Refashioning Old Jeans

For a while now  I have been wondering what to do with a stack of old jeans tucked away in my closet.  I am no longer into the boot cut and most of the boyfriend cut are too baggy for me these days.  I had actually considered trying to sell them but then it dawned on me... just refashion them!!

So I went to my main source for creative ideas... Pinterest of course!

Now I just might actually take on two projects - turning jeans into shorts & jeans into capri's!  And all without a sewing machine!!!

Thanks to two sources on Pinterest here are my possible projects :


The first project - jeans into shorts (according to Refinery 29)

Now instead of explaining it step for step I'll just refer you to their link.

Hopefully this will fix the fact I actually only like one pair of jean shorts I own!


The second project - jeans into capri's (according to By Your Hands)
(Since I don't have a sewing machine I am going to use the technic I'll learn from the shorts instead of the zig zag stitch she suggests.)

 

Again, here's a link to their site instead of explaining it step for step.

Now the capris seem way more challenging than the shorts, but if it works it would be nice to have actual capris instead of rolling up my jeans!


If and when I get around to it, obviously before the summer, I'll be sure to document my progress and keep you updated.

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste! Salut!

:) Danica

Polyvore - Outfits #2

Last time I mentioned Polyvore I focused on one particular member and the great outfit combos she pumps out, but this time I just want to focus on Fall.  And outfits that I can actually recreate thanks to similar items in my closet... and a couple pieces that I would like to see in my closet.

The 1st Fall outfit is centered around the wrap/poncho.  I absolutely love the grey poncho!!!  I have one at home with a mix of pinks, blues, & beiges but a solid color seems to be easier to dress up and down. I also like how she has mixed the grey and brown, never thought of doing this.  If you want to see more of her ideas you can find her via this link.
 

The 2nd Fall outfit is simple, and can be worn everywhere.  It looks so easy, just wrap up in a warm cardigan, slip on some ballerina flats, toss on a scarf to tie it all together and you're gone.  I could see myself wearing this many places.  And what's even better, it can all be found at H&M.  More of her outfit combos can be found here.

 

The 3rd Fall outfit I like only for the awesome print and color combos of the cardigan.  The boots aren't my style, I prefer ankle boots.  But the cardigan, wow!  I might actually have to find something similar and add it to my closet.  A friend of mine has one in wool, which isn't my favorite fabric but there is hope of finding one here in The Netherlands.  For more of her outfit combos look here.


The 4th Fall outfit isn't from Polyvore but it still caught my eye.  (Found all of these outfits through Pinterest, btw.)  This outfit is nearly straight out of my closet, and I was happy to see this combo.  Makes me think I am occasionally on the right track!  But I must admit, I'm not into backpack purses, even though it looks convenient.  For more follow this link.
 

Now with these outfits in mind, I'm ready for the cooler weather and an excuse to wrap up in cozy thick cardigans!  Do you have any outfits you're excited to get back in to this Fall?

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica

Recipe Fail

The other day I was looking for a yummy healthy casserole via Pinterest and my search ended up leading me to a Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole that wasn't even on Pinterest!  Oh well, at least it sent me in the right direction.  I've been wanting to add dishes to our general rotation of meals and a casserole seemed perfect.  What's easier than tossing everything in a baking dish and walking away for 30 min.  Apparently I picked the wrong casserole when it comes to easy.  Not that the broccoli quinoa casserole was so difficult, it was just a lot of work before even getting it into the oven.  I had to cook the chicken, quinoa, sauce, and veggies separate then mix it all together.  The amount of dishes to wash at the end was outrageous.  I guess I should have actually read through the recipe before buying the ingredients! 

After all this work, when I pulled it out of the oven it actually looked like the picture I had seen online.  This is usually a good sign.  Unfortunately it didn't taste as good as it looked.  Maybe I messed up on the quinoa, because it completely took over the casserole.  Next time, if there is one, I'll definitely cut back on the amount of quinoa I add.  And to be honest, the website labelled it as healthy but with the amount of butter & cheese mixed into it, I question that.  I of course tried out the new recipe while my husband was away on a business trip, he doesn't like being a guinea pig.  This left my 4 yr old to taste test the new dish with me, and she gave it a big thumbs down and even a few tears.  When I mentioned leftovers, she suggested just eating her vegetables instead, this says enough, ha-ha!

Any suggestions for a tasty, healthy, & easy casserole?

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica

Thanks Pinterest :)

Like many people I skim through Pinterest, pin a few things, but never actually attempt to recreate any of it.  (Except for the failed terrariums.)

Anyway, I finally tried one of the interesting, cost saving ideas.  What did I try?  The foot treatment for dry heels.  (Instructions are on the picture.)

Did  it work?  Well, sort of!  No, I didn't get the same results as when my husband treated me to a pedicure during vacation but it did help.  Some of the cracks are still there but a lot of the white dry skin around the cracks is gone.
 

I did have some thoughts about where it went wrong.
-used store brand mouthwash instead of Listerine (sometimes frugal is not useful).
-possibly didn't  make enough  for the container (because my heels should have been more submerged).
 

Will I try it again?  Definitely for what little it cost and the fact I did get some results, I would be crazy not to periodically do this.  Especially considering it's summer and I almost never spend money on pedicures.  (We're a one income family and it's just another way to save money!)
 

Let me know if you end up trying this out!

Bye! Dag! Adios! Namaste!

:) Danica