Hey Girl…

Remember my chalkboard fail?  How could you forget something so important?

Turns out the answer to my chalkboard woes was staring me down every time I reached for the Robins Eggs.  (Those malted milk candies are going to take me down.)

What if I painted the insides of the pantry doors with chalkboard paint?

Nate is never home and I can no longer trust Ryan Gosling. I decided to go to my next best source.

If Ike approves then we are good to go.

I taped off the edges of the panels and started painting.  Quickest project ever.  And meltdown free.  Even better.

I’m still waiting for the chalkboard paint to fully dry.  The manufacturer recommends waiting 3 days before conditioning.  I’m trying to follow directions.  Key word: trying.  I have some additional plans with these doors that I will share soon.  Once the paint fully dries.  Hurry up already.

I like this project because the paint is like a hidden surprise when you open the pantry but having it behind closed doors keeps the kitchen neat and tidy.

Any solutions smacking you in the face every time you reach for an Easter treat?  Who’s happy to know Ike is a more reliable source than Ryan Gosling?

Linking up to: Remodelaholic, Serenity Now

Baby It’s Hot Outside

Nate told me I needed to change the chalkboard in the mudroom.

He was right.  I hate when he’s right.  But I changed it anyways.

I do not think I have ever said “It is hot.”….in Iowa…in March.  We were in the 80’s all week-end.  Insanity. I’m sure this wonderfulness will end soon but we enjoyed every second of it this week-end. We even enjoyed sweating to death in the house.  There was no way we were turning on the air conditioner in March.  It just seemed wrong.

Our niece was baptized this week-end so all of Nate’s family was in town….which means we got to see our favorite little people…

We ate some delicious checkered cake made by Nate’s sister.

We went to the neighborhood pond and fed the fish. 

I tried to get a nice/normal picture of Nate and I.

It went well.  I guess this is as good as it gets.

Nate hates my short hair.  So I cut it short again this week-end.  Oopsie daisy.  Girl power.

Ike is totally a fan of summer in March.  He enjoyed staring out the open windows and walks in the park.  He hopes the warm weather keeps up.

Me too, Ike.  Me too.

Did you all have lovely week-ends? Anyone else experience some unseasonably warm weather?  My blog has resorted to weather talk.  This being 30 thing is taking a toll left and right.

Find the Time

I’m beginning to think that I might live. 10 days of being awfully sick is draining on the soul.

The other night I was tired of reading. Tired of staring at the tv. Tired of being sick so I decided to work on a piece of word art.  I do good work when I'm sick.

This piece was inspired by this pin.  A nice little reminder about what’s important in life.

I also picked up this cute little print for $3 at the antique mall this week-end. 

My mom pointed it out while I was hacking up a lung.  She thought it would be cute in our mudroom.  The ivory looked funny in there so I decided to try it out in the powder room.  Winner!

We are still on the hunt for the perfect mirror for this space but I like my little art additions.  I like the nice little reminder to take time to enjoy the simple things that make us happy….every time we wash our hands.

I love the comments we get from our friends and family on this room. They range from “awesome” to “groovy” to “seizure inducing” to “whoa”.  Sometimes it’s good to decorate out of your comfort zone.

My nurse totally approves.  Look how happy the prints make him.

Or was he happy because Nate was home early and he got to enjoy a walk in the 80 degree weather? Jury is still out. Let’s go with the prints.

What things do you need to remind yourself to take the time for?  Who else is enjoying some crazy/amazing warm weather?  Big week-end plans?

Pyrex Addict

I’m back. I’ve been sick for a week.  Viral infection turned sinus infection.  I’m such a baby when I’m sick. Seriously.  I’m a sad, disgusting mess.  Luckily for Nate, I don’t get sick often.  And Ike has been taking excellent care of me.

My family came down this week-end.  I told them on Thursday that I was getting better.  I really thought I was.  The other bad thing about me getting sick?  I lose my wittiness and that makes me sad.  Ask my brother.  I had no comebacks this week-end.  Lame. Slam after slam and I just shook my head and agreed to avoid a coughing fit.  This also explains my lack of blog posts.  Who wants to read boring Michelle?  Not me.

I told myself that I was totally fine and headed on antiquing with the fam on Saturday morning.  We hit up a great antique mall in Coal Valley, Il.  Antiquing with the family makes me happy.

One of my favorite parts of the mall is this shop that has a room filled with pretty Pyrex.  (My mom doesn’t like the term “vintage pyrex” because that makes her vintage.  So I refrain.)

My cell phone pictures don’t do this room justice.  Heavenly. I want to live in this room.  Or have my kitchen cupboards look like this room.

This is what death looks like in heaven…right before she hacks her one of her lungs into one of those pretty pink bowls…

Unfortunately this shop is very pricey on their Pyrex. (Or maybe fortunately for Nate and our savings account.) I held out for the next store where I previously scored some Pyrex bargains.

Good thing! These lovelies were marked ~$7 compared to the ~$20 in the pretty Pyrex shop.

Now I’m going to have to start cooking.  What the what?

Nate informed that I really have to stop buying Pyrex because we are running out of room.  I should do a poll on this topic.  But my lymph nodes are too swollen to put that together…

Anyone else addicted to Pyrex?  Is there a kitchen item that you just can’t pass up?  Anyone else revert to childlike behavior when they are ill?

Dreaming About the ‘Splash

Yesterday I mentioned that zombies aren’t very good at buying birthday presents.  They aren’t very good at completing home improvement projects either.  I can’t be trusted with power tools so all the major stuff has to wait until Nate is de-zombified (real word)…or tax season is over.

That doesn’t stop me from dreaming up crazy projects instead of finishing the ones I can tackle on my own.

My latest obsession is our kitchen backsplash.  Watch yourself bare kitchen walls.

As a refresher (we have some new victims readers around here), here’s what our kitchen looks like now…




I love my kitchen.  Seriously. Love it.  But I think a good backsplash would really finish the room off.  There is always a “but” with me.  It’s a flaw.  I’m working on it.  Not really.

My newest obsession is white subway tile with dark grout…

via Kitchen Backsplashes

It took me about 3 years to come up with that one.  I’m on a roll.  I love the look a lot.  A lot, a lot.

I have a dilemma though.  Where do I end the backsplash around the hood?  I just can’t figure it out.  Nate won’t even humor me right now so I’m going to get opinions from strangers instead.  (I love blogging.  Seriously.  Love it.) 



I also love surveys so here you go….

(I should preface the following survey with: We aren't changing anything else in the kitchen so don't go giving me crazy ideas like taller cabinets, etc.  I come up with enough crazy things on my own.  But I do value all backsplash related opinions.)




Carry to share why you chose your answer?  Who’s digging the dark grout with white subway tile?  Or are you a fan of the classic white grout?

P.S. I have been horrible at commenting this week. I haven't forgotten about you all.  A virus has taken over my body.  I'll be back to my internet stalking ways soon!

Locally Grown

I think I’ve mentioned before that Nate is currently an accounting zombie. 

It’s really awesome having a birthday during a month when you’re husband is a zombie.  Zombies aren’t very good at buying birthday gifts.  And I’m one of those people who thinks their birthday celebration should last the entire month.  Can you tell?

I took matters into my own hands this year.  Along with increased cardio, I purchased my own birthday present. 

Do you like?

Because I love.  So much.

I fell in love with the sign when I saw it in Jen's living room during her holiday home tour…seen here! (I also want to move into Jen’s house.  Is that weird? Of course not.)  I needed to have that sign.  Happy Birthday to me!

I have Nate has such good taste.

Would you like a sign of your very own?  Head on over to Onion Grove Mercantile and check out Jen’s other lovely paintings.  Jen is a local Iowa girl so that automatically won her points in my book but her paintings definitely speak for themselves. Very unique..and awesome. She does custom orders (Think your very own state….shipped to you if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Iowa.). I wanted my sign in greens and that was no problem!

Anyone else buy their own birthday gifts?  What’s the favorite thing you purchased yourself for your birthday?

***I was in no way compensated for this post.  I bet Jen is laughing hysterically now.  I just love my precious sign so much that I had to share!***

Ike’s Couch

Earlier this week I showed you the progress that I am making in the office. I was hoping to have the entire room done but it’s not going so well.

I purchased some new curtains.  I wanted plain curtains because patterned curtains make me nervous.  It’s a Michelle thing. 

I purchased a new houndstooth rug.  (You can find it here.  I got it 50% off.)  I’m digging it.  Ike likes to roll on it.  Life is good.

But as you can see, the room is looking “bleh”. I need new art behind the couch.  I am leaning towards floating shelves with photos or a large map. 

I’m not sure if the lamp I picked up at Target is staying or not.

We also need a new couch.  This couch was free from one of my pharmacy school roommates.  It is even prettier without a slip cover.

I have two issues with buying a couch right now.  First issue…I am so stinking close to paying off my student loans.  So stinking close.  Right now I’d rather have the satisfaction being student loan free than having a new couch.

The second issue is Ike. This is Ike’s couch.  He loves this couch.  We have no clue why.  It’s fairly comfortable but the dog is in love with this couch. He’s always sneaking in here to take a nap.

Do you see that death stare that I am getting?  He doesn’t mess around.

“Hey Ike, do you think we should get a new couch?”

I told you.  He doesn’t mess around.

But unfortunately he’s the dog and the dog only gets the say on important things like bandanas and mudrooms. Poor neglected puppy.

Now is when I ask for your help.  What would you do with this space?  (I should clarify, what would you do with this space AFTER my loans are paid off.)

Here’s another angle looking back at the desk area to help you out.

Share your thoughts!  How often do people really ask for your honest opinion?  (Honest, not brutally honest.  I’m a sensitive creature.)  Any good couch recommendations? What color of couch would you go with?  Are you over maps or still digging them? How about floating shelves?  And wood floors?  (I’m still hoping to convince Nate on that one.)  Happy Leap Day!

Burlap “Wallpaper” How To

Yesterday I shared with you that I “wallpapered” burlap to the back of my office shelves.

I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to do to the back of the shelves.  Paint was an obvious answer but that seemed like a lot of work. And very committal. I hate commitment.  My husband is a lucky man.  I know you can repaint but I chickened out.  I also couldn’t decide on a color.  I know some people mentioned yesterday that they would have chosen a bright color.  That’s just not us.  We’re very neutral people.  I probably would have chosen brown.  Boring.  Whatever.  We’re a pharmacist and an accountant.  Crazy party people live here.

I then saw a post on How About Orange about using fabric as wallpaper.  It seemed easy enough.  The other positive was that if I didn’t like it I could just take the fabric down and wipe up the paste.  I was digging it.

I told Nate about my plan.  He gave me that “Are you out of your mind crazy woman beast?” look that I’ve been getting a lot lately.  (I think he is going to put a Pinterest block on my computer.  Seriously.)  I put up a good front and acted like I totally knew what I was doing and this project would be a piece of cake.

And surprisingly, it was.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fabric cut to your appropriate dimensions. 
  • This was probably the hardest step of the whole process. 
  • I’d check out Chelsea’s tutorial for cutting burlap here.  She pays better attention at Joann’s than I do.  Or maybe her local Joann’s employees are a little friendlier than mine.  Just saying.
  • Cornstarch 
  • Water 
  • A brush  (I used a foam brush but any brush would do.)

Bring ~4 cups of water to a boil.  While you are waiting, mix ~1/2 cup of cornstarch with a small amount of water.  Just enough to dissolve the corn starch and make this milk looking sludge.

Add the cornstarch mixture to the boiling water slowly while whisking.  I love whisking.  Seriously.  Favorite kitchen utensil.

Boil until thickened (~5 minutes).  Let cool.

I cooled my paste just so that I could handle it without scalding myself.  (I’m super patient.  I think my impatience was okay in this case though because this paste turns to sludge fairly quickly.)

I removed the shelves and then brushed the entire surface with a thin layer of the paste.  I found that I didn’t need a lot. A small amount would hold the burlap.  I did find that I needed press a small section for a few seconds to get the burlap to stick.  Burlap was a decent material to chose.  I am horrible at cutting and burlap is hard to cut.  It is, however, very stretchy and forgiving.  If my cut was a little off I could just tug and make it work.

Once the area was completely “wallpapered” I put the shelves back in, styled them pretty, and waited for Nate to get home to show him that I this was not the giant DIY disaster that we both expected.

I’ll keep you posted on how this holds up.  How long will it stick?  Can I really remove it easily when I change my mind about in this room in 6 months?  Someone has to be the guinea pig, right?

Who’s going to slap some fabric on their walls now?  Do it!  Anyone else going to soon be banned from Pinterest?  What’s the craziest pin you have attempted?

Makeover Monday

Do you have one of those rooms in your house?  You know, the room where all of the unwanted items in your life go to die.  The room that just doesn’t feel right to you
.
That was my office.  Here’s a refresher…



Everyone else told me that they thought the room looked just fine.  I just wasn’t feeling it though.  Probably because it normally looked like this…



Embarrassing.  I really shouldn’t post photos like this on the interweb.

I spent the past two week-ends cleaning up the pit.  I even went through all of the cupboards and drawers.  You wouldn’t believe how much storage space I have now that I rid the room of junk.  It’s refreshing.

Cleaning the room just wasn’t enough.  I also decided that the space needed a little style.  I wanted it to feel like a cozy library.

Here’s how I ended the week-end…



We added beadboard and trim behind the computer monitor.  This is something that we had been meaning to do for the past three years and just now got around to it. Time flies.  I tried painting the beadboard with magnetic paint but that was a DIY fail.  One of my employees gave me her left over magnetic paint.  One of us didn’t stir it well enough because no magnet will cling on the beadboard.  Oh well, it still looks pretty.  I’m afraid the area may end up looking cluttered if we were able to hang things on it anyways.  That’s my story.



I “wallpapered” with burlap behind the shelving areas.  Nate was certain this was going to be a DIY disaster but we both like how it turned out.  It gives the area a little color and texture.  And it’s non-committal.  My favorite type of project.  I’ll share this how-to tomorrow.



Lastly, I attempted to style the bookshelves with old books and thrifting finds.  The book hunt is a ton of fun.  I can’t wait to keep adding to the collection.  Who doesn’t like a book titled “Lines about Wines” or “How Never to Be Tired”?  I might need to read that one.  Most of these books were purchased for less than a dollar from thrift stores.






I fell in love with these book-ends while thrifting with the parents.



They were even approved by my dad. Weird.  He was for sure that I was going to paint them.  Brass is back Daddy-o.  My mom did remind me that I would have hurled at the thought of brass in my house a year ago.  She may be right on that one.  It’s good for moms to be right on occasion.

And look, baby Nate and Michelle.  Our engagement photo in a brassy gold frame from the Salvation Army.  What is this world coming to?



I love how this room seems to fit in better with the rest of our house.  It feels a little more like us.  I’m also enjoying the new air freshener…the smell of old books.  Mmmm.  Nate thinks the room needs a good airing out.  Someday he’ll get my obsession with old.  At least he puts up with it. And installs beadboard.



It may have taken us three years but we now have an organized office with a little style.



Any make-overs happening over at your place?  What’s holding you back from tackling that dumping ground room?  Who thinks I’m crazy with the burlap?  Anyone else love that delicious old book smell?

I was compensated for this Winter Home Projects post by BlogHer but all opinions expressed are my own.

Do You Collect?

Do you collect things?  I had a stamp collection and a music box collection as a kid.  (I was one of the cool kids.  Can you tell?)  As an adult, I didn’t really have the desire to collect anything.  Until I saw a collection of globes in an issue of Better Homes and Gardens.  I NEEDED a globe collection.  (Still one of the cool kids.  Can you tell?)

I started looking.  Globes slowly started popping up in thrift stores.  I refused to pay more than $10 for a globe.  Slowly but surely, I have completed my globe collection in our office.

I found my final globe this week-end while thrifting with the lovely Kim.



The globe on the left was the last globe in my quest.  I found the one on the right a couple of months back.  I just hadn’t added added it to it’s home.  Lazy much?

I’m a little sad that the globe hunting adventure is over but I do like how the completed grouping looks…




And for those of you that e-mail wanting to know how I balance working, blogging, and having a tidy home….I don’t.  This is the cleanest our office has been in months.  It is the dumping ground for all things that we don’t feel like putting in their proper homes.  I cleaned it right before snapping these photos.  It previously looked like this…




Feel better?

This room is my next decorating victim.  New curtains, new couch, new wall hangings, styled shelves.  Now if only the vision would come to me! 

At least it’s cleaner now.  And full of globes.  And cleaner.

Do you collect anything?  How do you organize all of those important papers, papers, etc that pile up in the office?  How do you feel about this wall color?  (I’m torn on the whole painting thing.)