D.I.Y Gradient Jars

 

 

 

Hello Everyone!

 

Here in Melbourne, we've been having some beautiful spring weather lately. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to prepare some craft tutorials for you all!

Todays post has got to be one of the simplest, most effective DIY's I've done and its one I'm very excited to share with you all!

For this DIY, you'll need:

 

  

• Assorted glass jars with labels removed
• Any paint that has a really runny consistency (I used poster paint)
  - You'll need white and any other colour of your choice
• A plastic container for mixing colours

 

NOTE: if you decided to use glass bottles instead of jars, you will also need a funnel.

Lets get started!

 

 For the first jar, mixing colours isn't required, so just pour a generous amount of the coloured paint into one of the jars.

For the next jar, mix 3/4 coloured paint to 1/4 white paint in the plastic container. The 3rd jar will be 1/2 coloured to 1/2 white and then the 4th one is 1/4 coloured to 3/4 white. The final jar requires only white paint.

 

 

Twist the jar so the paint inside is evenly spread around the walls of the jar. You may need to use more paint if you find it isn't spreading anymore.

 

Once the inside of the jar is fully covered with paint, Tip the jar upside down and leave it on some cardboard so the excess paint can drip out.

 

Once you're sure the excess paint has been tipped out, leave the jars right side up to dry (I left my jars for a couple of days).

 

 

 

Then that's it!

These jars are so adorable and they were so easy to make! Don't you just love the look of them? Please let me know what you think of this idea and also let me know if you decide to create them- I'd love to see your photos!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love Megan xo



Top 15 Life Hacks For The Home

 

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

I'm sure you've all heard of life hacks, right? Aren't they just fantastic! Lets face it, who wouldn't want life to be that little bit more pleasant? These days it seems like there is an easier, more efficient way to do just about anything!
I thought for todays post, I will compile a list of the very best life hacks I've found for around the home. Hopefully you'll have some fresh ideas for spring cleaning season!

Shall we get started?

1. Glue a magnet to the bottom of your hammer so you don't have to hold your nails in your mouth.

2. Use a command hook behind your high chair to hang bibs.

 

3. Use a pool noodle to keep tall boots straight while storing them.

 

4. Put the lid of a squeeze sauce bottle on the end of a vacuum cleaner hose to clean keyboards.

 

5. wrap a spring from an old pen around your charger cord to keep from breaking.

 

6. Use bread clips to label and organize power cords.

 

7. Place a paper clip at the end of a roll of tape so you never lose the end.

 

8. Store cleaning products in a hanging shoe organizer for saving space.

 

9. When heating leftovers, place the food in the shape of a donut. The blank space in the middle will allow the food to heat up evenly.

 

10. Place a rubber band vertically around an open paint can to wipe your brushes on and to save paint dripping from the side of the can.

11. Putting a dry teabag in smelly shoes and gym bags will absorb bad odours.

12. Use a clothes peg to hold your nail whist hammering so you can avoid hitting your fingers.

13. Use a can opener to remove really tough plastic packaging.

14. Place an old newspaper at the bottom of your rubbish bin to absorb food juices.

15. Put a wrinkly shirt in the dryer with a few ice cubes for 5 minutes. Wrinkles gone!

I hope you found these life hacks helpful! Let me know in the comments if you know of any amazing life hacks. Also please let me know if there is anything you'd like me to create a post on, I'm always looking for new ideas!
Have a wonderful week and I'll see you soon!

Love Megan xo

Is It Just Me?

Happy Thursday Everyone!

So I'm just going to come right out and say it. I'm pretty Weird. Its just something I fully accept and I'm happy with it. Now I'm sorry  to burst your bubble but yes, you all are a tad weird too. It's just part of what makes us human. We all have our own little quirks that make us who we are. I say, lets embrace them!

Today, I have compiled a list of things I do that probably no one else does. I thought this would be fun little post and it'll finally allow me to find out if anyone else really does any of these things! I was inspired to create this from reading Kirsty's lovely post on Effortlessly Excessive. I recommend checking her out!

Shall we get started?

1. I turn the volume up to even numbers or multiple's of 5. Eg. if someone puts the volume up to 23, I grab the remote and round it up to 25.

2. Same goes for setting an alarm. I would never set it for 8:58 for example, I would just round up!

3. I cannot stop reading a book on a random page. I only stop once I've reached the end of the chapter.

4. When I go bowling, I always lean either left or right to persuade my ball to go in a particular direction.

5. I almost never try on clothes in the store. I don't know why but I'd rather get home and find out that it doesn't fit than try it on in the first place.

6. I used to pretend that my classroom was my bedroom and I would design the layout I'd want.

7. I used to look at the footpath and pretend that my car is painting a line, and when there is a break for a driveway, I "stop spraying" until the footpath reappears.

8. I always interrupt the microwave before it reaches 00:00 and the sound rings.

9. The things on my desk can't be touching each other.

10. In the car as a child, I always pretended to sleep when we were nearly home so my parents would have to carry me inside.

There you go, those were just some of my strange habits. So now I want to know, Is it just me? Or do you relate to some of these as well? Also, what are some of your strange habits that probably no one else does?

Thanks for reading

Love Megan xo

Do You Think This Is Appropriate?

Ever since I can remember, I have always been super 'Artsy'. I even won a couple of local competitions when I was younger. I just love the idea of creating beautiful pieces that you've worked really hard on.. It just had always been a passion of mine. I wanted to share with you all today a little story about my love for art, and how it got me in to trouble.

So when I was in grade 5, we were given the task to write a creative story. Let's just say that my teacher certainly found my story 'creative'... 

It was based on a creature who loved craft just as much as I did. He lived in a far away land called 'Crafty land' (I know, so original!) and his name was the 'Doodle Monster'. He looked kind of like a cow but instead of spots, he had paint patches which he could dip his paint brush tail into. The Doodle Monster was a creature who made the world a more colourful place to live in.

I was so proud of my story and illustrations and was so sure I was going to get amazing feedback. I remember running over to my teachers desk with so much excitement. So she had a read of it and gave me the most horrified look I'd ever seen. "Megan, do you think this is appropriate?" She said.
"In this classroom, we don't say that word. I expected better from you."
I was mortified!

Doodle monster. Perfectly innocent right? Well apparently not.

She insisted I changed the name to something a little less controversial.. So the doodle monster was no more. Instead I had to say hello to the crafty monster from crafty land..At least the name I chose was a bit more original! For the rest of the day, I couldn't even look at her without feeling this huge sense of guilt, even though I really didn't do anything wrong. I mean its not like it was my fault that she was so close minded right? I assure you I never made that mistake again!

As I look back on this time, I only imagine how it must of felt for my poor teacher. If it were me, I don't think I would have been able to keep a straight face. Could you imagine having to be cross with a child over something so silly? However, I think she was right to say what she did to me even if it was an extreme response. Hey, at least it makes for a great story now!

I hope you enjoyed reading my little story today. Let me know if you like these type posts, I'd be more than happy to do more! Also let me know if you've ever been in a similar position, how did you get through it?

I'll see you all on Thursday for a new post!

Love Megan xo

Staying Motivated

Hello Again lovely readers.

Yesterday I was having one of those days. You know the ones; when you lack motivation, you're tired, you just cannot be bothered doing anything. Even if you do decided to push though and get on with your chores,  It's almost like a giant vacuum has come and sucked all the life out of you.
Its never fun feeling that way but even more so when you have a million things you should be doing. I wondered if other people struggle with the same issue?

As you can see, it really is possible to take post inspiration from absolutely anywhere.

 

 Today, I thought i'd show you some tips and tricks I've found helpful in order to stay motivated! 

 

http://theawkwardmagazine.com/tag/health/

• Look at the big picture: Sometimes its a good idea to look at what you're working towards. Maybe its a University degree, or perhaps just a clean house. Seeing that goal that you're putting all of your energy towards can be the little bit of inspiration you needed!

 

• Start small, really small: If your task makes you say "wow, where do I start?" Then this one is for you. If you break your final goal into smaller, more manageable goals, you'll find it much easier to achieve.
  Lets use the 'clean house' example, You may find it daunting to have to clean the entire house, but if you break it down into rooms, you'll find the task doesn't feel as large anymore. you are free to clean room by room until the job is completed.

 

• Acknowledge the little wins: Too often in life, we downplay or don't even acknowledge our successes when really, we should be doing the opposite.
  All of the little wins add up and become the driving force behind your newly found motivation. Once you've achieved something, you want to continue to achieve.
  "Success isn’t built by daily yearning for a distant goal. It’s in creating and celebrating the small wins we can plot along the way." -Source:www.marksdailyapple.com

 

• Stay tidy, Stay organized: I often find that being organized makes me feel happy and motivated. If this is you too, then take some time out to tidy your surroundings or make a checklist. If it helps, do it! Simple right?

 

• Be Positive: I think this is the most important tip. Simply being in a positive mindset can make a world of difference. I am completely for procrastinating in order to improve your mood, as long as it doesn't consume all of your time of course. Its important to spend time doing the things that make you happy.

 

 There you go, those were my top tips for staying motivated!

I hope I was able to give you that motivation you were needing to complete your tasks! Let me know in the comments if you find any of my tips helpful or if you have some tips of your own that work well for you!
Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see you back here for another post on Monday

Love Megan xo

 

Inspiration Monday #1: Geometric Love

Hello Everybody, I hope you've all had a wonderful weekend!
 

I wanted to start a new series today called 'Inspiration Monday'. Its a series that will be updated about once a month on, yep you guessed it- Monday's! I want to feature different trends and styles that I've been loving and perhaps even inspire some of you to explore some new styles!
 

For the first instalment, I wanted to start off with a new love of mine, Geometry.
 

I'm sure you'd know that geometric prints and patterns have been absolutely everywhere this year. From interiors to fashion-There's no escaping this trend! The last time I thought of Geometry was back in math class and i'll admit, there aren't many pleasant memories there. Its fantastic to view the subject in a different light.

Geometric design has existed as long as we have. Movements such as Bauhaus and Art Deco have brought it to the attention of the public at large. I believe the style has been given new light and had taken inspiration from the technological boom of the 1900's and its introduction of new materials and programs to assist in the formation of new geometric styles.

http://society6.com/kindofstyle/cube-pink_print#1=45

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/62778299/scale-necklace

http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?

 http://andthenwesaved.com/geometric-sculpture-diy/#more-7117

http://scoreandsolder.bigcartel.com/product/suspended-tetra

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/jackies-bright-airy-west-village-studio-house-tour-201102#gallery/46675/9

 https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/84129761/himmeli-no-4-modern-hanging-mobile

http://www.flickr.com/photos/55397648@N00/6083681866/in/photostream

I've really grown to love this style. The lines and shapes intrigue me and the sharp edges of the geometric patterns add an energy to the space. I believe accessories such as these will be a welcomed fresh perspective to design.
So what's your verdict.. Is this a trend you'll be trying?Let me know what you think of this new series as well as what you think of geometric print! If you love the style, you can also check out my geometric Pinterest board for more pinspiration! 

Love Megan xo

D.I.Y Quote Canvas Art

Hey there!

If you've been following me on Pinterest, you'd know that I've been seriously inspired by canvas art lately! I just think it's so cute and its an easy way to decorate any space!
I thought for todays post, I'd show you one of the ideas I saw. It really looks amazing and was so quick and simple to make!

Here's what you will need:

A Canvas in whatever size you'd like. (mine was 10 x 12)
Alphabet stickers
Assorted coloured acrylic paints
White acrylic paint
Paint Brushes

Lets begin!

1. Paint the canvas with different brush strokes using the coloured paint. It can look as messy or as clean as you want. In my opinion, the messier the better!

2. Once dry, arrange the stickers to form any quote you'd like. Once the letters are in place, adhere them to the canvas.

3. Paint over the whole canvas with the white paint. The application of this can also be messy and textured if that's what you desire. Once fully dried, peel off the stickers to reveal your chosen quote. I found it easier to use a pair of tweezers to peel the stickers. Don't worry too much if you peel the letters and find that the white leaked, It adds character!

 And that's it- told you it was easy!

Let me know if you make this DIY over the weekend, id love to see your creations!

Happy Crafting

Love Megan xo

A Day For Reflecting...

Hello lovely readers,

Todays post is one that is very close to me. Its one I considered not sharing with you all, but I decided to because I want you all to know me on a closer level. I think it will also help me get out some feelings.
So here we go,

Seven years ago today, my mother passed away. If any of you have ever lost someone close to you, then you'll all understand how difficult it is when anniversaries come around. I often think its harder to get through the anniversary than it was on the actual day. I think a lot of you will be confused by this, so allow me to explain.

I was 12 years old and I don't think I fully understood what was happening. I remember that my dad asked me if I wanted to return to school straight away or if I wanted a few days off. I said that I was ready to go to school. My 12 year old self was so excited about the attention from peers and teachers that I knew id be receiving because of this. I know, selfish but that's what I mean by it being more difficult now. These days, I'm not so concerned with popularity and being centre of attention. I have always said that it would have been so much worse if she had passed now.

There are so many things I miss about my mum,
I miss her letting me brush her hair, even though she knew id only make it tangled.
I miss her giving us kids all of the food she prepared for herself.
I miss her being the "Non scary parent".
I miss her being really good at those claw machines- We would always get so much chocolate!
I miss her calling me "pudgie".

I miss Christmas lunches at our house with her wonderful cooking.
I miss her always making muffins and cakes.
I miss her listening to "old people music".
I miss her kissing me goodnight each and every night.
I miss her everyday.

 

I wish I had a lot more memories than I do, but even more than that, I wish she was here to see everything I've done, and everything I am yet to accomplish..

I wish she could have seen me graduate and get my first job. I wish she could have helped me through my first heartbreak and yelled at a few boys too. I wish she could watch me chasing my dreams and achieving all of my goals. I also wish that she could be there when I get my own home, when I get married, when I have her grandchildren. I wish she could have grown old with the love of her life- my dad.

Always on my mind, Forever in my heart. I love you mum.

Thankyou everyone for letting me share my feelings. I'm so glad I could write this post not only for you, but for myself. Thanks so much for reading, I'll have a new post for you all on Thursday.

Love Megan xo