If you remember my post Create a Comfy Bay Window Seat you know how much I've been wanting a cat. Well how about two?! My two babies are waiting for me to come home from work in their bay window.

My Christmas present (Ellie) has brought a lot of movement into our home.

 

Her big brother (Sam) has found a new playmate in his sister.

 

Whether they chase each other around the Christmas tree or play fight on our bed at 2 am, they are constantly keeping each other active.

 

Their active lifestyle and mischievous shenanigans sparked the idea to build them a cat tower.

 

The levels are 2 feet, 3 feet, and 4 feet. We originally had the top level at 5 feet but it proved way too high for Sam.

 

The base and the shelves were from scrap wood. The 2 by 4 for the 2 foot tower is the sturdiest. If I were to do this project over again I would use 2 by 4s for all of the towers. The other two towers are held up by a 4 by 4 post.

We attached a basket for them to jump into using some hooks and bungee cords. So far Ellie likes it but it’s a little unstable when she jumps out of it.

 

 

 

We reinforced the 4 foot tower with some brackets since that was a little wobbly as well.

I used garden rope ($9 at Home Depot for 50 feet of it!) to create a scratching pad. If you want to save time (about an hour and fifteen minutes) hot gluing fifty feet of rope, attach a scratching pad to the side.

 

 

 

My favorite part of this project was making the cushions for each shelf. I’ve seen cat trees carpeted before but I wanted to take it to the next level. I call Sam my King and Ellie my Princess so I wanted to give them a play space built for royalty. I attached high density foam with adhesive and let it sit overnight. I used batting and a soft fabric to wrap each shelf like a Christmas present and stapled the fabric underneath.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We plan to add more toys to the base of the tree, but for now, this day long project was well worth it. We sprayed some catnip mist and put some treats on each shelf and they knew what to do!

Sleepy kitties

 

 

Milestone Picture Frame: Last Minute Christmas Gift

This is the perfect gift for your husband/wife or parents if you can dig up some old pictures. The milestones I chose for my gift were our first date, our engagement, and our wedding.

All you will need is:

A picture frame with a mat

A marker

Pictures

 

I bought a calligraphy marker for this project but you don’t have to.  I was convinced I would teach myself calligraphy but that required more time than the hour I had before my husband got home. What I learned from the brief research I did is that you should first trace your letters in pencil, then use your marker.

 

Shade in your letters a few times (I did 3 times).

 

 

Also mix your fonts. I used larger cursive for the title of the picture and smaller capital print for the description.

If you don’t trust your own handwriting you can use scrapbook sticker letters. I almost went that route but I think doing it in your own handwriting makes it personal.

Can’t wait to give this to my husband on Christmas! Here’s to hoping he doesn’t read my blog!

Variations on the Milestone Picture Frame

·         Use it as a pregnancy announcement. Leave one open spot for “Future Grandchild” or a sonogram photo.

·         Frame each of your child’s footprints.

·         Surprise a pet lover and give them photos of their pets with their birthdays or adoption dates.

·         Remember all of your favorite family trips over the years.

·         Retake a childhood photo as an adult and place the photos side by side.

Sleek Sofa Table

 

 

 

When I designed this sofa table I thought it would work well between your sofa and the wall. A good place to charge your phone, hold your drink, set your books, or whatever else you need a sofa table for.

I need your help!! I can’t decide on the stain I should use to finish this piece. My options are Espresso, Red Oak, and Special Walnut. Here are some projects I’ve done in all 3 stains.

 

 

Kitchen Island in Espresso

 

Sofa Table in Red Oak

 

Sofa Table in Special Walnut

 

Let me know if you’re interested in this piece and you can chose your own stain!

Leave your comments below!

5 Holiday Money Saving Tips

Just because the holidays are coming up doesn’t mean the house expenses stop. We’re looking at solar panel installation, painting the guest bedrooms, and removing the asbestos in the basement all in the same month.

Spending my nights listening to Christmas music while peeling wallpaper.

 

 

Here are 5 Holiday Money Saving Tips that help me get through the festivities!

1.       Make your own beverage servers

 

Hosting a soiree? Bringing drinks to a holiday party? Don’t buy a costly drink dispenser, make one with any glass container and a chalkboard label.

 

I spray painted a label I got from the grocery store with chalkboard spray paint.

 

Apple Pie Sangria is always served best with a cinnamon sugar rim!

2.       Reuse gift bags

I know it sounds simple, but sometimes we forget to save bags, bows, and paper. Doing this can avoid spending extra money. Just check any gift bag tags to make sure there aren't any messages left from last year. My friend hosts an ornament swap every year and I always keep the little gift bag I get, perfect size for an ornament!

 

My prize from the ornament swap!

3.       Take your own holiday photos

 

Don’t have a photo budget? Use photos from your year to show your friends and family what you have been up to! Or just take your own! We considered using our GoPro to take photos but ended up using our Iphone. Both have a self timing setting and are fairly decent quality.

 

Tried taking our pic with Sam, didn't make the final cut :(

4.       Exchange experiences instead of gifts

Our friends helped watch our cat while we were away for Thanksgiving. I would’ve paid them but they insist that’s what friends are for. Instead of getting them a gift, we are asking them to come over for dinner and games. I dare you to try this out with friends or family and see who can come up with the most creative idea. How does this save money you ask? I don’t anticipate preparing dinner for two more people costing that much more money. And our board games are free. Maybe do a drinks and movie night. A bottle of wine won’t put you back too much either yet it’s a fun way to spend time together. These memories aren't something you'll want to return to the store December 26th.

 

5.       Clean out your grandmother’s basement

Lucky for me, my grandma literally let me and my brother clean out her basement. Any holiday stuff we wanted was ours. Doing this with your family members will totally help you save money on holiday décor. Offer to help your dad clean out the attic, or your aunt clean out the guest bedroom closets. Maybe those holiday heirlooms can find their way into your home.

 



How much would this cost in a store? I don't know! But I  do know mine was $Free.99! Thanks grandma!


Share your holiday money saving tips below! Skyping instead of flying to see family? Baking for your family instead of buying gifts? I would love to know!