Random Catch-All Post

I have been so MIA this week. Not only online, but in mind as well. I was so wrapped up in work last week, by the time I had opportunity to blog I couldn't stand the thought of turning my computer on. A lot of couch-sitting, border-hop-shopping, and Pampered Cheffing followed.

Despite a hectic week and busy weekend, I did have a number of possible posts find their way into my brain. As often happens, unless I let these make their way onto my screen and out to you, these thoughts would bounce around in my head for the next week. Undoubtedly distracting me and causing the little 'guilt of not posting' seed to sprout.

Before I share a few of these random thoughts, I'm going to brag a little.

I'm officially a showcased artist!

Well, sort of...

You'll recall my painting experiment for my niece's nursery? They hung the letters on her wall! I'd love to share more of the bedroom, but you'll have to wait until I'm at the farm next. I'm sneaking these off Facebook. I think they turned out quite cute. Once you see the whole room, I think you'll agree it's as 'cute as a cupcake'!

Now, for the randomness...

I love great deals. I love deals so much, and I have become so accustomed to living life on a dime, I can no longer shop. I superanalyze every item and its price, trying to determine if it's truly as valuable as the tag claims. I bought a cardigan/shrug (you know those sweaters that hang down) for $7 a few weeks ago. I LOVE it. I wear it all the time. It was $7. How will anything compare? That is good value. This is the challenge I'm faced with EVERYTIME I go shopping now.

Speaking of great deals... I saved almost $10 at Shoppers Drug Mart last week, the clerk threw in a few samples, and I felt like the richest woman in the world when I left the store. I still spent 3X more than I originally planned, so I guess I didn't save at all.

I made an Inukshuk. I'm very proud of him, and I can't wait to share a photo with you. He deserves his own post though, so one day you'll get to see him.

Does everyone have an iPhone now? Remember when the Blackberry was cool? Do other Blackberry owners feel like iPhone owners go out of their way to 'SWIPE' their finger over their iPhone, just to show the rest of us poor, Blackberry-owning fools that we can't do that???!

Finally, airports are the BEST place to people watch.. FYI. No question.

DIY Nursery Decorating

I mentioned at Easter my family was celebrating a new baby girl, born only a week earlier. Since then, my brother has been busy moving into his new farmhouse and getting the baby's nursery ready. Helping him when I'm home, I found myself inspired to do a little nursery decorating last weekend. Remember these super cute letters I found a few weeks ago on Binth? I created some letters of my own to decorate Leah's nursery wall. Here is how.

I originally wanted to use 8x8 square canvasses, but the dollar store has 8x10 canvasses for a fraction of the cost of the squares at Michael's, so I went with the larger size. Once I was almost done, I did find the squares at the Southampton Market for a couple dollars each, so I'll remember that for next time!

I sketched the letters and accompanying images on canvass in pencil, using a ruler where letters contained straight lines and freehand otherwise.

I painted the canvasses completely pink with acrylic tole paint (also from the dollar store) and allowed it to dry. My pencil sketches were still visible after the pink dried, so I was able to paint the remainder of each square. 

It's sideways, but Leah's mom has had a pink and brown ladybug theme since before Leah was born, so I thought it was the perfect accompaniment for the letter "L".

Here's the finished letters. I can't wait to see them up in Leah's nursery, which has the same colour and ladybug theme.

I am midway through another creation for the nursery. Stay tuned for photos and details soon. I ran out of materials on the weekend, so I have to get some more supplies before I can finish and post!

Happy Easter!

I hope you're getting a chance to enjoy the beautiful spring weather this weekend! If the weather isn't quite as nice in your neck of the woods, hopefully it's on its way to you soon!

This weekend is all about celebration for my family. With the beautiful weather here, we are enjoying the daffodils popping up and getting to the fields on the farm. More importantly, we're celebrating the arrival of my brother's new baby girl earlier this week!

I am so excited to be an aunt!

I'm off to help paint the nursery today, but I've been popping by blogs for some decor ideas. Some I absolutely love:

These letters are so cute! I absolutely think I could make something like this myself.

If we had a boy, this car caddy would also be on the list.
For now though, I'm going to settle on some pink paint. Check back later this week for my progress on a Young House Love inspired idea.

Happy Easter Everyone!!