The Handbuilt Home Giveaway

Those of you that have been reading this blog for awhile know that I like to make my husband we like to build furniture.

West Elm Inspired Bedframe

West Elm Inspired Window Headboard

Nate likes to try to come up with his own plans but sometimes it’s easier to not have to reinvent the wheel.  That was the case with our farmhouse table.

Farmhouse Table

Ana White’s plan for the Big Ur Farm Table was very straightforward.  We loved the look of the table and there wasn’t much to improve on.

Ana White's site has also been super helpful with any building related questions that Nate has when I show him a piece of furniture and say “Please build this dear love of mine.”  She introduced us to the Kreg jig and our lives have never been the same since.  Seriously.  True story.

I was recently asked to review Ana’s book, The Handbuilt Home.

via Ana White

The book is full of furniture plans for every room of the home.  The book is very visually appealing with many photos of diagrams and completed projects.  I enjoyed the first few chapters of the book that explain what tools are needed, what kind of wood to purchase for the various projects, and what type of finishes to use on the projects.  The book also includes information on different types of cutting and assembly.

After reading this book I almost thought I could build furniture on my own.  Who needs that husband?  Not me.  Okay, wait. I do.  I can’t cut straight to save my life. I am, however, seriously thinking about learning how to use a saw. Seriously.  Baby steps.  I won’t be wearing heels though if I do.  That Ana is an impressive lady.

Would you like a chance to win a copy of your very own?  Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I was not compensated for this review.  I was provided a copy of The Handbuilt Home for free.  All opinions are 100% mine.  Like always.***

Nate Goes Hunting

Sorry the blog has been lame-o lately.  I’m still recovering from the bacteria that has invaded my body.  Round two of antibiotics appears to maybe be doing something.

I, obviously, haven’t been into house projects.  Unless you count making a giant dent into my couch as a house project.  I’ve made fine progress on that front.

What do you post about besides your couch cushions’ giant dent? 

You post photos that your husband took while he went hunting in South Dakota.  The boys of the family head off west once a year to hunt pheasant.  I’ll save you the dead bird photos and share the pretty ones.  You. Are. Welcome.

I really want a cow.  Ike does too.  Nate’s not really into it.  Weak, Nate.  Weak. 

Winning, Cheating, & Mummies

How’s that for a post title?

Today we are having a meeting.

First order of business:  Winning.

The winner of the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy Giveaway is entry #45…Lisa!  Congrats and I’ll be in contact with you!

Second order of business: Cheating.

Today is the Random Acts of Craftiness challenge reveal.  This month’s challenge was “Odds and Ends from the Hardware Store.”  I am cheating.  Erin said it’s okay.  I am linking up our console table.  It’s only sort of cheating.  We did originally go wandering through the hardware store trying to figure out what we could cheaply/uniquely use for legs for our distressed top. Copper pipe for the win. Be sure to check out the other unique ideas from people that put forth effort this month.  (You can do so here!)  I’m just ahead of my time.  I totally like bands before they exist.

Third and last order of business:  Mummies (and ghosts)

Today is a big day at work.  Almost the entire medical clinic dresses up for Halloween.  It’s always a good time. There are prizes for group and individual costumes.  The pharmacy always goes the group route.  This year we are going as the Peanuts (Charlie Brown and company). I’m Pig Pen.  Check out my Instagram feed on the right side of the blog for photos.  Halloween is also cause for a potluck (as is Columbus day, Flag day, etc.).  I whipped up these cupcake mummies and Nutterbutter ghosts.  I don’t mess around on potluck day.

Both are super easy to make.  The cupcakes are from a box with a powdered sugar + butter + vanilla + water frosting.  My frosting was a tad too runny but I was kind of over baking by this time so I went with it.  The ghosts are Nutter Butters coated in white chocolate with mini chocolate chips for eyes.  Easy peasy Mcsqueazy.

Are you dressing up for Halloween?  The kids?  The dog?  What are you/they going as?  What’s your favorite Halloween treat?  Did you participate in the Random Acts of Craftiness challenge?

Linking up to: His and Hers