Back To School Organization

Trying to keep three kids organized can be a nightmare. I tried every possible system (including the file folder one, which looked cute, but the papers in the files were NEVER looked at! Out of sight out of mind?!)

This time, I decided to make use of the clipboards we already had (and thanks to Pinterest) ended up with a much better way to keep track of papers.

I found the perfect spot in our hallway, added these three hooks I found in the basement (free!) and went to work...

I used masking tape to cover the metal clip and heavy duty wire to hold the clip back so I could spray paint them.

Now they hang with all those important papers, notices etc. The hooks hold lunch boxes and lightweight jackets. Maybe this school year, I will be better organized!

Congratulations to Mary Beth! You've won the Shabby Apple giveaway for a $50 gift card! Check your email from Shabby Apple for details! :)

Shabby Apple Giveaway

This Giveaway Is Now Closed. Thanks!

I'm thrilled to be partnering with Shabby Apple to host this month's giveaway! Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that shares my love for fashionable, yet classy women's apparel. They have an array of dresses to choose from (including maternity!)

To win a $50 gift card from Shabby Apple:

1. Like them on Facebook

2. Become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment telling me what dress you would pick from their site if you win!

*Giveaway ends on July 20th, 2012. You must live in the U.S. to be eligible for this giveaway.

Good luck and have a great 4th of July!

p.s. have you seen what I've been pinning on Pinterest?

A Quick & Thrifty Mailbox Makeover

Seeing as June is already coming to an end, I've been itching to do a DIY project. The trouble is life (work, kids, moving) has somehow gotten in the way! But alas, finally, a tiny project to tide me over...

I found the cutest DIY mailbox project on Pinterest and decided that our mailbox needed a makeover.

I can't believe I waited a whole month before attacking this project!

Materials used:

• Rustoleum's Oil Rubbed Bronze (ORB) spray paint. ($4.00)
• Red acrylic paint (53 cents, but already had it from another project.)
• Triple Clear Glaze spray ($3.77, I also had this on hand.)
• Elmer's Painter (marker) in white with a medium tip. (less than $2.00)

I removed the flag, painted it with the acrylic paint (because I had it,) let it dry and then sprayed the clear glaze over it to protect it. I put masking tape over the silver fixtures, spray painted the box with ORB (which took all of 30 seconds) and let it dry.

--> This is my favorite part because it was cheap and fast! 

No, I didn't stencil, no I don't own a fancy Cricut or Silhouette machine. I have a printer, that's it.

I picked a favorite font, printed our address on paper, taped it to the mailbox and wrote over the numbers and letters with a pen (slightly etching it into the mailbox) then I traced it with the white painter. This stuff is amazing. I may never use a paint brush again!

I'd say it turned out pretty cute! This was an easy (and cheap) project, hope you're inspired! What have you done lately? Leave me a link in your comment so I can see what you're up to!

Where Pinterest Meets Real Life

I've made it no secret that I'm a Pinterest addict. But pinning, like many other things, is useless if you aren't actually putting those great ideas to work. So here are two of my Pinterest-inspired pins and how I used these cool ideas in our house:

Organized utensils

I found an old milk carrier at a garage sale. I was thrilled until I saw the price tag: $18! That's not in my budget. I fudged and used an old tin container (that was for planting flowers purchased from a dollar store!) and threw in some used jam and salsa jars:

Loved this idea with the coffee beans.

Coffee Bean Tea Light Decor

One of my clients actually put something even better together using a Mason jar, so I copied her idea. Isn't this pretty? And it smells good too, I added a hazelnut votive.

Project supplies and cost:

• Coffee beans $1.79 (grocery store)
• Hazelnut votive candle $.69 (Walmart)
• Ball Mason Jar $.49 (Goodwill)
• Vintage wire container $.99 (Goodwill)

What projects have you completed from Pinterest? Would love to hear how Pinterest has inspired you!

"Life Is Better At The Lake" ~ A DIY Project

We finally moved to our lake house. We've been waiting for this for years, for the right place, the right time, etc.

But even better? I'd been waiting to make my lake house sign! I'd seen one at a store for $27 and could not get it out of my head! But I knew I could make one cheaper than that!

Husband and I purchased this sign from Goodwill for $1.99. I was looking for just the right sized board and the price couldn't be beat! It also had the hooks on it already...

I spray painted it with Rustoleum's Olive Green spray paint. It dried fast because there was a strong wind coming off the lake. It didn't matter if it wasn't perfect, because I wanted it to look older and weathered...

My friend cut out letters with her Cricut and I Modge-Podged them on...

I sanded the sides to make it look more rustic...

Ta-dah! I will probably spray it with a clear glaze. (We cannot get over the view here!)

Husband said it should hang in our kitchen so we can look at it everyday. I think he's right. Stay tuned as we remodel and decorate using very little money, repurposing what we have and getting our craft on...

Creating An Organized Home Office

We're in the process of moving, again. Which can be agonizing and exhilarating at the same time. The up side of a move is that I can use all those decorating ideas I've pinned on Pinterest!

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Unbeknownst to my family, we might actually end up with a turquoise and white laundry room. Sounds divine, doesn't it?

{from Pinterest, of course}

The other area in our home-to-be which will have to be addressed asap, is the office. I'm going to need one to house all my techie gear and paperwork. (Why oh why, do I still have paperwork?!?) Anyhoo...

As usual, this home office will have to be put together on very little money. I emphasize that point because decorating/organizing can get pretty pricey. Husband and I have always tried to be smart with our purchases, but people, we have three mouths to feed (not to mention an enormous dog!)

So this means we will be repurposing instead of purchasing. With that being said, we'll need some inspiration, read this article on how to create an organized home office with ideas from my favorite place; Pinterest.

Happy repurposing!