Always Chasing Life

How Pinteresting....

2013-05-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

This week I am finishing up a few orders and what not for other people. Then planning on taking some time and concentrating on a few projects I want finished up around the house.

So I thought I would share with you some pinterest inspiration photos I have for sometime coming up. Maybe soon... maybe months from now. But here they are and why

I hope to replace the tile around our fireplace. hopefully sometime this coming fall.... I love how much it changes the look of the entire room

Source: Uploaded by user via Michelle on Pinterest

Window boxes. A must. Hopefully within the next few weeks...
I love all the character and charm they add to a house

Source: justourlovelylife.blogspot.com via Hilary on Pinterest

I have been considering a vertical garden on tiny front porch. We need something up there... and I think this might be exactly what it is needing. Bringing in a lot of color to the front of our house

Source: lowescreativeideas.com via Jane Ko on Pinterest

Speaking of front porch. I am loving these planters. Considering these for around the garage rather than the front porch this year.

Source: flickr.com via Melissa on Pinterest

I love that the side window trim is painted on here. I need to update the paint on the front of our home But I am not wanting to do it the off white it currently is. Still working on a color combo. But maybe a light grey would work. maybe.

Source: google.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

We need updated light fixtures on our home. bad. this needs to happen sometime this summer.

Source: barnlightelectric.com via Barn Light Electric Co. on Pinterest

I love this giant photo display. I would like to recreate this once i figure out where I would put it

Source: thehandmadehome.net via Fawn on Pinterest

Hoping to mimic this with a DIY version

Source: purehome.com via Ashley on Pinterest

So there are a few things on Pinterest that have caught my eye lately.

Anything caught yours?

I am looking forward to spending the next few weeks accomplishing a few things around the house... what do you have planned?

Melody Ann Photography Giveaway

2013-05-14T07:22:00.000-05:00

If you follow me on facebook or have read my blog you all know that I adore my friend Melody's photography. We use her for all of our photos and I am always impressed with the quality of photos she takes.

This past weekend she did a Mommy & Me shoot for Mothers day.
And once again.. I am in love with the sneak peak she has sent me back so far.

She does a fantastic job.
And I am so excited for this giveaway :)

A little bit about Melody.

**I've always loved pictures! Whether it was being in them, or being behind the camera. I've always loved the idea of capturing a REAL moment and being able to look back at that image years later, and still being able to feel what I felt at that exact moment!

For me, taking pictures is more than just a hobby, or even a part time job. Pictures help me re-live all of those special moments in life that take your breath away. And not just the big moments like your wedding day or the birth of a child. But all of those special moments that come and go so quickly, you can miss them with a blink of an eye. Those little moments that God created just for you, just when you needed it.

As a mother, I'm constantly reminded of how quickly life goes by. I often hold my children and whisper to God "Please let me never forget this moment" as they do the smallest things, that to most would seem trivial, but to me... mean the world!

Those are the moments... the REAL moments, that I hope to capture for you!

The rules for the giveaway.

In order to win you must be a follower of Melody Ann Photography on Facebook.

Also you must follow Always Chasing Life on Facebook.

Additional entries. Share this giveaway via facebook or twitter. Leave a comment on my blog stating why you want to win this giveaway; what kind of photos are you needing? Pin a photo done by Melody Ann on Pinterest.

Mini Sessions are only done in the Rockford Area. To win... you must be willing to travel to the Rockford area.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dear Maddux

2013-05-13T13:20:00.003-05:00

Dear Maddux,
I never want to forget how your whole face lights up when you see a jet in the sky. How you chase it around the yard squealing with delight because you think Super Man is off on a mission. And how you try … so bad with all your super hero strength to fly with him.

I never want to forget how in the middle of the night… you come in with both teddy bears, a lunch box of action figures and your Star Wars blanket dragging behind you to cuddle up in bed with us. You always tell me that puppy is scared and he wants to sleep with me.

I never want to forget how when I say no you look at me with the most adorable face and say “say yes mom” “pleeease” and when the answer is still no. You hug me… look at me straight on.. so serious and say “Mom, I like your hair. You’re pretty” Like this little Casanova move is going to change the answer… and I will let you run around outside with no clothes on while it’s raining.

I never want to forget how in the middle of a soccer game you find a dandelion and immediately stop playing. Pick the flower… and run over to me beaming and say “Mommy, I picked you a pretty flower”

I never want to forget how my kisses and ice cream with sprinkles… is the cure to anything and everything.

I never want to forget how much you love Nala, and when we are all in the car you insist that you two hold hands. And Nala just lays there while you clutch onto her paws.

I never want to forget that serious look on your face when you were explaining to me that Iron Man asked you for help, so this year Ho Ho needs to bring you shoes that will help you fly.

I never want to forget these little magical moments. These moments of Popsicle grins, milk mustaches, super heroes, smiles, squeals, and “Mom… Mom… watch this” Moments. I want to wrap all of these little moments and just hold onto them forever.

Thank you Maddux, for making my life magical all over again.

Love,
Mom

*** Photos were taken by Melody Ann Photography.
Which I am excited to tell you, she will be hosting a giveaway on my blog tomorrow!
Check back in tomorrow!

Mothers Day - DIY Gift #3

2013-05-09T19:24:00.000-05:00

We are cutting it close on mothers day.. and if you haven't started you might be short on time. So this idea is perfect!

This present is for great grandmas.

I decided to use Maddux for this one.

We went and grabbed some pots.

And some outdoor paint.
And Maddux went to town :)

And 20 minutes later.

Added some flowers...
and now we have beautiful planters :)

These are easy and who wouldn't love having one of these in their garden... or on their patio... or even on their front porch?

These would be perfect with a little tag that says... Thanks for helping me bloom! :)

Corny.. Corny. I know. but it would be adorable... just saying!

Linked up at Tatertots and Jello

Mothers Day - DIY Gift Ideas #2

2013-05-07T19:09:00.002-05:00

Nothing like some last minute gift ideas! Somehow I try to plan for most things. but then it just sneaks up on me.

So Mothers Day is tough. Because really .. usually you just want to give your moms a thoughtful gift. Something sentimental... but also hopefully something that won't break the bank.. ya know?

I love photos. I think we all do. So usually on Mothers and Fathers Day I do something for someone that involves photos.

This project is for Maddux's MeeMaw.
Maddux actually named her. Not sure where it came from. If he was trying to say grandma... or what happened. But MeeMaw it was and MeeMaw it is.
So this year for Mothers day... I found her a print you can also find Here.
Just like yesterday there are a variety of sayings.

This one... I did like the tutorial from yesterdays prints that Shanty-2-Chic shared.

I decided to combine this print with a photo
So I took a 1x12 and stained the board. (sorry for the glare... took this photo with my phone)

Attached my print with some plain ole nails.

Then added on a cute little clip that you could easily swap out photos with. (this is not the photo I am sending her... I haven't had that printed out yet... and this one I had laying around)

This is an easy gift. Especially if you are like me and have a garage filled with random scraps of wood. :)

This gift is quick and easy. The hardest part is waiting for the stain to dry :)

Tomorrow I am sharing a Mothers Day gift that Maddux made :)

Linked up at tatertots and jello
Anyone have any gift ideas they would like to share?

Baseball Side Table

2013-05-07T07:07:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent me a link to a baseball night stand she had found online and wanted to know if I would be able to replicate it.

She sent me This Link

She dropped off a wood baseball bat... and I went out and bought a small circle table top. The base was a little difficult. since the link, she is using a base from a previous pedestal table... which I did not have. So I had to work on figuring out what I could use for the base. Well after trying to figure out... Someone commented to use a "base" as a base. So that is what we did.

We cut out the shape of a base and used that as our base of the table.

I keep saying base. its probably confusing to follow. but you will see.. in the photos. I promise.

I then painted the table tops and the "base" white... I hand drew on the seams of the ball. which is nerve wrecking by the way. free hand painting. when I was never a painter. but... I figured it out. and luckily.. this wasn't too difficult.
Then took some glaze and antiqued up the top and the bottom of it.

Isn't it adorable?

Linked up at Tatertots and Jello

Hopefully it fits in well with her son's baseball room! :)

Mothers Day - DIY Gift Ideas #1

2013-05-06T07:14:00.000-05:00

This week I thought I would share with you a few DIY mothers day gifts.

I found this post on Shanty 2 Chic and thought this would be the perfect gift for Aunt Mary. She would just love this print.

I love how she used her print along with a few photos. Which was adorable.

However... I was looking for just a print to frame. So I decided to use this.

This could easily work for your mom or sister... (different prints are available on that link)
I love the chalkboard prints. And the quote itself.

Also for Aunt Mary - she always loves my butterfly art that I did for the gallery wall shown Here

She asked me to make her one... but with butterflies of all different colors. Well I was in Michaels the other day... and I found a very simple solution.

I grabbed a shadow box and some butterflies I found in the floral section of the store

So this project literally took minutes.

I cut the scrapbook paper to fit inside the 8x8 frame. and hot glued the butterflies onto the paper, while drinking coffee (obviously no project is complete without a giant cup of coffee)

Then slipped that paper into the frame...

and 2 projects done for mothers day in less than 30 minutes :)

I will be sharing a few other mothers day gift ideas this week.

Are you DIYing it for Mothers Day gifts this year?

Snippets of Home

2013-05-03T13:38:00.000-05:00

I missed this last week... due mainly to the chaos of putting in the new dining room floors and french doors to the deck. So in the middle of chaos. This was forgotten.
Snippets of Home started because of Blueberrys Blog I found this idea over on her site... And fell in love with it.

I loved that she concentrated on simple small details of her home... and simple moments inside her home on a weekly basis.

So here are a few of mine from the past few weeks.

1. Star Wars Art - DIY :) Love.

2. Newly planted lilac bushes. My favorite flower.

3. Planning a garden on the unused side of the house. Drawing up plans on what to do about that slope of a yard though.

4. Goodbye ugly orange wood trim. Hello wall of soon to be white windows!

5. My favorite time of the day. Every single day

6. Painted birdhouses. Thank you Maddux :)

7. Maddux's first artwork he brought home. This is my favorite artwork in the house. :)

8. Maddux's baby silhouette.

9. Stacked colorful books. Always makes me smile

There you have it a few small details in my home that make me happy. :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Getting my Geek on....

2013-05-01T18:06:00.002-05:00

You all know I am a geek.
And probably have witnessed my Star Wars footed pajamas photo on facebook.. That I literally live in. Every single night.

So when I saw these on Etsy...

Source: geeksugar.com via Ginger on Pinterest

I of course again. Decided I could probably do this on my own.

So I searched online. Found some Star Wars Silhouettes Here

and printed them off.
Traced them onto black card stock..
Framed these prints.
And this project was done

and this is my favorite thing in my bedroom right now.

This weekend I plan on finding some hardware I can add to the shelves that will say.
I love you.
I know.

And then adding these to the gallery shelves in the bedroom. Which I haven't shared with you yet because I am still filling these shelves up with everything that makes me happy :)

And Han and Leia ... they make us happy.

Big Changes = Chaotic living space

2013-04-30T07:29:00.002-05:00

When we first looked at this house, my largest hesitation was our dining room. I loved the huge windows at the front of the dining room. But the small area with the vaulted ceilings... what the heck to do with that area

Well first thing was first. We had to pull up the nasty carpet that currently took over the dining room. Which we did last week. Here is an in progress photo of that

Just keeping it real. When we have big projects going on. the house turns into one giant mess. we have our table filled with tools..furniture moved from room to room. and for now they will stay in there because we have some big plans for that room. I cannot share them with you quite yet. But I can tell you... we have some BIG plans! :) Right now our dining room is housing all the furniture from our kitchen also because...
Also another big update that is also a cause of the chaotic home... french doors finally installed...Thanks to my Step Dad :)

and now... we have to paint them and get everything in this room back to normal.
Get the trim up... and they will be ready to go. Oh and they also came with some gold hinges. those will be swapped out immediately also.

So having a few big projects going on at once.. disrupts the house quite a bit. So that is what I will be up to tonight.

Anyone else having any large projects going on?

IPad Holder & Another Giveaway!

2013-04-25T19:18:00.001-05:00

Shanty - 2- Chic - is an awesome blog to check out for some DIY inspiration. She often has free printables and adorable ideas.

I found this on her blog a few weeks back

Source: shanty-2-chic.com via Fawn on Pinterest

And loved it.

I use the Ipad for recipes all the time. and having a little stand to hold it up would be useful. And another plus... I have so much scrap wood I have no idea what to do with it ever. So this would use up a few pieces.... which is another bonus.

So I followed her plans which were simple and easy to understand.

And about an hour later I had this... Actually Jerry did this. He cut all the wood for me and sanded it. (cue the awwwww)
I stained them and added the chalkboard paint. Between the two of us. this project was simple.

Oh did I mention I had enough scrap wood to make a couple of these. One for my sister in law Kasey... and also one to give away to a reader.

This one with it being so small I am willing to mail. So I have no location requirements as I have had for some of the larger furniture. So anyone can enter!

Enter below! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Play Table and Chairs Giveaway!

2013-04-24T21:12:00.002-05:00

Most days my sofa table is an action figure paradise.

Where they battle. discuss. create alliances (Hi I'm captain America. Hi I'm iron man. Are you my friend? yes. Are you my friends.. yes) then they beat up Batman.
That is usually the commentary of two action figures. Discussing before the alliance - are you my friend?
Once the friendship is decided, they team up and attack. and this goes on for hours until the two in the alliance are left standing. Then usually one ends the alliance... and there is one.

Lately though. My son has been watching the Justice League cartoon and its new to him. and it has introduced a new super hero he hadn't a clue about...Wonder Woman.

My favorite thing in the entire world... is when we will be wrestling. or he will be wrestling his dad. and he will stand up and yell "I'm wonder woman!" and then attack you with his imaginary wrist guards. cracks me up every single time. I need to get this on tape. before he realizes... wonder woman is a girl. :)

On with the project...
My living room. The room where action figure goes to die. They are everywhere. In the couch cushions. under the couch. under the table. hiding in the lamp shade

So one day while cleaning them up. and checking inside of lamps and jars and vases and pulling out super heroes out of everywhere and anywhere. I thought there was enough room between the kitchen and the dining room to give him a little play area of his own.

so I went on to Ana White and found these plans here and here

Now he has his own little spot to play. And maybe (crossing my fingers) this will keep superman out of my vases. Probably not though. Probably not. But at least he has his own table he can play on and use for whatever super hero battles his imagination comes up with :)

And the best part...

I built an extra one. Just like the one I built for my house. I built an extra table and 2 chairs.
Do you want one?

Here is what you have to do to enter!
You know the rules... Anywhere in the local are through Tinley Park to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Playroom Updates

2013-04-23T07:41:00.003-05:00

One of my favorite playrooms ever is from the blog Perfectly Imperfect

Source: myidealhome.tumblr.com via Mary on Pinterest

I just love everything about it.

My inspiration for Maddux's table and chair set I built in ... I tried to pull from here.

I used This table plan from Ana White to build it.

Before we had a coffee table in the middle... shown here

I went with a slightly rustic version. Painted the thing bright turquoise then dry brushed some white over it... and sanded it to wear in spots.

And now today it looks like this....

And another update... if you haven't seen it on my Snippets of Home. The updated trim around the media closet :) Now just to finish the trim around that window. :)

I plan on getting rid of that couch and building a daybed. That way we have an extra bed if we ever need for sleepovers or company or anything else. And in my head... it works better in this room. We have a tv up in this room on the opposite wall which also is where we keep our gaming systems. So having a place to sit... for kids and adults is necessary. The trim is updated in the room except for the windows. I am putting off painting as many windows as possible for now. Once the weather warms up and I can pop them out and paint them it will be so much easier!

So next on the playroom list will be painting the window trim and building a twin sized daybed. Once I sell this couch on Craigslist it is.

Check out Perfectly Imperfect's spaces. It will make you insanely jealous. Her playroom is straight from a catalog. and her movie room... do not even get me started.

Project Round Up

2013-04-19T18:48:00.000-05:00

Project Round up of the past couple of months. Just to remind myself.. that even when I am surrounded by a million projects that need to be finished. I have in fact... finished a few.

Most colorful: Deciding to paint the island blue to contrast against the white cabinets seen Here

Most cheerful. The new DIY curtains above the DIY window seat . Shown here

Most daring: Deciding to jump on the black door bandwagon and just try it. I love them. Shown Here.

Most bulky: Adding 1x2s to our open cabinets to bulk up the thin shelving. Shown Here

Most Magical: Maddux's first trip to Disney. Shown here

Most overdue: White trim. Which still isn't completed.... but at least a few more areas are! Shown here

Most Used: Coffee Station. Every single morning :) Shown Here

Most Adorable: The butterfly dress up cart. Since I am surrounded by superheroes and light sabers... Getting to make this adorable thing... (sigh) oh how I adore frilly things. Loved making this. Shown Here

Most viewed: Photo ledge giveaway :) Thank you for all of you who showed so much interest! Shown here

So hopefully the next few months will be just as productive ... or even more productive.

Do you have any big projects going on this weekend?

Motherhood. Am I messing it all up?

2013-04-17T22:33:00.001-05:00

Before becoming a mom... I knew it all.

I knew exactly what I was going to do. Exactly how to deal with every incident. I had a timeline. Kids should be doing this by this age and doing that by that age. My kids would not scream and cry in public. My kid would go to bed early and sleep throughout the night. My kid would not whine ... or throw temper tantrums in public.

I basically had all the answers at the age of 20. Motherhood was easy. People were just lazy.

Karma got me. It actually slapped me in the face a few times.

Motherhood is hard. It is the hardest job in the entire world.

And I constantly feel like I am screwing it up. Every single day. I feel like I could be doing something better. I could have more patience. I could play more. I say No too much. I should say yes more often. I should color more. We should spend less time with cartoons. I should not let Maddux eat peanut butter tacos again tonight for dinner.

But I get home from work. And I am tired. and I pick my battles.
I justify things like... well the almond butter and banana wrap is healthier than mac and cheese... or its probably better than spaghetti. and to be honest... sometimes I just want that crying to end. Some days I just do not want to fight. So I allow my three year old to win. Will this bite me in the butt someday? Sure. I am sure it will

But I like to think... who knows what the best way is to do anything? All we can do is our best and hope that is enough.
I use bribery to all ends. I mean seriously. I am not sure if there is another mom that uses bribery as much as I do. My son will do about anything for a new action figure. and I use this 5 dollar toy to every advantage.

Its probably not the best method but it works.

I was just sitting here tonight.. remembering how easy motherhood was going to be for me. Tonight I am exhausted.

It's amazing how that perfect image in our heads was so attainable. It was so easy...
until I actually became a mom. And it hits you. seriously... it hits you all at once. There is no easing into it. just ready or not... here comes constant worrying. Constant exhaustion. Constant fear of failing.

Yet. Constant... Happiness.

No one ever warned me that becoming a mother meant you never get to go to the bathroom alone.
Some days I am exhausted. Peeing alone would honestly be a vacation. Five minutes alone. That'a all Mommy wants once in awhile! :)

As a mom... we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. Its human nature. And we will compare our everyday lives with the glimpses we catch of other families. who I like to believe are just as crazy at home as my house is. Peanut butter on windows.... captain america action figures in toilet bowls... light sabers... everywhere.

I guess my point is. This job is hard. Being a mom is hard. I know I am not alone in constantly worrying if I am messing it all up. This overwhelming fear of... what if I am doing it all wrong.

Then you get nights.. where your kid will wrap their arms around your neck and say. Mom, I love you. And you get that one glimpse... sometimes the only glimpse in that day ... I have to be doing one thing right... at least. one small thing right.

Even though its hard.. that smile.. makes it all worth it.
I love this cheese ball face. Even when he is begging for peanut butter banana tacos. Every single night :)
This boy makes all of my exhaustion... disappear with one toothy grin. I love that smile more than life itself. It is my simple definition of perfection.

Goodnight Everyone.

DIY Engineer Print Frame

2013-04-16T19:33:00.000-05:00

So i was sitting in Maddux's room the other day with him and I was looking at his giant Chewy and Han poster (which is the most awesome thing EVER)

I bought this off of EBay when we first moved in and it was one of those posters that comes in sections. so at the time Jerry attached it to cardboard and we nailed it up into the wall.

Well after framing out the engineer print of Maddux in kitchen. I was thinking that this would look a lot better if we created a frame.

However... it was tricky because I did this the lazy way and just nailed it into the wall (I believe it was 3 in the morning) the first weekend we moved in and all I wanted was to get his bedroom done. So exhaustion and sleep deprivation...

well I wasn't thinking clearly.

So i have this fear if I take it down. I will ruin it. so I decided to avoid it. Since it does not sit flat against the wall Because we used the cardboard. that was the biggest problem. we could not get the frame to lay flat like we did in the kitchen. so it took some improvising.

So I measured the print. Jerry cut the 1x3's at 45 degree angles to create the base frame.

Its massive... as you can see

It was really simple to make using the Kreg Jig. just a few into each corner... like so

A couple of coats of stain. And We nailed this into the wall on top of the existing poster. Now since that poster was standing off the wall on the cardboard, it was impossible to get flat. So I cheated. And took some stained 1x2s and nailed them into the frame we put up to get rid of the gap created by the cardboard and it appears that it is sitting flush with the wall. There are no photos of this process because really there was no method to my madness. I was cheating and just nailing boards in to make it look like this was what I had planned the entire time

And there you have it. My 6 dollar custom poster frame. Now looking at these photos I need to get rid of that orange wood trim. Bad.

I am loving framed engineer prints. Have you all seen the ones where you take photos of your child's favorite toys? Adorable!

10 Things I learned from my Mom

2013-04-14T10:15:00.000-05:00

Growing up my mother has always been my role model, my support system, my cheerleader and my friend. When I was little... I would look at her and think my mom is the prettiest girl in the entire world. And I have never stopped thinking that since. She is who I inspire to be. I always hope... I grow up to be just like my Mom.
Thank you Mom, for everything you have done for me growing up. And thank you for still being there for me now.

10 Life Lessons I have learned from my mother.

1. Family comes first. Always. My mother always has put us kids first. It's amazing when you think back on your mom and how selfless they were. She gave up anything and everything just so we could get the things we wanted.

2. The kids that made fun of you in school, were just jealous of you. (which I do not believe was true. But she always told us this. My sister took this literally… so when they were mean… and her response was.. well you are just jealous that I am prettier than you are. That did not work in her favor. However, I do believe she still finds this true. (kidding Holler))

3. If you are not feeling well, get out of bed and go do something anyways. Go to work, Go to school, or go to the gym. Whatever you were going to do that day do it anyways. If you feel worse at the end of the day… then stay in bed tomorrow. But today. Get out of bed.

4. Even if you do not agree with someone’s decisions – show them support anyways. We all have different dreams and different ways of going about them. Point is. Support the people you love... always.

5. We cannot control everything that happens to us. Bad things do happen. All we can do is control our reaction to them. Bad things happen to good people. But we need to pick up the pieces and move on. Learn from it and keep looking forward. I have witness the ground being pulled from underneath my mom's feet and she has always handled the situation with grace (at least in front of kids) Mom. thank you for always being strong... and teaching us poise.

6. Allow your kids to be kids. Let them wear their Halloween costumes for a week straight in the summer. Let them dig in the mud for God know what (dirt will always wash out) Let them dress themselves if they want to. Support their imagination as children. Kids are only little for so long. Embrace their imaginations and enjoy it. Before you know it, you will blink and they will be grown.

7. Always be kind to your waiter. No exceptions. My mom was a waitress growing up, My aunt, my uncle, me, my sister, my cousin... and so on. Needless to say. We were taught to respect our waiters... and through my own experience of waiting tables... you develop a new respect for them. Treat them nice. Always

8. Never be afraid to try new things. My mom always pushed us outside of our comfort zone. We weren't allowed to be afraid of new things growing up. It was never a choice. Roller coasters were not optional. We were not allowed to be afraid as kids. I was shy in class.. the next week I was signed up for solo dance lessons ... so it was just me on a stage in front of a crowd. She always pushed us outside of our comfort zone. Fear was not something she encouraged. Except June bugs. We learned at a very young age. These were horrible creatures... which screaming and running in fear was the only answer

9. You are never too old to play. As a kid, my mom and her siblings got us kicked out of pools, parks, toy stores, etc. Not because the kids were out of control... but rather the adults. It was one of the biggest benefits of having such young parents. They were always willing to play with us.

10. Everything happens for a reason. Have faith it will all work out for the best. Keep your head high... Smile on your face... and never leave the house without mascara. :)

Thank you mom. You inspire me everyday to be a better person.

Small Rustic Bench Giveaway

2013-04-11T21:53:00.002-05:00

Now, If the weather had cooperated I would have shown you what I love little benches for. I usually love them on front porches... drowning in flowers. Or pumpkins... Or anything really. Like...

Source: chickabug.com via Denise on Pinterest

Source: thegoodwillgal.com via Linda on Pinterest

Or... among a collection of things... Something like this

Source: ponderedprimedperfected.blogspot.com via Marilyn K Pfaff on Pinterest

But as mentioned... The weather is just plain terrible lately. That flowers were not an option. And I am a wimp and standing outside in the cold to take photos... was not appealing. So you will have to deal with my mediocre photos in the house... and use your imagination.

So there you have it.

I mean you could use it for anything you want... Its yours if you win. It would also be cute in a play room. But I am disappointed the weather was not nice enough for me to drown it in porch like cuteness like i had planned.

On with the giveaway

This is facebook fan only giveaway.

To enter you must like my page on on facebook. which you can find Here

Additional entries... Refer a friend... Have them tell me you referred them and that will also be an additional entry.

Comment on the facebook post to enter!

Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

Giveaway is short and sweet. Giveaway ends Saturday at 9pm. Winner announced Saturday night!
Must be in local area to win. Anywhere from Rockford to Tinley Park... anything in between. :)

Pinteresting....

2013-04-09T23:54:00.002-05:00

This week a few big projects are beginning.... The stairs makeover and replacing the dining room floor.

So posts this week are a little short.

Meanwhile... While working away at the current projects. I thought I would share with you some Inspiration.

I am hoping to put in a fire pit area in the backyard this summer. This photo is almost exactly what I am envisioning. I think it is adorable... and affordable :)

Source: houzz.com via Fawn on Pinterest

Coffee Table is a must. This needs to happen soon. Right now ... this one is my favorite.

Source: ana-white.com via Fawn on Pinterest

White Strawberry Sangria - Cannot wait until summer!!!

Source: ingoodtasteblog.net via Fawn on Pinterest

Love this tutorial on door trim.

Source: cape27blog.com via Jessie on Pinterest

Young House Love just shared their fireplace makeover. It is Uh-Mazing. Check it out.

Source: younghouselove.com via Sherry @ Young on Pinterest

This outdoor playhouse is the cutest thing ever.

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Bren on Pinterest

So this week will be busy.

But there is a giveaway coming up this week :)
Working on the final coat now ...

Snippets of Home....

2013-04-05T07:09:00.000-05:00

1. Growing veggies from seeds. Love seeing these pop up!

2. Updated trim in the playroom. White trim looking so much better with the white shelves

3. Wet nose... adorable face

4. Action Figures all over.... = <3 p="">

5. Artwork. Lots of beautiful priceless artwork.

Feel free to check out Emily's blog over Here. Her blog inspired me to do this weekly. I loved seeing her simple everyday house moments that she cherished. Sometimes the smallest things are what makes us happiest.

DIY No Sew Curtains

2013-04-04T12:02:00.003-05:00

The window seat turned out great. But there was some pattern missing in the design. It was a little bland and needed an extra something... Somewhere.
So I decided to try and go a little bolder with our curtain fabric. Normally, I am not a huge floral person.... but I went into Joann's and just fell in love with this fabric for whatever reason. Luckily it was 40% off... and I had a 10 dollar off coupon. Luckily I got the material for about 40 bucks. Not too bad for a pair of curtains. And the bright floral design on the fabric makes this space fun. I love it!

Since these curtains are strictly decorative and will never be used (we have the blinds for that). I bought 2 yards and cut it in half to make the two curtains. Used some iron on adhesive to clean up all the edges. Bought some clips from Target and simple as that... An hour of my weekend and I have curtains that I love.

So here is the window seat before....

And here she is today...

So have you made any no sew curtains?

Linked up at

Tatertots&Jello

Indecisive Stairs

2013-04-02T19:25:00.001-05:00

Lately I have a serious case of being indecisive. I cannot make up my mind on anything.
I want to start working on changing our staircase... eventually pulling up the carpet and redoing the stairs themselves. but for now.. concentrating on the railing. However... I click back and forth between three choices... Brown & White, Black & White, and all White. I do believe they all are gorgeous. I just cannot figure out which one I like the most. I love them all... for all different reasons.

What do you love best?

Source: houzz.com via Ashleigh on Pinterest

Source: jenniferbrouwerdesign.com via Riley on Pinterest

Source: hjrcherryblossoms.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: camillaathome.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: indulgy.com via Nelly on Pinterest

I do know that I am building my own newel posts and pushing them back up to the 2nd or 3rd stair to create more room in the entry like this....

Source: remodelaholic.com via Heidi on Pinterest

I just cant figure out what color i want that darn rail...

A-Frame Tent

2013-04-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

Maddux has been obsessed with wanting a tent ever since he saw Peter Pan. He loves the Indian scenes with the tee-pees. So when I came cross this no sew version of the A Tent on Pinterest, I just knew it was perfect for him.

We followed this tutorial found ... A-Tent Plans

I am telling you this thing is massive. I was surprised at how big it was. I am planning on moving this to the basement once we have that finished but for now it is put up in Maddux's room. He loves playing in it. His guys hang out int here quite a bit. And he loves the Christmas lights we strung across the inside :)

It is the perfect little tent to hang out in and read stories in and cuddle up.
This was so fun to build, just knowing how much he loves it. And it was simple. Only took about 2 hours total from start to finish! :)

Easter Weekend 2013

2013-04-01T20:59:00.000-05:00

Photos of our Easter Weekend

The remainder of the weekend was spent bouncing on our new trampoline!

Hope you all had a Happy Easter, surrounded by your loved ones!

Snippets of Home

2013-03-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

My new weekly project has been to share a few of the little things in our home I like most.
As mentioned last week I got this idea from Blueberrys Blog. I found myself always looking for this post. I just love the little details we put into our homes... So I thought I would start sharing mine.

1. A caterpillar my Uncle Dave made for me when I was born. I love this thing. It went to college with me, was in Maddux's nursery. Now sits in on a shelf in our playroom. I believe this will always be on display somewhere in my home... at all times.

2. I built Maddux a new play table a week ago (still working on the seats before I share it) But the entire time I made it. He sat next to me oohing and ahhing about how cool it is. He plays on this thing every single day. He loves it. It is so fun building him things because of how much he appreciates it even at such a young age. He is so excited.

3. The boys reading in the playroom :) I love anytime Maddux decided to whip out his books.

4. Engineer print framed. I love this thing. it is 3 ft long and 2 ft tall. Easiest thing in the world. Best part. the print was only 4 bucks so this will be simple to change out whenever we want.

5. Best greeting card ever. Ever.

6. And new art piece that came from the Foundry. I love this thing. It just makes me laugh. It currently hangs in the entryway. :)

So there are a few of my favorite things in our house I wanted to share that may have been missed on my blog. What makes a home unique always lays in the details. I tend to like a lot of turquoise and a lot of random :)

What makes you happy?