Must have: FROG TAPE!

Doing a painting project soon??? I have a time saver for you!

I (with the help of my family) just finished painting all but two rooms in our house and after 13 gallons of paint, we know the secret to straight lines! Forget that blue 3M painters tape, go green and get FROG TAPE the next time you are at home depot. You wont be sorry! This stuff is awesome. Honest to god, we did a test strip of each just like the graphic below and it actually turned out looking just like this:

I have the most textured walls in the history of texture so it has been a total nightmare to paint a straight line. I never really used tape before, just free handed it. NOT in this new house! This has been my saving grace. You'll never go blue again!

**But, if for some reason you cant find it, just use a dab of caulk and run it down the blue tape and that should seal the edge so you can still get a straight line. Happy Painting!

she got a little work done...

Hope you like it!

Let me tell you, a designer is a designer's worst client.

I knew what I wanted, but didn't have the skill set to create it myself. I enlisted Marina for the job and I am sure she didn't quite know what she was in for! My initial detailed plan was created exactly as I had asked...and then I didn't like it. Totally my fault. So, I asked her for a color revision, and she was wonderful enough to work with me again and create this beautiful design which is definitely cheery, busy, fun and inspiring. It's something I like to look at everyday and hopefully you will too!

See more from the fabulous Marina at Penny Lane Designs. Thank you, my friend, for being more than patient!!

And let me know what you think! Marina will appreciate it!

And just when she thought the world was coming to an end...

...THERE WAS TARGET.

No really. Target saved me from my 48 hour obsession...aaaaand breakdown over how shitty of a "designer" I am. (correction: thought I was)

You see, it all started with a stupid TV show ...which led to a bedroom color that I thought would be a good idea (charcoal-ish)...which led to a duvet that I thought would be perfect...fast forward two months...

Looks like SHIT. No really. Hate my furniture. Hate my taste. Hate my bedroom (which let me tell you, is NOT the room in the house you want to hate). On the verge of hating the house because apparently my design expertise doesn't exist outside ekru, olive, chocolate and russet. (those are colors, promise)

So...ordered duvet #2 which allegedly would make color #1 work. Negative. Made me hate it more.

Now I am $60 in the whole on shipping because someone thought San Antonio didn't need a crate & barrel. Ready to paint the room a new color and ahhhhh[higher note]ahhhhhh[lowest note]ahhhh...I visited target. Found the piece that will tie it all together. hallelujah. I can now sleep soundly.

Now color goes with duvet #3 [well, we'll see when it comes in the mail, ordered in clay] which is tied together by this lovely throw.

crisis averted...

[bedroom now...]

[pintucked duvet...bottom of the pile...backordered till september and yes, the colors are off on the screen...]

I think I need a job.

Time to breathe...

ssiiiggggghhhh...

most of the house is now painted.

whew.

My worker-bee parents came into town for a week to help me whip this place into shape while my husband, the zombie, is working about 18 hours/day at the hospital or reading! We got A LOT done this week and I am so relieved/thrilled/comforted by the results. I have tried some new colors and patterns outside my usual comfort zone and it is slowly coming together! Since the house is still littered with painting supplies, new light fixtures, tools, boxes & general clutter (my pet peeve!) I took some teaser shots so you can at least see some colors & textures that I am playing with:

[living room, walls=color matched to Gallery Taupe by Behr, in RL Paint]

[kitchen]

[living room & kitchen rugs, Panache window panels in Chocolate are from LNT and there are now ten, 95" panels calling my home, home. inspiration from here]

[reeeaaaally wanted a cozy orange accent wall and I now have one in my living room, just a small one, but it looks perfect! Color=color matched to Earth Tone by Behr in RL paint-and yes, there is a stupid piece of lint on my lens that I didnt see until editing...]

[1/2 bath on the first floor got a beautiful coat of earth tone too...]

[loft, color=cameroon green by RL]

[one wall of the guest room, color=colormatched to Chocolate Curl by Behr in RL paint]

also just noticed I may want to try another angle with my camera...boring! feel like you are turning your head right a lot? I will work on that...

Rooms you didnt see: foyer, laundry, front room that we have no use for yet and the future nursery...or the master. My bedding didnt end up looking right and the hubby is sleeping (boooo to working nights!) so I cant go take a picture of the wall color. Just ordered the Lindsey Paisley Bedding to see how it will work with my Charcoal walls...we'll see. Dont have high hopes as this "cool" color scheme is what is throwing me off my decorating flow.

This is really my favorite part of the moving process. Organizing, color choosing, decorating...I just cant get enough. I am so blessed at this point of my life to have a brand new home that I got to design top to bottom. I wouldnt be able to afford this anywhere else in the country and am going to enjoy every second of it because as we military folks know, we never stay in one place for too long so this six year stay might be the longest one of our 20+ years of military life.

back to work...

ooh! and today is our 4 year wedding anniversary. I will never forget that magical day. =) Here's to four years of marriage, and 10+ years of togetherness! might just have to have myself a glass of wine by my lonesome tonight! cheers!

Project New House Bedroom

So, for those of you that are avid readers, you know that I have a little bit of bedroom ADD. My master has been redone three times in the past two years, and well...its going to be redone again for our new place. The cats have annihilated the duvet, and though there is no print to get sick of (like last time) I am sick of the color. I'm going for a more muted color scheme in the new place and want the bedroom to be a place of serenity, not loud colors.

I first got my inspiration from bedding. I inadvertently ripped out the same picture (left) from magazines on three separate occasions and when I found three of the same picture in my decorating file, I thought it must have been a sign. I had a gift card from work just burning a hole in my pocket and thought-it's now or never! So, Crate & Barrel's Aubrey Bedding is somewhere on its way to my house.

This is the same Peter Kuttner art that is on the walls above, just one of the pair of prints. I couldn't believe that C&B is trying to sell the prints for $169 each!!! Granted they are framed, but I am opting to use a frame & mat I already have that will work perfect for this print, and found it for $31. Nice! This is the building block for my color scheme.

Now for colors...I love the color I have now, Ralph Lauren's Master Room, so much so that I am going to use it in the loft living area upstairs in my new home. But, I want something different in the bedroom. Now, an admission, I am a [gasp]viewer of The Hills and am a huge fan of the decorator that chose the colors for the girls' apartment. I caught my first glimpse of Audrina's bedroom last week and was very impressed at how well the dark wood contrasted against the charcoal-ish walls. I wouldn't have never thought these two colors would look so good together. But, design is all about stealing and recreating what you like, so off I go! The walls in the display picture with the bedding are actually wallpapered and I am not a fan of light walls, so I am pretty sure that my wall color will be something like this. It does look very different depending on the light though, so it is going to be tricky to find just the right hue. The pictures below are from the same room...see how different it looks depending on the lighting!!! I have quite a challenge on my hands...

After a couple of days of studying it in daylight & night light I am liking Ralph Lauren's Spun Twilight, of the Vintage Masters Collection.

*our master is upstairs, so this will blend with the bathroom color scheme that is the third picture on the next post..nice, right???

The Fun Stuff

What a whirlwind week! Bought a house (yay!), sold a house (bigger YAY!) and made it through in one piece! Time to celebrate!

On Monday I was able to choose our upgrades & options in the new house. I am thrilled with the final decisions. It is amazing how fast money flies when you are in a builder's "design center." ...cant have that flimsy sink...must have one three inches deeper for HOW MUCH??? Might as well just go up one more level of tile so I can get what I really want...and shoot might as well do the backsplash while I can still get stuff that matches. Cant just have the half inch carpet pad, for a slim $500 more I can have thick cushiony goodness under my feet every morning when I get out of bed! Kitchen cabinets?? Might as well go the full 42" and while were at it, go ahead and add the decorative crown moulding. It was never ending! Alas, I came in right at budget and was happy to compromise on the few things we didn't end up getting. Ms. Tori gave me some of the best advice (and is now in my husband's good graces!) saying that I shouldn't try to get everything perfect all at once because then I will be bored for the next six years if I have nothing left to do! So true...:) I couldn't take any swatches with me, so I will have to wait until I get down there to choose paint colors. But here are a few of my choices:

[w/flash, this will run in the entire downstairs. Tile in foyer, powder room, dining area, kitchen & utility room/pantry. Counter tops are granite looking (cant have it ALL!) Cabinets are cherry stained maple. I got the upgraded arched top which will run on the top cabinets only. A finishing molding will run the top of the cabinets. Tile will be 17x17 on the floor. Backsplash will be 12x12, set on diagonal and trimmed out. All appliances will be stainless steel and I FINALLY get my gas stove!!!!]

[w/o flash, can see the color a bit better. carpet is a greyish beige neutral.]

[These are my upstairs choices. Tile will run in both bathrooms. We upgraded to have tile on all of the walls of the guest shower. The countertops were already upgraded to white marble so we stuck with that. The huge tub & separate shower will all be white marble as well. Carpet will run throughout & down the stairs]

Dreaming big...

Hello friends! After a long week, we have found & purchased what is our dream home for this point in our lives. My mind is working in overdrive rearranging furniture in my head and planning color schemes. I am pleasantly overwhelmed. Tomorrow I get to pick out all of my cabinets, carpets, appliances and tile so I am trying to get my color scheme nailed down. This is a very exciting time for us! I will try and share my planning and "making it work" strategies here. My current struggle: finding a way to make all my curtains work in my new 9' ceiling home! I am trying to be creative! Thinking of adding contrasting panels on the bottom of each one with a coordinating fabric/ribbon/something(?) thrown in the middle to spice them up. Ohhhh what fun this is! For now, here is my dreamy new home:

This will be my peaceful view from the kitchen, living room, master bedroom & future nursery. This was a HUGE selling point for me! You don't usually find this with new construction:

Etsy

I took a photography class last weekend where it was drilled into me that camera straps are necessary. Being of the "I don't need one since I wont ever drop my fancy camera" mentality, what really stuck was the instructor's point that you never drop your camera on purpose. So, okay, I get it, but don't think for a second I am going to be caught dead in that strap that is branded with the Canon logo up and down. Noooooo thank you. I want something unique.

So on the hunt for a cute camera strap, Google pointed me toward a site I hadn't heard of called Etsy. How did I not know it existed?!? This is basically an online craft fair, being vendors from around the world together in the spirit of cherishing the handmade item. Wikipedia calls it a mix between Amazon, Ebay and your grandmother's basement. =) Cute, I know, but this is a profitable business, based in Brooklyn, NY.

I found dozens of online vendors selling their personalized version of a camera strap. No two alike, I figured this was the right place for me. After searching all the options, I settled on one vendor and chose my new strap that screams me. Below are some samplings of her work:

[so with my penchant for polka dots, I, of course, favor the last option]

I also liked this designer's stuff, but ultimately settled on the designer whose pictures I show because her straps feature quick release squeeze buckles to remove the strap for around the house.

I am still contemplating purchasing fabric from 1154 LILL Studio, since I adore their designs. I am waiting to hear if their Scandinavian Floral fabric (above) is still available by the yard. It would be my first choice!! Then I can truly have a custom strap made! So far I can only find it as a headband...

Miss Elizabeth is getting married!

Part of the joy in giving a gift is creating something thoughtful that creates a smile. I LOVE gifting and though a wedding registry is one of the most practical creations ever, it is fairly impersonal. So, with the batchelorette party of a friend of mine on the horizon, I had an excuse to wander the local Pottery Barn with all my left brain talent in tow. I must have spent an hour trying to find the right ensemble! Below is the gift I created, which consists of her pitcher, place mats and napkin rings. All it takes in a little creativity to make the ordinary, extraordinary! My goal was to give her a beautiful "bouquet!"

[After I took this, I wrapped it in cellophane & tied at the top with a Pottery Barn branded ribbon. Too cute!]

Help please...topic: RUGS!

I am in need of a new rug to spruce up the entryway for when we put our home on the market next week. I have exhausted the options within driving distance and am looking for some online help. Please let me know if you have any suggestions...

I am just kicking myself for not learning how to tile & tackling this floor. We have lived with this awful linoleum and I have some words of wisdom...if you have a rubber backed rug, don't let the sun beat in on it or it will discolor the linoleum underneath. Our floor is ruined...which is why we need another 30"x50" rug. I could just buy another one like this (cats have annihilated this one) but I am looking for something plain & basic that is different...


I am always asked about this piece of furniture in the hallway so I thought I would share with you one of my home organization workhorses. I HATE having mail all over the place. Well, I hate any clutter really. So this is my little mail sorter. There are six basket drawers; four small, two large. The small baskets house 1) my mail 2) hubby's mail 3) financial mail 4) coupons. The large baskets hold 1) my large mail/magazines 2) hubby's large mail/magazines. Tadaaa- no clutter! Everything gets sorted the minute the mail gets walked in the door and if it doesn't have a place to go then its new home is the trash can. :) The empty plantar on the top is our outbox. [& the bell hanging from the door is not some quirky decor; it is how Rusty tells us he needs to go potty]

HOBBY LOBBY---NOW ONLINE!!!!

My favorite go-to craft & home project store just launched their online site! EVERYTHING is 25% off right now and...are you ready...here's the best part: if your order is over $25, shipping is free!!!

Check it out:::::: www.craftsetc.com

Currently Coveting:

I just wish the cork & whiteboard were reversed so I could write my weekly meal plan out on the little sliding stripe! I promised myself (and my husband) that I would not purchase anything more for the current house. Waiting for the next home to determine the "spruce up" budget & new place needs...

Magazine Files...Made Beautiful!

This week brought the much welcomed return of my husband to the hospital...halleluia! You see, I married a man that just was not equipped to be anything but ridiculously busy. When he isnt busy, I am the sole recipient of his attention which means I get nothing done! So away he went...remembering every day just why he wanted to be a surgeon...and here I am...finally getting back to creative projects!

I have wanted to do something with my eyesore magazine files that I bought with the intention of painting. I was going to paint them to match my bookshelf so they just blended in, but obviously that is too boring for my taste. So I brainstormed & brainstormed and was inspired by a fellow blogger. Two Straight Lines is a blog by a Wondertime Magazine craft contributor. Her use of magazine files was what I based this project on...and I am dreaming of that lovely piece of IKEA furniture she uses; it is surprisingly cheap! My next investment...for my next home...

But back to magazine files. I use them to organize everything. I have folders & envelopes inside to organize project clippings, office supplies and anything else I need an arms reach from my desk. I bought these cheap black magazine files from target with the intention of removing the ugly grommet (which I did on one) and sprucing them up.




I started the project with the files, 12x12 scrapbook paper that I picked up on sale at Hobby Lobby, Clear Contact Paper, my Creative Memories cutting system, ribbon, and a credit card (and a screwdriver for removing grommets)

I cut each 12x12 sheet in half and cut a piece of contact paper to cover the sheet, with about three inches on all sides of the paper.

Since all of the magazine files I found were just taller than 12 in, I had to get creative to make up the gap. I didnt want any of the black showing, so I cut a piece of ribbon (which actually is the same ribbon I used for my Linen Pinboard project) to make up for the space the paper couldnt cover.

I then stretched the contact paper over the end of the magazine file and used a credit card to be sure there were no bubbles under the paper. I had also pre-bent the paper over the sides of the file just to give me a guide when I put the contact paper over it. I used contact paper because given my tendency to redecorate yearly, I wanted to easily be able to remove this patterned paper and replace it in the future. Nothin' like planning ahead!

Then, I wrapped it tight on all sides like a present. I cut some of the contact paper out on the corners, just so the excess was managable to fold over itself on the inside of the file.

There's the first one!

Such an improvement!

And now it's complete. Uniform & much better looking than the black. Now time to tackle the matching bookcase on the other side of the window!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I know, it has been a while! I have been traveling heavily this January, spending 12 of the last 26 days on the road...and trying to plan a cross-country move when time allows. Life has been a little hectic, but I have sat on enough planes (six, to be exact) to thoroughly catch up on my magazine habit and get some inspiration for this next post.

I tend to be a magazine reader (vs. a book reader) because a) I have a short attention span and b) I want current information that can enhance my life. I read a LOT of magazines every month and at the top of my pile is always Real Simple. It is jam packed with articles that advise, instruct & inspire. This year's January issue didn't disappoint & it inspired this post. The issue covered the "smartest, most useful products for: home, fashion, cooking, beauty, & health." I am going to borrow their categories & give you my MUST HAVES...many of which happened to pop up in the issue itself! Below you will find my list of things I cannot live without. Anything on it has at least two years of use in my home. So here it goes...you will find pictures of everything in every header.

MY LIST OF THE SMARTEST, MOST USEFUL, PRODUCTS FOR...

• The Dyson Animal Vacuum w/ Telescoping Wand The price may make you squint your eyes and scream "What?!? For a vacuum!!!?!" but I assure you it is worth it! I fill up its bag less container every week with more pet hair than I even imagined blanketed my home. It has a bare floors setting, which means the broom is obsolete. Check the target ads, usually they run a special where you pay full price, but get a $100 gift card which somehow makes it less of a blow. I actually look forward to vacuuming now!
• Spot Shot This carpet cleaner is the only one that gets the nastiest of nasty stains out of my white carpet. From muddy puppy paws, to kitty puke-this one has kept my carpet sparkling. I went through about a dozen brands before I found this one. You can buy it in 4 packs at Sam's or Costco.
• Method Wood for Good Most wood cleaners I have used in the past were so waxy that they would catch the cat hair floating in the air & make the surface I just cleaned look dirty is seconds, not to mention sticky for days. This is a pleasant almond scented cleaner that is non toxic & gentle on you & the environment. Couple it with Get a Grip, the microfiber cloth and you've got yourself a great cleaner for that kitchen table & nightstand that will make them both shine.
  
• Starbucks Proteo Barista Espresso Machine Though Starbucks no longer makes this machine, it is found on eBay & craigslist at very affordable prices. This gem of a purchase has probably saved me more money than any appliance. Starbucks sells the espresso "pods" so you can make the perfect strength espresso shot to drink alone or in my case, add to my latte in the morning. I swear this machine paid for itself in 6 months. I can make a better cup of coffee at home than any Starbucks can!
  
• Chilewich Table Mats I stumbled upon these a couple of years ago at the Sur la Table in town & fell in love with the line. I have the mini basket weave, in shades of green in a set of four for my table and these look identical today, to what they did three years ago. They are made of "plynyl" and can be cleaned in the sink w/soap and water, or even with bleach if you want to get aggressive. The real simple also features their rugs, which I cannot vouch for. I am probably going to splurge on one this year...
  

• UGG Boots Though I used to think these were just some status symbol, my move to the Midwest has taught me otherwise. I think I wear my tall, light sand, mosaic print uggs just about every day during the winter! They are a must have if the temp goes below freezing. Now, whether you really need them in places like California or (gasp) Texas is up for debate but here where the temp has averaged in the teens lately, we need our uggs. They have replacement inserts & special cleaning solution made by the company to make these last through the years...
  
• Hanky Panky These are the absolute most comfortable thong! The lace on the side prevent any lines from showing through and the design is flawless. Many brands have knocked these off but Hanky Pankies are the originals. I prefer the low rise version. They are one size fits all. The only undies I'll wear! Though a bit expensive, they can be found discounted at the Nordstrom half yearly sale as well as at Neimans Last Call outlet stores. Wash in a mesh bag w/ Woolite and they will clean up beautifully!
  
• Spanx Truly original...started with footless pantyhose and now they make shapers for ever need! I especially love their Power Panties & Higher Power designs. They say whats underneath makes the look...and obviously I prescribe to that theory!
• Chantelle Senso 2701 I happen to be one of those naturally busty gals who needs more than a pretty bra to keep me looking good. I searched for years for the perfect undergarment and everything above a D-cup always had huge straps and full coverage. There was nothing that worked well and was pretty or even just normal looking. Alas, the chantelle senso t-shirt bra! My favorite part about this bra--the straps have adjustable positioning in the back. There are two loops inside the normal bra positioning that lie closer to the hooks in the middle of the back. This keeps the bra straps from falling down your shoulders and from showing in any sleeveless tanks. I am VERY passionate about this well constructed piece of french lingerie!
• Paige Premium Denim These quickly have replaced 7 for all Mankind as my favorite jeans. The short story: Paige was the fit model for many of the brands of denim we love. This means the jeans were modeled around her body. She was the model for 7, Habitual, True Religion, Lucky, Citizens for Humanity and many more. She decided to build her own company and it is fabulous. My favorites are the Laurel Canyon cut. Check out her interactive fit guide to find your ideal cut. There is even a hidden ID holder in the back pocket in case you don't want to carry a purse while out on the town!

• Everyday Food This magazine has transformed my cooking! A Martha Stewart Magazine, it covers not only tons of recipes but educates readers about all things cooking! From veggies to knives, it is so educational. I find the recipes easy & healthy and many of them are our household staples. It is one of those smaller magazines that you can grab near the checkout but of course, a subscription is cheaper. A few times a year there are supplements called "Good Things" that are creative compilations of crafts and tips for homekeeping.
  
• Allrecipes.com Another resource that has transformed my cooking! This is a huge user driven database of recipes. There are a few features that make this place great. First, you can sort recipes based on how many stars they have been given. You can also see the number of reviews and base your decisions on how many other people cook that recipe. The BEST feature is the comments feature. Much like epicurious, those who have tried the recipe can post comments about their alterations. Usually, you can find a few people who made each recipe much healthier and improve the quality of the meal by using the suggestions.
  
• Nordicware I love to bake but in order to make a pretty finished product, the pan must be high quality. I have Nordicware for all seasons, since they make beautiful molds in many shapes & sizes. My most used: pumpkin loaf pan. Somehow food just tastes better when it is beautiful! You can find most Nordicware for 50% off after the holidays at Sur La Table, my favorite cooking store!
  
• LeCreuset Silicone Spatula Alas, the best spatula ever!! Even visiting cooking friends have commented on the perfect design of this kitchen tool. I initially bought this one because it was hot pink and sparkly (sparkles are in the silicone) but soon found it to be perfectly balanced & easy to grip the rounded handle. The silicone is the perfect consistency! Tuesday Morning often carries the LeCreuset line of silicone highly discounted, but never in as cool colors as Sur La Table. :)
  
• Jo!e Non Stick Omelet Pan Just the perfect size for a single omelet! I have the double pan and the single one, along with the mini flipper & the mini whisk. The double pan makes the most fluffy, perfect omelet every time. It fits perfectly on an English muffin for a great egg sandwich. Every tool & pan has the cute little egg guy on the handle!
  

• Bare Minerals This is my favorite line of makeup. I don't wear a lot, but my favorites in this line that I do wear just about every day are the SPF 15 Foundation, Faux Tan (better than Warmth for a bronzer), and Mineral Veil (no more shine!). I really do love this line of makeup & it is great for your skin!
  
• Shu Uemura Basic Mascara Best mascara ever! Goes on without any clumps & separated lashes perfectly. I also really like the brand's eyelash curler. It is usually the pick by celebrity makeup artists and perfectly shapes the eye for a flawless curl every time.
• Kerastase Reflection Most of you know that my redheadedness is not natural...thus I need a great shampoo & conditioner to hold that color! My blonde locks just want to let it go...This is the best shampoo & masque I have found. It makes my hair shiny as ever!
  
• Super Solano Hair Dryer I have had this same hair dryer since my junior year of college and it is still going strong 6 years later! Talk about a worthwhile investment! This dryer cut my drying time in half when I first purchased it and when people visit & use it...they usually end up buying one of their own!
  
• Chi 1in Flat Iron This is the only hot tool I use. It can curl just as well as a curling iron and yet flatten straight as a board! A one stop shop! This is the original ceramic flat iron.
  
  
  
• Fish Oil Capsules I swear these make my skin more hydrated. Since I began using them, I have seen a big difference. There are also an insane amount of health benefits associated with their consumption--click the link above to see the Mayo Clinic's evidence. My OB also said that taking these along with a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy prevents the need to use a stool softener since fish oil is naturally provides that benefit. I had a hard time taking them at first because I didn't like the taste I burped up...but Martha taught me if you freeze them & take them just before bed, you wont get any of the nasty taste! My vet even encouraged me to give one or two a day to my dog to shine up his coat. He now drools for them...
  
• Vaniqa You know that bit of peachy fuzz we ladies get on our cheeks that we [oh, no she didn't] shave, wax & pluck? Meet Vaniqa. A prescription cream that keeps that fuzz from growing. It stops any hair growth where you rub it in. It says to use it twice per day, but I only rub it on once per day and it has kept my face nice and hairless for three years! Patience is necessary...it takes about 6 months of use to start working but it is GREAT!
  
• Prenatal Vitamins Most doctors will tell you the generic brand you find at Costco will suit you just fine. Did you know that you have to be taking a Prenatal Vitamin BEFORE conception to reap all the benefits for your baby? Since 50% of all pregnancies in the US are unplanned, it's not a bad idea to be taking one just in case. I know, you're on the pill...but of these unintended pregnancies, 44% are behavior related method failures. What can it hurt to take one anyway? Thicker hair? Beautiful fingernails? Not a bad idea! **NEW NEWS 1/31/08-a study of over 35,000 women who took folic acid supplements for at least a year before becoming pregnant cut their chances for very early preterm births (20-28wks) by 70%. Most prenatals have at least 400mcg of folic acid, try to find one w/ at least 800mcg(.8mg) if you can!
  
• Heart Rate Monitor Ever at the gym and wonder how hard you are working? The best way to know is to wear a heart rate monitor & be sure you are at your target heart rate. I have a Polar HRM and it has lasted over 8 years now. I am so impressed that most of the cardio machines have picked up this technology and have built in sensors so you can actually set your Target Heart Rate at the start of your run and the speed will adjust so you always hit your THR. Genius!
  
• Nalgene OTG Bottles It pretty much goes without saying, but we need to drink a lot of water. My favorite bottle for in the car and for working out is this Nalgene bottle that I can open with one hand. It holds just enough water for a good workout and is the prefect fit for in the car cup holders. I take one with me on the road everyday and have a commitment to myself to drink the whole thing before I am back home. It sounds easy...but I think it is a challenge!

What are your MUST HAVE favorite things??

Linen Pinboard

Ohhh if only I could make my current salary by blogging & doing creative projects around the home...wouldn't that be a dream! This week brought the return of work which means a lot less time to be creative. So, I am going to post pics from a project I did a few months ago that is so practical & good looking! Here is my inspiration:

I saw a picture of these linen tiles (above) and thought it would be really neat to put a pinboard above my craft desk in my office. This way I could keep inspirational/fun items out in front of me while creating. So, determined to spend as little as possible (the pottery barn pricing was outrageous for as simple as this is to make) I got to working. I wanted to frame a large tackboard with a frame that matched my desk & use linen to cover a tackboard for inside the frame. The above picture was my first inspiration & this woven ribbon pinboard furthered my design concept.

I bought a large corkboard from Hobby Lobby, using one of their weekly 40% off one item coupons (subscribe online if you dont already get this!!). A week or so earlier I got a bargain deal on the linen I used for this project. It was originally $30/yd and was being clearanced out for $10/yd. They applied that week's 40% off coupon, plus the extra 30% off fabric discount and I cant even tell you what I paid per yard. Probably $4-5--what a deal! I have extra that I will make into a headboard for the guestroom when we move, that way everything matches!!

Okay, onto the project. I folded neat corners and used a staple gun to pull the linen tight on the corkboard:

Viola! All stretched & ready to go using only the tools you see here:

This is the frame I bought (again, one week using a 40% coupon) to match my ivory furniture (excuse the spot, camera issue):

I used my sketchbook to determine the overlapping of the ribbon & measured out perfect squares:

I found ribbon that had fine stitching the same color as my walls!!

And here is the final product (well, what was the final product) I added a few tacks to hold up the ribbon so it didn't sag or drop items. A little tip: instead of using ugly pushpins, go to Home Depot or Lowes & find some furniture upholstery tacks. They are super cheap and you can find them in really pretty finishes & designs. Mine are bronze in an antique daisy shape and were $0.50 for a box of 25:

I am in the middle of my wedding scrapbook (I know, 3 & 1/2 years later) so I put all of my graphics up so I can see them all & don't forget what I have. This way I can properly design each page with all the available resources! It may not look as fabulous anymore, but is so practical!