Rooms $1.00 Per Person

Really? Seriously, someone at some point thought this sign was cool. Such are decor fads I guess.
Still, I don’t really get this sign. Is it like a brothel? An early day econo-lodge? Prairie days homestead renter?
I just had to change the poor sign from weird to fun!
Here is how I did it:
- Cover the sign with spray paint. I used 3 coats of Krylon Ivory (satin).
- I purchased, Large Monogram Corrugate Letters by Colorbok.
- Attach letters with a double-sided adhesive
- Wipe a watered down brown acrylic paint or antiquing glaze over the sign and letters.
- Dab excess paint/glaze with a paper towel. This will also add the appearance of texture on the sign.
- Add a few swipes of watered down, off-white acrylic paint to the letters. This will add a bit more definition.
- Dry and Hang!


This post is linked up with Kimba’s DIY day. Welcome DIY’ers!
To see where I displayed this sign, click on my Bathroom Reveal .
Thanks,
Jess
Just Beachy
Before-
What I wanted to change:
- Wallpaper border
- Peel and stick linoleum flooring (Do not install this if you ever plan on potty training a little boy! The cracks soak up everything!)
- Blah feeling to the room

What I wanted to have:
- A bold but neutral color on the wall without a border
- Fresh tile flooring
- A fun and relaxing feel to the room
After-
Details-







Thrifty Scores-
Total transformation for only $120!
- The paint on the wall was from the recycling center - FREE
- All the accessories were found at thrift stores or garage sales. Around $13
- The towel rack hooks were $1 each at Home Depot
- White towel $2 at Wal-mart
- Tile flooring materials about $90 (Tile was FREE – surplus from a friend)
- Craft paint $4
Result-
Making a bold decor statement in the bathroom was so fun! I like the uniqueness of my bathroom. It’s so theme-y without actually belonging to a “bathroom set” like you would find a department store.
Love,
Jess
Related Posts-
Before and After
Towel Rack from 25 cent Shutter
Oh so Little!
I steal every minute I can to be immersed in newborn heaven.
No sass. No crumbs. No toys.
Just baby goodness.
Welcome Claire and Leah

35 weeks gestation
Yes, I was huge. My, my, it doesn’t even look possible to carry that much! But, I did it!
The girls were born on October 13th (36 weeks) around 1:30 in the morning, via C-Section (after spontaneous labor). Claire was born at 5 lbs. and 12 oz. Leah was born at 5 lbs. and 5 oz. I can’t remember how long they were…3rd and 4th kids I guess!?
They stayed in the NICU for 8 days at the Hospital to gain weight and regulate their temperatures. The days surrounding my recovery in the Hospital are a big blur. I pumped milk a lot and tried my best to walk down to the NICU often to visit Claire and Leah in their room. The nurses lovingly took care of them both while we had to return home without our new babies! (So, hard)

Leah in Isolette

Claire in Isolette
We brought Claire and Leah home on Ryan’s 5th birthday, October 21st. Coming home was a huge relief! I was thrilled by the joy and ease of finally being close to my new babies.
Let the games begin! The realities of raising 4 kids, 5 years old and under, in a 1,000 sq. ft. home, are setting in! The sheer noise alone is unbelievable. But, I wouldn’t trade them for the world.
See, aren’t they precious?

Leah at home

Claire at home

Proud Big Brother Ryan

Proud Big Sister Molly
I’ll be blogging about my home and family again soon. I don’t want to miss a moment of my crazy new life as the manager of a 6 person family!
Love,
Jess
Finding growth possible

My inspiration for today is this image of a single daisy, growing in bramble and parched vines.
In San Francisco, CA, 7 1/2 years ago, I took the above photograph as Peter and I honeymooned. The flower’s simplicity stood out to me all those years ago. How could such a lovely flower could survive and grow in such odd conditions?
Little did I know, in 2002, that this photograph would bring gratitude and hope to me today.
What I am grateful for:
- The twins and I are very healthy. Only 4 more weeks until delivery, if not before!
- Friends and family, that pitched in to help around my house and with the kids, as I was on modified bed rest.
- Decaf cappuccino mix from the whole foods store.
- My new “office/ blogger home” we made over the summer. Goodbye playroom. Hello new computer room!
What I am hopeful about:
- Being able to find joy in the chaos that 4 kids, 5 years old and under, can bring into a home of 1, 000 square feet.
- Remembering to grow in Christ; my writing abilities; and my marriage, all while growing my big pregnant belly!
- Spending time with the kids full time, after being away part-time for the last 3 1/2 years. (Still have mixed feeling here.)
Just a Blink readers:
It’s good to be back, writing out of the bramble of writers block, chronic pain and general busy-ness.
I am starting to grow like a strong, lovely daisy in all surroundings and circumstances. I can thank God for that!
I am planning on touching in when I can.…I ‘ve been decorating, the rooms are switched, and I am sure my belly could be a blog post on its own!
Love,
Jess

Family Portrait Summer 2009
Lately
Summer has been so fun! Many fun “nesting” projects, swim outings and outdoor adventures have been happening around here.
The twins are healthy and growing (currently at 29 weeks). Only 9 weeks to go before baby girl A and baby girl B arrive.
I have posts and photos in mind, of our room changes, craft projects and belly growth. But for now I’m just popping in to say HI!
You see, it is summer…I’m out there, living in the moment.
I’m Back

Hey Y’all!
I took a trip to Dallas/Ft.Worth TX last week to visit and reconnect with friends that relocated down south. Hot, yes! Worth it, of course.
Upon returning home, my gracious parents, Grammy Lu and Papa Den, cleaned my whole house! Even the oven.
They brought in flowers, caught a mouse and even organized my spices! Nice.
I am working on my own nesting and I’ll have some projects to write about soon. But, for now I am easing back into the daily routine that was so wonderfully tossed aside during my trip.
Peace,
Jess