Landfill to Lovely: Leopard Print Scarf

Here is the first re-fashion project for the Landfill to Lovely series! This gorgeous leopard print infinity scarf was once a pretty played out long skirt from the 90s...you know, the kind that hits your leg at just the wrong length?

Can you believe this is how it started out? I was thinking of shortening the length and wearing it as a skirt, but it's a few sizes too small and I'm not quite that advanced yet! haha :)

Here it is on one of my good friends. I thought she would look so cute in it, so I gave it to her! 

 I am planning selling these soon!

How do you feel about scarves? Would you buy something like this?

Please let me know! Comment below!

 I would love to hear from you!

Thrifting Tips: Do's and Don'ts: Size

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Size:

DO try on items even if it's not your normal size! I can't stress this enough! I have clothes two size too big and two sizes too large. Some size smalls are made really over sized and some XL are made really form fitting. Picture this: There is a really cute dress that catches your eye, and everything about it is a go. You're about to walk into the dressing room to try and on and you notice an "S" on the tag. You think "I'm normally a large...this wont fit, I better put it back." THINK AGAIN! You could be putting back the greatest score ever! It (usually) doesn't hurt to try things on. Over sized dresses or tops are easily remedied with a waist belt.

DON'T buy something that does not fit in a flattering way (too small or tight), just because you like the brand or style. You probably wont feel comfortable in it, and wont get much wear, if any out of it.The money would be better spent elsewhere, unless you want to give it to a friend. :)

Thrifting Tips: Do's and Don'ts: Season

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SEASON:
DON'T put something back just because the season you would wear it in is a long way off. It'll eventually be hot or cold enough for it (sometimes unexpectedly!) and you will be happy you picked it up ;).
DO buy something cute even if there are only "3 official weeks" left of of the season. You can always layer!

Thrifting Tips: Do's and Don'ts: Name Brands

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Name Brands:
DON'T buy something JUST because it's a high end name brand. If it's peeling, or really faded, it's not worth it.

DO buy something if it's a low end brand, and it's really cute. Who cares if it's from Wal Mart? If you have the choice between a like-new cute Wal Mart blouse, and a ripped and faded Old Navy top-- Go for it! No one is going to be checking your tags, and it will look so much better on you, and will get a much more wear out of it...No one will know where it's from anyway! It's better to have a chic outfit for cheap, than a cheap looking shirt with a chic label. Now let's get out there and find some awesome deals!

What are some of your thrifting tips and tricks?

Landfill to Lovely Series

I'm starting a new series called "Landfill to Lovely" where I take items found at the thrift store that nobody wanted! I try to keep my eye out for unique and fun patterns, that could be modern, only they are usually in the form of some hideous 80s or 90s skirt or dress. With a little creativity and a few snips I am going to refashion these items into something completely fresh, new,modern and LOVELY! The landfill part comes in where I hit up the thrift store on the 50% off day...so it's the stuff so (seemingly) awful it's just been sitting there, and is about to end up at the pound store, and most likely eventually in a landfill! If you look for nice heavy, durable fabrics like snazzy polyester (seriously, this stuff could survive the apocalypse!) it will hang nice if your turning it into a scarf or something to wear. It's so fun when I go to check out because I know the employees are thinking "what on earth is she doing with this?" haha -- or maybe not! I'm such a dork...I get all giddy and wait for them to ask me what I'm going to do with it...but they don't...hmm...
I looove thrifting! :)

I have several fun projects coming up soon (including an awesome leopard infinity scarf from a long 90s skirt)! Stay tuned!
Do you have any challenges for me? Let me know in the comments!

Easy DIY Wall Art: Dot Trees

I was inspired by a painting I saw at World Market the other day. While I do love to create all my own original art work, when it comes to home decor I find it fun to try to re-create some of the ideas I see, for 1/10th of the price!! These types of paintings are usually mass produced and pop up at all the home decor stores...but I definitely try to put my own spin on it. They don't have to hand made, one of a kind feel to them, because they are so mass produced. Just too many reasons not to try!

 

This was really just a test run. I got the craft itch while I was making my son lunch the other day, and just grabbed some left over supplies I had from the painted vase project. This took about 15 minutes to make. I painted over a canvas print I got from the dollar store. I just poped it out of the frame and sponge painted the background cream. Then I mixed some colors I had to make a brownish color and painted "V-Trees" (middle school art 101 ;) and then I took a small brush and swirled to make circles.
I plan on getting a large canvas to do this again soon with a detailed tutorial...stay tuned!

*I hand painted this, but for a simplified tutorial for beginners check this out.

Do you have any art projects your working on right now? Or would like to see me re-create? Leave a comment and I just might!!

I Scream, You Scream!...

We all scream for dairy & nut free ice cream!

Allergy friendly ice cream and treats can get expensive! One of my favorite things to do is to get Trader Joes Organic Soy Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream, and add in toppings like they do at Cold Stone Creamy. It's seriously half the price ($2.99) for a tub double the size of the other flavored soy ice cream brands, that are $6.00 and up. We add in our favorite toppings like Oreos and marshmallows and stir in a bowl or cup. The majority of store bought ice cream cones are are dairy, egg, and nut free, so this makes for an awesome summer time treat!

I can even whip of my own version of a Chik Fil A cookies and cream milk shake. Just add some vanilla soy ice cream in a tall cup, crumble in some oreos, and pour in a little rice milk (or your milk of choice) and mash and stir it all up with a fork, adding more milk until you get the consistency you like. It is soo good! I think I am going to go make one now!...

(more!) DIY Sandals

We added some more decorations to our $1.00 Old Navy sandals.

Sequins on the purple. A hardly used rose hair clip on the pink.

We love the way they came out!

For the roses I ripped off the clip on the bottom, and hot glued the rose to the "V" part of the straps. To make it more secure, I cut out pieces of felt and secured it on the underside of the rose, around the straps.

This is such a fun summer project! I wish I would have picked up more flip flops, because the possibilities are endless!

Do you have any fun summer projects you've been working on?...

DIY flip flops

  

Don't you love when Old Navy has their $1.00 flip flop sale? They aren't very fabulous, but they are inexpensive -- so you can really jazz 'em up and make them super cute and unique!

 

All you need is a hot glue gun and your favorite bling (beads, bows, ribbons, etc.)

I found bag of sequins ($2), and a sheet of lavender felt (.25 cents) at Wal Mart.

 

I cut a small circle out of the felt and covered it in hot glue. I placed the sequins on to look like a little flower. To secure the flower to the sandal, just hot glue it to the strap. You can make it even more secure, by cutting out small straps of felt and hot gluing them to the underside of the flower.

Simple and adorable, and really only pennies more than the $1.00 Old Navy flip flops cost...not too shabby!

You could make your own pair for special occasions or just hanging out by the pool!

*More versions to come!...Stay tuned!...

** We've added more cute flip flops here!

Do you Pin?

I love Pinterest! Do you Pin? You can find me there @ pinterest.com/mimielle/

Weekend Inspiration

Source: lorianderson-quotes.blogspot.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Easy DIY Lunchables

I love the convenience of store bought lunchables, but don't really like the idea of paying $2-$3 for something I can make pretty easily myself. You can even get the kids to help out!

Here's what you need:

• Ritz or Round Crackers
• Thick Lunch Meat
• Soy cheese slice (not pictured, I ran out)
• Round cup, cap or lid for cutting the meat

The lid I used is from an old spice jar (I knew it would come in handy!). It's the perfect size for the round crackers. You could even use an old medicine dosage cup. If you don't have round crackers try saltines and just cut the meat into squares or the desired shape with a knife. Throw into individual ziplock bags (so things don't get wet and soggy) or use a divided container like a bento box. The container I used came in a pack of 2 for under $3 at Target. Add some fruit or raisins to the other compartment and you've got yourself a lunchable! Your kids will thank you for this one! Who says you can't eat some too?!

Happy Lunching!!

***p.s. The last time I posted on this blog was over 3 years ago! ... and I only had 2 posts up at that--ha! Thanks to anyone who reads or comments! I plan to post more regularly now :)***