The Chandelier is Officially Hung

I am still working on my daughter's Paris room, and you know you cannot have a Paris room without a chandelier full of bling. I have searched and searched and didn't want to spend a fortune. We fell in love with one at Home Depot. I finally bought it and called my dad to inform him of his new project. He came over today and helped. I don't know what I would do without him. I have always said my husband takes the man out of manual. Every tool in the house belongs to me. He cuts the grass and that is about it. So my dad really has had to step up and help thank goodness.

Here it is! I am so excited! I want her room!

Now I have to paint her furniture and put her bed together. I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Biting Off More Than I Can Chew

Does anyone else have this problem? I have always been the busy-bee kind of person. In high school I worked 2 waitressing jobs, cheered football, basketball, and competition, was an officer for FFA, was on the land-judging team, horse judging team, Envirothon team, and forestry team, did pageants, Spanish and Drama Clubs, took AP classes and made all A's, and always had a boyfriend. All of that still wasn't enough. I wanted more. I needed more. I thrive off of biting off more than I can chew. As a professional, for 2 years I taught self-contained EIP kids (very low and needy), was the lead teacher for my grade level, was the head coach for high school cheerleading, took my daughter to ballet, gymnastics, and competitive cheerleading, worked on getting my Master's Degree, and still made time to work out and get mani-pedis.

Well, you might say that I am crazy. And sometimes I feel crazy, which is why God invented meds...

Well, here I am. My son is about to turn 1, which in itself keeps me pretty darn busy. I am still teaching. My daughter does ballet and gymnastics. I am a blog addict. I am starting to blog myself instead of reading everyone else's, however, one was not enough. I have 2! My classroom blog, and my personal blog. I also am trying my hand at new crafting ideas and hope to sell some things in the future. I am currently working on getting my real estate license. I am constantly painting/remodeling my home and furniture. I love tv. I love Facebook. I want more. I am hosting a Pampered Chef party this weekend and I sold it 9 years ago. I loved it. Guess what? I am thinking about signing up again! Am I crazy? YES!!!!

Why? I want more money. I need more money. After seeing my W-2 this year with the budget cuts made on teachers' salaries, I am astonished at the difference. Yikes! I made more as a bartender/waitress in college!! How's that for America's focus on important things? Anyhoo, I want to be able to spend money without feeling guilty. I want to get my kids a swing-set and trampoline. I plan to use my PC money for just that. I also have some remodeling plans for the house. Now, does it make sense why I want to do it? Ok. Sorry for rambling on and on. So needless to say, if anyone reads this and wants to earn PC products for free or discounted let me know, and I will be glad to set up a catalog party!

Have a fantabulous day!

More Paris ~ Ooh La La

Here are a few more tidbits I have worked on for my daughter's upgraded space. Since we have a hairbow monster that throws up too many hairbows and then hides them whenever we need one, we need somewhere to hide them from him. Sooo, I made this Bonjour Box.

We've got the big-girl bed moved upstairs and her new bedding. Let's see how long it takes me to actually finish the bed. The bed is an old oak bed that was passed down to us from my hubby's father. We actually have the whole set, but my hodge podge of furniture is crazily spread amongst the fam. The chest of drawers is in my bedroom, the dresser, and the nightstand are in my step-son's room. Oh well. I am planning on painting it black along with the rest of her furniture. My husband picks on me that if it's wood, it shall be painted. Do I have a bone to pick with wood? I think not! I just like color. And trust me, I have sooooo much wood in my cabin-like house that it almost suffocates me. He just doesn't know where the paintbrush may go next!

Here are some other Paris themed girls' rooms that I am using for inspiration. I love these! If my husband would let me do our room, I would!

The first few I found on Design Dazzle.

I love this room.

The black valance that resembles a French cafe is so adorable, isn't it?

The chalkboard paint adds such a nice touch to the doors. Hmmm...I have some of that paint...The wheels are turning, can you hear them?

I have been pricing chandeliers for my daughter's room. We really love one for $99 we have found at Home Depot. But now that I see this one, I want to create one like it! You can find those ugly brass chandeliers on Craigslist for practically nothing. One more project to add to my list! Check back for an update!

The next photo is from Titan Homeplans and costs $1400!!!

These are some Paris themed rooms featured on HGTV.com

I want to paint this dresser and the handles! Stark white is not my cup of tea! (Oh wait, we are in France, not England, but I still like tea especially on ice with lots of sugar.) Don't you also find the urge to add some dangly crystals to liven up the chandelier? I sure do! Life without bling, doesn't mean a thing!

I like this room, but I want to add some crown molding or something to give it some more vavavoom!

This one just seems too busy for my taste. It's still cute though.

Out of all the ones I found on HGTV.com, this last one is my fave. I love the classy decor and elegant lines. But hey, I'm stuck with fuchsia for now!

Paris ~ Ooh La La!

So, my daughter is infatuated with the idea of Paris... Could it be the food? (Not unless we are talking about macaroni and cheese.) Could it be the fashion? (Doubt it since she won't let me pick out her clothes anymore and instead chooses something I sometimes cringe to be seen with her wearing it in public...sorry, I know that was harsh.)Maybe it's the romantic feel. (Ummm....NOOOOO!!!!) Maybe I will be able to show her the Eiffel tower in person one day. (Yeah, when teachers make hourly salaries.) Anywho...

I am currently working on saying good-bye to the Princess room and hello to the Paris room. It is a work in progress and I hope to keep you updated. As for now, I have learned an important lesson. Do not send your husband to get paint when you are sick or the "hot pink" will become "fuchsia". Well, I'm making it work and lucky for me, it matches her new bedding just fine. But did I say fuchsia? WARNING: Do not proceed without glasses.

This is the Eiffel Tower. My first ever attempt at a mural. I think it turned out nicely. I wish I would've centered the "Ooh La La." My daughter's reaction was great, but her favorite part was the rhinestones. Go figure.

This is the after shot of the mirror.

You will not believe I found this precious jewel at The Potter's House for $8! I don't know about you, but it had French written all over it. I love black spray paint!!! It is my new bff.

Rhinestones = Paris, right? I'm not sure what I will put on it, but I was thinking of a white felt rosette ball.

This is the before shot of the candle holder...before the magic of black spray paint. Not bad for only $2 at The Potter's House.