Painting Stripes on a Door

I love a good stripe, especially in the home.  Striped walls and striped things are everywhere these days.  I have been wanting to paint a striped wall in our hallway forever and have never gotten around to it.  So when we were updating and transitioning our little boys room into a bigger boy room I decided it was a great time to go for stripes.

Here is a before shot below, this was before ripping the carpet up and painting the walls a darker shade of blue...

I went the easy lazy route and decided to make the stripes all different sizes instead of trying to measure out each stripe the exact same.  I thought for a little door it would be fun.  So yes, I just eyeballed it.  Its not exact or perfect but with the stripes being different sizes it works.  This project was really a cinch - tape up some stripes and paint the door.  Simple.

Isn't it so cute?  I love it!  It adds so much fun and a little brightness to his room.

And as you can tell, this is a lived in little boys room.  It has bins full of random toys, stickers stuck on things and homemade projects on the walls.  I see all of these kids rooms on pinterest that are perfectly organized and decorated without hardly a toy in site.  I'm not sure how that works but I'm really happy with how his little space turned out - its his.

Next on the list of things to do in here is to change out the door handles.  I have had the new ones for months now - but they were way more complicated looking to install than I thought so I have put them off.    Eventually he will have some updated oil rubbed bronze door knobs to go with all of the other finishings.  Those little finishing seem to make such a big difference when all together.

Its cool how a little paint can transform a space.

Do you guys have any stripe projects in your home?  A wall, door, some furniture?  Share with me!

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#DIYlikeaboss

Easy Outdoor Updates

Last week I spent a lot of time talking about simplifying.  Mostly, that had to do with simplifying all of the stuff piling up and so I had started a great purge of my closet.  Living more simply though definitely translates into other areas of your life.  Getting rid of the useless things is part of it but it also means being intentional of how you live.  Not doing things just to do them, not taking on too many busy projects and enjoying the people God has put in your life.  A better life focus, if you will.  We are inundated with the constant desire for more, or are surrounded with the push of consumerism - when really we already have way too much.  So today its about using what you have, making something of it and making it usable.

This plant stand on our patio was by all means trash, rusted, peeling, and old.  Probably something I needed to throw away. But instead, I decided to shine it up a bit and use what I had. 

It took some scraping, cleaning and a little spray paint and it was looking just as good as new.  There is something really satisfying about taking a piece of junk and making it pretty again.  And this was not a fancy project, but a simple one that made a huge difference in how it looked.  

We also spent some time before Justin's surgery to utilize the flower bed next to our house to plant some veggies and herbs.  I don't have a before picture, but this space was so overgrown, neglected, and terrible looking.  But with some effort we were able to clean it out and make it into something usable.  Another completely satisfying project and something that felt like it was worth the time and effort.

The best part about the little garden, in my opinion, is the time Silas and I can spend taking care of it.  He loves going out to water, clean out a few weeds, and watch it all grow.  

Take some time to look around and find something useful out of something that may be old and overlooked!  Sometimes its just the simple things.

Simple Spring Wreath Tutorial

Today I'm sharing with you a super simple wreath tutorial!  It involves cutting, tying knots and using mostly items you probably already have- so anyone can do this.  I needed some spring color to brighten up our home so yellow is what I went for, I love the bright pop of color!  Ok, let's get started..

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies.  I used an embroidery hoop for my wreath base.  If you don't have one already they are super easy to find - either at your local craft store, walmart and even target now has them and they are usually under $2.  Next you need to decide on fabric.  I used all scarp items like an old table cloth, sheet and t shirt.  I also used some yellow felt I already had on hand.  Just use what you have!

It really is just as simple as cutting strips of fabric...and they don't have to be perfect (obviously from my photo) and tying the strips in knots around your hoop.  After you have it all tired I usually grab my scissors and trim around the wreath to make it a little more even.

So easy and sweet!  I love using things I already have on hand to make something new.  If you didn't have fabric you could also use ribbon or burlap...or old t-shirts like I did.

The most difficult thing about this wreath is probably the time but I got mine done in under an hour and all while watching HGTV of course...not too bad.  

Simplified Spring Wardrobe - The Items

Spring is in full force, this wardrobe has been in full force for almost a month now and I'm loving it so much.  Last week I shared about how I was craving simplicity - in a lot of ways- and one of the easiest and most needed ways to begin was to simplify my closet.  So I purged and stored and gave away stuff and now I'm down to much, much less.  This is not necessarily a capsule wardrobe (the idea in which I love and used as a tool when simplifying my wardrobe) but it is a simplified version of what I used to have.  Pretty much everything is mix and matchable and easy to wear.  So, for the curious ones -here are the items I ended up with.  Maybe this will help some of you visualize what your closet could be as well.

Spring is a little difficult to plan for, you can have 80s here one day and 50s the next so I needed to make sure I had plenty of layering options.  I don't have any crazy colors going on, I stuck with what I like - neutrals and shades of blue.  I don't have anything overly trendy, mostly basics with a few seasonal pieces - things that will work year after year.  I know that's not everyone's cup of tea but its mine.  Also, I should add that I actually did not buy one single new item, I had everything in my closet already but I know that is not realistic for everyone.  Creating a mixable simplified wardrobe may take some purchases and planning.  Start with what you have first and make a list of items that would help fill out your closet.  Then, use that list to slowly build the wardrobe you will actual wear and use.  No more wasteful purchases and stuffed closets and feeling like you have nothing to wear!

Its crazy how many outfit options I have going on here with these items.  Its almost unlimited.  Each row above has several combos just within that row (many I haven't even thought of) and then each row can mix-in with the next.  Having a simplified closet not only allows you to have less but somehow creates even more options.  Everything flows and is easy to put together.

Having a good idea of what you like to wear, taking control of that messy, overstuffed closet and working your way to being a good steward are all things I was aiming for in this closet overhaul.  I'm sure I will learn more as I go and this whole simplified way of doing things will evolve.  But, I can honestly say I'm so loving this.  Having less actually forces you to be more creative - in a lot of areas of your life and creativity is that fuel that we all need sometimes and allows us to grow.  

Personally - (and this is going in a totally different direction now but somehow in my mind still connects)... I know in the times when I am left with little in my spiritual life is when God works in awesome ways to prune me into something better.  We get ourselves out of the way and turn to God alone.  We don't need a bunch of stuff, we just need Jesus.  

I hope that some of these thoughts will help you on your way of getting rid of stuff, finding simplicity and letting Jesus fill your life.

 ...so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

Ephesians 3:17-19

Utility Vest, Arctic Edition

What do you wear when its freezing?  And why is it so amazingly cold in NC?  I need answers!  This week's style challenge from Putting Me Together is to wear something from your closet that you haven't worn in 6 months.  I knew I wanted to wear this utility vest but as the temperatures have plummeted I wasn't sure how I could and be actually warm.  This vest is something I picked up last Spring at a great price and was really excited to wear it.  But for some reason I have struggled with what to wear it with and since I haven't been comfortable with it, it has just sat.  No more! 

I have never thought about putting each of these things together but its crazy when you force yourself to be a little creative with your closet what possibilities you can come up with.  Green on green - yes.  Leopard print scarf - absolutely.  Black and cognac - everyday.  

To make this vest really work in the winter I actually doubled it up.  Earlier this season I lost my coat and had to search out a new one.  The one I found was on sale like crazy (buying a coat after Christmas is where its at) and it had a removable vest inside for extra warmth (that is fleece lined).  So to make my utility vest wearing dreams come true, I removed the vest from my coat and layered it underneath the utility vest.  So warm.  This was great for 30s.  Today its in the teens so I'm sure I will need even more layers!

We go kind of crazy here when it snows or get any kind of wintry precipitation. This was mostly ice but, that did not stop us from building a snowman and running around outside like kids.

We've had our three days of winter and I think we are all good now.  We wouldn't be too sad if it became Spring.  

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Kids Room Ideas

Last week I shared how we were working on finishing up some projects in Silas' room and how much I was loving it.  This little room has so many fun little touches.  With his pallet shelf all completed it was time to officially recover his "couch" as he calls it.

His "couch" was originally a project we did for the Pinterest challenge a couple of years ago.  It was actually an ottoman we made for our living room but Silas came to love and use it so much it eventually migrated to his room.  Its the perfect size for him to play on, read books, watch a show, etc.  He loves that its just his size.  

So when I set to recover it I looked for a fabric that would work well with everything else we were putting in his room.  I love to look at the clearance section at big stores for "fabrics" - for example, curtains, shower curtains (which is what I originally used for this), sheets, table cloths -anything!  I came across a set of sheets at Target in the clearance section and was sold.  So yes, I used a flat sheet to recover.  I think the set was $7.78.  If you buy fabric ever you know that trying to find a fabric you love for a price like that is amazing.  Plus, since it was a set I got a fitted sheet to use on his bed as a bonus.  I love this kind of stuff.

I love the mix of patterns from the fabric to the rug.  So fun.  

Each little project just brings a feeling of completion to his room and is driving me to get it all done.  I'm determined to get my list completed in his space before I move on to other things.  One thing at a time!

Simple Pallet Board Shelf

Silas' room is becoming one of my favorites in the house.  We have been slowly adding so many elements that I love and its really starting to feel like a completed space.  His room has been transforming into a big boy room, which is fun and also a little sad at the same time.  But we are enjoying each season.

Pallets: you probably love them or can't stand them.  I'm on the love portion of that statement (of course).  I have been wanting to incorporate a pallet board in some form or another in our house for some time now and this little project ended up being the perfect fit.  I acquired this little pallet board somewhere, somehow and it made its way into Silas' room to act as a little quasi-shelf.  You can see below how its been leaning against his wall for a while and neatly organized with some of his things.  It was time to finally make this spot more permanent (and safe) for our little pallet board.

So we found a little time on a weekend and put together a quick plan to mount this thing to the wall and make it a functional part of his room.  To attach this to the wall I went and found some of the strongest wall anchors I could (pallets are super heavy).  Justin measured, drilled and anchored this monster to the wall.  Its not going anywhere now.  

To give it a little more function we also attached a little yellow hook set I found at Target.  Now Silas has a sweet little place to hang things, display his special little items and store some books.  

I love pallets because one- they are free and two - they add a little rustic touch to a room.  I didn't even bother with cutting or adding anything to the pallet.  It was functional just they way it was for me.

With it now securely mounted to the wall it feels like it actually belongs here now and its great to check one of those little projects off the list!  I have a few more things to accomplish in his room before I can say his room is completed.  For example- hang curtains, recover his little "couch" and Paint his bookcase..so we are getting close (sort of).

So do any of you have a thing for pallets?  Have any fun projects you have done?  Share with me, I'd love to know!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Pin it and Wear it - Winter Neutrals

I'm into pinterest these days for a lot of reasons and finding new ideas for outfits is one of them!  This week's style challenge from Putting Me Together is to wear something you have pinned.  Lately I've been really into the idea of winter whites or wearing lighter neutrals for winter.  One of my favorites is this pin from Christine of Hello Fashion, its one of those I try to pin several times and I get that  (whoops you already pinned this) message each time.

Ok, so once upon a time there was this show called Trading Spaces and it was just the best.  On one particular episode one of the designers decided to design a room around the color white.  So everything in the whole room was replaced with bright white - white walls, white floors, white furniture.  He called the room "white whoa".  Needless to say the homeowners were speechless and quite unhappy. Why this episode is still fresh in my mind I do not know but this is the point >  At first go, I went all white with my outfit (white top and white jeans) and immediately it was feeling a little too #whitewhoa for me.

Instead of completely giving up I decided to change it up a bit and do more of a neutral toned outfit.  Still keeping with the same idea but a little more softer.  In the end, I was much happier with it.  

There really are numerous ways to even put neutral together.  Its always fun to come up with new ways to wear the pieces in your closet.  Try something new this week! 

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Updating the Ceiling Fan

The best part about updating an older home is the crazy uneven walls and ceilings, reconfigured wiring and past owners attempts at diys.  It makes a simple task, like updating a ceiling fan really fun.  We went into this project thinking it would be a quick- out with the old, in with the new- less than and hour deal, but things aren't always what they seem.

 

So first for a second, lets talk about ceiling fans.  I know they are not everyone's favorite.  After living here for several years I realized I really enjoyed having a ceiling fan in our living room.  The added refreshing air was quite pleasant.  Are ceiling fans the prettiest?  No, and the one we had was pretty awful.  So I went on a search for a ceiling fan that wasn't atrocious, huge and not crazy expensive.  After weighing my options I chose a little modern styled fan I found on wayfair.  Its small, but our living room is small so it works.  The last thing I wanted was a big fan taking up all the precious space that we don't have.  Something I have learned about updating your home is this - its your home, you are living in it, you know what you like, so go with that.  Don't worry about sticking to design rules so much or going with the most trendy thing.  After months of living with this little sweet fan, I still love it.  Added bonus - I got this fan way less than the listed price.  I stalked wayfair for months for a sale, then I signed up to receive emails to get 10% off my first purchase.  So with the sale plus the 10% off it was less than $40.  #Score.  #It pays to be patient.

Now lets talk about the frustrations of older home updates.  As we excitedly took down the old clunker fan we began to realize something - well a few somethings.  One, this fan didn't want to come down and was rigged up pretty oddly so a new one going in was going to be...not a quick fix.  And two, our new little sweet fan was well, little and the old one had left behind quite the mark on our ceiling.  We were glad to have our trusted friend Mark here to help us Justin with our wiring issue (lets face it, I just took pictures and freaked out about the big mark on the ceiling).  This was a you hold this, while I do this kind of job.  And, because of our ceiling debacle we actually had to do this twice.  Yay!

After we realized this was not going to look very good we decided to try the little ceiling medallion trick.  And thankfully, it did the job of prettying this whole thing up.  There were several options at our local hardware store, but I just wanted something on the smaller and quaint side.  According to the kind lady at the store there is a method of calculating the proper ceiling medallion size for your room but that really didn't matter to me.  I knew what I was looking for, who cares about rules.

I actually really love the ceiling medallion and think it adds a little charm to the room - even if it is a ceiling fan.  Old vs new...I like the new much better.

Before, I felt like the ceiling fan was a big eye sore in the room, now it seems to fit - plus its functional so its a great mix for me.

You would think that after all of these light fixture changes we would have known this would be more of a deal than we initially anticipated but we tend to forget in the excitement of it all.  This is actually one of my favorite updates we have done in the whole house since it made such a big difference in the room.  At the end of the day, it did take a little longer to complete but totally worth it.