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There was this pin on Pinterest that showed this set of shelves using brackets from Hobby Lobby. Check it out here. The set of three shelves on the wall was pretty, but the brackets were what I really wanted. And I'm not sure why, but when someone posts something and says "check out this awesome thing they have at Target/Hobby Lobby/Michael's", they never have it at my store.
This is the largest problem in my life. I have it pretty good.
But this time, I found the brackets I liked! And they were 50% off, so I got two brackets for $8. BOOM. (That's the sound I make when I get happy about a purchase)
I had the hubs put them up...
He's all man and all mine.
I got a piece of pine from Lowe's that was already cut to the size I need. THIS WAS DESTINY.
I painted it and put it up... and I think the hubster was happy because there was another surface for me to put stuff. He called it 'brick-a-brack'.
Who knew some $8 shelf brackets would make me so happy?
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I know you're probably exhausted from all these Apocalypse Monday posts. "Geez Priscilla, we get it, you're obsessed with zombies... do you need to post about it every Monday?"
YES. YES, I DO. YOU'LL THANK ME WHEN YOU'RE NOT ZOMBIE-FEED.
This week, we'll be discussing why cotton balls are necessary supplies for the end of civilization.
1. The worst thing about the zombie apocalypse, besides running for your life on an hourly basis of course, is the noise. Zombies groan really loudly and so do people when they're being devoured. Use these to plug up the ol' ears and enjoy the silence.
2. The best defense against the zombies is to make them think you aren't even there: Use the cotton balls to make spiderwebs for the outside of your house. Those zombies will think no one's been there in ages and they'll make their way down the street. If you make a big enough web, you might be able to trap a zombie or two. They don't make good house pets; you've been warned.
3. Cotton balls are a useful beauty tool and that doesn't change during the apocalypse. Use them to apply makeup or take off nail polish. 'Cause you're still beautiful, even when you're armed with a chainsaw.
4. Crafting will get more extreme during those dark days. You can use those cotton balls to attempt to make cotton fabric. You will use the fabric to make some of the ugliest clothes ever, but we will appreciate your effort.
5. During the apocalypse, stature is everything. We'll go back to caveman days where we had to puff out our chests to scare our opponents. Stuff the cotton balls in your shoes to add an extra inch to your height... that will show that meddling neighbor who the real tough guy is.
6. Not to be indelicate here, but young kids are still going to be dating. They will not know how to do it without the aid of facebook, but it will be happening. And since the dawn of time, girls have wanted to develop overnight... keep the cotton balls handy for bra-stuffing and keep the giggling to a minimum.
7. The risk of infection from small cuts is going to go way up once the zombies start attacking. Keep the cotton balls on hand with some peroxide for those scrapes. And yes, our husbands will still whine that it's 'sting-y'.
8. Buddy the Elf eats cotton balls. When your kids seem bored, you should imitate Buddy the Elf and entertain them. FYI, cotton balls don't go down so smooth.
9. Bags of cotton balls can double as pillows... you know, when you're on the run but still want to be comfy. They weigh practically nothing so they can be packed into your satchel easy-peasy.
10. If I bring one more bag of fake snow into my house, my husband will divorce me. But, he never said anything about cotton balls... your holiday decor will benefit from keeping an extra bag or two of cotton balls in with the ornaments... and a happy holiday to you.
Until next time survivors,
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So, I'm sure you all know Suzy from Suzy's Artsy Craftsy Sitcom. If you aren't familiar with her blog, hop over and take a look. She has more talent in her little pinky finger than I have in my whole body. And my husband's body, too. Really, you need to pay her a visit.
Today is a great day to pay her a visit because she's launching her first pattern e-book. In this e-book, she provides instructions and patterns for two projects, both of which look amazing but difficult... and then she shows you how to do it and you think, "oh, that's actually pretty easy!". One project is a stained-glass peacock... I told you, it seems impossible, but it's not. Trust me. No, trust Suzy.
I think the best thing about this pattern e-book is the step-by-step pictures... they make these projects seem effortless and the final result is so amazing. These projects aren't ordinary projects, either. They are actual art. Don't believe me? Pop on over and check out the page for Suzy's pattern e-book. You will love the projects, I promise.
On a personal note, I have to tell you that Suzy is a nice person. As in, one of those good people that good things should happen to. When I was a brand-new blogger (really new, I still had that new-blogger smell), I contacted her about a project. She has a much 'bigger' blog than me and I'm sure she's so busy... but she responded to my email and even offered to feature me. She is a great example of what good bloggers should do and I couldn't be happier that she's put out this great book.
Pay her a visit. Download her pattern book. Bask in the glow of her creativity.
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I never find the awesome stuff at Goodwill. I mean, I see other blogger's posting their finds and I get such Goodwill jealousy. Yes, that's a real thing.
This time, I found something awesome.
So, I saw this big ol' mirror and thought, "Ooooh, I love that... but it's probably too expensive." I never like to spend more than $5 on Goodwill stuff.
It was just under $5. It was meant to be.
I have such plans for this... I'll be trying to work on it this week so you'll see the final product soon. It will be awesome-sauce.
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I am married. And if you're married too, you have learned a lot about husbands. Here's what I've learned... I'd love to know what you've learned.
1) They can be big jerk-faces.
2) They are usually completely clueless about when they're being a jerk-face.
3) They get a splinter and it's like they've suffered a gunshot wound.
4) They tend to break more stuff than they fix.
5) They expect a parade for remembering to put down the toilet seat.
6) They are baffled by the mystery of how to replace the roll of toilet paper.
7) Until the kids are at least five, their father skills consist mostly of being a jungle gym.
8) They constantly try to pick things up off the floor using only their toes.
9) They are mostly unaware of when they've said something insensitive.
10) I have a pretty good one and I still feel like I deserve an award for staying married.
Wives of the world, you are not alone.
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I've seen some other bloggers spray paint glass and figured, "hey, I'm handy with the ol' spray paint, I can give this a shot...".
I don't enjoy being humbled.
I got two little glass jars (I think they are a creamer and sugar set but with no tops) from a rummage sale. For $0.25 each, I thought they were a great find. At the dollar store I found a plastic vase cut to look like crystal... for a dollar, of course.
Now, I'm a Krylon kind of girl. I don't have anything against any other spray paint, I've just always liked how Krylon applies and have used it for most projects. This Rust-oleum spray paint was on sale, so I gave it a whirl. I mean, how different could two spray paints be?
Ummm... different. Pretty different.
This spray paint seemed to spit out of the can, leaving uneven coats and little spots of paint blobs. I wore a sad face that day. I gave it a few coats to try and fix what the spray paint did to it, and it turned out all right in the end... you really can't tell where it all went to H - E - double toothpicks.
Pardon my french.
In the end, it's fine for my purposes... but I'll be going back to my good ol' Krylon from now on. Some things are worth the extra dollar.
Krylon didn't pay me for this. I just constantly feel the need to share opinions and give unwanted advice to the masses.
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That's right, the utensil. And while knives and forks will certainly have their place during the apocalypse, spoons will be even more useful than their cutlery brethren. Here's why:
1) You know when you heard that ol' joke about digging a hole to China with a spoon? There are days where this will be the only entertainment you have. Enjoy it.
2) I was at the county fair once and saw an old man playing spoons like instruments. Then he tried to sell me kettle corn. When the zombies have all gone home for the day, you'll need to bring down your adrenaline level... a nice orchestra of spoons ought to do the trick. And maybe, a bowl of kettle corn, too.
3) Eating oatmeal with your hands is just wrong, even when the undead are roaming free. Use the spoons like a civilized human being.
4) Wind chimes create a homey feel to any survivor camp. Since real wind chimes are only found at the abandoned Walgreens down the road, use some spoons to create a whimsical chime for your fellow survivors.
5) If you find some sleeping zombies and have nothing to kill them with, rap their knuckles with the spoons. Of course, then you'll have to run like the dickens.
6) You can use the spoons to check your hair. I mean, you'll be upside-down and all 'fun house mirror', but you should still make the effort.
7) Did you ever play that game where you hang the spoon off the edge of the table and put something on it... and then smack the handle and watch it fly? You should not do this in front of children but it will be great fun during the apocalypse.
8) It's a sign of virility when men hang spoons off their noses. If you find a potential mate in your travels, hand him a spoon and judge him accordingly.
9) You can use spoons and some rubber bands to make a catapult. A really teeny catapult, but we do what we can during these dark times.
10) It's impossible to eat jell-o without a spoon. And you can trust me on that, 'cause I've done the research. Use the spoon and save yourself a mess.
Until next time survivors,
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Did all of you read that? Let me repeat it for you:
ARBY'S IS SELLING THEIR CURLY FRIES IN THE FROZEN SECTION OF THE GROCERY STORE.
Do you see what the bag says? "Serve up our world famous fries, anytime!" That's almost word-for-word how I phrase it in my prayers. And since I'm a diligent blogger, I felt obligated to buy this bag and try them... for you. Because I love you.
This is the food they serve in paradise. It was as close to Arby's fries as you can get without actually working for it. I ate this entire plate of fries. Ask me if I feel guilty about it.
I do not. I made some more the next day.
If you see these in the freezer section, I ask that you consider taking the leap and trying them. And then curse my name. And then contemplate starting that diet the next day.
Arby's did not pay me for this post. They don't know who I am. I mean, the folks at my local Arby's probably know me as that lady who drools while waiting for her fries, but other than that, I'm a stranger to them and they haven't compensated me at all for saying this.
Of course, if they want to, I'd be happy to accept a lifetime supply of Arby's food. Have your people call my people.
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So, not sure if you've noticed, but I usually post two projects a week on the ol' blog. Which is fine and all, but now the holidays are coming up. I mean, I'm putting together Halloween projects already and it's only July. So in an effort to have enough time to do everything I've set out to do, I'm changing up Thursdays.
I am on a mission to get my house all pretty and stuff. I'm currently scouting out new furniture for the living room which will be purchased as soon as it goes on sale. Free delivery wouldn't hurt either, but that's most likely a dream. But since I'm on this mission AND I'm a thrifty gal, I decided to put a little plan in place:
Every week I'm going to find something (or several somethings) from Goodwill to make pretty. The deal is that for every item I bring home, I have to have donated the same amount of items back to them. This is the only way to keep the husband happy with the level of crap in the house. I'll show you my Goodwill finds and you'll see what I do with them in a future post.
"This sounds like an excuse for her to shop at Goodwill," you say to yourself.
Number one, you shouldn't talk to yourself. And number two, you're totally right.
This week, I donated a small box of kid's toys to Goodwill... in exchange, I spent $0.96 on this here clock.
I have grand plans for this clock and you'll see what they are just as soon as I actually do it... that's the catch, you have to actually do the work.
I hope you'll enjoy this weekly mission of Goodwill, at least until the holidays start and I can show you all the holiday projects I've done... and they're awesome.
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Recognition. I think that, at least on some level, all bloggers want it. I'm not going to tell you how to get it, because I don't really know. But I will tell you that not getting it should not make you throw in the blogging towel.
So, you made this amazing project/recipe/post that was filled with so much of your blood, sweat and tears, you now consider it like one of your children. The post is ready. You hit 'Publish'... and then...
Nothing happens.
So you wait a bit.
Still, nothing.
HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED? How is it that the thing you've poured your heart and soul into could be completely ignored by the world? I mean, don't they see how awesome this thing is?
OK, it's time to breathe. Your old pal Prissy here is going to talk you through this, step by step.
First, your project was awesome. The time you spent on it is obvious given the final result. And if you love it, it wasn't a waste of time at all.
Second, people have noticed it. For realsies. They just might not have commented on it. (This could be because you have the blogger captcha on, some people have a moral opposition to that.) As a blogger, I totally get that comments are like sunshine for your soul. And if you don't get those, you feel like no one cares.
I totally care.
Third, let's talk about the happy crap. Yes, I said 'crap'. Here's what the sweet bloggers out there would tell you: If you are happy with your blog, who cares what anyone else thinks!
You care. I know you do. Because I care, too.
Here's the thing: You have to keep going. The internet is a funny place... I have posts that I thought would be amazing show-stoppers that barely registered while other silly little projects that took no time at all get a billion page views and a million comments.
You just never can tell.
Don't quit. Comment on blogs and people will visit your awesome stuff. Promise.
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Yes, I know it's Tuesday. I accidentally posted Tuesday's post yesterday and now I'm posting Monday's post today.
I'm a cotton-headed ninnymuggins.
Clothespins. Yes, they're terrific for hanging your clothes on the line, but they're also life-saving. Observe:
1) I'm not sure any of you are aware, but zombies smell. I mean, they reek to high heaven. How do you expect to fight that which repulses your olfactory senses so offensively? Clothespins on your nose, that's how.
2) There is going to be so much awesome loot to be had once the zombies have killed all your neighbors. I mean, you've been eyeing that porcelain vase over at the Johnson's for years now. And now, the Johnson's are zombies and they have no need for that vase. But you can't just pick it up with your hands, I mean, it's got zombie goo all over it. Use your clothespins to grab it and hose it off and it's yours.
3) Clothespins are a great way to keep chip bags closed. And you'd better believe I'm eating chips when the world ends and I don't want them stale.
4) You're still going to be decorating and crafting after the apocalypse. What better time to make one of those starburst mirrors you've seen all over Pinterest? Use the clothespins and your creativity will amaze everyone in your survival camp.
5) Your clothes will be ragged. It's just a fact, really. The zombies are going to decimate your wardrobe. Until you can make it to the abandoned Burlington Coat Factory for new threads, use the clothespins to hold your clothes on. For Pete's sake, have a little modesty.
6) Six words: Pin the Tail on the Zombie.
7) In the post-apocalyptic world, barrettes will be a luxury. Use clothespins to hold back your hair and set a new fashion trend.
8) There is always some obnoxious member of your camp. I mean, the guy who just won't shut up about how awesome he is, even though you know he hasn't killed zombie one. Punish him. Clothespins over his mouth is good for the rest of the camp's morale.
9) The little ones have trouble with forks, even during the best of times... couple that with a constant trembling of fear and you've got a messy toddler on your hands. Show them how to eat using clothespins and you'll be in business.
10) I'm a competitive girl. Once, I tripped my father so I would beat him in the sack race. I feel no shame about this. So we're going to need to keep score of our zombie kills. Every clothespin on your shirt is a kill... I will be covered in clothespins, especially after I've tripped everyone else.
Until next time survivors,
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Hello my friends... I did this project for a little guest post over at Olga's Stardust - Decor & Style and I thought I'd share it here in case you didn't see it. I GOT WOUNDS FROM THIS PROJECT, YOU'D BETTER BELIEVE YOU NEED TO SEE IT.
This welcome mat project starts with a little wood, some shelf liner and some river rocks. How much of those things depends on how big you would like your mat... I made mine EXTREMELY BIG, which I regretted halfway through. Now that it's done, I love it!
Grab some shelf liner and river rocks.
Cut your wood and shelf liner to the size you want your mat.
Use some hot glue to attach the shelf liner to the wood (you'll be gluing a lot for this project, so just a little to hold the mat in place will be fine.).
You are ready to start gluing your rocks down. Dump out your river rocks and put them together on the mat, sort of like a puzzle.
Start gluing the bottoms of the rocks to the shelf liner. Press down so the glue hits the wood beneath! I started at a corner and worked my way around...
Glue them tightly together... look at them, all packed in there together. They're best friends, I tell you. I must warn you to be careful with your glue gun. When you're gluing the little rocks, they might fall from your hands. Your instinct will be to grab the falling rock. Don't.
Glue wounds.
Once you're done, trim the edges of the mat, if there are any left over.
You are finished!
This was definitely a labor of love... I hope you make one!
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So, let's get something straight right now: EVERY AWESOME RECIPE SHOULD HAVE ONLY FOUR INGREDIENTS. Let's push Congress to pass that law, pronto.
The blogger over at She Wears Many Hats is responsible for this 'you-can't-eat-too-many-or-you'll-go-into-sugar-shock' recipe... go give her a visit, she wears many hats. And now, let's pig out.
You'll need four ingredients, as per Congressional law. Gather up powdered sugar, cream cheese, peppermint extract and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Take four ounces of cream cheese and let it soften. Throw it in your mixer and combine it with the peppermint extract and about a pound of powdered sugar. That was half the bag and it was pretty easy to eyeball when it was right... it needs to be a bit dough-like.
OK, here's where we're going to work fast. Take a baking sheet and line it with wax paper or parchment paper. Take a little of the mixture, I used about a tablespoon or so at a time, and roll it up into a ball.
Put it on your wax paper and press the backside of a tablespoon into it to make a dent.
Keep going until you've used up all the mixture. If you aren't too quick, the mixture will dry out a bit. The original blogger says to keep a damp towel over the mixing bowl while you're working to keep that from happening, but I was able to do it pretty quickly so that wasn't a big deal for me. Just be wary.
Also, at this point, your hands will smell like peppermints.
So, here they are:
Pretty maids, all in a row.
Throw this into the fridge for a couple of hours until they get a bit more firm. Once that happens, take them out and melt one cup of your chocolate.
Put your chocolate into a piping bag or ziploc bag and pipe it into the peppermints.
Oh, brother. Throw these into the fridge to let the chocolate harden up a bit. I found it was easiest to eat these at room temperature so the chocolate was easier to bite into. As if I wouldn't have eaten it anyway.
So. Good.
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I've seen these at a few blogs and even on Etsy... so if you don't want to make these, give some business to a seller over there because these are so cute! If you're up for the ten-minute challenge however, read on.
I got a couple of washcloths from Walmart... nice and inexpensive, but cute colors that the kids picked out themselves.
I folded up the bottoms and pinned the sides, like so:
On one of the sides, I pinned a length of ribbon in, folded in half.
I broke out the ol' sewing machine and sewed up the sides...
And then I sewed in the middle too, to make little pockets. I did three pockets, but you could make two or four... pick your favorite number.
Ahem. That was the project. It took just about as long as reading this post took... and what did I make, you ask?
It's for the kids toothbrushes... it rolls up so you can take it places.
ADORABLE. And simple. The kids use them to hold their toothbrush stuff everyday, not just when we're jetting off to another exotic location, like Des Moines.
We've never been to Des Moines. Too fancy for us. :)
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