Using What You Have

In our quest to become debt free, I have decided to do something different than my normal "spring shopping spree." John and I have finally paid off our credit card debt (left over from college and stupid young people spending) and now have just two car payments left to our names. We would have only had a single car payment left, but his paid-off-truck was totaled in a car accident in December leaving us with another car payment. 

SO...

I decided a long time ago we have too much crap. We move around a lot and, while I try to keep things to a minimum, my items have never counted in this. Last year I spent about $500 on some new clothing since I was nursing a toddler and not a new baby. I could wear some new things and, so, I decided I deserved it. The items I purchased last spring were from H&M, Forever 21 and one other place that I can't recall. All were items that were cute, fun, and inexpensive (as I have small children and any items would just be used as a giant wipe, anyway). Not a single item I looked at in my closet was wearable for this summer. It was either faded, tearing or was shrunk in the wash. 

Combining only tank tops I already had and other fabric or thrifted finds, I have started creating new summer dresses by using this tutorial. 

Grey tank + thrifted women's XL light blue button down shirt. (Yes, I'm
wearing jeans...I was cold!)

Blue tank + shrunken dress bottom (it was literally up to my undies!)

Pink tank + bottom part of a maxi dress that didn't fit right. 

yellow tank + fabric on hand (lined with some light muslin)

Navy tank + botom of a dress I bought in Mexico five years ago! 

This is the dress that started the whole idea! Not exactly like the dress I found on Modcloth,
but, made by me so even better! 

I'm happy with the progress, so far! I've got a bunch of dresses left to make. I also have more crafts and things to sew for the boys' super hero room so we'll see what I get to before the spring. 

A Little Spray Paint

So this whole focus thing is working out pretty well for me. I know we're only five days in to the New Year but I've realized just what can be done with a little concentration. Might be easy for you, but I have to constantly refocus my attention. It's tough because I literally get 10 minute increments during the day between the kids, the house, school, etc. 

I even got this little guy done in just a few hours (drying time). I love it and I think I'll add a little wood finish to give it some depth. I'll wipe most of it off so it's not an all over darkened effect but just a touch of something else. 

I've always hated this "bachelor days" table and have banished it to the guest room.

I decided if it had to be in the living room, it needed some color! 

So, Valspar's "Mediterranean" it was...

Love it now! 

This fabric is finding a new life as a braided circle rug. We need one for our preschool work and I couldn't spend $110 on an ugly rug! I just couldn't. So, I found a tutorial at Moda Bake Shop and was totally inspired to make my own beauty. I've even gotten color ideas for the room now! Going with grey on the walls for the first time. John is skeptical, but I've got BIIIIG plans. 

One Little Word 2011

Last year, I tried to choose a word to give me some inspiration. One little word that would help me through a difficult year. I totally lost sight of it because it was an ill chosen word for my particular situation that year. When my friend, Christine, mentioned OLW again, it was without hesitation I knew my word.

FOCUS

I am choosing to focus on our little life when there are so many distractions. 

Focus on my children, individually.

Focus on my marriage while we have the time to do so. 

Learn to focus on the projects I want completed. 

Focus on myself, in time. 

By just reminding myself to focus, I have made progress in just three days. I was able to organize

my one measley pantry by Mod Podging some boxes with fabric.

From this...

In to this! 

And I turned an old black picture frame in to this pretty awesome white board!  

 I'm excited to see what the year holds and I'm positive that this word will help me remember to just 

focus on what's important to me. 

Right now the important stuff is right in front of me 

(well, at least the aftermath is). 

Grow Your Own Easter Grass!

This is probably a little late to serve as any sort of tutorial, but this year I've decided we're going to start a new tradition: growing Easter grass. Not only is it a little more interesting than the fake "grass" that is sold in stores, but I won't have to deal with random strings of fake grass for weeks. It's as bad as Christmas tree tinsel, to me.

I started with the boys baskets. They're not heirloom nor super expensive so I won't be sad if our experiment goes awry.

Ok, just had to show you this. I accidentally bought 3,000 square feet of plastic wrap in Monterey, California...3 years ago!

I added a plastic bag on the bottom for some 'lift' while the grass was growing. Then, I lined the basket with two sheets of plastic wrap.
I taped the sides so when the boys added dirt the entire thing didn't collapse.

We added our soil.

Then the grass seed made up of mostly rye seed, so it's quick growing.

Then, I let the kids squirt away!

Poor Ollie, he couldn't quite figure out how to spray anything but his face!

We started this little project a few days before the illnesses slapped us! So, I'm happy to say we actually have some grass growing in our baskets. I'm hoping it turns out and, if not, we'll try something else.