tales of a pregnant DIYer

*sigh*

What a long day it's been.

So I'm working on a new project inspired by The Hand Me Down House; Curtains made from Sheets (see below) for our Nursery today.

 I got all geared up, got everything I needed and set up to install & make curtains. I'll post a more detailed post about the results & everything I used... but let me summarize my experience today.

1. The screws that came with my curtain rod were too long and for some reason, wouldn't screw all the way into the wall. So, really, I had to install the rod twice because I had to find new screws around the house to use instead.

2. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to display the sheets curtains; first I thought I wanted to do floor length - but it looked too dark (I chose a darker color) and too chunky. Playing with the ways to actually hang them took me about an hour.

3. I ironed two flat sheets (from two different sets of sheets) from top to bottom to get all of the wrinkles out from the packaging. After cutting & trimming the first sheet, my husband got home and says to me, "Wow babe! Those look great! But... did you mean to get this one in Dark Green?" as he points to the one I *JUST* ironed. *FACEPALM* No, sweet hubby, I did not mean to get it in Dark Green. I suppose I'll have to exchange it. Pregnancy brain at it's best, eh?

I was SURE I'd have this project done in a few simple steps in no time at all. However, between all the mishaps and mistakes I made I've decided to step away from the project and finish the second panel tomorrow. I definitely needed the break.

Stay tuned for the finished, beautiful, DIY curtains that will be finished this weekend!

a view from up top

**Excuse my dirty, stained white shirt.... it was laundry day**

I hear all the time from mama's on The Bump that you should definitely try to get video of baby bouncing around in your stomach during 3rd tri. My first attempt failed. Collin knew what was up, as soon as I took out my camera he stopped. So, instead I took an above shot of him! I've really been slacking on updating this trimester on the baby blog... must make an effort to do more.

DIY Apothecary Jar Canisters

Okay. Do you ever have a *lightbulb* moment and think to yourself, "Self, YOU'RE A GENIUS!"?

Because I did yesterday. I was putting one of my water plans in different glass dish I had lying around (We have quite a bit of glass lying around left over from our wedding). While doing that I decided I wanted to finally glue some glass candlesticks to the vases & jars I've found. I was going to use one to hold our straws (I love straws) and one to hold all of our chip/bag clips.

BUT INSTEAD...

Instead I decided to cross off one of my To-Do list items: finishing buying the "finishing touches" for our kitchen, which included new canisters.

*lightbulb moment!* WOO! This project cost me $0 as I already had it all on hand. It was my first time using Gorilla Glue, and boy are they right in saying don't use too much. One of the candle sticks has gorilla glue running down the side of it, haha.

Don't mind the unfinished backsplash, that's all getting done this coming weekend. Now, I need to find a way to label these jars. I could use the same stickers I used for our Spice Jars. Or, I could buy some vinyl to attach to it. I guess I'll need to think about it.

The nice thing is, these are small enough to fit in the corner and not look bulky like some canisters do. And we can keep the extras in our custom made pantry - out of sight!

What do you think? What was your lightbulb moment this week?

Linking up to: Tatertots & Jello, The Shabby Nest, Between Naps on the Porch, Today's Creative Blog, Lucky Star Lane, Sugar Bee, The Girl Creative Blog Party, Seven Thirty Three

making a list, checking it twice

I got this idea from World of Dennifer, in efforts to keep me a bit more sane and organized before the wee one gets here, I'll be doing a weekly check with my to do list & what gets accomplished along the way. I feel like there's so much to do; big & small it will get done! I'll try to keep the most important things on this list, because I tend to take on too much - but I can't promise that you won't see a few things that *really* don't matter!

***MOST of these things can be done after Collin gets here, but I'd really like it written down anyways***

Living Room - 

• Prime the subfloor in the living room with Binz
• Install hardwood floor in living room 
• Give a really good cleaning to the floors on main level
• After moving furniture back, clean & dust everything including windows
• Find rug for Living Room
• Finish painting wall along stairways (waiting on my Dad for this)

Kitchen - 

• Finish installing backsplash in kitchen; caulk & grout backsplash 
• Find a solution to counter edging & install
• Touch up paint in kitchen
• Clean stove & fridge inside and out
• Prime & paint cabinet doors & drawers (waiting on my Dad for this)
• Install finished doors & drawers and cabinet hardware
• Install Spice Cabinet & jars
• Finish getting the few "finishing touches" for the kitchen: Canisters, In-cabinet trash can
• Reinstall pot rack

Dining Room -

• Cut dog door into wall next to sliding glass door & take old dog door out
• Sell hutch
• Refinish top of desk to white
• Install shelves above desk
• Organize all the crap around desk

Nursery - 

• Finish painting trim & door jams (waiting on my Dad for this)
• Paint Cookie Monster head above (waiting on my Dad for this)
• Put together nursery furniture
• Install closet system
• Make curtains
• Crafts:
• Finish Lamp Redo
• Sand and paint frames for asymmetrical nursery art
• Finish 3D letters
• DIY curtains
• Wash clothes after baby shower

Baby -

• Breast feeding class
• Tour of L&D at hospital
• Baby Shower! Scheduled Oct 17th
• Thank You cards for gifts from Baby Shower
• Start gathering recipes and groceries for cook-ahead & meals
• Order at least 2 more orders of diapers
• Pack hospital bag
• Install carseat

Business -

• Get tax stuff prepared for 2009 for MIL to do
• Edit website to indicate 2011 pricing after Nov 1st
• Start a filing system for new clients

Financial/"Grown Up" -

• Get insurance info from Greg's work to switch me over after my FMLA runs out; add Collin, too
• Get any other bills on an Auto-Pay schedule
• Slim down bills/amenities one more time to try and save money
• Make a trip to Good Will and get it out of the house

Now, anyone want to send me a bottle of motivation I can drink? I *know* most of this won't get done before baby gets here, and that's okay. As long as most of the renovation stuff & nursery/baby stuff does I'll be okay :)

project nursery: furniture

We were surprised by my MIL who had asked my FIL/Step-MIL, Grandparents, and Aunts if they wanted to contribute to our Nursery Furniture. They all were excited to help go-in on our furniture set which in turn was a huge relief to Hubby & I.

I originally wanted white furniture. And I wasn't changing my mind no-sir-ee. Well, after much thought and realizing this furniture would *hopefully* make it to Collin's teens we decided white just wasn't the right choice. I didn't want a wood finish though. So, Black was our next option.

It was important for us to keep our budget low. Quality is very important to use, especially for baby's safety. But, we weren't really looking to spend an arm and a leg. So, we ordered our set from Walmart.com & got free shipping using Site to Store shipping. For all the pieces below, it cost roughly $600.

Baby Mod Cadence 4-in-1 Crib including Mattress, Black

Baby Mod Lily 3-Drawer Dresser & Changer, Black

Storkcraft Black & Beige Glider & Ottoman

We haven't set anything up yet, since the nursery is still being painted and we need to decide if we're replacing the carpet or just getting it cleaned. But I can't wait to see these pieces in our nursery all set up!

Next Up: Painting the nursery!

Nursery progress from the beginning: 

Our nursery was my makeup studio before the re-do began. Curious about our nursery furniture? Before starting on the actual room itself, I worked on a Cookie Monster Mobil. I also found some great storage bins at the Dollar Store in our colors!

fruitful friday

DON'T FORGET, THERE'S A PARTY AT THE END OF THIS POST FOR ANYTHING DIY! PLEASE JOIN IN!

Look at this great DIY Nursing Cover!

And these DIY designer looking baby burp cloths, I just might have to try this :)

MMMM. Gold. Antique-looking nightsands. Lovely!

This is just, jaw-dropping isn't it? Hand painted birch tree entry way.

I think I found the solution to window treatments for our nursery. Hand painted curtains from sheets!

I swear, anything Jen does is perfection - but this Beachy Laundry room is eye candy!

Learn to make your own Fabric Box for organization & decoration!

Not sure about you, but I'm ready to skip Halloween and start decorating for Christmas! These trees are simply adorable!

If only we were having a girl! This is SOOOOOO cute! I might use the idea for some inspiration for our bedroom makeover next year, though :) What a wonderful mobil idea (with a tutorial too!)

Gorgeous Fall Wreath with a tutorial on how to make the flowers!

Would you believe me if I told you this nursery art was ironed onto the wall? Check it out!

ITS PARTY TIME!

emily post would hate me

For real. It's been just over a year since our wedding and I'm just now sending out the Thank You cards. BAD TOSHA, BAAAAAAAAAAAAAD. Everyone tells me it's better late than never, so I'm sending them with my head hanging in shame. But I feel terribly, either way. Not really much I can do about it now, right?

oh.my.goshhhhh!!!

Umb. Christina Aguilera, Kristen Bell, & Cher?! 

YES!!!!!

For real. Christina is my all-time fave artist. I also am SO in love with Kristen Bell. 

This movie is out Nov 24th. So I suppose if Collin decides to wait until the very very end to make his appearance I can always see it at 39 weeks pregnant. Or, if he comes a bit early maybe I can sneak away?! All I know is, I'm FOR SURE seeing this one!

dear followers

Since I've gotten a handful of new followers recently (thank you by the way for thinking my blogging is interesting enough to want to follow me!), I want to know more about YOU!

Where did you find me? What do you do? What does your blog content consist of? Tell me about yourself! I'd love to know more! Also, if you have any questions for me - please ask!

new hair!

I ended up going back to brown. With some blonde highlights. It isn't quite as "warm" as I had it before... and I actually kind of like the cooler blonde hues. What do you think?

the tiles have been laid!

It took all day yesterday, and it's certainly not perfect, but the tiles have been set. We're just waiting for enough time to pass (24-36 hours) to grout. So right now, I have no kitchen sink or working oven! Also, we went about $300 over budget..... *sigh* DIY home improvements have those risks... but it's looking so good!

BTW, those are 12x12 tiles! Meaning, my counter got extended from 3 to 4 foot on the main counter space. WOOT!

project nursery: before the makeover

Would you like to see what Collin's nursery looks like right now? Before the magic begins (that was supposed to begin yesterday but... well... I'll explain below)? 

Okay! Here you go!

This was my makeup studio before we got pregnant. Here's a back story...

When we had our miscarriage last year, turning what would have been a nursery into my studio was a huge part of my healing. It's the only way I could deal with it and this room at the time. My dad says I'm a drama queen, and he's partly right, but to my defense... at least it was useful and practical. I mean, I needed a place for my brides to come for their trials. Shoot, I even had an entire bridal party get ready at my house for their event. This space was not neglected! My dad built the counter top & found me the cabinet to put underneath for storage... and Hubby and I painted the wall black. 

See those mirrors? Those beautiful, big, mirrors? That cost me $70 for the pair? Instead of just mounting them to the wall, I GLUED AND MOUNTED them to the wall....... thinking I'd probably never need this room for a nursery (okay, now, that's the drama queen Dad was talking about). *sigh*

I mentioned last night that we had planned on starting to paint the nursery yesterday, but because of my stupid choices when we built this studio last year that has to be put off. Well that stupid choice was gluing the mirrors to the wall. Dad had to break the mirrors into tiny little pieces and scrape the glue off the wall. He caused as little damage as possible while doing it but now that wall looks like this:

See that? 

Now, that needs an oil based primer along the bits where the drywall is ripped (thankfully it's just the outside of the drywall, not the actual sheet rock), retextured, re-primed over the entire wall, and THEN we can start painting it. Might as well wait until that's done to start painting because we need to install chair rail along this wall and the wall below. 

Yikes! Blurry picture, sorry!

The crib will either be along this wall (above) or the "black wall"... I cannot decide for the life of me. 

The paint along this and the "black wall" will be split up by some white chair rail. Cookie Monster Blue (I'll have an actual paint name for you soon) on the bottom and a lighter tan on the top (again, an actual name for you soon). Dad's going to paint a giant Cookie Monster head above the crib, wherever we decide for it to go. 

This is the wall opposite of the "black wall". Since the window is huge and there's an angled wall near the closet, we're just going to paint it all tan. 

A better view of the wall with the closet. This will also be tan. 

View of inside the closet. Say hello to my wedding dress and the start of Collin's wardrobe (you can't even see half of it here haha). 

We got a closet system at Home Depot the other night and I'm so excited about it. I wanted to build my own out of MDF & get new closet rods.... but to be honest with all the things we've got going on this was just easier. And actually, about the same price. So what if one thing won't be DIY in his nursery, right? 

RIGHT?!

You ready to see the after photos?

Yeah me too, but we actually have to do the work first. Shoot. 

Stay tuned!!

Don't forget to link up for my first Linky Party: Fruitful Friday!

if i've learned one thing...

It's that doing your own home renovations is STRESSFUL! We have some wonderful family & friends helping us with all of our improvements and we are sooooooo thankful.

See, the last time when my FIL and Hubby built my custom pantry, I got to go to work and when I was home everything was done. Now that I'm not working, I've been here witnessing every little detail and all of the "oops" moments. These "oops" moments stress.me.OUT!

Here's what we were hoping to get done today:

• Pop off old counters
• Attach plywood & cement board 
• Set tile

Here's what actually got done today:
You remember what my counters look like before, right?

We popped our old counter top off - which was the easiest part of the day. 

Cutting what used to be the back of the kitchen counters.

The shelves you see on the bottom of the photos are my custom built pantry. 

Then we leveled off the 2x4's and that "wall"

Then the "oops" started....

The plywood was glued & nailed down and we realized it wasn't level... that "wall" that was leveled off before was still high somehow..... this is what took up most of their time today - how do we fix this? can we install the shims with the already-glued & nailed plywood? Do we have to take it completely off? 

What do we do?! 

We ended up prying  the plywood off the counter tops, took all the nails out and got some shims to help level it off - after the "wall" was cut & sanded a bit more. *sigh*

But, it worked out and turned out level in the end so the rest of the plywood was attached to all the counter tops. 

We had to add a makeshift support system for the corner counter. I'm not really sure why, but we did. 

Now, they're cutting out the spot for our sink. 

So... we got about half of our list done for our tasks today - and we have a looooong day tomorrow to try and get the rest of our list done... and the grout will have to wait another day. 

We were also supposed to be starting on painting our nursery..... but I'll leave that story for next time. 

**When I say "we" in most cases here, I'm talking about Hubby, Cousin, and BFF's Hubby. I had no partaking at all in this counter job... so I can't take credit for it!**


Don't forget to link up for my first Linky Party: Fruitful Friday!

the small joys in life

The last hand-made gift I got from my sweet grandma who passed in April was this red & gold crocheted blanket for our bedroom as a wedding gift last year. While it saddens me that Collin won't be able to get one of her precious, beautiful blankets - I treasure this blanket (and the pillows) she made for us with all of my being. I can imagine Collin & I will have many cuddle sessions wrapped in Grandma's love this winter after he's here. In the photo above, you can see the outline of my belly & legs... so he's already getting to enjoy her with-love gift to mommy & daddy. I think I might use this photo in his nursery art framed photo collage, too :)

It's all in the little things. While I basically wore this blanket one night last week (HORRAY for weather cooling down!), Collin was kicking away more than ever. I swear, he could feel the warm love Grandma put into this blanket. I know I could.

Don't forget to link up for my first Linky Party: Fruitful Friday!

fruitful friday

Fruitful = productive, creative, innovative. 

Fruitful Friday = Featuring projects I adore around blogland as well as a Linky Party! 

First, the features...

This beautiful, gorgeous, amazing shelf used to be a vintage TV! Check it out here. 

Look at the start of these built in shelves! Pregnant With Powertools - she even shows you HOW to build them! Can't wait to see the final project!

These free floating night stands are made from palettes! Ana provides free plans, too!

**I think I'm going to try something like this for our bedroom sometime... our bed is so high it's impossible to find the right size nightstands**

I am in *love* with this pantry re-do over at House of Smiths! 

Look at this stunning Wood Frame Photo Collage over at Me and My Scraps! So so so cute!

DIY Custom Kitchen Drawer Organization? GENIOUS! Over at By Stephanie Lynn.

*swoon* I'm not a huge fan of Halloween, but I loooooove this Creepy Specimen Art from Tatertots and Jello!

Look at this awesome painted glass featured on Sugar Bee!

And now onto the Linky Party. This is my first one so please link up! 

Link up ANYTHING you've used your two hands on in a recent project :) 

I can't wait to see your results :)