Winter time randoms..

A whole lot of busy this way - of course. I wonder how my readers are doing this holiday season.  I'm sure if you're anything like me, you're working, scrambling to keep your kids up to speed and rushing to get in your Christmas shopping/photos/decorating etc...

Wellllll, I got SOME things done. Or, should I say, I put a small dent in some things.  Let's take a peek:

I took my kids Christmas picture. On a whim. Literally, I picked them up from school had them take a quick shower, get dressed and rush to take a couple photos (because I never know when my next day off will be).

(Below: MiMi's dress was an overpriced Justice dress, Ethan's shirt & tie came for a whopping $10 at Wal Mart).

To cut Justice some slack, it's a beautiful dress, but truthfully the rewards program for Justice is pointless, the J bucks can never be used with sales and you really only save 10% more. I miss the days of Gymboree :(

And then we got a little crafty...

(Below: A pinterest fav: The snowman fridge.  We made ours with construction paper and wrapping paper).

I wanted to buy a real tree this year, but my hours have literally been cut in half at work during the holiday and I decided other things were more important, and so old fabulous faux made her return - her lights don't work this year, but that's okay...

I know she's not really something brag worthy, but my kids decorated her and so it's gorgeous to me :) Maybe we'll try and find a tree topper bow tutorial *haha*.

I also went ahead and printed the kids Christmas Cards.  Pottery Barn Kids sent me a  free code to get some of their cards.  They have an exclusive line with Tiny Prints - How cool?!  They are adorable, and excuse the fact that my mobile photo isn't that clear, this card is beautiful in person. They had gorgeous designs, but this was my favorite:

And then I also ordered some of another design I fell in love with from one of my favorites to visit, my trusted and never disappoints:  Shutterfly :)

The only thing I am not too fond of when it comes to printing via Shutterfly or Tiny Prints, is the fact they put a log on the back of the cards.  I mean, I don't like the idea that I pay for something to advertise the business to family & friends.  Then again, there is a hallmark logo on the back of Hallmark cards. (thinks...nevermind..carry on) ;)  The cards are beautiful, why not let everyone know who does that great work so they can do them themselves. And come to think of it - you can literally always find a coupon code online for both Shutterfly & Tiny Prints.

The kids and I even decorated holiday cupcakes:

That same night, MiMi & I made lasagna..I think she was saying "it's all mine":

One of my favorite holiday traditions with my kids is to let them pick out a yearly ornament.  It's cheap & a fun thing for them to do.  These beauties were $1.97 at Wal Mart. PRECIOUS:)

Oh, and I turned 32, somewhere in the mix *haha* my sister cut my hair for my birthday. I can't wait for it to grow back out, but I like it:)

My, "I'm getting older face":

I did Christmas smart this year, by shopping a little at a time. I would like to say I am officially done with the kids and didn't break bank. - Too much anyway.  Hopefully the next time I post it won't be months later.  Enjoy the holidays lovelies!! <3 p="">

DIY Pottery Barn Knock Off Mirror...

So, last year, I had my own go at a DIY Pottery Barn Knock Off Mirror. Here's the tutorial if you're interested in saving a good chunk of change (or if you're like me just don't have that much money period, haha): DIY Pottery Barn Mirror Photo Tutorial: AnotherDailyBlog.com

Basically during my den renovation, I moved the mirror around, never hanging it.

Today, while off work, I decided, well, dang, why not go ahead and put it to use, it's just collecting dust in a corner.

I cleared off the mountains of what could have become a mini episode of, "Hoarders" in the making that made up my bedroom dresser, and I placed that beauty atop it :)

I decided I'd go ahead and put a few other things around as well. I LOVE these lighted pumpkins so much, that I keep them up year round (yeah, yeah, I am a little tacky). And I added the lantern form my children's photo session I did for Christmas, along with some lighted tree branches from my best friend's mom.

FANTASTIC!  I LOVE the spot I chose:) Sad to say it took me a year to figure it out:)

$699 Pottery Barn White Paned Mirror DIY Knock off Photo Tutorial for $30

Everyone has seen the Pottery Barn Egan Mirror knock offs, and I myself wanted to try it. I found a simple tutorial over at DollarStoreCrafts.com using dollar tree mirrors taped to foam board. Initially, I wanted to try this myself, but I figured the black was a little too much contrast for the light airy feel I was trying to give my home.  So I ventured onto Pottery Barn's website and found something right up my alley: The Pottery Barn White Paned Mirror (aka the Chippy Wood Mirror). 

I was beyond smitten with it, but for $699, I certainly couldn't afford the price tag (it's worth every dime, but I am a budget spender). And so with the idea to use Dollar Tree Mirrored Frames from DollarStoreCrafts.com's Egan tutorial, I took my spin and made my own version of a different mirror altogether.

I'd have to say it's not an exact knock off but it's pretty darn close and looks amazing in person! (NOTE: I WILL GET A BETTER PHOTO WHEN I HANG IT AND MY DEN RENO IS COMPLETE) :))

SO, I am sure you want to know how to make this gem, HERE WE GO :

WHAT YOU NEED:

* 20 framed mirrors from the Dollar Tree = $20

* Power Grab Adhesive (it dries in 10 seconds literally) - FREE - I had it on hand

* KRYLON'S Satin Ivory spray paint - $4 or less at Wal Mart

* Acrylic Black and White paints (FREE I had it on hand, but about $1 or less in craft stores)

* A large sheet of plywood - $5 at Lowe's

TOTAL: $30-$33 OR LESS IF YOU HAVE SUPPLIES ON HAND :))

Now that you have your supplies, let me show you the step by step photo tutorial to get you going :))

STEP 1:  

     - Remove Mirrors and backing from EACH frame and set aside (try not to buy the red frames b/c they DO NOT cover well, they turn pink, even with multiple coats of Krylon's primer spray paint) I bought browns and blacks.  After you disassemble each mirror spray paint with Krylon's Satin Ivory (2 -3 coats should be fine, and you can do it in one setting) **PLEASE IGNORE MY CARPET, THIS ROOM IS UNDER RENOVATION AND IS BEING REPLACED SOON**

Let them dry about 15 minutes just to be safe :))

STEP 2: 

     -Line all your frames on the plywood and make pencil markings, cut off excess. Once you have cut the excess off Spray Paint a light coat of the same spray paint over the board (in case any shows through) Also spray the edges of the plywood as this will show when you later hang it).

STEP 3: 

     - Put your mirrors back into the frames (push the tabs down to lock them in), Then put the Power Grab in a caulking gun and apply a liberal amount to the entire back side's outer edges  and in the middle of each frame (ONE AT A TIME) Line up to your plywood edge to edge/corner to corner and press FIRMLY for ten SOLID seconds on both top and bottom and again on sides. IT WILL be stuck and won't move after this.  Apply each other frame the same way. Start Horizontally with lining them and then work onward.

STEP 4: 

     - Squirt a small amount of black acrylic paint and a small amount of white acrylic paint onto a plate (or hefty paper), with a small foam brush dab the corner ONLY into the black paint then a small dab into the white and then another small dab of black back onto the tip. Use a swish back and forth motion in the creases and edges an random areas around the frames and pick the brush up with a swipe. This will give the frames that distressed old window look like the Pottery Barn's White Pane Mirror :)

FINAL STEP: 

       - Obtain a heavy duty photographic hook from a framing store (or arts and crafts store in the framing section). AND HANG AND ENJOY the fact you've saved yourself roughly $670 :))  

**NOTE:  Because I am still renovating the room I am hanging this in I have yet to get a hook for it, but here are some photos of my finished product. I will add better photos once I finish this den renovation and hang it over the electric panel box in that room**.

Side By Side Comparison: 

Pottery Barn's $699 White Paned Mirror

My $30 Knock off White Paned Mirror

ENJOY!!! AND PLEASE Share the tutorial and your own version of this knock off  :)) This is the first Pottery Barn White Paned Mirror tutorial on the web so I am excited to share it! And of course THANKS to DollarStoreCrafts.com for the original idea of using Dollar Tree Mirrors :))

**NOTE: I have made a video showing how to apply the black and white paints for distressing, if anyone needs help doing this please comment below so I can link you the video**.

*EDIT* 3 January 2013: FINALLY put it up, in my bedroom:) What do you all think? I am in love!

Faux Sheep Skin Throw: Pottery Barn Vs. Kohl's Sherpa Throw

When I received the holiday edition of Pottery Barn's catalog, I noticed this beauty, almost immediately:

Pottery Barn: Faux Sheep Skin (Sherpa) Throw $79-$99

Worth the money? Certainly. Too broke to afford it? Me too.  Have no fear, Kohl's Sonoma line carries an almost IDENTICAL Sherpa throw. I received one as a gift 3 years ago and loved it so much I had to buy some more. (BEWARE of one thing: YOU BETTER wash it EXACTLY as it says OR that super soft Sherpa will MATT up and look like hell). lol:) Trust me, I learned the hard way.

So anyway, here is Kohl's version (these are my images):

Image from my Pottery Barn Catalog beside one of the Sonoma (Kohl's) Sherpa Throws, I purchased.

The sticker price reads: $53.99

But, currently they are on sale for $16.99 online AND in the store.

Want to save even more? Go to Kohls.com NOW (Weekend of 12/8/11) & print the 20% off coupon on the left and bring to the store! That makes them $13.50 each!! To see this item online click here.  Visit the store and see it in person to see just how great it is :) BTW, you also earn $10 Kohl's cash for every $50 you spend. I dropped 83 there today, but got lots of great stuff!

$79 at Pottery Barn VS. $13.50 at Kohl's..??

You know which one I picked:)  I swear they are so freaking soft too!

I purchased one for each of MiMi's two teacher's & one as a gift for someone else. 

I figure for $13.50 per teacher, it is an INEXPENSIVE but valuable gift :)  I also purchased myself another one. They have many colors to chose from. I liked the tan and white this time around. I am hesitant to wash it though since I messed up with the first one I owned and ruined the soft Sherpa hehe.

Just, gotta love finding things almost EXACTLY like Pottery Barn but for DIRT cheap! :) It's great quality, as well. Just thought I'd share with my other Pottery Barn lovin' readers :)

**Disclaimer, Kohl's did not ask, nor compensate me to share this information.

 The opinions & comparisons are mine and ONLY mine.

Pottery Barn Inspired Glass Bathroom Canisters for 1/3 the price!!

Every once in a blue moon, I can afford to splurge at Pottery Barn. It's usually only during income tax return, AND it's usually on an item I can't get cheaper or similar ANYWHERE. (Like the bedding in our master bedroom).

When my Pottery Barn catalogs come, I drool over the new things, and get a zillion ideas of things I want to do in my humble abode. Of course - much of this is typical day dreaming.




Lately, I have been eyeballing these glass bathroom canisters.
The large ones retail for $44

I obviously can't afford the $44 sticker price tag. So, I was tickled pink to see these LARGE glass cookie jars in Wal Mart's kitchen isle. Price tag? Less than 8 bucks for the EXTRA LARGE and only 4.99 for the medium :) cha-ching!  I scooped them up and cleared my cluttered built in bath cabinet ASAP!

Don't they just look right at home in the bathroom?

On jar houses q-tips.  Then you have my kohl's candle with dollar tree rocks in a hand me down hurricane. And my extra large canister..I was at loss what to do with it..and I decided my star fish from Key West, FL would make a lovely addition :)

So for under 15 bucks for BOTH I have a CHEAP - Pottery Barn inspired bathroom setup. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

I got the lovely bath towels from kohl's on sale (FREE TO ME with a $50 visa rewards kohl's card). and the shower curtain was also from kohl's.

To see the before photos of the 65 rancher bathroom remodel - Take a peak here.

Here is what the cluttered built in's looked like before I made them look "pretty"

And AFTER:

mmm - hmm, we know which one looks better :)