Thrift Store Thursdays

Last week, I had A.D.D. and cleaned my kitchen instead of sharing some awesome finds from Goodwill.  So, today is just a picture post.  These are pictures from some of the finds I found, and projects that are underway.

My favorite corner of my wanna-be studio.

Awesome finds!

Spray painting pile.

Fabric and finds.

My to-do projects.. hope to get to them sometime this year! ;)

I want to do something like this with the globe.  Isn't it awesome!?

I'm not so neat about keeping things picked up while 'working'.

And you may wonder where the pickle was during this whole project time.  Well, our new comforter for the love nest came in.  Dyl was super excited about this part of the order.

Yep, he basically lived in the box for 2 hours.  I kept handing him M&Ms to keep him satisfied.  Hopefully, he doesn't grow up to think it's OK to live in a box.  "Whoa! Dream big!" -Juno

Check back tomorrow for a free Valentine's Day download and tutorial!



Take Time

Last night was a giant WA-BAAAAAAM! for me. 

It started off watching How I Met Your Mother (watch the episode here).  The crew was attending a funeral for Marshall's father and basically the whole idea was about last words.  I was VERY sappy and emotional and wanted to call every single person I could get a hold of and tell them how special he/she was to me.  Dylan had fallen asleep on my chest, like he used to do when he was a baby.  I immediately thought of the following picture.

On the left, that's Dylan sleeping on my chest/stomach/legs.. ok whole body (you can see the tiny bit of orange, that's my leg).  Now, compare that to what he was the day we brought him home.  How fast they grow!  He's not a tiny baby anymore, and he definitely doesn't have the new baby smell.  He smells like poop a little boy.

I don't want to be the mom who lingers on the idea of what your child used to be.  I want to enjoy him now.  I want to play in the dirt.  I want to catch bugs.  I want to build forts.  I want to be present with him.

So, today, I want to build a fort like Liz Kartchner did with her girls.  (This is a great post she wrote, as well.  Totally hits home!) 

{{Source}}

I want to join in on crashing cars and building cities. 

I want to make these cookies with Dyl, and eat THEM ALL!

{{Source}} 

Note: When I make these cookies, I buy the cinnamon chips (like chocolate chips, but cinnamon) and throw those in.  AMAAAAZING!

Today, I'm going to spend time with Dylan.  I'm going to recharge my soul.  I'm taking the time for today.

Not-So-Serious Business

Aren't you just excited to see Monday morning?  Yeah, neither am I.  But, I'll catch you up with what I did over the weekend.

You may notice, I have a new blog name 'i like your {{moxie}} kid'.  I'm sticking with it this time.  'Adventures in Ashleyville' seemed a little narcissistic.  Don't get me wrong, I LOOOOOVE talking about myself.  I'm a Leo (still, thank goodness!!).  With the new web name comes a new button.  You can spread the ILY{{moxie}}K love with everyone.

Other things:  Under the web header are some links.  If you're exploring around my blog and just want to return to the main page, click the Home button.  If you want to read about me and how I got here, how to get in contact with me, click the Start Here (About Me) link.  Under the Happy Things tab, I have listed websites, items, movies -anything I've found to be happy on this tab.  I will frequently update this page.  The web is full of wondrous things!  Also, there is a link with information about "Free Sponsorship Info", where all the details are listed about how to be a free sponsor on my blog during the month of February.  Even if you don't have a blog, but have an online business, contact me if you would like to be a sponsor!  This is an awesome way to get your blog/business out in the blogging community!

Saturday morning, my uncle decided to complain about the A&W video I posted on Friday.  He said it was stuck in his head for his 10 mile morning run.  A) I don't feel sorry for you.  You listened to it. =)  B) I have no sympathy at 6:30 AM.  Since I had a ton of free time before Dylan woke up, I told him I was going to loop that song just to push him over the edge.  Ha.  I didn't do it, but I after some coffee, the nicer me came out and I got to watch the sun come up.

I was confused as to why my couch was pink, when it is normally beige.  Sunrise was my answer.  Can you tell I don't get along with mornings?

View from my studio-it was lovely. 

Then, the sun didn't really come out and I was determined to spray paint the fabulous finds I got at Goodwill.

The weather decided it wasn't spray painting season.  It looks disastrous right now, but wait until you see it all done!

Later, I was pooped and Dylan was passed out on the couch.  I went down to the basement to watch The Other Guys.  Two minutes into the movie, my fake sleeper came down the stairs.  He found the plastic gun attachment for the Wii and decided he was "pwease man", too!

Great form Dyl! You'll make the squad in no time!

I'm on a mission to make the husband and I's bed a soft little landing spot.  I saw these lovely pillowcases online, and went out to buy supplies I needed to make my own hacked version.

{{Source}}

Well, that was months ago.  The supplies were sitting in my piles, so I thought I would do something different.  I needed to make something sassy.  So, I made this.

On the reverse side, is a D and an A, so when we aren't 'feelin' frisky' or family happens to be staying with us, we can turn them over.  You'll have to stay tuned.  Our new comforter is coming in soon.  Then, I can complete the love nest.  

What did you guys do this weekend??

I Have A.D.D.

It's self diagnosed, of course.

Yesterday, I was spray painting the thrift store goodness I was planning on sharing with you all here.  Well, I was waiting for paint to dry, literally watching the paint drying...  I told myself I could clean up the kitchen and get back to work. 

I was cleaning the outside of the cabinets, then it hit me I saw something sticky on the inside.  That turned into taking everything out of the cabinets and off the shelves to clean the inside, as well.  That lead to crumbs getting on the counter, the floor, other drawers.  So, I cleaned out EVERY surface of my kitchen. 

Night fall came and I looked outside and totally forgot about my thrift store goodness. 

Yep, I have A.D.D....

So for today I will leave you with a video that makes me laugh every single time I see it.  This video contains adult language and some graphic content, parents please be advised.  (HAHAH I watch too much TV).





If you want to waste hours of your time, check out http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/.
 or this video (for my mommy!), and my brothers used to sing me this one to wake me up in the mornings (blame them if it gets stuck in your head all day.  A SNAAAAAKE!)

One more.. I want to party with this guy.  Maybe, we could webdance together. 



Have a happy weekend!!!

Sparkling Wine Wednesdaaaaay!

OK, OK, it's only Sparkling Grape Juice.  As a kid at church we overheard somewhere that the Catholics got wine and we just had grape juice.  So, my brothers and I pretended it was wine so we could be 'Catholic Cool'. 

One day, not too long after we started calling grape juice wine, my mother took my brothers and I to the grocery store.  One of us happened to tell an adult that our mom let us drink wine.  She mumbled something along the lines of "IT'S NOT WIIIIIIINE! Stop calling juice that."

We disagreed and set in our ways.  She said she would let us have the "special grape juice" and could only call it wine at home when we were PRETENDING.  And it stuck.  I always forget there is alcoholic, sparkling wine.  Which I did not consume on this night.  Plus, Sparkling Wine Wednesday makes a better title than Sparkling Grape Juice Wednesday.

I only wish I drank wine during the day.  I don't have an excuse to, even though the kids in jr. high would always tease me because my initials were A.A.  I got teased a LOT, and it wasn't just the initial thing.... I lost track of where this was going.  Good thing I don't drink during the day.  Wow... Let's start again...

WINE WEDNESDAAAAAAAAAAAY! 

OMGrapes............

All the photos I took for this post are gone.

I swear to you it was only sparkling grape juice..  Seee?

PS. I didn't edit this photo otherwise my zit and day-old makeup would look so much better... and the wine would be REAL... agh at me.

In case you didn't know, REAL wine doesn't foam your goblet. Obviously, it just foams over my brain.  Oh well.. down my throat it goes anyways.

Note to self: You get a bottle of wine to drink on Thursday while watching Grey's and Private Practice.  =0)  All better.

OHHH and check out the background behind me?  See the thrift store goodness I found?  You'll have to check back to see what's going to happen with it all!! Super excited!

Trendy Tuesday no. 001

I canNOT get "Sex on Fire" by the Kings of Leon out of my head.  SO, I went to http://www.polyvore.com/ and made my own little outfit out of the song.  Enjoy!  Oh, listen to the song while you look at the outfit, if you wish!  The outfit was inspired by the cover of KOL's CD "Only By The Night".  LOVE THEM!

CD: Kings of Leon "Only By the Night"

Cardigan: Alice + Olivia Shawn cotton and cashmere-blend shrug-cardigan $370

Bag:  Michael Kors Skorpios leather tote $995

Jeans: BKE Stella Boot Stretch Jean $80

Heels: Kelsi Dagger Tiffany- Grey Suede $100

Tank: White top with a bow from H&M $4.99

Bracelets: 10-pack Bracelets from H&M $5.99

Snow DAAAAAY!

We were expected to get up to SIX inches of snow in one swoop last night.  That's poopy news for me because I HATE being cold and wet.  I hate shoveling our driveway.  I hate the mud.  Hate!  (I had to type it once more for good measure.) 

SEEE!?  I look like a drowned, frazzled, confused cat!  That is me after shoveling the snow.  Wanna see what we got?  Check it out.

My poor Jeep... wait!!! Poor me... I have to dig this lady outta the snow and run errands!  *slaps forehead*

I went inside and donned my prettiest snow shoveling clothes.

HAHA!  Yeah, those are rain boots, flannel jammies, and the husband's coat (I'm a winner!).  Within three minutes, I learned why there are rain boots, and why there are snow boots.  Rain boots get STIFF and have no insulation.  Therefore, the rain boots are no help in combating the snow.  I also learned that rain boots have HORRIBLE traction.  I literally broke my butt on the driveway.  Look at this sick incline I have to work with daily.

Yes, I held the camera level (according to the level I actually got out of the toolbox to make sure I did it right.  I'm really really a goober.)

The shoveling was done and I got pretty.  I just wanted to prove that I don't look homeless all the time.  It just seems to be every stinkin' time I take a picture to put on my blog.

I felt pretty snow goddess like with the beanie and fabulous waves.  Thanks for cooperating with me today, my wonderful, luscious hair!!

But, anyways, the 4-wheel drive on my Jeep was awesome.  We plowed through the snow to mail a package to the husband.

As soon as I pulled in the driveway, Dyl yelled "I JUST MAKE SNOW ANGELS NOW!!!!"

Ummm... I didn't know he know what they were.  By George, he did it!

Dylan ran over to the front of the yard and plopped down into the pile of rocks and snow.  He started waving his arms and chunker legs.  For his first attempt, this was pretty awesome!

On our last snow day, I took some pictures of Dylan shoveling (he calls it "szwippering", a combo of sweeping and zipping) "HIS" snow.  It was really warm that day, so no need to call authorities about not bundling him up.  I was in a t-shirt that day.  (Crazy Coloradans in 50 degrees!!)

 

Check out his jammie pants tucked into his rain boots!  Ha!  I guess he gets it from his father! ;)

I happened to find this little heart left in the snow. 

So sweet!!  Hope everyone is staying warm through this crazy weather!!

Not Even a Moustache Makes Me Happy

Yes, this is what I look like in the morning.  Sexy, huh?  Psh! 

Yesterday, I was so excited to have an interview with a potential babysitter, I totally forgot the million posts I had wanted to write up.  But, I will tell you how the sitter 'view went down.

My hopes before the interview: 1) Miss S. lives in a location that would be perfect for me to hop onto the I-25 and get to work.  Also, it's on the way to the husband's job.  Great Convenient location for both parents!  2) Miss S. was willing to work with me on the hours I needed (which was rarely), until I found a full-time job.  3) Miss S. had only a handful of kids she currently cares for, which mean Dylan would have the attention he needs and still friends to play with.

What I really saw... DOM DOM DOM!!!!!! (It's hard to type sound effects... FYI!)

1) Driving to Miss S.'s house, it was in an OK neighborhood.  This may sound superficial, but they had nice vehicles out front.  I took this as a sign they take care of their property and manage themselves in a great manner. 

Dyl and I got out of the car and walked to the door and rang the bell.  I should've known once she opened the door to just run!  There was an OVERWHELMING smell of cats (which I'm allergic to), animal/kid/something urine.  Miss S. took us to her basement/daycare area.  Which had toys everywhere (understandable in daycare setting), vacuum cleaner left out, stains on everything, sticky activity table, couch 1.5 feet away from a TV.  She left the TV blasting during our interview and offered me a child-size chair to sit on.  I sat down and was sitting in something sticky.  Brilliant.  She decided to sit on the floor and cross her legs like one of the children she watches.  Hmmm...

Well, we talked.  I asked questions.  She talked....

and Talked...

AND TALKED...

She asked Dylan if he liked to eat candy, popcorn, chocolate, and poop. 

I'll let you sit with this for awhile...

She told me she let the kids watch Nickelodeon (I assumed all day because no other activities were described).  When Miss Judy (you know the Judge) came on, she pops the kids on her laps and makes them watch it with her.  She said it teaches them to not be naughty so they don't have to go in front of a judge to be yelled at when they grow up.  (I mentally slapped my forehead after this one and I'm sure my eyes were freakishly large in shock and horror.)

Miss S. said something about trying to set up Dylan with another little girl she cares for because "they'd make such a cute couple!"

She told me she liked to take her kids on "dates", as in out to eat, shopping together... whatever.. PLEASE don't take my kid on a date with you!  That's not what I'm paying you for, and it sounds kind of creepy.  Teach him things, play with him.. you know care for him.. as in CHILD CARE.

Oh my, I didn't even describe my first impression of the person who is wanting me to pay her.  This is what Miss S. was wearing to give me a good impression of herself...
Long sleeved, over sized shirt (with stains), sweat pants that were over sized, messy hair in a ponytail, no bra, no makeup... What an awesome first impression.

Now me, I think I was in such shock because A) I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt (as in, maybe she could pull herself together and this isn't normal)  B) I'm desperate to find Dylan a sitter so I can have time for me to do EVERYTHING/ANYTHING C)  I really want a job or to be paid for what I love doing and I need someone to take Dylan, so I can do that...

Well, I had mouth vomit... I said I would call her in the next few days to schedule a time for her to watch Dylan.. At some point in the conversation, I had asked if her daycare needed toys and I would be happy to bring over some of Dylan's extras... I'M SO DISAPPOINTED IN MY MOUTH FILTER!!!!

I now have to break up with a babysitter because I'm an idiot. 

Now, I get to stress ALLLLLL weekend about finding someone suitable for Dylan. 

BUT, I have learned a lesson.  I need to keep in the back of my head, that any childcare provider is basically considered my employee.  This person(s) work for me.  So, if the situation isn't something I'm happy or comfortable with, it just won't work.  Thanks for another life lesson universe... GJBH:UG:SDUG

I Don't Even Know How to Title This One...

Woo Hoo!! I ordered some goodness from a certain well-known lingerie company with my Christmas money.  It has finally arrived!!!!  I have been stalking the UPS man for a week.  He's usually the guy that sets the package on the porch and pushes the doorbell to run and avoid human interaction.

I got him though!  I waited on the other side of the front door and the second he rang the bell, I BUST open the door and start yelling "YAAAAAAAAY!"

UPS man gave me an unforgettable look of surprise/horror and ran back to the safety of his truck.  (Point for me!  I'm determined to talk to him at some point, or at least get him to see I'm not totally scary.  He has a couple more packages for me this week.  Muhahahaha!  Ok, no wonder he's scared of me.)

*Me jumping up and down!!!*  It's hereeeeee!! 

{Note to readers: Little things make me happy.}

Now that I've loaded this picture onto the web, I realize my crotch looks insanely awkward (as in, I have package of a different sort).

I hope Mr. Crenshaw is ready for this goodness!  Want a peek into my package present!?

Brace yourself for some...

JAMMIES!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHH!

But, it doesn't stop there.  I did happen to order a bra, but the web doesn't really need to see that one.  The bra did spark an interesting conversation at our house.

Dyl: "OH, what did I get?!"

Me: "It's for mommy.  Sorry bud."

Dyl: "I just look.  It's ok.  Just for me."

He proceeded to rip open a box that contained some body spray and was extremely disappointed.  At the same time, I opened a baglet that contained my bra.

Dyl: "Mom, those are boobies.  I no have boobies!"

Me: "Good thing pal.  I think mommy should keep this one."

Dyl: "Yeah, think so."

Later that afternoon, I had to stop by the store and pick up some filler items for the house.  We happened to walk through the ladies clothing/jewelry/lingerie stuff.

Dyl (saying loud enough for 20 aisles to hear): "Hey mom, let's look at BOOBS!"

BAHAHAHAHA!!!

He was embarrassed at that point, and would not look at me.  Of course, I had to take a picture of him looking at "boobs"!

At the Dinner Table

Dylan decided he wanted to eat dinner at the table.  I thought it would be the PERFECT opportunity to shut off his nerve-grating, burned-into-your-brain-for-a-lifetime cartoons.  We were eating some kind of pasta and veggies with rolls meal, and I had finished my food.  Little man had eaten his roll and thought he was finito.  No bueno for mama. 

Me: "Eat your trees (broccoli) and carrots Bubba."

Dylan: "No, just am full."

Me: "Ooh, put your bites on your fork and fly them into your mouth.  That would be so cool!"

Dylan: "OK, let me try."  Instead of eating his bites, he flung them into their air as if his food plane were in a collision.

Me: Slaps forehead with hand.

I used every trick I thought I knew and the only thing that came to my brain was... "There's a party in your tummy! So Yummy! So Yummy!"  F--- ME!!!!!  "YEAAAAAAAH!"  The Yo Gabba Gabba universe had infiltrated my brain and made itself right at home.  (If you feel it necessary to learn this song and sing along, or you are on drugs looking for something fascinating to watch, go here.)

I swear to you, Dylan's face lit up.  He asked, "Does corn want come to party tummy too?"

Me: "Yes!  The corn would be so sad if it didn't get to join the party in your tummy!"  And he eats.

Life LesSON no. 795

So, here at Casa de Crenshaw, we ran out of juice.  *Imagine my three-year-old's world collapsing around him.  The sun is setting permanently, with no hope for a bright outcome.*  My husband has an obsession with the neon colored drinks that are derived from powdered envelopes... You know what I'm talking about... right? (Hint: OH YEAAAAAAH!)  Of course, we had a few thousand envelopes in the pantry.  I made a GIANT 4 gallon pitcher of the tropical punch variety, as if my ONE child would consume as much as a little league team.  Anywho, the son was satisfied and I went back to.... (I don't know what I typically do on a normal basis.  Just a bunch of tomfoolery usually or watching totally awesome videos like this.)

Fast forward to the next night.  I smell something UNGODLY coming from the pint-sized version of my hubster.  I follow my nose to his pants and it hit me with a "WAAAAABAAAAAAAM!" and other Ka-powies, you know the awesome graphics from the classic Batman show. 

I lay the kiddo down and let's just say he deuced a red pile of $&!+.  Dyl(an) kept saying, "It hurts!"  And I was honestly trying to keep my eyes shut and nose covered so the smell wouldn't burn anything important on my face.  I finally looked once his bottom was cleaned and there it was... The OH YEAH juice  crap liquid I was giving him over the last day and a half has stained his derriere.  Sigh. 

One Bottle of 'German Wine' via N.J.

This was intended to go to my German grandmother, but was later consumed by her not-so-German granddaughter. 

Ooops. 

My reasonings?  She's an AMAZING Christian woman and doesn't need 'worldly' influences.

I do have to admit, I would've loved to be a fly on her wall to see if she cracked that bad boy open and got a little betrunken when noone was watching.

Heirloom Recipe Box Hi-jack

I've seen these ALL over the blogland and LOVE them:

(From Rifle Paper Co.)

Here's the specs from the maker's website. 

"Our heirloom recipe card boxes are made by local craftsmen from locally salvaged hardwood (trees that were destined for landfills). All of the boxes are unique and hand-crafted during a 3-month-long process (a month for the mill to source the salvaged wood, a month to build in the workman's studio, and a month for the hand-rubbed finish to dry). The lids are then screen printed with two different design options.

     Each box is unique and is made from a variety of woods depending on availability. The type of wood used is listed on each box. Our primary woods are Sweet Gum, Magnolia Bay, and Laurel Oak.
     We only have a limited number of boxes available on our first run and expect to begin shipping in about 4-6 weeks. We do not expect another batch of boxes to arrive until the Fall.
- Solid wood, hand-crafted boxes

- Size: 7.5"x5.5"x6"

- Includes 12 dividers & 24 recipe cards (4"x6")"
 
 

I didn't have the moola to fork over, so I raided my closet and was reminded of this little gem I was saving for a rainy day:

{Photo Source}

I've had this cigar box sitting in my closet, YAY!  I picked it up a couple of years ago at a liquor store that sold cigars.  (You can also check out cigar shops and the likes to get yours.)  I asked what they did with the boxes when they were done, they said they threw 'em away.  AH!  I snatched one up and took it home.  It's been sitting in my closet since.

The Heirloom Recipe Box retails for $120 and you can get it here.  Mine was free.  So if you don't want to wait 4-6 weeks and you want to save money, let me take you to my DIY cigar box.  Save yourself $100.  Sorry Rifle Paper Co., these are tough times, but LOVE your work!

You will need: A wooden cigar box, Goo Gone, Murphy Oil Soap, Old English Wood Polish (in similar shade of wood), scrapbook paper or decorative paper, Elmer's Craft Bond Spray Adhesive (or any similar spray adhesive), non-yellowing clear glossy spray paint top coat, paper towels, newspapers and Q-tips.

Start off by laying down newspapers on worksurface.  You may want to do this outside.  Spray the labels on your cigar box with Goo Gone.  I noticed it helps to wait a minute or two before you start peeling.

I ended up spraying and wiping with paper towel until all the Goo was Gone. Just make sure that you get everything off that you don't want stuck on there permanantly.

Next, I took a wet paper towel and put a little Murphy Oil Soap on it to clean the Goo Gone off the box. Make sure to go back with a clean wet towel to remove any bubbles.  Then, wipe dry.

Now, be sure to take off all rings and anything you don't want to stain.  Better yet, use plastic gloves if you don't want your fingers various shades of wood.  Then, pull out your Old English and start polishing away.  The inside of my box wasn't finished prior to this project, but I stained away.  We'll put a clear coat over it all later.  Smart Tip Alert:  Use your Q-Tips to get in all the nooks and crannies of your cigar box.

Once you've covered your entire box with Old English, buff (vigorously rub) the cigar box to shine and remove excess polish.

Now for the decorating!!  Think about what you want this box to be for.  My husband bought me a jewelry box for our 5th Anniversary (yesterday!!! still excited!!!), so I decided he needed a box for his 'man things?'.  Whatever, he needed this.  So I went through my stash of scrapbook papers and found the manly-est pattern I could.  And I found a giant 'd', which was in a really girly pattern (note the picture) so do this:

{Paper by thePaperStudio "Black Brown Random Lines" (Great name huh?) and the 'd' is Cosmo Cricket - from their paper packs, I think all the fonts are the same(?)}

I lined up my 'd' where I wanted the colors to be on my cut out 'd' and put my finger there as a marker.  Then, flip over your paper, while still holding your place on the pattern and line your 'd' up on the back side of the patterned paper.  Get it?  Then trace it and cut it out.

Spray your craft adhesive on the back of you letter and let it set for about 5 minutes.  While we're waiting for the paint to dry, here are other options of what to do with the top of your cigar box.

Vintage Picture:  I wanted to use the one of my great grandparents, below, but I don't think the husband would find any sentiment in that. 

Maybe do your own little flat collage of images.  Find a postcard or vintage picture at thrift shops or in the family vault.  Maybe a handwritten love letter?  Let your mind soar.  OOH!  I wanted to do a treasure box!  You can get metal trinkets and letters at craft stores.  I would probably use Gorilla Glue to put those down.  BUT use a SMALL amount because Gorilla Glue expands!!

Sorry, I was on overload.  Anyways, back to the man box.

Place your object on the box, now that the back is tacky.

Then, take this big bag man box outside and clear coat the heck out of it!  I used about 3 coats because I wanted it to shine.  Plus, the inside wasn't previously unfinished.  So here it is!!

Enjoy this easy-cheesy, inexpensive, ultra-cool project!!

♥ Ashley