DIY Fourth of July Shirt

I hope y'all had a fabulous Fourth!  We're currently under a Stage 2 draught and a burn ban.  But, thanks to some law breakers out there I got to see some fireworks.  Plus it actually did rain for a spell, praise God (again, the draught)!

As a part of our celebration, G and I hit up Walmart early that day to get our American wear as this was indeed, a 'Merica Party.  Now if there's one thing I love, it's a good theme party!  For your reading pleasure, I'm going to show you how to turn

Disclaimer: You'll have to pardon my lack of step-by-step photos as I made this beauty in a bit of a hurry.  Also, the red-eye corrector kind of gave me a wild eye.  I apologize.

Step One

Cut off the sleeves of the tshirt about 1/8 of an inch on the inside of the seam.

Step Two

Depending on the original length of the shirt and your desired length of the shirt cut off any excess fabric at the bottom.  This shirt was a men's size and pretty long so I took off a couple of inches.  I've found the best way to get an even cut is to fold the shirt in half and cut through four layers.

Step Three

Laying the shirt flat, begin cutting strips (through both layers of the shirt) about 1-1 1/4 inches thick.  Optional: I cut the strips on the side seams along the seams so that I'd have two extra fringe pieces.  You can choose to do this or not, it shouldn't affect your final product too significantly.

Step Four
Tie a knot in each strip of fabric close to the top of the cuts. 

Step Five

Wear!  Put this bad boy on and show your 'Merican pride in all your glory.  Here are some photos of how we wore ours!  We may have gotten a little carried away....

PS - this is not my typical procedure for making clothes.  I consider this and other costumes appropriate for theme parties and other instances where others will be dressed up (ie Themed pub crawls).  This is not acceptable to wear in public unless accompanied by others who look just as ridiculous/awesome as you.

Friday Favorites

It's finally Friday!  And boy has it been a good/hot one.  Temps are higher than they have been all summer so if you're in the Middle Tennessee area stay hydrated, get yourself in or around a swimming pool or stay indoors if you can help it.

Here are a few of my favorites this summer!

These J Crew shorts have been in stable rotation and have become my favorite shorts this summer.  They look more orange-y in the picture but they are coral in real life.  I got them at the J Crew outlet store in Charleston while visiting a friend but if you're lucky enough to get to Opry Mills, there is a J Crew outlet store where these babies can be found on the cheap(er).

 Next up we have the Essie polish in "Sand Tropez" or as I called it "sand trap" for a while.  It's my go-to when I'm not polished in some shade of pink.  It's not super light but also not super dark, so it's just right!  Sure it's not the flashiest color, but I like that about this nude color.  Plus G tells me that bright nails remind him of a stripper...what?  I guess I'm proud that he was more concerned with strippers' nail colors/hands than their nakedness?  He makes me laugh.

Recently I've decided to start writing my friends letters/notes/cards.  Primarily because it's fun to receive and to send mail but also because I really love fun stationery.  Here are a few that I've been wanting lately...though I could look for note cards all day!

And my last favorite for today's Friday Favorites would be one of my favorite holidays, the Fourth of July, which is just around the corner!  As a child I loved/hated the Fourth because I thought the fireworks were terrifying.  Of course now as long as they are shot safely, I LOVE fireworks!  I went to a wedding recently where fireworks were shot as the bride & groom exited the reception.  It was great!  But really, what's not to love about the Fourth of July?  Cookouts, time spent with family & friends, fun red/white/blue colored outfits, food, and fireworks!  Last Fourth of July we went out on the lake and though it was kind of crowded we had a blast!  Here are some patriotic goodies that may inspire you this holiday....happy weekend, y'all!