tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88715547774271035092024-02-19T05:50:20.020-05:00His and HersErinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15915449639694557015noreply@blogger.comBlogger246125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-69675819293523978402014-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:002014-06-13T07:00:00.339-04:00No, I am not dead.<p>Contrary to popular belief, or at least the recesses of one’s wildest imagination, I have neither succumbed to the avian flu nor lost my computer in a freak hail storm. I am not deceased, I am not busy, I am not giving up on blogging. I’m just…not blogging.<em> Yeah, okay, like there’s a difference. </em>Truthfully, I’ve just had other things going on, and blogging has just not been one of them. I am not going to pretend that this marks the start of a refreshed and regular blogging routine, because it’s probably not. I do still enjoy blogging, but it just hasn’t been a priority, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.</p> <p>Speaking of my priorities these days, though, let’s talk about this face. Specifically, I hear that this face is on page 164 of some magazine. I’ve yet to lay eyes on said page myself, but allegedly it’s true.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5e3K1NYJzx4/U5pxTAYW5sI/AAAAAAAAHmI/yBPTyeo_udE/s1600-h/DSC_1684%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1684 copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1684 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-32EpLNBVYzQ/U5pxT0eB_LI/AAAAAAAAHmQ/AhFmvEyT9-U/DSC_1684%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="903"></a></p> <p>Other than that face, I’ve been up to a little of this, a little of that. A little of starting a photography business, a little of buying a new house. Do you like how I slipped that <em>new house</em> bit in there, all cool and nonchalant-like? It’s like I’m the suave high school boy and you are my soon-to-be prom date, and I’m leaning on your locker. Except I just compared myself to a high school boy, which I vowed never to do. Okay, I never actually vowed, I just, well, never mind. Does this really need an explanation?</p> <p><em>What is the point of this blog post, again?</em></p> <p>Oh yeah, to remind you that I haven’t blogged in a while…or, apparently, to ramble on about nothing of significance in a feeble attempt to blog about something of partial significance. </p> <p>On that note, I leave you with this picture. Because it is my favorite, and there are no rules about blog post focus when you are a fake blogger and abandon your blog for months on end.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_qN8FoeTO_k/U5pxUti1TUI/AAAAAAAAHmY/hdsJvdVeHm4/s1600-h/DSC_1322-copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1322-copy" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1322-copy" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IUaCb3uGCC4/U5pxVbqCYpI/AAAAAAAAHmg/E3oYuqZbcJw/DSC_1322-copy_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="674" height="453"></a></p> <p>Happy Friday, y’all. :)</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-2311429409086791812014-05-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-05-01T07:00:04.248-04:00White Tablecloths & My 15-Pound Centerpiece<p>When you have to suddenly limit your nursing due to an unavoidable antibiotic, you let certain things slide in the name of <em>my baby needs to eat. </em>For example, if said baby wails in the highchair and refuses to touch anything in front of her, you might end up letting her sit and eat on the dining room table…on your white tablecloth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6fcSbr4iu8o/U2GPFRn-ZFI/AAAAAAAAHkI/aYbKewc5pXc/s1600-h/DSC_1247%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1247" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1247" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3SbkrXvH7IE/U2GPGP_IWoI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/-1_1saT0cDc/DSC_1247_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>You will wonder if you’ve lost your mind.</p> <p>You will wonder if avocado stains.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WCVFRbL-d_c/U2GPG71VvdI/AAAAAAAAHkU/XhXJ2inWLkQ/s1600-h/DSC_1241%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1241" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1241" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u_gD3urb-nY/U2GPHskipaI/AAAAAAAAHkg/Nwpuy-6C--c/DSC_1241_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>You will wonder why you didn’t put down a towel, or remove the tablecloth.</p> <p>You will wonder how it is possible for errant banoatmeavocado globs to be so endearing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CCnfye7-tWg/U2GPIe-xMaI/AAAAAAAAHko/RX7cZDYQjj0/s1600-h/DSC_1235%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1235" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1235" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-67klkAru2bI/U2GPJNyTDuI/AAAAAAAAHkw/R8bxjIrlUaM/DSC_1235_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>You will wonder if your white tablecloth will ever be white again.</p> <p>And then you will realize that when it <em>is </em>white again, you’ll no longer have a baby sitting on your dining room table, cooing, mashing oatmeal into her ears.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U51SiDDSCGM/U2GPJ6hgiqI/AAAAAAAAHk4/5NsDmyqv7rc/s1600-h/DSC_1243%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1243" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-asgfHAYz9sM/U2GPK1DZr_I/AAAAAAAAHlA/7HTMZGGAlaM/DSC_1243_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>And so for right now, you leave the tablecloth as is, knowing it will have plenty of opportunities to be clean…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zVMiXY3O1zk/U2GPLtzneyI/AAAAAAAAHlI/8Wo8ZdvZYyE/s1600-h/DSC_1248%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1248" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1248" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xEMXlZOfR6I/U2GPMD5bZNI/AAAAAAAAHlQ/BV-GlQdKZHw/DSC_1248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>…but only a fleeting time to be a sweet, perfect mess.</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-56288756973125787162014-04-25T10:32:00.001-04:002014-04-25T11:06:31.422-04:00Kenley Gets Chummy with Better Homes & Gardens<p>So this totally normal thing happened on Tuesday: some people showed up with a bunch of camera equipment and took pictures of my baby girl’s room.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jCAQDf10ULg/U1px1v6Dj3I/AAAAAAAAHhc/nqZ3r2X_v10/s1600-h/DSC_1238-copy3.jpg"><img title="DSC_1238 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1238 copy" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gji9khsXzP8/U1px2c3LyFI/AAAAAAAAHhk/r1iX9O4ZxhY/DSC_1238-copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="396"></a></p> <p>This is me calmly handling this totally normal event:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ahZ99yxvMxk/U1px3FL5_uI/AAAAAAAAHhs/fyfBPVd4djo/s1600-h/DSC_1241-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_1241 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1241 (2)" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-41AdKgPLrEI/U1px33VlltI/AAAAAAAAHh0/Yeutki9aF8Q/DSC_1241-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>I think at the time this photo was taken, Stacey and Evan (the camera crew…we’re on a first-name basis) were contemplating how to tell Kristine, the amazing stylist, that she couldn’t take Kenley back to Boston with her. Kristine was contemplating how to inform Kenley that the mysterious foreign substance she was gripping in her chubby baby fingers was <em>hair</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iSM0xlD1GSU/U1px4kQ9XYI/AAAAAAAAHh8/9j4gYlbNNNI/s1600-h/DSC_12543.jpg"><img title="DSC_1254" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PsdlD1acAsA/U1px5fgNF3I/AAAAAAAAHiE/ewBhbnBXzq8/DSC_1254_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>It kills me that these pictures are so noisy. Next time a national magazine makes the mistake of thinking my home should grace its pages and Rick tells me to fix the camera settings before he takes the pictures, I will listen.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oHg926lvr0I/U1px54RvjxI/AAAAAAAAHiI/8vCUF6PQzao/s1600-h/DSC_1247-23.jpg"><img title="DSC_1247 (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1247 (2)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mbGlyAdXflE/U1px668AqqI/AAAAAAAAHiU/XjFeTZqZsig/DSC_1247-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>Anyway, you can see that one of us got to wear ruffle-butt pants and the other wore lip gloss for like the first time ever.</p> <p><em>Kristine: You’ll just want to wear lipstick a bit darker than your normal color.</em></p> <p><em>Me: What is lipstick?</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xlm6016r39o/U1px7qugxmI/AAAAAAAAHic/1MiYp47Ast4/s1600-h/DSC_1250%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1250" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1250" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UsmWElKblFA/U1px8Tw6PwI/AAAAAAAAHig/KLBZhbf6cMs/DSC_1250_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>Listening to and watching the crew work their magic was the best part. Pouf too tall for the photo? No problem; just take out some of the stuffing. Closet curtain too wrinkly? No problem; take one panel down. Crib not angled properly? No problem; prop it up with some 2x4s. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xnwFlVU-fi4/U1px9Ec6d3I/AAAAAAAAHis/gCbjusyf9cI/s1600-h/DSC_12393.jpg"><img title="DSC_1239" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1239" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-trVSUOTrKDs/U1px92PFJUI/AAAAAAAAHi0/Br9VtankRLI/DSC_1239_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>Kristine arrived Monday to talk through some things and help pick out our outfits. You can see from the different pictures that Kenley had a wardrobe change after her first nap; they decided that the pink was washing her out too much (what? a baby of mine? pale? no.) so Kristine magically reached into her closet and selected the new outfit. You should know that she did not, as my stylist, recommend the toothbrush be part of my outfit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q2AzAKpQ4R4/U1px-rRcEUI/AAAAAAAAHi8/fVsxaOAjkrM/s1600-h/DSC_1243%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1243" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1243" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VSMYnjCdSBI/U1px_ZFYIHI/AAAAAAAAHjE/4x3N1HJkmC0/DSC_1243_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>The equipment itself was also pretty impressive. Not that I expected them to show up with their camera phone or something, but, you know. Still.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2f9kvGpm8JE/U1pyAc29jQI/AAAAAAAAHjM/7BhwA55_bgk/s1600-h/DSC_1242%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1242" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1242" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jg9BjG_7kHQ/U1pyBM3yszI/AAAAAAAAHjU/Y-RRqnZ-Dpg/DSC_1242_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WSXFgmJt4FE/U1pyB2JrPyI/AAAAAAAAHjc/tS4Izp2tseQ/s1600-h/DSC_12347.jpg"><img title="DSC_1234" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1234" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aj0AA_EhFE0/U1pyChwdAII/AAAAAAAAHjk/ui-ebn3Nzco/DSC_1234_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>After the shoot was over, Kristine interviewed me for the little blurb that will accompany the photo. I had another <em>What is lipstick</em> moment when she asked what my decorating style was. Um? I don’t know? Wing-it-and-hope-it-works? Sounds about right. </p> <p>In sum, the day was pretty lame. And by lame, I mean hands-down one of the coolest days ever, after Kenley’s birth and stuff, and I am so thankful to have had this experience. Rick was thrilled that he got to be there, and we are all so excited to see the final print version. My mom plans to stand in the supermarket aisle and direct all traffic to her “famous” granddaughter…who will be autographing copies in drool, should anyone be interested. ;)</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-89302488342608202892014-04-01T07:00:00.000-04:002014-04-01T12:38:04.740-04:00Guess what. {Sort of really big news that rhymes with “sweater gnomes and lard pins”.}<p>Is it just me, or whenever you see someone say “I have big news!” do you automatically assume it means they are pregnant? You know, unless they are male. Or 97. Or male AND 97.</p> <p>But seriously…I have big news. And I’m not pregnant. (Or male, incidentally.) Guess what it is?</p> <p>You’ll never guess. So I’ll give you a hint.</p> <p>It rhymes with <em>sweater gnomes and lard pins.</em></p> <p>It rhymes with<em> sweater gnomes and lard pins </em>coming to my house to take pictures of Kenley’s <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/diy-colorful-raindrop-decals-nursery.html">raindrops wall</a> for the “I Did It” page of the July issue.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m-0xbBPFtPA/UzoMe1K4-oI/AAAAAAAAHgI/cspzNYDfkds/s1600-h/DSC_2499%25255B2%25255D.png"><img title="DSC_2499" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2499" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-faeu0XabsGU/UzoMgnN7KOI/AAAAAAAAHgM/6w0XZhJR3qQ/DSC_2499_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>You’re probably thinking this is an April Fool’s joke. It’s not an April Fool’s joke. Whoopee cushions and fake spiders are more my jam. (Nope, not true.)</p> <p>Anyway, my first reaction to the email from the<em> BH&G</em> editor: this is some kind of ridiculous joke. I fully expected masked crusaders to jump out of the walls and announce that I’d been punk’d. When no such crusaders appeared, I began cleaning. Furiously. Just in case <em>BH&G</em> planned to show up in a few minutes or something. As it turns out, they’re coming in just a couple of weeks. I’m going to begin doing my hair now to make sure it doesn’t look like a dead animal. Good idea? And Kenley is already practicing her best magazine model faces.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-74ykmKQrhT8/UzoMhVJVuAI/AAAAAAAAHgU/W8nEKMGnHyQ/s1600-h/DSC_0497%252520copy%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0497 copy" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0497 copy" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E_T4aRoMz_0/UzoMh_raFSI/AAAAAAAAHgc/xsrUXcjET2c/DSC_0497%252520copy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="396"></a></p> <p>And I’m practicing my best faces, too.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cWtiKifCoEI/UzoMitYJ0mI/AAAAAAAAHgk/rvsKs8OuEJg/s1600-h/DSC_0044%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0044" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0044" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_TpDycDVR1U/UzoMjYHBtQI/AAAAAAAAHgs/cnFaj-lXAEU/DSC_0044_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="636"></a></p> <p>I’ll be sure to share all the silly details, like when they show up and are all like, “Oops, we made a mistake and meant to go to someone else’s house; sorry.” Because seriously. My house has no business being in a magazine. Unless that magazine is actually called <em>Sweater Gnomes and Lard Pins. </em>(Riveting stuff, right there.) </p> <p> <p>Until then:</p> <p><em><strong>Eeeeeeeek!</strong></em></p> <p><strong><em></em></strong> </p> <p><em>P.S. I realize I excel at the art of blog abandonment. I hope to get back into a blogging routine—again—shortly. I’ve been a little distracted by a separate business venture. That sounds shady….but I assure you it’s not shady. I’ll share more soon!</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-59828941063051207732014-03-04T07:00:00.000-05:002014-03-07T22:20:22.058-05:00Adorable Custom Paper Dolls {Stash-Busting Giveaway}<p>My childhood was spent doing primarily three things:</p> <ol> <li>Reading. <li>Playing with dolls. <li>Reading while playing with dolls.</li></ol> <p>Yes, I was the girl who lovingly maintained every strand of hair, carefully folded each pint-sized outfit. I was the girl who spent her afternoons inventing and reinventing storylines and adventures. I was the girl who had to take away all dolls when her little sister came along because she made their hair look like a rat’s nest, causing me to just about keel over and die on the spot. Barbies, porcelain dolls, American Girl dolls, paper dolls…all near and dear to my heart. Proof:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w2VZdVVzQCk/UxU9c2nXWvI/AAAAAAAAHds/PFt3R7eVRwQ/s1600-h/american%252520girl%252520doll%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="american girl doll" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="american girl doll" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzKz7B3A8d10ie9ZVJRTjUj7mIVKQFFfnDrhXq6y2qpS_3VYRg6mquY0SXrcugCpCRPmpZHfQ2Ux-YJ2FQlxmNQQ7yr-BOdD_UkkJrlS7OOT1P-THwwE6AYp5XOowQ7KZ698IveWXwUXvM/?imgmax=800" width="590" height="434"></a></p> <p>I grew up to be the girl who owns the Everyday Paper Dolls and Paper Doll Dress-Up Cricut cartridges. The problem is, they’re collecting dust. However, I have enough scrapbook paper and cardstock to feed a small country, if said small country was prone to nourishing itself with paper products. So what’s a girl to do? Ooh I know! Offer to make other people some custom paper dolls. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DvJdfYitlkw/UxU9ecwxcqI/AAAAAAAAHd8/FkMk31DZxSM/s1600-h/Paper%252520doll%252520giveaway%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Paper doll giveaway!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Paper doll giveaway!" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9hp9geCc6yY/UxU9e0x6xZI/AAAAAAAAHeE/ehORDhYGAF0/Paper%252520doll%252520giveaway%252521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="453"></a></p> <p><em>Side note: Are paper dolls even a thing anymore? Erm, I don’t know? I fully expect like one person to enter this giveaway.</em> <em>Good thing that’s all I need.</em> :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DqanMsvdF_s/UxU9fqxkS1I/AAAAAAAAHeM/aTqzacf2rWM/s1600-h/DSC_17133.jpg"><img title="DSC_1713" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1713" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g4wf6z3yUk0/UxU9gLkYnAI/AAAAAAAAHeU/YjAVlXAzsio/DSC_1713_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HndQwnAw5yo/UxU9g7ptUvI/AAAAAAAAHec/pqanvixy7VE/s1600-h/DSC_17143.jpg"><img title="DSC_1714" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1714" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-V3-CDBIiPSo/UxU9hu898QI/AAAAAAAAHek/2YfoLrg31CQ/DSC_1714_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="402"></a></p> <p>I recently made this set for the daughter of one of my longtime friends and had so much fun mixing and matching different pieces and creating little accessories. (Yes, this <em>is</em> what I do on Saturday nights. I’m just that cool.) The two dolls are designed to be her and her not-yet-born little-sister. Do you like how I’ve decided what the baby will grow up to look like?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9pczDHEo6EY/UxU9iAVtDcI/AAAAAAAAHes/yGk4b-G9-gg/s1600-h/DSC_17123.jpg"><img title="DSC_1712" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1712" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_uc_phXF8Xw/UxU9i45G1FI/AAAAAAAAHe0/OFXiGP9XGbw/DSC_1712_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p><strong>Specifics:</strong></p> <ul> <li>To enter, use the Rafflecoptor widget below. <em>(ps-the word “widget” is weird. Sounds like wedgie, only widget. Phew, I had to get that off my chest.) </em> <li>One person will win two 5” cardstock paper dolls customized (hair style and color, skin tone, hobbies, favorite colors, etc.) to the two people of their choice. For example, you could choose to have dolls made that looks like your daughter and her friend, or your daughter and your other daughter, or your daughter and Joe Biden, etc. I can also make them without tabs if you wanted to frame them instead, like if you wanted them made to look like you and your husband, or you and a friend/sibling/parent/distant relative/complete stranger/creeper etc. (<em>You can view all of the options for hairstyles and outfits </em><a href="http://www.cricut.com/shopping/detail--Cricut-Everyday-Paper-Dolls-Cartridge-0-358.aspx"><em>here</em></a> <em>and </em><a href="http://www.cricut.com/shopping/detail--Cricut-Paper-Doll-Dress-Up-Cartridge-0-154.aspx"><em>here</em></a><em>.) </em>The dolls will each come with three outfits of your choice. <li>You’ll have to give me your address so I can mail the finished products to you. I promise I’m not a weirdo who will show up at your house and lurk outside your door in a Buick station wagon with tinted windows. (This is partly because I don’t think Buick station wagons can <em>have </em>tinted windows. It’s like a violation of some unwritten Cool code.) <li>This giveaway is open to US residents only. </li></ul> <p> </p><a id="rc-1f03000" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1f03000/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script> <p><strong>Even if you don’t enter the giveaway…what are your childhood doll memories? Were you the one who lovingly dressed them each day, or did you cut their hair and color all over them with markers? </strong>If you cut off your dolls’ hair, we can still be friends, but I have to go use my inhaler first because I hyperventilate just thinking about it.</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-55545052669539776052014-02-28T07:00:00.000-05:002014-02-28T14:48:41.270-05:0011 Unrelated and Basically Useless Things I Learned This Week<p><strong>1.</strong> I learned that <a href="http://www.attemptsatdomestication.com/spring-it-up/">Ashley</a> is to blame for the winter we’ve been having. Turns out when she decorates her mantel, nature reacts accordingly. She decorated it with lots of snowflakes; we had lots of snow. I propose that she now install one of these on her mantel:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hxQB7elCebc/Uw_ksqZhVQI/AAAAAAAAHaQ/qUdbhIhKQLk/s1600-h/oven%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="oven" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="oven" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H7czH4mE2rM/Uw_ktO88MvI/AAAAAAAAHaY/5I03VHJoZJA/oven_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="400"></a></p> <p>…and also that she avoid decorating with, say, a bunch of squirrels. The last thing this world needs is more squirrels. </p> <p><strong>2.</strong> I learned that <a href="http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/2014/02/24/the-moistest-chocolate-mug-cake/#.Uwz10YVvIpF">this chocolate mug cake</a> is a fabulous way to lose your willpower to eat less like a slovenly pig and more like a girl who needs to fit into her pre-pregnancy pants unless she wants to endure the nightmare that is pants-shopping. It will enchant you with its two-minute start-to-finish siren song, despite all attempts to steer your boat past it, and then continue to lure you in by making you think how great it would be topped off with chocolate peanut butter ice cream. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-myWHgHcTDHs/Uw_ktn9Jd2I/AAAAAAAAHag/kp2mKjPY10E/s1600-h/chocolate-mug-cake-tablefortwoblog-5%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="chocolate-mug-cake-tablefortwoblog-5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="chocolate-mug-cake-tablefortwoblog-5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vnlSk-BjZBo/Uw_kuOdm9YI/AAAAAAAAHao/zQr28FRD5v0/chocolate-mug-cake-tablefortwoblog-5_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="896"></a><em><font size="2">Please pin from the </font></em><a href="http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/2014/02/24/the-moistest-chocolate-mug-cake/#.Uwz10YVvIpF"><em><font size="2">original source</font></em></a></p> <p>Before you know it, you will be in a chocolate coma and/or living Homer’s <em>Odyssey</em> and/or both. (We can all probably agree that the epic as a whole would have been significantly improved had chocolate peanut butter ice cream been at the ready. Homer, my man,—may I call you my man?— sometimes you just have to accept the fact that literary greatness only gets you so far.)</p> <p><strong>3.</strong> I learned that bouncing on an exercise ball while blogging is a good way to A) feel better about yourself after you eat a whole bunch of cake and ice cream, B) make your legs feel as though they are comprised of gelatinous sponges that have been run over by a dump truck, and C) feel better about your decision not to instead attempt this with your exercise ball:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YZ_C5m2UGuI/Uw_kumJmobI/AAAAAAAAHaw/tydbDCxjz0g/s1600-h/exercise%252520ball%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="exercise ball" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="exercise ball" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-olFpnT8JQ1Q/Uw_kvLS5UYI/AAAAAAAAHa4/YWXIXVxpcmc/exercise%252520ball_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="491"></a><a href="http://www.vacupractor.com/wp-content/uploads/buying-right-exercise-ball.jpg"><em><font size="2">source-ish</font></em></a></p> <p><strong>4.</strong> I learned that no matter how perfectly and snugly you put socks on a baby, said baby will devise a way to get them off again in no more than 18 seconds, and there is a distinct possibility that this time, at least one of the socks will be lost forever.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ydfD3NiKXFw/Uw_kv4W3OXI/AAAAAAAAHbA/Qdb0X-CPoMI/s1600-h/monkey%252520socks%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="monkey socks" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="monkey socks" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eX8jB-GtMZo/Uw_kwWbsRBI/AAAAAAAAHbI/DS7nGlVyb4k/monkey%252520socks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p><strong>5.</strong> I learned that you can compensate for a baby’s lack of socks by placing a giant bow on her head. You know, for warmth.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-A-396sHS2tI/Uw_kxWL_KcI/AAAAAAAAHbQ/hVft50hiPSU/s1600-h/DSC_0147%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0147" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0147" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vq1MMNocWqg/Uw_kxwZrGzI/AAAAAAAAHbY/Qbd5RqpUj-w/DSC_0147_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="679" height="455"></a></p> <p><strong>6.</strong> I learned that peach floral wallpaper has been lurking beneath the wainscoting in our kitchen and that if I could travel back in time I would beg the previous owners not to slather the walls in river rock textured paint.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o8b_QOKJ4S4/Uw_kyquHj5I/AAAAAAAAHbg/g6QT9JdkYHQ/s1600-h/DSC_0122%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0122" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c1NnzUTAdEo/Uw_k0oxLeMI/AAAAAAAAHbo/j-yor_euRU0/DSC_0122_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p><strong>7.</strong> I learned that when your baby gets up at 6:30 AM on church day, you have no excuse to not actually blow-dry and straighten your hair for the first time in like a year. <em>(I’m not exaggerating. I know, I make it a rule to Not Be Taken Seriously. But for real. Take me seriously this time.) </em>You can lessen the gravity of this monumental event by making weird faces while your husband tries to capture it on film.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rf-qOW4C8A0/Uw_k1MzjD9I/AAAAAAAAHbw/m6xkEL4RmCQ/s1600-h/DSC_0076%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0076" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0076" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AItZQN0MI8g/Uw_k3e8I9RI/AAAAAAAAHb4/lUrXCXx-AsI/DSC_0076_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="432" height="660"></a></p> <p>…and also by making faces that suggest you are about to eat your child.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PKH0ya01DVo/Uw_k47JWG9I/AAAAAAAAHcA/MxKz2f3J2pY/s1600-h/DSC_0064%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0064" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0064" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O3EZ42uK24Q/Uw_k6uqscrI/AAAAAAAAHcI/c32NzbBpH1w/DSC_0064_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="854"></a></p> <p><strong>8.</strong> I learned how to make my own social media icons using the tutorial I mentioned <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/that-time-my-blog-demanded-plastic.html">here</a>. It was painless except for the fact that I basically have a better chance of recreating that ball maneuver from #3 than understanding html code. (But see the buttons up there? They work. Miraculously. Feel free to follow along if you don’t already!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Nmk5tIBDhNg/Uw_k8fkgbsI/AAAAAAAAHcQ/OSMq0O4Lh4c/s1600-h/social%252520media%25255B6%25255D.png"><img title="social media" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="social media" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tXm1KABIai8/Uw_k-doba5I/AAAAAAAAHcY/7UtSkDodI5s/social%252520media_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="327" height="480"></a></p> <p><strong>9.</strong> I learned that my baby is cute.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4MtAO8lf6d0/Uw_lBog8VlI/AAAAAAAAHcg/Su0umM69XMw/s1600-h/DSC_0089%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0089" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6kqO4O-x6cc/Uw_lC5WnszI/AAAAAAAAHco/KZnsGCq-DlY/DSC_0089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p><strong>10.</strong> I learned that I already knew my baby was cute, and that I just wanted an excuse to include more pictures of her in my post.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qy6H11gkVOU/Uw_lFkJMIdI/AAAAAAAAHcw/j54uvafUj-k/s1600-h/DSC_0101%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0101" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0101" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nSNFbKE10-w/Uw_lH0nkGuI/AAAAAAAAHc4/XitYs4xObi0/DSC_0101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p><strong>11.</strong> I learned that when I write about chocolate peanut butter ice cream, I am basically required to also eat some so that I can accurately capture the full essence of what I’m describing. And then I end up freezing and pining for that oven, and then I get too hot and need to eat more ice cream, and it’s like “When You Give a Moose a Muffin” only less of a page-turner and higher in calories. </p> <p><strong>Hope you have a great weekend! :)</strong></p> <p><em>ps-I just added some more ads to my site and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let me know if anything annoying pops up like a video ad.</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-66939254165015955132014-02-25T07:00:00.000-05:002014-02-25T10:15:29.377-05:00Easy DIY Inkblot Pillow {Plus Free Psych Eval}<p>Have you ever wondered if you demonstrate any traits typically aligned with a hamster running in its wheel, are the social equivalent of a spatula, or have an underlying attraction to canned beans?*</p> <p><em><font size="2">*No? What ARE you, sane?</font></em></p> <p>Well, wonder no more. Behold: the inkblot pillow with which I will analyze your psyche.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2soyFvDVlQI/Uwvvwog5Q2I/AAAAAAAAHV4/0YquUcEWZzs/s1600-h/DIY%252520Rorschach%252520Inkblot%252520Pillow%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DIY Rorschach Inkblot Pillow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DIY Rorschach Inkblot Pillow" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-en6w2zmVG0E/UwvvyFQ6OWI/AAAAAAAAHWA/cJTaLXjYwuU/DIY%252520Rorschach%252520Inkblot%252520Pillow_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="405"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>The process of making said inkblot pillow/legit psyche analysis tool was simple: I dripped some stashed navy Olympic paint on one half of a stashed square piece of white fabric…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J0OCutkymeA/UwvvznnbbhI/AAAAAAAAHWI/qzsEhlhySVY/s1600-h/DSC_1708%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1708" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1708" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l36GOku97Ao/Uwvv0L50iYI/AAAAAAAAHWQ/xXzvADENzC8/DSC_1708_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>…then folded it over and pressed down gently, making sure all drips got flattened up against the other half. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ad4q4h7rr04/Uwvv1JfrQlI/AAAAAAAAHWY/JNGuk9DVHj8/s1600-h/DSC_1709%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1709" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1709" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b0uJW3Pnm8I/Uwvv2D_WdYI/AAAAAAAAHWg/mtzWjXLl4Iw/DSC_1709_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>Then I unfolded it and let it dry before sewing it to the rest of the pillow. Done and done. I am a girl after Rorschach’s own heart. (Do me a favor and pretend that makes sense.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mV5y0arfors/Uwvv3bx8YII/AAAAAAAAHWo/zLk70Mok-kk/s1600-h/DIY%252520Rorschach%252520Inkblot%252520Pillow%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DIY Rorschach Inkblot Pillow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DIY Rorschach Inkblot Pillow" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fLlNGe9WvCo/Uwvv4ej-HSI/AAAAAAAAHWw/F4aIk6OvtUU/DIY%252520Rorschach%252520Inkblot%252520Pillow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>Now that you’ve gotten that mind-boggling tutorial, it’s time for that mind-boggling psychiatric eval. So picture us lounging in a comfortable room, filled with calming, sophisticated decor, me with pen in hand, patiently awaiting your brain dump. It looks something like this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BT7FkZqykvY/Uwvv5GjY5XI/AAAAAAAAHW4/SnaiGMKehZM/s1600-h/rorschach%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="rorschach" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="rorschach" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bqPtbGwV8ho/Uwvv5zSW3pI/AAAAAAAAHXA/8iWzgj6ktjs/rorschach_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="436" height="565"></a></p> <p>And I will say, “Tell me what you see. Tell me what you see. You are getting sleepy.” <em>(Wait, what? No.)</em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rAnmdxo6XQA/Uwvv64juanI/AAAAAAAAHXI/USBaTYh_3pQ/s1600-h/DIY%252520Inkblot%252520Pillow%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DIY Inkblot Pillow" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DIY Inkblot Pillow" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGXHwElqUDwQILyODrTo_To3OtSSvhcaawGl797VGYtacJSAcWi05ADdcuKXsRMfaKJa7NZx-FFCZnJj9D7Y0lWkS_H7Y-4oQGlLHTkn6xAims9itG9tVHsrC68wJbLEtcMwX4ey0ykQw3/?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p><em>Tell me that you see Bob Marley. Because I totally see Bob Marley. Upper corners. Yes? No? …?</em></p> <p>Rick says it looks like a brain and that he doesn’t want a brain on display in his house. My professional evaluation of this is that his repugnancy has nothing to do with brains at all, but, rather, inextricably linked to the fact that he is a man. And like most men, he has a subconscious fear that pillows can bench-press more than him and defeat him in a chicken wing-eating contest, and also that pillows are capable of sneaking into his bedroom and chopping off his…arm. Yep, we’ll go with arm. And yes, I know what you’re thinking:<em> finally, a logical explanation for why my husband hates my decorative pillows. </em>You’re welcome.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vX7NG36v9gc/Uwvv9O8Lo_I/AAAAAAAAHXY/lTNqfMVvcjM/s1600-h/Make%252520your%252520own%252520inkblot%252520pillow%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Make your own inkblot pillow!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Make your own inkblot pillow!" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VePCXHThxBM/Uwvv-r8r54I/AAAAAAAAHXg/rB829E3Xejg/Make%252520your%252520own%252520inkblot%252520pillow%252521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="896"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>I asked Kenley what she saw and she said “coogurgeeeehhhhlaa.” Which obviously means “I see an arachnid weaving a vast web of beauty and grace.” Thoughtful, succinct, poetic. She obviously has a brilliant mother. ;)</p> <p><strong><font size="4">What do YOU see in the inkblot? Do you agree with my explanation of why men hate pillows?</font></strong></p> <p align="center"><em>P.S. Want to see more pillows? I promise they don’t come with psych evals.</em></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="2"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--TaZry4Lz2I/UwyziXNtKNI/AAAAAAAAHYA/TKZ15NEcNqQ/s1600-h/pillows.jpg"><img title="pillows" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="pillows" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9ocalgQ6JrM/UwvwBPFSyFI/AAAAAAAAHYI/Y0VVTe07jBg/pillows_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="208"></a></font></em><em><font size="2"><a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/07/smile-i-made-gold-painted-smile-pillow.html">smile pillow</a>, <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-lace-overlay-pillow.html">lace overlay pillow</a>, <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2011/12/tutorial-christmas-gift-bow-pillow.html">gift bow pillow</a></font></em></p> <p align="center"><font size="2"><em></em></font> </p> <p align="center"><em><font size="3">Linking up to </font></em><a href="http://www.vintagerevivals.com/2014/02/rock-what-ya-got-pom-pom-pillow.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+VintageRevivals+%28Vintage+Revivals%29"><em><font size="3">Rock What Ya Got</font></em></a><em><font size="3">!</font></em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-45807481543494724662014-02-18T07:08:00.000-05:002014-02-18T12:22:56.847-05:00White Vans, Orange Shag, and Gazelle {or, Q&A about our wall-to-wall carpeting}<p>Let’s face it: installing wall-to-wall carpet is about as popular in the world of interior design as tweezing your nose hairs out at the dinner table would be, well, anywhere. (I hope? Don’t admit it if your dinner table is prone to such antics.) </p> <p>But around here we love <strike>nose hairs</strike> being different. Okay, we actually just love comfortable and warm padding underfoot and not having to refinish the jank-fest floors in our upstairs in order to have the significantly more popular hardwoods with area rugs. We have all that downstairs and it is lovely. But it wasn’t feasible for our upstairs. Cue the obvious question, which I asked when we first uttered the words “wall-to-wall”: <em><strong>is it possible for wall-to-wall carpeting to be attractive?</strong></em> I say yes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zTX-Bq-YXSA/UwOWpOODwiI/AAAAAAAAHT0/snLkFZvYpx8/s1600-h/How%252520and%252520why%252520one%252520appearance-conscious%252520homeowner%252520chose%252520wall-to-wall%252520carpeting..jpg"><img title="How and why one appearance-conscious homeowner chose wall-to-wall carpeting." style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="How and why one appearance-conscious homeowner chose wall-to-wall carpeting." src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xTa-vzWzb68/UwLA8_qbYKI/AAAAAAAAHT8/S3wdanTFsbc/How%252520and%252520why%252520one%252520appearance-conscious%252520homeowner%252520chose%252520wall-to-wall%252520carpeting._thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="460" height="698"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark" data-pin-height="28"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>The truth is, I’ve never been happier to see an unmarked white van pull into our driveway than the day our wall-to-wall carpet appeared. (Incidentally, the carpeting was in that unmarked white van, in case you were wondering if a sleazy crack salesman emerged instead. Incidentally, such fellows don’t actually frequent our driveway, in case you were questioning my seeming moral dubiousness.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2XdF0THrVyE/UwLA9bJ1GpI/AAAAAAAAHUE/izjDzHIq-qo/s1600-h/DSC_1880.jpg"><img title="DSC_1880" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1880" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLEuK1hRbZUwk8pXHu4YnVhREfm-v98vqQjvcdH3f-xByoqHnmCmdUY87y5Fk1zu-YmFo1R6h4ryKhu7qhOFrChfXs9JmeMNKhyVqSw5dTWpXJ8zuSpuLguMDrA0ooB9E7bKInpKPzo9x/?imgmax=800" width="646" height="440"></a></p> <p>But less talk about white vans and more talk about how we found our affordable, attractive, and eco-friendly carpet, in helpful Q&A format.</p> <hr> <p><strong>What is it?</strong></p> <p>It’s wall-to-wall carpeting.</p> <p><strong>No, really, what is it?</strong></p> <p>Oh.</p> <p>…</p> <p><strong>Hello?</strong></p> <p>Oh sorry, I got distracted by this carpet model I know.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hk4gokLyJeE/UwLA-0iE1sI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/mUUO7lb8wgk/s1600-h/DSC_1692%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1692" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1692" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UiTivgpv0jk/UwLA_mXbK5I/AAAAAAAAHRE/Dzl4M8Dfx3c/DSC_1692_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="670" height="449"></a></p> <p>What was the question?</p> <p><em><strong>WHAT KIND OF CARPET IS IT?</strong></em></p> <p>No need to shout; I heard you the first time.</p> <p><strong>…[<em>fumes patiently</em>]…</strong></p> <p>The brand of carpeting is Shaw, the style is Conquest, and the color is Limestone. </p> <p><strong>Thank you. Why did you choose carpeting over refinishing your wood floors?</strong></p> <p>The floors in our upstairs were not in good shape and refinishing them would not only have been time-consuming, but simply not worth the results. <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-baby-girls-mint-and-coral-nursery.html">Kenley’s nursery floor</a> was <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html">painted brick red</a>, <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-to-paint-herringbone-on-wall-and.html">another room</a> had old carpet glue adhered to much the floor. The boards everywhere were warped and uneven, typical of a second-story for a house as old as ours. </p> <p><strong>Do you have something against brick red painted floors?</strong></p> <p>Yes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZuScbStSHtw/UwLBANqaT7I/AAAAAAAAHRM/6uHkwx7__n8/s1600-h/nursery%252520carpet%252520before%252520and%252520after%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="nursery carpet before and after" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="nursery carpet before and after" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPZh787t1Z6FoEOCwZZDhuTIQ5lmI-cgbLgevbs3G7exzkKbfr_NEudY0H3yVZx0RU7QxKB28mgYZgheIzkrc5rGfdpEHx9KKG2Tg690FIqUw5sRsMhsbXW0Uvq-wb5WbBqdbLRDFFER47/?imgmax=800" width="647" height="860"></a></p> <p><strong>But didn’t you <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-refinish-hardwood-floors.html">refinish your bedroom floor</a> a few years ago?</strong></p> <p>Yes. It was a significant improvement, but still too shabby and old-looking overall. </p> <p><strong>Do you have something against old things?</strong></p> <p>Yes. I mean, no. I mean, sometimes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K0DBlNvgCfQ/UwLBBT_UvaI/AAAAAAAAHRc/Bfmh3mirUko/s1600-h/bedroom%252520carpet%252520makeover%2525202%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="bedroom carpet makeover 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bedroom carpet makeover 2" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6GcKQsosqehHysI2vEhuqnySNCvJQxBA38JSIijmHtkyvnb4_RUrehuAzjoOYjXjvNf2YoBoDJIvuNNagnEUO_fY3lWFqyVcfCXJtfhhmtI5BW_Nx-8oVJOVTxNmmmyAfX4ISUslH_t_/?imgmax=800" width="659" height="878"></a></p> <p><strong>How has it held up so far?</strong></p> <p>Swimmingly, for the 6 months in which it has lived here. It has a 20 year warranty and the retailer from which we purchased it said they would come replace any sections that didn’t survive our normal wear and tear. But so far it vacuums nicely, and the stain-resistant feature has already come in handy—liquids just pool on top of the rug rather than soak in. Plus I’m told that I will be able to parade a herd of gazelle across this carpet and still be able to clean it back to perfection.</p> <p><strong>Have you tested that claim?</strong></p> <p>No. The only gazelle with which I’m personally acquainted have been avoiding my calls.</p> <p><strong>I see. Is it true that Shaw’s products are eco-friendly?</strong></p> <p>Yes. One of the reasons I chose Shaw in the first place is because it’s made in the USA and the carpeting won’t give us cancer. Or something. <em>(You can read more about the Green Label Plus program for low chemical emissions </em><a href="http://shawfloors.com/about-shaw/shaw-advantages/cri-green-label-plus-carpet-and-adhesives"><em>here</em></a><em>.)</em></p> <p><strong>Speaking of green, I’ve heard that teething frogs taste better when eaten on this particular wall-to-wall carpeting. Is this true?</strong></p> <p>Yes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QnzGkhs4ySo/UwLBCw2rdmI/AAAAAAAAHRs/lw66A1F6b-A/s1600-h/DSC_1671%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1671" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1671" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4fhv-Fkm9kA/UwLBDZUDUFI/AAAAAAAAHR0/BYKcMj--yow/DSC_1671_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="669" height="448"></a></p> <p><strong>But isn’t that texture a little rough on her sweet baby skin?</strong></p> <p>Not at all. It’s actually super soft. I can lay on it and be totally comfy, and Kenley happily face-plants into it on a regular basis.</p> <p><strong>In that case, I’m liking the texture.</strong></p> <p>Me too. One of the reasons I was initially against wall-to-wall is because it sometimes seems to create a flat sea of color. The basketweave texture in our carpeting prevents that from happening and adds a little modern interest to the floor. <em>Ack</em> I just got all design-speak.</p> <p><strong>Wouldn’t an orange shag rug have had the same effect?</strong></p> <p>OMG why didn’t you point that out sooner?! Now we’ve wasted all that money. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tutTgM8rv1Q/UwLBEM0JOvI/AAAAAAAAHR8/F4vwygC2FEM/s1600-h/closet%252520carpet%252520makeover%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="closet carpet makeover" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="closet carpet makeover" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XjEVdmf2UPo/UwLBExtwDAI/AAAAAAAAHSE/kI2dF-g7P7o/closet%252520carpet%252520makeover_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="662" height="521"></a></p> <p><strong>Well since you didn’t go with orange, how <em>did</em> you choose your color?</strong></p> <p>We threw five gazelle up in the air and chose our color based on an algorithm derived from the order in which they fell.</p> <p><strong>Really?</strong></p> <p>Yes, that’s why they aren’t returning my calls.</p> <p><strong>Really?</strong></p> <p>No. Actually, we just went to the carpet store, looked at the miniscule color swatches, then politely asked the owner if we could perhaps have some larger samples ordered directly from Shaw before we installed 1600 square feet of a color that looked totally different on a 3”x3” square. They were happy to oblige given the volume of our order, and had the swatches shipped directly to our house. It took about 1.38 seconds for both of us to realize which one was the right choice.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TWa8K9Xhawo/UwLBF_9tDsI/AAAAAAAAHUU/5cItuHWOg3c/s1600-h/choosing%252520wall%252520to%252520wall%252520carpet%252520colors.jpg"><img title="choosing wall to wall carpet colors" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="choosing wall to wall carpet colors" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jPuVAhk8sdw/UwLBGv-pSPI/AAAAAAAAHUc/4sJmvnvJwhI/choosing%252520wall%252520to%252520wall%252520carpet%252520colors_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="440"></a></p> <p><strong>So much did it cost, then?</strong></p> <p>A lot, by our penny-pinching standards. In fact, it was the most money we’ve put into our home since living here. But we wanted a high-quality product that had good aesthetics and was eco-friendly, so that’s why we were fairly picky and didn’t just go with the cheapest big-box retailer option. We also had the entire upstairs and a stairwell done at once, which obviously cost more right now but saved us money in the long run: the retailer gave us a large volume discount and a free upgrade to the higher quality padding, neither of which we would have gotten if we’d done it one room at a time. I should also add, though, that Shaw does offer more expensive options, and our choice reminds me of some of the more expensive options sold by FLOR. So overall, we landed middle-of-the-road. Just call us roadkill. </p> <p><strong>It seems to me we’ve covered everything, roadkill. Is there anything else you’d like to add?</strong></p> <p>Yes. This picture.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Zn_vjri2L88/UwLBHcaF19I/AAAAAAAAHUg/6f6pZdcFAGw/s1600-h/DSC_2570%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_2570" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2570" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HbJi0svIsiM/UwLBH626VXI/AAAAAAAAHUs/SqniY3KM8J8/DSC_2570_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="642" height="439"></a></p> <p><strong>That doesn’t have anything to do with this post.</strong></p> <p>Correct.</p> <hr> So there you have it! <strong>What do you think?</strong> <strong>Are you a wall-to-wall fan?</strong> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-12153326171944043282014-02-13T07:00:00.000-05:002014-02-17T17:01:47.515-05:00That Time My Blog Demanded Plastic Surgery {Plus Six Great Resources for Customizing Basic Blogs}<p>My blog hasn’t had a midlife crisis in a while, so it was no surprise to me when over the weekend it tried to sneak out to get hair implants and then began demanding a Porsche. I firmly said <em>no</em> while doing more important things, like creating that <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/diy-colorful-raindrop-decals-nursery.html">raindrop decal accent wall</a> in K’s nursery. But when it began whining about its liver spots and then threatened to look up its old beaus on Facebook, I said <em>whatever, enough is enough</em> and offered a simple facelift as collateral. It appears to have been appeased with its new header and fonts and colors, but I’ve hidden the steroids just in case.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkIMAu1dybQus9hD-Cv3oZA_Z7WR12qBZspKEZozlh16dFQo8H3ImA5rPJG-nH6Vo7tRpwIJ7HgR54bQlfO0Syy_V7OCPeS23gZaWlbOyGAeTfdkCULwAZF3-UPfoWkVwGoiMGyUKqGuB/s1600-h/his%252520and%252520hers%252520blog%252520header%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="his and hers blog header" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="his and hers blog header" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gKdL_qX1jjI/UvzWqgPsMBI/AAAAAAAAHMg/eupsrAgaOLk/his%252520and%252520hers%252520blog%252520header_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="156"></a></p> <p>Speaking of blog facelifts, I’ve done various simple things over the years—obviously nothing major; I’m just using Blogger as a platform, after all—and have spent a lot of time googling all around for clear tutorials containing certain information about how to customize a Blogger blog. I thought I’d save some of you the googling around and compile helpful resources all in one tiny little post; unless you like the googling around, of course, in which case please don’t let me interfere. But might I recommend instead searching for something more exciting like <em>hair implant fails</em><em>? </em>And then report back to me with your finding<em>s.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OSUfPPiXdQo/UvwUGQ4nDLI/AAAAAAAAHMA/ZkaYPNHPyRw/s1600-h/how%252520to%252520customize%252520your%252520blog.jpg"><img title="how to customize your blog" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="how to customize your blog" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ozoX7B1TvB8/UvlIKAWweAI/AAAAAAAAHMI/9L2i_adQRAg/how%252520to%252520customize%252520your%252520blog_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="588" height="759"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>Visit the following links to learn how to…</p> <ol> <li><a href="http://www.thewonderforest.com/2013/09/how-to-create-blog-header-that-looks.html">Create a custom blog header.</a> Say your blog was called <em>That Time I Got a Chin Job and Other</em> <em>Midlife Musings</em>. You could make a totally customized header that featured a close-up of your…chin job. <li><a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/2-different-ways-to-make-custom-header/">Create a custom navigation bar</a> OR <a href="http://decorandthedog.net/decorandthedog/2012/07/how-to-add-blog-side-tabs.html">create custom side tabs.</a> Tabs like <em>Nostalgia </em>and <em>Waxing</em> would look great in a hip new font. <li><a href="http://www.beautifuldawndesigns.net/how-to-center-your-page-tabs-in-blogger/">Center your navigation tabs.</a> In case you don’t want <em>Nostalgia</em> and <em>Waxing</em> cuddling up in left alignment. <li><a href="http://projectsaroundthehouse.blogspot.com/2012/06/how-to-make-social-media-icons-in.html">Create custom social media icons.</a> You know, so your blog can connect with its old beaus. <li><a href="http://www.somethingswanky.com/how-to-create-a-custom-blog-background-in-picmonkey/">Create a custom blog background.</a> This could feature repeated images of your favorite bands from the 70s. <li><a href="http://howsweeteritis.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-create-gallery-or-table-of.html">Create a thumbnail image gallery.</a> This way you can give sneak peeks of all your before and afters. Refer to #1.</li></ol> <p>Ooooookay. I’ve officially poked way too much fun in the direction of midlife crisis. This will probably come back to haunt me in 35 years when I am trying to buy cheetah-print shorts at Aeropostale and some super hilarious 27-year old cashier is rolling her eyes at me. Signing off now.</p> <p><em>P.S. If you’ve made a tutorial about blog customization OR know of another good one, please feel free to add it in the comments! :)</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-21392905972338126412014-02-11T07:00:00.001-05:002014-03-12T19:33:51.889-04:00DIY Colorful Raindrop Decals {Nursery Accent Wall}<p>Several things happen when you sit nursing a baby for any great length of time.</p> <ol> <li>You begin wondering if you’d be able to walk to the kitchen and get the eggless cookie dough out of the fridge without breaking baby’s latch. <li>You get an overwhelming urge to check and make sure your boob is still intact. <li>You begin daydreaming about how you could improve the space in which you are nursing.</li></ol> <p>This, my friends, is how Kenley’s sweet and colorful raindrop accent wall was born. Terrible pun completely intended.</p><!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-728eacNgMPo/Uwy2L-gx1jI/AAAAAAAAHYU/sUZNfhEghWQ/s1600-h/Adorable%252520and%252520easy%252520raindrops%252520accent%252520wall%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Adorable and easy raindrops accent wall!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Adorable and easy raindrops accent wall!" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MxW1L8X6tNY/Uwy2Mo0Df4I/AAAAAAAAHYc/Dg_xL1r5EUg/Adorable%252520and%252520easy%252520raindrops%252520accent%252520wall%252521_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-X1utWmvttok/Uwy2NpqpKNI/AAAAAAAAHYk/1Z-RVNh-NEc/s1600-h/Make%252520your%252520own%252520colorful%252520vinyl%252520raindrop%252520accent%252520wall%252521%252520Adorable%25252C%252520easy%25252C%252520and%252520cheap.%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Make your own colorful vinyl raindrop accent wall! Adorable, easy, and cheap." style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Make your own colorful vinyl raindrop accent wall! Adorable, easy, and cheap." src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C5F8UMa3fC4/Uwy2PAFanCI/AAAAAAAAHYo/B70CZVd_qnw/Make%252520your%252520own%252520colorful%252520vinyl%252520raindrop%252520accent%252520wall%252521%252520Adorable%25252C%252520easy%25252C%252520and%252520cheap._thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>The owner of the room approves and I’ve caught her studying her raindrops on a few occasions. When it was time to take her picture, though, she was more interested in studying the camera. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bIqblzDAxMs/UvpGfX8P3OI/AAAAAAAAHJw/AoRt1MANeF4/s1600-h/DSC_2499%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_2499" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2499" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dahWdyVbEeo/UvpGgXklS4I/AAAAAAAAHJ4/0MKQfSZyr8U/DSC_2499_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>One of my favorite parts about this wall is that it is completely reversible: the raindrops are made out of adhesive vinyl. Which means that I could rearrange them every day into random shapes like a pancreas, or a squirrel, or a squirrel’s pancreas, if I was so moved. Luckily for you and the squirrel I’d need to bring to an untimely demise in order to know what a squirrel’s pancreas looks like, I am not so moved. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cJ1MY_0F2EQ/UvpGhAIXHTI/AAAAAAAAHKA/qDF8GJfwQq8/s1600-h/colorful%252520raindrops%252520wall%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="colorful raindrops wall" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="colorful raindrops wall" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qQL0AumncZM/UvpGh-qS7SI/AAAAAAAAHKI/0pNZWFAxDLc/colorful%252520raindrops%252520wall_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>I did some much-needed stash-busting and used up all of the white and green vinyl that I had on hand, and then ordered the colored vinyl on eBay. I made the raindrop template on my Cricut and then pushed a button and went and did other things while my Cricut did all of the work for me. Yes, you could probably cut out 200 raindrops shape by hand with little to no whining and drama, but to be honest I’d rather pursue that squirrel and his pancreas. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MTV9-X_Witk/UvmJWLaa6PI/AAAAAAAAHGM/hNvw1cB1Qag/s1600-h/DSC_1635.jpg"><img title="DSC_1635" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1635" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LT1trkAHAVk/UvmJXI2rsVI/AAAAAAAAHGU/KbbCcT382nQ/DSC_1635_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="676" height="461"></a></p> <p>When it was time to put them up, I did the white ones first, leaving space randomly between them for the colored ones. I did a fair amount of rearranging to get the colored ones where I wanted them—not too close to another one of the same color, evenly distributed across the wall, avoiding any sort of predictable pattern, etc. Organized chaos is my specialty.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mQ46fsEpLos/Uwy2QGKyZAI/AAAAAAAAHY0/8ydJu1u1dSk/s1600-h/Easy%252520raindrops%252520accent%252520wall--perfect%252520for%252520a%252520nursery%252521%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="Easy raindrops accent wall--perfect for a nursery!" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Easy raindrops accent wall--perfect for a nursery!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK871gCxgO6OZHVEefNegBLzxnyPimcaTwBb_ypMSk_KGlvrqFox_1nkVmSuT8nL5YtsQIJHYX2_z_uAD-C8_WUSTxW9TOZDzTXcGAK2pd7AFR5SbCnxAbEHaCqzH3BbajMduCiACguGH3/?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>When there were only a handful of spaces left, I used scraps of vinyl as placeholders so I could figure out how many more raindrops of certain colors I needed to cut out.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qQKyvw-XLew/UvpGj2vSrQI/AAAAAAAAHKg/KegiZoRle4k/s1600-h/DSC_1618%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1618" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1618" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tLjQQNPGxtc/UvpGkSVvYlI/AAAAAAAAHKo/ITPR0xpcFZM/DSC_1618_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="395"></a></p> <p>As far as measuring goes, there was a TON. And by a TON I mean a ton of none. (Recall my use of the word <em>chaos</em>.) I just started sticking the raindrops up there and eyeballed the distances between them. It’s imperfect, but no raindrop ever claimed to fall equidistant from its neighbor…possibly because the word <em>equidistant</em> is above a raindrop’s primitive vocabulary. This system worked because I could stick, stand back, and adjust when necessary. I might have had to be a responsible math-favoring adult if I’d been using a stencil and paint.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UwdakMhT5dM/UvpGk-t9_6I/AAAAAAAAHKw/nW_LlHwdu3A/s1600-h/colorful%252520accent%252520wall%252520in%252520nursery%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="colorful accent wall in nursery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="colorful accent wall in nursery" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4eqRsh2AiTg/UvpGlqNlw-I/AAAAAAAAHK4/rYIMpVk_GN0/colorful%252520accent%252520wall%252520in%252520nursery_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>Overall, the wall makes Kenley’s nursery my hands-down favorite room in the house, and in my opinion its sweetness is exceeded only by the sweetness of the room’s primary occupant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KZNJX-B7g-8/UvpGmOZqSII/AAAAAAAAHLA/pxCHUvBQ39Q/s1600-h/DSC_1665%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1665" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1665" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V4wBebjBRLo/UvpGmkM-0gI/AAAAAAAAHLI/GhnUIFBiOns/DSC_1665_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <p>Total cost for the project: $12 and change for the colored vinyl. Total time on task: probably three or four hours uninterrupted by that cute little face. This project was definitely more time-consuming than it was difficult.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3cx4axFKJLs/UvpH1khOGKI/AAAAAAAAHLg/R-m8AH1XAW4/s1600-h/DIY%252520raindrop%252520decal%252520accent%252520wall%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DIY raindrop decal accent wall" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DIY raindrop decal accent wall" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLwm9aex8Wx_gv3Q8AFON5An46XP-zswpD0VDA5qcNsw51321FSKpO7ly_4Wju5zgeiVOrGpgwGcTcw4q2xvNT3ULBETY00Yg36P2PS_e0_MNx-8fOjhgYNjle8kr6R9_mPEAYiIqIB-j/?imgmax=800" width="653" height="503"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p><strong>Have you ever made anything with adhesive vinyl? Who wants to hire Kenley to model their projects?</strong> <strong>Who wants to share my eggless cookie dough?</strong> On second thought, I don’t know if I am willing to share my baby<em> or</em> that cookie dough. Offers retracted.</p> <p><em>Psst…you can see the rest of Kenley’s nursery <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-baby-girls-mint-and-coral-nursery.html">here</a>.</em></p> <p align="center"> </p> <p align="center"><em>Linking up to <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/2014/02/23/diy-party-5/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FpuSM+%28DIY+Show+Off%29">DIY Showoff</a>, <a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/2014/02/be-bold-challenge-link-party.html">Be Bold Challenge</a>, and the </em><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2014/02/link-party-palooza-25-target-gift-card-giveaway.html#"><em>Link Party Palooza</em></a><em>!</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-16544228234292920572014-02-06T07:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T07:00:01.060-05:00Waxing Nostalgic About Our Formerly Decrepit Second Floor {Part 1: Nursery & Master Bedroom and Closet}<p>We started the projects discussed in this post in February 2011. <p>I started writing this post in September 2013. <p>It is now February 2014. <p>And you are now thinking: <em>That’s great, Erin. What exactly is your point.</em> <p>My point is that I have no point other than that there’s a good chance a triceratops still roamed the earth when we looked at each other and said “Why don’t we send the upstairs of our house to rehab?” But the time spent paid off, because we seriously have a brand new upstairs. Like almost as brand new as Cher’s face. However, this post will likely go down in history as <strong>The One Erin and Rick Will Revisit From Time to Time and Wonder Why They Didn’t Just Buy an RV and Live in a Field.</strong> <p><strong>First up: the master bedroom.</strong> <p><strong>Completed on the to-do list: </strong>Remove carpet. Demo closet. (Let me rephrase. DEMO CLOSET. Hmm. Still not accurately reflecting the enormity of the task. <font size="5"><strong><em><u>DEMO CLOSET</u></em></strong></font>. Okay that’s marginally better.) Scrape off textured ceiling. Skimcoat ceiling. Sand ceiling. Spray paint registers. Skimcoat junky plaster walls. Sand walls. Paint walls. Patch parts of junky plaster ceiling where we did a bad job the first time. Sand ceiling. Paint ceiling. Tear down old knot-bleeding trim. Replace with new MDF trim. Wood fill new trim. Sand new trim. Paint new trim. Remove boob light. Install chandelier. Have carpet installed!! <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xr7Hrkr0vPw/UvLhjcXHGgI/AAAAAAAAG-g/JSr_K4Dw6yM/s1600-h/bedroom-carpet-makeover4.jpg"><img title="bedroom carpet makeover" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bedroom carpet makeover" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZCitf7Htyl8/UvLhkQrdsUI/AAAAAAAAG-o/E0Yekwlkfv4/bedroom-carpet-makeover_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="660" height="514"></a> <p>It’s sort of a tragedy to encompass all of these rooms’ work in just one teensy little post. Oh well. I shall console myself by gazing upon footage of this “before” angle. <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J0tC4nVtz8I/UvLhk8uP45I/AAAAAAAAG-w/u6NZ3VBlHfE/s1600-h/OUR%252520HOUSE%252520054%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="OUR HOUSE 054" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="OUR HOUSE 054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-t--deLVHZGY/UvLhlh1DdWI/AAAAAAAAG-4/hWEo32Sg5U8/OUR%252520HOUSE%252520054_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="716"></a> <p>And here’s a gratuitous “in-progress” shot as further proof of our insanity. I mean seriously, what kind of pregnant lady is okay with this sort of disaster happening in her nest. <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q4TXPAY3X5I/UvLhmAI_a9I/AAAAAAAAG_A/RfwLmT5oBxs/s1600-h/bedroom-carpet-makeover-2.jpg"><img title="bedroom carpet makeover 2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="bedroom carpet makeover 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NPlN20bODwo/UvLhm1JconI/AAAAAAAAG_I/Taqdo9M_a60/bedroom-carpet-makeover-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="664" height="891"></a> <p>You’ll notice that “after” picture contains no bed. Or other furniture. This is because we are going minimalist and have slept on the floor for the past six months. Actually, that’s a lie. The truth is that this photo was taken just minutes after the carpet was installed. Bedroom updates—helpfully complete with bed—coming soon. <p><strong>Next stop on the tour: master closet and back stairs.</strong> <p><a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2012/01/master-closet-reno-our-first-project-of.html"><font color="#666666"><strong>Completed on the to-do list:</strong> </font>Remove carpet</a>. <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2012/01/some-major-closet-progress.html">Build up around the attic stairs and drywall over weird holes</a>. <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2012/02/welcome-home-clothing.html">Build new closet system</a>. Paint walls. <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2012/02/1750-spray-paint-closet-lighting.html">Spray paint and install new lights</a>. Rebuild squeaky, caving stair treds. Finish installing baseboard. Wood fill trim. Sand trim. Paint trim. Take down railing. Paint railing. Install railing. Have carpet installed!! <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QDx4eM8HFV8/UvLhnu6A9hI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/pSXu7stG3Pk/s1600-h/closet-makeover4.jpg"><img title="closet makeover" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="closet makeover" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ROaL36R5LL4/UvLhopqLpgI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/Mhd9PIzokuA/closet-makeover_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="661" height="510"></a> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JRDz8meSvTM/UvLhpQs02EI/AAAAAAAAG_g/ujW8bttQCzI/s1600-h/stairs-carpet-makeover4.jpg"><img title="stairs carpet makeover" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stairs carpet makeover" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VhV313v0UmM/UvLhqMGN8MI/AAAAAAAAG_o/7qYNy7U7JQQ/stairs-carpet-makeover_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="659" height="506"></a> <p>A bonus not included here is <em>“Console your hysterical wife after she trips on the stairs when the railing is gone and doesn’t even remember how she ended up at the bottom of the stairs because she was working so hard to not land on her baby belly.”</em> Truly, I was in Mama Bear mode. Unsteady, balance-challenged Mama Bear mode. Bears in the wild don’t seem to have that problem. Perhaps it’s the four legs, or the general lack of stairs. <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kjue92KrRdY/UvLhrOV5c2I/AAAAAAAAG_w/6x5BpfyfbbE/s1600-h/closet-carpet-makeover4.jpg"><img title="closet carpet makeover" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="closet carpet makeover" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d1eNvwWfzks/UvLhr784YtI/AAAAAAAAG_4/HxrGQyW96DI/closet-carpet-makeover_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="648" height="511"></a> <p><strong>Final stop on today’s Part 1 tour: the nursery.</strong> Hey, look who’s here! <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OUtQJ2Obnb4/UvLhsd1nm0I/AAAAAAAAHAA/JAvcDrD-5Zg/s1600-h/DSC_1561f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1561f" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1561f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUNniAZPuLubY9iemaUzXY46qovLJUz6XlA7BdUfB3-5YW53yXHAPEKI8WqsFufR9cqv1vlycrn_l3WOmvRr8DxCBVO3lX2wsiLsrylGh23FkDplo4lyxlWDJT21Q393ITiLXa4ZkBnfK/?imgmax=800" width="469" height="708"></a> <p><strong>Completed on the to-do list:</strong> Skimcoat junky plaster walls. Sand walls. <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html">Paint walls</a>. Skimcoat junky plaster ceiling. Sand ceiling. Paint ceiling. Frame new closet. Drywall new closet. Mud drywall. Paint closet. Sand trim. Paint trim. Rip out old carpet. Laugh at hideous red painted floor. Have carpet installed. <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-baby-girls-mint-and-coral-nursery.html">Fill the room with cute things</a>. <em>Have baby installed!!</em> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SEb7mbZ-XWE/UvLhvbjTrbI/AAAAAAAAHAQ/cT0CAUExYBI/s1600-h/DSC_1579_thumb3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1579_thumb3_thumb" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1579_thumb3_thumb" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hk3ARnHSenU/UvLhwGBeyoI/AAAAAAAAHAY/ssE0myiEKsQ/DSC_1579_thumb3_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="452"></a> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jhXr8sH2d1Y/UvLhw1lAeoI/AAAAAAAAHAg/NOupU7vumSc/s1600-h/mint-and-coral-nursery_thumb1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="mint-and-coral-nursery_thumb1_thumb" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="mint-and-coral-nursery_thumb1_thumb" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GTBjVi7jjlM/UvLhxXInfXI/AAAAAAAAHAo/NsB08LXSZpQ/mint-and-coral-nursery_thumb1_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="671" height="452"></a> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gDy4GjzpvfM/UvLhx8pDmeI/AAAAAAAAHAw/kRenDyeVva8/s1600-h/nursery-before-and-afters_thumb1_thu%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="nursery-before-and-afters_thumb1_thu" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="nursery-before-and-afters_thumb1_thu" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d2yrBD95ZKU/UvLhylxzwfI/AAAAAAAAHA4/9uuZTBtcUVw/nursery-before-and-afters_thumb1_thu_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="668" height="487"></a> <p align="center"><em>For more nursery details go <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/10/our-baby-girls-mint-and-coral-nursery.html">here</a>!</em> </p> <p>The details of our brand new upstairs started out being all cozy in one post but it was ridiculously long. So today you got Part 1 and next week you’ll get Part 2. </p> <p>Before I sign off, I should add that that the majority of this work came to be in the seven months before Kenley was born. This was because we <strike>like to be ridiculous and obviously </strike><strike>pregnancy is the best time to do renovation</strike> wanted to have the entire upstairs carpeted before she arrived, and in order for that to happen, a TON of messy work—as evidenced by the lists above—needed to be done first. With the October deadline looming over us, the carpet made its grand entrance just a month and a half before Kenley did. I’ll share more specifics about the carpet in an upcoming post. Spoiler alert: we are very happy with it.</p> <p><strong>Did your house need some resurfacing or did it come as a new blank slate? Should we have skipped all the labor and instead purchased an RV? </strong>According to Clark Griswold, they look nice parked in driveways. </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-19755911305550544952014-02-03T07:04:00.000-05:002014-02-03T07:04:00.091-05:00If You’d Asked Me<p>There’s a question that people like to ask, sometimes at an interview, sometimes in an icebreaker, sometimes just in casual conversation:</p> <p><em>Where do you see yourself five years from now?</em></p> <p>When presented with this query, I’d generally take the opportunity to be brilliantly vague and answer with something really deep and mind-blowing.*</p> <p><em><font size="2">*Or not deep or mind-blowing at all.</font></em></p> <p>And if you’d asked me a year ago today what I’d be doing in just <em>one </em>year, I probably would’ve said something like “I’ll be teaching.”**</p> <p><em><font size="2">**Mind=blown.</font></em></p> <p>But all of that changed a year ago tomorrow: it was the day we found out that I was pregnant. And suddenly the “year from now” future looked different than it did the day before.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fHuN9IYIfYw/Uu7A5iR6vYI/AAAAAAAAG9E/epzlv43acwc/s1600-h/DSC_0103%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0103" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0103" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rIBS8xKgYsY/Uu7A6VFPR0I/AAAAAAAAG9M/cvgijngSeGc/DSC_0103_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="647" height="436"></a></p> <p>As I mentioned in my <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/03/another-heartbeat-post-ive-been-wanting.html">announcement post</a>, we hadn’t been planning a baby. We weren’t doing anything to avoid it, either, but our entire awareness of the possibility of pregnancy only began the day I took the test. That night, Rick and I stared at each other, trying to comprehend the news that was surreally settling over us, that little plus sign between us. Some people might call this careless, but we call it a blessing; a blessing that now only grows with every passing day. <em>Literally. I mean, babies these days just seem to have a perpetual need to outgrow cute outfits.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0iP2_zX0FV4/Uu7A7I-FghI/AAAAAAAAG9U/ddj51oqfUX0/s1600-h/DSC_1520f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1520f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1520f" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C7maz7CD9V8/Uu7A8P4fJgI/AAAAAAAAG9c/AcNK1sIIz6M/DSC_1520f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="708"></a></p> <p>So if you’d asked me a year ago today where I saw myself today, my answer wouldn’t have included anything about a sweet little face, warm sleepy snuggles, glad-to-see-you morning grins that melt my heart. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gtvqVV2syG0/Uu7A8-SxZeI/AAAAAAAAG9k/Uhx1NjluE68/s1600-h/DSC_1524f4.jpg"><img title="DSC_1524f" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_1524f" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KDzgGbj0pYo/Uu7A9uK4JYI/AAAAAAAAG9s/zTXy0PabfSU/DSC_1524f_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="716"></a></p> <p>I wasn’t planning on soft fuzzy hair or midnight<em> I need you</em> tears or the heart explosion that it is to watch your husband fall in love with your daughter. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gspWPlvXd-s/Uu7A-SBfMcI/AAAAAAAAG90/S9N33D70v-E/s1600-h/DSC_1123f3.jpg"><img title="DSC_1123f" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1123f" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dDDXDPCJoVM/Uu7A_Iz04NI/AAAAAAAAG98/LFn6VmRmfZU/DSC_1123f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="708"></a></p> <p>A thousand yesterdays ago I wasn’t planning any of that for my today, and I know well that I can’t say for certain that I have a thousand tomorrows to soak it all in. So today I am thankful for every little bit of this blessing that, just one year ago today, I didn’t see coming. </p> <p><strong>Does your today look like you thought it would?</strong></p> <p align="center"><em>“There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-74678109600037153192014-01-24T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-24T07:00:00.741-05:00Headbands, Hats, & Hoods (Plus Enough Cheeks for Three Babies)<p>Katie at <a href="http://forlaurenandlauren.blogspot.com/">For Lauren &+ Lauren</a> is hosting a Baby Mama link-up today. Say what? An invitation to parade my baby’s squishy face across the Internet? <em>Best link-up ever. </em>Besides, I haven’t shown you my baby’s squishy face in almost two months and I’m SURE you are going through withdrawal. This concerns Kenley’s 3.5 month self. See?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WF3A4Qdm8gM/UuHAVedMCjI/AAAAAAAAG50/4QN8u7YZzUk/s1600-h/DSC_0984F%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0984F" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0984F" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3iIaSpDaYP0/UuHAWK0zomI/AAAAAAAAG58/TLJmDFYOuCk/DSC_0984F_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Anyway, the link-up is for cute kids in cute clothing, so I’ve rounded up some of my favorites from the past month or so that show off Kenley’s style essentials. ;)</p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #1:</strong> <strong>The Grin.</strong> A small redhead once said “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” This small baldhead agrees.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Acro9BDfo6s/UuHAWzchEXI/AAAAAAAAG6E/c9a6TnctIsk/s1600-h/DSC_1311f%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1311f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1311f" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h15s_5lU94Y/UuHAXtDm29I/AAAAAAAAG6M/w8MQPgTu4cw/DSC_1311f_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #2: Clothing That Professes Your Undying Love for Your Mother.</strong> A quick survey tells me that my own wardrobe is severely lacking in this category. Must work on that.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UjjhlB0FIWY/UuHAYSoJWYI/AAAAAAAAG6U/EK6zSbl_NTI/s1600-h/DSC_0902_edited-F%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0902_edited-F" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0902_edited-F" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8B6ZWVIu74o/UuHAZJrN-OI/AAAAAAAAG6c/-Obj314S20g/DSC_0902_edited-F_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #3: The Headband.</strong> Annie may have said you’re never fully dressed without a smile, but around here you’re never fully dressed without a headband. Unless your name is Erin, in which case a headband would only draw attention to the fact that you haven’t brushed or washed your hair in two days. (Seriously, I DO have time to do these things…it’s just, why?)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nWgrbULhujI/UuHAaLLJMGI/AAAAAAAAG6k/-7SPleZ-nVE/s1600-h/DSC_1100f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1100f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1100f" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JO0rGgROiWc/UuHAayGhC7I/AAAAAAAAG6s/4wvQHARYe4g/DSC_1100f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #4:</strong> <strong>The Giant Man-Eating Dress.</strong> You get bonus points if it coordinates with mom and dad’s outfits. You also get bonus points if it is virtually impossible for mom and dad to hold onto you properly because of said giant man-eating skirt. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-crOzlg6LW1E/UuHAby1h3pI/AAAAAAAAG60/cfCjMc13L6s/s1600-h/DSC_1004fa%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1004fa" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_1004fa" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JMf_us4isTw/UuHAc-E231I/AAAAAAAAG68/Y5kNkfKUQVs/DSC_1004fa_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="764"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby fashion style essential #5:</strong> <strong>The Thumb.</strong> It pairs perfectly with pink and penguins and polka dots. You know what they say about alliterative outfits. (??)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LHSDjLfUjAw/UuHAd-GC-RI/AAAAAAAAG7E/ZtiVae8AQN0/s1600-h/DSC_1301f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1301f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1301f" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qDTh8HM9RoE/UuHAegcmwJI/AAAAAAAAG7M/3fLE0AL7xdc/DSC_1301f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="431"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #6</strong><strong>:</strong> <strong>The Giant Man-Eating Hood…With Ears.</strong> Ears make everything better. Just ask van Gogh. Oh wait.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ntgc00btFSo/UuHAfSgLCXI/AAAAAAAAG7U/viGf5IDrbv0/s1600-h/DSC_1419f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1419f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1419f" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XW1vE4vBVCA/UuHAgL67szI/AAAAAAAAG7c/lmnRBTYAHns/DSC_1419f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #7:</strong> <strong>Silly Hats.</strong> If the straps don’t stay under your chin because you have enough chins and cheeks for three babies, don’t sweat it. A cute smirk solves the problem.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bIwM7iTlhEg/UuHAgyHAkDI/AAAAAAAAG7k/8knrQJlxB4I/s1600-h/DSC_1457f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1457f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1457f" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bZsCmIG_0qY/UuHAhsdCxDI/AAAAAAAAG7s/OFjlUCkxFSs/DSC_1457f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #8: Giant Man-Eating Sunglasses.</strong> <em>(I’m sensing a carnivorous trend here.)</em> Try not to look too miserable when wearing them. But I might be miserable, too, if my aunt and uncle put me in these ridiculous sunglasses and then laughed at me while they took my picture. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TYYFVwdlXRg/UuHAiukrdsI/AAAAAAAAG70/EJHYLj94MH8/s1600-h/DSC_1175%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1175" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1175" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-14QHTbiIu0A/UuHAjeIYqwI/AAAAAAAAG78/dHaS4GAJinA/DSC_1175_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></strong></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #9:</strong> <strong>Coordinating Friend.</strong> Smooches optional.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bUsP0X2pxOM/UuHAkPsO4CI/AAAAAAAAG8E/2zdxr76fcOs/s1600-h/DSC_1497f%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1497f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1497f" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MY0Z4C8ibH8/UuHAkhTceSI/AAAAAAAAG8M/FW5hG3-JgFo/DSC_1497f_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Baby girl style essential #10: ???</strong> I just like this picture. And needed a number 10. ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_UEKUjC_5ok/UuHAlThRJ0I/AAAAAAAAG8U/jo2wmt3knZU/s1600-h/DSC_1395f%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1395f" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1395f" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-z1uJZR90Cx4/UuHAmEplBHI/AAAAAAAAG8c/UYB-L2HYqhY/DSC_1395f_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Katie invited us mamas to share style details, too, but truthfully I’m putting the<em> robe</em> in <em>wardrobe</em> these days and there must be some sort of occasion if I’ve changed into a shirt that isn’t accessorized with three day-old drool. Plus, I tried on a pair of shorts the other day and Rick informed me that they were <em>mom shorts</em>. He suggested I rectify the situation by instead purchasing a skort. A <em>skort</em>, people. If you see me out and about and I’m sporting a fanny pack WITH my skort, please still be my friend. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAM0Mo1z30LXO9zmXPuia48vB5FRD8_EqB2J1EaaPDaPqvPrWGrxIH-_aKM5oXoU5YUaT-MLBsGigZ1GAcR-p2RmgrwjJ6gALx9F-H3Iq1llqeqHiW0JL11xHKUGPFjtz_my-cRokt-dv/s1600-h/DSC_1314skort%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1314skort" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1314skort" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4RFTM22yTbI/UuHAnp6P9ZI/AAAAAAAAG8s/D6eFCkH0SqM/DSC_1314skort_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>Happy Friday! :)</strong></p> <p><font size="2"><em>P.S. </em></font><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/silky_faille"><font size="2"><em>Spoonflower</em></font></a><font size="2"><em> is giving away free 8”x8” swatches of silky faille until noon today! There are literally thousands of designs and colors to choose from, and the size is perfect for a gallery wall addition. </em>:) </font></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-76278997963438841462014-01-22T07:00:00.000-05:002014-01-22T08:37:08.698-05:00That time a sewing machine diagram kicked my butt.<p>So I realized over the weekend that there’s this soul-crushing presence that nobody ever talks about. And no, I’m not referring to the grown-up realization that <em>Full House</em> is incredibly corny or the cat barf that you find lurking in a dark corner like four months after it was, um, deposited.</p> <p>I’m referring to sewing machine guides. Specifically the diagrams in sewing machine guides. Specifically the diagrams in sewing machine guides that are supposed to GUIDE you. And ideally not off of a cliff.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AvBk5enV8dg/Ut8RV0vGKFI/AAAAAAAAG4I/O_GAgHYBp74/s1600-h/DSC_1484%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1484" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1484" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZxTQYn3yN3I/Ut8RWnfBFtI/AAAAAAAAG4M/oYvUWPyHvII/DSC_1484_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Because let’s face it: this is the worst diagram ever and it probably wants to eat my soul for breakfast. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-upJqEMHsDi8/Ut8RXCCrK_I/AAAAAAAAG4Y/j8XxWyo7Umc/s1600-h/DSC_1494%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1494" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1494" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yzzfZe_7v4A/Ut8RXxGa-BI/AAAAAAAAG4c/H_kKjURswoo/DSC_1494_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>According to this diagram and its sorry use of arrows, you should use a decapitated finger to assemble the thread as such:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-USU6zQdRlxk/Ut8RYTf6-HI/AAAAAAAAG4o/AHg6CGPM-mg/s1600-h/sewing%252520machine%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="sewing machine" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="sewing machine" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rcrGybe3Zu0/Ut8RY9KEzUI/AAAAAAAAG4w/0gcv4p4tCPg/sewing%252520machine_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="417" height="393"></a></p> <p>Obviously.</p> <p>Did I mention that I have had zits larger than the actual size of that diagram? What you see featured here is the I-zoomed-in-with-my-camera version. Real estate in Quick Start guides is apparently slim.</p> <p>Seriously, all I wanted to do was wind the bobbin. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i_ElNaildRQ/Ut8RZuTiKXI/AAAAAAAAG44/ABbiEQBKrQY/s1600-h/DSC_1494a%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_1494a" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1494a" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s9SZOsfnNB4/Ut8Rafs9BDI/AAAAAAAAG5A/fSNLrN6jtSk/DSC_1494a_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Somebody get me some chocolate.</p> <p><strong>Has a diagram ever crushed your soul? </strong>Sharing is healthy. Unless it’s zit measurements. Usually that’s a bad idea. <font size="2"><em>Now you tell me.</em></font></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-81320836298561201582013-12-05T07:00:00.000-05:002013-12-05T07:00:01.274-05:00I’m being held hostage by a baby!<p><em>*Warning: if you don’t like things like babies and cuteness and sweetness, don’t read this post.*</em></p> <p>Guess who decided to blog today? Yeah, Kenley is as surprised as you are.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DLI1FuVYjNs/Up_QiTvY8LI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/Ec9shJaX5Ko/s1600-h/DSC_0542_edited-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0542_edited-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0542_edited-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yOtCIaHA4lA/Up_QjAL1mnI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/k_5ouzncYWM/DSC_0542_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>But it goes without saying that when you and your heart are being held hostage by the most angelic doll of a baby you have ever seen, you neglect your blog for many, many weeks. And it’s totally okay.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pzcwRKDHgDo/Up_Qj5SEWpI/AAAAAAAAG0g/wa6H9JQ5zE8/s1600-h/DSC_0763_edited-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0763_edited-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0763_edited-1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lVDoeelxZVk/Up_QkuM8w5I/AAAAAAAAG0o/bVWJyI1WgUY/DSC_0763_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>You know what else is totally okay? A duck hat. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jy4tIIU91zY/Up_QlVQ9API/AAAAAAAAG0w/UHJrvHDIPYk/s1600-h/DSC_0686_edited-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0686_edited-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0686_edited-1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--drO5dh3AbE/Up_Qma4XmmI/AAAAAAAAG04/uLWIVWUuoD4/DSC_0686_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>But come on! Who wants to blog when these rosy little cheeks are in the same house and just <em>demanding</em> to be smooched?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EwSbBS5BbGQ/Up_QnvshktI/AAAAAAAAG1A/5N3wT1XYhQ4/s1600-h/DSC_0752_edited-1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0752_edited-1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0752_edited-1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RGakBu0Sml4/Up_QobDCrVI/AAAAAAAAG1I/eg8gb0liPsg/DSC_0752_edited-1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>That little duck and her cheekers will be two months old in just one week. Where does time go? She doesn’t look like this anymore when she sleeps, a fact that already makes my new mommy heart ache. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WVWo_Rz-mE8/Up_QpEsrcsI/AAAAAAAAG1Q/pegy_G8Y-Cw/s1600-h/DSC_0376_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0376_edited-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0376_edited-2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jw8nrxBSOb0/Up_Qp-vXvJI/AAAAAAAAG1Y/VWq_3Y2q6eY/DSC_0376_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>But growing up also means we’ve now met her early baby smiles, which of course makes my mommy heart melt.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-W_dPUa4rebU/Up_QqZnpNcI/AAAAAAAAG1g/RtVGrN4Ssus/s1600-h/DSC_0869_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0869_edited-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0869_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zo33Jie46fI/Up_QrHssBII/AAAAAAAAG1o/qmSsqQmnF94/DSC_0869_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>I am now actively resisting the urge to shamelessly drown you in a sea of my favorite Kenley pictures from her first 7.5 weeks of life. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g1WOjjSHLVsGbKbiPE4g3K-y1zRfM00nGr9tq0h1efptFcvAzp2XDZETYvBT3YmoH04Ve0dJqo3h0oV1Yy3Xq0QNJD-wSRdjY7tZTpZ_xkzb4k6iRqnlTogs30r7Z2oMtBz8REDs9S1u/s1600-h/DSC_0163%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0163" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Eli3TnFK3nTH_L55BmVtyRA1z2rVpO92B5PBe7Dtdy8ZBJbdDhqDXYto1uZtnthsKbzzYj8C2I_99dYVlRbJkyh4KgT20YySGeSq9gup-JKKLR84_c6r9HsCeX4rUwq4G8HZ-3mo_b2f/?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UmW8bP6lV4s/Up_QtNAfm4I/AAAAAAAAG2A/hD2EDNo3XHg/s1600-h/DSC_0549_edited-2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0549_edited-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_0549_edited-2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1-hnhs5Myhg/Up_QuYae1kI/AAAAAAAAG2I/Klr2O3AMihM/DSC_0549_edited-2_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="765"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k3VEYEmsYc8/Up_Qu5s9oaI/AAAAAAAAG2Q/3IwipnayLlY/s1600-h/DSC_0431_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0431_edited-2" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0431_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UW7hH-FNIaM/Up_QvlbaLaI/AAAAAAAAG2Y/JzbxnrqD-yM/DSC_0431_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>I said I was <em>actively resisting</em>. I didn’t say I was succeeding. Hey, you were warned.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hMF0zVGfbM8/Up_iUNj7VII/AAAAAAAAG2w/BjzGqVMIBxE/s1600-h/DSC_0637_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0637_edited-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0637_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0kYW3lea9Gk/Up_iUpdC7YI/AAAAAAAAG20/ENt9v_ZJNfE/DSC_0637_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>If you’re sitting there thinking that all I do is dress her up and take pictures all day, you’re of course totally wrong. I mean, right. Totally right. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-132QtoOEt7E/Up_iVekfGjI/AAAAAAAAG3A/_48DEMdLR28/s1600-h/DSC_0613_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0613_edited-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0613_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-am4l39N3ipI/Up_iWMIszoI/AAAAAAAAG3I/icUN-g54kSc/DSC_0613_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>You know what else is totally right? A bear suit. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oc4lo7mBt88/Up_iW4VIcBI/AAAAAAAAG3Q/4XKEWkTX2mU/s1600-h/DSC_0806_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0806_edited-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0806_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EBIQ2Z19Pag/Up_iXgY2c6I/AAAAAAAAG3Y/X4VZkv098Bs/DSC_0806_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Don’t pretend you weren’t thinking like the same exact thing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3FCLrKBnuKA/Up_iYQEuxII/AAAAAAAAG3g/Sp0SPi28lI8/s1600-h/DSC_0789_edited-2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0789_edited-2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0789_edited-2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BoUfktWd014/Up_iY69RXRI/AAAAAAAAG3o/f1KzKB4CW2k/DSC_0789_edited-2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><strong>So duck hats + cheekers + bear suits = I might be back to blogging, I might not.</strong> </p> <p>Don’t question the math. </p> <p>I <em>do</em> have projects I could share, sadly none of which involve a bear suit. But we’ll see. (We’ll see about sharing those projects, not we’ll see about creating a project that involves a bear suit. Although now that you mention it.) </p> <p>I hope all 3.8 of you who are still visiting my slice of the Internet have been well! <em>Again, don’t question the math. </em></p> <p><strong>:) Happy Thursday!</strong></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-29772234918968836682013-10-17T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-17T07:00:01.165-04:00Introducing Miss Kenley<p>At 2:59pm on Saturday, October 12th, I became a mommy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PPeryWtZyvk/Ul8tCaaCVgI/AAAAAAAAGw8/yX4SJaI5WC8/s1600-h/DSC_0107A%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0107A" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0107A" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pxMj8dOiTsI/Ul8tC0dcz6I/AAAAAAAAGxA/hr25SU4-lT8/DSC_0107A_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Kenley Grace made her big debut around 24 hours after we arrived at the hospital on Friday afternoon, and just two days before her due date of October 14th. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--Zbbv2ajyT8/Ul8tDo8uIRI/AAAAAAAAGxM/OHEeBu0eHTE/s1600-h/DSC_0071%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0071" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0071" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nx0tMI85iHQ/Ul8tEt8SIXI/AAAAAAAAGxQ/No80Ddw3q_M/DSC_0071_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>She ended up coming home on her due date, the day we’d marked “K-Day” ever since we picked out her name.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ju0Q-WZbdBw/Ul8tFLNTNMI/AAAAAAAAGxc/yKN08s5_h3I/s1600-h/DSC_0093%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0093" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0093" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vKZJf043Sbc/Ul8tFu5w1MI/AAAAAAAAGxg/A8oKFE1sOoo/DSC_0093_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>She weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds, 12 ounces and measured 22 inches long. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sfJGisJLZwk/Ul8tGHswGGI/AAAAAAAAGxs/6SUioXe1PS4/s1600-h/DSC_0084%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0084" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0084" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rg0_RKzrSfQ/Ul8tG6JbSBI/AAAAAAAAGxw/f5HjKtfqCxE/DSC_0084_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>And she gave my mama the best birthday present ever. I think someday she’ll think it’s pretty cool to share a birthday with her Grammy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-IbAFYWsXYDM/Ul8tHkPKgsI/AAAAAAAAGx4/Zg4KFtfc55c/s1600-h/DSC_0013A%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0013A" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0013A" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EEDOcOgTh0E/Ul8tIJhuccI/AAAAAAAAGx8/UF8MdSVj1JI/DSC_0013A_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JpsaGJSN87Q/Ul8tI8DQ_AI/AAAAAAAAGyM/QDDVBrhAhug/s1600-h/DSC_0024A%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0024A" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0024A" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZYyFSYE0Au0/Ul8tJe62eGI/AAAAAAAAGyQ/sk5WChQnuBY/DSC_0024A_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>The fact that she grew beneath my heart for nine months is an amazing miracle to me, and I’m completely overwhelmed with joy and gratitude that she is here and that she is healthy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IJZMsNfpujg/Ul8tKPSPc5I/AAAAAAAAGyc/P4IoaBy22Q8/s1600-h/feet%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="feet" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="feet" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XC4B6X4zmsk/Ul8tKpHEJoI/AAAAAAAAGyg/u0zpSEkmmq0/feet_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>I just can’t believe this beautiful little girl is mine. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BhKP-3OKdBk/Ul8tLR24geI/AAAAAAAAGys/hxy9LAMGE9w/s1600-h/DSC_0069%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0069" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0069" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DQ6Ints_TBw/Ul8tMFIEClI/AAAAAAAAGy0/oupKAXK6YsQ/DSC_0069_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>And although it doesn’t seem possible, I love her even more today than I did yesterday.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Rai5nGrjMTE/Ul8tNz1IXoI/AAAAAAAAGy4/MTjDTakSbB4/s1600-h/DSC_0115A%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0115A" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0115A" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MzJ-RPZHag0/Ul8tOXMnTLI/AAAAAAAAGzA/wkuWc0IJB7o/DSC_0115A_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>I’ll share her whole birth story someday, but right now, the product of that birth is sleeping snuggled up against my chest and all I want to do is love on her and memorize every little bit of her sweetness.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RJbdl3CPdCs/Ul8tPNWQ1aI/AAAAAAAAGzM/VgCTJoFDDQk/s1600-h/DSC_0106A%25255B15%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_0106A" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_0106A" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dvt8XfL8b9E/Ul8tPhcrwOI/AAAAAAAAGzQ/_Lu0AyCjFpM/DSC_0106A_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>Yes, at 2:59pm on Saturday, October 12th, I became a mommy. And life now is better than it has ever,<em> ever</em> been.</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-46005824811050400702013-10-08T07:00:00.000-04:002014-02-17T17:37:42.216-05:00Our Baby Girl’s Mint and Coral Nursery {Revealed}<p><em>Two posts in two weeks. Somebody stop me. On second thought, given my <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/10/um-hello-absence-explanation-of-sorts.html">track record</a>, I can probably take care of stopping myself. You’re dismissed.</em></p> <p>On Sunday we put the finishing touches on our baby girl’s mint and coral nursery. This means that all we need now is, well, a baby girl to put in it. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tGP69nyI0wY/UlMjr0TvoEI/AAAAAAAAGtg/FaEuzG6ltVs/s1600-h/mint%252520and%252520coral%252520nursery%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="mint and coral nursery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="mint and coral nursery" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OuL59u6qVrU/UlMjsc-NzSI/AAAAAAAAGto/gp6VVV_XBL4/mint%252520and%252520coral%252520nursery_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="441"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>This also means that I will now show you one nursery picture for every 528 I plan on taking of our baby in her first <strike>minute</strike> week of life. First, the <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/babys-first-furniture-dresser-makeover.html">dresser/changing table that got a makeover</a>….and an evil trick. An evil trick in the form of a DIY wooden monogram that gives you a hint about our baby’s first name but is evil because that’s where this story ends. Anyone care to take a guess? ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MlNbkZtkQq0/UlMjs2g6jBI/AAAAAAAAGtw/xrEFsDgNxzY/s1600-h/baby%252520girl%252520nursery%252520monogram%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="baby girl nursery monogram" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="baby girl nursery monogram" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6cbj5gy1v_c/UlMjtI4HSMI/AAAAAAAAGt4/VVAGwiomtnw/baby%252520girl%252520nursery%252520monogram_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="591" height="903"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>I traced the tricky K onto a piece of leftover plywood and Rick cut it out, then painted it with Benjamin Moore’s Peach Pink. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--Jd26TeWTsQ/UlMjt51CS5I/AAAAAAAAGuA/5rQ7y8yo574/s1600-h/baby%252520girl%252520nursery%25255B19%25255D.jpg"><img title="baby girl nursery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="baby girl nursery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5SDjz_Q-ugQBxIhu5oJwP-J9qkSbMkOeQeWjS7wK9oybeWx5LfYsajwYBqdDhkoSxegEIlwSinooUZw_8YMfLsARrotGQL6n9cP5w0e3TtrDnW-XtzsQqKK_2fTk4zazHOc_TULKVEn9/?imgmax=800" width="597" height="918"></a></p> <p>I sewed that giant pouf myself (using <a href="https://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=covington%20embroidered%20oh%20gee&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e">this</a> fabric) and stuffed it with about 9 gazillion plastic bags and packing peanuts. It was, to say the least, going to be much smaller in my head. And I may or may not get around to a tutorial, but there are plenty of others around the web if you absolutely need a basically useless but totally cute pouf of your own.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mr6JsFtKMzg/UlMjvSIfY2I/AAAAAAAAGuQ/Prke-iXhpXA/s1600-h/coral%252520and%252520mint%252520baby%252520girl%252520nursery%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="coral and mint baby girl nursery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="coral and mint baby girl nursery" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0nukrBwqzZo/UlMjv0Hw2dI/AAAAAAAAGuY/Jyhwzr2JEDk/coral%252520and%252520mint%252520baby%252520girl%252520nursery_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="645" height="427"></a></p> <p>The crib is <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Mod-Olivia-3-in-1-Baby-Crib-Amber-and-White/8810319">this one</a> from Walmart. The little mint pail is from World Market. Closet curtain fabric is from Joann. Window curtain fabric discussed <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/07/curtains-only-thing-newborn-really.html">here</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GJp7NxxwHIc/UlMjwb8bVrI/AAAAAAAAGug/tiXI-hdOmEs/s1600-h/coral%252520and%252520mint%252520nursery%25255B18%25255D.jpg"><img title="coral and mint nursery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="coral and mint nursery" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcz3Jd33hATFgTt3uXhzfGLkzsVrtu5QAZ-paj3X08iOH4V56yy6DCFdQKmwMNtaOO0p2QgNxkATxjcrxYrtaJ69cPYi9MdP1szrJ8d6wK5X2zPsCy6RB0D24p-TWHo00Tl3SEP9XU3BF/?imgmax=800" width="509" height="789"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>The rocking chair was in my nursery as a baby and used to be white. It was a bit yellowed from its age so I gave it a fresh coat of the same Pink Peach from the ‘K’ mixed with Simply White to tone it down a bit. That sweet little art behind the rocking chair is a free printable I found <a href="http://www.gerberadesigns.com/triedandtrue/?p=1491">here</a>. Bonus: you can color it in with whatever colors coordinate with your room. So I obviously did.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MvOOHshkbgU/UlMjxjf7FbI/AAAAAAAAGuw/ftLoqFhbJ0M/s1600-h/nursery%252520art%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="nursery art" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="nursery art" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KL1AOxBiW_c/UlMjyCCLK7I/AAAAAAAAGu4/Vu8p1DJ7JDM/nursery%252520art_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="523" height="707"></a></p> <p>The chandy mobile is from Urban Outfitters forever ago and finally has a nice place to live in our home, unless you count the back of a dark closet as being nice. We took off one of the layers to make it lighter and shorter.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hLJ_Rb2fUoo/UlMjyVmYFiI/AAAAAAAAGvA/8-s64EZl910/s1600-h/DSC_2430%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_2430" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_2430" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aPz85Bd_S9Q/UlMjy41H3DI/AAAAAAAAGvI/H9tOLhL1R1Q/DSC_2430_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="503" height="768"></a></p> <p>The gallery wall is one of my favorite things and helps make the randomly placed light fixture blend in a little better instead of screaming HEY LOOK AT ME I AM A RANDOMLY PLACED LIGHT FIXTURE. The “art” in the frames is made from pages out of a 25 cent book that I picked at a yard sale. It was really a pretty lame storyline so I didn’t feel bad ripping it apart. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-apziPRE1gVQ/UlMjzXgvhpI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/aKG3fdJSGM4/s1600-h/nursery%252520gallery%252520wall%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="nursery gallery wall" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="nursery gallery wall" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gcv0XMFjSWY/UlMjz-WByUI/AAAAAAAAGvY/_VogBv5YKRc/nursery%252520gallery%252520wall_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="886"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> <p>Oh, and that carpet you see? That’s our new wall-to-wall. It’s Shaw Flooring, Conquest in Limestone and it was the best call ever for our upstairs. I like that it is neutral and soft underfoot but adds some visual texture to the floor.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCdKPhhYuoEpcMYdHw1Ieid_z-nJMxGsx36Mg6IPZfDeiI5OItoOA97Jotkghf19Jl2T_oBeLAccwAr_LpTUjr8a75nbLrc5zOxxiT6MDOfvb9aoK624pN8K5eecX5ijWzCoPNG3f4IJb/s1600-h/baby%252520girl%252527s%252520mint%252520and%252520coral%252520nursery%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="baby girl's mint and coral nursery" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="baby girl's mint and coral nursery" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-snhdVGYSlAM/UlMj1BP4eOI/AAAAAAAAGvo/yzWCf0hqsEw/baby%252520girl%252527s%252520mint%252520and%252520coral%252520nursery_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="566" height="865"></a></p> <p>Aaaand because I’m told no reveal post would be complete without a couple before and afters:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B-KNYq5OaqA/UlMj1q56JeI/AAAAAAAAGvw/OAdLKy-BVm0/s1600-h/nursery%252520before%252520and%252520after%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="nursery before and after" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="nursery before and after" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Xkes136a70A/UlMj2Ol_V_I/AAAAAAAAGv4/6ioukPLO8lc/nursery%252520before%252520and%252520after_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="612" height="441"></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6YskoQWmCEA/UlMj2_VWKoI/AAAAAAAAGwA/ifFxuRlQfpU/s1600-h/nursery%252520before%252520and%252520afters%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="nursery before and afters" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="nursery before and afters" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Fajz50WNc30/UlMj3tQjDuI/AAAAAAAAGwI/d_2Rr6WZzKg/nursery%252520before%252520and%252520afters_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="614" height="441"></a></p> <p align="center"><em><font size="2">See the in-between stages </font></em><a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html"><em><font size="2">here</font></em></a><em><font size="2">.</font></em></p> <p>So. A baby-less nursery. We tried really hard to believe my water broke yesterday morning but, spoiler alert, it turned out I just wet myself. Apparently incontinence is acceptable at 39 weeks gestation. Here I am telling Baby K in my scariest voice that she needs to stop <strike>making me pee my pants</strike> being so cozy in there and come out already. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F15vaJUIOfU/UlMj4e6O_II/AAAAAAAAGwQ/QESUEt-MsOc/s1600-h/DSC_2426%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="DSC_2426" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="DSC_2426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHnHtbJWNLEpoCAktp3am5Q49EAbsM5CAIvJvKAvi-BN_3MscvV5JvBUIduxGixAGGeX8cy9xuPujNesEGO41x1UzHUUO1jcMbHvQ4du11oKmuNq-wTxz_QMvCZKiCPjhydfWtHBYVqe7/?imgmax=800" width="507" height="779"></a></p> <p>I’m feeling well enough, but her Uncle Brendan goes back to Phoenix on Friday and it would be really great if he got to meet her, don’t you think? <em>Say yes.</em></p> <p><em><strong>Psst…I’ve added a super fun raindrop accent wall since this post! Check it out <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2014/02/diy-colorful-raindrop-decals-nursery.html">here</a>!</strong></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ShG-2X8yJfk/UwKPMFe87aI/AAAAAAAAHQE/kMsjDzwiQ_o/s1600-h/colorful%252520vinyl%252520raindrop%252520accent%252520wall%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="colorful vinyl raindrop accent wall" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="colorful vinyl raindrop accent wall" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7cYMGKPBXDQ/UwKPNOfF10I/AAAAAAAAHQI/K8uZBdTSWo0/colorful%252520vinyl%252520raindrop%252520accent%252520wall_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="597" height="901"></a></p> <center><a href="//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/" data-pin-height="28" data-pin-do="buttonBookmark"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_28.png"></a> <!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --><script type="text/javascript" async src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script></center> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-7697500080524601442013-10-04T07:00:00.000-04:002013-10-04T17:11:13.162-04:00Um, hello. {An absence explanation of sorts, but not really.}<p>Oh hey. Remember me? Nothing says “Happy Friday” like a blogger not blogging for five weeks and then randomly showing up on a random Friday to share random things, am I right?</p> <p><em>Just go with it.</em></p> <p>You’d think that with my long, unexplained absence I’d at least have the decency to have solved some global crisis or had my baby by now, but no such luck on either count. I’ll be 39 weeks on Monday and am obviously not at ALL anxious to meet this little girl. The fact that I’m not in labor, though, basically <em>is</em> a global crisis at this point and I honestly cry without cause or warning just thinking about the fact that she isn’t here yet, or because I can’t find a cami I need to wear, or because it’s 6:28 on a Thursday evening and really, there’s no better time to freeze in your tracks and begin sobbing. Rick looks on in utter bewilderment, marveling at The Strange and Mysterious Creature Known as Woman. </p> <p>Seriously, though, maybe if she realized how cute she will look in these headbands that I made for her she would figure out that it is decidedly less cozy in my uterus than out and be all like, “Hey world, here I come”? </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z91NnVym04g/Uk32Wgbal0I/AAAAAAAAGr4/0RBjEGArWno/s1600-h/DSC_2421%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2421" border="0" alt="DSC_2421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vH7itoYsMEs/Uk32XdrBAtI/AAAAAAAAGsA/neKQpuxvDVw/DSC_2421_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p><strong>So if I haven’t been busy having a baby, then what exactly <em>have </em>I been doing for five weeks?</strong> Well, making headbands, for one. Adjusting to the start of the school year for another, and the fatigue that accompanies that. I’ll be working right up until the baby comes,which means a handful of my students past and present are freaked out by my belly and frequently ask what will happen if I go into labor at school. I think they expect the baby to spontaneously swan dive onto the floor in a pool of goo right in the middle of a lesson on personification. I told them to bring a mop. <em>I am nothing if not supportive of their innermost fears and anxieties.</em> </p> <p>We’ve also had plenty of projects going on, but I just haven’t taken the time to blog about them. Take the nursery for example. Someday I will get around to sharing it. Like maybe when my baby goes to college. In case it’s that far away, here’s a peek at where we currently stand:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QwEEdUHsT_8/Uk32YMzxAJI/AAAAAAAAGsI/4JvJ-JtbVH0/s1600-h/DSC_2425%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_2425" border="0" alt="DSC_2425" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8MTC74mWW1o/Uk32ZeF2z8I/AAAAAAAAGsQ/toONBseGG-0/DSC_2425_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="428" height="655"></a></p> <p>I’ve also been taking pictures. Of people. (Who knew that would be <em>way</em> more fun than taking pictures of projects and rooms?) It started with a random sisterly photo shoot to try out my new lens (fixed Nikon 50mm, f/1.8)…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DRu5RmG6-7s/Uk32aLR5oLI/AAAAAAAAGsY/otEtg7IkU20/s1600-h/WRA3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WRA3" border="0" alt="WRA3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-8WggDPAchfk/Uk32bFyK__I/AAAAAAAAGsg/d2JtLtZ2DdM/WRA3_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>…and turned into something that I actually love doing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MD6bToiAnW8/Uk32b4uK5AI/AAAAAAAAGso/ouf5847guSs/s1600-h/M1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="M1" border="0" alt="M1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CH_j108qrn4/Uk32cuWfp2I/AAAAAAAAGsw/Vg5bvL4PnBk/M1_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>Taking a million photos of other peoples’ children has been helping take my mind off of the fact that a certain child I know isn’t here yet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q8zPTH9JBYk/Uk32dYDHTFI/AAAAAAAAGs4/r4J2ukTPS1o/s1600-h/WF15%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WF15" border="0" alt="WF15" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OZhm2-Uv2us/Uk32d-xjcWI/AAAAAAAAGtA/7fwuUWcnhKk/WF15_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>Aaaand I’m obviously still learning a lot, but it’s been tons of fun practicing on all of these willing participants, young and old alike.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nWQudvBYucU/Uk32er5sSlI/AAAAAAAAGtI/Da5RwOvGYjY/s1600-h/WAJ18%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WAJ18" border="0" alt="WAJ18" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-stvcoNQp6gc/Uk32fIis4gI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/Yxv6Mnwe3jw/WAJ18_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="647"></a></p> <p><strong>So that’s me in a five-week nutshell.</strong> The next five-week nutshell <em>will </em>include something about a baby being born. And maybe a real global crisis, solved. And maybe a nursery reveal or an upstairs carpet reveal. (Carpeting=best decision ever for the upstairs.) <strong>What have you been up to for the past 5 weeks?</strong> I’ve tried to stay caught up on blogs but every time I open Bloglovin and it informs me that I have like half a million posts to read, I cry a little. </p> <p>Oh wait. I was crying already. </p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-47877077287813471202013-08-21T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-21T07:00:08.184-04:00Farewell, Fleshy Walls and Gangrenous Trim. {Spare Bedroom Progress}<p>In the continuing saga of “Frantic Nesting at Erin and Rick’s House,” I present to you the latest installment of upstairs progress: the formerly fleshy and gangrenous spare bedroom. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SLguDoQFwAI/UhOlN73aG0I/AAAAAAAAGn0/VqNDPSUqvIY/s1600-h/spare%252520bedrm%252520during%25252010%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="spare bedrm during 10" border="0" alt="spare bedrm during 10" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_AINyUnmy80/UhOlOhZXgMI/AAAAAAAAGn8/MPxhBAWkqSQ/spare%252520bedrm%252520during%25252010_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="535" height="708"></a></p> <p>When we first moved in, we non-affectionately referred to this room as the Rope Room because A) the previous owners had decorated with thick rope all around the perimeter and trim and B) we are clever. In case you ever decide to glue rope to your house, the method they used involved giant staples AND glue—you know, in case the staples got lazy and decided to take the day off. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E9VPfKDZ1R8/UhOlREtIuTI/AAAAAAAAGoE/4EdKNvNGpb8/s1600-h/Picture2%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture2" border="0" alt="Picture2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DXVm9uaJ_RU/UhOlSzflLOI/AAAAAAAAGoM/_DNCDVLuFZ8/Picture2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="574" height="516"></a><em>In the name of all things original plaster and trim, please do not glue rope to your house. Thank you.</em></p> <p>They also should have gotten a refund for that color match paint job there. It’s like when you put on sunscreen and miss a spot and get burned there and only there.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tnw4FNoGoX0/UhOlUfqz8DI/AAAAAAAAGoU/sJ6ZOApkRJ4/s1600-h/Picture1%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture1" border="0" alt="Picture1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zKmR_wa4Cts/UhOlWKj8LSI/AAAAAAAAGoc/FF8OcOrea04/Picture1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="493" height="858"></a></p> <p>Soooo the following is a list of tasks completed in this room in the past 2.5 years:</p> <ol> <li><a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2011/02/did-i-just-play-tug-of-war-with-my.html">Rip down rope</a>.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NcT42Tx2Oh0/UhOlWzZ7DHI/AAAAAAAAGok/QNzQDckGpUs/s1600-h/Picture2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture2" border="0" alt="Picture2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W7HGH1XZtsU/UhOlXaeOKkI/AAAAAAAAGos/V23sPfkIX-g/Picture2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="349"></a></li> <li>Install mess and weird light fixture.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fVq4zgjahRQ/UhOlYOth1rI/AAAAAAAAGo0/O4txknvQUpI/s1600-h/DSC_1662%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1662" border="0" alt="DSC_1662" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eNyR_4joy70/UhOlYlEcLLI/AAAAAAAAGo8/RzG6XfpDbVo/DSC_1662_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="435" height="666"></a></li> <li>…that’s it.</li></ol> <p>But NO MORE. Because a few weeks ago, the poor, neglected spare bedroom became the final victim in our Get the Upstairs Ready for Carpet scheme. Just like the <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/07/curtains-only-thing-newborn-really.html">nursery</a>, the original plaster walls were pockmarked and rough, and the trim was <strike>gangrenous</strike> gross and bumpy and peeling. So just like the nursery, the room got the skim coat treatment along with sanded and painted trim. Carpet was also removed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c3lm0vn7k0w/UhOlZXBtrAI/AAAAAAAAGpE/D0iHeOzSrOE/s1600-h/spare%252520bedrm%252520during%2525202%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="spare bedrm during 2" border="0" alt="spare bedrm during 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PW9BfyokLc0/UhOlaQnj-DI/AAAAAAAAGpM/X6q-TLR4UZo/spare%252520bedrm%252520during%2525202_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>Also just like the nursery, the walls are <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html">Benjamin Moore’s Gray Owl mixed at 50% lighter</a>, and the trim and ceiling are Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. The same-old same-old color choices go along with <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/08/lessons-from-color-blind-senior-citizen.html">my plan to not spend so much time making little house decisions</a>. I knew both of those were tried and true so I just went with it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9gCOun9zVyk/UhOldS4JleI/AAAAAAAAGpU/_B1nr6VOU2Y/s1600-h/spare%252520bedrm%25255B6%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="spare bedrm" border="0" alt="spare bedrm" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dV-TuVKSRk8/UhOlftXUEMI/AAAAAAAAGpc/5uycD2ards8/spare%252520bedrm_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="675" height="556"></a></p> <p>The closet also got some love.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s65gg7zGwv4/UhOliRsEVwI/AAAAAAAAGpk/xTfZnKTnDBQ/s1600-h/closet%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="closet" border="0" alt="closet" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PWmxuYM8qyc/UhOlkW9OhmI/AAAAAAAAGps/LEmDGi1YbfM/closet_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="670" height="563"></a></p> <p>This room will eventually become somebody’s “big kid” room, but for now, we’re just going to try not to let miscellaneous junk take a dump in there. Other than that, we have no plan for it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zz-gx8OsC1s/UhOlmhE1iwI/AAAAAAAAGp0/EnVJCBJXKlQ/s1600-h/spare%252520bedrm%2525202%25255B3%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="spare bedrm 2" border="0" alt="spare bedrm 2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1KQobK9nAHY/UhOlnyQo5mI/AAAAAAAAGp8/R7Ke-uUcuXo/spare%252520bedrm%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="670" height="330"></a></p> <p><strong>Hope everyone is having a good week!</strong> This pregnant lady begins school in a week. Time flies when you are turning your house upside-down…or watching somebody else do it for you. (To be fair, I did don a mask and do some painting through all of this.)</p> <p><em>Psst…want to see the rest of our upstairs progress? Check out <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/could-you-would-you-have-white-walls.html">the newly drywalled common room</a>, <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/04/get-pregnant-get-other-people-to-get.html">the closet Rick and relatives built</a>, the <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/navy-white-herringbone-accent-wall.html">herringbone accent wall</a>, and the <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/navy-white-herringbone-accent-wall.html">nursery curtains</a> and <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html">paint</a>!</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-6568727101899228652013-08-15T07:01:00.000-04:002013-08-15T07:01:00.066-04:00Seven Lighting Specimens That Will Die on Craigslist<p>Sometimes, my mind is boggled. Like when we’re discussing political parties and my students decide that the two major parties in the United States are the Democrats and the Americans. Or when I see signs like this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BeASDXZBXoA/UgucrQnRRwI/AAAAAAAAGlo/nq2aEJpSBHo/s1600-h/DSC_1231%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1231" border="0" alt="DSC_1231" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o6DXyMSlyjI/Ugucr-7_b7I/AAAAAAAAGlw/xKuO3nIpqo4/DSC_1231_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>Ooooor when I am innocently scrolling through Craigslist and all of a sudden I scream in fright. </p> <p>Behold: a recent round-up of seven lighting specimens that will die on Craigslist…because nobody will buy them. Unless they are going to play a cruel practical joke on someone.</p> <p><strong>1. Giant Greek Goddess.</strong> Stands at a towering 76” tall and basically a steal at a mere $550. That’s only $7.24 per inch. Says the seller: “I’ve never seen anything like it, but it must be worth a lot!” Yeah, okay. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GHvmYW_VvXk/UgucsWNoS8I/AAAAAAAAGl4/0ei5cnehqaU/s1600-h/00d0d_3LoLZOfQqE6_600x4505.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00d0d_3LoLZOfQqE6_600x450" border="0" alt="00d0d_3LoLZOfQqE6_600x450" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HlAwmfJouRI/UguctFcXj0I/AAAAAAAAGmA/dcg6iE7k7Oo/00d0d_3LoLZOfQqE6_600x450_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="640"></a></p> <p><strong>2. Carousel of Non-Progress.</strong> I don’t know what to make of the giant protruding bulbs. They hardly seem kid-friendly. I wonder if it actually revolves around like a real carousel?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O_ZviwbhwzI/Uguctt4Ix_I/AAAAAAAAGmI/XeBF-tN1Aho/s1600-h/00s0s_bc8gbQ3hA3Z_600x4504.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00s0s_bc8gbQ3hA3Z_600x450" border="0" alt="00s0s_bc8gbQ3hA3Z_600x450" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WTfMWZD8p0o/UgucuINC7uI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/Jj_aTxpXvtg/00s0s_bc8gbQ3hA3Z_600x450_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="425"></a></p> <p><strong>3. Moldy Beehive.</strong> This has been listed and relisted for over a year. It is like the song that never ends. And for some reason, the sellers occasionally increase the price. Maybe they know something about selling moldy beehives that I don’t. Admittedly, I am no expert.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P95Fbrc5650/Ugucug2hnoI/AAAAAAAAGmY/Shc4mJfe0ns/s1600-h/00808_bWNFyOPMr4o_600x450%252520150%252520first%25252095.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00808_bWNFyOPMr4o_600x450 150 first 95" border="0" alt="00808_bWNFyOPMr4o_600x450 150 first 95" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a4E2wv2vR-U/UgucvJmjRTI/AAAAAAAAGmg/JBWAdeS8FZk/00808_bWNFyOPMr4o_600x450%252520150%252520first%25252095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="672"></a></p> <p><strong>4. Dead Orange Chicken.</strong> My friends and I went through a boa phase when we were in middle school. We probably would have wanted 10 of these lamps each. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-THzmPCgJn_U/UgucwOT_TJI/AAAAAAAAGmo/BCtosYQKNgo/s1600-h/00101_koMcY1bauy6_600x450%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00101_koMcY1bauy6_600x450" border="0" alt="00101_koMcY1bauy6_600x450" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-g2PzDp-uIqc/UgucxYHspVI/AAAAAAAAGmw/Cb8pAAukn0M/00101_koMcY1bauy6_600x450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="672"></a></p> <p><strong>5. Cookie.</strong> Don’t get me wrong. I like cookies. But not enough to decorate with them. (Rick does that every time he has a snack on the couch, anyway. HiRickIloveyou.) Besides, it would just make me want cookies all the time.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K-dhvhO59MM/UgucxlCoVdI/AAAAAAAAGm0/4XNQpbEpPZE/s1600-h/00V0V_gFK4NM0GYs_600x450%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00V0V_gFK4NM0GYs_600x450" border="0" alt="00V0V_gFK4NM0GYs_600x450" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vDVcj-zKO3I/UgucyJA32SI/AAAAAAAAGnA/F0_GZBeSQGQ/00V0V_gFK4NM0GYs_600x450_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="489" height="661"></a></p> <p><strong>6. Question Mark.</strong> Because I’m not sure what this is supposed to be. Perhaps it’s modern art, you know the kind, where it looks like a blob and yet art critics stand back and find all sorts of deep meaning in it. <em>Ah yes; now I see it. It is a poor farmer planting crops under the light of the yellow moon, with a tsunami brewing dark and dangerous in the distance.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--4lOmZwL9-Y/UgucymGHksI/AAAAAAAAGnI/U5GUCPiVHDg/s1600-h/00000_5XrCA5dP5Cd_600x450%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00000_5XrCA5dP5Cd_600x450" border="0" alt="00000_5XrCA5dP5Cd_600x450" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sOET8jWGkJQ/UguczNQ2DoI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/EAqUYZ6hIHY/00000_5XrCA5dP5Cd_600x450_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="497" height="685"></a></p> <p>And last but not least:</p> <p><strong>7. Deer Feet.</strong> Real ones. BLEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Excuse me while I squirm. I’d never be able to function in a room with deer foot lamps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--ThtypKpv-w/Uguczghqp7I/AAAAAAAAGnY/BsI5DYIzRU0/s1600-h/00q0q_3JB5tcTCM7X_600x450%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="00q0q_3JB5tcTCM7X_600x450" border="0" alt="00q0q_3JB5tcTCM7X_600x450" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0AXDB6isNWA/Uguc0EvHTII/AAAAAAAAGng/kYgC_P04cd0/00q0q_3JB5tcTCM7X_600x450_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="569" height="425"></a></p> <p>Now, usually I can find potential in <strike>hideous</strike> unusual things if there is potential to be found. But I’m coming up short. </p> <p><strong>How about you? Anyone think any of these are salvageable? Who has cash to burn and wishes there were two of that first Greek goddess one? If you had to choose just one with which to start a bonfire, which would you pick?</strong></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-8223917356148177402013-08-12T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-12T10:52:57.515-04:00Lessons from a Color-Blind Senior Citizen at the Paint Counter<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xK80Po0F9fI/UgbaH1g9sTI/AAAAAAAAGkg/Yo-ZRm9VgLI/s1600-h/Picture6%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture6" border="0" alt="Picture6" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_M2uAwQj6Bw/UgbaIoYdcUI/AAAAAAAAGko/ZChlZsm4ZwA/Picture6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="620" height="346"></a> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>You all know the drill: it’s time to pick a paint color. <em>Cue the internal groan.</em> Trudge to the stack of swatches. Tape a bajillion on the wall. Come back and visit them in every possible form of light. Compare one to the next. Repeat 85 times because it needs to be *perfect* and this is, you’re told by countless experts, how to do it. Hem and haw and refuse to make a decision for weeks because you don’t want to waste money—and, ironically, time—redoing it.The life of a person who cares what their house looks like, right?</p> <p>And yet. </p> <p>There I was, standing at the paint counter at ACE Hardware, waiting for my gallon of flat Simply White to be ready. An older gentleman approached the counter with a coupon for a free quart of paint, and, when asked what color he would like, he replied, “Brown.” I smiled a little to myself, finding humor in his oblivion to the thousands of Benjamin Moore color choices laid out in a rainbow behind me, a rainbow that had sucked me in even as a child, enchanting me with its fantastically immense variety of hues. <em>Just “brown”?</em> <em>What was that? He obviously didn’t do what every “How to pick the perfect paint color” guide tells you to do.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e1yZwdHQku8/UgbaJePX2yI/AAAAAAAAGkw/OQ1llVOacR8/s1600-h/Picture1%25255B9%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture1" border="0" alt="Picture1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-f4k41m248eY/UgbaKQAzjQI/AAAAAAAAGk4/j4nuqhYOW20/Picture1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="468" height="425"></a></p> <p>The worker kindly showed him that rainbow of swatches, instructing him to pick out which specific brown he would like. A few seconds later, the man reappeared at the counter with his chosen swatch, at which point he was informed by the worker that the “brown” he had chosen was not, in fact, brown. </p> <p>It was purple. </p> <p>So back the man went with the worker, who selected a few brown swatches from which the man grabbed one, thus ending the quest for “brown” paint. It took him mere seconds.</p> <p>As I stood there taking in the whole scene, I thought how freeing it would be to have that kind of contentment about a paint color. To simply walk up to the counter and ask for brown, without taping half a million swatches to the wall, without googling images of said brown, without needing the perfect brown to be called something like Mink or French Press. <em>Just brown.</em> And to even be content with it not being brown at all, but purple. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9jWtMD5PfSo/UgbaLaJdFPI/AAAAAAAAGlA/plWcLEnD43E/s1600-h/Picture3%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture3" border="0" alt="Picture3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jhgoJtposCQ/UgbaO1fuF8I/AAAAAAAAGlI/Jz0lphnvuyw/Picture3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="422" height="425"></a></p> <p>And then I thought, Benjamin Moore carries nearly 3,500 paint colors, not including the shades blended for annoying customers like me who ask for it mixed at 50% strength. And dear old Ben is just one of countless brands of paint, each with their own versions of Mink and French Press. At what point did we begin needing hundreds of thousands of choices for our wall colors? At what point did things stop being <em>just brown</em> and start being Chocolate Truffle and Timber and Autumn Dusk? <em>At what point did I decide that it was okay for me to spend a whole lot more than mere seconds agonizing over decisions that don’t actually matter?</em></p> <p>I walked away from the paint counter with my Simply White—because just regular off-the-shelf white was not acceptable; I <em>had </em>to have that extra ounce of black added to the gallon—and asked the Lord to not let me forget what I witnessed with the older gentleman. I prayed that I would have the same kind of contentment with the choices I make for our home, not constantly wanting to change or scrutinize or worry about them being “perfect.” I prayed for constant reminders that neither perfection nor happiness actually comes from the “perfect” color or chair or curtain fabric. A fleeting feeling of perfection and happiness, maybe, but it doesn’t last. It’s not supposed to. This is just stuff of the world.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N4jD1486OvI/UgbaPxPLZgI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ZFsE7fg6P84/s1600-h/Picture4%25255B9%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Picture4" border="0" alt="Picture4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IXQQk2R57Ig/UgbaQ8AAExI/AAAAAAAAGlY/Q46tvTgwKFI/Picture4_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="454" height="425"></a></p> <p>This is not to say that I’ve stopped caring what my house looks like. No, I have been blessed—and cursed—with a critical eye, and I doubt I will ever give up on<em> trying</em> to make our home beautiful. This house is a creative outlet and hobby for both me and Rick, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it’s not just a matter of “finding balance” with things like hobbies; it’s a matter of prioritizing. Because I can balance a 16 pound bag of cat food, two gallons of milk, four shopping bags of cereal, and my man-eating purse all while attempting to unlock the house door, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Something will always demand the brunt of my strength. And which of those things wins when they all go crashing to the ground?</p> <p>See, I want to pick my <em>just brown</em> and move on with life. This goes for every house choice, not just paint. At the end of it all, I want to be able to say a lot more than, “Well, I sure did have some great-looking walls in my house after I painted them 42 times each, and I once spent a lot of marvelous days staring at pages and pages of fabric options.” </p> <p><font size="2">Because let’s face it. That’s <em>lame</em>.</font> </p> <p><strong>The new drill: it’s time to pick a paint color. </strong>So I pick one. And am content with it. And learn how love and thankfulness and joy look with those walls as the backdrop. </p> <p>And with that, “just brown”—yes, <em>even </em>“just brown”—can be perfect.</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-33596871103260082302013-08-05T07:00:00.000-04:002013-08-13T20:17:33.901-04:00How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall (and Live to Tell About It) *TUTORIAL*<p>I have a bad habit of taking forever to post about things. Just check out the “Favorites” listed in the right sidebar. Every one of those snippets begins with something to the effect of “Many eons ago before the world began.” (Maybe my bad habit is just discussing my tardiness in the beginning of my posts. Note to self.) Anyway, I’ve finally pulled together the tutorial for how we created <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/navy-white-herringbone-accent-wall.html">our herringbone accent wall</a>. Like I mentioned in the reveal post, our method was a bit simpler than the tutorials I perused as I tried to wrap my brain around this process. There was no trigonometry. Just simple addition. My English teacher brain likes that.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdHFphb4xrUGyxbDDBgsQO4gAehJt3Fo-mcxRUq6FsEL0jTV8ySDgjNdY0hf06mI79gj7bHyxTY-v-3NCCDRzV9PjNsTfFjih25KAiCN3Nb8tZ0m1YlMUUpjDjkOCCIL5e2VpTuuZEAeF/s1600-h/How%252520to%252520Paint%252520Herringbone%252520on%252520a%252520Wall%252520%252528and%252520Live%252520to%252520Tell%252520About%252520It%252529%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall (and Live to Tell About It)" border="0" alt="How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall (and Live to Tell About It)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mSRnGGmyaWQ/Uf_hjVVHC5I/AAAAAAAAGkA/g4Byoxu-mGI/How%252520to%252520Paint%252520Herringbone%252520on%252520a%252520Wall%252520%252528and%252520Live%252520to%252520Tell%252520About%252520It%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="459" height="559"></a></p> <p><strong><u>How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall AND (say it with me)…LIVE TO TELL ABOUT IT</u></strong></p><a class="addthis_button_pinterest_pinit"></a> <p><strong>You’ll need:</strong></p> <ul> <li>painters tape (we used a combination of Scotch Blue 1” and Frog Tape 2”—the 2” wide tape is how we got away with simple addition and a simple layout) <li>paint <li>pencil <li>patience <li>peaches (It starts with P and I figured I had a nice little trend going there, so. Besides, peaches are delicious.)</li></ul> <p><strong>1. Mark and tape your vertical lines.</strong> Start by measuring the width of your wall and dividing that width into equal vertical sections. The more sections you make, the more herringbone Vs there will be, and the skinnier they will be. I measured ours into 6 equal sections so that the whole design was centered on the wall, but you could be wild and crazy and do whatever you want. I’d recommend marking these measurements with pencil and then checking and re-checking your measurements BEFORE you put up tape and step back to find out the tape is crooked because your measurements were off.<em> I am obviously not speaking from experience.</em> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ng6_8kL2-n8/Uf0uCN0H_UI/AAAAAAAAGgc/_aBnU_qnqeM/s1600-h/how-to-herringbone-an-accent-wall_th.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="how to herringbone an accent wall_thumb[2]" border="0" alt="how to herringbone an accent wall_thumb[2]" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d6krAokYFpo/Uf0uCtvl2eI/AAAAAAAAGgk/RVTgkZytRpA/how-to-herringbone-an-accent-wall_th%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p><strong>2. Mark and tape your diagonals.</strong> Don’t be fooled by the brevity of this section’s title, because this is the most time-consuming part—and also where the process got tricky and I almost gave up. Luckily Rick came home from work right about when I was about to have a meltdown and eat an entire carton of ice cream, and together we returned the ice cream to the freezer and figured out a good plan of attack. Basically, what you have to figure out is how deep you want your V angles to be. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yyPwoFyatsk/Uf0uDPTUzVI/AAAAAAAAGgs/hwEy5ubOIWI/s1600-h/How%252520to%252520Paint%252520Herringbone%252520on%252520a%252520Wall%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall" border="0" alt="How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9lQGN-Sbp9s/Uf0uDqTemFI/AAAAAAAAGg0/GIxfXTl8WXM/How%252520to%252520Paint%252520Herringbone%252520on%252520a%252520Wall_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="466" height="425"></a></p> <p>I wanted somewhere between the top two, so I put up the first piece of 2” Frog Tape (beginning at the top of one of the vertical lines of 1” tape) and just adjusted it until I got an angle I wanted. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AhmqY7OwGTE/Uf0uGD8IVGI/AAAAAAAAGg8/idUaP7UGHBg/s1600-h/how%252520to%252520paint%252520herringbone%252520on%252520an%252520accent%252520wall%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="how to paint herringbone on an accent wall" border="0" alt="how to paint herringbone on an accent wall" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v5AWfbhNdf4/Uf0uHslJ28I/AAAAAAAAGhE/rOhGnChI4TQ/how%252520to%252520paint%252520herringbone%252520on%252520an%252520accent%252520wall_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>The next thing we had to measure was the distance between the left end of the tape and the ceiling so that we could replicate the same angle in the other vertical sections. For us, that distance ended up being 10”. (Again, this exact measurement will vary depending on how deep you choose to make your Vs.) I don’t have a picture of the next few steps but it looked something like this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7EWg_USlE-I/Uf0uJlCBpOI/AAAAAAAAGhM/xsrOR5TlPJY/s1600-h/tutorial%252520for%252520painting%252520a%252520herringbone%252520wall%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tutorial for painting a herringbone wall" border="0" alt="tutorial for painting a herringbone wall" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gyY2Bb-PPEI/Uf0uKq9zd2I/AAAAAAAAGhU/2wCQJyr_IVI/tutorial%252520for%252520painting%252520a%252520herringbone%252520wall_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="620" height="372"></a></p> <p>From here, you do a lot of measuring. But because we used the 2” Frog Tape, our measuring was simple. There was no need to confusingly tape off the alternating sections like we had to <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2011/05/fun-with-painters-tape.html">when we painted stripes in our bathroom</a>. And there was no need for trigonometry or other mind-numbing calculations. Using the 2” Frog Tape was key here because it allowed us to easily create a 2” space (that would stay white) between each desired V. Each of our exposed diagonals (that would be painted navy) was going to be 2.5” in width. Therefore, to determine where the second piece of tape needed to be placed, we simply measured down 2.5” from both ends of that first top piece of tape and marked it off in pencil on the 1” vertical blue tape. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-W8uBwfI5R_U/Uf0uMio9_fI/AAAAAAAAGhc/kHxvChX2GWM/s1600-h/herringbone%252520wall%252520tutorial%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="herringbone wall tutorial" border="0" alt="herringbone wall tutorial" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-H9xRq9RBbBw/Uf0uNudwF6I/AAAAAAAAGhk/Hm9qIUL-xyc/herringbone%252520wall%252520tutorial_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="620" height="372"></a></p> <p>All of the remaining marks within a vertical section were made 4.5” from the previous mark (2” for the tape and 2.5” for the desired white space). As I was putting up the tape (Rick did all of the measuring/marking), I knew that the TOP of my piece of tape needed to line up with the pencil marks on the blue tape.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3Id5xCpssPA/Uf0uOauR6FI/AAAAAAAAGhs/4dTy-3Kae7g/s1600-h/how-to-herringbone-an-accent-wall-2_%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="how to herringbone an accent wall (2)_thumb[2]" border="0" alt="how to herringbone an accent wall (2)_thumb[2]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K7nD-Qd6qh8/Uf0uPGyJ8wI/AAAAAAAAGh0/pLJiUx04gd4/how-to-herringbone-an-accent-wall-2_.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>For those pesky pieces of top and bottom tape that touched the ceiling/floor versus the vertical lines (which means you can’t easily measure to the 2.5” mark), we just held up tape and eyeballed it until the angle seemed to match. This is where having a helper comes in handy (again). </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--5JRTUh9RGM/Uf0uShlv41I/AAAAAAAAGh8/yzdgfxpMLl0/s1600-h/herringbone%252520tutorial%25255B4%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="herringbone tutorial" border="0" alt="herringbone tutorial" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jJwioCRQZVE/Uf0uUfw5o5I/AAAAAAAAGiE/7pbcK-qA1IE/herringbone%252520tutorial_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p><strong>3. PAINT AND PEEL AWAY THE TAPE!</strong> The fun part. The part where you cover your eyes, cower in a corner, and maybe wet your pants a little in fear of the whole thing not turning out the way you wanted it to. Sort of like the first day of middle school. We painted one half of the wall at a time and worked quickly, applying a second coat just a few minutes after the first (the navy was too dark to get away with just one coat, but allowing either of the coats to dry would guarantee a messy, peeling edge when we removed the tape). Within a few minutes of applying the second coat, we removed the tape so that it wouldn’t peel the paint away. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4MQymReeV2quyTj_ppy9qBs3dN4M_I3FPNB-rHFb0CPmz8zviDLmX237T2FVsBkByJCJ_9HibStTgSWWw1a_99o13hRdq2QPHWcKpz5I3hvUMULDg5huSJWuZ_pTJ8TCIat0FWsNgTiS/s1600-h/DSC_1542%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1542" border="0" alt="DSC_1542" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-i4Z8zd8Bcnc/Uf0uV24c_oI/AAAAAAAAGiU/kq5RIaO3PBA/DSC_1542_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>And presto, a herringbone accent wall that took around six hours to create. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PUmVt0t7Ujg/Uf0uWsf5C-I/AAAAAAAAGic/Jfz04XNIO-0/s1600-h/herringbone%252520accent%252520wall%252520%2525283%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="herringbone accent wall (3)" border="0" alt="herringbone accent wall (3)" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QCdWkuewvkE/Uf0uXEJ73dI/AAAAAAAAGik/J79OzmDCovM/herringbone%252520accent%252520wall%252520%2525283%252529_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>I think it would have taken less time if we had 100% known what we were doing—but as it was, we had some trial and error, and obvious breaks for peach-eating and cat-petting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BcSbXKk8pIU/Uf0uXyqAAKI/AAAAAAAAGis/05DwPzE_ixw/s1600-h/DSC_1686%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1686" border="0" alt="DSC_1686" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--vT4bhUaJJI/Uf0uYU-s1FI/AAAAAAAAGi0/HMbJlPZEM3k/DSC_1686_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>Before and after of the room? Okay. <em>(For more details on this room’s progress and updates, go <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/could-you-would-you-have-white-walls.html">here</a> and <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/04/get-pregnant-get-other-people-to-get.html">here</a>.)</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EMGE4rtG75A/Uf0uccYBg8I/AAAAAAAAGi8/6y0ex0FsE5U/s1600-h/herringbone%252520accent%252520wall%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="herringbone accent wall" border="0" alt="herringbone accent wall" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5zEkIoFnL9M/Uf0ue1KsNnI/AAAAAAAAGjE/QvFUPklYBek/herringbone%252520accent%252520wall_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="686" height="542"></a></p> <p>We’re getting there. The only thing left before furniture is carpet. Orrrr we could just leave the floor as-is. It has sort of a rustic, shabby chic vibe.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N5NzifDfKp4/Uf_hkZNDLjI/AAAAAAAAGkI/lmZcy6mNhxA/s1600-h/How%252520to%252520Paint%252520Herringbone%252520on%252520a%252520Wall%252520%252528and%252520Live%252520to%252520Tell%252520About%252520It%252529%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall (and Live to Tell About It)" border="0" alt="How to Paint Herringbone on a Wall (and Live to Tell About It)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N-zt_FVOyZA/Uf_hlcMze1I/AAAAAAAAGkQ/2_aDrwe9nLE/How%252520to%252520Paint%252520Herringbone%252520on%252520a%252520Wall%252520%252528and%252520Live%252520to%252520Tell%252520About%252520It%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="467" height="569"></a></p> <p><strong></strong> <p><strong>So…is your mind numbed?</strong> Truthfully, it’s a whole lot easier to do it than it is to explain it. It’s like the time I gave Rick and his family “great directions” to my college (via a route I had driven hundreds of times) and they ended up in West Wang-Doo, which was, incidentally, nowhere near my college. Oops. <p align="center"><em>*Linking up to </em><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/08/august-before-and-after.html"><em>Thrifty Décor Chick</em></a><em> and <a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/tutorials/tutorials-tips-link-party-122.html">Home Stories A to Z</a>!*</em></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-91944128197132590172013-07-31T07:30:00.000-04:002013-07-31T17:25:28.707-04:00Curtains: The Only Thing a Newborn Really Needs (Obviously)<p>We are rocking this nursery progress thing. How do I know? Because in the two months since <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html">the room was painted</a>, we’ve <em>made and</em> <em>hung curtains</em>.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6UYAyJwXH38/UfgXWxxqbrI/AAAAAAAAGfE/QizKKQUHCsE/s1600-h/Robert%252520Allen%252520Hand%252520Motif%252520Pool%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Robert Allen Hand Motif Pool" border="0" alt="Robert Allen Hand Motif Pool" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lfnPh4eSGpY/UfgXXjsv7-I/AAAAAAAAGfM/eO0uXCQzuaU/Robert%252520Allen%252520Hand%252520Motif%252520Pool_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a><em><font size="2">Fabric from </font></em><a href="https://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=7077bcc2-3e92-43d9-a535-a09dddb122e2"><em><font size="2">here</font></em></a></p> <p>I know you are amazed at our speed and efficiency.</p> <p>Really, though. A crib? Optional. Storage? Unnecessary. Diapers? Overrated. </p> <p>But curtains? <em>A must-have</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RTS6VDF8uMQ/UfgXYcN_qLI/AAAAAAAAGfU/rmSV85dKc2k/s1600-h/DSC_1722%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1722" border="0" alt="DSC_1722" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8mNxGK-yXlY/UfgXYz-H4tI/AAAAAAAAGfc/T14EvWxJB7w/DSC_1722_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>We are clearly 100% ready for the arrival of <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/were-having-hint-its-not-boy-or-puppy.html">our baby girl.</a><em> Soon-to-be parents of the year, right here.</em></p> <p><em><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g2mByGgfTOE/UfgXZk71GhI/AAAAAAAAGfk/H-VtNIx8gOQ/s1600-h/DSC_1725%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1725" border="0" alt="DSC_1725" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GGdBAnemLzY/UfgXaKCSK_I/AAAAAAAAGfs/KOQKm7-BPGU/DSC_1725_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></em></p> <p align="left">In our defense, this summer has been a bit busier than usual…and we are waiting to set up the nursery furniture until the upstairs is carpeted so that we don’t have to move it all in and then back out again. And we have a list of exactly 46 things that need to be done before carpet can be installed. And by 46 things, I don’t mean 46 things things like “sweep the floor.” I mean things like “skimcoat the bedroom walls” and “install new trim.” You know, things that require a few more than 8 seconds of time on task and people who don’t take accidental 2.5 hour naps instead of cleaning the house. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qfHmHgOaHTY/UfgXbaZYo3I/AAAAAAAAGf0/nb-DjCSH-BY/s1600-h/baby%25252012%252520weeks%252520ultrasound%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="baby 12 weeks ultrasound" border="0" alt="baby 12 weeks ultrasound" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Le8Uj5IWelA/UfgXbyBGoAI/AAAAAAAAGf8/eZ9PWgJAkhQ/baby%25252012%252520weeks%252520ultrasound_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="414"></a></p> <p align="left">I’m happy to report, though, that despite *someone’s* snoozing, 28 of the 46 things are DONE. The other 18 will be done in time to have carpet installed before school starts again in September. If I type it, it will come true, right? Here are the answers you may choose from:</p> <p align="left"><em><strong>A. “RIGHT Erin; you’re not delusional at all. But even if you are delusional, and the upstairs will never be done in that time frame, you can always have your baby sleep in a hammock hanging from that ladder.”</strong></em></p> <p align="left"><em><strong>B. “RIGHT Erin; you’re not delusional at all. Let me come over with a fresh batch of brownies and finish everything for you.” </strong></em></p> <p align="left"><em><strong>C. “RIGHT Erin; you’re not delusional at all. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.”</strong> (I will kindly excuse the poor comparison and largely misguided use of a cliché.)</em></p> <p align="left">Do let me know which answer you’ve chosen. ;)</p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-35974797336271524082013-07-25T07:00:00.000-04:002013-07-25T07:00:07.566-04:00Smile, I Made a Gold-Painted “Smile” Pillow<p>I participated in the following conversation last week:</p> <p><em>Rick: Where did you get that from?</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rpYKAVZIq4w/UfB0gV5gm8I/AAAAAAAAGdM/8dz81JlK-GU/s1600-h/gold-painted%252520pillow%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="gold-painted pillow" border="0" alt="gold-painted pillow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-drDSmrXqzAQ/UfB0gxno-cI/AAAAAAAAGdU/-O57M7bSUuE/gold-painted%252520pillow_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p><em>Erin: I made it.</em></p> <p><em>Rick: No you didn’t.</em></p> <p><em>Erin: Um, yes I did.</em></p> <p><em>Rick: But it’s so perfect.</em></p> <p><em>Erin: Thank you?</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nSMWSHdsy1Q/UfB0hleBvnI/AAAAAAAAGdc/kriG9caxFUw/s1600-h/painted%252520pillow%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="painted pillow" border="0" alt="painted pillow" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sKVoP6FRMFs/UfB0iGxfVTI/AAAAAAAAGdk/Ge_EQ5QWrQs/painted%252520pillow_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="414"></a></p> <p> <p><em></em></p>This was my first attempt at painting fabric, and I just used regular white fabric and water-based acrylic paint I had left from <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/going-drip-splat-smear-happy-imprecise.html">this drippy watercolor dot painting</a>. I know some people have mixed the paint with something called fabric medium or something like that, but I didn’t. This is mainly because I don’t know what that even is, AND it was not in my immediate possession. <em>Smile, I am clueless. And impatient.</em> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UbbL9vSK7PA/UfB0i2LtdFI/AAAAAAAAGds/zVMciDICEbo/s1600-h/DSC_1719%25255B16%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1719" border="0" alt="DSC_1719" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fExj4QgmT2c/UfB0jiGqrXI/AAAAAAAAGd0/HbeCn7PAulQ/DSC_1719_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="483" height="734"></a></p> <p>Aaaand then I stuffed it with fiberfill from a deformed pillow that came with an old comforter. Sometimes things just have to be sacrificed in the name of cheap. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cuaUVr5SwFA/UfB0kWQhoYI/AAAAAAAAGd8/bInBYJy2WkU/s1600-h/gold%252520painted%252520pillow%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="gold painted pillow" border="0" alt="gold painted pillow" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TBog2KrYPzM/UfB0kwnm9kI/AAAAAAAAGeE/pRvBY5c6YNE/gold%252520painted%252520pillow_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>Seriously, I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner…instead of buying the sometimes-pricey bags of fiberfill from the craft store, buy the old ugly pillows that are on clearance because nobody wants them. And then destroy them, which technically should have been done before they ever hit the stores and/or homes in the first place. This one would be a perfect victim, for example:</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o0PxkOY5qKs/UfB0lT1OgOI/AAAAAAAAGeM/d8De8mPvHiU/s1600-h/ugly%252520pillow%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ugly pillow" border="0" alt="ugly pillow" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aPCkWO0rRM0/UfB0l-LpQsI/AAAAAAAAGeU/RlS2bEqqs5g/ugly%252520pillow_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="403"></a><a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2008/11/ugliest-pillow-contest-vote-3.html"><em>Source</em></a></p> <p align="left">On that note…some things that make me smile lately other than the thought of burning that pillow:</p> <ul> <li> <div align="left">Feeling my baby do gymnastics at all hours of the day.</div> <li> <div align="left">Spending time with my brother who is home from Arizona for a bit.</div> <li> <div align="left">Watching my dad beam with absolute pride and excitement as he directs the orchestra of <em>Les Miserables…</em>of which I am a (mostly) willing participant on the French horn.</div> <li> <div align="left">The hilarious comments of the 5 and 6-year olds at summer rec arts and crafts (“I can see seven germs on my desk!”).</div> <li> <div align="left">Watching Rick have three potential job prospects within two weeks of finding out that his pharmacy (at a long-term care facility) is going to be outsourced…and all within four days of applying for said jobs. That whole deal isn’t over yet--and definitely didn’t begin with either of us smiling--but we’ve cast our anxieties on the Lord and He is so clearly already showing His faithfulness. :) :) <em>(That deserves TWO smiles.)</em></div></li></ul> <p><strong>What makes YOU smile lately?</strong></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8871554777427103509.post-50926407280009408652013-07-16T08:00:00.000-04:002013-07-16T12:46:48.570-04:00Stamped Packing Peanut Painting {Easy Art}<p>Making this art is easy. Saying the name with which I’ve christened it….not so much. I won’t recommend anything foolish like “say that 5 times fast” because you and I would both regret that and you would be embarrassed.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IJiYr8Yj27o/UeV47-RdTLI/AAAAAAAAGcg/Vu9svD54dyE/s1600-h/packing%252520peanut%252520painting%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="packing peanut painting" border="0" alt="packing peanut painting" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBURoNHyy5p4RayJst3zlhSZ1-Y8EqP1E5fyOKbm0RaRnJ3kGRDKNvd6CYQ18PlwlBTtBTaeFo1_YvDedFIjzyWdHKefQWZuIUTcH_2Usw99K96tsQzXFVe47ABD7e3lwgFTQLG-sRFmM8/?imgmax=800" width="464" height="710"></a></p> <p>This simple 8x10 packing peanut art is officially the first decoration for <a href="http://his-and-hers-blog.blogspot.com/2013/06/pink-invasion-liesand-other-nursery.html">baby’s nursery</a> and was inspired by a giant bag of packing peanuts that I found in my parents’ basement. All you need to make your own is paint and…packing peanuts. You really only need a few, although I found it helpful to have one designated for each of the five colors I used. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bp6kYbSDrI4/UeRtDrwteWI/AAAAAAAAGbY/YScijCzT5MA/s1600-h/stamped%252520packing%252520peanuts%252520painting%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stamped packing peanuts painting" border="0" alt="stamped packing peanuts painting" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zQyLN2crdlM/UeRtEGf_AXI/AAAAAAAAGbg/foNyp5K5v3A/stamped%252520packing%252520peanuts%252520painting_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a><em><font size="2">On an unrelated note, having a baby makes me want to swath our entire house in bright and bold and color. Byebye, “grown-up” neutrals. Did this happen to anyone else?</font></em></p> <p>Also, packing peanuts come in different shapes, but the ones I used to create this painting are shaped like figure 8s. Some are shaped like an S (which could also be cool) and some are shaped like turds. If you have been secretly pining for a turd-shaped stamp and real turds are in short supply then make those your go-to variety of packing peanut. And also invest in some prunes. Okay, this just got really gross and weird. Forget I said anything about turds.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-klxR11A382U/UeV49SQe_UI/AAAAAAAAGcw/KreKs7GGjao/s1600-h/stamping%252520with%252520packing%252520peanuts%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stamping with packing peanuts" border="0" alt="stamping with packing peanuts" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-islIyjXMH04/UeV494S8EMI/AAAAAAAAGc4/4_BNUTql-FI/stamping%252520with%252520packing%252520peanuts_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>No matter what shape you choose, you simply dip the packing peanut into your paint and stamp away to your little heart’s content. Like I said, easy. Kids could do it! While blindfolded! Using only their pinky toes!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjw-p6spLrBVCsHlrEcj030ecdbCTzCBkzu7CF80S6ytaJG9AJRQCg98Ik-12sI2u9NcruRCJCQQ69jgiHOiRd_MlurYOPqbxAr0LhklpXa0XXQQ4-xoXeuDujZTkwhGPYE3KU6689Ovs-/s1600-h/stamp%252520with%252520packing%252520peanuts%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="stamp with packing peanuts" border="0" alt="stamp with packing peanuts" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KV6zAidR-dg/UeRtGt_Xr-I/AAAAAAAAGcA/oUFfldZ4zec/stamp%252520with%252520packing%252520peanuts_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="620" height="411"></a></p> <p>I plan to test my theory when baby is born. Surely infants are even capable of this level of crafting. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VWsq81JUPG8/UeRtHYkKQGI/AAAAAAAAGcI/4fQFTEYfj8I/s1600-h/DSC_1691%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC_1691" border="0" alt="DSC_1691" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yDehkieRSjk/UeRtIOrkx5I/AAAAAAAAGcQ/xUFewN1GNEY/DSC_1691_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="418" height="640"></a></p> <p>I’m actually 27 weeks now, but who’s counting? I definitely didn’t know that yesterday was 13 weeks from my due date. And I definitely didn’t know that Sunday marked 3 months until my due date. And Rick definitely doesn’t have a countdown on his computer at work. No, nobody’s counting. We’re actually not excited at all.*</p> <p><em><font size="2">*Biggest lie I’ve ever told.</font></em></p> <p><strong>Would you stamp with packing peanuts? Have you ever stamped with anything unusual?</strong> <strong>What are you *totally not* excited about these days?</strong></p> Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08552928159495568506noreply@blogger.com19