{Friday Faves} IKEA

Whoop-whoop!  It’s Friday friends… let’s get this weekend started!

A couple of weeks ago I spent the weekend with my sister and we made the trek into Houston for a fun day with my girls.  Knowing that an IKEA was nearby, we were sure to make a stop there as well. Ya’ll.  I have not been to an IKEA store in a very long time and I was blown away!  Today’s Friday Faves are a few things from IKEA that came home with me and a few things that want to come live with me…

This aqua SOCKER vase set had me at hello.  These put off more of a country chic vibe than the typical modern IKEA housewares – they go perfectly with my Aqua and White Hutch in my kitchen.  I’m on the lookout for something great to put in them… any ideas?

Next up are these fabulous faux potted boxwoods:

I bought three of these and am kicking myself that I didn’t get more ($4.99 a pop, baby!).  Super deal.

I actually have had this IKEA rail for a while – the rail and the basket are from the FINTORP series.  I bought the tin containers from the Target dollar bin and my new faux boxwoods are a perfect fit.  Now to find something for that basket, right?

I also brought home some feather pillow inserts that were a steal at $6.99.  Seriously, that has to be the best deal on pillow inserts ever.  And feather, not polyfil, so they’re super squishy and soft!

I purchased a fun sheepskin rug for the neverending room makeover for my oldest.

Remember my sofa dilemma?  I decided to go with the EKTORP sofa/chaise in Svanby Beige – it should be here within the next month.  I’m so impatient for it to get here, especially after sitting on the store model and falling in love.

I loved this wicker chair as well… I didn’t bring it home that day because there wouldn’t be room in my car, and then I found out it can’t be ordered online.  *sob*  Luckily my awesome sis has offered to pick it up for me when she visits IKEA again.  She’s pretty rad like that.  (Does anyone eve use the word rad anymore?  Cause, well, it’s rad.)

So, was that enough to convince you that IKEA is fabulous?  I’m so happy with the things I’ve already purchased for my home and I love, love, love the price point.  I can buy all of these things I’ve featured for less than a single sofa from a store I shall not name but rhymes with Lottery Yarn.  Know what I mean?

Hope you have a great weekend!!

DIY Custom Pencils

With school starting up again, you know what is sure to follow… homework.

*groan*

I can hear myself  kiddos complaining already about spending the evenings working on math problems and spelling, so I thought maybe I could encourage some homework enthusiasm with these DIY Custom Pencils.

These are so quick and simple to make that you can whip out a few in less than five minutes.  All you need are pencils and washi tape (I found mine at Hobby Lobby).

I added tape horizontally and vertically, simply lining up, smoothing down on the pencils, and trimming with scissors.

My youngest wanted to decorate her pencils too… I think I love her pencils even more than the ones I did, because they are perfectly imperfect, the result of a child’s excited, little fingers carefully wrapping tape around the pencil just like her mama.

I find it amazing that although I’m not the one returning to school, my children are teaching me some of the most important lessons in the everyday moments of life.

So grab some washi tape and your little ones… decorate some pencils, let go of your image of perfection, allow your children to be creative, and wear a mustache (or two).

Then remind them it’s time to do their homework.

Hope you’re having a wonderful week!

Linking here:

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Too Much Time

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Inspiration Exchange

Power of Paint Party

The Scoop

Tuesday’s Treasures

The 36th Avenue

Transformation Thursday

Be Different Act Normal

It’s Overflowing

Beneath My Heart

Happy Housie

Back to School Mantle 2013

Saying goodbye to summer break is never easy, so we celebrate going back to school in my home by decorating for it like it’s a holiday (pretty tricky, right?).  I showed you my Back to School Apple Wreath and today I’m sharing my Back to School Mantle!

I reused some of the elements from last year’s Back to School mantle, including the Mod Podge ABCs and the glittered apple garland.  I used the garland this year on my ruffle fabric tree (which I made for Christmas but seems to live on my  mantle year-round… another plus for neutrals!).

Next to the tree is a stack of books and flash cards topped with a miniature globe.

My garland this year is notebook paper bunting with “SCHOOL!” stenciled in red.  The bunting was strung on some twine for a quick, easy garland.

The Mod Podge letters from last year were still in decent shape so I used them again.  A glass container holds markers for a fun, colorful nod to the school year ahead.  I have several of these glass containers and sadly, none of them have lids anymore due to a couple curious kiddos reaching for whatever treat was housed in them at the time and knocking the lid on the floor in the process.  But we’ll just pretend that I left the lid off on purpose to show those cute markers, right?

I find it so hard to believe that it’s school time again… but I must admit that while I love the fun of summer, I do look forward to the routine that school tends to rejuvenate.  Hello normal bedtimes, can I get an amen?

Hope your kiddos are having a great start to the school year too!

Linking here:

Savvy Southern Style

Inspire Me Please Party

The Inspiration Gallery

Fabulously Creative Friday

Somewhat Simple

Whipperberry

Tatertots and Jello

Funky Junk Interiors

Too Much Time

I Heart Naptime

Three Mango Seeds

The Sunday Showcase

Home Stories A to Z

Inspiration Exchange

Power of Paint Party

The Scoop

Tuesday’s Treasures

The 36th Avenue

Transformation Thursday

Be Different Act Normal

It’s Overflowing

Beneath My Heart

Happy Housie

Living Room Sofa Search and Layout–Help!

Part of my home improvement budget is a new sofa and chair(s) for our living room – our current furniture is a mix of our ten year old gigantor leather sofa and big boy chair and a *gasp* futon.  Wanna see?  You know you do…

Niiiiice, right?  The futon cushion is practically sliding off the frame and there’s kid stuff everywhere too – real life right there.  Now back to the leather monstrosities – we bought these for our first home and this style was pretty popular at the time.  Big furniture was where it was AT, yo.  Seriously, the armrests alone span a good twelve inches.  Each.

The sofa and chair have served us well and made for very easy cleanup of the various things spewed by our children over the past eight years, but their time is up.  I’m done with the leather.  I’m done with brown everything.  I’m ready to get some style in this place!

Here’s my dilemma though – how do you place furniture in an open room like this that’s a decent size, but not huge?

The entry leads to the right side of the living room so it seems odd to have a sofa on that wall.  I’m thinking my grandmother’s piano would be great there if I ever figured out how to move it here or if I happen to find $500 laying around to pay a moving company to bring it to my house…

Since the TV and fireplace are in the center of the room, the placement pretty much needs to be in the center, don’t you think?

I was thinking of going with the EKTORP sectional from IKEA placed facing the fireplace and kitchen.  I love this from My Sweet Savannah.

I’m worried it’d be too big for the space, but who knows…

Looking at this angle however, it might work, especially with the piano behind it (and the plate wall I have daydreams about).

Another thought?  The EKTORP loveseat with chaise on the end and then two chairs flanking the fireplace?  Ugh – I just don’t know!  I’ve searched oodles of Pinterest rooms and can’t find much but here’s one from Hooked on Houses…

I’ve read mixed reviews on the EKTORP, but I’m not worried.  My sister’s had some EKTORP furniture for a long time and hers are still in great shape.  Since my budget is limited and has to last through the other plans I have, I can’t afford to spend a big wad of cash on furniture.  My sister and I might also be stopping by IKEA this weekend so hopefully I’ll get to try these out for myself and can get a better idea of size so I can plan my room.

What are your thoughts on a good furniture layout for this room?  I need help!

Back to School Apple Wreath

Hey friends!  I don’t know about you, but I can hardly believe that school will be starting up again in just a couple of weeks.  Where has this summer gone?  Sheesh.  Luckily, my girls are getting excited that school is right around the corner so I have begun adding in some Back to School décor, starting with this Back to School Apple Wreath.

Remember the crafting session I highlighted last week on Insta Friday?  Well, while my girls were painting pictures, I started painting my wreath form – which happens to be an old clock!  Similar to my Upcycled Chevron Wall Art, this clock was a leftover from the previous owners of our home.  Since the batteries exploded in it, it wasn’t working and had just been sitting in my garage… so I decided to make do and use it for a wreath!

I painted the clock face with ASCP in Old White and the outer frame with DecoArt in Marigold.  I then brushed DecoArt crackle finish on top of the yellow to give it some texture.

The feature on this wreath is the Book Page Apple – there are several tutorials available for this but it’s pretty straight-forward.  Remove the cover, keeping the binding intact, then draw a rough half-heart shape on the page and cut with an X-acto knife or scissors.  I added some red ink to the page edges with a sponge, a stick from my yard for the stem, and some burlap leaves.

I’m planning on transitioning this wreath into later fall by removing the chalkboard and adding something else at the bottom… not quite sure what just yet, but it’ll come to me.

The chalkboard is a small slate board from Hobby Lobby painted with ASCP in Provence.  A crayon bundle finished with twine was the final touch – I like that these crayons have been used, a sign that creativity is nurtured here.

And what’s a Back to School Apple Wreath without a turquoise door background?  (Which I’m thinking of repainting… believe it or not.  Ack!)

I’ve got a few more fun Back to School projects in the works that I can’t wait to show you… but how about you?  Are you decorating for the upcoming school year?  Comment and let me know so I can check it out!

Linking here:

Savvy Southern Style

Inspire Me Please Party

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Fabulously Creative Friday

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Whipperberry

Tatertots and Jello

Funky Junk Interiors

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Transformation Thursday

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It’s Overflowing
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Insta Friday!

Hey ya'll!  It's FRIDAAAAAAAYY!  This week has been a doozie for me at work and with Mr. home.made. pulling four twelve hour shifts in a row - yowza.  It is Friday though, and that always makes everything better, right?!

I'm trying something new today and joining in on Insta Friday with Jeanette at Life Rearranged:

If you don't follow me on Insta.gram yet, please do!  I'm good2bhomemade.

Okay, so here's a glimpse into the past week...

 

 We kicked off the weekend at the Home Depot Kid's Workshop - the girls built little trucks this go round.  If you haven't taken advantage of these workshops yet, please do.  They're held the first Saturday of the month and are free!

Saturday night, my oldest was stricken with a bad tummy bug, so we were up all night with her :(.  The mister gave me a little break and I snuck out with my baby girl to Einstein's for a large, hot cup of coffee.

This was my DIY Golden Magazine Rack sneak peek before the reveal!

I found some amaaaazingly cushy Memory Foam bathmats for a steal at Big Lots.  (I may never leave my bathroom....)

And finally... snuck in some crafting time with my girls.  (I love rolling out the Kraft Paper onto the dining table like a tablecloth!)  I can't wait to show you what my little project turned into...

Alright - there you go!  My Insta.week - now, off to the shower to get ready for the final work day this week.  TGIF!!

Golden Magazine Rack Rescue

Hey, hey, hey friends!  I can’t write that without getting Blurred Lines stuck in my head these days (I know you want it)…

I digress.

I’m here to share a fun little project that I scored this weekend from a FB swap page (FB is becoming quite the little Craigslist, isn’t it?)… my new to me Golden Magazine Rack!

Yeah, baby.  Nothing like a metallic resting place for your fave magazines, right?

The rack looked like this when I got it: brown and dusty with little gnaw marks from some (hopefully domestic) critter.

After a good cleaning and a bit of sanding, I sprayed on two coats of Rustoleum Pure gold, which gives it a nice golden sheen rather than a shiny, “hey look I’m gold!” vibe.

It was like, 100000% humidity this weekend in Texas so this took foreverrrrrr to dry, which is not good for a DIY blogger who is ready to stage and take photos and share with the masses…

Tell me I’m not the only one like this.

As soon as it was dry to the touch, you better believe I was gathering up my magazine stash and putting them in their new, shiny home.  This rack is now sitting in my office next to my new favorite place to read and drink a little coffee on the weekends.  (There’s a few strategically placed Highlights Magazines for my girls should they decide to join me.)

I love it – and I love that it didn’t cost much nor did it take me very much time.

• Magazine Rack (thrifted)– $7
• Rustoleum Spray Paint – $7 x 2 cans (I used just a tad more than one can)

• TOTAL = $21

Considering some of these higher-priced comparisons, I’d say I got myself a golden deal… (pun intended)

       

And I’m pretty sure my mags are enjoying their swanky new home.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to channel my inner Goldmember and paint something else gold…

Linking here:

Savvy Southern Style

Inspire Me Please Party

The Inspiration Gallery

Fabulously Creative Friday

Somewhat Simple

Whipperberry

Tatertots and Jello

Funky Junk Interiors

Too Much Time

I Heart Naptime

Three Mango Sides

The Sunday Showcase

Home Stories A to Z

Inspiration Exchange

Power of Paint Party

The Scoop

Tuesday’s Treasures

The 36th Avenue

Transformation Thursday

Be Different Act Normal

It’s Overflowing
Beneath My Heart

(Traveling) South Padre Island

I am incredibly blessed with the best in-laws ever… for the past several years, they have coordinated a family beach trip for the whole fam-damily and each year gets better and better.  This year, we made the five hour trek to South Padre Island, Texas to enjoy some fun in the sun.

Aforementioned awesome mother-in-law had these shirts made for each family, all in different colors, so we all headed to the beach one evening for family pictures.  I think a lot of the family christmas card photos will include these shirts…

We spent quite a bit of time doing the beach thing with the whole group, but we were able to do a little exploring of the island on our own.  We ventured over to the bay side of the island one morning in search of hermit crabs… and I must say we were quite successful.  (Don’t worry, we let them all go.)

While Mr. home.made. went fishing on one of the days, the girls and I headed over to the Sea Turtle Rescue, located on the northern side of the island.  We all enjoyed learning about sea turtles and seeing the many rescued turtles that were receiving treatment at the facility.  We were also lucky enough to see a baby sea turtle that had just hatched… but that’s not all.

I followed Sea Turtle Inc. on Facebook and checked in during the night to see if any hatchlings would be released in the morning and at 5:30 in the morning, I woke up three sleepy kiddos (and hubby) and we drove to the beach to watch this amazing site:

Isn’t it incredible?!  These little guys are Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, which nest in southern Texas and northern Mexico along the Gulf of Mexico.

The rescue staff let us get an up close look at these precious babies before they made their journey into the water.

The crowd that gathered on the beach waited as the tide rolled in, until the last baby made its way into the water, head peeking out as if to say “goodbye!”.  We let out a congratulatory cheer.

It was pretty awesome.

And what would a vacation post be without a little mention of the great food?  We made most of our meals (so we wouldn’t break the bank) but we also hit up some local eateries, chock full of fresh seafood for me and mini corndogs for the littles.

We had such a great time relaxing, soaking up the sun, and spending time together as a family… which is really what’s it all about, right?  These two chicks had a blast…

And so did this hunky man and I.

I already can’t wait until next year… even if it always feels like we need a vacation after the vacation to recover.  (Do ya’ll feel that way too?  Sheesh!)

Have you been on any fun trips this summer?  Tell me where you went – I’d love new ideas for future vacays!