Birthday Cards/Envelopes

It was my roommate Dana's birthday on Friday. She was going out of town and I wanted to give her a card so she could open it on her actual birthday. I thought how boring a white envelope would be to receive. So I did a little decorating. I actually found this image on the back of a book I am reading. I tried recreate it the best I could. And I have to say, I think it really makes the envelope a lot more exciting.

You Look Like A Million Bucks

It all started when I discovered Aaron Brothers' amazing sale; Buy one frame, get the second one for just a PENNY!!! Here are my two frames for under $15. I decided to make a gift with one of these frames for my Stockbroker boyfriend, and found the perfect idea over at BowerPower. Thanks Katie!

Materials:
-silver frame
-white mat
-cardboard
-aluminum foil
-hard core glue
-piggy bank full of silver coins

Let the crafting begin:
-clean coins with soap, bleach, an old toothbrush, etc. so you can get the money sparkly clean!
-line cardboard with aluminum foil
-turn on fan (so you won't get high), and start gluing the coins like crazy onto the aluminum foil
-let dry
-Put artwork in frame with mat
-give as gift and wait for words of praise ("Wow! You are so creative. I love it." Etc, etc.)

Doesn't it look like a million bucks? I think so!

Remodel Reveal

Remember back when I posted that horrible picture of the way my living room looked when I first moved in? Well, just in case you had forgotten, here it is...

I knew I didn't want to live this way forever, but it wasn't until a few months later that I decided I couldn't take it anymore. A lot of it had to do with the fact that coming from my parents house, paying no rent, and now having to pay rent and all my bills was quite an adjustment. When I finally started getting the hang of things, I decided I could begin to decorate. I also knew I was on a budget. So the shopping began. With a mixture of DIY projects and decor that resembled Pottery Barn, but was really TJMaxx and Ross, my living room was transformed. And I couldn't be happier with the finished product!!!

If you notice, I moved things around until I got things just right. The fake tree must have moved (and been trimmed) a dozen times. Eventually I will go into detail about everything I did to transform the room. Until then, just enjoy my serene, beachy home!

Isn't It Ironic?

I would never consider myself a night owl. But sometimes as I lie in bed trying to catch some zzz’s, my mind goes crazy. Isn't it ironic? You see, I’m a list girl. Whether it’s what apartment improvements I can think of, what I need to get at the grocery store or any other errands I need to run, I always have to make a list. I’m sure most people would be the same. Needless to say, lists are extremely helpful. But there is one problem. I have lists everywhere. Post it colonies live in all of my purses, on my fridge, my night stand, the kitchen table, in my calendar, etc. So my advice to all of you list people out there, and please don’t be like Alanis-take this good advice, is create some sort of list book. Call it your list bible. Make it a manageable size so that during the day it fits in your purse and at night in can be placed by your bed. And please, never ever forget to take it wherever you go. You never know where inspiration will find you.

Happy 4th!!!

With the centerpiece from yesterday's post ready, let's finish setting the table. Yesterday I made a trip to our county fair. Besides animals, rides and food galore, the fair also has a few buildings with really neat artsy contests. This one was a contest for the most creative table setting. I thought it was perfect to share for today. So patriotic and cute!

And it even came with a menu.

Thank you Kaycee Thomas, for letting me share your super creative idea!

Happy 4th everyone! Be safe and have fun. It already looks like a great day to tan and bbq!!!

Something Old, Something New, Something Red, Something Blue

Ok, I'm not talking weddings, but the 4th of July. For people on a budget, like myself, this idea is great for a weekend full of outdoor eating (and drinking*).


Something Old: vases collected over the years

Something New: flowers from the store, garden, neighbors yard (shhh), etc

Something Red: I just happened to have gone to the store and bought strawberries this week

Something Blue: I also picked up some delicious blueberries

Equals: A deliciously cool table centerpiece for outdoor bbqing!

First of all, I apologize for the half dead flowers. Those babies have been living in my dungeon apartment for about two weeks. And instead of running to the store for my photo shoot, I decided to squeeze every last bit of life out of them for these photos. Anyways, more importantly, this fun little idea is super cheap and very patriotic for the 4th, get it, RED, (WHITE-hmmm, how about some white flowers), and BLUE! You will get loads of compliments, I promise. Enjoy the 4th!!!

*Post bbq, strawberries can be removed and washed and made into delicious margaritas, just add tequila. Blueberries can be removed and washed and made into yummy blueberry mojitos, just ask Bobby Flay for his recipe!