Design on a "dime"

As of last month we are now homeowners! I was so afraid to take this step into adulthood, this meant no more running home to my parents and hide under covers in my old room and take myself back. This far we have had an awesome time creating a "love nest" of our own. Taking time to specially design every inch of our house and it is all OURS. Although we have had our arguments disagreements about what goes where and what is "too bachelor" and what is "too girly". We have finally started to combine our two styles and created one! Zach has been annoyed patient with me and my wanting to DIY everything because I want it MY way. Working at a hardware store and all my pinterest boards are deadly but have paid off! I am excited to share a few little aspects of my house.. Hope you enjoy.. 

Our first pictures at our new house

I had to add this picture, our first night our chicken "Pollo" sat on our window seal, she truly thinks she is a dog

So this was really easy to make, and was about 15 dollars worth of supplies to put this all together!

This side table I got for 10 dollars at the goodwill and painted it right up and changed the knobs! 

This is a chest I got for 15 dollars on a craigslist type site, it was yucky and had scratches all over it and it was brown. (Paint it seriously amazing, it gives furniture a second life! )

My wine rack, which I've posted about before. Love this thing with hand-me-down furniture! (Did I mention stain is amazing too!) 

These curtains, I had a vision of chevron curtains, since I couldn't find the ones I wanted why not DIY some? Easy peasy! Drop cloth which cost about 5 dollars and a few cans of spray paint! My favorite part of my house that I have DIY.  

And this I made about a year ago. It was an entry piece but since it doesn't fit in my new house why not as outdoor art?! Looks great right outside my front door! This was just an old door and old shutters! Perfect, fun project! Especially since I love old doors! 

That is just a look into my new house, starting to get things into place and finally decorating slowly! I will post more as I keep doing projects! I am so excited to share! 

45 Lessons in life...

This is something I got in an email a long time ago, it resurfaced right when I needed a little reminder what life is all about.. This is amazing.. enjoy. 

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.."

DIY Coasters

I saw that someone had posted similar coasters on Pinterest, so I thought it would be fun to run with the idea. It is so easy to make these and it would be a great gift with all the holidays coming up or perfect for weddings! 

What you need:
- 4X6 prints, depending on how many coasters you want to make.
- Mod Podge 
- Foam brush
- Coasters, I got mine from the dollar store. 

Simple steps:
1. Measure the prints to the coasters and draw an outline of the coaster on the back of the picture and cut it out. 
2. Take the foam brush and mod podge a layer on the coaster, make sure it is spread even. 
3. Lay the cut out photo on the still wet coaster, line up the edges. 
4. Sponge on more mod podge in one directing, ( say you go horizontally, make sure all your strokes are horizontal). Let it dry completely, you can start the other coasters while you let each dry.  
5. After it is completely dry take the brush and go the opposite direction, ( now vertical). 
6. Let them dry and there you have perfect coasters with really cute pictures on them, perfect to wrap a bow around and give as a gift!

What would this world be..

I went to my local McDonalds and was watching as this homeless war vet was sitting out front telling people "Happy Memorial day" as they would pass by with their noses in the air and that how dare you think ill make eye contact with you look on their faces. (Disgusting, I know) He had a sign next to him that read "Homeless war vet, anything helps" It instantly made me think of that line from Legally Blonde Red, White and Blonde when she gives the homeless man money and says "What would this world be if we didn't help each other out every once in a while?" I am not one of those people that gives twenty dollars to every homeless person I see.. I would go broke. Instead I like to think what can I do to help them with out giving them money for booze, although maybe they need a little, or drugs. So I walked up to the man he wouldn't make eye contact with me as if he were ashamed, those people strolling out with their happy meals and big macs made him feel this way, I stood right in front of him till he looked up to me with sad eyes. I asked him "Sir, what can I get you to eat? Anything you want off the menu." He looked so grateful that someone would actually give him the time of day let alone want to buy him a meal. I got him his meal then handed it to him and said "Happy Memorial day, Thank YOU for serving my country." We all have different beliefs on how we choose to go about homeless, but c'mon people, on Memorial day for a war vet, you can spare 4 dollars for a meal and if you can't you CAN spare a smile and a Happy Memorial day.

Happy Memorial day to all the men and women who have fought, fallen or are still fighting for our country. You do things that are beyond thought for me so that I can have all things I have and the freedom to have them. Thank YOU ALL for serving the U.S.A. I am proud to be an American.

A little photo fun!

My Grandpa, who is an amazing photographer , took time to take Zach and I out and play with the camera and capture our love. I knew thought I would hate the pictures but they actually turned out AMAZING and we are in love with them. Captured us just right! Here are some of our favorites!
Joe Ramirez

Easter Craz

I was thinking of what I could do for Zach for Easter, we will go to breakfast in the morning then head to church, after I have to go to work! Ehhh Not exactly thrilled. But I wanted to leave Zach with a fun little surprise while I was working.. Zach always talks about what his mom did for him when he was little so I brainstormed a little and came up with this little fun thing to do for him! We decided we are not spending much on Easter baskets this year so I went to the dollar tree and bought a basket, went to Walmart and bought most of the stuff for the inside! I decided to buy him his faves and to try to not spend more then $25. His Mom, AKA the Easter bunny, would hide their baskets around the house and they would have to find them, so in the morning I will leave him with this note... 

Since we don't like candy sitting around our house forever I stuffed the eggs with warm fuzzies! Things that tell him why I love him.. 

Then I stuffed the eggs and I will hide them around the house tonight or tomorrow morning! 

This is his $25 basket! Not too shabby, There was another cigar but he got it early! 

He will be excited to find his basket and all the eggs, because lets be honest every grown man has a child inside! I am so excited to watch him hunt his eggs! I just thought I would share this fun idea with all my friends who were thinking of a last minute thing for Easter! Hope this makes you brainstorm! Hoppy Easter! 

My fire guy!

As of March 6th, Zach has accepted a full time position with Atascadero City Fire Department. This is such an amazing opportunity and he has worked so hard to be where he is.. Lets start with every "vacation" or "get away" we go on is normally based around a test, interview or a physical agility test up and down California. He has worked really hard to be the President of the entire Atascadero association and has volunteered many hours to fundraisers or just being a helping hand with anything. His heart has always been set on the Atascadero Department, for obvious reason, we live here, he started his fire career in this department, our families are here, when we have kids we want to raise them here, its the perfect place to live, etc.. This list could go on forever... Basically, we did NOT want to move! We are so completely thrilled with this opportunity, it still feels completely unreal!  What I would like to just say is Zach, you did it! You are such an amazing person and you deserve this more then anyone in the world, and anyone who knows you, knows that.. This is your dream and now we are living it! I am so excited for you and what our future has in store for us. Soak it up honey because these are the best days of our lives! I love you for always and you make me proud everyday!

Dear Maxwell and Ella..

Maxwell and Ella, This year you are FOUR, and I cannot believe how amazingly fast you are growing up. You both crack me up with your crazy words or the sarcastic things you say that you don't even understand is funny.
Bubs. Monkers. My lovebug,
You are one special little boy, You are so smart and caring. You make me laugh with all the funny things you say and ask.. You are feisty like Daddy and I, and I secretly love it. You beat up on Zach and then run and scream when he chases you back, I love  that.  You are so handsome just like Dad and Michael. You always make me smile when I say "I love you bubba" and you exhale loudly and roll your eyes "I LOVE YOU TOOOO MAE MI!" like this is a stated fact that I should just know and never question.. I love you so much little brother.. I couldn't imagine life without you.

Veets. Stinkers. Smells,
You are the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. You make me laugh with your diva sunglasses or your extravagant jewelry. SOMETIMES you let me snuggle you in your bed, but eventually you tell me I have my own room and to go there.. You are so intelligent and you have such a kind heart. You are constantly wanting to tell me things or ask "why?" when you don't understand.. I love you so much, You are the light of my life.

May your fourth year of life bring you many juice boxes, yummy peanut butter sandwiches and lots of laughs at the park... I love you both beyond the stars and I can't wait to see you grow up into amazing adults.

"Big" Meghan

Happy birthday to the best step mom friend a girl could have.. Meghan Elaine you are one of the best people I know and I strive to someday be such an amazing mother like you are. Although you are a step mother (yes step MOTHER, big wart on the nose and all) you have taught me things in life that make me believe that God had put you in our lives for a reason. I am so lucky to have such a great relationship with you. Thank you for always being a friend, being so open, loving and helping me through so much I have gone through. Your unconditional love and support for everything I do is incredible and you make my Dad the man he is. You have a beautiful heart and I could not imagine my life with out you in it. I love you. Happy birthday.

My awesome Mom planned a fun wine tasting trip for my step Mom's birthday! (yes my mom and step mom are close and its awesome!) Here are some fun pictures from the trip..

Now here are a few snap shots that I love.. 

The mother of the love of my life...

Linda Jackson, Happy birthday, We have had our ups and our downs, but I love you unconditionally. I know I can always count on you to Mother me when I need guidance in my life. Thank you for always being there for us. I have always been told "A man will always treat you the way he treats his mother" and I will forever be thankful of the bond that you have created with your son that makes him treat me like a princess. We love you and would be completely lost with out you and your loving ways in our life. We hope that you had the best birthday. Here is to many many more birthdays!
- Maegann