Updates on Some Things

That title is going to win me some search engine optimization points.  Boo-yah.

Today I’d like to update you on some items around our house.  I get e-mails on these three topics so I figured it would be good to cover them.

First item: The Tile Setting Mat from Simple Mat

We loved the ease of install but were slightly concerned about how well the backsplash would hold up. We had some lose/wiggly tiles before grouting. It made us nervous. We carried on.

Verdict: 6 months later and all of the tiles are still intact. I have scrubbed pasta sauce, cupcake batter, etc off of the backsplash and no movement. We are now confident that this backsplash is going nowhere.  That backsplash still makes me smile every day.  Good life decision.

Second item:  Under Cabinet Lighting

Look how naked our kitchen looked before that backsplash.  The kitchen is embarrassed. 

Anywho, we installed the under cabinet lights we purchased at Sam’s. Let me start this story by telling you that Nate always reads reviews before buying anything. ANYTHING. Except for these lights. We used the lights twice and then they stopped working.  We thought maybe we left them on on accident.  Nate then decided to read the reviews.  The reviews were all terrible. We decided to replace all of the batteries in the off chance that we did forget to turn them off.  The lights died again after about 3 uses.  We’re done with them and we are looking for an alternative. 

Verdict: FAIL!  Super duper Heidi Montag like fail.

Third item: Burlap Wallpaper

Yes, I did have blond hair.  Yes, we look like babies in that photo. 

This now brunette decided to use burlap to line the back of the book cases in the office. I used a cornstarch mixture to adhere the burlap to the back of the bookcases to add a little texture. 

Verdict:  Still going strong.  The burlap has not moved and it’s been hanging for over a year.  And I’m not sick of it yet.  Even more impressive.

Who has under cabinet lighting suggestions for us?  How do you decorate the back of your shelves? Is my blond hair still weirding you out? 

Siesta Key Vacation Camera Phone Photos

Vacation is over. So sad.  I bet those of you that follow me on Instagram are glad my beach photos will be replaced with Ike photos.

If you don’t follow me on Instagram (decorandthedog), Nate and I vacationed in Siesta Key, Fl last week.  It was a fantastic vacation.  Fantastically lazy.  We did nothing other than walk on the beach, lay on the beach and swim.  The sand was amazing.  It’s mainly quartz.  It felt like flour and was always cool to the touch.  The waters were clear and a pretty turquoise color.  We had plans to check out some local museums/parks but we just couldn’t tear ourselves away.  Can you blame us?

We didn’t use the DSLR much…because we were so lazy.  Nate is still editing the few that we did take.  I used my phone a bunch so let the torture of poor quality blogger vacation photos begin.

Our days went something like this.

9:00am:  Wake up and eat breakfast in the condo.  Watch Who Wants to be a Millionaire.  Nate’s choice. I think he was channeling his inner 80 year old self while in Florida.

10:00am:  Walk on beach or lay in beach chair and people watch or read.  I forgot my sun hat so I bought a ridiculous cowgirl hat.  Gotta protect the noggin’ from sun.  The beach in front of our condo complex was very quiet.  Most of the other people there were elderly.  I love the elderly.  I fit right in. 

1:00pm: Eat lunch in condo.  Watch How I Met Your Mother.  Nate is obsessed.  He can relate any life moment to HIMYM.  It’s impressive and annoying all at the same time.

2:30-4:30pm: Sit on beach and nap/people watch/read.  One day I read “The Five Love Languages”.  It was a fascinating read.  I tried to get Nate to discuss his love language.  Turns out he doesn’t have one so I decided to discuss HIMYM instead.

4:30-5:00pm: Swim in pool.

5:00-5:30pm:  Shower.  Get ready for supper.

5:30-7:00pm.  Eat a disgustingly amazing supper. I never want to eat French fries again.  We had seafood, Five Guys,and a beer battered hot dog with bacon and cheese.

I’m eating only fruit for the next week.

7:00-8:00pm Get ice cream and then stroll the beach at sunset.

8:00-10:00pm- Tv or reading and then sleep.

Repeat times 6 days.

We both feel recharged and ready to tackle life.  We’re both big believers in getting away and experiencing life in a new place at least once per year.

Any suggestions for the place for our next vacation?  Are you a fan of lazy beach bum vacations or are you the go and do type?

Quick and Easy Craft #4- Sharpie Mugs

While I am soaking up the rays in Florida (while wearing SPF 50 and a big floppy hat), I will leave you with 4 days worth of quick and easy crafts. You may have seen some of them multiple times. Some may be new. All with be easy, fairly quick and inexpensive ways to entertain your friends. Enjoy!

I’ve been wanting to try that project that I have seen on Pinterest 1 million times where you write with Sharpie on some piece of dinnerware and then bake it.  What better time than with friends. 

This may be the world’s easiest project.

Materials Needed:

• Dollar store mug.
• Sharpie
• Oven

Step 1.  Write something witty in your very best handwriting. 

Step 2.  Heat in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes to set the Sharpie.

Step 3.  Enjoy your witty mugs.

We think we are funny. 

Have you participated in the Sharpie dinnerware craze?  What saying do you want on a mug?