Staying Home Sawyer

Real Life Living on a Real Life Budget

DIY

TGIF. That is all.

Baby Boy Sample Scrapbook PagesThank the Almighty Lord above. It’s Friday. It’s almost my weekend. Those two glorious days off that fly by faster than the first half of Monday morning. This weekend I plan on doing a million things that I most likely will not do. But who’s procrastinating? We are only moving in two weeks…we have plenty of time to get ready.

Speaking of time to get ready, I thought I’d start on this baby boy scrapbook now. That way, in the next ten to fifteen years, if we decide we’d like to have a screaming bundle of joy, we’ll be ready. It only makes sense to prepare.Sample Baby Boy Scrapbook PagesIn real life, I had to put together this little 6×6 book for a friend in a quick pinch and thought I’d share. Note to self: Next time you find out you have a slipped disc in your back, don’t lean over a scrapbook for six hours straight. Or do, and just take the narcotics.

DIY

What Have You Done for Me Lately?

Thank You for Helping Me Bloom - Teacher Thank You GiftThe answer is probably “everything.” Since I’ve been holed up in our apartment with a slipped disc in my back, I’ve been kind of needy. I should note that I still cook dinner every night for my husband, but that’s just because, let’s face it – I don’t want to eat whatever he would cook. Although he did win a few points back by getting take-out a few nights. Husband = 2, Wife = Infinity. He’ll catch up eventually.

I will prove to you that I am grateful for all of your help, so I’ll make you a little gift. Besides, what’s better than something homemade? And you better say “Nothing.” Because you’re right, nothing is better than something from the heart. Even if it is only worth one whole dollar. I could have bought two tacos at Jack in the Box instead. Or a candy bar. What this means is that you’re more important than chocolate. Do you understand the worth now?

I found these really cute little solar flowers at The Dollar Tree (I wish I had a little bell that would ring when you read those words, because that’s what happens in my head). I created this little tag to tie onto it (good luck trying to poke a hole through the plastic, it just wouldn’t happen). So instead I opened one of the snaps, tied the ribbon through it, and put it through a hole in the tag. Simple? Yes. Quick? Yes. Done? Yes.Cute Teacher Thank You GiftFor those of you that are thinking I actually gave this to my husband as a thank you gift – relax. I made it for a co-worker. I think he’d rather I just wrap up the remote control, so that’s what I’ll do. Thank you honey!

DIY, Home Decor, Lifestyle

We’ve Survived Year One!

Oh The Places We'll Go Free Printable TagI always knew we could do it. One year together. Me and my husband that is. I’ll celebrate my one year anniversary with all of you too, but your gifts may not be this cool. Sorry. I love you but I can’t afford to buy you all gifts. Remember, it’s the thought that counts. And just for the record, I’m thinking up something real nice.

You may or may not be aware, but the gift for Year One is supposed to be comprised of paper. Yes, you heard that right. So while a normal human being might think of the obvious (lottery tickets/scratchers, tickets to a game/concert, plane tickets, gift certificates, or straight cash), this crazy cat lady went with the more “unique” (read: nerdy) gifts. That’s right! I made my husband a prized wedding scrapbook (more details to come on that one), and this “scrap map” of the USA. I mean, clearly, he would rather have these items than any of those more materialistic ones. I found myself a keeper.DIY Scrapbook Map of USA StepsTo make yourself (or your significant other…or your cat) one of these handy dandy maps, follow these easy instructions!

1. Print 2 copies of your outline here (from Mr. Printables).

2. Cut out each state from one outline, and cut out the whole country from the other (as one piece).

3. Trace the individual states onto various pieces of scrapbook paper.

4. Glue the whole country onto a piece of decorative paper of your choice.

5. Adhere (I used photo stickers) each state to the top of its state in the one-piece country.

6. Print the tag, add some ribbon, and adhere to the side of your choice.

7. Add buttons to each state that you’ve already been together, and continue to add them as you go.

8. Frame your piece of art (I found a frame without glass, so I can add the buttons easier).

*TIP* Start from one end and work towards the other.DIY Scrapbook Map of USAI’m not naive enough to think my husband would rather have this than the tropical vacation tickets. But, he  did love this map. I got lucky and found a frame at Goodwill that was perfect, and it will go in our “Nautical” themed room in the new house (read: new house = why I handmade his gifts).

Lifestyle

My Non-DIY, Non-Crafty Blog Post

Last Night Rae of Sparkles BlogI’m straying a little from my usual topics, but you’re along for the ride right? I mean, you did decide to follow along, so don’t think about leaving me now. I know that you’re probably disappointed that I’m writing about something other than crafting, but I do have a life outside of my living room. Well, some days I do. Others I really don’t. And I’m not complaining. Lucy makes pretty good company when she’s not eating my ice cream.

This weekend we attended a wedding in Bodega Bay, California. For once, I didn’t make the gift! We gave them the more appreciated form of currency: straight cash. I spent my weekend drinking out of adorable bell jars and enjoying someone else’s handiwork. It’s nice to put your feet up every once in a while. Although I did get a few weird stares. Apparently feet on the table at a wedding is unacceptable. There I go again breaking the social norm.We Like To Party Rae of Sparkles Blog

Every once in a while I actually have a great time out with friends and family, and that’s a heavy emphasis on the words “once in a while.” We had a great time this weekend just being goofy and having one too many chardonnay’s. Or Vodka/Sodas. Or whatever they had left. The goofiness may or may not have been a direct result of the chardonnay.Never a Dull Moment Rae of Sparkles Blog

I do have to let you in on one little crafty pointer. All these photos were edited with a cool new editing app that I downloaded for free: Studio. What’s not to love? Editing all my favorite photos is right up my alley.