Restoration Bulletin Board

We've had this puppy sitting in our garage for a few months.  I originally wanted to purchase one of these from our church's garage sale last summer, but when I went to get it, it just wouldn't fit in my jeep:(  So when Emily offered up her unused one that was being stored by my neighbor-friend Mary Beth, I couldn't be happier! We only live two blocks from them, so Taylor and I very comically drove from their house to ours with this hanging out of the side of our jeep.  I drove very slowly while Taylor held onto it out of the passenger side window...

Didn't take me long to decide I wanted to convert it into a giant chalkboard for our not-so-formal, formal dining room, but it did take me a long time to get the energy to start the project.  Thank you, second trimester!!!

I didn't really do any prep.  Just primed it with spray primer, and painted two quick coats of chalkboard paint that I had leftover from other projects.

Don't worry! No babies were harmed during the completion of this project. I did this in my perfectly ventilated garage.  The best part?  I started and finished this before Avery even woke up from her afternoon nap!!!

Another wonderful aspect of this project? It was made using things we already had on hand, making it totally FREE.  

Here is the restored bulletin board's final resting place in our dining room...

Might I add that I'm loving our decision to keep all of the original brass fixtures in here?  Brass is back, people.

The table arrangement got a little "zushing", as well.  I'm loving the way our minimalistic, not-so-formal dining room is coming together.  Now I've got to figure out what to write on this thing...

Any ideas for quotes or art are fully appreciated:)

Apples + Arboretum

This past weekend we took a three day weekend to head to Dallas for some warm weather and family time with my sister and her fiancé.  My favorite part of the weekend was by far the time we spent at The Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.  We picnicked, suntanned, talked, explored, and played to our hearts' content!  I took TONS of pictures, but will share this little sneak peak of Avery eating an apple.  It's not terribly exciting, but there is something so adorable about a toddler eating (well, depending on the situation of course).

Just had to throw the last one in of my friend (more like a sister), Kailey.  She was the one who so graciously shared her apple with Miss A:)

Linked up with Annapolis & Company...

April Showers + Red Rain Boots Reprise

It's been raining here the past couple of days and we decided on a lazy day today.  There is something about rainy, cloudy weather that just takes the pressure off.  Yesterday I was a scrooge about the weather, but all of the beautiful buds are creating a more thankful heart in me today.

I do enjoy these kinds of days once in a while.  The kind of sweatpants/light housework/cuddle up and read during nap time/enjoy your kids (Avery + Jake)/go nowhere because it's raining days...

So I snapped 296 photos this morning for more practice with my Canon, and here's what I came up with...

Mommy's essential rainy day drink.

Light misting = rain boot tromping and a breath of fresh air.

Hello tiny hydrangea bloom. I sure am excited about you.

I tried to get Avery to touch it, but she just wasn't having it.

I like this shot showing dead leaves from the winter amid new growth of the spring.  There is just something so magical about the changing of seasons.

What is a rainy day without a good book to read? Nothing, I tell you.  Obviously trying to influence Avery with a love for the classics early on in life.  Aren't these counting/color primers amazing?

 Also, what is a rainy day without a good nap? Nothing, I tell you.

Now I'm off to read while the little love naps.  I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon.  Really, I can't.