Teacher Appreciation: End of year thank you!

We're nearing the end of our first official school year so a thank you gift was in order for Malachi's wonderful teacher.

I personally find it insanely hard to think of a good gift for teachers but have been racking my brain determined to come up with something sweet because she's been awesome. Despite all of his missing homework assignments, my failure to show up for parent teacher conferences on time and my overall lack of organization skills now that I'm a mother of three, she goes on smiling, taught my child how to read and write and doesn't even give me the stink eye when I forget to pack a lunch (at least that only happened twice). Oy.

Anyhow, I have to believe they get their fill of apple shaped things (admittedly they are incredibly tempting to buy) and you never really get to know them all that intimately. So ... I opted for an "enjoy your summer" theme and hope it fits the bill.

For the gift basket container I selected a giant margarita glass which I imagine could be considered tasteless for the teacher of a kindergarten class. If I were the teacher of 20 five and six year-olds, I 'd call that survival. Bottoms up.

It also included the following:

• recipe book filled with cute summer cupcake ideas (including watermelon versions on the cover)
• watermelon cupcake wrappers
• watermelon gum
• Subway gift card
• suntan lotion
• teacher themed stickers
• Milky Way mini candy bars

Malachi also wrote a note on a quick watermelon slice that I cut out of paper and we added "chalkboard" ribbon to top it off. 

Put it all together and it's ready for delivery to a very special teacher, Mrs. V. Thank you for all you do!

Chair Project Completed

So I finally finished this chair. Finally. Normally it doesn't take me very long to finish a project once I start. But I sort of developed a love/hate relationship with this chair and by that I mostly mean "hate."

I actually had the chair nearly completed (or so I thought) about three weeks ago and when I went for the grand finale, I realized it wasn't going to work. At all. Like had to unupholster my reupholster and that drove me close to insanity. Or I actually reached insanity and was too cookoo to notice. Both are distinct possibilities.

Anyhow, don't have a lot of "during" shots because truth be told, most days I thought I'd be better off just taking it to the curb. But, alas. It's now done. And it's far from perfect but it's decent and today, decent feels good.

Probably one of the best things this project has going for it is cost.  Due to some leftover nail head trim, the total project cost me $65. So for $65, this is pretty darn good chair and it sure does look better than it used to.

Okay, no more talking. Here are the pics.

As mentioned, I did still do the two tone fabric which I love. It really gives the chair a cool look.

And here's an up-close of the nail head trim. I used a kit which works great. Really easy to use and available at most fabric stores or online.

Here's a final before and after.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Better indeed!

Chair Update

Since my last post, my chair found a new owner and work has been underway to transform her into something beautiful.

The first step was to take off the original fabric and to do that, I start with the trim. I used a flat head screwdriver and a hammer to get under the first piece and from there I use a pliers to pull it off. As much as possible, I try to get the staples along with it.

I also take lots of pictures as I go because it's incredibly helpful when you need to put it back together. I  always work backwards from the way it was put together.

Once the bottom was off, I started with the top. Here I took even more pictures because this was the part I knew would be most difficult to figure out when it comes time to recover everything. 

Then I had to use a pliers to painstakingly pull out every one of these little buttons used to create the tufted look. Note to self ... count these before buying the chair next time. This one has 40 and over the course of the weekend, those 40 little buttons nearly drove me to the point of insanity. 

Once that was all off, the chair looked like this ... 

And the foam like this ...

When I had the last bit of fabric removed, I was down to the bones. And I must say, they do look great. 

I then roughly sanded the chair. And if I had looked closely at this picture before painting it, I would have noticed I did a very bad job. There were little circles all over the wood from the sander and those marks were only highlighted after it was painted. So that had to be done ALL OVER again. Not fun. 

Thankfully my husband actually resanded everything for me. Life saving. I just didn't have it in me.

Meantime, I headed off to the fabric store and came back with two different kinds. I took measurements before I went which allowed me to save a lot of money. That top fabric is $40/yard. A LOT. But because I knew I only needed 24"and was able to use a 60% off coupon, I got it for about $10. 

The second fabric is a micro suede which I think will wear nice since this is going to a house with kids. I'll add a fabric protector near the end but these fabrics tend to clean up pretty well. 

Both are in a soft grey which should help the chair to feel more contemporary. 

I saved the bottom piece of the orange chair and used that to roughly cut out the fabric for the cushion. And I used the foam back to gauge what I'd need for that. 

I then purchased these button covers to use for the tufting. And this is when I neared meltdown number 2. This was the only option I could find locally and they do not work great. The materials are flimsy and they don't go together well. I lost an entire pack to the garbage and lots of time and effort. 

What I did end up with after an hour and a half was about 15 of the 40 buttons I need. So I'm just taking this part slowly. I'll do a handful each day until I have everything I need. 

It also took me a bit to figure out the best way to sew them on but I have that part pretty well squared away. If I can just get the buttons themselves down, I'll be cooking with gas. 

Effort aside, I like how they're looking. 

I also like the way the wood is looking now that it's darkened up. I think the gray is going to look really great with this dark walnut color. 

Hopefully I'll have a fully assembled chair to show you by next weekend!

New Chair Project: Buyer Wanted

Even though I have a few projects that need to get done, I haven't been feeling terribly motivated to start them. But this past weekend I happened to be driving by a thrift shop that's not typically open on Sundays. When it was, I decided to pop in.

After a quick stroll past their furniture section, I spotted a chair and as I usually do with chairs, fell in love. Now the fabric is stained and worn and orange (enough said), but the lines are fabulous and I think it'll make an awesome side chair. I could see this by a fireplace, or in a master bedroom as a nice place to sit and kick off your shoes. It'd even complement a home office or with some funky colors, a teen's room too.

So of course, I bought it. My plan right now is to reupholster it and sell it to anyone that's interested. If there's anyone out there reading this that's is in the market for a new chair, do let me know. I'd then work with you on the fabric selection so it works for your home.

And if no one thinks this chair is as awesome as I do, then it will likely find a home on the landing of our second floor that's looking a little bare.

Here the little guy is. I think it totally has the potential to be a statement piece.

Now that he resides in my home awaiting his makeover, I'm thinking through all the possible ways I could take this thing. I do like the tufting so may repeat that ... assuming I can figure out how to do it. It's actually something I've wanted to take on.

The part I'm actually most excited about is fabric selection. At the moment, I'm positively loving the idea of using two different fabrics. These might be a little bright and eccentric but I love the overall vibe.

Products design by Philadelphia Furniture And Accessories Wild Chairy

or this one ...

Products design by Philadelphia Furniture And Accessories Wild Chairy

Even two simple neutrals look great. And the nail head trim? Definite possibility.

Contemporary Dining Room design by New York Interior Designer MuseInteriors

Of course the other decision is whether to leave the wood as is, refinish/stain it, or paint it a new color all together. Decisions, decisions. I just don't know where I (or a potential new owner) will land!

Mommy Tales: Rock-a-bye Baby

This morning I'm taking a break from my traditional crafty updates and I'm falling back to the original forum I used to use to share updates with family and friends. It started as emails after the birth of my first son and I titled them Mommy Tales. So no pictures today. No power tools. No crafty projects. No hot glue gun (gasp). Just words about motherhood. So ... if you find that of interest, read on.

First, let's just start with the fact it's 4 am. And I'm awake. That's right, not too happy about that. I'm even less happy that I've actually been up since 2:30 am and have completely given up hope that I'll fall back to sleep. The day has begun, like it or not.

It was of course, the little guy--just 6 months old--that woke me. He needed a new diaper and a bottle and could not be persuaded to believe otherwise. But it's actually this that brings me to this post because the only thing I'm not unhappy about at present, was the time I spent feeding and putting him back to sleep.

Even I find this odd because he was, after all, the genesis to this day ... for which countless cups of coffee and sheer willpower will be needed to sustain me as a result, it's true. But then, I guess it's not so odd because I've learned a lot since baby #1, and #2.

You see, I know now what all those people (including some of you reading this now) were talking about when they said some day this will end. Just a short couple years later and I struggle to recall all the many nights and hours I spent rocking my other two children. Literally months, years of my life, spent doing it and I barely recall a single one of them.

I even tried to remember them, burn those nights into my mind. But alas, they aren't there. Instead they have been replaced by new memories of my daughter in princess dresses and the way she paints my nails with imaginary polish. The way she places imaginary crowns on my head and gives me pretend stickers to show me I've done well today. Today I've been a good mom.

Those memories have also been replaced by the image of my son walking up to bat at his very first t-ball game this summer and us yelling "run, run!" as he sat there after the swing. I remember the first book he read to me just a few weeks ago and the way he took care of me when I was sick yesterday, taking great pains to explain why he brought me two cups of water instead of the one I originally asked for. God I love them.

Of course, there are other things too, less sweet things like the way my memory needs to recall which day is gym day to ensure the appropriate attire is there, and what color the Preschool B room is supposed to be wearing today. I need to remember to pack Malachi a lunch, and sign London's field trip slip and wash Beckham's blanket and oh ... send more diapers along too.

It's all wonderful of course. Things naturally evolve whether you've given them permission or not. And so it's nights like tonight when I don't wish that 2:30 am feeding away. In fact, instead of putting him to sleep after the bottle is down, I rock him well after he's fallen asleep. I only have the "now."

I take in his sweet breaths on my neck which for today, are truly sweet. Someday they'll be stinky, less soft. I take in the way the weight of his body molds to my chest and I appreciate the heaviness of it. The way he forms perfectly to me. I also take note that his legs drape longer than they did only a month ago and I know these days are going all too fast.

I snuggle with his solidness; he's not a skinny little newborn anymore. He has big soft cheeks, and super soft skin and he still smells of heaven (and a little stale milk). He takes big breaths, and big sighs as slumber calls him in and again I pray I won't forget this night. I'm also certain that I will so I make note to write it all down. And here I am.

So I share this with you, whether you have children or not, in hopes that you too find times when you live in the now. As much as we may want our memories to keep certain things forever, many will be replaced by new and wonderful things down the road.

Until then I will remember this night the best I can. And I'll put the coffee on.

December Recap & New Year Plans

It's been a frightfully long time since this poor, lonely blog has been updated. Sad. Thought it might be time to check-in and show you what I've been up to.

Well let's think back. There was December ... and it was a blur. We didn't spend a single weekend at home so the decorations were kept to a minimum this year. I managed to decorate our mantel and that was nearly the extent of it.

Like last year, I used real cedar garland for a full and festive appearance. I basically just put the cedar over some fabric (for height) and stuffed it full of ornaments of all shapes, sizes and color. It's easy, full and I love it.

BEFORE:

DURING: (Don't worry, it gets better.)

Getting there ....

AFTER:

I also managed to snap a couple pics of the bambinos to pull together an annual Christmas card which, believe it or not, was mailed before Christmas. Tis' the season for miracles, no?

Pouty princess...

Smiley boy ...

Jokster and sis' ...

Mr. Cheeks ...

 Three amigos ...

And then we even squeaked in some elf on the shelf nonsense. My husband, er ... I mean Santa, or Jingle (???) was the driving force here.

Jingle: "Who's down for some Candyland?"
All the squinkies, "Me! Me!"

Horses: "What's up with the giant guy riding the John Deer?"
Cow: "I think that's a girl ..."

Jingle: "Who? Did what??"

Oh, Jingle. You're so silly.

Now I just need to find time for the many projects that still remain. Here's what I hope to accomplish in 2013.

• Modify fireplace surround/mantel
• Paint and change hardware on patio doors. 
• Decide once and for all if the kitchen island should be repainted (scariest decision EVER)
• Get or make a kitchen bench for the kitchen/dinning room counter
• Finish board and batten treatment in entry way, add storage
• Put together an outstanding Princess party for my princess.
• Put together an awesome 1 year party for Beckham
• Figure out what on Earth my son wants for the big "6" b-day bash
• Make the basement "gym" a place I want to spend a little more time. 
• Update the backyard patio space
• Add landscaping to fire pit area
• Make the kid's room at the cottage more functional
• Find a way to display London and Malachi's dress up clothes
• Outline plans for finishing the basement in 2014.
• And who knows what else???????

Happy New Year everyone!

Halloween Horrors

I looove Halloween. Like L.O.V.E. Like, a lot.

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year and this is one of my two favorite holidays. I don't decorate for Valentine's Day or really even Easter, but Halloween ... oh yeah.

I kicked off the festivities last weekend since it was almost October and a family trip to our favorite pumpkin patch really got me in the mood. Ooof, those are some heavy pumpkins.

Anyhow, this year I decided to decorate the mantel and perhaps because I normally use an asymmetrical design, this time tried something symmetrical. To start, I picked up these tall galvanized metal buckets, a "Trick or Treat" banner, ribbon and some Halloweenish ornaments. Everything I selected avoided the more cartoonish type ghosts and creatures, mostly just because that wasn't the vibe I wanted this year. And I'm also the sort of nut who has this guy sitting in her livingroom despite the fact I have two toddlers and a baby. I know, I know, but don't judge. (They actually seem to be immune to my nonsense.)

Back to the supplies...

You'll also see some tall black branches. Those I had in my basement and was no longer using. While they were intended for a taller arrangement in a floor vase, I thought I could just cut them down to size and make a branch-style arrangement for the mantel instead.

Oh, yes, and some little mice silhouettes, most of which went on our large staircase but I saved a few for the mantel too. Thank you Martha Stewart.

First, I tied some ribbon around the tops of the buckets and added the little ornaments in front. Then I filled them with rocks to keep them from tipping over.

Then I placed the sticks inside and headed to the mantel. . 

I draped some holy gauze across and added the banner. Then the buckets went in place, along with a green pumpkin and some larger mice. It's simple but perhaps that's why I like it. 

Once I had that done, I decided to spruce up a sofa table I have in our formal living room. I scrounged up some left over black fabric, extra burlap (still from the darn scarecrow head my husband made last year ... 900 yards of burlap remaining) and added in some skulls and potion bottles. I also took an orange pumpkin like the green one I used in the other room and spray painted it gold. It looks much better and frankly, there's just no end to the things I want to spray paint.

before...

after...

See? So much better. It also goes well with that sign I added in. I saw it at the store and just loved it. So I bought it. I personally recommend looking at alternate ways to use hanging items. This guy hung on a wall might not look great because it's a small sign and the scale will likely be off. But leaning it up against a wall works because the scale is right and it pulls everything together. Or at least I'd like to think so.

So that was last weekend. This week I made some pumpkin cupcakes with a salted caramel butter cream to share with my coworkers (yum yum!) and yesterday I made some treats to take to a birthday party.

Aren't these little guys cute?? These Pinterest-inspired creations are just your everyday rice krispie treats with a little orange food coloring, chocolate covered raisins (someone on Pinterest used Tootsie Rolls) for a stem and some green frosting for the vines. Super easy and a highly-recommend for class room treats!

And then there was today. Mercy, what a week!

Today I began preparations for an upcoming Halloween party we're hosting. I decided I wanted to do a martini bar offering two signature drinks: Ghost in the Graveyard Martini & Twice Bitten Martini. So my buffet has now been transformed and I have containers at the ready to offer some wicked spirits like vampire blood and rat poison. Oooh, delicious!

As you can see we have all sorts of ghoulish items and tasty ingredients prepared here. Well except for the decanter for vampire blood ... you have to get that stuff fresh.

For the martini menus (that host directions), I spray painted some extra frames I had (so they'd also be gold) and printed the ingredient lists on photo paper. I used scrap book supplies to label each one and fabric to cover the buffet. Oh, and love my new candelabra. Scored that baby at Goodwill for $5. Some days I'm just that lucky...

Well that's mostly it. Now I have to turn my attention to costume planning and what not. So many ghastly things to create, so little time ...