#28 The Pizzadilla

When switching to healthier eating habits, there are some things that are really difficult to give up (even I can admit that). Instead of giving them up, find a healthier way of making that favorite item. For me, pizza was a favorite and I wanted to find a healthier way to make it.

Once I started making little individual pizza's on whole wheat tortilla shells, another idea came my way. And then I saw it on pinterest... The Pizzadilla!

What is great about the pizzadilla is that it is taking an american classic and making it into a portable on the go meal.

First you take a whole wheat tortilla shella and fill one side with your favorite pizza ingredients. Then you fold the other half over creating the pizzadilla (or a healthier version of a calzone). Bake at 350 F for 10-15 minutes (or pan fry if your in a time crunch) until all of the pizza goodness is melted and heated together and then enjoy!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/13-healthy-and-gluten-free-ways-to-make-pizza?sub=1691254_464460

 

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#27 DIY Shellac

I am really marking this one as a fail. I followed the directions to a T with this DIY Shellac and within one day, they started to chip after doing everyday activities.

First, the three items that you needed to ensure you would have a no chip manicure for two weeks are Sally Hansen's No Chip Acryllic Top Coat, an Essie nail color of your choice and Sally Hansen's Powerful Acryllic Gel.

Step 1 - On clean nails, use the No Chip Acryllic Top Coat and let dry.

Step 2 - Paint your Essie nail color of choice and let dry.

Step 3 - Finish with the Sally Hansen's Powerful Acryllic Gel.

Step 4 - Have your nails chip the next day.

Honestly, I have tried a few different methods and even have gone to the salon, I guess I am just too hard on my nails and hands and normally they chip a day or two after. This is why if I have an event in which I want my nails to look nice, I normally stick to doing them that day.

I will let you decide on whether you want to spend the money and try it out.

http://pinterest.com/pin/139893132147596388/

 

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#26 Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Bell Peppers

Can you say YUM?! And healthy to boot!!!

5 simple ingredients (I made it for 3 people)

• 3 Bell Peppers
• 6 slices of mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 pound thinly sliced Italian Beef (as much as I hate read meat, I did purchase a rarer italian beef because I knew it was going to cook even further)
• Sliced Mushrooms
• Onion

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, saute the mushrooms and onions along with a tablespoon of butter, season with salt and pepper once mushrooms are cooked through. Side note - did you know that if you add salt to your mushrooms too early, all of their natural juices will cook out and you will be left with rubbery mushrooms? Well, now you do, so don't season those bad boys too early.

Slice the Italian Beef in to small strips and mix with onion and mushroom mixture. Either half or cut off 1/4 of each bell pepper (laying it on it's side to do so). Place a slice of mozzerella cheese in the bottom of each pepper and add Italian Beef mixture then top with another slice of mozzerella cheese.

Place in a 375 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown on top and your peppers are tender. Enjoy!

http://bestrecipesmagazine.com/philly-cheesesteak-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-recipe-colage/

 

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#25 Ninja Turtle Halloween Costume

Looking for a quick, simple and cost effective Halloween costume? Let me guide you the way!

You will need:

Green shorts (and I made a little green tutu out of two different kinds of green tulle and a piece of elastic)

Green tank Top

Yellow Felt

Orange (or your favorite ninja turtle color) Fabric (ripped into strips)

Large Roasting Pan & Green Paint for the shell

(Also pictured is my BFF and little sister dressed as one half of one of the famous couples from Big Bang Theory - Amy Farrah Fowler)

http://www.costume-works.com/ninja_turtles-3.html

#24 Car Bomb Cupcakes

These little gemstones were made for a friends golden birthday. He has a love for all three liquors involved in these cupcakes and may have taken down one or two car bombs in his time.

For the cupcakes:

1 box of chocolate cake mix

1 container of applesauce

3 eggs (or 3/4 cup egg beaters)

1 cup of Guiness

1/3 cup of water





Mix all of the ingredients together and fill the cupcake liners (in the pan) 2/3 to 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick is inserted and comes out clean. Let cool completely on a cooling rack.

For the buttercream filling:
2 cups of confectioners sugar
1 stick of unsalted butter
3-4 tablespoons of buttercream (the tiny bottle was the perfect amount)

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add butter and beat on medium speed for several minutes, until light and fluffy. Slowly add the sugar, a few tablespoons at a time.

When the frosting looks thick enough to spread, drizzle in the Baileys and whip until combined. If the frosting becomes too thin, beat in another spoonful or two of confectioners sugar. Once the cupcakes have fully cooled, pipe the Baileys buttercream into the cupcakes. You can core out the middle and add more buttercream. I choose not to as in a traditional car bomb, the Bailey's isn't supposed to be overpowering.

For the Chocolate-Whisky Glaze:
2/3 cup heavy cream
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (I used chocolate chips and it worked out just fine)
1 tablespoon of corn syrup
2 teaspoons Irish Whisky (Jameson)

Heat cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Place chocolate and corn syrup in a small bowl. Pour hot cream over chocolate mixture, and stir until smooth. Add whiskey and stir until completely incorporated. After piping in the Baileys buttercream, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before dipping in the Chocolate Whisky Glaze.

I then added a little golden sparkle to the top.

http://fancyfoodfancy.wordpress.com/2013/03/12/car-bomb-cupcakes/

#23 Lollipop Pumpkin

Every year at work, the week before Halloween, we have our "Magic Pumpkin" week. During the week, each classroom incorporates different pumpkin and halloween related activities into their lesson plans. Then towards the middle to end of the week, the children plant a magic pumpkin seed in the morning and after nap their pumpkins have grown.

We had some left over lollipops from a recent marketing event and I came across this cute idea. You simply need a pumpkin, a nail and hammer (or in my case at work, a thin screwdriver and the end of a socket wrench.) Now, my one fail to this project was when I started the first row, I put the holes really close together.

Once you have the holes appropriately spaced, then add the lollipops and put it out for display and for the children to take.

http://www.simplydesigning.net/2011/10/lollipop-pumpkin.html



#22 Amazing Indoor Recess - Adventure to Fitness

This might be my favorite pinterest find to date! I work at a child care center where the typical child is with us for 10+ hours. After a few rainy days in which they cannot get outside, everyone starts to go a little crazy. So you can imagine my appreciation for this site and our gym area that we have accessible to us.

Adventure to Fitness provides 30 minute interactive videos where the children go on an adventure along with the guide. They have to run, walk, climb, jump and slide down along the way.

The one misleading factor when I first pinned this website is that the pinner I had obtained it from stated that it was free. In order to do the complete adventures, you do have to sign up, which does cost money. There are different packages and as you choose a longer time span, you do save more. To start off, I had choosen the 1 month for $9.99.
 

I had originally purchased it for a non-school day with the Elementary students, they weren't having it (although I think some of it had to do with the fact that the speakers weren't working). We then tried it out with our Prekindergarteners and they loved it! (Despite not being able to hear again, that has since been fixed.) I would recommend this to any parent or school during the winter and rainy months.

http://adventuretofitness.com/

#21 Chocolate Covered Strawberry Hearts

Recently, two of my best friends got engaged. Both of them get government holidays off, so their engagement occured on a Monday evening (to throw her off). They did try to come by my apartment later that night to tell me, but I am a grandma when it comes to sleeping during the week and had already been asleep for hours when they swung by around 11:00 pm.

Needless to say, I never woke up to their phone calls and felt bad once I found out and invited them over for dinner the next night. I decided to make these adorable chocolate covered strawberry hearts for dessert.

You will start with washed strawberries and cut them in half (leaving the stems attached). From the original pin, they had put a toothpick through the middle to hold them together. I found that if you lined a cookie sheet with wax or parchment paper and then put a small dab of chocolate down first, there was no need for the toothpicks.  

From there, I drizzled/painted the melted chocolate over the tops and the heart takes shape and stands out! 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/165929567494317300/



#20 Weight Loss - Pinterest Assisted

My second New Year's resolution from 2012 was fitness related. We pretty much all say "My New Years resolution is going to be going to the gym, no fast food, eating healthier..." I felt like at the end of 2012, I had a moment where I was looking at myself from above and thinking "this is not how I want to be living my life or how I want my body to look."

There needed to be a change, but I needed to make the commitment and follow through with it. I needed to not give up when it got rough or when I got discouraged. I needed to call on friends who had gone through the journey as well or were just there to support me when I was feeling discouraged.

For 9 months, I haven't posted too many pictures of myself through this journey, and I am not one that wants to post their weight (or the number of pounds lost). However, for this, I want to be proud and inspire! So here it goes... Since January, I am 43 pounds lighter and 4 pants sizes smaller. I started out at a 17.18 and am down to a 11/12! I still have a bit to go and will never be tiny by any means (I've got my Grandma's genes and am proud of my curves and bigger bones!)

Before:
            

                                                                    After: 

                                         

I feel better, I am more active then I have ever been able to be and am setting even more fitness goals for myself. Just this year I was able to partially run my first 5K and they are so addicting that now I am looking for more to do and can't wait to do another with all of my friends. Pinterest has really assisted with this journey. I have used recipes, running plans and workout ideas from a multitude of pins. Even if pinterest was never created, I am sure that I could have used internet resources to assist, but it is so convienent to have it all in one place!

Some of my favorite pins are C25K, Smoothie recipes, workout music playlists, Weight Watchers recipies, fruits and veggies that prompt calorie burning...

Visit my pinterest pages for additional ideas!

http://www.pinterest.com/acosman85/a-healthier-me/

http://www.pinterest.com/acosman85/ww-recipes/

#19 DIY Distressed Jeans

I had been awaiting the perfect opportunity to give this DIY project a try. Then one day at work, the ole jeans gave away in the thigh region. My first instict was to toss them, then I remembered this! Just give em a little more distressing and then they could become 'weekend jeans'.

Materials Needed:

• Fabric Chalk (or can substitute with a washable marker as I did)
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Exacto Knife
• Sanding Block
• Small Wood Block (or your knee, just use caution when cutting the fabric)

How To:

• Put the jeans on and mark an area above your knee on one leg and the upper leg of the other. 
  
• With the scissors, cut two small parallel lines about 2 inches apart.
  
• Insert wood block into the jeans and under the cut marks. With the sanding block gently fray the edges of the outer cut marks leaving a bar of material in the center.
• With tweezers, loosen and gently pluck-out threads.
• Repeat with second marked area. 
• With the sanding block, feverishly rub both the thigh area and below the knee. This will make the jeans look "lived-in."
  
  
  
  
  
  The finished product is a pair of distressed jeans to rock over the weekend!
  
  
  The original inspiration: http://glow-t.com/2012/04/12/ 
  
  

#18 Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

I don't think I really need a lot of elaboration here...

HELLO, Bacon (well Turkey Bacon in my case - I haven't eaten real bacon since 1993) and Cinnamon Rolls! This made for a great breakfast treat the morning after my parents Annual 4th of July party.

It really is just the simplest of things. Take a can of cinnamon rolls, pop it open. Unroll a cinnamon roll and slap a piece of bacon down the middle. Re-roll the cinnamon roll, place it in a baking dish, repeat until entire can is complete and bake away according to the directions on the cinnamon roll can. Admire the scent oozing from your oven, pull out when complete and drizzle on that delightful glaze.

My one suggestion - the bacon didn't really crisp up as much as I was hoping. You might want to throw it in the microwave for a few minutes (maybe 2-3 for real bacon and 1-2 for turkey bacon) before rolling it in the cinnamon roll.

Admire, drool...

Thank you DIY Cozy Home for this sinful treat http://diycozyhome.com/bacon-cinnamon-rolls-recipe/

#17 Spinach Omelet Brunch Roll

Every year my sister and I make brunch for our mom for Mother's Day. Last year, Mother's Day convienently fell the day after I moved, so I didn't end up contributing anything (except for my sage advice on my sister's cooking - it's not terrible, she is an excellent cook {mainly because she had an excellent teacher - self high five!} she just doubts herself most times.) because she thought I wouldn't have my kitchen all settled from moving.

Fast forward a year, and wouldn't you know - Mother's Day fell the day after me moving again! Well, now she had learned her lesson, that I am a maniac and have my apartment all set up the first day of moving. So I give you the Spinach Omelet Brunch Roll...

Ingredients:
2 cups egg substitute
4 eggs
1/2 tespoon salt
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
5 turkey bacon strips, diced and cooked, divided
1 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided

My adjustments: I used 2 cups + 1 cup (to equal 4 eggs) of egg substitute (aka Egg Beaters). Rather than using frozen spinach, I used fresh and chopped it. 

Directions:
-Line a 15-in x 10-in x 1-in baking pan with parchment paper, coat paper with cooking spray and set aside. We cooked at my mom's and she did not have this size pan, so I ended up making a casserole rather than a roll. In a large bowl, whisk the egg substitute, salt and pepper sauce. Stir in the spinach, onion, Italian seasoning and 1/4 cup bacon.

-Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until set. Using a shallower pan, mine took more like 30-45 minutes to set. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, saute mushrooms in oil for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Drain on paper towels, blot to remove excess moisture. Keep warm. I did add the mushrooms directly to the casserole. 

-Turn omelet onto a work surface; peel off parchment paper. Sprinkle omelet with mushrooms and 3/4 cup cheese; roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a short side. Place on a serving platter. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon.

This is what it should look like... mine was more casserole or quiche like.

And the pinspiration goes to... http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Spinach-Omelet-Brunch-Roll

Th

#16 Another Detox/Weight Loss Drink

Here is another great detox/weight loss drink. And another way to spruce up water. I stuck with this one longer than the other one and might bring it back again one of these days, it's a great summer drink!

Ingredients:
Water
1 Medium Cucumber (peeled and thinly sliced)
1 Lemon (thinly sliced)
Mint Leaves
1 Teaspoon of Freshly Grated Ginger

Add all ingredients to a pitcher and let steep overnight in the fridge. Pour over ice & enjoy! It has a very subtle flavor and can be enjoyed daily.

http://pinterest.com/pin/139893132145666758/?e_t=f995684999a2428b92fc5583e211d1b4&e_t_s=pin-text&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=share_pin_user

#15 Infant Headbands

It's baby gift time! I really do love all babies (especially since they aren't mine and I can hold and cuddle them and then return to their parents when I am finished, ha!) But baby girls are really just so much easier to shop for. The little headbands are just the cutest, but really the biggest rip off!

While at Michael's some time ago, I had found these great flowers on clearance and picked them up not really knowing what I was going to do with them. Then baby shower time came and I had just the idea. I had to make my life difficult by buying the stretchy band stuff on a roll and then cutting and sewing it. The very next day I then saw them already pre-made at the craft store. Then  I glued on the flower and wrapped them up.

Just look at this cute little butterball of a model!

A little step-by-step direction: http://thefrugalgirls.com/2010/08/how-to-make-cute-flower-headbands-for-babies-and-little-girls.html

#12, 13 & 14 Teacher Appreciation

The most fabulous week as a teacher! And my favorite this year as well as being part of administration. As an administrator, the appreciation is really limited, it's really what comes with the job and I have no bitterness towards it. However, my teachers really benefited from all of my craftiness! And rather than splitting this up into 3 posts, I figured I would group them together.

#12

The first is kind of a thorn in my side. A month prior to Teacher Appreciation Week (which is beginning to mid May for those of you that might not know), I started looking for different ideas. I found a cute idea for a cup filled with candy or teacher items and an adorable tag reading "A cup of thanks for all you do!" Now, did I bookmark that page, no of course not! So fast forward a few weeks, and there I go looking for it again, and wouldn't you know, I can't find it. I searched for a week straight, my co-worker tried to find it for me and it just completely vanished! 

After realizing that I wasn't going to find it, I had to get creative and make my own label (which I was still so bitter about because I loved that pre-made label!) Label made, now onto the cup and contents. Our company loves it's branding and the price of these stadium cups wasn't too bad. I threw in some candy, put it into a clear party bag, added some ribbon and the tag and called it finished.

#13

I started the week out with a breakfast. Come on, who doesn't love a free breakfast on Monday morning! Bagels & cream cheese, some "Simply" juices with adorable tags that read 'You're "Simply" the Best!' and a balloon bouquet.  

Free Printable Tags for the juices: http://befickle.blogspot.com/2010/05/teacher-appreciation-gifts.html \

#14

Finally, my piece-de-resistance. I had seen the wedding thank you ideas where the bride and groom each hold an end of the thank you banner. Well, I couldn't really enlist 2 children to stand in the front office all day long to hold the banner. So I decided to print out 1 letter per page to spell out THANK YOU! (in different colors of course) and then take picture of different children holding the letters. 

The excellent part was that there were 9 letters/character and we have 9 classrooms. So I took a boy and a girl from each classroom and had them hold a letter while I snapped a picture (I made 2 banners). For the !, I reserved that for our newest infant because I knew that I could just put her on a boppy and prop the ! in front of her (I couldn't imagine having one of our older ones try and hold it, this was easier.) I strung and hung them and everyone loved it! The extra greatness of it was that we had a Parent Advisory Meeting that week and the parents were able to see some of their children in the banners. Kudos to me!

For more teacher appreciation ideas for next year, go here: http://craftibilities.blogspot.com/2012/10/hi-there-first-post.html

#11 Chalkboard Wine Glasses

I love that so many of my friends are wine drinkers. This is such a budget friendly craft/gift and is so simple! Keep in mind friends, that while it's kind to my pocketbook, that doesn't mean my love to you is cheap :).

Materials:
Wine Glasses (I use the Libby brand, which run $6 - $12 depending on the type of wine glass and pack size)
Rust-oleum Specialty Black Chalkboard Paint (can be found at practically any hardware store, I picked mine up from Menards for less than $8)
Blue Painter's Tape
Newspaper, Paper Towels or Plastic Shopping Bags

On the original directions, they just dipped the wine glasses and weren't concerned if their lines were straight. Well, I'm a little more neurotic and wanted to tape the lines off ensuring that they all looked the same. There was also a benefit to taping them off and then covering the rest, (I used paper towel the first time and Walmart bags the second time, the bags definitely worked better) I didn't have to hold them upside for 10-15 minutes while the excess dripped off like they did.

How To:
Tape around the stem, then wrap the plastic bag, newspaper or paper towel around the rest of the glass to protect it from the paint and tape. Wipe the stem of the glass off with a clean paper towel. Dip into the chalkboard paint and let the majority of the excess drip back into the can. Place upside down on a lined pan or cookie sheet, let dry for 24-48 hours.

Pack back into the original box, include chalk (which I forget every time until the last minute, I need to buy some chalk in bulk and make some cute little bundles), and gift!

My one minor disclaimer, suggest hand washing just in case.

Thank you Pinterest! http://justshortofcrazy.com/2011/09/chalkboard-wine-glasses-tutorial/

#10 Victoria Secret Bag Halloween Costume

This might have been the best homemade Halloween costume that I have made yet. I had some pretty great ones as a child, but those were all crafted by my mom. I'm super glad she passed on those crafty genes to me.

Start with a box, cutting off the top and bottom. Then measure to length, although now looking back, I made it a bit long because I have modesty and didn't want my hind end hanging out all night. However, if my hind end would have been hanging out, maybe I would have been able to sit, which I was NOT able to do all night (yikes!). 

I then painted the entire box light pink and let dry for 24 hours. Then using painting tape, measure out and tape sections to make the stripes and to ensure your lines are straight (which took forever because I am neurotic). Paint every other stripe the darker pink and let dry again. Using a gold paint pen or gold puffy paint, write "Victoria's Secret" on the front and back. Add a handle using ribbon and tissue paper to the top and ta-da!

My pin-spiration: http://costumepop.com/adult-costumes/victoria-secret-shopping-bag/

#9 Easy Vegan Banana Ice Cream

Now you would think that the name would mean that I can't possibly screw this up. However, it is possible. I have this problem, I read the directions for something once and think "I'll remember that, I don't need to bring the directions with me." 9 times out of 10, I end up doing something wrong or having to go back for the directions.

I can't say that I necessarily screwed it up, just forgot some ingredients! There are 4 ingredients, how could I have forgotten something?! But I did, and even though I did, I have to say that mine still turned out delicious. Now I can't wait to make it the right way next time, because I am sure that I am going to love it even more!

Ingredients:
5 ripe bananas (on the verge of going brown)
2-3 cups Vanilla Almond Milk - this would be ingredient #1 that I forgot
1/2 - 1 tsp of vanilla - and #2
Sprinkle of cinnamon - I remembered you!

Throw your ripe banana's in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Then add them to your blender or food processor along with the vanilla and almond milk (adding a little at a time until creamy). Take out of the blender or food processor and sprinkle with vanilla, enjoy! I threw mine in the freezer for a little bit to chill and make it a little thicker/harder.

 Looks delish, right?

 It was even tastier than I thought, didn't remind me at all of baby food (which was my fear).

The real recipe, not my forgetful one: http://berryripe.com/recipes/vegan-banana-ice-cream-recipe/

#8 Coconut Oil Hair Mask

Oh coconut oil, you have so many uses that I have yet to explore. But one that I have and have had great results with is using it as a hair mask. Used regularly, coconut oil will promote hair growth, which is what intrigued me right away. You can only rock the reverse bob for so many years and then it is time for a change. Isn't it funny that when you want to maintain a shorter haircut, your hair seems to grow rapidly fast. But the minute you decide to grow it out, it seems like it is growing at a snails pace.

Let's be honest, I am truly terrible with routines. I can't even remember to take my acid reflux or allergy medication regularly, so planning to wake up early to apply a hair mask at least twice a week to get my hair to grow faster only lasted about 2 1/2 weeks. It really takes no time at all to put it in your hair, but waiting the 15-20 minutes before washing it out was the time consumer. 

The funny thing about coconut oils it that it is a solid at first, but then the heat of your hands melts it (kind of like a mini science experiment every time.) Starting with your roots, you rub the oil into your hair and run it through to the ends. Let sit for 15-20 minutes then wash your hair as you would regularly. I haven't noticed if it has helped with my hair growth, probably because I didn't use it enough. But what I did notice was that it made my hair so soft, healthy and clean feeling!

Because I have yet to use the oil for other recommended uses, I haven't tasted this particular brand and am not selective of a certain brand. I do recommend this brand for hair use and picked it up from a friends local store in McHenry, Natures Cornucopia. 

I suggest this link for step by step directions: http://made2style.com/2013/02/18/coconut-oil-hair-mask/

#7 Magnetic Bobby Pin Storage

I could very well have an addiction to bobby pins. And anyone who knows me knows that I have what could be called an organization problem as well. So when I saw this great idea, I was sold. However, every time I went to the store, I kept forgetting to pick up magnetic strips. 

Then I was at a store and they were right in front of me! I took a larger sheet and cut it in half to make two narrower strips. The great thing about any magnetic is that it already has a sticky back. Slap it on the back of your medicine cabinet, and wah-bam your done! 

Back to my bobby pin and organization obsessions. I collected all of my bobby pins and of course sorted them out by size on the two strips. You never know when you are going to have a bobby pin emergency and need a small one (those buggers always fall to the bottom of the basket). 

I do not suggest getting your magnet strips from ACE Hardware (where I purchased mine), they weren't very magnetic-filled and most of the time when I would put a new bobby pin up there, it would knock three off. Overall a successful pin, just need stronger strips.

Follow this little link for additional tips (including the one above) for the home: http://yashikibuta.wordpress.com/tag/bed-linen/

#6 Pegboard Jewelry Display

Very simple and classy way to display your jewelry. The major benefit is that it keeps all of your necklaces tangle free! Not only is it simple, but super cheap!

Materials:
Old Picture Frames (I bought the two I used for $0.50 each at Goodwill)
Paint
Pegboard ($9.95 for a very large sheet at the local hardware store)
Pegs ($3.19 - $6.99 depending on the size)

First measure and cut the pegboard to size to fit in your frame, then paint the pegboard and picture frame if you so choose to do. For right now, I just painted the pegboard because it can easily be repainted once I decide on my final colors for my room. Place in picture frame and add pegs. To hang, I added 2 pegs on the back of each board to easily hang them in my closet.

I got the original idea from my roommate, however here is a great link from numerous pins that I have seen all over pinterest: http://www.designsponge.com/2009/12/before-after-kristen-michelle-kristi.html

#5 Monogram Wreath

This was one of my very first pins. I saw it and immediately fell in love, I saw endless gifts for others in my future. So I clicked on the pin and expected it to bring me to the directions. Etsy was where it brought me, and I could purchase the finished product for $38 plus tax, shipping and handling. I'm sorry, but no!

Off to the local craft store I go, and lo and behold, the whole project cost less than 10 bucks!

Jute $2.99 - $3.49
Letter $3.99 (a few months later I picked up a ton on clearance for $1.49!)
Ribbon $1.99
Flower $0.99
Hot glue gun & glue sticks (I had)

Wrapping the Jute around the letters takes the most time as it makes up the entire project. But put in a movie and load yourself up with glue sticks, and it flies on by. Then add a bow and flower and ribbon to hang and your finished. My favorite letters to do or T & L, super simple. K, S, M & A have been thorns in my side. There are other letters that I have purposely avoided doing because I know that they are going to take forever. But everyone I have given them to has loved them and I love going to peoples houses and seeing them hung up.

This one was a birthday gift for my lovely friend Jen:

#4 Spray Painted Doily Canvas

This is a fun quick decorative project that combines something old school (doilies) with new (pops of color). I have a recent obsession with Teal and Gray. I initially made these to go along with some new bedding that I had my eye on, but since then have actually gone in a different direction for my bedroom. I think I might eventually add them to a bathroom once I find the perfect matching bathroom accessories.

Looking back at the original pin/website, I have now noticed that the directions stated to use spray paint (which I did not). There I go again, not necessarily following directions.

Step 1: Pick your colors.
Step 2: Paint the canvas fully with the accent color - let dry.
Step 3: Place the doilies (you can use any type/size and number of doilies).
Step 4: Paint the canvas fully with the primary color - let dry.
Step 5: Hang & admire!

Follow this link for the original project idea: http://shealynnbenner.com/2012/05/tutorial-7-spray-painted-doily-canvas/

#3 Yummy Detox Drink

Infused water that gives you energy, sold! I have a terrible stomach that hates practically everything I eat or drink. Caffeine, no. Juices, no. Water, yes! Well, water doesn't really have a lot of added benefits rather than hydration and I am up at 4:30 am M-F for work. Once 2:00 pm hits, I am normally drained.

The second thing that sold me on this pin was how cute and refreshing it looked. Fruit, Water & Ice in a mason jar, time to make the shopping list. I had just been to a friend's daughter's first birthday party where she had pre-made drinks in mason jars. She specifically said to take one as your party gift, but I thought to myself 'what am I going to do with 1 mason jar?' Well now I am thinking 'you should have taken it dummy!'

I ran to Walmart to grab all the ingredients and buy a mason jar. But, you cannot buy just one mason jar. Back to the drawing board. I had stopped in Five Below for a different reason and came across a reusable tumbler with an infuser in it! Five dollars and some change later, I was ready for some flavorful water.

Ingredients:
Strawberries (I used 2 sliced)
Blueberries (about 6)
1 mint leaf
2 lime wedges (I squeezed the lime wedges and then threw them into the mix)
Water

Let sit for 20-25 minutes for the flavors to infuse the water and drink up! It was delicious and you can use the fruit a second time, although it wasn't as flavor filled.

Check out this perfect find:

Thanks Budget Savvy Diva! http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2013/05/yummy-detox-drink-recipe/ 

#2 Kale Chips

It seems like Kale is the 'it' vegetable this year. I have heard from many that if you like spinach (which I love!), then you should give Kale a try. Listen, I know spinach and use it daily, but you're telling me that I will love this strange looking lettuce type vegetable just as much?

It took me a few months of walking past it in the grocery store to finally bite the bullet and buy it. I don't know why, it is a pretty budget friendly vegetable and if I didn't like it so what, I was out maybe $3.

Step 1. Buy Kale - check!
Step 2. Use Kale...

It might have sat in my refrigerator (hauting me from the top shelf everytime I opened the refrigerator) for quite some time before I actually took it out and prepped it for use. I thought to use it in my beloved smoothies in place of spinach, but have I mentioned how much I love spinach?! No, that wasn't going to happen.

Come on Pinterest...guide me. Ah! Of course, Kale chips. They would be seasoned, so even if I didn't like the taste of the kale, that would be slightly masked by the seasoning.

I washed the kale and pat it dry. Next, I lined a cookie sheet with foil (really saves the pan and I forget to do it as often as I should). I broke off the stem and tore some of the larger pieces into smaller pieces. Then a little spray of olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Into the oven at 375 for about 20-25 minutes (I really don't rely on the timer and rely more on my nose. The nose knows when it's done!)

Presto!

After snacking away on half the tray, I decided to save the rest to take to work the next day. And here comes the fail... I don't know if I didn't let them cool enough, but put them into a covered container. The next day I opened the container and found a soggy mess. Into the garbage they went. I might give them another try again and leave them out on the tray overnight or may just make smaller batches.

Here is the recipe I used (substituted Sea Salt for Season Salt) http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/baked-kale-chips.html 

#1 DIY Tank Top

I have been planning on making quite a few of these to use as work out shirts as have a bunch of shirts that are now too big for me. After months of not doing it, I finally had an incentive. My very first 5K was coming up, we were doing the Color Run in Chicago. Rather than just wearing a white shirt, I wanted to dress it up a bit!

I bought a men's XL white shirt (I actually lucked out and found a 3 pack on clearance for $5 at Walmart!) The site I was using for this idea suggested to lay the t-shirt out flat on the floor (which I did) and then to cut each of the sleeves off evenly. I thought to myself, why make 2 (probably what would end up being uneven) cuts when I can fold it over and cut once?! So, that's what I did...fold and cut once (or cut three times rather, as there were 3 separate cuts to make).

Next, you cut the neck section (I forgot to take a picture for this step and the next step) to make a larger v or scoop neck. Then, you cut part of the bottom off so that when you unfold the shirt, you have a shorter front and back, but longer sides. This is where I made a slight mistake. I thought the shirt looked rather long, so I cut a little more off than I should of, which then resulted in a shirt that reached my waistline rather than hiding my entire stomach, which is what I would of rather had. Oh well, lesson learned for next time.

Finally, unfold the shirt and decide which side you want to be the front, and which side for the back (since you would have cut the tag off and won't be able to tell.) Take a cute piece of ribbon and tie a bow on the back. I cut the ribbon rather long and had a shorter bow with longer ends.

Ta-Da! Overall, the project took about 20 minutes and I was very happy with the results. I was hoping that the die from the Color Run was going to permanently stain the shirt or ribbon (as the ribbon was black with white polk-a-dots.) However, the powder at the run was simply colored corn starch, so that didn't end up happening. On the plus side, I had fun and looked cute!

Here's the link to the original directions: http://www.lovemaegan.com/2009/07/recycle-your-clothes-diy-jersey-tank.html