Memo Board Makeover

This is one of those posts I never really got around to writing.  I took the pictures and then kinda forgot about doing the post.  As I was going through my camera recently I found these and decided to go on and show you how did a little makeover a clearance memo board!

This is how the board started out.  I actually really like this vintage-y postcard print, but it wasn't quite what I wanted for my kitchen.  It was on clearance at Hobby Lobby for a little over $10.  I really liked the size and the frame, so I decided to go on and make it work for what I was wanting.

A few months earlier I had picked up a set of yellow napkins on clearance at Target.  I have a similar print in placemats and even a pillow in red, so I grabbed the napkins thinking I could use them somehow.  (I'm not really a cloth napkin kinda person.)

I started out by removing the back of the board.  (This was one thing I paid attention to when looking for boards at Hobby Lobby.)  I wanted to keep the original fabric and just cover it with the yellow in case I change my mind later.  

Since the black print showed through the yellow and white pattern, I found some plastic packaging (I think I snagged it from my TV box in the storage room) and added that as a layer between the two fabrics.  I simply used a regular stapler to staple them at the very edge of the original board.  I had to stay pretty close to the edge because the lip of the frame didn't have much overhang.  I was also a bit of a challenge to get it stretched out and even, but after a few attempts, I got it to look pretty good!  

And here's the final product...  It's not 100% perfect, but it really did end up being what I wanted.  I'd looked at a few other memo boards on Esty and other sites and they were all $20+.  In all, I spent about $14 and still have 3 napkins to use for other products if I wish.  

Finally, here's the board on my kitchen wall!  One of these days I'll make / decorate some cute pins, but it's just perfect for this space!  I don't really like a lot of clutter on the fridge, so this board is a great alternative for posting a few little notes.  

September Birchbox (& My Fall Candles!)

It's really starting to feel like fall!  The beginning of last week was still pretty hot (highs in the 90s), but by the end of the week we were enjoying some rain and much cooler temperatures.  It's totally put me in a fall mood...  I've been loving it all!

I got my September Birchbox this week and thought I'd share what I got!  It was a pretty decent box this month.  I don't feel like there was anything absolutely spectacular this month, but I wasn't really disappointed either.

Boscia Oil-Free Nightly Hydration - This says it refines pores and soothes irritation...  I must admit I'm getting very cautious about what I put on my face because one of my Birchbox samples totally broke me out a few months ago.  Some of these types of things I've just decided give to my mom to try.

Color Club Nail Polish in "Insta-This" - I'm totally not much of a blue person, but this one is really pretty in person.  I haven't used it yet, but I plan to put it on for my next mani.  I've really liked my other Color Club polishes!

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint - I'm excited to try this one.  I received the illuminating version last spring, but only used it as a highlighter.

Kate Spade New York Twirl Perfume - I like this one so far.  I'm wearing it now and after several hours of wear can still smell it.  I'm not sure if I'll buy the full-size, but this may be one to consider.

Twistband Hair Tie - I always keep a hair tie with me and haven't tried any of the type before.  I like it alright and may buy more at some point.  I'd prefer to go with a pack of solid colors if I do that.  

Mighty Leaf Tea Company Tea - I'm not a huge tea drinker, but it's nice to have them on hand when I'm not feeling well or I'm just in the mood for tea.  

Madewell "Gift Card" (aka coupon) - Let's get this straight...  A gift card is just money for you to spend with no minimum.  A coupon may require a set amount for you to spend.  This is for $25 off of a $75+ purchase.  I haven't shopped Madewell before, but I have browsed online.  I'll probably let this "gift card" go...  I just didn't see anything worth spending my money on (especially since I've never seen their stuff in person.)

They also had really cute fall lookbook included that had hair and makeup tips and featured looks from Madewell.  It's a fun little booklet and features some of the items I got as well as other items Birchbox is currently featuring for fall.

My aunt gave me a $25 gift card to Bath & Body Works, so I was super excited to see that they were running their 2 for $20 3-wick candles again!  It was also the day of their fall fragrance event, so with any home scent purchase I got a (real) mini pumpkin and a small candle in a limited edition scent, Pumpkin Carving.

I ended up getting:

2 Leaves (1 for me, 1 for my mom)
1 Autumn Day
1 Cider Lane (for my aunt)

5 candles total for less than $18 after the gift card!  I've been burning my Autumn Day candle today and I've really enjoyed it so far.

Now it's your turn...

What was in your September Birchbox?

Have you picked up any new fall candles?  Any suggestions for me?