M.I.A.

Wow! It's been much too long since my last post;  in fact, I think this has been the longest hiatus from my blog. EVER.  We returned from vacation a week ago, and frankly, I've been out having too much fun.  By the time I unwind, I'm too tired (or too lazy, really) to create a decent post!  We still have another remaining week of off-track time before heading back to work.  I will work one week (three days), and then SUBMIT MY MATERNITY LEAVE PAPERS!   Yahoo!

Anyway, I've been trolling eBay a lot. I won a bunch o' vintage glass and plastic buttons (100 or so).  Here are some of my faves:

What are my plans for them?  Er, I dunno.  I also bought several vintage patterns.  They're still in transit, but I will post as soon as they arrive.

Yesterday I decided to paint our custom armoire to a more bold (and risky) BLACK.  Here's the before shot.  I bought MILK BASED PAINT for this project.  I was a bit afraid of the finality and boldness of the color.  The first coat came out a tad too ashy -- which freaked me a bit.  The second coat went on WITCHINGLY dark, smooth, and black.  After two coats, I destressed it with fine sand paper.  Here, take a looksee:

After the two coats dried, I glazed the whole piece with RED SIENNA glaze.  At first glance the glaze was ghoulishly Halloween-y, but after wiping it off, it looked quite nice (me thinks!).  Here's the final piece:

Our renovation project is still underway, and Phase 2 will begin next week sometime.  You can view some of the before and after shots HERE.  I will post more after shots as soon as we tidy up a bit..... This project has required much shuffling and moving around of furniture from one room to another.  It's like one big puzzle. . .and things are finally starting to shape up.  Alison's room is complete.  She actually clapped with excitement when she saw the final project.

I've also created another album with some of my M-I-L's projects. She is quite the crafty woman, and you can see some of her work in THIS ALBUM.

Yesterday I was quite pleased to find this fun, whimsical blanket from the EVER-SO-SWEET HANNAH.  Isn't this the sweetest little blanket ever?  I am in LOVE with the baubled edging, and the vintage print was too much.  So, so sweet. THANK YOU, Hannah!!!  The bun will look so cute bundled up in this blanket of love, don't you think?

Today I'm headed off to meet Jenn of justJenn fame.  We're meeting up at the aquarium, and it should be fun to see another bloggie friend in person.  Will post the details soon!!!

**** MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

• Alison has learned how to ride her bike sans her training wheels.  We have found that she is incredibly coordinated in both fine motor and large motor skills.  It took her all of 5 seconds to start pedaling (really!).  We're so very proud of her.

• Alison starts kindergarden soon!  We applied for a language immersion program, and each year the number of applicants heavily outnumbers the number of spaces available.  Though she's not quite in yet (she's number 2 on the waiting list), we're hopeful that she'll get in!  Fingers crossed!

• Despite his crazy antics, Henry has showed that he just may be a good big brother after all.  During our trip we saw a couple of babies, and Henry was INTRIGUED by them.  So we're hoping that this is a good sign!

• Blood tests reveal that I am anemic (pregnancy related).  This can be easily remedied with iron tablets.  I just assumed that this constant tired feeling was due to the fact that this is my third pregnancy and I'm chasing two other ones around.  Now I know why!

• The baby is HEAD DOWN! Oh me! Oh my! The baby is now head down, preparing for BIRTH.  Oh lawd!  This is suddenly happening so quickly!

Comments

[Marie]

Wow! You did a fantastic job on the armoire. That's a dramatic change (for the better, for sure). I checked your renovation photos -- I love Alison's daybed and the little touches you put in her room. And you were in A Baby Story? What year was that? I used to watch TLC every afternoon when I was on maternity leave.

[Yvonne]

I don't know where to start Leslie but I know that I can't get enough of your interior pictures - I'm hooked on them. I have stags of Country Livings (both British and American) and numerous other interior mags because I can't stop looking at other people's houses and their interiors. I love what you did to the armoire and I adore Alison's new room. The other day the Bo and I were discussing if we want to be buried or cremated and I want to be cremated and he asked me what he should do with my ashes and I said bring it somewhere nice - Ikea for example ha ha - I'm a Ikea hooligan! And the Hannah blanket is so pretty. Good coming back post, I really enjoyed it!

[myra]

Welcome back! Wow, great post! I love what you did to the armoire. That must have been a big project to tackle. The house is looking amazing! I love the crown molding. Hannah's blanket is so sweet. Take it easy, sounds like Baby is getting ready to debut.

[Nicole]

Yip yip, she's back, she's back. Hey Leslie, so glad you're back. Glad you had fun, but glad you're back. Coming back here each day, "is she back, is she...no..oh well, back tomorrow" :) You're reno's are looking great. You have energy! (even with an iron deficiency).

[Elaine]

I'm exhausted. No wonder you haven't posted. I love looking in others houses too and yours' is really coming along beautifully. I'm so envious of that library catalog, let me tell you. The catalogers at work still use ours on occasion and I touch it like a 'Price Is Right' model every time I pass. I'm constantly on the lookout. Lucky you.

[mipmup]

missed ya! glad you're back! i'm always astounded at internet time: can it be so close already?! the armoire looks fantastic. that's exactly the one (including color!) i've been searching fo endlessly. in re. to your anemia, if the iron tabs give you any - er- "problems," try floradix iron and herbs. it's worked wonders for my father, who is anemic due to the trauma. i also take it to up my iron since i'm a vegan. there are no "problems" with it. you can find it at whole foods.

[ani]

Hi Leslie! Glad to see you back! Thank you for sharing all those lovely projects of your home, and what your mother in law gave and your bloggie friends! Congrats also on all the exciting news that is happening! Have fun with Jenn!

[alexis]

Yeah! You're back. I've missed reading your posts everyday. Sounds like you guys are busier than ever! Love all the photo albums.

Welcome back!

[yvett]

I'm glad you're back. Check out the carrotbox's page. She is selling some rings (of course) made out of vintage buttons like yours. Might be a good idea.
I love the armoire. What a change!
Also, yes, I saw your baby story episode (I'd already told you) and I do remember that. I'm so glad it's still there in her room.
The baby's head is down already? Wow. That was fast. Do you have names yet? Are you going to make us wait?

[Lu]

I love the cabinet. You did an awesome job. The black is very dramatic.

[jenn]

great buttons. I can't wait to see what you make with them. I have a ton and I am always looking for inspiration!!

[Kathleen]

It was so fun to look through your rennovation album, I'm like Yvonne...I love seeing pictures of interiors of people's homes. You can see so much of a persons personality just by getting that little glimpse.

You scored so big on that lot of buttons!
Also I love, Hannah's blanket...those fabrics and the pom-pom edging are wonderful. Lucky little bun she is already. :)

[hope]

Thanks for the update - great to hear about everything - and the amoire looks wonderful! Glad you are back!!!!

[susie]

Ooh, I love those buttons! Yes, I saw your comment from Marie's. Kidspace is definitely a cool place for the kiddos. I love your site. I'm glad I found it, and will definitely be visiting often.

[amanda s.]

Oh, those buttons! I'm seriously coveting those buttons!! And your armoire looks great--you're so much more daring than I! ;) Hope your belly is feeling good! ;)

[violetismycolor]

I just love buttons and I have plenty of them that I may never actually USE for a project. I guess I need to stay away from ebay!

[joleen]

So wonderful to hear from you! Everything looks to be going well. :) I love those buttons you got on ebay! I just got a bunch of vintage patterns, zippers, and buttons on ebay too! The amoire looks great and it sounds like you're still making headway on the renovations. I am happy to hear that the kiddos are doing so great too! :D I am absolutely in love with that blanket Hannah made. Wow! :D What a treasure!

[Jessica Kenenske]

Welcome back! That armoire is beautiful and so is that BLANKET!!

[Marie]

Quote: "The baby is HEAD DOWN!"

What?! When are you due, Leslie? I thought you had about a month and half more. Take it easy.

And BTW, I like the paint on your wall (behind the armoire). Do you have the paint brand and name? If not, it's OK. Our walls are being painted right now and didn't know it would be difficult choosing a shade of cream. I should have asked for recommendations first. Who knew?

[tania]

:)
so nice to hear again about your life!

[hannah]

wow! you and hank have accomplished so much! the armoire looks very sleek and hip. love the buttons, glad no one swiped them from you at the last minute! so glad you like the blanket, cant wait to see that sweet little girl all wrapped up!