This tutorial is super easy and fun. I believe what you say and think can become reality and it wasn't until recently that I saw the outcome of this.
For as long as I can remember I have wanted to travel. To just be a gypsy and take to the road. I've always wanted to go to Ireland and this year I'm finally making it my reality! That inspired me when I was browsing on Pinterest one day and saw some really great ideas for using maps. You can customize this however you would like and add as many cities or states or roads as you like. I unfortunately forgot to take photos of the items I used but it's pretty self explanatory :) Here are the items I used:
11x14 Floating frame- Jo Anns $7.00 on sale
Paper of your choice
Map or project paper- Jo Anns- $5.00
Craft scissors- $3.49 on sale
Exacto knife ( optional)
Scissors
Marker or calligraphy pen
Watch my YouTube tutorial here to see how I made it!
I was recently sent these LED Fairy Lights from the company Innoo Tech to try out and give my honest review.
I decided to use them outside on my patio to illuminate my gazebo that I also recently ebellished with some fabric curtains.
These lights are fabulous!
This particular set comes with 100 lights that have eight different settings. From flashing to wave and dimming effects these can bring fun to a party or add a calming feel to your sanctuary space.
Here is a close up pic of the cream colored matte globes the lights are encased in.
Here is the outlet where you press a simple button to change the settings.
These are great for either indoor or outdoor use. Whether it's by the pool, on your deck, or for a wedding or party they add the perfect amount of ambiance.
The length of the string is 37.7 feet with a 4.9 foot lead cable. The lead cable is key for me because so many string lights have the lights start so close to the outlet plug that you lose so much of the lights being hidden behind a bed or table.
Another key feature is the wire that is used is clear so it doesn't take away from the lights themselves.
You can purchase these on Amazon for only $19.99 plus if you are a Prime member you get one day shipping for free. Click here to check out this particular product:
I decided to use these on my outdoor gazebo which I had been meaning to give a little makeover.
Here is the before of the gazebo.
I had some gauzy plum fabric on a bolt that was picked up at a garage sale for a few dollars.
I cut it into strips and tied it to the frame of the gazebo, then pulled each panel back and wrapped the bottom part of the fabric around the bottom of the frame.
Adding a few simple touches like colorful pillows, candles and lanterns make the space feel more living room like.
I draped two sets of lights along the interior of the gazebo and then went over the top center bar to add a little light to the top.
I highly recommend these lights as they are perfect to add some personality to either indoor or outdoor spaces.
Check out my full review here on my YouTube channel
For those of you who watch Scream Queens on Fox, you will guess right away what this tutorial is about. For those who don't watch then this tutorial is perfect if you are wanting a unique and fun accessory that is a bit out of the norm. No longer are earmuffs just for the cold. These can be worn to accessorize any outfit and the best part is you can customize them yourself for under $10.
I found the earmuffs themselves at a local dollar store called Daiso. These ran for a $1.50 and came in different colors. You can find some simple inexpensive earmuffs on Amazon.com as well. Next was the decorating. For the first pair on the left I used materials I had lying around in my craft box and for the top of the headband I used a hair headband that I hadn't been using at all. For the other two I purchased some statement necklace parts at Michaels and for the pink pair purchased an inexpensive gold and rhinestone headband at a store in the mall.
The great thing about this project is that you can use anything from necklaces and earrings you aren't wearing anymore. The sky is the limit really, you just need to think outside the box as far as the different things you can use. Check out my YouTube tutorial on how easy it is to create these.
So one night I think I was watching the Vampire Diaries and their Thanksgiving episode when I happened to notice the table arrangements on the dining room table. I thought they looked so cute and my favorite thing about Christmas is lights so here is my own version of a lighted table arrangement :)
I purchases most everything from Michaels with the exception of the lights which I picked up at Target.
Here is what I used
Globe vase $5.99 plus got 50% off with coupon
Glittered Pinecones $1.99 for 5
Mini garland with accent ornaments $3.99 with 50% off
Holiday Filler $4.99 with 50% off
LED Twinkling lights from Target $7.99 with 50% off
Let me know if you try this and check out the video tutorial on Youtube here
Hey everyone finally I have a new video up on my Youtube channel! Come check it out here
One of my most popular videos on my channel is a tutorial I did the first few months that I was doing Youtube and it's a gift wrapping tutorial. Well last Christmas my mom gave me this great tip on how to do a seamless wrapping job so I thought I would make a video on it as well as how to make a loop bow. Also check out my nails in the video they are the Nailhur set in "Uber Chic" that I mention in my previous blog post. Let me know what you think!!! I'll be back next week with another Christmas DIY project so stay tuned!
Hey everyone! So yes I know I've been totally MIA the past month or two and I apologize! I'm not gonna lie, lately it has been hard for me to get my inspiration going and to get motivated to make videos. But it's not because I don't want to. Over the two and a half something years now I've been on Youtube I've steadily seen my subscribers and views go up. However something I have mentioned before multiple times in videos is I have almost ZERO interaction with anyone. I'm not sure why, I mean I do get comments on my videos. But my Facebook is completely dead as well as my Twitter and Instagram. I was down in the dumps for a bit about it all but then I realized why I started making videos in the first place. Because I love to be creative and I truly enjoy just the whole process! So I'm just going to stay focused on that while secretly hoping that I will get more interaction from people. It's not because I want the attention or views etc, I just would love to have more feedback and input. I mean that's part of why Youtubers put themselves out there for literally the world to see. Because we wanna hear from you! Anyway guys I thought it was time that I be straight up and tell you why my videos have been lacking. On a side note I have been finding difficulty getting inspiration for DIY's because I want to give something original and fun. Once again I just need to concentrate on who I am and bring that to the table. I'm not gonna care if my idea has been done a million times before etc etc. In the interim I will continue to do product reviews and such because I am trying out new things! Last but not least I want to say a HUGE HUGE thank you to all of my subscribers. I hit 5000 about a week and a half ago and I'm through the moon. Thank you so so so so much!!! If you are reading this please head over to my Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and follow me! Write me something I wanna hear from you :) Much love,
I've been trying this method out for quite some time now and I thought I would share it. Even though I know that there are tons of posts and videos on it but I thought what the heck. I found this recipe a while back on a blog. Check it out here: http://dreamcalluna.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/diy-tea-tree-oil-acne-treatment/ Lavender and Tea tree oil have been used forever for various things including skin care. The combination of the two just adds a little more of a punch to those annoying pimples/zits that can pop up here and there. Tea tree oil works well on acne, pimples, dark spots and any sort of cut or burn. Lavender is antibacterial and can help reduce redness around the area. Adding some distilled water simply cuts down on the potency of the oils. So this DIY just involves three items:
Simply add one ounce of water to the container and then add 10 drops of Tea tree and 5 drops of lavender. Stir and then close bottle and shake. Shake before each use as well :)
Yes I know this is a week late and I apologize! I ended up hustling to get the room together because my brother was coming to visit for the week. After he arrived I got caught up in all the activities and decided to film the "after" when he left. So here it is!
Most everything in the room came from Target, and let me tell you that I found some deals. Starting with the bed, I decided to angle it diagonally to give the room a different feel. I found this super soft and comfy comforter that is black on one side and grey on the other. It's a twin size because since I don't have a box spring under the mattress, a full size was way too large. Only $19.99!! Link here: Room Essentials Comforter For sheets I found a microfiber set in this gorgeous coral color. They are so soft! Since I don't use the top flat sheet, I cut it up and used it to cover one of my Euro size pillows. Click here for the tutorial I did a few years ago on this pillow. It's so easy! I then added a black accent pillow and the silver sequin one I originally had on my bed. I thought it looked better here :)
Next were the curtains. I didn't want anything too heavy or dark, and as luck would have it I had a set of sheer black curtains from a previous house.
I believe I got them at Target a few years ago as a set for around $10-12. I didn't want to put holes in the wall so I opted for cafe spring rods which work perfectly.
Next to the bed I put a simple black lamp with this beautiful black and white lace shade that I found on clearance at Target. $3.98 guys! Can you believe it? I put it on this simple pedestal that I had in my hallway.
Lastly was the large blank wall next to the bookcase. I had found yet another amazing find at Target. This beautiful gold starburst mirror set was only $7.98! I'm not sure why because it is on the website for $24.99, but I'm not complaining!
After bringing the mirrors up I decided that it needed a little something more. Since I had a few sheets left over of the IKEA wall decals, I arranged them as if they were coming down from the ceiling and suspended on the wall. I think it adds a perfect touch of dainty cuteness and pairs perfectly with the mirrors.
And that's it! I love the simplicity of everything and how the coral, black and grey make it slightly masculine but with a feminine side as well. I might add one or two more things like something else on the wall above the bed, and possible a small desk so I could make it my office. I'll keep you posted on any changes!
So I've been wanting to redo the small loft space in the house for quite sometime now. Just like it was with my bedroom and bathroom, this will be a makeover on a budget. No major changes, just some simple ones that don't cost a lot but that can make a space inviting and special. Here is a pic of the ladder leading up to the loft. I left my white Christmas lights up because I love the way this looks at night.
As you can see the opening at the top isn't very big at all. We were just able to get a mattress up and a few smaller items. You can't really bring big stuff up here.
Here is a shot of most of the room.
The ceiling is low, I would say maybe 7 feet. The big windows really open it up though so it doesn't feel as small as it really is. Can't wait to show you the after so stay tuned for next week's video for ! Watch my Youtube video here:
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Part Three is here! It's time to show you my finished bathroom.
Watch part three here:
I picked out the color scheme to go along with my bedroom which you will see when that's all finished, so I guess you can tell that at least part of the colors will be grey and white :)
It all starts with a good shower curtain for me.
I found this in the clearance section at T.J. Maxx for only $10! It's Cynthia Rowley brand and I loved how the color accents matched up with the tiling in the bathroom and especially that lovely 70's green of the bathtub. The hooks were ones I had used in a previous bathroom and I purchased them at Target a few years back. I broke them out again because they go perfectly with the grey and silver accents I have.
I picked up some green towels also by Cynthia Rowley to hang on each towel bar. Then there is the grey terry/foam bathmat from Target and I believe was around $16.
The stainless steel trash bin I found at Ross for only $7.99. I was floored by this purchase because it's such good quality and the ones I had seen elsewhere all ran over $20.
The biggest purchase was the tall white cabinet that I picked up at IKEA. It's from the Fullen series and was $49.
You can find it on the website here. It's perfect to house some bathroom necessities and I like the mix of a cabinet to conceal things and also the pretty glass shelving to display things.
My favorite part of the bathroom has to be this IKEA decal on the wall. Isn't it cute?
Just like the one I have in my closet on my mirror, this one I believe came with around 12 sheets or so of different branches and birds. It's called "Slatthult" and you can find on the website here. For only $12.99 you can't beat the gorgeous look it gives to a wall. It's so different from just putting up a framed art piece or picture. You can arrange it in any pattern you wish, so I opted to just kind of have it floating on the wall.
I also put a few pieces on the wall near the washer and dryer just to tie it all in. On another note, I still might end up putting a valance up on that window. The shade ended up breaking and so I'm not sure if I'm going to replace it or put up a curtain.
For the bathroom sink, there wasn't much I could do other than find a cute little owl soap dispenser (already filled with soap!) at T.J. Maxx for only $7.99. I think it's perfect and just simple and not too distracting. That tiled counter is enough! The toothbrush cup is actually a candle jar that I used up and cleaned out. I think it's also Cynthia Rowley.
Over the toilet there is just enough room for a basket for magazines and a candle. On the wall I put up this adorable mirror I found on clearance at Target for only $8.98.
It looks expensive but is actually quite light. That's why I love getting deals because why pay for expensive things when you might want to change it in a few months? You can find things that look like $100 for only $8!
Decorating with mirrors are great because they can really make a small space seem so much larger.
Last is the small awkward sink that I couldn't really do much to other than organize and de-clutter.
I took everything off the counter except for a silver container that holds my cotton balls and a simple glass cup for my q-tips. I wanted it clean and simple here. The silver container I actually found a few months ago at , you guessed it T.J. Maxx for only $2.50 in the clearance section!
I kept the square black shelf up and re organized it with the skin care products I use every day. Everything else I put in the new Ikea cabinet
And that is it! I know to some it's not much, but for someone on a budget it's a very nice change to a dull and dark bathroom. I love how light and bright it makes the room feel. Just remember you don't have to completely remodel a room to make a change. Like with clothes, accessories are everything. Sometimes you have to hunt for deals but sometimes fate steps in and you stumble upon them!
I have a few things left to do in my bedroom so I'm not positive I will have them done for next weeks' video and blog post, but it's coming soon I promise. Stay tuned and happy hunting!
Welcome back to Part two of the Room Makeover Series! So first up is the closet reorganization project. If you watched my "before" video you know that the closet area was a hot mess.
Now keep in mind my whole purpose to this series is to show that you can redecorate and organize on a very minimal budget. That said, I first went through my closet extensively and got rid of a TON. I then reorganized and decided what existing containers I could use and what I needed to purchase. The purchase list I can assure you is very small. Goes to show you that there are so many things you have in your house already that you can re purpose.
I decided first thing to purchase another dresser and to move each one to its own side. This really opened up the closet a lot.
I went to IKEA and found the "Hopen" dresser which has glass front drawers. I loved the look of this. It was very reasonable too at only $99
I moved the existing dresser that was originally in the middle to my side. I removed the lower bar to do so which was very easy. The over the door hooks I was originally using to hold my purses now hangs over one drawer to display the current bag I'm using. I purchased a basket at T.J. Maxx (top shelf) for $7.99 to house my purses. To the left I have my jackets, dresses and skirts. Below that I have a roller drawer cart to hold all my craft supplies.
On top of my dresser I have a vase to hold my sunglasses, a necklace display for my most used small necklaces, a bracelet display, my watches, and a wine glass I decorated to hold my small bracelets and a pair of fancy earrings.
Lastly is the center area which at the last minute I decided I wanted it to be my vanity area. I didn't really like the idea of using my desk as a vanity and having everything out in the open in the bedroom area. The only problem was finding a desk or table the correct size. The area in front of the mirror is only 32 inches wide and I couldn't find anything that fit, plus I didn't really want to spend much more thant $20 anyway. On the day I was reorganizing and moving things around I happened to look at the table I have in my entry way. Would it fit? Only way to find out was to move it in. It didn't end up fitting with the straight edge to the wall, but it did fit with the curved end. The front now looked a little bare so I decided to spruce it up with some rhinestone embellishment. I had also found these really cool decals at IKEA that you can use on mirrors or walls so I decided one at the top of the mirror added a nice touch.
From this angle you can see the corners on the rounded side were open. I had picked up these two plastic file holders at Target for a $1.00 each. Wouldn't you know they fit perfectly in each corner? I simply put a nail on the far side and hooked it through and then the other end rests perfectly on the vanity. Perfect to hold my makeup!
An IKEA vase for $1.99 with some Spring vase filler is perfect for my brushes. The cute "Dream" frame I picked up at Target for only $4.98. Next I had this set of different size cubes that typically you hang on the wall. I thought they were perfect to give a little height difference and dimension to the vanity. On top I places one of my previous bathrooms toothbrush holder to house my eyeliners and pencils, and then a cute mirrored jewelry box I had purchased over a year ago turned out to have the perfect sized drawers to hold my individual eyeshadows.
To the left on the wall I hung this necklace holder I purchased at Michael's for $4.99. I have a few large necklaces that I think are really pretty to look at so it just fit perfectly.
The only two things I have left to finish is some sort of lighting for the vanity area so I can properly see my makeup, and then the vanity stool. It's an old thrift find that's falling apart and I'm not sure if I'm going to refinish it or just find something else. So that concludes Part Two of this series. Stay tuned for more and make sure you leave comments on here or on my Youtube videos of anything you would like to see or things you have done!
