Tuesday, May 28, 2013

DIY: Chevron Bookcase

Hey guys we're back with one of our first DIY's in awhile and it's super easy and cute! I bought this simple bookcase with every intention of decorating it but kept putting it to the bottom of my list but now after a year of sitting in my kitchen I finally took some action! Here's what I used and did!


Supplies:
Black bookcase (I got from Goodwill for $10)
Paintbrushes
White paint (I used a flat paint because I wanted that kind of result but shiny is also fine)
Stencil (made it out of cardboard)
Painter's tape (I didn't use any but if you have a less steady hand they could be helpful in painting inside the lines)


Step One:
I made my stencil out of cardboard by tracing it and cutting it out with an Xacto knife. If you're using painter's tape now would be the time to lay your tape down on the parts you want unpainted. 

Step Two:
Now we paint! I painted about three layers on each stripe, waiting for each layer to dry before putting on the next layer. Luckily I was outside, in the sun, so it took little to no time for everything to dry. After everything dried I took a smaller paint brush to smooth our some of my broader paint strokes.



Step Three:
All that is left is to add whatever you want to go on the shelves. As I mentioned this goes in my kitchen. I store my cookbooks, coffee and homebrewed cider in it but obviously you can put whatever you want in it!

I was extremely pleased with my results. Although I added white to the bookshelf it was the pop of color it needed! I will admit the idea struck me after helping Miss Mel decorate for her birthday party earlier this month! (I'm such a thief! hehe) What kind of bookcase upcycling have you guys done? We'd love to know!

-Miss Mel and Miss Heather

Monday, May 27, 2013

Bestie Time!

Today is super exciting because Miss Mel is trekking down to Springfield to see Miss Heather for the week! Yay! While it really hasn't been too long since we last saw each other it is the first time in forever that it'll just be the two of us! Yay again! 

I mean, but really, this explain our relationship in a nutshell.

This week will consists of fun crafts, swimming, bunnies, biking around town and some fun new blog ideas, all of which we'll be posting about later! We're so excited  we can barely contain it! What are you guys doing with your day off? We'll most likely be lounging at the nearest pool!

-Miss Mel and Miss Heather   

Friday, May 24, 2013

Sweet Summertime!

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend meaning...it's officially summer! Yes! Bring on the dresses, the tans, summer concerts, jorts and having more time to spend with Miss Heather!

Summer Style Inspiration Board
&
A few songs to start your weekend...

-Miss Mel and Miss Heather

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Do or Don't: Lace Shorts


  I've been seeing lace shorts all over the place and I'm not sure how I feel about it. I know Miss Heather is a huge fan of lace but honestly, all of the lace shorts I've tried on essentially look like very large underwear. Perhaps I don't have the right body for them? Who knows. In theory, I think these shorts are adorable but I just can't seem to find a pair I like. Does anyone else have this problem? 

 

Blake Lively in Marchesa Lace Shorts
 

Emma Watson looking tomboy chic in lace shorts.


Oasis Lace Shorts from ASOS

What do you think? Are lace shorts a do or a don't?

-Miss Mel and Miss Heather

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

DIY: Backyard Bash

Hi friends! I know Miss Heather and I have been MIA for a month or two, but we're back! I'm excited to share with you photos from my 23rd birthday where Heather and I crafted our little hearts out. Seriously. It was non-stop crafting and to be totally honest, Heather started and completed most of the crafts while I ran around like a chicken with it's head cut off. My birthday party started out innocently enough and next thing I knew, Heather and I were planning an over-the-top backyard party. We received so many compliments during the party and people were even telling us how cool the party looked from the pictures that Heather's lovely boyfriend, Tim, took. 
Therefore, I wanted to share with you how to turn any backyard party into the perfect summer backyard bash!

Table Layout
~We created "food" and "bar" signs by using foam poster board, spray paint and tissue paper. For the "food" sign, heather created a chevron stencil to paint the design and then we used black paint to spell "food".  For the "bar" sign, heather used the same chevron stencil,outlined the letters with a sharpie and then hot glued crumpled up tissue paper to fill in the letters. We used white candles, fresh flowers from Trader Joe's, white tablecloths and a lantern to decorate our tables.~
*our inspiration for the boards were found on pinterest and based on this and this.*
The Bar
~At our bar, we made spiked Arnold Palmer and it was delicious! We used equal parts iced tea, lemonade and added vodka to taste which we placed into a glass dispenser from World Market. On our table, we arrange some more fresh flowers, a bucket for wine, wine glasses and chalkboard mason jars.~
~Our chalkboard mason jars were a hit! Everyone was asking how we made them and they were by far our easiest craft! We bought 12 packs of mason jars from Wal-Mart, one package of sticker labels and chalkboard spray paint. We sprayed the labels the day before and placed a label onto each mason jar on the day of the party!~
~We made a "Keep Calm and Party On" banner to use as a photo backdrop. We used a pre-made banner from Hobby Lobby, spray painted it pink and wrote on it using a sharpie. It turned out great!~
*we based our sign off of this idea from pinterest.*
~What really pulled the party together were white string lights and paper lanterns that we strung up all over my backyard. It really set the mood for the party and I'm planning on leaving them up all summer! P.S.My friend, Ellen, made this giant wine glass for me using a glass from Micheal's, paint and baking it!~
~more photos using the string lights and lanterns as a backdrop~

~
~in addition to all our decorations, we set up our outdoor fire pit, created yummy chocolate cover pretzels, created "happy birthday" flag banner cupcake toppers and lined the way to the party using white balloons pinned to the ground with golf tees!~

We can't wait to throw more summer parties and to get inspiration for your own summer backyard bash, visit our Pinterest!

-Miss Mel and Miss Heather