What Have I Gotten Myself Into?

This dumb gallery wall is going to kill me! All I wanted was a simple gallery wall with our favorite black and white photos of our wedding. Maybe 10, maybe less. I also wanted to incorporate a few "items" that weren't pictures-- a "B", a cross, and a Hawaiian prayer from our honeymoon.

How hard could this be?

Ha! At first I thought I should cut out pieces of paper in the size of the photos, rearrange them on the floor, and tape them to the wall to see how it would look. Everything looks great, no problems. Well, except that the 5x7 photos seems like they would be a little tiny, especially next to 8x10 and 11x13 photos. 

My plan was that each frame would be the same, and the arrangement would be a little all over the place. I had pinned a few ideas I loved-- you can find them here. 

Photo credit

This was kind of the idea I am going for (above). How freakin' hard can that possibly be?! 

After talking to my aunt she suggested I buy the frames first. Her reasoning was that this would be the  most expensive part and I can always fill the frames at any point in time. Makes sense. 

So the other day when work was quiet I set out to TJ Maxx and Target for some (hopefully) cheap frames. TJ Maxx was excellent and I found some grey/blue speckled ones and even some plain greys. My aunt suggested that the frames did not need to match. 

The 5x7 frames were about $6 and the 8x10 frames were about $10. Target was a bit pricier with $12 for a 5x7 (But I really liked it). 

I also snagged the cross & Love sign from Target for $13.99 each. Not bad. 

The 11x13 frames will be harder to find. I ordered 2 11x13 frames from Shutterfly because they were free, but now finding a frame is going to kill me. :-)

So then I just decided to lay them out. I sent a few pictures to my MIL and tried to get opinions. I don't even like the way they are arranged above, but it just happens that that's how they were when I snapped the photo. I guess now I'll find a way I like them arranged and then... 

And then what?! I have no freaking clue! 

The dogs love looking out that window but Cocoa is afraid of the frames. Oreo, not so much.

Well I'll be sure to share my latest updates with you on actually getting these frames on the wall! Say a little prayer to the gallery wall gods for me! xO

Things I'd Like To Try On Pinterest

There are so many "things" I'd like to try to make/create from Pinterest. Art/Crafts, DIY, recipes, home stuff, signs, oh my the list goes on and on.

By the way if you're on Pinterest, you can follow my boards here.

Surprisingly, I've made quite a few things from Pinterest. 

Let me see, here are some recipes: Cake Batter Truffles (way too sweet), Snickerdoodle Blondies (very sweet but good), 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies (excellent), Resurrection Rolls (very sticky/mess but amazing), Cinnamon Roll Cake (amazing), and Rolo Turtles (I don't eat chocolate).

Some other things I've done/used: Bridesmaid Gift, we sent Mickey & Minnie a wedding invitation, we used this as our rehearsal dinner guest book, I gave my bridesmaids these polos, I've been doing this photography "class" religiously, and we use this on our big bed.

Wow! When I "write" it all down I realize I've really depended on Pinterest!

Now that we're settled in our new place, I'd like to start making it a bit more "us" and comfy/cozy. A few decorations here and there are definitely necessary.

Here are a few things I'd like to try out from Pinterest: 

:: I'd like to make a gallery wall for our bedroom, (for the Home board). I'd like it to be all black and white photos from our wedding. All one frame color, but different sizes.

:: This recipe for homemade (freezable) hot pockets (Recipes board) seems like something my husband would devour.

:: This Thankful Tree (Fall Decor/Thanksgiving board) is just the sweetest thing in the world. I'd make it now but my dad will probably judge me that it's only August.

:: I love this idea of writing what you're thankful for on the table cloth, (Fall Decor/Thanksgiving board) but I worry about how it's cleaned if someone has a spill. I'm still going to give it a try this year!

:: Putting corn kernels with candles (Fall Decor/Thanksgiving board) seems cheap and easy. I'd also like to try with candy corn but it won't last as long-- I am obsessed with candy corn!

:: I would of course love to read all these books (Books To Read board).

:: These are a beautiful Christmas dessert and seem easy (Christmas board).

:: Although a year late, this Christmas bulb seems somewhat easy and deserves to be on our Christmas tree this year!

:: I'd like this for our bathroom (Wish List board). Isn't it darling?

:: Doggie paw prints on the wall-- In a frame, duh! (I Can Make That board). This is on the top of my list. Seriously. I adore this idea!

:: This is perfect for us because, hello-- we live in the most popular Cherry Blossom area (I Can Make That Board)!

That's it! That's not a lot of stuff, right? Don't forget to join Pinterest and feel free to follow me.

xO Elizabeth

Our Office "Remodel"

Last weekend we decided to finally get a few things for our office. You can see a few pictures of our office here. We just had so many things that needed a place to go-- picture frames, books, plants, and random office supplies. Even after we did our closet makeover, we still had stuff that needed a place.

I am so OCD (Okay, not OCD, just have OCD tendencies) that it had to be fixed soon or I would start throwing things away or build a shelf myself.

So here's how it's ended up so far..

Excuse the terrible lighting. It was pouring outside so no good natural light.

We found that funky book shelf at Target. I wanted something open and not closed in, and this was super frugal-- $90. 

Can you see my chalkboard? Yup, Nathan hung that using those Command Picture Hangers. Works like a gem. :) 

Work got me a fancy new printer/scanner/fax/copier so I have been in Heaven the past few weeks. I purchased another small filing cabinet to match my desk-- now I have one on each side. 1 for my personal files and 1 for work files. It's working OK right now, I'll post about it soon. 

You can also see my memory frames. What do you think?!

Here's a close up of our shelf. It's leans up against the wall at the top and we secured it. You can view it on Target's website here. 

I'm thinking a big nice-smelling candle on the 4th shelf, what do you think?

When we were at Home Depot Nathan insisted on this money tree. I have no idea how to care for it so if anyone has any idea, feel free to share them. 

This isn't my favorite part of the office but it will do. We usually keep the futon down so the dogs can look out, but it looks so junky sometimes! I'll get over it. It's quite cozy for them and they love to spy on people (attempting) parallel parking. 

Enjoy! xO

Anniversary Journal-- A Wedding Gift We Love {How To}!

About a week before our wedding someone we've never met dropped off a gift at Nathan's parents' house. I couldn't believe how kind that was, and assumed it was your average wedding gift (which would have been more than appreciated)-- money, gift card, picture frame.

No, it was our second favorite wedding gift (Remember our favorite wedding gift?)!

An Anniversary Journal

What a creative gift! I'm not sure if this person came up with this herself or not, but I have to share. 

This journal was wrapped with a beautifully written letter. Because I don't have her permission I won't write the whole thing, but it basically says:

:: Celebrate your marriage on the ___ of each month for the first year. This may simply be a kiss and the recognition that it's the that it's the ___ of the month. 

:: Whatever is done on this day, record it in the journal.

:: Keep a record of how you celebrate your anniversary each year. 

:: List significant events from the previous years (if you wish) and any dreams or hopes for the future. 

It wasn't super fancy, just typed. 

Do you know someone getting married? This is the perfect wedding/shower gift! I'm telling you, it's definitely frugal but very meaningful. 

Enjoy! xO

PS-- Here's a peek of what was going on while I was trying to take photos!

Chalkboard Tutorial Using Door Mirror

This is a tutorial for a chalkboard made from an over the door mirror. I have another tutorial for a chalkboard made from a picture frame. Click here to jump to that. 

I am in LOVE with my brand new chalkboard! Earlier today I was beginning to think it may not turn out (more on that later), but it's absolutely perfect.

So, here's how it worked! Before I tell you how it works-- it wasn't super easy, but it definitely wasn't difficult.

Friday after work we headed to Home Depot
:: Chalkboard paint (The kind you actually paint, not spray paint)
:: Primer (Any kind will work)

This is the kind I got. Valspar. 

:: Brushes (I got cheap ones, probably $1.25 each)
:: Paint for the frame of my mirror (You can read more about that here because I used it for my other project). I got the $2.49 sample ones for the wall in a color I'm not fond of learning to like.
:: Painter's tape

Next up we headed to Target
:: Cheap over the door mirror (I'm not kidding, it was $3)
:: Tiny paint brushes (These are in the kids school section-- I think Rose Art was the brand we got)

*Make sure your frame has a way to hang it up. 
*If you get a mirror that can be taken out of the frame, you've got it easy! Otherwise, painter's tape will come in handy.

Here's what you do
:: First things first, cover your work space with lots of newspaper or crummy towels.
:: Get your primer and cover the whole thing-- mirror and frame. It doesn't have to be super think, and 1 coat will be just perfect. Try not to glob it. :)

:: After you've primed it, let it dry overnight or for about 6-8 hours.

:: After it's completely dry get your painter's tape and go to town. I was a little overly-obsessive, which is not necessary. Just cover the frame so you don't get any chalkboard paint on it. If you do that's OK, because you'll be painting it a different color anyway. 

:: Next up get your chalkboard paint and get going! 

Aren't you glad I used painter's tape?

:: Step back and let it dry about 2 hours. (I know, this waiting is insane!) After 2 hours, paint another coat of chalkboard paint and wait about 6-8 hours. 

:: After it's dry, peel off the the painter's tape and (using your tiny paint brush) paint the frame of your mirror using the color of your choosing. This part wasn't hard, but it was time consuming. If you have someone willing to help (no kids!), have them sit at one end and paint while you do the other. 

:: Let the frame part dry for a couple hours (2) and then do another coat. Trust me it will be worth it! Let the frame part dry for another 4-6 hours.

:: Sit back and enjoy! Have your handsome husband hang it up.

See my other project to the left? Click here for that one.

Enjoy! I hope this tutorial has helped! xO

Repainting a Picture Frame/Memory Box

I knew I wanted to put up these two beautiful memory boxes my stepmom made me-- one when my mom died and one when my grandmother died. They are just beautiful, but because they were made so many years ago, the frames needed some lovin'.

I knew I wanted a shade of blue but wasn't too particular with what shade. (I wish I was a bit pickier because the color I picked is a bit too grey for my taste). 

So off to Home Depot we went:

:: 2 containers of sample wall paint. They are $2.50 a piece but I definitely did not need 2-- 1 would have been just enough.

:: 2 paint brushes. (I'm working on another project that will be posted later). I went with cheap ones because this is a one time project and I'm NOT a painter. 

:: Painters tape

:: Junky towels or newspaper

I came home about $14 poorer. The most expensive item was the painters tape. Luckily we got a big roll and we'll use it for other stuff around the apartment.

I was really obsessive about taping the frame because I could not get the glass out for the life of me. You won't need painters tape if you can get the glass out of your frame. It took me about 20 minutes of sitting on the floor. I didn't do the inside of the glass, I was just extra careful.

Paint, paint, paint! I wish I had tips on how to paint. I guess just be sure you line your floor/table with lots of towels or newspaper.

Make good clean lines and don't let it glob in the corners. Nathan kept commenting on how I was "globbing"!

Note the globbing.

Let it dry overnight or for about 8 hours, then peel off the tape gently.

Voila! Put your frame together and admire you work.

Chalkboard Frame Tutorial

If you've seen the tour of our apartment, you've seen my chalkboard. It's certainly nothing fancy, but it works for us.

I made it for our wedding and was never sure if I would actually use it in our home, but I'm glad I decided to keep it.

Cute right? I bought an easel from JoAnn's (there are some cheap ones on Amazon), but it's not necessary to have an easel for your chalkboard. You can always hang it up!

Gather your materials
:: Large frame or large picture with frame*. (Target sells cheap frames and cheap art, that's where I got mine). 
:: Chalkboard paint (Don't get the spray paint kind)
:: Brush(s)
:: Chalk
:: Newspaper

*When I say a large frame, I mean literally buy a picture frame and you'll be painting the glass. OR you can buy a piece of cheap art (Thrift Store, Good Will, Target, etc and paint over the canvas.

Let's get started
:: Cover your work area with lots of newspaper. You don't want a mess!
:: Clean or wipe off your frame. Let dry completely.
:: If you can, take the outside frame off. You don't want chalkboard paint on your beautiful frame!
:: Start painting. Use clean lines vertically or horizontally. Don't make crazy designs, just get it done.
:: Let dry and do another coat. And another, if you wish.
:: Let dry overnight or for about 8 hours.
:: Before you draw on your chalkboard, be sure to color over it completely in one solid color. This way, your first drawing won't be etched in forever. Wipe away (use water if you want) and you're good to draw!

Some tips
:: You can paint a fresh coat on your chalkboard every few months if you wish. Mine got scratched and I'd like to give it a fresh coat pretty soon.
:: I wipe my chalkboard clean using a damp paper towel, then a dry paper towel. Sometimes the paper towel turns dark (like I'm talking the paint off), but I don't really panic. It could just use a fresh coat soon!
:: Colored chalk is at Staples for $1.27. :)


I hope this tutorial helps you out! Be sure to comment below if you have any questions!

My Obsession With Labeling

I've always been an obsessively organized person. It's fun for me and our house stays clean, but Nathan sometimes gets annoyed. Whoops. :)

When we first moved here we went to Staples to get my office all organized and BOOM-- I found the Martha Stewart section. She is kind of my idol. Long story short, we came home with $20 worth of labels. (Surprisingly the $20 got us me about 100 labels).

So what's chalkboard labels without colorful chalk? I am a lefty so I have terrible handwriting, but you get the point.

I also got the regular labels for containers that the contents won't change. (Brown sugar, sugar, flour, powdered sugar, etc). We'll always have those ingredients on hand, so the label doesn't need to be changeable. I put a piece of tape over the labels to keep it from peeling off. I occasionally wash these Tupperware containers but I want my labels to be protected!

The contents in the jars (pictured above) will change-- we won't always have rice or popcorn on hand, so I felt they needed the chalkboard labels. 

When applying the labels, make sure the containers you're labeling are clean and dry. It's obviously easier to write on the label before you apply it, so try to write while the label is still on the pad. 

Any questions? Comment below.

Nathan's Closet Dilemma

At quick glance this looks like a pretty normal closet, right? Wrong!

You probably cannot tell from the above photo, but when we moved in, this was supposed to be Nathan's closet. He was pretty excited to have his own space for everything and not have me bothering him with girly stuff-- skirts, dresses, what have you.

Anyway, the moment we opened the closet I noticed an issue. There was no room for clothes. You have got to me kidding me. See where the ties are hanging (now)? You can't hang a shirt "normally" because it's not deep enough.

...So we let it go and he moved over to my side with my dresses and skirts. Poor guy. We had this entire closet empty so I decided to make it my linen closet. Which would be nice because it's so close to the bathroom. (If you'd like to see the tour of our house, click here).

A few days later I got super organized and "did" my linen closet. (For that makeover, click here). I am so proud of it!

In the midst of all this organizing, Nathan's parents came to visit. They have done the DC Thing before, so I was hoping (secretly in the back of my mind) that Nathan's dad could take a look at this closet issue. Hey-- Dads like to help their sons get more closet space. It's a growing problem!

Nathan's dad took one look at the closet and could not believe how poorly designed it was. I think if he had more time he would have: 1. Told the management company off. 2. Redone our entire closet to look like this, but they had to leave 36 hours later. :-)

So we all hopped in the car and went to Home Depot. Norm knew what he needed to get for this "closet makeover" so it was quick and painless. Not to mention it cost just $9.

See? He put in that support to hang Nathan's clothes on/

I can't say if it was easy or not, but it only took Norm about 15 minutes. 

Viola! Nathan's wardrobe is complete. 

Isn't that awesome? Nathan was so excited to finally have his own space, and now I have room for more clothes! :-)

My Favorite Wedding/Shower Gift

Yesterday I posted a tour of our apartment and said I would talk about our favorite wedding gift. I'm not even sure what to call the gift, so I named it "The poem and candle gift". It's just beautiful. I encourage you to try this for a couple getting married. It's quite frugal and very simple to put together.

What it is: At our shower I opened up this beautiful frame with our picture in it. I immediately loved it before actually reading what was typed on top of our picture. The poem (written below) goes with a box of candles that are lit as each "milestone" is reached.

Can't read the picture above? It says: 

"A basket of candles for (Bride's name). A basket of candles that come in a pair, in all different colors for you two to share. The white ones burn first; they are wrapped in white lace to celebrate your first married night in your new chosen place. The green pair is taller, and also much thinner, burn them with the first company you have over for dinner. The dark blue candles are for after your first fight; use them to burn while making up all night. Pink candles set the mood and pave the way, for your first married Valentine's Day. Now, when your first year of marriage is through, the cream anniversary pair will light for you two. Red candles aflame, both your futures are bright; celebrate promotions you've worked toward all your might. By this time we hope, maybe, just maybe you can light the purple ones, on the birth of your baby. And just when you thought you'd put these away, take the light blue ones out for your fifth anniversary day. Now just one more pair left-- for the big "two five"- the anniversary pair that will keep your love alive. Congratulations (Bride's name) and (Groom's name) on the start of your forever. May the two of you always be happy together. And burn these candles just the way that we said, but please don't forget: blow them out before bed!"

All the candles came wrapped in tissue paper labeled for each use (Ex: First married night). They were gently placed in this adorable box that we keep in a closet.

What good would candles be without candle stick holders? We registered for these and surprisingly got them for a wedding gift. (These came separately, not from the person who got us the poem and candle gift).

Doesn't this seem like a frugal gift idea? I saw candles at Hallmark a few weeks ago for $1 each. You can have the poem printed and framed-- Shoot, you can really play around with pictures, cartoons, and more. The options are truly endless.

Just had to share! xO

Linen Closet With Labels

So many of you I'm sure have seen this-- labeling your linens with a post-it (or notecard of some sort) and a safety pin.

I have to say though, I highly recommend this method! It's amazing how much more organized I feel.

As you can tell we just have to "beds" in our new apartment. One king and a full size futon. We have 3 sets of king sheets and 2 sets of queen sheets for the futon (until I decide to splurge on full sheets)-- cotton and flannel. The flannel sheets came with a "bag" to put them in, so they are separated from the other futon sheets. It's more organized this way and it just makes sense in my head. And that's what counts, right?

Because the futon sheets aren't used too often (just when people are visiting), they go in the white crate.  The king sheets are more "out" and accessible. 

Obviously, when we use these, the label and safety pin will be removed. There is an open spot that is specifically for the labels. It's used when sheets or blankies are in the wash, being used, etc. 

Oreo was being super clingy while I was organizing..can you tell?

While this system is certainly not perfect, it sort of works for us. Obviously I am dreaming of one day having a linen closet in every bathroom and one outside the kitchen with a foldable button... but, that day is not today. :)

In the picture above you can see how I have the bin system-- some stacked, some not. The bins are from Target (the black ones are $9.99 and the white was $4.99). 

The towels are less than perfect. One of these days that gigantic mountain of towels is going to collapse and I know I will cry. 

What do you think of this system? Is this something you would ever try? How do you have your linen closet organized? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. 

My Extremely Thorough Home Filing System, Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 in this two-part series on my extremely thorough home filing system! If you missed part 1, you can read it here. Enjoy!

Part 1 covered how to make your home filing system (and I stressed that there is no correct way). Part 2 is going to cover each of my sections, and what's in them. Let's get started!

Pay Stubs
:: Elizabeth
:: Nathan
This section is quite obvious. When we get our pay stubs from work, the slip goes in this section. Because we get direct deposit, we just get stubs from our office the Monday after pay day. These never get thrown out until tax time. If everything matches up, they get shredded after our taxes are filed.

Banking
This section is not divided by our names, because we have a joint bank account. I just have our account numbers on a post-it in this section, our banker's business card, and some misc. papers from Bank of America. Obviously if you have more bank-related stuff-- Bonds, Roth IRAs, etc, you would have a more thorough section. We just have a few accounts so one simple section is enough.

Receipts
This is the section that is used most often. Any receipt that we get goes in this section. At the beginning of each month after I've matched all our purchases up, I'll empty out the receipts we no longer need. Receipts for big ticket items like our computers, phones, and my engagement ring stick around for a bit longer. I used to keep this section separated by our names, but because we have joint bank accounts, I don't think it's necessary.

Dogs
I keep the dogs' shot records in here, along with any vet bills. At their last appointment we were told Cocoa had a heart murmur, so I keep the sheet with the "medical term" for it in this file.

Misc. Papers
:: Elizabeth
:: Nathan
This section is probably my most chaotic, but there's really no way to avoid it. Any random papers we get go in here. Nathan's section is quite empty besides his voter card. Mine, on the other hand, has our marriage license and information on getting my new passport.

Product Manuals 
This section also speaks for itself. Product manuals for anything from my camera to our belgium waffle maker. Every few months I go through this and remove anything we don't have anymore. For example, I will probably remove the belgium waffle maker's manual soon because everybody knows how to work one, right?

Gift Cards
I keep gift cards in here rather than with my coupons because we get a LOT of gift cards. I don't know why! They stay in here and are safe and sound. I also get the exact amount by calling the number on the back of the card and writing it in sharpie on the front of the card.

Return Labels
I keep our return address labels in here for letters, mailing bills, thank you notes, etc. I have 2 kinds-- ones for both of us and ones just for me.

Apartment Info.
:: Camden Potomac Yard
:: Comcast
:: Renters Insurance
This section has everything related to our apartment. The comcast online bill login information, our renters insurance information (Policy number, etc), and a copy of our lease.

Transportation
:: Metro Cards
:: Nissan Sentra
I keep our car's title in here along with information on our metro cards. We have an online login to add money to the cards, so that information is kept in here. I also know who's card is who's so we know which one needs money.

Phew, that's it! I know it seems insane, but just remember to do what is best for you. You don't have to do this all in one day. Shoot, you don't have to do this all in one week! It just feels so wonderful to be organized!

Want to go back and read Part 1? Click here.

My Extremely Thorough Home Filing System, Part 1

Welcome to Part 1 of a two-part series on My Extremely Thorough Home Filing System! I hope this series helps you keep your paperwork under control and gives your life some order!

Want to jump to Part 2? Click here. 

It may not look like much, but this blue folder is my life. I would probably be lost without it. Life would go on, but I would be crazy disorganized for quite a while. :)

This is not a homemaking binder, it's just a big folder that holds important stuff-- receipts, pay stubs, our lease, insurance information, car information, etc. 

I have a separate homemaking binder that is for household information-- cleaning, organizing, etc. That will be covered another day!

Want to make one for yourself? Here's what you "need" (I put quotes because you don't really need anything, just adapt for what you have on hand):

:: Some sort of folder/file cabinet. I like the ones that close and can be carried/moved around. I have a Martha Stewart one from Staples that cost about $9. You can easily get them from Target for about $3.

:: Some files. I'd say about 7-12.

:: Sharpie

That's it! See, it's really simple. It can be as thorough and decorative or plain and simple as you want it to be. (As you can see I went the "decorative" route as first and then changed to "simple" when I ran out of folders). It doesn't matter-- the only person who will see this folder is you!

First things first you need to figure out what is going in your folder. Get organized. Take your time and try to figure out what you want in it and how you want it displayed and separated. 

Next you need to label your dividers. As you can see my first one is Pay Stubs. I then have two folders in the particular section because we each work-- they are labeled Nathan and Elizabeth. 

My other dividers are: Banking (That is not separated with each of our names because we have a joint account), Receipts, Dogs, Misc. Papers (Two folders for Nathan and Elizabeth), Product Manuals, Gift Cards, Return Labels, Apartment Info. (With divider folders for: Lease, Comcast, and Renters Insurance), and Transportation (With divider folders for Nissan Sentra and Metro Cards).  

As you can see, my folder is completely stuffed. I'm afraid to admit it, but I think I'll have to move to an actual file cabinet very soon. 

After your dividers are labeled, start plopping papers in their designated area. This is the easiest part and probably the most fun. :)

In another post, I'll go over in detail what is in each divider and how I keep this folder clean and neat. 

*Please remember that this is the system that works for me. This system may not work for you and your family. You have to do what's best for you and if it's not this, by all means-- try another way!