Long Time... No Write

I know. I seem to have already broken one of my resolutions, to blog more. I do not want to make excuses. I just did not sit down to actually write.

Here is an update on all the projects:

• Still working on putting down the floor. We pulled up the old carpet in the house to discover that we had to replace part of the subfloor. We have finished the living room, but still need to finish the hallway. 
• I have already lost 30 lbs. Yes, you heard me 30 lbs since my last doctors visit this summer

And the renovation begins....

Today, I came home to destruction. Maybe not as bad as I make it seem, but it was not the same house I left this morning.

Let me clarify, I am not complaining. I am beyond excited. At the end of the year we purchased wood flooring to put in our living/dining room and the hallway from LumberLiquidators.

 Today my husband began our home's transformation. Below is a picture of my wonderful hubby working away (he does not realize I am taking pictures of him) and more of our living without carpet.

I will continue to post our renovation pictures as we (mainly my husband while Im at work) continue to complete multiple projects around the home. 

New Year = New Rules

Happy New Year

I can not believe it is New Years already. The years seem to fly by and upon reflection I can see many mistakes, joyous occasions, and wonderful experiences.  Following tradition, I too, will be making some new years resolutions.

My New Years Resolutions:

1. Improve health (eating properly, losing some excess weight)
2. Take a vacation (spend time with my wonderful husband)
3. Improve our home (organization, repairs, improvements, get my craft room in order)
4. Find a church in our new city to join and become active members.
5. Enjoy each moment as it is meant to be... a gift from God. 
6. Last but not least.... Blog more. 

I would love to hear your new years resolutions. Research has shown that 88% of people who make resolutions fail. (citation) However, it also showed that women are more likely to succeed at their goals if they make them public. (citation) So share away... make your resolutions public for the world to see and you will be more likely to succeed at keeping your goals. 

Merry Christmas!

DIY Photo Stocking Hanger

Having a new home has put me in the creativity mood. As Christmas nears, I've started to look for ways to turn my home into the a holiday wonderland.

I found a gorgeous photo stocking hanger from pottery barn with quite a price tag. I have recreated the look of the stocking holder for a fraction of the cost.

$29.00 from Pottery Barn	About $4.00

How to make your own photo stocking holders for a fraction of the cost.

Items Needed:

Stocking holder - I found a set of two gold holders for $6.00 (Walmart)

Picture frame- $0.97 a piece (Walmart)

Silver Metallic Spray paint

Gorilla Glue

Take apart the picture frames so the glass is out of the frame. 

Spray paint all items and let dry. Even though the paint says it is dry in 15 minutes, let the paint dry longer. If the paint is even a little wet the glue in step 3 will remove the paint.

Add a small amount of glue to lower portion of the photo frame and attach to the stocking holder. Apply pressure to the glue for at least 2 minutes. (The glue will say you only have to apply pressure for 30 seconds)

Allow glue to set up overnight for a permanent bond.

Add your photos and any photo mat you desire.

Happy Crafting!

~Emily

Starting the Blog

Thank you all for following my blog. Here I hope to share various crafts, recreations, musings, and more. Please feel free to add your own information that might help others who follow.