Category Archives: etc.

DIY / etc.

DIY Modern Kitty Bed

August 27, 2015

It’s about time Pumpkin, our kitty, was on the blog.  I made him a modern, stylish kitty bed that I’m not embarrassed to have in my living room.  I’m taking this DIY back to the 90’s and I’m splatter painting!!! Head over to Curbly today to see the full how-to tutorial.  Oh, and I made this bed for less the $10.

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Summer Spotlight Series – PJ of A Girl Named PJ

August 25, 2015

You know, Summer isn’t officially over yet.  And it will certainly feel like Summer in Cali for a few more months.  So, I’ve got a few more friends that need to be introduced.  My Summer Spotlight Series is still alive.

I’m excited to introduce you to PJ of the very stylish blog, A Girl Named PJ.  I met PJ at Alt a few years ago and then we shared a bed in NYC when we attended a Better Homes and Gardens event a 2 years ago.  PJ is one of the most style savvy friends I have.  I’d love for her to pick my wardrobe. She’s not afraid of a trend, but still has a classic and clean look.  She is one stylish mom on the go! And talk about cute kids – her boys are adorable!  PJ’s blog is always a good read.  She has a beautiful writing style and tells stories so well. I appreciate her candid and honest conversations about being a mom and balancing it all.  PJ recently moved from Nebraska all the way to Washington DC.  She is living this cool big city life, that I’d love to experience someday.  She has a few great series that you should definitely check out.  I love her style posts and her fun coffee series.  She also has some great make up and nail tutorials, like this clever color block manicure below.  And she has me wanting to learn how to braid my own hair. 
DIY Color Block Manicure
So PJ, let’s talk a little bit about your Summer.
What does a perfect Summer day look like to you?
Brunch at a restaurant with an outdoor patio followed by a couple of hours at the pool. A late afternoon nap at home while the kids sleep and a backyard BBQ with friends in the evening.

How do you stay cool?
Air conditioning! I love summer, but I hate being hot. After spending time outside, I relish coming home to a cool house. In our old house, the living areas on the first floor were always freezing in order to keep the upstairs bedrooms comfortably cool. I’m talking cuddling-under-throw-blankets freezing, but I kind of loved it! 
What is your essential Summer item?
Besides air conditioning? Iced coffee! I need to learn how make the perfect cup of cold-brewed coffee.
Pool, Lake or Ocean?
Pool
Tan, Burn, or Freckle?
Freckle
Flip Flops, Slip-ons, or Bare Feet?
Birkenstock sandals
What’s on your Summer reading list?
These five books! 
What is one Summer activity you are looking forward to?
My husband and I have been talking about taking vacation (just the two of us!) this summer. I had a milestone birthday back in March, and this trip would be my belated birthday present! I’ve never been to Paris…
Do you have a goal or project for this Summer?
We moved mid-June, and I’d love to have the house unpacked, organized, and decorated by the end of the summer. 
Be sure to follow PJ on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

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Monthly Memory Verse – August

August 20, 2015

Well, it’s about time I had a new printable Memory Verse.  As school starts and my kids are off to new schools and they face new adventures and challenges, I know they need this scripture.  And really, I need it as well. Denali just started High School and Dylan is now officially a Jr. Higher. Being a teenager is tough. I’m praying that my kids make good choices and find friends that will help make them better people.  I want them to be a light in their worlds, I want their friends to ask why they are at peace and have joy. I want their lives and actions to show what they believe is true.  
You can download this 8×10 print HERE.

If you’d like to have more printable memory verses for your home, be sure to check out all the other ones I’ve created.


This is intended for personal use only.  

(Note: The text at the bottom of the image may print, but it is not within the 8 X10 measurement. When you print, do not scale the image)

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DIY Grid Patterned Pillows

August 19, 2015

I’m so in love with all things grid patterned.  I might have a pillow problem, but don’t most women.
These new DIY Grid Patterned Pillows I made are my new favorites.  You’ll be seeing a lot of them.
They kind of work well in every room in our house.  That’s the beauty of black and white and a simple pattern like grid, it works with every style and color palette.

You only need to know how to sew a straight line to get these high end looking throw pillows.  Head over to Curbly to see the full how-to tutorial!  I promise, these really are cheap and easy to make!!!! 

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DIY Citrus Slice Bags

July 6, 2015

Hi there friends, long time no post.  I’ve had big plans of getting this post up for weeks, but traveling and Summer adventures have gotten in the way.  But, here I am finally.  We are on route to Alaska with our vintage trailer, Riley (follow along on instagram if you’d like to see more). 
I really like these little citrus slice bags that I made.  They’ve been going with me on all my trips and helping me stay organized.  

I do like to sew, but putting in a zipper is not my favorite.  So, I found a couple simple canvas bags at Hobby Lobby and just changed the shape of them.

Start by turning the bags inside out.  Make a circle pattern on card stock, I used a couple different bowls from my kitchen that where the same width as the bags.  Fold the circles in half and trace the shape on the bags.

Using a sewing machine, stitch along the curved line.  I also zig zag stitched along the raw edges. Then turn the bag back the right way and iron flat.

lightly sketch 4 triangle segments on the front of the bag with a pencil.  Using craft paint (I like Martha Stewart’s) fill in the segments and paint the edge of the bag for the rind.  When it was completely dry, paint on a seed in each section with white paint.

And that’s it, super simple, but super summery cute.

Right now I’m obsessed with Julep nail polishes.  These pretty colors go on beautifully with one coat. I can’t get enough of these unique bright colors.  

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Last Minute Gift Ideas for Father’s Day!

June 18, 2015

Well, we just got home today and I’m feeling super unprepared for Father’s Day.  So, I did a little online shopping and found some fun stuff for dads.  And the best part is that these are all 2 day shipping, so I can order then in time.  So, if you have left father’s day to the last minute like I have, hopefully this will help you out as well.
Copper Mugs // Black Onyx Leatherman // Cold Brew Coffee
Watch // Cold Brew Bottle // Wood iphone case

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Summer Spotlight Series – Haeley Giambalvo of Design Improvised

June 10, 2015

I’m back with another blogger you need to know.  Haeley Giambalvo of Design Improvised is a talented mom to 2 adorable girls and is a crafter extraordinaire.  Haeley’s style is bright and colorful and her DIYs are totally doable. They are always inexpensive and easy to make, but add color and pattern to your home or party.
I met Haeley at Alt a couple years ago and we were roomies at Alt the second year I attended.  She is sweet and genuinely kind.  I’m lucky to call her my friend.
A couple of my favorite series on Design Improvised is the fun themed balloons and all the cool Goodwill finds that Haeley gives makeovers to.
DIY Bag Luminaries



So Haeley, let’s talk about your Summer.


What does a perfect Summer day look like to you?
Having breakfast outside with my girls and playing a little bit before the sun gets too hot. A quiet afternoon of crafting and relaxing indoors (and hopefully naps!), followed by a late afternoon trip to the pool and something yummy on the grill for dinner.

How do you stay cool?
Daily trips to our neighborhood pool. Here in San Antonio, TX it is the only way to survive during the heat of the summer!

What is your essential Summer item?
This summer it is a floppy straw hat, a good magazine, and a bottle of white wine chilling in the fridge.

Pool, Lake or Ocean?
Pool

Tan, Burn, or Freckle?
Tan

Flip Flops, Slip-ons, or Bare Feet?
TOMS – I wear them year round.

What’s on your Summer reading list?
Lots of magazines – I love any home related magazine. I also love checking out home design and crafting books from the library during the summer. They are easier to flip through and enjoy in bits and pieces without having to commit to reading an entire novel. I love reading but I’m usually too tired before bed at night to get in more than a few pages before I crash!

What is one Summer activity you are looking forward to?
Spending lazy days with my two girls – it is our last summer before my oldest daughter starts Kindergarten in the fall!

Do you have a goal or project for this Summer?
Last summer I took the month of July off from blogging, and it was one of the best choices I made. It gave me time to spend with my girls and explore new craft ideas without the pressure of having to post something. I ended up coming up with some of my most creative ideas during that break. I hope to take a month (or two?) off this summer too!

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Summer Spotlight Series – Rachel Mae Smith of The Crafted Life

June 9, 2015

I’ve known Rachel via the internet for a few years now, but I had the pleasure of getting to know her in person this last January at Alt Summit.  We roomed together and served as Alt Reps in Salt Lake City.  I have to tell you, right off the bat, that Rachel’s hair looks as good in person as it does in all her pics.  Yes, it’s really that shiny and healthy.  And now, she is sporting fun PINK hair – I love it! Rachel is sweet, genuine, and the most down to earth person.  
Rachel is not only a super creative lady, she’s also a savvy business women.  This girl has grown her blog and social media accounts like a boss over the last couple of years.  I admire her tenacity and work ethic.  
With Rachel’s DIYs, you know you are going to get a healthy dose of color and easy to follow how-to’s.  But, I also love her new series Meet the Maker, where she interviews other makers.  
How to Press Flowers

So Rachel, let’s talk a your Summer. 


What does a perfect Summer day look like to you?
Sleeping in, color hunting, picnic, a nice drive followed by ice cream.

How do you stay cool?
Ice cream all the way. Unless we’re talking about fashion, in which case, sequins 🙂

What is your essential Summer item?
Sunglasses (and sunscreen!)

Pool, Lake or Ocean?
None of the above, we float down the Sandy River!

Tan, Burn, or Freckle?
Burn

Flip Flops, Slip-ons, or Bare Feet?
Slip-ons

What’s on your Summer reading list?
A few back issues of Real Simple– I’m so behind!

What is one Summer activity you are looking forward to?
Picnics in the park.

Do you have a goal or project for this Summer?
Don’t get a sunburn. That and explore California. 

Be sure to follow Rachel on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Summer Spotlight Series – Sarah Khandjian of Sarah Hearts

June 4, 2015

It should come as no surprise to you that I’m featuring the super sweet Sarah Khandjian of Sarah Hearts. I claim Sarah as my blogging BFF. We met at a party at Alt 3 years ago, and I feel so privileged to call her my friend.  Sarah is an extremely talented graphic designer and maker.  She has a clean, modern aesthetic with lots of hints of mid century modern. She has this great way of making everything beautiful and feminine. Sarah has a pink sofa in her office for crying out load. And if you don’t already love scallops and polka dots, read her blog for a while and you will, I guarantee it.
Sarah has some great series that I love to come back to over and over.  Every month she has a new wallpaper for all your devices, I adore her Color Palette posts and she is the an expert at how-to videos.
Layered Lemonade Ice Cubes



So Sarah,  let’s talk a little bit about your Summer. 


What does a perfect Summer day look like to you?
An early morning ride at the barn followed up by mimosas. Lunch at one of my favorites around town: Winter Park Fish, The Strand, or Yellow Dog Eats, or brunch at Se7enbites on the weekend. An afternoon walk around Lake Eola with the pup and a backyard barbecue at home with close friends.

How do you stay cool?
Stay indoors and drink lots of lemonade with layered ice cubes!


What is your essential Summer item?
Cotton sun dresses! They can be dressed up and down and are so much more comfortable than shorts and pants in this hot summer heat.

Pool, Lake or Ocean?
Ocean

Tan, Burn, or Freckle?
A mix of both! I’m half Cuban so I turn pink and then I get tan!

Flip Flops, Slip-ons, or Bare Feet?
My comfy gold Vionic sandals. I wear them so much I bought a second pair as a back up!

What’s on your Summer reading list?
I just finished Amy Poehler’s Yes Please. Next on my list are Sevenly founder’s People Over Profit and Do Over by Jon Acuff.

What is one Summer activity you are looking forward to?
Riding my horse in the early mornings and late evenings! Summer’s in central Florida a brutal (think near 100 degrees and 80% humidity) so you really can only be outside first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting.

Do you have a goal or project for this Summer?
To host more Meet + Makes! My creative workshops continue to grow so I’m planning on hosting them more frequently!

Be sure to follow Sarah Hearts on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. 

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Summer Spotlight Series – Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth

June 1, 2015

I’m so excited to share a new series with you.  This Summer, I will be interviewing some of my favorite bloggers with my Summer Spotlight Series.  These are bloggers I admire and think you should know about as well. And Summer is the perfect time to add to your blog reading list.  
First up is Ashley Rose of the beautiful blog Sugar & Cloth. If you are looking for bright, color, modern DIY’s for your home or the next party you are hosting, look no further.  Ashley’s projects are as adorable as she is in person. I have especially loved following her studio adventures and renovations.  And if you are looking for some super creative macaron ideas, you’ve come to the right place.  Be sure to check out Ashley’s amazing macaron DIYs.  Now, how cute are these Ice Cream Cone Macarons?  Almost too cute to eat, right? 
DIY Ice Cream Cone Macarons



So Ashley, let’s talk a little bit about your Summer.


What does a perfect Summer day look like to you?
By the pool with no time restraints… and a pina colada of course.

How do you stay cool?
A pool is everyone’s best friend in Houston Summers!

What is your essential Summer item?
Breezy outfits

Pool, Lake or Ocean?
Pool

Tan, Burn, or Freckle?
Burn

Flip Flops, Slip-ons, or Bare Feet?
Slip-ons

What’s on your Summer reading list?
“Who” by Geoff Smart. Almost all of my reading is business related these days!

What is one Summer activity you are looking forward to?
Dinners al fresco.

Do you have a goal or project for this Summer?
Finally begin my ever-growing stack of books to read!

Be sure to follow Ashley on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Isn’t this going to be fun?  I can’t wait to share more bloggers with you over the next couple of months.  I love reading about how my online friends will be spending their Summer days.  So, is there a blogger you’d like to see featured here?