Storage solution for small Christmas ornaments

Today I put down my Christmas decoration. This year I bought a few more ornaments and therefore ran out of room in my storage box. So this is what I am using for now. 

I remember seeing this somewhere else before so I put two of my egg cartons aside. They are perfect for small ornaments!

I filled up both of the cartons and put them in a sturdy shoe box. (I always keep shoe boxes. They can be used for so many different things!)

Now that my house looks empty I wonder what kind of decoration I should put up next??

Turn an old sweater into matching scarf and leg warmers

I have this very pretty sweater that was given to me for Christmas a couple years ago. Unfortunately it's way too short. I really like the color though and for some reason I could not give it away because I kept thinking that maybe I can use it for something else.

So here is to all of you who are holding on to sweaters that are too small, short, or have a small stain but you just don't want to get rid of them!

 

There are many possibilities, (first I wanted to turn it into mittens) but I decided to make a scarf and matching leg warmers.

All you need is (besides your pretty sweater):

- fabric glue

- scissors

- buttons, brooch, other accessories to pimp up your scarf (optional)

So this is my sweater. Pretty, isn't it? :)

Then you take your scissors and cut a straight line across, right under the arm pit. Don't be scared! 

This is what you will work with. Yes, you definitely won't be able to wear it anymore now. Don't throw the other part away, we will need it later.

Now turn it inside out. Add two lines of fabric glue to the end that you just cut. Only add a few inches at a time because it dries quickly! Carefully fold it over and slightly push it down. Make sure the glue won't go through and stick to the other layer. You might want to put some paper in between just to make sure. There are so many different types of fabric glue out there. This is what I used and it worked just fine. Just make sure it says it's washable.

Turn your sweater/scarf back around and this is what it should look like. And that's it! You are already done. How quick was that?

You can also add some buttons, a brooch, pins, or anything else you would like to dress it up. I only had buttons at home but you get the idea.

Wasn't that easy?! 

Now if you want to make the matching leg warmers, go get the other sweater piece that was left earlier. It should look something like this.

Again, start cutting right under the arm pit straight up.

Fold and glue the edge you just cut, let it dry for a few minutes and you can already wear them! As you can see I am wearing mine with knitted boots, which is probably too much with the knitted sweater leg warmers. I just wanted to show you real quick what the end result would look like. Also, if your sleeves are wide enough at the wrist part, you can wear them to where that part is showing, instead of the cut and folded end.

Now you have your matching scarf and leg warmer set and the best thing is, it was FREE!

How to get stains out of baby clothes

My two months old little chunk can mess up quiet a few outfits each day. I am sure you know what I am talking about! With my first I tried all kinds of sprays to get the stains out, until I finally came across this very easy, all natural, and FREE solution. It is so simple and works for poop or carrot stains. :))

First I try to wash it..because sometimes it will come out anyway. And sometimes it looks like this: 

yikes!

So here is what you do. If it's still damp from the washer, simply lay it on a flat surface in direct sunlight. If the clothes is dry, spray it with water until the stain is throughout wet.

And now all you have to do is wait until it's dry....and voila! the stain is gone. 

No harsh chemicals and the best thing, it's FREE! I would just recommend to wash it again since the fabric is probably a little stiff from laying in the sun and maybe dirty again with pollen, etc..

Now you and your little ones can enjoy the cute baby outfits a little longer without getting frustrated about stains anymore. 

quick and easy lamp shade makeover tutorial

Being in the military we move a lot. Sometimes it's a challenge to make all of our belongings look good in every new house we rent. So instead of buying new stuff, I try to simply change up the look of different things we've already got.
This is one of my quick and easy projects I did this last summer. I never thought about posting this little tutorial, that's why the picture quality isn't the greatest. I promise I will do better in the future! :)

This is all you need:
- a plain colored lamp shade
- any color/size rick rack
- glue gun or Elmer's glue

This is what I had to work with. A small, white lamp shade.

I started at the bottom, always gluing a few inches at a time. Take your time and make sure it's straight. When you get to the end, cut the rick rack a little longer first, then trim it back as needed.



Continue until you fill out the whole lamp shade, using different shapes and colors.



And voila! You are already done! :) 

My new diaper bag design!

I've been working really hard on this one for the last few days and now I am finally ready to show it off!! I really love this bag because of all its great features. The first one I should mention is, that you can adjust the size (width) of the bag. You simply pull on the straps attached to the side of the bag and voila. It is transformed into a much smaller, more purse type of bag. The straps are also great to carry extra blankets and clothes in case your diaper bag is already full.
The bag comes with a set of regular shoulder straps, as well as one large adjustable strap.

open                                                                             closed

The inside - 5 pockets overall. One of them is a hidden pocket with zipper closure.

In the back I added a large zippered pocket that is lined with wipeable fabric. We all know Babies can get messy..so next time you have one of those dirty bibs or burp cloths, you don't have to worry about getting everything else dirty. Simply put it in the back pocket and wipe it clean later on when you're back home.

The side pockets are pleated which will give you plenty room for any type of bottle.

The front is divided into two large pockets. Plenty of extra space!!
The bag closes with two magnetic snaps but also comes with an adjustable strap. This comes in handy when you have a lot to carry around and need that little extra room. The button at the end of the strap will keep the strap from pulling through. This way all of your belongings will stay in place.

Last but not least I should mention that this bag is machine washable:
Gentle or hand wash cycle, cold water, air dry or tumble dry low.