My favorite projects

<p>Hello and happy Friday! It’s the unofficial start of summer for us – I’ve never been so ready! </p> <p>I can’t believe it’s the end of May already – time is passing by so fast. Fall will be here before we know it. (If you saw my FB or <a href="http://instagram.com/thriftydecorchick" target="_blank">Instagram</a> this week you know Hobby Lobby already thinks it’s here.) ;) </p> <p>It’s been a few months since I rounded up some of my favorite recent posts so I’m combining March, April and May into this one! </p> <p>I got a ton done in the master bedroom earlier this year – it’s coming along so well! The first big project was <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/beefing-up-baseboards.html" target="_blank">beefing up the baseboards</a> <em>without</em> taking off the old ones: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-H9y7pKDliMA/U4imlD8-qnI/AAAAAAAAoFQ/6KjMLRQ4aTE/s1600-h/IMG_8498%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thicker baseboard without taking off the old" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7-iVCR3N3rA/U4immJDLFhI/AAAAAAAAoFY/Z__TQsBAZE0/IMG_8498_thumb.jpg?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="thicker baseboard without taking off the old" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I LOVE THEM. It makes a <strong>huge</strong> difference in the room!</p> <p>I continued the chunk with new <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-love-chunky-trim.html" target="_blank">DIY craftsman door trim</a> as well: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BsNtiqDTah8/U4immznbr0I/AAAAAAAAoFg/JgEPxN1u71M/s1600-h/IMG_8646%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craftsman door trim" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j3yM3zfIZcA/U4imn0r-TPI/AAAAAAAAoFo/1asI0P8cAz0/IMG_8646_thumb.jpg?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="craftsman door trim" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Sigh. </p> <p>Because there wasn’t enough new wood on the walls, I covered the wall behind the bed with a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/dark-gray-accent-wall.html" target="_blank">wall treatment in a dark gray</a>: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hxudjqSQN7g/U4imovE09tI/AAAAAAAAoFw/U2qqI6QTvZ4/s1600-h/IMG_8768%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray wall behind bed" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GPgZDpOPaQY/U4impVqBvYI/AAAAAAAAoF4/4rangdLNEv4/IMG_8768_thumb.jpg?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="gray wall behind bed" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m SO pleased at the progress! I kind of pooped out on it a month or so back so I need to get going on the rest of the plan now. </p> <p>It’s been a couple years since we finished our basement – I’m so thrilled we were finally able to do it. I went through the process and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-finished-basement.html" target="_blank">how we had it done on a budget</a> in this post: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ig2Amol6wW8/U4imqu35ndI/AAAAAAAAoGA/JLn-jiQbSeM/s1600-h/IMG_8574%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="built in cubbies" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RaNmtqHQcKQ/U4imrlk2sxI/AAAAAAAAoGI/0Et0upX2Ybw/IMG_8574_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?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="built in cubbies" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I have a big plan for that TV wall – I may work on that this weekend. :)</p> <p>I shared a few of my favorite <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/ten-resources-for-free-art.html" target="_blank">online resources</a> for free art in this post: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7scm_hpZuts/U4imsj82pRI/AAAAAAAAoGQ/9V8gDJE_aEA/s1600-h/christmas-tree-wallpaper1024x768%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="online resources for free art" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BIf3p9gxP7Y/U4imtT2x6PI/AAAAAAAAoGY/9zn_Ua5sQms/christmas-tree-wallpaper1024x768_thumb.png?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="online resources for free art" width="355" /></a></p> <p>And made some <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/05/making-waves.html" target="_blank">fun new art</a> for the kiddo’s bathroom with scrap wood and wavy FrogTape Shape Tape: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--YATH6wbWAg/U4imuHJVGYI/AAAAAAAAoGg/XhEiXA8bnJo/s1600-h/IMG_8982%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY nautical art" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mbGITq6O--0/U4imvFue_dI/AAAAAAAAoGo/ZwT2NRjLZuQ/IMG_8982_thumb.jpg?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 nautical art" width="500" /></a></p> <p>So preppy, I love it!</p> <p>I made a very simple <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/diy-pet-food-tray.html" target="_blank">pet food tray</a> with more wood from the garage pile and showed you how here: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y62duqDUNUg/U4imvywQuZI/AAAAAAAAoGw/All30Emwkvs/s1600-h/IMG_8623%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY pet food tray" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ylWP9774oqA/U4imwoHVY7I/AAAAAAAAoG4/bbQtvuSitic/IMG_8623_thumb.jpg?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 pet food tray" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s such a little thing but it works SO well. No more water or food messes on the floor! </p> <p>Our mud room got some pattern and texture with the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/03/no-sew-bench-cushion.html" target="_blank">DIY (no sew!) cushion</a> I made for the bench: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tzSaS6OdNK8/U4imxbZJHfI/AAAAAAAAoHA/T4YOwtNG2co/s1600-h/IMG_8710%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY bench cushion" border="0" height="780" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WRqymz0_200/U4imyBSIggI/AAAAAAAAoHI/LVDO-bapoJs/IMG_8710_thumb.jpg?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 bench cushion" width="457" /></a></p> <p>This is another space I stalled out on, but I hope to get more done in there soon. It’s so functional though – that bench is awesome!! </p> <p>I got a HUGE project done in our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/master-closet-reveal.html" target="_blank">master closet</a> -- you have to see the before pics to see how far it came: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T0W4QwgdIw0/U4imyxxRydI/AAAAAAAAoHQ/5Nsm-mUnuuA/s1600-h/closet5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="closet storage from kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="729" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GSln7NCJBZs/U4imzjgmHbI/AAAAAAAAoHY/End0rgklh54/closet5_thumb.jpg?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="closet storage from kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I took down all the shelving, filled hundreds of holes, installed the cabinets and then painted them and the walls. It was a ton of work but I did it for way cheaper than what a custom closet system would cost! And I love the dusty purple color, so pretty. </p> <p>Our living room got a couple updates too – this space is one that has always bugged me and I’m determined to change it up this year. I did a DIY project I’ve wanted to try forever – <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/diy-craftsman-window-trim.html" target="_blank">replacing the window sill</a> so I could install the thick trim: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NzRG5YssSPs/U4im0jzFxeI/AAAAAAAAoHg/NT7XAw41Ov0/s1600-h/IMG_8970%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craftsman wood trim around windows" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wDAzz4gATQM/U4im1pboFPI/AAAAAAAAoHo/CW-svNoG6m0/IMG_8970_thumb.jpg?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="craftsman wood trim around windows" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Can you find the smushed cat? :) </p> <p>And moving this small bookcase <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/living-room-refresh.html" target="_blank">to this corner</a> opened up the room a ton!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NE4raQH4SVE/U4im2YkhYrI/AAAAAAAAoHw/cQO2chFuYB4/s1600-h/IMG_8956%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="etagere with cut outs on side" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SsB6UGPaKUs/U4im3C50YqI/AAAAAAAAoH4/QVPdFVAZC3U/IMG_8956_thumb.jpg?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="etagere with cut outs on side" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m starting to really love this space. Slow but sure. :) </p> <p>I shared my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/spray-paint-blues.html" target="_blank">spray paint “taste test”</a> – and there was a clear winner: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JVpkC79T82k/U4im4A20FJI/AAAAAAAAoIA/l6lEIK-cvBU/s1600-h/IMG_8939%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="spray paint reviews" border="0" height="297" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hRhtQ7m303o/U4im5Us9SUI/AAAAAAAAoII/WhLYfXfCcVs/IMG_8939_thumb.jpg?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="spray paint reviews" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The results even surprised me! </p> <p>I shared my experience with <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/05/homegoods-quality.html" target="_blank">HomeGoods furniture</a> in this post: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HAQddxyA0rE/U4im58u4AjI/AAAAAAAAoIQ/0UM4n1oQjko/s1600-h/IMG_5373%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="bench at kitchen table" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qfuWXsokbJs/U4im6_6h4YI/AAAAAAAAoIY/3RCrjFe7Gt4/IMG_5373_thumb.jpg?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="bench at kitchen table" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I don’t have many large pieces from there but I counted quite a few HG chairs in our house. ;) </p> <p>I’ve been back outside for the past few weeks and it’s been glorious! I created a “<a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/05/our-new-front-porch.html" target="_blank">front porch</a>” where there wasn’t one: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EUw9syjzYsc/U4im7ur634I/AAAAAAAAoIg/Q7UUtbe8Jzo/s1600-h/IMG_9013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="adirondack chairs in front of house" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9RUqD0ttLAs/U4im8QMWIfI/AAAAAAAAoIo/NVoO0xIojEc/IMG_9013_thumb.jpg?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="adirondack chairs in front of house" width="500" /></a></p> <p>We sit there at least once a day – again, a little thing that I’m so glad I did!</p> <p>And last weekend I moved some things around on the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/05/outdoor-living.html" target="_blank">deck and patio</a> and it feels like a brand new space!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kOeiTTBUP_k/U4im9I-9iCI/AAAAAAAAoIw/e1RDmllyqfA/s1600-h/IMG_9120%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="outdoor sectional" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Yws-1fTLzDw/U4im-GLthoI/AAAAAAAAoI4/QLApHbxaqEQ/IMG_9120_thumb.jpg?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="outdoor sectional" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Finally, I showed you the results of my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/05/i-work-out.html" target="_blank">biggest personal project</a> over the past few months!:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t68v5SqpPmo/U4im_JsPjHI/AAAAAAAAoJA/0XkzKbzWfv4/s1600-h/wl1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="weight loss tips" border="0" height="462" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wtltUlGiNcY/U4inAEP2i_I/AAAAAAAAoJI/e8mfx-1C-3E/wl1_thumb.jpg?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="weight loss tips" width="500" /></a> I’ve got more work to do but I’m thrilled with how far I’ve come! </p> <p>Those are just a few of my biggest projects from the past few months! May has been busy for us so I’m looking forward to things calming down now that school’s out. So happy to see summer!!</p> <p>Did you miss any of these projects? I think the gray wall in the master is my favorite. :) Hope you have a great weekend and I’ll see you back here on Monday for the June before and after link up! </p>

My favorite projects

Hello and happy Friday! It’s the unofficial start of summer for us – I’ve never been so ready! I can’t believe it’s the end of May already...

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Stretching Shoes and Why Sometimes Pinterest is a Liar

Why is it that when I try on shoes in the store, they fit fine. I walk up and down the aisle, strutting my stuff, and they are <i>PERFECT</i>. Perfect, like "How did I ever walk without these shoes" perfect.<br /><br />High on new-shoe-smell, a maximum of 20 minutes later, I return home with my prize.  Triumphantly, I put my new striped wedges on (with much pomp and circumstance), and instantly I realize ~ they <i>KILL MY FEET!</i> Not only do they hurt, my husband, looks at my feet and says to me "those shoes look <i>painful </i>honey".<br /><br />WTH <i>(and by WTH, I really mean WTeff, but don't tell my Mom I said eff.) </i><br /><br />So what is a girl to do?<br /><br />Return them?<br /><br />Nah, the sensible thing to do would be to <i>search on Pinterest for a solution</i>!<br /><br /><b>So, I search: </b><br /><br />"how-to stretch tight shoes", and<br />"feet too big, shoes too small", and<br />"grow shoes, shrink feet"<br /><br />I browse various posts, and ultimately decide on the following (mostly based on the sheer confidence in the claim ~ <i>Shoes will be at least one size larger!</i>):<br /><ol><li>To stretch leather or canvas shoes, fill a Ziploc baggie 1/3 full with water. </li><li>Insert baggie into the shoes.</li><li>Place shoes in the freezer.</li><li>Leave overnight.</li><li>Take shoes out of freezer.</li><li>Remove ice baggies. </li><li>Shoe will be stretched one full size (Yes!!!)</li></ol><div>Okay, I'm game. After all, I live and breathe by Pinterest. It has never let me down.<br /><br />So I follow the instructions (and even take pictures of my shoes in the freezer, cuz that's not weird).</div><div><br /></div><div>Tick tock.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tick tock. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV51f6oHGPE/U4dKwSTXqMI/AAAAAAAACqU/D36cZdwRSlc/s1600/stretching+shoes+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CV51f6oHGPE/U4dKwSTXqMI/AAAAAAAACqU/D36cZdwRSlc/s1600/stretching+shoes+2.jpg" width="212" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qsi35TJKIZs/U4dKwM8F6yI/AAAAAAAACqQ/Ui_2wnHLI7E/s1600/stretching+shoes+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="stretching shoes, pinterest, life hack " border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qsi35TJKIZs/U4dKwM8F6yI/AAAAAAAACqQ/Ui_2wnHLI7E/s1600/stretching+shoes+1.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I pull them out of the freezer to defrost, and I'm almost as excited as if I was defrosting a tenderloin...<br /><br />Finally, the moment of truth ~ I pull the ice out, and slip the new shoe on. They're cold. The cold feels good.<br /><br />The.  Shoes.  Do.  Not.<br /><br />And now I really do say <i>"eff" </i>for real, as I realize: Pinterest lied. <br /><br />This Pinterest Promise of a DIY Shoe Stretching Solution didn't work for this Sore Footed Slightly Ticked Off Chic.<br /><br />So, as I write this cautionary tale, sitting in my coral striped wedges, wearing ultra thick sports socks, I beg of you to remember: you can't believe everything you find on Pinterest.<br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">*disclaimer - no shoes were harmed in this blog post. </span></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.199999809265137px; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;">If you would like to join in some fun link parties, head on over <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a></span></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>

Stretching Shoes and Why Sometimes Pinterest is a Liar

Why is it that when I try on shoes in the store, they fit fine. I walk up and down the aisle, strutting my stuff, and they are PERFECT . Per...

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Two ingredient scrubs

<p>Well hello all! Are your kids almost done with school? We’re done tomorrow – whoot! I am SO grateful we didn’t have to go an extra week this summer with all the snow days we had this winter. Most of our school systems nearby added some time onto each day to avoid that. </p> <p>Today I’m gathering some goodies for the teachers and bus driver as a thanks. I like to include something handmade if possible, along with what they <em>really</em> want (a gift card and a handwritten thank you). :) </p> <p>I’ve seen so many great hand and foot scrub recipes over the years – some complicated and some incredibly easy. I’m going with the latter today. </p> <p>These are all easy, quick scrubs that only take two ingredients each! I love the first one because it makes a great lip scrub as well. Cause you can eat it. :) </p> <p>It just takes sugar and honey: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tpJXv53O4W0/U4dOSj86TNI/AAAAAAAAoCs/gRAdIw9UE28/s1600-h/IMG_9127%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="honey sugar scrub" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3NcW4oAH2Cs/U4dOTniTJQI/AAAAAAAAoC0/hL1ckxagwEw/IMG_9127_thumb.jpg?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="honey sugar scrub" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m not going to give exact measurements here and I know that will stress some of you out – but I found you just mix till it’s the right consistency. You really can’t mess it up!</p> <p>I just did a small batch for this one as a lip scrub: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qU4g4_9QiBE/U4dOUZ9xN3I/AAAAAAAAoC8/-_QLQgB5JU8/s1600-h/IMG_9128%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="honey sugar scrub" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1M4oIP2DBls/U4dOVAYUzXI/AAAAAAAAoDE/wjz4lj6wQTM/IMG_9128_thumb.jpg?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="honey sugar scrub" width="500" /></a></p> <p>You’ll want to make sure it’s thick and pasty but not too dry. This is a great hand scrub as well! I know honey can get expensive though so I think this one is best for the lips. </p> <p>My sister came over a couple weeks ago and whipped up this <a href="http://organizerbyday.blogspot.com/2014/05/homemade-coconut-sugar-scrub.html" target="_blank">super easy scrub</a> for Mother’s Day: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Qykfn3zXjI/U4dOV6nuk0I/AAAAAAAAoDM/T21uBIHn948/s1600-h/homemade%252520coconut%252520sugar%252520scrub%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="homemade coconut sugar scrub" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-om4zqtuoVZc/U4dOWS4ZFrI/AAAAAAAAoDU/f7La4klUQ0Y/homemade%252520coconut%252520sugar%252520scrub_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?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="homemade coconut sugar scrub" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Again, only two ingredients! I LOVE coconut oil and use it all the time when cooking, but it’s great for your skin as well. I added a few drops of lavender oil to it as well. </p> <p>Coconut oil isn’t cheap either, so this next one is the cheapest version I’ve found and it works GREAT: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dD6VVTigJ10/U4dOXU0c9SI/AAAAAAAAoDc/ve1eHPTI_bA/s1600-h/IMG_9132%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY hand foot scrub" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fH_XC0wNmkU/U4dOYP5i7wI/AAAAAAAAoDk/X_RFwAWeWZ4/IMG_9132_thumb.jpg?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 hand foot scrub" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Just mix sugar and dish soap. Done. Extra points if you have pink soap! :) I just used what I had so the slight color was a bonus. I used one cup of sugar and just poured and mixed the soap till it was the consistency I wanted. Test it out as you go to see if it’s just right. </p> <p>SUPER simple and super cheap! I love this one because when you use it with water it foams up just a bit. </p> <p>I found two glass containers in my stash and then used Target dollar spot goodies to label the scrub: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5LZ_mmb9nYA/U4dOY7xdOTI/AAAAAAAAoDs/A31Q3r43ufc/s1600-h/IMG_9137%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="two ingredient hand and foot scrub" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FmRA46aYdBI/U4dOZtpLtjI/AAAAAAAAoD0/CCiStMuW8Ms/IMG_9137_thumb.jpg?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="two ingredient hand and foot scrub" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I simply <strong>cannot</strong> walk away from the cute craft stuff in that aisle so it was nice to put the little stickers and stamps to use: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XtPHgw_skAA/U4dOaTtwFAI/AAAAAAAAoD8/c-dQQxinq60/s1600-h/IMG_9135%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="letter stamps" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IhjWDqonbEY/U4dObWQzu8I/AAAAAAAAoEE/P3yiqvjo4Uw/IMG_9135_thumb.jpg?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="letter stamps" width="500" /></a></p> <p>So there you go! Three easy scrubs with only two ingredients each! </p> <p>I’ll combine these with gift cards and some other goodies for the teachers: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-17AabD8D2hM/U4dOcF7mJmI/AAAAAAAAoEM/E2zCXiWc31U/s1600-h/hand%252520and%252520foot%252520scrub%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="two ingredient hand and foot scrub" border="0" height="732" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-evMJcH3qKi4/U4dOc2SIBqI/AAAAAAAAoEU/7CxwKro0MeY/hand%252520and%252520foot%252520scrub_thumb.jpg?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="two ingredient hand and foot scrub" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And at least this part of the gift was free! If you don’t have dish soap and sugar you’re looking at less than five bucks to make quite a few of these. This would have been perfect for my boy’s preschool days when we had six or seven teachers to buy for! </p> <p>Do you do anything special for the teachers at the end of the year? Are you ready for summer? </p>

Two ingredient scrubs

Well hello all! Are your kids almost done with school? We’re done tomorrow – whoot! I am SO grateful we didn’t have to go an extra week this...

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Simple Hand Painted Sign Tutorial

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P-iVe0ekvE/U4YK7EPDrkI/AAAAAAAACp4/0XMonmBDKM0/s1600/bon+appetit10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple Hand Painted Sign, Rustic sign, DIY rustic sign, Bon Appetit" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P-iVe0ekvE/U4YK7EPDrkI/AAAAAAAACp4/0XMonmBDKM0/s1600/bon+appetit10.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once in a while, I get the urge to make a sign, but I don't have a Silhouette Machine. Sometimes I sulk about that. Sometimes I put on my big girl pants and just deal. Life is full of disappointments, right?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So, if you're poor like me, but still want to make a cute sign, all it takes a little more time...and a little more patience. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(Perhaps a <strike>glass of wine</strike> cup of coffee or two.)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The idea is simple. If you can cut, trace, and color between the lines, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">you're all set!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1. I found a piece of board, and gave it a coat of black paint. I used MinWax PolyShades in Black Gloss, but you could use stain, craft paint, whatever is on hand. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2. I chose a free font that I liked, and downloaded it to Microsoft word. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3. I enlarged the font to around 200, and printed out the phrase I wanted to use. Depending on the height of your board, you will need to adjust the font size accordingly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4. Next, I cut the letters out and taped them to my board. (Tricky, eh?)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGgj3zGSq1o/U4YK1BsK-yI/AAAAAAAACpk/FpfzGddSAHQ/s1600/bon+appetit+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple Hand Painted Sign, Rustic sign, DIY rustic sign, Bon Appetit" border="0" height="181" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YGgj3zGSq1o/U4YK1BsK-yI/AAAAAAAACpk/FpfzGddSAHQ/s1600/bon+appetit+2.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Using a ball point pen to trace around each letter, I pressed firmly, so that it would indent the wood, to help me paint between the lines!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPsXNn3oFp0/U4YK1Pd2NPI/AAAAAAAACpg/qdbIAEUWbxg/s1600/bon+appetit+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Simple Hand Painted Sign, Rustic sign, DIY rustic sign, Bon Appetit" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tPsXNn3oFp0/U4YK1Pd2NPI/AAAAAAAACpg/qdbIAEUWbxg/s1600/bon+appetit+1.jpg" title="" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">6. Once my phrase, Bon Appetit, was pressed into the board, I filled the letters in with white craft paint. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">7. Let the paint dry for several hours. (Insert coffee, or whatever you're drinking, here.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">8. Once the paint was good and dry, I used sand paper to "age" the sign. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">9. I wrapped each end in jute rope and secured it with hot glue, just for kicks and giggles. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ba91M8iONTw/U4YK60MIueI/AAAAAAAACpw/jrL3q3im-gc/s1600/bon+appetit3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple Hand Painted Sign, Rustic sign, DIY rustic sign, Bon Appetit" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ba91M8iONTw/U4YK60MIueI/AAAAAAAACpw/jrL3q3im-gc/s1600/bon+appetit3.jpg" title="" width="220" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">10. Voila! A rustic sign ~ made without needing a Silhouette machine.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P-iVe0ekvE/U4YK7EPDrkI/AAAAAAAACp4/0XMonmBDKM0/s1600/bon+appetit10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simple Hand Painted Sign, Rustic sign, DIY rustic sign, Bon Appetit" border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1P-iVe0ekvE/U4YK7EPDrkI/AAAAAAAACp4/0XMonmBDKM0/s1600/bon+appetit10.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How about you? Do you have a Silhouette? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or do you plod through life without one? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Most importantly, do you think Big A should get me one? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Please leave <i>HIM </i>a comment!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: red;">Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;">If you would like to join in some fun link parties, head on over <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a></span></i></div><br />

Simple Hand Painted Sign Tutorial

Once in a while, I get the urge to make a sign, but I don't have a Silhouette Machine. Sometimes I sulk about that. Sometimes I put on m...

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Outdoor living

<p>Hey hey! Hope you had a WONDERFUL holiday weekend! You can tell summer is approaching in this household – it’s getting harder and harder for us to get up in the mornings and my posts are getting later and later. ;) </p> <p>This weekend was just gorgeous and I’m just so thrilled to have nice weather again! I worked on the deck and patio quite a bit this weekend -- moving things around, planting and working on little projects here and there. Loved it. </p> <p>I got a bug to move some of the outdoor furniture around the other night and I love how it came together. I’ve mentioned before that I rarely move furniture around inside because our house layout just doesn’t allow for much of it. But it was so fun to tackle the outside – we’ve had it the same way for nine years now. </p> <p>First of all, let’s have a moment of silence for our beautiful gazebo that used to be on the deck: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0q4A_a4tkF0/U4S3zE7PJ-I/AAAAAAAAn_E/vy6AeVuq5ds/s1600-h/IMG_6760_thumb%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gazebo on deck" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hvAOy0JPPj4/U4S3z5pWpKI/AAAAAAAAn_M/q2vOxdb7C1I/IMG_6760_thumb%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?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="gazebo on deck" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Sniff. It was so darn pretty. </p> <p>Then this happened: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zvB-DSP5uyo/U4S30k7t4II/AAAAAAAAn_U/fIjk21wqZj8/s1600-h/photo%25255B2%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fy2DkCKDCQ8/U4S31UcS6uI/AAAAAAAAn_c/QTtKOrw3A2k/photo%25255B2%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?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="360" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xgaFxyi20AQ/U4S32IH5yQI/AAAAAAAAn_k/llIVnHc8_wQ/s1600-h/IMG_4318_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xQXgjsmeF2U/U4S33Vn9kGI/AAAAAAAAn_s/vLtwrbvofZ4/IMG_4318_thumb%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?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>We got that dissembled last year and then things got boring. :) </p> <p>We left the furniture over there with the fire pit and it’s been like that since early last year. We didn’t want to replace the gazebo just yet because I’m afraid the same will happen again. I’d like to do something more permanent like a pergola, but we’ll leave it as is until we figure out what we’re doing with possibly expanding the house.</p> <p>So. This is how it looked Saturday morning: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q1Lyiteg17w/U4S34CbNljI/AAAAAAAAn_0/RG0FhSENWXA/s1600-h/before%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="deck with different levels" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WgNnt9y033g/U4S34-_qeTI/AAAAAAAAn_8/7AwLnhAHmec/before_thumb.jpg?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="deck with different levels" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Not bad! I was just craving a change. I’ve always wanted to move that table over where the gazebo used to be but never did since we liked having the seating area under there. </p> <p>We built the deck in three sections that are on different levels – not sure I would do that again. But it does add some interest and makes the areas feel like different “rooms.” Since we don’t have any structures to work around now, I went for it and moved the table and chairs over to that bigger area and I LOVE it: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8lwOxBtYUmM/U4S35oL8zkI/AAAAAAAAoAE/mpjNoeWy6pk/s1600-h/IMG_9111%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="deck with outdoor eating area" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tE61kOjgFPU/U4S36YKAoeI/AAAAAAAAoAM/gQ4h4IGiJEY/IMG_9111_thumb.jpg?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="deck with outdoor eating area" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The old rug used to be red and white and now it is just…beige. ;) It didn’t hold up well so I grabbed a new one at Lowe’s. It’s a bit boring but I looked at Garden Ridge, Lowe’s and Home Depot and didn’t see a great selection of outdoor rugs this year. I figure it’s a good backdrop for more color anyway: </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KhrTcLZGTxE/U4S37XqDcKI/AAAAAAAAoAU/KcTFAIsK2zw/s1600-h/IMG_9115%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="deck white railings" border="0" height="366" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RqWpY0clPhw/U4S38N5E8rI/AAAAAAAAoAc/PzTZKfxwoII/IMG_9115_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?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="deck white railings" width="550" /></a></p> <p>I LOVE having all that space around the table! Oh my goodness. The kids always play around the table and it always worried me in that middle spot before – with the chairs pulled out there wasn’t much room to walk around it. </p> <p>Now I’m considering moving my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-potting-bench-with-dad.html" target="_blank">DIY potting bench</a> over next to the table since we use that to serve food and drinks at parties. I think it may work better up there and there’s plenty of room. </p> <p>I was just going to move the furniture that was over where the table is now over to the middle section, but remembered the whole thing could make a big sectional. We never had it as one sofa under the gazebo – I realized it would be a perfect fit on the patio if I put it back together: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N6UROYh7JMo/U4S380CGLlI/AAAAAAAAoAk/ZG_PvmdWOHI/s1600-h/IMG_9120%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="outdoor sectional" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GSgB2xOfDCk/U4S39o5SyoI/AAAAAAAAoAs/IRkCrh7Rbb0/IMG_9120_thumb.jpg?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="outdoor sectional" width="500" /></a></p> <p>There’s still so much I want to do out here! Beyond some new plants and small projects I want to sand down that tabletop and restain it – the sun has not been kind. (You can see how I made that table <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/08/rustic-table.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) </p> <p>But I really dig that sectional there – it’s a perfect fit! </p> <p>I moved the sofa that was down on the patio up to the middle section on the deck with the fire pit: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qWs6RuGHZhw/U4S3-VI-kNI/AAAAAAAAoA0/V5OC9vDDDaA/s1600-h/IMG_9121%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="square firepit" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p1I5m6jyRZk/U4S3_e9p_3I/AAAAAAAAoA8/kf3yatzYl_M/IMG_9121_thumb.jpg?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="square firepit" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It works so much better. I don’t worry about the kids now – especially over by the wide stairs going down to the patio. </p> <p>Here’s a better look at the different levels on the deck: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fMkk7D04vbQ/U4S4ABwpPOI/AAAAAAAAoBE/VWXKmcTVfps/s1600-h/IMG_9116%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="deck with different levels" border="0" height="333" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cVKyydx2ZRE/U4S4BIrj8_I/AAAAAAAAoBM/quKQQgibDa4/IMG_9116_thumb.jpg?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="deck with different levels" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I feel like this layout is so much more conducive to socializing and it flows much better out to the patio: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sFWA4KpdCik/U4S4BwYC1lI/AAAAAAAAoBU/rzrmovYR9No/s1600-h/IMG_9123%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="deck and patio" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3AHHVJvCuX4/U4S4CjeWCRI/AAAAAAAAoBc/cn2CMbH6gFQ/IMG_9123_thumb.jpg?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="deck and patio" width="500" /></a></p> <p><em>Every time</em> we are out on the deck or patio one of us says how much we love it out there. We are so lucky to have this little peaceful oasis for our family. </p> <p>It’s ready for summer and so am I!: </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OVWslqDt3lk/U4S4DYhmzKI/AAAAAAAAoBk/EcWXFtqF4RU/s1600-h/deck%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="large deck with living areas" border="0" height="750" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2RMpS12MVnU/U4S4EcBCsuI/AAAAAAAAoBs/zL9xE_3TbHE/deck_thumb.jpg?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="large deck with living areas" width="500" /></a>I think moving furniture around (inside or out!) is the cheapest way to make a space feel brand new. Do you have outdoor spaces that you’re prepping for the summer? Is it finally warming up where you are? </p> <p>I shared my favorite “staycation” spot over at my friend <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2014/05/staycation-inspiration/" target="_blank">Kate’s blog</a> last week – can you guess where it is? ;) </p>

Outdoor living

Hey hey! Hope you had a WONDERFUL holiday weekend! You can tell summer is approaching in this household – it’s getting harder and harder for...

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Merry Monday Linky Party #4

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Merry-Monday-Linky-Party3002.jpg"><img alt="Merry Monday Linky Party, Linky Party, Link up, Blog" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-4038" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Merry-Monday-Linky-Party3002.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;"><strong>Welcome to the 4th Merry Monday Linky Party! </strong></span></h2><ul><li><strong>First, I want to thank everyone that participated last week and linked up their blog post. You were all very busy being creative and linked up wonderful posts.</strong></li><li><strong>Second, you're party hosts were busy sharing your link ups on either Twitter, FB, Pinterest (some to several group boards), Stumbleupon, and Google+. We want to help get your posts out to as many people as possible and would appreciate if you share the party and help us out too. <a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="MerryMonday" data-size="large" data-text="Check out the Merry Monday Linky Party" data-url="http://wp.me/p3UxXD-17G" data-via="erleneamat" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a></strong></li><li><strong>Third, I want to welcome the a new co-hosts to the link party! This means that your link ups will now been seen on 4 different blogs, giving you more exposure. How great is that?! Also, each host picks their own features, so make sure you visit their blogs too.</strong></li><li><strong>Fourth, all features will be pinned to the<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/"> Merry Monday Linky Party Pinterest board</a>. </strong></li><li><strong>Fifth, <span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"> If you're intrested in being a featured co-hosts for the party, <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1izcftZi5ORNN2ABUJbzUuOQyvNPkIxWEXZ43GQeq8EU/viewform">please sign up!</a></span> </strong></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h1 style="text-align: center;"> On to the Merry Monday Linky Party 4!</h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">Meet the hosts of this party</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>*It's not necessary, but we would appreciate a follow in at least one of our social media platforms*</strong><br /><strong><br /></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/"><img alt="Merry Monday Linky Party, Linky Party, Link up, Blog" class="alignnone wp-image-231 size-medium" height="216" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/sidebar-300x216.jpg" title="" width="300" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Host Erlene @<a href="http://mypinterventures.com/">My Pinterventures</a></strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;">Pinterest addict that loves to try new recipes, crafts, DIY projects, and more. Come with me on my daily adventures inspired by Pinterest and my fellow bloggers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/erleneamat" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>/<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ErleneA/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>/<a href="http://instagram.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11033183" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>/<a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Stumbleupon</a></strong><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/"><img alt="Happy House and Home, Merry Monday Linky Party, Linky Party, Link up, Blog" class="alignnone wp-image-4257" height="280" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Julia-Klimek2-300x292.jpg" title="" width="288" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Co-host Julia @<a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Happy House and Home</a></strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222;">Happy House and Home is a blog about affordable DIY and Home Decor, with a few recipes thrown in, so that we can keep body and soul together!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/julesklimek2011" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyhouseandhome?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/juliaklimek/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>/<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JuliaKlimek/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>/<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/7257423" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a></strong><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marilynstreats.com/"><img alt="Marilyn's Treats" class="alignnone wp-image-4256 size-medium" height="225" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/image14-300x225.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Co-host Marilyn @<a href="http://www.marilynstreats.com/" target="_blank">Marilyn's Treats</a></strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;">I'm a wife, mother, and grandmother. Baking, collecting Cook Books and recipes are my addictions. Follow me along my Culinary journey as I share it on Marilyn's Treats.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/marilyn_lesniak" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marilynstreats/1415287898720978" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/marilynlesniak/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>/<a href="https://plus.google.com/107229876897411218630/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a>/<a href="http://instagram.com/marilynstreats#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>/<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/11536377" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>/<a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/marilyn1998" target="_blank">Stumbleupon</a></strong><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://houseofbennetts.com/"><img alt="treana_lawren_0071" class="alignnone wp-image-4321" height="203" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/treana_lawren_0071-300x199.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Co-host Treana @<a href="http://houseofbennetts.com/" target="_blank">House of Bennetts</a></strong></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="il" style="color: #222222;">Treana</span><span style="color: #222222;"> began working as a lawyer around the same time that she got engaged AND bought a house. Along with her fiancé, LB, they are fixing up a 1950's ranch and documenting their DIY projects for the house and the wedding over on House of Bennetts.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="https://twitter.com/treansy" target="_blank">Twitter</a>/<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HOBennetts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>/<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/treanah/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>/<a href="http://instagram.com/treansy" target="_blank">Instagram</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">Most Clicked Feature(s)</span></h1><div style="text-align: center;">There was another tie for most clicked links again. Here are the two most clicked...</div><h1 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fearlesslycreativemammas.blogspot.com/2014/05/tips-to-de-junk-and-get-organized-plus.html"><img alt="Tips to de-junk and get organized" class="alignnone wp-image-4402 size-medium" height="225" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tape-300x225.jpg" width="300" /></a></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;"></h1><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fearlesslycreativemammas.blogspot.com/2014/05/tips-to-de-junk-and-get-organized-plus.html" target="_blank">Tips to De-junk and Get Organized<span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span></a>@Fearlessly Creative Mama</h2><div style="text-align: center;">Kathleen at Fearlessly Creative Mama gives you some tips to help de-junk your home and get it organized. She even shows you a quick tutorial on how she made her own Washi Tape storage.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://driftwood-gardens.com/10-favorite-blogs/"><img alt="10 Favorite Blogs" class="alignnone wp-image-4403 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/10favblogs-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://driftwood-gardens.com/10-favorite-blogs/" target="_blank">My 10 Favorite Blogs</a> @Driftwood Gardens</h2><div style="text-align: center;">Jen at Driftwood Gardens shares her 10 most favorite blogs and why she loves them. There are a lot of great blogs on her list. Many of the blogs she reads are some that I like too.</div>  <br /><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966;">My Feature Pick(s)</span></h1><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://abountifullove.blogspot.com/2014/04/asian-style-meatballs.html?showComment=1400932628362#c8900703306669523719"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oC_EyDTQNA/U4CMlp29b9I/AAAAAAAACmU/NMyjV2LQdpU/s1600/asian+style+meatballs+for+party.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://abountifullove.blogspot.com/2014/04/asian-style-meatballs.html?showComment=1400932628362#c8900703306669523719">Asian Style Meatballs</a> @ A Bountifl Love</h2><div>Khit at A Bountiful Love shared this recipe for Asian Style Meatballs with Home Made Sweet Teriyaki Sauce and they are absolutely delicious! I made them for my three picky kids and husband and they were gobbled up in minutes. </div><h2 style="text-align: center;">Features will be pinned to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/">Merry Monday Link Party Board</a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a data-pin-do="embedBoard" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/">Follow Erlene Amat | My Pinterventures's board Merry Monday Linky Party Features on Pinterest.</a><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></div><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">If you were featured, grab the Merry Monday Linky Party feature button and display it on your blog, feature page, or sidebar. </span></h2><!--grab button header --> <br /><div class="grab-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 150px;"><img alt="Grab button for My Pinterventures" height="150" src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/MerryMondayLinkyPartyFeatured_zps39073631.png" width="150" /> <!--end grab button header --> <!-- button code box --><br /><div style="border: 1px solid gray; height: 150px; margin: 0; overflow: scroll; padding: 0; width: 150px;"><div class="My Pinterventures-button" style="width: 150px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.mypinterventures.com" rel="nofollow"> <img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/MerryMondayLinkyPartyFeatured_zps39073631.png" alt="My Pinterventures" width="150" height="150" /> </a> </div></div><!--end grab-button --> </div><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Permalink back to blog</h2><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-style: inherit;"><a class="vglnk" href="http://mypinterventures.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" title="Link added by VigLink"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">http</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">://</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">mypinterventures</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">.</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">com</span><span style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">/</span></a></span><span id="editable-post-name" style="color: #666666; font-style: inherit;" title="Temporary permalink. Click to edit this part.">merry-monday-linky-party-4</span></h2><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Okay, this is the boring stuff, but necessary. There are a few guidelines to help get this party started and are posted in the green box below. If this is your first linky party, you can read this post on <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/linky-party-basics-hosts-guests/" style="color: #1ad3f1; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Linky Party Basics for Hosts & Guests.</a></h2><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Party-Guidelines-May-New1.jpg"><img alt="Party Guidelines New May1" class="alignnone wp-image-4255" height="875" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Party-Guidelines-May-New1-819x1024.jpg" width="700" /></a><br /><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"></h2><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Help grow this party. Grab my Merry Monday Linky Party button and post it on your link party page, sidebar, or post.</h2><!--grab button header --> <br /><div class="grab-button" style="margin: 0 auto; width: 150px;"><img alt="Grab button for My Pinterventures" height="150" src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/MerryMondayLinkyParty_zps1a19922b.png" width="150" /> <!--end grab button header --> <!-- button code box --><br /><div style="border: 1px solid gray; height: 150px; margin: 0; overflow: scroll; padding: 0; width: 150px;"><div class="My Pinterventures-button" style="width: 150px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://mypinterventures.com" rel="nofollow"> <img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/MerryMondayLinkyParty_zps1a19922b.png" alt="My Pinterventures" width="150" height="150" /> </a> </div></div><!--end grab-button --> </div><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer"></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><strong> Subscribe to the Merry Monday mailing list and get advanced notice of when the party goes live!</strong></h2><div id="mc_embed_signup" style="text-align: center;"><input class="email" id="mce-EMAIL" name="EMAIL" placeholder="email address" required="" type="email" value="" /> <br /><div class="clear"><input class="button" id="mc-embedded-subscribe" name="subscribe" type="submit" value="Subscribe" /></div>***This email list will only be used to for the Merry Monday Linky Party notification*** <br /><div class="clear"><h1 class="InLinkzContainer" style="color: black; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #339966; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">It’s time to link up!</span></h1>Sharing is caring! We would appreciate a Tweet about the party to help spread the word. <a class="twitter-share-button" data-hashtags="MerryMonday" data-size="large" data-text="Check out the Merry Monday Linky Party" data-url="http://wp.me/p3UxXD-17G" data-via="erleneamat" href="https://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a>   <br /><h2 style="text-align: left;"></h2></div></div><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="407230"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- end InLinkz script --> <!-- start InLinkz script --> <a href="http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=407230" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.inlinkz.com/wpImg.php?id=407230" style="border: 0px;" /></a> <!-- end InLinkz script --></div>

Merry Monday Linky Party #4

Welcome to the 4th Merry Monday Linky Party! First, I want to thank everyone that participated last week and linked up their blog post. You ...

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