Washi Tape Sculpture

Thank goodness for yard sale season! It's one of the absolute best parts of the year, dontcha agree? A couple weeks ago, the Mr. and I stopped by a garage sale at an alpaca farm and I found some simple hand-carved wooden animals. There were sea turtles and rays and a really awesome elephant. Confetti & Stripes put together an awesome collection of elephant inspired decor so I just KNEW I needed it in my life. Unfortunately, the ugly 70s finish was just too much for me to handle. I had originally intended to paint it or cover it with gold leaf, but seeing as I had it for a couple of weeks and still hadn't made up my mind I went with something a little less permanent - washi tape.

This is the perfect project to do with the kids this summer because it's virtually mess-free and would be an easy addition to their decor. It's as easy as 1-2-3. 

My First Dress Alteration

Okay, so I realize this isn't earth-shattering news or whatev but I am so proud of myself. I altered my very first piece of clothing! It's not like I don't love to sew, but I've always been too scared to make clothing for myself. The next best thing? Altering an existing garment into something much more wearable.

It was gorgeous this past weekend so I pulled out a dress I bought back in 2009 when I worked at American Eagle. It's been big and parachute-like for too long. After less than an hour, I had a dress that was much more flattering.

Is it just me or does it look like I'm a good five to ten pounds lighter in the after photo? I could have taken it in a couple more inches but I wanted to maintain the casual air about (plus I'm a scaredy cat and I'd rather take too little than too much).

I think this was only the first fling in a long love affair with my sewing machine and existing clothes. What was your first clothing alteration? Know any good tips?

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Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Insta Replay Monday #33

I really didn't want this weekend to end. To be fair, I can't remember the last time I was looking forward to a Monday though haha. I hope all of you moms (even you mamas with little fur babies) had a wonderful Mother's Day! You all already know how I spent my Friday night... and let me just say that The Great Gatsby was FANTASTIC. If I had any complaint, I would say that it was super long but considering how incredible it was, I'd barely acknowledge that as an issue. Did you have a nice weekend? Do anything fun?

Despite being ridiculously busy last week (or because of?) I was horribly inactive on Instagram but if you follow along, you saw:

DIY - Wooden Plank Welcome Mat

Spending time outside is one of my absolute favorite things. I love nature and I'm lucky to be married to someone who is as equally enamored as I. Since we live in a townhouse surrounded by "communal" property, I wanted to make something to dress up our front porch for the Outdoor/Yard challenge at SYTYC. I've been drooling over wooden door mats for awhile now but had yet to find one in my price range that could stand up to the elements and look good doing it. That's when the glorious idea came to me -- make your own - and that is how this glorious Wooden Plank Welcome Mat came to be. {Unfortunately, I was a couple of votes short last week and got eliminated from SYTYC but I wanted share this wooden goodness with all of you!}

I got to pull out a few fun tools for this that I rarely use which was pretty exciting. I sort of felt like Superwoman... until I chickened out and asked the Mr. to help with the saw because I like all of my fingers and toes just the way they are.

Party Like Gatsby

Okay. I need to lay it out there for you. I adore F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Adore might not even be a strong enough word for it. I first read the book in high school and have willingly reread it on several occasions over the years. Every single time I find something new to hook me in... sometimes I even find myself surprised like I magically expected a different ending.

5 Fab Finds: Shabby Apple + $50 Gift Card Giveaway!

For as long as I can remember, I've been a fan of lady-like clothing. If you don't catch me wearing leggings or skinny jeans, you are guaranteed to see me in a feminine frock or pencil skirt.  Some of the best can be found at one of my absolute favorite online retailers, Shabby Apple. If you've never heard of them before, you're really missing out (then again, if you read any other blogs, then I'm sure you are VERY familiar with the brand). Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique that specializes in dazzling, retro-style dresses. 

Here are my five favorite pieces:

1. White & Blue Polka Dot Dress - Joyride

2. Gray Wrap Dress - This Day Forward

3. Retro Pink Lace Blouse - Salt Water Taffy Blouse

4. Black & White Polka Dot Skirt - Hully Gully Skirt

5. Vintage Pink Blouse - Poppy Top

Imagine my excitement when they contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in hosting a $50 gift card giveaway! Click here to view the gorgeous vintage dress selection at Shabby Apple.  Enter in the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I'm linking to:

Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Teacher Appreciation Chalkboard Gift Tag Printable

Today is Teacher Appreciation Day! Take a look at these adorable Chalkboard Gift Tags that are perfect for expressing appreciation to your fave teachers. I realize it's a bit last minute but you still have time to surprise the teacher, so don't worry! Even if you miss the 'holiday' today, you'll soon want to come up with a nice thank you for the wonderful men and women who shaped your little ones over the past year.

The best teacher gifts are thoughtful, useful, and inexpensive. With these tags you have some easy gift options! Print out the image, cut 'em out, stop by Target for a cute mug, stuff it full of some goodies, and you're done.