Grandma's Old Dresser

When Johnny's grandmother learned (secretly) that we were expecting, she gave him this old dresser for the nursery. Our guess is that it's about 50 some years old, and in terrible shape. There's paint splatter, broken boards, among other thing. Remember when dealing with old furniture, there's always a potential for a lead finish. Lead wasn't removed from paints until 1978; so, if your piece is older, make sure to use a mask and always wear some nitro gloves. I'd recommend even wearing some goggles if you plan on sanding aggressively, like we had to. 

BEFORE

AFTER

For lack of a staple gun, we used wood glue to mend the broken boards in the drawers. After sanding, we found this beautiful natural wood underneath. I used Rust-o-luem Flat White to paint the body, and changed to topp handles. I got these gorgeous boho floral knobs from World Market at a discount for my birthday. Score! 

Because of the heavy sanding we did, the facing was warped but that only added to the distressing. I sinly used a fine grain sanding block to distress the "high" points on the drawers and sides, making sure to seal the job with a satin clear coat. (Fun fact: When dealing with natural wood, if you just want to keep the natural look, as in not adding a stain or paint, make sure you place a clear coat on it. It'll bring out the grains tenfold and protect the wood from rotting out.)

More picture of Zelda's nursery to come! 

Hello, 2015

Like most people, I took a hard look back on my 2014 lately. Aaand it kinda sucked, not gonna lie. This time last year, I certainly did not think I'd end up where I am now. I did not think I would have moved three times across state lines or start three different jobs. If on January 1, 2014, someone told me I would be living in Charleston, dating a man from the South, and working as an RN about to start her pursuit of a master's program...I'd, well, I'm not sure what I would have said to that.

This time last year, I was dating a guy, who for all intensive purposes, was good, just a bit lost. (And still is.) I was living in a 5 bedroom, 1.2 million dollar house, in the richest county in the country, all alone. I was miserable. I moved to DC/Virginia to be closer to a family I barely knew, but still was my family.  I was quickly ostracized due to my "tacky, classless, disrespect" for not playing the oCinderella to my stepmonster's Evil Stepmom. I found out that my dad really wasn't the best, despite my parents' defenses. Working a job that made minimum wage, unable to pay student loans and all my bills, so depressed and hopeless over passing NCLEX...I was stuck and couldn't see a way out. One day, I snapped. I grabbed everything I owned, got in the car, said my goodbyes to my only true friends in the city and left. I had no real plans as to where to stay or what to do next. I just knew I had to find away to get back to me.

 I transferred in my company back to Toledo, reached out to my friends in BG and after a month of being without a home, I finally had enough to get a sublease for the summer. I finally had a place to call mine. After so long, I couldn't tell you the amazing feeling that came over me. Shortly after, I could feel myself getting back to the quirky, sassy, fun loving, independent bitch I used to be. I passed NCLEX, persistently called for interviews in Charleston for a RN supervisor position in my company. The last two weeks of the summer, EVERYTHING came together. It was such a nerve wrecking time in my life. But I did it. I was able to accomplish everything I had ever wanted for myself. I moved and within weeks, I found one of the best guys out there. It is still so surreal to me. I can't help but to think if I overcame all that in 2014, what are all the possibilities that are in-store for me in 2015? Either way, good or bad, I welcome it all.

This. Because.

You’re Not a “Plan B” Kind of Girl

posted in Uncategorized by Ashlin Horne

You deserve better than someone who is afraid to commit to you. It may seem like enough for now. You’re just taking things slow.Oh, how I know those little phrases of “one day” and “we just need time.“

You believe them.
And I’ve believed them.

But you’re not a plan B kind of girl.

You need to know that you’re not the invisible one standing in the back who gets chosen last.

You’re the girl who the team captain will be frantically hoping doesn’t get picked by someone else before he gets a turn. You’re a first-pick kind of girl. And no one worth having sits back and lets those girls wait around.

‘Cause every good man knows that the good ones get gone fast.

He should be jumping out of his skin in anticipation to call out your name and say “I pick you.”

“But he’s scared” “…and I’ve got commitment issues” “…and we don’t like labels.”

And.  And.  And.

Like a fool, I’ve stood there picking at the fabric of my sweater and spinning excuses. I’ve heard them all. I’ve used them all. “He’s been hurt.” “He’s busy.” “He’s in school.” “He doesn’t have a good car.” “He has Momma issues.” “His Dad left.” “His Great Aunt’s second cousin’s puppy just died.”

You’re not the kind of girl who needs to make excuses for him.

Good girls don’t have to finish last.

Honey, you must be at the wrong game and with the wrong players. Because you’re not a substitute, average, or second string.

You’re a catch. You are beautiful and funny and fabulous. Rooms light up when you walk in. Heads turn when you giggle and the earth itself adores the kiss of your feet.

You are worthy to be chosen, pursued, adored, loved, respected and informed. This whole “Do we really have to define this thing?” is almost always a delicate way of asking “Will you fill this lonely spot until I decide nothing better is coming along?”

Stop being afraid that you are not worthy enough to be claimed. Stop thinking “I’ll take what I can get. Maybe I will be enough for him one day. Maybe he will be enough for me.”

Don’t even consider the lie that says; “I can’t set my standards too high, because if I do, I might end up alone.”

Better to be alone than taken for granted. Better to be alone than to be a placeholder.

The one that loves you isn’t afraid to say it. If he loves you, he won’t even blink because the idea of giving another man the chance to swoop in is just unacceptable.

He’ll fight and use labels or poems or the Goodyear blimp to show you that you’re just the right fit for that open place in his heart. That no other piece will do.

You should be nobody’s second choice. And if you are, then they are just that; NOBODY.

He’ll lose his pride to tell you that you make him nervous and he’ll spend his heart to find what makes you laugh. He’ll tell you that you’re worth words and flowers and promises.

And you’ll believe him, because you’ll see it in the way he watches you walk across a room. You won’t have to question it by analyzing a text message or deciphering the tone of an e-mail. Because he’ll drive over on a Tuesday to bring you coffee and you’ll see it in his face and hear it in the way he asks about your day.

Your answer will lie in the memories of nervous beginnings and awkward introductions. You’ll know because the questions didn’t take long to fade. Because he said what he meant and meant what he said. And even when he messed up; he made up.

You’re not his back pocket plan, fill-in girl, or multiple choice answer. You are fierce and a force to be reckoned with and the kind of girl whose beauty calls for hand-written notes, words like “wow” and car rides to the ocean. 

Take nothing else and be nothing less.

Be the kind of girl who deserves him and treats him with kindness. Who laughs at his jokes and thanks him when he opens your door. Leave the head games behind you. Encourage him and wear the kinds of dresses that make him respect you. Be the kind of girl who gasps at his surprises and hugs him for his compliments. Be worthy of the kind of man that you deserve and & the man that he was born to be.

Stop waiting for the guy who isn’t sure you’re enough and respect yourself enough to wait for the one that knows you are.

Little Miss I'll Get Tough and Kerry on (with the help of Justin Long that is)

My "dark and twisty" friend, as she calls herself, said to me once:
Is there such a thing as "meant to be"? Or is "meant to be" something we tell ourselves so we sleep better at night? OR it is just easier to say "it wasn't meant to be" than face the truth because failure and rejection are two very difficult pills to swallow?

I mean, think about it. It kind of rings true in some cases. You go cray cray over a guy or gal you just meet, who you're really into. Do you really want to think about that person simply not liking you as opposed to just saying, "it wasn't meant to be"?

It's almost like GiGi and Alex in He's Just Not That Into You. You meet that initial guy, build something small up in your head, and before you know it, you think you have a thing with him. Then, he goes and kinda acts distant, not really paying attention to you. You start making up excuses. "Maybe his grandmother died??" And that's all. His grandma just died. No wonder he stopped calling/texting you gorgeous girl you!  Eventually, you just tell yourself "it's meant to be" so it'll all work out, or "it simply wasn't meant to be" and move on.... which ever helps you sleep better really.

Here. Here's some pictures and pretty boy Justin Long to help you understand:



But I told you.....his grandma died.....or he got arrested. That's why he hasn't called.



Well, damn. Is this your "it wasn't meant to be moment"? Probs.

But the thing of it is, either way you look at it, you were just rejected in some way. Somewhere down the road, the thing you built up with this guy failed.

A guy doesn't need to be reminded how great you are. If he really is into you that is. So what's the most logical thing to do after this little realization of yours, GiGi? That's right. "Let him sweat it out!" Cut him off. Let him miss you.



That's probably a very accurate statement. But there is always gonna be that someone else, who catches your eye. The process may start all over then. Just remember though:



In the end, I really don't think there is a "meant to be" or "not meant to be" factor that plays that big of a role in relationships. It takes work. Relationships are work. Especially if they are going to last. That guy, he will make it happen, no matter what. And so would you. No exceptions. The odds and favors could be damned!! The hardest part? Finding someone to say that with you.

My 2013 New Year's Resolutions

All in all, 2012 had many ups and downs but was a solid year. I brought 2012 in while in London, having the time of my life. Started nursing school, questioned nursing as my calling, and then decided it was for me in the end. Started working a new job in a family home, quit another job for the first time. Got denied when I went for a promotion, only to end up getting another one months later. (Insert quote about doors closing and opening here.) Made new friends, lost one or two old ones along the way. And actually rekindled some old relationships. I certainly made a few mistakes here and there, but always learned a valuable lesson in the end.

And with that I look forward to what the new year may bring me. Even with the ups and downs that are sure to come, it always seems to work in my favor in the end. I learn my lessons, become wiser, and do better. I am stronger because of it, and therefore how can I not greet life's challenges with open arms? This year's plans: graduate school, find a big girl job (maybe in Chicago? Boston? Cleveland? o.O), move obviously, and maybe attend grad school. That road leads to stressful uncertainties and potential financial burden. Yet again, I've never been afraid of life's challenges. So cheers to 2013, a year surely to memorable. :)

Here's my new year's resolutions. Some are to help with what's in the future and some are from lessons I learned this past year. I'd like to think it's a pretty solid list....

1. Read at least 12 books (one per month) that aren't necessarily for my schooling. 
2. Drink more tea. I heard it's healthy.....I don't know. 
3. Eat more veggies. Dark, leafy green veggies cure just about anything. 
4. Attend more to the present. Especially when with friends and family. Too often does my mind wonder, and I forget to actively listen to others. Sub-resolution: Maybe more mediation will help with this!  (Shout out to Listening Post peeps! I know you know what that's all about.)
5. Exercise at least three times weekly. 
6. Eat less fast food, sooooo just basically not everyday. I blame the nursing program....just sayin. 
7. Try to plan more things out, and not just wing everything. But also to not go overboard and over plan things, becoming a tight-ass in the end. 
8. Budget! Admit it, we all could learn to budget just a little better. 
9. Take Hugh Hugh on more walks. He deserves it. And I can count it as some form of exercise :P
10. Tap into my creative side more often. I use to paint, write, even dabbled with photography every now and then. And I miss it terribly. It was such an enjoyable way to forget my stressors, but I haven't made time for it like I once did. Not anymore! 

I hope your year brings you everything you want it to, and I wish you the best of luck with your resolutions! Cheers :) 

Homemade Cookie Cutter Christmas Ornaments

This ornament was one that I made about two years ago for Buddha. My roommate and I went a little cray cray that year and baked nearly 100 of these ornaments, decorated them and then handed them out to coworkers, friends and as stocking stuffers for the fams. Oh, and we baked a ridiculous amount of cookies and brownies as well. You were lucky to be our friend back in the day ;) 

This year Deidra and I made these ornaments the night we made our delicious Melted Snowman cookies. Amber helped decorate some, and  Dylan and I are mailing them out "fashionably late". Hey, it's me and Dylan. We're late to most things, so that's no shocker here. 

Here's what you'll need to make these great and cheap gift: 
cookie cutters, a straw, ribbon, applesauce, glue, cinnamon, and glitter glue/puffy paint to decorate. 

Directions: Make sure you follow the portions. Deidra and I didn't aaaand a pound of cinnamon + four hours of our life later, we finally could start baking the cutouts. 

1.  Mix 1 cup ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of glue, and 3/4 cup of applesauce in a large bowl. 
2. Roll out the dough and use the cookie cutters to cut out our shapes. If you want fancy ornaments, you could also place a piece of decorative lace on the top, and using the rolling pin go over it until it has left an impression of the lace, then cut out using the cookie cutters. o.O
3. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet and let sit for 3-4 days to dry before decorating. If you don't feeling like waiting, or don't have the time to, bake them at about 200 degrees until they're dry and hard. You know, like a cookie. 
4. Then decorate, and enjoy the wonderful aroma they bring to your house. Even if you don't, it'll last for at least 3 weeks. 

Hope you have a very merry Christmas!!! :]

'Glitterpress' Ornaments

I got this idea from a facebook page called "Christmas in Killarney". It's got TONS of cute christmas arts and crafts. This one is called "GLITTERPRESS 'baubles'". I'm using deductive thinking and simply assuming "baubles" is ornaments. I could be wrong, though. 

Materials: newspaper, pva glue, a paintbrush, white paint, glitter, silver string, and a black marker
Directions: 
1. Cut the black and white newspaper sections (good news only) into strips approx 1cm x 2cm depending on how big the "bauble" is.
2. Use the pva blue to stick on the strips and when covered, firmly brush the bauble with glue to achieve a rounded shape.
3. Leave to dry completely, preferably overnight. Paint a white Christmas motif on the "bauble" and leave to dry.
4. Use a marker to outline the shape or write text. Decorate with glitter!

Enjoy! And Merry Christmas!!