The Perfect Reading Chair

Once I found out that I was going to be teaching Kindergarten, I began my mad hunt for the PERFECT chair that I could use for circle time and reading books to the children.

I searched and searched at many different thrift stores around, but was very unsuccessful. I really feel like someone came in and cleaned out our local Volunteers of America... all they had were like 163 old entertainment centers... so if you're in the market...

Anyways...

On a trip back to Cincinnati, my mom and I found THE chair. Now, it looked like something straight out of That 70's Show (Which I am currently re-obsessed with for some reason thanks to Netflix on my phone).

The color is a little bit more light greenish in person. It reads a little more gold in these pictures.

It was definately interesting trying to fit this huge chair and my huge dog crate to travel back to the Round Town. I had some doubters *cough, DAD, cough* But they totally fit. Sure I couldnt really see out the back window... but they both fit! :)

I really didnt like that old dirty looking wood color. So right away I got some primer and white paint to sort of polish up the look of the chair. I felt like the white paint would make the chair seem breezy like it could belong in a beach house.

I sanded the wood down to give the paint a better surface to grab on to.

The upholstered part was impossible to remove without destroying it, so I just taped it off.

Then I primed the entire chair. This took FOREVER because the wood color was so dark I knew I needed to really lay on the paint.

The wicker/lattice work on the arm rests were exceptionally diffucult to paint. And I'm pretty sure there was a heat advisory outside while I painted these. But I was impatient and really wanted to see the finished product.

Once the primer was dry (overnight) I finished the chair with a white semi-gloss paint.

Best part about the chair? It only cost me $7.50!!! All of the paints I already had on hand! Sort of awesome if you ask me!

I finished the look with this very awesome close-out $5 pillow. I feel like this pillow and chair are soul mates.

I am absolutely IN LOVE with the finished product! This chair is so comfortable and I can totally see myself sitting in class reading stories to all of my little inquiring minds. :)

Lemon Bars

I was in a baking mood today! 

So... I decided to make Lemon Bars.

Ingredients:           

Crust

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 cup flour

Filling

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 tablespoons flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Top off with confectioner's sugar

It's apron time!

STEP 1

In a small mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; gradually beat in flour until blended.

STEP 2

Press into an ungreased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. 

STEP 3

Meanwhile, for filling, beat the sugar, eggs, lemon juice, flour, and baking powder until frothy. Pour over crust. 

STEP 4

Bake for 10-15 Minutes or until set and lightly browned. Then let cool and sprinkle confectioners' sugar. Cut into squares. 

YUMMMMM! :)

And Ryan eating one... even though he's "not a fan" of lemon things :/

This recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book

SOLD!

Well... I am officially a home owner.

:)

I am so excited to move into my new home! 

This is a huge step in the process of growing up. I feel so blessed. 

I cannot wait to make this house my home!

I bought the house on July 12, 2011. 

The next day there was a sold sign placed in front of the house. 

This makes me smile! 

Growing up is sort of awesome! 

Cannot wait to show everyone progress of the house.

I will be in possession of the house starting the 1st of August. However, there is going to be some work done on the house and I cannot get in until after that. New porch, painted tin roof, painted garage, new garage door, minus one old barn... So pumped! 

I also plan on painting the living room, bathroom, and my bed room. I plan on making a new patio in the back yard and doing some landscaping. I also plan to finish out the basement and add a bathroom! Very very exciting things happening!!! Lots to look forward to and blog about. 

Stay tuned! :)

Rooster table Revamp

My sister had a few things in her basement that had been given to her and she asked me to come raid and take away anything I could use. 

and of course... I jumped right on that!

Took a lamp, a couple of vases, some ebony monkeys from Africa, a karaoke machine, a little round table, and the most exciting things I took were these two little tables (I plan to use as night stands).

The only thing is that they had rooster tiles on them. (Puzzling)

Now... I really enjoy birds as artwork... but this just wasn't my cup o' tea.

yeah... so I decided to see if the tiles would paint... and these were the results:

Peeling! OH NO! :(

So... I decided to bust out the tile... 

I thought it would be a simple 2 hr project... but

this turned into an all day project.

So I brought in reinforcements.

 Ryan's mom Charla

Ryan's dad

(I had to do some more work to the end tables)

Kobe Helped!

Once all the tiles were busted out (and I had exhausted all of my energy), I spray painted the insets black.

I let them sit over night (really no need to, I was just tired).

Then I painted them!

I LOVE THEM... this cool dark turquoise color will go great with my plan of yellow walls and black and white bedding! It's going to be amazing!

Mr. & Mrs. Duncan

Went back home to Cincinnati this weekend for Samantha & Jordan's wedding.

On the way home I stopped at my sister Dee's house. 

I got to spend some awesome quality time with my nephew Cameron

Then I took a trip to one of my favorite stores...

 IKEA

bought a rug and several pillows! yay!

Then headed off to the rehearsal for Samantha's wedding.

After rehearsal we went out to Mexican for the rehearsal dinner.

Then the lovely bride gave her bridesmaids our gift of a bracelet and earrings

Then we all went to the bride's sister Nikea's house. 

Woke up the next morning for the wedding day!!!

Did my own hair...

Then went to the church... and the rest was all a whirlwind.

Stretch Limo Ride!!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Duncan!

Congrats to the beautiful couple!