Pinterest challenge complete!

First of all, I apologize that I am one day late posting my project.  To be honest, the project was complete on time, but the uploading of the images/writing of this post just didn't seem to happen.  Ooops!

So, as you know, I was in love with beautifully styled medicine cabinets and pinned a few as eye candy.  I took it as a sign when Sherry and Katie announced the winter edition of the Pinterest Challenge to get my butt in gear and beautify my own medicine cabinet.

And so I did!  And it was so easy!  And cheap!

Here is what I was working with.  Our teeeeeny tiny bathroom with zero counter space, but thankfully a handy built-in medicine cabinet.

As you can see, the contents of this cabinet are not pretty, organized, bright, happy, inspiring or anything really!  It could only get better from here.

My game plan was to ensure we only had things in our medicine cabinet that were used on a daily basis.  And of course, I tried to make sure things looked good.

As I got going, I didn't feel right ignoring under the sink.  Which was actually in way worse shape.

All I can say is Yikes!  We basically packed up our bathroom supplies in that bin when we moved and then just shoved it under the sink to be ignored.  

I got started by pulling everything out and organizing things into groups.

I purged duplicate items, almost empty bottles, and expired drugs.  I had so many hair products that I NEVER use. 

Now before I started this project I did take a trip to Dollarama and made some great purchases, all for under $15.  

Before hitting up Dollarama at Train Yard's, I stopped into the Solutions store which is basically an organizer's heaven.  They were selling drawer dividers like the ones above starting at $8.  I couldn't believe it.  So I left, saddened, but then walked into Dollarama which is right next door and found basically the exact same things for 99% less.  Craziness.  

Oh, and I made some labels too.

In the back of our cabinet I organized a first aid kit, my "feminine hygiene products" (ps - isn't that the worst term?  Let's just say it, they are TAMPONS!)  There is also a little basket for Derek's year-long supply of contact lenses and glasses cases.

The green bag in the back contains our summer essentials (sunscreens and bug spray).  But what I'm really excited about is the HIS and HERS baskets.  It is so much easier to stay organized!

In the middle goes all those extras (soap, creams, bubble bath, hair products) - basically another, larger, HERS basket.

Eventually I would like to incorporate a shelving system, but for now this is a HUGE improvement!

I realize I've gotten off track with the under the sink madness, but I just wanted to save the best for last!  So after organizing everything and sticking labels on obvious containers I was ready to beautify the medicine cabinet.

I went to Michael's and purchased 4 sheets of scrap booking paper and some sticky tack.  Then I simply tacked it up against the back of the cabinet.  I didn't even use a ruler, take down the shelves or measure a thing.  And it took less than 10 minutes.  

Tada!  I think it may have been beginner's luck.  But I'll take it!

I'm not going to lie.  When I was finished putting up the paper I squealed with delight and stared at it for a good 5 minutes.

Then came to returning our items to their home.  

I must say, I'm super happy with the final result, and absolutely LOVE the paper I chose!  I am hoping to move forward with the rest of the bathroom design with that colour/pattern in mind.  

Just in case we didn't know where to put our teeth care products back, I thought a label would help.  Half of me thinks labels are hilarious and unnecessary and the other half is obsessed.

There you have it!  My Pinterest challenge complete, and something to cross off our list of showing our home some love!  Feels good!

Did any of you participate in the Pinterest Challenge?  If so, what did you do?  And what about your bathroom storage situations?  Our's was pretty bad, but I find having pretty containers and labels motivates me to keep things organized.  Not to say that I don't get lazy, but I think the key is to make sure your organization systems are user friendly and to not be afraid to change them up as you grow and change.

Now onto the next area of our home.  I am hoping it's the light above our dining table.  And I will be looking to you for advice!  

Showing our bathroom some love

As mentioned in my last post, my first goal in a series I will dub "Showing our home some love" will involve organizing our little bathroom.

And what better way to get motivated than by a Pinterest Challenge!

I've definitely pinned some beautifully organized bathroom spaces and prettied-up medicine cabinets.  So now is the time to stop starring at those pins and start moving my butt.

BTW, this challenge has been organized by Sherry from Young House Love and Katie from Bower Power.  You can watch the cutest video ever of their little ones announcing this year's winter edition right here.

Here are some photos I'm using as inspiration.  Wouldn't it be amazing to be greeted with a bright, fresh and organized cabinet every morning when you go to grab your tooth brush?  

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So with those inspiration photos in mind, I'm all set to accomplish phase-1 of showing our bathroom some love: organizing and styling our medicine cabinet.  I may also get down under the sink as well.

I plan to be back here next Monday, March 4th to give you an update. Hopefully I will have beautiful before and after photos to share!

Wish me luck!

My first DIY complete!

I've completed my very first diy as part of the Pinterest Challenge!

After living with the dry erase board for a couple days, I am happy with my project choice because I think it will actually be very useful!

So far we have been using our new board to organize our weekly activities.  We hung it on the wall in the kitchen where our calendar used to be (the calendar has now moved to the fridge), so it is very visible.  It's also right near our entrance which also makes sense in my mind.

This project ended up costing me zero dollars - holla!  

I was able to use a picture frame that was collecting dust in my closet and I decided to use wrapping paper that I had on hand instead of looking for another backing.  I will admit this was partially due to laziness/cheapness and aside from the fact that it is super girlie, I actually really love the print!  

I'm lucky that Derek is so easy going/unobservant because to tell you the truth he didn't even notice our new little organizing board until I pointed it out, and doesn't seem to mind another feminine touch to our home.

In addition to being free, this project was also the easiest thing on the planet.  I just cut the wrapping paper to fit inside the frame and presto!

Seeing the wrapping paper inside the frame also got me to thinking about how this type of project would make amazing art.  There are so many great wrapping papers out there, so I think you could find a print that would work for any room in your home.

Here are some inspiration photos I love:

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The great thing about framed wrapping paper is that you can cut it to any size to fit your frame and you can spend as much or as little as you like.  

Another idea: How cute would it be to save some scraps of wrapping from a baby or bridal shower, or child's birthday party, then frame them as a collage?  I might try this with my girlfriend's bridal shower coming up this summer.

I know one thing is certain -the next time I receive a wrapped gift I will definitely be looking at the paper differently to see if it's frame worthy!

PS - I just finished the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy.  Tears were streaming down my face as I read the last page.  You too?  I heard the movie was great too!  Can't wait to see it!

How embarrassing!!!

It's Thursday.  The day my Pinterest Challenge is due.  And I'm tardy.  I feel like I'm back in high school.

I was going to not post today - just quietly stay off the internet and hope no one would notice my big fat failure.  But then I thought I should just fess up and tell you the truth: I have not even come close to completing/starting my Pinterest Challenge.

I wish I had a really great excuse, but basically I've just been spending my time watching The Bachelor, reading about it here, and eating coffee Haagen Dazs that I hid at the back of the freezer where Derek can't see it.  I am writing this here so that he will read it and eat the rest of it while I'm out tonight.

Ok, so this weekend (even though I'm really busy) I plan on making that AWESOME DRY ERASE BOARD!  Yep, still sounds kinda lame one week later.  I would do it tonight but I'm having a sleepover with my best friend forever/bride-to-be/my maid of honour Ashley....and we'll probably be too busy doing things like eating, drinking, watching Jersey Shore, etc. to make a dry erase board.

You should definitely check out what Sherry, Katie and their special guests created though!

I think Sherry's bean bag for her bean is super cute.  Almost at cute as Clara.

I would never be as brave and patient as Katie B to make such cool artwork.

I think I could handle creating some faux antlers like Cassie.

And Erin's mason jar chandelier is amazing.

They all get A++ in my books!

Did any of you guys jump on the Pinterest Challenge band wagon?  Did anyone else fail, like me?  We will do better next time, right!?

Ok, see you soon, with a really kick ass DRY ERASE BOARD!

PS - A special apology to Christine who was "hooked!"

Pinterest Challenge

Like so many other Pinterest lovers out there, I pin, pin and pin away all the live long day (insert music here) - recipes, art projects, décor inspiration, wedding ideas but my pins only become reality about 1% of the time.

So, after sitting by as a spectator to both the summer and fall editions of the Pinterest Challenge, hosted by Sherry from Young House Love and Katie from Bower Power, I decided to get in the game for the winter edition.

Bring on the challenge!!!

You can check out the cute Sherry and Katie here and here as they annouce the first 2 editions of the Pinterest Challenge.  Winter Edition found here.  Aren't these ladies the cutest and most adorable humans out there?  

Sometimes I talk to Derek and my friends about Sherry as though she is my work colleague or something.  I come home at the end of the day, and I'm like:

"So, you will never guess what Sherry and John DIYed last weekend!" or 

"Sherry and John just got back from Hawaii and it looks like they had a really great time!  I'm totally going to ask her for honeymoon planning advice!" or 

"I love Sherry's new hair cut, maybe we should move to Virginia so that we can share stylists and then somehow become real life best friends!"

I don't really find this weird, but Derek seems to think I'm crazy at times....

Anyway, back to the Pinterest Challege.  Basically, the only rule is that you do your own personal take on something inspirational that you've pinned (and link back to the original creator of the project that inspired you, be it a company like Anthropologie or a personal blogger that got your wheels turning).  Also, you only have one week to get 'er done!  

I started going through one of my pin boards titled "this to make" which was full of good diy ideas like:

• sewing my own duvet cover
• making a coffee table out of wooden pallets
• fixing my worn heels with glitter (you have to check this out!)

Since this is my first Pinterest Challenge and since I'm a newby at DIY projects I thought I would start with something small and pretty doable.  So!  I will be making a Dry Erase Board!!!  I realize this sounds lame, but baby steps people...baby steps.

I found the idea through Pinterest (obvi) and was linked to this great blog Make and Takes which is full of fun craft ideas, especially if you have a little kiddie or two.

It's pretty cute, eh?  I can't wait to shop around for the paper backing and frame.  I might even pick up some strong magnets so that it can go on the fridge and be used for our grocery list, or even our activities that we need to keep track of during the week.

I plan on having my project completed by next Thursday and will post about it then.  

Any other Pinterest addicts want to get in on this challenge?  I understand if you want to just sit the first few times out like I did.  But maybe by the third you will be brave enough to take on the challenge.  

By the way, I'm currently reading The Hunger Games and all this talk of challenges is getting my adrenaline pumping because I just keep thinking of Katniss and how....ok, I won't go any further, don't want to ruin it for anyone.  Just read the books!

So, I will see you back here on Thursday, hopefully with an awesome first Pinterest Challenge project!