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DIY Designer Notebooks {and getting a jump on handmade holiday gifts}

August 10, 2015

Hello there! I’m so giddy about my latest diy project and although it’s not revolutionary, it’s the kind of project that puts a big smile on my face.

After spending boat loads of money over the years buying fancy notebooks and journals, I finally decided to get crafty and make my own designer notebooks.

Since I have a deep love for beautiful paper, this project centered around some of my favorite patterns, colors and designs. I used geometric prints, damask patterns, leather and snakeskin designs and of course bright colors were part of the mix.

The snake skin and embossed croco embossed papers below are actually sheets of vinyl that I found on sale at Michaels for .75 cents.

These diy notebooks were super simple to make and required just a few supplies:

* Notebooks–most of the notebooks I covered I found at HomeGoods but I also covered Composition Notebooks which you can find at any office supply store, Wal-Mart or Target for around .50 cents. The mini notebooks came from Ikea (2/$1.00). This Etsy shop also has a great selection of plain kraft notebooks.

* Decorative paper–you can use scrapbook paper, thick wrapping paper, vinyl sheets and even pages from a book. Most of my decorative scrapbook paper came from Micheals.

* Permanent glue tape–I use my Glue Glider Pro which made applying the tape quick and easy–available from Amazon

* Exacto Knife and Scissors

* Blank Labels and Sticker Letters–available at Michaels

How to:

To cover each book, open the notebook, lay it flat and trace the outline of the notebook onto the backside of your paper. Cut the paper with your scissors.

Apply glue tape to the front of the notebook first and adhere your paper to the front cover. Next, apply glue tape to the spine of the notebook and wrap the paper around towards the back.

Apply glue tape to the back cover of the notebook and secure the paper in place. It’s that easy. You can also cover the inside of the front and back cover if you want.

Finally, apply a label to the front of each notebook and add a sticker monogram to personalize it.

As an added detail, I UpStyled the larger notebooks with metal corner protectors.

I’m on a notebook making marathon because halfway through making a few for myself I realized what great handmade Christmas gifts they’d make.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you’re inspired to make your own designer notebooks.

A HomeGoods Happy Find

July 20, 2015

I’m sure I’m not the only one that roams the aisles of HomeGoods in search for that perfect decorative accessory, pillow or gift item. To be honest, it’s not unusual for me to spend an hour or more in HomeGoods and it never fails that I find something I must have. It’s a good thing that in addition to beautiful lamps, rugs and accent furniture, #HomeGoods has a great selection of inexpensive office accessories and decor.

The other day I came across this clipboard and was immediately drawn in by the gold foil sign inside. Upon further inspection I realized this little gem of a clipboard held more than one sign…there were a total of 12 quote art signs included with the clipboard.

Pretty awesome right?

Each of the 12 art pieces are crafted in black and gold text and have a gold foil edge that really makes them special.

The quotes are all inspirational and are perfect to use in a home office, closet space, bathroom or as part of an art gallery wall like these.

via Pretty Providence

You’ll recognized some of your favorite quotes in the bunch…

She Believed She Could So She Did

Don’t Forget To Be Awesome

You Had The Power All Along My Dear (glinda, the good witch)

Don’t Let Your Dreams Be Dreams

Don’t Ever Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle

Each piece measures 8 1/2 x 11 and is made of thick cardstock and the clipboard is oversized with a gold clip!

So I know you’re wondering just how much the clipboard with art cost…

$7.99

I don’t know how I’m going to use all of the quotes yet but when I figure it out I’ll let you know.

Have you scored any great finds @HomeGoods lately?

Mother’s Day Gift Guide {from my favorite shops}

April 24, 2015

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and treating my mom to something special is the least I can do for all the wisdom she has shared with me, all the support she’s given me, the thousands of hugs she surrounded me with and for all the love she’s shown me each and every day of my life.

When it come to giving you mom a mother’s day gift, there’s not right or wrong as long as it come from the heart and is given with love. But in case you need a little help finding the perfect gift, I’ve pulled together a Mother’s Day Gift Guide with items from my favorite on-line or brick and mortar stores.

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This Is How I Do Easter Baskets

March 25, 2015

Growing up my mom would make Easter baskets for me and my brother. She went to great lengths to create those baskets and would always make them more than a basket full of candy. It wasn’t unusual for me to find slippers or crafting supplies in my basket and my brother to find socks or drum sticks. Every year the baskets felt special and unique, and they always brought smiles to our faces.

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Cocktail Hour with Uncommon Goods + {a giveaway}

February 16, 2015

One of the topics I love writing about here on the blog is entertaining. And although I don’t entertain and much as I’d love to, I’m always prepared for a party.

A couple of years ago I found a metal cart at a thrift store and transformed it into a bar cart. It worked fine, but after living with it for a while I realized I wanted a larger bar cart. Just so happens that I had a partially complete diy project sitting in the garage that would make the perfect bar cart. The new bar cart has been painted but I’m waiting for some hardware that I ordered before I can finish it up.

Since the cart is almost complete, I’ve been on the hunt for unique barware to accessorize the cart with.

Out of nowhere, I was contacted by Uncommon Goods, a company that sells unique designs and handcrafted gifts that are environmentally and worker-friendly. They asked if I wanted to review one of their products and I of course said yes. After looking through the large selection of gift, home, kitchen, bar, art and jewelry items that Uncommon Goods sells, I found the perfect glasses for my bar cart.

The Shaken Martini Glasses are really beautiful in person and you know I couldn’t pass up with metallic confetti design and the gold-rimmed top. I also love that the glasses are made of a thick heavy glass which speaks to their quality, and that they are made here in the USA. The design is perfect for celebrating throughout the year and make a great toasting glass to ring in a new year.

The martini glasses are just one example of the awesome items they have on their site, most of which is made in the USA, half of which is made by hand and one-third of which is made with recycled or upcycled materials. I’ve also got my eye on this cheese board, these agate coasters and this fun artwork. Uncommon Goods also has a great selection of gifts under $50 which you can view here and unique jewelry pieces which you can see here . And if you’re looking for a unique holiday gift they have a great assortment for all the men in your life. You can view all the men’s gift here.

The great folks over at UnCommon Goods want to give you a chance to experience their products so they generously offered to give away a $25 gift certificate to one lucky reader. You can enter the giveaway below. Giveaway last through Sunday, 2/22 and a winner will be announced on Monday, 2/23!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

GIVEAWAY CLOSED!

Disclosure: I received the Shaken Martini Glasses from Uncommon Goods for review purposes only. All opinions are my own.

Gifting 101: A few gifts you should be buying NOW for Christmas

January 19, 2015

I’ve always tried to stay one step ahead when it comes to holiday gift giving. I usually take advantage of the after-Christmas sales and pick up a few gift items for the coming year. January is a great month to begin creating a gift list and checking out stores for sales. Several of my favorite stores have amazing clearance events going on right now and there are some fabulous items to be had. I’ve rounded up a few of my faves in case you want to get a jump on your 2015 holiday shopping.

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Mark and Graham is one of my favorite online shops and when it comes to monogrammed accessories, they have some amazing items to choose from. All of their monogrammed items make great gifts for Christmas or any other gift giving occasion for that matter.

Gift shopping for men is always a challenge. This Leather Credit Card Case–($19.99) is a great buy and makes the perfect gift men {and women}. And if you have someone graduating this year, it’s a great grad gift too.

A classic like this Monogrammed Weekender–($119.99) is a gift that will last a lifetime.

Who wouldn’t love this Leather iPad Envelope–($59.00). Available in 9 colors.

I’m all about zippered pouches that I can fill with essentials and throw in a larger handbag–so many uses for an item like this. Striped Zip Pouches-($34.99-$35.00)

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If I’m out shopping the day after Christmas, Pottery Barn is one of the stores I always go to. I love finding holiday ornaments, tabletop items and textiles on sale. Here are a few items that I think are worth adding to your gift closet.

How fun is this Globe Ice Bucket–($54.99). Because it has a chalkboard exterior it can be used for any occasion and when not in use as an ice bucket, I think it would make a pretty cute nut or candy bowl.

Luxury at a great price. Faux Oversized Mohair Throw ($39.99-$55.00)

These Alphabet Tags-($3.99) are just adorable and their classic design means you can use them now until Christmas. And don’t forget that tags like them can also be used a napkin rings, wine bottle tags or as holiday ornaments.

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Crate and Barrel is also a store worth shopping after the holidays. Here are a few decorative items that are definitely worth buying.

If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone who loves to decorate I highly recommend these Brass Letter Art pieces. They are a great buy at $9.97 each and are available in letters and numbers.

January is a great month to pick up seasonal candles and these Branch Taper Candles are definitely a stylish steal. $2.97

Stocking up on wrapping paper after the holidays can save you a lot of money when Christmas rolls around next year. I love the elegant style and color of this Lacy Snowflake Wrapping Paper and love the price even more–$3.58!

When it comes to setting a holiday table, you can never go wrong with classic white dinnerware. This Nordic Plate ($2.47) is really pretty and has a design that will work from fall through Christmas.

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There are lots of deals to be had right now when shopping the after Christmas sales so start making that list of checking it twice. Christmas is only 339 days away.

For more gifting ideas, read all about my essentials for a well stocked gift closet here.

Happy Shopping!

All Wrapped Up For Christmas

December 20, 2014

T-minus 5 days and counting until Christmas.

The Christmas shopping is all done and boxes have been shipped. Things are starting to settle down around here and that has given me a chance to get most of my holiday gifts wrapped.

I love wrapping gifts and it was so much fun this year to coordinate my gift wrap with my holiday tartan plaid theme.

Here’s a look at my 2014 Holiday Gift Wrap and a few tips that will help you put the finishing touches on your own gifts.

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DIY Monogram Drink Stirrers

December 17, 2014

I love to personalize our small little cocktail cart with monogrammed cocktail napkins and barware. The newest additon to the cart are my DIY Monogrammed Cocktail Stir Sticks which you got a glimpse of when you saw my mug wraps.

After seeing and wanting these monogrammed cocktail stick on Horchow but not wanting to pay $65.00 for them, I knew I this could be an easy DIY project.