15 Minute Infinity Scarf

I love scarves!  Half the time I don't even wear them to stay warm, I just love the way they look!  A few months ago I posted my first DIY Infinity Scarf.  I love that it's been repinned so many times on Pinterest!

I had a little extra time this weekend, so I decided to make myself a more neutral infinity scarf with a remnant piece of gray knit I picked up for about $2.  Fifteen minutes later this is what I had:

I love that you can wear these in so many ways!

My favorite way to wear an infinity scarf is doubled up.

I also dig tying a knot along the bottom.

My mini-fashionista reminded me that I had picked up another remnant knit awhile back.  I have to admit, she's been waiting patiently for her own infinity scarf.  Easy peasy...and voila:

Long enough, that Mommy can borrow it sometime (maybe!)

Doubled up...

Knotted...

She asked if she could model her new scarf herself, and of course, I obliged!

Isn't she the cutest?!?  :)

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Fabric Lanyard

I got the idea for this next project from my cousin, J, who is a pharmacist at a major hospital.  She is required to wear a lanyard to display her badge and was tired of the plain industry standard lanyard everyone else was carrying around.

I was excited to find a project to display some gorgeous fabric I picked up while on vacation in Florida.  (Of course, since it was in the clearance section and probably out-of-stock, it will become my most requested print!---get it while it's hot kids!)

Funky Fabric Lanyard

This particular lanyard has a 20" drop length including the swivel clasp, but can be made in any length.  After I made this, I decided that I needed to make one for myself to hold my keys and card at the gym.  Now, to choose my fabric...

Do you wear a lanyard to work? To the gym? Do your kids where them at school?  Tell me in the comments!

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Work-at-Home Mom Seeks New Pharmacy {and not by choice}

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband and I are both self-employed, and one of the main causes of stress in our home is the cost of our family's prescription medication.  A dispute that includes one of the biggest pharmacy chains in the country has many of us searching for a new place to fill our prescriptions.  When I was approached by Walgreens to discuss their current situation with Express Scripts, I agreed, as the topic hits close to home.

So what is going on, anyway?

I am sure that many of you have seen the signs pop up at your local pharmacy, "We accept Express Scripts" or "Welcome Express Scripts Customers". 

Express Scripts acts as a middleman between the drug companies, pharmacies and their customers.  They negotiate prescription pricing for their customers and determine the reimbursement rate for the pharmacy.  The Walgreens company offered to hold rates for a new contract, not seeking an increase in rates.  However, according to Walgreens, Express Scripts proposed to cut the reimbursement rate to Walgreens below industry standard to provide each prescription, as well as to define contract terms such as what does and does not constitute a brand and generic drug.

In short, the contract Walgreens had with Express Scripts expired as of December 31, 2011.  Walgreens' customers, including those with Tricare, the military's healthcare and prescription program, must now find a new pharmacy to provide its medication.

Many of Express Scripts' 6 million patients have been customers of Walgreens for  years and have formed a relationship with their local pharmacist.  They will now have to utilize services from other pharmacies, many of which do not provide 24 hour or drive-through convenience.  This adds another hurdle for patients already dealing with medical issues and high drug costs.

Walgreens has taken some steps to minimize disruption to its customers. This includes offering a special discount on the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens.  Through January, customers can join for only $5 for an individual and $10 for a family. Regular membership fees are $20 for an individual and $35 for a family.

Click on the following link for more information on Walgreens and Express Scripts.

For the most up to date information on this situation, follow Walgreens on Twitter and like Walgreens on Facebook.

Customers impacted by this dispute can go to the local media to voice their dissatisfaction.  Have you had to switch pharmacies?  If so, tell us in the comments.

Birds of a Feather

I can't begin to describe how blessed I am.  As some of you may know, my move to Virginia from Florida this summer was not the easiest transition for my family. Let's just be honest.  Moving sucks.

I spent the six months prior to my move packing up the last seven years of my life. I was losing 1500 sq ft worth of living space and had to decide what to keep, what to donate and what to put in storage.  I was busy, overwhelmed and basically neglected all of my friends and family. 

Fast forward to my move.  The first couple of months were super tough.  Hubs was traveling weekly and while I loved hosting family and friends (every week.  for two months.), I was still settling in and learning the ropes myself.  The summer ended, the kids started school, and 4 months passed before I was able to see family and friends again.  That's when it hit me.  I missed "home".

My trip to Florida this Christmas was wonderful.  Our cousins hosted our family of six (two dogs included) for two weeks.  My good friend and former neighbor went above and beyond to help me feel at home, as well. We planned a trunk show, which was a success.  All of my friends were so supportive of my business...I could go on forever.  In fact, I haven't even scratched the surface.

When I got back home, I knew I wanted to send my friend and my cousin little "thank you" gifts for all they did for me those two weeks.  I stumbled upon a funky bead shop in town and found the perfect charms to make them each a necklace.

Feather Necklace

This 26" necklace features a 1 3/4 " feather charm,and a matching .5" mini feather charm,
and was clearly Made With Love.

The necklaces arrived yesterday, and they both loved them.  Makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

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The Arts and Craftsy Owl

People often ask me what I "do". It's such a weird question to answer.  I usually just say that I own a business where I create handmade items and write for a blog that features those items (as well as some DIY, decor, and fashion stuff.)  That's usually where I lose them.  People will then ask, "What kind of handmade items?  Like arts and craftsy stuff?"  Bless their hearts...

Am I the only one who HATES the term "arts and crafts"?  It makes me feel like I'm putting together items with Elmer's Glue and construction paper.

Even so, I am crafty, and I like to think that what I do is some form of art, so I suppose "arts and crafts" isn't too far beyond what I "do".

Here is my newest work of arts and craft (warning: no fabric was cut in the creation of this piece!)

Owl Charm Fashion Necklace

I decided that as much as I love incorporating fabric into most of my pieces, there are times that I just want to wear something simple and understated.  This necklace is 18" long and features a 1" owl charm.  The perfect length for a scoop neck top or a button down blouse.

There will be more charm necklaces featured soon, so keep your eyes peeled my lovelies!

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Key Rings and Resolutions

We all make New Year's Resolutions.  Over the years I have resolved to lose weight, get in shape, get organized, drink less soda....I won't tell you what this year's resolution was, except that I already fell off the wagon, and I am OK with that.

I also made a business resolution, and that was to blog every Monday through Friday.  Yep, fell off that wagon, too.  I have a good reason (excuse) though.  I've had my mom staying with me since before the New Year.  I don't know about the rest of you, but I have to keep a routine, otherwise I am completely worthless.

I also have a few quirks that my handsome hubby has grown to tolerate love.  I can't write with someone else in the room. It is hard enough to share office space with Hubs, but to have Mom sitting next to me, telling me the latest gossip about a Latin American "celebrity" (who?!) while I try to be smart and witty, just doesn't work.

Somehow, I have found a way to make a few new items to share with you.   Here is my latest re-invention:

Key Rings for GUYS!

Of course, they aren't just for guys, but I have had a few requests for something less floral/colorful/girlie, and here they are.

What do you think?  Manly enough for you? :)

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Tampa Trunk Show and an Announcement

Happy 2012, my beautiful friends!  I am so sorry that it has taken me a whole 6 days into the new year to wish you well!  Also, I am even more sorry that it has been almost an entire month since my last post!!

What a crazy holiday season it has been!! I spent the entire month of December making items for AquaSeventy6's final trunk show of 2011, in Tampa, Florida.  After a 12 hour drive, and three days of last minute preparation, I am happy to announce that the show was a success!

It was such a pleasure to put this show together with my friend, Marcy, owner of K.a.i-y.a. Designs!

Here is the AquaSeventy6 table!

Checkbook Covers, Everything Pocuhes, Key Rings, and Headbands.

Button Pendant necklaces, Cuff Bracelets, He Loves Me Brooches and Hair Clips, Business Card/ID Holders, and more Headbands.

Ruffled Wreath, Felt Wine Bag and Clutches.

Fabric and Bead Necklaces and Scrappy Scarf Necklaces.

Here is the K.a.i-y.a. Designs table.  The Superhero tees and onesies were a BIG HIT!

Just look at these super cute headbands and reindeer tees!

I actually wanted this adorable Christmas skirt and top combo for myself!

Our hubbies took over as bartenders for the evening. 
Sangria Terreo was number one on the menu!

After a long, yet productive evening, Marcy and I
were finally able to pose for a photo!

I wish I would have photographed some of our guests, but by the time Marcy and I came up for air, the crowd had dwindled down, and our tables were sparse! We were very, very blessed.  Thanks to all of you who joined us that evening!!

Finally, I wanted to take a moment to announce some changes here at AquaSeventy6:

I started this blog in 2010 in conjunction with my very good friend, Autumn, who shares my passion for second-hand, refurbished, vintage and handmade items.  Together we featured our DIY projects, tutorials and our handmade items for sale.  As of January 2012, we decided that we each had so much to share that we would divide and conquer.  I will keep you updated on Autumn's journey and link her new site as soon as its up and running.

Autumn, your contribution to our site will be greatly missed, but I can't wait to see how you transform your skill and passion into another beautiful endeavor.  Love you tons!






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