Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

DIY

Wine Cork Ornament

DIY Wedding Wine Cork Ornament

Apparently it’s wedding season. I wouldn’t know, because this year we have not been invited to one single wedding! This definitely gets an exclamation point, because as exciting as they are, they’re expensive. Especially since most of our family and friends are in other states. I love you all, but maybe you should consider a Northern California wedding. I mean, could you get a more beautiful destination? Okay okay…Hawaii is definitely more beautiful. And quite possibly the only place in the US that would cost more than Northern California.

If you’re about to attend someone’s wedding, I have a DIY to share with you. For the past two family weddings we have attended, I have picked up a few things at the reception, and made them into ornaments for the bride and groom. This past year, it was wine corks. As pictured above, I took three wine corks from the reception, added their wedding date in glitter (everything is better with sparkles), hot glued them together, and added a hanging bow.

The year before, I took flowers from the centerpiece. I traveled with them across the country (I should definitely get an award for this. Or at least a back pat.), and put them in a glass bulb ornament for the bride and groom. Tie a little ribbon to the top and voila!

Both ornaments were well-received, and now they have something to hang on their Christmas trees from their wedding day.

DIY

DIY Felt Giraffe

DIY Felt Giraffe // Easy Felt Project // Hand sew GiraffeI know what you’re thinking. Really. I’m a mind-reader. I took a class once and now I’m a bona fide psychic. You didn’t think you could learn to be psychic did you? See, I can read your mind already. Soon enough I’m going to be drawing in more crowds than Theresa Caputo of Long Island Medium (who I love, btw). We”ll probably start touring together. You should get my autograph as soon as possible.

As an encore performance, I’m going to read your mind right now: You’re thinking that I’m doing another felt animal project? There is probably a critical undertone to your question too, but I’ll let that slide. Because yes, I am doing another felt animal project. Why? See photo below:

Easy DIY Felt Project, Hand-sewn Giraffe // DIY Giraffe

After I previously posted my DIY felt animals, a friend of mine mentioned that her son would love a giraffe. Because I’m not in the business of disappointing anyone, not to mention a little boy as adorable as the one pictured above, I got right to work on a felt giraffe. I used the same site as before for this pattern, loosely based it on the giraffe pictured. You can find the giraffe pattern here (and many other animals as well).

He’s tiny, he’s felt, and he’s adorable. What could be better? I know a certain little someone who wouldn’t put him down long enough to take a photo. Good thing I took one before I sent him off.

DIY, Holidays!

Administrative Professional’s Day

Administrative Professional's Day Treats for Coworkers // Oranges // Free PrintableI know it may be hard for some people to believe, but there are indeed some people who enjoy working in the administrative field. The people that are often overlooked, that put in hard work so that others can reap the benefits, the people who make the office run smoothly. They may not be in those positions because they’re any less ambitious than you are. They may choose to be there.

Administrative Professional's Day Treats for Coworkers // Orange Cookie // Free Printable

Believe it or not, they may enjoy working standard hours and being able to leave their work at work. They may enjoy having their weekends worry-free, having vacation time they can actually use, and being able to spend time with children or family. They may not have spent $100,000 to go to college, be in student debt, or even have a Bachelor’s Degree. They may never have wanted that life.

Administrative Professional's Day Treats for Coworkers // Orange Cookie // Free Printable

Because sometimes life is just that: life. It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s temporary. You never know when it’ll be cut short, or when your situation will change. You never know what will happen in the future.

So when you go into work on Wednesday, appreciate those “little people.” The people that help you make copies, print documents, or run your errands. They’re there to help you make your day run smoother, so be grateful for them.

Administrative Professional's Day Treats for Coworkers // Oranges // Free Printable

And on a lighter note, us “little people” loveeeeeee gifts. And treats. So I made it easy for you. Print the tags below, tie them to an orange, and bring them to everyone at the office. Because a little treat will go a long way.

Orange you glad it’s Administrative Professional’s Day: Tag.

Orange you glad you work with me: Tag.

 

DIY, Holidays!

Earth Day AND Administrative Professional’s Day?!

Earth Day // DIY Seed Bombs // Treats or Favors for Earth Day // Free Printable

As you all already know, there are few things that excite me more than holidays. I like to make holidays out of every possible event that I can. Official holidays, unofficial holidays, trash-day, you name it. And since you can imagine how much fun I have on ONE holiday, can you imagine what happens when there’s TWO holidays on ONE day?! Oh Mylanta. It’s ecstasy.

Next week, not only do you get to celebrate Earth Day, but you also get to celebrate Administrative Professional’s Day. All in one day. I know, I know, don’t go too crazy. You still have to maintain somewhat of a responsible life. And if you’re not an administrative professional (like me!), then feel free to celebrate ME! I always like to lend a hand if I can. If nothing else, it gives you an excuse to have that extra glass of wine.
You're the Bomb! DIY Seed Bombs // Administrative Professionals Day // Co-Worker Gift for Administrative Professionals Day

So in true administrative professional spirit (with a hint of Earthy love), I needed to find a little treat to hand out at work. Something that mixed both holidays into one amazing treat. Something that screamed “I LOVE THE EARTH” while simultaneously shouting, “YOU’RE AMAZING.”

When my friend mentioned Seed Bombs to me, I went straight to the internet to find out more information. Sure enough, these little suckers were perfect. I mean, a little favor that will grow wildflowers with a little Earthy love? Pshhhh. Blowing it out of the water.You've Been Bombed // DIY Seed Bombs // Give someone a seed bomb to grow wildflowers!

Then I went to work. I bought Crayola clay (2.5lb tub) from Michael’s ($6.99) in the Terra Cotta color. I used 2.5 cups of the clay, mixed with 4 cups of soil, and 1/2 cup of seeds. I should have used more soil, but buying a huge bag of soil for 4 cups seemed a little pointless. If you have extra on hand, you should use at least 6 cups. Mix together with your hands, adding water as you go (tiny bit at a time). I’d suggest mixing outside, right next to a hose! The clay will dye your hands, but will wash off quickly. Form them into the size balls you’d like, and lay out to dry. I let mine dry for three days, then cut fabric to tie them up. Print the tags, and you’re ready to go!DIY Seed Bombs // How To Make Your Own Seed BombsYou can print the Earth Day tags here.

You can print the Administrative Professionals Day tags here.

You can print the You’re The Bomb! Seed bomb tags here.

Tell me, will you celebrate either holiday?! Or both? At least do the Earth a favor and try to do something nice. Maybe if it’s lucky I will take the train to work to reduce my carbon footprint. Okay I probably won’t do that, but I think my seed bombs make up for it right?

As for Administrative Professional’s Day, you should check out this post to see how I really feel about it.