It's finally here, it's Christmas day!
Whether you've already torn into your stockings and gifts or will do that later, whether you've stuffed yourself on a sumptuous meal, or
Whether you've already torn into your stockings and gifts or will do that later, whether you've stuffed yourself on a sumptuous meal, or
The countdown is on - only 7 days until Christmas! Eeek!
If you're looking for a simple, yummy, last-minute treat for gifting, you need to try my Candy Cane Bark. It's just 3 ingredients and ready in minutes! Candy Cane Bark is a festive treat that satisfies, and one that won't leave you slaving in the kitchen. Here's what you'll need.
If you're looking for a simple, yummy, last-minute treat for gifting, you need to try my Candy Cane Bark. It's just 3 ingredients and ready in minutes! Candy Cane Bark is a festive treat that satisfies, and one that won't leave you slaving in the kitchen. Here's what you'll need.
This budget-friendly burlap petal wreath is so easy to make and is just stunning! Follow this tutorial to make your own!
Do you feel it yet?
the Magic of Christmas?
the Anticipation...and excitement?
the Magic of Christmas?
the Anticipation...and excitement?
This week I got serious about Christmas!
I played Christmas music, lit the cinnamon scented candles, and (in between all the other stuff), I managed to squeeze in some time to decorate my mantle.
Craft a family of adorable snowmen using recycled sweaters and socks! Perfect for gifting and for adding a little cozy to your home at Christmas!
Today I'm spilling the beans....sharing some of my secrets for getting the look of a designer home on a teeny tiny little budget, decorated for the holidays!
You might be surprised, dare I say shocked, at some of these secrets! No, I do not rob rich little old ladies, tee hee. Stick with me and I'll let you in on some of my favorite secrets! And I'm super excited to share my decorated home with you today too!
You might be surprised, dare I say shocked, at some of these secrets! No, I do not rob rich little old ladies, tee hee. Stick with me and I'll let you in on some of my favorite secrets! And I'm super excited to share my decorated home with you today too!
Happy Monday friends! Can you even believe that tomorrow is December 1? Before we know it we'll be welcoming a new year!
I'm so excited to bring you another giveaway! Raise your hand if you've heard of washi tape. I'm giving you a chance to win this book, filled with washi tape crafts.
I'm so excited to bring you another giveaway! Raise your hand if you've heard of washi tape. I'm giving you a chance to win this book, filled with washi tape crafts.
This past week has been a whirlwind! Welcoming out of town family, baking, cooking, shopping and spending time together are all things I'm thankful for. I trust you had a blessed Thanksgiving too!
I've joined a group of over 30 bloggers for the next four weeks, to celebrate and share all things Christmas!
I've joined a group of over 30 bloggers for the next four weeks, to celebrate and share all things Christmas!
Traditions are an important part of our holiday celebrations. A sure thing around our home each Christmas are homemade gingerbread houses, almond bark and handmade decorations.
When the kids were little, they loved making paper cutouts with glue and glitter. Now that they're older, they'd much rather admire the decorations while munching on Christmas treats.
So this year I enlisted Mr DIY to help me! Together we shopped for supplies and then created painted ornaments for the Coca Cola themed Christmas tree that we decorated last week. Each ornament was topped with a glittered monogram, made with our extended family in mind.
Don't roll your eyes at me, but I'm going to wait to share the winner of the $100 Farmhouse Light Giveaway until the end of this post!
I'm curious, when you were growing up, were you an eye-roller?
I was an eye-roller to beat all eye-rollers, especially during my teen years!
My brown orbs were rolled often (usually at my mother and mostly behind her back), expressing my teenage disgust at practically anything and everything.
I'm curious, when you were growing up, were you an eye-roller?
I was an eye-roller to beat all eye-rollers, especially during my teen years!
My brown orbs were rolled often (usually at my mother and mostly behind her back), expressing my teenage disgust at practically anything and everything.
Happy Friday friends! It's no secret that plaid is where it's at this year! Just look around you when you're out shopping. And in case you missed it, I shared some wonderful ideas for gifts in the Ultimate Frugal Shopper's Guide to Plaid a week or so ago.
Today, I thought I'd bring it full circle and show you how I'm using plaid in my own home. Maybe some of these ideas will be new to you and inspire you to add a little plaid to your home.
Today, I thought I'd bring it full circle and show you how I'm using plaid in my own home. Maybe some of these ideas will be new to you and inspire you to add a little plaid to your home.
If you're reading diy beautify, chances are you love farmhouse style as much as I do. Channel your inner Joanna Gaines for a minute, and think about the lights you currently have in your home.
Do you love them? Do they suit the style you are trying to embrace?
If not, how would you love to win a fabulous new light?!
Keep reading for more details about the giveaway!
Do you love them? Do they suit the style you are trying to embrace?
If not, how would you love to win a fabulous new light?!
Keep reading for more details about the giveaway!
An hour or two is all it takes to make this stunning wreath from coffee filters! The finished wreath is full and lush and resembles rose petals!
Woo-wee, it's November friends!! While I love Thanksgiving and keep many of my fall decorations up, I've already started a little bit of Christmas decorating and shopping. It's definitely putting me into the holiday spirit!
If you're new here, Welcome! You may have already guessed that diy beautify is a place to find affordable inspiration to beautify pretty much everything! I tend to focus on home decor and DIY/crafts, but with the holidays around the corner I wanted to give you a fabulous and frugal shopping guide to help you cross off some of those names on your Christmas list!
Because around here, we like to keep it real. We are a real family on a budget, paying off our bills and living within our means. When you read my posts, and that includes my shopping guides, you will find items that I myself would buy...that means they have to be affordable (nay, frugal!).
I'm guessing that you're here because you're someone who likes a deal too!
If you're new here, Welcome! You may have already guessed that diy beautify is a place to find affordable inspiration to beautify pretty much everything! I tend to focus on home decor and DIY/crafts, but with the holidays around the corner I wanted to give you a fabulous and frugal shopping guide to help you cross off some of those names on your Christmas list!
Why frugal?
Because around here, we like to keep it real. We are a real family on a budget, paying off our bills and living within our means. When you read my posts, and that includes my shopping guides, you will find items that I myself would buy...that means they have to be affordable (nay, frugal!).
I'm guessing that you're here because you're someone who likes a deal too!
I'm sharing the steps for how we gave our "EW" deck a fabulous new makeover, rather than replacing it!
I'll be the first to admit that I'm one of those parents who raids their kids candy stash every year. Yep, coming clean here!
I've got a sweet tooth...and a salty tooth (is that a thing?). It's always a toss up whether I'd prefer something sweet or something salty. The truth of it is, I'd really prefer to have both!
This Halloween snack mix satisfies those cravings for sweet and salty.
I've got a sweet tooth...and a salty tooth (is that a thing?). It's always a toss up whether I'd prefer something sweet or something salty. The truth of it is, I'd really prefer to have both!
This Halloween snack mix satisfies those cravings for sweet and salty.
(This post first appeared on Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body)
If you're a 'DIY-er', I'm sure you've spotted something in a store before and thought, "I can do that!".
That happened to me this past spring when I was at the Country Living Fair. I found this amazing leather and lace bracelet that was so cute. I loved it but it was too expensive, so I set out to recreate it even though I'd never worked with leather before!
We are back from Florida and had a relaxing, wonderful, sun-filled fall break! It's going to be a little difficult to get back to 'real life'!
However, Thanksgiving is around the corner and (gulp), I am hosting this year!
My home is decorated for fall, and I kept it fairly stress-free. I love to create and I enjoy decorating...but I felt my home just needed one thing more...an easy Thanksgiving garland to hang across my mantle!
However, Thanksgiving is around the corner and (gulp), I am hosting this year!
My home is decorated for fall, and I kept it fairly stress-free. I love to create and I enjoy decorating...but I felt my home just needed one thing more...an easy Thanksgiving garland to hang across my mantle!
Hey y'all...I'm spending the week in sunny Florida for fall break! It's our first time to Destin and we are enjoying the weather, the beach, and the time to simply unwind and relax...together!
So I relied on a little help from some of my blogger friends for today's post. And they did not let me down! Below, you'll find some fabulous DIY Halloween inspiration, and you are going to love what these talented gals have come up with!
So I relied on a little help from some of my blogger friends for today's post. And they did not let me down! Below, you'll find some fabulous DIY Halloween inspiration, and you are going to love what these talented gals have come up with!
Today it's all about pumpkins and I have two fabulous new projects to share. I'm over at Ella Claire Inspired today, sharing a tutorial for my painted pumpkin pillows.
You've no doubt seen beautiful painted pumpkin pillows on Etsy and craft fairs. Well guess what, here is your chance to learn how to make one! I encourage you to head to Ella Claire for that tutorial (click here)...but then come right back here because I've got a simple yet stunning project that I'm excited to share with you! I'll be waiting, I promise ☺
Oh hey there, welcome back!
I like to think outside the box and get creative when it comes to decorating my home, because I like things that are unique and different. This certainly applies to seasonal decorating, when items will be on display for such a short time. I'm including affiliate links for your convenience. My full disclosure policy is available here.
You've no doubt seen beautiful painted pumpkin pillows on Etsy and craft fairs. Well guess what, here is your chance to learn how to make one! I encourage you to head to Ella Claire for that tutorial (click here)...but then come right back here because I've got a simple yet stunning project that I'm excited to share with you! I'll be waiting, I promise ☺
Oh hey there, welcome back!
I like to think outside the box and get creative when it comes to decorating my home, because I like things that are unique and different. This certainly applies to seasonal decorating, when items will be on display for such a short time. I'm including affiliate links for your convenience. My full disclosure policy is available here.
Happy Monday!
I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for something sweet, delicious and easy!
Easy as pie...Pie Crust Cinnamon Pinwheels, that is!
I don't know about you, but I'm in the mood for something sweet, delicious and easy!
Easy as pie...Pie Crust Cinnamon Pinwheels, that is!
If you're a blogger or someone who loves crafts, you may already have a fabulous desk to work at. Many of you likely work at your dining room table. That's what I did for many years too!
If your home doesn't have a burlap item or two, I feel sorry for you. Why? Because burlap is earthy and full of texture and so inexpensive it's almost sinful! It adds such appeal and warmth to a space! Plus it's so easy to craft with burlap and make fabulous accessories for your home!
I wonder what our great-grandmothers would think about our obsession with burlap...I can hear them scoffing, "Decorating with burlap? Why on earth would you want to do that dearie?"
Because...dear grannies...the possibilities are endless...and in this post I'm setting out to prove that. I pulled together a few of my favorite projects that use burlap. It's wonderful for seasonal decorating, as well as everyday projects.
I wonder what our great-grandmothers would think about our obsession with burlap...I can hear them scoffing, "Decorating with burlap? Why on earth would you want to do that dearie?"
Because...dear grannies...the possibilities are endless...and in this post I'm setting out to prove that. I pulled together a few of my favorite projects that use burlap. It's wonderful for seasonal decorating, as well as everyday projects.
How to make a printed burlap pillow using your home printer!
My home was filled with the smells of Fall this weekend! Even though it was 90 degrees outside, I made my White Bean Chicken Chili and Gingerbread (Pumpkin) Muffins. Comfort food! It was so good and the smells infused our home in much the same way that decorating makes a big impact.
I used to spend days decorating for every holiday.
I'd have Mr DIY haul all the related boxes down from the attic, and while the kids were at school, I'd sort and purge and dust and decorate to my heart's content...until the whole house was transformed.
But that has all changed.
I used to spend days decorating for every holiday.
I'd have Mr DIY haul all the related boxes down from the attic, and while the kids were at school, I'd sort and purge and dust and decorate to my heart's content...until the whole house was transformed.
But that has all changed.
Have you made sweater pumpkins yet?
They're one of my favorite items to bring down from the attic every fall.
They're soft, squishy and just plain adorable!
And believe it or not, they're not that difficult to make!
They're one of my favorite items to bring down from the attic every fall.
They're soft, squishy and just plain adorable!
And believe it or not, they're not that difficult to make!
I can't wait to share with you how EASY it is to save money by making your own DIY chalk paint in store sample pots! Read on for the step by step tutorial!
Well hi there. I'm so happy you are choosing to spend a few minutes of your day with me!
In a world of mass-produced home decor items, handmade is so refreshing, isn't it?! I'm going to show you how to paint a sign that you won't find in a store! You can customize it to say whatever you like.
In a world of mass-produced home decor items, handmade is so refreshing, isn't it?! I'm going to show you how to paint a sign that you won't find in a store! You can customize it to say whatever you like.
Happy Labor Day! I hope you're enjoying the long weekend with your family, however you choose to spend it. We are planning to have some friends over and grill. I was really hoping we could have a cookout on our outdoor fire pit, but it has been too hot and humid here! Please fall...hurry up!
I wasn't really sure what to call today's post.
It's not really a canvas...it's not really a poster.
It is a wall hanging.
I wasn't really sure what to call today's post.
It's not really a canvas...it's not really a poster.
It is a wall hanging.
It's Friday! The beginning of a long weekend! Lots to be thankful for!!
I hope you don't mind, but today on the blog it's 'leftover' day.
Remember when you were little and it was leftover night? Your mom would pull out all the leftovers from the fridge and make a meal with it. You might have a little meatloaf with a piece of pizza and some chicken noodle soup. It didn't really go together, but it satisfied.
Today I'm sharing a few leftovers with you,
I hope you don't mind, but today on the blog it's 'leftover' day.
Remember when you were little and it was leftover night? Your mom would pull out all the leftovers from the fridge and make a meal with it. You might have a little meatloaf with a piece of pizza and some chicken noodle soup. It didn't really go together, but it satisfied.
Today I'm sharing a few leftovers with you,
Giveaway Winner
I am happy to announce the winner of the Brit+Co wood burning tool and cheese board kit. Congratulations to...Susan Ryan, you are the winner! Please email me your contact info.
Today's project is a bright and cheerful diy, and would make a great gift for any occasion.
Do you love a good matchmaking story? Oh good, me too! In fact, my very favorite kind is when...
Before we get to today's furniture redo, which is a classic love story of opposites uniting, I just want to take a minute to say Welcome to all my new followers! It is so exciting every time I get an email informing me that someone else has chosen to follow diy beautify!
Without you guys, this blog would probably be pretty lame! But because you are enjoying what I have to share, I am inspired to keep creating and to push the boundaries of DIY. My goal is to inspire you and get you excited about bringing beauty to your ordinary!!
Now, let's get to the makeover, aka opposites attract!
My kids are well past the age where they would enjoy an activity table (and I don't think my teenage boys would be able to sit down at this one)...but when I found this side table at a thrift store, I thought it would work well with two kid-sized chairs I had sitting in my garage. Different colors, different eras, different styles.
Would the magic happen? Could these pieces from different backgrounds....different sides of the tracks... fall in love?
As you can obviously see, they were a perfect match! These three unloved, yucky pieces of furniture became a darling little activity set that any child, boy or girl, is sure to love.
I want you to see how these pieces looked when I started.
Can you see why they were unlucky in love and no one wanted them anymore? They'd been well loved and well used in another life...but they were showing signs of wear and tear (and gum on the seat!)
I could see beyond the ugly, damaged surfaces to the potential of what they could become! I cleaned them up with my favorite degreaser and sanded down any splinters or rough areas with my handy palm sander.
The table was painted with my favorite diy chalk paint recipe in a creamy white (I used Behr's Swan Wing from Home Depot).
The next step was the top. I taped off about a 2-inch border all the way around. Frog tape is my go-to tool for this because it leaves crisp lines with no bleed through.
Next I painted the surface of the table with 2 coats of black chalkboard paint. I chose to use a small high density foam roller for this part of the application.
A light sanding and that's it...table done!
The chairs were painted with Blackberry House Paint in Spring Rain, This was my first time using this paint, and I was surprised at how little was needed...they only required one coat! Blackberry House Paint is not technically chalk paint; it's a water-based paint with custom pigments and additives (but it grips like a chalk paint).
I flew through these chairs so fast I completely forgot to take pictures of the progress...oops!
You can see that I added a white stripe on each chair to tie the three pieces together, as well a little accent of the Spring Rain color along the edge of the table.
And just like that it's like they were always meant to be together....overcoming all odds, obstacles and preconceived notions!
I think that's why I love to do this!
When you restore a piece of furniture, whether by staining or painting, you're bringing back charm that the years have stolen. That's what 'beautify' means!
This trio is available for purchase for some lucky little girl or boy. I know someone will enjoy hours of fun doodling or creating roads for their cars or a million other kid-friendly activities!
If you've never picked up a paintbrush and transformed a piece of furniture...maybe it's time to start! I hope I've inspired you to look at discarded furniture with new eyes and see what it might become. There's a story waiting to be told!
And it just might be a love story!
bringing beauty to the ordinary,
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It's a diy kit (valued at over $50) that will make someone very happy!
One lucky winner will receive this Design*Sponge Cheese Board Kit.
Happy Friday!
If you came by looking for a great furniture makeover...I promise I'll share it soon.
But I wanted to tell you about all the changes that have been happening over here at diy beautify. Have you noticed?
I've got this gorgeous new logo, courtesy of my friend Karisa from Petite Modern Life. I've been wanting to re-brand for awhile and this new logo is so much more me than what I've had before.
If you came by looking for a great furniture makeover...I promise I'll share it soon.
But I wanted to tell you about all the changes that have been happening over here at diy beautify. Have you noticed?
I've got this gorgeous new logo, courtesy of my friend Karisa from Petite Modern Life. I've been wanting to re-brand for awhile and this new logo is so much more me than what I've had before.
Back to school is here!
Our two youngest have already been in school for a week, and our oldest heads off to College for his Sophomore year in just a few days.
For all you mamas out there who are sending a child to College for the first time...you will survive this! Trust me, it's much harder on you than on your child! My son loves his independence while he's at College and not having us there to hover! Don't be that parent!
Last year went by in a blink.
We've started packing up our son's room and shopping for all the essentials
It's Friday! Our kids survived their first week back to school and I know they're going to be doing some serious chillin' this weekend! Video games, tv, and food.
Speaking of food...we are Mexican-food-aholics in our home...yeah, I may have just invented a new term...but it's true! We love Mexican. And while I love going out to eat, it's not something we do often because it's so pricey. When we can stay home, save money and have an amazing home cooked meal, it's a triple-win!
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