Makeover Monday + Babies

This is why I love being friends with people who are way ahead of me in life (AKA - are married and have children). I mentioned on Facebook that I needed a few baby food jars for a project, and the next weekend I received a whole bag of the little glass jars from a girl at church. Then yesterday she surprised me another bag full of them! I'm now convinced that babies eat more than I do. :P

I used a few of them to hold homemade finger paints (I'll get to that another time), but I still have sooo many left. What to do with them? I found a few cute ideas...

Paint the tops a pretty color and use to store craft supplies (love that little shelf they're all on)

Or make the lids into mini chalkboards and fill them with spices - I'd totally do this if my spices weren't already in cute little glass containers

This centerpiece would be perfect on my tiny dining table. It makes me think of spending the summer in a cottage by a meadow

This light is so unique. Now I just need a power drill and a how to book on wiring for lighting...

This would be the perfect gift for the crafter in your life. The pincushion on top is adorable!

I would love to have these on my windowsill. Fresh herbs would be so convenient! But it's really windy here so I'm not sure how well that would work...

Have any creative uses for baby food jars? Lemme know!

In the meantime...have a marvelous Monday! :)

Friday's Fancies

The Boyfriend and I will celebrate being together for a year and a half in a couple of weeks, so this linkup came at the perfect time. Since that day is right smack dab in the middle of finals week, we're not sure of what our plans will be yet. So instead of doing one outfit for this week's linkup, I'll be posting two: One for going out, and one for staying in. 

Girls everywhere hail the LBD (Little Black Dress) for date nights, but now that it's inching closer to summer I just couldn't help but make this Little white dress the center of attention in my girly "going out" outfit. The clutch from Fossil is seriously the most perfect shade of mint green I've ever seen, and those pink flats would be perfect for walking around. Finish off the look with pretty pink lips, winged eyeliner, and a gorgeous pendant necklace.

This outfit would be perfect for the weekend The Boyfriend and I have planned. He has an extra credit project tonight, but after that we're meeting up at my place for a movie night, complete with buckets of popcorn. It's hard to find the right balance between cute and comfortable, but that's why I like this outfit. The leggings and mint t-shirt are casual, but the ruffled tank, yummy pink lipgloss, and cute slippers make this outfit fab instead of frumpy.

So what are your plans for the weekend? Are you staying in or going out (or a bit of both)?

Whatever you're doing, hope you have a great couple of days!

Things that make me..

Sad...
Angry...
Afraid...
Curious...
Grateful...
Passionate...
Stronger.

Runs with Animals

Announcement: I have now finished an official 5K. *claps*

Last Saturday morning The Boyfriend and I ran our first 5K with a group of people from church. 

Precious family from our group...my friend took a group shot with her iPhone but hasn't uploaded it yet. Just know that we all looked fabulous.

The 5K itself was pretty fun. It was the Zoo Run, so obviously part of the course was in the zoo. We got to see the elephants and a few other animals, which was pretty cool at 8:30 in the morning. 

I wish we could've run through more of the zoo, although the paths were a bit narrow and it got kinda crowded at points so maybe that wouldn't have been a good idea. There were tons of kids running this one too (because it's a family event), which made things more hectic. I almost ran over a couple of them, eep. But then we ran out into the surrounding neighborhood and the paths widened, so it was a lot better. 

We are so hot...even the lady in the background wanted to get in on the action haha

Plus there were tons of gorgeous houses to look at so I was obviously in love. I told The Boyfriend that they designed that course just so I could look at pretty future houses haha.

I've been working up to this distance since January, but it's the longest The Boyfriend has run and I'm so incredibly proud that he decided to do this with me. There's nothing like rounding the last corner and sprinting to try and beat each other across the finish line. What can I say, our competitiveness pushes us to greatness. ;) 

PS...The Boyfriend can't take an in-focus photo to save his life. I love him anyway. ;)

Investment Pieces

Usually when you hear "investment pieces",  you think of those basic clothing items that comprise a girl's wardrobe. Well these are my "investment pieces" for life. The wishlist of things I want to buy that I feel are "essential" for my life. And just know that when I say essential, I really mean that I would be so ecstatic if I had them...not like I need them to survive. Get it? Good. :) Here we go.

A "legit" camera
A bike
A jersey with my name on it

Makeover Monday (on a Tuesday)

I had this post all typed up and ready to go Sunday night, when lo and behold my camera cord had to go missing. I swear I'd lose my head if it weren't attached sometimes...*sigh* But after a lengthy search of my teensy apartment, I found that sneaky cord hiding under my couch cushion. How it got under there is unknown. Details pending...But for now enjoy Makeover Monday (on a Tuesday)!

A couple of months ago, The Boyfriend's mom gave me a big old frame that she no longer needed in her home. I didn't know what I'd use it for, but I'm not one to turn down free stuff. It sat propped up against a wall in my living room until last week, when I decided that it would become a cork board. This is a super easy makeover, but can help you organize yourself while decorating your wall too! I plan on putting this above the eating area in my living room. 

I got mine for free, but you can easily find a frame at your local Goodwill. Try to find one with a backing to hold your sheet of cork in, but if you can't find one like that then go to a craft store and grab a foam core board. Cut it to size and you have a backing for your cork board!

Take out the original photo/print

Cut your cork sheet to size. Make sure to measure twice and cut once! I learned this the hard way... To cut the cork board I would suggest using a craft knife instead of scissors. You can get a clean, accurate cut and if your blade is sharp it should slice through the cork easily. 

Put the cut cork into frame, and use a hot glue gun to secure the corners (if needed)

Replace the backing and secure

Add hangers if you want this up on a wall

And you're done!

With a 50% off coupon my roll of cork cost only $7.50, and I had a lot left over (now looking for more cork projects). My frame was free, and I already had the hangers at my apartment. I may buy some particleboard to make the backing of the cork board stronger, but for now I'm just leaving the foam core board on. For less than $10 and 30 minutes of work I now have a cute cork board to hang on my wall. 

This will be useful to organize the last few weeks of school I have left. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I am so ready to get there. 2 1/2 weeks to go!

Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

I don't know if it's the "end of school" stress or what, but I have been craving comfort foods like crazy lately. That involves macaroni and cheese (or any other kind of pasta for that matter), pretty much anything my mom makes (meatloaf *drool*), and of course, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Confession: I used to not like PB&Js. Now before you start unfollowing my blog lemme justify myself. When I was in elementary school and my mom made my lunch, she wouldn't put jelly on the sandwich because by the time I got to lunch it would be soggy. And honestly who wants a soggy sandwich? Not me. But since my mom made my sandwich with only peanut butter, it would stick in the back of my throat and on the roof of my mouth. I lived in constant fear of dying by choking on a sandwich when I was younger. Yeah, I was sort of a strange kid.
Fast forward to college, where fast and easy meals are a necessity when you have no lunch break. I thankfully rediscovered this glorious combination, and haven't gone back. I used to pair my sandwiches with a giant glass of cold milk, but now I have to settle for soy (which somehow is just not as satisfying). While I love a good ol' fashioned  PB&J, these variations below sound pretty darn good too.

PB&J Braid

PB&J Handpies

Grilled PB&J
(Fun fact: I've actually eat grilled PB&Js on the reg. The cafeteria at school has a couple of panini presses and if I'm in a hurry I just fix one of these to go...it's so delicious!)


PB&J + Banana wraps

On a related note, has anyone tried this Powdered PB2? It's essentially powdered peanut butter (85% less fat/calories than regular peanut butter). It's about 6 dollars a jar on Amazon, and I want to get some. But I'm skeptical and not quite sure what to think of it yet. If you've heard anything about it (good or bad) lemme know in the comments...I'm so curious!

Goin' on a Picnic

I'm linking up with Long Distance Loving once again for Friday's Fancies. Sorry for the sporadic (and kinda boring) posts...it's been a rough week. We're all gray and thunderstorms here this morning, and tomorrow morning it's going to be in the 40s. You wouldn't know it's mid-April from that, huh?

Even though the weather here is gloomy and not at all picnic-like, I have a cute outfit that's suitable for any Spring outing. These feminine TOMS wedges captured my heart, and coral is such a huge color right now. I also made shorts like the ones below on Makeover Monday a few weeks back. 

I'm currently sitting in my only class of the day, hoping that the next 50 minutes will pass quickly. Then I have a few hours at work and then it's the weekend!! I have some fun stuff planned *so excited* 

Do you have any awesome plans for the weekend?

Corn Fritters

Any recipe for corn fritters

You jelly?

http://www.instructables.com/id/Coffee-Jelly/

Grouchy Pants

I totally need this in my apartment, on my wall, in front of my face right now, because I am a total grouchy pants. 

You know those days when the big things are stressing you out but it's the little things that make you snap? Yeah, it's one of those days. 

Waking up too early to workout

A kazillion assignments all due at once

Absolutely no motivation to go to class anymore

That dumb person who doesn't understand how traffic at a stop sign works

The Boyfriend's unwavering optimism and "it'll be ok" texts 

Too much to do with too little time to do it all

Scary family emergencies and hospitals

The fact that it's only Tuesday

I'm pooped.

Going to do an extra credit assignment, then coming home to do some homework, then bed. There's nothing a good night's rest can't help heal.

Makeover Monday

They're everywhere right now. Photos on my Facebook newsfeed of girls wrapped around their beaus, showing off the giant sparkly ring on their left hand. Yes, I'm talking about engagements. I'm in my early 20s and not even out of college yet, but many people I know are already getting engaged, marrying, and having babies. 

Now I'm not going to get into the whole, "why the heck is everyone getting married so young?!" thing. Even though that's exactly what I'm thinking right now. Because although I love The Boyfriend and yes it would be awesome to get married to him now, both of us understand that A) we're not ready and B) why not take the time to get to know eachother before we decide to seal the deal? You only get one chance at this, so you might as well take some time and make sure that they're really "THE ONE".

But enough ranting and onto the point of this. When a friend (or family member or a work acquaintance or whatever) gets married, you usually buy them a gift. That's what wedding showers are for. The problem for me is, these people register for some expensive stuff. I mean seriously...I am a broke college student. I love you hon, but I don't have that kind of money. So what's a girl to do? 

Here are a few cute ideas for unique wedding presents that may not be on that Target gift list, but will still make her smile and let her know you're thinking of her and her future hubby.

{click the photo to go to its source!}

"I <3 you because..." printable

Kiki & Company has this printable on sale for $10 on her Etsy shop, or if you're handy with graphics you can make your own! Mat the print and put it in a pretty frame. Include a dry erase marker so they can write in a new reason each day. :)

Chalkboard serving tray

After seeing this cute DIY project on the Wit & Whistle blog, I've started exploring thrift stores and garage sales for inexpensive ceramic trays to transform. All you need for this project is a ceramic serving tray and a bottle of chalkboard paint. Add a stick of chalk and a recipe for an appetizer and you've got a cute gift for a couple who likes to host parties. 

Cleaning bucket

This gift may sound boring, but these are things that people don't realize they actually need when they move into their new place together. This cleaning kit is housed in a plastic bucket, but I would choose one made out of galvanized metal instead. It looks cute and is still functional. Include things like paper towels, antibacterial wipes, gloves, dusting spray, air freshener, ect. If you're extra-ambitious (or your recipient likes to be environmentally-friendly) you can even make your own cleaning supplies. There are a million recipes for everything from Windex to Febreze, all conveniently located online. 

Matching mugs

These mugs are from Promise Pottery, and they're priced at $40. While these are rustic and adorable, you can also make your own with plain ceramic mugs and ceramic paint pens (which cost about $5 each). Here's an example of one I found on Spearmint Wedding:

Adorable, right? Now I just need to find a husband who actually likes coffee...

...Just kidding Boyfriend. ;)

Custom address stamp

I found this one (along with many others) at the precious lettergirl shop on Etsy. This stamp is $42, but I included it because this would be a great gift for couples who already know where they will be living after they are married. Wouldn't these be perfect for all of those thank you notes they have to write? I kinda want one of these for myself. 

Kitchen gadget & favorite recipe(s)

Along with the chalkboard tray, you could gift your favorite couple a nice cutting board (maybe one in the shape of your favorite state?). Tie on a recipe, or even a small recipe book with a couple of recipes written in, and you've got a gift that will bring the newlyweds together in the kitchen...or at least help them feed themselves. ;)

Have you ever given a unique/awesome wedding present to someone you know? Would you choose any of these gifts?