Campaign Dresser 3.0

So, I'm here again.  You know when I said that there are times where I do shit, and I can't leave it alone.  There is something off about it, or something I half-assed (let's get real here), and you can't appreciate exactly what you did until that little thing is fixed?  Have I rambled enough?  I think so too.

These campaign dressers.  Man, I knew they were going to be something that would require work. Who knew I would be talking to you about their third update.

Just to recap - remember when?

Not terrible.  I was clearly very excited at the time. But, let's get back to half-assing.  I never actually got around to attaching the wood.  In the two years or whatever, the wood slid around, scratched up the top and my ego.

Then I had an epiphany.  These dressers were never conjoined in the first place.  So why dress them up like they are?  It was time for these sweeties to part ways.

They got a new paint job - different colors.  And were encased (or topped) with some good quality poplar wood, stained and secured with brads.  The hardware got a new metallic paint job too.  If you can make your original hardware shine with a little love and elbow grease, by all means.  But this brass hardware went from pretty to dingy in a month.  Plan B.

Spray Painting Hardware Tips:

For perfect hardware the first time and every time, pick up some Clean Metal Primer by Rust-Oleum. This is one serious heavy metal ass kicker.

Give your hardware a nice, even coat of primer and let dry.  Flip hardware over and spray other side.  Any knicks or debris can be sanded with fine grit paper.  Spray additional light coats as needed. Once your primer is set, any paint type, color, sheen, you name it, will be flawlessly applied.  Let dry.

While the hardware was basking in the sunshine, I began sanding away flaws that I overlooked the last time I decided to "fix" these dressers.  I noticed there was still a lot of leftover laminate stuck in various spots.  The medium-coarse grit sandpaper and orbital sander took care of that.  With the wood settling over the years, there were some tight spots.  A little buffing allowed for the drawers to glide a bit more easily.  Once the sanding was done, I took a damp shop cloth and wiped down all surface areas.

Onto the painting!  I did two different colors for two dressers - I used Rust-Oleum's 2X Ultra Cover in Antique White, Satin finish, for the babes room and Stone Gray in Satin for our bedroom.  Hardware was painted in Rust-Oleum Universal Pure Gold.

When it came to the wood, I can't remember if we went with a large slab of poplar (my favorite), or pine.  The wood was cut to size, sanded, and stained.  I ended up applying a few coats of poly to the top of the babes dresser - just in case convenience factor plays a role, and we use that space for a changing table.  I don't need shit getting into the grooves.  No puns here.

Otherwise, the wood was stained with Minwax in Puritan Pine and Natural.

The babes dresser was completely encased in wood.  Only a top and bottom trim piece were added to the dresser in our bedroom space - it's interesting how much room an inch takes up when you have limited space to work with.  Small brads were used to secure the wood to the dressers.  We opted to carry the dressers inside before securing the wood slabs.  One of the smarter choices we've made - because those dressers are heavy AF with the added wood. 

Here's a little snapshot of the beans dresser:

And ours:

Same same but different.  But still same.  On that note. 

Happy fall!

DIY Babe Bedskirt

Lately I've been having one of those this is your brain and this is your brain on baby moments.  Baby brain is not a joke.  When pregnant mommas would use baby brain as an excuse, I always secretly thought, eh... whatever you need to tell yourself.  I'm sorry.  I take it all back.  With that said, I have a baby-brain friendly DIY project for you, pregnant mommas.  Just don't touch the iron.

What you'll need:

• Hot Iron/Board
• Ironing Tape
• Pom-Pom Trim
• Pins and Needles
• Crib Bedskirt
• Scissors

For starters, I was at TJ Maxx and came across a periwinkle-blueish crib skirt for $3.99 made by Aden and Anais.  When shopping for crib skirts (and other baby things), remember to check your local Maxx - totally worth the savings.  With the extra money, I went to Hobby Lobby and picked up a few yards of giant pom-pom trim - apply your 40% off coupon for added savings.  Add on $2.99 for iron-on adhesive, and the project cost was around $14.00.  A full-price crib skirt by Aden and Anais runs you between $29.99-$49.99.  Deals, deals, deals!

Step 1:  Pre-iron your crib sheet to get rid of any creases or wrinkles.

Step 2:  Line up your pom-pom trim with the length of your crib sheet and cut.  On the backside of your trim, iron on the adhesive - the adhesive I picked up has two sides.  One side is ironed on first.  Once secure, you remove the top paper layer, and lay it on your fabric, ironing again.  Make sure to follow the instructions to achieve the best application with your adhesive tape.  

Step 3: With the adhesive paper removed, begin pinning your trim directly on top of said adhesive strip.  

Step 4:  Carefully iron your trim, holding it for a few seconds to create a nice, strong bond.  As you continue to iron, remove pins as you go.

Step 5:  Continue all the way around the bedskirt as desired.  I only attached the pom-pom trim to the front and sides, avoiding the back, because with the way we set up the crib, no one sees that part anyway.  Out of sight, out of mind.

Step 6:  Install... er drape, and you're done!  Way to be awesome mom... or dad.  Your kid will surely enjoy looking at those balls during 3 AM feedings.  Onto the next project!

Coming Out... In Style

"I'm comin' out baby, I'm comin' out." Actually stay in.  At least until January.  Because...

We're pregnant!

Who knew typing those two little words (in the same sentence) would feel so... liberating?  Especially since I never thought I would.

I know there is a time and a place for every story.  And similar to a lot of couples, what a story we have.  But today is not the day.  Instead, I want to let every couple, who are making their way through the process of seeking fertility treatments, to know that you're not alone.  It's okay to be disappointed and angry.  It hurts so much because it matters.  But, your time will come, and when it does, it's going to mean that much more, knowing it didn't come easy.  And oh, what a loved babe they will be.

We are about 55% loaded, and still 45% shocked.  Even after the first few months of getting through the yuck, I still can't believe it.  Then my bladder gifts me with a punch-to-the-gut reality check.

We haven't jumped in and bought the entire nursery just yet.  Since we are pretty minimal people by nature, we are doing the research on items that will not only last us awhile, but will take care of what our baby actually needs, you know, the no-nonsense bare-necessities, mixed with a little hakuna matata for good measure.  We kinda want to live in our home too.

Right now my focus is on food.  Um, other food... more food and what the f*** am I going to wear because of all of this food?

I'm kind of in that middle stage, where a rubber band looped around the button of my skinny jeans isn't cutting it anymore, and honestly, the thought of skinny jeans, in general, makes me want to scream.  But I'm also not needing full belly coverage to mask over stretched skin... yet.

So, what is a girl to do?

For starters, I was under the impression that the day you found out you were pregnant, was the day you would balloon overnight.  Lesson learned in common sense - it's gradual. At 3 months, you still look like you have period bloat, not a fetus the size of a plum.  By four months you look like you're trying to hide the fact you consumed an entire pizza three whole pizzas by yourself, and at five months masking anything is just a joke.  You clearly have something going on there.  I understand that every woman's journey to motherhood is different, and every body is different and handles the process in different ways.  I can only speak for my body and what works for me, but even so, I'd love to share some tips for other mama's out there who don't want to trade fashion for motherhood. Because, duh, you can have both!

As I was saying before, my "normal" clothes aren't keeping it together (literally) with my growing body.  But, it's still too early for me to head on down to Motherhood Maternity and buy my size in everything.  Instead, I've found myself checking out stores like H&M and sites like Ebay, looking for oversized t-shirts, elastic anything, and maternity jeans that don't smell like plastic and rubber.  But, the silver lining is you can get so many staples and styles without footing the bill at specialty maternity shops. With oversized style turning from a fad to a staple, shopping at "normal" shops is going to carry you well into your pregnancy.

Early-Mid Stages Style:

• Check out stores like H&M, Free People, Anthropologie, American Eagle, Madewell, or stick with what you know. Find flouncy, forgiving tops, or ones with a lot of stretch if you want to rock that adorable baby bump.  
• Don't be afraid to size up!!  It's just a number, I repeat, it's just a number!  This was the hardest pill for me to swallow.  I never thought I truly cared about my jean size until I became pregnant.  I had to remind myself that I'm getting bigger, because it's healthy for me and my bean, and who the F cares about what your pant size is anyway?  Answer: No one.
• Find pant styles like joggers, or pull-on pants with cute ties and patterns.  Look, when you're pregnant, you can get away with ANYTHING.  This is your time to take chances when it comes to fashion, because no one will judge you, and everyone will think you're adorable. Because hello, bump.
• Be comfortable.  Girl, if you can rock a pencil skirt at four months, own it, work it, finger snaps.  But, for most, the thought of anything restricting against our bodies makes us run for the hills - naked, because that's the only thing that feels good.  If that means you live in sweats out in the public world, do it.
• Invest in few quality jackets to add to your wardrobe.  I highly recommend a bomb-ass bomber, a denim jacket, and a tailored blazer.  For one, they will help spice up your wardrobe. Two, layering is key during pregnancy, and three, these jackets will still look amazing even after your little bean has arrived.   
• Search for cheap basics, and wear the shit out of them.  Cheap basics are perfect for layering, covering, and tucking.  Search for items like long t-shirts, and a-line dresses.  Can anyone say H&M two-fers? 
• Bras.  Even after the first trimester, I'm still rocking my Aerie Hannah bra on the weekdays, and barely there bralettes on the weekend (but I'm also a board member of the itty-bitty titty committee).  Once again, stick with what you know, or what you think is best.  If sizing up your favorite bra gives you comfort, do it.  But, if you find yourself opting for pregnancy bras, do that too --  whatever will relieve the pain and tenderness that accompanies your growing tatas.
• Just remember, you're strong and amazing.  You are carrying another life inside of you, my dear.  It's easy to give yourself a hard time, but ultimately, wear (and do) what is best for you and your baby.

Now that you received, like, only the best tips ever for your first few months, check out some of these stand-out one stop maternity shops for the latter part of your growing bump.

Maternity Wear Winners:

• ASOS Maternity - Cheap, cute, chic
• Ebay - I know what you're thinking... but, Ebay is a jackpot for gently used designer maternity wear - think Paige Denim, 7 for all Mankind, and J Brand.  Another tip is most sellers bundle their maternity wear.  3 designer jeans for half the price of one?  No arm twisting needed. **Coming from a "reputable" source, I just purchased two NWT Paige Maternity jeans for $80.00.  One pair of Paige Demin Maternity Jeans retails at $219.00.**  So... yeah.
• A Pea in the Pod or Destination Maternity - Getting back to designer duds, if that's your thing, look no further than these retailers for mommas who don't want to give up fashion for sweatpants and potato sacks.  But keep in mind, hefty price tags and luxury brands go hand in hand. Destination Maternity does offer exclusive online deals.  In store; shop their clearance racks for additional discounts.  For an extra $3.00, you can sign-up for a year of magazine subscriptions from Family Circle and other sister magazines, free baby samples, and coupons.
• Pink Blush Maternity - Fashion without the price tag.  Shop the current trends and styles, but in Maternity.
• Nordstrom Rack - Check out their online store for a few good finds.  Don't expect to one stop shop since they aren't stocked up on anything really, but the deals you do find are worth a look. 
• H&M - With a maternity brand like MAMA, you're sure to ride out this pregnancy in style, with money to spare.
• DSW -  Let's face it, there will come a time in your pregnancy when even the maternity clothes aren't doing it for you.  No matter how cute and stylized they may be, you feel like a blimp, or a squishy marshmallow. When that happens, go shoe shopping.  I mean, it's shoes.  Insta-good.
• Your local consignment shop(s) - if you are living in Rochester, MN and looking for maternity wear you can actually try on, check out Clothes Mentor.  They have a great variety of everything from basics to cocktail dresses.  Because maternity clothes are gently used for the most part, head to your local Goodwill or Savers.  You may have to do a little digging for some great finds, but isn't it all about the hunt anyway?  In fact, while you're at it, check out baby gear for way less.  Sure, a few special pieces from baby specialty stores are always fun, but ultimately baby bodily fluids and onesies are BFF's... don't invest too much.

That's it for tips and tricks.  Hopefully you can apply some of these ideas to your with-child wardrobe. Happy shopping!