5/28/14

Build a Tree House

The majority of our backyard is pool and patio. On either side of the pool is a side yard. To the left, we have the pool equipment and a shed for the mower etc. To the right, is the trampoline and a beautiful cypress tree. A trampoline is not the most 'beautiful' yard accessory, but when your kids are young and bouncy-- it is a necessity. While watching them bounce one day, they called out 'we need a tree house'.

We laughed it off, but that one little comment planted a seed. A seed that grew into a sketch, that sprouted into a car load full of wood, that blossomed into a tree house.


My "carpenter" built this tree house for our girls. No plans, he just measured and built. I love that. The girls were outside with him the whole time, helping the best they could. And I could see on his face that he loved every minute of it.


He built this tree house like a pro! He included all things a kid would want in a tree house. He added ladder for climbing.  A slide for fast 'getaways'. He even put up a bucket with a pulley so the girls could send things up and down.










Pieces of wood from the construction process that could have been discarded, he saved. They have become one of the girls favorite toys-- simple wooden blocks. Because a wooden block has endless possibilities in the mind of a child.



The whole tree house is functional and still so visually appealing. Copper caps on top of the posts.


And here is the view from the house. The tree branches make the most beautiful canopy. The wind blows through the leaves and the girls feel like little birds, hidden away in a nest at the top of a tree.



When he was done he said, "Ever since I was little, I wanted to build a tree house. And now I finally got to do it. That will probably be the only tree house I will ever get to build."




Those words made me feel melancholy. How many things are there in life that we only get to experience once? Dreams that we thought might never happen-- and then one day they suddenly come true. "Tree house moments".  Small hopes from our childhood that we keep tucked away deep inside, buried under the busy life of an adult.

When I look at that tree house, I don't just see a place for our girls to play. I see the realization of a kid's dream. I see joy in the details. And it inspires me.

How many chances in life do you really get to 'build a tree house'?


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5/26/14

34 and a Renovated Bathroom

Friday was my birthday. I turned 34. So far, so good. Feels just like 33 ;)




And just as exciting as a birthday... we are remodeling our master bathroom. Over the past few years, we have done the girls bathroom and our guest bath. Now it's finally the master's turn. 



The project has been going on about 2 weeks. Our 'guys'  have been here every morning at 8:30, ready to work. There is dust everywhere and our dogs are going crazy being cooped up in the laundry room all day. But it is so exciting to watch the transformation. We are changing everything except the actual cabinets. Although those might get repainted. 


Here is our 'tile pallet'. The floors will have the large marble, the shower walls are white subway tile with pewter grout, and the shower floor is the marble hexagons. The counter tops (not shown) will be a white with black & grey speckles granite. All the fixtures are oil rubbed bronze. 


And here are some 'in progress' photos. I will do a nice 'before/after' post with all names/sources for the materials when it's all done. Until then, this is what I've got...






The tile will run all the way into our closet. 


And this where the new tub will sit. 


She is currently in the garage, waiting patiently for her spot to be ready.


With fancy feet like those, I think a chandelier might be required too ;) 


Stay tuned! 








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5/21/14

DIY Feather Headband

Last Sunday was my sweet Maisy's dance recital. For the show, the teacher gave us each a strip of 'feather boa' and directed us to make a headband. (My kind of homework!!) When I finished, I couldn't help but think that this feather headband isn't just for recitals. Feather headbands can be worn for birthday parties, weddings, dress-up, or any day!


To make your own, purchase a feather boa strip, ribbon and a hard headband from Hobby Lobby or your favorite craft store. Then wrap the headband tightly in ribbon, secure the ends with hot glue. Then draw a line of glue on top and add the feather boa.



After it cools, wear and enjoy!

 
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5/19/14

DIY Hashtag Bag {Kate Spade Inspired}

When people look back on the year 2014, I think they may laugh at our over-use of 'hashtags'. 


Whether you use them or not, hashtags (or as my husband likes to call them 'pound signs') are a  great tool used for categorizing information on social media. For example, if you are tweeting or posting instagram pics with the hashtag #disney, anyone searching for information on disney can access your post. And besides organizing info, they can also be funny. For some reason, hashtags let you say something you might normally not, they seem to be a good place for sarcasm...


So no matter what your opinion on hashtags, they are a part of popular culture. Which is why when I saw these Kate Spade bags, I instantly fell in love. Funny and stylish


And that's when I knew that I had to create my own! So for Mother's Day I made my mom a hashtag bag. She is a blogger too and uses Instagram etc, so I knew she would appreciate a little 'hashtag humor'. (If you follow me on IG, then you know all about my mom's green thumb!)

And when I was making her bag, I decided that this style bag would also be perfect for our 'Cookie Mom Appreciation' gift too... Actually this bag is a fun gift for anyone who loves pop culture. Your kid's teacher, your best friend, a college grad (you can see where I am going here. You need to make this!)


To create your own hashtag bag, just go to Hobby Lobby and pick up a tote bag. The size I got was only $3.99. Then I used some acrylic craft paint from Folk Art and iron-on letters. It's that easy!




Painter's tape helps you make a straight line with the paint. Be sure to press the tape on firmly so the paint doesn't seep through. I let mine dry for 24 hours before removing the tape.



There were no 'hashtag' signs in this kit. So I cut up some "L"s and "I"s to make the pound sign :)


The bags couldn't have turned out cuter! My mom's will be perfect for taking to bible study, the bag is the just the right size for holding books and journals.


And the cookie moms can use their bags for "Cookie University"- to tote around all the paperwork/receipts that come with being in charge of cookie sales.



If you are going to make a bag for someone, brainstorm things that they love or inside jokes you share. Nicknames, hobbies, blog names, company names, sports teams, adjectives-- they all make great hashtags. And as usual, share you craftiness-- I would love to see photos if you decide to create your own hashtag bag!



How do you feel about hashtags? #lovethem or #hatethem ???
#haveagreatweek #happymonday :)

Make this for your teacher! We did a #iTeach bag as an 'end of year' gift.


Or make it as a gift for everyone you know! These were done by "Mixin' Mom".

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