Dear Pottery Barn: anything you can do, we can do better :)

Are you singing the song in your head right now? Ha! 

Pottery Barn - $149

It's been a part of our DIY to-do lists for probably going on 2 years now.  In a push to get some things around the house crossed off our list before Misty's baby shower (which is Saturday!) the hubby finally got going on making this fixture a reality. 

I purchased the white cords from IKEA, I think in the same trip as the farmhouse sink, so as you'll remember that was well over a year ago.  Joey make the wooden box from scrap materials he has lying around.  I give him so much grief for keeping every piece of scrap wood, so I will admit it, it came in handy this one time.  We stained it to resemble our kitchen table and countertops.  I love the little beadboard detail that he threw in there too. 

Our previous builder grade light fixture had 5 arms and produced plenty of light so I figured that we didn't need to add another 11 lights like this PB fixture.  You would have to wear your sunglasses at the dinner table! 

Pottery Barn $399!

After some intense moments holding it up while standing on top of the dining room table we got it put into place and the power turned back on and PRESTO!  Our glorious shining mason jar light fixture is operational.  It gives off ample light and i think maybe even makes the room look a little bigger.  I just love it!

Another project that has been on my to-do list for a long time is the wooden ruler growth chart.  We bought the wood for this project back in February and it's been sitting in the basement for several months.  I don't know why I wait so long to do stuff like this because it really was a quick project.  I stained the wood with Aged Oak, let dry overnight.  The next evening with the help of my math superstar husband we got to work on the ruler portion.  I was a little scared, okay a lot scared, of messing it up.  But, with this nifty gadget, square level thingy it was pretty easy.  I used a sharpie marker so there was no dry time involved here! 

Online the ruler sells for $59 and the mason jar fixture $149.  The 16 jar fixture sells for $399!!!  We tried to figure up how much we saved and we figured between the wood for the ruler (probably about $10, already had stain on hand and a sharpie marker) and the cords for the light fixture (maybe $20 total?, already had wood and stain) and I did buy new mason jars so they would be nice and clean (less than $10) we saved at the VERY least $168 and really more like $418 because our fixture is more like the $399 version!  I wish someone would give me the $418 because think how much I could do in our house for that much! 

In other house news, Joey is currently working on building a small deck that will eventually step down to a stone patio.  I'm narrowing down paint colors for K's room.  I picked about 5 different shades similar to the kitchen island and the laundry room and when I got them all home and held them against the laundry room wall I realized they were all almost identical.  I guess that means I like that color?  When the deck is complete we are going to get started on the screen door for the laundry room. 

In other, other news, I am FINALLY completing the 5K off my 29th year bucket list.  This Saturday, the morning of Misty's shower, because you know, why not?  I will be the first  to admit I am nowhere near ready to run it, but I know I can walk it.  I can't believe it, just another 20 days left in my 20's!  But, ready for a fun party and then ready for vacation! 

the benefit

It's taken me a week to finally get my thoughts together on the wonderful, marvelous night I experienced last Thursday.  So glad to finally be writing these down. 

I haven't give you much of an update on my bestie, Misty and her journey with cancer as she enters her last trimester of pregnancy.  I hope that you have been keeping up with her blog too.  If you haven't stopped over yet, do it right now!  http://www.mistyraeporter.blogspot.com/ 

For a brief update, Misty and baby boy are doing well.  She's almost 2 months away from getting to meet his sweet little chunky face.  I can't wait.  I want to kiss his face and just tell him how much I love him and his mommy.  EK! 

I'm hosting Misty's baby shower next weekend.  Misty requested an evening shower in an effort for it to resemble more of a girls night and I was more than happy to oblige!  It's going to be a super fun and chill evening with lots of good food, laughter and lots of sweet memories made. 

So, back to last Thursday.  It was a night I'll never forget.  Along with about 12 other girlfriends, we hosted a benefit in honor of Misty.  The purpose was to raise some funds to give directly to Misty to help with her medical expenses.  Our little planning committee only met twice, we had about a month to prepare, and together hosted probably the best damn benefit EVER! 

This awesome tavern in Covington, Blinkers, so graciously offered for us to take over their entire restaurant for the evening.  They donated a portion of their beverage and food sales directly to Misty.  Over 200 people packed that tiny little tavern and spilled out onto the sidewalk all the way down the block. 

We gathered the most incredible raffle items ever.  People were going crazy buying tickets.  My dear friend Beth made us girls who were selling tickets the most adorable aprons ever to wear that evening to hold the money from the raffle sales.  I had so much money in my apron I could barely get my hand in there to get it all out.  Times that by 12 girls with aprons. 

The outpouring of love that was shown to Misty was incredible.  The friends who drove hours to be there for Misty on a Thursday night was incredible.  The random people who didn't know Misty from anybody that came anyway to support her was incredible.  The waitress who emptied her pockets of her tip money for Misty was incredible.  I don't think I can say it enough, it was just an unbelievably touching experience to be in that restaurant with so many wonderful people. 

Misty was able to be at the benefit for a few hours.  She looked radiant.  And so happy. 

The benefit was for Misty.  It was to honor her as our courageous friend. On that night, it wasn't about cancer.  Cancer didn't even get an invitation to the party.  This benefit was a celebration of her friendship to all of us.  It was created for her because each of us know that if we were ever in need she would have done the exact same thing for us and even better! 

We sold (are are still selling) bracelets with the words Peace. Love. Hope.  I wear this bracelet everyday with my watch.  Every time I look at my watch I see those words and say a silent prayer of peace, love and hope for my best friend.  I pray that she will find peace with her diagnosis someday.  I pray that she feels the love of all of her friends and family around her all the time.  I pray that she finds hope in something everyday. 

A special shout out and thank you to my momma too.  Your unwavering support of me and Misty throughout the years in the numerous "big ideas" that we've concocted means more to me than you'll ever know. 

cross it off the list - 2012 Kentucky Derby!

As I inch ever so close to the big 3-0 birthday, I'm also inching closer to finishing off my bucket list items.  One big one was to attend the Derby, hat and all.  This past Saturday, May 5, 2012 I did just that.  It was fun, crazy and HOT.  We made lots of memories that day and it was a day I won't soon forget!  

Our chariot picked up our crowd of around 30 in the parking lot of a furniture store at 8am.  I actually had to get up earlier than I do on a normal work day.  Funny how I sprung out of bed this day, but can barely get it together to get out the door to work...

Anyway, we picked our seats on the bus, got cozy with some nutritious breakfast.  Yup, that would be a sprinkled donut and a giant coke from McD's.  What? Weight Watchers?  Not TODAY!  

Remember, another reason for this trip is my friend from high school who is married to one of my hubby's friends from high school was turning 30.  And it was Cinco De Mayo.  The trifecta of celebrations.  

The birthday girl!

The "fillies"

We arrived at Papa John's stadium after 10am.  We would park the charter bus here and then take a short shuttle ride to Churchill Downs.  I had heard this is where a lot of the college kids go to "tailgate" before the Derby.  Oh. My. Gosh. Tailgate they did.  I still think of myself as a spring chick, but man did the sight of those college kids make me feel old.  And apparently they thought we were celebrities.  They swarmed our group.  We were definitely the most dressed up group in the lot.  And probably the oldest, like by 8-10 years.  And they COULD NOT get over the idea that most of us had kids.  But, nevertheless, it was fun to hang out there and thank my lucky stars that I'm no longer in college and that I can afford the finer things in life, like cold beverages in bottles and clothing that does not include cut off overalls.  



This girl.  Cut off overalls.  Tiny sombrero hat.  Hot. Mess.

After heading into Churchill Downs we found our way to the paddock area soaked in the sights.  We attempted to find Joey's brother and sister in law who made the trip from Miami, Florida.  But, if you've ever been to the Derby you know that cell phone service is spotty at best and we never could connect with him.  We even went as far as searching the infield for nearly 2 hours in the muddy disaster looking for a blue pop up tent with no avail.  BUT, we did run into my friend from college in the tunnel leading to the infield!  



My friend, Alex!

We left the infield and joined back up with our group we traveled with and spent the rest of the day enjoying the Derby.  We had a front row seat to the parade of owners and handlers as they made their way through the paddock area and to Millionaire's Row.  

It was a loooooooooong day, my feet were throbbing, but I wouldn't trade that day for anything!  We had SO much fun with our friends who we never get to do this kind of stuff with.  To Nikki, you did 30 proud!  Thanks for having a birthday and thanks to your awesome husband for getting it all together! 

So what's left on the ol' to-do list?  

Run/walk 5K - scheduled for June 2nd!  Have I started training?  Uh....no.

Take some video with my 8mm app.  - can't believe I still haven't done that.  

Try a yoga class.

Get to the Findlay Market 

Get some kiss my 20's goodbye pictures taken. - I'm chickening out, these might turn into family portraits :)  

And yet again, my 30th birthday party is being taken down another notch.  Life just got BUSY.  I am headed to my favorite restaurant on Sunday to check out their party room.  Let's face it, this way I won't have to clean up!  HA!  

Hope ya'll had a fun Cinco de DERBY weekend!

the best day ever!

I can't believe how quickly these birthday parties come and go.  It's already over!  I stopped myself during the party and just sat down and really tried to soak up everything that was going on.  I usually find myself worrying if there is enough food, if everyone is full, what is Kate doing and/or bothering, but not yesterday.  Once the guests started arriving I told myself to just relax and enjoy.  Enjoy the company of our closest friends and family and just enjoy this day with Kate.  She only turns 3 once and will only be a little girl for just a little while longer. 

My mom was gracious enough to keep her after church to let her get in a nap and so I could work on finishing everything up uninterrupted.  My mom dropped her off about 3:30 and I wish I would have gotten her sweet little reaction on video because it was priceless.  Although she knew it was her birthday party and I had been setting up for several days already, when she saw that cake she got SO excited!  It was so stinking cute.  I can't tell you how many times she thanked me and Joey for her birthday party and hugged and kissed everyone at the party several times and thanked them over and over.  It just made my heart soar to hear how polite she was!  And more than once she actually said this was the best day ever!

My awesome friend Vonnie took lots of awesome pictures and I should have those in a few weeks, but here is just a little sneak peek of some I took with my phone :)  Happy Monday! 

instagram, how I love thee

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome myself into 2012.  I finally broke down and got an iphone.  Up until last Thursday evening I felt like Carrie in the first Sex and the City movie when she was still rocking her pink flip phone circa 2004.  I love the scene where she is at the library about to get married with that big bird on her head and she's freaking out because Big wasn't there yet and she asks for a phone and Samantha gives Carrie her iphone and she just looks at it and hands it right back to her with "I don't know how to use this thing."  {Thank you for indulging me.  I still love SATC.}

Anyhoo, my contract for my pink flip phone was over so I took the plunge.  Now, I can say, how did I ever get along without it?  The apps, Siri, the music, the camera!  I'm already smitten! 

Given that the iphone 4S camera is 10000000000000 times better than the digital camera we currently own, most of the photos on this blog from here on out will probably be thanks to my phone.  Or until I actually break down and buy a real fancy pants camera. 

I ahhhhhdore Instagram and the vintagy feel it can give to any photo, making it instantly awesome.  You can follow me or find me or whatever you do on there: @leslielm

Also, get ready because the movie producer in me is about to come out.  Remember last year when I said I wanted to get my hands on an 8mm camera and make some classic old school home videos?  Well, it's going to happen!  I downloaded the 8mm app and the imovie app so I can start cranking out some cool home movies too!  I may start this weekend at lil bits birthday party! 

I promised an updated picture of our fireplace and you guessed it, thanks to Instagram, you shall receive!  Plus some other photos I took over the weekend just for fun! 

The chevron faux fireplace

Just a few more days till the paaaarrrtttay!  Getting excited!

The soon to be birthday girl!

Sign we picked up in South Africa.  Right by our front door :)

K's big girl room

Party prep underway!

My mamaw's typewriter

Good morning!

hellllllooooooo preschool!

As mentioned, this year's birthday theme will be all about school!!  You've probably never met someone as excited about school as my Kate and she has never even been to school before!  I think all of the awesome school supplies might have something to do with her excitement.  Ask my mom or dad and they will tell you that I too was a lover/hoarder of school supplies in my day.  I would make my weary, exhausted mother traipse out to every office supply store on the very first day of school with my list of school supplies.  She was a teacher and I know fighting swarms of kids and their parents trying to find school supplies after the first day of school was not a fun activity for her....but man, I l-o-v-e-d it. 

It's definitely crunch time around here with Kate's party next Sunday!  AH!  How does time get away from me so quickly?  I promised lots and lots of DIY projects.  Since it's getting so close, I'll have to post more DIYs even after the party. {insert sad slacker face here}  I also owe you an update on the 1/2 bath revamp before too long. 

Here's we go.  Let's start with the invitations.  Wouldn't you agree that the invitation sets the stage for the whole entire party?  Get an awesome invitation in the mail and you can almost guarantee and awesome time to come at the party. 

Since I'm sure Kate will be just like her momma and be completed OCD when it comes to organization I thought a lil file folder to keep all of the party invitation information would be totally appropriate.  I found this template here and embellished the outside cover.  I traced the tag onto some pink graph paper and added a flower and this cute little number 3 and some baker's twine.  Just so everyone what was clear what was inside that folder, I typed on the label :) 

I recruited my hubby to design the guts to the invitation with a less than elementary sketch/idea of what I had in mind.  Good thing we are a good team because what he came up with was WAY better than what I had in my brain.  2 flash cards and a class schedule fit perfectly in their folder.  I found some cute glassine envelopes at Hobby Lobby and sealed the back of the envelope with a strip of old school tape I bought on etsy which I also used to make flags for the yellow paper straws above. 

The invitations did exactly what I wanted them to do.  I got a text from my lovely sis in law as soon as her mail arrived and said that the invitation made her smile :)  Mission accomplished :) 

diy and laundry room redo

As I mentioned in my last post, I wanted to knock out a few projects around the house before Kate's birthday party.  About 3 weeks left to go and I'm proud to say I conquered both of my projects with plenty of time to spare! 

A side note quickly, I wanted to pass along the link to one of my favorite DIYs that I've done on Stockpiling Moms so far.  I used this same technique to make the EAT letters in our kitchen.  This post was Easter themed, no judging that I'm already a day late. 

http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2012/04/diy/

Okay, back to room redos.  The first room I tacked was the laundry room.  Our laundry room is a small room right off the garage so not only do we do our laundry there, it's a mud room of sorts, I keep a calendar handy so I can see as I'm walking out the door what bills need to be paid, and last but certainly not least, it houses my husband's kegerator.  It's not my ideal spot for it, but until we can tackle the garage and get it organized and cleared out I was informed it has to stay there for the time being.  Trust me, I've already got big plans for that tiny space it will free up when the kegerator is back in its rightful place...in the garage.  I have a little wire rack for laundry detergent and dryer sheets and such and if I can swing it, I wouldn't mind having a little stool or some kind of small chair so you can sit and take your shoes off.  Or, let's be real honest, it will serve as a place to dump stuff (i.e. my purse).   But, anyhoo, until the day when the kegerator triumphantly makes its return home, I'll deal with the hops and barley smell that greets you everytime you walk in from the garage. 

Before....blah

Other side before

First order of business was paint.  I used the paint that I had left over from the kitchen peninsula and barely squeezed out enough to do this room.  Thank goodness it was a small room and the paint covered well, I got away with only 1 coat.  The color is Grand Hotel Mackinac Blue by Valspar.  I'm starting to get a crush on Valspar paint too.  It covered our new construction drywall well and costs way less than my other crush on Sherwin Williams paint. 

I already made hubs put up this message board wall when we moved in so I could keep track of everything, so the frame just got a quick coat of Martha Stewart's Punch mixed in whatever the cheapest paint they had at Home Depot. 

Next we took down the ugly white wire shelving that was in the laundry room.  Since the laundry room can be seen from the kitchen I wanted it to look as pretty as the kitchen.  I bought 3 corbels and a 6 foot piece of MDF board from Home Depot and painted those bad boys with the same Punch by Martha Stewart paint. 

Once the paint was dry on the walls and on my shelf, Joey got busy and hung everything back up on the wall.  I put some laundry room-ish items in jars for the shelf and put some rolls of paper towels in that basket that I spraypainted yellow.  It's actually a refrigerator basket that I found on the side of the road by someone's house when we lived in Erlanger.  Their trash, my treasure.  I love that thing.  It's already been several colors, but yellow has by far been my fav! 

The rug is from Urban Outfitters and they must have read my blog post about that tree shower curtain and how mad I was and must have been scared.  I swear I ordered that rug on a Thursday and it may have been on my doorstep by Friday.  If not Friday, for sure Saturday.  Crazy. 

To finish off the room I added this friendly little reminder as we walk out the door every morning.  I totally think it's worth seeing everyday, because sometimes let's face it, I just don't want to be nice.  But, as I've learned, there are lots of people out there who are facing some things in their life that are really not nice, so if I can be nice to just one person who's otherwise having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, then it makes it worth while.  I saw the tutorial for these letters over at Life As a Thrifter and actually may need to go to rehab to curb my addiction to silver spraypainted/anthro knockoff letters.  You will see them again in a little room tour of Kate's bedroom to come sometime soon.

So, that's it for now.  Phase II of this project will be to replace the white 6 panel door leading into the hallway of the house (not the one leading into the garage) with an old friend.  Yes lovelies, the screen door is making a come back.  We had a screen door on our pantry in our old house and it is patiently waiting for a new paint job and some new hardware. 

Phase III of the redo, several years down the road, will be to replace the flooring from linoleum to some fun black/white hexagonal tile. 

So, there you have it!  Way too much information about our lil ol' laundry room!  Next up, a powder room revamp.