Front porch makeover

Busy, busy summertime + camera memory card on the fritz = long blogging hiatus. But I fixed the card today! So here is our front porch makeover. This post isn't as fun as it would be had I remembered to take before pics... But I'll just paint ya a little picture:

Imagine shapeless, faded cushions and throw pillows... no cute curtain... and horribly stained Trex decking since I'd never pressure washed it before!

Can I just say how much I love pressure washing? Best thing ever. I did the porch and the driveway, then halfway down the sidewalk before I realized I had to stop somewhere. What a difference! 

In the background you can see the curtain I sewed to make our little porch feel cozy and private, since our neighbors' house is rightthere. We spend a lot of time out here, since it's east facing and gets lots of morning sun. It's our breakfast and coffee spot on sunny days. 

We bought these outdoor fabrics so I could sew the curtain, then the two throw pillows on each chair. They are actually the existing pillows that I just recovered. Saves some money not having to buy new pillow inserts. The seat cushions we just happened to find on sale at World Market and I love the way they look with these fabrics.

I even sewed piping for the first time! It was so much easier than I thought! And really gives the big pillow a finished look.

Hubby got a set of four of these chairs on uber-clearance at Target a while back. One fits perfectly by our front door and gives us a little more seating. We've started another project out back that may make room for these chairs at some point... but for now the other three are still in boxes in the garage. 

And... off the subject but here is my test photo from when I was attempting to fix the memory card:

Quinn got all cozy on some recycling I was sorting. Isn't she pretty? Love these kitties of ours. :)

Check back tomorrow for another project! Lots of catching up to do, now that I can actually import photos. 

DIY succulent terrarium

I'm obsessed with succulents. Many of you know this. They are just so adorable! And so easy to grow. Plus they grow just about anywhere, and if you plant little clippings they grow into a new plant! I know I've mentioned this, but it thrills me to no end. Guess I'm easily amused.

I came across this glass container today while cleaning out a cupboard. I never really use it for anything. 

So I put a little potting soil in the bottom, then a nice layer of moss (left over from my mother's day creation... which by the way is so happy it's blooming!!). I added a bunch of water, then poured out the excess. Then I clipped a few stems of succulents from my existing plants, and pulled off one hen. Or chick. 

I tucked them into the moss and added some cute little pebbles for a rustic look.

Et voila! 

Super simple, took about five minutes, and looks so cute. I've been meaning to check the thrift stores for interesting containers to fill like this. I just love instant gratification. Especially when it's basically free!

This is way off the subject, but I thought you'd like an update on our new kittens!

On the left is Cleo and on the right is Quinn. They are almost 5 months old and driving us crazy! In that wild, chaotic, into everything kitten way. But oh, how I am enjoying them. 

They play hard, then crash. Often on our laps. Usually together. I just love having these little sisters. They have so much personality, and they are each so different from the other. Just like kids I guess. Love them. :)

thredUP and a few updates

I recently learned of an online kid's clothing swap called thredUP and had to check it out right away. This is where the shopaholic in me sometimes escapes. I try to keep her locked up, and I'm convinced this is why God gave me boys. He knows I am weak to retail pleasures. Girl stuff is just too fun to shop for. Anyway. Resale and consignment are my friends. So, naturally I was intrigued by this site.
Basically, you sign up (for free), then view all the super fun boxes listed by other moms. These 'boxes' are medium flat rate priority mail boxes from USPS, that other users stuff full of clothes! You can search by size and gender, among other things. Each box has anywhere from 10-15 items in it, and you can view a list and descriptions of what's inside. ThredUP also has a rating system to ensure people are sending out quality clothes! No photos, to keep things simple and quick for listing... and also because the element of surprise is super fun.
So you pick your box, pay $5 plus shipping ($10.95 flat rate), and get a ton of new stuff in the mail! Then, when you get around to it, you list your own box of stuff your kids have outgrown! And when someone chooses it, you ship it for free! So we can pass cute clothes to someone who can use them, and get some new stuff for super cheap. Love this idea.
For years I've done the big semi-annual consignment sales when they come to town... which I love and will continue to do. But it's a lot of work! Sorting, typing info, printing and cutting tags, tagging items, putting them on hangers, driving them to and from the sale. ThredUP is so much easier and I can use it anytime I want!
I ordered my first box yesterday. 12 items. For around $16. $1.33 per item. I'll let you know when it comes and show you what's inside! I'm way excited. Getting stuff in the mail is just plain fun.
So check it out. Click one of the links above, or this one. If you sign up using my link, you get $5 credit! So your first box is only $10.95! You should know I also get $5 for each person I refer who buys a box. So it's a win-win. :)

On a side note, here are a couple updates:
Our new kitties were supposed to be spayed and brought home last week... but at the last minute there was a viral outbreak at the shelter where their surgeries were to take place. So the shelter closed down temporarily to protect the other cats, and the surgeries were postponed until March 30th. We are so glad our kitties were still safely in their foster home when the virus was discovered, but sad to have to wait a few more weeks!

And I finally got around to listing a few new coffee cozies in my etsy shop! Check 'em out if you get a chance. I've been keeping busy with lots of little side projects (and, I'll admit it, more sewing for the kittens), but I have a few fun things in the works to hopefully add to my shop soon!

The crazy cat lady

I am super excited to announce our newest family members!

After my sweet old kitty died last month, I've been really missing the presence of a cat in our home. So have the boys. I thought I'd be ok pet-less for a while.... but I was mistaken! The boys and I did a fair amount of whining and pleading to Daddy, and more or less dragged him to a couple adoption centers at local pet supply stores last weekend. I really wanted to avoid going to the actual Animal Shelter if at all possible, for fear of coming home with ten cats and four dogs and an array of small animals. I'm such a sucker for sad-looking pets in need of homes. 

I really love how the PetSmarts and Petcos don't actually sell cats and dogs, since there are so many in need of homes... but several of them have in-store adoption centers set up, so you can visit homeless pets right in your conveniently located store. Without going to the super sad, depressing shelter. 

Anyway, we spotted these kittens last weekend, and found out they were 7 weeks old and needing homes. They were (and still are) in foster care with their mama until closer to 10 weeks when they can be spayed, then adopted. The shelter they came from is called CAT (Cat Adoption Team) and it's here in the Portland area- Sherwood to be exact. Super cool organization. A no-kill shelter that takes homeless cats and cats from other shelters until they can be found homes. 

We sorta fell in love with these sweet Siamese (mix) faces and pretty blue eyes... and called the foster mom the next day to visit them in her home and choose one. 

Somehow I convinced Mike that we needed two. I so wanted to keep them together! 

They are 8 weeks now, and once they reach 2 1/4 pounds they can be spayed... we are guessing another week or so. 

So I am anxiously awaiting a phone call that they are ready! Meanwhile, apparently, I am nesting. My husband is making fun of me. My mom is joking that we should send out announcements. But I am too busy sewing and shopping to care!

It only just occurred to me to sew kitty stuff! I've entered a whole new territory and I'm having way too much fun. Especially since these are girl kitties and I get to play with pinks and florals... something I crave. 

I saw these cuddle sacks at the pet store, and instantly had to try making one. It's snuggly soft Minkee fabric, with boning in the opening to give it support, and lined with a layer of batting and cozy fleece.

It was so fun to make, and I was sorta hooked...

...so I sewed up a couple stuffed bird toys filled with catnip.

Why not? They're cute!

And a minkee quilt in pinks and browns, with pale pink silky backing. 

I have no idea why cats might need a quilt. But, like I said, I rarely get to sew pink things. And apparently I am now a crazy cat lady. 

Today I made them a bed. Or, more like a pillow. But the insert is a feather pillow and it's super squishy and cozy so I hope they will lay on it.

But if they don't it'll make a nice floor pillow! Or a decorative couch pillow! Because these fabrics are so pretty!

I think I'll make some couch pillows in this style anyway... I love the way it looks with the button in the center. It was so much fun. I'm trying to figure out what else I can sew these spoiled little kitties. Gotta do something to help pass the time until they come home! We are all very excited and Ty is having such a hard time being patient. 

So is mommy. :)