'Tis the Season! DIY Christmas!

So... I decorated for Christmas this past weekend. I have NEVER decorated this early, but there's just something about this year that I HAD to decorate early! Maybe it's because last Christmas was just not great and I was pretty much numb to my entire situation last December, so I wanted to make sure to have a good season this year!

I have a couple DIY projects/gifts that are easy on the wallet and fool proof! 

 The NOEL sign- looks like wood, right? Wrong! I decided to try to use the paper mache letters you can get for less than $2 at any craft store. I wasn't going to paint them, but what I had in mind didn't look right with the color they came. So I took some paint I had- off white color- and painted them. It really only took one coat of paint. The cool part was that I used a paint brush, and the paint strokes make the sign look like wood. After the paint dried, I took some sandpaper and decided to rough up the edges a bit. I was really happy with the result! Looks like wood, but was under $5 to make! (because of course I used coupons)

So I had seen things like this on Pinterest and wasn't sure if it would really work. I questioned if the Sharpie would actually stick to the ceramic, and if it would wash off after a couple washes. I got a couple mugs like this from the Dollar Tree. I figured if it didn't work, I only spent a dollar on it. I made a special one for Bill in a care package, and I put the state of Florida with a heart where we are located. Once I was happy with the design, I put it in a cold oven at 350 for 30 minutes and let it cool down in there, too. Ta Da! A customized mug all for $1!! I tested it and washed it a couple times, and it seemed to stay on there, so I'll see if it really does after a few uses!

I love all things burlap and rustic holidays! If you see my kitchen, it's very rustic looking with my Christmas decor, so I like to keep the theme going throughout the house. I made the wreath from an idea I saw on Pinterest. I bought the burlap ribbon a while ago intending to make a Fall wreath, but that never happened because I made something else I liked using fabric I already had in the house. I'm glad I saved it, because I was able to make these two great additions to my Christmas decorations! The Noel lettering I did using a sharpie and tracing letters I printed. I searched for just the right font and size, and had a great wreath in less than 15 minutes! I used twine to tie the edges and then tie it to the grapevine wreath. After I did that, I still had some burlap ribbon, so I decided to make a card holder! I found those super cute, red clothespins in the Target $1 section- don't you love it!- and knew the perfect thing to do with them! I think the cards will look great and I will be able to see them throughout the season!

Happy Decorating!!

Back from Hiatus!

Wow, sorry about the hiatus. I should have been blogging the entire time we were in Texas, but that didn't happen... oops. There wasn't a ton to talk about anyway lol So.... back to work, back to keeping busy, and back to blogging! Now that I have time (ha!) to do some more fun projects and such!

So the first thing I'm going to share is a "owlstanding" wreath - see what I did there....I guess it's a wreath, but it's definitely not a typical one -- Anyway, my friend, Lea, and I decided to do a craft swap! She had shown me this picture on Pinterest a couple days before and really wanted to make one. She told me that it looked like something I could do, so I took on the challenge! haha

I looked at it and I knew I had all the burlap in the right colors to make it! It just so happens that she also made a really awesome sign made from recycled hardwood floor that I wanted!! So the idea hit- we'd make something for each other!

I got to work when I had some free time alone. I have to say the hardest part was making the patterns. But now that I did it, I have them for future projects! Yay! I was so happy with how the finished product turned out. I wasn't sure how it would look once assembled, but as I was pinning everything, I could tell that it was going to be super cute once finished!

I know Christmas is coming up, so if you'd be interested in buying one for yourself or a friend, let me know, and I'll see what I can do! I'd be happy to customize it! Here is how Lea is decorating with hers. I gave it to her with the owl hanging, but I love what she did with it! I think it's the perfect addition to her shelf!

Until the next project! :)

High Five for Friday!!

It's Friday! Not that it means a whole lot since I'm not working right now, but nevertheless, it's Friday and that's always a reason to celebrate! Here are the top 5 things that happened this week!

1. Bill and I were able to come home from Texas for a week to get things organized before heading back. There's nothing like being able to sleep in your own bed, see your beloved dog, and relax at home. I have become a huge homebody as I've gotten older, and I really don't mind. :)

2. Each day this week I have felt much better! Sunday and Monday I thought, "this fatigue is never going to wear off, and I'm going to feel like this for two more months!" and it's nearly brought me to tears. I think it was also hard being home and wanting to do so many things here, and I just didn't have the energy. Tuesday I woke up feeling more "normal" and by Wednesday I didn't have to take a nap! Success!-- comes in small things these day! haha

3. My parents are coming to FL this weekend to see us and take the dog back to TN for a while. He's going to get so spoiled by them, but he loves his TN home, as we call it :)

4. Bill and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary last night! I can't believe it's already been 4 years since we got married, but it's been an amazing, but wild, 4 years! We've been through 1.5 years worth of deployments, a move to a new place, and we've grown with each other while experiencing the dreaded "c-word" the past few months. I wouldn't trade him for anything, and each day I realized what a lucky woman I am to have a man like him!

5. I got to see a good friend a couple days ago, whom I hadn't seen since before Christmas break! I was in need of some good girl time, albeit it was short, and some good girl talk. It's amazing what just seeing a good friend can do for your day.

Well, that's it! Happy Friday! Have a great weekend!

4 years and counting!

4 years ago I married the love of my life. He has been my rock, my best friend, and accomplice in all things life! It's been a wild and crazy 4 years, but I wouldn't trade anything for the amount we've grown as individuals, but more importantly as a couple! So, Happy Anniversary, Bill!! I can't believe all we've done in 4 years, and I CANNOT wait to see what the next 4 years (and many more) have in store for us!