Stocking Hanger

Since this year is my first Christmas as a married couple with my husband AND in our own apartment we decided we needed our own stocking holders for our stockings! I found a super cute snowman one at go figure .... the Christmas Tree Shop! Shawn was trying to find one but just couldn't find the right one on our budget! It was getting a little frustrating. We happened to be back at the Christmas Tree Shop and Shawn found a Santa Clause figurine he liked. I knew Target had plain/flat stocking holders so I bought some Super Glue and attached the two!

Waterproof Matches

This is quite simple actually. All you need is a Mason jar, strike anywhere matches, strong glue, and fine sandpaper.

Cut out a round piece of sandpaper and glue it to the cover of the jar. Next put all the matches that fit into the jar. Twist the top on and VOILA! These are great to keep with your camping gear and/or an emergency kit at home.

Here is mine:

Desk into Vanity

When Shawn and I first moved into the apartment I decided I wanted to have a vanity. I have always wanted one for as long as I can remember. We happened to be at Savers one afternoon and I found an old desk. It was only $13.00. I decided to go buy it because it was such a good deal. Here is what it looked like before I got my hands on it.

It was not terribly beat up but it had some knicks and some missing hardware. But overall it was in good condition. I went to Lowe's and bought some paint. One color for the outside and one for the inside of the drawers. My plan is to shop in local thrifts stores and antique stores to find some great "new" hardware for the desk.

Here is the end result! I just love it!

It is going to go into my bedroom once we move the bed over slightly so it can fit. Now I am on the hunt for a great mirror to go with it!

ENJOY!

Autumn Wreath

I have always been fascinated by themed wreaths. Some stores go overboard on the decorations and then go and charge an absurd about for the product. I once was in a craft store and watched a lady pay over $60 I knew I could have made for at most $20.

Shawn and I were out on a "date", which consisted of window shopping at the strip mall, when I stopped by the end of summer sales at Michael's. Mind you this was back in July, I was a tad bit confused why the sale was "end of summer". Quite strange. I usually just pass right by the wreaths because usually when they are on sale you still pay an arm and a leg for it. I was pleasantly surprised when I found a great twig wreath 80% off for less than $8. It was a pretty hideous summer wreath but I was determined to make it beautiful. I had to do a little bit of convincing but Shawn agreed to making the purchase. I was as giddy as can be. When we got home I delicately took off the terrible flowers and ribbon and started to envision the beauty it was going to be. I went to Walmart and picked up some leaves and fall decorations. All in all I spent about $15 on the whole thing.

I think it turned out fabulously! For $15 I made a a fantastic wreath that would have cost me at least $35 at a craft store. It now hangs on my front door and I love looking at it everyday! I cannot wait to see what I can for the winter season!

ENJOY!

Pumpkin Spice

Last night I decided to make Pumpkin Spice! I found the recipe yesterday and knew that it had to be made as soon as possible. Luckily I married an understanding man and we immediately made a list and went grocery shopping! On the list were the few spices that did not sit in my spice rack.  I could not wait to get started when I walked through our apartment door.

Here is the recipe I used:

DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice

Yield: 1/4 cup | Prep Time: 2 minutes | Cook Time: N/A

INGREDIENTS:

4 tbsp. ground cinnamon

2 tbsp. ground ginger

3 tsp. ground allspice

3 tsp. ground cloves

1 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a small bowl whisk all the ingredients together then pour into an airtight container to store.

It was so simple and easy! Now I have a yummy spice in my cabinet that is great for baking, cooking, or making yummy fall coffee! If you have all the ingredients already than this recipe is perfect! If not, all of the ingredients I have seen in a lot of other recipes so they will not go unused! 

ENJOY!