Instagram for Android

I about peed my pants when I received this e-mail Tuesday afternoon.



Instagram is now available for Android. All of us Android hipsters can now join in on the fun.  (You can find more info on the app here!)

I tried to install it quickly. You know, in between counseling patients not to drink booze with their pain pills. My career is very rewarding. Unfortunately, my phone software wasn’t up-to-date.

Tears rolled down my cheeks.  (Okay, not really..but it makes for a better story.)

I had to work until 8:00PM.  The e-mail was a tease.  I sent Nate a text that his evening involved updating my phone software and installing Instagram…as soon as I walked in the door.  He told me he wouldn’t have time.  Five minutes later I received an Instagram photo from him.  I married the devil. 

Many hours later I became an Instagram user.  My life is forever changed. (Dramatic much?)  This is my “I’m finally an Instagram user” smile complete with “I did my boy hair in 2 minutes this morning because 7:30 is way to early to be at work.”…



I’m finding that Instagram is perfect for over sharers like myself.

Who wants to see what’s in my fridge?  Man, do we need groceries! 



Ike is already sick of Instagram.

Seriously, can't I enjoy my post-walk rest?

When will Nate be home to save me from this non-sense?

Fine.  I'll pose for another photo if you'll give me my bones already.

Who's on Instagram?  I need more people to follow!  My user name is DecorandtheDog.  Anyone think I should learn to take photos of something other than my dog?  Yeah, me neither.

Surprise!

Hey! Guess what?  You all are attending a baby shower today.  Bet you weren’t prepared for that one, were you?

Kelly and Andy over at View Along the Way are expecting their second baby any day now. A group of fellow bloggers and I are celebrating by throwing a surprise virtual shower.  We’ll be sharing food, games, drinks, decorations and gifts.

Virtual showers are awesome.  No one has to see my annoyed looks after the 604th pacifier is unwrapped.  I will miss actually eating the cake/finger foods though.

Erin at His and Hers asked if I would like to be in charge of a handmade gift.  Yes, please!  Minor problem.  I was gone all week-end and am working extra hours at work this week.  Doh.  But Kelly is one of my favorite blog buddies so I totally wanted to send some baby love her way.

Here’s what I came up with…

I brought back the appliqued onesie.  I love this gift because it’s easy to personalize and also easy to whip up in a time crunch.

Kelly is from Georgia.  She is a Bulldogs fan (Hence the red for Georgia.  I did get this right, right Kelly? Otherwise your blog led me astray.).  And baby girl is totally going to be the star of her Mom’s blog.  Personalization for the win.  And Kelly lives many miles away so if she hates them I will never know the difference!  Distance for the win!

Here’s how I made them.  There is a right way to do make these…and the Michelle way.  I’ll share both.  Both strategies get you to the final product.

Step #1: Make a template of the shapes you want to use. Resize in photo editing software of your choice, if needed. I Googled my images and resized them in Photoshop Elements.

Step #2:  Gather the rest of your supplies.  You will need a onesie.  Fabric.  (Scraps will work.)  Heat n’ Bond Iron on adhesive.  Thread.  A sewing machine.  Maybe a diet Dew?

Step #3:  Michelle way:  Cut out your shapes and trace them onto the fabric.  Cut out shapes from fabric. Cut out iron on adhesive and iron onto fabric.  Get adhesive all over your iron.

Right way:  Apply iron on adhesive to your fabric following directions on package.  You will not get adhesive all over your iron.  Cut out desired shape from fabric/adhesive combo.

Step #4:  Remove backing from adhesive and iron shape onto onesie. 

I’ve read some reviews that you can stop at this point.  I like to make life difficult…and I’m not sure the shapes would make it through a washing.  Even though others say they will.  I think the stitching adds to the handmade feel of the gift.

Step #5:  Carefully stich around the appliqued shape.  You can hand stitch or use a sewing machine.  That Georgia coastline was rough.  Luckily Kelly understands that sewing is hard.

Be sure to head on over and visit the hosts, His and Hers and Neathering Our Fest.  Be sure to stop by View Along the Way and wish Kelly “good luck” with that whole labor thing!!

Here’s a handy list of the other shower festivities…

Jen & Katie have decorated.

Ange has whipped up our appetizers.

Visit Faith for a pink dessert.

Carrie took care of the beverage table with a punch that’s—you guessed it—pink.

Cassie also brought a handmade gift for the baby girl.

No shower is complete without the obligatory game, and Maury has two. (I promise you won’t have to do anything awkward like “guess the weight of the poop” or anything.)

Carol is taking care of YOU with a special (and practical!) handmade gift for the mama.

And on your way out, stop by to see Jean for your perfectly girlie favor.

Congrats Kelly and Andy!!!  Sleep now…while you can!! ;)

What’s your favorite last minute handmade baby gift idea?  Anyone else afraid to drink the water?  Everyone is shucking out kids.  Life must be trying to tell me something… 

Lessons Learned

Today I’d like to share with you lessons that were learned in my brother’s living room this week-end.

Lesson #1:  I am the world’s greatest sister.  Almost 30 hours of painting/slave labor will get you that title.  *Pats self on back.*  Little brother has a lot of projects ahead of him.

Lesson #2:  Don’t paint your living room purple and minty toothpaste.  The next owner (and his sister) will hate you.

Lesson #3: Always check behind bookcases.  They may be hiding things…like brick walls.

Brother had a mini panic attack.  I told him no sweat.  He can paint it charcoal and add a piece of wood for a faux mantle. Stick a clock over the vent.  No problemo.  Panic attack averted.

Lesson #4: Grey is a finicky color.  Little brothers don’t like light grey…like Sherwin William’s Argos.  Color fail.

Lesson #5: Sherwin Williams will add tint to make your paint darker if you hate it.  The walls will then be painted with Grey Matters.  (The same color as our master bathroom and basement.  It’s a good grey!)

Lesson #6:  The stained trim in the living room no longer makes me want to throw up in my mouth but white painted trim would make this room look fantastico.  Feel free to leave comments letting little brother know what you think…either way!  I think I almost have him convinced to paint it.  Almost.  So close.  Come on little brother!

Lesson #7:  My dad taught me a trick.  Milk Duds work as antidepressants when your brother makes you paint his entire house.  My dad is a wise man.  But I may have overdosed.

Lesson #8:  Improving a room is totally worth painting away your week-end.  I do, however, miss that purple.

I’ll share some of the other before and afters this week.  I’m a little sad I live 4 hours away.  Oh wait.  No I’m not.  I missed my couch and neutral walls…and white trim.

How’d you spend your week-end?  Any other ideas for the brick funkiness? Should we have another poll on painting the trim? ;)

***I’m sharing our house tour over at Karen at Home today! Be sure to head on over and check it out here!***