Good to Know: A Roundup

 I want to share a few handy things I have seen/learned over the last week or so.  I mean, who doesn't want a few tips to add to their toolbox, right?

To start things off, look at this nifty idea for hiding a spare key.  Take an empty pill bottle, put a spare key inside and refasten the pill bottle lid.  Then hot glue a rock to the lid (preferably a rock similar to other small outdoor rocks on your property.  Once the rock has dried, dig a hole and sink the bottle in so that only the rock is showing above ground.  Voila!  Hidden key and no one the wiser.  Just make sure that you remember where you buried your "treasure". (thanks to www.savvyhousekeeping.com for the tip!)

Next, do you have an ongoing struggle with weeds in your lawn/flower beds/garden/in general somewhere on your property?  The answer is probably yes; who are we kidding, we all have weeds that irk us.  Have you ever tried this vinegar tip?

  

I haven't yet and I can't wait to.   Someone try this and report back!

Finally, this is a simple yet brilliant idea.  Take a door organizer for your shoes...and repurpose into a snack organizer for your pantry. 

Awesome, right?!  You're welcome :)  See you next time on Good to Know!

Chalkboard Printables for Back to School

It is that glorious and bittersweet time again: the beginning of a new school year.  Personally, this year it is bittersweet for me.  I have loved having my older two kids home for the summer and am in no hurry to pack them back off to school.  If you have school age children, you are probably going to grab your camera/smart phone on the first day of school to capture their excited smiles, all decked out in new clothes and backpacks.  

This year I happened upon some great free printables over at Yellow Bliss Road.  There is a chalkboard drawn printable for each grade level, even preschool.

 The instructions for downloading are simple and clear; printing was a snap.  And my trying-to-be-cool-on-the-first-day-of-school-kids LOVED holding them up for their annual snaps.  Proof:

Sign a Stone

I have often heard of homeowners having their guests paint their name on a wall, or sign a ledger when they visit, thereby leaving a visual reminder that they were once there.  But what if you don't have a large wall in your home crying out for guest graffiti or don't want to bother with a coffee table book that may be misplaced now and again?   Or perhaps you are having a baby shower or wedding reception that necessitates some kind of a guest book...


What about an apothecary jar full of signed stones? 

Start by adding some moss at the bottom of a large clear vase or jar.  Select smooth (and preferably flat) stones light in color.  Keep a Sharpie nearby and voila!  Whenever a guest graces your home, have them write a message on a rock and place in the jar.  Or at the conclusion of a baby shower or wedding reception, presenting this jar to the honoree is a beautiful reminder of those who were in attendance.  

Pretty cool, right?

Sidenote:  As much as I love this idea, I still have little kids running around my house and I fear that any kind of an open container with rocks inside invites some bad decisions :).  Save this idea for a more adult home or if you can trust your kids.

A Magical Miniature Treehouse

Have you ever seen a dollhouse that is SO magical?  This one-of-a-kind dollhouse is the remarkable creation of a miniature artist who was inspired by Brambly Hedge, a series of illustrated children's books.  Taking 11 months to create, this artist has left no detail unaccounted for.

I've always been fascinated by dollhouses and miniatures; I could let my eye wander through this little house for hours.  And I'm a grown woman!

For a more in depth look at how the artist created this magnificent miniature, take a look at her post on how she designed and executed her plans.  Completely amazing...

Quote of the Day...

Amen to that...

Believe in Yourself...

I came across this amazing quote and LOVED it.

The Braided Rug

This rug is made out of a multitude of tee shirts. 

 

TEE SHIRTS!  How amazing is this?  And if you are new to my blog, you should know that I have a major thing for amazing rugs.  Which is funny because I have so few in my house...Hmmmmm...perhaps I need to work on that!

 

Anyway, loving this rug.

Happiness...

Backyard Movie Theater

 

It's FINALLY summer.  Which means late nights, BBQ's, kids racing around the court and over fences into each others backyards, trampoline jumping with sprinklers on underneath, watering flowers and of course backyard movies. 

Living in Northern California, we are blessed with really beautiful weather most of the year.  When summer hits, watching a movie outside with loads of friends seems so wholesome and fun.  I decided that this is the year to figure out how to set up a proper outdoor movie theater...without breaking the bank. 

We have a projector: check.  We have a dvd player and a few speakers: check.  We have a big yard and enough seating: check.  Now to get a screen figured out. 
I found this tutorial on all things backyard movie theater and had to share.  I hope to be back shortly with my fancy new outdoor movie theater screen...made from blackout curtains!  I can't wait!

Sewing: Vintage Inspired Girls Dress

This post was originally on my personal private blog in 2008
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As I lay in bed the other night, I created this dress in my head: grey and white stripes with some textured structure, lined with two kinds of red and white polka dot cotton, trimmed out in blue and red bias and featuring two hip "belts" out of vintage patchwork with large white buttons. Everything sewn in red thread. In my head it was so pretty.

So I made it!

I cut and "pasted" two patterns together, one from the 70's and one current (from the McCalls book of patterns at Joanns) and whipped this up for my little girl. When I say whipped, it really took me the better part of two days. I'm not a magician :). She loved it.








 
 I don't sew dresses often and I certainly don't choose projects as involved as this one. For all of the work, however, it was worth it.

Gumball Felt Rug

OK, its not really made of gumballs.  But doesn't it LOOK like it?! 


I am crazy for this rug.

Paint Drip Flower Pot

 

I just discovered this tutorial.  What a great idea for summer planters.  And you could use any paint that you've got laying around - house paint would even be great.  I'm going to need to try this!