Etsy & Halloween 2012

Hey yal!

So after getting some good feedback on my Chalkboard post. I got the nerve to post a few fall & Halloween inspired chalkboard designs on Etsy. More feedback on them would be awesome or even requests for a certain styles/sayings. I would love to make more if these do well. So start decorating with cute chalkboard signs in your home. I know I am gonna print them out myself and put them in cute frames around the house. Check out my Etsy!

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year! I love all the trees changing colors, fall fashions (I'm a scarf & boot addict), the smells of tobacco barns (you know what I mean if you live in the South) & bonfires, and of course Halloween.  Fall is the most beautiful season, plus the weather is perfect. If only we had these temperatures all year long.

I love pumpkins and hay bales for decorations on the porch. I am also excited because this year when we go to pumpkin patch, Miss Raleigh can enjoy it more. Last year she was a newborn so she slept most of the time. Didn't stop us from getting pictures though. My hubby was a baby hog there because he was worried about the hay ride being "too bumpy".

Here was my tiny newborn last October. These were Raleigh's Halloween outfits last year. The first one was my favorite. :) I don't have nearly enough this year *tear*. I need to go shopping soon. YAY!

Go check out the new shop & let me know what you think by commenting on here. 

My Birthday Weekend!

I never believed anyone when they said "Time flies". They were 100% right. Today I am 1 year old. This is the first birthday as a mother; I realized how much she really made my day perfect. Last year, I was almost 39 weeks pregnant and miserable. It was scorching hot here (well at least to a pregnant woman) and I was so anxious to meet my little girl. All we did last year was go eat because I was too tired and in too much pain to do anything else.

This whole weekend has been family oriented and wonderful. 

Friday: we went to the park down to road for the first time. It was fall weather so I wanted to get out and enjoy it before our crazy Tennessee weather changes. I swear one week it'll be a monsoon, then burning hot, then cool off, and start all over again. We have some crazy weather here. This was Raleigh's first time at the park so I was curious how she would do. Well after a few minutes she realized it was okay and had a heck of a time in the swing.

Saturday: I worked half my shift at home then hustled to get the family together to go Koby's work picnic. I got to meet his co-workers, but the faces never match to the ones you picture in your head. We got a free, delicious lunch, watched a barge launch, listened to music that was too loud, and had a nice family day. After that long day we went out to eat for my birthday at Olive Garden only because I can't handle making food decisions. I hate doing it :p Blah. 

Sunday: I worked another half shift until 8:00am then hurried to get us ready for church. I was very excited because I have not been able to go to church since I changed to 1st shift. We had a fun time keeping track of a 1 year old during the service. We just gave her a little crawling room between the chairs, toys, and paci so she was set to go. Raleigh, of course, got the attention of the people in front and behind us but luckily they loved cute babies. They were infatuated with her and so was the staff and customers at the Chinese restaurant after church. They all played her pointing game and peek-a-boo. I don't know if my Raleigh will ever be shy. 

After a nice long nap for the 3 of us, Koby left for his long night shift. We have been dancing, singing, and terrorizing the house ever since. Proof?

Her room after I leave her for probably 5 minutes. I always find he flipping through books, not usually throwing them. 

 Raleigh wanted to play a game of "How many things can I out in my mouth in the matter of 5 seconds". Her record is 3 so far. 

My birthday weekend was pretty awesome for my standards. Family, friends, and warm memories. Just having this beautiful girl sitting in my lap as I am typing this is a blessing. My birthday is more complete with her here. 

Hope yal liked the pictures. 

Chalkboard Mania!!!

Chalkboards are sweeping the nation! I jumped on this awesome bandwagon a few months back. I was amazed at what some people can do using this old school method. I have only 1 real chalkboard in my house & it's actually a bunting banner. Which I love because for every holiday I will write on it for Raleigh. I have found that I am not so skilled at free hand writing yet. I learned a few tricks that will come in handy when I make my nice big chalkboard soon, but for now I use the computer. Less messy & frustrating. ;) 

So I designed Raleigh's invitations & her poster in chalkboard theme. I printed her invitations on card stock at my local Fedex Kinkos (seriously when did that happen...little confusing if you ask me) for only $9.96. I made 30 invitations & they let me use their big cutter so I wouldn't go crazy at home cutting out each one & end up stabbing myself with scissors. Then I sealed the envelopes with cute washi tape that matches. They are on their way out now after forgetting them at home several times. The hubby finally just mailed them for me since I have the memory of a goldfish.

I just finished her 1 year poster today since she has pictures tomorrow. I know I know, PROCRASTINATION! I've always been bad at that. This I went to Office Depot & the lady printed it out on 18X24 engineering paper in color for $1.99 sqft. I should've done black & white, it would've only been $2.59 total, but oh well. Here's how that turned out.

Now I am going a little crazy & making seasonal posters & pictures for frames around the house. I love designing these. Shows my creative side a little, well it makes me feel like I have one. ;)

I will show you some of those soon. 

I am thinking of putting some on Etsy, but we'll see. ;)

I just opened my shop & I'm taking pictures to add new things. Chalkboard pennants will be on there soon, plus all my seasonal art. Get them while they are low priced. 

If any suggestions for any seasonal art (like sayings) let me know by email. :)

So what do yal think? Are you on the chalkboard bandwagon too?

Sunday is Funday

Now, Sundays around here are usually pretty laid back. The hubby goes into work at 4:30pm and works a 12 hr night shift so he doesn't get to put Raleigh to bed like usual. Which means this is mommy & daughter night!!! We turn off the TV & just roam around. We read books, throw books, play tag, hide-n-go seek, and be a little louder than normal. ;)

Today, I got brought waffles for breakfast while I was working (4am-12:30). Plus I got a few surprise visits from Raleigh when daddy would pop in because he knows I just like to see her sometimes. Seeing her smile makes all those terrible calls so much better.

Side note: all you folks who order off TV, be nice to the sales rep on the phone. They get crappy calls all the time. Be the one they remember as the highlight of their day.

We have a tradition on Sunday afternoon; we go eat Mexican food. Kind of weird, but hey who turns down something that delicious! It got started because after church we would go to the Mexican restaurant, then I had to start working first shift, but we still went to Mexican. Is it bad that the waiters know exactly what you want to order & know if you miss a week??? I call it being a loyal customer. ;)

Anywho, after Mexican we brought our sleepy, full baby home to take her afternoon nap. She knocked out so hard you would've thought that we gave her NyQuil. 2 hours of peace. I got some dishes done, laundry in, and then set up my pre-draft for my family fantasy football league.

Ms Raleigh woke up just in time to say bye to daddy. We always wave bye on the porch. This time I rushed us back in when I saw a massive, suspicious spider by the door. Reminder: get hubby to kill it in the morning or no steak for dinner! I am always afraid they are going to jump at me when I lean down to smash them to bits. Once daddy left the fun could begin!

First: LUNCH

This little pouty face was because momma wasn't feeding her fast enough. She has a 6th sense for when I'm making food.

 Next: ROOM REORGANIZING (on both our parts)

Peek-a-boo momma!

 Those are dirty little feet from crawling everywhere. Child just walk already!

 Can you tell she loves her blankie? I bought two because she loves it so much. Here it is blanket

Being lazy while we play

We learned how to close doors a few weeks ago. She thinks it's so funny.

Now as my baby girl snoozes away, I can't help but ask myself...How long will she want to play with mommy? I am going to try to keep her a happy, healthy, sweet girl for as long as I can. 

I am also very excited because my hubby has agreed to help me paint Ms. Raleigh's room!!!! I usually have to undergo big projects alone or with very minimal help, but we had to move the baby monitor today. Which got him to move the crib, then we slowly got into maybe changing the room around, then into painting. I got him to agree to help, but we'll see how that holds up. That post is hopefully soon to come. ;) 

Playtime Pictures

I take so many pictures of Raleigh everyday when she is playing. I end up having to delete a lot at the end of the day after I upload them just to have enough room for tomorrow. So yes, I am the picture crazy mom at the parties that you want to take the camera from & throw it across the room. I'm nice enough to keep the flash off though ;). These are 2 days of pictures with Ms Raleigh on my "weekend" off work which is Tuesday & Wednesdays. I'm not lucky like most of the country & get off the actual weekend. Raleigh is standing on her own more & more everyday. It scares her to stand on her own but the kid can fearlessly be thrown into the air or flipped onto a bed. She obviously doesn't have my fear of heights, another thing like her daddy *eye roll*. Everyday is a new adventure with her. She is learning something new on a daily basis. I tell her she is a smart girl & praise her when she's good. I think girls should hear that they are smart just as much (if not more) as they hear that they are beautiful.

Oh if you can't tell by now, I do love black & white pictures. They are timeless. I also am IN LOVE with her baby sweatpants. She now has 3 pairs in navy, green, & gray. It was nice they were on sale & I used a coupon. Who doesn't love to save money?!

These capture those blue eyes so well. I joke with my husband saying that she's not mine because I don't have blue eyes & she doesn't look like me at all very often. I carried her for 9 months so I know that there's me in there somewhere.

Hope you liked seeing my little one being her crazy self. She's everywhere & into everything, but that's okay she keeps me on my toes. Now to get her off hers. We are practicing standing flat footed & she doesn't like it at all. I have to distract her with a yellow tin pail to make her stand alone. I love every minute of it. :)

                                

Repurposed Crates into Cabinets

Living in the country you fall in love with certain things & want to use them in different way & places: Like mason jars, baskets, & crates. If any of you know me then you know I get bored with decor & want to change it often. From repainting, new furniture, or just wall stuff being switched out. I love updating pieces that are boring or plain into something that's unique & instantly eye catching.

I went to Michael's in search of some unfinished crates...i know not Hobby Lobby! That's my usual go to place. I was so surprised at how many different sizes they had & at good prices plus a 40% coupon which is always a winner! I love me some coupons! 

After a long debate on sizes I finally chose 2  

I knew I already had some stain at the house that was intended for a vanity redo, but I haven't gotten that adventurous yet. I'm just terrified of ruining my vanity  waiting for the right time. Anyways, I love dark wood & would have it through my whole house if I could, so I chose some dark stain: Mona for Rust-o-leum. 

First, be prepared to get stain on you. My first stroke splattered satin all over my hand; by the end of the project it was even on my forehead! I just barely tipped the brush with stain & usually went with the grain, but that doesn't matter. After about 5 minutes on each side, wipe off the excess with a rag & make sure you go WITH THE GRAIN! You have to go with the grain or you will see the stain lines. 

I didn't want a glossy coat & it wasn't going to be outside so I didn't do the polyurethane coat like I usually do. I wanted it to look worn & aged so I didn't mind if the color wasn't perfect all over either. 

I let it dry, which only took about 15 minutes. To get that distressed, worn look I damaged it with hammer, chain, & screwdriver. Just put some dents & scratches in there. I can tell you that I am again in love. I knew I would like the color, but I can't get over seeing it on there. AMAZING! Makes me want to jump into that bathroom or kitchen.

I finally got some brackets for these and of course my hubby comes up with a better & cheaper way to mount them. NAILS! Why didn't i think of that? I'll say because it's simple & I complicate things lol. So we got them the level we wanted, put 2 nails in for each crate then just placed the nails between the top slits and perfection.

I didn't notice that run until after, but it adds a little to this so I don't mind :)

Those candles being lit definitely changed the feel of the bathroom; it went from boring & bland to cozy & relaxing. Perfect bath mood lighting ;)

DIY Chalkboard Cards

I'm in full party planning mode! Raleigh's birthday is less than 6 weeks away & if it comes up as quick as she's grown up then I better jump on it. It's hard though when she wants to play with me & hug me all day. She is a little speed demon when shes crawling. She is already behind me before I can even make it to the bathroom. I have a feeling that she will be that way for a long time, attached to momma's leg. Like right now she is on my shoulders sticking her fingers in my mouth. Crazy baby!

So for Raleigh's theme I wanted to do a rustic, shabby chic kind of feel. Chalkboards, twine, mason jars, the whole thing. I have the chalkboard banner done already and a few things here and there. I found a cute idea for label cards for food using chalkboard. We loaded up in the car & headed to where...??? HOBBY LOBBY! After searching for cardstock (for her invitations to be printed on) & envelopes, we got started on the best way to make label cards. My friend Ashley found the perfect 12-pk of labels for under $4 & i got 3 sheets of brown craft paper cardstock.

It was super simple to make. I just folded & cut the 12x12 sheets of cardstock into 1/4ths then folded those in half. I ended with 11 labels, because there must've been someone sleeping on the job in the label department. I opened my package & 1 was chopped in half. I was sure glad they all weren't like that. I had a little panic attack when I pulled the first one out & it looked like that.

Then, squirt some glue on the labels & smooth out evenly with a brush (helps it not to make bulges underneath). After that just place them where you want & stick under a heavy book to dry. I had to use a few heavy books since munchkin wanted to play with them.

 When they dried I just covered the label with chalk then wiped off with a wet rag for the chalkboardy (is that a word?)
feel.

I think these will be cute labels for food or tables. Especially good for under $6, since I already had the glue & foam brush. They are everything I wanted in her party theme so of course they are perfect. More to come from party planning mode soon.