Thrifty Thursdays: Pinterest Parties!

Pinterest has become a phenomenon that women (and even some men - yay!) are using daily for inspiration and education.  If you haven't started an account yet, you can learn more here.  I mainly troll Pinterest for recipes, cheap DIY, and overall inspiration for Life.

I've read some great Mommy articles as of late about how NOT to use Pinterest.  It shouldn't be a place where you constantly size yourself up against other women.  Just because you're not cutting your kid's snacks into adorable characters doesn't mean you can't benefit.

Source: goo.gl via Sabine on Pinterest

There is a balance, and one that you have to keep in mind.  Despite your love for Bert and Ernie.

On the other hand, it's very motivating to have the instant gratification of clear directions, cheery pictures, and the Hope you could be *gasp* crafty.

My fabulous mother's group has been holding Pinterest Parties lately.  This includes drinks, dessert, and a fun and easy craft to work on.  Usually a very inexpensive craft where other moms can pool their resources to create something pretty and fun.  There is no pressure to run out to Michael's and buy a mess of new craft tools, because most likely another woman has what you might need.  Clever and thrifty.  Pinterest allows you to start group boards, so we take turns pinning clever craft ideas on the board.  Then the lovely hostess chooses a craft that everyone is excited to try.

So far we have made these...

Source: media-cache3.pinterest.com via Mia on Pinterest

 and these...

Source: thebridesdiary-diy.blogspot.com via Tracy on Pinterest

The photo coasters were a perfect birthday gift for my father-in-law.  No picture, since he is a Cupid baby and has been enjoying them since February :)

Here is a picture of the artwork I just finished for baby sister's room.  Half was done at my friend's Pinterest Party, which is where I actually decided on the colors for her nursery.  Tough decisions, people, tough.  Needs a couple more finishing touches and then done.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and honestly I would not have tackled this without Pinterest or the fun night out.

Have you tried a Pin Party?  What crafts or DIY ventures would be easier with a group of friends?

Thrifty Thursday ~ Frugal Christmas Decor

I love Christmas decorations.  I love the glitter, the shine, the pretty.  I love the ceramic Santa and the dancing snowman.  I love it all.

I could spend hours at Target or Michaels perusing the holiday aisles.  It is my most favorite time of year.  Forgive me for using every superlative I know to express this love.

Anyway, you can imagine my strong desire to buy new, shiny Christmas decor every year.  But, this simply isn't possible.  We've been gifted most of our decorations (which I love).  However, I did want to pick up a few items to add to our holiday sparkle.

Enter Target Dollar bins!  Most of my life's dilemmas can be solved in the $1 bins at Target.  I snagged a ton of these mini ornaments.  I just didn't know what I was going to put them in.

I am a woman with lots of flower vases.  I guess that speaks to the chivalry of my husband, but don't tell him I said so ;)  However, the ornaments only half-filled my vase, and I thought it looked silly on my mantle.

I salvaged some old colored tissue paper from the holiday bin. It nearly called out to me for a new home.

 I took our frame that usually holds our wedding photo and slipped in this cute little printable.  I love Elf!  I'm pretty happy with the result.  

Since today is December 1st I've been trying to decide on an advent calendar to do with Amelia.  I thought this looked just my style.  Simple and cheap.  But, what happens if I want to make mini-muffins in December? Hmm...could get tricky.  

Happy December everyone! 

Fall Crafts for the Non-Crafty

I wish I was craftier.  I really do.  I try.  I make small attempts from time to time, but I was always one who had trouble coloring in the lines.

Each new season brings me renewed hope.  Hope that I can decorate in a chic and cheap fashion.

I am in love with these...

Martha Stuart Glitter Pumpkins

source

Martha wouldn't lead me wrong - right??

Another frugal way to decorate?

Bring in nature.  One lysol-ed pinecone at a time.

Pinecone Critters

source

Not feeling too crafty?  Well then, mums the word...

and just grab a wild party of gourds.  I mean, don't they just look like a good time?

How are you planning on decorating for the Fall?  

Get Shorty! DIY

Just finished up a fun DIY trick I haven't done since I was like 13. I am loving the look of distressed jean shorts for Summer, so I decided to give it a whirl. I dug out two old pairs of jeans that had awkward lengths (pretty common when you're 6'1) or were dated styles. I went for two different looks. One very distressed and one more clean and cuffed. I used sharp hair-cutting shears and took out some aggression on those babies! Then, I scruffed them a bit with a hard bristled brush. Go easy on the rear though, ladies, don't need a peep show!

I'm tossing the distressed pair in the wash for some extra fluffy details. Here are my finished products - what do you think??

I think the right idea is not to be TOO correct with this technique.  Note the uneven hem lines and haphazard cuffs.  Plus, I love that I could control the inseam and not flash too much thigh.  Perfect!

Also, did I mention?  FREE!