No Spend September: Week 4

Um. Can you believe it’s the last day of September? I feel like it was just August. I’m really proud of how well I’ve done with not spending money on clothes or fabric for clothes. I think I only felt tempted once. And now as I head into October, I don’t feel the need to rush out and buy something. Perhaps I broke a habit? What I am feeling the need for is shoes. And it’s a genuine need. Summer time was great with getting to wear flip flops every day. But now as I’m facing a need for some solid, cute footwear. I’m finding my non-high-heeled options are just a little limited. Like a pair of boots or my nude Target flats. And life with a toddler calls for flats. So I’ll be on a hunt for those very soon. It might prove difficult since I’m cheap. Ok. Enough rambling. On to what I wore this week.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were spent in lazy wear, like pajama pants, a Navy sweatshirt, glasses and scary face and hair. I thought I’d spare you the horror and didn’t take pictures.

Monday: Refashioned Turtleneck from Target, Vigoss jeans from Maurices, boots from Maurices, infinity scarf from Ruffles ‘n Such.

(Yeah. Awkward pose.)

Tuesday: I chose my outfit with modeling my cowl in mind. The shirt was cheap and from Kohls a few years ago but very soft. I found my Gap Long and Lean jeans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Just a little happy.) Shoes from Target.

Wednesday: Causal and comfy. I’m now rethinking ever wearing these jeans again. I liked them the first few years I owned them, but maybe now they’re just not as flattering as they used to be? They’re Hydraulics from Maurices. Top and cami from Maurices as well.

Thursday: I was a guest speaker in a class at my alma mater, Corban University. Pants—Gap Long and Leans. Jacket—Maurices…

I love the top I wore under the jacket so I had to show it too. It’s from Anne Taylor Loft a few years ago.

I’ve enjoyed taking pictures of my outfits each day because it makes me actually put a little more effort into being creative with my outfits. It also gets me to make the bed each day. So I just might keep this up…

Giveaway!!!!

Um… so how about a giveaway? It’s been a little while since the last one, we’re in a new season, it just sounds like fun, and I hit 900 followers today, so why not?

I’d like to offer one lucky reader a scarf of their choice from my etsy shop, Ruffles ‘n Such. There are a few for you to choose from…

Pale Lavender Infinity Scarf

Olive Mist Ruffle Scarf

Blue and White Stripe Infinity Scarf

Bright Pink Gathered Ruffles Scarf

Red and White Stripe Infinity Scarf

Bright Pink Ruffle Knit Scarf

Yellow Ruffle Scarf

To enter, all you have to do is follow this blog and leave a comment telling me you are a follower.

Want a few extra entries?

--Tell me which scarf you would choose.

--Visit my shop and tell me which item is your favorite.

--Become a follower of Made it on Monday on Facebook.

--Give me a suggestion for something you’d like to see covered in a Tips & Tools Tuesday or just any type of tutorial you’d like to see next/more of.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only. Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 5 at 7 pm PST.

The Time Out Cowl

I’ve been crocheting along with Rachel at Maybe Matilda. My experience in crochet was very limited going into this project. When I was young my mom taught me how to do a basic chain. And a few years ago I got it in my head that I could make a blanket for my cousin’s baby. But reading a pattern sent me to my computer and google so many times that I finally gave up.

Rachel gave great directions. I just didn’t follow them very well. So what you see is the third try. Why is it that so many of my projects are examples of third time’s a charm?

Rather then join the two ends like the pattern called for, I sewed a button to one end with it folded in half long ways.

This way it can be worn like a scarf…

…a long loop cowl like the pattern called for…

…our double wrapped and buttoned for a warm and cozy cowl.

I’m thrilled with how it turned out I’m thinking some family members may get one as Christmas gifts??? Thanks, Rachel, for doing the Crochet Along! Now if only I could have you walk me through every crochet pattern I try… ;)

Parties I Might Link Up With:

Hoo’s Got Talent, The Sunday Scoop, The Sunday Showcase Party, Made By You Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Making the World Cuter Monday, Weekend Wrap Up, Motivate Me Monday, Frugalicious Friday, Feature Yourself Friday, Just Something I Whipped Up, Mad Skills Party, Get Your Craft On, Anything Related, Make it Yours Day, The Shabby Nest, Kojo Designs, Tea Rose Home, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Real Momma, Real Style, Idea Sharing Wednesday, Creative-ly U, Tutorials and Tips Tuesday, Sew Cute Tuesday, Make it, Wear It, Show and Tell Saturday, Weekend Bloggy Reading, I’m Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday

Cozy

Fall blew in quickly this weekend. And since it’s blustering outside, I thought I’d share some of my favorite “cozy” things we’ve been up to around here lately…

Coffee Cake and caramel lattes with friends. (This caramel latte is made the same as the iced one I shared with you before, I just steamed the milk for this one.)

I finished the crocheting on my cowl for the Crochet Along with Maybe Matilda. I’m really excited about how I’m going to finish it off and can’t wait to share it when it’s all done! (Want to make one too but don’t know how to crochet? Rachel teaches you everything you need to know. It’s not too late to join in!)

I took the weekend off of work and a tummy bug for Jace decided to join us in our relaxing. As yucky as it was, it meant we had some sweet cuddle time and he discovered how much fun lounging on Mommy and Daddy’s bed can be. I love those blue eyes.

I bought a few new jersey cotton knits to make infinity scarves with for Ruffles ‘n Such (one of my Etsy shops) and decided to keep one for myself today when I got dressed. The intense wind outside made me excited for fall clothes. Too bad I didn’t realize it was in the high 70’s until I walked out the door…

I’m heading into a few more days off, and have quite a few projects I want to check off my list. One of them is Jace’s Halloween costume. He’s going to be Elmo. Be prepared for intense amounts of cuteness. Hopefully I’ll have a lot more craftiness to share with you soon!

How are you welcoming fall?

Thanks for stopping by! You all brighten my days!

Decorating For Fall: My Living Room

Yesterday I showed you my fall dining room. My living room didn’t get quite as many fall touches, but I still am happy with it.

When I started working on my mantel, I couldn’t figure out what to do. Learning to work around the TV presents a challenge, but I just couldn’t figure out what I did last year. Then I realized this is my first time decorating my mantel for fall. No wonder I was struggling! I can’t wait until we’re able to get the TV centered and all the cords hidden.

I went with the classic red, orange and brown color scheme with a few touches of yellowish green.

On the left side I have a tall pillar candle, a coppery toned glass vase filled with silk leaves, a candle in a small hurricane and an artificial pear (from Walmart).

The other side has more leaves, more candles and more pears!

The entertainment cabinet got a burlap and muslin table runner and three candles.

My inspiration for the runner came from my friend Amy HERE.

My coffee table is topped with a red tray, burlap and a basket of artificial apples. I like having the pop of green.

I usually have centerpieces with more height to them, but I’m really liking the look of something lower.

Wanna know the best part of all my fall decorating? I didn’t spend a penny! (At this time at least. All the items I used I already owned.)

How have you decorated for fall? What color scheme do you like to go with? Needing some inspiration? Décor Chic did a great post on trending colors for fall.

Parties I Might Link Up With:

Hoo’s Got Talent, The Sunday Scoop, The Sunday Showcase Party, Made By You Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Making the World Cuter Monday, Weekend Wrap Up, Motivate Me Monday, Frugalicious Friday, Feature Yourself Friday, Just Something I Whipped Up, Mad Skills Party, Get Your Craft On, Anything Related, Make it Yours Day, The Shabby Nest, Kojo Designs, Tea Rose Home, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Real Momma, Real Style, Idea Sharing Wednesday, Creative-ly U, Tutorials and Tips Tuesday, Sew Cute Tuesday, Make it, Wear It, Show and Tell Saturday, Weekend Bloggy Reading, I’m Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday

Decorating for Fall: The Dining Room

I started decorating my house for fall the other day, but felt like something was missing. Do you ever need a few days to figure out how you really want things to look? I was finally able to get it all worked out today and I’m really happy with the results. We’ll start with the dining room today and I’ll show you the living room tomorrow (otherwise it would probably be too many pictures for just one post… I had a lot of fun with my camera).

Aside from Christmas, this is the first time I’ve really made a good effort do decorate our buffet. We added the bookshelves on either side back when we switched our living room around, so I wanted to help it all blend together with the decorations.

One the right side shelf I used a sign I made to sell at my shows, a wooden bowl on a candle stick filled with brown crimped paper, dried gourds or something that came in set of basket filler, and a vintage mason jar filled with pinecones and other small fall items on top of a wooden pillar.

On the right side of the buffet I have my framed burlap and leaves, and artificial apples swirled with raffia in large hurricane. I have found that the best place for realistic looking, well priced artificial fruit is Walmart.

The left side of the buffet has another framed leaf, and a pillar wrapped with orange organdy and tied with leaves and orange raffia, topped with another jar of filler. The shelf next to it has one more pillar, old books and a candle. I felt like it lacked a personal touch until I spread my Willow Tree figures through everything.

My table is my favorite part of the dining room. I used a burlap with muslin ruffles table runner (I have to smile every time I look at it) and a candle holder we were given as a wedding present, wrapped with raffia and accented with sugared apples.

Now I’m ready to light the candles, watch the weather change and feel cozy. Tomorrow I’ll show you the rest of my fall touches in our living room.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you’re having a great weekend!

Parties I Might Link Up With:

Hoo’s Got Talent, The Sunday Scoop, The Sunday Showcase Party, Made By You Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Making the World Cuter Monday, Weekend Wrap Up, Motivate Me Monday, Frugalicious Friday, Feature Yourself Friday, Just Something I Whipped Up, Mad Skills Party, Get Your Craft On, Anything Related, Make it Yours Day, The Shabby Nest, Kojo Designs, Tea Rose Home, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Real Momma, Real Style, Idea Sharing Wednesday, Creative-ly U, Tutorials and Tips Tuesday, Sew Cute Tuesday, Make it, Wear It, Show and Tell Saturday, Weekend Bloggy Reading, I’m Crafty Party, Transformation Thursday

No Spend September: Week 3

What’s a girl to do when a Monday starts with poop smeared all over her arm thanks to a blow out in her 19 month old’s diaper? How about layer the eyeliner on extra thick and spend lots of time achieving a good hair day all while the freshly bathed, mostly naked baby discovers a bathroom scale is his new favorite toy? (That is when he isn’t carrying around and playing with an old shower head and a can of shave gel (which was sealed of course. I’m not that negligent of a mother).)

This was one of those weeks. So I dressed comfortably. And with stripes. The stripes weren’t intentional. But I think every striped piece I own made an appearance. I might have dressed up a bit more, but my favorite nice jeans—Gap Long and Leans—are missing. Not sure how a pair of jeans disappears when everything is clean?

Friday: Sporting the Navy Blue and Gold (my younger brother graduated from the Naval Academy a year ago) and my DownEast Basic Jeans from last week.

 

Saturday: My new comfy cowl top. I tried one pair of jeans (left, Hydraulics from Maurices), but didn’t like my shoe options with them, so I put on my skinny jeans and boots instead (jeans—Vigoss from Maurices, boots—Maurices).

 

Sunday: Slubby Ruffles Tank, Vera Wang Cardi from Kohls, Hydraulics Jeans from Maurices (again, I would have LOVED to wear my Long and Leans), I also wore red heels but forgot to take a picture with them.

Monday: Forever 21 Top, White House Black Market jeans (steal of a deal—originally $95 and I got them for $15 a few years ago), shoes from Target.

 

Tuesday: Top from Maurices, Jeans from Down East Basics. (Also wore the shoes from Thursday).

Wednesday: Forgot to take pictures but picture something very similar to Tuesday.

Thursday: Top from Target, Vigoss from Maurices skinny jeans, shoes from Famous Footwear five and a half years ago. (They are white ballet flats covered in sequins. I wore them for my wedding. Supper comfortable and I love that I can wear my wedding shoes again and again.)