DIY Decor Week

Things started to settle down a tiny bit last week, so I had a little time to tackle my long DIY to do list!  Some were half-finished projects, others were ideas on my DIY wish list and a couple were inspired by necessity or a really good sale.  Here's a peak at what I will be sharing with you this week!

The One Question You Should Never Ask A Mom (especially me)

The number one question I've been asked since both of my kids have been in school is "What do you do all day?"  Whether it's meant to or not, it's by far the most offensive question you can ask a mother.  I've been asked the same question by everyone from my relatives to my girlfriends who work full-time outside of the home (and also have people who do their laundry and clean their house.)

So for those of you who question what I do all day, here's a little rundown:

I work from home during the week writing, creating and social media marketing for AquaSeventy6. I have a weekend job outside of the home, and during the week I blog and social media market for that job, as well. I also actively volunteer for a local charity.

Along with the above, every single weekday my alarm goes off at 6. I get the kids up, make breakfast, pack lunches, make sure they take their vitamins, that their teeth are brushed, hair is combed, that they have clean PE clothes and that they are wearing deodorant. I drive them both to their schools (it takes one hour to do both drop offs). 

I then run errands (groceries, bank, post office, pharmacy, etc.), do laundry, sweep, mop, dust, clean the bathrooms, and feed the dogs. I pick them up from school (another hour+ depending on car line), schedule and drive them to all medical and orthodontic appointments. I  help them with their homework, attend evening functions at school, attend meetings for work and for the charity, make sure the kids shower, have dinner and brush their teeth again  (although I pawn dinner off to my husband whenever possible).  I load the dishes, clean up the kitchen, and tuck the kids into bed.When I finally crawl into bed, hubby has been snoring for a good hour.

Are you tired, yet?  I am.  During the week, I rush out of the house without showering or eating breakfast. I'm a hot mess, to say the least. In the 5 short hours I have between drop-off and pick-up, I barely even have time to eat lunch. Then, instead of sleeping in on the weekends, I go to work.  I only take days off for special family events, which means I don't relax on those days, either.

I am with my kids every day over the summer, I am home with them any day they have off of school, and I am with them after school and all night long. 

Here I am on-the-go with my kiddos...what do I DO all day?  Hmf!

But even so, I still get asked "What do you do all day?"

When you work from home, it is assumed that you have time to chat on the phone all day or that it's no problem to do someone a favor (usually requiring a drive across town).

There are times, even when I am not sidetracked by phone calls or favors, that I simply can't get to it all and  leave the dishes for the next morning or unfolded laundry in a basket for a few days. Those are the things others see...not what we do, but what we couldn't get done.  That's not very fair, is it?

So, the next time you are curious as to what I (or most other moms, for that matter) "do all day", take a moment to re-read this article, or simply open your eyes, because I promise that if you ask, I won't have a very nice answer.

Settling in and back to work!

Holy moly, it's been forever and a day since my last post!!  Three whole months, to be exact.  Well, a lot has gone on in the House of AquaSeventy6!

First and foremost, I am out of my in-laws and into my own place!  I am still in the process of unpacking and putting together my design studio, but my goal is to have it up and running by the time the kids get out of school (June 4!)  I'm so excited, not only to be back in my hometown, but to have found a home in my favorite neighborhood.  I lived here for 7 years prior to moving to Virginia, and I haven't felt more at home anywhere, ever. ♥

I participated in a spring trunk show this month with my same handmade posse, and we are planning a Back-to-School event for the end of summer.

I've also been busy working apart from AquaSeventy6.  I was hired on in January as the Event Manager for a super cute local party hall. (Check out Pretty in Pink Party Place for more information.)  This has kept my weekends busy, but I love having my weekdays free to be with my kids and work on my designs.

Speaking of designs, I can't leave you without sharing a couple of new applique burp cloths I've been working on for little girls!

Elephant Applique Burp Cloths

Flower Applique Burp Cloths

Since I am no longer commuting 100 miles per day...yes, you read that correctly...I have much more time to blog, sew, DIY, etc.  So, keep your eyes peeled for much, much more!  xoxo

Stenciled Drop Cloth Pillows

I was bit by the DIY/craft bug a couple of years ago.  It started out with an obsession with thrift stores and vintage pieces, then progressed to refurbishing vintage furniture, then upcycling (using an existing item in a whole new way, or turning one item into another), and finally to sewing items from scratch.  The following project was my first attempt (October 2010) at incorporating the various crafting elements.

I got the drop cloth in the paint section and stencils and acrylic craft paint in the craft section of Walmart.

A true upcycle project, I used the stuffing from some old throw pillows.

(This chair was a $15 Goodwill find.  I just reupholstered the seat.)

(Antique chair $5, Goodwill)

This is an easy peasy DIY project, but if you are interested in your own stenciled throw pillow and aren't in the mood to DIY, you can always turn to me! I promise my sewing has gotten A LOT better since 2010! ;)

Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked!

Magazine Rack Redo

I have a bit of an obsession with magazine racks, especially the old-school wood ones. While I was in Florida a couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across the perfect rack for my guest bathroom.  Yes.  I said BATHROOM.  Every bathroom in my home (other than the kids' bath) has its own fully-stocked magazine rack.  I don't know about you guys, but the only privacy I seem to have these days is when I lock myself up in the john.  Why not use the time to catch up on my reading? :)

This super sturdy rack caught my eye at a Salvation Army in Wesley Chapel, FL.

Lucky for me it was blue tag day, so I snatched this up for $3.50

Here she is after two coats of Annie Sloan Provence.

I decided not to distress this piece.  I loved it just the way it was.

I used only Clear Wax.

Here it sits, in its new home, the Powder Room, fully stocked with local magazines. Perfect for when our out-of-town guests come to visit.

 

Click here and here to see where this, and our other projects are linked.

Decorating: Bold Color

One of the greatest things about keeping walls and floors neutral is having the ability to use accent pieces to add color. This is a wonderful thing because, as you eye and taste may change so can these accent pieces. You can paint them...buy a new one...or simply move them around different spots in your home.



When considering my entry way I wanted a bright pop of color - what better than PINK?
(Valspar Pink Burst, spraypaint)
It is unexpected and it is the first thing to greet you when you waltz in the door!



I love the excited vibe is gives the entry. And shouldn't you and your guests feel excited upon entering your home?

I also found this fantastic bench (already painted) in orange. My boys helped me pick this out and I have to say, I think they have a keen eye for design!



My 3 year old even helped me style it. He chose the pillows from the couch for the top and his adorable little cowboy boots for the shelf.



I love the way these pieces add pops of bold color to our home!
Break out of the safe color box and make things interesting.