Pin-spiration!!!

I thought I'd do a quick little post to share some more of my pin-spirated ideas. This one goes out to a co-worker of mine. She had the good fortune to have her name drawn by me in the Secret Santa. (Well, I think it's a good thing. I'll let her think what she wants).

Anyway, I'm a fan of the custom gift....WHAT!?! You don't say! Couldn't tell by all my hobbies and crafts pinned on my Pinterest account. Anyhoo.....I found this little gem and thought, why the hell not.

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TOO CUTE!!! Right!?!

So here's what I made...er...came up with. I fiddled with the design a bit...but had a good outcome.

Cute Polka dot Orange Fabric covered button

That Tea be hot!!!

I tappered the knitting to allow the band to sleeve between the handle and the mug. I created a button hole at the end of the taper. The Orange fabric was left over from a baby quilt that I'd made (actually for the same co-worker, who just had a little one). I'm sentimental like that.

I thought the hand stiched little tea tag with the RED HOT - well HOT was too perfect. You be the judge.

I'm thinking I may make a few more of these for gifts. Pair with white ceramic mug and a package of their favorite hot beverage. Cocoa....Tea....Coffee.....

HOT TODDY!?! You decide.

Hood Rats!

Pinterest......P-I-N-T-E-R-E-S-T!!!! You are an evil temptress. You lure me in with you creative and enticing images. You make me think that I can make anything with some glitter, glue, and a few scraps of paper (over generalizing, I'm sure). If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, you can find me here.

Well, what can I say. I too have been bitten by the pinterest bug. I've been pinning randomness to my boards for a few months now. I thought I'd share one of my creations. A co-worker of mine pinned the cutest pic.


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Isn't that just the cutest thing you've ever seen. So I thought...my wiener is cold. Short German hair and all. So why NOT make a dog hoodie. She'll love it! And if I'm making one for Charlotte, then Hazel will need one too. It's like small children, really. If one gets something than the other needs the same thing. (This premise is currently being applied to all of my Christmas gifts for my nephews and nieces). Separate but equal.

So back to the cuteness.

My best friend and I made the pilgrimage to Mecca (JoAnn Fabrics). She too is an evil temptress. I have probably single handedly kept a few employees in their jobs this year alone. I should own stock as much as I spend in that place! Honorary employee!?! I think so! But don't ask me to cut your fabric or follow me around the store trying to give me ideas (crazy lady from Thanksgiving weekend). I'm mearly here to do some silent shopping and pondering.

Anyhoo, we decided to make the hoodies out of fleece, being that it is both warm and cheap. It's a dog hoodie after all. With Charlottes 'red' color, blue was a nice compliment. My black and white lady, Hazel, got a snazzy green. Check out the awesomeness that is the hood.



I look so enthused! Dad, you suck! I hate it and can't move with this thing attached.

 So, she wore it. Not willingly, but she wore it. And the little bitty wore hers too.

She's a bit quicker than my Charlotte, so I had to wait until the next day to catch them in action. It was super cold that weekend, so we cuddled up in our hoodies for the whole day.

So, I call this a Pinterest success. The dogs actually wear them from time to time (when it's actually cold in Texas).

Stay tuned for more of my Pinterest self challenges. I've got a boat load. Seriously....pinterest is having an adverse effect on my paycheck.

(And I shall not, nore ever, mention the great Pinterest fail of 2012......Food poisoning and an ER visit, thanks to a Pinterest recipe gone awry).

A Giraffe of a different color..KNIT

A while back, when I first got into knitting, I was all about making cute little knit stuffed animals. I made a bit of money at it too, which is never a bad thing.

I thought I'd share a photo of a kid that received one of the animals.

This was sent to me by a co-worker who purchased this for her nephew. So sweet.  And what's even cooler is that this little boy lives in the Netherlands. So, I can actually say that my product line has gone global. How many people can say that! So cool!

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And if you're wondering, most of the patterns I found for the knit animals come from a wonderful pattern book put out by Susan B. Anderson. The book is called Itty Bitty Toys.  You can find more about it here.

You can also follow along on her blog here.

If you are as inspired as I was, you should buy this book and make up a few amazing gifts of your own to give. It really brought me quite a bit of joy to see how happy it makes others.

What a wonderful feeling.

The minor reno before the storm

Let me just preface this with saying, Karma is a bitch. In a prior post I mentioned how tiny my master bath is. How it was updated with the 'builder basic' of upgrades. Crappy corner shower, crappy sink/toilet. It functioned, it just wasn't pretty. Read about that here.

So.....here's what happened. I thought "Let me do a quick little spruce up and try to make myself happy with what my home purchase had given me." Below are the results. Sorry for the crap-tastic photos. Prior to the new camera.


It's a bit hard to see, but I added a nice wainscot effect with some fantastic wall covering for a big blue home improvement store. You can find it here. It's actually a 3 dimensional paper, so it really looked like the real thing....bead board. I painted it and the trim out in the Antique white I'm using throughout the house for doors and trim. Nice!

The wall color is a re-use from my living room color 2.0. It's a fantastic greeny-grey called Olivewood from Glidden. You can find that at your local orange home improvement store. I already owned the mirror. More on that here.

 The pedestal sink was a house warming gift from my dad. The flipper had put in a way-too-big sink and cabinet that seems about as good a quality as something made out of wet cardboard. So, of course I immediately ripped that puppy out. Now, I'm not a fan of the pedestal. No storage, not practical, but it seemed the only way to go. Plus, look how close the toilet sits from the sink. It's like having an arm rest on the commode.

Also, the flipper put in one of those terribly tiny corner shower units. Now, this may have been a fine thing for the majority of people, but I'm tall. I'm a bigger guy. It was like showering inside of a coffin. Every time I went to wash a leg....BAM!!!  My head against the glass....BAM!! My elbow meets tile. As KARMA would have it, last Easter Sunday, it met it's demise. That, I will tell you, was the beginning of the end for this little lipstick job of a makeover.

I thought, YES! I redid the bathroom and spent about $100 bucks. Nice!

"Oh no...." said KARMA. You try and redo me and I'll redo you. So needless to say, enter my wet, naked foot through the floor of the shower. BAM!! CRACK!!! Holy shit!!

Well this set off a string of ....language I won't repeat. But I guess I was getting what I wished for. I renovated bathroom.

So, say goodbye to a quick fix. Say goodbye to a budget conscience redo. Say hello to insurance, cash and credit. Sweat, cursing, handyman #1 (and plumber to fix handyman #1's mistakes).

So stay tuned for the reveal of my new master bath. Coming soon.

There's something about a fireplace

Admittedly, I've been addicted to house hunting for the past decade. Even though I own my own home (own my own....sounds weird, but whatever), I can't seem to help myself. I scower the Internet for newly listed homes. Searching out new neighborhoods to explore (possibly move to in the future). It's a sickness, really it is. There aut to be a 12 step program for people like me....House Hunters Anonymous (HHA). H-HA!!!! Maybe not. Fail in the naming department.



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So, in my hours of obsession, I've come to fall in love with something I'm currently lacking. Something I had as an apartment dweller in college, but didn't seem to think I would miss when buying my own home (and no, mother, I know it's not that cold in Texas and I know we don't use them very often and that they are BITCH to maintain); but there is just something about a fireplace, baby!
It's the center of the home. It brings warmth (either actual or perceived). I have lived without for the last 5 years (rental house and bought house) and I don't want to go without in my next home.

MMM....lovely. Check out the serious beauty of that dark painted millwork. I love the idea of flanking it in bookshelves. Only problem I see...I don't own that many books and I hate chotskies. That's neither here nore there. It's just lovely. So there.

Here are a few others that I'm drooling over....


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There's just something about a freestanding stove fireplace. It's so simple, rustic, but nice. This one is done with a great, modern flare. It agrees with me.

So where am I going with all of this. As I've said before. I want something like this in my next home. In all of my searches, I've found something that I really love. The first Townhouse that I put in an offer on back in 2008 (and by the grace of god was able to get out of the contract because it was a secret shit hole) had one and I found another house that sporting a nice one too. Here's a hint.....it floats.

Check this puppy out!


Source: Ebby.com



Source: Ebby.com

 That's right, a floating fire place. How lovely. Maybe some day, you will be mine. B-T-Dub....I drove by this lovely home. And it is just that lovely. Too bad the neighborhood was for shit. Why is that always the case. Lovely, remodeled, updated home in a crappy neighborhood. Can we say been there....done that! (i.e. doing that now).

So, I'll keep you updated to what I find in my future home. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's a lovely little gem like you see above.

DACH the hall with .... well....Dachshunds!

So... I've never been a huge fan of the Christmas Holiday. I mean, as I kid, I was super crazy about Christmas morning...waking up and running down the hall. Skidding to a stop in front of my families christmas tree, to see what wonderful things Santa had brought me.

Well, as most will agree, Christmas is wonderful for a kid. These day's it's more, running around, finding the perfect gift, stressing over where or not it is actually the perfect gift, possibly taking it back and buying 4 other "perfect" gifts. Stressing some more, until it is given and opened. Woo Hoo for holiday stress. (I know first world problem, kids starving in ... but it's what we do here in the good ol' U.S. of A) That, and being that I'm the last single (never been married) kid in my family, my holiday gets relegated to a few celebrations prior to the actual Christmas day, where we eat, swap presents and be merry. Sooooo.....that then leaves me with a bit of a lonely Christmas morning....wan wan.

Thanks to my best of bests, Bran, I know I will always have somewhere to open presents on Christmas morning. Still, it would be nice to be able to celebrate at my house for a change. Maybe wake up at my home, fix a wonderful breakfast, drink coffee (or cocoa) and look at my Christmas tree. I mean, I do have some skills when it comes to the holiday decor. And in the spirit of the holiday....

BAMMM!!!!

Ain't she a beaut! Love it this year. (Nice work Mr. Tedder with the new camera...fiddled a bit with the scene mode. Like?)

Here's another....

If you'll notice....my fav new ornament (I get a few every year). Bottom right...pink and angry. That's right folks. I've got an octopus on my Christmas tree.

Lest I forget to mention, there is a bit of an over abundance of Dachshund holiday ornaments and decor in my house. I owe that to the two lovely critters that share my home, Charlotte and Hazel. Every year I get them each an ornament. Last year, I made them those cute little stockings. Dachshunds pulling reindeer! What will they think of next!

And not that you can see it in the photos, but that theme continues onto the tree skirt. Yes, I made that too!

Now, I can't forget to mention my yearly wreath. I make one every year to hang on my front door. I'm not one to go overboard on the decor. I don't put crazy lights all over my home. I don't have 'crap' strewn all over every surface in the house. I just like a pretty tree and a tasteful door decoration.

Check it out!



Regular Shooting mode



Night Scenery Mode (Me like!)

 Well, that's it for this year. I probably won't have too much more than this in the years to come, but I just thought I'd share.

Hope you're homes have some beautiful and personal touches this holiday season.

Merry! Merry!

Oops! MY BAD!

So, if you scroll, you'll notice there are some major issues with past blog posts. Please bear with me while I do some upgrading and consolidating to the blog. All will be restored. My apologies.

It's an Etsy kind of life!

Well, well, two post in one year! What a miraculous thing. I come to you today not to peddle my wares, but rather to gloat a bit about something that I in near and dear to me....creativity.

I've always been the creative type. I love to produce. Make new. That was the ulitmate reason I opened my own shop on Etsy.

Well, to be honest, it's been up and running for a while (since January 2012). I'm just now getting around to mentioning it.

Anyway, it's been a great place for me to share my interests with others. I find that if I make all of the items that I'm find interesting or cool, then someone is going to have to call Horders to get me on an episode. I just can't handle the clutter. So, this is a great way for me to continue to produce while, off-loading the products.

I've been in to knitting for a few years now. I've made approximatly too many of these beautiful neck wraps. But they are a hot ticket item.



Etsy Store

 I've also been experimenting with adjusting the designs. Adding different attachements, changing up the cabling and the yarn. Not that I don't love making them, it's just that I like to try new things.

Moving on, I've also gained a new found love of quilting. I know! I know! I K-N-O-W!! You think of your grandmother. Old ladies sitting around a quilt, hand stitching away. Well, no. Not me. I am so facinated with updating a classic craft. I am building a library of modern quilts. Something everyone could be interested in. I've not made too many to date (maybe 10 or so). But I'm sure there will be more to come.

That being said, here are a few of my favorites to date.



Etsy Store



Etsy Store

Cute right! Well, I think so. I've also been bitten by the Pinterest bug. As I'm sure you have. Here's a link to my inspirations for the Craft. Enjoy!

Situations in Housing

So..... Long time no post. Sorry for the hiatus, life got in the way.

So, recently (and to be honest not so recently), I've been toying with the idea of listing my home for sale. 


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 It's a scary topic to think about. Being that this is my first home and I would be a first time home seller, it's maybe I topic that I don't have much expertise in. That being said, I'm looking at enlisting the advise and help of a family realtor. I think it best to have her walk the home and give me pointers as to what I can do to make it sellable.

Now keep in mind, I've been DIY-ing my way through this home since I bought it in 2009, so it's looking pretty snazzy. My ultimate goal was to remain in the home for the required amount of time (3 years per the New Homeowners Credit that I received back when I purchased the home). I had thought that I would stay in the house for at least 5 years, but that's not seeming like it's going to happen.



My main reason for considering the move is space and location. I've grown to tolerate my neighborhood. It's good, not great, but good. It's old......worn.....but good. I had high hopes that the neighborhood was in regentrification. I get our FRIday newsletters (neighborhood initiative newsletter) saying that "big changes are a-comin'!" I have yet to see this. I have been waiting. I can wait no longer. Plus, ultimately, this is not where I want to be.

That being said, let me get back to the topic at hand....sprucing up the house for sale. I've created a running list of items that need to be tackled (at least I think the do) in order to entice the right buyer (a.k.a the right sales price).

My TO SALE LIST: (as it is today)

KITCHEN

1.       Re-paint Kitchen Ceiling*

*There was an bit of a mishap with a hand and a misguided (tipsy) perception that the ceiling was bowed out in one place. Long story short, spackle and spray acoustic texture. Super white and my ceiling is off white. Hmm.....this could be a bear to fix.

2.       Caulk @ kitchen countertop/backsplash

3.       Caulk @ Backdoor/tile transition

4.       Cut and install pantry cabinet

5.       Paint trim Antique White

6.       Repaint Chalkboard wall to match Kitchen Color (Olivewood)

7.       De-clutter and box up unused items (kitchen and laundry closet)

8.       Stage Breakfast Bar

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM

1.       Touch up paint

2.       De-clutter/pack away unused/personal items

3.       Remove heavy drapery and install light and bright option (Ikea)

4.       Clean Floors/Baseboards

5.       Install Crown Molding

6.       Caulk @ gap in floor going into hallway

7.       Install bottom drawer on Credenza for uniform look

8.       Fix/Repaint window sill

HALLWAY

1.       Install new light fixture (positioning track) and motion sensor light switch

2.       Paint all trim and doors Antique White

GUEST BATHROOM

1.       Paint baseboards/millwork Antique white

2.       Caulk/repair tile in shower/tub area

3.       Install tumbled travertine tile @ sink wall (Maybe...this may just remain as is)

4.       Replace sconce lighting (Maybe...this may just remain as is)

5.       Paint walls Chocolate Brown (Maybe...this may just remain as is)

6.       New, light shower curtain and tie-back

GUEST BEDROOM

1.       Paint trim/doors Antique White

2.       De-clutter/De-personalize

3.       Remove Zebra Rug (Anyone want a free rug?)

4.       Stage Bedding

 OFFICE

1.       Clean and organize

2.       Stage for selling

3.       Add felt pads to TV cabinet to stop rattling

MASTER BEDROOM

1.       Paint trim/doors Antique White

2.       Re-install closet doors (This is coming this weekend. Stay tuned for an update)

3.       Refinish Dresser (paint)

4.       Center bed on wall

5.       Recover ‘Dog’ chair with white throw (own)

MASTER BATHROOM

1.       Paint trim/doors Antique White

2.       Add bead board wall covering and trim

3.       Replace baseboard behind sink

4.       Repaint warm neutral (brown satin)

5.       Add framed mirror (Paint black one from Master Bedroom)

6.       Properly vent fan unit out of exterior soffit (get quote)

7.       Clean and re-caulk master shower

8.       Add shelving above toilet for open storage (floating)

ATTIC

1.       Replace broken truss support (2x4, cut to fit)

EXTERIOR (Front of House)

1.       Spray paint pots at entry steps; replant with topiary/flowers

2.       Paint gables dark and light colors

3.       Add bushes to front flowerbeds

4.       Remove soaker hose

5.       Add gutter across front of roof @ living room

6.       Fill in hole made by water run off

7.       Clean out flowerbeds, add mulch

8.       Add new surround @ tree, plant flowers

EXTERIOR (Back of House)

1.       Finish Fence (At least add the last panel at the front of the yard)

2.       Relocate Bushes to flowerbed by back door; chicken wire

3.       Add bushes @ Garage flowerbeds; chicken wire (A necessary evil due to a darn digging dog)

GARAGE

1.       Paint remaining side and back of garage

2.       De-clutter and clean garage

3.       Add new tar paper between studs (see if it comes on rolls)

4.       Remove old wood in rafters

5.       Add planters/topiaries @ sides of garage door

6.       Dig trench @ driveway for water run-off

Suffice to say, I've got a big task ahead of me. I know I can do it, one-thing-at-a-time. You'll just have to follow along to see the progress. Enjoy!

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