Magical Manitou

 

I wish I could morph myself 20 months (or so) into the future. The second half of my life is destined to be played out in a variety of new landscapes and adventures. In a perfect world, I would be all settled in to my girlie little apartment, surrounded by most precious comforts. Family heirlooms such as my grandmothers crochet lap blanket and china dinnerware, photos of my children and family, and, of course, my doggie. 8-)

For those of you who are new to my blog, let me tell you about my beloved Manitou. I have been there three times and fell in love with this tiny little free spirited town the very minute I stepped out of the car. This quaint town is located in the foothills of Colorado Springs and is frequented by hiking fanatics and those whom greatly appreciate a pint. The infamous "Incline" is known to break down the strongest of climbers. Additionally, the mineral water fountains throughout town have their own mythological history. These fountains are pumped from local springs and naturally contain so much iron and phosphate that local legend consideres it magical "healing water."

If I was there on this night, I would take a brisk walk passing historical buildings now serving as antique stores, pubs, diners, and art galleries. I will sidle up on bar stool, putting something warm and comforting under my coaster. Striking up conversation with the locals, most of which are beatnik hippies who take pride in their nonconformist lifestyle, I hope to make a friend in this new metropolis. I will have a few libations and wrap back up in my warm coat and head back out into the chilly night. Tonight, the temperature is a cool 42 degrees, no rain or snow expected. Perhaps tomorrow I will venture out and take a train ride or meet my bestie for coffee.

Manitou Springs, Colorado.

"A little drinking town with a hiking problem"

(actual town motto!)

 

 

A Dresser is Born!

The dresser started out as scratched up wood, very dark in color

Setting up the paint area

the drawers were painted with "Heirloom White" spray paint

 and "Summer Blue" acrylic craft paint, completed with a small brush by hand

A pearl embellishment was placed on all drawer fronts

 

The unit was hand painted with "French White."

The paint was supposed to be its own primer, however,

this still took 3 coats for coverage.

I also touched up the wrought iron footing with some leftover black spray paint

The finished product!!! The pearls did not line up exactly

but I still was happy how it turned out.

(Please excuse the messy bedroom in the background LOL)

 

And now, I have two more units to go to complete the three piece set!!!

Sayonara Suckers.....

I have become increasingly more convinced that my plan of fleeing California is just what the doctor ordered. By the onset of 2013, my monthly countdown will officially be in the 'teens. Although it will still be 17 months until I receive my parenting pardon, somehow that put a definite feeling of nearness to my plans. By this time next year I will have begun solidifying the main timeline, putting my plan into action and beginning to calculate out expenses and starting to fill that piggy bank to cover relocation expenses. The last thing I want to do is fail to properly plan and set myself up for failure. While doing some online research this evening, I stumbled upon a thought provoking article by Cathy Goodwin. I only would add to #5 if you are not a novel-writing type of person, try keeping a journal instead (or a blog tehehe) The following is an excerpt:

Here are ten tips to a help you tune in to your inner compass when your world is spinning.
1. Ask, "Who am I? What do I need to be happy?"
The secret to a successful move depends on how you answer the question, "Can I still be me?  To answer this question, write ten "I am" statements about yourself -- anything from "I am a dog-owner" to "I am friendly and outgoing." Before you move, ask yourself, "How will this list change after I move?" You may still be a dog-owner...but will you create that role the same way?
2. Take a test drive.
When you buy a car, you don't just go around the block. You try the freeways and the rough roads. Considering a move to Seattle or Syracuse? Study the culture as if you were an anthropologist.
3. Pack an emotional first aid kit.
Most hikers pack a first aid kit with sunblock, band-aids, and insect repellent. For relocation you can pack favorite photos of friends, family, places and pets (so you remember who you are) Phone numbers of trusted confidantes (for moments when you really need to hear a familiar voice)
4. Develop ceremonies to honor your new life.
As you unpack boxes or begin a new assignment, play your favorite music and enjoy your favorite foods. Arrange one room -or one corner of the room-to look familiar. Some people create a special ritual of settling in to make the new life their own.
5. Plan for downtime.
For the first few months you'll probably have gaps in your social calendar.  Plan to fill downtime with meaningful projects. Write a novel. Complete a painting. Join a dance group. I would add a physical activity, anything from weight-lifting to walking the dog extra times. When you nurture yourself, you communicate strength and confidence to others. If you are seen as vulnerable and needy, you will attract negative people and negative experiences.

BONUS: Celebrate everyday life.
Think small. A walk around a lake. A perfect cup of coffee in a nearby coffee shop.  Listen for the moments when you say, "I could get used to this..."

OKTOBERFEST 2012!!!!!!!!!!

 

Get your beer steins ready and save your appetite!! It's my favorite block party in La Mesa, California. Oktoberfest is always a keg of laughs, though I don't partake in the beer festivities, I do rather enjoy the brats, the craft booths, a tilt-o-whirl, and people watching. This year the band line up it pretty impressive. I will be there in my crappiest pair of old shoes (all those spilled suds will ruin a pair of Chucks) with all monies and forms of identification buried deep in the zipped pocket of some cargo shorts (no dropping cash or credit).

 

Last year I went with my girlfriend whom I lovingly call Ladybug. Knowing the alcohol intake would disqualify us as sober drivers, my son dropped us off and we planned on cabbing it home...  that, ultimately,  didn't happen. After about a dozen too many cocktails, we called our taxi and were informed it would be a 45 minute wait. In our drunken stupor we made the executive decision that it would be quicker to walk. Tehehe. Those 13 blocks proved to be quite an interesting journey. We had garden hedges jump at us, flowers were picked, and I drown my Blackberry in a Jack 'N Coke, which I thought would be funny to smuggle out of Pete's Place in my purse to imbibe along our way home. Not so much.  This year I hope to have just as much fun, minus the loss of cellular backup.

A New Horizon

Last weekend I came into ownership of a beat-down desk (for pretty much pennies) and have been looking it over every day for a burst of creativity on how I can refurbish it with some personalized style. After compiling several different ideas and putting my on twist on the final sketches, By George... I think I've got it!!!

So this morning I geared up for a trip to my latest favorite store... Home Depot. I have several other projects in various stages of reconstruction and after my spree today I have enough supplies to finish them all. Primer, various paint hues, painters tape, wood filler, Goof Off, sandpaper, gloves, safety goggles, drop cloths, and a few clearance items from the gardening section. I am pretty much set for the next few weeks.... and all for less than $40.00!!! Stay tuned!!!

Projects on the horizon:

 

*Set of matching dressers (2 tall, one small)

*Desk-turned-vanity
*Room divider
*Nail polish rack

*Beginning of the balcony restoration

Amazing Autumn

Although Fall technically began on September 22 this year, for this gal, October 1 marks the true commencement of Autumn. October is my favorite month by far. San Diego is free and clear from the mania of summer tourism and the holiday madness has yet to begin.  Weather is perfect… balmy in the morning, warm and sunny all day and chilly enough for a light blanket to cozy up in at bedtime.

My favorite things about this time of year are all contingent on mild temperatures. For the fashionista in me, I can wear my cute boots and scarves without looking ridiculous (one of my pet peeves are youngsters sporting furry Ugg boots in summer and complaining about how hot it is. Afterthought: darned if I didn’t just write that and realize I am turning into my mother.)

The temperatures are no longer in the skin melting category, thus allowing me to wear my hair down instead of in the everyday ponytail AND when I curl it, the curls actually stay put instead of frizzing out into a humid disaster.  

I can use my oven again without bringing my home into a fiery fury. Baking sweet treats for the special people in my life and preparing actual meals that require more than a high voltage microwave are two things I give up between June and September.  Soon the smell of meatloaf, green bean casserole and cupcakes will fill the nostrils and cause some mouths a'waterin'.

Above all else the best thing about Autumn….
Can you guess???  
FOOTBALL!!!

So to the sun worshippers and snow bunnies, I guess this is not the best time of year for you. But to those of us who follow team schedules, stats, and plan our Sunday’s around game time, our time has come. So sit back, enjoy some homemade chili and cornbread, hot wings 'n breadsticks, or order some pizza….  Put the beer on ice and kick back… I’ll save you a seat…. And a plate of something delish.

Crowning the Queen

Welp.... Got the Orajel. Got the pain killer. Got the pain... in the form of a huge dental tab. I'm not sure what hurt more.... the drill on a open nerve or the bill at checkout. Either way, I am thanking my lucky stars my FICO score was decent enough to qualify my infected yapper for an emergency line of credit. Unfortunately, that entire amount was used up on tooth #1. Once I get through this hell, I have five more to be worked on and some gum issues to resolve. *sigh* By this time next week I will have a permanent crown and a laundry list of appointments to start the rest of the process.

Note to all those procrastinators: FIND a way to get your arse in the dental chair if it has been more than six months. You will regret it later, I assure you. Let the huge pieces of broken tooth above serve as evidentiary proof. And now... pain killers are kicking on. Time for the sandman to pay a visit. ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Is There a Doctor in the House??

Today I reached the point where I can no longer deny the fact that I need a dentist. Like.... STAT. Either that, or I need to invest in a gallon of Orajel and a Costco size bottle of Advil. 

Owweeeeeeeee...

Winding down a Monday

You find yourself bored on a Monday night and Jones'n for some kind of one hour project, preferably with supplies on hand. This is what I came up with... supplies: old shoebox with lid, old magazines, scissors and glue stick. As this was a trial run, I didn't expect much. However, the final result was simple and cute. I gave this to my daughter because she is infatuated with All Things Parisian. She decided to put her ever-growing collection of received college brochures and correspondence inside. Something tells me she will need a bigger box :-)

Old shoebox (bent up, no less)

random old travel magazines (sorry for the upside down photo)

used glue stick and scrapbook paper for outside edges

used glue stick and Paris themed cut outs for the lid

NFL Sunday!!!!

To sum it up thus far... the 49's lost in a suprising upset, Dallas won in a ho-hum game, Buffalo turned out Cleveland, the Lions-Titans game was bipolar (but holy shiznit, Young Jr made an amazing catch to tie up that game) Kansas and New Orleans are in OT as is Miami and New York.

And now for the game du jour..... MY BRONCOS are about to take on the Texans. Gonna be an interesting game. Got my drinks on ice, chores done, and snacks ready. Happy Sunday to me. May the defense be with you.

September "Spring" Cleaning

Summer's officially come and gone--and left its mark on more than my sun-kissed Southern California skin... Indeed the time has come to buckle back down and get the casa in order. Although I would much rather putz around, working on new creations or enjoying the now-tourist-free San Diego beaches, alas, there is Autumn maintenance to get completed, preferably before Sunday arrives. Let's face it, that day is reserved for watching hot men in tight uniforms (tehehe.) In the spirit of organizing my own to-do list, I thought I would share my usual post-summer checklist. None of it is particularly amusing but important nonetheless. These things take place over the course of several weeks.

*Pull out the washer and dryer, sweeping and vacuuming debris, cobwebs.. these are all fire hazards. Ditto for the 'fridge.  (Also a good time to check washer hoses for crimps or leaks and the fridge coils for debris.)
*Clean out window seals with degreaser, rag and screwdriver. You might as well lubricate them while you're at it. Also a great time to check if all caulking is is good condition.
*Get your flooring in order. I am not talking a simple sweep and mop. I am referring to professional grade service. This includes hard wood floor. Get it commercially sanitized and sealed to protect the finish. Carpet is easy, I have a company I have used for 18 years. A small, family owned business that has great customer service and must be connected close with the Gods of carpeting because of the miracles they have performed on this 2 teenager, 1 dog-with-no-bladder-control house.
*Speaking of my furry guy, at summer's end I usually check in with the doggie doc to see if he is due for any vaccinations. Unless I make a concentrated effort to do this, I will surely forget and be bombed with 5+ overdue shots at the most inconvenient financial time.
*Give your mattress a flipperooonie, or rotate it head to toe if you have a non-flipper like myself. This is typically a great time to move the bed itself (since it is lighter) and get the dust bunnies vacuumed up underneath it. I have found lost shoes, books and DVDs under there.
*Summer was hot and windows were left open. Now those shutters are caked with muck (not to mention the window screens) and a good wipe down is probably necessary.
*Check the air ducts and install clean heater filters. I must admit, I've never had my home's ducts cleaned, as I do not use the heater more than 3 days a year (no exaggeration there, folks) and I do not have the luxury of central AC. But for those who use these conveniences, this is a good idea.
*Drain sediment from hot water heater. This is easier than it sounds, trust me. Anyone with half a brain cell can You-Tube a 5 minute video and learn how this is done. Disclaimer: If said hot water heater is not conveniently placed to easily drain, call an expert. I cannot stress this enough.
*Hose out those nasty smelling trash cans. I rinse with a high pressure nozzle and then VERY generously spray with disinfectant, typically an entire bottle of bleach does all three of my large cans.  Usually I do my small household cans at the same time. Rinse out and dry upside down.
*Inspect those pushed-to-the-back cans in the pantry for expiration dates. If still is safe zone, find a recipe and use them up. Don't toss away good money!
*Rummage through the overstuffed closet and purge yourself of all those items you do not wear. I usually bring my clothing and household items to the battered woman's shelter. No disrespect intended, but the Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc, have plenty of loyal benefactors. The smaller charities often suffer in the shadow of commercialism.
*Last but not least, make sure your car is good to go. Stay current on tune-ups, oil changes, etc. I must admit, I get lazy in the heat of July and put car stuff to the back burner. Now is the time to schedule maintenance. Kids are back in school, summer's over, and the holiday spending frenzy is on the horizon. Personally, I am 500+ miles overdue for an oil change. Pot meet kettle?

Photo Credit: Courtyard Marriott. I LOVE the notepads they have in their rooms. An "accomplished List" just has such a better ring to it than "To Do" don't you think?

 

Switching "Gears"

Today was a proud day in the life of this mama. My twenty year old son worked two jobs all summer to save up for a down payment on a new car. Like most of us, his first one was a real clunker. A money pit from day one (literally). The last few months he has done hours upon hours of research on makes, models, warranty's, consumer reports, etc. He asked folks he trusted (who work in banking) about financing in a way that will boost his credit and create a monthly payment that is attainable without diving for pennies in the local wishing well. The kids done his homework.

His plan was to purchase in mid-October, but his '98 Coupe de Shit decided to take its final dump late Thursday night. This was the last time he wanted to be stranded on the highway waiting for AAA to rescue him. So, today we all braved the 95+ heat and did some car shopping. We went into the day with a plan... he would appear to be the over zealous cub and I would play the role of hard-assed, over protective mother bear. It worked pretty damned amazing.

The first lot had the wheels he really has his eyes (and heart) set on. After ditching smarmy salesman #1 ("Let me ask my finance manager what we can do to get you into this ve-hickle today my brother") and working with someone with a bit more finesse, the boy had a wealth of information including quite a bit about how leasing works. When the youngins' stepped outside, I looked at the salesman and quite blatantly stated I wasn't letting my son be taken to the cleaners. "Bottom line, he wont pay more than $16,500, out the door. If you can't work with that, we will find someone else who will. " AHEM. Not to toot my own horn, if you pardon the pun, but yea... my cut-the-bullshit-charm got us an offer, in writing, for our price. I went outside to inform my cub and he shocked me by saying although he was overjoyed at my negotiating prowess, he wanted to keep looking and not make a hasty decision.

Lot #2 was Douche Bag Central. They had an extremely limited selection and no one could seem to give me a straight answer about their customer loyalty program for trade in, nor what their warranty actually covered. It was quite unsettling to see a very well hidden, PRE-OWNED 2013 (NOT a typo.. a brand new car) in the back of the lot with "Transmission Issue" written on the window. We bounced out of there quicker than the losing pit crew after a Nascar race. Lot #3 was much of the same. Larger selection, but nothing that really struck his fancy that was in his price range.

We headed home and worked out a ride sharing plan for the week to get us all to work and school using my wheels, thus eliminating the need to rush into a purchase. I was so proud of that kid for keeping a level head and not getting sucked into the excitement of new car smell. Stay tuned for the update on his decision.

Restoring Not-So-Vintage

This weekend's project was actually a carry over from last weekend. As some of you know, I recently became the recipient of several family heirlooms, some in mint condition, others that needed a bit of TLC. One of the items was a mirror and wall shelf set. Initially I thought the set was a legitimate antique, only later to find out it was a reproduction. Either way, I liked the detail of the piece and the overall appeal to the vintage look.

 

After disassembling the mirror from the frame I sanded some cracked areas and used an enamel primer. Then painted it with a high gloss black "Midnight Noir." Unfortunately, this weekend also happened to be a major heatwave in SoCal. I left the frame outside to dry and the heat literally warped the frames top end about 45 degrees. I was heartbroken, thinking I ruined a sentimental piece of family history. Luckily, a fellow DIY-er suggested a fix which worked fabulously. The final product now resides at the entry to my bedroom and gives me great joy each time I look at it.

 

PS... for those of you who love the look of vintage but have no time or desire to restore, there is a mirror very similar to this sold at Ikea for around $25. It is smaller and the frame is plastic, but the general idea gets across.

 

Customer Service=Out of Style

Recently I had the unfortunate mishap of receiving a shipment from a company that I had not placed. Apparently, when you purchase online, you are automatically enrolled in an auto-shipping program they have called "Friends and Benefits"... This is some bullshit, y'all.

Let me back track with some history here... the first time I ordered via telephone. Two weeks later  I received my products (which are truly amazing, I will admit) on time and with some extras tossed in the box. I was too cool for school. The following order I placed online. Not only did I NOT get my order (I assure you this neighborhood is quite safe and I have never EVER had a missing package from my doorstep) but when I phoned in to inquire, I was told a replacement could not be shipped for 30 days. Not because they were sold out, but due to their company policy. Not only that, but I had to choose a second delivery address and a signature was now required delivery. OK, so I understand about the signature part, and the alternate address was no big deal. I used my place of employment. I' the receptionist and sign for deliveries everyday. Piece of cake, right? NOT!!!

This second delivery was signed by someone with hieroglyphics and no name could be deciphered. Apparently, they delivered it to the building, sans the suite number. I was quite annoyed at this point. Eventually, a third shipment was sent, and received right into my hands. A few days later, #2 turned up from an office on the third floor. Dutifully, I returned it unopened. Now I wish I would have just kept it for all the hassle I have gone through. So... back to the auto enrollment scam... Three weeks ago I noticed the company had charged my credit card for almost $50. I immediately called and was told an auto shipment was enroute. SERIOUSLY??? Again, I was informed I would have to return the package and wait 10 days for the credit.

This package was returned Friday, August 24, brought directly to the post office and given to a friendly clerk named Max. I have no idea why I remember his name, but I digress... It has now been OVER the 10 "business days" and still no credit. I phone the company yet again and am NOW informed the credit takes 30 friggin days!!! Meanwhile, we are eating rice and hot dogs and I am driving on fumes of gas because this whole unorganized company cannot get their shit together.

The valuable lesson here... when you order online, cancel your account or erase your credit card information as SOON as you receive your products. Also, read all that pesky fine print or you may find yourself close to cursing out an innocent customer service rep named Carolyn who is doing her best to make you happy.

One last thought... this company's shipping policies can kiss my arse... however, their beauty products are nothing less than amazing. I will be purchasing them from the local Sephora outlet from here on out and paying a few extra bucks to avoid this Nightmare on Makeup Street.

Family Heirloom

Another newly completed project was an old wicker laundry basket I came into owning after the a passing of my Aunt Jayne. Truthfully... it was in relatively decent shape when first brought home, however, after two cross country moves, a puppy with a chewing fetish, and a lot of use, it lost its original charm. I did a lot of web investigation on proper repair of the original cane and learned about techniques of primer and painting. I also wanted to give this a vintage French charm, thus entailing breaking out the old sewing machine, buying burlap, lace, and finding a simple embellishment that kept the antique decor in tact.  

As you can see, the cane was broken and quite weathered

I used a burlap fabric purchased at Joanne's (my new favorite)

A small heart shaped, gold tone embellishment purchased at Michael's

And some antique-looking lace saved from a thrift store find months ago

 

First I had to repair the broken areas by securing them with a spray adhesive

Then it was colored with Krylon spray paint in "Heirloom White"

The final outcome! I love the simplicity and overall shabby chic moteif.