To the Beach!

We leave for the beach in just two days - YIPPEE!

Photo courtesy of Dubtastic.

Hope everyone is surviving the heat!

DIY Photo Frame

On a recent trip home from my parent's house, G and I stopped at this fun consignment store and found a beautiful - but empty - ivory frame. I knew the perfect place to hang it but I had no idea what to put inside. The same day, we made our usual weekend Home Depot stop and the rolls of chicken wire were calling my name. Some staples, clothespins and Instamatic photos later, I had this:

It's a work in progress...I'll add some of my favorite inspirational images, some dried flowers and a few other sentimental things. This is, literally, the first thing I see when I get out of bed - perfect!

Some of my inspiration came from the following:

All images found via Pinterest: 

fig. 1 from taliachristine.blogspot.com

fig. 2 from craftjr.com 

fig. 3 from alovelyescape.blogspot.com

fig. 4 from blog.stylizimo.com

fig. 5 from diymaven.com

fig. 6  from stampington.com

 

Art for Sale

Need to de-stress? Look for cheap art on Etsy!!! It's downright ahhhh-mazing how many super talented artists sell entire portfolios on my FAVORITE SITE EVER. I start smiling as soon as I start scrolling - a little inspiration definitely helps me unclench my jaw and leave my cuticles alone. Here are some current favorite illustration series (which are all in the running for a large blank wall that is driving me crazy):

This lovely artist says (on his Etsy store description), 'My designs incorporate a mixture of childhood experiences, dreams, and daily inspiration from my two kids.' LOVE it. 

These just make me happy - what's not to like? I think framed (bamboo border, perhaps?) on a white bathroom wall would be superb.

 

 

 I'm a sucker for block prints, especially in two of my fave colors. These are lovely, simple and make me want to keep looking. 

 

 

 

 

 Artists shown: 

Circles and Squares by David B. Cuzick  

SeeChangeDesign by Amy TerKeurst

dekanimal

 

A Fresh Start

There is a very distinct possibility that this blog post will go out into cyberspace and just echo, echo, echo. I abruptly just stopped posting without a reason, so if anyone still cares (I won't blame if you if you don't), my self-imposed sabbatical/break/vacation is officially over.

A lot of things have changed over the past two or so months (ATTENTION: BLOG FACELIFT!!!) and a little time off was definitely called for. My work schedule has changed, P has started summer camp, we did a huge driveway project (by "we" I mean G and my father-in-law), our gardens are finally weed-free and in shape and I am slowly redesigning this here blog (ATTENTION: BLOG IS A WORK-IN-PROGRESS!!!).

We also (I can take credit for this project, I definitely helped in all the non-hardware/tool ways) built a new headboard - which I LOVE:

It's basically a large piece of plywood with decorative crown molding nailed around three edges. I lacquered burlap to the center (kisses to you Mod Podge!) and painted the entire base ivory (Martha Stewart, Bone Folder) and added a water-based polyurethane on top. We mounted on the wall using two 2x4's with interlocking 45 degree angles so it's nice and sturdy. I'd say we spent, hmm, about $100 on the headboard, total. I love how it looks - the burlap is an imperfect, rustic touch and works seamlessly with the classic crown molding.

In other news, a certain apple-of-my-eye is changing every day and becoming more and more of her own person. It's a joy to watch and be a part of - we're so proud of our little monkey!

 I HOPE some of you are still out there! Have a happy week!

100! Plus, a Desk Makeover

I was about to hit the new post button, when I saw that this is my 100th post! To many bloggers, this is a drop in the bucket. For me, I'm excited that I've stuck it out this long and feel more motivated than ever to keep it going. I've been working like a mad-woman on DIY projects so I can post them regularly every week and here's the latest (and one of my favorites).

Remember my post about desk organization/craft corner? I decided to move my craft space to the spare bedroom to make way for a more functional work/writing space (plus, it began to feel a little cluttered and claustrophobic). Inspired by Centsational Girl's credenza project, I gave our pretty (ahem, outdated) desk a chic little makeover.

 Before: I did one later of white primer (no sanding necessary!).

 I painted the entire desk with three coats of semi-gloss paint (Martha Stewart Bone). Then, I taped off the pattern I wanted for the top of the desk and did two layers of another color (MS Dolphin).

 End Result: The best painter's tape advise is the lift the tape while the paint is still wet. I fixed any flubs with a fine-tipped brush. The final step was to coat the top of the desk with a layer of latex topcoat. 

  I also replaced the hardware with this glass knobs from Home Depot. They're the perfect vintage touch!

"P" Is For "Pretty"

Attention all jewelry-lovers, ATTENTION!!! If you're looking for a unique something-something to spice up your neckline, COATT is it. I mean, what a freaking good idea - Morse coded beaded necklaces that spell out something special AND look adorable. A Cup of Jo is having a COATT giveaway for a few more hours, so head on over to her blog to sign up for a chance to win. Otherwise, they're all under $40, so treat yourself or the mom(s) in your life!

 

 

 

 

Just Like Mommy

This certainly isn't news...we're all sick again. People ALWAYS say you end up getting every cold and bug your kid gets, and now I am a believer. P had an ear infection and I'm delirious with a fever and stuffy head. I'm always in denial about getting sick until it's too late. In this case, I was adamant that it was just allergies - and then I almost passed out while driving home. It's officially spring, so when is cold/flu season over? I'm getting desperate - does anyone have any hints for staying healthy? I've tried just about everything, but I know some of you are homeopathic nerds, so help!!!

On a lighter note, P and I have been playing dress-up lately and it's hysterical. She is at the age now where she wants to do everything I do. If I'm cleaning, she gets a tissue and a plastic bottle from her "kitchen" and pretends to wipe down the floors. If I'm on my computer, she pulls her kid version out and pretends to click away. Last week, I was feeling fancy and actually got dressed in something other than yoga pants and a sweatshirt. As I was putting on my makeup and some jewelry, P wanted to join in. I sat her on the bed and pretended to put some makeup on her and then gave her a bunch of costume jewelry. She was beyond happy...

When we found out we were having a girl, I admit that I was a tad bit disappointed. I was afraid of all the hormones, drama and puberty issues that come with being a girl. What I didn't know is how wonderful raising a little girl can be - our little P is sweet, kind, smart, funny - everything we could have ever wished for in a child. Plus, I get to go back and relive my childhood, what could be better than that?