tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84954607751318681232024-03-13T04:36:00.026-07:00Little Miss Skinny JeansAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-59069938428196838462011-08-09T20:58:00.000-07:002011-08-09T21:29:01.662-07:00FeatheryOver the past few days I decided that I needed to start making changes in my life. Some deep, some shallow. This is one of the lighter on my list.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm4e_8cBrM45QSFKnj-rmaCAdJ0kKft6sJEsQdY-9RUG3wUvqyeBcVDhizhGbKs0_1aajCrn3zf7i4G9b98M-xbIerhkbE0-83ic603OFKQ9DbMpqTC9IvNx2htWbdCDr4-oM5k-tOTWd/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm4e_8cBrM45QSFKnj-rmaCAdJ0kKft6sJEsQdY-9RUG3wUvqyeBcVDhizhGbKs0_1aajCrn3zf7i4G9b98M-xbIerhkbE0-83ic603OFKQ9DbMpqTC9IvNx2htWbdCDr4-oM5k-tOTWd/s320/009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639071980744351410" /></a>
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<br />This bad boy sits in the corner of my bedroom and is one of the first things I see every morning. Its looking mighty raggedy. When we first bought it, it was fresh, natural and beautiful. I LOVED it. After months of rough man usage and little boy spiderman jumps it looks like hell. I thought about just buying another natural one but I figured it would only be a matter of time before I was back to funk again. So, I explored the colored ones at Ikea. UMMMM...natural slipcovers $30, colored slipcovers $50. Are they crazy? $20 MORE FOR COLOR? No way jose. And the colors were ugly. Im sorry...I'll dye it myself.
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<br />So thats what I did. I bought the natural, I bought some dye and dyed my slipcover and waalah.
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<br />My chair came out like this...
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZl6CBb_Res58O7T_94vcDfKDWkgHKC-pPAfC1YCYtPDTZHB6-YsbethrtzyD1slEPl0RDJ-kjrpMUA3Oc-3QJb2eJZTIf9SZiIHQJ6j40XfnxFX1LegYNUv30S9_OYZK-gZWTmt2Lgtg/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigZl6CBb_Res58O7T_94vcDfKDWkgHKC-pPAfC1YCYtPDTZHB6-YsbethrtzyD1slEPl0RDJ-kjrpMUA3Oc-3QJb2eJZTIf9SZiIHQJ6j40XfnxFX1LegYNUv30S9_OYZK-gZWTmt2Lgtg/s320/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639074545876136434" /></a>
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<br />Pretty right? I like being able to see the legs like in the first pic so I might hem the slipcover, but I havent decided. I used RIT dye. I ended up having to use 3 boxes to get it this color brown. It first came out a lighter brown and I wasnt at all thrilled. Then it came out a darker brown but it looked almost ashy. It needed one more round' in the washer with some dye to get a little richness. I think it could stand to be a little darker but I just cant dye it again. I dont have it in me. This will do. It looks nice. The perfectionist in me is just going to have to shut up on this one. Its quite nice the way it is.
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<br />Now for that feathery beauty. You see that lovely pillow in the picture? This ikea slipcover comes with a cover for the standard ikea pillow. It's small, plain and BORING. I saw something on pinterest that inspired me to paint this feathery little number on this pillow. Yupp, I painted that myself. I bought fabric paint for $2 and a fabric brush for $2 and painted a feather on it. You like? Here's a close up. Thats $4. Pretty charming if I must say so myself and it's actually really soft and machine washable.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWp3exyu0LHAvH-awK4d8Ae3pVJDf_XvRJpKvtCjeVYNbfy2Lj8kGywEBKiV-P4qYrF8gEiqMtSS58LV7tpZV4cnKl6npKMt3qYUwNtdGDEvhPq1EasKIxUDZ6i0TbYTiVBCYV_3jYHmk/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWp3exyu0LHAvH-awK4d8Ae3pVJDf_XvRJpKvtCjeVYNbfy2Lj8kGywEBKiV-P4qYrF8gEiqMtSS58LV7tpZV4cnKl6npKMt3qYUwNtdGDEvhPq1EasKIxUDZ6i0TbYTiVBCYV_3jYHmk/s320/017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639075145566645570" /></a>
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<br />Heres what I spent on that mini makeover:
<br />Slipcover $30
<br />Dye $6.75 (2.25 a box, I bought 3)
<br />Fabric Paint $2
<br />Fabric Brush $2
<br />=$40.75
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<br />Thats less then I would have spent just on a colored slipcover at Ikea AND I got a pretty fancy new pillow. All in a days work. Gotta love a little dye and fabric paint.
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-51966871662286700322011-06-27T18:34:00.000-07:002011-06-27T19:18:09.916-07:00Fruit Gone Wild: Wiggly WatermelonOn a search for cool things to do with Jello...I stumbled upon Wiggly Watermelon. I immediately fell in LOVE. This is something that apparently has been on the internet forever and somehow had not become apart of my life.<br /><br />Let me introduce you in case you too have been kept in the dark. This is Wiggly Watermelon. Wiggly Watermelon say hello.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi37xrxgV9G1f-5v49rq7wMCH-gEFKUG3C311UMPqDCFNHlXO7q-UqV2kzfpxmtMlwXUeSFpNQPs57AZdLUQWaljQV7-DraJz3Pxb2rC_oixdLi2EMYBuaZkPoM5pZI8CT20UJ_8hu96U/s1600/220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihi37xrxgV9G1f-5v49rq7wMCH-gEFKUG3C311UMPqDCFNHlXO7q-UqV2kzfpxmtMlwXUeSFpNQPs57AZdLUQWaljQV7-DraJz3Pxb2rC_oixdLi2EMYBuaZkPoM5pZI8CT20UJ_8hu96U/s320/220.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623081441374873378" /></a><br /><br />I know, he's charming. Even more charming in person.<br /><br />You'll have to excuse my awful photos...I should probably learn how to take a better picture. I got the idea from <a href="http://www.gourmetmomonthego.com/2009/05/w-is-for-wiggly-watermelon.html"> Gourmet Mom on-the-Go</a>. Her pictures are 100 times better.<br /><br />Anyhow, how much fun is that? It simply is jello that is set inside a piece of hollow fruit. It can be done with lemons, limes, strawberries and oranges too. Imagine these as Jello Shooters for grown up time...everyone will be walking sideways pretty quickly with shots as cute as these. Keeping them alcohol free for the kiddos is fun too. <br /><br />It's quite the crowd pleaser...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgWPkV_4LxFikrgvSFToBEO_hyphenhyphenPlQFGYV05l-BlGhLpg-emf7Xm-GxFWB27w5ClHZaW6yQ_jWE05UIX0NGCv6rjf7K8vdM_edipHVG1V6MiAjzK8iwdN0mV57Ff14djDTJNBeBq2gDsSS/s1600/233.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgWPkV_4LxFikrgvSFToBEO_hyphenhyphenPlQFGYV05l-BlGhLpg-emf7Xm-GxFWB27w5ClHZaW6yQ_jWE05UIX0NGCv6rjf7K8vdM_edipHVG1V6MiAjzK8iwdN0mV57Ff14djDTJNBeBq2gDsSS/s320/233.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623081448464606002" /></a><br /><br /><u>Wiggly Watermelon</u><br /><i>Ingredients:</i><br />Watermelon Rind<br />4 Large Boxes of Jello (we used Strawberry)<br />8 Cups of Water for Boiling Jello<br />5 Cups of Water for adding into Jello after Boiling<br /><i>Optional</i><br />*1/4 c. mini chocolate chips (we did not use these...we kinda ate them all)<br />*Alcohol (optional...obviously not for the kiddos)<br /><br /><i>How To:</i><br />1. Cut Watermelon in half<br />2. Hollow out watermelon with a spoon or melon baller<br />3. Make jello as directed on label EXCEPT only add 5 cups of cold water - otherwise the watermelon will not hold up (if adding alcohol, this would be when!)<br />4. Pour into hollowed out watermelon - I set my watermelon in a bowl about the size of the watermelon to avoid spilled jello (which is a pain in the hoo-ha to clean up)<br />5. Put watermelon in fridge to set for 24 hours<br />6. IF you want to add in the chocolate chips - use a chop stick and push chocolate chips into jello about 12 hours into cooling (when mixture is firm but not set).<br />7. When ready slice and serve AND GET THE SOAP AND WATER READY. The kids will get sticky. Or the adults...depending on your crowd.<br />Enjoy!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-19342822245455718222011-06-06T09:52:00.001-07:002011-06-06T10:38:52.896-07:00Stay at Home Mom...it's official. I'm officially 2 weeks away from my first day as a Stay at Home Mom. <br /><br />I remember the day I came back to work after having Patrick. He was 6 weeks old. I ugly face cried the entire way to work. You know, Kim Kardashian ugly face crying. I'm sitting at my desk, calling to check on him as often as possible, eyes red, on the verge of tears and my boobs are leaking. Not remotely adorable. I was a mess. Once I finally got myself together, there was about 30 minutes of quiet that I can admit, was very nice. But then, mommy instincts kicked back in and I sat and watched the clock the rest of the day. Quiet is definately over rated. I wanted my baby.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs97_2UnyWDb1Gdf7hngm6nKxOZTSS0hd5XPZdg9ds_7I9zzqz6ByLrtw_DhNOPpc6DH-G4_GXV_ogSHmsWXhn-0mnIAFXk1riAmukDFZO2-0HXDC9HWBjLfo7KIC6OTpQmvr9XsJciC0/s1600/ptk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfs97_2UnyWDb1Gdf7hngm6nKxOZTSS0hd5XPZdg9ds_7I9zzqz6ByLrtw_DhNOPpc6DH-G4_GXV_ogSHmsWXhn-0mnIAFXk1riAmukDFZO2-0HXDC9HWBjLfo7KIC6OTpQmvr9XsJciC0/s320/ptk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615161385810700786" /></a><br /><br /><center> I mean...can you imagine leaving this face every day? </center><br /><br />I know there are a lot of moms that gripe about being a stay at home mom. They never have time off, or sick days, or feel like a slave to there homes...but I feel like thats how ALL moms feel. Working and Stay at Home Moms. Working moms dont get off work at 5:00pm. We start our second job doing what Stay at Home Moms do all day AND we miss the best part of the day: spending quality time with our kids. Cooking dinner, cleaning the house, getting baths and doing laundry doesnt really create a lot of room for 'Quality Time' in a 4 hour time slot. I cant say how many lunch breaks I have spent running home to throw food in the crock pot and a load of laundry in the dryer just so I can have more time in the evenings to play cars with my handsome little man. No Mom's get time off. I never take sick days alone. If I'm home sick from work, chances are my baby is home with me. Right there chillin on the couch next to me. Why? The guilt. Being a working mom I steal as much time as I can with my little man because I feel guilty when I am missing out on time I can be with him. <br /><br />But the money, oh the money. I could go to Aldo right now and buy a pair of $90 pumps and then stop in bebe and buy a $100 dress and Patrick would never know. It wouldnt be his business. Once our bills are paid, his money is his money and my money is my money. Now...we will be sharing money. His money. He'll be in my pockets at all time. THIS is going to be the biggest challenge I see so far. I dont know how stay at home moms do it. I have always been so independent with my money. AND now, I'm going to be leaning on him to pay the bills, buy the groceries, buy all our boys stuff AND keep me looking and feeling pretty. Thats a scary little leap of faith right there. <br /><br />When reading this, I dont want stay at home moms to think that I'm saying that being a Stay at Home Mom is easier then a working mom...no, no, no. Not even in the slightest. I think being a stay at home mom is probably one of the most challenging jobs a woman can have. Or any person really...we know men couldnt do it. All I'm saying is that it's a better job. It's work that means something. It's work that feels good. That is personally meaningful to your life. You're not sitting at a desk doing something that anyone could be doing. Working for a company where once you leave they will forget about you in a year. Stay at home moms are making there houses homes and creating memories with there children that will be there forever. <br /><br />AND I'm over the moon to start my new job. I cannot wait. I know it wont be easy. But it'll be amazing. And I think thats what matters.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip1bZHn8RFJ0iZJ7pZ3l-94lvvcTrSTYPQtoqP7AC6pXqOd-adpCELuACHKUAC8xPY8yuglTEi0rtS1XuSEmPrWddzGJ4K3NTPvwcJFeUrFsnulZ9eocNwJmdRa1L_49PnYEgEiyLD0RR/s1600/ptrk.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiip1bZHn8RFJ0iZJ7pZ3l-94lvvcTrSTYPQtoqP7AC6pXqOd-adpCELuACHKUAC8xPY8yuglTEi0rtS1XuSEmPrWddzGJ4K3NTPvwcJFeUrFsnulZ9eocNwJmdRa1L_49PnYEgEiyLD0RR/s320/ptrk.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615162554623657762" /></a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-61240033085897624782011-03-13T10:53:00.000-07:002011-03-15T13:30:48.614-07:00Confessions of a HillbillyGrowing up, I remember always having a nice house. It wasnt perfectly clean, decorated or fancy but it was always tidy and well kept. Our yard was always beautiful and we always had somewhere to be very proud of. Though I may sound like a judgemental little twit from the suburbs for saying this...when I would visit friends houses that werent clean I would get almost an anxiety about playing there. I remember being 5-6 years old and avoiding certain peoples houses because of the clutter. Lucky for me, almost all of my friends had very clean, very well kept houses and yards. When my mother passed away I quickly I soon found myself being one of those people that were a little embarrassed of my house. It wasnt as nice. It wasnt as clean. My dad worked hard and did a damn good job, but...its hard for one person to do what two people did. Especially, when that one person is a man. No offense. Women are just better at...well, everything.<br /><br />My handsome man just turned 3. To me, this means that the whole 2 year old amnesia thing is wearing off and he's going to start developing memories of his house and home. I want him to be proud. I want him to invite people over and the only thought he and his friends have are playing. <br /><br />With ALL that longwinded nonsense behind...here is where our hillbilly yard comes into play. Somewhere along the last couple years I have completely abandoned my backyard and it definately shows. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh0_TD9hfYiQ2hmV-gV8eROi1OT2ET2FrRlwsegTMH2U07tORv85VScF86JqH_CpmmlLUEYC0q0UuXCwY4bvDGN_k1N4S1zbrR4ivHQs9wAPINHlRwkyxezkydhnAMpyZnVtqUMB_-M3k/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSh0_TD9hfYiQ2hmV-gV8eROi1OT2ET2FrRlwsegTMH2U07tORv85VScF86JqH_CpmmlLUEYC0q0UuXCwY4bvDGN_k1N4S1zbrR4ivHQs9wAPINHlRwkyxezkydhnAMpyZnVtqUMB_-M3k/s320/025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583635247617889794" /></a><br /><br />Yupp, thats a car tire. Thats also a ridiculous amount of seasonal toys that have been sitting back there since...last summer. Oh and a jogging stroller. Kind of embarrasing. Here's a close up of that nonsense just in case you didnt get enough the first time...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzeyDpBnX3HVz4qDo-oUV0935YgqQ_fHZ5ybV6SVsnxyOBP-5NXIQuNSG4oAuWHUMvWlQSCX1lEYsN-YU67nHgFZuWvifaBbC4xjSTzXpjOR-KrEK0e2Y3KSiNfHGpeqMlFjfDXSskDxm/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzeyDpBnX3HVz4qDo-oUV0935YgqQ_fHZ5ybV6SVsnxyOBP-5NXIQuNSG4oAuWHUMvWlQSCX1lEYsN-YU67nHgFZuWvifaBbC4xjSTzXpjOR-KrEK0e2Y3KSiNfHGpeqMlFjfDXSskDxm/s320/029.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583638270319679186" /></a><br /><br />Not good, then there's our porch. It's little and has lots of unused potential. Here's a picture with our lovely Kita. See all that crap in the background behind her. I shamefully admit, it's been sitting there for a while.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin13SSDM0Rs8vpvxauOjn3R_6V_0_ZKnCQGA0JTNLeW6ZonsSNqUlPOTgagNMppPGKG1lI8pJsT3NAhhd9HJ4HYuxkdkV-USiYaDtepBEa73e926bKVdbZaEYfKP7aR3XD8lh38QNswOBm/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin13SSDM0Rs8vpvxauOjn3R_6V_0_ZKnCQGA0JTNLeW6ZonsSNqUlPOTgagNMppPGKG1lI8pJsT3NAhhd9HJ4HYuxkdkV-USiYaDtepBEa73e926bKVdbZaEYfKP7aR3XD8lh38QNswOBm/s320/026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583639640439786946" /></a><br /><br />As well as all the stuff sitting on the sides and underneath the porch. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYjv9MzqUzOfSYxVgPbnV9V4BHykM-3R04BCkZUkkWZLpnIwvdqFRaZlbe55RC2x4hnoR0klqnEHTXuhlKdKpIMfSk131i4n6iijFSkYbnWtgO5UXTeqybel5gtd3KuwcQUaxxeaQoYl9/s1600/033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYjv9MzqUzOfSYxVgPbnV9V4BHykM-3R04BCkZUkkWZLpnIwvdqFRaZlbe55RC2x4hnoR0klqnEHTXuhlKdKpIMfSk131i4n6iijFSkYbnWtgO5UXTeqybel5gtd3KuwcQUaxxeaQoYl9/s320/033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583639653943316210" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2_-FswiPG58L0JkiAXM5aGhDBJAmzVOFAQF7q7LVf7rYetRV82EHHoA6-OP8yeXFwQwKELnqljeZ-ltkxGQFxkYXO3Vw2TpA3euTUkZhc0SPTpE89SSq79oWzohMGibBJpjGgcVwLY6A/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2_-FswiPG58L0JkiAXM5aGhDBJAmzVOFAQF7q7LVf7rYetRV82EHHoA6-OP8yeXFwQwKELnqljeZ-ltkxGQFxkYXO3Vw2TpA3euTUkZhc0SPTpE89SSq79oWzohMGibBJpjGgcVwLY6A/s320/032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583639650795635666" /></a><br /><br />To be completely honest, these pictures dont do the uglyness of our backyard justice. It truly is ugly. Uglier then I think I can even show in pictures. But the pictures are ugly enough to embarrass me. Thats kind of the point of this whole post, to embarrass me into getting this backyard into tip top shape. Nothing will move someone faster then embarrassment.<br /><br />Our plans for the backyard arent lavish by any means but they will make our backyard somewhere where we can bbq, play and work. Mostly DIY and cheap-o projects to make this space feel more like an extended room off of our home.<br /><br />Our backyard itinerary for this spring/summer:<br />1. Getting all that JUNK to the dump or goodwill<br />2. Powerwashing our pavers and then repaving our patio with them to make everything nice and even - lots of work but it'll be cheap!<br />3. Buying a new patio set, I'm thinking <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90055696">this one</a><br />4. Making a potted plant garden<br />5. Grass! Were gonna try and grow some grass! <br />6. Buying a shed to store our lawn mower and other outdoor tools<br />7. Powerwashing and restaining our porch<br />8. Making a sandy area for Patrick's water table<br />9. Putting up some sort of lattice under the deck to keep all the leaves and winter muck out from underneath<br />10. Adding some solar lighting for breezy summer nights<br /><br />Today were taking stuff to the dump, cleaning it up and donating it. Hopefully our first little step will make a BIG difference.<br /><br />Cheers to spring! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIprsYOSM4ys1anH5elelJGuIyuugmEN0nHKlzLHcAZFpgo4l3Dv8D0_ATX4SNu4OaUK4Y3r5epOU9jhNjUlYTYMAC2OasPGNCuoJJknaSPFQiqAT5TYt662fLVNkfUcQki6f9_ucHUT98/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIprsYOSM4ys1anH5elelJGuIyuugmEN0nHKlzLHcAZFpgo4l3Dv8D0_ATX4SNu4OaUK4Y3r5epOU9jhNjUlYTYMAC2OasPGNCuoJJknaSPFQiqAT5TYt662fLVNkfUcQki6f9_ucHUT98/s320/037.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583639659448734258" /></a><br /><em></em>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-16274037260665981732011-03-06T18:02:00.000-08:002011-03-09T10:08:44.503-08:00Tray'ding Spaces...you like that post title? I know, I'm clever.<br /><br />Lately, I have been seeing laquered trays all over design magazine, blogs and catalogs.<br /><br />Like these from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8495460775131868123">west elm</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XjV5ZjZ3YZq2jK6nknWl2UosxHRcw3bPHTDVCI2H3Aa9teG51ihzFFOXer6Z5wdzpkMF04s0ID2ZTJhrrOiXUJ2UEWxiA5x9RRrbwXGxWc8nPynIYwggZ5l1ulKZ-ZL-2COZwOqgjOG_/s1600/westelmtrays.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XjV5ZjZ3YZq2jK6nknWl2UosxHRcw3bPHTDVCI2H3Aa9teG51ihzFFOXer6Z5wdzpkMF04s0ID2ZTJhrrOiXUJ2UEWxiA5x9RRrbwXGxWc8nPynIYwggZ5l1ulKZ-ZL-2COZwOqgjOG_/s320/westelmtrays.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581155794415207138" /></a><br /><br />I came across a tray that I bought a little over 10 years ago from Pier 1. It's a solid little wood tray but is dark and drab and totally not our style. I thought that maybe I could use some left over paint and make it into something new. Something pretty that could serve as a catch all for everything the hubby dumps from his pockets every evening. <br /><br />I stole a couple hours during nap times and started a new project.<br /><br />Here's the tray before her facelift<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85DARaHiod8B5vmj36OwcPMaHcqSEv67iisFIdVzj0020eiq-NvH-hIxm4tJi_i52gwnErspHgpWt-z3fQ2z__nHVC5qBsRsL916ou9zB-kkG7K0aPf1tkYmQDguquXfWzw9TANgCouaY/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85DARaHiod8B5vmj36OwcPMaHcqSEv67iisFIdVzj0020eiq-NvH-hIxm4tJi_i52gwnErspHgpWt-z3fQ2z__nHVC5qBsRsL916ou9zB-kkG7K0aPf1tkYmQDguquXfWzw9TANgCouaY/s320/019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581158330775134914" /></a><br /><br />And that super low...obviously 10 years ago price tag from Pier 1<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdwnFCfJCZocheJhLaaODbmkfy47TSOjbry4sb1-4dBcXs91fT3BkuPf6Mcq4-6vivIxMzTwWr_WB57n2jA04tYu7D5X4Fl_oWSkTVE4OocdxRrsUz1jB6Mslfv4lhKDdOR01LJ7687GT/s1600/020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizdwnFCfJCZocheJhLaaODbmkfy47TSOjbry4sb1-4dBcXs91fT3BkuPf6Mcq4-6vivIxMzTwWr_WB57n2jA04tYu7D5X4Fl_oWSkTVE4OocdxRrsUz1jB6Mslfv4lhKDdOR01LJ7687GT/s320/020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581158333007456626" /></a><br /><br />I spray painted the entire thing white<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0vPWKmcwmJavvZnMvCDVStLoWJzpSGYOoBDV27VaFcWuHZXTSDXR11Gb99L6UZRRdgBkOdQVk1oMtHg2bOCnZwt6xxE0iLY_Y7drR_Rp-_FBa7E4LG3FjSsQMDwlA6_hWP7KGU1ZRVcz/s1600/026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW0vPWKmcwmJavvZnMvCDVStLoWJzpSGYOoBDV27VaFcWuHZXTSDXR11Gb99L6UZRRdgBkOdQVk1oMtHg2bOCnZwt6xxE0iLY_Y7drR_Rp-_FBa7E4LG3FjSsQMDwlA6_hWP7KGU1ZRVcz/s320/026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581159016472821650" /></a><br /><br />I couldnt decide what I wanted to do with it from there...but I knew it needed something. As I was digging around our "house stuff" shelf in our laundry room storage I found this little guy.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FCLpw7GHPKBSuxzO_0ZTrOTxAyc_uv2pESgKG4xXYs5_GyrIGE3tzFyLF7mjQexHt5EMVCz-dYuq0OrkdGRCLOTOM7kRFfdv2C1ZpttUBIgztLFEi6uj-kDduHLwkN-qEgr6YKxpyTbx/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FCLpw7GHPKBSuxzO_0ZTrOTxAyc_uv2pESgKG4xXYs5_GyrIGE3tzFyLF7mjQexHt5EMVCz-dYuq0OrkdGRCLOTOM7kRFfdv2C1ZpttUBIgztLFEi6uj-kDduHLwkN-qEgr6YKxpyTbx/s320/025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581159022506958034" /></a><br /><br />I bought this originally intending for it to be the color of our guest bathroom. All the boys in our house objected. Suprised? Yeah, me niether.<br /><br />Anyway, here's the tray after the first coat. First coats of paint always look like crap. Thats normally how you know your doing a good first coat. It's kind of thin, uneven and not cute by anyones standards. Oh, and as you can see...I didnt even bother using another paint brush. I just used the one right out of the bottle. Super easy.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXVtJvkySHN57X8hwrA3j4_eLrm1RuyKwledM7o4Sw3BkA4_kuPFGB5UzHGblH8dOp72G-hzppfzm3kUzKaBpvLPuOinrVA3c38Q3M_0uWgih0u_ZQa_ZHIrp0inMZCIACBuOhA6qV0pH/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXVtJvkySHN57X8hwrA3j4_eLrm1RuyKwledM7o4Sw3BkA4_kuPFGB5UzHGblH8dOp72G-hzppfzm3kUzKaBpvLPuOinrVA3c38Q3M_0uWgih0u_ZQa_ZHIrp0inMZCIACBuOhA6qV0pH/s320/028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581160274773140322" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnWvvTpJYZSfLw3zWiwzuDrbB84qW52p5WNoEzTvMteayjI9e6y9e4ZrcziYDKZg9x6CiiLx-7KWlFSsnBbFWqVszNIrpJpYConzsKcsf2yXiLOoyT1-e79w0ZSwUV-3F1oE91w_7Gs6l/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnWvvTpJYZSfLw3zWiwzuDrbB84qW52p5WNoEzTvMteayjI9e6y9e4ZrcziYDKZg9x6CiiLx-7KWlFSsnBbFWqVszNIrpJpYConzsKcsf2yXiLOoyT1-e79w0ZSwUV-3F1oE91w_7Gs6l/s320/027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581160278113949906" /></a><br /><br />Then the second and final coat. She's all done! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz_hyphenhyphenSBQ3Lc3EPwamVQmCnYP2rIIBGmWeWQXPn3bNNkWBzljQCNRYhNvGO3vPQVtomvHWC1Ar1mUeTs4dqeJTQgFhElsQMvq_f5NC1xHZmIR84BRhu2WNl-SCInVMCtEs_2lDK-mJsHFB/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz_hyphenhyphenSBQ3Lc3EPwamVQmCnYP2rIIBGmWeWQXPn3bNNkWBzljQCNRYhNvGO3vPQVtomvHWC1Ar1mUeTs4dqeJTQgFhElsQMvq_f5NC1xHZmIR84BRhu2WNl-SCInVMCtEs_2lDK-mJsHFB/s320/030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581160714699939202" /></a><br /><br />And here she is in her new home...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NpMHsE0A3y_ffkbwqpdlI3tyntZ3TpZaD8hwjXxhw5zaWpb4FNjzz2fRiMhoEBAaZOm98vnBeEm_LNWzKOxK-lAb-d-4TAbwINU2El-7XeAgBQjEaNiBaZ45A5W5mWzym0mUoSEBT1rq/s1600/039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NpMHsE0A3y_ffkbwqpdlI3tyntZ3TpZaD8hwjXxhw5zaWpb4FNjzz2fRiMhoEBAaZOm98vnBeEm_LNWzKOxK-lAb-d-4TAbwINU2El-7XeAgBQjEaNiBaZ45A5W5mWzym0mUoSEBT1rq/s320/039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581163129898165330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg402MSjtzWfAZnvC2aKTS-nsJNpbEbr9Hx3ohpkP0l9zklmg_fLQQt0t7eXSeM8IWEKl4hN0qSxRvNElq5JvF4qpWQakb_MH6uB7yc99zeBH6KBK2vPnuu_n4npCcgV2qyULHo4QhfYeQ7/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg402MSjtzWfAZnvC2aKTS-nsJNpbEbr9Hx3ohpkP0l9zklmg_fLQQt0t7eXSeM8IWEKl4hN0qSxRvNElq5JvF4qpWQakb_MH6uB7yc99zeBH6KBK2vPnuu_n4npCcgV2qyULHo4QhfYeQ7/s320/035.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581163123864924498" /></a><br /><br />The best thing about this whole project...was that it was free! Gotta love free!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-75984003826496923542011-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:002011-02-23T06:47:24.410-08:00Getting Undressed...this has little to do with actually getting naked. But does have everything to do with nudity. My nude dresser that is.<br /><br />I have had this dresser for almost 10 years and its in amazing condition. There are a lot of knicks, scratches and even chunks of wood that have chipped off, but it creates a certain character that you can only get with real wood furniture and with all the faux wood furniture out there, you have got to respect a little character. She's pretty much perfect. But the color? Oh the color was killing me! It wasnt a bad finish or a bad stain but the color was not working for our bedroom at all. We needed something sexier. Something a little more modern and a little younger. I thought white would be perfect with super modern hardware to tie in the other modern elements in our little love nest.<br /><br />Here's the befores...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9Teosfayqb9zZwWixBein9jLr-kTZTCqDcaI9jaSE5esSiZubHb6KIc2UrMX1skftg582adY37Y9ZWo0uT7e1r2dtblogXaMs9B7AlTZNeRho3W3qV3NYvJG4FV1Zmrijr4bPEWx3vDh/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9Teosfayqb9zZwWixBein9jLr-kTZTCqDcaI9jaSE5esSiZubHb6KIc2UrMX1skftg582adY37Y9ZWo0uT7e1r2dtblogXaMs9B7AlTZNeRho3W3qV3NYvJG4FV1Zmrijr4bPEWx3vDh/s320/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576712974664014898" /></a><br /><br />...and a courtesy before shot with my little helper<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbb6nIdJUYPd-CQjTDTAV54cK5t9wxh7U8Es5ipOjE3A5iAKyY8qvLVD-NWi6VKZ_6Z69nA7BF9nAHHYQ1CvGnbGr3KnbdCVYaFAbfNv_kz4CoArV9S4mjjPXrM6VpznOJ5Rgj4nBnOMK/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbb6nIdJUYPd-CQjTDTAV54cK5t9wxh7U8Es5ipOjE3A5iAKyY8qvLVD-NWi6VKZ_6Z69nA7BF9nAHHYQ1CvGnbGr3KnbdCVYaFAbfNv_kz4CoArV9S4mjjPXrM6VpznOJ5Rgj4nBnOMK/s320/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576712980952205186" /></a><br /><br />and now...my new dresser, all jazzed up<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugnI3ivS-GY-Cm4Qli3Nj9cmeh8-eCNUnl57O8adcp0hcJhyA33bEUS7F267nw-giRUXW9ufFrNE7tR_DEbaN9NllqIw65bHs_bNIiu8FHyI4GBKKYjSUTSFhnGfVahTVxzIJ7RX8W7Q9/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugnI3ivS-GY-Cm4Qli3Nj9cmeh8-eCNUnl57O8adcp0hcJhyA33bEUS7F267nw-giRUXW9ufFrNE7tR_DEbaN9NllqIw65bHs_bNIiu8FHyI4GBKKYjSUTSFhnGfVahTVxzIJ7RX8W7Q9/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576712985005833458" /></a><br /><br />...and a close up of the hardware<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSCqcWQkvPTir_KL5s75cya2zhZ1lhju51XGNsgJwc4CFmaGyMeAsAsYyjK2RW1gadzReOpL8NFpbMHgpQZkGWu6hkTGBYu7HzewJDg_yRPJz-zjQvga_qBEQ8IOtbffVrgIDG7215h9q/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSSCqcWQkvPTir_KL5s75cya2zhZ1lhju51XGNsgJwc4CFmaGyMeAsAsYyjK2RW1gadzReOpL8NFpbMHgpQZkGWu6hkTGBYu7HzewJDg_yRPJz-zjQvga_qBEQ8IOtbffVrgIDG7215h9q/s320/009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576712986337333986" /></a><br /><br />How'd I do it? It was ridiculously easy.<br />1. Undress this pretty little thing. Take all the hardware off. Simple enough.<br />2. Use wood putty to fill in the holes were the old hardware used to be. <br />3. Very lightly sand the entire piece. This piece didnt take much sanding because it only had a very light stain. Anything shiny or with any kind of gloss would need MUCH more sanding.<br />4. Give her a bath. I took an old wash cloth and wiped down the entire thing. It helps clean up all the dust from sanding so your paint goes on smoothly.<br />5. Paint! I used a simple straight off the rack white paint in a satin finish. If your prego like me I suggest a low VOC paint, a room with lots of windows and a mask. Just to be safe. <br />6. Add new hardware. Measure and line it up. Drill the holes and screw in the new pieces. Easy peasy!<br /><br />AND it was super cheap.<br />I literally paid...<br />$12 paint<br />$9 brush<br />$0 sandpaper (already had on hand)<br />$17 hardware<br /><b>$38 TOTAL!</b><br /><br />The makeover was super simple, super cheap and changed the entire look of our bedroom. With a piece this big we needed something that would pull everything together and I think this did it. High paint brush fives!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-25981373826824103922011-01-17T08:46:00.001-08:002011-01-17T11:33:43.911-08:00Boy or Girl?I am OFFICIALLY 2 weeks away from finding out whether I have a little boy or a little girl in my belly. I'm thinking it's a boy. <br /><br />Do I want a boy more? No. Is that all I can picture? Yes. I can see me having "my boys" so much that I am having dreams based loosely around that term. I can see football games, broken arms, pizza and LOTS of grass stains in my future. As hard as I try it's really fuzzy trying to picture polka dot leggings, mini ugg boots and tea parties. As much as I would LOVE that I just dont see it happening.<br /><br />I know the hubby would be over the moon for a little boy too. He keeps telling Patrick that his little brother is in my tummy. Thats a pretty certain statement. <br /><br />At least I know that in 2 weeks, if they tell me ITS A GIRL! I'm not going to be the only shocked one. <br /><br />On a whats going on now note...I cant stop thinking about TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks. And I'm wondering if they can make cheese fries?Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-10337703563393235062010-12-22T12:33:00.000-08:002010-12-22T13:12:07.675-08:00Looking at life...through my patent leather pumpsBefore I was a mommy...I literally lived for shoes. I was never really a party girl, never a big drinker. Partying got expensive and quite frankly I wasnt down for losing control and messing up the shoes that I worked so hard for. My life literally revolved around my girlfriends, whoever my boyfriend was at the time and shoes. How to attain them, where to find them, what to wear with them, how my feet looked in them. I was obsessed with pedicures...mostly because, of shoes. Ugly feet can seriously ruin a pretty pair of peeptoes. I had a journal. I would write about shoes and outfits to go with them, then I would go out and hunt for them. At one point in my life, I probably had more shoes then the average girl should ever have. Obsessive Compulsive Shoe Habit. OCSH. Self diagnosed. It was an addiction. Though, many addictions, especially in the charming areas surrounding where I reside, have side effects like you know, stealing, robbing and overall yuckiness for the things they need, I simply would steal from myself. If you could guess the amounts I have paid in NSF Fees...(thats non sufficient fund fees for all you assholes that dont know, if you are one of those people, kindly click on the little x at the top of this screen) I have paid in just the past 8 years, well...you would be shocked to know I could have a much nicer kitchen, or a good couple more years of college education on my resume.<br /> <br />As my life developed more meaning, my shoe collection started to fade. By fade I mean, disappear. After my first born, I started noticing my shoe collection dull. Fall would come and I wouldnt have a fun new pair of boots to tuck jeans into. Winter would come and I would put on the same water stained uggs from the year before. Then we bought our house. No more pedicures. No more fun sandals. You know the the gladiator trend? Yeah, I LOVED it from the very beginning. Did I participate? No. I didnt. I wore the same sandals from the spring and summers before. I found myself indulging in expensive nail polish as opposed to my beloved Shoes. It was cheaper, it was pretty...and at least it was something to look at down there. <br /> <br />It seems the more my life grew in significance, the less bright (and full) the shoe rack in my closet became. <br /> <br />Now with number 2 on the way, it seems the days of shoe collecting are just a faint little doop in my past. <br /> <br />I guess this is my way of looking at how my life has changed. If you would have told me 5 years ago that my closet would look as well, lonely as it does now...I would have probably cried. But looking at my lonely closet has simply made me realize how empty my life was BEFORE when my closet was, well...popular. Now that my life is full of SO much love, real love, not shoe love, my closet is...well empty. <br /><br />This is not saying that because you dont have kids your life is empty or that because you have kids you shouldnt have nice shoes...this simply is my experience.<br /> <br />Now, dont get me wrong. I'm not running around barefoot only accessorizing with a screaming 2 year old and a pregnant belly. I do have some fun shoes. I just dont have lots of them. This post also doesnt mean I dont want lots of shoes. I totally still do. I really, really do. I just cant afford them like I could with my babies. But I'm not too proud to take donations. I'm a 6 1/2, 7 at Aldo. <br /> <br />Merry Christmas.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-83378936090054513362010-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:002010-10-20T13:30:03.438-07:00The One HundredFashion guru Nina Garcia has a <a href:"http://www.amazon.com/One-Hundred-Guide-Pieces-Stylish/dp/0061664634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1287605019&sr=8-1">book</a> out called the 'The One Hundred'. This book is AMAZING. It's a pretty elaborate version of the usual lists your used to reading in magazines. I can say that after reading this over there are VERY little things on this list that I do not agree with. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Nn5qbxlYn1Bx9AFK001rAKD5_q_JW4Yn4bo0r2Nxd2GKmwR3nOSnuCyw9F1a7nW1BdzNVpD_gC9AMmygMQTHhLUZFF3Ew-Cs6VBj-vbTnxm7n6LfiGpP_afqUn1bZaK_rDxn1ccjOMWu/s1600/the+one+hundred.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 204px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Nn5qbxlYn1Bx9AFK001rAKD5_q_JW4Yn4bo0r2Nxd2GKmwR3nOSnuCyw9F1a7nW1BdzNVpD_gC9AMmygMQTHhLUZFF3Ew-Cs6VBj-vbTnxm7n6LfiGpP_afqUn1bZaK_rDxn1ccjOMWu/s320/the+one+hundred.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530225385358299714" /></a><br /><br />Here's the list breakdown:<br /><br />A: A-line Dress, Animal Print, Ankle Bootie, Aviators <br /><br />B: Ballet Flat, Bangles, Belts, Bikini, <em>BlackBerry</em>, Black Opaque Tights, Blazer, Boyfriend Cardigan, Brooch <br /><br />C: Cable-Knit Sweater, Caftan, Camel Coat, Cape, Cashmere Sweater, Charm Bracelet, Clutch, Cocktail Ring, Converse, Cosmetics Bag, Cowboy Boots, Cuff <br /><br />D: Denim Jacket, Diamond Studs, Driving Shoe<br /><br />E: Espadrilles, <em>Evening Gown</em>, <em>Exotic Skin Bag</em><br /><br />F: Fishnets, <em>Frye Harness Boot</em>, <em>Fur</em> <br /><br />G: Gentlemen's Hat, Gloves<br /><br />H: Havaianas, Hobo Bag, Hoop Earrings<br /><br />I: Investment Bag, iPod <br /><br />J: Jeans, Jewelry Pouches<br /><br />K: Khakis, Knee Boots<br /><br />L: Leather Pants, Lingerie, Little Black Dress, Little White Dress, <em>L.L. Bean Tote</em>, Luggage <br /><br />M: Mad Money, Man's White Shirt, Mary Janes, Minnetonka Moccasin, Missoni Knit, Monogrammed Stationery, Motorcycle Jacket<br /><br />N: Nail Polish<br /><br />O: Old Concert T-Shirt, <em>One-Piece Swimsuit </em><br /><br />P: Pajamas, Peacoat, <em>Pearl Necklace</em>, Pencil Skirt, Perfume, Plain White Tee, Polo Shirt, Pucci, Push-Up Bra<br /><br />Q: <em>Quality Champagne</em><br /><br />R: Red Lipstick, Robe <br /><br />S: Safari Jacket, Sandals, Sarong, Signet Ring, Silk Scarf, Slippers, Spanx, Statement Necklace, Stilettos, Striped Sailor Shirt, Suit, Sunhat <br /><br />T: Trench, Turquoise and Coral Jewelry, Tuxedo Jacket<br /><br />U: Umbrella, Underwear<br /><br />V: Valid Passport, Vans, Vintage <br /><br />W: Watch, Wayfarers, Wellington Boot, Wide-Leg Trousers, Wrap Dress<br /><br />X: (nothing for the X)<br /><br />Y: Yoga Gear<br /><br />Z: Zippered Hoodie<br /><br />I italiced all of those that I just dont think are for me per say, but the list is pretty amazing. It's so amazing in fact I think I'm going to put this on my new years resolution list for 2011. I'll bold as I collect my wardrobe essentials. :) <br /><br />Adding to the list for myself:<br />Appropriate Short Shorts, Burberry Scarf, Cognac Riding Boots (Frey's harness boots are too chunky for my short legs), Perfect Strapless Bra<br /><br />I'll keep you posted.Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-40121263149773458632010-10-13T09:27:00.001-07:002010-10-14T08:48:26.533-07:00Renovation InspirationI bought my house from a family member during the ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) boom that caused so many families to foreclose a couple years ago. My intentions were to help save this persons credit and then to somehow slip out of the loan. My 21 year old understanding of mortgages obviously wasnt very strong, because, well...duh? You cant slip out of a mortgage. Now, here I am doing my best to turn lemons into lemonade. I am going to renovate this house and make it shine. <br /><br />First on my list of renovations is the bedroom. I'm going for glam, fun, sexy. Very Jonathan Adler. Somewhere where I can take my spaghetti covered mom clothes off and wind down in pretty pajamas with my love.<br /><br />Ready to be inspired?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wCYUhZ-3wvu2U9x1-s4lxDYgqCUySdb8yZWKtGoWP3jb2IS60_T_elE4BwqmRhMN6jfvN3S-9kFBsscwN5l-M0xZuvVzUZjIMS3NIo0lk27bPFTeyn_QX5BSQo1eP74kGyLZl_pVRw8B/s1600/jalvngroom.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_wCYUhZ-3wvu2U9x1-s4lxDYgqCUySdb8yZWKtGoWP3jb2IS60_T_elE4BwqmRhMN6jfvN3S-9kFBsscwN5l-M0xZuvVzUZjIMS3NIo0lk27bPFTeyn_QX5BSQo1eP74kGyLZl_pVRw8B/s320/jalvngroom.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527926469668761026" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL2lSdA0D6jq0fuIxmPVextSRPWvxS-Tn_lz1XLtnXIH0PIWXddyItchqsjXVjbko_8dEAmUGvumywW27AekJ_S3MWVWWbWwhLIx4ViYkbZaEFr5VIw9DarjXw727-LuAxZjY_OzTsbsx/s1600/jabdrm1.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBL2lSdA0D6jq0fuIxmPVextSRPWvxS-Tn_lz1XLtnXIH0PIWXddyItchqsjXVjbko_8dEAmUGvumywW27AekJ_S3MWVWWbWwhLIx4ViYkbZaEFr5VIw9DarjXw727-LuAxZjY_OzTsbsx/s320/jabdrm1.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527926464662060498" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANV26fjfLL1uFfi7r3ZYL2ZEV9slxrjc9dOe_W4l3l0nemnpscC1QGlwDrb-MbTFIZcV2rW6hrLnHv0BWjOFGFk5Nc4DxDXZDbwt3LCeAo99I0Q10QbIe6xflsevF-OQnCWJMptLkmuOr/s1600/jafoyer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANV26fjfLL1uFfi7r3ZYL2ZEV9slxrjc9dOe_W4l3l0nemnpscC1QGlwDrb-MbTFIZcV2rW6hrLnHv0BWjOFGFk5Nc4DxDXZDbwt3LCeAo99I0Q10QbIe6xflsevF-OQnCWJMptLkmuOr/s320/jafoyer.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527926460976749234" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQdJomXPRAmIr1iaXeSbtj7Gd2blWk5trX4n45rWD9NnYSC7mDWdXxWXaQgQoC3CphNhDuF9bHgznmW3_alZm5R66XI4_R_5rZICk4UKy6M4ZrpWB3eIxwziswvXmz6kp-Ofc1JAYny0Z/s1600/jabedrm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQdJomXPRAmIr1iaXeSbtj7Gd2blWk5trX4n45rWD9NnYSC7mDWdXxWXaQgQoC3CphNhDuF9bHgznmW3_alZm5R66XI4_R_5rZICk4UKy6M4ZrpWB3eIxwziswvXmz6kp-Ofc1JAYny0Z/s320/jabedrm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527926459355183954" /></a><br /><br />Images from <a href="http://www.jonathanadler.com">Jonathan Adler</a><br /><br />The thing I LOVE about all of these rooms is how fun they are, but are still chic, sexy and super glamorous. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA-cWNMr_mkYR8RtAEUS5KSpfgBVt14A3PR1l1KgOenl8AsNevmLlzyTR8i8OYiOYL1YKXgnTUronqGZNp72NOndwQonJHcysekmLteIN453oBSH0IZ5PzSLHdey1YchaFlx9ZTEeSyiM/s1600/amiecorley2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkA-cWNMr_mkYR8RtAEUS5KSpfgBVt14A3PR1l1KgOenl8AsNevmLlzyTR8i8OYiOYL1YKXgnTUronqGZNp72NOndwQonJHcysekmLteIN453oBSH0IZ5PzSLHdey1YchaFlx9ZTEeSyiM/s320/amiecorley2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527927683924111970" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt3KEe_QqZ8_dcNSkKJxdnzJOklFxwxHIrWl-v-OnkKJi_Z0t8PWbXK10rwOK0u-vPdRXaf9GYiMt4cmqlYums1ewQfkE58P431EelP7wWIGqecpdXLDBWOHkZD2bZgW96yfKiY28V4fi/s1600/amiecorley.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikt3KEe_QqZ8_dcNSkKJxdnzJOklFxwxHIrWl-v-OnkKJi_Z0t8PWbXK10rwOK0u-vPdRXaf9GYiMt4cmqlYums1ewQfkE58P431EelP7wWIGqecpdXLDBWOHkZD2bZgW96yfKiY28V4fi/s320/amiecorley.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527927676430814754" /></a><br /><br />Images courtesy of <a href="http://www.designspongeonline.com/2010/10/sneak-peek-amie-corley.html">Design Sponge Sneak Peak of Amie Corley's house</a><br /><br />Bedroom TO DO list:<br /><br />1. Make DIY nailhead headboard<br />2. Find a beautiful old louis chair and reupholster in FUN fabric<br />3. Paint dresser white<br />4. Buy a BIG fluffy flokati rug<br />5. Hang curtains on windows<br />6. Hang mirrored closet doors<br />7. Spray paint old brass chandelier and hang<br /><br />Before and Afters to come!Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8495460775131868123.post-90554187188103696892010-10-10T10:45:00.000-07:002010-10-10T11:34:17.766-07:00So Fresh.To say I'm a dreamer is an understatement. I often find myself looking forward to the future and planning ways to make it as fabulous as my idealist mind will let me. In this little la-la land that I sometimes find myself in, blogging tends to be on my list towards the top of things I would love to do. I simply think sharing things that bring me joy with others is awesome. Who doesnt need a little extra joy every now and then?<br /><br />My decision to start a blog now?<br /><br />Well...this fall, the leaves arent the only thing thats changing around here. I have recently learned of news that will change my life in three thousand six hundred and seventy five ways (since my last calculations). No, Im not confirming anything now (where's the fun in that?!) but I figure it's a great time to start a blog. Maybe I'm buying a new house? Maybe I'm having another baby? Maybe I'm buying a new chihuahua? Maybe I'm getting married? Maybe I'm doing all of the above?<br /><br />Stay tuned. Until then, I'm painting my toes Mink Muffs by <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2204182&productId=xlsImpprod1320170&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=82october2010bca&categoryId=cat80068#sku2210696">Essie</a>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17196323133841254269noreply@blogger.com0