Is This Tacky?

I wanted to try this photo-on-wood project I pinned several months ago, but never had a reason or opportunity to try it until recently.  

Let me back up... I am testing different inexpensive methods of printing up and displaying photos so that I can create a few art installations at my church. The church has an abundance of really talented photographers and my friend Phil, who is the pastor, thought it would be neat to do a project where we documented the faces and experiences of our little church family.  I am probably going to print up a number of photos onto gallery-wrapped canvas for the church office, but for Sunday mornings (which happen in an elementary school lunchroom.... meaning we have to set up and tear down every week), I want to do something durable, different, and earthy.  Hence, why I finally decided to try printing a photo onto a piece of wood.  

If or when I do it for the church, I will probably cut and prep my own blocks of wood out of scraps or a plank, but for my experiment, I bought a pre-packaged wood block and a pre-packaged slice of a tree stump at Joann's.  I printed up two photos of my kids that my friend Erin shot several weeks ago.  They are both black and white.  I won't detail every step of the project, but on one of the wood blocks I used way too much gel medium and so there are these weird gummy spots on the surface of the wood now that it is dry.  So, fail on that one.  But on the tree stump, I must have used a lighter hand with the gel medium and the photo adhered perfectly. The only thing is that the photo wasn't quite wide enough to fill the whole area of the wood, so the edges of the photo don't extend across the whole piece of wood on the sides.  That, I don't care for, so next time I'll make sure the photo is wide enough to cover the whole piece of wood.

So, here is why I am writing this post... I can't decide... is this tacky?  I feel like it might be cool and I kind of like it, but then there's part of me that is reminded of some wooden religious wall hanging from the 80's.  I don't know.  I'd love some feed back on this.  I am trying another printing on the back side of the piece that didn't do so well... this time with a color copied photo.  

Attic Shopping

Spring break is over.  We had a great time visiting the Louisiana grandparents, and  seeing lots of old friends from home.  Now, it's Tuesday morning, the dryer and dishwasher are running, Tucker is off to school, and CB and I are enjoying some quiet time together doing household chores.

While we were gone, spring sprung in full force across the south.  My allergies are a testimony to that.  Really, having a terrible allergic reaction to pollen (oh, and CB had an asthma attack, too) was the only downer to spring break.  Because of the nice weather, though, I realized that CB hardly had any warm weather clothes that fit.  So, this morning I was browsing the sales at one of my favorite kids' stores that rhymes with Mildren's Mace.  They had a lot of cute stuff, but I balked at $12 "sale" shorts.  I wasn't sure if I had already combed through Tucker's old clothes that I stored in the attic.  Up to the attic I went to check.  And I scored.

Pile o' attic clothes with a super cute redheaded model.

I had saved more than I remembered.  I mean, I saved most of Tucker's baby stuff, but as he got bigger, not everything he wore was worth saving due to stains and heavy wear.  But, there were plenty of 2T and 3T shirts, shorts, PJ's, etc. up there.  I even had saved a pair of crocs that I had forgotten about!  That was a blessing because a lot of times I gave away outgrown shoes if a friend could use them.  I figure I saved myself at least $150 by storing these clothes.  (Well, the stuff was moved from NY to AL, so you have to figure that cost something, but we didn't pay for our move... so free for me.)  And that was just one bin.  There are probably 8 bins of clothing up there.

I also noticed that this sized stuff was better in terms of style, compared to some of Tucker's smaller things.  I guess I started getting better taste around 2T! Anyhow, a few other scores beyond the standards:  cute big boy undies which CB desperately needs, an unused pack of pull ups, some hand made PJ's and t-shirts, and a sweet little bucket hat.

[Oh one more note about why it works for us to save clothes... both of my kids were born in September and they both are boys!]

Anyone else save their kids' clothes?  How do you decide what to keep?  What do you do with the stuff you get rid of?  One other thing I do with old clothes... I am saving scraps of a few special pieces of clothing for t-shirt quilts for the kids, once I have enough squares.

Helper or Bossy Pants :: You Decide

While visiting my parents in Louisiana, I noticed that they have not had time to do much with family photos I have been sending them over the past couple of years.  I decided to help (or perhaps "help") them today by purchasing a multi frame from Target and mounting three photos from two of my favorite photographers (Cookwire Photography and Erin Nolen Photography).  I haven't yet hung the frame, since I feel like maybe I should consult my mom before I start pounding a nail into her wall without permission.

 



You're welcome, Mom.  It was the least I could do. 

Note to self ::  Don't send the parents loose photos.  They need finished products like past gifts of photo magnets and personalized calendars.  ;)



Long Distance Bridal Shower

I've known my friend Erin since 3rd grade (not to be confused with my other friend Erin).  She, her sister Ebony, and I were best of friends... we called each others' moms "Mom," constantly had sleepovers, sang together in choir, marched in high school band, avoided P.E. by joining JROTC, and have kept in touch through college, grad school, and beyond.

Well, Erin's getting married!!!  The wedding will be in Dallas in May.  And guess who's the matron of honor....

It's MEEEEEEEE!

(Just a warning, I might sound a little bit annoying in this post.  Or a lot.  Sorry in advance.  It's just that I am so excited.  And I just can't hide it.  See?  Case in point.)

Over this past weekend, our mutual friend Jen and I, along with my mom, Ebony, and a family friend, threw her a shower in our hometown of Bossier City, Lousiana.  On Friday night, Erin rolled in from Dallas and I rolled in from Birmingham for this special weekend!  We invited all the church ladies that we girls grew up with at our home church.  We saw lots of sweet people who we hadn't seen in years and years.

A few weeks before, I made shower invitations using the photo below from their engagement shoot ... I'd like to show the real invitation, but I'll have to photoshop my digits out of it first... so that'll be another post.  

Clint, I loved you on The Sopranos.  The A&E version, of course.

{Photo by Love Pic Love Photography in Dallas, Texas}

Her fiance, Clint, proposed during the shoot... she thought they were just taking we're-pretty-serious-boyfriend-and-girlfriend photographs.  So the photographer took a few shots, switched on a video camera, and Clint got down on one knee.  Erin's words.... "What the crap!!!"

So after that, the photos captured their sheer joy at her acceptance of the proposal.  I mean, seriously, how cute is she?!

Back to the shower.... Jen and I decorated using light purple variations on Erin's wedding color, eggplant, and while setting up on the morning of the shower, Jen had a stroke of genius.  She saw an idea online where someone had used sheet music as part of the table decor.  Jen knew this was something we HAD to incorporate into our decor plan.  Erin has been singing all of her life and even majored in vocal performance at Northwestern State University.  She grew up being the star soloist in all of our church musicals and choir performances.  

We ran to an office supply store just before the shower and quickly made copies of various meaningful hymns from The Baptist Hymnal. We used cream-colored paper and they came out so pretty!  They actually look like old copies of sheet music.  Jen cut the pages out at the store while I made more and more copies.  Anyone from my youth group days remember "People Need the Lord?!"  That was in the hymnal... so it ended up on our shower tables!  

We added burlap runners, flowers, ball jars with rice and votives, and placemats to the
linens that the church supplied for the shower.  

The Welcome and Gift Table

So, the placemats under the flower arrangements were my gift to Erin... I found two different fabrics at Hobby Lobby to make reversible placemats for Erin.  The reverse side is a much funkier print, for when Erin is feeling...well... funky.  The pom pom fringe was a last minute addition, but I like how they are an Anthropologie-type fun detail.  

As I said, it was a sweet reunion for many ladies who hadn't been together in some time.  My mom snapped a photo of us four life-long friends, Ebony, Jen, Erin and me  ::

All-growed up.

Can I mention here that Jen killed me with her sassafras outfit?  And by sassafras, I mean how-awesome-is-she-in-her-eggplant-tights?

Even the gifts from Bed Bath and Beyond matched the purple theme.

The shower ended with a precious time of prayer for Erin and her husband-to-be.  It was so touching... so heartfelt... so very good.  And I just had to snap a quick photo of this sweet time.  I know, kind of inappropriate, but I just never wanted to forget the moment.

Carpet Crawlers

Ten million bonus points to the commenter who correctly guesses the band name referenced by the title of this post.  Without Google.

Because of our most recent water-related disaster, I now have to replace the carpet on the main floor of our house.  I am nervous... I feel like this is a really big decision when it comes to the look and value of our home.  It's not like it's paint, which can be painted over if I don't like it.  I don't want to have buyer's remorse when it comes to something as costly and pain-in-the-tooshy-y as installing carpeting.

And I have delayed this decision for a few weeks.... partly because I am inexperienced and unsure of how to even choose carpet.  There are so many factors... color, texture, berber, plush, stain resistance, cost, etc!

Well, I don't mean to brag but... heh... I happen to have a friend who used to work for a certain Birmingham-based home dec magazine that rhymes with Lovelurn Giving.  She was a stylist and a designer and her house is probably the most tasteful, beautiful, quirky, family-friendly home I have ever personally been in. Seriously, it's gorgeous.  And I went there not knowing about her design background.  I kept ogling over her stuff and finally a fellow party-goer was all, "You know she worked for Lovelurn Giving, right?"

What!!  Well, it all made perfect sense.

Okay, so anyhow, she is a tenderhearted, kind person in general... and loves adoption! ... so I asked if she would hold my hand while choosing carpeting.  She said yes!

Long story short, the carpeting she is steering me towards is completely not what I was expecting.  In fact, it is far enough outside of my box that I warned my husband to keep an open mind when I arrived home with carpet samples.  Imagine a combo of berber and a cut loop, in a small square pattern, in a golden seagrass-colored tone.  Wow!  I brought it home, Dave was exceptionally open to it and we almost have the color nailed down.  A guy is coming tomorrow to measure, which will tell us how much we will spring for this stuff.  ;)

I'd love to share photos of the samples, but, alas, the hour is late, I am tired, and ... to be honest... I kind of want it to be a surprise.  Ha!

I think it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyhow... what a blessing has come out of a gross and upsetting problem in our  home.  I am thankful for a change in carpet, but even more thankful for a helpful and talented friend.  And fyi, I don't think she reads this blog, so I promise I am not buttering her up.  ;)  Just wanted to share something really good.

Moving Away From Food Anxiety

“I was a great parent before I became one,” my friend Erin said while we discussed the list of things that our children do, that we never dreamed we'd allow.

“I can't believe I let my kids get up and down from the table.... take a bite, leave, come back, take a bite,” I said.

Erin laughed with a huge smile, “Add it to the list, girl.”

She is a good friend, this Erin. Like me, she was and is full of ideals and ideas about her life and her kids. We can talk about the death of some of those ideals and ideas, while still hoping that a few of them will become normal ways of living. Food is one of those ideas that we have ideals about and we talk about it sometimes.

We both are interested in gardening and buying some food products that are organic. We talk sometimes about where the line is between wanting good things for our family and becoming food-righteous. Or for me, food-anxious.

I used to have lots of rules about things I ate, mostly rules surrounding meat and other animal products. This food-anxiety caused me to spend a lot of time on my meal planning, shopping, and cooking. During that time in my life, I began to dread the hour-plus preparations that my prep-heavy recipes called for. I felt guilty when I wanted to eat a simple grilled cheese sandwich or even worse, a hamburger. And I felt awful when I actually ate it. Like a failure. Or a person who was going to become sick with cancer because of all the meat products I ate. How could I make such poor meal choices, like a hamburger, for me and my family? What is wrong with me?

I felt God moving me away from such vigilance with my food when I was pregnant with my second son. It was a relief. I almost audibly heard God telling me to look to him instead of food as my source of contentment or righteousness. It took a lot of time to undo all the anxiety and attentiveness to recipes and ingredients.

Even still, though, I sometimes feel my anxiety levels rising when I read or hear too much about healthy eating. I get the sense that I have to stay away from those types of topics much of the time. It's funny...because I don't talk about it much, it could be that people assume I have a terrible diet. But that's not true, either. I choose a lot of healthy things for my family to eat... whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, low-meat recipes, mixed nuts and fruit for snacks, drinking only water (well, coffee, too... and a coke now and then).

I do love dessert, though. I mean, I have my standards. I almost always make dessert from scratch because it tastes better, and because I know there aren't any extra ingredients in them. Until recently, though, I only made brownies from a box because I adore boxed-brownie batter. I discovered a recipe for brownies that I actually like better, so those are made from scratch now, too.

That isn't to say I would turn down the store-bought pizza that my friend Sarah is bringing over to my house tonight. I would never turn down a meal from or with a friend, no matter what it is. And, actually, I buy frozen pizzas all the time. And my delivery pizza of choice is always Dominoes, thin crust, cheese only, thank you. I could eat a whole pie alone.

I don't know if some people will understand why I can't contribute much to healthy eating conversations. It's probably best, for my own anxiety levels and for my own peace in Christ, if I smile, nod, and wait for the next topic of conversation to come up. That is, unless I'm talking to someone like Erin. Who I can dead-pan that I picked up an “organic Sonic burger” on my way over. And she will get it and she will laugh.

Bad At Follow Up

I realize that sometimes I don't follow up on topics I have started on my blog.  I'd like to get better at that.  Until I am better, here is a big fat follow up post!

• I mentioned on FB that I was scared to order custom blinds online.  I ended up doing it, despite my fear.  Well, the blinds arrived!  And they are the right width, a huge relief.  Especially since the blinds arrived directly from China.  Check the inspection sticker  ::

• Awhile ago, I wrote a quick post about trying out some new containers in the kitchen.  Long story short, they are all fine, though the Ziploc one is pretty close to the size of some of my Pyrex/Anchor containers and that is a little confusing when reaching for a lid.  Dave took over the rectangular glass Ziploc container for when he grinds up a batch of coffee beans.  That works well because it fits into my coffee cabinet well, along with other rectangular containers.  And of course, the glass doesn't absorb a coffee smell, so in theory, I could use it for something else if needed.  In all, I will stick with my round Pyrex/Anchor containers for storing leftovers.  I don't know, I just like them.  And they nest well.

• I am on week five (I think) of walking my son to school a few times a week.  This is changing my life... and even more importantly, it's changing my day.  I am a big napper, born into a long lineage of nappers.  I love my naps, but at this juncture in my life, it's become a hindrance to "need" my nap.  Walking has changed my energy level to the point of not needing a long nap, except maybe a quick cat nap by the time Thursday or Friday rolls around.  Even the days I don't walk Tucker to school, I am finding myself actually desiring to walk without a destination, just to get my energy level to rise.  In the past, I haven't loved walking around in circles in my neighborhood, as I find myself bored.... there is no destination or purpose.  Walking Tucker to school certainly gives a purpose on those days, but on the other days, I sometimes chat on the phone with my walking-sewing-mothering friend Lori in New York and that helps a lot.  It's interesting trying to time things so we can talk, but so far, it has been super fun and really encouraging.  She is the one who helped me figure out how to work some exercise into my life anyhow.  It was her idea for me to walk to school!  She was my walking buddy when our first-borns were tiny and we lived in New York.  Like, she is such a hard-core walker that she is like a living issue of Consumer of Jogging Stroller Reports.  No lie.  She must put in hundreds thousands of miles a year on her strollers.  :)

• No news on the adoption front.  I am still hopeful it will happen this year, but I really am content with waiting.  I feel like it's going to happen when it's supposed to.  

• One last thing that technically isn't a follow-up.  I am starting to do a little bit of personal writing that I am thinking about putting up on the blog.  So, that's coming up.  I will probably post these personal stories as the mood hits, but I foresee it being a few times a month.  Might put the first one up tomorrow.

A Photographic Essay :: A Tale of Two Chickies

Source List for South of Birmingham

A few of my favorite local spots to shop in the just-south-of-Birmingham area.  [Please keep in mind, there are loads great places to shop around Birmingham, these are just the places I like.  I try to keep it simple because I am easily overwhelmed by too many choices.  :)  Also, I don't like spending too much time on a hunt... these are places that generally are pretty reliable, as far as things I am shopping for. ]



Furniture  ::

• Stacks in Pelham... sadly is going out of business, but the sales right now are crazy good.
• TJ Maxx in Alabaster... they have a few rugs, side chairs, side tables, and of course loads of home accessories.
• Seibels, At Home, Nadeau, and other furniture shops on 18th Avenue South in Homewood.  There is an amazing vintage store with garage doors that they open on nice days and I can't remember the name of it .  Its basically kitty-corner to Nadeau.
• Alabama Furniture Market in Calera.... personally, I think it's B-ham's best kept (furniture) secret.  The showroom is gorgeous, prices are very, very good and the selection is almost limitless because they have the manufacturer catalogs that you can order from.  Whoever their buyer and stylists are, I want to sit at their feet and learn about how to decorate.  I love it sooohhhhoooo much (crying out in my best Holly Hunter voice).

Other Home-Related Stores  ::

• Old Time Pottery in Pelham... lots of accessories, vases, pillows, candles, florals, etc.
• Target in Alabaster.
• World Market in Hoover.... a favorite source of mine for curtains because not only are the prints/styles great, but they also have 96 inch panels, which are sort of hard to find.  Also, they are affordable.
• Mohawk Flooring in Pelham... they do carpet installation, but if you need an area rug, you can pick out any one of the huge rolls of carpeting, give them dimensions, and have them cut and bind your rug to the exact size you need.  
• The Loading Dock in Helena... they have all sorts of building supplies and overstock items, like siding, doors, bathroom vanities, etc.  A favorite product I have purchased there... large commercial carpet tiles for the tool area in our garage.  They were super inexpensive and very rugged.

Thrift Stores  ::

• Encore Resales in Pelham.  
• America's Thrift Store in Alabaster.

Women's Clothing  ::

• TJ Maxx Alabaster.
• Target in Alabaster.
• The Limited, Loft, Banana Republic, Gap, all at the Riverchase Galleria.

Kids' Stuff  ::

• Kids' Wear Plus Consignment Sale (spring and fall), Hoover.  
• Old Navy Alabaster.
• Children's Place at the Riverchase Galleria.

Restaurants  ::  (Boy, I sure wish this list was longer.  For me, the food is slim pickings south of Birmingham.)

• Panera in Alabaster (near Target).
• Starbucks (does that count as a restaurant?).
• City Cafe and Grill.... this place is awesome.  The decor is questionable, but the food is all local, fresh and there are Southern as well as some Asian choices.  The married owners pretty much tell everyone who enters that they never use canned or pre-prepared food... I love it when the husband-half of the ownership tells me what all they bought at the big farm market in Birmingham that week.

 Groceries  ::

• Publix.
• Aldi in Pelham... okay, I haven't actually been there yet.  But it just opened this week!   As a Trader Joe's fan, I am sure I'll love it.
• Target in Alabaster, in a pinch.  It's not a Super Target, so they just carry the staples.  Nice when I am there already and just need some butter or something.

 Hair Salon  ::

• Hair Dimensions on 119 in Alabaster.... can't say enough about Brittany, my stylist.  She is very talented with hair, and I just plain enjoy talking to her.  I also take my boys to her, as it costs about $15 for both of them.  Also, it's an Aveda salon.
• Great Clips near Panera in Alabaster... if the kids need an emergency cut.  Regina there does a very competant and quick boys' hair cut.  

Car Repair and Service  ::

• Melton Automotive in Alabaster... they specialize in Toyota and Lexus.   They will service any car, but the guys there particularly have a lot of Toyota experience.  Louis, the service desk guy, always answers my questions and will go get parts to show me how something works and so on. Also, he's from New Orleans, so I enjoy talking with a fellow-Louisianaian.  

There is nothing in it for me to post these businesses...  I just really like them.  No one paid me or gave me free stuff to post their name and actually, I doubt that any one mentioned here reads my blog.  :)  I have a heart for people who move around a lot and if this post can give a newbie some ideas on how to track down things they need in this area... I would be thrilled!  This post was inspired by a couple of conversations I've had with a new friend.... she just moved with her family to the states from Australia and they need so much for their new home.  We talked a lot about where to track down lamps (TJ Maxx), a dining room table (Stacks), curtains (World Market), and area rugs (Mohawk Flooring).... which led me to do more thinking about sharing sources.  If I think of more, I will update this post as needed!

Stay safe, friends, the weather is rough enough that schools are dismissing early all over the Birmingham area today!

Birmingham, We Have A Problem

Well, Birmingham doesn't have a problem.  I do.  I'm just letting Birmingham know.

I promise you, my house is cursed.  We have had yet another water disaster, third in the series since we have moved here, fourth if you count the mold that was remediated before we moved in.

So this third (or fourth) disaster is this... a clogged toilet slowly leaked all night long on Sunday night.  We awoke Monday morning to a soaking wet bathroom and carpet surrounding the bathroom.

I intended on giving a blow by blow account, in order to possibly help out someone who may find this post down the road if they are in a similar situation.  But, I just really am feeling empty and tired.  I took some photos, which I'll share, but I can't bring myself to write all the details out.  Let me try to sum it up in a sentence ....  Since Monday morning, there have been fans and dehumidifiers in the bathroom, Tucker's room and basement, attempting to dry out the now exposed plywood in the bedroom, hallway and garage below.  Dang it, I need another sentence.  One more.... Most or all of the first floor carpeting will have to be replaced, as well as a good deal of insulation that was ruined in the garage basement ceiling (directly under the leaky toilet).  Insurance company has been great, as has my contractor.  For the most part.

I have PTSD from our basement disaster of 2010, and I am having flashbacks to that wretched time in my life.  The continuous sound of loud white noise is driving me nuts.  It's almost as bad as the Bird last week.  I have been escaping the house whenever I can, and otherwise we live in  my bedroom or the basement family room, where the noise is lessened.

Anyhow, my home is in disarray.  And I anticipate more, since a contractor will have to come in, once things are completely dry (maybe by tomorrow), and fix the drywall, baseboards, insulation and carpeting.  I can't imagine the chaos during re-carpeting.  I might have to disappear for a few days with the kids.

But, we are doing okay.  The kids have been sleeping in my room and I rescued a few toys and some clothes before their rooms became nearly inaccessible.   The  photos below show the damage, as well as collateral damage (aka, what happens when you add two kids to the master bedroom and there isn't a "place for everything and everything in its place").

I really want a cookie right now.

Okay, on to the photos.

Fans and dehumidifier in the garage/basement.  Yeah, that's my Swag in the background, what of it?

Hallway and kids' bathroom, where the leak occurred.  

Three fans and dehumidifier in hallway and bathroom.  Note exposed plywood from carpet removal.

The yellow hoses are attached to small holes drilled into the bottom of the vanity in order to dry out the cavity underneath.

Tucker's room.

Begin Master Bedroom chaos.

Toys and clothes rescued from kids' rooms before they became unusable.

I do love that we are camping out together in my room, even though stuff is everywhere.

Pile o' laundry.  

Random school project.

CB's nap spot in the the master closet.