DYI Project- Outdoor Chalkboard

Spring is definitely in the air, making the days longer and warmer. There is something about springtime that inspires me to make fun outdoor projects. I found the idea of an outdoor chalkboard and instantly wanted to make one. Of course, I didn't want just a chalkboard, I wanted a whiteboard as well. So, I loaded up the kiddos and headed to Lowes. I can't say enough about the great workers at our Lowes store, they really brainstormed ideas with me to get the project just right. My project comfort zone is sewing/cooking/small projects so this was a huge undertaking for me. With that being said, if I can do it, anyone can.

So...for under $30!!...here is my outdoor chalk/white board.

Supplies used:
Precut plywood
chalkboard paint
small roller brush
white shower board- cut the same size as plywood
liquid nails/caulking gun (I think that's what it's called)
Teeth picture hangers (I made this name up)
scrap wood for border
leftover paint I had for wood border

I used precut plywood for the board base. I bought chalkboard paint (the most expensive part of the project) and a small roller. I painted the plywood with two coats of chalkboard paint and let dry completely. I then used liquid nails to adhere the chalkboard and whiteboard together. (FYI-I didn't even know what liquid nails were until this project.)

Next, I painted the wood borders grey and let them dry. I didn't want this investment to warp/bend so I wanted to put a border around the edges. I attached the border to the edges using liquid nails.

Then, I nailed picture nail hangers on the top so I could hang it on our outdoor fence.

Lastly, I seasoned the chalkboard. Very important step! Take the side edge of chalk and rub it all on the chalkboard. Then take a dry cloth and rub it all around. Finally, take a damp cloth and wipe it off. It's ready for little hands and big imaginations!


Whitboard side (My favorite side)


Chalkboard side (Really fun, too!)



Little artists at work!



We switched sides! Artists can be so indecisive.



When finished...erase it up and start anew!

Kale Chips

Have you ever cooked with Kale? Yeah, me neither. Until recently. My doctor told me about this ultra easy, high in vitamins snack idea. Since "easy" was the first word I heard him say, I was sold! These are called Kale Chips and if you have never tried them, you need to. Here's the super easy recipe.

Ingredients:
A Bundle of Kale
Olive Oil
Kosher Salt
Fresh grated Parmesan Cheese



If you've never seen nor heard of Kale, here's a pic to help illustrate what we are working with.



Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Tear the kale from the rib and into bite sized pieces. Wash thoroughly, several times.



Pat dry using paper towels or use a salad spinner. I used a salad spinner because A. I have one and B. it makes the "easy" part a little bit more "easy". Place Kale on cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and mix with fingers. Just kinda fluff it with your fingers. You don't want wilted smooshed kale chips. Now there are some things in life that should be used sparingly. Oreo cookies are one and Kosher Salt is the other. A little goes a loooooong way so don't sprinkle too generously. Lightly toss again and then top with Parmesan Cheese.



Cook for 10-15 minutes or until edges are crispy brown. Let cool a bit and then enjoy. The taste will be crunchy like a chip. I didn't believe it at first but it's true! This is a great all day snack for kids. Unless of course you have a picky eater like me. Then it's a great all day snack for yourself.

Be Still Sunday

It's Just a Phase

I hear that expression a lot. "It's just a phase". The saying is usually accompanied by an unacceptable action made by my 3 year old. Maybe he doesn't politely speak back when spoken too, or makes a "mean face" to someone. The phrase has also been used as a reminder that one day my 5 month old will sleep through the night. "It's just a phase" or "This too shall pass" usually gives worrisome parents a glimmer of hope, relief, or happiness.

But you know...there are somethings that I wish would stay a permanent phase. For example, I love that my son waves goodbye to me when he is marching with the other kids to children's church. He always stops to look back with a wink or a blown kiss. I love this phase. I love to watch my husband read bedtime stories to him and the anticipation his face reveals when they are almost to the "best page". I love this phase. I adore the fact that he can create a story from anything. His chicken nuggets become a ship on the high seas. His fingers easily become shadow animals dancing on the walls. He can conveniently transform from an ant to a giant at any needed moment. I love this phase. I love to watch him interact with his baby brother and the excitement that fills baby's eyes when they are talking together. I love this phase. I love that after a good deep nap, both boys need a good snuggle to help wake up. I love this phase. I love that on occasion, he'll slip into bed with us early in the morning, usually accompanied by a big bounce on the bed. I love this phase.

"It's only a phase." The expression sometimes makes me want to cry.

Spit Up In Style

I've decided to share a little of the projects I've been working on. Let me explain a few things first.
1. I do not claim to be a professional seamstress.
2. I really don't have time to be doing these projects.
3. I only sew projects that include straight lines.
4. If I can do this, anyone can do this.
5. Both my children are napping at the same time (rarely happens) and I should be asleep right now instead of blogging.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, here are some pictures of my latest goodies.

Designer burp cloths. My floors are not mopped but goodness sakes my child will spit up in style.



All starts with some yummy coordinating material and good quality burp cloths. I prefer Chinese pre-fold. I am not a big fan of birds-eye, but to each their own.



Here is my attempt at some ragged burp cloths. Take 2 layers of flannel and 1 layer of cotton and sew them together. Leave enough space along the edges to cut with sharp scissors. After several washes in the machine, the ragging process with start. These are super cute and super easy!! You'll want to crash a baby shower just to give these away.







Here is a ragged binky blanket. Just take 4 squares and apply the same process. My little baby loves to slobber on the raggy parts. See, it doubles over as a burp cloth and teething blanket. Busy moms can certainly relate to an item that can multi-task!



Top view



Back view of coordinating flannel. Super soft for little faces.



Here are longer ragged burp cloths. There is no rhyme or reason to this pattern. I just cut a bunch of shapes and sewed them together. I love projects that are ultra forgiving of my mistakes.




Backside of long burp cloth.



Here is my latest project I got from here. Burp cloths with chenille backing. So easy and pretty. These are just rectangles. See, get yourself some awesome fabric and a decent camera and you can pretend to know what you are doing just like me!

I love this because I'm not the only girl that sews only straight lines.



My newest addition are these personalized labels. I love love love them. It is so special to me being able to remember who gifted me with homemade items and I figured this is a great way to do the same. The labels are not about recognition, by any means, but just a simple touch to remember.



A close up of more burp cloths.



There it is. Simple and super easy and a great gift for anyone expecting a baby.

In closing, please refer back to #4 at the top of this post.

Makeover Needed

This blog is in as much need of a makeover as I am. Split ends and dark circles won't get us anywhere in life. Unfortunately, I can fix up the ol' blog faster than myself so I'll spare you the trouble of looking at pictures of me and I'll spruce up the blog instead.

I'll write it down on my list of "things not-so-important" to do, right below my list of...feed my children...bathe my children...feed my husband. You get the point.

Mover and a Flipper

Little peanut is now 4 months old today and is flipping over like pancakes on a hot griddle. The first "official" flip came at 3.5 months, but who's keeping record? Oh wait, I am.

As soon as he is layed down on his back, *bam*, on the tummy. Good news is he is sleeping much better at night. Bad news is he is flipping on everything, including his bouncy seat.

No son, I don't want to go to the emergency room because you have hyper extended your neck.