Upholstering a box spring

A few months ago, my fiancé and I decided that we didn't want a traditional bed frame for our room. We wanted to put legs on our box spring and have a creative painting or something similar as a headboard. With that plan, we had to upholster our box spring to make it look a lot better since it would be showing. 

Here is a brief run down on how you can do that.

Things you'll need:

- Staple gun

- Staples

- Your choice of fabric. 

Make sure to measure your box spring to see exactly how much you'd need

- A fabric knife (a normal pair of scissors can work just fine too)

Step 1) Pick the fabric you would like to upholster with. Make sure it is a colour or pattern that will match with pretty much anything. We went with a grey patterned one with some subtle pink accents on it. Luckily, I didn't get any objections from that choice!

Step 2) You will then need to cover your four corners. The measurements really depend on how you want it to look, but make sure it covers a few inches on each side of the corner. As well, make sure you staple the fabric inside out, as you will be flipping it over in order to hide the staples. For us, it didn't matter because the fabric was the same on both sides.

Step 3) Once that corner is stapled, flip it over the corner and ahead and staple the top. It should end up looking like the right photo below. Make sure the bottom of the box spring is the side that shows the staples. Because I mean who cares about that side haha. As well, we made the mistake and pulling the fabric a bit too tight, as you can see below. Make sure it has a tiny bit of slack, that way the fabric won't start to rip form the staples.

Step 4) Then, go ahead and do all four corners.

Step 5) Grab your measured and cut piece for one of the long sides of the box spring. You will end up doing the same thing you did for the corners. Staple the top of the box spring with the back of the fabric being up, because you will flip it over then staple the bottom. Make sure you overlap the corners by an inch or two.

Step 6) Finish all other sides in this same fashion. What you'll end up getting is the corners and sides looking like this.

That's really all there is to it folks! Of course, as a bad blogger I didn't even take a photo of the box spring once it was finished. But I think you get the idea. This was an easy DIY and it only took us about an hour and a half to finish. 

The whole project ended up costing us about $20 once we bought some staples and the fabric. We borrowed the staple gun and the fabric store we went too was having a major sale. Score!!

Happy upholstering, friends!

Getting back into a fitness routine

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Once upon I had a regular workout routine, honestly, I really did! I have been HORRIBLE lately with working out for two weeks, then being lazy for two weeks; working out for another two weeks, then being lazy for a week after that. It's been a binge working out cycle that I haven't been able to get out of. It really isn't benefiting my body or mind at all and I needed to change that.

Luckily, I have been! I have gotten back to the gym and worked out at least 3 times a week. As silly as it might sound, I can already feel myself getting stronger and I am eating way more. Anytime I can eat more delicious food, I'm a happy women!

Here are a few things that have kept me on track:

1) Being prepared first thing in the morning - Let me tell you, I am not a morning person. My fiancé has had to practically drag me out of bed some mornings. But lately, I've made an effort to get out of bed earlier than usual and made sure all my workout clothes and meals for the day are packed and ready to go. I used to leave that stuff all over the house and try and workout at night, which didn't work at all. Now that I make time to exercise on my break at work, it allows me to get it done during the day and still have the night to do other things!

2) I make myself a bet - When I'm feeling lazy and not wanting to workout, I essentially bribe myself into getting it done no matter what. I allow myself have that piece of pumpkin pie sitting on the counter, or buying that nail polish I've been wanting for a while. Whatever I want, as long as I workout first. It sounds like a kiddish way to do it, but it works. Then once it becomes a habit, I won't have to do that as much anymore.

3) Tell somebody about your plans - If you tell someone else that you are planning on working out a certain day, it holds you more accountable then just counting on yourself. That person can be there to remind you and make sure you follow through with your plan. You can never have enough support!

All in all, I'm excited that I'm finally getting a good grip on making exercise a regular occurrence in my routine instead of life getting the best of me.  It's also helped that my soccer season is under way again, I'm ready to kick some serious butt!

Just remember, we all get into ruts sometimes, but keep trying and you'll find a routine that works for you!

Fall nights

Nothing can beat the crisp feeling of a fall night.

Fall day in Edmonton

Well, fall is officially here and it's nothing but gorgeous!

I had the day to myself today and I definitely took advantage of it.

Not to get to girlie on you, but I painted my nails did a hair wrap and just relaxed for the most part. I also threw in a little bike ride in our lovely river valley, which is always my favourite thing to do. With it being only 4 degrees today, it definitely got the lungs burning and my cheeks rosy.

We all need that from time to time. Sometimes I get lost of the hustle and bustle of life, running from work to soccer, to errands to the gym; I think you get my gist.

My fiancé and I have tried to get the wedding planning started and let me tell you, thank goodness for small weddings. I really don't know how people handle the stress of large weddings!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone and remember, life is good!

Life on the farm

Beautiful.

Top 10 Dr.Seuss Quotes

If you know me well, then you know I absolutely love anything inspirational. Those cheesy stories, the quotes floating around the internet, and any other kind of book or event that sparks my want to be better and do better. My love for this famous author is definitely not a new thing and I'm not afraid to admit it.

I remember being a little kidlet running around shouting out Dr.Seuss quotes. "One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish" while I beg my mum to read it again. I had a ton of his books lining my little book shelf and to this day I have kept some around for my future little ones.

Dr.Seuss has always been one of my favourite authors and that will never change. They reflect so much of what is real in life that I am always referencing them when I need a pick me up.

Below are my top 10 quotes from the man himself.

1) "Think and wonder, wonder and think"

2) "Sometimes the questions are complicated and sometimes the answers are simple"

3) "From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere"

4) "A persons a person, no matter how small"

5) "Only you can control your future"

6) "If you never did, you should. Things are fun and fun is good"

7) "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind"

8) "Oh, the things you find if you don't stay behind"

9) Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one sliver that is youer than you"

10) "If things start happening, don't worry. Don't stew. Just go right along, you'll start happening too"

I don't care how old anyone is, there isn't a single person in this world that can't relate to these quotes and that's why I love him as a writer and author. We are all just kids masked how the stresses of life.

I plan on reading my future children all the Dr.Seuss books and I hope they learn the same lessons from him that I did!

Frugal wedding

Hi there! Turns out I haven't posted in a while…oops! Well, to get you updated on what's going on, I recently got engaged to my best friend and I couldn't be happier! 

Be prepared for many DIY and minimalist wedding posts in the future. One things that we have always wanted was a wedding that didn't cost much, but was all about us and what we wanted, with close and friends there to celebrate with us. We definitely aren't going with many traditional wedding ideas and we are so excited about it.

Do any of you have any frugal wedding ideas you'd like to share? or any ways to have money will planning this fun day? let me know! :)

Mysterious Nuts

Anyone know what kind of nuts these are?

I found them on a recent trip to BC.

I came across a row of different nut trees while on a lovely afternoon walk.

They look very premature and when I opened them there wasn't any defining shape of a nut I know.

The outsides of both nuts look pretty cool as well. The spiky one is my favourite!

Check out the insides!

The one on the right had a clear gel like substance on the inside. Very weird.
I can't help but operate and things like this. I'm always interested to see what's growing on the inside.

Overall, I thought they were pretty neat!

If anyone can give me incite as to what these nuts actually are, that would be wicked!

Happy TGIF!

Wordless Wednesday

Finally Friday

Friday has finally come! Put your hands up in the air like you just don't care!

I have definitely been looking forward to this weekend. My to-do list this week has been a mile long and it will be nice to have a bit of a break.

While I sit here enjoying the lovely summer sun during my lunch, I thought I'd share some neat things I saw this week on the interwebs.

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Want to see what fireworks look like when you fly right through them?  Let me tell you, it's pretty darn awesome

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Have you ever wondered why we name our stuff?

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I just learned yesterday that loaded smashed potatoes is a thing. You can bet your pretty little faces I'm going to try and make these this weekend

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This made me crack up as well as make me feel old. Thanks for that internet.

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It looks like you can now colour your own wallpaper. If anyone knows me, they know I have a creative brain and LOVE colour. This product is like my dream come true and will be going in my future childs room for sure.

Have an awesome weekend!

Biking to work

Ever since I moved, I have vowed that I am going to try and bike to work as much as possible. Obviously, there are some days I can't because of my schedule and you definitely won't catch me on a bike in the winter. But with the short summer we have, I must try and make the most of it.

With that, lets move on to the present day. Last Friday I attempted to ride my bike to work for the first time since moving. I got up early, knew what my route was going to be and was jumped to be fit as well as enjoy the morning on the trails. Well, I get about 7 houses down from my place, and I then have a wipeout which tears up on left foot and twists my ankle, as well as damaging my bike. Fun times. 

Without showing you a disgusting picture of my foot, it was not a good morning. It was one of those days where not only one thing goes wrong, about ten 15 things go wrong.

But I digress, my bike has been fixed by my handy man and I'm going to try it again tomorrow. Hopefully I'll get farther than down the block this time.

There are so many benefits to bike riding to work or school. I can already picture the amount of money I'll be saving plus getting back in shape, which is desperately needed.

Fingers crossed for me! 

I'd like to not repeat last Friday, or else I will despise bikes forever! Haha

Sunday smiles

Good morning, friends! 

Above is a photo I took during our Canada Day fireworks and while our High Level Bridge was being lit up with lights. It was a cool moment and I'm glad I got to see it happen.

I hope you have a fantastic day today! Keep smiling!

Bulletproof Coffee

I bet you are all wondering what the heck Bulletproof Coffee is! Sounds like some kind of machine that produces a magic potion or something. Well, sorry to damper your imagination, but it just a different way to spice up your coffee as well as your brain in the mornings. 

First, lets start off with a history lesson. Bulletproof Coffee was created by Dave Asprey, who was in the process of trying to make a healthier life for himself and wanted to find a way to incorporate coffee to make it more effective than usual.  Well, that he did. 

Essentially, Bulletproof Coffee consists of 3 ingredients:

- Black Coffee, of any kind.

- Unsalted butter.

- Coconut oil.

You do have to mix these three ingredients in a blender or magic bullet of some sort to create the 'latte' look and to keep the fats and coffee from separating. It also tastes smooth without having to add any regular cream or sugar. 

The amounts you need to add are:

- 1 tbsp of the unsalted butter

- 1 tbsp of coconut oil

The idea behind this concoction, is that you are adding healthy fats to your coffee, which are not only extremely good for you (despite what people say about fats), and you are giving your brain a boost! It is fantastic for cognitive function and overall health.  These fats are great for your brain and body first thing in the morning because they are medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which has been shown to lead to great losses in adipose tissue (fat tissue). Plus, they give your brain and body energy that goes above and beyond normal coffee.

Overall, it is an acquired taste and will take some getting used too if you are addicted to cream and sugar in your coffee. However, you will notice a difference when you first start to drink it. I now try and drink normal coffee as little as possible!

 So, go ahead and try it! Let me know your thoughts on it as well!

Coffee Monday

This is how I feel about coffee every morning...

With my coffee now in hand, I hope you all have a fantastic day!

Happy Saturday!

Why hello there!

Happy Saturday!

I am currently sitting on my balcony and sipping on a wonderful bullet-proof coffee. I still can't get over how great I feel when I drink one compared to regular coffee. Healthy fats for the win! My brain is lovin' it! 

I also went for a fantastic bike ride through the river valley last night. Now, whoever lives in Edmonton must know how amazing our trails are by the river, I can't get enough. Check out this picture I took on one of my many stops. I'm definitely not as fit as I thought I was (sorry muscles). Haha

I'm biased, but Edmonton has to be one of the prettiest cities in Canada!

So, I think everyone should get outside and enjoy this nice weather!

Kick butt and stay awesome! Happy Saturday! :)

Vega Bars - Review

One day last week after a typical work day, I received a lovely package in the mail. Once I opened it up, I realized it was a bunch of Vega Bars! I'm always up for trying healthy and nutritional bards for those days that I'm on the run or I just flat out forgot to grab breakfast; which unfortunately, happens more often than not. The best part about these are the fact that they are non-GMO, gluten free as well as natural. 

One of the first bars I had to try was the Chocolate Coconut Almond.  This particular bar has very wholesome ingredients such as organic dates, almond flour and coconut oil, which is my new favourite obsessions. For a lot of things other than just cooking, but that is a post for another day. I was surprised that it was actually very delicious! I'm usually suspicious with anything healthy but this one had a great flavour and it was extremely filling. A plus in my book!

Also included in the package was a few Vega One bars which are considered a meal replacement. Now, I'm not a huge one on meal replacement bars, only because they never make me feel full enough like a real meal can, but I figured I'd try one out. So, a few days later as I was just about to sit down and write a few blog posts I tried the Vega One Chocolate Cherry Almond. Now, i'd have to say, the Cherry flavour wasn't my favourite, it seemed to overpower the rest of the bar a bit too much. However, I was pleasantly surprised that it kept me full for a solid few afters after I ate it. It made me see how well these would be if I didn't have time to eat running from one commitment to another.

I'd have to say that my absolute favourite bar out of the ones I was sent, was a mint chocolate protein bar, and let me tell you, it tasted like heaven in a bar! I LOVE anything mint, especially my chocolate! So, this bar will definitely be a go to whenever I want a healthy treat!

 The rest of the bars are going to be perfect for those days that I am running from work to soccer or between errands on the weekends. So overall, I was very impressed with these bars overall. They are filled with healthy ingredients and taste good, which is the ultimate factor for me. 

Disclosure: I was provided Vega bars free to review, but all opinions are my own.

Have you tried Vega products before? What is your favorite?

It's that time of year

Do you ever look up at your surroundings and feel a sense of rejuvenation that you've missed for the last few days, months or even years? I swear I get that feeling every spring when I'm finally able to sit outside on my balcony and just be. These are the days I miss so dearly and I treasure more than lots of other things in my life; which I have yet to determine if that's a good thing or bad. I am able to smell the spring air, hear the sounds of the city, yet at the same time hear the beautiful songs of near by birds.  Between running around with work, errands and my hobbies it seems I can rarely do that anymore, which I can imagine is a problem most other people have as well.

Having said that, being out here automatically gives me a burst of motivation, anticipation as well as a sense of relaxation that I get less often now.  I'm excited to get outside and enjoy this nice weather, to focus on my writing more and to shake off those winter blues.

Happy Sunday, friends!

Strawberry Monster

Does anyone in the world wide web like strawberries as much as I do? I bet that's a no. I also think I get bonus points for making a cool picture out of it as well!
Happy Thursday, friends!