DIY Painted Wood Necklace

A few months ago, my boss went to Mexico and brought me back this really pretty necklace. I liked it a lot, but as soon as I saw it, I thought about how cute it would look with a pop of color! It’s such a fun shape, and the two-toned wood was awesome! Adding some rainbow paint took it to the next level for me, and made it match much more of my closet. It’s super easy to do if you have any jewelry, especially souvenirs, that aren’t quite your style!

*This blog post contains affiliate links.

You will need: 

Wood necklace (similar here or here)
Nylon cord (here)
Painters tape (here)
Jewelry closures (here)
Jewelry tools (here)
Paint in your choice of colors (similar here)
Scissors (here)
Paintbrush
Pencil & marker

Directions:

1. Decide on your pattern and tape off your wood pieces. If your tape is super sticky, you may want to make it less sticky by putting it onto something and pulling it off, like your pants, so that it has some lint as a buffer.

2. If your necklace is like mine, now you cut it off the string. I wanted to be sure the lines for the tape matched up before cutting.

3. Paint 2 coats. I only did the front and sides so that I didn’t have paint against my skin/clothes but it doesn’t matter either way. Whatever you prefer!

4. Pull off the tape while paint is still wet and let dry fully.

5. String your wood pieces back onto the string and tie a knot on the ends if necessary

6. Add your closures after deciding on the appropriate length for the string.

I love making over items I already own to make them fit my style better. It’s so nice, especially with sentimental items that don’t get much use. What do you think about this project? Do you plan on making over some wooden jewelry sitting in your closet? Let me know in the comments below!

Colorful Easter Brunch Party Idea

Welcome everyone, to what is probably the last Easter party/DIY of the season. In all fairness, I’m Greek Orthodox so my Easter is next Sunday (April 8) and so for that I’m right on time! It’s always weird to get the timing right, since I’m always thinking I have an extra week. For this reason, I wanted to keep this Easter table really simple and colorful. And best of all, affordable! I realized a lot of blog posts and parties can break the bank, and I know us millennials are on a budget. Like, always... so, here’s a very cheap, easy, and gorgeous Easter setup made for any budget! 

*This post contains affiliate links.

I kept the table setup simple and glam by using this sequin table cloth. My sister got it for my bridal shower, and I’ve been using it ever since! It’s seriously gorgeous while not being too expensive. If you want to keep it even more budget friendly, opt for a white tablecloth (or whatever pastel color you have, really) and add a sequin table runner. At only $9 it’s a steal! All the glam, a fraction of the price. 

For the table settings, I stacked some inexpensive plastic plates as sort of “charger plates” and added a cute Easter plate on top. This plate was from the dollar store! Holla for a dolla!! I’m sure you could find something equally cute in your local dollar store but if not check Target or even Party City for another option. I got my napkins from Home Goods. Did you know they have a party supplies section?! With some awesome, hard to find brands as well. These are from Meri Meri and only cost me 5 bucks. Score! I added some gold utensils to make the polka dots pop and I just love how they pick up all the rainbow colors. 

Speaking of rainbow colors... how cute is this streamer paper backdrop?! It’s so easy and cheap to make. I got my crepe paper from, you guessed it, the dollar store! Then I measured out one piece to find the length, went color by color and cut out a whole roll of each. I had a lot extra (like, a lot...) so unless you’re doing a big wall, you may only need half a roll. Mine didn’t go all the way down either, so that would affect how much you need as well. Once I tore all the pieces to the right length (that’s right, tore with my hands... like an animal) I taped them up in color order. Super cute, super easy, super colorful. 

Now, to spruce up that table! I added some dollar store flowers I got last year and added the bunny ears I made last Easter. I put them in a simple milk jug vase that I got from (you guessed it!) the dollar store and placed that on a “placemat” that’s actually artwork! You can find the easy DIY for that here. I added some holographic Easter eggs (what?!) from Target filled with smaller Easter eggs. A small white crate from my wedding was filled with colorful rainbow Easter eggs and honeycomb balls. And, we can’t forget about bunny ears! A pile of headbands ensures that everyone is in the holiday spirit. 

And, let's talk about those blocks! I really wanted a set of pastel rainbow blocks for an Instagram project I was going to do. Unfortunately, they were impossible to find so I made my own! I have a DIY for these coming soon, but I couldn't resist adding them to my Easter post. 

And that’s all there is to it! A simple, affordable Easter table setup that will wow your family without breaking the bank. A lot of the items I either had on hand, used last year, or purchased very inexpensively. 

Pssst. Looking for some assistance planning your next big event? I can help! Visit my virtual party planning services page for more info and pricing.

DIY Pineapple Summer Shoes

Happy Summer, everyone! I'm not sure what the weather has been like where you live, but here in NYC we've had muggy, spring-like weather for most of May and June. It's finally starting to get warm and sunny and summer-like! While warm weather and beach days are clearly the best part about summer (especially after a long NYC winter!) my other FAVORITE part is getting to switch up my wardrobe! I love adding in some of my summer staples, and kicking off my winter boots/rain boots and popping on some summer shoes, like flats and sandals. When it comes to summer shoes, I think the quirkier, the better. That's why I am head over heels in love with these pineapple shoes I made! They're the cutest and possibly most fun shoes I own (and I currently own a pair of sneakers covered in Barbie shoes!) I seriously cannot wait to wear them out and about. They're actually really easy to DIY yourself with a few craft supplies!

You will need:

Yellow Fabric Shoes (here or similar here)
Green Vinyl Fabric (I got mine from Joann Fabric)
Tailor's Chalk (here)
Gold 3D Fabric Paint (here)
Stiff Adhesive Felt (here)
Glue Gun
Scissors
Ruler

How to:

1. Using your tailor's chalk and ruler, create a grid pattern on your shoes. I used the top center of my shoe as the main point. 

2. Using your 3-d fabric paint, go over your chalk lines. I went section by section, since the paint would create gaps if the line was too long. Also, be careful of it spitting out a big glob of paint. If that happens, gently guide the paint away with the clean tip of the nozzle. Wipe the nozzle clean, and keep going.

3. Once your paint has dried for at least 24 hours, it's time to add the top! Draw a few pineapple tops on white paper and pick your favorite one. If you're not a good artist, find one online and print it out. 

4. Cut your pineapple top out and trace it onto your green vinyl (the back side). I wanted mine to mirror each other since they weren't exactly the same, so I flipped the paper stencil and traced it the other way. 

5. Cut out the pineapples from your vinyl, being as careful as you can. 

6. Cut out a small piece of felt.  Peel the adhesive lining off, put your pineapple top on it, and cut out. 

7. Using a glue gun, glue your pineapple topper to the shoe. Wear and enjoy! 

Related: Easy Pineapple Garland DIY

Oh, and if you're wearing a brand-spankin new pair of summer shoes, be sure to bring a backup pair in this handy Barbie Shoes Tote Bag! 

Ahh! Are you LOVING these shoes as much as I am?! What fruit would you want to wear on your feet? I'm thinking strawberry shoes could be another fun one! 

Comfy Spring Outfit Tips

I've been trying to dress better these days,  since I think "yoga chic" could be used to describe my usual fashions. Sneakers are my best friends, and I'm in a committed relationship with leggings, long shirts and oversized sweaters. I've been feeling super comfy, but looking pretty darn frumpy. In the winter it's perfect, because if I have to go outside in 20-degree weather, you best bet I'm gonna be comfy! However, it's warm and it's spring. Time to ditch that workout wear and put on something a little more festive. Easter seemed like the perfect opportunity to switch up my wardrobe. 

*This post contains affiliate links.

Even though I decked out my table with dollar store goodies, I ended up going to my uncle's house for Easter. It was a beautiful, warm day that turned into a rainy and cloudy one. There was an egg hunt, bible bingo (not my idea!) and some egg dyeing. Overall, it was a pretty relaxed but fun day. Since my uncle's house is known for being laid back, I decided to go with cute but comfy for my Easter outfit. 

For starters, I really wanted to wear my new pink jeans from Old Navy. I bought them during their half off promotion, so they were a steal at less than $18. I wanted to add some color to the top of my outfit as well, and I thought the teal peplum added a fun vibe without being too childish. I'm whimsical, what can I say! I decided to keep my shoes neutral and wear my crocs wedges. You guys... if you think crocs are for old people or gardeners, you really need to go check out their website. Forrealz. Do it now, I'll wait. They have so many great shoe options nowadays. Wedges, sneakers, rain boots, flip flops, sandals, even heels! You name it, they've got it. I know you're wondering if I have a pair of those atrocious clogs. The answer is yes, but they're the slim ones and I only wear them in my yard or for grabbing the mail. I swear. Scouts honor! 

Anyway, back to my outfit. At this point I was a little skeptical of my outfit. I kinda felt like an Easter egg, so I went down and asked my fiancé if I was too colorful. And he said something like "Is that even a question? Of course you are, but that's you." I found this answer to be pretty awesome (he's not classically, poetically romantic, so this was a compliment) so I felt brave enough to add on my tassel necklace. It makes every outfit way more fun! I seriously love this necklace. I feel like it's hit or miss- some people love it, some people... don't. Alas, it brings me joy and frankly the haters can keep sipping on that haterade. Yea, I'm talking to you John! (Ps, John is my fiancé. And in case you're wondering, no, he never reads my blog). 

Speaking of John.. here he is dressed in his Easter best. A few weeks back, I saw this shirt at Target and was instantly drawn to it. I pulled it off the rack and brought it over to him and asked if he liked it. He said it made a good Easter shirt. I swear that this guy must have only owned grey, blue, and black before he met me. I really appreciate that he wears things like coral, aqua, and even pink now that we're together. In case you're wondering, this is his "why are you photographing me, I'm just eating a hot dog" face. And why am I photographing him while he eats a hot dog, you ask? Because I'm kinda clingy, had a camera in my hand, and really like to unintentionally annoy him. Whoops. 

I gave John a break and went to hang out with my sister, Irene. I thought she really nailed the lazy-Sunday-meets-Easter outfit, so I decided to snap some photos of her. I love how quirky she is, and how she can look so good making the most ridiculous faces. When we were younger she always wanted to be just like me, but now I want to be like her. She's the ying to my yang. 

Irene kept it comfy with jeans and a tank top. Her kimono was perfect for adding a pop of color while keeping it light. It was pretty hot earlier in the day, so it was perfect for covering up without feeling warm. Plus, it dresses the outfit up without being uncomfortable. She wore leather slip-on vans, which were comfy but a little fancier than wearing sneakers or cloth shoes. Her necklace is a fake pocket watch I bought her years ago. The lid came off and the clock stopped working, but she still loves it and wears it frequently. 

Looking to upgrade your wardrobe now that spring has arrived? It's not too difficult!

Tips for a Comfy Spring Wardrobe 

• Mix in dressier pieces with more comfortable ones. You don't want to be pulling at your outfit all day, so if your pants are slightly dressier or less comfortable, try pairing them with a comfy t-shirt for an effortless chic look.

• Color is your friend! Don't be scared of it. Start small, like a colorful pair of shoes, jeans, or an accessory. You'll probably get loads of compliments on it, because people are automatically drawn to color! This should give you the confidence to mix it up a little more next time.

• Wear layers. Most of the spring is a fluctuation between a warm morning, a hot afternoon, and a cool evening. Even if your outfit isn't totally pajama-comfy, it should at least be temperature happy. Be sure to check your weather app too!

• Play with patterns. Try romantic florals, classy lace, and fun polka dots. I also love silky shirts with really fun and silly patterns like umbrellas, dogs, or pineapples! A fancier fabric will prevent it from looking too juvenile.

• Go thrifting. This is a great way to try new styles and patterns without breaking the bank. I recently got a pink coat from the thrift store. After sewing on some new buttons and getting it dry cleaned, it's practically brand new! The best part is that it only cost me $15. It definitely would've cost way more at a department store, plus it's better for the environment. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

• Try a new trend. I feel like every spring, something kinda ridiculous but comfy comes out that becomes the newest fad. Like the gypsy skirts, or gauchos, or skorts. Although you might cringe someday when you see photos of yourself in these items, it's worth trying something new and trendy. Plus it makes looking back at photos of yourself so much more fun.

• Wear comfortable shoes. If there's one thing that should always be comfortable in warm weather, it's your shoes. First off, you're walking around A LOT. You want to be as comfortable as possible when you do so. Also, a lot of spring and summer shoes require you not to wear socks. Your shoes may be cute, but those blisters won't be. And neither will that hammer toe you're likely to get from cramming your foot into tight shoes. Skip the pain and go for something cute but doable. And, be sure to bring a cute tote to carry around your flats!

1. Peplum Top 2. Bold Necklace 3. Ring 4. Comfy Wedges 5. Plaid Shirt 6. Pink Jeans 7. Floral Kimono 8. Tank Top 9. Dark Jeans 10. Vans Slip-Ons 11. Watch Necklace 12. Black Bracelet

I'm thinking I'll focus on finding some really cute but comfy shoes. I've already purchased 2 pairs so far! 

What's going to be your go-to item this spring? Do you like to switch to a colorful wardrobe in the spring, or keep it neutral? Let me know in the comments below!

DIY Zebra Party Tray

Did you know that in high school, there was a period of time that I wanted to be an interior decorator? I imagined myself creating gorgeous, perfectly curated homes filled with amazing goodies. I was eventually talked out of it, but I still have a desire to create a unique and beautiful home for my fiancé and myself. Although it's been a learning curve, I'm starting to figure out my style and realizing what works and what doesn't. I love to fill my home with one-of-a-kind, whimsical purchases. The kind of stuff that makes people want to look around and wonder where the heck I found this amazing item. But, my absolute, very FAVORITE thing to put inside my home is anything I made myself. I love telling people I made things. There's no better feeling in the world.

The reason I love this zebra tray is because there really isn't anything else like it out there! I think it adds such a fun feel to any room. You can use it on your desk to hold your paperwork, on your coffee table to hold magazines, or in your kitchen to hold flowers and a notepad. It's also a great party tray for holding cocktails! The best part of all is that it's super easy (and cheap!) to make.

*This post contains affiliate links.

You will need:

Aluminum baking tray (mine was from the dollar store, similar here)
Spraypaint (similar here)
Primer & gloss top coat (similar here and here)
Zebra figurines (here) 
E6000 glue (here)

How To:

1. Purchase a tray. You'll want to look for something with a wide handle on either side, so that you can adhere your plastic animal. Also, be sure to avoid any trays with holes for hanging or too much branding. If you want to save a step, purchase a tray that you don't need to spray paint. For me, purchasing a baking tray ended up being the cheapest route.

2. Spraypaint your tray using the color of your choice. I chose a glossy medium pink, but I think this tray would look AH-MAZING in yellow. I just didn't have any yellow spray paint on hand, and it was one of those rare 60 degree days in February, so I had to work with what I had. Be sure to prime it first and use a topcoat. If not, it'll be easy to scratch, and the paint won't adhere as well. Trust me... I speak from experience!

3. Using E6000 glue, put a drop of glue on each hoof/foot, and wait for it to cure for 2 mins. Then place it down on the widest part of your handle. Let dry 24-48 hours before handling.

This tray is the perfect size for holding paperwork on your desk! I have a love/hate relationship with paper, so I love that this cute tray keeps everything organized while making me smile.

Psst- Interested in the printable above? Just fill out this form to get our FREE Anatomy of a Pinterest Party guide!

And, when it's time to party, you can kick those papers out and grab your drinking glasses! Let's take a moment to say RIP to the adorable pink ombre cup. My fiancé's brother accidentally broke one yesterday :(

The teal glasses are from Pioneer Woman and are awesome! The cotton candy garland, party hats, and animal drink stirrers are all projects from the blog.

So what do you think of this zebra tray? You can create it with any animal. I also bought some schnauzers, and can't waittt to make another tray with them! Do you have any DIY projects in your home decor? Let me know about them in the comments below!