Projects; tricky math, beautiful results.

So carpentry is hard. And projects only "sound" easy because you haven't started yet.

That's what we learned this last week and a half as we built a headboard. I got this killer idea from HGTV and wanted to turn a piece of artwork from one of their shows into a headboard for Jon and I.

Headboards from the store are expensive and we have been saving for some time, so I figured I would make one, EASY! Not so easy, but luckily I have Jon (aka Math Robot).

We finally got all the supplies and started putting it together two Saturdays ago. It was a long process, but acutally not too complicated (Thanks to Dad and Steve for tools, advice, supplies, expertise).

Now for the reveal!

Don't mind the empty space (at the bottom) it's covered by our bed. Yes, we did have to hand glue, pin nail, and place every single wood shim. That took the largest amount of time.

Staining was quick, just a little tricky cause there are lots of angles and corners!

The last step was a polyurethane sealer so it's kinda semi-glossed.

Pretty sweet don't ya think?!

And it cost half the price (plus labor =free - our time.)

I'm so excited to put it up in our new place!

Say "YAY" if you want a good deal!

So my sister, LeShel, is something of a bargain hunter. She's quite the expert actually and while I was visiting her in February she let me in on a few secrets of the "good deal finder."

Well, (just some background) I have been given the task of finding a whole new wardrobe for work this summer and challenged to do so for less than $500. Yesterday I was running errands and stumbled across a huge clearance sale at Ross in Ft. Union.

WOW!

Because Ross is already a reasonably-priced place, finding half the store on clearance and the other half loaded (just that day) with new items was inspiring.

I took to the racks like a vulture feeding on wayside kill. I put all LeShel's tips to good use and I found all this stuff (7 tops, 1 pair pants, 2 skirts) for under $100.

I have so much more stuff than I even thought I might have when I got to the end of my budget and I still have various $100s to spare! It's spectacular! I may even go looking again today and for those of you that know me, I'm rarely inspired to shop. I detest shopping! But I could really get into this bargain thing.

Thanks LeShel! And just as she would here are some of the articles I found yesterday with prices:

Top - Bottom, Left - Right

springy green shirt: $7 (retail $32), red sweater combo: $6.50 (retail $28), hippie looking thing on the top-right: $10 (retail $32), super-cute black: $11 (retail $28), amazing flower skirt: $12 (retail $36), blue workpants: $10 (retail $42), red asian-inspired: $8 (retail $28), and black asian-inspired: $7 (retail $36).

I also got a plain black skirt for $9 and another top.

UPDATE: In related news: I purchased a black suit coat retail priced at $110 for $35! YAY!

Wednesday, non -wordless.

I have recently stumbled upon some hilarious blogs and vidoes that I deem worthy of sharing.

Just to brighten your day.

<

and this one... it helps with the video.

ooh, don't forget: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ especially this story and watch the video too!

this one is for meditation --> http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

this is classic! http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

and inspiring... http://dirtycarart.com/index.html

educational: http://www.detentionslip.org/

and i'm not against the vietnamease, this one is simply for anyone whose been to a nail salon.





Have a great Wednesday!

and no, I will never, ever call it "hump" day.
fools.

Take a picture... It'll last longer.

Back by popular demand to post some pictures. Hopes this helps, LeShel!