Amazing Weekend Finds

I have been quite sick for several days. Toady is my first day out of bed. I certainly wasn't going to leave you cringing, biting away at those pretty fingernails, wondering if there would be a blog post. While I have a couple of drafts going, I thought this morning I would take it easy on myself, yet make it exciting for you. Today I have a collection of some of my favorite finds from my time on bed rest. We have style inspiration and decor inspiration for you to feast your hungry eyes on. 

1. Learn how to tuft and reupholster a sofa over at Classy Clutter. Honest to goodness, her living room made my heart swoon! I want a gray lounge chair in my living space, so this was just the right inspiration I needed for a future DIY project.

2. With summer almost in reach, many of us are working on getting ourselves bikini ready. Yesterday I nearly gasped at this scalloped one piece from Nasty Gal. I also love this suit because it gives the right amount of coverage for my self-consciousness. I do not like to flash my stretch marks and this one covers that area exactly while still allowing me to feel great in my skin.

3. Last week I stumbled upon the sister duo Jeans and Teacup after Jessica linked up to Funday Monday, which I co-hosted. I was instantly impressed by their blog, so I stayed awhile and browsed around. I was so glad I did, because I found this amazing emerald skirt Jessica flaunted. What a statement!

4. I honestly could not say what it is about this rancher hat from Anthropologie that makes me happy, but it just does. I love hats!

5. One of my favorite magazines is Better Home & Gardens. I am always browsing through a mag or on their site, looking for new inspiration. And they never disappoint, like this decorative floral mirrors made from egg cartons. I think I will be saving the next few dozen eggs I buy!

6. Have you ladies heard of Ace & Ivy? They are an up-and-coming discount beauty boutique, and just this morning I saw these darling floral wayfarer sunglasses posted up for only $6.99! How cheap is that? I already snatched myself a pair, so head over and get yours too. They are only available at this price for a brief period of time.

What goodies inspired you this weekend?

XO,

Steph

Uses for Old Sweaters

Winter is approaching, bells are beginning to sound. Soon snow will be falling soft. While I am not a fan of cold weather, I love feelings of winter. Cozy sweaters paired with your favorite boots. Curling up under a warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. Prepping for the holidays. Yes, I have already begun. I have started my list of handmade gifts. A hint: I made my kids take a bag outside yesterday and fill it with dirt for Snookums present.

Since I do love a cozy sweater, I have been perusing Goodwill for them. My endeavors have failed time and again, as they are almost never in my size and the ones that are always seem to be picked pretty bad. This is where my sweet little brain got to thinking, something ought to be done with all those pretty sweaters I keep seeing. 

Skip ... skip ... skip, off to Pinterest we go ... I scoured their pages for some of the neatest things to do with those old sweaters. As always, Pinterest did not disappoint. There was so much inspiration!

Sweater Blanket @ Yellow Suitcase Studio

This is my idea of a cozy blanket! Make a patchwork quilt with old sweaters.

Scarf @ I Am Momma - Hear Me Roar

For those bitter chilling days, turn a sweater into a scarf.

Slipper Boots @ Drawings Under the Table

I almost always wear socks in the winter time, so these would be perfect for me to make. Turning a sweater into a pair of slippers would also be a great money saver since I do tend wear them out. What can I say, I hate cold feet.

Sweater Slippers @ We Can Re-Do It

What a perfect way to reuse your kiddos old sweaters they've outgrown from last year. Make them some new slippers and present them under the tree this holiday.

Bow sweater @ Mega Fashion

Should've put a bow on it! A great idea if your sweater seems come unraveled: add an embellishment.

Sweater Bag @ Lana Red Studio

I recently accidentally dried my favorite wool sweater. Imagine my poor little heart sinking upon finding it, warm and cozy and ... toddler size as I extracted it from the drier. I was devastated. Thank you, Lana Red Studio, for lifting my spirits with your adorable sweater bag!

Pump to Bootie @ Ravelry

Okay, I have to admit. I kind of threw a hissy fit when I saw this. I mean, how ingenious is that? A section of knit placed inside a pump turns it into a bootie. You're welcome!

Lampshade cover @ Thrifty and Chic

Thrifty and Chic really did me in with a couple of her ideas. I love the idea of adding temporary winter textures to the home. Designing your home is like designing a brand, you want it to have a certain feel. And I love the feeling of a cozy home when it's chilly out.

Vase Cozy @ Thrifty and Chic

Upcycled Cardi @ Kitted Bliss

Bring your spring cardi to winter by adding some knit to the end. Knitted bliss has a tutorial on how she knitted them together.

Re-use Your Husbands Sweater @ The Thirty-Something Bride

Snookums was recently given a nice sweater, but he doesn't wear sweaters. He's hot natured. Therefore, the logical conclusion would be for me to confiscate it and turn it into a sweater for me. Goodwill doesn't need it anyway, right?

Braided Sweater Scarf @ Just Another Day in Paradise

Add some pom poms to your life. Seriously. Poofy things are life changing. I swear! There's a reason cheerleaders use them: they're just fun!

Rubber Boots Makeover @ Pocket Full of Whimsy

This makes me really tempted to splurge on a pair of galoshes. Embellish them with some knitting. 

Anthropologie Inspired Felted Sweater @ Cassie Stephens

Nothing wins me over like beautiful embroidery. And floral prints. I am unfamiliar with felting in this manner. I must learn!

Sweater Rug @ Home Workshop

This is on my to-do list. Hands down. It's on! I'm thinking of giving some of these sweater rugs as gifts this year too.

Anthro-Inspired Scarf @ New Green Mama

Such an original scarf.

Stalkings @ A Pretty Life

Sweater Softie @ Instructables

Another great use for your kiddos old sweaters. Turn it into a softie for Christmas. 

Toddler Dress @ Nap Time Crafters

Update your daughters winter wardrobe with your old sweater. 

Chic Skirt @ Pearls & Scissors

Or give yourself a new chic skirt to pair with those tights

Happy inspiration!

Steph

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20 favorite free photoshop actions

I have been loving my birthday present, you guys! I have been scrounging the internet for actions and scripts to use in Photoshop. I have several paid-for actions, graphics and other things on my list, but I found some amazing actions that are all free. I assembled 20 of my favorites in a blog post for you. ENJOY!

Color Enhance

Sweet Sunset

Dreamy Light

Hard Light

All Edges

Color

Bella

Black and White

High Key

Vintage Spring

Pastelizer

Beautiful Skin

Dramatic Sepia

Firework

Midnight in Paris

Soft Vintage

Vintage Breeze

Edge Burn

Pink Bubbletea

Action Pack

How to download actions in Photoshop:

Download ATN file(s) to Program Files > Adobe > Presets > Actions

I usually keep my actions folder open on the desktop so I can easily drag and drop the downloaded file.

To use:

Open Adobe Photoshop: Window > Actions (Alt + F9)

Your actions dialogue box will appear; select the drop-down arrow in the top right-hand corner of the box. All of your downloaded actions will appear. Feel free to select between them.

I hope this little bit of what I've learned is helpful to you all. 

Much love!

Steph

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