Can I even call this a DIY project?

This project was so easy I'm not even sure it qualifies as a real DIY project, but I love it and figured I needed to share it with you anyway. 

I saw baskets similar to this online at pottery barn (of course I can't find them now to share) for over $25 and would not pay that much so I made my own for $12!

I found my basket at Hobby Lobby and used a 40% off coupon so it was only $10.  The chalkboard tags come in packs of 10 and they were $2. (I have more baskets in the closet that I plan to label with these.)  I already had the rope, hole puncher and chalk.  

I took one chalkboard tag, wrote toys on it, punched two holes on the side and tied it to the basket.

At this point you're probably wondering why I would even include directions to this.  I don't know either. I'm sure you would be smart enough to figure it out, but I wanted to write about accomplishing a project so here it is.  

And in case that isn't exciting enough for you I have a blogger friend to introduce you to.  Nadine is the sweet and beautiful girl behind Back East Blonde, where she blogs about her life with her puppy and her boyfriend on the east coast.  Today she is sharing with you the difference between what you may say your favorite book and what your real favorite book is.  I definitely enjoyed reading it and agree with her on a few of her favorites too!

Have you ever asked someone what their favorite book is? 
This question usually only comes up in a situation where you've run out of things to talk about and are pulling out all the stops to avoid awkward silence. Or you're at a book club meeting. 
Everyone has a book that they say is their favorite book. But they're lying.
The book inevitably makes them sound smarter than they are. It's almost like there is a list of books that are supposed to be your favorites. The socially acceptable favorites. My go-to is To Kill a Mockingbird. It was one of the only books I read in school that I sort of enjoyed.

I'm sure there are more that go on this list. Just insert any classic that I undoubtably read the SparkNotes version of in high school.
But the truth is, my actual favorite books would never be read in the classroom. In most social situations, if I claimed these were my favorite books, I'd get a giggle or two. 

1. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? By Mindy Kaling
I laughed out loud through most of this book. Just a warning in case you were planning on reading it with anyone else around. I want Mindy as my BFF. It's because of this book that I became a devout fan of The Mindy Project. 
2. BossyPants by Tina Fey
If you didn't have enough laugh out loud moments from Mindy, then Tina's your girl. I liked her on SNL, I loved her as Liz Lemon, but the real Tina, she's my favorite.
3. Firefly Lane by Kristen Hannah
I like to call this a "beach read." A professor of literature might call it trash. You could also call it therapy. This book is a story. It sweeps you away and you forget you are reading for hours. It got me through my worst breaks up ever. For that alone, it will always be on my list.
4. Anything by Nicholas Sparks
Have you ever thought about the fact that this man has a wife? If he's one tenth as romantic in real life as his books are, I think he should be traveling the country providing lessons to the men of America. I'd send my guy. Just sayin'.
5. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
Duh. I re-read the series every few years. I love it. I'm also frequently judged for having a framed replica Harry Potter wand on my wall. Some call it over the top. I call it awesome. [Note: I'm sure this is read in some schools. But it will never replace the classics, even if it should]
For the three people who read this post who swear that some classic is your favorite book, I applaud you. The reality of reading is this: read what you enjoy. Happy summer reading!
Thank you Nadine!! And I'm pretty sure my sister just may be one of those three people so I'm curious to see what she says!  
Don't forget to go visit Nadine and her cute blog!  Hope you are having a good week!
and if you haven't entered to win $50 to Kintage, do that here!




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