Feature Friday FREE-FOR-ALL {#13} + TWO Giveaways!

Good Morning, awesome Peeps!

(Hmmm…that word takes on a whole new meaning this time of year).

Ready to party?

Me too!

And to make things extra-exciting, I have not one but TWO fun little giveaways for you today.

Fashion to Figure is a plus-sized website with a focus on sizes 12-24, but if that’s not your size range, they also have a great selection of accessories and bags to choose from.

Here are a couple of my favorites:

Button Down Spaghetti Strap Dress – $28

Long beaded earrings with feathers – $15

 

Large Pearl and Rhinestone Necklace – $18

Patent Leather Clutch – $28

Crochet Knit Ruffle Scarf – 4.99 (on sale)

They are offering one lucky winner a chance to choose one item from their site at up to a $30 value!

AND…

Just because today’s Friday, and my husband’s coming home tonight (yippeee!), which makes me feel extra generous…

I am offering one OTHER lucky winner a chance at my Anthro-inspired, bunny-themed Goodwill pillow makeover that I shared at The Girl Creative (hop—snicker—on over to see the transformation if you want).

(Disclaimer: this is a vintage pillow redo by a mediocre seamstress…please do not expect perfection or enter this particular giveaway if you do! : ))

So, that’s not one but TWO winners today!

To enter:

REQUIRED:

Please be a public follower of 5D5W

(For the pillow entry) Tell me what you would name the bunny on the pillow if you won him/her!

If you’re not interested in the pillow, just skip this step because I will only choose a winner for it from the “bunny names” entry.

More entries:

Like the 5D5W Facebook page

Subscribe for email updates,

Like Fashion to Figure’s Facebook page

Share this giveaway in any way (blog, Twitter, Facebook, etc.)

Just be sure to leave a comment for each separate entry since COMMENTS = ENTRIES!

Entries close Wednesday, April 3 @ 11:59 PM.

The last heads-up I want to give you is about a journal review I’ll be doing a little later one, when I’ll be offering you a chance to get one of your own at a discounted price, so be sure to check back for that.

Phew!

That was a lot of announcements!

But now, onto the really fun stuff…

You guys and your imaginative, fun, creative, awesome ideas!

You already know that seasonal decorating is not my forte, so I thought I’d brag on a few folks who are clearly champs at it:

…like The Stonybrook House who made these beeee-you-tiful spring-themed topiaries for $5 total!

Or how about yet another fantastic project from It’s Overflowing, who shared her simple and sweet spring tablescape.

I also love this gorgeous tea-stained coffee filter wreath from Design Dining and Diapers (great name for a blog!). It puts my spray-painted version to shame for sure!

And just in time for spring, Life is {Sew} Daily shared this adorbs polka dot petal skirt

I’m also seriously digging this fantastic dresser makeover from My Fabuless Life.

And keeping with the bright, cheery theme, how cute are these pillows from Silly Cyclone  (she has several more designs that are just as fabulous, so be sure to check ‘em all out!)

And finally, Creatively Living has a great series on decorating shelves. Clearly, she’s a pro, no?

Feel free to grab a button from the sidebar if you’ve been featured!

And now it’s your turn again!

Same “rules” as always:

It’s a FREE-FOR-ALL!

If you’ve blogged about it, I want to see it!

So…

1. Link to your specific post URL instead of your blog URL (no limit on the number of linkies, so add as many as you like!)

2. Grab a party button so that others can join in the fun! (Text link-backs are great too! : ))

<a href="http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com" target="_blank"" title="five days five ways"><img alt="five days five ways feature friday free for all" src="http://www.capitalhcoder.com/fivedaysfiveways/5d5wfreeforall.png" style="border-style: none" /></a>

3. Consider visiting/commenting on at least 2 of the other links. You never know what kind of inspiration you might miss out on if you don’t. Plus we all love to read words of encouragement! (I know I do!)

4. PLEASE, no shops or giveaways!

5. If we aren’t already friends, would you do me the honor of getting regular post updates here?:

or you can:

subcribe for email updates,

and/or join our Facebook page!

94 comments
Love the post? Then follow the blog! Please?

Oh, and you can like it too if you want!

5 Things Thursday: Dreaming

After a husbandless week filled with errands, exercise classes, homeschooling, more errands, projects, blog post-writing, and very little cleaning, my house is in need of some serious attention.

There are tubs and toilets to be scrubbed, toys to be organized, floors to be mopped, laundry to be done.

The list could (and does) go on.

But before the cleaning/organizing bloodbath whirlwind begins, I thought it might be nice to stop and take a moment to…

DREAM…

…of places I’d rather be right now.

1. Prince Edward Island

Source: travel.nationalgeographic.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

As an avid Anne-fan from an early age, PEI was always on my travel bucket-list.

I got to check it off over 10 years ago, but I would go back in an instant.

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

If you’re wondering whether the pictures overstate its beauty, they don’t.

In fact, they only barely capture the extent of just how breathtaking its green meadows and blue skies truly are.

Source: google.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

 

2. Costa Rica

Source: costaricatrees.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: anthonyjohncoletti.photoshelter.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

 

This one may actually happen (thought not today, obviously).

3. Manly, Australia

Source: travel.nationalgeographic.com via Abbie on Pinterest

Source: isaacadams.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

 

Two years ago, just Shaun and I took a trip to Sydney over New Year’s 2010.

It was, quite possibly, the best trip of my life, and one of the highlights was visiting the little beach town of Manly.

We took the ferry over several times because we loved its quaintness, its fantastic restaurants, and the solitude of its beaches at night.

4. A spa

Source: pedicure-designs.co.uk via Abbie on Pinterest

 

 

Okay, so this one’s a bit more generic because I honestly don’t care where the spa is (although a spa retreat in Costa Rica doesn’t sound too shabby right now).

Source: estancialajolla.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

Pretty much anywhere where they’ll make my toes pretty and massage my head sounds good to me.

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

That last one is only marginally spa-related, but I’ve always been in awe of mamas who take the time to Bento-ify their kiddos’ food, and this spa-themed plate blows my mind a little.

5. A bookstore

Source: flickr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

 

…with a really good mug of hot chocolate.

Again, it doesn’t much matter where, but this particular bookstore is in Boulder, Colorado, which is a really fun city, so that would be just fine by me.

So, what about you?

Anywhere else you’d rather be right now?

P.S. Just in case you missed this week’s Thrifted or Grifted results…they’re in!

14 comments
Love the post? Then follow the blog! Please?

Oh, and you can like it too if you want!

Thrifted or Grifted Results—Powder Blue Pants + Polka Dots

Weeeell…

69% of you said Exhibit B was thrifted.

Which means that 69% of you were wrong.

Top: New York and Co./Goodwill ($3) Pants: American Eagle/GW ($4) Shoes: Mossimo ($0—see below) Belt: GW ($1) TOTAL: $8

Top: Old Navy ($6) Pants: GAP outlet ($13) Shoes: Aldo ($0—See below) TOTAL: $19

Yup, that’s right. Those pants with the razor sharp creases came fresh (ha!) from Goodwill in just that same condition.

In fact, they were so starched (I could barely get my hands in the pockets) that I wondered if maybe somebody thought they had literally starched the life out of them and threw them in the giveaway pile because there’s sure-as-heck nothing else wrong with ‘em.

Oh, and I sure-as-heck didn’t wash them before I threw them on for that pic.

I know, I know.

Say eewwwww all you want…

But seriously?

Those were perfect, starched pants, which will never happen in a house where ironing only gets done on an as-desperately-needed basis.

So, I had to enjoy it while I could.

Oh, and as far as the shoes go, I cheated a little on both, but they balanced out.

They were both gifts—one from a friend who originally got them at Goodwill, and another from another friend who bought them as a b-day gift (while I was with her) forever ago for (clearance) retail (I think they were $15).

(Did I work enough parentheses into that last paraphraph? Hey, just trying to live up to my profile claims).

But once again, take a look at the $$$.

Both outfits are dirt cheap, but the thrifted version is a) cuter (in my opinion, and you guys seemed to agree) and b) less than half the price of the grifted option (even considering the extra sartorial element…translation: the belt).

Can’t beat that with a stick no matter where you got it or how much you paid for it!

Oh, and as much as I love reading every single one of your comments (and I really do), anyone who takes the time to rhyme her guess gets big-time brownie points in my book.

So, this week’s 5 free entries into our upcoming giveaway (and by “upcoming,” I mean this Friday) go to Gwen, who said:

“Yo. I don't know.
I've got no thrifted mojo...
I'm just guessin'
that B your dressin'
is the Thrifted lesson
cuz the pant's need pressin'...

Oh, don't hate me!!! It just was the only thing I could think of that rhymed!!! And, don't look at my wardrobe, cuz everything needs to meet an iron...gah!

They are both super cute...no matter where you found them! Love this post, girl!”

And I love your mad rapping skillz, girl!

Stay tuned for 5 Things Thursday because “after these messages, we’ll be riiiiiight back.”

(Please tell me you remember that. Man, I miss Saturday morning cartoons).

(Good grief  that was a lot of parentheses!)

6 comments
Love the post? Then follow the blog! Please?

Oh, and you can like it too if you want!

Thrifted or Grifted—Powder Blue Pants + Polka Dots

I know we just did this recently, but I had a hunch that you guys wouldn’t mind too much if we played a round of  Thrifted or Grifted (speak now or forever hold your peace…or just vote…that’s good too).

If you’re new to T+G, here’s the skinny:

It’s a little fashion game I made up where you test your thrifting savvy by deciding whether an outfit is:

A) 100% Thrifted: (adj.)—previously loved and therefore ridiculously cheap…aka Secondhand

OR

B) 100% Grifted: (adj.)—swindled or cheated…aka Retail

…and then you vote and leave me comments telling why you chose the one you did!

(Disclaimer: No, I don’t actually think you’re getting ripped off every time you pay retail, but I do believe that if you can’t tell the difference, you shouldn’t have to pay for it).

If you’re a Thrifted or Grifted expert, then you know the drill—get so close to the screen that you go all cross-eyed, then (over) analyze every possible aspect of the two outfits in hopes of noticing telltale signs of thriftedness (WRINKLES DON’T COUNT!) and then comment away telling me why you chose which one you did.

The commenter I find most entertaining (yep, it’s as subjective as they come) will get 5 free entries into our next giveaway (to be announced soon…and yes, I know I already promised that last time, but I I’m not making it up…just slow).

So…

Are you ready to rumble?

I am.

Sort of.

Why the hesitation?

Well, you know how I try to choose outfits with similar elements, themes, or pieces?

Sometimes, I’m more successful than others.

This time—not so successful.

And it’s really bothering me.

It may bother you too.

Sorry about that.

Either way, here goes nothing.

Is it?

EXHIBIT A

Not the best shoe shot, but hey, it’s better than nothing.

Or it is…

EXHIBIT B

 

Obviously, my colors schemes, while similar, aren’t the same with the embellished black tank up against the white top with black polka dots.

I also know that the feel in Exhibit B is waaaaay more casual than A.

But it is what it is this week, I’m afraid.

So, you might as well start guessing!

Which outfit is 100% Thrifted?

May the odds be ever in your favor!

(Can you tell we went to see Hunger Games last weekend? We liked it pretty well. What about you guys? Have you been? If so…thoughts?)

P.S. I’m posting an Anthro-esque Pillow Makeover over at The Girl Creative today If you want to take a look. Here’s a sneak peak at the before, just to convince you that I’m crazy whet your appetite.

_{The CSI project ~ Menu Plan Monday ~ C.R.A.F.T.  ~ The Southern Institute ~ Making the World Cuter ~ Thrify Décor Chick ~ Metamorphosis Monday ~ Sumo Sweet Stuff ~ Gunny Sack ~ Singing Three Little Birds ~DIY Homes Sweet Home ~ Dittle Dattle ~ 1929 Charmer ~ Everything Under the Moon  ~ ModMix Monday ~ Sew Stylish ~ Coastal Charm ~ Under the Table and Dreaming}

_{Tuesday ~ Get Your Craft ~ Tip Junkie ~ Blackberry Vine ~ Crafty Confessions ~ Me & my Boys ~ A Bowl Full of Lemons ~ Home Stories A-Z ~ My Uncommon Slice of Suberbia  ~ Carolyn’s Homework ~ Sugar Bee Crafts ~ House of Grace ~ Passionately Artisitc ~ My World Made by Hand ~ Uncommon Designs ~ Trendy Treehouse}

_{Wednesday ~ Blue Cricket Design ~ Somedays Crafts ~ Sew Much Ado ~ Sew Woodsy ~ Handy Man, Crafty Woman ~ Savvy Southern Style ~ {Primp} ~ Midweek Fiesta ~ Rae Gun Ramblings ~ Polkadots On Parade ~ Lollipop Cards ~ JAQS Studio ~ Let Birdz Fly ~ Let Birdz Fly ~ My Girlish Whims}

_{Thursday ~ Thursdays are Your Days, Transformation Thursdays ~ Somewhat simple ~ Show off your stuff ~ House of Hepworths ~ Delightful Order ~ My Simple Home Life ~ The Frugal Girls ~ Thrifty Thursday ~ DIY Diva Thursday ~ Tablescape Thursday ~ No Minimalists Here ~ Crafty, Scrappy, Happy ~ Thrifty Decorating ~ Between U and Me ~ 36th Avenue}

_{Friday ~ The Shabby nest  ~ Show and Tell Friday ~ Finding Fabulous ~ I’m Loving it ~ Simply Sweet Home ~ Whipper Berry ~ Chic on a Shoestring decorating ~ Spunky Junky ~ Delicate Construction ~ Homemaker in Heels ~ Family Ever After~ French Country Cottage ~ Common Ground ~ Young And Crafty ~ At the Picket Fence ~ Fingerprints on the Fridge ~ Miss Mustard Seed ~ Addicted to Decorating ~Bacon Time with The Hungry Hypo ~ Making Lemonade ~ I Can't Stop Crafting ~ Over the Big Moon ~ Shabby Art ~ Answer is Chocolate}

_{Saturday ~ I heart nap time- Sundae Scoop ~ Tatertots and Jello ~ Be different Act Normal ~ Funky Junk ~ 2805 ~ Making Lemonade Blog ~I am Along for the Ride  ~ Lolly Jane}

29 comments
Love the post? Then follow the blog! Please?

Oh, and you can like it too if you want!

Kitchen Awning Tutorial

The fact of the matter is that I’m a little obsessed with window treatments.  I see pictures of other houses and never think twice about it if there’s a fabulous room with “nude” windows. But my house’s windows always feel the bad kind of naked and unfinished without some sort of shade, drape, or—in the case of what I’m going to show you today—awning.

(found the image on houzz.com 5 years ago…don’t remember the credit…sorry!)

The image above was the inspiration for my deciding to go with an awning over my kitchen window.  I love the jewel tones and crisp lines against all that white.  And, while my kitchen could hardly be more different in terms of color scheme and layout, I am very happy with how my rendition of this little beauty turned out.

First off, I hadn’t a clue where to find those fancy pointed stake-thingies (pretty sure that’s the technical term) that were anchoring the awning to the wall, so I had to get a little creative, which is how I like to roll anyway, and I figured that I could anchor the top section of the awning with a tension rod and then do it again for the lower portion. Turns out I was right. I promise this will make more sense when you see the photos.

Here’s what you’ll need to make an awning of your very own:

1. At least 1 yard of the awning fabric of your choice—can be pretty much anything as long as it’s heavy enough to hold its shape.  Medium or upholstery weight fabrics…or even an outdoor fabric (since, you know, awnings have been known to appear outside…check, check) would work great.
2. *1 yard of lining fabric
3. Coordinating fabric for a pleated ruffle (if you’re not using the same fabric as in the body of the awning)
4. Coordinating thread
5. Pins
6. Scissors
7. Pencil
8. Tape measure
9. Two tensions rods that measure at least the width of whatever two surfaces you’ll be bracing them against (in my case, my kitchen cabinets)—they didn’t make it in the photo, but they weren’t that pretty anyway.

Also not included in the pic: an iron, ironing board, and sewing machine (unless, of course, you kick it old school and want to hand-stitch all this…in which case…knock yourself out! You may want to after about an hour).

Before you do anything else, you’ll need to measure the width of your cabinets (or whatever you’ll be using to support your tension rods) and decide how far you want your awning to hang down, factoring in the slanted upper portion of the awning as well as the bit that hangs down in the front (hmmm…I really should learn the official terms for these things…if they, indeed, exist).  In my case, I ended up with a fabric rectangle – approximately 40”X25”. 

*Depending on your preference, you may want to line your fabric to keep it from being too sheer.  I did, so I cut another 40”X25” rectangle of ivory cotton to layer behind my pattern.

I pinned the two fabrics together…

…and folded down the layered edges, creating about 1/2” hem.  I then ironed the hem down, eyeballing as I went to keep it as even as possible and continuing all the way around the rectangle until all my edges were folded down.

Then, I ran a quick stitch through the 1/2” hem to make sure it stayed down.

Next, I folded and pinned down the entire top edge of my rectangle 1 1/2” to create a pocket for my top tension rod, just like you would for a simple curtain-rod sleeve…if you’ve ever made curtains. If not, forget I just said that. And then…

 

…I stitched the top-edge fold down to keep it from going anywhere (pardon the blurry-edged photo; I’m still figuring out all this photography stuff).

Next, I needed a pocket for my second tension rod, so I cut a 3”X24” strip of my lining fabric.

Where you put this second pocket determines how much of the hanging down bit I mentioned earlier that you’ll have at the end of your project.  For my purpose, I measured 15 inches down from the top of my rectangle/awning, made little pencil marks across the lining (the underside) of the width of the fabric, and then…

…pinned my sleeve along my pencil marks to ensure that it stayed.

 

I sewed both edges of the sleeve across the width of the underside of the awning rectangle and ended up with this.

At this point, you should have a functioning awning (yay!).  But I wanted mine to be both functional and pretty (demanding, I know), so I decided to add a pleated ruffle to the hanging down bit (okay, I think I’ve officially given it a name; where do I sign up for the patent?), so I chose a coordinating solid fabric, and…

…measured out a 4” strip down the length of the fabric, making a mark every 6 inches or so with my pencil to ensure that my strip stayed the same width. 

I then folded it in half, and pinned it to keep it in place, thus giving myself a very long two-inch strip of fabric to fold into pleats (I also ironed mine to give my pleats a really crisp line, but if you like a more shabby-chic look, you could get away without ironing).

It was time to make the actual pleats out of my two inch strip, and I loosely followed this simple tutorial in lieu of using a fancy-schmancy sewing foot designed for ruffles or doing anything even as sophisticated as measuring/pinning the folds of my pleats.  And you know what? The result isn’t perfection, but I’m fine with it. 

I folded and sewed and folded and sewed until…

…I had something a little like this to pin to the bottom edge of my awning, which is exactly what I’d just finished doing here.

I stitched my cute little row of pleats onto my the bottom hem of my awning, and…

…slid my tension rods into my pockets. 

Okay.

Deep breath.

Ready for the big reveal?

Of course you are!

After all, half of you saw this was a tutorial and immediately scrolled to the bottom to see the finished result.

So, here we go:

Boring, bare, and blech.

And now…

Soooooo much better (I’m pretty sure those little birdies are staring up in awe and wonder at their fabulous shade awning).

 

So, how about you? Do you prefer your windows in their birthday suits or all gussied up?

Linking up!:

 

 DIY Showoff

&

&

&

&

&

&

http://tidymom.net/tag/im-lovin-it/

7 comments
Love the post? Then follow the blog! Please?

Oh, and you can like it too if you want!