{DIY t-shirt scarf}

I did it friends. Yesterday I actually took a project that I had pinned and made it!

On Friday's love list I shared my slight obsessions with t-shirt related crafts. I decided yesterday that I was going to give the t-shirt scarf a try with a cute but unworn Old Navy tee that had been buried in my dresser for far too long.

Old Navy t-shirt with sleeves that cut off my circulation...

Get ready to meet my scissors.

{Here is the tutorial I used to create this super simple scarf.}

I started out by laying the t-shirt flat on the floor. Then I cut off the bottom hem. I marked off 1 inch increments and made starter cuts along the side of the shirt. It helped that I was using a striped shirt - instant cutting lines!

Once I was done cutting the shirt into strips I had 12 {or so} to work with.

I stretched them all out and then gathered them all with the seam in the same place. {this project works the best with a t-shirt that has no side seams, but you work with what you got.}

Then I cut off one of the sleeve cuffs and used that to hide the seams.

I rolled it around and secured it with fabric glue.

And voila!

I love how you can still see the stripes. It turned out just as I had imagined...

{Minus the other pesky seams...grrrr}

I would have covered both seams but since some of the loops were longer than others, they didn't match up on the other side. But they can be easily hidden for a smoother look once you put it on and wrap it around your neck twice like so...

What do you think? Not bad for a free project that used an ill fitting shirt, fabric scissors, a dab of glue, and about 30 minutes of my time!

And while I was at it I thought...hey...those sleeves would probably make cute bracelets!

So I used the same steps on the sleeve...

And ended up with this...

I think the bracelet would be super cute dressed up with a felt flower or some beads. You could also cut one end of the loops open and braid them like in this tutorial. Add that to my list of future projects.

Did you DIY anything over the weekend? I would love to hear about it!

{etsy love}

Most of you probably know that I adore Etsy. I love having an Etsy shop and I love shopping on Etsy. If I could marry Etsy I would.

I am so giddy over my most recent Etsy purchase gift that I had to share it with my friends. I sent the hubby my Etsy wish list and he graciously obliged by ordering me a rosette necklace and felt flower brooch from SarieJune's adorable shop. And I was super impressed with everything from the packaging to the quality and craftsmanship of the products.

Everything came wrapped in sewing pattern paper...

And the receipt was in a cute envelope complete with a felt flower bobbie pin attached...such a fun surprise!

And here are the goodies he ordered for me...

 

I absolutely love both the necklace and the flower brooch. They are made with such attention to detail!

And look at the little surprise addition on the back of the brooch...

A little bicycle charm that matches her logo!

Her prices are super affordable as well. Needless to say I have other items from her shop on my wish list. This scarf needs to come home with me...

Nothing like a few new accessories to brighten up a girl's wardrobe!

{saturday morning}

 Watching Rango with the appropriate head wear...

{love list}

Sooo happy to say it is Friday!!! How about a little love list to kick off the weekend?

1. I can't wait to try this scarf tutorial...

Source: rik-seephotography.com via Mandy on Pinterest

A simple twist on the usual way I wear mine.

2. The boys know their ABC's! Proof...



3. I need to find an old painting so I can make one of these...

Source: abeautifulmess.typepad.com via Mandy on Pinterest

4.   I'm currently obsessed with t-shirt projects. Like this scarf...

Source: methodhome.com via Mandy on Pinterest

And t-shirt yarn!

Source: mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I will be going through my drawers this weekend. Do you hear me old and too tight t-shirts? Yeah...I'm coming for you.

5. And finally a little squirrel love...

Source: etsy.com via Mandy on Pinterest

I think I definitely need this print.

What are you loving this week?

{playing dress up}

Happy What I Wore Wednesday!

So last week you may remember that I wore my first maxi dress {well, the first since about 6 or 7 years ago when they were just called long dresses}. This week I am adding another item to my check list...a belt! I got lucky when the hubby and I were out birthday shopping and found a cute little woven and leather number at TJ Maxx for only $7. The weather this past week has been much cooler and fall-like so I paired it with my new green Target cardigan and cream and brown accents that really made me feel like fall was on the way...

Loooove this outfit!

Cream top: JC Penney
Cardigan: Target {new}
Cropped pants: Maurices
Belt: TJ Maxx {new}
Flats: Kohl's
Necklace: Kohl's

The other two seem so blah in comparison :) but here they are...

Printed top: Dillards
Cardigan: JC Penney
Black pants: Gap {new}
Sandals: Target

Top: Kohl's
Skirt: Sears
Scarf: Kohl's
Sandals: Target
Earrings: Dillards

This is a light week because I've had quite a few work events and no time to take pictures. Hopefully next week I'll have more to share! Linking up with The Pleated Poppy, No Model Lady, and Momma Go Round as usual {links in my link list}.

Looking forward to finding more inspiration from everyone this week!

{this morning}

My favorite face wash to start the day...

A cute little fan to keep me cool in our narrow bathroom...

Outfit ready to go...

Accessory options...

And my little bag of tricks {with a side of OJ}...

What does your morning routine look like?

{giveaway winner!}

I am pooped. A weekend event at work = one tired Mandy.

But the good news is I have a giveaway winner to announce!

Mr. Random Number Generator chose....

Congratulations ~Missy~!! 

Thanks to everyone who entered...111 comments! 

{Thursday Randoms}

I did this last week and I liked it so much that I'm doing it again today. Might become my weekly place to spew out random thoughts. :)

1. I'm wearing a big stretchy belt on top of a cardigan today. And I must say that I feel pretty hip. You'll have to wait until next week's WIWW to see. I'm evil like that.

Just kidding...here's a sneak peek :)

2. The weather has been GORgeous here the past two days. It feels like fall and I'm loving it.

 The view out our kitchen window last fall

I don't care if it is only August 11th. Bring on the pumpkins and apple cider!

3. I had a dream last night that I had my hair cut off in a really awful bob. It freaked me out because right now I'm really wanting to grow it out. Like really long. I haven't had my hair long for quite some time.

I think this picture with Ben from two years ago was the longest it has been since probably high school. Doesn't he look thrilled? LOL

 4. We took the boys to the park {same one pictured above} last night and toted along some old bread and biscuits to feed the ducks...

Please tell me I'm not the only mom that has a hard time relaxing because all you can do is picture your child falling into the water? I try not to be all psycho and clingy but in my head I'm totally freaking out. Gotta work on that.

5. We've been taking the boys on walks down our street lately and I love this spot in the road so I finally snapped a picture of it...

 I think the mix of blues and greens and nature with metal and concrete is really beautiful.


What are your random thoughts for the day? Do tell!

{playing dress up}

**Before I start today's WIWW, I wanted to remind everyone to enter my big birthday giveaway! Lots of fun items will go to one lucky winner, including a $20 store credit to Dear Nicole! It is open until midnight on Friday so head on over and enter!**

Oh and also head on over to my friend Shannon's blog Shannanigans today. I'm guest blogging!

I'm excited that this week includes some new clothing and accessories thanks to my birthday and my generous family! It is so much fun to have new items in my closet to choose from.

Thursday...

Top: Kohl's

Skirt: Walmart

Earrings: Kohl's

Flats: Kohl's

Friday...heading out the door for a fun girls' day with my Mom...

Blue tank: JC Penney
Top: Old Navy
Button Bloom: Self made (from my shop)
Khaki capris: Kohl's
Bracelet: Kohl's (birthday gift from Mom)

Saturday...snapped a quick photo in the mall restroom while out shopping with my hubby...

And a close-up to show my necklace and cute bag...

Ignore my claw-like hand. Still getting the hang of picture taking with this new phone!

Black Tee: JC Penney
Sweater: JC Penney
Capris: Kohl's
Sandals: Dillards (new)
Necklace: Kohl's (new)
Bag: Fossil - gift from my wonderful friend Allison

Monday...

Dress: Kohl's (new)
Sandals: Dillard's (new)

Necklace: Kohl's (new)

Tuesday...

Top: H&M
Skirt: Sears
Sandals: Kohl's (new)

Scarf: MBMB on Etsy (gift from my sister)

Today...my new maxi dress!

Dress: Dillard's (new - birthday gift from my Mom)
Shrug: Maurice's
Sandals: Kohl's
Bracelet: Hair tie that I forgot to take off :)

Earrings: Dillards 

And a random thought...I think I always look short in these photos, but I'm 5'9". How tall do you think I look? Maybe it is the ginormous map hanging behind me. :)

As usual I'm linking up with The Pleated Poppy, No Model Lady and Momma Go Round. Links in my link list!