Wednesday, August 29, 2012

August Trend of the Month + DIY Statement Necklace

I'm sure you know by now that I'm a DIY kinda gal.  Anything I could do myself for home improvements, fashion, decor, and anything else - you can always count me in.  I feel so fulfilled when I can bring something old and worn out back to life.  Why not right?!?  At least in my heart I know I'm saving something from going to the landfill.  This week I took my DIY passion out on my favorite old ratty scarf.
 
 
I was dreading getting rid of it, but I knew it needed intensive surgery because of the multiple tears it had.  I came across I Heart Jenny's Art: White Jersey Necklace on Pinterest  that helped inspire me to bring life back to my tattered 'ole scarf.

So I began cutting....I used two strips that I cut and twisted them together.  Then I stitched the two ends so the twist wouldn't unravel and after that I stitched the 2 twisted ends together.  Making the little flower was a bit hard (by no means am I a professional seamstress), but I did my best by rolling it up and hand stitching it to the twisted fabric.  And viola.....

 
can you guess what the trend of the month is @ Marionberry Style's Trend of the Month is??  You guessed it, Statement Necklaces.  I mixed my bright yellow DIY scarf remake with all black.  Look'n pretty classy - if I do say so myself.



 
I couldn't resist the urge to wear boots.  Oh how I dream of fall - all the sweaters, boots, and scarves.  I can't say that the weather in South Carolina changes much, but the fashion does.
 
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Sunday, August 26, 2012

Clutter Challenge #2 - Entryway

This was a simple project I took on many many weeks ago and I'm really proud to say that it's finally done.  Our entry way - well, how would I describe it? - ummmm....it's just a freak'n door that opens up into our very boxy living room.  I really want a mudroom, but if you can't build it might as well improvise.  I was on the hunt for an inexpensive bench that had storage below for shoes, I didn't have any luck.....until I came across this $7 beauty at our local Goodwill.

 
With a little can of exterior white paint, plus a custom piece of wood to add support to the top, we made our own bench with shoe storage. 

 
 
I also got lucky by finding an very cool outdoor bench cushion at Walmart for $13 on clearance.  I had to alter it a bit but I really think it makes the bench very classy.
 
I couldn't be happier that our little house is on it's way to being organized. 
 
 
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Saturday, August 25, 2012

August Birchbox Picks



I can't tell you how excited I get in the middle of each month when I receive my monthly Birchbox.  This month's box was a back to school theme - "Beauty School".  Even though I don't attend any classes, my kids do and a little pampering for momma never seems to hurt this gal.  Plus 15% of the proceeds from sales in the Birchbox Shop will go to Pencils of Promise,  a non-profit that build schools in South America and Asia.


I got 2 faves this month.  My first pick is Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy La Fleur.  Yum yum, delicious;  I've always been a fan of Juicy Couture!!   I was so happy to find this little gift in my box!
 
 
 
My second pick is Jouer Moisturizing Lip Gloss.  This lip gloss is so wonderful!!  It glides on so smooth without being sticky and the color is so beautiful!! 
 

 
 
 
 
Well, those are just my thoughts.  If you've received a Birchbox this month I would love to hear about the products that you loved the most.
 
 


Friday, August 24, 2012

Kitchen + Quick Chair Makeover

I hope everyone is planning for a great weekend!  I realized in the midst of my shoe bench project I never showed off our kitchen makeover. The kitchen was the our first big project and it was a struggle.  It was the gloomiest room I've ever seen, I swear the first couple of months that we lived here I refused to cook because the wood walls, brown cabinets and the puke green sink made me so depressed.
 
After a ton of arguments and Dave's elbow grease we have our very cute and modern kitchen.  Our makeover included tons of paint, new hardware, new counter top, glass tile backsplash, a beautiful sink and my favorite, the faucet. 
 
Gosh, I thought that was stressful, but I couldn't be any happier.  I can't even imagine a full home renovation.  I also did a quick fix for the boring kitchen chairs that we have with a can of spray paint and chevron fabric.
 

 I'm getting really close to revealing our entry space bench.  With each coat of paint I can see my vision coming to life.  Well, until next time I hope everyone has a wonderful stress free weekend - and believe me I'm counting on one of those!




Wednesday, August 8, 2012

UV Nail Polish Kit

Today I got an awesome surprise in the mail.  My boyfriend's stepmom sent me a UV gel nail kit.  I love it!!  We don't have a dishwasher so painting my finger nails was truly pointless.  From what I understand this polish is to last 2 weeks.  That's a miracle compared to any regular nail polish that I've tried that didn't last more then a day in half.  I'll keep you posted to let all those dish wash'n divas know that maybe there is a nail polish to with stand the suds and scrubs.

Haute Polish
As of today they happen to be out of stock, but click the picture to go to website


I feel awful that I haven't posted much lately.  I'm still working on our entry way bench - it just happens to be raining so much lately in the Midlands that I can't paint the bookshelf that is soon to be a bench.  But in the mean time, while I wait for the rain to vanish, I have some fabulous nails!!!! 

It's supposed to rain for the rest of the week :(    Maybe this weekend I can get some painting done and get back to the plan of dissecting the disorganization in this small itty bitty house. 


Rain, rain go away so Jenn can get to blogging about the project she's about to make!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Itty Bitty Closet & Trend of the Month

Happy Wednesday!!!  I love Wednesdays because it means we're so close to the weekend!!!  Not that I have any plans (as of yet).  I wanted to talk about our itty bitty closet.  Closets in our house are pretty much non-existent, we only have 2 1/2.  What's the 1/2, you say.....I'm really not sure, its about 1 ft by 1 ft (maybe smaller) with a door on it.  We haven't installed a rack or any shelves, so as of right now I store my sewing machine there.

 When having a lack of closet space every piece of clothing should be loved and quite versatile.  Creativity seems to spark when you have to keep a small wardrobe.  I'd like to think of myself as a fashionista, but I'm not so daring as others.  This month I decided to test out my mini wardrobe for The Trend of the Month Challenge @ Marionberry Style.  This months challenge is mixing prints and patterns. 


My result was mixing a button down skirt, with a blue flower print belt, and a striped shirt.

I realized I don't have much print in my closet, I guess I've always been afraid of it.  I'm glad I participated, because now I can venture outside my comfort zone and add more unique pieces that would stand out above the rest.

If you haven't heard of Marionberry Style pop on over for all her fabulous fashion advice!!