DIY: YOU'LL FEEL BETTER

It's so much more fulfilling when you replace, repair, or repaint something yourself. Not to mention the fact that it'll look a whole lot better.

This weekend I thought I'd take the time to paint the kid's bathroom; mostly because Tanner, my other half (to be) did some plumbing and drywall work a few days prior. 

I've heard all the hubbub about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and started doing some homework. That explained a lot about the severe sore throat that comes after every time I paint. 

Thank you, Valspar Ultra (Paint & Primer, Zero VOCs and Low Odor) for making painting indoors bearable! 

I used to be a Behr fan, but until they can make a paint and primer that can skip the negativity that surrounds paint; I'm all Valspar! Sure I used a paint color from the Behr ColorSmart collection, but who hasn't?

Wall Color: Behr Coastal Beige

After caulking the baseboards, I painted the them along with the door and door trim in Ultra Pure White! This made a huge difference right off the bat. We went from Coastal Beige to Toasted Marshmallow on the walls (just a wee bit lighter). 

Wall Color: Behr Toasted Marshmellow

We could barely smell any fumes and I didn't get a sore throat or headache at all! Usually, I have to plan a slumber party at a friend or relatives for the next couple nights. What a nice change of pace. 

And the bathroom looks like a million bucks! Time to kick back, grab a glass of Alamos' Malbec, and relax.

Paint responsibly, my friends.

OH, BOTHER!

Everyone thinks Florida is always sunny and everyone has tans that are only surpassed by those from Caribbean countries. Well, you're wrong!

From April to September it rains. Randomly and as sporadically as can be.

Sure it's usually in the afternoon, so you can get things done in the morning. But when you have a little guy like ours you need to have activities! While Legos, sword fights, and a little movie time help pass time; you'll still hear the occasional: "I'm bored" coming from around the corner. When this happens I like to have some ideas at the ready to entertain and help everyone keep their sanity. Homemade fingerpaints, alphabet coloring pages, and some easy baking always help to pass the time!

Of course, if all else fails everyone can throw on their swim wear and go dancing in the rain! Hah!

Good luck surviving the rainy days!



And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down...

SHEESH, KID.

After almost three years of daycare and about 780 days of inconsolable sobbing mixed with prying the little guy from my leg, I thought it'd be over. 

I've been bringing our little guy to daycare from an early age, and yet he still gets upset. He's always been easily conned into a quick goodbye with food, games, or a favorite movie... until this week. With a 4th birthday around the corner, his vocabulary, and the ability to identify feelings he's now able to add on the statement: "I don't want you to leave, mommy!" and "I want to spend the whole day with you, mommy!" through tears and wails.

Way to break my heart, kid.

Thanks to the wonderful staff at his daycare and their ablility to utilize some classic misdirection; only a minute later I can hear him laughing on the other side of the door.

It really does take a village.

Still gets to you...