Cheap and Easy Lavender Bunny

Posted on April 2, 2017 by Mama

I am just so happy with my newest Easter-themed home addition that I had to share it with you today. It may not take up much space, but it sure does look cute on my kitchen counter; and for under $7, the price can’t be beat.

I picked up, put down and picked up again this cute little bunny planter (although it was labeled a candy dish???) at Target several weeks ago for $3 and have been so excited for Easter time to roll around just so I could use it in my spring-themed décor. I have been trying to be more mindful of the items I purchase by visualizing exactly how and where they will be used before I actually bring them home. And since I’m in the midst of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge, I am so glad this cute little guy turned out pretty close to my original vision.

I thought I might plant grass seed in the back of said little bunny, but that takes time to grow; so when I saw this perfectly sized lavender plant for less than $4 at Wal-Mart, I knew it would be a great choice. I simply repotted this wonderful smelling herb in the back of the bunny and added a bit of water. Since there isn’t any drainage I’ll have to be careful not to soak the plant; but when spring is finally finished and summer comes along, I’ll simply transplant my lavender outdoors. Meanwhile, this little lavender bunny will cheerfully sit in my kitchen and most definitely brighten my days.

Clutter Begone: 40 Bags in 40 Days

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Mama

Today is the first day of Lent, which consists of 40 days leading up to Good Friday and Easter. People “celebrate” this time of sacrifice by letting go of something they value, improving upon an aspect of life or, as is my case this year, getting rid of 40 bags of clutter that is weighing down my house and weighing down my life.

Forty bags. That’s one bag or box of clutter for each day of Lent. It’s such a simple idea, but one that can make such a difference in your family’s life. This concept comes from Marie at White House Black Shutters, and she rallies the masses for this project each and every year. I started this challenge several years ago, but didn’t make it to the finish line (for whatever reason), but this year I am determined to meet my goal.

White House Black Shutters provides so many ways to achieve your decluttering goal like Facebook groups, free printables, tips, tricks, hashtags and access to a complete community of folks trying to achieve a similar goal. If you’re interesting in trashing, donating or recycling 40 entire bags (or boxes) of stuff you just don’t need in your home or life anymore, I urge to visit the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge site and get started today.

IKEA Calls It Tablecloth, I Call It Valance

Posted on February 25, 2017 by Mama

valance

February has been a very long month at our home, which is really weird since it’s actually the shortest of the calendar year; but when you’re struggling with the revolving crud that’s been plaguing Winter it makes the weeks really drag.

So now that the month is almost over, I’m finally feeling like doing something productive with my days. In fact, yesterday I was so energetic that I hung two cordless shades in the dining room and converted a tablecloth into a valance. . . and all that before noon! These projects were simple, but were a long time coming. Why is that sometimes the easiest tasks are the ones that take forever to complete?

valance

The shades and the tablecloth came from our local IKEA store and were very affordable. The shades were under $30 each and the tablecloth was on sale for $8. I’ve been looking for a valance for a seriously long time, but when I saw this cute country pattern I had a feeling it would fit the bill.

These cordless IKEA shades are some of the easiest I have ever installed, and I highly recommend this choice (especially if you have children in the home where cords can be dangerous). They come with installation brackets but mounting screws are not included. Go figure; but some basic screws will work just fine.

valance

To create the valances, I simply tore the tablecloth in two pieces lengthwise and then hemmed the torn edges. I then created rod pockets by folding each piece of material in half and sewing a straight stitch a couple of inches in from the folded edge. The finished product is actually a double thickness, which adds some weight and opaqueness to the valances.

I was so happy with my completed project and it felt so good to finally be useful again that I happily took an afternoon nap!

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