DIY Dry Erase Wall Calendar

I know, shocker...I am finally posting on this blog.  Gasp!

Remember when I said I was going to take a month break?  Yeah, well when that was over we found out we were moving....then we prepared for the move...then we moved...all the while, while I was NOT blogging I was, instead, obsessing over Pinterest.  Which is why we are here today.

I've started decorating my house.  $uper Frugal (Pinterest inspired) Style.

You see...while the house we bought may be new to us, it is definitely not new.  It was built in the late 70's.  I really don't mind that, except that in the foreseeable future it will need a few repairs.  (Starting with ripping out the nasty animal/urine stained carpet that was SUPPOSED to have been cleaned professionally.  Never happened.).  So...I need to be $aving money anywhere I can on more "frivolous" things. 

That's why I am ecstatic about today's project.  It didn't cost me a thing.  I had all the supplies already (that NEVER happens).

I have been scoping out Dry Erase Wall Calendars on Pinterest and found a few that I liked but didn't LOVE.  So...I used those ideas as a "guideline" and made up my own.  Now...before you all go thinking I am a creative genius, you are wrong.  This took me HOURS upon HOURS to think up...and it really only evolved as I got going.  I'm really surprised it turned out so cute...to tell you the truth.

Supplies used:

*Picture frame (I used an old one my mother-in-law gave me years ago...Walmart has them for cheap)

*Paint for frame (if you want to change the color)

*Polyurethane to seal paint (which I haven't actually put on yet because SOMEONE threw it away during the move....Roberto!)

*Strip of my new favorite fabric (Paisley Floral Cream -by Sophia, purchase at Jellys Roll 2 Go)

*Coordinating Scrapbook Paper

*Permanent Marker

*Wrapping paper (with grids on the back)

Honestly, the HARDEST part was trying to measure and evenly space the boxes.  I may, or may not, have sworn in my head (or even out loud) a few (many) times.  Seriously!  I ended up using wrapping paper that I (surprisingly) had.  I used the grids to help measure the two inch length (my boxes are 2.75 inches by 2 in) so at least a few of my lines would be strait.  :)

FYI...the days of the week ("Sunday, Monday, etc") and "notes" were written directly on the scrapbook paper, the boxes are drawn on the INSIDE of the glass (so the lines stay month after month), and the month ("May") and days of the month ("1, 2, 3, etc") are written on the OUTSIDE of the glass (so you can erase and change them every month).

I'm really REALLY happy with the finished product.  

It's to be the main focal point on the empty kitchen.  I was sure to incorporate all of the colors I want to use in the entire room to draw them all together. 

More $uper Frugal (Pinterest inspired) projects to come, I am sure.

Signing out,
Melanie

How To: Clean and Deodorize Your Dishwasher

Does your dishwasher look like this?

(or some other nasty variation of it?)

Do you find little food particles stuck to your "clean" dishes?

Do your dishes smell "fishy", even after they have been washed?

Mine did.  And it was grossing me out.  Big time.   

So I did a little research (here and here) and set about fixing the problem. 

All it takes is a little vinegar.  Really!   

$uper easy....$uper cheap! (Commercial products can be expensive...and are not necessary.)

HOW TO:  CLEAN/DEODORIZE YOUR DISHWASHER

Step 1  Fill a cup or bowl with 1 cup vinegar (distilled white is best).  

Step 2  Place cup/bowl on top rack of EMPTY dishwasher.

Step 3  Run dishwasher through a REGULAR wash cycle, hot of water as possible (heat dry not necessary)

VIOLA!

Not brand new...but a VAST improvement.

I even stuck my head in there and "took a big whiff".

Ahhh....fresh.  No more "fishy" smell.

For more extensive cleaning/deodorizing try these tips:

1.  Remove utensil holder and lower rack

2.  Use an old toothbrush or dish scrubber to clean around inside of dishwasher door (paying close attention to crevices and rubber seal) with HOT soapy water.

3.  Use a sponge or clean cloth to wipe down the entire interior of the dishwasher, including the bottom (pay close attention to the drain where food particles collect).

4.  Replace utensil holder and lower rack. 

5.  Repeat steps 1,2 and 3 from above, only pour an additional cup of vinegar over the bottom of the dishwasher as well.

Homemade Valentines Card

Okay, so I know I'm supposed to be taking a break for a while. But...I couldn't help but post something about this cute homemade Valentines card I made for my better half.

I don't know about you, but I cant STAND paying more than a dollar for a card. In fact, more often than not I gift without cards...because I can't fathom forking more than that...no matter how cute they are.  Call me cheap, if you will.  I prefer the term "practically frugal".

This year I decided to use my My Memories Scrapbooking Software to whip up something simple (and FREE).  Here's what I came up with.

embellishments- MMS software, paper-north pole express pack,

paper-North Pole Express Pack

I printed the first page out on velum and the second on heavy white card stock and then fastened them to another piece of folded card stock.  Simple....cute....and $UPER FRUGAL.

I LOVE FRUGAL!  Don't you?

Melanie

P.S.  If you'd like to order My Memories Suite Scrapbooking Software for yourself, or someone you LOVE,  use promo code STMMMS10850 at checkout and save $10!  (making it only $29.97 plus you'll have $10 to use at the MMS online scrap store).