5 Ways to Rock Your Monday Morning

Mornings and I don't get along. Specifically, Monday mornings. Something about the end of the weekend and the beginning of a long grueling work week. I've tried to be a morning person, like really, really tried. But, I'd still rather stay up and watch three seasons of Gossip Girl than wake up with the sun.

Here's what I do to make my Monday mornings suck a little less:

1. Get a good night's sleep. 

Obvious right? Well sometimes it's not. Hello, it's called Netflix. Amiright? But seriously, go to bed early. Turn off the computer and put the phone away. It will help!

2. Wake up early.

Early to bed, early to rise something about being healthy, wealthy, and wise. You'd think that would be enough to get me motivated to get out of bed on a daily basis. NOPE.

If you go to bed early and wake up early, you'll feel less stressed and less rushed. I don't know about you, but my mornings are always rushed and I have to chose between eating breakfast or doing my hair. Not the best trade-off.

3. Eat breakfast.

When you wake up early, you have time to eat breakfast. See how all of these sort of fit together? Scientists go back and forth on whether or not eating or skipping breakfast is better, but my personal opinion is that it gives you a second to sit down and just be. So yes, it's good for you!

My go to breakfast, now that I've given up coffee, is oatmeal and juice. I don't have time for much else especially if we're talking about waking up early and working out too!

4. Workout.

This is by far the hardest for me. Anyone else? Even if it's just a brisk walk around the block, getting your blood pumping in the morning can improve your mood and set your day up for the better! Plus, if your job is anything like mine where you struggle to ever leave your desk, it's good to get moving before and after work!

5. Stock up on necessities.  

The worst way to start your Monday is being caught off guard. Thanks to U by Kotex and SweetSpots Labs you don't have to be!

U by Kotex offers a wide range of unique, colorful, and bold feminine hygiene products for all your period needs--my personal favorite? The click tampons because they are so discreet, but still have the same amount of absorbency.

SweetSpot Labs is made by women, for women and is more than just pretty packaging and refreshing scents. Even though, pretty packaging is a major plus! SweetSpot Labs created the first pH balanced feminine skincare line with beautiful natural ingredients to gently clean, hydrate and soften skin. And I love the way the on the go wipes smell!

Hop on over to your nearest Target and stock up on the necessities with this discount code. If you grab a few things you don't need, don't worry I'm not judging.

It is Monday after all!

Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Today I'm partnering with TheLadders to give you a glimpse into my first jobs and what I've learned from these experiences--which ultimately led me to where I am today!

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My first jobs were anything but glamorous. The very first "job" I remember doing was basically hustlin' my dad for extra allowance. I was around eight years old at the time and wanted to save up for some super cool 90s toy (you can fill in the blank--although in all honesty it was probably a WonderBall. Does anyone else miss those chocolatey, candy filled miracles?).

So, I volunteered to help with yard work, for a price. I would pick up "gum balls" that fell from the sweet gum tree, pinecones, and scoop dog poop.

My dad made a special arrangement that I'd get paid by the pound of whatever I picked up. It was probably somewhere around $0.25 per pound of pinecones and $0.10 per pound of poop.

Told y'all. NOT GLAMOROUS!

I distinctly remember scooping extra mud and dirt with every scoop of poop so it would weigh more and I'd get more money. See? Hustlin'. I also, to this day, have an IOU that I've saved detailing how much my dad owed me for all of the poop I scooped--I even had a line item for interest! I've been a hustler before I even knew what that meant. In a good way, of course.

I also babysat here and there and worked summer camp a few summers. It was while working these jobs that I learned that children are not for me. I wasn't ready for kids then and at twenty-four, I'm still not ready. Maybe one day. 

Throughout these various random jobs, my dad instilled two truths in me that I still reference to this day. (Hey dad! Youdabest!)

ONE. Work hard and Hustle. No one is going to just hand it to you. You have to work for it and you have to earn it. It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.


TWO. Be able to support yourself. It's important to do something you love, but it's also important to be able to pay the bills and support yourself. I have a boyfriend of almost seven years that I'm going to marry one of these days, but he would always say (God forbid) if something were to happen, you don't want to be left broken hearted and flat out broke!

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Fast forward a few years and I've kept these truths with me. It was hard finding my first job. It sucked getting rejected or ignored a thousand times. But, ultimately, after lots of hard work I found a job (and started this blog in the process) and have not only gotten to connect to an industry that's basically the coolest, but learn a lot along the way!

Tips for a Better Move + a Giveaway

I did it! 

I moved back in with my parents. From 6 AM Saturday morning to 6 PM that night, I was moving boxes upon boxes. I still have a few small items to go back and pick up, but for the most part, I'm trying to settle down in my new downsized space. 

In retrospect, I would've done a few things differently in preparation to the "big move."

1. Start early! I didn't actually start packing up things until Thursday evening after work. For sure should've started at least Monday! It's easier to load up a car full of boxes than to scramble around last minute and shove random things in random boxes. You will thank yourself later. 

2. Collect/Buy lots and lots of boxes/baskets/bags! I was able to snag a few from work, but I definitely should've started collecting them earlier. You really don't realize how much stuff you have until you try to fit an entire apartment into one room. I ended up putting things in boxes, shopping bags, tote bags (like the one from Autumn and Indigo you can win below) Pro Tip: go for the clear storage bins if you can. That way you can tell what's in it.

3. Color code boxes with colorful tape/sharpies! Seriously, this Pinterest idea was actually a life saver. I color coordinated my boxes with colorful duck tape (Pink=room, Blue=living room, Yellow=bathroom, Green=kitchen). That way when it came to figuring out what boxes went to the storage unit and which ones went to the house, it was a faster decision process.

4. Recruit Friends! I am fortunate enough to have some pretty great friends who will spend their entire Saturday helping me pack, organize, and move. Find people like this so you don't have to hire burly moving men who will break your valuables. And, don't forget to feed them--it's the least you can do!

All in all, the move wasn't as terrible as I had built it up to be. I am however, going to go crazy if I don't clean, organize, and set up my new room. I'm currently tripping over boxes and have SO many boxes to go through! 
P.S. I've teamed up with some great girls for the most awesome giveaway ever (maybe it's because I'm a sucker for a good "gift basket")! 

WHAT'S IN THE SUMMERTIME ESSENTIALS BAG:

• Tri-colored Triple Chevron Tote by Autumn and Indigo on Etsy
• Floppy Sunhat 
• Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray
• EOS Cucumber hand lotion
• Burt's Bees Coconut & Pear lip balm
• 2 Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polishes - shades: Babe Blue & Bare It All
• Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara
• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen - SPF 55
• Ban.Do "Let's Have Fun O.K.?" drink sleeve
• Printed Hair Tie Set of 6
• Round Aviator Sunglasses
• Starfish Charm Necklace
• Sun & Moon Stud Earring Set
• $5 giftcard to Starbucks
• 1-month subscription to MyCoffeeism's coffee box
• Small notebook & pen

The giveaway will run from now,July 27th to Monday, August 3rd at 12:00 am EST. All entries will be verified so tell your friends! Good luck!

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Weekend Detox 101

This past weekend I hosted a bachelorette party for one of my good friends (recap coming soon!) To say it was one for the books, would be an understatement.

 

I had way too much junk food and just enough sun. Miraculously, I only gained like a pound, but now, my body hates me. Literally, I can feel a difference--and, believe me, it's not a good difference.

 

Here's what I'm doing to not reach for the cupcakes and detox after a very fun, but very bad for me weekend:
 

 

 

 

1. Drink Water. Like you didn't see that one coming. Line the water bottles up and knock them down, so to speak. Rehydrating yourself will make you feel 10x better and get things moving again. I've been guzzling about two-three water bottles during the work day (9AM-5PM) and then two during/after my workout. You won't regret trading your sugary soda with a water bottle!

 

2. Cut the sugar. All I did this weekend was eat junk--two cupcakes a day (I think I demolished a dozen cupcakes all by myself), plus chips and dip, and a variety of other processed foods. Add in the alcohol and it's a no wonder my body hates me. Sugar is in most every junk food and is arguably more addictive than drugs. If you can stay away from it or cut way back on it, you'll feel better in no time.
 

 

3. Get moving. Thank goodness a new session of FitCamp started this week otherwise, I'd become one with the couch. It's a fact: exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy and happy people just don't shoot their husbands get shit done and don't crave junk food. See a few tips for working out here and here.
 

 

4. Fruits + Vegetables. Eat better. I'm trying to incorporate "good for me" foods (whole grains, fruits, and yes, vegetables). And, I acutally signed up for a meal plan from the gym I currently attend and so far so good. The meals are portion and calorie controlled so I'm not overeating, yet still getting the nutrients I need. If you don't have meals to order, just be smart. Don't eat crap.

 

5. Baby Steps. If you're like me, the effects of the weekend will want to creep back into your routine. Don't let it. It's NOON on Monday and I'm craving a wedding cake cupcake something crazy, but instead of giving in, I drink water. It's mind over matter for a lot of it. But if you cave and get a Venti S'mores Frap from Starbucks, don't beat yourself up, but also don't chase it with a Big Mac. All things in moderation.

 

How do you get back on track after a weekend of fun (and junk)?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staying Motivated When You Want To Quit

Working out is hard.

 

Working out when it's raining is harder.

  

Yesterday I just wasn't feeling the gym. At all. In all honesty, I wanted to pitch a fit and eat a tub of ice cream followed by wine.

 

Some Most days, the gym is not my friend. I always find some reason to talk myself out of it. But this time, I sucked it up and went anyway. And I'm glad I did.  I felt accomplished and strong, albeit a very sweaty. (side note: can your hair sweat, because mine so was)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Have someone hold you accountable. I text Josh when I'm not feeling it and he'll usually respond with a "JUST DO IT" or "GET IT GIRL!" He never goes along with my whining.

 

 

2. Turn up the music! I blast upbeat music on my way to workout and jam out like a #badass--Similar to an athlete getting in the zone before a huge game.

 

 

3. Have a plan. Pack your workout clothes, write it on your calendar, pay for the membership yourself. Do what you have to do. You know what they say, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

 

 

4. Stop making excuses. As soon as you find one, you find ten others to go along with it. Been there done that. The whole "I'll just go tomorrow" trick never works. You likely won't go tomorrow. So, stop getting in the habit of making excuses. Also, rain is not an excuse unless your gym is outdoors or it's flooding and you can't drive there.


5. Go with a friend. When someone is physically holding you accountable because they are there too, helps tremendously. I know for me, if I know I'm going to see someone I know at the gym, it makes me that much more competitive and I get a better workout.

 

 

6. JUST DO IT! Typically, going to the gym takes an hour of your time, you can do it! There are worse things in life. I promise, you'll feel better if you don't cheat yourself.


What do you do to stay motivated?

 

 

How To Survive a Sunburn

Isn't the beach so gorgeous?! In recent experience, it's gorgeous until it's not--until it burns you that is. I've heard wear sunscreen probably a million times, but sometimes you just forget or miss spots (a combo this memorial day weekend).

So here's how to prevent it:

Wear a hat AND sunglasses. The bigger the hat, the closer to God the less chance of burning your face. This is one I did well--my face didn't burn!

Sunscreen with a higher SPF than 5 and REAPPLY, REAPPLY, REAPPLY!

Don't make it a marathon session. For me, that means not going out from 10AM-2PM (or at least staying out there that entire time)

I missed the whole wear lots of sunscreen and reapply deal and therefore am burned to a crisp and really splotchy. Not fun.

Here's how to cope if you do in fact get burned:

ALOE. I like to store mine in the refrigerator so it's nice and cold when I put it on.

Wear "soft clothes"--I'm burned where my bathing suit stopped---meaning every time I move, my sunburn gets irritated. In order to combat this, I've resorted to wearing cami type bras, big t-shirts and Nike shorts.

Lavender. This oil comes up A LOT, but I hear it's great for burns. I pinned a few recipes to make an "after the beach spray" and will be getting on this, as soon as I get back. (so mad I forgot it)

Avoid the sun, but if you must go out (hey, it's the beach) COVER UP with sunscreen and clothes!


Happy Beachin'

Date Night on a Budget

With Josh still on the job hunt (crossing my fingers for a call soon!), we have to be conscious of how much we spend--constantly. That means saving most of the money that comes in and eating out less. It's very difficult, but can be done. 

 

The good news: You can still have a great time together without spending a ton of money! After all, it's all about the quality time.

1. Driving Range.

I'm not a huge golf fan--I'm terrible at goofy golf and consistently take 9+ strokes on a par 3, but Josh loves it. He has his own set of clubs, golf gloves, and goes golfing frequently. Recently, he took me to a driving range where all you do is practice hitting the ball. $10.00 for 100 balls. You go at your own pace and it can take an hour if you're pretty terrible like me--I ended up hitting clumps of grass more than I hit the actual ball, but I think I'm getting better?

2.Netflix/Redbox.

It's a rare treat to actually GO to the movies these days, but that's ok. I much prefer to relax in my PJs and be able to pause the movie to get more wine. Enter Redbox and/or Netflix where there is always something on! If the movie theater is more your scene, there are always matinees--the whole movie experience for not all of the money.

3. Go to the Park.

This is especially useful for doubling as exercise and it's perfect if you have a fur child (or a human one). I dub them "family walks." It's so fun to take a walk around the block or park and chat about anything and everything.

 

4. Community/High School Theater + Concerts.

Josh isn't much into the performing arts, but I am. Our community constantly has high schools putting on musicals and choirs performing. The last one I went to was like $10 to get in--what a steal! And if you're willing to splurge every once in a while, concerts (like Taylor Swift) pop up every once in a while!

 

5. Festivals.

Tis the season for outdoor festivals that are mostly free to the public. The bigger ones like JazzFest will cost you upwards of $80 per person. But the smaller, arts, heritage, food festivals only cost what you are willing to spend on the goods. Walking around and taking in the sights, smells, and sounds is FREE!

6. Order take out and have a fiesta at home. Instead of going out to eat, try making your favorite foods. Not the cook? Me either. Order take out and pop in that Redbox movie you rented earlier. Papa John's has great deals ALWAYS and ordering salsa and queso from your favorite Mexican restaurant will only cost you around $5.00 (Plus, they give you TONS of chips).

Do you have any other suggestions to add to my list?

Making a Great Workout Playlist

It's hard to make it to the gym. Take this morning for example. I went to bed early in hopes I could wake up early to go to the gym. Three taps of the snooze later, it's 8 AM and I have to go to work. A for effort?

When I finally do make it to the gym, it's really the music that keeps me going. That and the hope that I'll magically be skinnier when I leave. That's why I make sure I have a motivating playlist. P.S. My playlist on my phone is "Skinnyminny."

Variety is key! I like to have a little bit of everything on my playlist. Rock, Hip Hop, etc.

Pick songs you can move to! (aka: Upbeat). My sister can run to Broadway opera music/"In the arms of the Angels" type songs..I don't know how. My music has to have a beat. Hence the Beyoncé and Rihanna.

 

If you want to sing along , it belongs! There have many times when I accidently start singing along at the gym--FYI when you have headphones in, you don't know how loud you are singing until everyone starts staring. 

 

Add more songs than you need! That way, if you aren't feeling a particular song, you can skip it and still have songs left.

Update it! A good playlist needs to be updated frequently. Hearing the same songs over and over and over (no matter how much variety you have) can get old and boring. For me, old and boring do not mix with the already boring gym. So, keep it interesting.

 

 

 

 

What songs are on your "workout" playlist?

 

 

 

Getting through the Super Bowl #LikeAGirl

The Super Bowl. You either hate it, love it, or moderately tolerate it.

I fall under the category of: moderately tolerating. 

Confession: I had no intention of actually paying attention, but when 4+ guys are yelling at the TV, it's kind of hard NOT to get involved.

What I thought was going to be a party of 2, turned into a party of 8. What I thought was going to be a relaxing afternoon after a long morning of work, turned into stress the minute Josh's mom suggested that I help cook (for the now 8 person party). I don't cook. I can help you burn down the kitchen, but I don't cook. But I decided to embrace my inner #girlboss and take on the challenge.

Not only did I NOT burn down the kitchen or start any fires for that matter. I actually made buffalo wings! They were way easier to make than I thought!

Here's what you'll need:

3/4 cup of flour

1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Chicken Wings

1/2 cup of melted butter

1/2 cup of hot pepper sauce

ADD: Some confidence

Super Easy to Follow Instructions:

1. Pre-Heat Oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Line pan with foil and grease with cooking spray (highly important)

3. Mix flour, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a plastic bag.

4. Add chicken wings + shake.

5. Mix melted butter and hot sauce. Then dip wings (so they are covered with sauce).

6. Place wings on to greased pan and put in the oven for 45 mins. 

(Note: Flip wings half way throughout)

And viola! Buffalo Chicken Wings.

The perfect Super Bowl (or any kind of party) snack. Not only did I cook #likeagirl, I cooked #likeaboss and everyone loved it!

P.S. My favorite Super Bowl ad, hands down, was #LikeAGirl.

Make Monday Great

No one is a fan of Mondays. It's the end of the weekend, you have to go back to work or school and back to reality...where's the fun in that? Well today, let's change that way of thinking. While there might not be any fun in your upcoming week, a little bit of positivity can go a long way--especially when it comes to cases of the Mondays.   Tip #1: Get up early. I swear it makes all the difference. It's hard and it sucks at first, but you are really kicking Monday where it hurts when you can get up and be productive before work/school. Plus if you get up early, you'll be able to enjoy Tip #2 more.   Tip #2: Get your favorite morning beverage (like coffee). Starbucks has launched their red cups and just knowing that its that time of year ALWAYS puts me in a good mood.   Tip #3: Think one positive thought when you wake up. When you wake up thinking that it will be a great day, the chances are higher that it will actually be a great day no matter what life throws at you. True story.   Combine these three tips and you're off to a great start!   Tip #4: Enter this giveaway to win some pretty great things!  

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Go out there and have a great Monday--because I said so (you can do it)!

The Bride ALWAYS goes on the Left

So, this may or may not be turning into a wedding blog and I don't hate it. I want to be a wedding planner (when I grow up) so it's fitting. Plus, I'm at that age where EVERYONE I know is getting married. 

Today's lesson stems from a "real life" situation that happened at work not too long ago. 
Lesson #1: The bride always goes on the left.  A rather simple rule. 
This particular couple had booked a rehearsal with us to go over the order of events and mainly to let the children in the bridal party learn how to walk down the aisle. You'd be surprised at how many people need help doing this seemingly simple task. Nerves are what usually makes it so difficult.  Anyways, their pastor came with them to rehearse and during the first run through, everything was fine. The second go around is where things got a little hairy.
Somehow the line up got switched. As in, the bride was now on the groom's right side and the whole thing was just switched up. This is wrong by the way. 
Come to find out, it was per the pastor's request. Being the budding wedding planner that I am, I decided to intervene. After arguing with the pastor for about 10 mins (I'm going to hell), the stubborn couple and pastor decided to keep things THE WRONG WAY! I couldn't have been more furious and quite frankly over the whole thing. 
Luckily, they ended up switching everything back the day of. Because of this, I have a great story to tell and I will never forget this very simple rule: the bride always always always (even in Jewish ceremonies) goes on the left. Not the preacher's left (as he mirrors everyone else), but the groom's left. (and not just because I said so, because it's like the normal, traditional way to do things!)

How To: Boil an Egg

Ok, I'll admit it. I'm not the best cook.  Like I can't. Cook that is. Last night, I had to ask my family (via group text...I mean how else?) how to boil and egg. I mean I didn't want to "Google it" I wasn't that desperate. Obviously I KNOW how to boil and egg, but how do you know when it's done?  Naturally, I asked my mother.  Turns out, even SHE doesn't know when it's done. I mean it's not like a noodle that you can taste. 

So anyways. I took her advice.

P.S. This is the first time I'm actually cooking/using my stove since me and my sister made Jello-O shots and Cheesy Chicken Enchilada for Mardi Gras. That is the degree of my culinary skills. Sad.
So, for all of my fellow NON-cookers out there, here is how you boil an egg AND know when it's done.

1. Select how many eggs you want to boil and a pot that will hold that amount. 2. Fill the pot with water so that it covers the eggs. 3. Set the heat on a moderate level--I set mine on "6" 4. Once the bubbles start coming up from the bottom of the pot, you know it's boiling. Let that happen for about 3-5 minutes. See below!

See bubbles!

5. After the 3-5 minutes, like my mom said, let the eggs sit in the water for a bit and turn the heat off. 6. Once it cools off, Viola! You have boiled eggs!  It's actually kind of fool-proof in the sense that if you start peeling the egg and it's not boiled it'll be a runny goopy mess. I'm happy to report, that mine were perfectly boiled! 
You MIGHT need good luck with the most annoying part--peeling them! That and this giveaway! 
 You know you want a Target gift card so you can buy yourself some eggs to boil! I mean I know I would :)

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Top Ten Braces Friendly Foods

I just got braces and am paying for it dearly. My mouth is going on day 6 of hurting, but it IS getting better. Here are my top ten favorite foods to get you through those first few days/weeks.

Disclaimer: If you don't like descriptions of food, you probably shouldn't read any further.

1. Macaroni and Cheese. The noodles are easy to mash against the roof of your mouth or swallow whole. Plus it's macaroni--let's be real people.

2. Soup. Tomato and Chicken Noodle are my favorites. I tried Potato soup, but I'd recommend going without the cheese and bacon because those hurt going down if you don't chew them. 

3. Yogurt/GoGurt. GoGurt is way more fun than regular yogurt, but it's really a preference.

4. Applesauce. A childhood classic. It's best when refrigerated.

5. Baby food. Yes, I really did try this and no, it's really not that gross. If your feeling really adventurous, try the fruit varieties. Stay with me on this one, I promise I'm not weird. Sometimes, a girls got to do what a girls got to do. 

6. Raviolis. Easy to mash against the roof of your mouth and if you're getting tired of the fruit flavored things, this is a good lunch option.

7. Ramen. Be careful with the long noodles. You will likely think you can mash/swallow more than you really can and may or may not almost choke. Also the noodles get all wrapped around the brackets and it isn't pretty. Don't eat in public.

8. Jello. Another staple. Easy to get down and a variety of flavors.

9. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. And cue the angel chorus. My most favorite food. I had it for lunch today since I couldn't eat what was being served (poboys). When in doubt, eat mashed potatoes and gravy.

10. Milkshakes/Smoothies. For me, sucking through a straw with my front teeth has been a struggle (those are the most sore) so TIP: suck it through the side of your mouth. Way easier and no pain. I usually get smoothies in the morning for breakfast and milkshakes as a treat.

All of these are great foods to eat when your mouth is sore, but there are some foods you shouldn't eat (mostly because they are annoying).

P.S. I just got my braces off! Click here to read why it's literally the BEST THING EVER!

Shop some of my favorite braces necessities below!

DIY: How to Paint an Upholstered Chair

Yep that's right. Painting fabric. I got the idea from here and here. (both great DIY blogs!)

This project is not for the faint of heart, even though it does sound rather easy. I mean how hard to is to slap some paint on some fabric and call it a day? Well actually, it's very hard. Four coats hard. Not to mention, you have to see the "diamond in the rough." For me, this was easier said than done. Just look at the chair. Hideous right?

This is the BEFORE; almost anything could make it look better.

First things first: Supplies

1. Fabric Medium

2. Your choice of paint color--if you go with a dark color fabric, choose a dark color to cover it up to save yourself the million coats of paint like I had to do!

3. Spray Bottle of Water

4.  Brushes

5. Patience

6. Helpers

5 &6 are not optional!

This small list of supplies expanded throughout the day. I ended up mixing my own paint (from random paint we had in the garage) to get just the right color--khaki tan wasn't cutting it-- and getting more fabric medium. Buy in bulk so you don't have to make a dozen trips. Sandpaper and wood stain also came into play towards the end.

Once you have all of your supplies gathered (or at least something to start off with, if you're like me) its time to get started. Spray down the whole chair with water. Honestly I'm not so sure why, but the other blogs said to and I think it has something to do with helping the fabric absorb the paint. Mix equal parts water, fabric medium, and paint. (it's really fine if it's NOT EQUAL--it might even work better that way) After mixing, you'll have "paint soup." At least that's what mine looked like.

And now it's time to start painting! Grab those helpers!

(Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Laney, Gumbo, Mom and I, and Oreo's footprints)

The four legged helpers weren't actually that much of a help (shocker) and the one at the top right isn't even a part of the family. They did, however, create their own DIY project by tracking paint who knows where else in the house (which oddly enough my mom thought was hilarious)

Ok. Back to the project.

Since you already sprayed the chair with water, it should be ready to absorb the paint. I think mine absorbed too much so I didn't use the spray bottle of water after the first coat.

After the first coat, it may not look like much depending on the color choice. Mine sure didn't. This is about the point where I wanted to quit and just buy a new chair. But stick with it! Mine took 4 coats, some sanding, and staining!

The original and coats 1-3 pictured here.

Some blogs I read said to let it dry over night. I took that as a suggestion rather than a rule and was able to do 3 coats in one day. Just use your common sense to tell if it's dry or not.

Coat number 4 and painted arms and legs! Almost done!

Distressed (with sandpaper) and slightly stained arms and legs to give it that extra something (otherwise it honestly looked like my chair was wearing white stockings--not cute)

Before Meets After

A 10000% improvement if you ask me!

I never would have thought to paint a chair with fabric, but let's face it I cannot sew, so....here we are.

If I can paint an upholstered chair, then so can you!

Because I said so!

And Just Like That

It's the weekend again!

I don't know about you, but the holidays (Christmas AND New Year's) has really thrown my schedule off kilter.

I woke up yesterday thinking it was Monday and Friday at the same time! Well today is actually Friday and yesterday wasn't actually Monday, so thank goodness for that!

Weekends are my fave (reasons here), but this weekend I have a few super fun things planned. One being a fun DIY project (enlisting help from my mom) and the other watching the Saints playoff game with my boyfriend! I'm actually most excited about my DIY project (but shhh don't tell him that)

I'll save all of the exciting details for tomorrow, but here's a slight hint--

It has to do with removing this eye sore of a chair, without ACTUALLY removing it. (This chair was a hand me down from my parent's, who at one time thought this was a winning fabric choice--just no--and as you can see it doesn't really mesh well with the whole blue and white color scheme I've got going on)



 

 

Stay tuned for before and afters--

Because I said so!

Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

Early to bed, early to rise..makes you healthy, wealthy, and wise.

(At least that's how I remember the little saying going.)

Easier said than done.

I have been trying to wake up earlier for a few weeks now and I just can't do it. The earliest I have been able to wake up is 7:30 am. Some of you are shaking your head at my laziness, while other of you are probably saying that's super early. I know and I know. With me not having to be at work until 9am and it only taking like 10-15 minutes max to get to work, I love to sleep in. However, if I am going to kick-butt at accomplishing my New Year's Resolutions, I need to get out of bed earlier. In fact, one of my miscellaneous (just added) resolutions is to be an early riser. Plus I hear the gym is less crowded at this time-its a win-win!

I know you can get more accomplished, kickstart your metabolism, and not be so rushed in the morning--which I frequently am. This is all very appealing. So why can't I drag myself out from under the covers?! It's frustrating to say the least.

After doing some thinking, I came up with a few ways few ways I can motivate myself to get out of bed and you can too!

1. Go to bed earlier. Makes sense. Eight hours of sleep is eight hours whether its from 12-8 or 10-6.

2. Eliminate distractions in your room. Turn the TV and other electronics off.

3. Have someone call you. Literally a wake up call.

4. Set 5 alarms if you have to. If you're tempted to snooze--like me, this can be especially helpful.

5. Go to bed 10 minutes earlier every day and wake up 10 minutes earlier everyday. Before long you'll be waking up before the sun! (ok just kidding, no one wants to do that)

I'm going to try these over the next week or so and hopefully I can make it out of bed by my goal time and be able to rule the world all by 7 am.

What are tricks you use to get out of bed in the mornings (other than the fact that you just plain have to)?