Archive | diy projects RSS feed for this section

diy wedding florals 101

By on April 4, 2012 in diy projects, room to grow

With Rachel’s upcoming nuptials upon us, there has been a lot of wedding talk between all of us at the By and By. It was requested I discuss the topic of wedding flowers. Full disclosure: I am by no means a florist, and having had only one wedding, I am not an expert either. But I am happy to share what I do know and if it helps any other budget bride {and if you’re like me, a clueless bride} out there than it will have been well worth my time. Given my background, there was no question that flowers would be an important wedding element for me. I originally thought the only way to go was to hire a florist to do bouquets, boutonnieres, and tabletop arrangements. However, once planning was in full force and deposits were being paid every which way, I quickly realized it wasn’t worth going broke for floral arrangements. I investigated my options and realized I had few. Continue Reading →

Comments { 2 }

paint it / metallic stationery

By on March 13, 2012 in diy projects

What girl doesn’t love shiny metallics? I am obsessing over gold leaf as of late, and have discovered there are several products available that make it easy to add some sheen to just about any surface in need of a pick me up.

After contemplating what to faux finish – a porcelain vase, a lamp base or a candle holder – I  came across some blank notecards and envelopes in my desk drawer and decided they would make a great test subject.

I made a stop at the craft store, perused the faux finishing aisle and picked up a one-step gold leaf metallic paint called Liquid Leaf. No adhesives required. No messy gold leaf foil sheets to handle. Plus, the paint comes in several metal finishes. I picked up a little jar of gold along with a disposable brush, and went to town on some 4×6″ ivory card stock. Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

zesty homemade pancakes

By on February 29, 2012 in diy projects, without an apron

I have a confession to make, well several confessions actually… 1. I am a grown woman who sometimes sleeps in until noon on a weekend morning. And I think that is fine. / 2. Since moving to New York I have severely neglected cooking for a variety of reasons {hence a lack of posts from Without An Apron – SORRY!} / 3. I am obsessed with breakfast – all of it – eggs, bacon, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, toast, bagels, bottomless cups of coffee. I think you get the picture. / 4. I’m not that great at flipping things – pancakes, omelets, etc. – as I think you’ll see below. / 5. I have always made pancakes using Bisquick until this weekend. I’m not sure I’ll ever make pancakes from Bisquick again. What a joke!

I think that’s it for now. Thanks for letting me get that off my chest, it is Lent after all. Well let’s get on with it. The truth is I slept in way late this weekend and was reading in bed until noon and then decided I wanted – no needed – pancakes, but I was too lazy to walk to the store. Instead, I decided to go the from-scratch route.

Continue Reading →

Comments { 4 }

quick thanksgiving sides by way of nyc

By on November 23, 2011 in diy projects, without an apron




Thanksgiving is peeking around the corner with beady turkey eyes, and if you’re a procrastinator like me you are very possibly still waiting on inspiration for side dishes. Or, perhaps you are still living with your friend in New York City in Harlem and are short on cash, hate walking a million blocks to the grocery store, are basically a vegetarian, and only have a sweet potato, green beans and a lemon to use to make dinner {hypothetically speaking, of course}. These next two recipes will solve either problem. Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

wardian case {cat proof} terrarium

By on October 26, 2011 in diy projects, room to grow

Now that’s it getting cold again {at least in Kansas}, you can keep a little bit of summer inside.

I’d been searching for a Wardian case like this for a little over a year. They went from expensive and difficult to find even online to abundant and affordable. I found mine at a local store for about $40, but stores like Crate & Barrel have caught onto the craze and now offer a range of sizes starting at about the same price. Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

an all-american, diy halloween

By on October 25, 2011 in diy projects, just for grins, shop talk




Super Heroes

While I’m certainly a fan of American Apparel’s plethora of super soft tees and sweatshirts, it never fails to amaze me the sheer amount of shiny spandex available in store at any given time. I mean really, how many people need a gold bodysuit?! However, with Halloween less than a week away, I can’t help but love their DIY costume ideas for all ages. Finally a use for all that spandex…

Do you know what you’re dressing up as yet? More ideas after the jump! Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

mint grapefruit sorbet

By on July 22, 2011 in diy projects, without an apron




My father is really the cook in the Wambaugh household. He stores lists of ingredients in his head, adjusts and invents recipes like he’s breathing, and multitasks in the kitchen like a boss. So it should have come as no surprise to me when I called him up asking for his grapefruit sorbet recipe and he rattled it off to me like he just made it yesterday and not years ago. But, surprise! He got me again. Now without further ado, I present my dad’s recipe for grapefruit sorbet with refreshing mint infused in every bite. It’s a summer explosion in your mouth. Boom! Continue Reading →

Comments { 3 }

mini mustachioed cat magnets

By on July 13, 2011 in diy projects, just for grins




I just had to share… Last night I came home to the best surprise – my lovely friend Courtney sent me these amazing mustachioed cat magnets for my birthday! Jealous? {Because, really, how could you not be?!?} Fear not! Courtney made these using artwork available for purchase via KarisaGraphic on Etsy and then bought the additional magnet supplies through Sun and Moon Crafts. Such a fun diy project and a great gift idea… thanks lady! :) More pics after the jump! Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

summer strawberry lime pie

By on June 7, 2011 in diy projects, without an apron




So here’s the thing – I live in Texas. Summers are hot as hell and Key Lime Pie is both refreshing and a crowd pleaser, but I’m a little over the graham cracker crust with cool whip topping so I decided to shake things up. The result is an inspiration from a Cherry Limeade dessert I once ate {where the filling was cherry and lime with a standard graham cracker crust} and my personal obsession with strawberry cake. This ain’t your mamma’s key lime pie or some cheap frozen alternative, both of which I have linked to should they be your preference, but it is easy, delicious and beautiful! Take it to your friend’s outdoor dinner party and please, have a glass of sangria for me. Continue Reading →

Comments { 1 }

san antonio souvenirs {& a 60-second diy project!}

By on May 24, 2011 in diy projects, pack your bags




My San Antonio trip went smoothly, and even though I didn’t happen upon the purse of my dreams, I did manage to score some pretty sweet souvenirs at Market Square. Here are a few pics from the market, my loot and… the easiest DIY project ever {as inspired by one of my finds}! Continue Reading →

Comments { 4 }