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Highlights and Happenings: A Look Back At 2013

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Selasa, 31 Desember 2013 0 komentar

4, 3, 2, 1...Haaaaaappy New Year!
The ball has dropped and it is officially 2014 here in Ohio! Wahooo!
What exciting things do you have planned for 2014? Are you a resolution setter? Generally I am kind of a year-round resolution setter. I resolve, I try, I fail, I try again less emphatically, I get inspired and I resolve, and we do this dance over and over again. *lopsided grin*
It's called goals and aspirations, and it is definitely not a sprint to the finish! This month I'm going to share my resolutions and how to take two steps forward even though you might take one step back. *wink*

My Ongoing Resolutions (in no particular order):

~~Save even more on my grocery bill~~ and squeeze the most out my budget.
Improve my guitar & piano skills and help my kids do the same
Organize at least one thing per week, even if it is a little thing!
Get fit, and eat less sweets.
Make learning a great experience for my kids!

My Favorite Projects & Posts
I. Can't. Choose! I guess if I had to choose, a few of my favorite projects would be my menu planner, my chore system, the pin & magnet board + dresser update, and my DIY rugs. The first two made a big impact in the function of our home and in simplifying our lives, and the last two...well the last two were just loads of fun and pretty to look at!

I guess these must have been reader favorites as well, because these projects seemed to be featured most across the blogosphere, for which I say a great big thank you! You guys make me feel special!
I'd also like to give a big thanks to IHeart Organizing, Apartment Therapy, Buzzfeed, Roadkill Rescue, and Knock Off Decor for featuring other projects I did this year!

2014 Awaits!
So many neat things are going on in 2014! Just to drop a hint or two, there are magazine features (I can't WAIT to share!!), podcasts, interviews, and contributor articles in the near future!
I will be contributing at SheKnows! I'm very excited to share my "expertise" (do I have any of that?...well I suppose trial and error have taught me waaaay more than I'd like!).

January 12th - 17th I have the privilege of joining with some fantastic bloggers, a few who are as new as I am to the blogging world, but have made a big splash! We will be sharing our confessions of what it means to be a blogger. We'll also be hosting a Blogging Resources link party on the 17th, and a live chat from 3-5pm via Facebook & Twitter!
Mark your calendar, you won't want to miss this! You'll laugh your socks off at some of these confessions, and hopefully we won't shock you too much!

Have a lovely New Year!!

Baca Selengkapnya ....

1st Blogiversary

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Selasa, 24 Desember 2013 0 komentar

Can you believe it!? One year ago I officially began blogging, and it has been one fantastic ride!

Although my blog is only a year old, it does sport a year and 3 months worth of archives. I made sure to retroactively publish several months of posts so you would have something to read when I started the blog. I intended to release Home Made by Carmona blog January 1st of 2013, but impatience (and a few mysterious mistakes) led to giving myself a bit of an early Christmas gift, and presto, my blogiversary week was decided!
In reality, I don't know the exact day my blog went public, just that it occurred sometime between the 22nd and the 26th... I know, I know. I can hear you saying "Seriously Carmona, HOW?". Well, let's just say when I started blogging I was a bit technologically daft. Hee hee. Until I decided to blog I'd never held anything besides a point-and-shoot camera, never owned a laptop, never known what twitter was, and thought HTML must have been short for hotmail...actually, what is it short for? Well, you get the idea. The point is, I had to figure everything out the hard way in order to start this wild endeavor. And yes, plenty of behind-the-scenes mistakes were made along the way! Well, it has all been worth every effort!

Why I Began Blogging
The biggest reasons I decided to join the wonderful world of blogging, was to force myself to action while still being able to enjoy the creative world of others. I have spent numerous life hours marveling at everyone else's accomplishments. It is easy to get sucked into the black hole of other people's amazing creations, or accomplished life. Then a novel idea hit me, duhh, why not allow the said "inspiration" I spent countless hours pinning or reading about actually be...well, inspiration? Now don't get me wrong, it's not as if I sat around doing nothing and never actually applied anything, but when you examine how many hours are spent browsing online compared to how many you actually spend living those things, it can be horrifying! The time I spent being "inspired" I could have already had the perfect space, become a skilled builder, or learned photography, etc.
That being said, I don't want my blog to become just another spot you browse through on your online travels. I have committed to always sharing the before and the how as best I can, and hopefully inspiring you to action. If I can tackle my dreams without any special skills or knowledge, then I have no doubt you can as well!
And that leads me to my second reason for blogging...you!
I had just moved to Ohio, I had no extended family, friends, or any real support group to help me as a mom and wife. Is it strange to say that you have been my support group and friends? I share with hopes of impacting you in a positive way, and in turn having an outlet to share with those who have similar interests and dreams! And may I say, you have been lovely! All your kind feedback has warmed and encouraged my heart! After all, this isn't just a blog for me, it is a window into my endeavors and dreams. You know me, I take the job description "home maker" seriously! *grin* I dream of making a home where everything is well ordered and it's occupants are happy and well adjusted!
Thank you for being with me in my adventures, and encouraging me along the way! I am looking forward to yet another wonderful year of challenges, growing, learning, and creating!

Happy Holidays!

Baca Selengkapnya ....

5 Detailed Tips To Make Your Home Comfortable for Guests

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Jumat, 13 Desember 2013 0 komentar

Or 5 Ways To Be A Serial Hostess...
I love having guests over, it is the best part of the holidays! Well, my husband would tell you otherwise, but don't listen to him. It's just that he sees what none of my guests see... a crazy lady flying about the house for a good two weeks in advance preparing the little guest niceties, starching linens, and rearranging the house (yet again). But nothing compares to that feeling you get watching the smiling faces of your guests enjoying their stay, knowing that you caused someone else to feel rested and happy over their vacation.
Here are 5 detailed touches to make your home guest friendly!

1. Create a Welcome Basket to put on the bed of overnight guests:If you really want your guests to know just how special they are to you, this little touch will leave them all warm and fuzzy inside and out!

Welcome Basket Ideas:

Fluffy robe
Towel & washrag
Comfy slippers
Tea cup with a variety of hot drink options: Herbal tea, hot cocoa, coffee or substitute.
Bottled water
Wrapped sweet treat: Mints, biscotti, chocolates, etc.
Newspaper, sudoku or crossword puzzle activity book

Child Welcome Basket Ideas:
Remember when filling baskets for children that the purpose is different from that of an adults. You want to give a child something age appropriate to occupy themselves, giving mom and dad a little break to chat with you! Whatever you put in this basket needs to be something they can take with them when they leave, and something that won't destroy your house! Inform the parents of the contents before the kids see it, just to ensure that what you are providing is allowed.

Fruit snacks, or other healthy treat such as a granola bar, crackers or other snack to hold them over between meals. (Avoid items with nuts or common allergy food items).
Age appropriate magazine, or activity booklet for reading, and to occupy them while the parents are visiting or relaxing.
Stickers
Pad of paper & crayons for children way past the "draw on walls" phase. *wink*
Toy for toddlers (something they can keep and will occupy them on their drive home).

2. Stock Help Yourself Trays in an accessible corner: These are the little indulgences your guest can feel free to grab anytime. While we often say "help yourself" or "make yourself at home", not all personality types are comfortable going through someone else's cupboard to find what tickles their fancy, this allows the most timid to grab without a hint of guilt or discomfort!

Tray/Basket Ideas & What To Fill It With:

Beverage Tray: Herbal teas, hot cocoa, coffee or substitute, flavoring syrup, sweetener (honey, honey sticks, sugar packets, sugar substitutes), emergen-C packets (in case someone feels a cold coming on), stir sticks or spoons, mugs, water flavoring drink packs.

Dessert Tray: Cookie jars, candy jars, savory snacks, mixed nuts, etc. Include a "help yourself" tag to this corner.

Breakfast Basket: Instant oatmeal packets, cranberries or dried fruit, and toaster strudels. Bring breakfast tray out with other items such as cereal options, a basket of fruit, etc.

3. Put together a Forgotten Items basket, just in case! Keep toiletries commonly forgotten for overnight guest, as well as day visitor items. These are the items you buy in small individual packages or in the travel aisle. Here are a detailed list of ideas so that you can have everything covered...you may not need every item on the list, consider the types of items your particular family and friends commonly use.

Overnight Guest Item Ideas:

Mouth care: toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, or floss picks, mouth wash
Personal: deodorant, tampons & pads, personal wipe packs
Body care: soap, body wash, lotion, vaseline, cocobutter
Hair care: shampoo, conditioner, gel, hair spray, comb & brush, hair bands, shower cap
Hair removal: razors, shave cream
Small tissue pack, Q-tips, cotton balls, makeup removal wipes
Stain removal stick
Ear plugs (especially if you have kids that stay up late, or rise early!)
Contact solution
Wrinkle release spray
Baby & Child: baby powder, baby oil

Frequent Use Bathroom Items:

Small tissue pack
Floss picks & breath freshening strips
Extra toilet paper roll
Optional: extra pads or tampons (keep it classy)

4. Provide for Comfort Quirks: Some of these tips are very near to my heart... for example, nothing is worst than being too hot or too cold while visiting a friend, it can really make or break the visit.

Throws & quilts: over living room chairs for people who are always cold.
Living room floor pillows or throw pillows: for sprawlers who like to sit on the floor
Small fans in bedrooms: for overnight guests who are always too hot.
Layered bedding: Provide at least two different pillow types, some like them fluffy and big, others prefer less fluff. Layer bedding types for those who like to sleep under a sheet, those who prefer a fluffy comforter, and a flannel throw over the foot of the bed for the constantly cold sleeper.

Reading materials: books, magazines, puzzles, etc. for downtime and lulls in conversation.
Conversation starters: guest book, photo albums, signed corks, interesting art pieces, etc.
Keep TV remotes in one labeled basket by TV: some overnight guests like to watch TV to wind down before bed.
Refrigerator stocking: Stock individual bottled water and juice in the door of your refrigerator where easily seen when opened.

5. Label Things Your Guests May Look For And Can't Find : When I am a guest, I hate having to interrupt conversation and festivities to ask where the trash can is, whether they recycle, or where the cups are located. If these (and other frequent use items) are not in obvious sight, it makes it easier on everyone by labeling these things. Welcoming labels such as "Help Yourself!" are also fantastic! They clear up any confusion as to whether these items are on display, to be used at a certain time, or for anyone anytime!

Here are a few items worth putting a temporary label on:

The Trash Cabinet
The Recycling Bin
The Main Bathroom (if the door is usually kept closed)
The Medicine Cabinet
The basket you keep the TV controllers in, with instructions for TV use.
All the Trays & Baskets you have put together especially for guests

Guests will appreciate all the thoughtful touches! Of course, if we don't want them to stay forever we might need to consider dialing it back a bit. *grin*

Baca Selengkapnya ....

The Two-Day Powder Room

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Minggu, 08 Desember 2013 0 komentar

We like to believe that it is our biggest rooms that have the greatest impact when it comes to decorating, but I find that it's the small spaces that I love to makeover the most. First off, who says a small space can't have a big impact? And then there is the benefit of completing a small makeover in a day or two and feeling that sense of accomplishment with a fraction of the money in a fraction of the time.

Powder Room Before

Let me start by saying that there was nothing terribly wrong with the function of this bathroom. It functioned just fine, and I suppose some people would have liked the wallpaper. However one of my little girls took it upon herself to be "helpful" and prematurely peeled the curling wallpaper border along the base. *sigh*...kids. I suppose that means it's time for a makeover, and guess what little person has to do most of the low wallpaper peeling? Do the crime, do the time!

Wallpaper removal took a grand total of 2 hours using some simple steps you can read about here.

Lately I've noticed I seem to have gained an obsession with dark walls...I've probably pinned a hundred incredible photos of gorgeous charcoal and navy colored rooms! Mmmmmm, a nice dark navy with big bold pieces of gold leaf art.... *drool* Well I decided to indulge that obsession, just a little bit. *grin* It's a small space, so it can't hurt! You can imagine how thrilled I was to find a deep blue Glidden paint color in the oops/discount section at Walmart for $12... yes, that is 50% off the regular price! Cha-ching!!
Of course, those big blue walls just don't do justice without being complimented by some art to make them both pop. I found deeply discounted frames at Joann's Fabric Store and spray painted them with Krylon metallic gold paint.

These lovely prints I found free online at vintageprintable.com . For the elephant print go here, for the giraffe print go here.

Accessories
Target is my kryptonite. You should have seen me with my little $10 Mypoints Target gift card, flying around the store in a blissful tizzy, my 3 kids in tow. I kept putting items in the cart, then running them back when I found something I wanted more! *giggle*
I finally settled on this marble salt bowl priced at $3.98 marked down from the original $7.99. Forget the kitchen, this would be my ideal soap dish!

I also found this awesome metallic soap dispenser at Target for $12.99, but it rang up for $9.99, and when I told the cashier, she just shrugged and said "that's what it rang up for". Be still my frugal heart! *beaming* After using my $10 gift card, I only had to pay for the marble dish and the rug!

While working on the upstairs bathroom I painted some decorative bowls a gorgeous metallic gold, and while my trigger finger was gold paint poised, I painted one extra little Goodwill bowl just for good measure (or because I'm now obsessed with this gold paint...you choose).

I had such a great time making DIY Lulu & Georgia inspired rugs for both of my bathrooms, but I particularly love this Dot rug. Thanks again to Target's kitchen section (ha! there is more kitchen in my bathroom than bath goods!), I was able to find a plain mat for $7.19... that makes this DIY rug an inexpensive winner at $9!

Powder Room Budget Breakdown:
Keep in mind that I just made-over my girls Jack & Jill bathroom on $83, so this bathroom needed to be...well, cheap. Here are all the details on how I refreshed this little 1/2 bathroom on a total of $36!

Bath Rug - $9: Target rug, $7.19 (after 10% reduction for damage). Folkart acryllic paint from Walmart $1.77.

Wall Art - $10: 2 frames from Joann Fabric Store (60% sale off + 25% off coupon) @ $4.89 each. Prints $0 (prints found online, Staples enlargement 49 cents each before staples rewards).

Accessories - $5: 1 soap dispenser from Target $0 ($9.99 before using a $10 Mypoints gift card to Target). 1 marble salt dish from Target (marked down) $3.98 ...(minus a 5% discount). 2 bowls/dishwear from Goodwill 50 cents each.

Wall Paint - $12: From the "Oops" discounted section at Walmart (was 50%)

Miscellaneous Project Materials - $0: Already owned. Includes painting tools, and spray paints.

Baca Selengkapnya ....

Pinspired Holidays

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Selasa, 03 Desember 2013 0 komentar

Ok, I confess, I'm not too traditional, I tend to think of the holidays as vacation time to break out the board games, and put my feet up! *giggle* No, but on a more serious note, our family has committed to keeping the holidays simple and each year giving the extra pennies that would have been spent to those who need it more. I suppose that has become our treasured tradition!
For those who want lovely traditions and to still be able to give back, who says simple means unattractive or that you have to feel deprived? I found a few lovely inspired pins that show that you can pinch the pennies, sacrifice, and still have happy holidays!

Gift Giving
My dear girls have taught me the beauty of simplicity and the worth of the "thought that counts". No matter what it is wrapped in, nothing is lovelier than seeing the excited glow of my girls faces whenever they hand us their little homemade packages on special occasions. Opening a box of drawings, cards, and little projects made by my girls reminds me that the joy is in the giving of one's heart.
So, if you are pinching the pennies this year, remember what really counts. And just to show that reusing paper grocery bags, magazine pages, and cheap twine can be just as elegant as springing for the fancy paper and bows, here are some of my favorite gift wrappings!

Simple wrapping with touches of nature, could anything be more appropriate or gorgeous?

{ Source: Fru Fly }

I love this idea of prettying up a simple package with a photo! How about adding a photo of the giver? I know the grandparents would love a gift with a picture of the munchkins on it!

{ Source: Artifact Uprising }

Who would have thought magazine pages could look so lovely?

{Source: Reading My Tea Leaves }

This one is definitely for the kids...forget the fancy paper, use the backside of scrap print paper to wrap things, or reuse white paper bags and add a candy cane!
Mmmm, and you must visit the source of this photo, such lovely photographs and holiday ideas!

{Source: Katherine Marie }

Brilliant Holiday Ideas

It is the little thoughtful details that make the holidays uniquely wonderful for many. Try any of these fantastic ideas to make your holiday interactions and gatherings unforgettable!

Send your love and thanks for being hosted through the holidays (whether Thanksgiving, Christmas, or the New Year!) with these gorgeous free printables found via the source below.

{ Source: Melissa Esplin }

This is such a simple and darling gift gesture! Perfect for handing out to the neighbors, or as a favor for your guests at a holiday party.

{ Source: Cannelle-Vanille's Flicker }

I love a crackling fire during the holidays, now add the sweet smell of pine and herbs as fire starters!

{Source: Haute Nature }

What an incredible and creative approach to a winter lantern! How lovely would these be lining the pathway to your house for a holiday party? Find the tutorial via the source link below.

{Source: Oh My Creative }

As a family make your own ornaments. The source link below contains 22 crafty ornament ideas!

{ Source: Style Motivation }

Happy holidays! And remember, whether you like big celebrations, lots of traditions, or none at all, gather your family close and show your love and appreciation!

Follow my "All Things Holiday & Seasonal" board on Pinterest for other great holiday ideas:

Follow Home Made by Carmona All Things Holiday & Seasonal on Pinterest

Baca Selengkapnya ....

November Highlights & Happenings

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Jumat, 29 November 2013 0 komentar

Happy Thanksgiving!!
(Well, to those of you who are in America...to those of you who are not...happy end of November!!!! *grin*)
Are you sprawled out in front of a fire, a glass of eggnog (or if you're me, soynog) in hand while reading this? *contented sigh* Aaaahhh the vacation season! (To those of you not in the U.S., a cold weekend counts as a good enough reason to drink eggnog and put your feet up by a fire). *wink*
Of all the holidays, I appreciate what Thanksgiving can be...well, when I'm willing to trade in gluttony for expressions of thankfulness! *grin*
I have much to be thankful for, but I am most thankful for my darling little family!
I've never posted a picture of my family on the blog before. I figured no one would care much since I'm blogging about home DIY...I am surprised at how many emails I get asking why I haven't posted a family picture! The most you've probably seen is the corner of a little person here or there, but never an entire photo of my family. So I thought I'd introduce you to them! Family, these are my readers, readers, this is my family!

Hmmm, because this family pic is about 9 months old, and because a picture is suppose to be worth a thousand words...here is a recent pic that depicts us a bit more "true to form". The hubs took it, so this one is just of all his girls.

BOOO!

Scared you right? *giggle*

Last Month's Completed Projects

Enough about my personal life. Lets get back to my personal home decorating. *grin*
If you missed it, this month was filled with bathroom reno projects, because I figure my holiday guests will appreciate pretty and functional bathroom spaces. See the entire reveal and a detailed $83 makeover budget breakdown here.

LULU & GEORGIA INSPIRED RUGS
click here to read more

How to make these inspired rugs for $9!

ART ON A $10 BUDGET
click here to read more

Learn clever ways to create an art grouping on a slim budget.

DIY HAIRCLIP HOLDER
click here to read more

Store fancy clips in an art grouping!

In case you didn't see it, my DIY Rug Tutorial was featured over at Knock Off Decor this month! Such a fantastic site dedicated to all kinds of creative knock off tutorials. Who say's you have to pay through the nose for lovely things? Thanks for the shoutout!

I was also thrilled to be able to feature a tutorial and Q & A from a blogger I who knows how to take DIY to the next level, Kelly from View Along the Way. Check out this first of many "Take It From The Pros" projects. This ongoing series lets me re-create some of our favorite blogger projects, and get one step closer to my dream house! If you missed it, you can read the post here.

What's Next?

Well, I almost forgot to share the downstairs bathroom reveal...in my defense I was sick for a week (chills and everything). Thankfully I realized it a couple days ago, and added it to the December lineup!
As for projects, well I know I said I'd tackle a space a month, but hey, let me catch my breath a moment! I'm prepping for the holidays and I have quite a bit to do. No worries though, I'll be sharing all my guest prep and holiday what-not's...after all, you have quite a bit of planning too right? I CAN'T WAIT!!

Happy Holidays!

Baca Selengkapnya ....

Jack & Jill Bathroom Reveal

Posted by sew4tejhtr6ier Rabu, 27 November 2013 0 komentar

This bathroom makes me soooooo happy! I seriously avoided passing this bathroom because it made me anxious and frustrated. My girls had a hard time keeping it tidy, and it seemed to get uglier every time I saw it. Now with some careful planning it is pretty and practical! But wait, I've saved the best for last, this bathroom was decorated and organized for a grand total of $83. Some of you who have tracked how much they spend on a single room know how little that is, and how ridiculously hard that was! *grin* This just goes to show that a little elbow grease, and some paint can go a long way!

Budget Breakdown
There are a few items I managed to get cheap or free, so you may want to factor in a little extra...but here are all the details of what I spent on this bathroom, and a few extra details you may need to plan your own inexpensive bathroom makeover! Ironically, the most expensive part of this makeover was buying storage baskets.

Bath Rug - $9: Target rug, $7.19 (after 10% reduction for damage). Leftover paint, $0. Painters tape, $1.29.
Shower Curtain - $10: Fabric bolt $7 from Habitat for Humanity Restore. $3 for thread and 1 spool of ribbon.
Wall Art - $10: 3 Walmart frames, @ $1.97 each. Goodwill materials & frames, 50 cents each. Staples prints, $0 (after staples rewards...49 cents each w/out reward). Braces, $1.19 (also used on vanity).
Storage & Accessories - $32: 3 baskets from Kohls (with coupon), $28.86. 3 bowls from Goodwill @ $1 each. 3 bowls previously owned $0.
Hardware - $11: 2 Gatehouse brand handles @ $2.91 ea. and 3 hooks @ $1.98 ea. from Lowes (less one 10% off total purchase coupon).
Wall Paint - $12: 50% off Glidden paint from Walmart's discount paint section.
Vanity Paint - $0: Leftover from coat closet project.
Miscellaneous Project Materials - $0: Already owned. Includes painting tools, gel stain, gold spray paint, sheets, and white paint.

Before & After

There is simply nothing more satisfying than seeing all your little projects come together at the end of a makeover. Well, let me use the term "end" loosely, you know DIY'ers, we just don't seem to be able to rest. *chuckle*
This bathroom truly is a compilation of small projects, all simple but effective projects. These are the items that serve a purpose, however that doesn't mean they can't be pretty as well. These small projects are also the key to decorating as cheap as possible, otherwise buying these items, even at sale price will run you up a pretty penny in the end.

Project Links: