Chevron...Not Your Typical Gas Station...

When you hear the word chevron, what's your first thought? Gas? Fabric? Plaid is out and chevron is in. It's a fun, contemporary take on the stripe (which is also crazy popular right now) and can be used in any and everything...

hgtv



Ziggy Chair



from Ainsley, with love



via

via

I'm off to fly the friendly skies for a four day adventure with a great friend! I'll be back next week with lots of stories and pictures to share...until then...

Rachel :)

Chalk It Up

I cannot get enough of chalkboards. I think they are fabulous, kid friendly, and super fun. I've had a ton of projects this year that included painting something with chalkboard paint. Here are a few more awesome examples...



Pinterest



Graham Yelton



Pinterest



Confessions of a Plate Addict



Milk Bottles

 

Addicted 2 Decorating

 

Jones Design Company

Seriously people. Get out. Buy paint. Create something fun. Your kids will love you. You will love you.

Rachel :)

Check Us Out

I'm so excited my blog friend Heather asked me to guest post today at her place! So while I'm hanging out with a room full of 5 year olds, you can check out my post and her blog at:

Oh yeah...I'm a DIY Kinda Girl!

Rachel :)

First Day of School

Yesterday, was the Smurfs first day of school. 3rd and 4th grade. Wow!!! It's crazy how fast life happens. Did I mention it was my first day of school too? Oh yes, I am back amongst the working world. Don't fear... it won't last. I LOVE being able to stay home...but every now and then (specifically when the school calls) I head out to volunteer, clean closets, answer phones, and do what I can to help out. Last week during registration, kindergarten exploded. Literally. So hear I am. Teaching a room full of 5 year olds. For the time being. It shouldn't take too long to have a permanent hire in place, but until then I've put some projects on hold so I can do what is needed up here. As my friend Elizabeth says, "toodles!"

the don't touch me pose

the smile because mom's mad pose

the band pose

the dad can't focus pose

the don't embarrass me, I'm at school pose

Is is just me, or are first day of school pictures impossible? My birthday is in 20 days (whose counting?), maybe I'll get a new camera...

Rachel :)

Banana Messages

So this doesn't fall under Accessorizing or Organizing, but it entertained me for about 24 hours.  I saw on the internet that you can use a toothpick to lightly "write" on a banana skin (thank you, Bloggess, for your brilliance.  If you don't read her blog, I strongly suggest you start.  If you aren't easily offended, that is.). You can't see it immediately, but the next day your message appears brown like so:

I did this a couple of nights ago before I went to bed.  You can imagine my disappointment the next morning when J asked the boys if they wanted bananas for breakfast and they said "no".  All was not lost, though, because J had an apple out of the fruit basket for lunch.  That night in the middle of dinner he looked at me with this weird face and said, "have you been writing on our bananas?"  Normally, I can keep a straight face...this time, not so much.  He looked so concerned that I started laughing until tears were rolling down my face. I told him what I had done and he then suggested that we take our toothpicks to Publix to pray on the unassuming shoppers there-which is exactly what the other blog suggested-and was what I planned on doing anyway.  I'm so glad he and I are on the same page.  I do plan on using this trick for good when packing school lunches in a couple of weeks.  Got to teach the kids to read first, though!  

XOXO,

Marlene

Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Smurfs and I made the trek across the state a few days ago to visit my wonderful sister and the cutest baby ever, my nephew, Henry. This was the Smurfs first time meeting their new cousin and we couldn't go empty handed. My sis loves the author Eric Carle and all of his adorable books. When Pottery Barn introduced their Very Hungry Caterpillar line, I couldn't resist coming up with my own version...

Pottery Barn Kids

I'm no artist, but fortunately my sister is the easiest person on earth to please. She was excited about the art and maybe even more excited about the art the Smurfs painted. They didn't want to be left out! I'm fairly sure you can figure out which one was painted by Smurfette and which one was painted by Brainy Smurf...

I also made the bedskirt for baby Henry's crib. It was my first attempt ever at a bed skirt and I was very surprised at the ease of the pattern.

It's our last weekend of summer vacation. We have had a super great summer and I am so sad to see it end. The Smurfs have graduated from making things with paper and cardboard to using real tools, sanders, and paint. It's always so much fun to be able to teach and watch them learn. Here's to a GREAT weekend!!!

Rachel :)

Organic Bloom

If you haven't heard of Organic Bloom yet, rest easy...you will! They are a framing company based in Oklahoma, run by a very cute 20ish husband and wife team. Their business exploded overnight and when you take a look at these pictures you will know why. The good news: they rock! The bad news: they only sell to independent photographers...

my personal favorite

You can learn more about them from their website, blog, or facebook page! All images via Organic Bloom.

Rachel :)