DIY Ottomans from Ikea Lack's

I have had a couple of Ikea's $8 Lack tables in my basement for a while.  They have been used as coffee tables and have been working fine.  Well, I came across a DIY ottoman tutorial on Pinterest using the Lack tables, and I knew I had to try it.  Even better, it was no-sew!  I do not sew, so anyting I see on Pinterest that doesn't involve sewing, I pin away!   

It was so super easy...it just takes a little bit of time to put them together.  Here is the link that I found with all the instructions.

I used these white tables that were in my basement:

Here is how they turned out:

 Its the easiest thing...you just take camping foam, glue it to the table, then staple on batting and fabric.  Seriously, anybody could tackle these, and they make such a huge difference!

You can also replace the fabric with something different if you grow tired of what you have down the road...which I'm sure I will!:)

We did end up cutting the legs down a bit, since the foam adds a lot of height...I wanted them more of a foot stool height.  I am slowly getting our basement put together...but, as you can tell, very slowly!

Super, super easy...and best of all, cheap! Total cost with supplies, tables and fabric: $38...can't beat that for ottomans.  Thats my kind of DIY!!

Mixing Prints 101

Mixing prints in fashion can be very intimidating.  I think so often we are wanting everything to "match" that we can't possibly fathom wearing different prints is actually ok!  All too often, people get stuck in the "matchy-matchy" rut... however it is actually acceptable to mix prints in your clothing!  There are a few rules to follow when you do this though, so it doesn't look like your 5 year old picked out your outfit!

(Maxi: Gap Outlet, Top: F21)

#1 - Scale:  When you are choosing different prints, make sure your patterns are of a different scale.  For example, if you choose a bold floral top to wear, choose a skirt/pants that are a smaller print than the floral.  If your prints on top and bottom are both loud and bold, your look will become very overwhelming.

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#2 - 2 Rule:  I have no idea if this is actually a "rule", but I don't think you should wear more than 2 prints in your look.  In my opinion, more than 2 will become a little chaotic and way too busy.  2 seems perfect!

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#3 - Choose similar colors:  When mixing prints, try and choose colors that are similar and part of the same color family.  Or choose prints that have the same color background.  This will tie everything together a lot better.

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#4 - Start with stripes:  If you are a little nervous about this trend, but would like to try it, I think stripes are the perfect place to start.  For the most part, this is a pretty classic and conservative pattern.  Stripes have been around forever, so most people have at least one item in their wardrobe that has stripes.  You can really go as bold or subtle as you want...if you are a little nervous, start with small stripes.  Try pairing them with polka dots or with a pastel floral top or skirt. 

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Now, I am no expert, and have no idea if these are even legit rules!  But mixing prints is fun and can look very effortless and put together.  Fashion is about having fun and taking a few risks...and that includes mixing prints.  Throw that old "matchy" idea out the window and try this fun trend today!!

Try the Trend: Vests

Vests are back!!  I feel like a broken record...it seems that every Try the Trend I post about, I'm saying something has come back into style from decades ago!!  Well, the vest is one of those things!  How many of you grew up wearing denim vests?! I'm raising my hand!  Back in junior high, my vest of choice was an off-white crochet one...I absolutely loved it!  Well, now I am loving them because they allow you to layer your look by giving it more texture and interest, but don't bulk you up.  This is such a fun trend to try, so here is what I came up with:

Dont mind my garden hose in the background, Ha!!)

Vest: Forever 21, Dress: H&M, Shoes: F21, Necklace, F21

Here are some other options I am loving:

 I am loving this fun faux red leather vest!...I think I might need it:) It's such a fun color, and will add a perfect pop to any look.

You can't go wrong with a classic denim vest.  Pair it with a flowy top, and you will have perfect layering proportions.

 If you are not ready to go bold with the red, try a more neutral color with this faux leather one.  This will look so fun over a summery, feminine dress.  It will break up the sweetness and give it a perfect casual look.

Another option with the denim vest, is the floral.  Just like with floral pants, pair this one with neutral, toned down colors and this vest will speak for itself!

DIY Animal Jars & Playroom Thoughts

The next room in our house I would like to tackle is the playroom.  It is nowhere near organized or in any kind of functioning order...in fact, most of the time it is so messy, you have no place to walk!  It will take me some time, but hopefully we'll get to a place of order down there!  In the meantime, I wanted to share this fun little craft I did put together for the room.  I don't quite remember where I saw this, but it was in some magazine...

They are so super easy, and so cute for little storage jars for anything.  I just went to Walmart and grabbed some of these plastic $1 animals...just choose whichever ones speak to you!

Next, I bought these glass jars from Hobby Lobby...they were on sale for $2.00 per jar.  You can choose any size jar you want, depending on what you need storage for.  My kids are colorers...we have more crayons and markers than I know what to do with!  I also thought these jars would be perfect for legos!  We also have those coming out our ears...

Spray paint your animals and lids whatever colors you want...once they are all dry, I just used a screw and screwed them through the underneath bottom lid and into the animals' feet.  They are super sturdy and you can hold them by the animal without it budging.

That's it!  I'm sure you could have figured all that out just by looking at them!:) I am really not much of a DIYer unless it is super easy and quick!  I think they are fun and add a little whimsy to your shelves.

And just for fun...here is our lovely playroom right now!  Not so great...pretty blah and boring.  I need to spruce it up...and figure out some sort of storage solution...

Just keeps getting better! 

Actually, I did do one thing worthwhile, by framing and hanging pictures my little girl drew.  She's obsessed with drawing...she thinks she's a real artist:)  And I tell her, "why yes, yes you are!" :)

Ikea is a great place to get things for a playroom...and this little area is where my decorating stopped in this room!

Well, hopefully there will be more to report soon...I'm kind of in a creative funk lately...I feel no inspiration and I can't decided what to do with this room.  Hopefully it'll come sooner rather than later!

The Door of Many Colors

I decided a while ago that I wanted to paint our front door a happy, cheerful color.  It's been so dark and blah for so long, so I  finally decided to do something about it!  I am in love with the bright colored front doors I've been seeing all over Pinterest, but because of the style of our house (dark colors, lots of stone and stucco) those bold colors wouldn't really go with our house.  I decided that a mustard yellow would be a good choice.  Well, I feel like I've been paint cursed lately...every color I have been choosing is all wrong, not even close to right.  So, we painted, and I freaked, we painted again, and I freaked not as much.  And now I'm just sitting...waiting to decide if I like it or need to paint, AGAIN!  Here is where we started:

Nothing too exciting here...its funny how the front porch in often neglected compared to the rest of the house.  I was that way for almost 6 years! 

This is the after:

This was the freaking out point...much brighter than I was hoping for and it just seemed so bright!  So, I thought that if we painted the door frame a lighter, more neutral color it would tone down the yellow a lot.  Here is the after:

Much better...but again, the color was not what I was hoping for! It was a lot lighter than I thought, but I am at the point of sitting and waiting right now:)  Just waiting to see how I really feel about it after a few days.  But after getting a few fun porch accessories, it definitely helps to make the space feel finished.



Hmmm...still thinking...



 I loved this fun little basket from Target...the chalkboard label is so fun!

         The chair is from TJ...the outdoor pillow is from Target (on sale now for $11)

              I have had the rug for a few years, it is from Target

The wreath is a DIY out of burlap...something that I am still thinking about!  So, there you have it!  Not all projects go exactly how you want or expect.  And thats ok...somethimes it takes a few tries. So any opinions from you that will help me?! 

20 Under 20

I'm a little bit of a fanatic at "browsing", whether it be at different stores or on different websites, so I decided to do a round-up of my top 20 favorite things right now for under $20.  Here we go!:

#1: IZ Byer California Lace Moto Jacket 

 Motorcycle jackets are super popular right now, and I love this one from Kohls becasue it has a little bit of lace at the top, and faux leather on the rest.  $19.20

#2: Nate Berkus dipped bowl

I love this gold dipped bowl from Nate Berkus' line for Target.  I saw it in the store the other day and fell in love!! I wish I had a place for it in my house...$16.99

 #3: Virginia Frame - Aquamarine 

I Love these fun turquoise frames from Z Gallerie.  I saw them the other day when I was on a date with the hubby, and bought the little one...they are too cute and add the perfect pop of color! $12.95

#4: Enamel Armour Statement Necklace

I already blogged about this necklace from Nordstrom a few days ago, but I am a little obsessed!  I love it and think it would go with ANYTHING!  I might need to make this purchase:) $20.00

#5: Nate Berkus Mesh and Tweed Toss Pillow - Gold

I am loving the new line from Nate Berkus...this pillow is calling my name! I love the mix of the gold with the masculine tweed.  It is amazing!:) $21.24 (And I know I went over $1.24...but it is worth it!) 

#6: Rosette Applique Blouse

This top from Forever 21 is so cute with the rosettes on the shoulder, and it will definitely go with just about anything in your closet. $19.80

#7: Titanium Bracelet Watch

Rose gold is all over the place right now, and as much as I would like to have a nice, expensive watch, I'll take this $20.00 one from Nordstrom any day!

#8: Factory Rainy Day Ballet Flats

These flats from JCrew Factory are super adorable!  The color and cute little bow are perfect for spring and summer! $19.50

#9: Threshold Yellow and White Vase

 This vase is so fun...love the yellow and white together.  What a fun addition to any decor it would be. $16.99

#10: Factory Girls' Strip Glitter Heart Keepsake Tee

 Love this little girls' tee from Jcrew Factory.  I know my little girl would especially love the sparkly heart! $19.50 with extra 30% off!

#11: Metal Trimmed Leopard Print Sandals

I've been seeing a lot of the metal trimmed shoes popping up for summer lately.  These from Forever 21 are perfect...the gold metal and leopard print are darling together! $14.80

#12: Women's Striped Pencil Skirts

I have this skirt from Old Navy, and I absolutely love it.  It is so, so comfy and will be perfect for summer.  You could easily dress it up or keep it casual. $19.94

#13: Threshold Brass Animals

 Another thing I've already blogged about, but these little animals have me!  I love their funky shapes, and you really could put them anywhere! Also comes in a lion and elephant. $9.99

#14: LC Lauren Conrad Gold Tone Crystal Bow Bracelet

I love Lauren Conrad's jewelry line for Kohls.  All the items are dainty and simple, but add just the perfect touch to accessorize a look. $9.90

#15: Girls' Faux Gem Sandals 

 How cute are these little girls' sandals from Old Navy?  Loving the pink with rhinestones on it! Cute, cute...$15.00

#16: Boys' Heartbreaker Tee

 This fun little boys' shirt from Jcrew is so cute...I'd love to put either of my boys in it! $17.99 plus 30% off!

 #17: HGTV Magazine

By far, my favorite home decor/decorating magazine out there.  And trust me, I have read them all!  You will not find rugs or pieces of furniture in here for $2,000...yes, this magazine is actually for real people!  1 year subscription for $18.00...trust me, you won't regret it!

#18: Green Lotus Striped Table Runner

World Market is one of my favorite places to shop, not just for their great prices, but they have the cutest, most unique stuff for your house.  This table runner caught my eye.  The stripes and flowers play off each other so well! $19.99

#19: Rocking Birds

I've loved these little rocking birds from West Elm since I saw them.  They are so whimsical and fun and I would love to have a white one somewhere in my home. $14.00

#20: Essential Front-Tie Striped Tee

Black and white are a top trend for spring, and this top from Forever 21 is perfect with the stripes and cute little front tie. $15.80

Whew! Still with me?! Happy Monday!!