Pantry Organization

If you are anything like me, you end up throwing away food because it expired before you could use it. Such a waste!

I have committed to ONLY stock my pantry with items that I will eat.

Started by removing everything from the pantry. I did this with a trash bag right next to me so I could immediately get expired items out.

Then got containers for my staples: flour, sugar, brown sugar.

All breakfast items on the same shelf. Put all cereal in 3 containers and committed to use the 3 open kind before opening another.

All canned food and pasta with sauces together.

I can see what I have and am planning a weekly menu so no more being wasteful for this girl!

Kitchen Refrigerator

Finally got my refrigerator deep cleaned and cut shelf liners for all drawers, shelves, and door holders.

Got the rolls of liner at Walmart (2 worked perfectly) and cut to size using my rotary cutter and board.

This project is super easy and quick! And you will feel so great having a clean and organized refrigerator!

I chose not to use contact paper because it would be sticky upon removal. Kitchen shelf lining fit great and cushions all my items.

Campfire Pit

Spent the weekend working on a campfire pit.

Bought edging for a space that is 25" by 12".

Weed matting, 84 bags of white rock, 4 plastic chairs and stakes, and 1 fire ring from Menard's. 12 solar lights from Walmart.

Found some large pavers in the shed and put 1 in front of each chair in case people aren't wearing shoes.

S'Mores anyone??

Also put black mulch and pavers through the pines in the backyard. Added a birdbath and lifted the trees so we can walk through without bending over. Just need to pick up branches.

A bit tired, but VERY happy with today's progress!!!

Keturah's Bedroom Makeover

My sister has moved in and the basement apartment needed a makeover. Here's the before...

 Green carpet, mint green walls.

The green carpet will go away when the budget allows. And here is the after...

Bedroom Decorating

The importance of getting a bedding set that you LOVE cannot be overstated. And since it creates the atmosphere of your room, you should splurge if you can.

I chose to really invest in a nice set for a king size bed and take care of it. I bought the bedding and matching curtain set from Bed Bath & Beyond. (Yes, it is a chunk of change, but I chose a set with a varied color palette so I could accessorize to my taste. I plan to use this set for many years.)

Remember...you will sleep for several hours each day, so bedding WILL get used a lot and quality must be considered or you'll be replacing it often.

If you can't afford to buy a set, but have sewing skills...I'd invest in great fabric and make a duvet cover with matching pillows and curtains. Choose a fabric that you LOVE and want to wake up to every day.

The mattress is from Justin, the Mankato Mattress Man who gave me a terrific deal.

The bed frame is from Slumberland in Red Wing and was on clearance and discounted drastically due to a scratch on 1 of the tiles. (I covered the scratch using a marker and blending. Betcha can't figure out which tile it is and I saved a LOT by knowing how to cover that imperfection!)

I think dark brown has a warm and rich feeling which was the luxurious and comfortable feel I wanted.

I added a privacy window film so I could keep the set of curtains over my heating and cooling vent open.

Stick on wall decor, a framed printout of art, and my Always Kiss Me Goodnight sign adds to the romantic vibe.

Bathroom Window Privacy

My bathroom has a window that gets a lot of sun, but was covered by unsightly blinds and an out of date valance.

I removed the blinds, valance, and related hardware. Then shined up the trim, and put window film up.

The film is fairly easy to use. Make sure you are working with a CLEAN window surface and apply the spray liberally for a smooth and sleek finish. You can do this alone but a second set of hands would help.

I found a film from Menard's that matched the detail of my Walmart shower curtain perfectly!

Kitchen Counters & Music

I need every bit of kitchen counter space I can get, but also love to have my music handy.

Installed a cute red shelf to keep the speaker off the countertop. This pic is from my last house and I intend to do this again.

(Also note the fire extinguisher mounted and at the ready. Safety first, Ladies!)

I also added some IKEA hanging baskets. Having frequently used items nearby but NOT taking up counter space is important in small and large kitchens.

Super easy project and love the look!

Women and DIY

You can do it!

Ladies, we are so much more capable of doing things than we give ourselves credit for!

Take on that home improvement project. Do it today.

When you do the project yourself, you learn the value of hard work PLUS you save money.

I love that I can spend a bit more on materials because I don't pay for labor.

Stop hiring men to do what you can do for yourself.

And don't be intimidated to go into stores. I'm a regular at Menard's and the staff is awesome and treats me with genuine care and respect. The staff will answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

Jump in and seize the day, Ladies!

House Painting DIY

This is the before picture of the house. It's a light grey with dark grey shutters.

I reversed the color scheme by switching to a dark grey and white trim.

Shutters will be added soon and I'll upload more pictures from different angles!

This is my big 2016 summer project. It took awhile to scrape and prep the house to paint, but I saved a LOT of money by doing this myself!!! (And hard work just feels good.)

Flip-Flop Welcome 

This is a quick and easy crafting project!

I bought flip flops at the dollar store along with a bouquet of flowers, wooden decorations, butterflies, and clear glass stones.

Used the hot glue gun to assemble shoes together and ribbon to hang.

A piece of wood along the back keeps the shoes straight and gives support.

Great rainy day project and looks fantastic!