Upcycled Christmas Ornament - Angel

Over the past several months, my best pals - Angie & Sally - and I have gotten together for Pinterest craft nights.  We take turns hosting and coming up with ideas using Pinterest as our inspiration.   When possible we try to recycle, upcycle and repurpose items,  the past couple of Pinterest nights we've worked on Christmas items. 

Angie's sister-in-law gave us a bag full of empty shot gun shells.  Hmm!   We searched for some inspiration and found some - but I am most in love with what I came up with this morning.  An ANGEL ornament!!

The only thing that would make them more perfect -- silver wings, but the green glittery wings work just fine too! 

Kitchen Update on a Dime - Part 1: The Ceiling.. uh Popcorn

Well, it's obviously been awhile since I've posted.   After graduation, I got incredibly lazy and just enjoyed doing absolutely nothing.  For three years, I burned the candle at both ends - working full-time, going to school full-time, trying to maintain a home, be a good wife and mother - needless to say I crashed and burned.  :)

Alas, it didn't last too long.  I started on my kitchen.  For a couple of years, I've been wanting to do some updates (click here for previous post!).  However, updates cost money - cha-ching!   My main issue was the popcorn ceiling - it had started to crack in several places, so I thought it would come down easy peasy.   Handy Randy (our neighbor) advised me to be very careful because any knicks into the sheetrock would have to be repaired.  To err on the side of caution, I decided to use a plastic putty knife to get things started.

Well at the end of day 1 (I should note I worked on this after work, so you won't think I'm a complete loser), it looked like this...

Lessons learned from Day 1:

• Plastic, plastic and more plastic - it needs to cover EVERYTHING.  This is a dusty job.
• Time - I need more of it because this is going to take FOREVER.
• Music - Tunes need to be rocking or you'll lose your mind!
• Hubby - Did I mention I got the bright idea to do this when he was unable to help?!  He had a medical procedure and was unable to lift his arm above shoulder height or lift anything heavy for 6 weeks!

Onward to Day 3 - let's keep scraping, scraping, and scraping and it's finally done!

Lessons learned from Day 2:

• Metal putty knife is necessary!  Some friends stopped by to help.  They had metal putty knives - I cringed but I'm certainly not going to turn down help b/c at this rate it is going to take FOREVER!  Their first scrape and it unzips off the ceiling like a zipper.  REALLY!!   I grabbed my metal putty knife and we had the ceiling down by the end of the night.  
• Friends - I needed them.  This was my first DIY major project and it didn't take me long to realize I bit off more than I can chew.  Thankful for their words of encouragement!
• Water is not necessary at least not for me! I had read to spray a small section and scrape, but once I switched over to the metal putty knife it came down so easy.

Day 4 - sanding, putty, sanding, putty... sanding, sanding, sanding.  I feel like I went over the ceiling a thousand times.  I wanted it to be perfect.

Day 5 or 6 and I'm losing my mind -- I want my kitchen back.  I'm tired of the plastic, dust. My family is tired of sandwiches.  Haha!

Again, I'm not sure what day we are on maybe 7 or 8 at this point.  It's finally primed.  I used Sherwin Williams products and couldn't be more pleased, and no, I wasn't paid to say that.  The staff at my local store were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and patient with me.  My memory is failing me now, but I think we did 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of paint.  We went with a flat white.  I love the clean look of white.

Here it is finally DONE!  It's not perfect - if you really look, you can tell I should have sanded more.  However my theory is - if someone notices the imperfections and it bothers them - then they don't need to be in my house!   It was a definite labor of love.   Will I tackle other rooms?   Hahaha!!!   I would like to think future rooms might be a bit smoother in the process as this was complete trial and error, but NO I don't intend to do any other rooms in the near future. 

I'll post more later this week on the cabinets, wall color and other updates!

Little Steps

As I mentioned in another post, I've had some issues with  back pain this spring.  For the past 6 weeks, I've taken a break from boot camp and focused on walking & climbing the stairs at work.  Overall, my back is feeling much better and I'm realizing how much injury prevention is a part of the fitness journey.

Some people thrive on exercising alone - it's "their" time and they are self-disciplined, dedicated and focused to make it happen.  I am quite the opposite - I tend to push myself harder and do better when I am part of a group.  Even if the exercise does not involve interaction with others,  I find it easier to find my zone and give 110%.  I still consider the exercise time "my time" because after all - I am doing this for me  (seriously, why else would I get up at 5am).  

Fortunately, my weight is holding steady in a range that I'm comfortable in.  If you haven't tried My Fitness Pal,  I highly recommend it.  It's a great site for logging your daily food journal and exercise as well  & I love the smart phone app for it.


Do you exercise best alone or in a group?

Graduation Day

I could not have asked for a more perfect graduation day!  The sun was shining with a light breeze.  The campus looked even more spectacular than usual.  I was in the presence of family and faculty who had helped make the dream become a reality.  I was overwhelmed with many emotions, on the verge of tears many times; but I managed to hold back the tears and smile instead.  I'm proud of my journey and regardless of what happens in life -- NO ONE can take away the sense of accomplishment and the degree I EARNED.

Quite simply, I am BLESSED!!

The Finish

Nearly 21 years ago, I graduated high school.  I was a nerd - I liked school & made pretty good grades.  Up until my junior year, my plan was to pursue a career in teaching.  Hands down without a doubt - education was where I would be.  During my junior English class one day we were discussing future career plans, I said "teach".  I remember the teacher (who I won't name as I believe she still teaches at my old high school) rolling her eyes and proceeding to tell me what a thankless job it was.  Now I don't know that I "heard" her as she intended me to receive that message, but I can tell you this - my dream was crushed.  I felt like a deflated balloon.  In hindsight, I REGRET that I allowed her to make me fell the way she did when she made that comment.  Suddenly, I felt like I was in a tailspin trying to figure out what to do with my life.  My parents always encouraged me to be what I wanted to be - but I couldn't erase the words the teacher had written on my heart.

I shifted my focus toward healthcare -- I quickly identified nursing was NOT for me, but thought perhaps radiology technology would be a better fit.  Problem solved?  I was accepted into the RT program at Forsyth Tech and received a small scholarship after graduation.  I never really felt comfortable in the program - almost like a fish out of water.  Once we started clinical rotations - I knew it was NOT for me.  I tried to hang on as long as I could but I was MISERABLE and finally quit.  I had no idea what direction I would go next and started working full-time.

For many years, I regretted not finishing my education.  I made 1001 excuses about why it wasn't the right time or why I couldn't go back to school.  In May 2008, my husband suffered a massive heart attack.  Really quickly, I learned the value of time - we aren't promised our next breath.  I began to reflect on my life  -- there were some decisions I'd made in life that I could change and others I couldn't.  I started a "bucket list" and one of those items was finishing my education before I turned 40.   It was one regret in life I had the power to do something about.

In January 2009,  I met with Dean Williams at Salem College.  I intended to ease myself in by taking summer classes and then going full-time in the fall.  Next thing, I know I'm enrolled full-time in the spring!   The rest shall we say was history.  For the next 3 years, I worked full-time, attended school full-time, and attempted to be a good wife and mother along the way.    It would have been easy for me to change my mind - my husband lost his job the NIGHT I had orientation to start classes - maybe I shouldn't?   But I pressed on.   The following summer he had another small health set-back - maybe I shouldn't?  but I pressed on.   I've had more than enough opportunities to make reasonable excuses these past 3 years - but I pressed on.

On Saturday, May 19th -- I will walk across the stage at Salem College to receive my bachelor's degree in Sociology.   I will  check-off one of many items on my bucket list.   I know there are many people who have questioned my decision to return to school or did not understand why I wanted to at this stage in my life.  And that's ok.  I know it was the right time and the right thing to do -- too many doors opened when I thought they were closed;  a class offered when it shouldn't have been until the following semester;  a small scholarship out of the blue.

If I tried to thank everyone who has helped make this journey possible, I would surely forget someone by name.   It is the incredible support of family and friends  and my faith that have got me to this point.  You believed in me, when I didn't believe in myself.  You encouraged me, when I needed it most.  You picked up my child after school, and cared for him until I was out of class.  You rejoiced in my small accomplishments as well as my large ones.  YOU knew I could do it.  And Saturday - it will be in celebration of you supporting me!

Some of my inspirational quotes along the way...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.  You must do the thing, you think you cannot do" ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

"I would rather say 'I did it' than 'I gave up'"

"If not now, when?"

Pinterest Inspired - Entryway Reveal

Well, folks - the good news, classes are OVER!    It's official - I'm done and looking forward to graduation.  This past weekend was my first in ages without homework, writing, or planning my schedule for the week ahead.  So, what's a girl to do?

PINTEREST!  Yes, it is my latest addiction.  If you haven't checked it out, go now!   It's full of decorating ideas, recipes, style, and inspiration.  One area of our house that has always annoyed me - the entryway.  I've never felt like we utilized the space as well as we could.  Basically, you walk in our front door and there is a small alcove - approximately 6 ft wide and 1.5 ft deep.   I had pinned lots of ideas on my "Entryway" board, but this one and this one were by far my favorites.

We've been working on bits and pieces of this project for the past three weeks as time allowed, but we finally brought it all together this weekend.   I really wish I had a before picture, but for a moment close your eyes and envision a wall with a mirror and chair rail and that's it!  :)  And NOW....

 I am so happy with the space!   "Handy" neighbor helped us build the shelf out of 12 inch pine and we used corbels from Home Depot to help give additional support.  The oil-rubbed bronzed hooks are also from Home Depot - they'll catch coats, hats, backpacks, and purses.  The "bench" is actually a coffee table I found at a yard sale for $5.00 - I sanded, primed and painted it a milk chocolate color (borrowed paint from a friend).   The cushion - the foam cushion itself a friend of mine was able to get as a "sample" from her work - FREE;  the fabric is a Waverly print - I scored it for $8.00 a yard.  The pillow was a yard sale find for $1.50.  The distressed red cabinet is a hand-me-down from a friend - FREE!  The lamp was a Goodwill find from a couple of years ago.  The basket on the table was FREE -- someone was discarding it from their office last year and I snatched it.  The rug - Walmart special for only $18.00.  Of course, the dog is priceless.  :)   I'm still looking for baskets to go on top of the shelf.  I am SO happy with how warm and inviting the entryway looks now.

I'd like to give a SHOUT OUT to my friends Angie & Sally who helped me think outside the box into repurposing existing pieces of furniture; my husband for his patience :) ; and my neighbor for his carpentry skills.

What do you think?

Hey Ya'll

Sorry for the lack of posts... life has been rather busy with school, work, and well - LIFE!   I'll keep this brief and hopefully get back into the swing of posting in May!

School - AHH!  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Quite honestly, it seems surreal!   I have one 10 page paper and one presentation left on the to-do list.  Classes are officially over on May 9th and graduation is May 19th.

Pinterest - My latest addiction - maybe a little too much!  We had a Pinterest party at my house a couple of weeks ago and have two more scheduled.  You can see the projects we completed in the picture -- crayon art;  upcycled planters; air freshners; and upcycled "fireworks".   We are currently working on our entryway - the inspiration came from Pinterest (of course!).   I've found alot of GREAT inspiration for exercise too - I have one board devoted to exercise quotes!

Exercise - I had another issue with my back. (ARGH!)  This time I took a two week break absolutely nothing for two weeks - nothing, nada, zilch. I decided to take a break from boot camp for until May.  I've been climbing stairs at work - 12 flights once a day and walking 3 miles M-W-F - trying to ease myself back into. I never realized how much injury prevention is a part of training!

Oh yeah, I had a birthday in March too!  My exercise buddy & I decided to do something fun for our birthdays, so we had a party.  Not an eat cake and pin-the-tail on the donkey party though - we had a Monkey Hooper party!   We were afraid if we did a "boot camp" no one would come.  Anyway,  we had a great time - if you've never tried a hula hoop cardio workout, I highly recommend it!   Monica does a fantastic job and makes it alot of fun. 

That's all for now folks!  I'll be back soon!