What I used:
(4) 29 in. 2x3 lumber
(2) 23 in. 2x3 lumber
(2) 73 in. 2x3 lumber
(1) 80'x28' door
nails
screws
wood glue
paint
My next task will be to completely decorate my office and make it feel a little warmer and inviting. I'll keep you updated.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Completed Door Desk
Ha, ha! I finally finished. I feel really great that I completed my desk task. It took a couple of hours to complete and was very fun. Originally I thought it would cost about $40, but it only ended up costing about $20.
What I used:
(4) 29 in. 2x3 lumber
(2) 23 in. 2x3 lumber
(2) 73 in. 2x3 lumber
(1) 80'x28' door
nails
screws
wood glue
paint
I would be glad to include the instructions, but I am more happy that I finally put it together. Yay for me!!
My next task will be to completely decorate my office and make it feel a little warmer and inviting. I'll keep you updated.
What I used:
(4) 29 in. 2x3 lumber
(2) 23 in. 2x3 lumber
(2) 73 in. 2x3 lumber
(1) 80'x28' door
nails
screws
wood glue
paint
My next task will be to completely decorate my office and make it feel a little warmer and inviting. I'll keep you updated.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Beginning a New Desk Project
Hello world,
I am trying a new project this weekend. The ultimate "door desk". I have been wanting to try this for a while but have not had the courage to do it. Today I finally got up the nerve to buy the door. I figured I'd buy the door from The Restore (Habitat for Humanity) for $5. If I messed it up, at least I'm only out of $5 dollars, right? While at the store, I was testing out the doors to make sure that they had the right vibe. I sort of have this thing about having items used from other people and I don't know where they came from. The gentleman helping me thought it was the funniest thing. It was kind of funny though, but I think I got a good feeling from the one I chose. Anyway, I will post pictures of the progression of this "door desk" project.
Hopefully it will work fine because my 48 inch tiny ikea desk is just not doing the trick. I considered purchasing an IKEA desk, but for the same size and general idea, it would cost about $40 for the table top and $5 each for 4 legs. I figured I could sand this door, paint, polyurathan, and add legs for about $40 and have an entire desk.
I'll keep you posted!
I am trying a new project this weekend. The ultimate "door desk". I have been wanting to try this for a while but have not had the courage to do it. Today I finally got up the nerve to buy the door. I figured I'd buy the door from The Restore (Habitat for Humanity) for $5. If I messed it up, at least I'm only out of $5 dollars, right? While at the store, I was testing out the doors to make sure that they had the right vibe. I sort of have this thing about having items used from other people and I don't know where they came from. The gentleman helping me thought it was the funniest thing. It was kind of funny though, but I think I got a good feeling from the one I chose. Anyway, I will post pictures of the progression of this "door desk" project.
Hopefully it will work fine because my 48 inch tiny ikea desk is just not doing the trick. I considered purchasing an IKEA desk, but for the same size and general idea, it would cost about $40 for the table top and $5 each for 4 legs. I figured I could sand this door, paint, polyurathan, and add legs for about $40 and have an entire desk.
 |
| Door purchased for $5 at the Restore. 28' x 78'. Cost in theretail about $25. |
 |
| Current small desk and old file cabinet. No space. |
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Creating a Beautiful Home on a Budget
No money you say! That is just fine. I am going to create a beautiful cozy home on a budget. I found the nicest end tables the other day at a thrift store for $45 a set. Granted they are from about the 1950's, but they are nice. Gonna sand them down and paint them black to see how they will look.
I also found another set of side tables for $10 a set. Now that was definitely a steal! I figured I'd take those two and make a desk out of them. Maybe paint those black as well. We will see. $50 for something that will be beautiful when painted, decorated, and embellished.
I have been having fun "thrifting" seeing things that have lots of potential and feel like I can use them to add some spice and life to my home. This nice little music chair was a cute find as well.
 |
| Right end table has original handles. Left handles include possible handles after being painted. $45 for set! |
 |
| Both end tables cost $5 each. Caught these at a flea market! |
 |
| Cool music chair that I could use for my son & daughters music corner. $22 |
I have been having fun "thrifting" seeing things that have lots of potential and feel like I can use them to add some spice and life to my home. This nice little music chair was a cute find as well.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Building Skills of My Sons
I think that I may be rubbing off on my sons. (Obvious, since they are my sons!) They have been helping me build a lot of things lately. Since being in the new house, we have had to construct many things on our own. Check out the "Build Your Dresser" video by my boys. My son said "mom we are not finished with the video, so you have to record us doing it again. To my suprise, they were extremely interested in making the video and did very well for it not to be edited. The end product isn't bad either. Check that out as well. I have been trying to get my daughter to include her "How to Draw" videos. As you would know, she is a little reluctant.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Thoughts on the Education
Just having a few thoughts about education. Why on earth are we making the obvious difficult?
Health/Activity: I was reading an article about how to cut down on childhood obesity and boost healthy nutrition. One way to decrease this problem is to serve real breakfast and lunch during school hours and allow the students to have recess for at least 15-20 min a day. My children eat breakfast from a bag every morning with milk and juice. They usually have some starch/bread (mini pancakes, sausage biscuits, french toast, breakfast dog, cereal, etc). What ever happened to the days of a real hot breakfast served on a plate with grits, fruit, oatmeal, etc. Not only does it provide the students with a moment to get their minds ready, it also reduces waste! (My next blog by the way). Why not encourage students/parents to bring healthy snacks or even allow the students to make healthy snacks during class. [Make an apple man, string-o-popcorn, etc] Do be afraid to teach the children about sharing and doing assignments with healthy food [multiplying, understanding cells, classifying rocks].
Recess: What is that? My children have gone to recess approx. 20 times out of 100 days. Why?? Apparently for various reasons. "We have a lot of information to cover." explains one teacher. "It's to cold and I'm allergic to the elements (grass, trees, sun)." states another. "We just don't have time everyday and children misbehave!" mims the last. All reasons that can be controlled by the educator in charge of his/her class. Or maybe the administrators make them feel that allowing students to release the energy that is bottled up inside or have down time is a waste of time. They must sit studiously and quietly during instruction time ALL day. No not all students are deprived of being able to "play", "talk freely", "socialize", and "release" for a few minutes. But, a lot of them are! What can be done? Simple allow the students to have recess or free time and serve "real lunches".
Well, well, well when things aren't working so well in school what happens, everything is thrown back to the parents. Most children spend at least 7-10hrs a day at school, 8-10hrs sleeping and the other 4-9hrs in transition, or doing something related to school. Where is the down time each day?? Consider the great American child's life: Our children spend about 5 hours with us each day and about 2 doing something non-school related! Interesting.
Volunteer at school: Not possible with all teachers or schools. Some teachers feel as though the parent/s are being "helicopters" or "evaluators". Some parents are. Solve that, have a resource room available for parents to come in after they have given their babies a hug, kiss and let go. If you need things made, copied, done, put it in the teacher/parent resource room. When you need stuff, create a helping hands bulletin and allow the parents to pull from the bulletin and bring when possible. Utilize PTA funds for things needed in the classroom. Parents pockets do get thin!! Have a sign up sheet for parents to come and help during specific celebrations or times to help with groups of students. Parent do want to help, but sometimes are met with resistance and reluctance from teachers.
Most important: Academics: Yes, you must know by now that I have a child who is not particularly excited about school but they love it. (Oxymoron I know) Being a teacher, I am all for academics and making sure that students understand "book stuff". But in the same breath, I want to be sure that my child and other students understand how to be productive citizens. Every child will not get A's or be on the Principals List, but every child must be educated. Each child can excel in an area that they are great in. What educators should do is try to hone in on those undercover skills/interests/qualities/learning styles/abilities/talents and develop the students love of academics from that. How can we get children to excel and enjoy learning? Not by overloading their brains with "book stuff", I assure you. If they enjoy learning, the academic part will come along for the ride. Help them understand how academics relates to life by allowing opportunities for true first hand, hands on experiences with different subjects. Let's have some up close and personal, real life, field trips(almost obsolete as well).
Educating students shouldn't be this difficult, mind blowing or puzzling. It's truly a common sense issue. (Depending on who's sense you are using!!)
Health/Activity: I was reading an article about how to cut down on childhood obesity and boost healthy nutrition. One way to decrease this problem is to serve real breakfast and lunch during school hours and allow the students to have recess for at least 15-20 min a day. My children eat breakfast from a bag every morning with milk and juice. They usually have some starch/bread (mini pancakes, sausage biscuits, french toast, breakfast dog, cereal, etc). What ever happened to the days of a real hot breakfast served on a plate with grits, fruit, oatmeal, etc. Not only does it provide the students with a moment to get their minds ready, it also reduces waste! (My next blog by the way). Why not encourage students/parents to bring healthy snacks or even allow the students to make healthy snacks during class. [Make an apple man, string-o-popcorn, etc] Do be afraid to teach the children about sharing and doing assignments with healthy food [multiplying, understanding cells, classifying rocks].
Recess: What is that? My children have gone to recess approx. 20 times out of 100 days. Why?? Apparently for various reasons. "We have a lot of information to cover." explains one teacher. "It's to cold and I'm allergic to the elements (grass, trees, sun)." states another. "We just don't have time everyday and children misbehave!" mims the last. All reasons that can be controlled by the educator in charge of his/her class. Or maybe the administrators make them feel that allowing students to release the energy that is bottled up inside or have down time is a waste of time. They must sit studiously and quietly during instruction time ALL day. No not all students are deprived of being able to "play", "talk freely", "socialize", and "release" for a few minutes. But, a lot of them are! What can be done? Simple allow the students to have recess or free time and serve "real lunches".
Well, well, well when things aren't working so well in school what happens, everything is thrown back to the parents. Most children spend at least 7-10hrs a day at school, 8-10hrs sleeping and the other 4-9hrs in transition, or doing something related to school. Where is the down time each day?? Consider the great American child's life: Our children spend about 5 hours with us each day and about 2 doing something non-school related! Interesting.
Volunteer at school: Not possible with all teachers or schools. Some teachers feel as though the parent/s are being "helicopters" or "evaluators". Some parents are. Solve that, have a resource room available for parents to come in after they have given their babies a hug, kiss and let go. If you need things made, copied, done, put it in the teacher/parent resource room. When you need stuff, create a helping hands bulletin and allow the parents to pull from the bulletin and bring when possible. Utilize PTA funds for things needed in the classroom. Parents pockets do get thin!! Have a sign up sheet for parents to come and help during specific celebrations or times to help with groups of students. Parent do want to help, but sometimes are met with resistance and reluctance from teachers.
Most important: Academics: Yes, you must know by now that I have a child who is not particularly excited about school but they love it. (Oxymoron I know) Being a teacher, I am all for academics and making sure that students understand "book stuff". But in the same breath, I want to be sure that my child and other students understand how to be productive citizens. Every child will not get A's or be on the Principals List, but every child must be educated. Each child can excel in an area that they are great in. What educators should do is try to hone in on those undercover skills/interests/qualities/learning styles/abilities/talents and develop the students love of academics from that. How can we get children to excel and enjoy learning? Not by overloading their brains with "book stuff", I assure you. If they enjoy learning, the academic part will come along for the ride. Help them understand how academics relates to life by allowing opportunities for true first hand, hands on experiences with different subjects. Let's have some up close and personal, real life, field trips(almost obsolete as well).
Educating students shouldn't be this difficult, mind blowing or puzzling. It's truly a common sense issue. (Depending on who's sense you are using!!)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas 2010
Wow! It has been almost 10 months since my last blog. A lot has gone on since that time. I've found some new hobbies that may be very interesting to pursue. I haven't crocheted anything for a couple of months. Pretty much been living and being happy with my family. Been enjoying a new home and a new baby. (Well he isn't new any more). Well today for Christmas, the children had a really great time. They received lots of gifts that they were not really prepared to receive. My mother-n-law was here and left today. 2 weeks went by really quickly. My aunt and cousins stopped by to visit and it was really fun having them over.
I love Christmas because you get to share a lot with the ones that you care about very much. I am tired right now and will update this little message later. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Health and Happiness
The older I become and the more children I have, the more I become extremely concerned about my health and happiness. I have been wanting to start a group for women to come together and exercise and do interesting things together, but most females I know are very reluctant. No one wants to walk, play softball, or anything that requires movement!! How do we get each other to become more active? Do we always have to wait until it is late in the game before we improve or keep up our bodies? When do we honestly say, "I am going to keep myself together". I think that we say that all of the time, but do not follow through. Following through might be the challenge for many of us. How do we overcome this challenge? I have plenty of ideas about that but no real solution except "Just Do It".
I have always been a very active person, but it wasn't until I hit 30 and had the 4th child that I realized that I may need to be a little more active. Taking care of yourself, a husband, and 4 other bodies can be a challenging task if your not prepared. And that I wasn't, prepared. I want to continue being active and not let the job become the stress in my life again. My husband has encouraged me to include and cut out somethings in our diet. Which has really helped and was an excellent idea.
My creative spirit has been on the hunt to complete and "follow through" on projects. I am excited to say that I did complete a couple of things since my last post, including: a baby blanket (very cute), another hat, a slide picture album, a birthday party and something else. (I forgot). I find lots of new projects that interest me, but seem to have a hard time getting started with those things. Reading other blogs and looking at more pictures has been giving me the enthusiasm to start completing some of the interesting ideas that flow through me. (Regularly I might add).
If you have interesting projects, any health and happiness tips, let me know. I'm digressing now to indulge in some Ice cream and Trefoil cookies. :) Yummy.
I have always been a very active person, but it wasn't until I hit 30 and had the 4th child that I realized that I may need to be a little more active. Taking care of yourself, a husband, and 4 other bodies can be a challenging task if your not prepared. And that I wasn't, prepared. I want to continue being active and not let the job become the stress in my life again. My husband has encouraged me to include and cut out somethings in our diet. Which has really helped and was an excellent idea.
My creative spirit has been on the hunt to complete and "follow through" on projects. I am excited to say that I did complete a couple of things since my last post, including: a baby blanket (very cute), another hat, a slide picture album, a birthday party and something else. (I forgot). I find lots of new projects that interest me, but seem to have a hard time getting started with those things. Reading other blogs and looking at more pictures has been giving me the enthusiasm to start completing some of the interesting ideas that flow through me. (Regularly I might add).
If you have interesting projects, any health and happiness tips, let me know. I'm digressing now to indulge in some Ice cream and Trefoil cookies. :) Yummy.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Completed Basket Weave
Well, I have finished the basket weave hat and started a new project. I actually completed the hat about 5 or 6 days ago and did not post it. It did not turn out as cute as I wanted it to, but oh well it was worth a shot. I added about 2 extra rows and did not realize that it would stretch so much or be so large. Guess I should have stuck to the plan. (Ha Ha, stick to a plan, yeah right!) Maybe washing it will shrink the yarn. ?? My daughter asked me to put some flowers or something with some color on it. That sounded like a super idea, so that will be updated when ever I add color. Maybe one of the colors she has chosen for her blanket will work.
Now my sights are set on completing my daughters blanket. I made my two sons and my husband a granny square blanket and now I need to complete my daughters.
I love to crochet, but sometimes get a little side tracked when introduced to other craft opportunities. Like right now, I am thinking about finishing a scrapbook page that I started so long ago. As crafters you all know that sometimes the urge to indulge in another "handy made" project presents it self before a previous "invention" can be finished.
Now my sights are set on completing my daughters blanket. I made my two sons and my husband a granny square blanket and now I need to complete my daughters.
I love to crochet, but sometimes get a little side tracked when introduced to other craft opportunities. Like right now, I am thinking about finishing a scrapbook page that I started so long ago. As crafters you all know that sometimes the urge to indulge in another "handy made" project presents it self before a previous "invention" can be finished.
Well the baby is crying. Got to go until next time.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Basket Weave Hat
I just started the basket weave hat. I must say this one is a little difficult to complete. It's hard to work consistantly on this little project and don't know why I choose white. Working the back double crochet was a little tricky, however, that's part of the challenge. Stopped on round 7 and will try to finish by today; no maybe tomorrow. Must say I love Teresa and her youtube tutorials. They are very, very helpful.
Soon I'll come up with my own patterns and show others how to crochet. :) I have shown the girl scouts in hopes that they would enjoy it. Unfortunately, brownies and "young" juniors only have so much patience and skill.
Hopefully it will turn out ok and look like a hat. Stay tuned!!
Soon I'll come up with my own patterns and show others how to crochet. :) I have shown the girl scouts in hopes that they would enjoy it. Unfortunately, brownies and "young" juniors only have so much patience and skill.
Hopefully it will turn out ok and look like a hat. Stay tuned!!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Beanies for a Cause
It's funny how you start something and are hanging in there for a couple of weeks and then it wears off. Just thinking about how long I will keep this up because I am really excited about it right now.
I just came up with a wonderful idea for me and my girls to do. We can crochet beanies for children with alopecia. My daughter suffers from it and I run out of hairstyles to cover the spots in her hair. It gets frustrating for her and I just want to come up with an alternative to braiding. She really liked the beanie posted the other day. She and I are going to make some other ones with the colors that she likes to wear to school. She also wants to sell them to raise money for the NAAF to help with research. Check these out!
http://4sisters4freedom.com/
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/
http://4sisters4freedom.com/
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Crocheted Puff Stitch Hat
Well I completed something new yesterday while the baby was sleeping. A puff stitch hat! I have never crocheted a hat before so this was a first for me. I followed Teresa's plan from her You Tube site and it made if very easy. Thanks! I couldn't believe how quickly I was able to finish (3 1/2 hours). Check out her video posted below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8lLMHpt1Sw
There were a few changes made though. Instead of 24 puff stitches after round 4, I made 25 and also did 12 rounds rather than 10 to fit my head a little better. (Lots of "puffy" hair) How? Don't ask but it happened. Also made changes in the single stitch at the end to try and tighten the hat up some. It came out very pretty, but the orange doesn't really match anything. However, I will wear it today to my doctor's and hair appointment.
I want to make something else very soon but I am going to try to do a different project a day. So today I'll be working on either scrapbooking or painting.
Well that's it for today! See the picture of the hat. Looks pretty nice huh!
Friday, January 15, 2010
1st Post
Hello,
Just got stared with this. It should be interesting to see what transpires from this blog. I just had a wonderful baby boy and will need an outlet while being at home feeding, eating and sleeping. Creativity comes in so many forms. Let's watch to see which one will work out best for me. Join me on my journey. Lets Go!
Just got stared with this. It should be interesting to see what transpires from this blog. I just had a wonderful baby boy and will need an outlet while being at home feeding, eating and sleeping. Creativity comes in so many forms. Let's watch to see which one will work out best for me. Join me on my journey. Lets Go!
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