5 Fab Finds Under $50 - J.Crew Factory

I'm not a style expert by any means but I am a pretty darn savvy shopper. I get some great deals and thought that it's about time I share! Every couple of weeks, I'll be doing a "Five Fab Finds Under $50" spotlight post to give you some thrifty inspiration. The posts will vary between clothing, housewares, craft goodies (maybe under $5 for that category), etc. Today, I'm highlighting my fave things from our go-to shopping destination: J.Crew Factory.

While the Mr. and I have quite an obsession with J.Crew, our bank account doesn't exactly feel the same way. That's why the outlet is such a style saver! We can get amazing pieces on a tight budget. We're lucky to live super close to a physical outlet, but even if you aren't, guess what?! They have an ONLINE factory store as well. SCORE!

Skirt - Factory Pencil Skirt in Double Serge Cotton - Bohemian Red - $49.50

Pants - Factory Skimmer Pant - Dark Beechwood - $44.50

Tank - Factory Sequin V-neck Tank - Bright Spearmint - $39.50

Blazer - Factory Stripe Knit Pocket Blazer - Dragonfly Blue - $49.50 !!!

And the super deal is that gorgeous pink necklace!

Necklace -  Factory Mini Crystal and Resin-Link Necklace - Neon Azalea - $14.50

Which of those five is your favorite? Do you know of any other outlets that have a web option as well?? Tell me, tell me! (Please?)

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I'm linking to:

Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

DIY Woven Camera Strap

You may remember that when I first got my DSLR, I had these huge aspirations of making a ton of DIY camera accessories. Yeahhhh, about that. In the last 6 months all I made was my camera bag. It's a pretty sweet camera bag if I do say so myself but still, that was the only thing I managed to put together. After checking out Yellowcloth's tutorial for a braided baby headband, inspiration struck and I went off to plan my newest DIY: a woven camera strap! 

It took less than an hour to put together and I happened to have everything on hand already so it was pretty much free (from scratch, this would probably cost less than $10). Maybe it's boastful to talk about how much I love something that I made with my own two hands, but I can't help it! The Mr. has been teasing me because he keeps catching me admiring my handiwork, but again, I JUST CAN'T HELP IT! It's pretty and cushy and durable and just plain awesome. Read on to learn how to make one yourself!

Insta Replay Monday #18

We finally had a weekend that was 100% at home. Oh my gosh by golly, it was the best. weekend. ever. I think that the crazy Friday night snowstorm was motivation enough to just stay in and it was exactly what we needed. We cleaned, we crafted, we drank tons of coffee. My super amazing bff came over and we had a double date on Sunday night (I made smashed potatoes, garlic and brown sugar salmon, and herbed green beans -- yum num num!) Now that it's Monday, take a look at some of the Instagram snapshots from the last week:

my horrible shoe choice

the snowy gate of the oldest unchanged Lutheran church in America

a sneak peak of a project coming your way soon
my newly organized coffee station
Quinn bear being adorable
my craft room mumbo jumbo

oh, and my healthy lunch :)

STUFF TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS WEEK

DIY Camera Strap
5 Fab Finds - A Brand New Series

Personalized V-Day Artwork 

Can't wait to see you back here for some of that action!  Happy Monday, all.

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I'm linking to:

Tatertots & Jello | S3 | Classy Clutter | I Heart Nap Time | Mine for the Making | Flamingo Toes | Craftomaniac | Shabby Creek Cottage | My Girlish Whims | Stone Gable | Young and Crafty | Nifty Thrifty Things

Craft Room Organization: Clothespin Spools

One of my goals for 2012 was to learn embroider and now, it's one of my favorite crafts. It's one of those hobbies that you can literally do anywhere which makes it all the more attractive to a girl on the go.  I keep all of my embroidery materials in a basket and they've become a little, how shall I say it, disheveled? I created these clothespin spools to organize the whole kit and caboodle. 

5-Minute Weeknight Dinner - French Bread Pizza

Do you have a go to meal when you're in a time crunch? Ours used to be pasta until the Mr. dropped a bombshell revelation on me a couple of years ago... he hates pasta. GASP! I know. My new favorite is French bread pizza. It's such a breeze, can be customized to your liking, and let's face it, it's super flippin delicious.

My absolute favorite combo is a good ol' pepperoni and cheese! It really can't get any easier than that.

Pinspiration: Gilded Glass Vases

I've been trying to take a break from Pinterest lately. WHATTTT?! I know, it's crazy. But, I'm trying to practice some self-control. As much as I love it, I go a bit pin crazy at times. I can't even remember the last time I actually created something from the bountiful inspiration. That was, until this weekend! I made these pretty vases from recycled Starbucks glass bottles:

Insta Replay Monday #17

Yay for weekends! We had a great couple of days at home -- trip to Ikea, Five Guys, a surprise birthday party for my boss, and an amazing dinner with two of my best friends. Unfortunately, it didn't include nearly enough crafting or snuggle time with Aubergine, Quinn-Bear, or my handsome Mr. The only absolutely horrible part was when we took down our Christmas decorations and the tree. It's so bare in here... it looks like we just moved in.  Any how, it's already Monday so here we are! As you can see, I was a bit absent on Instagram this week... Whoops!

So, what's in store for you this week?

Gilded Glass Vases

Easy Weeknight Dinner

Clothespin Spools

Check back soon so you don't miss any of the goodness!