Back Again!

It's been about two years since I last posted. During my absence, many life changes occurred. Some good, some bad. For starters, I'm officially divorced. To tell you the truth, I'm relieved. I finally feel like I can live and breathe. At 4, it seems late to start fresh, but I'll take it. I've learned a lot from my failed marriage, and it's made me wiser. I'm now living life for me and my boys the way I wanted, the way it should have been. Since my divorce, I've had to reorganize and re-prioritize my life. One of the things I started to do was running. I'm so glad I did. At first, I ran to numb out the pain. I couldn't stop running and crying. I ran everyday for months ranging from 3-6 miles. Then I noticed something about myself. Running helped me rebuild my very low, self esteem. It pulled me out of my shell. I was becoming a little more active, a little more positive, a little more healthier, and a little more happier. I needed those things. I was finally felling happier about my physical self too. I was always 20-25 lbs heavier for my body. I didn't lie my body. I was actually trimming down and finally feeling confident wearing clothes I love such as tank tops. I noticed I was taking better care of myself..my hair, my makeup. I felt bad that I let myself go while married, but happier that I was feeling and looking better than I ever did while married. I also began participating in runs. I've ran through 5Ks, 10Ks, mud runs, novelty runs, and finally, my first half marathon in May. I have my boys participating in some of my runs as well, which btw, they love doing. I was experiencing new things I wouldn't have if I was still married. I now found new interests such as archery, biking, and now kickboxing. I still love to work on my crafts/d-i-y projects and thrifting, but I'm finding that my calendar is full with other fun activities. I've reorganized my life to fit the old Lisa with the new Lisa. And with beautiful family and friends, life is going good. Now, of course, there are still some icky life obstacles I still need to jump over, but with this new strength in me, I'm sure i can do it. There may be some struggles, but I've come this far, I'm not going to give up.

New Lisa means new changes to this blog too. Besides my craft/d-i-y projects and thrifting, I'm now adding bits of my other interests, old and new, such as running, cooking, non-crafting hobbies and other challenging activities and adventures. Come join me. My goal is to share at least once a week (crossing my fingers that I keep up). If I can share with Facebook, this should be a breeze now. Until my next blog, I'll be in the neighborhood running.

Waiting for a new camera

Can't get started on my blogging yet until I get this.



Somehow my Olympus is "missing". No point of arguing for it, so I had to get me a new one. Stylish one too. This is enroute to me. Overstock can have such great deals and that $2.95 shipping, woohoo. Hopefully I will have it in my hands by Monday to begin posting my upcoming sneak peek projects. And boy do I have a lot!!!!! Big house, small house... I have lots of projects and finds to share. I'm not sure where to begin.

Until then,

Toodlepeeps.

Life Changes and Moving Forward

A little over eight months have passed since my last blog entry. And since then, I have made some dramatic life changes. The path I've taken has been a bit bumpy, but I hope with a little faith and preserverance, it will smooth out. After twenty years together, my husband and I have parted ways. Whatever our feelings for each other, we are still united in raising happy and healthy boys. Tristan and Lance are doing well since our breakup. Sure, they've had their moments, but they are fully aware that we will always provide the love and guidance they need. They will always be our focus, my focus. I will try not to dwell on this part of my life but focus on the new challenges/changes that lay before me.

One of the new changes in my life is going from owning a home to renting a condo. Boy, was that a change. It was tough. I cried many nights, but what is gone is gone. The best thing I can do now is make my new home as beautiful and dreamy as my old home. That's going to be a challenge. So, be on the lookout as I continue with more of my sneak peek projects, thrifty finds, and decorating ideas. My list of projects is L.O.N.G! I can't wait to get started; however, I also have a little more unpacking and decorating to do. Please bear with me, but I'm glad to back at blogging.

Until then,

Toodlepeeps

To Paint or Not to Paint ????

Ok, I'm back with tons of projects! I've got to get them posted before I get started on them. And there are lots to share.






Well, I'm stumped! I bought this headboard months ago at the Alameda Antiques Flea Market in Alameda, CA. This flea market is wonderful! Just make sure you take enough greenies and a hankie (to wipe the drool off) if you ever visit this place. It has almost everything a person like me could want...from vintage buttons, ornaments, blankies, furniture to ......... you get the picture.

Anyhoo, before I continue to ramble on about this flea..... back to the headboard. I saw it and bought it immediately! I couldn't look away from this piece, it called out "you want me, take me home".. and that's what I did. It's wrought iron with scrolly leaves intertwined. I wish it had some roses intertwined though, but it's still beautiful without them. Now, from the moment I saw it, I couldn't decide whether I wanted to keep it pink/gold or paint it creamy white. Part of me wants to keep its original color, but the other part of me wants it to conform to my guest room's color scheme...which is mainly white and pink. I know pink, so why not keep it pink? I don't know. All the furniture in the room is white. If I do decide to paint it creamy white, it'll be another paint project on my list, but what do you think .. to paint or not to paint? Decisions, decisions.

Until then,

Be on the lookout for two Sneak Peeks coming up within the next couple of hours.

Toodlepeeps!

MIBA - Missing in Blog Action

Boy have I been missing in blog action and missing it too! I apologize. It's been hectic around the Cloud house since the last time I blogged. I haven't been able to get on as much as I would like to, but I'm trying to make every effort to do so. I'm behind on reading my favorite blogs too. I love to be inspired!!

For starters, I've been Fall cleaning. Well, I just started my Fall cleaning. I'm not even done. I just donated a sofa chair to Goodwill and contemplating whether I should donate the coordinating sofa or loveseat. Actually, it's time to get a new sofa. This may be the push to get a new one. I've boxed up a lot of my seasonal stuff as well as themed decorations/collectibles. And I've boxed away toys for storage and a future garage sale. I plan on keeping some of the boys' toys for their childhood memorabilias. I don't have any from my childhood. My parents didn't keep anything of mine, so I want to make sure my boys have a part of theirs. I'm so sentimental!!!

We've started on my sunroom(or patio room) right after my last blog. My back is aching from buying sheets and sheets of plywood and exterior paneled walls. We're trying to move quickly on this room before it begins to rain. Actually, we're focused on getting the exterior done. Once we're done with that, we can actually take our time with the interior. And when I say we, I actually meant my father. I help the best I can. I'm a very good watergirl or tool girl. Husby tries to put in his share of help whenever he can. This week, we will be working on the roof. Tomorrow after work, I'll be heading to Lowe's for roofing shingles. Come to think about it, I've got to get those before pictures taken before it's done. Ovey!

Well, I have an absentee husband. Graveyard shift is a killer. Husby is working it and I typically see him two to three days a week. That's it. He's in law enforcement. I'm starting to feel like a single mother. And for all those single mothers out there, I praise you. It's tough. Whenever he is home, we only see each other for about four to five hours. We try to squeeze in as much family time as we can.

Adding to my hectic schedule was Halloween, birthdays, and Parent/Teacher meetings & events. Bragging here, but my Tristan was one of two students in his class that scored 100% on their basic math test. Also his reading level is at 2nd grade level for a first grader. Both his teacher and I both want him to read at third grade level before the end of the year. Can you tell how super proud and excited I am?

Last, I've got MULTIPLE projects I'm trying to finish before it starts to rain. Besides the sunroom, I have to finish painting one table, five chairs, one armoire, two kiddie chairs, one umbrella bucket, one headboard (maybe), one bench, and one exterior door (both sides). Paint doesn't dry well in cold and wet weather, so I gotta get a move on them. Ugh! I'll try to get those posted on my SPP starting next week or as soon as I can. Until then, I leave you with a Halloween costume prop I made for Tristan this year. It's a pea shooter from a game called Plants vs Zombies. It's a very, very cute game. I highly recommend it!! My mom, of all people, is addicted to it. In fact, my dad, sister, nieces, Tristan, Husby, and Lance are all addicted to it. It's kiddie fun!



Oh, oh, oh! I did manage to squeeze in some thrifting time. I've got a few items I've collected since my last post. In fact, I haven't even shared my finds from my last entry. Boy, I am behind.

Until then, Toodlepeeps!

I'm getting a new gazebo!

Yeah!

Finally!

We have this gazebo in our backyard that's kinda being used as a storage tent. Well, there's no kinda, it is a storage container. Plus, my mother wanted me to purchase another gazebo so she could take mine. I almost did until I was browsing through an old copy of a 2006 Romantic Homes magazine. Lo and Behold, I saw the perfect gazebo. And I decided that I wanted one just like that...well, something somewhat similiar. Anyhoo, I batted my eyes and sweet-talked my husband and father into building me a gazebo. Actually, I guilted my husband. So starting next week, I'm getting my gazebo!! I'm so excited. I can't wait to fill it will all my lovely wrought iron patio furniture. I'm also going to install a chandelier inside of it. Oh, I'm excited writing about it.

I haven't done any shopping recently, and I don't think I will be until my gazebo is completed. This is good because it'll give me time to work on my zillion projects.

Until then.

Toodles.

I Heart Mirrors! Can't get enough of them!

Our computer was fried. It took Fry's a week and a half to tell us it was. And let me tell you, I was upset. It's been tough not having a computer and, in some ways, it's sad. I've become so dependent on it. Ovey! So here I am typing away on our new computer. I hope this one will last a long time.

Everytime I see a mirror that I adore, I grab it. I have no space for another mirror in my house, but I can't stop buying "just one more".

Take a look.


This one is in my office hallway. Venetian mirrors are so glamorous.


This one is in my master bathroom above our sink. Excuse the mess. This photo was taken before I cleaned up.


These are in a small hallway.


And this one is above the master tub across from the master sink. It looks so lonely there. I think when I find the right candelier, I'll hang in front of this mirror.

Oh, I've got a lot more to share, but maybe I'll save it for another mirror show and tell day!

However, I wanted to show you my latest project. It was a mirror I found at a flea market years ago. I had shabby plans for it. I was going to paint it white and decoupage a rose print inside of it, but instead, it sat in my closet until about a month ago. This is what I created. Oh, it's not shabby, but I think it's perfect. Here are my before and after photos.


That's my baby boy. Isn't he cute?


Before


Another before


And after




And more afters.

I love this mirror! It was so fun to make. I wish I could make more of these using differnt prints and appliques. But for right now, I've got more projects in the works, projects to share, and a backlog of my latest finds to share.

Until then,

Toodles.

Wait, We just celebrated my 6 year old's birthday party at The Jungle. Here's my baby (with his mouth stuffed with pizza)! Love you Monkey!


Toodles.

Two Computers Down at Home

WoW! My computer and my husband's laptop went kaputzies on us. Right now, I'm at work early to vent a bit. It's been about a week now that I have been unable to blog. My husband claims it will be fixed by this weekend. We'll see as I've got photos to load up, emails to reply to, blogs to checkout, and blogs to post. Until then, while I'm waiting, I will be working away on my smaller projects, house cleaning, and yard/garden weeding.

Speaking of projects, it has been quite cold around here. And while I don't mind the cold weather, I do mind not being able to get my painting projects done. I mean the "spray" painting projects done. I suppose I can use a paint brush, but some things are better painted by the can. I know I've been complaining about this for a while now, but I really, really want to get my projects done soon. I have a stack of stuff in my living room that's becoming an eye sore.

On the lighter side, my son's birthday (he's turning 6) is this weekend although his party is next weekend. So my mind has been preoccupied with gift ideas, etc. As for the party, I left it for "The Jungle" (a play gym for kids). They are taking care of EVERYTHING except for the cake. Nice. Oh, it's another year of the Spiderman theme for him. I was hoping for pirates or something else, but nope, it's Spiderman again.

Anyhoo, must get to work.

Toodles.

Sickies in the house

I haven't been able to blog much this week for two reasons.

First, the boys are sick, sick, sick....again!Those poor little boys. Tristan is a cold magnet. He manages to catch everyone's cold from home & school. Aargh. I've been pretty lucky as I've managed to resist most of their cold/flu attacks. Only once so far I was taken down!

Second, my computer went haywire on me. My husband finally cleaned it up losing all my favorite bookmarks! I was devastated. But it's working now, so I'll try not to complain too much.

When I get a chance this week, I'll post my De Anza Flea Market & Thrift store finds. I'm near painting completion of my trumeau mirror (my attempt to make one) & wall pocket, and I can't wait to show you the before and after photos.

I've also completed a lampshade for my foyer lamp. My mom is in love with it! Maybe I should open my own little etsy... that sounds more like it! The lampshade was a lot of work; but it was all worth it. In addition to my lampshade, my mom fell in love with an apron I ordered. Well guess what? She's planning on making herself one in the most shabbiest design. We drew our design out & can't wait to get all the fabrics ordered & put together. I can't wait to model it as well as the one I ordered.

Well, until then.

Toodles.

Pink Toile at Target

Oh. My. Gosh. I was at Target with my mom yesterday shopping for a birthday gift, and we both decided to stop by the Rachel Ashwell's bedroom linen section before we checked out. However, when we got there, her aisle was blocked off by boxes of new inventory. So we decided to checkout the bathroom section. The minute I saw it, my jaw just dropped. PINK TOILE. I love pink toile. In fact, I love TOILE - pink just made it even better. I was so giddy. I wanted to buy the entire collection, but I had to remain calm & collected. PINK TOILE!!! Anyhoo, I didn't walk out with any RA's pink toile collection- sniff, sniff. I had just spent the majority of the day at the thrift stores, Home Goods, etc. So I knew I had spent enough for the day. I did get some great buys though which I'll show you later. So until my next paycheck or a RA sale, I'll be thinking of a pink toile bathroom. PINK TOILE!

Toodles!

Stumped on St Patrick's Day Decor

Ok, I've been searching around for weeks trying to find the perfect decorations for St Patrick's Day. And I'm just stumped! I see hokey novelty stuff floating around, but nothing I would like to see in my decor. Plastic beer tumblers,plastic clover garlands, plastic hats, etc, etc. I haven't had much luck even finding green vases, etc at the thrift stores. Placemats, nope. Table runners, nope. Or maybe I just haven't found the right place or places to look. I guess I'll have to settle on just green carnations in a crystal vase again. Ho hum. I need a little bit of green elegant pizzazz & inspiration! If anyone has any suggestions, please share.

On a side note, my mom & I found some more great thrift finds this week! I'll share on Saturday.

Toodles.