DIY Holiday Centerpiece Ideas




For this centerpiece all you need is a martini glass, a few berries, greenery and tea light candles. Combine the berries, greenery and candles into the martini glass and enjoy!

A Dining Room Makeover Surprise for Mom



I love my momma! No really, I love her! I never truly appreciated her until I became a parent. For Christmas this year I decided to makeover her dining room. I think she truly deserves it! I wasn't exactly sure how I would be able to without her knowing... I mean she does live at her house. :) I found out she would be out of town for a week and used that time to get everything done.

My DIY Christmas Tree Alternative (Plus 4 More Ideas)

This year I opted out of the traditional Christmas Tree business. I wanted some different. Here's what I decided to go with this year. It's simple, easy to put up and take down and really [I think] adorable! Just think: A Christmas tree can be as simple as stringing lights on the wall.

DIY String Light Christmas Tree - Christmas tree alternative


If you want to recreate here's how I did it: 

Supplies:

4 Sets of string lights
Clear Thumb Tacks
Measuring Tape

To do: 

1. Start by measuring 50 inches across for the bottom row and mark up 65 inches high from bottom row.
2. Mark lines 5 inches up until you right the top point of 65 inches (Small mock up diagram below)
3. As you mark the lines up, each row should be 4 inches shorter than the one beneath it.

4. Use small clear thumbtacks, three for each row to hang the lights on.
5. Begin at the bottom and wrap the lights around the thumbtacks.
6. After you reach the top add another layer of lights loosely over the first set.

I had my niece help me with this project. It's seriously so easy a kid can do it.

and then you are finished! Click below to check out some of my other projects:




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DIY String Light Christmas Tree - Christmas tree alternative



Check out these other Christmas tree alternatives.

LiveEco
 
Via Pinterest








A Litttle Tipsy

Via Pinterest

How to Save Money on a Headboard

Things are moving right on along in Babygirl's room. I actually worked on this I'd say about a month ago, but was being lazy and didn't add it to the blog. Babygirl was upgraded to a "Big Girl Bed" by trading in her toddler bed for a full sized bed. Only problem, it was just mattresses without a headboard. No worries though, a quick trip to my favorite thrift store for furniture, Goodwill, solved that problem. I found a headboard that was the style I was looking for but not the color. That small detail was fixed with a can (or two) of spray. 


What a difference a headboard makes! I'm still working on her bedding because right now it bores me but for now, until I run across something I love, it'll do! I recommend giving this simply project a shot if you are looking for a simple way to update a bed. It can be spray painted any color. Would you be surprised if I said I was considering spraying painting it something other than white now? If you know how indecisive I am then you shouldn't be! :)

So what do you think?

Ok...I Painted It!

Remember about a month or so ago I was working on a chair I found at the thrift store. I was back and forth over whether I wanted to paint the chair or not. Well... I painted it and changed the fabric (again). I know, I know.. I'm indecisive, but, I like it waaaaaaay better now! Take a look at the before and after!

So why the second update? I honestly got bored with the update I made before. It was too safe. I wanted something that would pop in her room and I think this does the trick. If you don't remember, check out my first update HERE!

So what do you think?

Linked to: We Like to Learn as We Go

The Easiest Wall Decor Update Ever! [Project Babygirl's Room]

Today I worked on updating some of her wall decor. Here's what me and Babygirl did today.


About three years ago I purchased some white plastic butterflies from Target. I arranged them behind her bed.  I really like the butterflies and want to keep them in the room but they really didn't have too much of a pop. Here is how it was before.

Simple Update to a Vintage Chair - My $6.00 Thrift Store Find!

Well people I'm sticking to it and getting Babygirl's room together. I've been hunting for the perfect "big girl" chair for her room.  Something that would be comfy for both her use and mine when hanging out in her room. I found some really cute ones from Target and World Market that I had my heart set on. Fast Forward - I was browsing some thrift stores and ran across the cutest little vintage chair. It didn't exactly fit the requirements of being big enough for me to fit in... but hey, it was adorable, it fit her perfectly and it was only $6.00 so I went with it.

Here's the chair before


Closet Organization [Project Babygirl's Room]





Happy Saturday! For the next two weeks I am working on getting Babygirl's room together. She's transitioning into a Big Girl's Room.  I know, I have been talking about a million things and rooms I'm completing around the house. It's ok! Bare with me. I'm going to get focused soon. :)

Today, I tackled her cluttered and junky closet.  My four year old has a gazillion toys, big and small, and they are all over the place. I don't think we've gone through her toys since she was a year old. Well today was the day folks!

A cubbie system was used to organize her books, and canvas drawers were used to organize her toys sets. ie. Barbie, electronics, purses. 









We are making progress! [Back Deck RENO]

Wow where has the time gone! It's been a while! Although I haven't been busy with the blog I (mainly Brandon) has been busy working on the back deck.  If you remember in my previous post about my deck I talked about some plans we had for the deck. Unfortunately, we didn't have everything ready in time for Memorial Day as we hoped, but that didn't stop our party.
We have got a couple of things done over the past two months..Brandon pressure washed the deck. See the difference!

Yummy Strawberry + Banana Smoothie!

I swear I could drink smoothies all day! I usually hit up Smoothie King or McDonalds to get my fix. Yesterday, while me and my mom were out at Home Depot we ran across a great deal. A simple stainless steel blender for $9.88!

Now, I'm a smoothie making machine! I just got my blender yesterday and I'm already cranking out smoothies! I don't know why I never got a blender before.. but now that I have one.. I'll never let go!

So want to make the Strawberry + Banana Smoothie I made today?

Here's what you need:


.....It's the little & simple things that make me smile

I hate Monday mornings! am I the only one?! ....didn't think so! It's the start of a new work week and the furthest day away from Friday!

But this Monday morning wasn't so bad. I woke up to a sweet surprise and it really made my Monday!

My routine for the morning is to stumble through a very dimly lit bedroom getting dressed so not to wake others, grab my laptop out my office, run down stairs, grab my keys out the living room, hop in the car, and leave. Throughout my routine this morning I noticed that Brandon arranged a small set of flowers on each one of my "checkpoints." He knows how much I love fresh flowers!

Bedroom

It's looking so much better already! [Back Deck Reno]

We are not wasting any time getting the back deck fixed up. I want to be ready for Memorial Day Weekend to have my friends and family over. I'm picturing food, drinks, spades & dominoes. A nice comfy outdoor set, nice rug, and some shade.. sounds so relaxing! ...but until all this happens I have to get my head out the clouds and get to work.

We got that big, ugly, bug & animal infested, view obstructing bush taken down! What a difference already! (...and why did we what over a year to do this again?!?) 

Beautiful View!...Ugly Deck [Back Deck Reno Begins]

I love waking up every morning to the view of our lake. The bedroom windows faces the lake and it is really a pretty sight. Here's the view in the Spring/Summer.


But when it comes to sitting outside.... that's another story. The view is beautiful but the surroundings, in particular our back deck, is ugly! Horrible really!! 

Well Springtime is here and Brandon is in Man-beast mode (as he calls it) and has started tackling the outside of the house... first up.. The back deck!

So here's a look at the before... 

Yum! My Mom's Salmon Patties

A little over two weeks ago, I called my mom and ask her if she wanted to come over for dinner. She of course said yes...but little did she know she would be doing the cooking! I admit, I didn't let her know my master plan when I called..but hey.. who doesn't like home cooked meal from their mom!

I already had planned what I wanted her to make.. SALMON PATTIES. I love her salmon patties! I can really eat them all day!  So today I will be sharing how she makes them.


Here's what you need to make these yummy patties:

The Before & Afters of the Entryway

Do you love before and afters as much as I do?? I think it's cool to see the transformation of things and then actually seeing those things being put to use. Today I'm sharing the before and afters of my entryway. All of these were simple to do and can be completed in very little time.

The before and after of the Entryway:


Welcome to my Entryway!

Well I finally got a room (space) completed...My Entryway! Ok Ok I know it's not technically a "room" but who cares! I'm glad to have something actually completed in the house.  So here's the entryway:


This space was a little bit of challenge for me because it is so small and narrow.

{DIY} $10.00 Rug Update + How to Stencil a Rug

Work has begun on my "Projects I'm starting although I haven't completed projects in progress" list. I'm scratching off the Entry Way and hope to be finished with it by the end of the week with pictures to show you all. 

I'm looking for cost effective ways to make these updates and I was able to do so by adding a stencil to a rug that I already had. Adding a stencil to a rug is a easy way to add a pop of pattern to a space.



Behind the Big Green Door {An Introduction}

Anybody around here noticed a major change over the last week??  Anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis will know that every week I have a new banner, new background, or new format. It's that indecisiveness in me that keeps things changing around here. However, I think I'm on the road to stability and promise I won't be confusing ya'll for too much longer.

So here's the major change around here:

Blog Name:  "Behind the Big Green Door

I honestly felt the first blog name didn't truly fit me. As much as I love DIY, I am no DIY expert.. and honestly my DIY efforts come from necessity.. also known as not having enough money to pay someone to do it or buy it! Long story short... I love creating beautiful things, however that spans much further that just DIY.

Behind the Big Green Door is simply about everything that goes on in my house (Behind my Big Green front Door) I want to share more of what goes on here and most of it isn't DIY. I will still do DIY but I also want to share other things. I'm really trying to find my voice and my purpose in this blogging world and I think the experiences in these last three month has kinda put me on a path that I need to be on.

15 Minute Meal Idea: Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Let me say this... I am by no means a chef or great in the kitchen. There are a few things I have made that others have really loved! These are the recipes that I will be sharing. They are simple, easy, unconventional, and no where near proper..but they work and they are tasty! I am in the process of learning how to be a better cook...and of course sharing my experiences. 


This is hands down one of my favorite meals to throw together. I'm a busy lady and cooking usually gets very little of my time. One of the quickest ways to a full stomach in my house is through Buffalo Chicken Wraps & French Fries. They are easy and quick to make and seem to be a favorite 'round here.

Sunrise & Sunset

Sunrise - 7:30 AM

DIY Personalized Mugs

For those who are  following me on Facebook you will remember me mentioning that I wanted to share some crafty ideas between now and Valentine's Day. I think personalized and homemade gifts are the best Valentine's Day gifts! {anybody else over the chocolate and teddy bears like me??} 

Recently I've seen some cute personalized mugs floating around the internet. I think it is a great idea to make personalize mugs as a Valentine's Day Gift.  It's a great way to add a thoughtful touch to a gift. I love this idea because it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. {I'm left-handed, I can't draw and have terrible handwriting..but even with all of that I love how they turned out!}


There are two ways you can do this one using permanent marker and the other enamel craft paint. I used both processes. The process is very simple.

Simple & Easy Baked Lemon and Garlic Tilapia

Let me say this... I am by no means a chef or great in the kitchen. There are a few things I have made that others have really loved! These are the recipes that I will be sharing. They are simple, easy, unconventional, and no where near proper..but they work and they are tasty! I am in the process of learning how to be a better cook...and of course sharing my experiences.


Today I made Baked Tilapia for lunch. Baked Tilapia is one my most favorite things to cook. It's quick, easy, and healthy! ...and I hear it's pretty good.

Ingredients:
Tilapia Filets
Black Pepper
Lawry's Garlic Salt
Lemon Juice
Parsley Flakes
Spoonful of melted butter

1. Thaw fish and preheat oven to 425 degree 
2. Pour lemon juice in small sauce - Dip tilapia filets in lemon juice covering both sides
3. Place fish in a foil lined pan
4. Coat back side of fish with generous, but even amount of black pepper
5. Flip fish over and pour melted butter over the fish (I like to poke little holes in the fish)
6. Coat fish with black pepper (light amount), garlic salt (medium to light), and parsley flakes (medium amount)
7. Add a little water to bottom of pan 
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes
9. Add your favorite sides and enjoy!

Will you be trying this recipe? If so, I would love to hear about it!

5 Ways to Save Money on Craft Supplies









Over the past couple of weeks I have been sharing easy DIY craft projects that I feel are great out of the box gifts ideas.  Buying the supplies needed for craft projects can really add up! However, crafting/DIY'n does not have to be expensive. There are some great ways you can keep money in your pockets when purchasing crafting supplies! Want to know how?? Keep reading for more info....






 1. COUPONS! - Popular crafting store like Hobby Lobby and Michael's frequently have 40% off coupons available for use. They can easily be printed or downloaded onto your phone. To NOT take advantage of these coupons would be crazy! Never enter a craft store without one!
2. WRITE A LIST AND TRACK SALES - Another thing with crafting stores, they runs sales every week and tend to rotate the items that are on sale. Write out a list of things you will need and wait for the sale to come. Hobby Lobby runs 50% off sales on different product categories every week!
3. SAVE ALL LEFTOVERS - When you finish a project save all leftovers!  Half gallon of paint left over?? SAVE IT! Leftover wallpaper?? SAVE IT! You never know when these things can come in handy for a future project.
(Check out two projects where I have used leftovers --here and here)
4. REUSE & REPURPOSE - Take a look around the house at thing you may be ready to throw away that might make a good craft supply. Here is a great example {and cute DIY idea} of using a old pop bottle for wall art.
5. SHARE CRAFTING SUPPLIES - Have a friend who is also into crafting/DIY projects? Share and swap some of the tools that you have that the other person may not. It's a good way to save on big crafting supplies needs such as sanders, power drills, jigsaws, etc..

What are some of the way you save on crafting supplies??

DIY Coaster Set {Step by Step Guide}

For those who follow me on Facebook you will remember me mentioning that I wanted to share some crafty ideas between now and Valentine's Day. I think personalized and homemade gifts are the best Valentine's Day gifts! {anybody else over the chocolate and teddy bears like me??}

Anybody feeling crafty or creative lately? I know I have been!
Today I wanted to share How To Make a Coaster Set. It's an easy project that takes a little patience but well worth it in the end!


The great thing about this project is that you can customize your coaster set to any pattern or design that you choose through the use of scrapbook paper, old notes, pictures, or monogram letters.


I chose to use scrapbook paper and really customize the set by using different patterns for one set.

You can easily gift a set of coaster to a friend or family member that shows your creative side!

 
If you want to make some of your own here's what you will need and exactly what to do:

..I'm Making Progress {Home Office}

Ever have an idea in your head for how you wanted a room to be.. you start putting it together and it doesn't quite work out the way you envisioned? {looks around...slowly raises hand...}

That's been me over the past couple of weeks. I have been all over the place trying to figure out what colors I wanted for my office.. it doesn't help that I'm very indecisive. In my previous post I was going to go with Blue, Black & White. When I started putting it together.. I really didn't like it. 

Now thanks to some great fabrics I found at Hobby Lobby and my recent chair rehab I have been able to settle on some colors! 


I'm happy to finally have a color scheme. So I am going with Yellow, Gray, Black and White.  {I'm not changing this time either, I promise}

Here's some progress I have made on my home office....

Furniture is in here and placed..now to paint this green wall!


 I can never wait for anything.. I'm already working in here...
.

Pillows for the Sofa Bed

There's goes that window seat..You know how I feel about that window seat. I've added pillows and think I will add a cushion {Thanks to the suggestions of some great readers!}

I'm still trying to figure out what fabrics to put on which pillows.. so for the time being the pillows are just wrapped until I can figure it all out.

Now that green wall...It's gots to go! - I want a neutral wall color. I've got lot's of selections here..but I have a feeling I'll be back at Home Depot looking for more paint chips! :)



I need to find a rug, work on some wall art, sew the fabrics into pillowcases and find something to do with this glassed mirror closet doors {Ya'll haven't seen that yet...come to think of it I haven't posted any before pics. I'll do that when the room is completed}

Catch up on some of my Home Office Journey:
Simple Bookcase Makeover
Rooms: Home Office Sneak Peak


-alaya

Ways to Add {Pantone Color of the Year 2013} Emerald Green To Your Home Decor

Well we are three weeks into 2013.. how many of you have been adding the Pantone Color of the Year 2013: "Emerald Green" to your home decor?

Personally, I think I'd rather see Emerald Green accents rather than full fledged green walls. I'm not a major green fan, but I think pops of the Emerald Green throughout the house would look nice.....somewhere along the lines of a dresser, chair, curtains, or throw pillows. I ran across some great pictures showing ways to add Emerald Green to your home decor without going into overload. 


I love this vintage style Emerald Green Dresser! It has a great paint finish and would pop well in any room! 
Source

I love these Emerald Green chevron print curtains. Bold Color + Bold Print = Gorg!

Source

I love these green chair! Honestly, I love any painted color dining room chairs but these green chair are gorg!
Source

Last but not least.. This easy dresser remake adds a great pop of green!
Source

 What are some ways that you are adding green to your home decor?

-alaya

(Need a crash course on what the Pantone Color of the year is all about... look here.)

Emergency Chair Rehab! {Garage Find Makeover}

Remember that chair I found in my mom's garage?? (Catch up here!) Well it finally got the makeover it deserved!

A little more history about the chair.. my cousin got it from a garage sale {yaay the chair was rescued!} and used it while she was living here in 2006. She moved away and it had been sitting in my mom's garage ever since ....alone, cold, & neglected {poor chair!}.  Six years later, I noticed the chair.  The chair went from it's old home in my mom's garage to it's new home in my garage for about 3 weeks {from one bad situation to the next...poor chair!}. I decided to stop neglecting the chair and used this weekend to devote time and give it the the TLC that it needed. 
 

side

front

back

before & after

I think this is a nice addition to my home office!

Looking to reupholster a chair? Check out my previous post that includes a step-by-step on how to reupholster chairs.

And now the chair's journey to becoming beautiful again...