the day to day

We are halfway along and almost to the starting line of parenthood. Twenty weeks have passed and twenty more are to come. It's funny how quickly it seems to have gone, yet how far away the due date feels. 

I am feeling wonderful, my biggest annoyance is the fact that I have a bloody  nose most of the time. Apparently your nasal capillaries expand when you are pregnant. Because that makes so much sense? Other than that, I don't have too many aches and pains, I can deal with peeing every twenty minutes, and luckily I have a flexible enough schedule that if I don't get good sleep at night I can nap, or sleep in a little. Plus, feeling the little guy kick and move in my belly is pretty much worth it all. 

I am super grateful to be able to be home while pregnant, rather than being strapped to a 9 to 5 job but I am getting that restless feeling. I have tons of projects and things I want to do, however, the freedom that I've always wanted is somehow leaving me with no direction. I feel like a kid standing in the middle of Krispy Kreme overwhelmed at all of the different donuts and simply just melting down in stress over the possibilities and options rather than making a choice. I know right, if this is the biggest complaint in my life than I might as well shut up. Well this is my blog, and I will moan and groan about things that aren't even worth complaining about because...because I said so!

Some things I want to do with my "free time":

-Become an expert in animals

-Learn to sew

-Blog more regularly

-More photography

-Craft Projects

-More pregnancy exercises (ie yoga)

On another note, I finally went to Trader Joe's yesterday and oh how I have missed it. We have a grocery store 5 minutes away, and Trader Joe's is 15 minutes away, so it's always so much easier to drive down the road and shop at the blah grocery store. I know, cue the eye rolls...15 minutes isn't hardly a commute, my life is so petty. I think we've now decided it's worth the 15 minute drive to meander down the aisles of the fresh produce, great frozen meals, and yummy treats and TJs. Last nights dinner was a ceasar salad, arugula ravioli and turkey meatballs. We haven't had such a great meal at home in a long time. And tonight? Chicken fajitas! 

I'm off to munch on tortilla chips and spicy black bean dip. Oh my, my heart has been reclaimed. 

Because of condensation

So I've seen lots of different posts through Pinterest on how to make these fabulous homemade coasters, and since we've got some great new tables, I figured the need was calling. My first real craft project. I'm hooked. June Cleaver, hold on to your apron and move out of the way.

Easy supply list. 

White Tiles: Home Depot $.16/ea

Felt: $.25/sheet

Mod Podge: $5

Clear Acrylic Sealer: $6

Fabric Glue: $4

Sponge Brush: $.35

Scrap Book Paper

Scissors 

Pen

Outline the tile onto your chosen piece of scrapbook paper, then cut it out to the size you prefer. I cut it slightly smaller than my tile because I liked having the white border around it.

Using your sponge brush, apply the Mod Podge to the tile evenly and then place your scrap book square on top of it. Quickly slide it around to arrange it just as your heart desires. You only have a few seconds before it dries and cannot be moved. 

Next, apply another even coat of Mod Podge on top of the tile. Always paint in the same direction each time. Make sure to go end to end so that the paper is completely secured down. Watch some of your DVR'd Modern Family while waiting about 10 minutes and add another coat.

Once the Mod Podge has dried clear, take the tiles outside to spray the clear acrylic sealer. Warning, this shit is strong! Smells like you are tagging your gang sign...on your face. Follow the directions on the can, hold your breath and spray. Let sit for 15 minutes. This sealer makes it water proof. 

After feeling sorry for the spider you see dying outside on the porch due to the strong sealer spray, measure your felt and cut to size. I recommend getting a pair of scissors that cuts felt easily. I have blisters. Scissor blisters. No pain, no gain. I think that's what they say.

Next, add fabric glue to the back of the tile and place felt, ensuring all edges and corners are glued down. For best looking tile coaster, cut felt slightly smaller than tile size so that you cant see it from above. I got this handy fabric glue pen that made it super easy, definitely recommend it. I also sanded some of the edges to make it a little smoother.

And there ya have it. Homemade tile coasters made to your liking. I could literally make hundreds with all sorts of designs. Some of these are a gift for a friend. Dont be surprised if this is what you get for Christmas. 

I've got to say, I'm pretty chuffed with myself right now. Also racking my brain trying to organize the dozen other ideas I have for projects. 

Our new Crib, yo!

It's been a busy, two weeks.  Full of change and new things. I mentioned all the stuff happening in the last post, so I'll save you the details. Absolutely loving everything, and so happy with all of our decisions. And, fully appreciative of my husband's new interest in decorating. He's built us Ikea furniture, painted hallways, and slaved over a wall decal, and I think he is quite enjoying it. Whenever we mention something else we want to add, whether it may be wall decor, a welcome mat for outside or a tissue box holder, my husband instantly replies with, "Let's check on Etsy." Words no woman would expect to hear, words that made me a proud wife. I love it. 

Living Room, Couches: The Sofa Co, TV Tables: Ikea

Loving our new dining table. (with extra leaf in) seats up to 8!

Our new hallway, thanks Etsy! But a pain in the ass to put up.

From front door. Love the cozyness of living room and energy of dining room.

And to go with the new coffee table, I made some homemade coasters. Loving Mod Podge.