Basement toy organization, check!

<p>Hey hey! Good Friday to you! :) Today kicks off spring break for the hubby and the kiddo – I am so looking forward to a relaxing week with both of them home! (We’re boring and never go anywhere for break.) </p> <p>I’m excited to share a little bit of organization with you today! Can I just say it again? Organization makes me happy. Very, very happy. Borderline delirious. </p> <p>I showed you our new <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/02/basement-built-in-cubbies.html">built in cubbies</a> in the basement last month and I’ve been crushing on them ever since:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScwSUMRtAngvTXDe-FHe3bDkRDFeuGgyUw6wGHX2bnQqGBihxQN1YVl-Tmf_4HEMrgrA7FNJzK5aEBFR6xfj6TKbRta0pSp8911d0RSBwqk2lsZZJjrX130Fh1CcNcPe-i-in6TvYD2I/s1600-h/index_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiLFcYO19nbRiQdcF9_P2u6u_hoqU-20x0GWZYnBi7wQ1wRBqxmwIuhREUFUPQv5i8KVtkRX0OcPyRvK25GscY6Trq-1Ay6_Vb2x7ToY96fjANCxd0cwqZ078nOjftjG-qX-z1777t0g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Can you blame me? That’s seventeen feet of built ins waiting to take on a pile of toys. Seriously – bliss. </p> <p>Because Target called and asked if I wanted to show off some of their Threshold line and I was all, <em><strong>YEEEEEEAH</strong></em>, I headed out to my local Tar-jay to see if they had what would work for the built ins. </p> <p>I loved the look of these bins – I thought the gray ones would look awesome down there: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEingQec7SVMHqKZcnFUQD7zm2XegXjr0myqYO_EsS2kIQMpYgPMvTdCSch087D0OfbqVIwp83-5AOduiUG2Mhf745I-W5pklooDunnJgiPX30c9lShYsByWr7AdqHZ2hl2Tj35CTNP-G-E/s1600-h/photo%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pretty storage bins" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRMuUUrK9fSnd7QhX-UhMmMuHSAJv-lYwgj7kibXwgHHmC1r7dLTpk3gD-SmgW5WT0RId8iGIKugPO4xtg30eD87pVBH9cfQ1lQWPiUjrb7t8h7De-Es0FMVsSyJPlH1n7B09ikyNKPsA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pretty storage bins" width="360" /></a></p> <p>But they were just a little too small for what I needed. And the lid would make it harder for the kiddo to get to his toys. </p> <p>I loved these too – they had the shape I wanted and I liked the idea of the liner: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFmTVnnqxk93ejrYKHt7QWJbZUcRPF10bYbknrlYN_LRChuqh7tTk1iRKJIfUS6lesy9rWFRsvu0tTrbgiUGUiLqeV3ZuPMzoCv10nA7krauvNanapMrcpgHChrPWMsI5YJAzkRe-uCA/s1600-h/photo%2525204%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pretty storage bins" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_TRz1MrSwxWBfcP7CHiigj4tlK-OJign_i2O4nWwA0RYQ1f0YbTqRrI9TSDyyx_JTq57zq1X1EEDG0iawiAohL13knG-qlX2JIMifmuac5XPcyBCCmqiivTF0sxk67d40-npHCpX5GI0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pretty storage bins" width="360" /></a></p> <p>But they weren’t the right size – I really wanted to use each cubby to the max and these were too small. </p> <p>I was getting closer with these:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0uXiLVr_JYYTq8rEbGu_Ct3t_uDD2LsZEBwAQfxbTm3pO4-PeFCESLk_l7QEsyk95iaRaIslYyJS3xg8-S1k0HRVCI7DFZBhG2LYzI17A6-4i2MMLI7JHYh20S-RYZ_O4OXsNxj13rDM/s1600-h/photo%2525205%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pretty storage bins" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jx6kH5WDaawkHFYPypcxuwVUmmsvl80Hbx56PuoogstacF_W7X7i2medsuUC-lRO_W8JQJiSQtNiK_rsIK2vi-XoE_qNBuTvPw27VEp5z0taI30h8otJZzhwkNyRcxGfPNukKvpOeJ4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pretty storage bins" width="360" /></a></p> <p>But the big one was a little too big and the small one was kind of tapered – smaller at the bottom and larger at the top. In my head I had imagined something perfectly square. </p> <p>So when I found these <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-global-large-milk-crate-dark-brown/-/A-14104462#prodSlot=dlp_medium_1_13&term=milk+crates">abaca milk crates</a> it was meant to be: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq79x4Z38zJbB0qJVyGbAkBjLDZ_lu6vBZFuhR9x9-kCxgD-RXLuj1k8f5D1x13CD-4LSEECH9EsvW1SljoH1f1vIjaxoQnVQOLlu7QbvlZgv6ThRg1EigUmlBlNkcXFgKwViM9Vh7r6k/s1600-h/photo%2525203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="pretty storage bins" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfSSkmRDJti2VkIGAOJy6pVGPs93siy0gW5fAeghffuSc9npT49t2v6mASl34pgCC87hED1wrcCloCvVq09nM5_BjJnfPLBxhOrO_lVjdIKRWnWsVzIo0HE3n7euXSkvCOoK7s0d-f3w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="pretty storage bins" width="360" /></a></p> <p>I felt a little like Goldilocks when I realized these were <em>just right</em>. </p> <p>They were the perfect size, I loved the color and the shape was just what I wanted. SCORE. </p> <p>I ended up going to a couple different Target’s to get them over the course of few weeks. So sorry if you wanted some locals, I was the one buying them all up. ;) On my second trip to get a couple more they were on sale, so I took my receipt back and got credited the difference for all of them – keep that in mind if you buy something and see it’s on sale the next week! </p> <p>Next came the HUGE toy purge – the boy and I went through ever.y.thing. and ended up with a manageable pile to sort into the containers. But because you can’t see through the bins, I still needed a way to make clean up easy so things <em>stayed </em>organized.</p> <p>I wanted labels – so I picked up some wood plaques and some cool scrapbook paper from Hobby Lobby:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokShNQSs4CZQsA3XmuqkBDTvm-DmIGwteRnaAT83ozw4AI3-WH-w5EH28a7H9_X_JGzF2tx65NGyYrBRWRK-Y2GeheQdwwEtcoJKjOZBYuhM4h-zBQpWeki30TF1lj0hf-iCc3wRHU3Y/s1600-h/IMG_5203%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY organizational tags" border="0" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uFikEzcbPc2-ZXzBnLRsEcspWh_a-Sqk4txgKUGPyUri8QpgZoBFmouSUw_M4cyK8veQ2FpH-muQIZ2MQlq0_HhTUZAOvHv-cMFtF-lXBJ3_4l94a3SBBAZK3aG_XTfs1fFIdpn7qO0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY organizational tags" width="360" /></a></p> <p>And used spray adhesive to glue the paper to the wood:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FyBbOqHMY7cDUaTnyvrGis7AqulBTm5A_yET1o5ZB0JcxCy0zVRPAKneT-llMLRJJnSoFFh9wVosTZ7sfUGLM7RwlbOOFNlAmwDqy8_xTcEMIcPARw1iM_TJlnyZSDEw549P9djfvmY/s1600-h/IMG_5205%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY organizational tags" border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIy9Ft2eZ6GVaCN-XFEKo70X3G8QdnP8SZvyJkcx9KHLKwGNNXjXXrHTmkS5m0jF3-w7GTVTveQmIRj5ck8hA00VtxBjJVLsbIGyylf3xxoung2UU4BmTMZRbIalaLtVU5rcreejoIIQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY organizational tags" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Then cut them out with an x-acto knife like I showed you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-new-craft-room.html">here</a>. </p> <p>I used picmonkey.com to write out the words and then glued them on top. At first I was going to make it cute with pictures of the items inside (cars, etc.), but I realized the Bub is reading and we need to encourage that, so words were what I ended up with: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJ67ywgBsUR77qo5iD5cgAw2raKsQ7K6gizfIJKX5Hxbeas7UfoEfs-m2Olq1mEAoQXL_4E9l5sAiG7bpkwgWxJPCAAoajZ1AI_t8oqugYhMMU39tu9swiu-8clhGYWbEQAyVf2BBS-Y/s1600-h/IMG_5208%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY organizational tags" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTUlOlnOpjWfmN839satXAB4E7uzJIDiSp5nygHGgke-tXxhCmI-pOM4MTbzFsk9cJbs5fiRdJsBTVwyqLEmyUcHB8qlfYPx5LSN5k03Z2RM1xNFpKZyQNgQu3hhltXiMuqMiF1MLmYs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY organizational tags" width="450" /></a></p> <p>I drilled holes into each one and tied them through with some twine. </p> <p>I LOVE how they turned out! Kind of funky and cool, but still cute enough for toys. :) The green and blue works great with the colors down there: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2AB4P1vGZv4VLOtFAOpxjrk-bdI-dvXep1PhwWtzELhg9UDE0i_eUR4jTS6H3Y3xIrcZ6ahVboNL2DqWJnhTcr5D-lW2dteRyiF9FjOJYiKElON3x14U9AUCPgG6irpGuGgwPBa-o3n0/s1600-h/IMG_5209%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY organizational tags" border="0" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeVnEUeeVk6kRX-vEur9h2CmCtp4rfW0YGUpHMnrU90dZmQUidxrbl8ZtgurExrhQoEEkh4sSLtdZIaNs-J0MXKHHG2gQ-r6zM-8YPYicHzCdHWuSkJL_R21UzKVW7eNg8lep-EYs9MI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY organizational tags" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I didn’t fill every cubby with them (there are 22 cubbies!!), but my need for symmetry won out – I used five on one side and four on the other: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlde3EVfr4khE5NOhYRmOlS8xa034xUHFNYc1E1NnO3GWfl7wUOy8g9aa6XNJQ0gspOpqizu3sYBNN-J1E0kffy8xNMjEAjca0LVGnAWYX7JtVG-An4YdumbfzZHpKFLvcbS0CKcaJrc/s1600-h/IMG_5230%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1jp4htrUnvsSHnYpQ4_O0ObPjrfOImQktXterI2Zic6D7D2OaULNHw2JUyqKNNf8881zcxQ2_b7EDFJ_WAbv6bOQ4rhvRlz0o6zX1KzI8ymv4ZusDj3rSj6AmbWhBuVc9-iA8VinTs_I/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>The subwoofer fills in the fifth spot on this side, so it looks balanced. </p> <p>The cubbies at the ends are open for random toys:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ72MHK96Xd8jSWZTR_IdRT3eq35cG7VxI70MDZTy7O8pCDB59p7GhHe7xzw-vR670yvD5mBhADhCnx5xgTSXObp4908DRoMZkR6kBjECMCjUawWkWfE9Qk1WKWLKZTIV1cXjvXTc6Q2E/s1600-h/IMG_5225%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtvv7QhT5zXehoLdIlB8b8DN_01oITA3s5W_KJ_ugv8Nl12L6G2KNVNBF0GMl-wCO0Mbzqb7FRXPR9ienaKjTEFxISD7SZpEjwYwJ6zdTQRCW4Ro_oE-3qql0-kWv_zywFdez1GmS_WA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>You know, for things like ginormous stuffed penguins. ;)</p> <p>I found a few other items while at Target, of course. This basket was on clearance in the kitchen aisle and it holds the many random Legos that end up all over that countertop. </p> <p>All. over. (<font size="2">Twitch</font>.): </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7hWnIfXxOpr2BHHJRnAs-mcswrQNydiJKj9Fo0v6z30lCh9t9QsqUprKAxBbrzuRMlxE-cAKLKJ52gDMWNy-lVFYEiZqkZ49gjPn4sPjfuA4iOxv9tEVFEF2wtzgR5XYT7sQFL_OTvo/s1600-h/IMG_5227%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCM6RhHl0Nj24tRAr8f6oV9LhdXSbwRejbr3sYoBLsbyc1bxW8Vzifjw3F_MGZ8xpbQrVyptv5bL1a2hENzQbhfnyxmmx-SNxCLSl5dz-FdtQ95buNW8_Bf0KlRfWAiyCb7RbEItDqaVE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a></p> <p>Sometimes Momma just needs to be able to throw stuff in a basket and not worry exactly where it goes, you know? </p> <p>These big floor pillows were on clearance for $12 each – so soft and big and perfect for laying around on the floor: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx7wTHsA_2M-WNit2e7AWu4F_QcGAWbNG84j7QQV73pL1eypvwRP62nkHUTt1PmTZWQPvwfqD-3M-waUYmvl2IM57zY-ca9QT4F7SVzlPsY1NSK7OGrqEySHOCNxDFAq9JdcLjfYYzPE/s1600-h/IMG_5226%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="floor pillows" border="0" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5lf6qZTRFBQaJShw4TdtsYWsONZnN6M1m1foVqFE3pk6w7EmwXPCFTalNaVbMhV_AjWNbXXsropnUS41rZh2WR2bpYLJKZWIjU6EgEIIgzat43_H1yMJXxDHF4jFoOplqn5Y2pcL1tU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="floor pillows" width="360" /></a></p> <p>And of course…I couldn’t resist another placemat pillow. It’s a sickness people, I know. I can’t quit them: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-NsENHPWETjdD4TZpWl9otExvFu591UzBzZGCbp8d-v6MX77QFL7zDKpJDasJ3RSgFI075-1KgrnEvxfMSCjBeOHbEIZNmmUx4pcozY14sRAxtTdXRAi_k4cAxhgPPLSShqv0U5-bB0/s1600-h/IMG_5235%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="placemat pillow" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtGP74AhW3PxOX8aWR0QAcWI6QZoRLBqfCvDu1TPn-TvF5n-NV7rQBBJYvqgHu0tzaKmPQeJ_CYqY6O6rsB8HxeAE5ew-7_6fwL2qZK_jHfP1F9_WNMPdwiX-GK35gIRimARbiWSrjtEc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="placemat pillow" width="450" /></a></p> <p>This one is just two placemats sew together with another pillow stuffed inside. It literally took me ten minutes. Thankfully you can’t see the horrible sewing job, it’s hidden by the fabric. ;)</p> <p>I LOVE the baskets and LOVE the labels and I LUUURVE how the basement is coming together:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi05EZwd80VBpd56oPT-iGh_SF4pFfAhIYuXQYUrnvPXaNvi8QcoOnbOqcHASNRzo9GRG3Kfsb0rGVBS1u-JneGhQZLTk3g6T5DvEV2HitQA8XC8wVjuNk964ml7qXmCLgZUInnTWi8CSM/s1600-h/IMG_5217%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTQ0jTcPFpGmAGr_rKwpARq8YK893TLuUv_u5DjwLohe3zm1r4kRsOxgsPkS5mE9DCRmwljyUA_g7fDnDsbKDo-Ev8Gt9YwRIXLzwFWtO3k0sENUqluvmxf1el23UETWj03h3eJZt5i8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="550" /></a></p> <p>There’s still much to do on this wall – the lamps will get painted, just not sure what color yet. Still need to hang floating shelves, art…and maybe a few other fun things. The top will be cleared off a little when the shelves go in. </p> <p>But I cannot tell you how happy I am to finally have a dedicated and organized spot for all of the toys. It’s been six years coming. :)</p> <p>It’s not picture perfect but it’s functional and fun and we love it: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-83zFMxIlHPJog2RYj0o3Wrf35jbdZBuP0fu4RlAu657UmNgN9Ec8eR0z5dFbo3JOAAXp7NplZ3PbgdmZIDr5dogpog259d9_mkYg4Lj0nYQIjhM6TL8rv-J06cAsl7SnDgfOjfi6tYE/s1600-h/IMG_5219%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nwZbwMIKb8ug0vrgAb4AYZ2I3oJa44UhbHLzsXW5pY9acPaxqulmV9_hknWUCJxo9GEg2FZwi3Si663LhsUZHo7xtG_V-9-z4sHeDjxA-xznYnsozoQFZVCoN3o7E3U8cW_-SCyrHWQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="550" /></a></p> <p>My little photo bomber had to get in on the action too: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55Wlj9M6A3wp-A-CC5GuSUN60z1t_R5QZgH_HVfpkUDfvmb1N4wW2PUq17XsvHu9Cnh6fbj_ACrdaZ9_avOICyAfJe93107dSjh9UWlRa_kQyg85m7zTODtLm_72OiElELfD1FprpUIQ/s1600-h/IMG_5223%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj350Ak0KuwIxepZx-6109lMULfIG4PPcI3Lo8gosOsR51qwnpHqJvKYLmOpPmWs7jgv-vN6E0XmBQfRkVt9pGhbMEKn-DszJDSw-pQjm1qVfYZmBfh2ddk5-hNkVI-r87_0TdsmvmV-84/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="550" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Sorry. :) </p> <p>By the way, the cubbies are not wide enough for games, but I have those in a dresser down there. (Most of them are up in the family room anyway.) Some of them fit in the built ins but most are too long. </p> <p>There you go, our wall of blissful, wonderful, fantastic organization. It’s so easy to clean up down here now too, he knows exactly where things go. And we’ve already discussed that this is IT – if we can’t find a spot for something new, something else has to go. </p> <p>Can I just tell you how awesome my kiddo is at purging? He is SO great at telling me things can go – so good at it that I find myself saying, “Are you <em>sure</em>??” Yet again, it’s me that has the sentimental attachment to most of it, but I’m always getting better at letting things go that we don’t use or love anymore. (Although when he told me the remaining Thomas the Trains could go I did keep some in his memory bin.) ;) </p> <p>Have a lovely Easter weekend! May it be bright and sunny and warm! And I’ll see you back here Monday for the April before and after link up! </p>

Basement toy organization, check!

Hey hey! Good Friday to you! :) Today kicks off spring break for the hubby and the kiddo – I am so looking forward to a relaxing week with both of them home! (We’re boring and never go anywhere for break.) I’m excited to share a little bit of organization with you today! Can I just say it again? O…

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Turkey Time

Before I got started for the day, I threw a turkey breast in the crock-pot. It's gonna be a busy day with one kid home sick, one in high school, another in pre-school, soccer practice, shopping...  Nothing is easier than the crock pot, and y'all know how nice it is to come home to the house smelling delicious.<br /><br />I'm not usually a fan of white meat turkey, but this comes out juicy and tender. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbtBDfWYkYx0tICBkdhIlxYV_ZU-F41YV7zOnBSPMYD-bWELSWby1AS6l_oOa_q8wlHbZ5YCoHgxD2mUeptY7jzJeiY1dIwxcmHABheByjcxtSjCQcyFi5LeSXd7qagIWZrbd3MhjAII/s1600/camera+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbtBDfWYkYx0tICBkdhIlxYV_ZU-F41YV7zOnBSPMYD-bWELSWby1AS6l_oOa_q8wlHbZ5YCoHgxD2mUeptY7jzJeiY1dIwxcmHABheByjcxtSjCQcyFi5LeSXd7qagIWZrbd3MhjAII/s320/camera+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />(I confess - the photo is of the Turkey uncooked because, quite frankly we ate it before I remembered to take a picture!)<br /><br /><strong>Spring Turkey</strong> (why Spring? Ummm, because I'm serving it with coleslaw!)<br />Serves 4, with leftovers<br /><br />1 7 lb frozen turkey breast (bone in) <br />1/2 stick butter<br />Fresh Ground Black Pepper<br />4 oz marmalade<br />1 cup (hot) chicken stock<br />1 onion, quartered<br />1 large clove garlic<br /><br />Wash the turkey breast and pat dry. Put all ingredients in crock-pot. <br /><br />Place butter and 1/2 onion inside cavity and put turkey breast side down.  <br /><br />Cook on high for 2 hours, reduce to low and cook for 5 more hours. Make sure internal temp is 170F. <br /><br />I cook mine with the skin on, but I wouldn't EAT the skin, just remove when you slice turkey. <br /><br />Take the turkey out of the crock pot and keep tented in tinfoil before you slice it to keep it warm. <br /><br />Meanwhile, take all of the juices from the crock pot and use to make a gravy. If you need instructions, go <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/kittencals-easy-no-fail-make-anytime-turkey-gravy-145064">HERE</a>.  <br /><br />Slice and serve. I served mine with coleslaw, green beans, and mashed potatoes. <br /><br />Now if you don't have a crock pot, you must get one! NOW! Only joking, but they are super handy to have, and pretty inexpensive. Mine is Hamilton Beach and it works perfectly every time.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B001AO2PXK&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>

Turkey Time

Before I got started for the day, I threw a turkey breast in the crock-pot. It's gonna be a busy day with one kid home sick, one in high school, another in pre-school, soccer practice, shopping...  Nothing is easier than the crock pot, and y'all know how nice it is to come home to the house smelling…

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Showing off Sarah

<p>Howdy all! It’s slowly but surely warming up here…just a tad. <em>And</em> it’s been sunny. I’ll take it!! </p> <p>A few weeks ago I was honored to be asked to join in on the Creating with the Stars challenge over at <a href="http://www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com">East Coast Creative</a>. I was partnered up with a blogger who would be completing the projects and I was there (virtually anyway) to offer support and ideas. </p> <p>Well, my blogger was a rock star – probably because her name is Sarah. ;) She blogs over at <a href="http://www.whiletheysnooze.blogspot.com">While They Snooze</a>…love that title. </p> <p>Allow me to brag on her and her projects a bit, won’t you? The first week she knocked it out of the park with a project that started with a tire. Yep, a big, heavy tire:</p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVatt-F84s1A4n4hMSnhqMZmmUB8c2irUPnZimMlzihj8JiyZyTYPPktpmfXwEEoLfsUDVVe8nzXmLAHWjlC8QivdbPCWtGYBgZoEUx_OZ3qYZYOU7iPzuhzriMHOMCS-QuuU_EaNDWt9/s1600/Old_Tire_Table3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieVatt-F84s1A4n4hMSnhqMZmmUB8c2irUPnZimMlzihj8JiyZyTYPPktpmfXwEEoLfsUDVVe8nzXmLAHWjlC8QivdbPCWtGYBgZoEUx_OZ3qYZYOU7iPzuhzriMHOMCS-QuuU_EaNDWt9/s640/Old_Tire_Table3.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" width="500" /></a></div> <p>She found it on the side of the road and found a use for it – I love the way her mind works! </p> <p>Her and her hubby made a base out of plywood, then cut out some legs with a jigsaw as well:  </p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi272sFYerxuHhF7MJT2Fo0GI7u6vXJ8ZsyesvbdhsX7FazrijaFAIEwiX0HySo2BnavUMI56m-J9yvrwXUYez4cXMQ6Dhl8cWUHSfy_FTUgYwD4riWU8RaxKkznlDCuE5_V9p5vd4XPZEg/s1600/Old_Tire_Table21.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="DIY tire table" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi272sFYerxuHhF7MJT2Fo0GI7u6vXJ8ZsyesvbdhsX7FazrijaFAIEwiX0HySo2BnavUMI56m-J9yvrwXUYez4cXMQ6Dhl8cWUHSfy_FTUgYwD4riWU8RaxKkznlDCuE5_V9p5vd4XPZEg/s640/Old_Tire_Table21.jpg" style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="DIY tire table" width="428" /></a></div> <p>They created a top with the plywood so it could actually be used as a table: </p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-iAYpep0vyjMVPiNSz4jjLmHpctnTXQ6AxMTEjW06em65KUqjSBOViehzaPuEA_IRJEhGJD7hE0ad5p8CibtF8FoIhsLhvVvFhnC9P5sp3bw-iS6aOhQNIv7BtCMfFtllizxFMgX9iuo/s1600/Old_Tire_Table17.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="DIY tire table" border="0" height="535" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-iAYpep0vyjMVPiNSz4jjLmHpctnTXQ6AxMTEjW06em65KUqjSBOViehzaPuEA_IRJEhGJD7hE0ad5p8CibtF8FoIhsLhvVvFhnC9P5sp3bw-iS6aOhQNIv7BtCMfFtllizxFMgX9iuo/s640/Old_Tire_Table17.jpg" title="DIY tire table" width="360" /></a></div> <p>After that was done it was time to <em>hide</em> the tire. You didn’t think she was keeping it, right? ;) </p> <p>It involved lots and lots of rope: </p> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; color: black; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none"> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UMVqk_ci37LBbJ4uYVf46P-VAHp2a4H0pXUWWwPtfn72TgvTt2OfPlhT0GfS-i4mmWqt5xuXJv8_O00NL7IZAC6mM3xvt6C6520nWlmZPQNYygGywqkEtFg69QeMHkkxSZ5IMqgnIdyb/s1600/Tire_Table_After.jpg" imageanchor="1"><font color="#000000"></font><img alt="DIY tire table" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UMVqk_ci37LBbJ4uYVf46P-VAHp2a4H0pXUWWwPtfn72TgvTt2OfPlhT0GfS-i4mmWqt5xuXJv8_O00NL7IZAC6mM3xvt6C6520nWlmZPQNYygGywqkEtFg69QeMHkkxSZ5IMqgnIdyb/s640/Tire_Table_After.jpg" title="DIY tire table" width="428" /></a></div> </div> <p>Who would ever think that was a tire under there? And it’s the perfect height and size for next to a chair. Totally funky and fun and pretty much free! (The whole tutorial is up at ECC <a href="http://www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com/2013/03/trendy-tire-table-while-they-snooze.html">here</a>.)</p> <p>I think her next project was my favorite one for the challenge – she was inspired by plate art from Anthropologie that was…get ready for this -- <em>$7,500</em>. Choke. </p> <p>She made her own with 30 dollar store plates and a few other supplies: </p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeUbV9uiIiCtUy8BhEVInw3GLbobIqrJ9toZ23aH6NWumVXPerUazJ59enqoavRtqTLuytKDBbByRTBIFDpWZyxIyDGcQkSC45T3MAaixo8QwKw2DLooTwadsw6E_TGXawRoZVzJ9gDad/s1600/Anthro_plate_wall_knockoff.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="plate art" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeUbV9uiIiCtUy8BhEVInw3GLbobIqrJ9toZ23aH6NWumVXPerUazJ59enqoavRtqTLuytKDBbByRTBIFDpWZyxIyDGcQkSC45T3MAaixo8QwKw2DLooTwadsw6E_TGXawRoZVzJ9gDad/s640/Anthro_plate_wall_knockoff.jpg" title="plate art" width="520" /></a></div> <p>I know, brilliant, right? </p> <p>She hung each plate, making sure each line was level: </p> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQDsZwxR7woCiqx8OeBSbSBw9cWCPv62PNsXYqdcfnAux4AcD_SRFLEblXflRGJR5Q6TPgp793Pf5MNrO4dOkqq39zEIslRGPLf-bl8WXfq3sskUXk-p5qTSRE4mXpQGsoRGEsgvJL_rS/s1600/platewall2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="plate art" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQDsZwxR7woCiqx8OeBSbSBw9cWCPv62PNsXYqdcfnAux4AcD_SRFLEblXflRGJR5Q6TPgp793Pf5MNrO4dOkqq39zEIslRGPLf-bl8WXfq3sskUXk-p5qTSRE4mXpQGsoRGEsgvJL_rS/s640/platewall2.jpg" title="plate art" width="498" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="separator"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: large" class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></div> <p>Then she used a projector to get an image up on the wall and large enough to trace with a Sharpie: </p> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: large" class="Apple-style-span"> <div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small" class="Apple-style-span"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sQlCHHrHB0wMyhtHCkREtuPzvHzXz_f5dneJK4ix5UN9fxqy9xDw9zAgSYU91ow-Xh3OVlLzxRR2jo71DWCAKOc6mOJkPGwvg0g_6-n5nRApAxIdxVmXQEK4-8mCrq11BR2mJpT4QWmd/s1600/platewall3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sQlCHHrHB0wMyhtHCkREtuPzvHzXz_f5dneJK4ix5UN9fxqy9xDw9zAgSYU91ow-Xh3OVlLzxRR2jo71DWCAKOc6mOJkPGwvg0g_6-n5nRApAxIdxVmXQEK4-8mCrq11BR2mJpT4QWmd/s640/platewall3.jpg" width="550" /></a></span></div> <p></p> <p></p> </span></span> <p>Amazing! It really came out beautifully:  </p> <div style="text-align: center; clear: both" class="separator"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvVnYHSkKGgInbm09NKPkdoCPXNH09cXyxtlf6vqP1UwfA0yVnqMBSjg-0er-ENf1N_rDekFHzVSvmu4L9dMmoXDSh42HVy-3FD7DyNCyjWqU-mM50KpYhcAA2csjK2KK3aJ93f1nU58W/s1600/plate_WTS_3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvVnYHSkKGgInbm09NKPkdoCPXNH09cXyxtlf6vqP1UwfA0yVnqMBSjg-0er-ENf1N_rDekFHzVSvmu4L9dMmoXDSh42HVy-3FD7DyNCyjWqU-mM50KpYhcAA2csjK2KK3aJ93f1nU58W/s640/plate_WTS_3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class">What I love is that you could do this with any image – the possibilities are endless! You can see more details on how she did this art <a href="http://www.whiletheysnooze.blogspot.com/2013/03/creating-with-stars-week-2.html">here</a>. </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class"> </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class">For the last project Sarah did a beautiful water color looking map table, and I LOVE it: <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #444444; font-size: large" class="Apple-style-span"> <br /></span></div> <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #444444; font-size: large" class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8RznG2CWclm09fnDyPuRkOh3xwJnQ9GnOLcEyumDfIEyz962xECK1xSEj1hWRn0jX0UMBJo44TG9kABRZwhrmzGU6jkH2LpVojYPIPC8GPQ4zCzY8XLxSfU77OkuafaOuCVhEk6w4Y7Y/s1600-h/Map_Table_after3_WTS4.jpg"><img alt="map table " border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCNrNPay7x1pKAcANlBblSi_jHzTK5hb5wit9d0gg4DBZIyHTVxZcH5KlPVPhyfDje6rra56V-WjDppMj-TBsj7ClNKOsw8ct_t_lxq5SScIPfkcaA7wP1HYRuRwvdOmWIcxqbrUsQY4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="map table " width="550" /></a></span> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class">I’m sure she’ll be doing a post on that one too, be sure to check out her blog for the details. </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class"> </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class">Told you she is crazy talented – and did I mention she’s got a full time job and kids? And came up with these ideas and completed them each in less than a week?? I was a little in awe, seriously. </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class"> </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class">Here are a couple other projects from her blog I thought you would like as well – a <a href="http://www.whiletheysnooze.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-moroccan-style-wall-stencil.html">totally free stencil wall</a>: </div> <div style="text-align: left; margin: 0px; clear: both" class="class"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; color: #444444; font-size: large" class="Apple-style-span"></span></div> <div style="text-align: left" align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbDIzfees0-nht6BSMct9YSCzI61xAFq4XpO_51iNZbWxl5lz-QUPkDggdbN1ttqqChFAa8sVEm3KMsGKQCcos25bzS0ieHTnpDdsgizCvDBJQiJ8Y_cNNs6rcKZtVqVes9WPBF6HLTE/s1600-h/Wall_Stencil_23.jpg"><img alt="DIY wall stencil" border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zeLds_tsKQhmBY6yQMKOBRfCrY0jWmyIBhWi95huwSyzCB0HzZDDpOA4xqWB0eNFWNnFtW2YkbtmdUxUncO_jxlh5wdHmRI29jF6OQxFC6fpg9c6vekdZ01NGjXOk_0J312v9NOLkng/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY wall stencil" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBKqsX0v_nm1SbsHbUxKY1RMNxEQKK797QhboIKlEOT4s2DOQWKQleWlHCjEyCFpoVHz1jdg7ZSqhWk7d0Sk7sEBHQNxmXOeW3lScDB7jKHFJYt4wiGkgnfOqNN6UqeMpc0OD33G25rE/s1600-h/DIY_Wall_Stencil_After3.jpg"><img alt="DIY_Wall_Stencil_" border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD2FIh8o1-h53Z3JEzHM8DSC73YF-3cfDVl6W3QRQBFowytsGOpArRiNl73LBbRdCP_OzA180Mhp9mIpwsvFx7cXBJCyJmieqzTF9kQQWBzObUJBA7DYIulDAZWhUbQJtGOLJsdEiEJaQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DIY_Wall_Stencil_" width="290" /></a> </div> <div style="text-align: left">Who needs a stencil when you have cardboard? For real.</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">And I think this has to be one of my favorite projects of hers – the <a href="http://whiletheysnooze.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-herringbone-metallic-artwork-easy.html">DIY metallic art</a>: </div> <div style="text-align: left"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGLzvgrjMniTE722-5RVIq1_3vB2RfZRFuH00XeVCfVBzhpRuVc_lhJjHRpa0U0Q2wVbvI9abupYpS77sUVurqERPtTv81GEzY8O_bb6t1Ldzp-jDx4Q3Vfh1xHRAmdOMSIHayTcv775E/s1600-h/DIY_metallic_art3.jpg"><img alt="DIY_metallic_art" border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTwqtt_y2bXpYuKcF8YQxSysPdGwVMjC0Gmq6kfGX72dhMcSxp5d1z0E898liKADr4Z618KZjc0P356Gt4pJUqqPvojlOlAK5tksZBMfNgBF728b8Vm3dMlBJ89t8b_h1p0cN5rLQiQE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY_metallic_art" width="550" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: left">Just gorgeous! I’ve been trying to figure out where I do the same project since I first saw this post. </div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">The talent out in blogland continues to astound me! So much inspiration, so little time to copy it all. ;)</div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">Be sure to check out Sarah’s blog <a href="http://whiletheysnooze.blogspot.com">here</a>, and you can cheer on the remaining contestants over at East Coast Creative <a href="http://www.eastcoastcreativeblog.com">here</a>! </div> <div style="text-align: left"> </div> <div style="text-align: left">I’ll be back tomorrow with some organization in the basement, whooee! </div>

Showing off Sarah

Howdy all! It’s slowly but surely warming up here…just a tad. And it’s been sunny. I’ll take it!! A few weeks ago I was honored to be asked to join in on the Creating with the Stars challenge over at East Coast Creative. I was partnered up with a blogger who would be completing the projects and I …

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New Fabric for an Old Ottoman

<br />This is an old post, from my old website, about my old ottoman. The ottoman was old and badly worn, but some new fabric gave it a whole new look in under a hour. A year later and it still looks awesome. <br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0004-21.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-312" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0004-21-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0004 (2)" width="300" /></a></div><br />I have 3 different projects in the works - all waiting for Spring to hit, and the snow to take a hike. Until that happens I can't get outside to paint! <em>SO</em>, in lieu of holding my breath, and risking imminent death, I thought I'd post this about recovering an old ottoman (it was so old it could be from the Ottoman Empire - get it? I'm so sorry.)<br /><br />Anyway, here was the problem with the old ottoman:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0020.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-313" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0020-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0020" width="300" /></a><br /><br />(Yes, sadly I didn't just throw it away! In fact I used it! ) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00212.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-303" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00212-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0021" width="300" /></a><br /><br />All four corners had split, and although I had sewn the edges back together before, years of the "little darlings" jumping on the furniture, had not helped any.  It was definitely time to either re-cover the thing or buy a new one.  At that point in time, I'd rather cover it than spend the money on a new ottoman, but I thought, "we'll see how it looks after the restoration".<br /><br />Taking a good look at the ottoman, I realized that it wasn't in terrible condition structurally, and, I really <em><del>was too lazy to</del> </em>didn't even need to take off the old fabric.<br /><br />First, I unscrewed the legs, which took all of about 23 seconds:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00222.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-304" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00222-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0022" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Then, using the utility knife, I plucked the buttons off of the top of the ottoman - another 17 seconds.  This was my kind of work! <br /><br />I laid out the fabric, wrong side up, which is a leather-like  material (sounds so much better than <em>pleather</em>).  And then plopped the ottoman in the center, upside down.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00072.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-306" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00072-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0007" width="300" /></a><br /><br />I made sure the edges wrapped up and around the ottoman, with about 3" spare on the underside.  I pulled the fabric taught, and started stapling all the way around, keeping it tight.  After I got staples around all four sides, I went back and filled in with staples, about 2 inches apart.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0010.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-307" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0010-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0010" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00121.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-308" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_00121-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0012" width="300" /></a><br /><br />When I got to the corners, I spent what seemed like several hours (in reality it was 10 minutes) trying to get the "pleats" to look nice. With limited patience, here is what I said to myself: "Oh for goodness sake, just staple the <em>dang thang</em> and get this over with!".  And so I did.   I used the handy utility knife to cut the excess fabric, and I screwed the legs back on.  Presto!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0004-21.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-312" height="199" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/DSC_0004-21-300x199.jpg" title="DSC_0004 (2)" width="300" /></a></div><br />After spending only about 1 hour on this I was very happy with the results. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Later that year... the ottoman still looks great. I'm happy I covered it, and I still like the "pleather" fabric.) </span><br />

New Fabric for an Old Ottoman

This is an old post, from my old website, about my old ottoman. The ottoman was old and badly worn, but some new fabric gave it a whole new look in under a hour. A year later and it still looks awesome. I have 3 different projects in the works - all waiting for Spring to hit, and the snow to take a…

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Punxsutawney Phil Sowerby is a LIAR

<div align="center"></div>Sitting here looking out the window at the <em>snow</em> (that's becoming more and more like a 4 letter word around here).  Meanwhile I'm listening to the weather man warn us of another week of lower than normal temps, and suspected white stuff for the coming week.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>It's just not right!</strong> </div><br />I love my cowboy boots, but I'm ready for wedges.<br />I love my house, but I want my porch back. <br />I love cooking, but I'm dying for BBQ. <br /><br />Seems it's gonna be a while, so I guess it's up to me to Spring-ify my life right now.  Today that means hanging out at <a href="http://debbie-debbiedoos.com/2013/03/all-things-spring-its-a-spring-thing-party-has-started.html#comment-173748">All things Spring party</a> with Debbiedoos. It's giving me hope! It's giving me ideas! It's making me feel a little less panicky. <em>Spring is coming! It is!</em> <br /><br />Here are a few ideas I Love with a <em><strong>capital L</strong>.</em> <br /><br />Check out this Split Pea Wreath!  <a href="http://www.loveoffamilyandhome.net/2013/02/split-pea-wreath-tutorial.html">From Love of Family & Home</a>. This bright green wreath screams Spring and makes me smile. Plus, the tutorial made me want to make it immediately! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCMFAPZxKD7YOkgRGoGZUU4FhOn10RssEsCqvzx1a0madW_xCbExyGxYmUELn8s9_a-5QxW5ebSv457tBZ4FtVm8JlZ-Ns4pbR40N8yk3QH1LT1-4Hs1yBeobMd05HbAuzI4oHWM596aj/s1600/Split+Pea+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCMFAPZxKD7YOkgRGoGZUU4FhOn10RssEsCqvzx1a0madW_xCbExyGxYmUELn8s9_a-5QxW5ebSv457tBZ4FtVm8JlZ-Ns4pbR40N8yk3QH1LT1-4Hs1yBeobMd05HbAuzI4oHWM596aj/s640/Split+Pea+Wreath.jpg" width="460" /></a><br /><br />And I love this wreath from <a href="http://www.zuhausathome.com/spring-on-my-front-door/">Zu Haus at Home</a>. Love the yellow. I think AC More has forsythia garlands that could easily be wrapped on a grape vine base. <br /><br /><img alt="Spring Wreath1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3440" height="426" src="http://www.zuhausathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Spring-Wreath1.jpg" width="457" /><br /><br />This little banner - from<a href="http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2013/03/fun-spring-projectchalkboard-birds-on.html"> Confessions of  Plate Addict</a> is quick and easy and would look great on a mantel or strung across a window. I want to do this with my little helpers. <br /><br /><img alt="CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Chalkboard Birds on a String2" border="0" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF0keBRib6vPwlTmzj0AzMkb4tUVxWcTlZzaKW892a4_rUJ5NTBtwEqhXwVKzRXoDYSK8wnWjnoRlErDKSOfxva4qzIRQ4Bc03Zw3NZ28IwTV0iBR4fTKroHZBeGj8PssBODQ1Q0-jy01/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT Chalkboard Birds on a String" width="619" /><br /><br />I have to make this little bird feeder.  It would make the perfect gift. From <a href="http://acowboyswife.com/spring-diy-bird-feeder-for-under-5/">A Cowboy's Wife</a>.<br /><br /><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-7470" height="795" src="http://acowboyswife.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_4635.jpg" title="DIY Bird Feeder" width="530" /><br /><br />It wouldn't be Spring without a Ham recipe, so here's a good one I found <a href="http://www.wildernesswife.com/slow-cooker-ham-recipe/">here.</a> It doesn't get easier than throwing it in the slow cooker. <br /><br /><span class="featured-image"><a href="http://www.wildernesswife.com/slow-cooker-ham-recipe/" rel="bookmark" title="Permalink to Slow Cooker Ham Recipe – Moist and Fork Tender"><img alt="Slow Cooker Ham Recipe, Crock Pot Ham Recipe" class="attachment-thumbnail-single wp-post-image" data-indexer="0" height="851" src="http://www.wildernesswife.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Slow-Cooker-Ham-Recipe.jpg" width="588" /></a></span><br /><br />Doesn't that look amazing?  That and some coleslaw... Okay, I feel better now. And the sun just came out!<br /><br /><a href="http://statigr.am/p/418692044565901372_198672171"><img class="photo-mode-liste loaded" data-original="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/66184a5a948711e2ab6822000a1fbc38_7.jpg" image-id="418692044565901372_198672171" src="http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/66184a5a948711e2ab6822000a1fbc38_7.jpg" style="display: inline;" /></a>

Punxsutawney Phil Sowerby is a LIAR

Sitting here looking out the window at the snow (that's becoming more and more like a 4 letter word around here).  Meanwhile I'm listening to the weather man warn us of another week of lower than normal temps, and suspected white stuff for the coming week. It's just not right! I love my cowboy boot…

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Burlap Table Runner

I have a picture frame I'm working on painting, but the snow is flying (again/still), so that'll have to wait on the back burner for a nicer day. Bummer. I didn't know what to do with myself so, I decided to run an errand, and ended up making a cute table runner: <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOafjLOT9rbMagPL9Uvdokm587VFpkAHTd9KSzvQqfqI29mqPKKMVqXCNPX99oSON_3p40ZJBPKgl6fkgPlQYBa1gbX3FDqtWg5zt-Sx_9VSREfbMlIF5-NHJAZCxpkUtlSKElSM8mSBs/s1600/march2013+222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOafjLOT9rbMagPL9Uvdokm587VFpkAHTd9KSzvQqfqI29mqPKKMVqXCNPX99oSON_3p40ZJBPKgl6fkgPlQYBa1gbX3FDqtWg5zt-Sx_9VSREfbMlIF5-NHJAZCxpkUtlSKElSM8mSBs/s320/march2013+222.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">It took me about 15 minutes with a glue gun, and cost under $10!</div><br />I ended up at Walmart. Ugh. <br /><br />Big A had some electrical work to do, and the kids were at school for a couple more hours, so, essentially, the world was my oyster. So why Walmart? (You ask, feeling sorry for me, I hope). Well, needs be, and I needed cat litter! <br /><br />While I was there, I decided to help the Easter Bunny a little and hit the candy aisles too. Shuffling along, up to my eyeballs in peeps, and 3 packs of undies (yes, my kids get undies from the Easter Bunny), I happened to turn down the fabric aisle. I usually skip out of Walmart as quickly as possible, but this stopped me: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD4e92I5ORdrpbIesrG9cE-3oO713Z0akPUHdjvvTapo3k2-YAXulZ8PSbOHIs1oHxNILy15ykSg7h2OfPogLOhkz-Nkymzp0CXQt6vwZ8AeTISUVcg5niY9WoHrYBEPqHnics-LAN-g/s1600/walmart+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPD4e92I5ORdrpbIesrG9cE-3oO713Z0akPUHdjvvTapo3k2-YAXulZ8PSbOHIs1oHxNILy15ykSg7h2OfPogLOhkz-Nkymzp0CXQt6vwZ8AeTISUVcg5niY9WoHrYBEPqHnics-LAN-g/s320/walmart+009.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Ooooh. Riiiibonnn. Look at all the preeeetty colors. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(That was what that little voice in my head was saying to me.)</span> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHs5YENXYDzAWtIEkXk1f3nRS9o9nPtXltcqwuINj1zQf621nMtuST2fT6r0Sg0mWIPuD0VNGL1_Ynq_54MCJcXg-SN0L2bHwblrmVbHGyI_pdSwhyphenhyphenXetzYW5MJpsxXsUUJyZ8e17WYE/s1600/march2013+215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwHs5YENXYDzAWtIEkXk1f3nRS9o9nPtXltcqwuINj1zQf621nMtuST2fT6r0Sg0mWIPuD0VNGL1_Ynq_54MCJcXg-SN0L2bHwblrmVbHGyI_pdSwhyphenhyphenXetzYW5MJpsxXsUUJyZ8e17WYE/s320/march2013+215.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />Half an hour later and I was home with some brown and green polka dot ribbon and 2 yards of burlap to play with. I thought about making a runner, and how I could do this. I could make a double layer of burlap and sew the edges together, or I could use no-sew fabric tape to turn down the edges... <br /><br />In the end, I had kids to pick up from school, soccer practice to attend, and dinner to make, while channeling my inner drill Sargent over homework.  I went with "easy". <br /><br />All I did was fray the edges of the burlap along the long side.  Just pull the little strings away and trim the fringe so that it's even.  (Burlap is messy so I don't advise you do this wearing black pants like I did. They are now black fuzz factories.) <br /><br />Next I hot glue gunned the ribbon to the short end of the runner.  I did this on cling wrap because the glue would go through the burlap. Then I pulled the cling film away when the glue was drying. When the ribbon was in place, I ran a line of glue on the underside to prevent any further fraying, and I used sharp scissors to trim any of the burlap sticking under the ribbon for a neat edge. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo__b-sDPprtY4-bxcYDhje092tu6g8TVmgJo6dOuXm9ZBZvDyqyArP1PlaWIQXNOZrZDUdAsYW2bjPpxGKE6RZhlNQyopQzmMLnrVDOSK45rBOtZU4tfGOcnKHWOaRw41Q0103n06bus/s1600/march2013+216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo__b-sDPprtY4-bxcYDhje092tu6g8TVmgJo6dOuXm9ZBZvDyqyArP1PlaWIQXNOZrZDUdAsYW2bjPpxGKE6RZhlNQyopQzmMLnrVDOSK45rBOtZU4tfGOcnKHWOaRw41Q0103n06bus/s320/march2013+216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I cut the ribbon and wrapped it under the edge of the burlap. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsfvk_KQaM2OrxQR_E0RtXQqpYV03Trgpqe5Ft-1YImT65DrFkKlx2UG9eDqSDNSwHuZkutBDPqEL4bXIo_llHIIJJx9TQrg2zhmPIs1yH1Ngr5JAHecMVHBQ0H5AlpjSSdM7dEtYMdQ/s1600/march2013+217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbsfvk_KQaM2OrxQR_E0RtXQqpYV03Trgpqe5Ft-1YImT65DrFkKlx2UG9eDqSDNSwHuZkutBDPqEL4bXIo_llHIIJJx9TQrg2zhmPIs1yH1Ngr5JAHecMVHBQ0H5AlpjSSdM7dEtYMdQ/s320/march2013+217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOafjLOT9rbMagPL9Uvdokm587VFpkAHTd9KSzvQqfqI29mqPKKMVqXCNPX99oSON_3p40ZJBPKgl6fkgPlQYBa1gbX3FDqtWg5zt-Sx_9VSREfbMlIF5-NHJAZCxpkUtlSKElSM8mSBs/s1600/march2013+222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>And voila! A table runner. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOafjLOT9rbMagPL9Uvdokm587VFpkAHTd9KSzvQqfqI29mqPKKMVqXCNPX99oSON_3p40ZJBPKgl6fkgPlQYBa1gbX3FDqtWg5zt-Sx_9VSREfbMlIF5-NHJAZCxpkUtlSKElSM8mSBs/s1600/march2013+222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOafjLOT9rbMagPL9Uvdokm587VFpkAHTd9KSzvQqfqI29mqPKKMVqXCNPX99oSON_3p40ZJBPKgl6fkgPlQYBa1gbX3FDqtWg5zt-Sx_9VSREfbMlIF5-NHJAZCxpkUtlSKElSM8mSBs/s320/march2013+222.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm definitely going to make another runner with the burlap when I have a little more time. I love how it looks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>

Burlap Table Runner

I have a picture frame I'm working on painting, but the snow is flying (again/still), so that'll have to wait on the back burner for a nicer day. Bummer. I didn't know what to do with myself so, I decided to run an errand, and ended up making a cute table runner:  It took me about 15 minutes with a …

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