CRAPTASTIC: January 2012

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Chevron Curtains, Lolly Jane Winner, and Opinion Needed!

Holy long title! Can you tell I've got a lot to cram into one post?!

Let's start with the AMAZING giveaway I won a few weeks back from the sweet gals at Lolly Jane!

I think they are just the most adorable gals! They are so sweet and creative! And twins!!

They host a linky party, Whatcha Got Weekend (WGW), each week and I'm always sure to link up!

Anywho, I won a credit to their shop and chose this adorable sign that reads "Life is short. Enjoy the ride."

I love it in my office! Thank you so much girls!

Next, I've been very busy this weekend! Even with a nasty cold I was determined to get some work done on my office. I was able to finish my chevron curtains inspired by A Drop In the Bucket.

I'm so excited with how they turned out!

I used a 6' x 9' dropcloth from Home Depot and it only cost $10.50. I had the paint already.

They're not perfect - I didn't coat 100%, but I like them that way.

Right now they're very stiff, so I'm hoping over time they'll relax so they don't look so rigid. Any pointers on how to soften them up? I'm kind of scared to put them in the dryer.

I also made a curtain rod using leftover wood from my desk and a $3 dowel.

Please excuse the white adhesive peeking through - I'm trying to avoid putting too many nails in the wall.

These were inspired by curtain rods I saw in a West Elm magazine YEARS ago!

Details and tutorial coming soon!

Ok - if you're still with me, thanks!

I had a spur of the moment decorating idea for my office and I'm still debating.

I still haven't been able to sell my zebra end table, so on a whim I threw it up on my desk.

My thought is that it could serve as both a shelf, and extra storage. Currently I've got my scrap fabric in the top drawer, and miscellaneous tid-bits in the bottom drawer.

So here is where I need your opinion - LOVE it, or HATE it?

**UPDATE - I decided I LOVE it, so I'm keeping it! I'd still love any input or ideas you have!**

Don't be mean to me please! Just let me know what you think.

Keep in mind that I'm not done decorating yet, so some things will change, like the visible sewing machine cords and some of the decor. The two chairs I currently have will be gone as of tomorrow night and replaced with modern wood chairs!

One more view:

Ok, don't make me cry!

Cheers!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Tag With Jane From Adventures in Dinner!

Last week I got 'tagged' by Jane at Adventures In Dinner. So, I thought I would play along.

Photo of Jane and the Wee One - By Michelle Barbeau Photography

Now let me preface this by saying I always cheat at things like this and never follow the rules! :)

But, I always think it's interesting getting to learn more about the folks behind the blogs, so I thought I'd at least do that much!

You're supposed to give eleven fun facts about yourself, tag eleven folks to participate, answer your eleven questions, then make up eleven new questions. I'm cheating, and just answering the questions Jane asked!

1. Your best holiday ever.

Halloween 2008 - The hubby returned home after a fifteen month deployment!

(Sorry, can't find the original on my computer)

2. A skill that you don't have but wish you did.

Metal working! It would be so fun to make metal creations.

3. Best decision you've made.

Finally going on a date with the hubby! He liked me through college, but I didn't like him as more than a friend. So glad I finally gave him a chance!

4. Scariest thing you've done in the past 12 months.

A pap smear! haha - totally kidding (kinda). Cliff diving! It's exhilirating, but terrifying!

5. Worst fashion mistake.

Hahaha! Ok, so this is really more of a jab at my Mom! I borrowed her old Christmas sweater and leggings (complete with hole in the crotch) for an Ugly Sweater Christmas party!

I'm sure I've had my fair share of fashion horrors, but I can't think of any specific one. Maybe my big round bangs in 8th grade that I'm plastered with hairspray. Seriously, they were like a helmet!

6. Your favourite blog right now.

Hmm, I can't pick just one. There are so many I like for many different reasons!

7. The food you crave the most and indulge in when the chips are down.

Oh, the chips don't have to be down for me to indulge! I love food! In fact, I just scarfed down a delicious McDonald's M&M McFlurry! And I love pasta - especially fettuchine alfredo! Mmm!

8. Dream piece of clothing that you'd 'invest in' if you had the cash to blow.

I want a gorgeous pair of brown leather riding boots - they're awesome year round, but also around $400!

9. Type of decorating that is grabbing your attention right now.

It has taken me a long time to really discover my own style, but I'm finally realizing that I kind of have more modern taste. Which is weird, because I always said I hated modern.

10. Historical figure that you most admire.

Ok, I'm showing my lack of knowledge in American (or world) history here. I don't really have a historical figure that I admire (not that they're unadmirable). I admire my grandparents, my parents, my sister, and of course my husband! They're all the inspiration a girl could need!

11. Favourite quote that sums you up.

Pardon my french!