diy graduation shadow box

Since graduating college in May, I was thinking of how I can display my regalia since it had been shoved into my bookshelf for the time being. I came across an inspiration photo on Pinterest of a graduation shadow box and knew this would be perfect! The whole project was about $20 and I got everything at Joann's except the tacks from Office Max! This is how it turned out!

 

What you'll need:

Shadow box ($35, was on sale for $17.50 -> then used a 20% coupon = $14)

Roll of flat cork ($3)

Flat tacks ($1)

Scrapbook paper ($0.50/sheet)

I lined the backing of the frame with the roll of cork and taped the scrapbook paper on top of it so it wouldn't be showing. Then I lined up how I wanted everything and secured all the cords down with tacks. It's pretty self explanatory from the picture to get a general idea of how I laid it all out! Super easy and I absolutely loved the way it turned out! Shadow boxes are a great way to display memories because they are deeper than normal frames and can hold 3D objects! The link to my Pinterest post can be found here http://pinterest.com/pin/100697741641276772/

i'm gone as the day is fading on white houses

It's officially! I will be moving into my new apartment August 15th! I couldn't be more excited. As of now, I have to keep the shopping trips to HomeGoods at a minimum because I have to start packing up of my stuff soon. I did get this new wall piece last week that I'm absolutely in love with!

If you have been following me for awhile, you saw my vintage shutter door that is a gray distressed color and when I found this I couldn't believe it matched so perfectly! I've decided to store my nail polish in it, but I'm looking to install some small shelves inside so you can see them all! Of course it is from HomeGoods and was around $60.


I can also hang some necklaces from the bottom two hooks! The little perfume bottles at the top and Eiffel Tower and both from an antique store that has a vintage Shabby Chic vendor. They both together cost $15! I can't wait to move in and start decorating again! Once I get all settled in, I will definitely do an apartment blog post. My life has been so hectic lately with my internship, research position, and figuring out when I'm moving etc. I just want to thank you all for commenting on my blog posts and following me on this journey :)

courtesy of the red, white & blue

My fourth of July nails were done in a hurry because I had one of the worst weeks I could ever imagine. Someone decided to steal my tires off of my car last Saturday. It's a shame to see how awful certain people can be in the world. I'm a strong believer in karma and know they'll get theirs. I finally got new tires on Friday and now I'm just paranoid it's going to happen again which I shouldn't be, I should feel safe where I live. I'm in the process of moving apartment complexes which I couldn't be more happy about! Enough about all that, on my nails is China Glaze's Mrs. Claus, China Glaze's Little Drummer Boy on my ring finger, and Essie's Set in Stones over it. The China Glaze nail polishes are from two winter's ago I believe. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and let me know what you had on your nails if you painted them!

sweet summertime

My most recent shopping trip involved a lot of summery new pieces! I figured I'd let you all have a peek before I start doing outfit of the days and such! I absolutely love everything that I bought and can't wait to style some new outfits! Everything but the bleached chambray and navy/tan striped blouse were from Forever 21. The floral high waisted denim shorts might have to be my favorite!

knockout pout

Nail of the week is Essie's Knockout Pout! This color is one of those that look different in various light settings. In my apartment it looks like a deep pink color, but out in the sun it comes off as a true neon. Definitely looks great on your toes and if you're like me and like to tan in the summer sunshine (a lot) it will definitely fade into a light pink shade. Love this polish and perfect for summer! Going to be picking up some bright new shades this coming week! Any suggestions?!

organization at its finest

I'm a sucker for anything that has to do with organization. I have to hold myself back from buying simple baskets or containers because I always think I can use them, when in reality they are probably making more of a clutter. I finally found the perfect storage space to hold some of my makeup! I first noticed something similar on Keeping Up With the Kardashians, but it retailed for around $300! Lo and behold the Muji Drawers that I'm so incredibly happy with!


It cost me around $35 with shipping/tax and I purchased the 5 drawer one. There were other various styles like a 3 drawer, which was a little bit deeper, as well as ones that the lid actually lifted up.


I will definitely be purchasing one more in the future, but crossing my fingers to get an actual vanity within the next year when I move out of my apartment! Let me know how you store your makeup!

'Merica

I've recently come across the coolest pair of shorts bearing a not so cool price tag. They retailed for about $198 and I knew that I could make them myself. I ran out to Goodwill, picked up some high waist denim jeans, and began to cut and destroy. I then purchased a flag bandana because obviously no one can cut a real flag, shame on you if you thought I did so! Sewed it on by hand and voila! Overall, these cost me a total of $8 and came out pretty awesome if I do say so myself. Definitely a fun DIY project! -Made in America.