Uno!

As l may have mentioned here that my baby will be turning one on Sunday...  Not sure if I'm quite ready for it.

To keep me distracted, I've been busy with his little party that I've been trying to keep low-key, but I always usually go overboard.  My husband just rolls his eyes at me and wonders why I get stressed and can't turn my brain off.  I'm sure there's a pill for that...

I'm very excited for his UNO BBQ and I wanted to share my little dibs with ya'll.

Sneak Peak

It's my little one's first Halloween and her costume is not quite complete, but I thought I'd share with you a quick sneak peak ;)

 Any guesses?  

I'd love to hear them.

And no, it isn't a princess dress.

Far from it actually...

Make your own crib/toddler sheets

One request for making your own crib sheets, coming right up!
I wish I had some pictures during the making process, but it's really so simple you really won't need 'em.  But if you do, here's the website I got my idear from; one of my absolute favs: MADE.

Early on, being such a thrifty newlywed, I scored some white king sized sheets at Freddy's.  Only problem was my bed was a queen.  BUT, I thought they would totally work.  And they did, but then I got realistic and quit using them.

So as they sat, I thought about making some sheets for my sweet little E and really was dreading buying fabric because it takes me SO long to make even the simplest decisions.  SO I had a great idea of cutting up my king sheets and making her crib sheets out of them.  A pure genius moment, right?  It worked out just perfectly since I was able to get two sheets out of one.  I wish I could have made a couple more, but  I previously threw the fitted sheet away due to some gnarly holes in it.  Can't really understand how that one happened still to this day.  But, eh.

According to Dana, she suggests you use two yards of fabric and 80" of 1/4" elastic.  Besides coordinating thread and a sewing machine, (and scissors and a safety pin) that's about all you need.

I cut my sheet into two yards (72" x approx 54") I believe I actually measured my crib mattress then added about four inches to each side (for the fitted part).  Sewed a little bit less than a 1/2" inseam with a hole at the end for my elastic.  Guide your elastic with a safety pin.  I used {two} because I usually end up losing the end and have to redo it at least twice before I finally get that what I'm doing isn't working :}  I pin one end at the opening and stuff the other one through the lining.  At the end I sew both sides of the elastic together and then do a final stitch to seal the elastic in its casing -FOREVER :} hehe.

And there you have it!

Fresh homemade crib/toddler sheets for your sweet little one out of an up-cycled sheet.

10 Minute Lamp Recover Project

Can I just tell you one of the hardest things about a baby, for me at least, would have to be the well thought out design and follow through of the nursery.  

As you may have deciphered over the course of following our blog, I-Ashlie, am kind of a perfectionist.  Some may say it's a good thing, but for the most part, I consider it not so much a good thing.   

So back to our nursery!  It's been a work in progress for nearly a year and a half.  You may say, but your baby is only 10 months old?  Yes, it took me a year and a half to get my fabric. 

Luckily I knew I wanted the room painted gray.  So that's the first thing we did.  I had seen way too many rooms online painted pink and it just made me think Pepto...just saying.  So gray, I thought can go with anything.  And I {trulie} love it.  (Although it could be just a tad lighter....eeeeek!)  

  

Then about June/July she got a crib skirt.  Such an easy project that I could kick myself at how long it took me to get around to making it.  Can I also mention I made her crib sheets out of an white king sized sheet that wasn't being used?  Easy, peasy, porridge and pie! 

With a cute little slit!  It's my favorite :)  

So, after that project was completed, I moved on to her lamp....three plus months later.

I bought it at Wally World for less than $6, (Whoo!) but wasn't crazy about the zebra.  It didn't match.  So logically, I thought about covering it with some excess fabric I had left over.

I first spay painted the outside of the cover as to attempt to cover the stripes so they wouldn't show through my fabric.  

Then I got a sheet of freezer paper and traced the top and bottom of the shade...

Like so.

I started with the seam at the very edge of the paper and rolled and traced at the bottom until I reached my seam again. 

Then did the same thing with top then cut out my new pattern to pin to my fabric.  I added about an extra 1/4" top and bottom to allow me extra material to fold over the lamp edge for a clean finished look. 

Now, insert my new favorite tool HERE:

Spray adhesive.  

How awesome is it? Just spray on your cut out fabric and smooth over the surface.  Making sure you have no bubbles or bumps.  

Fold over the edges.  I cut a slit to let the material lay a little bit nicer.

I then went around the bottom and top with a glue gun to secure the material so it doesn't flip up.  The spray adhesive on the body of the lamp will stay just fine.  

 Lastly I folded over the end seam twice for a clean edge.  Sprayed a nice film of adhesive and finished!  

This project literally took me 10 minutes to do and was very simple.  To jazz it up even more, you could run ribbon along the edges for a nice coordinating accent.  You can also dazzle it up with buttons, ruffled flowers, whatev.   I would, but it would probably time me another three months to get around to it. :)

Happy Monday!

Practically FREE mounting hardware for your {Perfect} Plate Wall Decor

There is one more phase in my {Perfect} Plate Wall Decor tute that I technically had and that is the mounting hardware.  

It's annoying (and expensive!) to go out and buy, so I cheated and used safety pins.  Yup! As if this project couldn't get any easier and cheaper!  I found this website to help guide me, but turns out I had dried up super duper glue and only had glue gun glue.  So here's what I did to improvise since I was too lazy to go buy some :) 

I used a highlighter to mark the middle of the plate (I eyeballed it)

Used a corner of sand paper to rub off some of the glaze to help set the glue.  As Craftaholic says you really only need to rub for a bout 5-10 seconds. 

Set your safetly pin in your glob of glue.  I globbed my safety pin then flipped over it and globbed it some more to make sure I had a good glob amount and secured the top portion.  It's not the loveliest mounting hardware job, but eh, it works :)

 I then left them out for 24-48 hours to let them completely set and dry. 

{It so did not take me three weeks to hang these... I just wanted to make extra sure they would stay.  Yeah, that's it ;} 

And done!  You're own little mounting hardware pieces that you never knew you had just laying around.

Enjoy!

The {Perfect} Plate Wall Decor in Thirty {two} Seconds

A Little Halloween Project

Since we will be going into one of my favorite seasons, I thought I would share a little Halloween project.  I just love the colors, the leaves, and the cool crisp air.  Maybe because it reminds me to mention  how much I love apple crisp, pumpkin bars, and hot cocoa with marshmellos...with a candy cane to stir it with. Mmmm.

I also love to "borrow" ideas from other creative peoples' blogs and make them into my own.  These guys are so cute all lit up in the dark.  I also have some orange lights that light up up on my planter shelves and when I have them both on... they look really GOOD!!

Don't ya just love 'em?!  

What are your favorite fall/Halloween decorations?

Idea borrowed from : NotSoIdleHands.blogspot.com

Hurray, Hurray, Hurray!
My pictures work!  I'm just a huge silly pants.  My computer just needed a little shut down time and is now running much better.


Now, about my grand finale.
My Pantry.  My {Pretty} Pantry.


I just need to get motivated to clean out my cupboards... Boo.
It's always something huh?


So this closet was fairly simple.  My master closet was definitely more cumbersome.  WAY more.  It was all a matter of clearing everything out and wiping down the shelves, then organizing my paraphilia into "zones".  I really didn't realize how ingenious it was until I got going and then it totally made so much sense have everything segregated.  Plus, I found out that I had a lot more room to work with.
Totally.
Awesome.
Boo Ya.


Here's before.
I know, it's not totally horrible, but it's nice to go from this:

To this:

I still need some color in there.  Must. Paint. Soon. {um, Soon-ish}.
From Top Left down:
{Zone1} Glasswear.   
{Zone2} Breakfast and snacks
{Zone3} Baking
{Zone4} Storage
{Zone5} Storage


From Top Right down:
{Zone6} Tools and appliances
{Zone7} Canned goods
{Zone8} Rice, beans, pasta
{Zone9} Plastics
{Zone10} Samee


There's some spots where I'd like to get some more shelf dividers.  I think of all that wasted "air" space that could be used up, so I may have to do an addendum to my pantry makeover...one day.   I dislike the thought of my potatoes being on the floor.   I feel they would be much happier corralled in a bin or basket...yeah, definitely a basket. 


I certainly hope I've at least inspired one person (thanks Adelina!) to make their closets the {Prettiest} ones around.  I know it's been a great motivator for me to get my closets off my checklist and let me tell ya, it feels pretty dang good.  The prettiest closet challenge is still going on through the end of the week with a GIVEAWAY so link up! 

Pantry Organizing Tips

I am down to one closet! WHOO.  If nothing else this has been a great motivator tool for me to get to de-clutter and organize all my closets in three weeks, which normally would have taken me probably three decades.

I am on to challenge my pantry which has been cleaned and organized in the past, but has become a complete disaster.  My mom tells me, "Oh, Ashlie,  your so organized (her words, not mine) your pantry looks just great."  Oh, but mom...remember how I'm kind of a neat freak?  It cannot just be.  It must be just so.  My husband doesn't get it either.  But he also has socks in his car trunk- dirty, smelly socks mind you, that have been held hostage there for who knows how long.  Bleeh!

I remember being a  tween (is that what they're called now?)  and I would spend so much time organizing and reorganizing my bedroom.  Always moving my bed and dresser around multiple times during the year.  Then shoving all my crap onto my "sisters' side" of the room, making her look like the messy one.  (which she really was.  i just helped her :)

But of course, like any high strung crazy person, before I dive into my pantry mess I'm searching online for the prettiest pantry just for me to copy and finding out the scoop on what's what in pantry organizing tip land (if there is such a place).

I found an awesome article on Better Home & Garden here.   I think I like it so much, I'll copy the idea for my own little nook.  Here's a small play by play:

• {Zone 1} Have a spot for impromptu entertaining (or a lazy night of cooking): paper plates, cups, plastic utensils, napkins.  
• {Zone 2} Baking "stuff"  You know, the flour, sugar, cake and brownie mixes.  Oooh and the chocolate chips! Mmmmmm... Always make sure they're in a easy access spot for "just a little snack".
• {Zone 3} Easy Weeknight meals.  Which for me is a can of soup or chili :)  I don't really have any one to cook for on the weeknights, so my dinners don't have to be that impressive. But BHG has a great idea of having bins and a complete meal in each bin to just grab it and make.  No real thinking required (except ahead of time)  Perfect for those zombie days where you just want food but have no idea where to start.  Awesome!
•  {Zone 4} General Food Storage.  Cream of chicken, beans, corn, and don't forget your mandarin oranges! :)
• {Zone 5} I didn't really like because I'd most likely put my zippy bags by {Zone 1} BTW it was a lunch making station, brown bags, ect.
• {Zone 6}  Quick and easy Breakfast.  Cereal, oatmeal, bagels, oh my!
• {Zone 7} Tools and appliances.  I love my breadmaker.  But.  I really don't use it as often as I'd like.  Most likely because I keep it in the garage.  I know that if I will create a {Zone 7} for it, I can make a loaf everyday.  Along with my quesadilla maker, ice cream maker, cookie dough mixer...ok.  I'm hungry. Time to go make myself a giant cookie quesadilla ice cream cone snack to gear up some energy to get in my "Zones"

*Last week to round up your Prettiest Closets and enter your blog post link to win!  Check out the info here and here.

Happy Hump Day!

Master Closet : Done!

Another dirty closet bites the dust!  BooYa! It took me 2-1/2 hours, but it was so worth it.  Will it stay this nice and neat?  Yes, until my husband gets home, but I've got pictures to prove it was CLEAN :) Just to warn you, you're going to find out that I turn 0 to neat freak by the end of this post, but I'm pretty sure you'll still {love} me.

.  

I told you yesterday that I had an idea for my existing hangers because I'm so not going to go out and buy more...  I had a bunch of mixed colors, but it actually turned out VERY nicely.  It took the majority of my time, but I love the way it looks.  I segregated them by color (of course)

{that blue hanger is meant to be there-it's my only puffy jacket so I know where to find it :}

If you can't read my "writing"... green is for work shirts and my cardis-short to long and color categorized.  Then I have my maternity stuff in a bin, our swim stuff, my shorts and capris, then a few overnight bags.  White hangers are short sleeves, dress shirts (I moved Spunky's church stuff over to my side so I could justify putting all my jackets on his side), my skirts, dress pants and dresses.

Blue hangers (as in Brrr...lame, I know) are long sleeves.

Pants, socks and under things.

Spunky's side: His shirts, short sleeve (white), long sleeve (blue), gym stuff, shorts and my sweaters in the sweater thing-y, then the jackets :)

Finally! a place for missing socks.  Also somewhere to put clothes almost literally in my face so I can see them to fix holes, buttons, ect. away from sight, but yet still visible and easy to get to.

       

If you can't tell, I probably enjoyed this a little more than you're supposed to, but it's one less thing I have to worry about until I'm ready to comb through and dejunk once more.  

I do have one more closet that I intend to organize before the week is through.  (my pantry...)

Remember to get going on your closets and show us that your Closet is Prettier than mine.  Ends on Saturday :)

Check your closet

Good Monday to you all!
I will be organizing my master closet tomorrow-well today for you (last week of the challenge you know!).  I really can't wait; especially with a few tips that I found while surfing to help me along so I thought I'd pass them onto you.

• Toss mismatched hangers (Since I'm not in the market to buy new hangers.  I'll show you Tuesday what I'll do that will save some coin, and your sanity-believe me, there won't be any {eek}wire hangers involved) 
• Remove out of season items.  I've had my sweaters in my closet all summer...and now it's fall. 
• {oooh, I like this one!} Hold yourself a fashion show.  Try everything on to make sure it still fits and place things into four piles.  Keep, Mend, Donate, Throw Away.  I know your keeping your "skinny jeans" til that one day when you'll fit in them again.  But go on, be strong-chuck 'em {or donate} and just treat yourself to a new pair that fit that sweet GB of yours.  A good rule of thumb to go by is if you haven't worn it in a year, say good-bye. (Doesn't count if your preggo :)
• If you're still on the fence about whether you should keep it or not, flag your hanger and if you haven't seen it by the end of the season, you know your answer :)
• As you try on in your one woman fashion show, take note of what looks good on you and what flatters your style for your next shopping trip.  It's only fair if you replace what you take out right?
• Fold your sweaters, hangers don't do them any good stretching them out.
• Organize according to your style. I personally like short sleeve to long sleeve then sort by color.  You can also sort by outfit, style, or whatever.
• Use storage containers that work and use ones that you like.
• Labels can be your friends.  It can also aid in making sure all your hard work stays in place where it should be.
• Utilize your space using walls, backs of doors.  Create space where you can.
• Hang or place items where you most use them at eye level.  There's no sense in busting your back everyday to reach up high for your favorite________{insert favorite item here}.

For more awesome tips check out this web site.  Good luck and happy cleaning!  

Another {small} Closet Down

It's been a slow-go week for my closets.  Like all of you, I've blinked and my whole week has past by so quickly.  I've got plenty of closets in my house left, so it looks like I'd better get-a-goin' before our Closet Challenge ends next week!

 I did do my front entry-ish/coat/vacuum closet.  I'm kicking myself because I accidently deleted my before picture on my phone...awesome, I know.

It really wasn't that bad, I just had a mountain of games sitting on the floor getting in the way of my vacuum and a ton of office stuff up at the top.  Not to mention the mismatched coat hangers and wire hangers {which I got rid of-they absolutely drive me up the wall.  Why? I dunno?} I would eventually like to turn it in to a hideaway office, when I can afford a nice wireless printer and paint.  Oh what glorious things you can do with paint.  But I will be so happy when I can hide all my stuff and get rid of all this:

And then do this.

To my printer.

For reals people!

Anyways...  

That darn red bucket (I don't know where to put that sucker...) is on the floor until I find another spot for it-this is home #2. 

I went through the coats and jackets and put some in the donate pile and the rest will go-somewhere..?  Maybe in a box in the garage.. 

Don't get me started on my garage, uggggh!

The green basket is for hats, scarves, and gloves.  They are all clean thanks to my homemade laundry soap! YAY!  Then I have my green bucket with all my cleaning supplies which will be perfect storage for now.

You ladies better get going because as you may recall there will be a GIVEAWAY PRIZE.  I didn't forget that there is more to winning the prize, so I'll tell you...

• Everybody gets our button{whoo!}
• A Tute-Sweet Tuesday feature on your winning PRETTIEST CLOSET and a spot light on your blog
• Bragging Rights on your blog, which we know are very important

AND

• Three full months of sponsorship on our blog for F-R-E-E ($25 value)

Sound awesome, or what?!

SO get your GBs in gear and start making those closets sparkle with pizazz!  We want to see them so make a post and link them here  (Just one post per closet entry, please. Before and After).  

Ladies, and/or gentlemen, so far there is only one entry.  

One.

Uno.

1.

From the bottom of our {trulie-scrumptious} hearts we say **THANK YOU** to Home Maid Simple for her fabulo-so linen closet!  Check it out here. She even did it while not feeling 100%, so I know you can do it!

Good luck! And happy Thursday!