Free Printables - Step by step instructions to use & customize

For my homemade sugar scrub jars (the post making scrub and jars is here), I created these printables for my jars and am happy to share with you.   A pink version of the labels has also been added. 

You are able to edit all text to use these for your own party!

 

I used Avery's "Print to the Edge Round 2.5" diameter labels, 41462" on the jars so it will open with this sticker size layout as the default, but Avery's website will help you automatically update the layout so you can use any size Avery label.  How cool is that?

Because it must be said:
Feel free to use these files & layout for your personal use, but not for anything you might sell.

STEP ONE:

For the chevron label that I used on my jar's lid, 

click here for the blue version or here for the pink version and then follow the instructions below.

For the giraffe background ingredient label with the elephant, 

use this link for blue or click here for pink, and then follow the instructions (you will be able to remove and/or replace the elephant with the Avery web based software if you want).

A new web page that looks like this will open.

Click the download icon (circled in pink).

Note: Since this is an Avery file, you will not be able to open this file yet (and why a file preview will NOT show), this is all perfectly normal.

STEP TWO:

Save the file to your computer - be sure to make a mental note of the location you pick.  Surely I'm not the only one that can't find things right after I save them.  Which explains why my computer desktop is so cluttered.

STEP THREE:

Go to http://www.avery.com/print 

Click the green button labeled "Open Project" 

STEP FOUR:

Click the gray "Choose File" button.

And select the file we downloaded to your computer earlier.

STEP FIVE:

The background graphics are included in the file you downloaded, but you can edit the text elements using the Avery program.

And when you're ready, just click the green "preview & print" button.  

To check your label alignment, Avery recommends printing on regular paper first, then holding behind your sheet of labels and holding up to the light to see if they line up.  You can actually make minor alignment adjustments on the "Preview & Print" section, just look for the gray button labeled "Printer Adjustments"

Viola! You are ready to pass out your very own jars with pretty labels.

Sewing: Bias Yardage Calculator

Calculating the amount of fabric needed for your bias binding can be tedious.

I always have to look up sewing formulas and work out the math, usually while sitting in the car outside the fabric store.  By having a little excel worksheet here online, hopefully it'll make it that much faster next time.

Just enter the appropriate numbers in the 3 highlighted fields.


Calculations are based on the "Magical Math Formula" tutorial found at Sew4Home.  The math is the same as above, but a lady can go cross eyed trying to read through that and do the math on a small phone screen while sitting in the car. ;)

Winning at Craig's List - New Dresser & Nightstand

I finally have my own Craig's List success story! This pair of blue beauties are scheduled to be delivered this Sunday. I hope I'm not jinxing it, but I'm too excited to contain myself. 

The plan is for both to go in the guest room. The dresser will go on the wall opposite the bed. 

My friend K recently bought a steal of a baby change table that was still in stores for $200 more than what she paid. It served as a good reminder not to give up on CL. 

When searching for dressers, I was actually looking for a quality piece I could paint myself to use in the guest room. 

And when I stumbled across this one (already painted in a coordinating color!) I was so giddy I sent a text to the number right then and there. 

No response. For days! That's an eternity  to walk around with your fingers crossed. 

Just as I decided it wasn't meant to be,  I get a text that it IS still available. Yay! Turns out the seller does this as a weekend hobby, so she was just waiting to have free time. 

We chatted on the phone and she was absolutely super nice and friendly. She was even willing to wait for me to return from a scheduled trip out of town. I admit, it even crossed my mind to look into changing my flight if the seller couldn't wait.

Coincidently, my mom and step-dad arrive for a long weekend visit tomorrow, so while I wish they could use & enjoy the new furniture over the weekend, I'm glad they'll at least get to see what's in store for them on their next visit since it'll arrive the morning of their departure. 

And hubs? He's the best ever. He was driving while I chatted with the seller for the first time, only hearing half the call. When I hung up, it didn't even phase him. He just had this look with a grin that said, "what are you up to now?"  I shared what I had found on CL and how it was a great deal for furniture that was already painted the perfect color. I don't think he even asked what it looked like. Such a guy!

Pillow Shams for Guest Room

Finally stuffed the navy Schumacher Betwixt pillow shams and added them to the bed!  They've been sitting empty in the guest room patiently waiting for some attention, so I feel like I owe it to them. 

I love the shams, but not sure that I love how the bed is made. Thinking the pillows make too much of a triangle. Now that I look at it, I know why I don't like it... it reminds me of the pin set-up at a bowling alley. Argh! Not good. I will have to play with it more. Lots more! 

Walking into the guest room reminded me how much is still needed in there. It's so easy to forget until you have company coming!

Seriously haven't even started looking for something to hang above the bed, but when I see the room in a photo, I can see the glaring empty spot that is so easy to overlook in person. 

Painting the Townhouse Gray

Eeeny meeeny miney mo! 
The colors look very different in the photo but it just shows how you can have five fabulous recommended colors and it's still a tough decision.

 

Since we've moved cities a few times, our first home has since became a rental.  The townhouse was originally painted in beige/cream color (called Ceyon) but we wanted to update it with a neutral gray to give it a more contemporary look.  Paint color and carpets would need to be picked out in person, so I flew down to check it out.  Eventually picked Sherwin Williams Amazing Gray paint (SW 7044)!