And We're Off!!!

South of France, here we come!

Thanks to all who sent in suggestions of places to see/things to do.  I've started a list and hope to hit as many as possible.

Au revoir!

Suggestions Wanted Re: Upcoming Trip To France

Exciting news - exciting for me at least - my husband and I are leaving for southern France on Friday!!

I can't wait!

We'll be staying near Nice, and venturing out into Monaco and Provence and I'm looking for further suggestions that anyone has of must-sees in southern France.

I'd love to hit some local markets, maybe see a castle, find some great restaurants and cafes.

See some sights like these . . .

 

via
I believe this is Arles

via

 

 via

 So, anyone have suggestions????

Anthropologie Inspired Denim Jacket

Inspiration:

 Anthropologie denim jackets - $388 

As well as this DIY version seen on Refashion Co-op 

And my version:

Tutorial: 

 

I started with 1 plain denim jacket, thrifted $2, and 1 vintage embroidered panel, thrifted 50 cents.

Lay the panel across the back of the jacket.  Use a water soluble pen to mark cutting lines.  Trim panel to size.  Pin in place and stitch down.

For the pockets I had to create my own coordinating bits of embroidery.  Lay across pocket and mark cutting lines.  Trim to size.  Pin in place and sew (I sewed these pieces by hand).

Also, I left all of my edges to fray.

Total cost for my jacket - $2.50.

Pretty Toes For Summer

 

 

Flip-flop weather means pretty toes!

This was a DIY pedicure using Sally Hansen's Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips - they're like little stickers that you apply to your nails.  The best part - no drying time!  This was my first time using them on my toes but I've tried them on my fingernails and they've worked great and lasted.  I almost never paint my nails because they chip off within a matter of days.  But I even cleaned the house the other day and my nails came through unscathed!  Plus they come in cool patterns.

I first learned about these on Alisa Burke's blog - check out her post to see how she combined patterns for a cool look.

A Little Embroidery

 

 

 

Playing around with a little embroidery.  

This was a pre-printed pillowcase found for 50 cents at the thrift store.  What an easy way to embroider!  The design and colors were printed right on the pillowcase so it was so easy to follow. 

I also added a crocheted edging using this Bobble Edging Tutorial. 

Spray Paint Wreath

 

Supplies needed:

1 grapevine wreath (I find these at thrift stores all the time)

1 can of spray paint

floral sprigs and embellishments (mine all came from the dollar store, even the funky little owl)

Steps:

1.)  Go to town on your wreath with a can of spray paint - mine took quite a few coats

2.)  Add embellishments

Easy, peasy!!!

 

Happy Mother's Day!!

Mini Granny Square Bookmark

 





 

I know everyone is moving to the e-readers right now but I still like an old fashioned paper book  (and I have so many unread books that I can't justify spending the money on an e-reader).

To make a Miniature Granny Square Bookmark for yourself:
1.  Crochet 7 miniature granny squares - use a tiny hook and fine crochet thread (or 3 strands of embroidery floss)
2.  Stitch granny squares together in a line.
3.  Crochet a half double crochet border around the edge.  Weave in ends.

As seen originally on Martha Stewart

These Crack Me Up - Cool Shopping Bags

seen here

Thrift Store Score - Vintage Sandals!

 

 

Vintage sandals, thrifted, $3.  But what sold me on them were the little cut-outs in the heals:

 



 

So I think I may finally be getting back to normal after having been sick.  I've actually felt physically a lot better this past week, but mentally, I've just still been in a bit of a funk and having trouble getting motivated.  Not to mention, that it seems like my kids' schedules are crazy right now and I'm spending a lot of time running them from one activity to another.  Kind of looking forward to summer vacation!