Choosing Paint

So I've realized that I know pretty much nothing about paint.  I feel okay with acrylic craft paint, but when it comes to painting real things like walls or furniture I'm lost.

I've been doing a lot of searching about paint this week.  We have our final walk-through of our house next week and I want to bring some paint swatches and ideas so I can see what will look good once all the insides are complete.

I've always looked forward to painting, but when it comes down to it I have lots of questions. 

How do you know what the colors will look like on the wall?  

How do choose colors that flow throughout the house, and which finish do you use?  
Anyone else with me?


I'm hoping so, because I'm going to share a few resources on paint that I found this week. 

COLOR

Love this one! You can upload your pictures to try different colors - Sherwin Williams Paint Vizualizer

(Is this what you used for your door Sizzle?)

Choosing colors that go together - True Value Paint Idea Cards 
and Sherwin-Williams Color Themes

FINISH

Choosing Paint Finish - About.com


All Things Paint - Thrifty Decor Chick - This one is a great over-all resource to check out!


Hopefully this will help some of you as well in any paint projects in the future. 
Do you have a favorite paint resource or any opinions or insight into paint?  Please share!

Baby Bullseye

Okay, so I remembered something that I did that actually did turn out, so I figure I'll share it to redeem myself from my failures. 

We went to the doctor this week for my baby's 2 month check up and on the info form they gave me it says "Your child can begin to regard bright simple contrasting designs. Hang mobiles or a bull's-eye of contrasting colors within baby's sight."  And what did it remind me of?  This post!

So, I pulled out my paper and markers and made this.  I actually made the circles in Word so they'd be even, then printed it to color.   

I saw the colors like that on an actual bull's eye and I figured it must help focus on the middle...maybe.  Anyway it looked cool.

So I hung this up in front of the baby swing so he can look at it.  And he just stares away.  I knew my killer art skills would come in handy someday.

Setting goals to be creative

Happy Friday! It's Ritz again, and I'm sitting here trying to figure out what's worth writing about.

Every week I know that I have a goal or a deadline to meet before which I need to have done something creative. And honestly, this week I've done a bunch of things that I planned on sharing with you, but then they ended up not turning out so well.

I tried a couple new recipes that I thought would be fun but they turned out to be not-so-great.

I got something cool at the thrift store that I plan on fixing up, but didn't get to buy the supplies yet.

Then I had this great idea to recreate some baby shorts that I pulled out of my mom's baby clothes stash. I traced the shorts to make a pattern, got some fabric, and started making them, but realized about 10 times that I kept doing things wrong. I sort of know how they need to be done now, but didn't have time to try again so I'll have to share this one later once I can successfully make them correctly.

Anyway, it's been a great week to learn to learn from my mistakes. But it made me realize something--- how important it is to have a goal.

GOALS lead to ACTION

My goal every week is always to do something worth sharing. This week I kinda failed, but I tried, and I have a bunch of experiences to learn from in the future. 

So I challenge you to set a goal  to do something creative.  

Remember, goals need to be S.M.A.R.T

S: Specific - don't be vague...

M: Measurable - you need to be able to track them

A: Attainable - don't set them too high or you won't even try

R: Relevant - will this help you achieve an even bigger goal?

T: Time-based - you NEED a deadline

What goals do you have for yourself? 

Our new house

Well we did it. We bought a house. Well we haven't closed yet, but offers are accepted and contracts are signed, so hopefully all goes well. Big commitments scare me, but I'm excited about this one. And I'm going to need your help as I go about making it home, so I figured you'd better see what it looks like so far.

Here's the outside:

The first is the listing photo since I didn't get a full head on pic. (And the one's I have are from my phone since I needed to text them to Jeremy) I also had to edit out my realtor because she didn't want to be in them in the first place, and most likely not posted on the internet..

And then when you walk in:

Hehe, yup it's mostly gutted. The seller is putting it all in though. New carpet, laminate flooring, paint, new toilets, vanities and sinks and a new dishwasher. He's also powerwashing it and cleaning the gutters. I guess they wanted to get it on the market before the tax credit was up... but this way we got a better price and we got to have some say in what type of stuff goes in it.

Anyway, then you walk in to this:


Another living area looking into the kitchen.
Then, walking toward the kitchen you see this,  Eating area with kitchen on left.  Door to porch and side stairs straight ahead.  (If you go all the way forward to the left you get to the laundry room - pic shown below).

Here's the kitchen part to the right. It'll need some cutesifing and new appliances someday.


Then the sideways laundry and probably pantry.

Then you can walk out to the porch and back yard. I know nothing abt landscaping or yards, so that'll be new. Oh, and the seller's apparently re-mulching too. Maybe that's just the front though..

Then the bedrooms all mostly look like this. There's 3 decent sized ones.


The bathrooms dont have much in them, so those pics are boring, so that's mostly it.

So, if while looking at these you've had some ideas spark with what to do to the place please tell me! I'm open to anything from fix-it projects to how to use the space.

Thanks, and till next time

Refashioned Shirt =>Vest

This Sunday my baby boy is getting blessed at our church. When deciding what I wanted him to wear, I thought it'd be cute to get a white sweater vest for him. But after looking at every store I could think of, and looking online, I couldn't find one anywhere. Eventually one showed up on Gap online, but it was $25 and looked excessively bulky for a newborn.

Amongst my searching I saw this tutorial featured during MADE's Boy Week for making a boys sweater vest out of a man's sweater. So, after that, I also checked every thrift store for a sweater I could use to do that.

Then, last weekend I stopped by a Goodwill next to a house we were looking at, and I found this!

Yes, it was for a girl... but looked just right. And, conveniently, I was on my way home so my mom could help me convert it :)

I used a sweater the same size that I wanted the sweater to be and gauged where to cut down the sweater.  



Then we cut off all the trim which conveniently fit perfectly to where we wanted to use them on the vest. We also cut off the edges of the sleeves. We then cut the body of the shirt to the size we wanted and mom did her wonders re-attaching all the trim etc.

It took some readjusting, but this is what we ended up with. Not bad for $2 eh?

Car Seat Cover: Tutorial Review

As I mentioned last week, I've been wanting to make a car seat carrier cover.  I wanted it specifically to block the sun when bringing his seat outside, or while pushing it in the grocery cart.  He doesn't so much enjoy the blinding of the sun.

Among my searching I found this tutorial at Make It Do.  (I mentioned it before regarding the Make Ahead Muffins  post there, which were super delicious by the way.)   I thought I'd do a little review of the tutorial in case anyone is interested in trying one out. 

I followed the Make It Do tutorial, mostly because it was a tad simpler than the other tutorial (mostly just the straps) I found at Vanilla Joy.
Here's how mine turned out.

[I included the dirty diaper in this pic for you :) ]

My thoughts:

Overall I like it, but it seems like there's so much fabric.  Maybe my seat is smaller... Still works though

I did do one thing different by making it just one layer of fabric.  It is so hot here already that I didn't want him to sweat in there anymore than necessary.  I ended up cutting out a strip of the different fabric and doubling it at the bottom where the curved edges are.  I just thought it would look nicer than just a hem if I wanted to flip it over (as in the bottom picture.)

My biggest complaint is the straps holding it onto the handle.  They are really loose which allows the cover to slide off the side and then you end up flipping this fabric all over trying to fit in back on the cover.  Turns out the Vanilla Joy tutorial might have been worth the effort because it's straps look more secure.  I'll probably just resew the straps a little so their tighter to prevent this. 

Anyway, it's nice to have.  And it turns out I'm just meant to have baby posts.  :)

I'm currently at my parents house for the weekend because my husbands in Boston for 3 days, and we're working on another fun recycling project similar to this post.  Stay tuned and check back next Friday for what it is!

Noteworthy Recipe: Make Ahead Muffins

I found a recipe today that I'm so excited to try!  I've been really trying to find healthier alternatives to my "fast foods" that I eat during the day.  Usually I grab a bowl of cereal for breakfast, and then have leftovers (or junky snack food...) the rest of the day because I haven't figured out how to cook and hold a crying baby simultaneously.

Then, as I was browsing trying to find ideas to make a carseat carrier cover, I found this on a blog called Make it Do that had this great recipe for bran muffins.  You can make the batter ahead and keep it in the fridge for a month!  Then every couple days make a fresh batch.  Mmm.  So as soon as I acquire a box of All Bran and some buttermilk, I'll be enjoying these.  (If you follow the link below, they have step by step instructions with pictures.)

Busy Day Bran Muffins

• 2 c. boiling water
• 5 tsp. baking soda
• 1 c. shortening
• 2 c. sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 qt. buttermilk
• 5 c. flour
• 1 tsp. salt
• 4 c. All Bran
• 2 c. Bran Flakes
• 2 c. chopped dates (optional)
• 1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Add baking soda to boiling water and let cool.  Cream shortening and sugar.  Add eggs.  Stir in buttermilk.  Stir in flour that has been sifted with salt.  Add water/baking soda mixture.

In a large bowl, stir together All Bran, Bran Flakes, dates and pecans.  Pour buttermilk mixture over and stir lightly.  

Cover tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 12 hours.   Be sure not to stir again.  Batter keeps in the refrigerator for approximately 4 weeks.

To bake:  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Drop by spoonfuls into a greased muffin tin.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

Makes 5 ½ dozen.
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Don't they seems so yummy and healthy.  I'm thinking I might throw some frozen berries in a batch too...
If you make these before I do, add a comment and let me know how they go!

What recipes do you have that you love to keep on hand for quick meals?
Ooh, or/also, what healthy snacks do you like to keep around the house.  My go-to right now is carrot sticks and I'm looking for some more options.


Thanks!
With love,

Pacifier Clip

Hehe, sorry that my posts are all baby related recently...  I promise it won't always be like that.  This project isn't even for me, I've just been wanting to try one and decided to add it to a baby gift.  Turns out it's really easy.  I made a trial one bit ago with a snap and a different clip, and it didn't turn out so well.  This way is easier and more professional looking and functional.

Materials:
10 inches of ribbon
1 suspender/mitten clip
1 piece sew on velcro (cut to width of ribbon)

Step 1:
Singe both ends of ribbon to prevent fraying


Step 2: Put one end of ribbon through suspender clip and sew across it.

 

Step 3: Fold over the other edge a little and sew across it as well. 


Step 4: Sew one piece of velcro and the end or the ribbon, and the other piece about 1.5 inches apart. And sew it on well! (Try it with your pacifier to see for sure how far apart you want them)

And you're done!

Ideas?

This week I'm appealing to you for your ideas.  I've been spending a lot of time on the couch below and it's been so interesting to how certain things can hold Carson's attention for a long time. 
These are the two things in our house that he constantly stares at:

I can set him on the couch and come back 10 minutes later (on a good day when he's not crying...) and he's still staring at the pillows or the painting.  And when I hold him he cranes his neck to see one of these items.
I've heard about how contrasting colors like black and white are easiest for newborns to see so it makes sense.  And I guess since the painting has light and dark colors that it's interesting to him.  Kinda cool how true it is.

Anyway, I've been wanting to make something else that would be interesting and stimulating for him.  I've considered making a mobile - maybe also black and white or constrasting colors. 

What things have been interesting to your infants?  Ideas, anyone...?

Sites for Saving!

My baby is 2 weeks old today! It's been so much fun getting to know him. He's definitely demanding of time, but oh so cute so I don't mind. So my crafting time has been ultra-limited but I was introduced to two AWESOME sites this week that I want to share.

Every time I start typing this, he needs something, and then I get distracted, so this is going to have to be brief! Like right now, he started crying. Hmm, I'll try to type one handed...I'm getting pretty good at that.

I talked before about the world of couponing, and although I haven't tried much lately, some things add up (diapers for one...) and I needed a way to cut down on those things. So, my friend introduced me to the Krazy Coupon Lady! It is seriously so helpful!



You can search by store and she has scenarios of what to buy to get the best deal and links to what coupons to use (some being printable). She also provides info on how to be succesful, and provides each stores policy

Probably my favorite thing about it is the Coupon Database she provides:

You can go here and look up any product and see where online you can print off a coupon for it! I admit I've spent lots of time searching a bunch of different sites trying to find a coupon.

She also linked to this site: Totally Target
I love Target because they have so many ways to save. In addition to their awesome clearance schedule, they always have Gift Card deals plus printable Target coupons that you can use in addition to manufacturers coupons.


This lady know her Target stuff!  She shares some deals that aren't advertised too, so check that one out!

Alright, that's all the time I can steal away from my squirming baby.  Hope this helps!

Nursing Cover Tips

So I mentioned recently how I had made the nursing covers from Sew Much Ado.  I made them pretty much as instructed there, but when our mom was here a couple weekends ago we figured out a few tricks to make them just a little better and a little easier.

I was wanting to just rewrite the whole thing, but I really don't have time right now, so you'll want to use this in addition to the Sew Much Ado tutorial.

Supplies Needed:
1 yard fabric - the thicker cottons work great
16” boning (in fabric casing)
2 D-rings (1.5")
I've pointed out some D-rings (on the wall) and the boning (on the shelf) in the picture.  The 1.5" D-rings are usually sold with 4, and the boning you just buy by the yard (or inches...).








As changed above, you do not need 1.25 yards with most fabrics.

Everything I've used so far is about 44" wide so if you cut it right you'll still have a few inches extra with 1 yard.
The sizes you need are:
· one rectangle 28”x40” for main body
· one strip 4.25”x10” for neck strap
· one strip 4.25”x26” for neck strap

  This is how to cut it with 1 yard of fabric:

I keep the whole 44" width so it ends up being 2" longer on each side, which is fine with me.  You can cut it down to 40" if you want, but it's more work :)
Then with the bottom strip, once it's cut to 4.25" wide, just cut off a 10" strip and a 26" strip.  Toss the scrap and you're done cutting.

The Strap:
For ease in adjusting, its nice to have more than just the last few inches of the length narrowed .  Start narrowing it about halfway down the length.

The Straps:
This was the part that we noticed the biggest difference when changing it a little bit and it makes it a lot more functional.  The way I did it, the straps were sewn starting at the edge of the boning which caused the front opening to sag when you wear it.  The straps need to overlap the boning to prevent this.  *So, going back I realized that the Sew Much Ado tutorial actually did say to do it this way, but I didn't notice it from the instructions.  Hopefully this will clarify.

First, sew the boning as instructed, centered along the top edge.  When attaching the straps center the middle of the strap with the edge of the boning like this:

When you fold over the edge it will look like this:

The finger shows where the edge of the boning is. Pin and finish attaching as instructed.
And finish the rest of the edges as instructed.

*You can save a lot of time by not pre-folding or ironing all the edges over before hemming them.  Its really helpful for the top so you know where to sew the boning in, but with the others just press them afterward and they still look great.   

Hope this helps!

Spicing up what you have

I'm sharing with you today something I've enjoyed knowing that has brought so much happiness and joy to my life.  I'll admit, it's kindof a weird post, mostly because it's about beans, but really it's about taking what you have, and making an effort to make it better - even enjoyable. 

So, a few months ago, my mom gave me an opened can of food storage that they had tried but didn't like. 
Dehydrated Refried Beans, ever heard of them?

Here's an inside look:

Just little dry flakes.  You're supposed to add water and let them sit for a minute.  We tried them once and they were kindof bland, and so they sat there for a little bit.  Then we figured out the magic missing ingredients: Chili powder, Cumin and Coriander.  They're what are generally added to Mexican type dishes, so we tried them once and they were delicious. 

My husband is the spice expert, so I let him mess with proportions, but he just adds a little of each to the dry beans before adding the water and then the beans are really tasty.  We enjoy using the dehydrated because we can make as little or as much as you want.  So, if you want some tasty food storage, try these. 

Now, we need to take this a step further.  We ate the rest of the other can awhile ago and I just recently got this new one, but I needed another way to get some refried beans, and I didn't want to go back to the canned variety.  Luckily I had these lying around. 

 A lifetime supply of dry beans eh?  WIC tends to do this to cupboards... they just take some time, but they too can be delicious.  I didn't photograph my own endeavors, but if you have dry beans lying around, grab a bag a pinto beans and make your own refried beans!  There's a great tutorial here and they are delicious. 

I love having refried beans handy without having to open a whole can.  They make for an easy snack with chips, or cheese and a tortilla.  And they're good for you.  Yummy.

Baby Shower

So a couple weeks ago two of my friends threw me the cutest baby shower ever. Seriously, I was so impressed. They did everything in the colors that I want to do the baby's room, brown, green and blue. (Want meaning once we actually have a room for him...) Anyway, one of the attendees was kind enough to take some pictures of the event which I now have and would like to share with you. Such cute ideas.

First of course, the food table: Classy eh? :)

For the glasses she used a Cricut to cut out vellum ducks. These served as tags for us to write our names to prevent mix-ups.One of the games: Birth the Baby! They froze little plastic babies in ice cubes and put one in the glass of each guest. The first person to "birth their baby" (melt the cube to release the baby...) got a special prize.

(These last two got moved during the shower so I recreated them at my house for you.)

Our Family Tree: For this I gave them some baby pics of Jeremy & I as well as some ultrasounds of the baby. Then just glue to scrapbook paper and hang from a branch in a cool vase. The actual vase was lots cuter than mine here... one of those bigger ones full of cool glass beads.

And to complete it all, the diaper cake. They're just so cute. If you ever wanna try your own I found a decent tutorial here.Well I didn't get to show you everything, but hopefully these will provide some inspiration for the next party (of any kind) that you get to throw! :)

Till next time,