Monograms and Makeovers

May 21, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers Leave a Comment

Totally Awesome is {Totally Awesome}

When I find something that is amazing and makes my life a bazillion times easier, I must share it with the world.

You’re welcome!

I mean it when I say Totally Awesome is totally awesome.

For the last month or so I have tried entirely too many cleaning products to get rid of that gross soap scum/well water stain/ring around our tub. I. Tried. Everything. Nothing was doing the job and getting everything completely clean and didn’t leave behind that chemical film that I don’t exactly want to be showering in. The other day I was wandering around our new Big Lots {I know exciting stuff in this town.} and spotted Totally Awesome. It says it removes pretty much everything. Wine, blood, grease, food stains, pet stains, I could go on. So, I figured at 95 cents it was worth the buy and to see how awesome this stuff really is.

I’m not going to lie, part of me was thinking how can something that is 95 cents actually clean anything. Well, the other day I put this stuff to the test. Holy crap, it worked! With some hot water, and some scrubbing our tub and shower look brand new, better than brand new! No more soap scum, well water stains, nothing. Shiny and bright!

Go find this stuff. If you don’t have a Big Lots I’ve heard you can get it at Dollar Tree too. I cleaned our entire house using Totally Awesome. Countertops, grease on our stove top, our stainless steel appliances, everything shined!

Totally Awesome totally didn’t compensate me at all for this post. I just wanted to share with you all an amazing product that will definitely make cleaning the house a little easier on you. Cleaning the house really is the worst chore of them all, isn’t it?

Filed Under: Home, Organize Tagged With: bathroom cleaning, Big Lots, cleaning, Totally Awesome cleaner

May 6, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers 2 Comments

Five Things I’m Loving {May}

May is one of my most favorite months of the year. Not only is my birthday later this month, but the weather around here takes a turn for the gorgeous. That means it is beach time. My most favorite time. May beach days are some of the best. It is the first time my toes are touching the powder like sand, the first time my skin is getting that much loved sun kissed glow and the first time my beloved beach chair is settling into its spot on 98th. So, for May, here is what I’m loving. A nice little random collection of things this time.

one.

Image via Staples.com

I have an obsession with office supplies. I walk around Staples just checking out the new products, testing the Sharpies to make sure they’re in tip top shape and drooling over what Martha has come up with. This next big adventure of mine I’m working on called for some tabs. Martha’s weren’t doing it for me. [Sorry, girl.} But, her partner company Avery had something pretty amazing. These Note Tabs are aweome. Write on them, place them where you want and then keep replacing them wherever. Sadly when writing this post I discovered that Avery is no longer going to be making this product. {Hey, Avery, if you're listening, bad idea!} So, don't walk, run, speed do whatever you need to do to get to your closest Staples and snatch up all they have. Guess you know what I'll be doing today. Oh, want some sneak peeks of my next big adventure? Follow me on Instagram {monogramsbecka}.

two.

Image via Ulta.com

Ok, this was a S.P.L.U.R.G.E. I was feeling really sorry for myself and all my awful eye issues. Hello stye eye for six weeks and a traumatic eye surgery to have it removed. Today is the day that I can pop in the contacts and wear eye makeup again! After this whole experience I decided that my eyes are only my eyes once and from now on I will be only using quality products. After some advice from my eye makeup loving best, Sarah, I decided to treat myself to the Urban Decay Naked Palette. It has been staring me down for two weeks now and I can’t wait to get creative and try out the Primer Potion too! I may be wearing a tad too much eye makeup to work tonight.

three.

Image via Ikea.com

The latest obession/project in my head is to makeover our outdoor space. We have an amazing, gigantic deck off our kitchen/dining area that we have hardly ever used in the almost 4 years we have lived in our house. We love to have friends over in the summer and “porch sit.” Our front porch saw lots of fun last summer and we’d love to make the fun more comfy and utilize our back deck this year. While I would LOVE to purchase something amazing from Pottery Barn, that’s just not in the budget for our outdoor space. After tons and tons of research this Ikea Arholma collection seems like the best bang for our buck. I know it won’t last as long as something from PB would but for now and the next few summers it will work just fine. Toss in some yellow and navy accents and I think I have a gorgeous outdoor living/wine drinking/hanging out/get together space. Stay tuned for this one.

four.

Image via Amazon.com

Have you seen the previews for the Great Gatsby movie coming out May 10th? It looks amazing! I just love that era and all its East Coast, 20′s goodness. Like everyone else, I read the book in high school. I’m reading it again on my Kindle {How times have changed.} to relive it all. I know this time around I’ll enjoy it much more. Can’t wait for a night out with the girls to see the flick.

five.

Image via mth_2013 Instagram

This is life right now. I follow mth_2013 on Instagram and it is inspirational gold. Making Things Happen is a conference inspiring you to go for the next big thing, make a dream of yours reality or just get inspired to dig for what your potential is. I wish I could attend and be inspired by those ladies. For now, I’ll take their Instagram feed. It sure is working!

What are you loving for May?

Filed Under: Five Things I'm Loving, Me Tagged With: Avery, Great Gatsby, Ikea Arholma, Making Things Happen, staples, Ulta, Urban Decay Naked Palette

April 29, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers 5 Comments

Monogram Hostess Gift ‘Basket’

I don’t know about you, but the Hubs and I tend to entertain more in the spring/summer than any other time of year. There’s something about a warm night spent with friends on the deck enjoying a cocktail or two. We find ourselves enjoying time on our friends’ porches, patios and decks as well. I was raised to never show up at a friend’s house empty handed.

Everyone brings the typical appetizer, bottle of wine or fresh flowers. Show the host and hostess how much you appreciate them having you as their guest by getting creative with your hostess gift.

Do I call this a basket? It is obviously a tub, but hey, basket sounded better. These tubs can be found all over during the summer season. Check out Home Goods, Marshall’s, Target and even the dollar store for a choice of sizes and colors. Fill the tub with items that you know the hosts will love. I picked up the hostess’ favorite type of wine from a local vineyard and found some adorable cocktail napkins, outdoor wine glasses and colorful candles at Marshall’s. Throw in a few beach towels if you know your hosts enjoy entertaining poolside.

It is no secret I love a good monogram on anything that stands still. Adding the extra touch of an initial of the hosts’ last name personalizes your gift. I used my Silhouette machine to cut the initial out of white adhesive vinyl. If you don’t have a cutting machine no worries. Print out an initial and trace on contact paper then cut and adhere to the tub. A monogram makes your gift that much more thoughtful.

A gift like this isn’t just for hostesses. Personalize the contents of your tub for house warming with a bottle of champagne and add a few things you know the new homeowners would appreciate. The tub also makes a great gift for a student heading off to college. Fill with cleaning supplies, toiletries and a favorite snack for those late nights studying. The tubs can always be reused for storage and entertaining of their own.

I tend to stock up on items to use in hostess gifts when I spot a great deal. Stash them away so you can quickly put something together before heading to a friend’s party. Since these tubs tend to be deep I fill the bottom with newspaper or plastic grocery bags. Cover with tissue paper or even a scrap of fabric or table cloth that the host can reuse. Choosing items you know the recipient will love and use adds that extra personal touch that is sure to be appreciated.

{Linking Up: Not Just a Housewife, Keep Calm and Link Up, Tatertots & Jello}

Filed Under: Craft, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Home Goods, hostess gift, Marshall's, Silhouette America, Silhouette SD

April 18, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers Leave a Comment

Living Room Rewind

Hey, remember me? The girl obsessed with cake plates and Pinterest, loves to decorate, make a wreath and spends way to much time in Michael’s. I’m still here, and I promise to be back with a few new projects in the coming weeks. Some bad luck an a too awful to talk about eye issue forced me to take a little break and slow down a bit.

Since Monograms and Makeovers has come a long way since my first few posts in the beginning I wanted to share a little rewind of our living room space. That is after all what inspired me to start this blog.

{The quest to find the perfect fabric.}

I searched forever to find the perfect combination of color and pattern to find the perfect fabric for our living room. Read all about my search here.

{A sofa loving bulldog.}

Stella was the inspiration for our living room re do. She had lovingly destroyed our sofa that we inherited from The Hubs’ parents. I don’t blame her for loving it so much. It was the comfiest, best napping sofa ever. We gave in to that adorable wrinkly face and let her up on the furniture. New furniture meant Stella absolutely was not allowed on it. I found the perfect pieces at Raymour & Flanigan. Read all about it here.

{Time to accessorize.}

I had a lot of fun putting the finishing touches on the living room. My favorite piece to create and hang was the family tree art. It started in my head way different than the finished product ended up. It came out so much better than I ever could have imagined. Check out all my little projects here.

{The big reveal.}

Obviously the cute bulldog makes the room. The day the furniture arrived I was like a little kid. The living room project was the biggest I had tackled and absolutely love how it turned out. Check out all the little details here.

My refurbished dining table and chairs and teal dresser were a huge part of the living room project too.

Since the big living room reveal I have also added a few more finishing touches.

{Pillows, pillows, pillows.}

After the big living room project was mostly complete I needed a much needed break from my sewing machine. The panel curtains really did us both in. I had finally added throw pillows to brighten up the sofa and love seat. Check out how I brought all those gorgeous fabrics together here.

{Dresser to entertainment center.}

The final, final touch to the room {If a room can ever really be finished.} was the dresser turned entertainment center. I had finally found the perfect piece to refurbish and repurpose and finished it just in time for our Christmas Eve party. It was the perfect thing to anchor the space and the icing on this living room project cake. See the transformation here.

From my initial idea to re do the living room to final, final, final product was almost a year. I had a vision in my head and wanted to make the room perfect. I kept all my ideas for the living room on my Pinterest board.

I promise to be back with new things soon. Hope you enjoyed a little look back.

Filed Under: Decorate, Living Room

April 5, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers 2 Comments

Phillies Baseball Wreath

The Philadelphia Phillies are my all time favorite team in baseball, and in any sport for that matter. If I am going to be completely honest, it wasn’t always that way. Next to golf, baseball was the most boring sport to me. As a kid, my parents turned the Phillies game on for me to fall asleep to. There was no hope from the start.

Six years ago, that all changed. I met my husband, the lover of all things sports, a diehard Philadelphia Eagels/Sixers/Flyers/Phillies fan, and coincidently a golfer as well. We met in the summer of 2007 and while it was sports that made us first click, baseball sure wasn’t one of them. At first I humored him and forced myself through watching a few baseball games. I did really like the guy. As the summer went on and he taught me more and more about the players I started to get hooked. By August I was asking him to turn the game on. Through all the Phillies ups and downs, I still love them. After all that is what being a Philadelphia fan means.

If you know me, you know I never have a bare front door. To me, naked doors are boring. Whether Christmas or Easter, winter or summer I always, always have a wreath hanging on our door. This year I decided to change it up a bit and give a little nod to the Phillies and my sports loving Hubs with a Phillies wreath.

I knew I wanted to incorporate chevron somehow into my wreath. I cut strips of grey and white chevron fabric that I had from a previous project. I cut each strip about two to three inches wide by about a yard long and secured them to the wreath form using hot glue. The 18” wreath used less than a yard of fabric.

I found the foam baseballs at Michael’s and knew they would be the perfect accent to my baseball theme wreath. I attached them using hot glue as well. To show my Phillies pride I added a logo magnet and mini chalkboard. The chalkboard was made painting a small piece of wood with chalkboard paint. This is the perfect spot to cheer on the team or perhaps trash talk, but I’ll leave that part up to you. The wreath is hung with some simple red and white polka dot grosgrain ribbon.

While the Phillies theme does look best, the wreath can be made in any baseball team’s colors. This is the perfect way to welcome guests over to watch the game and support your team. Who knows, it might be good luck this season too!

{Linking Up: Tatertots & Jell0}

Filed Under: Baseball, Craft, Summer, Wreaths Tagged With: Michael's, Philadelphia Phillies, Phillies

April 4, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers Leave a Comment

Thrifted Cake Plate {Made Pretty}

You’re probably asking yourself, “How many posts can this girl do about cake plates?” I’m sorry, but you know I have a thing for them. Trust me, you’ll love how this one turned out.

Isn’t it gorg? I’m working on a little office/craft room revamp and I’ve finally decided on grey, pink and gold as my colors. I knew this beauty would be the perfect accessory for my desk or on a shelf or sitting in the middle of the floor, really anywhere you put it it’s going to look amazing.

Do you remember how the cake plate {I know it isn’t necessarily a cake plate but I’m considering it one to add to the collection.} looked when I brought it home from a little thrifting a few weeks ago? Amazing porcelain details, but not so amazing grandma flowers.

I knew some spray paint would work wonders. After staring at the shelves of spray paint at Lowe’s forever, and being asked three times if I needed help, I decided on Valspar’s Frosty Berry. I wanted this beauty to shine so I chose a gloss paint. I wasn’t sure how the paint would take to the porcelain so I made sure to buy a paint and primer in one. Plus it saves time and money. I applied two coats all over and a third on top to completely cover the floral pattern.

I love a good monogram on pretty much anything so I added a simple h to the plate. Since I was free handing the h I first drew it on lightly with pencil and then traced over the pencil lines a few times with a gold Sharpie paint pen. It needed a little something extra so I added the gold dots around the rim to pretty up the plate just a bit more.

I love how the details shine in pink.

I’m thinking it’s the perfect home for my Washi collection.

Promise, no cake plate posts for awhile. Well, maybe.

{Linking Up: Tatertots & Jello}

Filed Under: Cake Plates, Craft, Decorate, Thrifting Tagged With: Cake Plate, Spray Painting, Thrift Store Finds, Thrifting, Valspar

April 1, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers 1 Comment

Five Things I’m Loving {April}

I couldn’t be more excited for sunshine, longer days and warmer weather. I’m pale, tired of my winter clothes and dying to get my toes in the sand. Even Stella is dying for sunshine. She’ll find any sunny corner she can get for a snooze.

A gloomy, rainy winter has me longing for bright colors and glimpses of summer.

one.

Image via Amazon.com

I might be longing for warm weather and sunshine but I’m not exactly ready to put a bathing suit on. The Plan by Lyn Genet Recitas is just what I need to get my butt in gear. The book helps determine which foods we think as healthy are really making us gain weight through testing how our body reacts to food. It makes so much sense that weight loss is all about chemistry. What food makes me gain weight may not make you gain weight since we are all chemically different. I’ve attempted The Plan the last few days and while I am not following it exactly I am taking from it and practicing the main concept.

two.

During the spring and summer we spend a lot of time outside with friends. Our old outdoor table and chairs won’t be making it for another season. Since we do more hanging out on our deck an outdoor living space is much more practical. I don’t want to have to spend a million dollars so this Arholma set from Ikea is fairly reasonable. Throw pillows would brighten up the neutral base and cushions.

three.

Image via Pinterest.com

I’ve been drawn to the color mint recently. Remember my mint grosgrain wrap bracelet? When I spotted this manicure on Pinterest I knew I had to have one just like it. Got mine done last week. Check it out on Instagram {@MonogramsBecka}.

four.

Image via EmilyLey.com

I just LOVE these coral, monogram, chevron note cards from Emily Ley. Three of my favorite things in one spot! I found Emily Ley a few months ago and have become obsessed with pretty much everything in her shop. She is living my dream. I can only hope to one day have a stationery business like hers.

five.

Image via JCrewFactory.com

Swoon! JCrew has done it again. Well, JCrew Factory, but same thing. I love the Factory line for more budget friendly JCrew styles, especially this sequin anchor tank. This will most likely find its way into my closet. How great would this look with a nice tan and a pair of white shorts?

Can you tell I’m wanting warmer weather? What are you loving for April.

Filed Under: Five Things I'm Loving, Me Tagged With: Emily Ley, Ikea, JCrew Factory, Mint Nails, The Plan

March 29, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers Leave a Comment

Vintage Finds

Thanks to my best, Sarah, I have two new friends. You see, Sarah is pretty much the cruise director of friends. She loves introducing old friends to new, high school friends to college friends, adult friends to childhood friends and making sure everyone has fun. There’s Erin, her bulldog loving, preppy decorating friend from college that she knew I’d love {Hey, Erin and Winifred!} and Lauren, another college friend with a love for all things vintage.

You all know I love a good vintage find. Typically my finds include furniture, knick knacks and cake plates. This time, I’m talking fashion.

Lauren {Fun Fact: She’s in my phone as Lauren Vintage} recently opened an Etsy store, Comely Claire Vintage where she sells her gorgeous vintage finds. I fell in love with a few myself.

I just about died when I saw this blouse. Hello, green in 2013! This gorg kelly green blouse with sequin elbow patches is just amazing. Lauren was kind enough to ship this beauty overnight to me so I could wear it on date night with The Hubs. I wore this with dark, straight jeans and gold wedges. I looked pretty cute if I do say so myself. Apologies for not having a picture. My shoes weren’t the comfiest and the outfit didn’t last the whole night walking around The Borgata.

This necklace was the first piece that made me fall in love with Lauren’s Etsy shop. Teal, coral and gold, so me! The best part about this statement necklace other than the color is that it is reversible. One side has rhinestone accents and the other doesn’t. All business in the front and party in the back. Can’t wait to wear this with a nice golden tan this summer.

And, because Lauren is awesome she sent me these earrings as a little gift. They’re so vintage glamorous. Can’t wait to pair these with a LBD next date night with Hubs.

Give Lauren some love and stop by her Etsy store, Comely Claire Vintage. You’ll love all her pretty things for sale. Follow her on Instagram @comelyclairevintage and Facebook to get sneak peeks of her finds before they hit her shop.

Filed Under: Me, Style Tagged With: Comely Claire Vintage, Etsy, Vintage Blouse, Vintage Finds, Vintage Jewelry

March 27, 2013 by monogramsandmakeovers Leave a Comment

Design Seeds Color Palettes

If you have been on Pinterest for a bit, I am sure you have come across those gorgeous Design Seeds color palettes. If you haven’t, You. Are. Welcome. They are hands down my favorite way to get inspiration for a room.

In the Pinterest search box simply type in ‘Design Seeds.’ Be prepared to be in gorgeous color glory.

Images via Pinterest

These are just a few of my favorites. It is so hard to choose!

In all the the Monograms and Make{You}overs I have shared, color is the one aspect that everyone has wanted to bring into a room but didn’t quite know how. What I love most about all of these is the one or two elements of color that I would never think of putting together. Each palette has a neutral base. This is the best for wall color and larger furniture items like sofas and chairs. Other colors can be incorporated in a room through fabrics for window treatments and accent pillows, wall art, accent wall and accessories.

My favorite way to incorporate color and create a focal point is to paint a piece of furniture, like a dresser, hutch or armoire. A larger piece painted such a great color really brings the neutrals in a room and all the accent pieces and colors together for a cohesive space.

Next time you are brainstorming a room redo, start with Design Seeds on Pinterest. It will open your possibilities and help you incorporate color into a room.

Filed Under: Decorate, Inspiration Tagged With: Design Seeds, Pinterest

Monograms and Makeovers

Totally Awesome is {Totally Awesome}

Five Things I’m Loving {May}

Monogram Hostess Gift ‘Basket’

Living Room Rewind

Phillies Baseball Wreath

Thrifted Cake Plate {Made Pretty}

Five Things I’m Loving {April}

Vintage Finds

Design Seeds Color Palettes

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