Time is Money

It's been a long time since I blogged!

Speaking of time, I needed a clock in the bathroom. I was tired of not knowing how long I had to get ready and inevitably getting to places late.* I looked online for some clocks and was surprised at how expensive most were. I didn't want something round and 'normal' but the further away from a standard clock I looked, the higher the price tag rose. I decided I would make my own clock and I figured I could do it for under $20.

I started with a picture frame I found on sale for $8. **

Clock components were $6.

My dad gave me a piece of spare plywood and even cut it to fit the middle of the frame. Free!

I wanted to paint the plywood the same color of the bathroom - key lime pie. The spare paint from the bathroom had long been used so I went and bought a pint of paint. I was completely unprepared for the going rate of paint.

I don't want to talk about this anymore.

The hands that came with the clock components were brass and little and, well, just too plain. I found some that I loved for $3.

And now I know what time it is when I'm doing my hair or putting on my makeup.

Total Price: $33.75

So I blew my budget of $20 but I also have a clock I enjoy.

Oh, and on a side note, if you need anything painted a greenish color similar to key lime pie, anything at all, I've got a whole pint of paint left.

*I'm still late but now I have a cool clock that tells me exactly how late I'll be.

** Excuse the picture quality. I'm guessing my camera was on the wrong setting. Normally my pictures aren't so grainy.

While You Were Out...

Mama Mia, P2,

While you were away, I, uh, changed a few things.

Welcome back!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I actually will miss their reactions.  I arrived in Texas on Tuesday evening and the parental unit arrives home from California today.  I'll find out their reaction when I return next week.  In the meantime, I'm helping my bestest friend with some pre-wedding details.  The wedding is on Saturday and there are a few more items to finalize.  I'll see you all next week!

All.Most.Done.

The bathroom is nearly done.

Meanwhile...

The Little Mermaid called. She wanted her sea shells back. She was very upset that anyone would think to use her shells as light fixtures in the first place.

I was happy to be rid of them.

I didn't stay happy for long. Seems those shells covered more wall space than the new fixture I chose. Back to patching, spackling, sanding, and painting.

It's been an adventure to say the least and I anticipate a long, long break before I try any more projects around the house. I am happy to report that, despite a few setbacks, I still seem to be level headed. This could change if I don't finish soon!

The Record of Charlottalove

While blog surfing once, I stumbled upon a blog documenting some home repairs. The writer likened remodeling projects to the 'begat' chapters in Genesis. Just as the genealogical list goes on verse after verse, home repairs seem to never end. Introducing, The Record of Charlottalove.

1. For behold, I, Charlottalove, did desire a new bathroom.

2. And the family left for the land of California last Wednesday.

3. And the bathroom project commenced Wednesday night.

4. And behold the family did not know and the bathroom would be a surprise when they returned.

5. And I did have confidence that I could finish before they returned and I began.

6. And I did remove the wallpaper.

7. Removing the wallpaper begat spackling the wall.

8. Spackling begat sanding.

9. Sanding begat (cough, cough) lots of dust and a scratchy throat.

10. Dust begat sweeping.

11. And the wall paper could not be removed behind the toilet.

12. And the toilet was moved.

13. And the water and not been completely drained. The water begat mopping.

14. And I began to like the new chair in the kitchen and had a vision. Behold, the bathroom would be an unfinished pantry.

15. And I calmed down.

16. And I saw the pile of colors on the counter top. And behold I did begin to have a headache.

17. And it came to pass that I could not decide on a color. And the colors were many. And I still have not decided.

18. And behold, I have taken time to rethink my decision to redo the bathroom and I will not redo the floor.

19. For behold, my mind can not comprehend what that will begat.

20. And I, Charlottalove, make an end of this record until tonight after work.

21. For behold, that is when the project will continue.

22. And I shall begin painting which, in the beginning, was my only desire.

Magic Eye

Several years ago, I became hooked to Magic Eye books. At first glace, the picture appears to be a page full of random shapes, colors, and lines. After staring for awhile - and going cross eyed in some cases - a 3D picture emerges. I loved those books!

One day while thinking in the guest bathroom downstairs, I found myself staring at the wallpaper.

GACK!!!

It's Magic Eye art. Can you see the message? Look closely.

The word TACKY practically screams as it jumps off the wall.

TACKY, TACKY, TACKY...

Well no more.

Abracadabra! TACKY Magic Eye bathroom, your trick will soon be over.

Silver Lining

In recent conversations with friends, I have sarcastically mentioned lining windows with tinfoil. No one knew what I meant.

"Tinfoil? On windows?" "Who does that?" "I've never seen that - are you making this up?"

Absolutely not! Growing up I saw people use tinfoil in place of curtains on many a window. The trend exponentially increased within trailer home parks. I thought it was tacky and called it white-trash. After I informed my friends what a tinfoil window consisted of, I added that public mocking would occur if anyone I knew actually 'insulated' with Reynolds Wrap.

I was online one afternoon and a friend started im'ing me. The chat box blinked.
"You can make fun of me now."
"Why?"
"I was studying this morning by the window and I got cold...so I tried your suggestion and taped up some tinfoil."
"You WHAT?! That wasn't a suggestion but rather something NEVER to do. Why didn't you just turn up the heat? ...oh, and does it work?"
"It works really well. I'm toasty now."
"And totally white trash!"

I decided to pick up an extra item that afternoon while grocery shopping. I saw my friend - who now will be known as Mr. Reynolds - later that evening. "Hey, I stopped by a fabric store today on my way home. I know - random - anyway, I saw a pattern I think you will like and picked it up for you. Here you go." It's been said that every rain cloud has a silver lining. In Mr. Reynolds' case, so does his window.

I just love what you've done with the place!

House Cleaning Tip #1

Q: When is the best time to clean behind the toilet?

A: Why, when it's away from the wall of course. And it looks like someone needs to get on that pronto! Gross.

Q: When is the best time to clean the back of the toilet?

A: Anytime the toilet is located in the middle of the bathroom.

Oh, and regarding the wall paper...don't stare at it too long. It's been known to cause eye strain. While I am currently taking an anatomy class, we aren't to the Eye chapter yet and I have no idea what one does to correct a stressed retina.