JenOni

#diy

Halloween Costume – DIY Starbucks Cup

Costume – DIY – Starbucks Cup

My tween’s costume was by request.  She prefers DIY costume and this means being very creative with bringing the concept to reality.  We searched Pinterest for inspiration.  There are different variations of design and I found the hardest part was deciding on what material to use for the actual cup design.  I realized early on trying to find cylindrical white cardboard is very difficult.   After brainstorming, we decided to use a plastic trash can.  Although, the trash can is oval in shape it made our DIY more unique.   The first step was cutting the bottom from the trash can.   We made the whipped cream by using two pieces of felt(used a smaller logo to cut the circles) hot glued together.  (thanks to Southern Curls and Pearls) and these were hot glued to the outside of the rim.  The logo (downloaded from Southern Curls and Pearls) was enlarged and hot glued on the front.   For the back, we googled “back of Starbucks Cup” and I used a sharpie to handwrite the text.  The adhesive letters were purchased from Target last year.  I hot glued them to prevent the letters from falling off.  The final step was threading the elastic material through each side so she could wear for parade and trick or treating.  The elastic band was cut in two and slits were made on each side of the can.    The total cost for purchased materials was about $35.00.

Materials:

White Trash Can-Target
Elastic 2yds – Joann Fabrics
Utility Knife-Target
Felt (ivory) – 1 yd- Joann Fabrics
Hot Glue Gun-Joann Fabrics
Letters with adhesive-Target
Sharpie

 

Summer Projects for DIY Suncatchers and Origami Fidget Spinners

DIYProjects
*this post includes affiliate links, which means I receive commission if you click on the link and make a purchase*

Summer DIY Projects from KiwiCo

Summer means a break from school and a lot of down time.  Kiwi Crate is a great way to keep the imagination sharp while learning STEM concepts.   The best projects are the ones offered when kids are in the house with the “I’m bored” conversation.  Check out these really cool DIY Projects from Kiwi Crate. What can your kids make with old, broken, and discarded crayons?  The first project finds a way to recycle and repurpose the old crayons to make suncatchers.   The second project is designing your own fidget spinner.

 

 Project  – DIY Recycled Crayon Suncatchers

 DIY Projects: Recycled Crayon Suncatchers

 

In our schools, fidget spinners were very popular during the weeks of standardized testing.     The use or origami to design a fidget spinner sounds like a winning combination.   Kiwi Crate introduces engineering concepts with fun and interactive activities.

Do you remember using paper to make origami during summer camp?  In our schools, fidget spinners were very popular during the weeks of standardized testing.     The use of origami to design a fidget spinner sounds like a winning combination.   Kiwi Crate introduces engineering concepts with fun and interactive activities.

 Project – DIY Origami Fidget Spinner

DIY Projects: Origami Fidget Spinner

 

 

 

DIY Blog Series- Sewing 101 Scarf Swag

sewing101brothers

I started following MimiGStyle two years ago on Facebook and frequently visit her blog.  She is the reason I finally decided to buy a sewing machine and enter the world of sewing.   I quickly learned it is a process as you progress to each level.  For now I am fine with working on home decor projects versus rushing to start making clothing.

This is my next sewing project, my bathroom window scarf swag.   I purchased my fabric from JoAnn Fabric.  I used this site to determine my fabric measurements, Scarf Swag
DIYValanceBathroom

I decided to skip installing standard valance hardware and decided to use the hooks found in Loews for hanging items in the garage.   DIY made SIMPLE!!!
DIYValanceHooks
Finally…… finished
DIYWindowValance

Bathroom Ideas for Organization, Storage and Cleaning

Bathroom Organization, Storage, and Cleaning

I love finding decorating ideas and tips on the web.   In my bathroom, I have to be very creative in finding a way to store and organize all of my toiletries.    One of  my favorite places for home decor is IKEA.    It may take a while to navigate the store maze,  once you learn the floorplan you can find decor items for every room.    In addition to the decor items, there are the most creative items for organizing and storing stuff in every room of your home.

One thing I learned with a small space is to utilize the wall area.  My bathroom is limited with storage space  so when I found the PLUGGIS it was perfect.

The best part of  the PLUGGIS, 7 piece set is it only requires 6 screws and installs in less than 10 minutes.

Step 1

Bathroom Decor

Step 2step-2-pluggis

Step 3

Bathroom Pluggis

Bathroom Pluggis

I found another idea for storage underneath the basin at the Dollar Tree.  This plastic bin is large enough to store cleaning items and other incidentals.  The size is perfect enough to fit more than one if needed.

Bathroom Storage

 

Last, but not least are simple cleaning tips for the bathroom.   This is the easiest space for me to clean because it is a small space.  My cleaning staples include disinfectant wipes, disposable floor pads, toilet bowl cleaner and a nonabrasive cleaner for my shower stall.

Check out the link from Top Reveal for additional information on cleaning the bathroom as well as additional ways to organize your bathroom.  Clean and Organize Bathroom Tricks 

Back to School Teacher’s Gift

DIY Back to School Teacher Gift

As the summer is winding to a close.   It is time to start shopping for school necessities.   For your kid’s teachers, here is a creative back to school gift you can put together in minutes.

Thanks to Danyelle at TheCubicleChick for this cool DIY Back to School Teacher Gift idea.   On Saturday we had a weekend trip to Target and stopped by the $1-$3 spot.  How can you walk in Target and miss this section of the store? It’s right at the entrance just whispering come over!   First you get us with the bright lights and dazzling color scheme and now this aisle, Target.  Thanks for yet another reason to spend more coins in your store!

My kids start school on September 8th, and we are still without the name of my  3rd grader’s teacher.  We’re getting the gift ready to go.

As you can see we found chalkboard labels, the bucket, a notepad, 2015-2016 planner, pens and pencils all for $1.   Cool, right!

DIYBacktoSchoolTeacher

 

I always a few arts and craft items on the shelf so I decided to add a little to it……

DIYBacktoSchoolTeacher-1

Finished…….

DIYBacktoSchoolTeacher-2

 

 

DIY : How to Build an Indoor Terrarium

It’s Spring here and  I love adding to our apartment living space.   I wanted to bring a bit of the outdoors inside of our bedrooms. My daughter is always game for a DIY project.

What you need to make an indoor open TERRARIUM:

List of Supplies:

  1. Glass Container
  2. Pebbles or Stones
  3. Activated Charcoal
  4. Plants (used succulents)
  5. Potting Mix

 

DIYTerrariumSupplies

 

Container-  A glass container(use a wide mouth container).   I found these glass containers in the plant section at IKEA for $2.99

1. Add a layer of stones or pebbles- Home Depot

DIYTerrariumStep1

 

2. Add a layer of activated charcoal(found at pet store)

DIYTerrariumStep2

 

3. add soil, succulents(found at IKEA), moss or pebbles(I used more stones for the top layer)

DIYTerrarium

 

DIYTerrariumSucculent2

Fitness: TRX (Total Resistance Exercise) System for In Home Workout

My return to my TRX for my in home fitness.  I’m still holding out to buy the Peloton cycle so until then I am switching back to using my TRX.

 Fitness: Week 11 of using my TRX Update

Some  things I learned in 11 weeks:

  1. Adjusting the straps for specific exercises
  2. How to challenge me with proper positioning
  3. Proper form while completing each exercise
  4. Improved endurance
  5. Muscle definition

DIYFitnessTRXKit-2

I will admit it is a GREAT way to challenge your body. When you first look at the bands it does look challenging however over time it gets easier. I found a great video on YouTube to get started as a beginner. The video was excellent for my initial 4 weeks. My progress is evident after 4 weeks in terms of my form and endurance. The video is at RealFitTv and you can move at your own pace. I was able to finish 2 sets in my first four weeks but I will say I am ready to progress to 3 sets.

DIYFitnessTRXKIt-1

The only confusing part with using the TRX is the length of the bands. There are three different lengths: short, mid-length(marks on the band) and long. Also, there is the mid-calf length as well if you are doing exercises from the floor.   I will also let you know that using the TRX with feet in stir-ups is an exercise challenge.   This will definitely take some time to perfect.

I a found a video on Shape.com to set-up TRX at home

 

This is another home workout using your TRX.

 

Office- Creating a Home Office

Office Space

Where do you work at home?  I found myself working on the dining room table, sofa, loveseat, and my bed.  The real drag was scurrying to find my laptop charger each time my battery was low.    The need to create an office space came from me not having a clearly defined space to WORK.   How did I fit an office space in an apartment with  1400 square feet of living space?  It was actually simple!!!! I knew I wanted to utilize the wall space between the dining room and the living room, presto my office space was BORN!!!! 

I mapped out what the  was going to look like before putting it on a piece of paper.    If you are ever in need of any ideas to get your creative juices flowing just go to Pinterest.   Again I call Pinterest, INSPIRATION NOT DUPLICATION!!!

I visited  IKEA online to search for a desk and chair for under $100.   The BORGSJO desk was $59.99 and the FINGAL swivel chair was $39.99.  Yes, 2 cents shy of my $100 budget!!!!  Some may say IKEA boo-hoo -I can’t put anything together.     If all else fails, I will find someone who actually enjoys using their hands and invite them over for an IKEA/Pizza party and as an extra include wine or beer!!!!! Whatever works to get the job done!!!  I like a challenge and being hands on so I put together my office chair in 30 minutes and the desk in 1 1/2 hours.  Kudos to IKEA for great quality control because all my parts were accounted for in each box.

Target has a great selection of office/home organization supplies so I decided to use three boards, a calendar, a cork board, and a white board.   Each board serves a purpose in addition to my google calendar,  I need visual reminders as well.   The cork board serves to hold  inspirations, schedules, pictures, etc. and white board is for me to list daily/weekly tasks and ideas.   The black/white boxed art is from Home Goods and TJ Maxx and the shadow box with roses is from Marshalls!!!   I have a love for fresh flowers so my desk must have flowers every week(Whole Foods, found some for $3.99/arrangement).

 DIY Office Space Blog Series Wall

 

From my previous work office I was able to repurpose my IKEA floor lamp, pillow, vase and area rug.  The best part of creating a space is everything has a purpose at some point.   The black box with quotes is from HOME GOODS, this is perfect in black/white;  incoming/outgoing mail, bills, to do tasks and filing.

DIY Office Space Filing -To Do-Bills-MailHomeGoods

In an apartment space, the best advice is to MAXIMIZE wall space.  The rod and basket are from IKEA’S kitchen design center.  The $1 jars are from Target’s $1-$3 aisle and the office supplies are from Target’s office accessory aisle.   Oops I almost forgot the lime green pails (found in IKEA plants department) were $.99!  Initially I wanted to use them for small potted plants but the pop of color is really COOL!!! Fresh flowers are a part of my deskscape!!! Flowers brighten any corner.

DIY Office Space Desk Accessories

I ordered my HP printer/scanner/copier from Amazon(PRIME member) and since my desk is smaller I found a sturdy IKEA file cabinet.   The cabinet has a dual purpose: a place to set the printer and 3 drawers for storage.

DIY Office Space Blog Series Printer Cabinet

 

Side view of office space…….If you missed my blog post on how to DIY a desk mat-Desk Mat

 SideViewDIYOfficeSpace

 

 

Rear view of office space……

backviewdiyofficespace

 

This was so much fun and I am looking forward to starting on my DIY bedroom -DD’s ballerina themed room.  HOME GOODS, IKEA , and HOME DEPOT here I come… STAY TUNED !!!!!

Fitness: Yoga at Home Using YouTube

Fitness: Yoga

I was always a fan of PILATES but have a new found interest in YOGA.   My plan is to YOGA at least twice a week. I really want to increase flexibility and improve my posture.

My go to place for any fitness related video is YOUTUBE.   I love having my SAMSUNG SMARTTV because I can connect to YOUTUBE.    This allows me to do my YOGA in the living room with plenty of space.

Here’s my first video and I will admit some of the moves were challenging.   I realized how inflexible my body has become in the past few months.

 

Single Mom Chronicles: DIY Fitness-TRX Suspension Training Kit

********WEEK 4 OF USING TRX*******BEST IN HOME WORKOUT YET

My new work schedule prevents working out during the day and the evenings are out. After picking up my daughter from afercare we are home by 6.   Next up is homework, dinner and bedtime!  It is beyond difficult to expect my little one to sit in a gym daycare after a long day that starts at 7:30AM.

If you can’t go to the gym then create an in home gym.    I decided to purchase the TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercise) Suspension System from City Sports.   When I joined my gym in June I worked out with a trainer  and used the TRX.   

DIYFitnessTRX

Can I tell you I am sold on this in full body workout!!!!!! I found a great 20 minute beginner workout on the YouTube channel #RealFitTv with Dana Lee.

A few tips as you begin with your TRX:

  1. Hydrate, keep water bottle close
  2. Fuel the body prior to the workout
  3. Use your core for every exercise, breathing is key learn to effectively inhale/exhale on each rep, work on form each time you use the system
  4. Pace yourself as you begin and gradually challenge yourself
  5. Do what feels comfortable for your level not what is on the video
  6. Set aside time at least 2-3 times a week, enjoy and love the results!

I will come back to show my progress after about 4 weeks.      This is one mom’s journey to being FIT AND LEAN!