We're back today with another no carve easy-peasy pumpkin (check out our mud cloth one from yesterday). We're kicking it old school with a milk glass pumpkin that manages to look classically vintage whilst sporting a clean, modern pattern.
Ready for a fun before-and-after project? A boring Craigslist dresser is transformed into a vision of blue beauty, in just 10 steps! There is a right way to to achieve a great finish on a painted dresser, and there is certainly a wrong way, too. Sure, you could just slap on a coat of paint and call it a day, but impatience and rushing through the repainting process means sloppy results. However, we're here to share our careful step-by-step process, and to make sure you get it right the first time around so your Craigslist finds can shine!
I love black and white, and what better pattern to show off this high contrast combo then buffalo check (also known as buffalo plaid). For the last few years, I've been adding more and more of this (usually) red-and-black flannel pattern known to my fall/winter wardrobe and home decor. Last year, I decorated a whole Christmas tree for $10, and buffalo check was the main star.
So, when I found this solid little table at a thrift store for $8, I decided to give it a giant gingham makeover.
I'll admit it: I don't really like carving pumpkins. I always have grand plans, but by the time you head to the patch, select just the right one, gorge on popcorn balls, look for the carving tools, spread the newspaper, and begin the epic cleanout process...I'm kinda over it.
Everyone's talking about costume parties and thriller flicks, but even as an adult I know Halloween is all about the candy. I wanted to make a spooky treat that was different than the usual mix of fun candies and white chocolate - I wanted something... darker. With bloody red candy melts and dark chocolate chips, this Halloween bark is sure to hit the darkest of spots.
I have boxes upon boxes of Christmas decor, but do you know what I always wish I had more of? Halloween decorations! Most of the spooky decor associated with this ghoulish of holidays doesn't last for more than one season (I'm talking to you, weird bag of spider webs!). Rather than buying stuff to throw it away on November 1st, I wanted to make something I can decorate with this year and the years after. Boosting your own stash of spooky decor is easy enough - keep reading to see how I made these glossy bookends from wood, spray paint, and spooky bobbles.
Halloween is coming, and with it an explosion of orange and black. The holiday's signature colors may be my least favorite color combination of all time. So, I put them in a box and it made all the difference.
To make your own set of Halloween curios, here's what you'll need:
Supplies:
It's officially fall. Can you believe it? Saying good-bye to the hot sunny days and cocktails on the patio is enough to make anyone a bit bummed. So, why not treat yourself to a bunch of flowers to create some lovely bouquets to brighten the mood, all the while using the same materials! The best part is, you don't have to be a professional florist or even have a lot of experience in flower arranging. It's about exploring and discovering new avenues of creativity step by step, while having fun of course!
One of my favorite things about the autumn months is coming home at night and snuggling by the heater under warm blankets with candles or incense burning in the background. The heavenly scents help me to unwind after a long day at work, and incense holders are so easy to make that there's no excuse not to have a stick or two burning away while you cozy up and get stuck into that good book. Click through to learn how to make your own DIY incense holder, and head to the bottom of the post for more information about the benefits of incense!
Generally speaking, we all want to be physically healthier, and we all want to be more financially fit. Gains in both those spheres really boost our enjoyment of life, but attaining both those goals at the same time can seem intimidating. Can you save money and stay healthy? Do the two go hand-in-hand, or do they butt heads? Read on to learn about ways that will help you improve both your bodily and fiscal fitness. Put these tips into practice and reap two-for-one benefits!
Whenever falls rolls around, I like to experiment with unique decorations that stray a bit from the traditional orange pumpkins and red leaves. This year I made a unique triangular shaped wall hanging with a decidedly bohemian vibe... and today I'm sharing the tutorial with you guys. Keep reading to check out the full tutorial!
When the air starts to crisp up, wearing layers is key to being comfortable. Fingerless gloves can be a fun and practical addition to your fall wardrobe. They add warmth, style, and keep your fingers free for devices and other dexterous tasks. Read on for a roundup of DIY, buy, and up-cycled options. You will want to get this kind of cozy into your life.
It's the most wonderful time of the year.
No, I don't mean the Big C. My absolute favorite time of year is -- fall!
Every year when autumn hits here in New England, my senses come to life. Crisp, clear air; leaves to crunch through; snuggly scarves; cozy lit windows on dark, chill nights; there are so many little daily luxuries to savor.
And this year I'm adding another one, which will also help in my goal of better self-care: DIY chai spice tub tea!
Keep reading to see how easy it is to make your own chai spice tub tea!
I know, pumpkin spice latte is still the fall season drink-darling of the internet, but I'll choose a steaming cup of chai tea any day. That sweet and spicy scent sends me right into an autumn reverie. Since chai is both exhilarating and soothing, it's perfect for a stress-reducing aromatherapy bath.
While aromatherapy is often geared around specific essential oils that promote different benefits, you don't have to follow all the rules for a good self-care bath. We each have our own idea of what relaxes us. That's why I can't wait to have another soak in my DIY chai spice tub tea. It just melts all my tension away!
Plus, the epsom salt is known to relieve sore muscles, and black tea is full of antioxidants that are good for your skin. So this homemade tub tea is not only full of the joy of fall days, but it's good for you, too!
Since chai tea is full of complex flavors, this recipe does call for some whole spices. I am providing links to online sources in the materials, but the cheapest place to purchase whole spices is in bulk at a health or international food store. Bulk spices are really inexpensive when you're getting small amounts, so don't balk at the long ingredients list!
Okay, are you ready to make your own chai spice tub tea? For 5 "servings" of tub tea, you will need:
Measure all the ingredients, except cinnamon sticks, into the jar, and stir well until completely combined. You can use the spoon to gently crush the larger star anise pieces so they get evenly distributed.
Then, add the cinnamon sticks on top (they just are too big to be stirred).
Fill each tea bag until its about 2/3 full. Place a cinnamon stick in each bag, and tie.
That's it! When you are ready to use your chai spice tub tea, simply draw a bath, and place the sachet right into the water so it steeps, just like a drinkable tea. You can crush the bag in your fingers a bit to enhance the aroma. Bonus points for stirring an extra cup of epsom salts into the bath for even more benefit!
Then, recline into your chai scented tub and let your troubles simmer away.
I know it's SUPER TEMPTING to make a cup of chai tea to drink with the same batch while you're at it, but please don't drink this mix with epsom salt -- it works as a laxative when ingested. However, everything else is edible, so if you leave that out, you have a recipe for a delicious mug of chai!
These simple homemade tub tea sachets would make a great self-care gift, don't you think? Just add a little gift tag to each bag. Or, you can gift a whole jar of the tea blend with some sachets, so your recipient can customize the strength of each individual pouch.
But, this is one of those gifts I *may* end up keeping for myself!
What's your favorite way to unwind with some self-care? Tell us what relaxes you during this busy time of year! And, what do you think of this chai spice tub tea recipe?
Bathroom windows are unique, both in form and function. They need to let light into a small space, while at the same time, afford you privacy. Here's how to get the best of both worlds.
Every bathroom in my home has a window, some of them quite large. Our current master bathroom even has one in the shower. That doesn't seem so bad (hooray, natural light!), except the window looks directly out onto the porch right next to our front door.
Hello Mr. UPS man, don't mind me, I am just standing here taking a shower...
Obviously, we had to remedy these problems. Bathroom windows are a good thing! They let in light and help ventilate the bathroom when needed, but they can be inconvenient when you need to go about your bathroom business. Here is a wide variety of solutions for your bathroom privacy that fit a variety of budget needs.
Grab some painters tape and this can of frosted glass spray paint for less than $4 and you have got a pretty easy privacy fix.
You can use the contact paper "as is" or you could use a cut out to make a fun pattern like this tutorial over at Thrifty Fun. This would be a great fix for a rental but my guess is the humidity from your bathroom would cause peeling. This might not be the best permanent solution but a great inexpensive temporary solution costing less than $10.
A more permanent option would be to spend a little more to purchase vinyl cling film for your bathroom windows. The cost depends on the size of the window but a 17 X 78 inch piece from Amazon costs around $14.
A creative option would be to make a privacy screen to place in front of the panes of your bathroom windows. All you need is a wood frame and a remnant of lace. Check out how to make this lace window screen here. If you need a little more privacy use a more patterned lace or a sheer piece of fabric.
Many people hang art in their bathroom, so why not use that art to cover a window? I know the photo is not a bathroom but a piece of art could cover a lot of window. For a smaller window positioned high, a small piece could cover the bottom window pane. If you want to keep it budget friendly head to the thrift store to find a treasure.
A short cafe-style curtain can create bathroom window privacy and still let in light from above. These bathroom window curtains fit perfectly in humid environments, as they actually repel water. Find them on Amazon for under $14.
Can't find any bathroom window curtains that fit your style or size? All you need to make your own is a tension rod, a bit of fabric, and some needle and thread. Check out this easy tutorial for the step-by-step instructions.
Want to make your own bathroom window curtains, but don't want to sew them? Find out how to make no-sew curtains by following this tutorial.
Why over-think it when simple bathroom window curtains will create usable and durable privacy. This is what we use for my master bathroom window.
If you have a larger window use thicker drapery panels to cover the bottom part of the window. You would need to buy a curtain panel and a curtain rod putting this project over the $25 mark, unless you have a small window and can use a tension or cafe rod. Another budget friendly option is using kitchen towels for curtain panels.
This is such a great fix for smaller bathroom windows. You can find these at Lowes or other home improvement stores. If you have a standard size window you can often find paintable wood versions at local salvage stores or Habitat for Humanity Re-stores.
Turn your window into a tinted mirror with two-way window film. You will be able to see outside but they will not be able to see into your bathroom. The cost of this depends on the size of your window but a small window can definitely be covered for under $50.
You can use a tutorial like this one to make a roman shade using a fabric shower curtain.
These simple shades go up and down without the use of cords, meaning they're ideal for homes with pets or small children. Let light in as you please for under $50.
Privacy is key when you're in the bathroom, but it's also important to let as much natural light in as possible. Hanging a macrame wall hanging in the window (especially one in a light color), adds beauty and privacy. We love this one from Amazon!
Block the view through your bathroom window with a large mirror. It works even if its not over your sink as well. It can be a great dressing or make-up mirror.
You can find vintage stained glass for under $100 at flea markets and antique stores. Hello, architectural detail!
I am actually not sure if the window above is window film but I have always wanted to try this leaded glass window film from Wall Paper for Windows. I also like the tudor style leaded glass. They have the blurred glass and the privacy frosted glass as well. The cost depends on your window size but its pricier and more durable than the less expensive window cling.
Bamboo shades are great options for privacy while also allowing light to filter through. Bamboo can also hold up to humidity pretty well as well. You can find many options under $50 at home decor stores or department stores.
These plantation shutters can be custom made to fit any window. You can order then at most home improvement stores in their special order area.
If you are remodeling this might be a good fix but it will be the most expensive.
There are companies, like Hunter Douglas, that make shower grade plantation shutters and trim to install over existing bathroom windows in your shower.
Indow Window is a window insert company that has a wide variety of uses for their window inserts. This is much less expensive than installing a new window. They have frosted privacy options that can be easily installed by any homeowner like the pictures shows above.
Most custom blind stores sell bottom-up/ top down roman shades. By just using the cord attached they can work like roman shades or they can raise up from the bottom to shade the lower part of your bathroom windows.
In conclusion, there's no need to expose yourself. Hopefully one of these bathroom windows solutions will work for you!
Okay, confession time. I have a lot of random junk in my garage. I love to thrift, so when I come across furniture that has "potential", I buy it and save it for a rainy day. This ugly little metal drawer cabinet has been in my garage for a couple years now collecting dust. I bought it at the Pasadena Flea Market and paid about $20 for it. It was very rusty and had a lot of holes and chipped layers of paint.
