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Guest Bathroom Before & Afters + Giveaway!

posted in diy, giveaway, home by Hanna on
For those of you who missed it, I shared my inspiration board and the before pictures of our guest bathroom in my post “Turning Projects into Reality“.One month later–  after several trips to Home Depot, lots of painting and some help from the Mr.– my first home project is officially complete!

As I’ve mentioned before, with renting I never felt like it was worth my time and money to do something that I would have to walk away from. Now that I’m a home-owner I was itching to do my first home project. I decided to start with our guest bathroom.

While it wasn’t in the budget to do a complete rehaul I was able to find affordable ways to update and refresh the space. First while I was buying all the paint I was able to score a highly discounted gallon can of paint only because it didn’t come with a handle. So instead of paying $30 for it I got it for $10! Next time you’re buying paint make sure to see if they have any discounted cans of paint like this sitting behind the counter.

For the vanity, I knew it needed an update but new vanities can cost well over $300. Instead, I primed then painted the vanity itself and then just replaced the vanity top to a clean white one which only cost $74 at Home Depot. The fun mirror we also got from Home Depot. If you’re looking to update a mirror in your bathroom they have some of the most affordable options.

I think one of my favorite features in this bathroom update is the new faucet. It’s a Pfister faucet and while they have a wide selection of faucets, many that I really liked, I decided on the Ideal faucet because the top of it has the ability to pull out and extend around the sink. Not to mention, the faucet was super easy to install; or so Eric says since he was kind enough to do it for me.

After everything is said and done it’s nice to step back and admire the work we put into this bathroom while making it into something that fit our style. It will be exciting to see how other parts of our house come together over the years. As for now here’s a final look at the before and afters of this guest bathroom.
Sources:
Mirror, Wave Art Print, Barnwood picture frame/ Hobby Lobby, Shower Curtain, Faucet, Rugs/ TJ Max, Vanity Top, Towel Racks and Toilet Paper Holder/ Home Depot, Wall Paint Color/ Clark and Kensington Designer White, Vanity paint color/ Clark and Kensington Smooth Slate.
Now for all of you wanting to give a bathroom or kitchen a little update Pfister is going to give away a faucet to one of you!
One of our lucky readers will win a free Pfister faucet of their choice worth up to $300! That is pretty cool! The giveaway will last for one week and will end Wednesday, February 19th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linked To:
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/02/whatever-goes-wednesday-209.html
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/104-link-up-your-projects/
http://sodapopave.com/soda-pop-ave/2014/2/11/what-we-love-wednesdays-26

Friday Finds #3: Decorating with Numbers

posted in diy, Friday Finds, home, inspiration Monday by Hanna on
To carry on with the theme from Wednesday’s post, we’re giving some inspiration when it comes to decorating with numbers. (In case you missed the post on the DIY Numbers Pouf check it out HERE!) We just love decorating with numbers, not to mention it’s a quick and easy way to give your stuff a new look. 
This week we decided to throw a few DIY numbered projects into the round-up so feel free to click through the links so you can see how to recreate some of these hot looks yourself!
1.  Numbered Mason Jars | by The Crafted Sparrow
2.  Numbered Counter Stools | by Elizabeth Joan Designs
3. Raindrop Numbers 1 to 10 |  LittleDesignHaus on Etsy
4. Vintage No. 8 Wrapped Canvas | Native Vermont Studio on Etsy 
5. Washable Numbered Stencil Mugs | by The 36th Avenue
7. Numbered Clothes Pin Magnets | Farmhouse Wares
8. Hanging Metal Numbers  | The Land of Nod
9. Touch Tone Numbered Wall Hanger | The Land of Nod
Linked To:
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/01/linkn-blogs-9.html


DIY Numbers Pouf: Land of Nod Knock Off

posted in crafts, diy, home, sewing, tutorial by Hanna on

I have an on and off again relationship with floor poufs…or at least the idea of them. I see them all over and honestly I love the look and functionality but then I see that not so lovely price. I can already see my husband trying to figure out some rational explanation to why I need to spend so much on a pillow. By this point I begin to think of a way to make one. Quite frankly this is as far as I usually get until last week when I decided to kick it into gear and make one.

My inspiration came from Land of Nods own numbers pouf that I have had my eye on for quite sometime.

Is anyone else in love with Land of Nod or is just me?

I basically have been using their magazines as my inspiration book for future DIY projects.

Anyway, I used this super easy-to-follow tutorial from Living with Punks. Because there already is a tutorial listed there, I’m not going to do a full one. I, however, made my pouf bigger and stitched together the sides to make 9 panels for the corresponding numbers. I’ll guide you through the different things I did so you can create your own numbers pouf.

My material list:

– 3 yards of fabric
– 2 packages of pre-made pipping
– black fabric paint
– number stencils on cardstock (numbers 1 through 9)
– 50 oz. Fiberfill

I started by cutting 9 rectangle panels for the side of the pouf that were 8.875″ x 13″. Then I sewed all of them together using a straight stitch and 1/4 inch seam. After sewing all 9 panels together, I ironed all the seams open. *If there is one things I learned about sewing it’s that ironing everything you sew will make it look MUCH nicer.

For the number stencils I just made them using “Old Standard” font and printed them out on cardstock so they were about 6 inches tall. Once those were all cut out, I used the black fabric paint and a foam brush to stencil a number on each panel.

While that was drying I cut out the top and bottom circles for the pouf, measuring 23.75 inches in diameter and sewed on the piping. I’ll admit that this was my first time working with pipping and I was a little nervous about it. Come to find out, it’s one of the easiest things to add. I ended up laughing at myself for ever thinking it would be hard.

The finish pouf came out to be about 23 1/4 inches wide and 12 1/2 inches tall.

What I love most about this numbers pouf is that it’s clean and modern while still having a “kid” element with the numbers, so it could work in any room. Since I haven’t decided on a specific place for it yet, I’m thinking our floor pouf is going to float between our very bare and empty living room, our family room where it will could be used as a foot stool, and also the playroom to give the girls something to sit on.

– HANNA

Linked To:
http://www.sewmuchado.com/2014/01/we-did-it-wednesday-188.html
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/01/221st-penny-pinching-party.html
http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2014/01/whatever-goes-wednesday-206.html
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/101-add-your-projects/
http://myfashionforwardblog.com/things-pretty-44/
http://staceyembracingchange.com/2014/01/23/creative-inspirations-linky-party-features-30/
http://www.thepinjunkie.com/2014/01/friday-link-party-51.html
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/01/linkn-blogs-9.html
http://thewinthropchronicles.blogspot.com/2014/01/share-it-link-party-99.html

Friday Finds #2: Cold Weather

posted in Friday Finds, home, inspiration, shop, women's fashion by Hanna on

We may not love the cold weather so much, but we do love some of the things that go hand in hand when it’s chilly outside. What’s better than some cozy layering pieces to stay warm, a great read while you’re stuck inside and an oh so delicious cup of hot cocoa to go with it?

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 

Hope you’re staying warm! Have a great weekend!

Linked to:

How to Turn Project Dreaming into Reality

posted in home, inspiration by Hanna on
We recently became new homeowners! Our little family moved in just over a month ago and already there are so many thing we love about it.  Perhaps the thing I love most about our new house is the potential each room has in becoming a space of our own– a space where we will rise our children, welcome guests, and call home. The problem? With so many options and things to choose from, I’ve been getting so lost as to what it is I want to do with each space, and with a limited budget where should I even begin? New ideas and updates on the house are continually being added to my list and somehow I needed to find a way to get started.
Like me, I’m sure many of you have a growing wishlist that is just waiting to be tackled. Whether you’ve recently moved like me, or have lived in a place for years, I want to share a few tips I’ve learned on how you can start checking off some of those things on your list and finally create the space you’ve always wanted. Surprisingly, it’s quite similar to Sara’s steps in building a wardrobe. Who knew?!

1. Start by pin-pointing exactly what in your space isn’t working, what needs to go and what needs to be updated and/or fixed. I’m not talking about a major renovation here! Simple updates/fixes might include: organizing or rearranging a space; adding more personality and color with a coat of paint; or getting rid of an old piece of furniture and replacing it with something newer and of higher quality.

One of the first things on my project “to-do” list is our guest bathroom. There really isn’t anything horrible about it, but its a little out-dated and not really our style. I wanted something clean and sleek and something welcoming for guests.

2. Once you’ve identified the issues, start looking for inspiration and ideas for things you like or that would work in the space to fix the problem. As many of you already know, Pinterest is the #1 place to get great inspiration! I also like to look through different clips from magazines that I am always saving (ex. Do It Yourself, HGTV magazine, Better Home and Gardens). When using Pinterest or whatever else you use for inspiration, have a separate board/folder for each room to keep everything organized and easy to access.

3. Now that you know what direction you want to go in and some of the things you would like to get, start complying a shopping list and figuring out how much everything is going to cost.

Here is the board for the guest bathroom.

Notice once I found my inspiration photo I was able to start looking for things that went along those lines and I was able to start getting an idea of how much this was going to cost.

4. Lastly, figure out which project or space is at the top of your priority list and start there, working you’re way down the list until everything is eventually done.

 I like doing things this way because a) I have a clear vision of where I want the space to end up, and b) I can get things I actually want by taking the time to look around for the best deals even if it means getting things a little at a time. Sooner or later you’ll finally have the space you’ve always wanted that works!

Now just a few things to keep in mind:

Maybe the inspiration for your space would cost a lot more than you would like to pay, no worries! There is always something that looks similar or gives the same feel for a lot less if you’re willing to take the time and look around. Another option is to do it yourself.

As I mentioned above, having a laid out plan takes away the stress when it comes to buying the pieces and materials for the space your are creating; however, the big lesson is having PATIENCE. One thing I am still struggling to learn is that it’s not always realistic to have everything now. Over time a beautiful space is created.

I hope this post has inspired you to go tackle some of those awaiting projects! As for me, I already have the walls painted in the guest bathroom and plan on finishing up with the rest in the following weeks! Make sure to check back for the after photos!

I would love to hear some spaces you’ve wanted to revamp or projects you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t yet and what you’re plans are!

Linked To:
http://thediydreamer.com/from-dream-to-reality/100-share-projects/
http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/01/220th-penny-pinching-party.html
http://sodapopave.com/soda-pop-ave/2014/1/14/what-we-love-wednesdays-22

How to Clean Out Your Closet for Good

posted in home, inspiration, lifestyle, organization, Wardrobe Basics, women's fashion by Sara on
Find out how to finally say good-bye to those clothes you never wear and purge your closet of all that negative clutter.


It’s a new year and it’s time to whip your wardrobe into shape and finally say good-bye to those things you’ve been holding on to for years. You know, those items just sitting in your closet that you see every day when you go to get dressed but never pull off the hanger for one reason or another? Maybe it’s your favorite pair of pants that don’t fit anymore but you hold on to them with the hope that one day they’ll fit again. Or perhaps it’s a shirt that doesn’t quite go with anything else in your wardrobe, but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of it because (even though it’s been years) one day it might magically go with something.

I’m as guilty as the next girl when it comes to this problem; and quite honestly, I’m tired of it. I mean really, why do we insist on keeping clothes that don’t make us feel good about our bodies?! These clothes, no matter what the attachment to them might be, are not doing us any favors. They’re merely clutter in our lives; roadblocks if you will, that are preventing us from truly embracing our bodies.
I’ve spent the past year striving to overcome these wardrobe roadblocks and build a new wardrobe for myself. You can read about my full wardrobe transformation HERE along with steps to create your own. I can’t say that I’ll ever be perfect at it but I am learning. I still make shopping mistakes and have trouble letting go of certain pieces that are more than overdue. With some of the lessons I‘ve learned, I want to share with you some tips on how to finally purge your closet of the clothes that are holding you and your style back. 
 

1. Get rid of anything that does not fit or flatter the body you have now (whether it be something from high school or a recent purchase)

 

2. What may have been your style 3 years ago may not be your style now

 

3. If you haven’t worn something for at least a year, chances are you won’t ever in the future.

 

4. If you have clothes that need mending but have been sitting in your “to-do” pile for months, either make it a goal to fix them this week or throw them out

 

5. Don’t keep something if you have nothing to wear with it (even if it is the most stylish skirt you own)

 

6. Don’t keep clothes that are uncomfortable to wear, that wrinkle easily, or that make you feel like you are always having to adjust or pull at them

 

7. Sentimental clothing can be hard to finally let go of, so allow a few minutes to remember the good times, take a picture of it, and either box it away or put it in the giveaway pile

Find out how to finally say good-bye to those clothes you never wear and purge your closet of all that negative clutter.

 

When cleaning out your closet, be truly honest with yourself. If an article of clothing falls into one of the categories listed above, get rid of it. Don’t allow yourself a lot of time to rethink your decisions. Cleaning out your closet can be hard in the moment; but believe me, it is so liberating when you are finished and you’ve freed yourself of all that negative clutter!

To reiterate what we have been talking about, let me share a few brief examples of clothes that were difficult for me to let go of and why I finally did.

 

Example #1: I bought this skirt almost 5 years ago. I fell in love with it the moment I saw and just had to have it. Before I thought much about it I bought it and took it home to hang in my closet. The problem is that it did just that…sit in my closet. I’ve always loved this skirt but have never really found anything I liked to go with it. I’ve worn this skirt a total of 6 times, none of which have been in the last 3 years. Needless to say it was time to finally let it go.

Example #2: This basic button-down shirt was a more recent purchase of mine. I bought it about 6 months ago because I wanted one I could wear and/or layer with other pieces in my wardrobe. I bought the first one I tried on in Target. It only took me several wears to realize that this was a big shopping mistake. First off, the shirt altogether was a bit too long on me which made it bunch up at the bottom when I walked or sat down. The sleeves were also too long so I could only wear it if the sleeves were rolled up. And lastly, the material was thin which caused it to wrinkle easily and loose shape when I tried layering it with other pieces. It was a literal fail; but I guess I kept holding on to it hoping that one day I’d try it on and it would magically be everything I hoped it to be. Instead I came to terms that is was a waste of my money but a good learning experience. This too is in the giveaway bag.

 

Linked to:
http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2014/01/hit-best-shot-link-party-2.html

Closet Office on a Budget

posted in diy, home, New Years, organization, thrifted by Sara on
There is some thing about the new year (a clean slate) that is so motivating and empowering. It is a chance to do better; to be better. As you know, I’ve made some pretty hefty goals/resolutions this year, one being to uplift and inspire other women through blogging. I started this blog just over six months ago and while I had many aspirations for it, I quickly felt limited. Several months after I started blogging my husband started in on his doctorate degree and I got a job. Time started to become an issue, and I quickly realized that I had jumped into blogging without a clear vision and some of the tools necessary for success– one being an accessible computer. 
Well, my life circumstances haven’t changed much. I’m still working, my husband is still in school, and I’m still a mom. Time has not become any more available; however, I’ve realized that I can’t always wait for the perfect timing to pursue my dreams. The fact of the matter is that perfect timing does not exist. So, with that realization I chose to stop being a dreamer and start becoming a doer. I also got myself a computer. Technically, it is my husband’s computer (a graduation gift from his brothers). But since we bought my husband a laptop for school he finished building this one for me so I could blog. He also bought me a dress form for Christmas so I could started pursuing my dreams in fashion design and a inspiration notebook so I can keep track of all my ideas. He is honestly my biggest fan and supporter. 
The only thing left was to make a space where I could create, design, and be organized. Our spare bedroom is our guest bedroom/sewing room, with little to no room for a home office space. The solution to our problem: a closet office. That is right, we converted our closet into our home office. The best part about it was that it only cost us under $40!
cute closet office on a small budget



IKEA Desk: $20 (Craigslist)
Clipboards: $2 (thrifted, then painted)
Paper Trays: $3 (thrifted)
Desk Lamp: $4 (thrifted)
Black Storage Box: $2 (thrifted, band new)

sewing room

Everything else I already had on hand. Now all I need is an office chair. Any ideas? As you can also see, I’ve been fabric shopping. I’ve found some great pieces to start my first collection with!

And, if you’re not already completely overwhelmed with all the new and exciting things going on over here, I have a few more to add. First, is my new blog title and design. I’ve decided to changes things up because (get ready for my second surprise) I have added a new partner! For all my previous followers, you can rest assured that the Stripes and Polka Dots blog will produce some of the same great content as before but be twice a better! But for now, I’d like everyone to get to know my new teammate.

Hey; Hanna here! If you haven’t noticed yet from the pictures, I’m Sara’s twin sister. I’m also the wife of a traveling husband who travels weekly and all over the country for work, the mother of two sweet girls and a blogger. I’ve been blogging for about 4 years now, mostly posting family updates and happening, but I have also used blogging as a place to share all my projects, ideas and thoughts. Since Sara and I were always talking about our blogs and giving each other ideas we decided why not become blogging partners! As I start posting regularly, I hope that you will get to know me more and that I can help inspire and be inspired by everyone who is a part of the blogging world. To give you an idea of what you can expect from me check out some of my popular posts on my previous blog.

Linked To:

http://thelilthingsblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/currently-january-2014.html
http://www.madetobeamomma.com/2014/01/hit-best-shot-link-party-1.html
http://thehappyhousie.com/?p=7078