Why a Good Book is a Secret Door
We have books in almost every room in our home. It wasn’t a conscious decision…just a reflection on the importance we place on learning and imagination. And, in all fairness, when it comes to my husband’s ugly computer books…I like to decorate by hiding them in plain sight too. My grandma was a first grade teacher and she retired before I would have been in her class, but she didn’t stop teaching in retirement. No. She taught me how to read before I started school. To say she gave me the greatest gift is an understatement. Reading unlocks all the world’s possibilities for a child. That’s why this TED Talk given by…
Vintage Wood Gate
I found a wood gate recently. Actually, Handy Husband found it and said, “hey, you should do something with this.” That sweet talker. This gate is the real deal. Kind of like me. The gate has the weathered patina that can only come from years spent in the elements. Kind of like…uh…wear sunscreen kids. It got me thinking, what could I do with this gate? Use it outside? Use it inside? I liked the idea of inside, but that moment of spontaneity struck when Handy Husband wasn’t home. My girl muscles are impressive, but I could still only lift one end of the gate. Getting it in the house without…
Dining Table Refinish
It’s confession time. I try not to become emotionally attached to inanimate objects. It’s silly in the grand scheme of things. I do know this, but still…I really, really love my dining room table. It used to be the lunch table at one of my favorite jobs. Over time, one too many hot paper plates was set on the table and the finish started to wear off. I bought the table and 4 chairs for $150. I was over-the-moon excited. The legs on the table alone were worth it. They make my heart go pitter-patter. But I’m not emotionally attached or anything. The good thing about the finish wearing off the…
That One Time I Went On a Trail Run
I’ve mentioned at least once that Handy Husband is a runner. He loves all the parts of running. The competition, the stats, the runner’s high, the gear, that part where your chest burns and your muscles want to die. Yeah, all of it. I run too. At least 3 times a week for the past 5 years. However, I’ve never reached the “love” stage of running. I’m still in the, “how far do I have to go so my pants still fit” stage. Handy Husband and I used to go running together. Then he decided to be a show-off and run 6-minute miles. I’d have to purposefully not tie my shoelaces very…
Upcycled Tic Tac Toe
My son’s kindergarten homework for the week of Earth Day was to: 1) play outside 2) do a project that involves reusing or recycling I was ALL on board with #1. In the interest of full disclosure, I had every intention of ignoring #2. It’s kindergarten. It’s not even required in our state. I know, I know. Mother of the year. Don’t worry. I have not sent my son down the path of underachievement…yet. We pulled the project off – even if it began accidentally. Here’s how it went down… While the kids were outside playing, I decided that would be a good time to apply a coat of stain…
DIY Felt Spring Wreath
I know you have been waiting with bated breath for me to share another felt project. Wait no more. I have a doozie for you today. Meet happiness on a door. Otherwise known as my spring wreath. In the interest of full disclosure, I love how bright and cheery this project turned out, but boy, was it a pain to create. Literally. Doesn’t that inspire you to make your own? I have a way with these things. I decided to make this wreath after seeing similar ones on Etsy. While my project was drastically less expensive, it did take me several nights to make it. I also incurred quite a few hot glue burns.…
Celebrating Him
Today is my husband’s birthday. *the crowd goes wild* I sat down several times to write an eloquent ode to the man who holds my heart. That was a bust. Everything I wrote sounded so trite. My delete key was working overtime. Since we’re talking about me now, I’d like you to know I’m as even keel as they come. There’s not a whole lot, good or bad, that raises my blood pressure or sets me on an emotional rollercoaster. Not even the joys of trying to get one, single decent family picture. Yet here I was thinking about Handy Husband and how overwhelmingly glad I am that he was born when my eyes…
Dave’s Killer Bread Sandwich Thins
For the carb conscious, bread makers did a smart thing. They created really thin slices of bread – two heels, really – and marketed them as sandwich thins. Let’s boil this down. By giving you less bread, they can charge more money and you thank them. Marketing 101. My daughter loves these sandwich thins. She’s 8. She doesn’t care about carbs or calories. Frankly, the metabolism of an 8-year-old is wasted on an 8-year-old. What I wouldn’t do for that metabolism. The real reason why she loves the sandwich thins is that compared to the nutrient dense homemade bread I make, this stuff takes like candy. I’m not opposed to her…
Kids Write the Funniest Things
Kids write the funniest things, don’t they? Case in point: My after-school routine contains the following: 1) Kids ask to play with their friends while they are waiting for the bus driver to tell them it is safe to cross the road. I yell at them to pay attention to the bus driver, you know, so they don’t get run over. 2) On the days when they can’t play with their friends, the kids immediately announce they are STARVING because they: a) haven’t eaten anything in two hours b) didn’t want to eat the apples and/or sandwich in their lunch c) all of the above. 3) They hand me their…
Vintage-Inspired Storage Box
A long time and three states ago we bought a 10-ft. artificial Christmas tree. It was the display model. Here’s a warning. Christmas tree display models do not come with a box. You’re going to have your very own National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation moment getting it home. Image Source: A Pilgrim In Narnia To give you something else to think about, once the Christmas tree is out of the box (literally) it never stores nicely again. For the 49 weeks per year when we weren’t using the tree, we wrapped it in a tarp and shoved it under the stairs in our basement. That didn’t look serial killer-ish or anything. Eventually we finished…
