Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Stripe update - UGHHHHHH





At 6:00AM, I woke up realizing that I am a complete idiot.  So, I have a lot on my plate right now and i am going to blame my mistakes on my head being in too many places at once.  But if I am honest, it's probably not the first time I've accidently skipped a step.  Hey, when you are cooking and you more or less follow the recipe, that is when the yummiest mistakes happen.  But this was more of a skipping a step while baking and having a collapsed souffle.

So, as you may know, I decided to re-paint my Dad's guest room.  Three walls will be solid and one wall will have stripes.  I decided to tackle the stripe wall in between coats on the other three walls.  I should have completely FOCUSED on this wall though and had a plan.

Mistake #1 - Premature Taping: I primed the entire wall but forgot to ALSO paint the entire wall in the base color.  I taped too soon and now will have to tape again. 

So, as I was 3/4 of the way done taping and realized the above mistake, I decided not to tape of the last corner and just paint all that the base color.  My Dad suggested I remove all the tape but I was too stubborn and still would have made...

Mistake #2:  Lack of math skills: I measured out the entire wall and put the tape down.  Awesome, I knew I would have to do this again for color #2 but who doesn't love a challenge?  At 6:00am this morning, I woke up looking at the wall and realized that I measured correctly, but put the paint on the WRONG side.  This means the stripes I finished last night are 1.5" too narrow.

Here are my options:

Option #1:  Put up tape for my 2nd color lines, paint those and THEN re-tape to make up the 1.5" from color #1.

Option #2: Remove tape, paint rest of wall color #1.  Re-tape and put tape in correct spots for color #2. 


Option #3: Add a 3rd color stripe, like a light gray to the mix.I could paint the 2nd color in the current tape and then after it is dry, re-tape for the 1.5" stripes to go in between the thick stripes. I would have to really think about this to make sure it will work.

Option #4:  Paint the entire wall the off-white and make it my accent wall.

I haven't removed the tape yet, so fingers crossed no paint seeped under.  However, I read that when I re-tape, if I paint the edges with paint color #1 first, that color will seep under.  Then paint over full section with color #2.  Color #2 won't seep since color #1 is already filling those sections.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Guest room - Paint colors

Here is a little peak.


Martha Stewart - River Mist

Martha Stewart - Picket Fence

Martha Stewart - Bakery Box White

As I was previewing this blog post in my blog theme, I am noticing a color trend. ;)
 
Check out all my inspiration on Pinterest.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Like I'm not busy enough! Guest room makeover

Christmas time is busy enough but that is when I finally decide to re-do my Dad's guest room.  It is undergoing a major transformation.  I'm excited to see the end result. 

The good thing about picking out the weekend that I did was Martha Stewart paint was on sale at Home Depot for $13 a gallon! 

Yesterday I tackled priming the ceiling and one coat of ceiling paint.  I think it was enough.  Then I put a coat on the walls but it's going to need another, boo!  My Dad said it didn't need primer and the guy at Home Depot suggested a particular roller so I only needed one coat.  I'm not sure who was right. 

Next up, putting the painters tape on the walls for the stripes and probably another coat on the walls.

BEFORE



Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Like Me on Facebook



The Blonde Blogshell now has a Facebook page too.  Please Like my page!

You can also follow me on Twitter and Pinterest

In my opinion, you can never have too much of a good thing!

Friday, December 2, 2011

Drool Factor Friday



Food


Brownies made in a waffle maker - genius!


Fashion

Sweater boot socks with tights/leggings - so cute!


Faraway land


Andalusia, Spain


Fun


NPK - Always Awesome

Friday, November 11, 2011

Chirstmas List - Round Two :)

A few items to add to my Christmas list.  First off, I was at HomeGoods and they had the 3.5qt (I'm guessing) round dutch oven from Le Creuset for $99 in red!  I did not buy it but I was psyched they had exactly what I wanted for WAY cheaper! I can't remember the last time I paid FULL price on something. 


                                                                                                                             Source: apple.com
 


                                                                                                                        Source: overstock.com 




                                                                                                          Source: oldnavy.gap.com 



                                                                                                             Source: thefryecompany.com 

My list keeps growing and you can keep track over at: http://pinterest.com/blondeblogshell/all-i-want-for-christmas/.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Garage Inspirations

When you whole house is 967sf, you dream of how to make your yard, your garage livable.  The backyard is in dream mode to becoming an outdoor living space so friends can come over.  Look for a future post of the dream ideas for that.

The garage is about 1.5 cars wide and may be able to fit a little loft with a mattress but not much.  Here's to hoping that the Christmas decorations etc can be moved to the little attic in the house.

The garage will have multiple personality disorder, but it will be a GREAT thing.  It will serve as the following:
  • Tool shed
  • Home office
  • Man cave
  • Guest room (once there is a little one in the 2nd bedroom)
Here are some of the conversions that are inspiring me.  You can also check out my ongoing inspiration additions on my Garage Conversion Pinterest board.








Have any of you seen any dual space garage conversions?  We don't want to do any "real" walls so if we sell the house, they can always convert it back to a garage. 

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Yummy Fall Skinny Cocktail - Spiked Vanilla Chai Froth

Here is a yummy concoction to warm you up in more than one way!





Recipe:
1 cup sweetened almond milk
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 oz dark rum
1 Tbsp agave nectar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg, plus more for garnish
Dash allspice

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and heat gently.  Whisk until frothy and transfer to your favorite mug. Dust with nutmeg and maybe add a stick of cinnamon?  I think a little chocolate powder or shavings on top might be a nice touch too?

Enjoy!

Have any yummy cocktails perfect for the colder weather?  Please share.

Recipe courtesy of Womens Health magazine - November 2011

Monday, November 7, 2011

Fun Fabrics

I was up visiting my Mom this weekend and we fell upon a new store opening called Hobby Lobby.  It's ginormous and we spent a lot of time in there.  I fell in love with these fun fabrics while we were there.






I think they could be used in a lot of fun ways.  Nurseries, pillows, curtains, etc.  Any thoughts on what I could make?


Follow me on Pinterest too.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Drool Factor Friday: Rojo Tall Cabinet

I have decided that a red cabinet would be awesome.  It would add a pop of color to all my other furniture and the neutral walls.  This looks brown online but I have seen other pictures and am in LOVE.  You can add this fabulous-ness to my Christmas list. 

Rojo Tall Cabinet from Crate & Barrel

Thursday, October 20, 2011

My rant on the Ohio exotic animal tragedy

WARNING: Images below may be unsuitable for some viewers.

Photo courtesy of LA Times


I know most of my posts are light and fun but I am really upset about a story all over the news yesterday.  I apologize in advance if any of my language offends you.

I will start with the preface that I didn't go and research all the laws and what not.  I am going to go off what I heard on the news, although they have left some stuff out too.  So, if something is not true, please correct me.

I am sure most of you heard about the tragedy in Ohio.  Many wouldn't describe it as a tragedy but if Michael Vick's debacle was a tragedy than so is this.  Some douche had 56 dangerous exotic animals at his property.  Yesterday, he let them all loose and then shot himself.  Law enforcement shot and killed all but 6 of those animals.  I think a monkey is still on the loose or they are also saying one of the animals may have eaten it.

Here is why I am pissed.  Yes, pissed and sad. 

First, I don't think ANYONE should be allowed to keep dangerous exotic animals.  Half the zoos I visit don't even have sufficient "cages" for the animals.  How can the average person properly care for a tiger or bear?  They can't!  Yes, there are some really RICH people in Vegas who have acres and train their tigers. Even he was mauled by one of them.  I guess I am more okay with those as they have LOTS of room, are raised from babies (I think) and trained.  Anyhow, the average person should NOT be allowed to keep these animals.  I guess I would go with the standpoint that if it is legal, it should be VERY regulated. Although I am not sure who in government can determine what is proper care and space for say, a bear.

Second, the law.  In April 2011, Ohio did not renew the law that prohibited people convicted of animal cruelty from owning exotics.  Ummm, anyone convicted of animal cruelty shouldn't be able to own ANY pets, in my opinion.  That's like letting a sex offender be the school janitor or worse, a babysitter.  There are 10 states that allow this and to be honest, I don't have any sympathy for the state and how much first responders cost when things like this happen.  If I were a citizen of one of these states I would raise of fuss on one of two grounds.  Animal welfare and taxes.  Yes, tax payers, your state is probably close to broke yet they had to spend all this money on a safari in your town.

Third, if the state isn't going to have any laws against residents keeping dangerous exotic animals, then they need to train the first responders on how to deal with it.  The local vet might not have tranquilizers that work on say, a tiger!  I understand they tried to tranquilize a few of these animals but it didn't work.  You know why, because the state and local government hasn't given the responders the training or the equipment.  Listen, if they can tranquilize wild elephants in Africa, then I think there was a way to tranquilize these animals and move them.  I can see having to put a few down but all?  They were loose and scared which equals unpredictable. 

Result with plenty of blame to go around - Photo from clevescene.com


Remember that lady who was attacked at her friends house by her pet gorilla?  Come on now, I had horses and they were unpredictable enough.  I was kicked and bit numerous times over the years.  Animals are unpredictable, exotic or not.  My boyfriend had stitches in his lip after my cat got scared in the middle of the night. Whoops! 

Animals can't protect themselves or speak.  They rely on us to take proper care of them.  It is our responsibility and we don't do a good enough job with domestic animals, who needs to add dangerous and exotic animals to the mix.

Monday, October 17, 2011

My Christmas Wish list - Round One

This is MY Christmas list.  It can be as extravagant as I want.  :P


Apple iPad


Michael Kors oversized watch, I think this is the one I liked?


Toms Classic 301 - These actually look good on me AND it gives back to those in need

LL Bean Hearthside slippers



Hunter wellies - In Navy?
These just look SO cozy.


Le Creuset French Oven
Red or orange, circle or oval, 3.5 or 5 qt?  Decisions.


Cavallini 2012 Garden calendar

Paper Source 2012 Wall Art calendar
Perfect stocking stuffer - Body Buffer from Lush or Fresh??



Most of all, I want a cure for ovarian cancer for my Mom

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Orange you glad to see me

Listen, I know it's a love or hate color.  But I am LOVING the orange craze and I even more psyched that Gwenyth is leading the charge as she is blond and has plae pink skin but it still rocking the orange.  I'm not sure there is anything Gwenyth can't rock!

Courtesy of CocoPerez and RealStyleNetwork


I think you can do a pop of color in a variety of ways.  You can wear a full orange dress with some nude heels.  You can add an orange clutch, skinny belt, or flats with a neutral outfit.  You may know that I was onto this trend back in May when I bought this dress.

Clockwise from upper left (outside in): Milly dress - Nordstrom, Sun God Bracelet - Forever 21, Coach bag, Jersey Snood - Topshop, Halston Heritage Dress - Nordstrom, Bag - Banana Republic, Cardigan - Nordstrom, Anna flat - BR.com, Skater dress - Topshop, colorblock knit - Nordstrom, Flower Bracelet - Topshop

  I love the turquoise jewelry that I think can go with this just as much as coral?  Really make it pop.  I of course bought mine at Forever 21, who can beat a $2.99 costume necklace or bangles?

If you are afraid to WEAR the orange, how about put it in your house?  You can NEVER go wrong with the Le Creuset dutch oven in orange. 

Clockwise from upper left: Citrus Punch Apron - TwoScissors - etsy, Owl cookie jar - Anthropologie, Kasset box - Ikea, One More Cup dish towel - Anthropolgie, Le Creuset dutch oven, Orange Pillow - Etsy

If any of your fellow bloggers know how to create a board of pictures like I have here with hyperlinks built in and then post on Blogger, please help. 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

What do sushi, Donald Draper, meat, and airplanes have in common?

It's been a few years since I really thought about a Halloween costume because honestly, no one I know ever has a party.  Even still, I went on Etsy to look at the cute and creative costumes.  These were my faves.

I couldn't find any costumes but I think you could find accessories and make your own costumes for:
  • Pippa Middleton 
    • Key items:  Good booty 

  • Duchess Kate
    • Key items:  Sapphire engagement ring, funky hat & William 

  • Senator Weiner
    • Key items:  Cell phone and ...... 
 Um, sorry, gross content!

  • Lady Gaga 
    • Meat dress 

I figured it might be nice to have options that don't involve being a slut?

Favorite kids costume hands down:

By Etsy seller Notthekitchensink

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Nordstrom Shoe Sale

Nordstrom is my happy place and it has been for a long time, thanks my Aunt Carol and Grandma Vivian for introducing me at an early age.  When I moved to New England, I had to settle for other stores but couldn't wait to visit a Nordstrom once I hit the golden coast.  The first one that opened in MA opened on my birthday and yes, I went!  Happy Birthday to ME!!

Anyhow, Nordstrom is having their Anniversary sale and here are the shoes I love.  You can link to them all by just visiting www.nordstrom.com.  I am on a budget so am trying to put the credit card down and just write about my loves instead.  Ugh, working from home does not let me justify buying cute shoes as often as I would like.  Also, living in sunny CA does not let me justify buying as many pairs of boots as I would like.  In Boston, I always bought 2 new pairs every fall.  One brown and one black.  Now I want gray and chestnut too!

Nothing super trendy or sparkly, just classic shoes that would look great in my closet and on my feet!

I digress...enjoy and I will try to stop drooling and put the card away!! I wish I could have a shoe registry like others have for babies, weddings and 2nd weddings!  It would be very SATC of me.

Enzo Angiolini Scully - great classics

Fergie Varsity - love these, not sure about the bottom strap though.

Frye Strappy Jane - I REALLY am dreaming about owning a pair of Frye's one day!

Hunter Kellen - would totally wear if I still lived in Boston!

Joan & David - I love shiny things!

REPORT Belzer boot - I like this gray boot too, the nubuck adds texture.

Sorel Tivoli - these look SO comfy and warm but I live in LA!  Cute with skinny jeans.

Vince Camuto Zisson - I passed these over first view but these would be really cute on!  Skirt or skinny jeans?
Very Wang - yes, I want a pair and wish I had a place to wear these.  Also, hoping the boots wouldn't give my legs muffin tops :)