Giveaway at Julie Ann Art

I'm running a giveaway over at Julie Ann Art's blog today! Go check it out and enter to win a set of 3 of my Mason Jar Centerpieces... your choice of colors!

Happy Friday!
-Megan

Hair Tutorial: Braided Headband

So the other day I was helping my mother-in-law take some pictures of new items for her vintage shop. While we were in  her basement she came across this book, Beautiful Braids, that was my sis-in-law's. I had the exact. same. book! when I was younger! Read on to see a front cover full of some awesome 90s hairstyles...

Free Pattern: Crochet Dog Bow Tie

Today's pattern is a crochet pattern, not a knit pattern -- although it's very easy to knit a dog bow tie as well! Doesn't my pup Roscoe look dashing in this bow tie? This is perfect for Halloween, Christmas, photo shoots, or anytime you want friends and family gushing over your dog more than usual. The pattern is below; non-crocheters can find the finished item to purchase here...

Fave Five: Fall Fashion Textures

one: for the love of plaid dress from modcloth

two: herringbone shoe clips from the bow makers

three: honeycomb lace dress from anthropologie

four: mb vianca smoking flat from target

five: city mini in brilliant flame from jcrew

It may be well over 90 degrees this week in Kansas City, but that hasn't stopped me from daydreaming about fall fashion. I can't wait for layering, warm autumn hues, and all the fun textures coming my way. Which of these is your favorite?

-Megan

Recipes: Everything Pumpkin

Image via September Wren

Alright, so not really everything pumpkin. Just desserts. But let's face it, desserts are everything. And now that I've started to see pumpkin beer in the aisles of the grocery store (we all know this is the first true sign of fall) I have got pumpkin desserts on the brain...

Travels: Yellowstone, Wyoming

In the summer of 2010 my husband (then boyfriend) and I took a massive road trip out west -- we left from Kansas City, looped up north into Washington and BC, drove down the coast through California, and then came back east through Utah and Colorado. We hit as many national parks as possible and did a ton of camping. Today I'm sharing one of the places we visited: Yellowstone National Park. Don't let the bears scare you off: the park is enormous and stunningly beautiful. I wish we had had more time there; we were only there for a day before moving on to Montana. Here are some photos of our trip (again, all photos taken by me)...

DIY: Upcycled Packaging

One of the best feelings in life has got to be upcycling something that would otherwise end up in the trash or recycling pile. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it's budget friendly too! Today I'm sharing a recent packaging project -- I turned a shoe box into a lovely spa gift box for some lotion and bath salts. It's very quick and easy to do, so read on...

Travels: Cinque Terre, Italy

Riomaggiore, where we stayed. The view from our  balcony.

For my first travel post on this blog, I have to share some of the most stunning scenery I've ever witnessed: the views in Cinque Terre, Italy. For those unfamiliar, Cinque Terre is the name of five towns (and a national park) on the western coast of Italy. My husband and I stayed here for a few days during our honeymoon last summer. The entire area is completely picturesque, as evidenced by more of my photos below...

Free Knitting Pattern: Chunky Colorblock Headband / Earwarmer

Today I'd like to share my first free knitting pattern / tutorial! Temperatures have started to cool down here in the Midwest, and I'm looking forward to fall... I just love bundling up in scarves, hats, and all kinds of warm knits. This easy knit pattern adds a trendy colorblock twist to a basic headband. Instructions and step-by-step photos below...

Fave Five: Kaleidoscope

Remember kaleidoscopes? I used to play with mine endlessly as a kid... it never seemed to make the same pattern twice. I've got kaleidoscopes on the brain lately with a lot of the fun geometric patterns I've been spotting. Without further ado, here are five of my favorite geometric/kaleidoscope-inspired designs (links to these awesome items are below the photo):

1. Vintage Kaleidoscope Locket from verabel

2. Screen Printed Scarf in Olive from MichelleBrusegaard

3. Off to Austin Dress from ModCloth

4. Sunburst Platter from MudHandChan

5. American Quilts Prints, Set of 4 from littlethingsstudio

I just love all of these patterns! Which is your favorite?

-Megan

Recipe: Chicken Artichoke Pizza with Tomato and Basil

This past weekend I made this delicious chicken and artichoke pizza, and so I thought I'd share the recipe. It was my first time making a pizza with white sauce, and it was super delicious. An added bonus was that I got to use tomatoes and basil, which are the only drought survivors in our garden this year...

DIY Word Cloud Tote Bag: How-To

Today's project is a tote bag that looks professionally designed but is super easy to make yourself! Honestly, this only took me about 30 minutes to make. Here's what you'll need...

Product Review: Mane Message Hair Ties

Today I wanted to share these amazing Hair Ties and Headbands I got from Mane Message last week. 

Aren't these beautiful? My life is complete: I'm now the proud owner of hair ties that look just as cute on my wrist as they do in my hair...

Salute to Shark Week: Fave Five

Did you know that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the Discovery Channel's Shark Week? Have you been watching the past few days? As scary as these enormous, toothy beasts are in real life, a few amazing designers are able to make them funny and even downright cute. Today, here are five of my favorite shark designs from Etsy (find links to these brilliant products beneath the photo):

1. Shark Water Bottle Cozy from HandaMade

2. Funny Shark Week Greeting Card from Sparrow Nest Script

3. Fleece Shark Hat from Obey My Brain

4. Shark Brooch Pin from My Hideaway

5. Shark Knitting Pattern from Natty Knits

Aren't all of these products amazing and creative? Which is your favorite?

-Megan

DIY Pom Bouquet: How-To

Welcome to my first blog post! To start things out, I'd love to share a fun DIY that will add some autumn color to your home. This yarn pom bouquet is easy and inexpensive to make. Here's what you'll need...