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17 St Patty’s Day Crafts

If you’ve ever met me or have even just seen a picture of me, you may have noticed that I’m a fun sized redhead. In case that went over your head faster than a 747: “fun sized” referring to a fun sized candy bar. As in short. As in 4’11” short. I’m pretty Irish. Like, friends made traps for me on the playground in elementary school trying to find my gold, kind of Irish. I wear my Irish heritage proudly. So much so, that Santa even knows to bring us a potato in our stockings to remind us of the tragedy known as the Irish Potato Famine (it’s a real thing, I swear!) and to remind us to be grateful of the wonderful things we have been blessed with. That kind of proud. Anywho, in honor of said proudness, I give you 17 awesome and easy crafts for St. Patrick’s Day. Some you can do with the kiddos and some are to Irishify your lovely abode.

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We used to do this as a kid and it was so fun to watch the transformation over time. The cool thing is that this can be done with any color.
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shamrock cinnamon rolls
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Shamrock St. Patricks Day ombre specimen art by Lolly Jane
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Side note: I did this one last year for my ,then, 2 and 3 yr olds. They LOVED it! It was perfect for their ages as well because they were learning/knew their colors. It was the perfect St Patty’s Day festivity for them.
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I have no expectations of Irish conversions out there, but I sure hope you all get your craft on for St. Patty’s Day.

20 DIY Lighting Ideas

In a lighting funk? I know I have been lately. In an effort to spice things up at home, (in lighting ladies, just in the lighting) I've kept my eye out for some unique light fixtures and have been inspired. I feelin the DIY Pendants. Take a look and maybe you’ll have a light bulb moment too.

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Normally I don't post things in any particular order, but today, I had to share this one first. Kristin at The Hunted Interior made this pendant out of a thrifted bowl. I have been searching for the perfect bowl ever since. I absolutely love it and want one of my own. She is very talented and her work is amazing.
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via Apartment Therapy

Links to actual projects/fixtures are listed below. 

This just goes to show that you can make a unique fixture out of ANYTHING! A globe, bowl, mason jars, flashlights, string and even paper clips. That's right, the fixtures in #4 are made out of paper clips and look amazing! You may have even noticed that some of these projects are from repeat offenders like Mandy from Vintage Revivals. She has many many more DIY lighting options. I hope you’ve been inspired. I can’t wait to see what I decide on.

Snuggle Up!

On this lovely overcast day here in the Valley of the Sun, I can't help but daydream about sitting by a cozy fire in my polka dot flannel jammies, with my slippers sipping hot cocoa. In honor of said daydream, feast your eyes.







  







Check out my Fireplace Board on Pinterest to see sources and more ideas!!! I'm gonna go snuggle my littles now! Happy Wednesday!

Finding Your YOU in Design

As you all may know, tastes change and styles evolve. Since we purchased our home about a year and a half ago, I've been struggling to find my style. I've been scouring blogs and magazines trying to decide who I am in terms of design. I tried going in this direction following Mandi from Vintage Revivals



SEE! Shower Curtain. (I should post my tutorial on that.) I just took it down because it's too much for me and not because the bathroom isn't large. (it doesn't really look like this at all anymore and this was the "After" for a while, but I digress. . .


I even entered her crazy room makeover giveaway in hopes that she would come and crazify my house. Turns out, that's not for me. Wanna know how I know? Well I followed the advice of said Mandi and started listening to the inner ME and not what was cool and hip going on in blogland. Although I think her style is Mandilicious, it's not for me. I started by hanging a few different colored picture frames up in my family room to add some pizzazz  I. Could. Not. Handle. It. Sounds ridiculous, I know. What's the harm in a few different colors!?!


 I couldn't do it. Fortunately, the picture frames ended up being the least expensive way possible to find out that I need serenity in my home. I can be fun and crazy elsewhere, but my home needs to be a bit more Ballard and a little less Urban. That doesn't mean bland and boring, just a little more sophisticated or something like that. As soon as I figured this out, I felt kinda old, but I got over it though and redesigned what I want my master to be. When I look at this moodboard it makes me take a deep breath and relax just thinking about relaxing there. Without further ado,
My Master Moodboard


Obviously these are just the main pieces and only the jumping off point. I would however, like it to be as close to this as possible.
Through this whole process, I learned a very valuable lesson. It's so simple and stands the test of time. Be true to yourself. If you are a little more Rock n Roll than Country, EMBRACE it! But if you're more Ballard than Urban, settle in and allow your mature side take over a little while for sanity's sake. It's okay to be you.

New Master Shopping List
Wall Color-Still BM Edgecomb Gray (It's pretty much my favorite and it's already on the walls.
Headboard- Home Decorators Collection Notched Headboard with Nailhead Trim
Bedding-Pottery Barn Wells Palampore in Blue {I've loved this bedding for years. Still not sure why I don't own it yet-side note part ii- I love this in ivory for Christmas time cause I'm cool like that}
Nightstands-Ballard Designs Torino Demilune {these are my inspiration but I would love to find a vintage/flea market version of this}
Accent Chair- Ballard Designs
Window Panels- Ballard Designs Chloe in Aqua
Dresser- I already have a dresser that I previously painted Mint. It's turning a vintage cream.