Mayfly

A weekly wall calendar for the kids.

They have a hard time remembering which days they need to wear tennis shoes for p.e. and which days they have soccer. I hung it in the breakfast room, so each morning they can look up while they're eating breakfast to see what the day holds.

Inspired by this one and this one, I made this much simpler (and easy) version.

Well, easy except for the little wooden letters. I cut them out of balsa wood with my exacto knife. My finger tips may never be the same.

Posted by Alicia at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

for the growing girl.

N and I spruced up her room last week. Nothing drastic, just small changes. Since it was so tidy in there this morning, I thought I'd share. I got the little side table for a couple bucks at a thrift store and she picked the color- sweet pea pink. She really needed something by her bed to keep her class of water and a lamp. This entire room is thrifted or second-hand, even the bedding. And so frilly, happy, girlie! The little desk and vanity chair are from Good Ju Ju. Local friends, go there- it's really fun. The vanity mirror was my great-aunt's freshened up with the same pink.

I included the photo of the stretching pup because it gives you a good idea of how small her room really is. That rug is 5 x 7 feet. We have to be diligent about cleaning up toys in there or it becomes overwhelming very quickly. Actually, most of her toys moved out which instantly made her room look so much more grown up.

She loves it, and that's all I wanted.

Posted by Alicia at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

First let me explain the photos. My mom just called me and said, "Jump in the car and bring your camera. You have to see this wisteria." A little annoyed, I did as I was told. Oh. My. It all twisty and tangled around a BIG pine tree- maybe 40 feet tall? And blooming all the way to the tippy top! Thanks, Mom. You were right. : )

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Next I wanted to tell you I did a Show and Tell Home Tour over at The Stir. I was so flattered to be asked and a bit nervous, but it really was fun to toot our horns a little about all the work we've done around here.

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Heather made a big announcement today. Did you see?! It's very, very exciting. She'll have more to share about it soon!

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Martha and Jen are back at it again.

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My little J has taken a quick overnight trip to St. Louis with his Grandma, aka Maw Maw, for a photo shoot tomorrow! Maw Maw is a Red Cross volunteer and J donates part of his allowance each week to the Red Cross ($1 a week, every little bit helps). They called to see if they'd be willing to have some publicity photos taken together. He's really excited about it. We all are.

Posted by Alicia at 5:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

So yesterday I had lots of things I should have been doing (gift making, laundry, shopping) but instead I just had to paint the dining room. I've been pondering colors for a month or so and finally went with Restoration Hardware silver sage. Once I got it up, I wasn't so sure, but it's growing on me. It's a little magic. In the morning it looks grey. Right now it's kind of greenish-blue. And last night it was a darker grey-blue.

Of course it makes me want to paint the little china cabinet, and the mirror, not to mention the kitchen walls...

p.s. Have a wonderful weekend!

Posted by Alicia at 1:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (23)

Good Monday to you. It's quiet here this morning. I just finished eating an egg while listening to the cold rain fall.

So we had a terrific weekend. There was a birthday (ahem. yes, mine.) and it was fine. Very fine in fact. My good friends came and we ate pizza and salad and laughed and they gave me gifts! Heeee! The rest of the weekend was filled staying inside between cold and wet soccer games and filling our tummies with grilled cheese and tomato soup and a homemade chicken pot pie.

Things are finally slowing down for us. It has been holiday family photo season for me, and of course I love it, but the photo shoots on weekends and then the subsequent hours of editing combined with the slurry of events this time of year have made me want to streamline things around here. Thus, Great Clean-Out Day 2009.

Have I mentioned before how the accumulation of stuff makes me crazy? And crabby? Well it does. A couple of times a year, I feel the need to purge. BIG TIME. And oh boy does it feel good.

Here's what we did:
We made long lists.
We assigned ourselves rooms, areas, closets beforehand.
We filled the crock pot with chili in the morning so we wouldn't have to worry about dinner.
Brian took a vacation day, and although both kids were home doing their best at coughing up a lung, we set to it.
We were brutal, people. If we don't love it or use it, out it went.
Bri took a truck load of stuff to the ReStore.
We took 2 truck loads of stuff to Goodwill. (Did you know they don't take toys anymore?! We didn't. It took a little research to find a place that does.)
As we finished a room, we dusted and vacuumed.

The results are great. The toy cabinets are clean and organized. All of our clothes are sorted and fit. I can actually find things in the linen closet. There are still a few things to do- my assignment for today is the studio/office, which really isn't too bad anyway. Things are running more smoothly. Keeping up with the clutter has been easier. It's simpler for the kids to clean up their own stuff too, now that everything has a place.

Shall we start taking bets on how long it will last? You know what? Let's not. Let's just be optimistic.

Have a great week!

Posted by Alicia at 8:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Do you remember the basement remodel? It's nearly finished, but not quite. I'll do some proper "after" photos one of these days.

The look I'm going for down there is kind of Palm Springs cocktail hour meets Gauguin's Tahiti, but I am a notorious under decorator. I have trouble accessorizing; I don't do clutter well. At least the clock has the feel I'm looking for- I made it myself. I cut a circle out of 3/4 inch mdf and drilled holes for the dowels around the edge, taped off the leaves, spray painted the whole thing, and added the clock works (from Hobby Lobby). Tada!

Pull a stool up to the red bar. It's time for a cocktail.

Posted by Alicia at 3:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

of the house.

Right now we're choosing to ignore the front side of the house, where there scene resembles this:

and we're hanging out on the back patio- where there are no hidden structural problems, nails to step on, and ginormous holes in the new roof.

On the back side of the house there are grilled chicken legs, pasta salad, a sputnik fire and marshmallows, and plenty of cheap, cold beer. And if you squint and hang over the fence, you can catch a glimpse of this wondrous rose bush.

Have a great weekend!

(Three posts in one week doesn't exactly seem like an blogging break. Hmmmm.)

Posted by Alicia at 7:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(name that 80's movie)

The Christmas stuff is all sorted and packed away. All of our closets and toy cabinets have had a thorough purging. The coat and linen closets are pared down and organized.

It's good to feel caught up once in awhile. I have had "art dreams" two nights in a row. (Do you ever have those?) I think I'd like to mess up this very tidy studio now- just in time for a little project at Echoes!

Happy Tuesday to you.

Posted by Alicia at 4:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (21)

bunny sunning himself.

Yikes. This photo reminds me to:
wash the slipcover on the couch.
clean those filthy windows.
pick up toys.

but not right now. The weather is just too perfect for cleaning.

Posted by Alicia at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

Hello, friends! Hope you are well.

I mentioned last week what we've been working on. A strange sitting room dangles off our bedroom. I suppose it was a sitting room, but for us it was a junk magnet room. It's cold in the winter and hot in the summer and we had the brilliant idea to close it off and make it a walk-in closet. A big FANCY closet.

It's so nice. I'm going to put thin curtains on the closet side of the French doors, so you don't see all the stuff, but for now, we're just enjoying standing outside admiring our work. And by our work, I mean Brian's. (kiss, kiss.) My only official job was to make and hang curtains to keep the direct sunlight from fading our clothes. So... thanks, mom for delivering your old curtains and rod, totally perfect in size and ready to hang. (hug, hug.)

I've never been so excited to put away laundry or get dressed in the morning. Oh, and I haven't had a full length mirror for a couple of years. Why didn't anyone tell me my jeans are almost all too short?!

Posted by Alicia at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (24)

This is my work table- flat files my mom adopted from an architectural firm for which she worked. It was her work table for years (she was, IS an artist too) and then she passed it on to me. The photo is hazy; I had a hard time dealing with the strong cross lighting.

I've been working on it so much more lately (woo hoo!) but I keep getting a strange crick in my upper back (boo hoo.) So my sweetie built me a new base for the table to raise it up to counter height. I love my sweetie. He does it all. He really does.

Posted by Alicia at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

gave up on the rick rack, but it'll do for now.

at least everyone looks better by candlelight, right?

Posted by Alicia at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)

except for the sewing machine.

Posted by Alicia at 1:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)

I've been working on putting my daughter's big girl room together. (Well, bigger girl room. She's still just a smidge of a thing.) Here's a little tour. It's a very short tour; it's a very small room. She doesn't even have a closet. It is in the hallway outside her door.

Click on these images to see them larger.

The bed was mine when I was little. I painted the little birds above the bed for her nursery. I really wanted to make her a quilt, but alas it isn't happening. So the plan changes- Ikea duvet for the big bed, a quilt for her doll bed.

These cubes on the left came from the JC Penney catalog when I was about ten years old, and my dad and I assembled them to make a window seat for my room. They are on their fourth life- first the seat, then a television stand in college, then a changing table for both my babies, now shelves for N's room. My best furniture purchase of all time.

The repainted dresser belonged to Brian's mom and her sister when they were tiny.

I've seen these flags floating around crafty blog wonderland for quite awhile, but it wasn't until I saw them in Grace's daughter's room that I decided she might need some. Of course she does!

And I just didn't have the heart to take down her crib mobile. So it stays.

That's it. It's an itty bitty room for my itty bitty big girl. And all potty trained now too. Sigh. Where does the time go?

Added 7/14/07: Several people have asked about her wall color. It is a Home Depot custom color match of a nice light grayish mint green. If you're interested in the formula look HERE.

Posted by Alicia at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (36)

left to right:
real tree decorated by J, undecorated by N
pinecone tree inspired by one I saw at Pottery Barn
little birds soft tree

Posted by Alicia at 8:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Another corner of the newly-spruced living room with a coat rack Brian spotted at an antique store up in Weston. It's not an antique, but it saved me from yet another list item: making a snazzy coat rack. The hooks are numbered, but you may not be able to see them in this photograph. J has chosen number 5 for himself and the number 2 for N. "Why?" I asked. "She's almost 2." "But you're almost 6?" "Mom, there is no 6." Duh. The chair is there so he can reach his number 5 but also appears to be a handy spot to stash one's Pilgrim hat and Indian headband from a recent (not so PC but entirely adorable) Thanksgiving re-enactment at school.

Corner photo take 1:

Corner photo take 2:

I know which take I like better...

Posted by Alicia at 1:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

It's been awhile since I posted a Corner of my Home. And since we have a few newly remodeled corners, it seems like time. This piece is called Dirt Fence, and I can't remember the artist's name. We purchased it at the KCAI auction about 6 years ago. I had a little card with her name and the title, but I lost it when we moved. I love this sculpture, and I HATE that I don't know the artist. I'm pretty sure she is local. Anyone recognize it?

Once upon a time when we were newlyweds and had money, which we didn't even realize we had, we fancied ourselves as young, amateur art collectors. We attended gallery openings and auctions and if we saw something we liked that was reasonably priced, we bought it. We had the beginnings of a pretty nice collection going, but then we decided to have a kid, and then I quit working full time, and then we bought a bigger house, and then along came another kid, and then we fixed up the house, and then, well, now we REALLY have no money. So the purchasing of artwork has come to a screeching halt. We'll buy real art again someday. We will.

Posted by Alicia at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

All right, folks. I have to explain why I've been blowing off my custom orders and fun artsy projects. The bathroom, she is done. I should have had patience for a sunny day to take some photos, but I couldn't wait any longer.

See the before pictures here, here and here.

We have been working like dogs to get it (and the living room) done before our annual Halloween party in a few weeks, and we are tired. After these two rooms are done, we're taking a well-deserved break from the home improvement projects. Maybe until Spring. It's time to do some sittin' on the couch and some watchin' worthless television.




Oh, one last thing. There was one point in the process when the clouds opened up and heavenly rays of sunlight shone down on my sewing machine. I used the (cue angels singing...) automatic button hole feature on the top of the shower curtain. It's nearly a miracle.

Happy Monday, friends!

Posted by Alicia at 7:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)

This slipcover has taken over my life, the dining room table, and sun room for two weeks. I have to add a few bits of strategically placed Velcro and a couple of ties, and it will be completely done. Here it is looking all prim and tucked in for the photograph. In reality it looks a little more frumpy and lived on, because well, it is. But it is so much better than the old upholstery. Now I can make some new cases in warm Fall colors for the throw pillows.

It took 21 yards of fabric, 4 spools of thread, and many many cuss words. Even a little blood was shed. Right now, I'm going to go open the windows, relax on this new couch, and read for my book club.

Posted by Alicia at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)

(and a peek for Angela.)

When Angela requested that we flash her a quick peek of our living rooms, I didn't play. Our living room is a disaster. Brian is starting to make progress on the hole in the wall, but it is still not quite done. The wallpaper is semi-torn off the walls. Plus all of the extras (sink, plumbing parts, tile, grout, drywall scraps) for the bathroom remodel are still stacked in there by the fireplace. You don't want to see it. Trust me.

So instead here's the sun room:

I posted a picture of this room a long time ago on my old site. (I took this picture last winter. Look at the snow in the yard!) This is where we do most of our living. The television is in there in the corner on the right, you can't see it from this angle, and the cabinets below the shelves on the left hold the kids' toys. The door to the back patio is on the right, and it opens and slams shut approximately every 30 seconds. This is a high traffic room.

So my w.i.p. is the couch. Purchased second-hand at a consignment shop, it is perfect for us. It's 9 feet long, super sturdy, and so comfy. We call it The World's Longest Couch. One of us can lay flat and there is still room for two more of us at the other end! The problem: the fabric is bad- 1970's garage sale bad. So I have a big project; I am going to sew a slipcover for that couch. Now's the time. I'm going to tackle it this weekend. I've had the fabric quite awhile- a heavy, washable, light khaki fabric with a nubby canvas/linen feel. How long do you suppose it will take me to finish? Wish me luck. Please.

Have a great weekend everyone. And may your projects go smoothly as well!

Posted by Alicia at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

Day three of the bathroom remodel has brought us to this:

Which in turn leads us to this:

I debated if this photo was appropriate to post, but look at her. She's even covering herself up to keep it all G-rated. Brian said maybe it was more like PG-13.

Posted by Alicia at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

We are slowly fixing up our house. Being do-it-yourselfers, we are always working on something. In the three years we've lived here we have redone both kids' rooms, the kitchen, the office/work room, the guest room, the sun room, the dining room. We're currently working on the living room, remember the hole in the wall? It's still there. And I'm also spiffing up the laundry room. We got a call from Jorge today. He's the guy who is going to help us remodel our main floor bathroom. He wants to start this weekend! Weeee!

This is the bathroom that ALL of our guests use, and it is bad. Not good bad, bad bad. Click on the image to see a few more Flickr'd before pictures. When Jorge called, it set in motion a frenzy of activity. Brian has been tearing up the bathroom all evening. I have been transferring all of the kids' bathroom things upstairs and locating stuff we been hoarding from the ReStore. We've got a pedestal sink, a faucet, floor and wall tiles, lights, and a towel rack that have been waiting patiently in the basement for today's call.

I'm so excitied about all of this. It's the first time we've hired anyone to do a remodel for us. Jorge has helped us with a few things, mostly working for a few days and then going, but this time he'll work on it and in a few weeks, not only will we have a much lighter bank account, we'll have a new bathroom!

Then comes the fun stuff: painting the walls, picking out new towels, making a shower curtain. The plan right now is to keep the marble tub. It is in pretty good shape and I'm thinking it will look much better if we feature it, not drown it in a sea of unflattering yellow. The new floor tile is a medium gray-brown and the wall tile for the shower is barely off white. I'll probably go cream or very light tan for the walls and keep all the color in the accessories. Maybe a nice greenish-turquoise for the towels. Or dark red. Or coral. Hmmm... the possibilities are thrilling.

The only stinker is I'll miss my book club tomorrow getting it all ready. Book club night is one of my favorites of the month. Good food, wine, book and life discussion with a bunch of great women. Bummer. But it will be worth it.

Posted by Alicia at 7:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Today's color is blue. I had a perfect blue photo opportunity yesterday at the ReStore, where Brian is now the Associate Director (yup, that's a promotion!) They have this great light blue vinyl couch in the kitchen and J was sitting there at one end drinking a blue Gatorade. AAGH! No camera. I should know better than to leave the house without it.

This morning I walked around and found some blue. I recently put this basket together of stuff to use when we eat on the patio, our outdoor "corner". The melamine dishes are pilfered from my parents' camp box. We used them when I was a kid. Click here for a few more of my blue photos and here for more Corners.

Posted by Alicia at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Just a quick Corner today, nothing spectacular, but we're really feeling the need to appreciate our family around here this week. These are pictures of my babies when they were both new. N is on the left, J on the right. They were each about 3 weeks old.

Here is one other picture I took today. Thrifted goodness: a dress for the funky fabric, and some adorable, fancy French baby shoes ($2) The brand is babybotte- I looked them up and they go for about $50. I'm feeling good about that deal. They are size 24, which I think is about a 7. I can't imagine her feet ever being this big, but these kids do grow quickly!

Also, if I put this in writing, it might help me get it all done. Here's the stuff I've been working on this week:

designing new tags
redesigning my business cards
still hunting for fabric tags
ordered a rubber stamp of my mayfly logo from Office Max (only $13!)
finishing up a little something for a not-so-little someone
laundrypalooza (too bad it isn't as much fun as it sounds.)

Posted by Alicia at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

This Corner of my Home looks so nice and peaceful. This table sits behind our couch in the living room. It's one of the first things you see when you come in the front door. The table itself was made by my sweet Brian from all salvaged Habitat ReStore materials. The top is a window. The lumber is all used. It's painted a nice buttery yellow- also from the ReStore. (Cheap stuff there- check it out!) The lilacs are from the bush on the side of our house, and I LOVE them. They are the palest purple, not quite white, and smell heavenly. I seem to remember them being a little darker in years past. I wonder if something is up with the soil? Too acidic, not acidic enough?

That's the good thing about photographs. You can set a stage, capture only what you'd like. This table is in the room we are currently remodeling. And remodeling around here is a slow process. Here's the scene while I took this picture: Directly behind me, over my right shoulder is the hole in the wall. Over my left is a section of torn up wall with exposed studs. To my feet is a crying baby. Poor N is fighting a sinus infection AND teething. She on antibiotics, but I don't know if it's working. In the kitchen is J, up on a step stool clanking around the cabinets, loudly searching and whining for more Easter candy. Outside dump trucks are rumbling by with loud brakes and heavy loads. There's some construction going on a few blocks over, and we must be on the dumping route. Needless to say, it was a two-cup-of-coffee morning.

N is now down for an early nap, which will blow the afternoon nap, but Mommy just couldn't take any more. I tried to put the finishing touches on the cookbook, but I broke my hole punch trying to punch through the cover. I'll have to run to Kinko's this afternoon to see if they have a heavy-duty one. I'll post pictures of the finished project later. Maybe I'll ask a cute little somebody to model the ensemble all together. Jen, I'll take it to the post office late this afternoon, so I doubt it'll make it there by the party. Sorry! Let's just say I'd did it on purpose, to spread out the fun for a few more days! :)

Posted by Alicia at 9:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (12)