Bringing New Life to Old Chairs

I like my dining set, but the chairs could use a little help… the striped cream fabric was getting a bit grungy and boring. So, my husband and I set out to Joann’s to get some fabric to recover our chairs. We google searched to find a 40% off coupon and for less than $20 bucks, we scored more than enough fabric to cover all four chair cushions. Since we don’t have a staple gun we sent out a Facebook status blast and it didn’t take long before we had one to borrow. Thank you to the Hollady’s for hooking us up!

Recovering chair cushions is super easy! It takes four things: fabric, scissors, a staple gun and likely a screwdriver (drills are great too). Check out these shots from before, during and after our dining room makeover.

This is one of the old chair cushions that’s a bit dirty and stained.

Here’s me unscrewing the cushion from the chair. Having a drill for this bit was handy.

Now, it’s out with the old fabric, and in with the new!

No precise measurements were needed, I just left myself room when cutting around the cushion.

This is the ugly bottom of the cushion after we securely stapled the fabric to the chair. To clean it up a bit, we cut off some of the excess material.

 After compared to before. Such improvement!

The whole set came together nicely and has a more updated feel. (That’s our cat Sheeran under there.)

Here’s a close up of the results.

And finally, the whole thing from the top down.

Both our kitties, Sheeran and Fiest, decided to be in this last photo. After all, they helped bring about the demise of the old cushions and helped chase the new fabric around while we made these ones.

Cute Clothespin Magnets

I typically face the dilemma of too many things to hang on the fridge and not enough magnets. So, I found a solution: clothes pins + nail polish + magnet = nice way to display pictures and invites!

This is what you’ll need:

• Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape
• Wooden Clothes Pins
• Scissors
• Nail Polish
• Magnets with an Adhesive Back (small works best, but you can cut larger ones to size).
• Craft Glue (optional – use if your magnets aren’t adhesive) 

Here’s what to do:

1. Cut the tape into strips or chevron patterns and adhere firmly to a clothes pin. Keep in mind, that the tape strips you  cut can be used again for your next clothsepin magnet (this will save you time cutting things out). 
2. Using your nail polish, paint around the tape.
3. Let them dry for at least twenty minutes before removing the tape. It was hard for me to be this patient, but my patience was rewarded with straighter lines.
4. Cut your magnet pieces to size and stick/glue them to the back of your painted pins.
5. It’s ready to be on the fridge holding pictures of family or your next wedding invite!

5 Minutes to Homemade Soap

Crafting soap seems like it would be one of those tricky things with many complex steps so I never attempted it. However, with a pre-made soap base it’s super easy and will take you less than 5 minutes!

Other than the dried lavender buds (which I had leftover from my wedding), I found everything I needed on Amazon for cheap. This can also be purchased at your local craft store if you don’t want to wait for it all to ship. This is what you’ll need:

• Lavender Essential Oil
• Fresh Dried Lavender Buds (optional)

• Soap Base (I used Shea Butter Soap with Suspension Formula since it makes skin soft & more evenly disperses scents and colors throughout)
• Soap Mold (or flexible silicone bake ware/container)
• Soap Coloring (optional, too)
• Glass Measuring Cup (or any container to melt & mix in)
• Spoon

Here’s the how to:

1. Get all ingredients out & ready.
2. Slice out the amount of the soap base you want to use & cut into semi-small chunks. Place the pieces in your glass measuring cup (or whatever you are using to mix/melt in).
3. Put in the microwave for 40 seconds. Pull it out & stir it to see if there are still chunks. Place back in the microwave for 30 seconds or less. Pull back out, stir and check it. Continue this until it is a smooth liquid. This took me less than a minute.
4. Mix in 1 tsp Lavender essential oil per pound of soap. I used a quarter pound (which made two smaller soap bars), so I used 1/4 tsp of the essential oil.
5. For a lighter purple, stir in 6 drops of soap coloring per quarter pound. For a deeper color, add more.
6. Mix in several pinches (roughly 1-2 tablespoons) of dried lavender buds. Stir.
7. Now, pour into your molds! I specifically bought soap molds for this, but if you have silicone bake ware (that the soap could easily pop out from) that works, too.
8. Let the soap cool in it’s mold at room temperature for at least 45 minutes. Then, gently push with consistent pressure to release it from the mold.

Voila! You have soap!

Now that you know how easy it is, try making different kinds with complimentary mix-ins. For example, try vanilla bean soap with coffee grounds, peppermint soap with real mint leaves, or lemongrass scented soap with a citrus zest. Have fun!

2 Ingredient Wax Melts

Heart shaped for Valentine’s Day!

I love using my wax warmer! The scented wax melts make the house smell so inviting. Plus, I can let the melts harden and reuse them several times before the scent fades! Try these out in your home or pair them with a wax warmer as a fun housewarming present.

Ingredients (both are inexpensive on Amazon/at your local craft store):
1) 1 cup of Soy Wax Shavings
2) 1.5 tsp. of Essential Oil (I used Lemongrass)

You’ll notice there is a little bottle of coloring that’s not mentioned… It didn’t go over well. It beads up in the wax and doesn’t distribute evenly. I recommend keeping the color au naturel!

Directions:
1) Put 1 heaping cup of soy wax shavings in a glass measuring cup.2) Microwave for 1 minute 15 seconds. Stir.
3) Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals until wax is completely liquid. Remove & stir. Once melted, you’ll have about a half cup of liquid.
4) Mix in 1.5 tsps. of essential oil.5) Pour into an ice cube tray or a small shaped mold (I use a heart shaped mold that is intended for chocolate and it makes them the perfect size).
6) Let cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour (longer if they are larger). Then, remove from the mold.

To keep these most fragrant, seal them in a container or bag. Have fun crafting 🙂

Easy Apple Cake

This is my go to dessert to bake because it’s tasty, simple and healthy (because apples are healthy, right?). Give it a try!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced apple (approx. one large apple)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup canola oil (you can swap 1/2 of this for applesauce)
• 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for the icing)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice (for the icing)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl: sugar, brown sugar, flour, baking soda & cinnamon.
3. Dice apple(s). Mix in with dry ingredients.
4. Stir in oil and egg until well mixed.
5. Put in a greased pan (I used a round 8 x 8 pan) & bake for 35 minutes.
6. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice to make icing. It should have a squishy, not runny consistency.
7. Using a spatula, scoop the icing into a plastic sandwich bag. Make a small cut in the corner of the bag & drizzle the icing on the cake.

Enjoy!

My Valentine: A Secret Message Scavenger Hunt

Two Valentine’s ago, I was states away from my other half and wanted to do something memorable and sweet, without spending a lot. Here’s what I did: a non-traditional word search (think scavenger hunt) that spelled out a message leading him to his V-day present. If you are stuck on what to do for Valentine’s, whether he or she is near or far, I hope this gives you some inspiration!

Answer Sheet: Where he wrote the secret message he solved.

How to pull off a Secret Message Scavenger Hunt for your Valentine:

1) You’ll need to come up with a message. He’ll solve it word by word, so keep it short and sweet (think a sentence or two). My message led to a gift, but the message could just be a sweet love note, too.

2) Create an Answer Sheet for him to write on as he solves your message on. Number and underline where each word of your message will be written.

3) Now, you’ll create a Clue Page with numbered clues that correspond to the numbers on the Answer Sheet. Clues will direct him to things that hold meaning for you and him, and within each of those he’ll discover a word for your secret message. My ideas and examples below will make this easy! Here are some clues you can use:

• Have him find a word from Facebook. My clue: “What does my Facebook status say? This is your first word!” Another example:  “On February 2^nd, I wrote on your wall, “… and that you have a ______ ____ tomorrow!” Fill in the blanks for your number 2!”
• Have his closest friends and family (or yours) help out. Give them a word ahead of time and have them share it with your beau when he asks for it on Valentine’s Day. My clue: “Your mom has word #3!”
• Plan out a Valentine’s text to him that includes a word that will be part of your secret message. My clue: I text him Happy Valentine’s that morning. On his Clue Page I ask, “What is the first word I text you this morning?”
• Use a word from a title of a movie that he’ll remember. My clue: “Remember that movie we almost finished about the lady who marries an Irish guy who dies at the beginning, then sends her letters while he’s dead? What is the first word (which is an abbreviation) in that title?”
• Use lyrics or the title of a song he knows and loves. My clue: “Your next word is one of my favorites! If you listen to the Death Cab song, Unobstructed Views, you’ll hear it at these times during the song: 3:13, 3:26, 3:28.”
• Hide a secret word in the packaging (be it an envelope, bag or box) containing the word search. My clue: “Look underneath the tissue paper in the little box this came in. What phrase is written there? This is your number 7!”
• Do you speak another language together? As a clue, include a foreign word he has to translate (be it by memory or Google). My clue: “You’ll need to use your Spanish skills to get these next couple word. What is “dar” in English? This is your 9.”
• Give him specific instructions to find a word in something he reads (could be from a book in your house or an online blog). My clue: “Go to biblegateway.com. Type 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 in the search box up top. Choose “New International Version” from the drop down menu. Click search. What is the second word in verse 4? This will be your number 10.”
• Give him a picture of you two and ask him a question resulting in a one-word answer. Or, give him multiple pictures with questions that help him make a short word. My Example: “I attached images of fun dates we had in two different cities. The first photo is at ZooLights, which is in a city called _______. The second photo, was taken at the theater in a city called ________. The first letter of city one and the first letter of city two spell word number 11.”
• Use a word from another digital communication you share (Skype, Email, etc.). My clue: “Check the subject line of the email I sent you yesterday, this is your number 12.”

Get creative with it! Reuse the same theme of clue ideas, or fill in a couple “freebie” words for him here and there if you get stuck. Check out my other blog post, “Picture Perfect Valentine’s Gift” for some inspiration for a Valentine gift.

Picture Perfect Valentine’s Gift

In my opinion, the guy has it kind of easy come Valentine’s Day. He can buy flowers, candy and stuffed animals for his lady love. But, it doesn’t have the same effect if the girl buys flowers, candy and stuffed animals for him… and it can be hard to come up with the right, sweet and thoughtful gift. So, let me share with you a fun idea that I’ve tried and he’s liked – a Picture Puzzle Valentine.

I made his puzzle out of a picture of us having a fun day at White Pass.

Full Disclosure: this one is only partially DIY. But, it’s awesome enough to make the cut, since it makes a thoughtful, inexpensive gift for your significant other come Valentine’s Day! Here’s the easy how to:

1) Find a cute (digital) picture of you two. If photo editing is your thing, personalize it by doctoring it up a bit .

2) There are several sites that will make this picture into a puzzle. Jigsaw Puzzle is an inexpensive one that gives you lots of options. I recommend one with fewer pieces (30 – 50) so that it’s easier to do the next step. There is also Wal-Mart Photos, but they don’t offer as much selection.

Be sure to give a visual of the finished puzzle to make it easier to complete!

3) When the puzzle arrives you’ll want to have it assembled, minus one piece (you’ll see why soon). Next, you’ll need to flip it over to write on the back. The best way to do this is to assemble it on a piece of cardboard. When finished, put another piece of cardboard on top. Squeeze together, like a puzzle sandwich and flip over.

4) Now it’s ready to have your Valentine written on the back! I recommend using a fine point Sharpie. And, remember that piece of the puzzle you removed? Keep that piece, so his puzzle is one short from completion. Then, write how you have found your missing piece & that he needs you to complete his puzzle, too.

5) Break the puzzle back into pieces; he’ll need to reassemble it to read your Valentine.

You can even go a step beyond what I did, and dress up a mason jar to use as a cute container for his Picture Puzzle Valentine. Have fun!

Healthy, Easy Breakfast

Tasty, tasty breakfast.

My cousin Rachael is the Betty Crocker of the family. She always has simple & delicious recipes! This is one of her gems that I got to try with eggs fresh from her farm. It’s soo easy & soo yummy! Thanks for introducing it to me Rach.

Ingredients:

• Egg
• Bell Pepper (any color)
• S & P
• Olive Oil

The pictures pretty much give the instructions!

1. Heat up a little olive oil in a frying pan.
2. Slice into the bell pepper horizontally to cut a ring.
3. Heat the bell pepper in the pan with the olive oil for a couple minutes.
4. Crack the egg inside, add salt and pepper.
5. Cook, flip & cook.
6. Now, eat your breakfast.

4 Ingredient Beer Bread

I’m a fan of cooking — if it’s easy. And, it doesn’t get much easier than 4 ingredient beer bread! This will only take you about 5 minutes to whip up. Plus, it’s super tasty! My Aunt Robin gets the credit for this, she gave me the recipe at my Bridal Shower (my mom had all the guests bring recipe cards for me and it was a total win!). So, without further ado, here you go.

Ingredients:

1. 3 cups of flour
2. 1 tsp baking powder
3. 2 Tbs sugar
4. 12 oz beer

Directions: Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Once mixed, put in a greased bread pan and bake for 50 minutes.

It’s so good warm with butter! And, the cool thing is, the taste varies with different beers.

Handmade Cross Decor

This simple piece makes the perfect gift or ideal piece of home decor. My husband and I made it for my sister in law, who recently went on a mission trip to Africa. There are only a few necessary supplies (most of which you probably have, and all of which are cheap!):

We chose to do a mission themed cross.

• Wooden Cross (we found one at Wal-Mart for less than $2)
• Mod Podge
• Sponge Brush
• Scrapbook Paper (we chose a vintage map design)
• Sharpie
• Scissors

Instructions

1. To begin, trace around the wooden cross to create an outline on the scrapbook paper. When cutting this out, leave an extra inch or so gap around the outline so you have plenty of overhang to wrap around the edges and adhere to the back of the cross.
2. Apply Mod Podge to the front of the wooden cross using your sponge brush. Then, line up the outline of the cut out paper cross to the wood and press securely.
3. Flip the cross over to the back side and Mod podge the excess paper in place (we cut slits in some areas to help the paper fold to the shape of the cross better). Let dry.
4. Pick a verse and Sharpie it on. Voila, you’re done!