Be Less Lazy: Printing Press Storage

This project was actually completed a while ago, but I forgot to post about it. Short and simple!

I bought a printing press drawer at an antique shop for $30. I then mounted it on the wall, and it made a brilliant place to store earrings and other small jewellery.

P.S. Funny story: I wore that bow tie on the day of our school photos this year. The photographer looked at me, and said, rather condescendingly, "We're not doing silly photos this year." I blinked at her, and finally said, "This is my outfit." She mumbled her apologies and quickly took the photo.

Be Less Lazy: Repurpose Organizing Tools

You don't have to feel constricted by products that are designed for a certain purpose. We have a desk in my room that we use as a vanity: we have makeup, hair stuff, and jewellery there at our fingertips. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a disaster.

So for Operation: Be Less Lazy, we tidied it up.

I turned to a bit of an unlikely spot for some storage and organization assistance: the kitchen storage area in IKEA. I installed this rod and hook combo to use to store hair things like bobby pins and elastics, and hair tools like curling irons and straighting irons.

For the curling irons, I just wrapped a clear elastic around the base to hang it.

So nice and tidy!

New Year's Resolution: Be Less Lazy

We finished school on December 23rd. Though at the time, it felt like a huge struggle to teach that close to Christmas, I am thankful now as we go back to school tomorrow. Having the bulk of the vacation after Christmas allowed me lots of time to rest and relax, as well as to do a few things around the house.

Christmas was great. My best gift was an iPad from my Mom and Dad! I am so spoiled! But the best was giving. I always love giving more than I love getting. I will post about the gifts we gave our Mom and Dad later.

And the best was just spending time with our Mom and Dad and other family (including our second family). We literally did not do a thing other than eat and drink wine and relax, and it was just perfect. Exactly what we needed. I am feeling totally rejuvenated now.

For our New Year's resolution, though, Selby and I made a co-resolution: Be Less Lazy. This resolution means lots of stuff, but for now it's mostly taken the form of us getting our house in order.

Over the last few days, Selby and I have tackled a bunch of jobs that have needed tackling, and it's felt really good. Over the next few days, I'll post about some of them. Oh, and Being Less Lazy also applies to this blog: I hope to post more because my lack of posting is really just about being lazy. I have things to say, so I just need to put in the effort and do it!

Here's the first thing: Make a List!

I just took an extra Ikea frame we had and put a piece of glittery black paper in it. Then I wrote on it with wet erase markers.

Having a list is good because it's right there for you to see what needs to be done. And it sure feels good to cross something off, doesn't it?!

Gifted Magazine

I just eased into my morning by drinking coffee and reading Gifted Magazine.

Edited by Ez of Creature Comforts, one of my all-time favourite blogs, this is a well-curated digital magazine, designed to give you ideas for gifts to give this holiday season. As I flipped through it, I saw tonnes of stuff I know the people on my list would love. I just might be placing a few orders soon!

DIY Glitter Nails

These nail strips have quickly gained a reputation for themselves of being a quick and easy way to get a flawless manicure.

From here.

But they are expensive!

So I invented this great nail technique:
1. Paint your nail with clear nail polish.
2. Sprinkle craft glitter all over the nail.This blue is Recollections brand but have used Martha Stewart too and both work great.
3. Let dry. Brush excess glitter off skin around nails.
4. Paint a top coat over the glitter with the clear polish.

You get amazing glittery nails for a fraction of the price of those nail decals. They are very durable! Add a new top coat every couple of days and this manicure will last for days!

Pretty good, hey?!

The Ugly Couch

Exhibit A: Extremely ugly beige corduroy IKEA couch that has lost the stiffness in its cushions.

Now, I couldn't really do anything about the limp cushions, but....


Add eight packages of pearl grey RIT dye, and you get....

Exhibit B!

Cuter grey couch!

c

Oddly approves.

I'd never dyed anything quite so large, and I learned a few things:

• Do it in smaller batches in the washing machine. I split the cushion slipcovers into two parts and did them in a couple of batches.
• Before the washing machine drains, set the dial back to the beginning and run it through again for a deeper colour. That way the fabric spends more time in the dye solution.
• Run your washing machine through with bleach TWICE afterwards. I did it once and then washed something and the water was grey.

Sorry about the crappy photo quality - I only had my cell phone.

Continued Adventures in Sewing: The Shirred Fern Dress

Once I started sewing, I couldn't stop!

Today, I tackled this Most Flattering Shirt Dress from Prudent Baby (can I just say how much I love that blog?? I'm not a mama, but I still love it!).

I followed the directions exactly as written, except I made mine longer than the one on the blog.

I loved the way the bias tape was used to finish the neck and arm holes. Made for a very finished looking product.

This dress is in the running for my first day of school outfit!!!

The shirred waist makes this dress ultra flattering.

I found some really rad fabric with star constellations on it at the fabric store the other day, so my sewing marathon might not be over!