INSPIRATION [american (comic book) superhero]

To conclude this month of all things American, Inspiration this week is all about American [comic book] superheros! Remember that poll from the first week of July? Here's what the results were!

BATMAN: Batman is a personal favorite, and a great protector of Gotham City! If you're a supporter, check out this easy to make top! Pick out a comfortable black top, and print out a Batman template. Cut out the yellow area in the logo, and tape onto the shirt. Put on a hanger and place it somewhere safe (outside probably!) Pour half and half bleach and water into a spray bottle, mix up and spray at the tank. Let it drip dry to get this great splatter effect!

CAPTAIN AMERICA: Captain America seems to be a favorite among Dear Wallet fans! And why not? He's all about America! Create these cute earrings with buttons painted using nail polish and star stickers, and put an earring post on the back!

SUPERMAN: Superman fans seem to rival Batman, if this is your guy then support him with this simple but effective top! Choose a shirt, and print out the Superman logo, cut out all the yellow pictured, and tape onto the shirt. Use fabric paint in your favorite color to stamp on using a flat foam brush and wait for it to dry! Wear it with pride!

Did you make one of these? Have another superhero in mind, or make something else to support your favorite? Send me a link or picture! I'd love to feature it!

To find out information about the products used, please click the image to head to Polyvore!
•This may be posted to any of the link parties•

Blog Calendar Planner | FREE Printable!

I have a confession. I'm a note-aholic. I love writing notes. To do lists are my guilty pleasure. I could write To Do lists all day long (and sometimes do)! The best part is crossing something off my to do list. Oh yes, nothing screams productivity like crossing something off your to do list! But I suppose I digress, over the past few months I have downloaded some fabulous 'blog calendars' for organizing my blog. I can't emphasize how great they've been for organizing my thoughts. Except I've noticed that they always include things that don't relate to me, or more commonly, don't have things that I would prefer to have. I have no doubt that the creators of these made them to fit with their needs, which is perfect, but for what I need I always end up back to lined paper with messy notes! I've had a blog overall underway for awhile, I've been sketching out ideas, writing notes, and lots of to do lists. 

Finally debuting my first section! The Blog Calendars. This has been tested and tried (and tweaked) to work for MY blog. Will it work for yours? No idea! But I suggest you download a few calendars to try them out, and see which works best for you! Every blog is different, and if it isn't then I think you're doing something wrong. Worst comes to worst, none of them work perfectly for you and you will be forced to adapt it to your own blog! (Oh no! Just kidding, you should anyway of course!) I created a weekly and a monthly blog calendar, matching of course!

The Weekly Calendar features:
A breakdown of each day of the week including a spot for 'Title', 'Description', and 'To Do'
(yes I need my to do list for each day!) This way I can scribble down tentative titles, write detailed ideas for the post AND make sure I have a precise to do list for each post to ensure it gets done on time!

I also have a general 'To Do' list for the week, and brainstorming section for topic ideas (for later weeks) and make a list of goals for my blog! Since I'm a newbie on the scene I have small goals I set for each day X-minimum views per day, Y-views per week, Z-Comments etc etc. This keeps my goals in mind, and keeps me accountable for them (and hopefully ultimately works towards blog growth)!

The Monthly Calendar features:
A much more simple layout, simply put in the month, any notes for the time frame, and fill in the days with as much detail as you need or want. I like using this so I can see how full each week is throughout the month, and if I need to move a post to another week to keep things even.

I hope you find these as handy as I do. There are many more blog organization posts coming soon, this is simply the first of many! To make it even easier for you (or more difficult if you're indecisive) I created THREE versions of these for you! Choose your favorite and get organizing! Click the image to download! (These are high resolution 8x10 files!)

Rules for the download: please, please, PLEASE make sure you subscribe to the blog by GFC, RSS, or bloglovin and share on Facebook or Pinterest to send your friends-Dear Wallet Printables are for followers only! Do not reproduce, or claim as your own, all rights belong to Dear Wallet and Ariana Neala. Thanks so much, see you next time!

Pink Lemonade:

 Gray Monochrome:

Teal Birds:

**Backgrounds are freebies from Design House Digital**
•This may be shared on the link parties certain blogs require direct links: http://www.craftytexasgirls.com/ !•

From Old Treasure to New Treasure, a question

Have you ever wandered into an unsuspecting thrift store only to be passionately attacked by an item that oozes with potential? I'm talking a little paint there, a lot of paint here, a few snips of this and that, maybe a glitter coat or new fabric, get rid of that piece, definitely add that one…in your mind you see this gorgeous finished piece standing proudly in your home. Except as beautiful and gorgeous, and proud as you are of this fantastic transformation…it doesn't actually belong in your home?

Whether you don't have the room, or the price isn't right, or it would look perfect in yellow…but you hate yellow...I've been there. A lot. In fact its the number one reason I'm working on opening a shop-I see potential in everything (my lack of storage agrees). But here's the kicker. You have to admit, this item you've already transformed in your mind, is totally adorable on its own. The shape is unique, the color is beautiful, that little tassel thingy on the top: perfection. If you redid it it would be indistinguishable from its previous life. And if you happen to love the size/color/shape-the price would be perfect. No scratches in the paint, fabrics in pristine condition…etc.

So here's the question? Do you purchase it or not? Do you remake this piece of perfection into a whole new piece of perfection that you may or may not keep or sell? (Again) my lack of storage is currently dictating not. But even if I had the storage, could I bare to destroy something so beautiful and innocent just to create something that I imagine to be beautiful in an entirely different way?

It's one thing to make treasure to trash. But what about treasure into different treasure? Is their a moral thrifting code that depicts you can't take someone else's treasure away from them? Or am I simply putting too much thought into the matter?

What do you think? Do you ever run across this situation?
This may be posted to any of the link parties•

INSPIRATION [patriotic accessories]

In this month of celebrating America, we can't forget about the goodies we're carrying around right? Don't worry, I've got you covered!

TOTE BAG: This little gem serves not only as a great reminder of where you live, but extra functional to fit your workout gear, groceries, beach stuff, or serve as a purse! Simply take off the areas to create the stripes, and paint accordingly with fabric paint!

BUNTING NECKLACE: This beautiful necklace is great for any occasion, and any age! Grab a discount pack of scrapbook paper in patriotic prints or solids, fold and cut triangles along the fold (when unfolded they create long diamonds), place on your chain in the crease, glue together and you have yourself a super easy, and super cute accessory!

CLUTCH: Great for a night out, or your office wallet, take a simple clean lined clutch, lay flat and place a layer of modpodge on top of it, place your piece of fabric, and cover again with the modpodge, make sure you fold it a few times so it can settle into place before drying. Coat one more time, and hot glue a gold belt around it to keep it closed.

STAR SPANGLED BANGLES: Grab a few cheap bangles at your local thrift store, a couple bottles of nail polish, and cover with clear polish when finished! Great update to any wardrobe!

Have another idea, or tried one of these? Send me a link or picture! I'd love to feature it!

To find out information about the products used, please click the image to head to Polyvore!•May be linked up to any of the link parties•

Christmas In July FREE Gift List Planner Printable!

Hold on, don't click out yet!! I know what you're thinking- way too early, screw this!
And I agree…sort of.
Here's the thing, I'm on a budget. Tight budget. Pennies to nothing kind of budget. But I love to spoil the people in my life. Over the last couple years my Christmas budget has gone from $200 to $2 for each loved one in a very steep and fast decline. A couple years ago I decided to go all handmade, which ended up okay. The problem was I didn't get around to planning it until after October, and I didn't have any of the materials I needed so it ended up costing quite a lot to go handmade. This year I've decided to go handmade again, but this time I'm doing it right, and I'm inviting you to join me! The best part is, I'm doing this for handmade: you can put the same tips towards your holiday season, handmade or not and use it to save hundreds of dollars (as well as time and stress when it counts)! Now where to start. I know, its crazy to get your mind in a Christmas mood when its 100 degrees outside, but bare with me, if you do this now, you'll save yourself later-stick around for more helpful printables, card templates, DIY projects and stocking stuffers! You know what they say: make a list and check it twice!

The Christmas Gift List

Include anyone and everyone you could imagine putting on that list, include not only specifics (family and friends), but even go as far as co-workers and acquaintances. Why? Because a lot can happen in 6 months. Someone you may not know now; may end up your new best friend. Or unfortunately, opposite. A co-worker could become your new boss, or you get a new job! Put them all on now, and leave room for more later. I include extras like "10 coworkers" or "5 neighbors" and "3 white elephants" (under one category rather than individually) so I remember to grab extra goodies for those individuals-the people you may never talk to, but social etiquette demands gifts be exchanged. Before you get a paper and pencil out, hit print because this handy dandy printable created by yours truly will save the day in more ways than one. Choose from a festive red version, or more calming blue! Click the image to download!

Rules for the download: please, please, PLEASE make sure you subscribe to the blog by GFC, RSS, or bloglovin and share on Facebook or Pinterest to send your friends-Dear Wallet Printables are for followers only! Do not reproduce, or claim as your own, all rights belong to Dear Wallet and Ariana Neala. Thanks so much!

1. Use the list to record names of everyone on your list, print out as many versions as you need until you have everyone labeled! 

2. Below names you will see a sort of interview for each, fill it out as best as you can! 
Describe: try using 3-5 adjectives that describe that person: such as "loyal" or "adventurous"
Hobbies: List any and all hobbies you know about this person, include their career. If you're unsure, that's why starting early is great. Strike up a casual conversation and learn something! They'll never know, and plus this is great information to keep on hand for gifts all year round!
Ideas: List any ideas you may have off the top of your head, for example if you listed your 4 year old nephew as 'adventurous' maybe a play safari costume could be fun! If you don't know yet, that's fine! Leave it blank for now!
Here's an example I did for my friend Emma: (ok that's a lie. I have no friend named Emma, but I'm not going to post a real friend in case they come across this!)

3. Budget. For most of us that word is kind of depressing. But entirely necessary. Choose a realistic number for your gift giving. If your budget is $200, TOTAL-then you need to be realistic with your gift ideas. Put the number you're comfortable with at the top of the page where it says 'Total Gift Budget'. And most importantly: STICK TO IT. Now break it down, next to each name write in your max budget for that person. If your total is $200, and you have 10 people to shop for then you may not be able to go over $20 per person. But keep in mind that an acquaintance will have a different amount than your best friend versus your sister! Use pencil because there will definitely be lots of erasing in this process!

4. Now that you have your budget done, time for fun! Keep this list handy next to the computer or in your purse so you can add notes whenever inspiration strikes! If you see a great item at xzy.com -make a note of it under ideas! Make sure to write the location you found it at and the price so you can go back later! If your budget is smaller this is great for shopping around for the best price! If you come across the best idea ever, you can take the time to look for coupons and discounts that may happen between now and the holidays! Or it may give you time to figure out how to create something handmade similar!

5. Once you've found the perfect gift, and purchased or made it, you can record it under "gift" along with the "cost". This is handy for next year so you don't repeat a gift on accident, and the cost keeps you on budget! When you get near the holidays you can use the boxes on the top "wrapped" and "given" to keep straight whose gifts you have done, and at what step in the process they are!

Sounds easy right? Start now, thinking and brainstorming a little more each day, and save time, money and stress during the holidays! Just think: no more crowded lines, or terribly high priced items! Hit download and make sure you share on pinterest! And remember to hit subscribe because more great printables will be coming to help you keep the holiday season stress free!

                                    •This may be linked up to any of the link parties!•

MY THRIFTED OUTFIT cold july

Ok it hasn't been cold this July (I am in California...) but it did start out colder than usual. And of course when we finally hit over 100 degrees, a fire broke out. Robbers Fire. This outfit is entirely thrifted, top to bottom. None of my usual style either, but each piece I just loved and had to have. I wish you could see those shoes. They are pure pearlecent sequin. Oh yes. (And yes, I made up that word. Go with it.)

See that model pose? Oh yea fashion model for sure! (Don't bother rolling your eyes- I'm already doing that for you!!) -and no, the dog wasn't thrifted, but blurry or not still a cute shot of him!

What I'm Wearing:

Top: Brittany Blade originally $30-I paid $4 at Discovery Shop Auburn

Jeans: American Rag Originally $45+-I paid $2 at Piece by PEACE Auburn

Purse: No name- I paid $5 at Goodwill Roseville

Heels: Caparros Originally $70+- I paid $5 at Goodwill Roseville

Bracelet: No name-I paid $.50 at Goodwill Roseville

Earrings: No name-I paid $.50 at Assistance League

My Thrifted Outfit Total: $17 (Originally worth over $145!)

I love American Rag jeans, and even though I hate flares, I had to have these. I originally intended to make them into shorts, but I may refit them into bootcut pants. But for $2, who can pass them up?! The top isn't my usual style either, but I saw it for two weeks at the shop before trying it on. Every time I grabbed it but put it back, finally I tried it on it was too comfy to set back down! The sequin heels were purchased for last New Years, $5 for pure fun! The purse was not something I'd normally pick up, but I couldn't resist its vintage cuteness! And truth be told, I use it all the time and get compliments everywhere I go!

I take no credit for these glamorous photos! Taken by my mother, whom I'm currently teaching photography to! Cropped and edited by yours truly, and unfortunately that 15 year old looking kid is me (although I'm 24 not 15)!
•Post may be linked up to Wednesday-Monday link parties•

GUEST SERVICES ombre

I love featuring other bloggers, it shocks me when I stumble across a fabulous blog with brilliant ideas and only a handful of followers! I decided to jump on the 'ombre' theme this week. I admit- I can't get enough of this technique-better late than never!

Dollar Store Necklace (made from pony tail holders!) by Madigan Made

Totally ingenious! Totally cute! Totally cheap and easy! (why aren't you making one RIGHT NOW?!)

DIY Ombre skirt by Harpers Bazaar

Talk about simple, I'm not a fan of the tie-dye look, so this is perfect- I get to play but get a look I love! I might need this in every color!

Ombre Painted Chevron Curtains from Owens Olivia (guest post on remodelaholic)

I've been eyeballing these curtains since their grand debut on Remodelaholic, I'm in love with them! This tutorial is perfect with great pictures too! (make sure you check out both sites)!

Ombre Necklace (Pistachio shells!) by Creme de la Craft

I can't get over how creative people are, and this is no exception! I'm not going to lie...I put pistachio's on my grocery list after I saw this!

Now get out there and start creating! Make sure you head to these great blogs and leave some love-and WHEN you Pin these projects, please do so from their blogs to give them full credit- tell them I sent you! If you've been featured, make sure to grab a button from the sidebar!