Thursday, January 25, 2018

DIY Clothing Rack





Tiny closet or no closet at all? This easy (and under $100) copper rack is such a fun and functional project that will instantly give you more space, while looking stylish at the same time!

With the shrinking apartments and sky-high rent around DC and NY (and the even smaller/non-existent closets), it leaves us fashionistas with few options on where to store our precious pieces. My shopping habit has gotten a bit out of control and there may never be a large enough closet to fit all of my fun and bright pieces. I know this isn't an issue that only I face since most of my friends that live in big cities have bulky, industrial clothing racks (that aren't that cute) taking up half their bedroom! Hence the inspiration for this DIY. This copper clothing rack uses simple copper materials from Home Depot for under $100!!! In addition, the size can be totally customized to fit your space. All you have to do is adjust the long pipe lengths. What could be better than that??

This clothing rack is not only functional, but it's stylish. I wanted to style it because I figured what could be prettier than a rack of colorful summer Katie Kime dresses? Copper makes the rack look so much more chic than a typical one you would find at Bed Bath & Beyond or the Container Store. Functional and FABULOUS!

What you will need:
1. (5) 1/2" x 5' pipe
2. (6) 1/2" pipe elbows
3. (2) 1/2" caps
4. (8) 1/2" tees 
5. (6) 1/2" x 5" pipe (custom cut)
6. (6) 1/2" x 2" pipe (custom cut)
7. Loctite 
*Home Depot will custom cut your pipes for FREE :)

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Inspiration Credit: Cupcakes & Cashmere, another amazing DIYer, originally created this DIY and put together a wonderful drawing that should help you better visualize how to assemble the rack. Please note that she uses 1" piping, whereas I used 1/2" piping. 





Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Montana Winter Adventures




My parents recently retired in Pray, Montana (about 1 hour outside of Bozeman) and this was the first time that my husband and I had visited them since they moved last year. To say that we had an amazing time would be an understatement. WE ABSOLUTELY HAD A BLAST! There's something to be said about the great outdoors and the tranquility of Montana living. The views were unbelievable and the recreational activities at your fingertips are endless. Even -12 degree weather didn't hold us back from exploring the beautiful winter wonderland. Although, I will admit, there were moments that I thought my fingers and toes had frostbite.

I wanted to share some of our Montana winter experiences and the activities that are on our bucket list for our next winter visit. If Montana is on the top of your travel list, I highly encourage you to go! It's well worth it! Happy traveling!


Winter Activities we LOVED:
  • Dog Sledding - What a once in a lifetime experience! 
  • Cross-Country Skiing through Yellowstone National Park 
  • Chico Hot Springs - This hot spring pool is FABULOUS. Plus, you get to bring your beer and cocktail in with you. It's crazy how you can feel warm swimming around under the stars with frozen hair when it's below zero outside. I highly recommend Chico!
  • Snowmobiling to Old Faithful - I did this on a previous Montana trip and it was SPECTACULAR. It's a full-day trek, but so worth the beautiful scenery and amazing wildlife that you see along the way. 

Bucket List Activities for our next visit:
  • Sleigh Ride Dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch (Big Sky, Montana) 
  • Ice Fishing 
  • Swim in the Boiling River at Gardiner 
Bozeman (also referred to as Boz Angeles) Foodie Favorites:

  • Open Range - My favorite dinner spot. Try the Elk Tenderloin. It literally melts in your mouth and the parsnip puree is to die for. You will thank me later.
  • Sweet Chili Bistro - Feeling like you need something light? This place is where you go for sushi and a hot bowl of miso soup. We loved it! 
  • Bozeman Spirits Distillery - If you are up for a mid-day cocktail, you have to go here (especially because they close by 8PM). They distill all of their spirits in-house and serve amazing cocktails with their well-known Huckleberry Vodka. 
  • Zocalo Coffee House (117 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715) - If you are feeling tired or extremely cold after walking down the main drag of Bozeman, stop in Zocalo for a warm treat and pick-me-up. 

Saturday, January 6, 2018

EMBOSSING QUEEN



In 2018, I've decided that it is completely necessary to take my snail mail to the next level. Which means I've been doing a lot of stamping, embossing, and cutting out FANCY envelope liners. I LOVE receiving pretty mail and it's sad that today's technology has, for the most part, replaced the art of letter writing. I'm determined to carry on the antiquated tradition of sending mail. Who is with me?! #goals

DIY details are in my video below. :) Enjoy!