DIY-ing!

I have been on a DIY kick lately...A few small projects here and there, but my big project was to make an ottoman for our living room. This was certainly a pinterest inspired project. I fell in love with an ottoman that was WAY to expensive and decided to take matters in to my own hands, literally! It took me a couple days to finish, I utilized nap times and after bed for my little guy, so I was able to work on my ottoman with out toddler interruption!

 Here was the tutorial I used from Tulip and Turnip Blog, I found on pinterest.

http://tulipandturnip.blogspot.com/2011/08/diy-upholstered-ottomancoffee-table.html

Here is the semi-finished product.
First, I needed to find a cheap coffee table. I scoured Craig's list, but found this one at Salvation Army Store for $25. My budget for the project, was $50. I spent a total of $65, so I came close. 

Next, I painted the legs and shelf below to match the rest of our furniture. I used a dark brown spray-paint. After painting, I measured out the foam size to cover the top and sides of the coffee table. I attached them with my glue gun. Then, I added a layer of batting, just to make the table a little cushier.
 
Now, the fun part. I used a staple gun to upholster the fabric to the table. I chose a velvety gray fabric to keep it neutral in our living room. This was the hardest step. I think I must have gone through 50 staples!! I didn't take any pictures with this step, the staple gun wore me out!

Well, it's finally done...for now anyway. I plan to add tuffed buttons to it or a trim on the bottom, but for now, this will do! :) I'll try to post an updated picture soon!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more!

Olympic Fever

As many of you, may already know... I have Olympic fever! I have really enjoyed watching the Olympic games this year. I've stayed up way too late watching events and I've been obsessed with all things Olympic themed on Pintrest. In the near future, I'll share the "Vacation Olympics" that I put together for all the kids on vacation with us in the Keys. Complete with events, medals and even an opening ceremony....Stay tuned!!

And for the decorating event.... Here are some contenders for gold! These are just some simple and cute ways I updated our mantle in honor of the Olympics and Team USA.

Our patriotic decor reached to the kitchen too. For the pennants, which you know I adore, I'm am always re-using Jack's birthday pennants. I folded and pinned back the colors I didn't want to show with the pennants and added plastic medals to the candles. Use what you have! Most of these things are decorations for the 4th of July, so go on...get creative!

These are simple little details, but that's what I love! Hope you enjoy reading and Go TEAM USA!