Head Over Heels DIY Friday: How to do Two Weeks in Europe with a Carry-On

I think I've recovered from my terribly busy birthday thankfully, all that crazy prep is starting to feel worth it!  Now, I am ready to let go of everything and embrace our big European Vacation Part Duex!

Since the only thing I've been working on is figuring out how to pack for two weeks in Europe only using a carry-on, I figured I should share the experience.  Not only is it easier hauling around smaller carry-on luggage, but with how much airlines charge to check a bag these days we knew we'd save extra cash with the carry-on luggage approach.  Here's all the crap-o-la I'm bringing...

5 tanks, 3 tee-shirts, 6 shirts/blouses, 5 pairs of shorts + 1 skirt, 8 dresses, 1 swim cover-up, 1 swim suit



2 pairs of jeans, 2 sports bras, panties are in the blue zipped pouch and bras aren't photographed (that just seems to personal and weird to show), 4 additional shirts (one accidentally show twice but not counted), 2 sweaters, 4 undergarment tanks + 1 slip, 2 sets of PJ's, 2 scarves

1 pair of flat sandals, 1 pair of wedge sandals, flat iron, 2 belts; other items like make-up, hairbrush and toilets not photographed

 After gathering everything, I rolled up the dresses, shorts, and shirts then placed them into large Hefty zip storage bags.  Once in the bag I rolled the empty top space and let all the excess air out resulting in some densely packaged clothing which saves a TON of space in a carry on bag!  I took a couple photos of my carry-on luggage all packed an ready to go shown above.  I know it's a little OCD crazy organized but that's how I roll!   

It was a little challenging and I had to sort of map out what I planned to wear each day on the trip but I'm Head Over Heels for this minimalist approach for a long vacation!  Who wants to spend time sifting through tons of clothes and luggage when you could be out exploring instead anyway?

I will be sure to share photos from my Europe trip and if I was able to make it through easily with what I packed for Prague, Milan, Rome, and Dubrovnik!  At least the hot summer weather helped since I didn't need big bulky stuff for cold weather too!

What do you think of my crazy approach to packing? 

Do you have other suggestions for making through a long trip with only a carry-on too? 

Please share, I'd love to know before I go!

Have a great weekend everybody!

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Brynn's 1st Birthday Ensemble!

Today's DIY is tu-tu much fun and it requires no sewing, woo-hoo!  About a month ago, my sister Holly asked if I would be able to help make a cute 1st birthday outfit for my niece that included a tutu and "1" onesie- Well duh, of course I would! I would have helped to make anything for my little niece's birthday but I was pretty pumped to make a tutu! 

Not gonna lie, I kind of want a tutu for myself for no particular reason, LOL!  But I certainly wouldn't make a tutu look as stinkin' cute as Brynn did on her 1st birthday, just look at this happy little cutie pie...

 My sister picked up the supplies, here is what you need to make the birthday onesie and tutu: - 3 yards of tulle (amount will vary depending on the size and poofy-ness of tutu)
- Elastic
- Plain onesie
- Patterned fabric (small scrap amount)
- Heat n' Bond Iron-on Adhesive
- Scissors
- Number stencil or print out to trace onto fabric

Let's start with the tutu!
Begin by cutting the tulle into 4" wide strip that measure double the length you want the tutu skirt to be.  I measured Brynn's length to be 7.0", so I cut strips that were 4.0" wide and 14.0" in length (this is because you will fold it over the elastic waist).  As you can see in the below photos, I had 6 layers of tulle stacked up so I could get all the pieces cut faster- individually would take waayyy too long for my attention span :)

I also cut the ends at an angle so the tulle skirt would have a little dimension and not be a flat-edged tutu.

Once you have all the strips cut, grab your elastic and cut it to size and just tie the ends together (you can sew if you want to, but I did a no-sew version).  Then, all you do from there is fold it in half over the elastic and tie it on!  It's so stinkin' easy!

Just know if you want a good amount of poofy-ness on the tutu you will be tying a lot of tulle onto the elastic waist- but it is totally worth it! Who doesn't need a poofy tutu?!?

Onto the "1" onesie!

Here all you do is take your patterned fabric, trace what you want to add on the onesie (for me it was "1"), cut out what you traced, and then use the Heat n' Bond iron-on adhesive to add onto the onesie.  Again, super easy and no sewing required!

My little niece looked so dang adorable in her birthday outfit!  I was bummed I couldn't be in Michigan for the party but thankfully I will be able to see her and my nephew Henri one week from today (and possibly meet my new nephew, my sister-in-law is nearing her due date)!  I can't wait!



Well, I'm Head Over Heels for this tutorial- How could I not be?!? 

What do you think?  Do you love Brynn's first birthday look?

Do you secretly want a tutu too?  Or am I crazy?!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Staple Gun Seat Tufting

I attacked a DIY that I've never done before- tufting!  I had always been afraid to try it myself but it turned out to be easier than I thought it would be and I'm very thankful for that considering it has been the only thing that went as planned when it came to my "Stupid" Chair redo project. 

So, after all the failed fabric choices, painting, and repainting I made the decision to go with a dark burgundy fabric to compliment the midnight navy blue chair color.  But to give the solid color surface some interest and dimension, I knew it was time to figure out how to add some tufting.  Dun-dun- dunnnn....

When it came to DIY tufting, I had only seen folks do it by drilling a hole, sewing on a button through that hole, and a bunch of other random steps along the way which made it seem to complicated.  I wondered if it was possible to get the look just using a staple gun because let's face it, a staple gun is much more user friendly than a power drill (and requires no over-the-shoulder supervision from Alex, LOL). 

I started by marking the placement for each button/tuft that would be on the seat cushion.  In order to make sure the fabric would spread and tuck evenly outward, I marked the first tuft in the center of the cushion and measured out 6.5" from there for the other four tufts. 

Then, I used scissors to sort of carve out the foam in the marked spots.  This allows a clear path for the staple gun to staple directly into the wood surface beneath the foam. 

I added my first staple in that center position so that I could work the fabric evenly outward from there. After I got the first staple in place, I pressed my finger into the spot where the next staple would go to test out how the fabric would lay and fold out.  I did this to make sure I wasn't stapling the fabric too loose or tight.

It takes a bit of folding, pulling, adjusting, and readjusting to get the look of the fabric just right as it folds out from each tuft.  It is a bit tricky but you'll get a feel for it after you do a couple.



Once I had all the tufts in place, I pulled the fabric taut and began to staple it in place on the underside of the seat cushion (stapling into the wood).  This part also called for some more pulling and folding to keep the wrapped edge and center tufts looking clean and crisp.

After you finish stapling, you have a tufted cushion!

The last step is to then add buttons to cover the stapled tufts- and this part is the only unique challenge with the staple gun tufting method (but honestly not as bad as that whole drilling and sewing through drilled holes thing).  Since I didn't have buttons that matched the color and fabric I had chosen, I dug some out from my button bin to cover with the fabric.  I simply cut a small circle of fabric and tied the wrapped fabric to the bottom loop of the button.... 

After I had the matching buttons ready I threaded my sewing needle, pushed the foam around the stapled tuft down, and stitched the button into place.  I learned that it would have been easier to do with an upholstery needle instead of the straight needle shown in my photos because that foam will fight back when you move your needle!

With all the fabric secured underneath, my cushion was complete!  One cushion down, one to go, but here's a sneak peek of the chair color and fabric cushion combo...

I'm already Head Over Heels!  Can't wait to have two of them!

What do you think of the fabric and color choice?  Are you liking the tufting? 

Hope to work on the next cushion tonight and have some after pics of the set along with decorative pillows tomorrow!  I'm excited for this heat wave to break tomorrow, hooray!  Have a lovely weekend everyone!

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Heather's Master Bedroom Update

A couple week's ago my cousin's wife Heather asked me for some decor advice for their Master Bedroom so I decided to pull together some ideas that she'd (hopefully) be Head Over Heels for! 

Heather purchased the Lucianna Duvet from Pottery Barn to kick off her redecorating project and hoped to add in a robin's egg blue as an accent color.  To get an idea of the space, I asked her to sent a couple photos so I could get an idea of how to bring the colors together...

She also mentioned that she needed ideas for wall art above their headboard.  So, after a little online "window" shopping, here's what I came up with....

Pillow Target $33.00  Diamond Pillow: Target $16.99  Threshold Fretwork Border Window Panel: Target $24.99  Threshold Tear Drop Glass Lamp Base: Target $46.99  Threshold Burlap Lamp Shade: Target $15.79   Ribba Photo Frames: Ikea $14.99

Since the wood tone of the headboard felt similar to the wall color, I thought it would pop better if it were painted white (gotta have a little DIY action right?) and the white matches the wood trim in the room as well.  The rest of the accessories all came from Target (Heather already has the lamp & shade) except the photo wall frames, but I imagine Target has similar frames too.  I even found a few things I wanted for our house during my online "window" shopping which includes those Fretwork window panels, they come in like five colors and I love them all!

Now Heather can decide if she is Head Over Heels for look or not but I hope she is (I know I am)!  I had fun putting together the idea board too, so if anyone else needs some ideas for a room feel free to send me an email!

What do you think of the look? 
What other ideas do you have for Heather for their Bedroom?

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: One Room, Three Ways

For this week's DIY, I was inspired by Layla's One Room, Three Ways post over at The Lettered Cottage and thought the Dining Room would be fun to use for the challenge!  Afterall, we've revamped the space in stages, so it's fun to see the different looks as it evolved and who knows how long it'll be until I start itching for a fresh look.  Gotta keep dreaming right?!?

So, here's the room in three different looks- two actual looks and one faux photoshopped look of a whole new scheme I had been pondering about...

I have to say, it was pretty fun to compare the three looks side-by-side and for fun I guess I could say it's One Room, Four Ways if you count the very, very "before" look of the space when we moved in...

From there, we added fresh paint (Behr's Sequoia Grove), a sideboard from Ikea, new pendant light fixture, and my DIY Numbered Chair Covers (click here for the tutorial to make your own!).

About two years later, we grew tired of the look and thought it was missing something.  It needed some depth/dimension and character, so Alex added in wainscoting to freshen up the space. 

Ahhh!  It did look fresher, brighter, and it certainly added some character that it lacked with the plain flat painted walls.  From there, I've only changed up the table and sideboard decor but that is how the space has remained for the most part. 

I guess the only question I have about the newest look was "where did the chair covers go?" and I still have them but I don't always keep them on since the leather is much easier to care for when it comes to the day-to-day.  But I do admit that when I look back at the photos, they do look nice and maybe I should keep them on the chairs more often?  They do brighten up the look of our dining room and give it a unique look...

So for my dreamed-up third dining room version I started there, then wondered how a lighter paint color would look, and a new light fixture.  Wowzers!  It had a whole different vibe and I kinda love it!

When I look at all the looks side-by-side, I really do love the idea of completely revamping the space (again) but I still love the warmth of the red-ish paint tone in our dining space.  Perhaps it's because in the summer I want things lighter and brighter but I don't think I'm ready to commit to a new color just yet. 

I will say, this photoshopped image makes me want a new light fixture and right now.  I loved that pendant light when we bought four and a half years ago but I'm not loving it as much now.  Who knew it'd look so blah after just 4.5 years, or maybe I just love the look of that drum shade pendant light a whole lot more right now?  I know we don't need it, so if you have recommendations for a place to buy a drum shade light fixture at a reasonable price please let me know! 

Which Dining Room look are you Head Over Heels for?

Where can I find a nice drum shade light fixture at a good price?

Hope everyone has a great weekend, I know we will with my sister, brother-in-law, and (almost) 1 year old niece here for a visit!!!  I'm sure I'll have lots of cute pics to share with you later!  Now, time to link this post up over at The Lettered Cottage "One Room, Three Ways" Linky Party!

Head Over Heels DIY(?) Friday: Chair Project Help

Well, not much DIY-ing going as planned (wa-wa).  In it's place is a lot of "ugh, what should I do?" since I got the fabric I order in the mail for my latest chair redo project.  Sure, the fabric is exactly what I picked out but now that I am seeing the texture and scale of the pattern with the chair I'm second guessing my choice :(

So, I am wondering if I can get some help from you out there?  Please take a look at the pictures I took of the chair with the fabric- and keep in mind I need to paint the chairs still (they are a bit roughed up from sanding). 

What would you do? 
Do you think the fabric looks nice?
If you keep the fabric, what color would you paint the chairs?

Now if you feel kind of ehh about it or flat out hate it, I have a second thought option (I also need your opinion here).  I admit, I like watching the Fashion Police on E! and given my current predicament, I couldn't help but wonder if I should update these chairs with a similar look to the ones on their set?  Basically, the wood would be white with dark gray slubby fabric and nailhead trim.  They just look so cute and classic when I see them on the show.  Hmmm...

Fashion Police set via E! Online  |  Louis Chair via Jonathan Adler



What do you think? What kind of look would make you Head Over Heels for these chairs?

I think I might be in a DIY rut :(  Please help me out if you have a moment to post a comment, I'd really appreciate it!

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Printed Cloth from India Mounted on Canvas

Remember that hand printed cloth I got at the Delhi Haat Market during my India trip?  Well, I finally figured out how to display it as wall art!  Geeze, that only took me five months to figure out, sheesh!  But here's a look at this week's DIY creation...

When I purchased it I knew I loved it, but didn't quite know what I was going to do with it.  I knew I didn't want to just frame it behind a glass, but what about a canvas?  Paintings done on canvas get wrapped onto a wood frame and they look beautiful and authentic.  I thought it'd be the perfect way to display the printed cloth! 

So, I popped over to JoAnne's and picked up a canvas to mount the fabric on.  I wanted to make my own wood frame, but sadly didn't have enough time (or energy really) to build one.  Once I got it home, I centered the cloth on the canvas and got ready to attach it to the frame.

I decided to use flat thumbtacks instead of a staple gun to attach the cloth.  I'm not sure if staple guns are used for attaching most canvas cloths to wood frames but that is the way I've always seen them.  I thought the thumbtacks would be less likely to ruin the cloth or if for any reason I want to take the cloth down I will still be able to.  I ensured that the cloth stayed evenly placed as I added the tacks about 3"- 4" apart around the frame.

Once it was finished I mounted it to the wall in our stairwell which is full of other wall art and photos from our travels.  I love that you can still see the authentic print and texture in the fabric since it isn't behind glass.  Certainly a unique piece in our stairwell now!

I'm so happy that the printed cloth is now proudly displayed instead of folded up in my project pile.  Head Over Heels for my new piece of wall art from India!

What do you think of my display idea for the cloth/tapestry?

What other ways would you have displayed it?

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Gold Zip Trim Scarf

Remember a few weeks ago when I shared my tutorial for the Zipper-Cape?  Near the end I mentioned that I had some navy blue fabric that I wanted to use for another scarf so.... I did, but this version is BIGGER & BETTER and I am going to tell you how to make one too!

Take a look at my versatile creation- the Gold-Zip Trim Scarf!

 To make your own, here is all you need:
- 49.0" Width x 61.0" Length piece of fabric (finished size is 24.0" W x 60.0" L).
* Note- you can use two separate pieces of fabric in 25.0" W x 61.0" L sewn together also
- 24.0" long separating zipper
- Basics: sewing thread, pins, sewing needle or machine, scissors

Start with fabric folded wrong-side out and pin edges together.  Then, sew the 60.0" length and one of the 24.0" sides.  Be sure to leave one of the 24.0" sides unsewn.

Pull the fabric right-side out through the open end, pin edges, and sew the last 24.0" side together.

 The step is adding the separating zipper in.  Start by unzipping and separating each side and pin in place. 

Ready?  Here's the tricky part...
You will add one side of the zipper 4.0" from the 24.0" end.  The other part of the zipper will go on the reverse side of the scarf along the length 4.0" from the top edge.  Then stitch both in place.

Not too tough right?  Now start playing!  Zip, loop, twist, drape, wrap, and whatever else as you figure out your favorite ways to wear it.  Here are some of my favorites!

You probably already know this, but I am a sucker for anything that you can wear multiple ways or has added functionality, so I'm definitely Head Over Heels for this DIY! 

Are you too? 

What do you think of the Gold Zip Trim Scarf?

Here are the links to my other Multi-Wear Scarves if you are up for some more sewing!

Multi-Wear Snap Scarf  |  Multi-Wear Zipper Cape/Scarf

Make sure to let me know if you try making one too!  Have a great weekend!

Linking this up at The Lettered Cottage's Fall Craft Party!

Head Over Heels DIY Friday: Summer Style Kick-Off for Memorial Day Weekend!

Let's be honest, when it comes to Memorial Day weekend who can think about any kind of project when it's the official kick off of Summer?!?  I know I can't right now, all I can picture is BBQ or picnic food, ice cold cocktails, and diving head first into warm weather fashion (finally!).  So this week I wanted to share my style inspiration and party ideas for Memorial Day weekend- let's take a look!

Blackberry & Watermelon Crush Cocktail Recipe: Stagetecture   |  Hot Dog Bar: Bon Appetite  |  Strawberry Shortcake Dessert in Jars: Dole  |Awning Stripe Outdoor Pillows: Pottery Barn  |  Stripe Wedge Sandal: Zara  |  Anchor Charm Necklace & Chain Cuff: Forever 21  |  Pleated Cherry Red Shorts: Forever 21  |  Two-piece Stripe Swimwear: Target Xhilaration Brand  |  Outdoor Cafe String Lights: Pottery Barn

Anything striking you too?  I'm dying to get those stripe wedges and the pleated red shorts, how cute would that look with a white tank on top?  I'm loving it all really though I guess, but right now I really want a hot dog now, LOL!  Head Over Heels for hot dogs, ha!

Alright, I'm otta here!  It's time to unplug for this three day weekend so Alex and I can (try) to relax and enjoy!  Woo-hoo, it's summertime ya'll!!!!  

What will you be up to this weekend?
What summer fashion favorites are you excited to pull out from storage or purchase?

Hope you have a gorgeous weekend with family, friends, food and fun!  Cheers!