DIY: Decorative Tray

I am a big believer in that you don't have to drop Benjamins on decor to make your house look beautiful. Many things already existing (and to come) around our house have been DIY-ed or fabulous finds. I think creating your own decor is so much more rewarding and personal than walking into a Pottery Barn and picking out items. (For the record, I love Pottery Barn, but who has money to decorate their home with pieces straight out of a page in their magazine?)

I regularly receive PB magazines as well as others to pull inspiration from and for recreating ideas. Many items found at Goodwill, thrift stores, and flea markets can easily (I'm talking little to no effort here) be transformed into something that looks unique and high-priced.

I found this tray at a Marshalls in Raleigh (actually, I think it might have been in Cary). It was all beat up, not the prettiest thing in the world, and on clearance. I threw him in my buggy (along with a couple other clearance items) and $3 later, he was mine!

Need:

An old tray

A can of white primer

A can of white spray paint

Directions:

1. Wipe down tray to remove dust or dirt that may have accumulated. 

2. Spray a couple layers of primer (~10 minutes between each - read primer instructions).

3. Spray a couple layers of white spray paint until fully covered.

I already had the primer and paint, so this project cost me a bank-breaking $3. A $3 exact replica of a $69 tray. Can't beat that. I love this tray and I am on a mission to find other beat up trays to bring new life. 

Daily Threads: Dotty

{Mossimo Polka Dot Dress (similar), Belk Drape Cardigan (similar), Mossimo T-strap Wedges (similar)}

I considered swapping this dress out for a different one - I'm honestly not crazy about it. It's so cute in my closet, but as soon as I put it on I was confused. I haven't worn this in about three years (yikes, I know), but I've kept it for some reason - so he's getting his face-time now. I have another way to remix it, but I also have a little face-lift/DIY in store for this dress. I can't decided which will win... either way, I can't wait to do it and share!

In other clothing news, all three of these pieces are making their 30 for 30 Winter Edition debut. I have several items in this remix that haven't been worn - which makes me feel better. I really need to put all these pieces together in my closet (yeah, I haven't done this yet) so remixing might get a little easier. Note to self. 

Notice anything new about these pictures? They are photoshopped! I've been googling, youtubing, and searching blogs with tutorials and also just been playing around in the program to learn my way around. I am no where close to knowing what I want to know, but this internet thing sure does help out! I put a few color layers on these photos via Sydney's tutorial. I'm loving this look!

Daily Threads: A Classic

{Gap White Long Sleeve Tee similar, LC Blazer similar, TJ Maxx Sinny Jeans similar, Guess via TJ Maxx Cognac Booties similar}

This is my EBEW Classic Blazer look. Head over to the site to see how others wear their blazers - and if you haven't already, share your blazer look!

It's been pretty cold and windy lately. I do have some skirts and dresses in my 30 (I promise!), I just can bring myself to not wear pants when it's cold and windy. I'm a pants-kinda-gal, and I'm really trying to branch out into more skirts and dresses, but this weather just isn't cooperating. Hopefully it will warm up soon (fingers crossed!).

Also, head over to Rose a la Mode today and read my survey!

Over the Weekend

Husband's parents came from Savannah to spend the weekend with us! It was so nice to have family in the house and to just be able to spend time together. Saturday we spent the day venturing the area. We went to Selma - where they all used to live when husband was in elementary school, then we went into Montgomery to see the Capitol and downtown area and visit a flea market. 

Going across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and a downtown building in Selma.

Photoshoot in the car and the house they lived in while living in Selma.

Scenes from the flea market - vintage clothing and baskets full of doilies. 

Gorgeous milk-glass pieces and the cutest little booth in the building. 

This flea market was amazing. It was three floors and over flowing with treasures and pieces that could use new life. I loved it in there and will be back soon to explore more!

And then there was Super Bowl Sunday - where we relaxed and ate snacks all day.  

Daily Threads: Staying Neutral

{J Crew Buffalo Button-up, Banana Republic V-neck Sweater (similar), Target Black Skinny Pants (similar), Steve Madden Inka Black Boots}

Did you enjoy the superbowl? It was ok for me. Aguilera messed up on the National Anthem, the Black Eyed Peas were painful to watch, and the game wasn't really good until the last quarter. Although I was hoping to see the Steelers win, I'm still glad the Packers won - which may seem weird, but true. I don't consider either of these teams "my team"; however, the Steelers have my favorite player in the NFL - Troy Palamalu - so that's why I was pulling for them. I'm pretty neutral when it comes to the NFL - I just want a good game.

Moving on... I was given Photoshop Elements 9 this weekend. It's been over five years since I've used Photoshop - so I feel like a lost child. Any one have tips, pointers, words of wisdom, or fabulous tutorials they'd like to share? Please! I'm dying to get crafty with it, but I don't know how. Yet!