Trash to Treasure: Changing Table

FINALLY...we have made some progress in the nursery!

But, I'm only going to highlight one of our projects right now.

We decided to take a vintage dresser and transform it into our changing table. I love, love, love shabby chic so I tried to add some modern colors to that type of design. Enjoy!

How it all began...

We removed the drawers to sand and clean...

Keeping the first two drawers, we added thin wood to the bottom areas. We also added a few accents: railing along the top and some scalloped edges across the bottom. This is after a coat of primer...

Now the fun begins! The first coat of paint was a fun turquoise...

With the second being white...

We then went to town sanding the entire piece...really working the edges...to have the turquoise shine threw the white. We also added some pink hardware to the drawers and spruced up a few baskets for extra storage.

 We also bought changing pad covers in lime and hot pink minky fabric...just to keep things interesting!

The room is really starting to come together! Can't wait to show off other aspects soon!

Trash to Treasure: Patio Table

Upcycling...Trash to Treasure...Repurposing...whatever you want to call it, I love doing it!

We had this gorgeous dining room table that just couldn't find a place in our home. So, we decided to repurpose it for the good ol' outdoors.

Chris got his handy dandy tools out and created the perfect hole in the center of the table for an umbrella. We ordered an umbrella off of Amazon for next to nothing! Gotta love finding a good deal!

Next, the table was sanded and then painted with an indoor/outdoor primer.

Once dry, we splashed on a few coats of an outdoor paint and VOILA!

Obviously, bright colors do not scare me!

I really want to create an outdoor space that is fun for entertaining and general enjoyment. But a yellow table and red umbrella is just the start!

We haven't had any issues with bad weather ruining the wood. Hopefully, the primer and outdoor paint continue to protect this beautiful table!

Pending Baby Henry's arrival, Chris plans to get dirty in the backyard this April!

Can't wait to see his green thumb in action and to show off the results!

Maternity Portraits

I wasn't going to do them...I was going to do them...I wasn't going to do them...I was going to do them...

I was having the hardest time deciding whether or not maternity portraits were for me. I don't love having my picture taken when I look my best so knowing I was going to have my picture taken when I don't feel like a million bucks didn't sound necessarily appealling. On the other hand, I know I want to document this special time for Chris and I...so we did them...and it wasn't that bad!

There are TONS more...but I won't bore you with that!

Kasey with Kase and Alli Photography did a great job and I'm so happy we decided to have them done!

Only 7 more weeks until D-Day!

Canine Earth

I love my puppy.

I love Spring.

But the two aren't mixing!

Poor Ollie is scratching like a crazy! He has super sensitive skin and all the pollen in the air is causing him much stress. It just breaks my heart! After much frustration, I posted on Facebook begging for suggestions. I got the typical "take him to the vet", "give him a shot", "medicated shampoos are the best"...but then, I received a suggestion that didn't make my own skin crawl a bit! It was for a balm and shampoo made by Canine Earth.

Let me give you a little run down of Canine Earth. This company produces products for our adorable furry friends that are formulated with 95-100% certified organics under the USDA National Organic Program or are Verified Natural. In addition, they are aroma-therapeutic, naturally deodorizing, pH balanced, hypoallergenic and eco-friendly! AND they are sulfate, paraben and soap-free! To get me more excited, this is a local Baton Rouge company! Can't beat that!

We purchased the Wash and Wag! Oatmeal Aloe Soothing Shampoo, in hopes to give Ollie a little relief. What I loved was that it didn't have that harsh "medicated" smell...it was refreshing! Thanks to Chris, Ollie is pretty good when it comes to baths. Ok...he doesn't love bathtime but he endures it. Our first bath with Canine Earth's shampoo was especially successful! Ollie remained so calm and seemed to really appreciate the nice massage he was getting as he got clean! According to their website, this specific shampoo contains oatmeal to soothe skin and aloe to hydrate...making it perfect for dogs with allergies and itchiness!

There are a couple spots that are particularly sensitive for Ollie so our next try is the Tail Wagging Terrific Tea Tree Balm. As soon as we give it a spin, I'll let you know how it goes!

So far...we are huge fans of Canine Earth! I love supporting local companies, especially when they are made with such love and care! My Ollie deserves it!

Rotolo's

Yesterday was NOT my day so take-out was a MUST.

It was also a Wednesday...which means $4.99 calzones at Rotolo's!

So that is just what we did...

I love Rotolo's because they have really great options for vegetarians.

We both selected the Primavera Calzones, which are full of fresh sliced tomatoes, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and ripe olives. Mine was sans olives because I'm not a fan, but that is the only alteration I have to make...which is easy and much appreciated!

Other vegetarian options for calzones are The Specialty (spinach, artichokes and feta), Four Cheese (feta, cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan), or you can Create-Your-Own with their long list of fresh toppings!

Another plus...besides the excellent prize on Wednesdays...is that they are HUGE so it is plenty to fill you up! And, they are delicious! For a little over $10...we had a great, filling meal!

French Bread Pizza

As we were perusing the grocery store the other day, I caught a glimpse of a frozen french bread pizza and that was all it took. Had to have it! So, after purchasing all the necessary ingredients, we had one of the easiest, fastest and tastiest dinners! Enjoy!

French Bread Pizza

1 loaf of french bread
8 oz can of tomato sauce
Shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/2 onion-chopped
1 red bell pepper-chopped
1 green bell pepper-chopped
A pinch of garlic salt
A few pinches of parsley flakes
A pinch of oregano
A few pinches of basil
pepper to taste


First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and start chopping your toppings. I only used onions and peppers...but get wild with it! Once you are finished chopping, set aside.

Next, prepare your sauce. Simply heat an 8 oz can of tomato sauce and add your oregano, parsley, garlic salt and basil. I also gave it a couple turns of the pepper mill.

Now, cut your loaf of french bread length wise and then into your desired serving size. We are fatties so that is why these servings are HUGE. I'll have you know there were no left-overs...wait, why am I bragging about this? Anyway...spread your desired amount of sauce on each slice.

Next, add your desired amount of shredded cheese.

Now, add your toppings. I also sprinkled with a little basil.

Once done, pass over to the oven for 12-15 minutes...and BAM, done!

We enjoyed with a nice salad...so yummy!

This dish is perfect for meals with "mixed company"...meaning vegetarians and meat-eaters.

Let me explain...if you aren't getting the support you need from friends and family, feel free to make your dinner party BYOM (Bring Your Own Meat). You supply the ingredients listed above, they supply the pepperoni or sausage and guests dress their own slices at a topping station before baking. Everyone wins!

And, I'll have you know...this dish is puppy approved!

I pinched off a bite for him and he was one happy puppy, licking his lips in approval!

Read Across America Day

What a wonderful day today is! Why?

Because today is the National Education Association's Read Across America Day!

This annual reading celebration takes place each March 2nd in honor of everyone's favorite children's author... Dr. Seuss!

Thousands of schools across the country celebrate this day by inviting community members into their classrooms to read their favorite Dr. Seuss books to the students...which is why I am so excited! Later this afternoon, I'm heading to Buchanan Elementary School! This is the third time I've participated and it is one of my favorite days! It's so much fun to see these elementary students get excited about reading...ok, I guess they can also be excited about dressing up like Dr. Seuss characters and eating actual green eggs and ham....but mainly, it's the reading!

Want to get involved? Visit the Read Across America Pledge Site and made a pledge today!