Gallery Wall: Thanks Young House Love!

Since the day we moved in this house (7 years ago) I loved this red wall.  I knew this is where my piano would live in this room.  I also struggled with what to "do" with the space above the piano.  I had always pictured one large photograph, piece of artwork, or big punch of 'something' there and never could figure out what it would be. So it stayed red, and empty.

Rewind to about a year ago when a friend who knew I loved reading blogs suggested one I hadn't heard about, and I checked it out. And was hooked! I started reading Jon and Sherry's posts at Yound House Love and loved all of their projects....well, I admit, I liked most of it.

You know I don't like clutter and lots of stuff around. I read the posts about their gallery wall and thought "that is really cute...in their house, but it's too much for mine." And then, some day, the thought "gallery wall" and "my empty red wall" collided in my brain. And I said, confidently, No. Not in my house. It wouldn't work.


Next I thought about this "G" that we received as a gift** before the boy was born: It was white, and would look nice against the red wall.


Then I slowly started to see other pieces that would be cool to have framed, but I thought I had run out of space; I started collected, and spread them out on our spare bed. I had them there for weeks, probably well over a month.

Next came the step I've always heard really helps when hanging pictures: Cut pieces of paper to size, hang, and live with them for a while to make sure you have them in place.  I did this, and thought "wow, that's a lot of white on the wall"; of course it wouldn't be all white, but it still made me nervous to see it all up there.  Again, I lived with this for a while before I got the nerve up to starting nailing into my beautiful red wall.











And I finally started nailing, and got everything up.

And....didn't like it.  There was too much 8x10 on the left together (and as much as I looked at it before I hung, still had issues!).  So I carefully tried to rearrange things, trying to not uncover a nail hole that would have to be patched....nail holes in a dark wall really stand out, and I was trying to avoid that!. 

One issues was that things were not level, and of course I didn't want to stick everything on until I had it the way I wanted in the end.  But I kept playing with it, and eventually got it to look the way I was happy with.
 
It looks really cool at night when I turn the piano light up to highlight it. 

My choices were a combination of personal photos, C's artwork and scrapbook papers.  I'll share more on those details tomorrow. 

**Carter's name was a secret until the moment of his birth; we didn't share it with anyone. I guess this person wanted to give us his initials for his wall, but settled for the only one they knew!

Jewelry Giveaway! My Etsy store is open!

My Etsy store is open!  Please visit me at LauraGee and see what I've been up to (while the boy has been sick and I can't get to Lowes!).

I'll be adding new items as the week progresses.


To celebrate the opening and the start of my blog, I'm going to offer one lucky reader a piece of their choice.  To enter, visit the store, and leave a comment here telling me what piece is the "most you". 


Entries (via comments) will be taken through Monday, December 5th at midnight. 

Winner will be chosen by random.org, and will be offered the piece of jewelry of their choice of what is in inventory at the time. 

Happy looking, and I hope you see something you like! 

Just for instance....

Let's just say, for the sake of something interesting to talk about, that you perhaps dropped, oh, an entire quart of cranberry-pomegranate juice on your kitchen floor (and refrigerator, cabinet doors, like in an explosion of juicy good morning at 7am). 

Hmm....and let's also assume, that you've tried floor cleaners, Clorox spray, and mopping, and when you walk through said room, you still stick to the floor. 

What, if you happened to find yourself in this situation, would you do? Any good hints out there to cut the stickies?

Just an interesting "what would you do" type of post if you were sitting home with a sick boy and had a sticky floor, and perhaps, perhaps, you left it without totally cleaning it up to take care of sick boy, and it's really a mess now. 

Just in case you find yourself here, maybe we can share and help each other out.   

Anyone? Anyone?

((Just in case I find myself in this particular sticky situation, I claimed to be good at fixing and building; I never claimed to be a good house cleaner.))

Pegboard: It's not just for garages anymore

I've always associated pegboard with garages: tools, saws, hammers.  But I'm seeing pegboard in a whole new light that has me so excited!  I have a problem area in my hosue (which I will introduce to you tomorrow), and these pegboard pins from Pinterest have had me frothing at the mouth for weeks.  Enjoy, and hopefully I'll have my pegboard organization project under way soon! 

From google.com



lovelyundergrad.com



From google.com

apartmenttherapy.com

homemadesimple.com

So much pegboard ideas, so little time!

** Part of my support crew is sporting a fever today, which will delay my pegboard purchase a bit this week.  Stay tuned...I'll get there. In them meantime, I'll dream up more ideas and get some more jewelry ready for Etsy...giveaway details soon!

My Favorite Black Friday Score: SERRV

Image via Wikipedia My favorite "Black Friday" shopping experience was at the Maryland location for SERRV.


 SERRV is a non-profit that supports artisans from all over the world; they can say it better, from the SERRV website:


"For more than 60 years, SERRV has worked to eradicate poverty through our direct connections with low-income artisans and farmers. We market their crafts and foods, find joint solutions to their challenges, and help them grow and embrace the future. One of the first alternative trade organizations in the world, SERRV is a founding member of the World Fair Trade Organization (formerly IFAT) and a founding member of the Fair Trade Federation (FTF).

We strive to enrich lives around the world and to inspire real change for the better.
Our work encompasses more than just buying and selling.
We offer prepayments so our partners can sustain their business.
Create new designs so they can build their markets.
Teach new skills so they can develop their craft.
Provide grants so they can expand their resources.

We support equal rights for women.
Guide sustainable development.
And of course, pay a fair wage.

SERRV with us and craft an experience that will reward every person it touches, and build a sustainable style of life that'll be enriching for us all."


I fell in love with this paper crafted vase, in lovely shades of orange for my new orange craving. Look really close...what do you see?  Mentos! And it looks lovely with my frame photo of the orange butterfly/cosmos from a few years ago.  Love it!

Vist the SERRV website for some great gift ideas. 

I got this beautiful scarf too....

....and this large basket!

And if you're wondering: No, we didn't go out at 4am (more like 9) and yes, we did meet up with the family for a great breakfast! 

** amomwithnails.com is not affiliated in any way with SERRV and does not profit from your support of them in any way...just a really cool organization, and great, fun products that I wanted to share.

Countdown to Christmas

Image via WikipediaIt seems like the day after Thanksgiving is the "official" start of the Christmas/holiday season, no? Although this year I noticed more music, lights and push towards the holidays well before turkey day, more than ever before.

But here we are, counting down the days. I have done some initial shopping (unusual for me, but as I mentioned earlier, we have the ultimate Christmas box 'o gifts for dad!) and I've even bought one thing for the boy.  (And if you are wondering, we do call him "the boy" in real life, not just blog life). 

So what's your plan? Are you a list maker? Last minute "just see what happens" kind of gal/guy? Or so involved  with regular life that you can't even think of it? 

I am....all three.  I am the ultimate list maker: I make a list for vacation travel packing. I make lists for dinners, shopping, to do lists, household chores (that hasn't worked out so well), so lists work for me.  If lists work for you, check out Organized Christmas for some great ideas to get going on your list making.

Last minute: I used to sweat the small stuff, a lot. My wonderful easy going husband has show me the light of waiting, not worrying, and it all works out. And honestly, it usually does.  Forget someone on your list? They'll forgive you.  Not much in the bank? No biggie: they'll understand.   Just can't find the perfect gift idea?  Be the perfect friend and take them out for a coffee, or offer to watch their kids so they can get a few minutes break.  Be creative. 

And if you're still involved/overwhelmed with "usual" life?  So be it.  It's a season for peace and new life, not stress and credit card bills.  Figure out the ten most important things that have to happen for your perfect holiday; then cut it down by six or so, and maybe even more, and focus on the most important parts of your holiday; leave the rest behind.  Remember in a year or two or three, it will all be forgotten, except the precious moments, that is time, you spend in the floor with your child, or holding the hand of an elderly person that is alone.  Those are the things that will be remembered. 

So ready, set, and GO! But go in peace.

And let's make a pact: No sweating the unimportant stuff.

Give. Thanks.

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely Thanksgiving Day.  Here's my thanks and giving story:

An announcement was made in church that so many local families (who are tightly screened by a non-profit clearing house) were in need of help to have a Thanksgiving meal on their table. No help, no meal.  Or at least nothing special.

I felt really good calling and offering a check to cover a meal for a family. But no, that's not how it worked.  The were assigning families that you had to call and then deliver a meal.  Like in person. Take food to someones home that you didn't know. After you called said people that you didn't know.  I am not a phone person, and I'm greatly skewed to the introverted side.  This was not at all in the plan.  I was going to write a check and be done with it.  Nice and clean, far away, removed and safe.  Oh! And she mentioned that this was a part of town that I should not go to after dark. Okaaaayyyyy.  Feeling even better about this.  Not really, I was wishing I had never gotten involved in this mess  charitable event of sharing.  But here I was. I had a name and address of someone who was counting on me.

I shopped. I bagged. I was ready....to get it over with honestly.  This morning I called and was in touch with the man of the house (and I was hoping for the lady!) but we set a time I would be there and off I went.  As I found my way, I realized I was not more than a block and a half from the back door of our church.  I think I could almost see the top of the roof.   A nice older gentlemen met me on the sidewalk, I handed him the bags of food, wished him a happy Thanksgiving, and I was off. Done.  It was really anti-climactic for all the worry I put into it. 

But Thanksgiving morning I will think of one table in our town that has food on it (along with many others provided by other generous people with probably a better attitude than I had) and be glad that I went out of my comfort zone a teeny bit. 

I gave. I am thankful. I am thankful for the chance to help. I am thankful for being in a place where I can help, because there were many years when I couldn't have done it, there wasn't enough to share in our early married budget.  There were times when my mom and I were invited to Sunday lunch at a neighbors, and I know it was a relief to her and our tight budget at the time to be provided one meal she didn't have to pay for. 

So I am thankful for my chance, for the ability, and that my gift was received and will be useful even in the midst of my sort of snotty less than perfect attitude. 

Thanks for the chance. And the lesson.

To Black Friday or Not to Black Friday? .....

Image by Hotcouponworld.com via FlickrOr, "Does your husband drag you out of bed at 4am or not?" 

Yep, my husband is the shopper in the family. Weird, I know. OK, not weird, just unusual.  Different.  We are always trying to teach Carter that it's OK to be different.  

So to BF or not? Deals or not?  He (the husband) is a deal shopper.  He did bring home a gorgeous pre-lit tree one year from JCPenney (I know, JCP? I didn't even know they had trees...but they did that year, and he snagged one).  He loves to snoop around for a good deal or two. 

He's also a morning person, so getting up at 4am is no biggie for him.  And he gets into the whole "ambiance" of the thing: the people, the music, the excitement in the air, the people getting arrested (and yes, that really happened too).  By the time you're done, it's perfect time for a little breakfast out.  He even has a system where he spreads out all the sale papers Thanksgiving Day and prepares his list in his head of where to go the next morning. 

And no, he doesn't push people over for a TV deal, or camp out for days on end or anything ridiculous like that. He just loves the experience. Sometimes he comes home with a deal, sometimes not, but he always has had a good time.  

Me? I like to meet up in time for a good hot breakfast. Yum.  

Image by yewenyi via Flickr

So have a great Thanksgiving weekend, eating, shopping, visiting, sleeping, or working at 4am so our husbands can go shop; whatever your plans, I hope it's a great time.

An update: I was out just after I was writing this post about Thanksgiving and post Thanksgiving shopping.....to see Christmas trees for sale.  I'm suffering from holidisorientioay syndrome.  And now I can't get the words out of my head to the tune "O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how dead you'll be by next Wed-nes-day"

But Anyway Next Week: It's back to the hammer and nails for me.  I have great project that involves my closet and a huge piece of pegboard that I just can't wait to get to.

No Commitment Book Club!

I love this idea! The one magazine I subscribe to is Real Simple.  I love the recipes, the organizing tips and so much more.

And now there's this: The no obligation book club!

Check it out here:  Real Simple's Book Club.  You can vote for December's book and then join in the discussion as you have time.  The choices are awesome!  Most of the titles I have read (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, for instance) and one I haven't: (A Member of the Wedding). 

There is no obligation; no deadline; just reading and discussing online as you find the time.  

Hurry over and vote: Voting closes on the 22nd!  

Great Kindle prices on Amazon!

I've posted that I LOVE to read, and owning a Kindle has made that pleasure even more pleasurable. I just adore it!  I carry around as many titles as I want (and able to carry more than I'll ever need), can get a title in seconds, and always have my books of choice in my purse without the bulk of the book. AND...if you start to get a tad nearsighted as you age  get evern more wonderful later in life, the Kindle in the answer.  Check it out!  It's the best birthday present I ever bought myself!*

Image via Wikipedia

Kindle at Amazon

(* Yes, I bought my own birthday present. We were heading on vacation before the big day hit, and I really need to be distracted while flying.  I went to the store, handled them all, decided the Kindle was the best, and texted my lovely husband "Thank you so much!"  True story.  And no, he didn't mind.)

**AMWN.com is a member of the Amazon Affiliate Network.

Pinterest Christmas: Ideas to Try

I can't get enough of Pinterest: There are more ideas to try than time, but I want to share them as I see them.  Try one and let us see a picture!  I'll keep updating the page (up towards the right), so check in and see what fun things you can try!

Soft, soothing gray....the bathroom is done!

It's done. The tiniest space in the house, and at least I can say one room is finished....except for the mirror; I really don't like that mirror but don't have a replacement yet.

I inherited this bathroom with the white bead board and a wild, flowery wallpaper on top.  The wallpaper went away to a quick demise.  I painted the top the dark green, and lived with the white bead board.  I still didn't love it, and didn't know what to do with it.  I was about to strip off the bead board and start from scratch, when.....duh duh duh....Pinterest. And this picture:

From houzz.com.....love this!




I was off...I mean I was on my way with an idea, picked a gray*, and started painting that week. And loved it. I loved it even more when I added some bright pops of orange to the room.
Here is my finished littlest room:

At first, I had two pictures on the wall. I bought smaller frames and added a third with bright orange fun prints (shhh...don't tell: they are really just pieces of scrapbook paper...cheap!).


before

after

I repainted the dark brown display boxes (Target) to a bright white, a punch of a bright orange hand towel, and voila...I love it!

Now, if only the rest of my rooms would "decorate" themselves as easily, I would be doing OK.

Unfortunately, the rest of the rooms are a tad bigger, and as long as it takes me to make decisions, it will be a while longer. I just hope I enjoy them as much as my new gray and orange bathroom!

Off to Pinterest to get some more motivation!

*I have to be honest: I taped up the grays I was considering, and as usual, Carter picked the one. I said "Isn't that too dark?" and he said "No, it's the one" and I said "Are you sure?" and he said "Yes, I'm sure" and yep, he was right. It's perfect.












New tools for the mom with nails

A few years ago I discovered new tools: Tools to make jewelry.  I tried a few things, and I was hooked!

One thing I discovered about myself though: I don't enjoy wearing the jewelry as much as I liked making the jewelry.  So over the years I've made a few pieces that I've worn here and there, but mostly stopped doing it.  I have a few very simple pieces I wear every day, and I'm not one to change up my jewelry with my outfits (uhhh...what outfits, you're asking if you know me IRL...I'm just a jeans/tshirt type of girl!)


So yes, the jewelry tools have sat mostly unused except for a repair for a friend or family member on occasion.  But I really miss it! 

While we're being pampered by grandma for a few days and letting the Thanksgiving meal settle, I hope to make up and finish a few pieces with the hope of having enough to start a new Etsy shop. 

But wait! There's more!  In celebration of my first month of amomwithnails blogging, I am going to offer one piece (of the winner's choice) to have as a gift.  So before I go shopping for supplies, leave a comment and tell me what you like: Big bold beads, or small understated pieces? Black and white, or turquoise and silver? Red? Orange? Get your ideas in, and you might see something you like soon!

Keep checking back, and I'll hopefully have something to show you in a week!

Beach, or Mountains?

Have you played the game "this or that" or something similar by many different names? Where you ask "chocolate or vanilla"; "Brad Pitt or insert some name here" type of game?


My question  today is "Beaches, or Mountains?"


For me: beaches, definitely. Water, pond, lake, river, ocean, creek; anything with water is where I want to be. It's peaceful, spiritual, and just fulfills me on so many levels.  I grew up on a tributary of the Chesapeake bay. I could ride my bike to a local dock, catch crabs, take a boat ride, canoe, or just hang out and read a book.  It was awesome.


Years later, I find that "home" is in the middle of the woods of Central Virginia.  How did that happen? Well it did, and I'm finding the peacefulness here too. It won't ever be the same, but I do take a pretty awesome morning walk.








This is my walk, in my woods.  A wandering path, steps set into the hill,  across an old stone dam, all steps from my back yard.






I hope you enjoyed our little walk through out back yard woods....it's not the ocean, but it's pretty OK.  And it's home.

Mom with saw: Or, a little tree forest of one.

Isn't he cute?

Recently I've seen a variety of little trees in so many pictures that are rustic, cute and a bit country.  I'm not rustic or country in my decorating taste, except when it comes to Christmas.  So I gave this little tree a try. 


I had a leftover piece of pine from the dining room buffet project, and it was the perfect size.  I simply and quickly (without over analyzing since I can't really draw that well) a simple fun tree shape.

  
Then I cut it out with my jigsaw, which would have been a bit easier with a larger piece of wood.  Since it wasn't going to be handled a lot of by little fingers, I just did a light sanding. 
I spray painted the entire tree bright Christmas green.  The second coat was supposed to be "snow tipped edges", but I got a little overzealous, and didn't like the outcome, so I just flipped it over and tried again.

This time I got a little farther away, did a lighter spray, and liked the outcome a lot better. 

I just just see my lonely little tree soon surrounded by more, making it a happy little forest tree. For now, It spruces up (haha...pun intended!) my mantle, even though it's a bit early for decorating, I'm still enjoying it. 

I'll let you know as the forest grows and he has some little friends.