Signs of Spring Along with Santa

We had some GORGEOUS weather over the weekend here in Minneapolis!  How about you?

It felt so wonderful to get outside and feel the warmth of the sun!  It seemed like spring arrived overnight, we went from a snowstorm last week to sunshine and Summer Shady the next week... ahhhh! 

I think relaxing while sipping on my first Summer Shady of the year may have been the highlight of my weekend... especially due to the fact that Santa showed up in his "Summer Sleigh".  He even let out a nice loud "Ho-Ho-Ho" while he sat at that red light :)

I can't help but think this makes my Wild Turkey sightings even stranger though?  Turkey and Santa sightings in April... what does it all mean?!?

But aside from our fun sitting out in the sun, we did notice some more official signs of spring like our Tulips and Day Lilies starting to sprout up! I can only hope that the tree we planted back in early October starts to show signs of recovery as well...

We're a little worried about our little tree so if anyone has tips for Spring growing let us know!

Lastly, if you are wondering if I got working on my closet room I actually did even though the beautiful weather made it tough to want to be inside.  I was able to finish up the rest of my Greek Key window shades- and I ended up tweaking the design a little bit.  My next post will be an update on that! 

Hope you had a great weekend!  Did anyone else see Santa this weekend?  I imagine noI imagine I'm the only one that saw Santa right?!?  If you did too though you have to tell me!

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Multi-Wear Zipper Cape (Cape/Poncho Revamp)

Sorry I have been a little MIA from the blog this week, work was crazy busy this week and my brain couldn't handle much else. Writing a post might have made my head explode :)  Thankfully, my head is still in tact so I can share a DIY post with you today!  So happy it's Friday!!!

Remember that Cape/Poncho I made a while back?  Well I came up with a new and improved version!  Take a look at the Multi-Wear Zipper Cape!

Don't you love Multi-Wear clothes and accessories?!?  My Mutli-Wear Snap Scarf is still one of our most popular posts so my guess is that you love multi-wear too!? 

Even though I still like the first DIY version of this cape, it just wasn't as versatile as I wanted it to be...

I wore it a couple times and came to the realization that no matter what, it had to go over your head to take it on or off- and that was really the only way you could wear it.  I thought it'd be nice if it had the functionality to just wear as a wrap...  Why, oh why did I sew that darn seam? 

But that was the answer, such an easy fix!  So, I took out the seam I had sewn in the first DIY and replaced it with a separating zipper. 

All other parts of the DIY stayed the same....

That very simple change of adding a zipper allowed for so many different ways it could be worn! 


Thanks Jenny for playing model and making the cape look so cute!


I just LOVE that chunky gold zipper!  It has a thicker utility kind of feel to it that makes the whole thing more raw/edgy looking... ugh love!  I'm gearing up to make another one using a lighter wool-blend fabric in Navy Blue.  It will have a more drape-y summer type look to it- perfect for cooler summer nights! 

I'm Head Over Heels for this versatile look, how about you? 

Would you like to see a photo of the Summer-y Navy Blue one too once I finish it?

Well, I'm happy to report that Spring finally arrived here in Minnesota!  I hope I am not jinxing it by typing this though, we did have a snow storm just seven days ago but it's almost 70 degrees here!  So, I'm going to get outside and enjoy the rest of the day and weekend!  I promise I will try to squeeze in some work on my closet room though :)  ready to wrap that one up! 

Hope you have a beautiful Spring-y weather weekend too! See you soon!

Junk Bonanza Photos- Can You Guess What I Took Home? Plus the Wedding Lab!

I gathered all up my photos from Thursday's Junk Bonanza trip to share!  Aside from just shopping at JB, the other fun part is getting some project or DIY ideas from what you see.  Also, this year they had a Wedding Lab that featured some amazing, cute and creative wedding themes (fun to look at even if you aren't a bride-to-be!).  So I hope you enjoy a look at all the sights and maybe find a fun idea or two! 

If you're up for a little game too, try and guess the three items I took home as you look through the pictures.  Ready?!?!  Here's a look at all the "junk"...

That wraps up the junk for sale but I can't leave out photos of the Wedding Lab! 
Each themed "lab" displayed great ideas for a vintage, vintage-inspired, or repurposed wedding and reception style.  The displays were so pretty too look at, I have to say all the folks that put it together did an amazing job!  (Click here for more info)

Ahhhh, I still love looking at wedding decor ideas! 

Now, I know you're wondering what I took home???  Did you guess the three items from the photos above?  Yes? No?  Either way here's my loot...

Any correct guesses?!?  I think the Z was pretty easy but it was a good score for just $10 and I love the glossy white/gold finish and the modern vintage style of it.  My friend Amber spotted the potty knocker for $3 and said, "you should get this for Alex" so I did.  It was a perfect gift for my hubby- random, strange, and included bathroom humor :)  Lastly, I got that little black dress for $20 and it fits perfectly, how lucky is that find?!?!  Plus, who doesn't love a little vintage in their wardrobe?

Phew! 

Anyone else score good finds at Junk Bonanza this weekend?  What'd ya get?

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Greek Key Window Shades

Did you happen to catch my closet inspiration post yesterday?  I couldn't get that Greek Key patterned window shade out of my head.  Not just because I loved the idea, but I couldn't stop thinking about DIY-ing it- so I did!

When it came to window treatments for my closet-room, I knew I didn't want anything super colorful or patterned in that space since I have clothing and shoe crazy-ness all over most of the room already.  This kind of look would fit perfectly, just simple and refined....

Images via The Nesting Game | Lonny Magazine | Effortless Style  | Decor Pad

... But I guess "simple" just stuck out to me? 
There must be some kind of strange equation in my brain: Simple + Idea x Carla / Budget$ = DIY  ?
Basically, it is a roman shade with a pattern around the border.  I figured I should just buy a plain white shade and add the border myself!

With all my clothes next to windows, the most important thing was getting something that will block the light from hitting and fading the fabric- oh the horror!  I got plain 55" width Light Filtering Roller Shades from Home Depot for $14.25 each, which had to be cut to 46.75" wide for my windows.  For the Greek Key pattern I used violet colored 3M Color Vinyl Electrical Tape from Home Depot as well for $3.99.  I know, I know, electrical tape indeed sounds odd, but here's the thing- the shade itself was vinyl and the tape is vinyl, therefore it's acceptable.  Vinyl tape on other things like fabric, shoes, furniture, your face, etc. is not acceptable- Just wanted to clarify my DIY logic because I know the whole tape thing sounds nuts!

I started by mapping out the placement for the Greek Key design (there are a few variations to a Greek Key pattern, mine is different the ones shown above).  Keep in mind all the measurements included are based on the size of my windows.  Here are the steps I followed to create the look...

NOTE: It is very important to make sure that you aren't letting the edges/ends of the tape overlap! If you do, your handmade tape creation will be really handmade obvious :) do your best to avoid that! Take your time, measure out each piece of tape to cut, and cut tape ends straight at a 90 degree angle.

To create the next section of the pattern, I spaced it out half the width of my squares.  From there you pretty much connect the dots....


Here's some progress pictures of the pattern coming together. It was pretty time consuming since I wanted it to turn out nice, but totally worth it! 

Once the pattern was complete, I hung the shade using the coordinating brackets from Home Depot.  Here's a look of the Greek Key pattern shade mounted in the window....

One down, four to go... ugh exciting!  Still, I'm pretty sure I'm Head Over Heels for this DIY- yes tape and all!  It's a simple way to add some style to low cost window shades for sure!

I'll be compiling all my photos from Junk Bonanza tomorrow, can't wait to show you the "treasures" took home!  What are you up to this weekend?

- Anyone else going to look for treasures at Junk Bonanza?
- What do you think of the DIY Greek Key Window Shade project?
- What other fun DIY Window Treatments have you created?  I'd love to know!

Closet-Room Decor Ideas and Junk Bonanza!

After finishing my $10 dresser redo, I've been looking for some inspiration for the rest of my closet-room decor.  Since the space isn't a typical behind-a-bedroom-wall plain closet and it certainly isn't a big ol' fancy pants Lisa Vanderpump closet, it felt a bit challenging to find inspiration to fit my unique space- but there was hope!

What I ended up finding  for "inspiration" were rooms with a unique layout or dual-purpose kind of function... and that dual-purpose function ended up being that much needed closet storage along with an office+creative type space.  Perfect!  Not only did I like the look of this blended space approach, but I LOVED how pretty each image looked!  The combination of pinks, greens, and blue shades along with the unique feminine decor elements felt like closet+ office +decor perfection!

Images via Elle Decor Wayfair blog Luscious Style

Dreamy right?!?!  The glam inspiration helped me think more about the overall look I wanted to pull together, but I still had to think about the must haves for my closet room which include- window treatments, a floor rug/runner, decorative pillow, storage bins, and other cute random decor.  So, here's what I'm thinking for the overall look and feel....

Roman Shade via Houzz  Pillows via Design Darling Trunk End Table via Brookstone

I can't wait to start shopping and talk about perfect timing... Junk Bonanza starts tomorrow (click the link for all the info)!  I'll be able to shop for one-of-a-kind finds for my closet-room!  My eye will be out for items on the list above as well as unique wall frames, wall decor, storage solutions, and other pretty gold metal or decorative glass items.   I hope I find some great stuff, either way you know I will share with you :)

I'll be there bright and early tomorrow (Thursday 4/18) with my blog/photographer friend Amber, how about you?!?

Anyone else going to check out Junk Bonanza tomorrow or this weekend?

What do you think I should look for to complete the look in my closet-room?

Weather and Wild Turkey Weirdness

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... and it's so, so wrong.  Is it really mid-April?  Or is it February?  I'm beginning to feel likeI'm stuck in a strange time warp, like time stopped here in Minnesota mid-March.  It's just weird!  It doesn't even feel like the days are getting any longer, but that could also be because I haven't seen the direct sun in over two weeks.  Sorry if I just sound cranky.... but this non-stop cold weather makes me real grumpy, I was totally wrong about that whole "Last Blast" thing. 

I couldn't believe the amount of snow that was falling yesterday- just big wet gobs that stuck all over you.  Then some weird icy-cold rain/sleet followed that later in the day.  Here's a look at that weather report (off the top of my head, hehe)....

This weather report was brought to you by the state of Minnesota. It's Minnesota Ice Nice.

Now, since we're on the topic of weirdness, I've been wanting to blog about something for a while now but couldn't figure out how to fit it in- but here it is.  A very strange occurrence has happened not once, not twice, but three times.  What is it you ask?  Well what else but a wild turkey running down the street on my way home from work...  

We live about a mile from downtown in a more urban type area- this is so not normal!  Maybe one random sighting would be normal, but three times?!?!  Even more odd is that I've seen Mr. Turkey Lurkey all three times on the same street around the same time.  It just leaves me with so many questions...

Is this turkey sighting some kind of weird sign?

Are wild turkeys going to invade Minneapolis? 

Where's Mr. Turkey Lurkey going and where did he come from? 

Can anyone else see this turkey or is it in my imagination? 

I tell ya, if I see Mr. Turkey Lurkey again I am going to dart out of my car, chase him, wrestle him to the ground and demand answers!  I'm just glad I have photographic proof of my turkey sighting- that way it doesn't just sound like a strange story from a crazy lady of course.

Well, I hope you enjoyed this somewhat strange and random Monday post :)  Now I want to hear from you too!

What kind of weirdness did you experience over the weekend?
Is the icky cold spring weather getting you grumpy?
Any NoMi friends spot a wild turkey running around lately too?

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: No Sew Tuxedo Stripe Pants

Happy Friday everyone!  Today I have an easy and fashionable DIY to help get me out of these -ahem- APRIL winter blues.  Seriously winter you can stop now, most of us would like to embrace Spring and freshen up our homes, gardens, and see the darn sunshine again!

Okay, back to the DIY- Let's get on this trend and make some No Sew Tuxedo Stripe Pants! 

Image via Who What Wear

I've been dying to make these for a while now, I see them all the time and love the look!  Sadly, I haven't found any in stores that are the right look & fit.  So, I took a pair of skinny trousers from my closet and make my own!

All you need is a pair of pants/ jeans/ trousers (I think this tutorial works on most fabrics), an iron, scissors, Stitch Witchery, and fabric ribbon.  Make sure that the ribbon is made of fabric and not the paper-y/ crafty kind of stuff because it will basically melt when you use the hot iron.

Start by cutting your ribbon to the length of your pants and cut pieces of the Stitch Witchery to place between the ribbon and your pants.  Then, cover the ribbon with a towel and place a hot iron on top for 10 seconds (repeat for the ribbon along the length of the pants).  Make sure to check that your ribbon adhered properly along the length of each side.  

That's it!!!  Don't you LOVE no-sew projects?  I know I do, my old pants look so fabulous now and that project took just 20 minutes!

You know I am Head Over Heels, but...

What do you think of this DIY?  Will you give it a try?

What other projects are you up to this weekend? 

I hope the weather improves for everyone across the US, this week has been nasty!  Have a great weekend!

Sacre Bleu! Drab to Chic & Fab Blue Dresser DIY

I finally got my rear in gear over the weekend and painted that $10 campaign dresser.  I'm so happy that I no longer have to look at that dull beat up dresser- why-oh-why did I wait so long ?!?!  The fresh blue look is sooooo much better!

I guess my only reason for dragging my feet on the project was because I couldn't decide on a paint color.  Each one looked perfect and I loved them for different reasons.

After much deliberation, I decided to go with a glossy and rich navy blue.  I figured it would be a good color choice in case I end up using it in a different room in the future. Navy is a bit more versatile than red or pink- even though that would have been fun! 

I picked up two cans of Rust-Oleum spray paint at Home Depot and hauled the dresser outside for painting.

Sadie managed to photo bomb with just her nose :) stealthy and sneaky!

I pulled out the drawers, sanded the surface to get it roughed up, and removed the handle hardware.  The bummer was that I couldn't remove the brass corner details.  They seemed to be glued on so I had to cover with painters tape which was a long and annoying process, ugh!  Then I started spraying...
I did about three coats and let it dry overnight.  I was so excited to bring it back up into my closet to see how it looked, thankfully I was not disappointed.  The fresh paint totally changed the look and it fit so much better in the space!

One other little change/detail I added was this antique bracelet I got from blog friend Mimi-Toria Designs.  I loved the look of the black tassel on the green dresser above, but wanted to add a unique and personal detail of my own.  I don't think anything else would have looked more perfect!  Love how jewelry can also be house jewelry too!

I think the new rich blue look fits in nicely with all the other closet goodies I've got going on... BUT I still haven't picked out my window treatments, rug, or a cute decorative pillow to jazz up my refurbished antique chair. 

Those are the wanted items on my list before I plan to take "after" photos.  I guess they are little details but I want every little bit of my closet/dressing room space to be uniquely me!  So I hope you can be patient with my picky-ness until then :)  For now...

What do you think of my $10 dresser's new look?
What do you think of the color choice?  Like it or hate it? 
What do you think of the (house) jewelry added on the dresser?

I'd love to hear what you think, don't be shy now :)

A "Relaxing Renewal" & Plenty of Decor Ideas at Bachman's Spring 2013 Idea House

It's time to get some major decor inspiration with a look at Bachman's Spring 2013 Idea House!  This time, a "Relaxing Renewal" celebrates the fresh energy that Spring brings.  It's all about relaxing, organizing, getting together with friends and watching things grow!  As expected, it was full of great ideas and I am sure you will find at least one of your own after seeing these pictures!

Just in case you are familiar with the Idea House, here is the background information:
Bachman's is a Floral and Gift Garden here in Minneapolis, and their Idea House was their original founder's house built in the 1920's. The company now uses the house for their seasonal Idea House creating entirely new rooms for each of the four seasons. Everything about each room is different for each season's idea house, right down to the paint on the walls. When you enter the house you get a brochure that lists all the details for each room including the paint color and 'ideas'. The cool part- everything in each room is for sale!

Now let's get to it!  I will show photos from each room and then list the 'ideas' after....

Living Room

Living Room Ideas: Bird magnets added to decorative metal screen; 3-tier glass serving piece filled with rocks as floating candle holder; Terra cotta pots painted white and stacked as floor lamp base; Vintage cubbie unit as sofa table and magazine holder; Lanterns used as terrariums; Coffee table built of 6x6 cedar posts at difference levels with decorative tiles; Lights added to ceramic vases in cabinets to create light fixtures; Salvaged architectural grid as backdrop to wall art

Dining Room

Dining Room Ideas: Slate tiles and paint-able wallpaper used as table runner; Bird vases in clear bases as candlestick holders; Names written in dry erase marker on bird vases as placecard holder; Assorted candle holders stacked on each other to create holistic centerpieces; Floral vase as tea holder; Rattan balls spray-painted as chandelier accents; Foam ribbon, fabric and permanent botanicals as window treatment, Salvaged mirror serves as menu board; Ceramic memo boards with dry erase markers serve as food markers; Salvaged iron panel spray-painted layered on top of vintage wallpaper as wall art

Kitchen

Kitchen Ideas: Aluminum mesh panels as decorative background in cabinets; Aluminum mesh panels line interior of chandelier; Dish towels hung with magnetic burlap flowers as window treatment; Hobnail vases as candle holder; Metal rack as hanging herb planter; Vintage scale as planter; Outdoor bistro table and chairs for in-kitchen dining; Kitchen utensils hung as wall art

Sunroom

Sunroom Ideas: Vintage peanut shell rollers placed in planter and turned into floor lamp; Birdcages turned into miniature garden planter; Infinity candle holders added to planters transform into lanterns; Vintage trough used as miniature garden planter; Suitcase turned into miniature house; Watering can turned into miniature house; Tree for made of metal tray and assorted objects

Lower Bathroom & Stairwell

Lower Bathroom & Stairwell Ideas: Dishtowels hung with clothespins as window treatment; Dishtowels hung as sink skirt; Mirrors, aluminum mesh panels, and flowers layered as wall art; Grain scoop as toilet paper holder; Mesh wall cubbie and coat rack serves as towel organizer; Outdoor lantern turned into ceiling light fixture; Paper placemats used as wall art; Salvaged architectural grid layered with metal flowers as wall art; Salvaged iron railing as screen at top of stairs

Event Coordinator Office

Event Coordinator Office Ideas: Wall stripes made of burlap and ribbon; Card table turned into bulletin board; Glass terrarium as mail holder; Salvaged porch posts affixed to wall and greeting cards hung from lines between posts as wall art; Decorative notepad paper, Plexiglass and molding turned into giant wall calendar; Chandelier made of peek-a-boo baskets; Glass added to salvaged table bases create a desk; Glass table lamp filled with tree branch and bird sun catcher; Trio planter as pencil/pen holder; Coat racks used as window valance; Twig wall hooks as curtain tiebacks; Birdcage turned into a planter

Master Bedroom

Master Bedroom Ideas: Area rug as headboard; Birdcage lamps decorated with burlap ribbon, rocks and pearls; Ceramic birds as wall art in a cascade; Vintage doorknobs as finials on curtain rods; Wall mirror as vanity tray; Floor lamps made from 6x6 cedar posts and hanging light pendants; Rattan cubes turned into wall shelves; Flower pattern drilled in boards as light-up wall art; Wind chimes as ceiling chandelier

Upstairs Bathroom

Upstairs Bathroom Ideas: Handing birds as shower curtain decor; Birdcage wall shelves as towel rack and bath organizer; Molding added to windows to create interior window boxes; outdoor garden stakes as sun catchers; Garden trellis as wall art; Metal shelf as toilet paper holder; Printed bird as toilet tank decoration

Girls Bedroom

Girls Bedroom Ideas: Flowers as headboard; Light pendants made from hanging vases and metal baskets; Outdoor planters as nightstands; Salvaged fence, grapevine, florals and LED string lights as window valances; Cork added to vintage picture frames serve as bulletin boards; Owl lamps embellished with chalkboard markers; Ceramic memo boards as picture frame; Mason jar vases as makeup brush and candle holders; Ladder as a scarf rack

Event Coordinator Workshop

Event Coordinator Workshop Ideas: Chalkboard paint, moldings and bedsprings to create inspiration boards; Inspirational quotes written on chalkboard paint as wall art; Bracelets used as curtain tiebacks; Party theme ideas shown- Summer Family Reunion BBQ, Ladies Afternoon Tea, Spring Fling for Audubon Society, and In the Garden

Porch 

Porch Ideas: Vase as silverware holder; Salvaged garden trellis as wall art backdrop; Wood trays as wall art; Birdbath as serving dish; Chairs adorned with swag as spoon rest and tied with burlap ribbon; Coffee mugs as planters; Miniature trellis with ribbon as placecard holder in mug with embellished garden rocks as favors; Ribbon and decorative clip as napkin ring; Flower bulbs hanging from curly willow as centerpiece; Candle holders added to planter boxes as lanterns; Birdcage turned into floor lamp; Faucet wall hooks as curtain rod holders; Grapevine wreath layered with permanent boxwood wreath and glass ornaments as valance adornments

Outside Peace Stake Garden

Outside Peace Stake Garden Ideas: Letters stenciled on terracotta pots to create inspirational quotes

- That's a wrap! -

Which ideas where your favorites?!?! I think mine included all the ways you can hang little glass planters along with the more modern looking decor in the Living Room.  I was nice to see that they are starting to move away from some of the vintage-y upcycled stuff and into some fresher looks.

If you need more spring decor ideas, click on the links to check out their 2011 or 2012 Spring Idea Houses.  Hope you found some inspiration, thanks for stopping by!

PLEASE NOTE: In case you didn't read the top of the post, I just want to reiterate that this IS NOT OUR HOUSE and I am not employed or affiliated with Bachman's in any way- Which means I did not decorate the rooms shown and I don't have information on the DIYs.