. . . for Lauren and Lauren: Can I even call this a DIY project?

May 29, 2013

Can I even call this a DIY project?

This project was so easy I'm not even sure it qualifies as a real DIY project, but I love it and figured I needed to share it with you anyway. 

I saw baskets similar to this online at pottery barn (of course I can't find them now to share) for over $25 and would not pay that much so I made my own for $12!


I found my basket at Hobby Lobby and used a 40% off coupon so it was only $10.  The chalkboard tags come in packs of 10 and they were $2. (I have more baskets in the closet that I plan to label with these.)  I already had the rope, hole puncher and chalk.  


I took one chalkboard tag, wrote toys on it, punched two holes on the side and tied it to the basket.


At this point you're probably wondering why I would even include directions to this.  I don't know either. I'm sure you would be smart enough to figure it out, but I wanted to write about accomplishing a project so here it is.  

And in case that isn't exciting enough for you I have a blogger friend to introduce you to.  Nadine is the sweet and beautiful girl behind Back East Blonde, where she blogs about her life with her puppy and her boyfriend on the east coast.  Today she is sharing with you the difference between what you may say your favorite book and what your real favorite book is.  I definitely enjoyed reading it and agree with her on a few of her favorites too!
Have you ever asked someone what their favorite book is? 

This question usually only comes up in a situation where you've run out of things to talk about and are pulling out all the stops to avoid awkward silence. Or you're at a book club meeting. 

Everyone has a book that they say is their favorite book. But they're lying.

The book inevitably makes them sound smarter than they are. It's almost like there is a list of books that are supposed to be your favorites. The socially acceptable favorites. My go-to is To Kill a Mockingbird. It was one of the only books I read in school that I sort of enjoyed.














I'm sure there are more that go on this list. Just insert any classic that I undoubtably read the SparkNotes version of in high school.

But the truth is, my actual favorite books would never be read in the classroom. In most social situations, if I claimed these were my favorite books, I'd get a giggle or two. 








1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling

I laughed out loud through most of this book. Just a warning in case you were planning on reading it with anyone else around. I want Mindy as my BFF. It's because of this book that I became a devout fan of The Mindy Project. 

2. BossyPants by Tina Fey

If you didn't have enough laugh out loud moments from Mindy, then Tina's your girl. I liked her on SNL, I loved her as Liz Lemon, but the real Tina, she's my favorite.

3. Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah

I like to call this a "beach read." A professor of literature might call it trash. You could also call it therapy. This book is a story. It sweeps you away and you forget you are reading for hours. It got me through my worst breaks up ever. For that alone, it will always be on my list.

4. Anything by Nicholas Sparks

Have you ever thought about the fact that this man has a wife? If he's one tenth as romantic in real life as his books are, I think he should be traveling the country providing lessons to the men of America. I'd send my guy. Just sayin'.

5. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.

Duh. I re-read the series every few years. I love it. I'm also frequently judged for having a framed replica Harry Potter wand on my wall. Some call it over the top. I call it awesome. [Note: I'm sure this is read in some schools. But it will never replace the classics, even if it should]

For the three people who read this post who swear that some classic is your favorite book, I applaud you. The reality of reading is this: read what you enjoy. Happy summer reading!

Thank you Nadine!! And I'm pretty sure my sister just may be one of those three people so I'm curious to see what she says!  

Don't forget to go visit Nadine and her cute blog!  Hope you are having a good week!

and if you haven't entered to win $50 to Kintage, do that here!


Photobucket



Linking up to: Saw it, Pinned it


28 comments:

Simply LKJ said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You go girl...diy away! Had to laugh at the favorite books thing. The one I probably would remember the most, and yes it would first get a giggle and then probably a ME TOO ME TOO..."Are you there God, It's Me Margaret." ANYONE remember that one??? Okay, I am dating myself. But, waaaaay back when that was a little "thought provoking" for our day and age. Then of course it was on to high school...and the Flowers in the Attic series and Go Ask Alice! Ok, see I kept it real. I do however, love the Great Gatsby and To Kill a Mockingbird.

Autumn said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Great project, Katie! I think it's awesome when people can do something simple and save a bunch of money! And I may have to read some of those books!

Lauren Shaw said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

So, in order to reveal what a nerd I am, I honestly do love alll 3 socially acceptable books and have read them multiple times. Such classics. However, I have also read and enjoyed most of the books on the honest list...and I re-read Harry Potter every year. So basically, I love it all!

Tiffany said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Ha! My mind always goes blank when I'm asked for my favorite book. I'm a third grade teacher, so my first thought is that it should be something appropriate for kids and not trashy. lol Then I just can't think of anything! I need to get myself a list like you've got and just stick iwth it. ;)

Katie, I love your basket!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Your guest poster made me 'lol'. It's so true!! I even do that!

Desiree Macke said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I love the DIY (and yes, it totally qualifies as a DIY)! What a cute project.
As for the books; garbage or not, I love Firefly Lane!

Chrissy + Nate said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Ha! Nadine is funny: I'm going to check out her blog! And those baskets are TOO cute :)

Kelly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

It TOTALLY counts as a DIY, haha!

xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Because Shanna Said So said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Precious!!! And I am all about creating knock offs from Pottery Barn & Anthro!!!

joy said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Ooo that basket looks nice! And hahahah I love Bossypants, such a funny book. Tina Fey is awesome!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That is a cute idea!

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Your explanation is the best I have seen so far
burun estetigi

Ashley said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Heck yeah that can be considered a DIY. And I love those books as well! HP is my all time fave!

Ashley said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Your DIY is cute!!! Totally counts!! I wish we had a hobby lobby in Canada!!! I always hit it up when shopping stateside!!

Valerie Tyler said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Sure...total DIY ;)

Love the book selections. I totally turned my nose up at Harry Potter for the longest time for roughly the same reason (always stating it's a kiiiiidsss book with a whine) Then of course someone loaned me a copy of the last book on a trip, I read the whole thing on a car ride home and was hooked and HAD to read the entire series.

Annie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Nadine is HILARIOUS and I love her blog :) And those toy baskets are the cutest!

Annie
The Other Side of Gray

TheTinyHeart said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

You're going to have the cutest nursery EVER! That is so funny about the books because it's true! I really want to read the book by Mindy Kaling.

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Bracelet Giveaway!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Great job! It's adorable!

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

My kinda DIY! Easy, yet oh so cute!

The Olive Tree Blog said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

love your DIY! and love your guest post about books .lol

i loved firefly lane and it has a sequel that just came out last month!!!

p.s. my favorite book is a kids book. no joke, where the red fern grows.

J and A said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

This is so very cute! I wish we had Hobby Lobby here, we have Micheals...

the girl in the red shoes said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

So easy yet so cute! I love this project!

Bri said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Yes, total DIY!! And now I know how to make those without paying the top dollar some stores are asking for them! Thanks!! And LOVE Nadine!!

Carly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That basket is ADORABLE!!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Helene said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

What a cute idea!!! Love it!

Susannah said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

What an adorable idea!!! I love it!

Rach said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Very cute DIY! I am all about anything with organization! :)

Also, I'm with Nadine - I love the HP books! That series is so great! :)

Jill J. said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Easy to do DIYs are the best! Love this!

Jill
Classy with a Kick