Wine me up....

In past blogs, I have discussed creative ways to reuse wine bottles (here) and corks (here). In a more recent post, I highlighted how a high school friend is re purposing bottles for his candle company (here).

 

Here are some more creative ways to recycle your bottles into awesome new things!

Simple wall feeder instructions here

 

This bird feeder is adorable!

Go here for the easy step by step instructions for this hanging feeder.

 

 

Halloween decor!

For the how to go here

 

 

and Christmas decor!

I don't have a link to step by step, but this is achieved with glitter and modpodge.

First use stickers on the bottles, glitter, and peel off stickers once dry.

 

 

 

 

As you can see there are many varieties of wine bottle shelves. These take a little more work then some of the other projects, but with the help of you hubs, boyfriend, or dad I'm sure you could knock this DIY project in a day!

 

Go here for the second pic's how to

 

 

 Looks like Pottery Barn :)

 

Directions here

 

 

 

These lanterns are great!

 

If you don't want to hassle of making, you can buy them here

 

 

 

Here is a wine bottle light tutorial!

 

 

 

 

or make a lamp! Go here!

 

 

These bottles are beautiful as candle covers and would be great outside to keep them from blowing out!

 

To do this simply cut off the bottom of the bottle and remove the label. Stick over top of a candle and you are done! For more go here.

 

 

 

 

Saying Sunday

True story. Don't make excuses, just make results.

 

After being sick with bronchitis all week, I went against my doctors better judgement and ran in in the DC Rock and Roll Half Marathon. Luckily for me and the other 30,000+ runners the rain held off and it turned out to be a great day for a run. Since I was sick I wasn't able to get any running in the week prior and definitely coughed a little throughout and did not have my best time (offical end time was 2:11), but all in all I did it and finished. My for 6 miles I had a good pace, but my body began to slow shortly after and for the remainder of the run. I'm glad I did it and got my first race completed for 2013 and it was nice to see some familar faces of officers I worked with along miles 6-7 and hearing their cheers!

 

I will be running my next in about 5 weeks :)

 

Early morning start! Constution Ave. filled with runners ready to go!

 

Saving $$

Lately I have been all about saving money! I love to eat well, shop, and travel. In order to make the most of my budget, I have come to realize that I can save in some areas to splurge in others! Saving  takes just a little effort, but worth it in the end.

 

Here are some easy ways I've been able to save.

Groceries and household items

1. Coupons, duh! 

·         •We get the Sunday paper and I'll spend about 10 minutes going through and cutting out any coupons on items we ALREADY BUY. I emphasize this because I think too often people cut out and try to use every coupon they see, in turn spending way more money and buying stuff they will not even use.

·         •Online! There are coupons everywhere. First some are on various products websites like PG Everyday and each products individual website. Second, look for coupons on websites such as Coupons.com. You can also get coupons right to your email or from Facebook, by liking your favorite products or by entering your email on your favorite brands website. Lastly, Target has a ton of coupons! The best thing about shopping at Target is you can use both Target coupons and manufacturer coupons, for double savings!

·         Coupons can also be found on products you already have purchased, either on the box or inside the packaging. I have found coupons inside Crest White Strips box, inside cereal and frozen item packaging, etc.

2. Target Card

·         This is not a credit card, but instead a debit card linked directly to your bank account. It’s free to sign up and with each purchase you get a total of 5% no matter what you buy or how much you spend! Also free shipping for every online purchase.

3. Target Prescriptions

•     I get one prescription a month and that is to prevent babies! LOL! I get it filled at Target because it is free and after getting it filled 5 times, they send you a 5% off coupon in the mail good for any purchase- again on everything you buy! AND YES YOU CAN PAIR THIS WITH DEBIT CARD AND GET A TOTAL OF 10% OFF!

Everything Else

1. More coupons!

·         Just as you can save with coupons on groceries and on household items, you can save on just about everything else! Many stores send out coupons via mail or email when you sign up on their website or give your info when making a purchase. Stores like Macy’s, Express, and even Saks Fifth Ave. flood my mailbox with coupons each month!

2. Online Promo Codes

·         Before making any purchase online, simply Google to fins a promo code for whatever website it is you are making a purchase on. For example if you are buying something from Victoria’s Secret, search for “Victoria’s Secret Promo Code” or “Victoria’s Secret Coupon” and you will have tons of websites full of various codes. It takes about 5 minutes, but can often save you money with free shipping or with a percentage off!

·         This works on more than just stores! I have used promo codes to save money on race entry fees and travel.

3. Discount and Outlet Stores

•           If you know me or have read this blog, you already know my obsession with Marshalls, Off the Fifth, and Nordstrom Rack. Stores like these are a great way to score designer deals for less! Queenstown outlets feature designers like Gucci and Michael Kors, while Arundel Mills has Coach and BCBG. However these stores do require time and patience J Arundel Mills and other outlet malls often send coupons and announce sales at their store by email and mail, so sign up on their websites or in store. Banana Republic Outlet always has a sale and often a 20% off coupon. You can bring it up on your phone and show it to the cashier to redeem and save.

4. Second Hand

•           I have blogged about consignment stores before as a great way to make money on your old stuff- including handbags, clothes, and accessories. These stores are also a great place to shop as well and I'm not talking about your Macklemore Thrift Shop! Right here in the Baltimore area, there are high end consignment stores like Wear it’s At (Resiterstown), Bmore Betty (Federal Hill) and Uptown Cheapskate (Timonium) to name a few that sell luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Just because it is second hand, doesn’t mean it is not new! Often consignors get rid of items that are brand new still bearing the original store tag. We are all guilty of buying something we couldn’t return or getting something as a gift we never wore! Oh these stores also email coupons out as well and also have sales on their already low priced merchandise.

5. Ebay, Amazon, and so on….

•           Sites like Ebay and Amazon are a great way to buy new and used items for way less! From textbooks to clothing- it’s easy to find what you are looking for and save. Be cautious before buying- read reviews, use Paypal and read descriptions carefully. There are a lot of scammers out there! Sites like Ebay do offer buyer protection, but still the site is littered with fakes from handbags to jewelry. Use common sense before buying.

6. Scanner

 

•           Scanner Apps are free download for your smart phone that enable you to scan product barcodes. It doesn’t work with every product, but works with many. To use simply scan a barcode with your phone and it will show you everywhere you can purchase that item online. This is a great way to save money!

LOVE MARSHALLS!

I love getting a deal, umm who doesn't? Well I had to share my finds from my last trip to Marshall's (which by now you know I love)!

 

First up: Guess Dress- new this season at Macy's! Currently selling for full price at $148.00 and sold out on Lord and Taylor's website. I got it for $39

Second was this Eliza J dress...LOVE THIS! Selling now on Amazon for $148! Dress was $275 when sold at Nordstrom last season! And no this picture/model just does not do it justice! I got it for $49!

 

I can't wait to wear both! Marshall's is definitely a store you need time to shop in (i.e. your lunch break is not enough) and can score you some really great items for way less than department stores.

Saying Sunday

 

Words to live by.

Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer.

When you aren't traveling, you should at least eat well. Life is too short for bad food.

Dinner in a dish

I came across a really simple one bake dish that I just had to share.

*Obviously pic taken pre-cooked. Arrange your ingredients as shown.

Ingredients:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts
• Fresh Green Beans
• Red Potatoes, cut into quarters.
• Fat Free Italian Dressing

How to:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Spray oven safe dish with fat free cooking spray, I used a 9 x 13 Pyrex.
3. Arrange chicken, washed green beans, and red potatoes as shown in pic above.
4. Cover all ingredients with dressing, I used about a half a bottle.
5. Cover dish with foil.
6. Bake for 1 hour.

So easy to make and easy to clean up! Healthy too :)

 

There is a recipe on Pinterest that is similar, but is less healthy. It used melted butter and canned beans. Fresh is always better and the butter isn't necessary with the dressing!

Brand Love

Ever stumble across a brand where you just seem to love EVERYTHING!

 

Lately I have been really admiring a few designers! Here are some I'm really loving and recently purchased!

Halston Heritage

Sold online and and select stores. Brand is named after owner and creator designer Roy Halston. Born in Iowa, Halsoton has even outfitted former First Lady and fashion icon Jackie O.

 

I have the Iris Halter dress shown above.

Cythia Steffe

Less expensive that Halston and found in most major retailers, this NY based brand has adorable feminine dresses and tops that I'm loving right now. Even better, I have seen items in discount stores like Marshall's lately!

 

I picked up this one shoulder dress above in crisp white. I cannot wait to wear it at the White Party at the resort on my upcoming vacay.

 

 

I also have this pretty pink and white racer back dress.

 

 

 For more on these designers, click on their name for the link to their websites.

 

Unwined Candles

It's great to hear a success story involving someone you know. Yesterday it was awesome to open up The Baltimore Sun and see this....

 

In the last year, there has been a growing buzz over a homemade candle company from small town Eldersburg and it's owners and creators, husband and wife duo Dave and Anna Neith. Especially when they were invited to the CMA's in Novemeber.

 

The two came up with the genius concept of the cleverly named company Unwined Candles. These homemade soy candles, which come in a variety of scents, are in recycled wine bottles. The candles not only smell great, but they last (we accidentally left ours burning over night). The packing is simple, creative, and sharp and each candle color is unique as the glass bottle it comes in.

 

Great for your home and also a fabulous gift (so much so they were sold out this past Christmas holiday) and are priced oh so affordable at only $20.

 

I love mine :) I have the flavor "Farmer's Market"

The company isn't all about profits- their product boasts recycling, local community, and giving back. Last year they donated portion of sales to a charity that aids wounded U.S. Soldiers. This year they have already participated in a fundraiser for another local business owner who is battling Lymphoma.

 

You can get yours at select local retailers, on their website Unwined Candle Company, or find the owners selling them at all the local Wine Festivals throughout the year.

 

For more and to order- http://www.unwinedcandlecompany.com/


 

Saying Sunday

 

Sadie (my dog) thinks I'm generous, kind, protective, and loving- just to name a few. She loves me no matter what I look like, but loves me extra when we go on walks and car rides- unless that car ride is to the vet.

 

I'm glad it cost $337 for the vet to tell me Sadie is perfectly healthy.

My name is Sadie and I eat toilet paper.

 

 

If she could talk, she'd probably tell me I can't sing and to stop being stingy with her treats.

Loves her Nyla Bone.

Valentine's Day Roses Inspiration

Did you get some beautiful roses on Valentine's Day?

 

 

My husband surprised me with this 2 dozen lovely mixed assortment :) Pinks, yellows, and white! LOVE!

I feel a little guilty after tossing my wedding bouquet, okay not really. Honestly I just did not know what to do with it. I know I know PINTEREST is filled with hoarding every single item from your wedding and then decorating your entire house with it....including your dead flowers bouquet. Don't get me wrong, I loved my wedding, but framing your wedding dress, invites, pictures, guest book, marriage license, wedding song lyrics, and so on is toooo much.

 

Anyway this years roses seem too beautiful to toss and I started to look around for possible uses for them that did not scream "wedding"

 

Here's what I came up with....

Shadow Boxes:



 

 

 



I'm loving this idea and I think I may recreate the last one!

For a step by step how to go HERE.

Arrangement:

 

I do not typically like the look of dried flower arrangements. They usually look like something from an early 1990's country theme home (you know the kind with ducks and baskets everywhere).

 

Also they can collect dust and are hard to clean.

Crafters tip: Hair Spray can help battle that dust (HERE)  

 

Either way I do like this colorful design above! It's modern and fresh.

For a step by step how to go HERE.

Jars:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is so easy and inexpensive to do! Using apothecary jars, mason, or any other glass container with a lid is a great way to display your roses and best part no worry about dust :) Start with a big jar and add to it each year!

 

 

Diffuser:

 

Old wine bottle + dried roses + diffusers! Creative and easy :)

Petal Project:

 

Instead of the whole flower, use the pedals to create shapes like this heart above.

For step by step and other ideas go HERE

 



DRYING ROSES IS EASY!!

 

If you have never done it before, it's super easy. I always have done the hang upside down in the basement (dark and out of the way).

 

Go HERE for a step by step!



RiRi's fash at the 2013 Grammys

I'm not a huge award show fan. Last night however, I watched a majority of the 2013 Grammy Awards. I loved seeing Justin Timberlake preform and the tribute to Bob Marley by Sting, Bruno Mars, Rihanna, and Ziggy Marley. I also liked seeing Price, as he presented the award for Grammy of the Year. The only way to describe him is " he is such a cool dude".

So anyway, I have been obsessing over the Azzedine Alaïa dress Rihanna wore during her performance of the song, "Stay" with Louisiana singer/songwriter/producer Mikky Ekko. The simple scoop neck and length mirrored that of a tank dress, but material and cut gave it that Hollywood glamour. It was not just form fitting, but beautifully flattering. Tunisian-born Paris-based Alaïa, has had a rack of celbs rocking his designs recently including Alicia Keys at the Super Bowl for her National Anthem performance. Rihanna's hot red dress was also byAlaïa which she sported to and during the same show.

Rihanna kept her look classic for both looks, sporting both red lips and nails. During her performance she pared the black gown with a Neil Lane diamond necklace and a simple crystal bangle.

Let's get real, this girl would still look amazeballs wearing a garbage bag!

I thought the black dress was fitting for such a deep emotional song. If you missed the performance, check it out below.

 

 

 

 I love seeing celebs rock sophisticated styles like these as opposed to blue hair and trashy dresses.

 

I'm keeping my eyes out for a copy cat black gown! If you see any, be sure to let me know!

Saying Sunday

Saying Sunday

 

To my fellow friends and Ravens family in NOLA today- have fun, be safe, and most importantly....

 

GO RAVENS!!