Monday, February 10, 2014

Diy Flower Centerpiece

To go add a hint if elegance and warmth I  decided to create an easy and affordable center piece for my dinette room (still in process). Let's begin! 

 

What you will need: 
*Vase (I used a glass pitcher from Bed bath and beyond) $14.99 
*Flowers (Hobby lobby) purchased mine during 50% off promo on floral 
*(2) Packets of Pete Moss (dollar tree) 
*Wirecutters 
*Foam (Dollar tree or hobby lobby) 
*Ribbon (optional)   



hint: remember you could be creative choose other colors or even different types if flowers just be sure to stagger them. 

Step 1: lay out your material and arrange he flowers in your hand to get an idea what length will best fit each stem. 

Step 2: cut and insert foam to the bottom of your desired base.   


Step 4: cut your stems (hard part). Remember the center of each stem is a thick wire, you CANNOT cut right through   unless you use clippers with a ratcheting mechanism. Bend your stem all the way to one side then all the way to the opposite side. begin to cut at the crease  and then slowly attack the wire center. Hopefully it should twist off.   


Step 5: Cover the sides and cracks with peat miss, do NOT fill all the way until all your stems are in place. Now arrange your stems.  Do not place close togather, you could crack the foam in half. If you have too many holes, replace your base.
Hint: for the thicker stems score the outer plastic portion and pull off, this will reduce the amount of space each stem will take up. 

 

Step 6: Top off with peat moss ensuring all corners and foam edges are concealed. Wrap your base with a ribbon of your choice and bond with no sew fabric glue or a hot glue gun.  







Monday, February 3, 2014

Strawberry Banana Triffle

We all love to satisfy our taste buds! well most of us do alreast and I am one of those people! This was definitely the talk of a superbowl party I hosted Sunday! I made this Saturday! 

Ingredients: 
Triffle glass bowl 
Pound cake sliced 
strawberries (as many as you like) 
1 package of vanilla pudding 
1 can of sweetened condensed milk 
3+ Bananas (preferably ripe) 
1 tub of cool whip  

Step one: Prep 
Wash your hands and your fruit! 
Begin by cutting up your strawberries (add some sugar for sweetness optional)
Combine coolwhip and condensed milk in a bowl set aside 
Slice bananas (LAST since they brown up) 


Step two: layer 
Follow these steps and repeat 
-pound cake chunks 
-pudding 
-coolwhip mixture 
-strawberries and bananas 
-repeat once then too with blackberries!

step three: Wait! 
Allow a good 12-24 hours of refrigeration you could eat it sooner but the longer it sits the better it will taste! (pound cake will absorb the pudding) 
enjoy!!

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Kitchen Table Transformation

So after celebrating my husband agreeing to me transforming the room if began to do my research! 
my inspiration: 

Yes found it on Pinterest! These retail $700+ as a set and $400 table alone, clearly I didn't have that much money for my entire room makeover! Plan B goodwill, Salvation Army & craigslist! my goal was to find a solid wood table that could be restained and painted! 

After 3 days of nonstop phone calls and research I came across table on craigslist! it was ONLY $50!!!!!

I had to have it, just like a little kid in a toy store! I saw so much potential I couldn't wait to get started!  
what you will need: 
patience (maybe a prayer or 2 haha)
Power Sander (coarse,medium,&fine grain paper)  
Liquid Deglosser 
Stain 
Spray paint 
Sealer (top coat must be glossy) 
wax (very end)  

Step 1: The top
Notice: Sander applies to stained surfaces ONLY, if you decide to paint with a solid color...SKIP THIS STEP
What a pain in my rear end this was, years of overlapped stain on the top gave it a splotchy look! I tired a strip (bad idea), then decided to go with old fashion sanding. Went to my dad's house and stole his sander (sorry dad) haha! First go over it with the coarse then medium and last fine to ensure an extra smooth surface.   

step 2: the bottom 
Since I just wanted to paint over the existing stain I chose a deglosser! Why? it's super easy and takes off the shine so the paint better adheres to the surface. (same as a sander) 

Pour the liquid onto a clean cloth and generously spread onto the surface. Allow 30 min dry time, if you wait more than an hour you will have to reapply this process requires immediate action.  
once it's dry wear your mask and spray away! (Shake well and do light even coats, to avoid drips)  Then apply your top coat (water friendly highly recommended because it will be INDOORS and will eventually be cleaned) 
cover the base with a clean flat sheet or old towels and let's move on! 

step 3: back to the top! 
Last but not least, time to stain the top! clean off the surface with a damp rag to remove and dust or debris! I used sponge tipped brushes and a flag resealable Tupperware (turkey bologna packaging!
 dip your brush and use even strokes! your goal is to not overlap, and not have drip marks dry in between. 
finally apply top coat (mandatory) and wax after the top is dry for added shine (optional) it allows for easier cleanup!  

I did not wax only because I chose to add a glass top to mine! found it on craigslist for $30 with drop off!  


It fit like a glove! I for once felt so accomplished it was the best feeling in the world! plus the entire project cost $90 (I had old spray cans and deglosser)   


will post the final picture once the room is completed! 

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Wedding day in a nutshell

I'm feeling very project happy! Two posts in one day (pat on my back)! Alright everyone here's a great way to cherish one of the most life changing snd happiest days (I hope) haha. 

Brace your selves...ready? 
My Wedding Collage


This was very fun to make all you need is:
-boxed frame (tj maxx)  
-string 
-hammer & nails
-your wedding invite 
-few straight pins 
-pictures  
-jewelry 
-and anything else sentimental 
-oh and your imagination 😊 
Tj Max Finds

First: Organize 
seperate all your belongings into categories. (ie, pictures, jewelry, pins, scrapbook paper, sayings etc.) 

Second: Arrange 
Arrange your items to your liking, your goal is to create a story. 
**Tip, Clutter free is the way to go you want the person to be able to clearly see every aspect.  

Third: Pin 
pin all your goodies so when held upward everything is secured. 
** less is more! the less pins the better, again this goes with the clutter free goal. Arrange your artifacts so they overlap around corners so instead of pinning one thing you hit a few! 

Fourth: Hang 
Attach a string to create an easy hang  frame. Usually with lighter frames I use yarn and with heavier frames I use wire! both work great! 

Fifth: Your done! 
Just hang and enjoy! 
Added a string to the back


 I placed this in my bedroom along with a few other details to really add more to the story! !  

Loved how it turned out!
Take two!


Hope this helps! would love to see what you've done! Also appreciate and value your feedback! Pin and hashtag your frame #inspiredbyannae

The entry way solution

Me like many, I have a free for all entry way! Husband walks in and somehow mistakes the floor for the closet (lol). After 3 years of tripping over coats, staining coats, and mopping my floor with his coats I decided to attack the problem.
 Genious solution= Shelf+ Hangers! 

With my beautiful flat faced assistant Lola! 
What you'll need: 
-Level  
-Drill
-hammer(optional) 
-nails.(optional) 
-screws 
-measuring tape 
-shelf with hangers (could buy seperate)
*purchased at kohls for $34 (after 30% discount)  

First find your studs, you need a stable place to achor your shelf. Start hitting your wall and compare a hollow sound (no stud) to solid sound (stud) mark your
points while holding your shelf (use your level BEFORE drilling! Then drill on your screws and hang! 



**OPTIONAL: if your paranoid like me...ad some nails. 


Finally test your new sturdy shelf! I had my cat help out haha! and there you have it, a simple solution that will keep your sanity! 😂 

ENJOY! 


Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Diy Coffee Nook

Great space for America's most loved morning beverage...COFFEE! 

The inspiration! 
 I figured mornings are using a rush for many people. Whether is school, work, or just a busy day its always efficient to have a designated area for your morning beverage. Found this on Pinterest, and i HAD TO HAVE IT! 



Click here!
After googling a few keywords finally came across the exact shelf! It was 50% off which was a plus, i went ahead and ordered it. 
Also added a few touches: 
Letter "c" from hobby lobby- Like this one better  
existing tea cups- Great sets found here
My Bosch Tassimo - Tassimo Brewers  


All i need is a cute console and i'm set! Still in Progress! Will post updates soon!

Almost done! 


Saturday, July 6, 2013

DIY Mason Jar Soap Dispenser!



hey everyone i have come across the cutest and most brilliant invention! These soap dispensers are one of the CUTEST and EASIEST projects to do. It can add character to any bathroom or kitchen for a few bucks! Grab your jars and lets get started!


Step One: What you will need

  1. 2 Mason jars (hobby lobby or any department store)
  2. Soap pump from existing dispenser 
  3. Drill (to make hole)
  4. Plastic bags (Grocery)
  5. Spray Paint (of your choice)
  6. Your imagination :)
Step 2: The hole 

  1. Screw on the lid of the mason jar, ensuring it is fully attached.
  2. Drill a hole according to the size of your pump (keep measuring until it fits tightly)
  3. Vola! 
Step Three: Painting your lid (optional) 


  1. Unscrew the lid and place the plastic bag over the mason jar
  2. Put the lid back on
  3. Spray paint the cap (the bag will protect the glass base)
 Step Four: Finalize your new soap dispenser!


Its as easy as pie! You can also alternate between foam and regular soap pumps! Hope you enjoy your new dispenser! Let me know what you think 

Disclaimer: This post and corresponding images are owned by The Frugal Homemaker the original link is can be found here!