Levi got a new work schedule this week - one that includes weekends OFF! We have never gotten to experience the greatness of spending every weekend together, so we're really looking forward to it. In perfect timing, Memorial Day weekend will be our first one (that happens to include our 2-year wedding anniversary) and we both have all THREE days off!
In high school, Levi and I were rarely allowed to spend multiple days in a row together, in college we lived in separate states, when we first got married Levi worked in coffee shops that are always open on weekends and then for the last year he's worked at EMSA and only ever had Sundays off. That equals 7.5 years of an every-weekend-less relationship. I'd say it's about time we get to enjoy them together!
Plus, this new schedule means that Levi will get to join me at Saturday functions with friends and family. Can you tell I'm excited?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Coffee Sack Art
I've been really into burlap fabric things lately, and with Levi's love of coffee, I got the great idea of decorating with burlap coffee sacks. I found some on eBay for $5 each, and they have a graphic on both sides, so I was able to only buy two but get four large graphics. Then, I bought canvases 30% off at Hobby Lobby, used scissors and a staple gun and voila! A cheap and awesome art project plus I finally have something hanging on the walls in my living room. It's about time.
Speaking of my love of burlap, I'm currently working on some burlap pillow covers, but that's for another post.
Speaking of my love of burlap, I'm currently working on some burlap pillow covers, but that's for another post.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Chair Transformation
Last weekend, I helped my friend Jana recover a chair. It was covered in an outdated floral pattern and was in desperate need of new life. I had never recovered a chair before, but I thought it seemed easy enough after reading a few tutorials online and, for some reason, Jana trusted me. I really enjoy sewing, and since I never use patterns and most things turn out alright, I decided I could definitely handle the chair project.
After two Saturdays of searching for the right fabric, we finally found a really cute green pattern (it doesn't look that green in the pictures, but it is!) and ordered 10 yards. We thought that would be more than enough, but it turned out to be exactly the right amount with no extra.
Jana and I worked for nine hours last Saturday and finished the chair all in one day. It was a lot of work and it's definitely not perfect, but I think it turned out pretty nicely and she's very happy with it. I think the best part is that we'll always have the memories of having worked on it together.
Here's the transformation (true to form, I forgot the "before" picture):
After two Saturdays of searching for the right fabric, we finally found a really cute green pattern (it doesn't look that green in the pictures, but it is!) and ordered 10 yards. We thought that would be more than enough, but it turned out to be exactly the right amount with no extra.
Jana and I worked for nine hours last Saturday and finished the chair all in one day. It was a lot of work and it's definitely not perfect, but I think it turned out pretty nicely and she's very happy with it. I think the best part is that we'll always have the memories of having worked on it together.
Here's the transformation (true to form, I forgot the "before" picture):
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Store Review: Aldi
As many of you know, I love shopping at Aldi. I'm quick to tell its virtues to anyone who will listen and I get excited when I encounter others who love the store as much as I do. It may surprise you to know that I haven't always been an Aldi shopper. I had heard good things about it here and there, but I never took the plunge 1) because the closest Aldi is in Moore and 2) I didn't believe it could be that different than a normal grocery store. Then, I read my friend Mary Rachel's blog post about Aldi and it was truly life-changing.
I know it sounds ridiculous to say that going to a particular grocery store can be life-changing, but it's true! Since I started shopping at Aldi, I save an average of $150 per month on groceries. If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will! Just check out my grocery receipt from today's trip (this is the exercise Mary Rachel used so successfully on me):
24 pack bottled water - 2.99
frozen waffles - 2 boxes at 1.29 each
dryer sheets - 1.99
red beans and rice - .99
sliced swiss cheese - 2.19
frozen lasagna - 2.69
chicken broth - 1.39
3 lb. bag apples - 2.49
hummus - 1.69
feta cheese crumbles - 1.99
granola bars - 1.89
green beans - 5 cans at .49 each
trail mix bars - 1.89
Q-tips - 1.29
frosted flakes cereal - 1.69
4 cups shredded cheddar - 2.99
4 cups shredded mozzarella - 2.99
3 dozen eggs - 1.29 each
mustard - .69
fruit cups - 1.49
applesauce and pudding cups - 3 at .89 each
rice crispy treats - 1.79
kettle chips - 1.99
yogurt cups - 2 at .35 each
GRAND TOTAL: $53.45
Can you believe that's all it cost? Neither can I! In fact, it's always such a surprise when the cashier tells me the amount because my cart is nearly always full, and that would mean hundreds of dollars at a more mainstream grocery store.
I know you're probably thinking that the quality of food can't be very good for these prices, but you'd be wrong! In fact, Aldi often buys from the same suppliers as name brand companies, but they simply put their own labels on those products and are able to sell them for less. Of course, personal preference will dictate some of what you buy there, for example Levi and I are picky about meat, milk, bread and butter. Those are items we prefer to spend more on to get the brand we like at a major grocery chain. However, these are all items that are for sale at Aldi if you are less picky than us and want to save even more money.
There are a few things you should know about going to Aldi. You'll need a quarter to use a shopping cart, but you will get the quarter back when you return the cart after shopping. This helps them keep costs down by not employing people to round up carts. Also, you'll need to take your own bags or expect to buy some at the store (I bought a giant reusable Aldi bag on my first trip that fits most of what I buy). Again, this helps them keep down costs by not giving away free bags (and it helps the environment!).
I hope this has convinced some of you to at least try shopping at Aldi. I'd love to know if it's as life-changing for you as it was for me! And, just as a side note, I'm not being paid to say any of this, but if Aldi wants a new spokesperson I might be a good fit! :)
I know it sounds ridiculous to say that going to a particular grocery store can be life-changing, but it's true! Since I started shopping at Aldi, I save an average of $150 per month on groceries. If that doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will! Just check out my grocery receipt from today's trip (this is the exercise Mary Rachel used so successfully on me):
24 pack bottled water - 2.99
frozen waffles - 2 boxes at 1.29 each
dryer sheets - 1.99
red beans and rice - .99
sliced swiss cheese - 2.19
frozen lasagna - 2.69
chicken broth - 1.39
3 lb. bag apples - 2.49
hummus - 1.69
feta cheese crumbles - 1.99
granola bars - 1.89
green beans - 5 cans at .49 each
trail mix bars - 1.89
Q-tips - 1.29
frosted flakes cereal - 1.69
4 cups shredded cheddar - 2.99
4 cups shredded mozzarella - 2.99
3 dozen eggs - 1.29 each
mustard - .69
fruit cups - 1.49
applesauce and pudding cups - 3 at .89 each
rice crispy treats - 1.79
kettle chips - 1.99
yogurt cups - 2 at .35 each
GRAND TOTAL: $53.45
Can you believe that's all it cost? Neither can I! In fact, it's always such a surprise when the cashier tells me the amount because my cart is nearly always full, and that would mean hundreds of dollars at a more mainstream grocery store.
I know you're probably thinking that the quality of food can't be very good for these prices, but you'd be wrong! In fact, Aldi often buys from the same suppliers as name brand companies, but they simply put their own labels on those products and are able to sell them for less. Of course, personal preference will dictate some of what you buy there, for example Levi and I are picky about meat, milk, bread and butter. Those are items we prefer to spend more on to get the brand we like at a major grocery chain. However, these are all items that are for sale at Aldi if you are less picky than us and want to save even more money.
There are a few things you should know about going to Aldi. You'll need a quarter to use a shopping cart, but you will get the quarter back when you return the cart after shopping. This helps them keep costs down by not employing people to round up carts. Also, you'll need to take your own bags or expect to buy some at the store (I bought a giant reusable Aldi bag on my first trip that fits most of what I buy). Again, this helps them keep down costs by not giving away free bags (and it helps the environment!).
I hope this has convinced some of you to at least try shopping at Aldi. I'd love to know if it's as life-changing for you as it was for me! And, just as a side note, I'm not being paid to say any of this, but if Aldi wants a new spokesperson I might be a good fit! :)
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
A Dresser Update and TV Fame
Things have been busy, yet lacking excitement around here lately as you'll note by my lack of posts. I was waiting to get the finishing wax for my dresser before I posted "after" pictures, but I have yet to order it online (I can't find it in any store around Norman!), so I went ahead and brought it inside anyway. Here's the basic look without the finishing wax and knobs:
In other news, I had my first career TV experience this morning on KSBI! My boss was booked to do a short segment about an upcoming event we're having at the end of this month, and she asked me to go along dressed and ready to go as a back-up since she's been having coughing fits lately and never knows when one might hit.
When we arrived, she was signing the paperwork when the receptionist asked if we were going on together. That wasn't the original plan, but because of the power of suggestion, Ginger thought it would be a great opportunity for me and said I should go on with her.
We were taken to the green room where we sat waiting for more direction. Unfortunately, the only direction we got was when we were given mikes and told to head to the set. No introductions, no instructions, all winging it - and that's definitely not my style.
Although I wouldn't consider myself a "TV person" after this event, it was exciting and a great opportunity. I think I did alright despite my lack of preparation. You be the judge: watch here.
In other news, I had my first career TV experience this morning on KSBI! My boss was booked to do a short segment about an upcoming event we're having at the end of this month, and she asked me to go along dressed and ready to go as a back-up since she's been having coughing fits lately and never knows when one might hit.
When we arrived, she was signing the paperwork when the receptionist asked if we were going on together. That wasn't the original plan, but because of the power of suggestion, Ginger thought it would be a great opportunity for me and said I should go on with her.
We were taken to the green room where we sat waiting for more direction. Unfortunately, the only direction we got was when we were given mikes and told to head to the set. No introductions, no instructions, all winging it - and that's definitely not my style.
Although I wouldn't consider myself a "TV person" after this event, it was exciting and a great opportunity. I think I did alright despite my lack of preparation. You be the judge: watch here.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Weekend Project #4: Dresser
Well, what started out as a weekend project has now turned into a week-long one. I got this great old dresser from my friend Nichole and, although it's green (which I love!), it's going to go between my two green chairs (that's right, I got the other one recovered compliments of the IRS) so I needed to repaint it.
Instead of just painting the dresser, I decided to strip and stain the top like several pieces I had seen on Miss Mustard Seed's blog and paint the rest a creamy white. She even has a great tutorial about staining and finishing furniture that was going to make the whole process super easy. Or, so I thought.
Have you ever stripped a piece of furniture? It's HARD. I stopped counting after six applications of stripper, but I finally got to bare wood.
After stripping the top of the piece, I sanded everything to prep for painting and staining:
Instead of just painting the dresser, I decided to strip and stain the top like several pieces I had seen on Miss Mustard Seed's blog and paint the rest a creamy white. She even has a great tutorial about staining and finishing furniture that was going to make the whole process super easy. Or, so I thought.
True to form, I forgot to take a before picture, and when I realized that fact, I had already pulled out all the drawers and put the first coat of stripper on the top. Plus, since I have been doing all the work with this guy:
on my foot for tendonitis (another story), I wasn't about to wrangle the drawers back over to the dresser. All that said, here's a close-to "before" picture:
Have you ever stripped a piece of furniture? It's HARD. I stopped counting after six applications of stripper, but I finally got to bare wood.
After stripping the top of the piece, I sanded everything to prep for painting and staining:
Then came the stain....and that's where this story take a terrible turn. You see, when I first applied the stain, it didn't exactly absorb evenly. And in my stupidity, I decided it probably just needed more stain - three more layers in fact, all left on for 15 minutes before wiping. I bet you can guess where that got me.
This picture of the final (not really) product is actually quite flattering because in person, the top actually looked black - far from the dark walnut it should have been.
Of course, I was super bummed when I realized it wasn't at all what I had wanted the piece to look like - especially after all my stripping work. Levi suggested I just paint the whole piece, but I wasn't ready to give up yet. After all, I hope to have this dresser for awhile, so I want it to be what I envisioned.
After researching stain strippers, I picked one up at Home Depot and started the whole stripping process over again, only this time it was even harder. I've gotten the wood back to a somewhat decent state (unfortunately, I don't think it will ever be as light as after I stripped the paint), and I'm hoping the stain does better after using a pre-stain conditioner this time. Phew. Here we go again...stay tuned.
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