas trees decorated in the White House this year. A pair of beautiful trees is located in the Diplomatic Reception room. And take a look at that decorated mantle!<br />
<br />
<img alt="White House Christmas Decorations" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YO9YgjkSp4A/UNLLXT4M3oI/AAAAAAAAFMA/Y6I3OdYGIm8/White%252520House%252520Christmas%252520Decorations%252520Diplomatic%252520Reception%252520Room%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/white-house-christmas-2012-decorating-americas-first-home-for-the-holidays/pictures/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<div align="left">
<br />
The Christmas tree in the Green Room is decorated with living ornaments. How cute is this terrarium ornament! This could totally be a DIY project for anyone’s tree. The White House even provides instructions on <a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/image/holidays/wh_terrarium_craft.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">how you can create your own terrarium ornament</a> on their website.</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
<img alt="White House Living Christmas Tree Ornaments 2012" border="0" height="373" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8lOyXLRxnUY/UNLLYMzcOYI/AAAAAAAAFMI/oqVGRbUqYU0/White%252520House%252520Living%252520Christmas%252520Tree%252520Ornaments%2525202012%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-207_162-10014725-7.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<div align="left">
<br />
Another pair of Christmas trees decorates the East Room. The theme of these trees is American folk art and the room’s décor is full of handmade elements.</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
<img alt="2012 White House Christmas East Room" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vfTuWgWRVf8/UNLLZKgo8-I/AAAAAAAAFMQ/Tj4tWuOvfno/2012%252520White%252520House%252520Christmas%252520Decor%252520East%252520Room%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/white-house-christmas-2012-decorating-americas-first-home-for-the-holidays/pictures/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<div align="left">
<br />
Another pretty Christmas tree can be found in the East Room. This tree is decorated with all white ornaments. In the photo below you can also see one of the few stained glass windows designed for the White House this year.</div>
<br />
<img alt="White House Christmas Decor East Wing 2012" border="0" height="374" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K1NZBfbveS8/UNLLaFZX3qI/AAAAAAAAFMY/UUayejJgLHA/White%252520House%252520Christmas%252520Decor%252520East%252520Wing%2525202012%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-207_162-10014725-15.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<div align="left">
<br />
My favorite Christmas tree in this year’s White House décor, is this colorful rainbow tree located in the East Garden room. Most of the White House Christmas décor is so traditional, I think this bright and cheery colorful tree is such a fun surprise.</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
<img alt="Colorful Christmas Tree White House 2012" border="0" height="436" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3g65z_ORhco/UNLLa8lMK9I/AAAAAAAAFMg/u9JUClTB120/Colorful%252520Christmas%252520Tree%252520White%252520House%2525202012%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/gallery?section=news/national_world&id=8904172&photo=10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<div align="left">
<br />
Of course the White House Christmas décor isn’t all about the beautiful trees, there are holiday accents throughout the White House. Each year a huge gingerbread house of the famous estate is created. I love the little Bo guarding the front of it. The gingerbread house weighs over 300 pounds, including 50 pounds of chocolate. I hope someone gets to bite into this tasty treat after the holidays are over!</div>
<br />
<img alt="2012 White House Gingerbread House" border="0" height="342" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e7ej3U8B2u0/UNLLbk-U2XI/AAAAAAAAFMo/Q0idvWU8Aog/2012%252520White%252520House%252520Gingerbread%252520House%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wls/gallery?section=news/national_world&id=8904172&photo=7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<br />
Bo is a common element in the 2012 White House Christmas decorations. There is even a huge Bo sculpture made of 20,000 pom poms! It took a volunteer over 80 hours to create it.<br />
<br />
<img alt="White House Christmas Bo Sculpture" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QClD2rHRoJ8/UNLLcQA0-BI/AAAAAAAAFMw/EzyvliUVVc8/Holiday%252520Decorations%252520in%252520White%252520House%252520East%252520Garden%252520Room%2525202012%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="500" /><br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.hgtv.com/decorating-basics/white-house-christmas-2012-decorating-americas-first-home-for-the-holidays/pictures/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<br />
Bo tends to steal the show at the White House. This year, he even gives a tour of all of the White House Christmas decorations which you can watch below!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lce5gWKgMXI?rel=0" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<br />
I love taking a look at the White House holiday decorations each year. With such a big and grand house, it’s no surprise they go big with their holiday décor! You can check out White House Christmas decorations from past years with my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/12/2011-white-house-christmas-decorations.html" target="_blank">2011</a> and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2009/12/2009-white-house-christmas-decorations.html" target="_blank">2009</a> decorating recaps.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-56587228711956821902012-12-18T09:06:00.000-05:002012-12-18T09:06:00.264-05:00DIY Matryoshka Felt Ornament<p>I have a friend who lives in Europe and I wanted to send her a care package for the holidays.  I thought it would be nice to include something handmade and for her Christmas tree in the package, but of course it couldn’t be anything fragile and it couldn’t weigh a lot either since shipping overseas is so costly.  So I decided to make her a cute little felt ornament, and I loved making it!</p> <p>I found this great <a href="http://mysparkle.blogspot.com/2010/11/matryoshka-doll-ornament.html" target="_blank">matroyshka doll ornament pattern</a> and wonderful instructions at My Sparkle and thought it would be perfect for her.  I printed out the pattern and cut out the individual pieces from paper and then traced them onto felt and then cut them out.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="how to make felt ornaments" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DsSfsYi6jUM/UNA4I4OrNpI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/Aa8dtNNJ5OI/how%252520to%252520make%252520felt%252520ornaments%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="300" /></p> <p>Then I used tacky glue to glue the front pieces onto each other.  I think what makes this ornament look so cute is the multiple layers it has going on.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="diy matryoshka christmas ornament" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3f_XmoP2jME/UNA4JgaO7UI/AAAAAAAAFKA/8Qe1KT0oNGI/diy%252520matryoshka%252520christmas%252520ornament%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="481" /></p> <p>For some added interest, I hand-sewed a cute outline from yarn around some of the pieces.  Once I had the front done, I partially sewed it to the back piece using the blue yarn again and then stuffed the ornament with fiber-fill before sewing completely shut.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="diy matroyshka ornament" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FfLKSOH8OYg/UNA4J9MewoI/AAAAAAAAFKI/hVQ4w6HpiVA/diy%252520matroyshka%252520ornament%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="481" /></p> <p>I finished up the ornament with a little bead in the center of the flower and a drawn on smile.  I think my little nesting doll ended up looking very cute and I really loved making it.  It was time consuming to get all of the little pieces looking just right, but I had fun in the process.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="diy felt christmas ornament" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0Qtsqe_fJwY/UNA4KqhtuoI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/XCYnm9x9yJs/diy%252520felt%252520christmas%252520ornament%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="481" /></p> <p>I’m so happy I was able to send a friend who lives very far away something homemade and special just for her.  Now I’d love to make some more felt ornaments since I enjoyed the process so much.</p> <p>Have you tried your hand at making felt or any other ornaments for your Christmas tree?  You can check out my round-up of <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/12/diy-handmade-christmas-ornaments.html" target="_blank">12 DIY Christmas Ornaments</a> or <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/12/8-diy-white-ornaments.html" target="_blank">8 DIY White Ornaments</a> for some more do it yourself ornament ideas.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-74499662649655788302012-12-13T08:35:00.000-05:002012-12-13T08:35:00.077-05:00DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater<p>I was invited to an Ugly Christmas Sweater party recently and thankfully I didn’t have anything in my closet that I deemed ridiculous enough to wear.  It was probably the first time I was happy I had nothing to wear to a party!  If you’ve never been to an ugly sweater party, it’s exactly what it sounds like- everyone comes decked out in their wackiest or most wonderfully ugly holiday getup and it is a blast!</p> <p>I checked out Goodwill to see if there were any old fashioned sweaters there, or maybe a bedazzled holiday sweatshirt from the 80s, but no such luck.  So I decided to make my own DIY ugly Christmas sweater.  And I won’t lie, it was a ton of fun to go crazy with the glitter and decorations!</p> <p>Here’s how I did it.  I started off with a white thermal shirt that actually used to be my hubby’s until it shrunk and was relegated to our give-to-Goodwill pile.  Then it was time to break out the scissors, felt, and glue!  I printed out a Christmas tree template and hot glued pieces of felt cut to size onto the shirt (this project was entirely no-sew).</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="how to diy ugly christmas sweater" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eyiPkhX81vU/UMl24J9tUyI/AAAAAAAAFIw/vq2ujIMRplM/how%252520to%252520diy%252520ugly%252520christmas%252520sweater%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="440" height="294" /></p> <p>Of course every Christmas tree needs ornaments, so I broke out the pom-poms and got gluing.  </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="make an ugly christmas sweater" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C-pjvWt2oYg/UMl24jl4ISI/AAAAAAAAFI4/0wLF7SWoyLM/make%252520an%252520ugly%252520christmas%252520sweater%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="346" /></p> <p>I realized pom-poms make a wonderful accent, so the collar got trimmed with them too.  But the sweater wasn’t quite over-the-top yet, so I broke out some of my parent’s old soft ornaments and got gluing.  </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="diy ugly holiday sweater" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--oH3deMBMak/UMl25HhclsI/AAAAAAAAFJA/MTobS1qSwZw/diy%252520ugly%252520holiday%252520sweater%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="345" /></p> <p>While I like these ornaments for sentimental reasons, I’ve always found this bear to be a little frightening.  Anyone agree?</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="old christmas ornament sweater" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2VNuEI6S1iY/UMl251WLwgI/AAAAAAAAFJI/Lc-4z4PDr-Q/old%252520christmas%252520ornament%252520sweater%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="326" /></p> <p>The shirt was almost done, but it was still missing something important- glitter!  I used glitter glue to outline the Christmas tree and draw a star of gold.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="diy ugly christmas sweater" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4heEQ0q9GFM/UMl26YUQSsI/AAAAAAAAFJQ/8GVRB2U6VHc/diy%252520ugly%252520christmas%252520sweater%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="526" /></p> <p>Now that’s what I call an ugly holiday sweater!  And I use the word “ugly” very loosely, because let’s admit it, it’s a pretty awesome looking shirt!  This shirt very well might be a new Christmas tradition for me. </p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="ugly christmas sweater" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aBGExprauxE/UMl26xrrFyI/AAAAAAAAFJY/hp-Ir6iZmFg/ugly%252520christmas%252520sweater%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="334" /></p> <p>Unfortunately for you (but very fortunate for me), I didn’t capture any good photos of me wearing the sweater.  But I can assure you it was a hit and it looked wonderful worn with the jingle bell earrings I’ve had since I was a kid.</p> <p>Have you been to an ugly Christmas sweater party?  I highly recommend going to one or throwing your own, it was so much fun.  Do you have any wacky things you like to wear for the holidays?</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-54753092199861852472012-12-10T08:50:00.000-05:002012-12-10T08:50:00.357-05:008 DIY White OrnamentsEvery year I try to think of a slightly different look for our Christmas tree. This year I wanted to go for a more white, silver, and gold look. I’m calling it my elegant wintery look (and no I’m not done with the tree yet, please tell me I’m not the only one without a fully decked out tree at this point? I feel like I make this same statement this time every year!) Anywho, I already have some white ornaments but I’d like to make some diy white ornaments myself. So in my interwebs research of diy ornaments, I put together a round up of some cute make-your-own white ornaments.<br />
<br />
<img alt="DIY White Ornaments" border="0" height="424" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lfNdBv-SIIc/UMV3v8BH1wI/AAAAAAAAFIE/6y1aUUvpapo/DIY%252520White%252520Ornaments%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="425" /><br />
<br />
1- <a href="http://doityourselfdivas.blogspot.com/2011/10/diy-pearl-ornament.html" target="_blank">DIY Pearl Ornament</a> – I think this looks so elegant! And it seems pretty straight forward to make, lots of faux pearls glued onto an old ornament.<br />
<br />
2- <a href="http://www.ivillage.com/easy-diy-christmas-ornaments/7-b-502807#505806" target="_blank">Paper Poinsettia Ornament</a> – How cool is it that this beautiful flower is made from paper. <br />
<br />
3- <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/75153887503442674/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Glittery Newspaper Ornament</a> – I couldn’t find instructions for this beauty, but I bet it’s made by mod-podging (that’s an adjective right?) newspaper strips onto an old ornament and then covering it with pretty glitter. It would be very cool to wrap the pages of a Christmas book or words of a poem onto an ornament.<br />
<br />
4- <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/266201/snowy-balloon-ornaments?backto=true&backtourl=/photogallery/christmas-ornaments" target="_blank">String Ornament</a> – A pretty ornament out of just string?! Crazy, but true.<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="Make White Christmas Ornaments" border="0" height="421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kR5pq2P8j4o/UMV3xFTGRgI/AAAAAAAAFIM/2pBBu3vPkIA/Make%252520White%252520Christmas%252520Ornaments%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="" width="425" /><br />
<br />
1- <a href="http://valleyandcolifestyle.com/2011/11/holiday-diy-silver-glitter-ornaments/" target="_blank">DIY Glitter Ornaments</a> – I go a little glitter crazy during the holidays, so of course I love this diy ornament idea.<br />
<br />
2- <a href="http://craftsncoffee.com/2011/11/29/a-video-tutorial-5-christmas-ornaments-in-5-minutes/" target="_blank">Button Ornament</a>- How cool is this ornament made from repurposed buttons. I bet this would also be a nice gift to anyone who loves to sew.<br />
<br />
3 – <a href="http://tamalikainenparketti.blogspot.com/2010/11/diy-joulupallochristmas-ball.html" target="_blank">Yarn Ornaments</a> – So simple, yet cool!<br />
<br />
4- <a href="http://www.zgallerie.com/p-13080-white-feather-glass-ornament.aspx" target="_blank">Glass Feather Ornaments</a> – The ornaments shown above are actually available for purchase, but I bet they would be fun to make yourself too. Just a clear glass ball and some pretty white feathers are needed.<br />
<br />
I better get to work making some of these ornaments! Have you crafted any ornaments yourself this year? And anyone else still working on (and way behind on) their Christmas tree and décor?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-10686960229061738842012-12-03T08:49:00.000-05:002012-12-03T08:49:00.456-05:00DIY December 2012It’s December, so that can only mean one thing around here- DIY December is back! For the third year in a row, I will be featuring a full month of holiday crafts, diy projects, decorating ideas, gift ideas, recipes, and more! This is my favorite month for blogging and I already have a whole bunch of ideas and projects lined up to share! <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/search/label/DIY%20December" target="_blank"><img alt="" height="220" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QMSAOHOh4OQ/ULxP1jmY2oI/AAAAAAAAFHY/6XoU7h4HBaQ/diydecember%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="221" /></a><br />
<br />
I pulled together a few of my favorite past DIY December projects below, but you can check out all of the posts from the past two years by clicking on the image above or <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/search/label/DIY%20December" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<img alt="diy-december-holiday-projects" height="316" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XweC_qsW-4U/ULxP2Y8MhoI/AAAAAAAAFHg/HS2XuxYYaBk/diy-december-holiday-projects%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto;" title="" width="510" /><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/12/broken-ornament-photo-frame.html" target="_blank">Broken Ornament Photo Frame</a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/12/reindeer-dust-recipe.html" target="_blank">Reindeer “Food”</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/12/diy-sweater-pillow_08.html" target="_blank">DIY Sweater Pillow</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/01/diy-fabric-gift-bags.html" target="_blank">DIY Fabric Gift Bags</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/12/gold-christmas-branch-decor.html" target="_blank">Gold Painted Christmas Tree Branches</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/12/free-printable-holiday-gift-tags.html" target="_blank">Free Printable Holiday Gift Tags</a><br />
<br />
Please join me this month for some DIY holiday fun! And if you have a cool holiday project you’d love to share, please <a href="mailto:diynewlyweds.com" target="_blank">email me</a> and I’d be happy to feature it!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7135605065412259682.post-22658546400618519362012-10-17T16:27:00.001-04:002012-10-17T16:27:42.476-04:00Fireplace Phase 5<p>We’ve been updating our fireplace pretty much since we moved into our house.  It’s gone through several phases and is finally nearly complete!  I’ve probably talked more about the fireplace than any other thing in our house.  Here’s a reminder of how far we’ve come:</p> <p><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2peYmCQA24Q/T8Zv5L5lUaI/AAAAAAAAE3s/h5H6qeW2bJ0/diy-fireplace-makeover%25255B13%25255D.png?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Since they way-before photo was taken, we added an <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/03/diy-fireplace-mantle.html" target="_blank">expanded mantle shelf</a>, <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/06/hiding-tv-cables.html" target="_blank">hid the flat screen tv cables</a>, painted the brass accents black, and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2012/05/white-painted-fireplace.html" target="_blank">painted the entire fireplace mantle white</a>.  </p> <p>Now we’re onto the fifth, and final, phase of the project – tiling!  We’ve done a few tiling projects in our home, including our <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/01/kitchen-backsplash-installation.html" target="_blank">kitchen backsplash</a> and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/03/stickem-up-tiling-our-master-bath.html" target="_blank">bathtub accent border</a>, so I’m no stranger to tiling.  For this project, we decided to go with multicolored glass mosaic tiles as they have been pretty easy to install based on our past experience.  I like glass tiles because they have a smooth finish, unlike some natural stone tiles, which means that the adhesive and grout wipes off easily during installation and I don’t have to worry about it getting stuck in little crevices on the tile’s surface (a problem we ran into when tiling our bathtub).  I also really like mosaic tiles for this type of project because no tile cutting is involved.  I just cut the sheet of tile to the size we need with scissors and that’s it, the actual tiles themselves don’t get cut.  </p> <p>I got the fireplace ready for tiling by taping off all of the painted areas (it’s hard to see in the photo below, but I taped off the inside of the mantle top and sides).   Our existing fireplace surround was a black stone material and since we had no idea what was underneath of it and it seemed like we could get tile to stick on top of it, we decided to take the easy road and tile right over it.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Tiled Fireplace Before Photo" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9bVlJVEHjzA/UH8UlV-UunI/AAAAAAAAFGY/DAKN905XQi0/Tiled%252520Fireplace%252520Before%252520Photo%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="425" height="321" /></p> <p>I used a pre-mixed tile adhesive that we had left over from a previous project.  This is the only type of adhesive I’ve tried, so I don’t know how it compares to others, but it has worked great and has been very easy to use in my experience.  It’s by Tec and is available at <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_53855-70680-36001_0_?productId=3034697&Ntt=tile%20adhesive&Ntk=i_products&pl=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=tile%20adhesive$Va=63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lowes</a>.</p> <p><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_R-_ONwRsAR8/TXTqwGDhofI/AAAAAAAADKo/GE7FRx9-xC4/tile%20adhesive%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></p> <p>Now, onto the fun stuff!  I got to work by spreading the adhesive onto the fireplace and sticking the tiles on top.  I’ve previously detailed this process in my <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2010/01/kitchen-backsplash-installation.html" target="_blank">kitchen</a> and <a href="http://www.diynewlyweds.com/2011/03/stickem-up-tiling-our-master-bath.html" target="_blank">bathroom tiling</a> posts, so I’ll spare you the details this time around.</p> <p>The tiles we chose are from Home Depot and are sold in 12” x 12” sheets for $5 in my store.  I needed a total of 5 square feet for this project, so all of the tile ran me a total of just $25.  That’s pretty good, in my opinion, for a project that should have a big visual impact when it’s done.</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="How To Tile a Fireplace Mantle" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GxBFakaG1kw/UH8UlsRjlhI/AAAAAAAAFGg/ysHwdx4G-Ho/How%252520To%252520Tile%252520a%252520Fireplace%252520Mantle%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="329" /></p> <p>Here’s another progress shot:</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="Tiling a Fireplace" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0-FeuQYci20/UH8UmNv0VaI/AAAAAAAAFGo/2sy16DvWv9A/Tiling%252520a%252520Fireplace%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="287" /></p> <p>It took me about 2-3 hours to prep the entire area and tile it (about equivalent to the length of a terrible TV sci-fi movie I inexplicably decided to watch during the project).  I wasn’t in much of hurry though, and may have taken a snack break, so it was a probably a shorter project if you count only my hard-at-work time.</p> <p>And finally, here’s how the fireplace looks with all of the tiles applied:</p> <p><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="DIY Fireplace Tile" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qNr61CQn-Yw/UH8UvUPOFRI/AAAAAAAAFGw/PnTkV5WD5RI/DIY%252520Fireplace%252520Tile%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="318" /></p> <p>The tile adhesive requires over 12 hours to dry for a project this size, so I wasn’t able to get to grouting this weekend.  But grouting is on my agenda for this coming weekend, so hopefully I will be able to get d-o-n-e!</p> <p>What do you think so far?  What projects have you been working on recently?</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0