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Laundry Room Reveal……

January 25, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 43 Comments

Edited to add: I’m joining Kelly’s Show us Your House Party. Click here to see more decorating and home ideas. I did this project in January and already want to change it. I. am. so. fickle.

We’ll get to the laundry room soon, but let me show you a few details that you might miss otherwise……this little cutie was sitting on my washer today. I can see why. I just wanna sit in there too. It’s so inspiring.

This is my new motto for laundry in 2009. Very original, I know. Cindy? Cindy has agreed to be my laundry accountability partner….to keep laundry from loitering in the laundry room. It’s a little like the blind leading the blind, but at least I’ll want to sit in there now. That’s a step in the right laundry direction.

and this little bird and starfish ditty just adds the milk to the oreo……

I’ve been looking for the perfect place to feature this beautiful bird that Denise made me for my birthday. Perfect. And thank you kindly Denise.

And Emme wanted to make sure you saw her new skirt….that we finished sewing today. Let it be declared: A seamstress I am not.

I framed the no.6. I do not know why. But I like it.

Elea Grace is pulling on my arm and wants me to remember to show you her skirt too. Cute huh? Albeit a little short. And hence the leggings.

Now I pinky swear that I did not do this on purpose. But this is the only BEFORE picture I could find. I’m sorry it’s so small….although in how much detail does one really need to see a dishoveled laundry room?

BEFORE

Now for the how-to……

Paint the Cabinets

1. Do not under any circumstance be afraid to paint cabinets. Just sand ’em. Then paint ’em. Husbands don’t usually like this idea but Stevie can testify to all you rule-following men: It’s cheaper than getting new ones. A lot cheaper. Paint away, he says. I used an electric mouse sander and went over them once with that. I then used semi-gloss Valspar paint and painted two coats. I’ve had that paint for a while so the name and number of the color have since rubbed off. There’s a generous amount of it in my hair if you’d like to take a strand for matching. Just find a color you like and go with it. Don’t stress. It’s just paint and if you hate it, you can paint over it. I’m a lover of all things distressed, so after letting the 2nd coat of paint dry well, get out your trusty mouse sander and begin to sand the edges of the cabinets. You’ll have to hold the sander in creative positions to avoid sanding the ‘body’ of the cabinets. Sanding just the edges–but not every single last edge–is what makes them look ‘worn’ but not poorly painted.

Notice the sanded egdes.

As for the LAUNDRY sign, I bought the sign at Hobby Lobby. Normally 19.99 but if you get it at their half price week, even better. I then made a ‘frame’ using 2 different kinds of scrapbook paper which I just taped to the wall. I then hung the sign over that. I’ve made similiar signs and decoupaged scrapbook paper onto plywood and then hung the sign over that. But I wasn’t sure I if I’d love this paper in the room so this was a less permanent option. I still think I need to find paper that has some robin-egg blue in it…..but I think it turned out pretty good.

Paint the Walls

Paint the walls the color ‘Foxtrot’ (satin finish) from the Valspar collection at Lowe’s. I j’adore this color. I painted my dining room this color 2 years ago (2 days before Thanksgiving) and it is like eating a thick creamy vanilla shake. It’s the most wonderful vanilla ice cream color you’ve ever seen. Thick, rich, luscious. I would swim in a vat of it. As a matter of fact, I look like I’ve been swimming in a vat of it. I am a very messy painter. And I’m not a patcher. I don’t like spackle (although I’ve thought of using it on my face occasionally). So I usually find something to hang over the imperfections. If your a patcher, by all means, patch away.

Creatively use fabric to dress the windows:

I did actually line this beautiful yellow toile (which I found at an antique store in town for $5.99 a yard: I used 3 yards for this project) with muslin to make it ‘hang’ prettier. I started sewing it together and about half way through, my needle on my machine broke. This my friends is why I don’t sew very much. I always run into mechanical difficulties. But no matter, I shall not be derailed. I hung the treatments by using upholstery nails and pushing the fabric directly into the wall. I just made the pleats as I went along.

I then took this pom-pom trim (from Hobby Lobby) and used the same upholstery nails to add it to the top and cover up my unfinished fabric. I took the rest of the trim and tied it around the fabric about 1/3 of the way down from the top. I added a tassle to consummate the love fest between the fabric and pom-pom trim. Notice that I hung the mistreatment about 10 inches above the top of the window to lengthen the look. The Nester will have to look on and be proud. And although I’ve been mistreating windows for years, I feel like she gave us all needed permission to do it with pride. So thank you dear Nester.

I spent about $90 redoing this room and $15 of it was on this pom-pom trim. But it adds so much and gives the room a finished look. (Never mind that just to the right of the window, I still have painting to do. Never mind that) I bought those ‘king and queen’ canvas paintings at Hobby Lobby on clearance for $4. And that cute little tassel for $2.

So, without further adieu, I present to you my laundry room (that reminds me of an Oreo cookie)…..which sadly I cannot fit into one picture.

Before you even say it, here’s a few things you should know.

1. You don’t even want to know what’s behind those beautiful black distressed cabinets.

2. The other side of the room is undone–unpainted, unorganized, undecorated.

3. This project is a trial-run for my kitchen redo….which will be coming in February—I hope. I’m busy picking paint colors and praying to win the lottery.

4. My blog makes me look more creative and more productive than I am. I spent 3 hours Saturday evening in a semi-comatose state on the sofa surfing the net. That said, I’m able to accomplish what I do because I stay home ALOT. Being home is the key to making home projects happen. It’s not for everyone. It’s just how I function best.

5. I seldom do anything by the book. I actually bought a curtain rod which I will probably return because I like my make-shift window treatment better. And our cordless drill needs a new battery.

6. Oh and the two missing knobs, they’re still drying. This project is hot off the press.

If you have any further questions, email me at ediewadsworth@hotmail.com

Hugs and love and a blessed day!

BTW, my wonderfully creative and kind friend Patty has a new blog! You’re gonna love her.

Don’t come home a-drankin’……with lovin’ on your mind

January 24, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 5 Comments

I have been privileged in this life to have a sister (Gina) and a cousin who functions for all intents and purposes like a sister (JamieKnoxville). I guess that gives me two sisters. And today is Jamie’s birthday. So in her honor I give you a little peek into our shady past. She sent me this picture for Christmas enlarged to a 5×7 with the sole purpose of making fun of my rusty little shoes. (I’m sporting the bottle and she’s to my left rubbing her eyes). She also pointed out my mom’s stylish pants. That’s my daddy with the hat on. He was always making us laugh!

And here we are years later, celebrating the high school graduation of her daughter Jordan. That’s Jamie in the back (middle). I know….. she’s gorgeous! And that’s my sister Gina to my right. I know, she’s a beauty too! The three of us have always been close knit. That probably stems from the fact that we share a past that had it’s dark and twisty elements. Our parents were party-ers back in the day….in a hillbilly/George Jones/Coal Miners Daughter kind of a way. We’ve spent the last 20 years calling each other on the phone saying, “Omigosh, do you remember the time….they left us in the car for 4 hours with a bottle of RC and some fritos while they went honky-tonkin’……or the time y’all moved in with us ’cause soandso ‘busted out all the winders’…..or all the funerals we went to together and made fun of the ‘Jesus called’ plastic telephone…..or the time we visited our cousin in prison…….you know, just normal family memories. I guess all families are dysfunctional, but the fact that we’re not all three in a psych ward somewhere rocking back and forth, is almost amazing.

The great thing about it though….is that we have each other. Jamie remembers EVERYTHING in painful detail. She’s been like a therapist/best friend/sister all wrapped into one. I guess my ADD has served me well…in that, I’ve forgotten a lot of the crazy jazz that we went through and what I do remember is usually cased in a gracious amount of laughter. So, Jamie, here’s to your birthday. (I’m holding up my glass of wine…and I’ve ordered Gina an apple martini). I love you like no other. I thank you being to me what noone else could have been. I thank you that you know my story and love me anyway. I think Gina still holds a grudge against you for always making her be Haus’s wife when we played Bonanza. Oh course, you always got Little Joe….which left me with Adam. But all grudges aside, I apologize that I didn’t manage to video myself singing Satin Sheets for your big day. I think you’ll like this one though. We know all the words. I’m singing it realloud.

I’m gettin’ my ‘stretch’ on……

January 24, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 9 Comments

Don’t mind me. I’m just gonna practice my resizing skillz in photobucket…….

My little baby Grace is not a baby anymore….

I know you’re gonna think I’m biased, but Taylor’s band has a new CD out….which is not yet available for purchase…but which I have downloaded onto my iPod…..oh.my.word. It is fantastic. I love ‘running’ to it. It’s hard to believe that it’s someone I know and love….let alone my own son. Very surreal!

Caiti and her dear sweet friend Morgan. Caiti and I raced each other in some dandy indoor go-carts. I put up a mean fight, but she took me down. I saw her texting her victory to a friend who replied to her, “What are doing at Fun Expedition racing go-carts with your mom on Friday night?”

My little ballerinas…

My mantle….which won a day of glory at Christmas….is feeling a little sad and undecorated. What should I do to it next? Although really, I do kinda like it just like this. Maybe I’ll paint it. Who knows.

The girls had to make up a sentence using the homonyms ant/aunt and deer/dear. Here’s what they came up with.

As you know, I’ve hit a little rough patch in the homeschooling. This is Stevie looking for ‘help’ for me on the board at Waffle House. I must really seem desperate. Very thoughtful though.

Maybe my favorite picture of Emme….which took up a whole page originally and then when I resized it smaller…..turned out like this.

Yeah, now I have to limit the TV time of the new puppy. He LOVES watching the Dog Whisperer.

So help a girl out….I set these photos to all be the same size and yet they turn out so different. Why? I ask you, why? It seems that the ones I’ve cropped alot beforehand come out to be way bigger. Any photobucket experts out there? I hate for ya to have to scroll for 10 minutes to look at one picture. Wonder if I just resize it smaller if it’s been previously cropped? However, the few times I’ve tried that, it makes the picture tiny. Enquiring minds want to know.

The Real Enchilada

January 23, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 27 Comments

I decided to join in on Ann’s Food on Friday’s party and show you my

Beef Enchiladas. You must try this recipe. Your family will crown

you with many crowns. And rise up and call you blessed.

You can start how you like, but I’m gonna slice a little piece of this homeade

Jalapeno Cheddar Sourdough Bread that I made from

my sourdough starter. Grab a piece and let’s get started.

First, brown about 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef with 1/2 pound of pork sausage. I start every ‘beef’ dish this way. And Stevie says, “You know it’s gonna be a good day when you leave for work and beef is browning on the stove”. Yes, you do.

Next, we’re gonna make a roux. Making a roux is essential to nearly everything I cook, so don’t let me lose you yet. Melt a stick of butter in a large pot, then add 3 drizzles of olive oil. Sorry for the inexactness but that’s just how I cook. Then add equal parts flour. So, I’d probably add a little over 1/2 cup since we’re using 1/2 c. butter. Cook that for about a minute until the flour starts to brown. You just made a roux.

Add to the roux the following items: a few generous shakes of Worchestershire sauce, 2 T. cumin powder, 2 heaping T. of garlic and herb seasoning (I buy mine at Sam’s and it’s salt free…I use it in EVERYTHING), salt, pepper, 1/2 t. dried red pepper, 1/2c. chicken or beef stock, 2c. milk and stir. Then add the cheese. I buy the cheese I’ve shown below. It works best for queso dip and for my beef enchilada soup (which is this same recipe with a lot more stock and milk) and for this. I buy one block with jalapenos and one without….but if you like a lot of heat, get both with. I chop the cheese up into blocks and then add it in and let it melt.

I then add a can of black beans, 1 small bag of frozen corn that I’ve thawed in the microwave, and a can of drained diced tomatoes. Drain the black beans too, BTW. Then finish it with a generous tablespoon or two of honey. I add honey to everything I make as well. It balances the flavors nicely. Now taste it. It may need more salt, cumin, heat (red pepper), garlic. I always end up adding a little more of this and that at the end.

Then take your flour tortillas generously fill them with the beef mixture. I use regular burrito-size ones and it usually takes 1 1/2 packages of them. I just keep making them until the beef runs out and usually I have enough to share with another family. I keep those aluminum containers on hand so that if I take food to someone else, they don’t have to bother with returning anything. Then I spoon a little of the mixture on top of the enchiladas and bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Serve with chopped cilantro, jalapenos, sour cream, and salsa.

The dog will sit at your feet and beg…..

The children will come runnin’ and invite friends…..(We were glad you joined us for dinner, Morgan)

And if you’re feeling overly ambitious and naughty, you can make this Chocolate Chip Pound Cake that I made yesterday. A sure sign you’ve thrown in the towel on your resolutions. Enjoy!

And I know what you’re thinking, it was supposed to be beef stew. Well what if I want to do a video tutorial? Give me some time. And a Food Network kitchen. And stay tuned this weekend for more on the laundry room. God bless you all for your most encouraging comments. We are all doing much better! You’re the best blogger friends a girl could ask for.

BTW, I do love stretch, but it’s take a little longer because I have to resize the photos everytime … and then it’s does funky jazz like this…where the pics are sometimes ginormous and sometimes tiny. Don’t say it…..operator error. I know I know.

One of THOSE days……

January 21, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 30 Comments

Melissa, at the Inspired Room is hosting a link series called A Beautiful Life. I didn’t write this post for that, but after I read her blog this morning, I thought it seemed appropriate. Thank you for hosting Melissa and for always giving us inspiration.

Today was by far the lowest point in my homeschool journey. Mom said there would days like this. So did Lynn and Denise and Kelly and nearly everyone who knew I was embarking on this adventure. But you know how you always say to yourself, “Well, there won’t be days like that FOR ME…… ’cause I’m patient and creative and well for heaven sakes, I’m a trained physician. I can handle teaching a first and second grader phonics and grammar and math.” Pride goes before a fall. Everytime. I have a strong-willed child and by 10am I was locked in my bathroom sobbing uncontrollably. Trying to dial my sister’s number through a tidal wave of tears. Hoping that my children wouldn’t use a penny to unlock the doors and find me collapsed on the bathroom floor feeling helpless and despairing. Thank goodness Gina was home. And as always ready and willing to listen. And talk me down off the ledge. And remind me that every mother has been where I am. Sitting in a pool of her own tears and trying to find a way to pull herself together.

Funny thing is, I woke up yesterday with every optimism that we were gonna have a great day. We were to start studying the ancient Greeks. We were gonna make vases and warrior helmets and learn about Hercules and about the suffix -y and all kinds of fun stuff. But everything doesn’t always turn out the way we planned and have you ever started sobbing for one reason and then fifty more shove their way into your mind and heart demanding to have their ‘voice heard’ . Pretty soon, the reasons don’t even matter much.

Finally, I unlocked the doors and made my way back to the school room and two little girls doing their work and quietly wondering if mom was okay. We hugged and cried some more and I said to them as sweetly and honestly as I could, with tears still streaming;

I love you girls so much. And homeschooling you has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. But I can’t do this everyday. I’m exhausted from fighting with you on every little detail. Sometimes we just have to do it my way …..just because I say so. This can be so much fun if you’ll just cooperate and let me lead you. I apologize for getting so upset and locking myself in my bathroom but sometimes mom’s need to do that. We are so blessed to get to spend this time together. But we have to love each other, respect each other and you have to learn to be obedient and teachable. Should we start this day over?

They both say ‘Yes’ and want to start the ‘new’ day sitting on my lap. Which is just peach-y with me. Here’s a few things I learned in my ‘breakdown’ yesterday:

1. There are gonna be days like this.

2. Crying is an amazing therapeutic experience.

3. Crying for 2 hours straight is pushing it.

4. Homeschooling is not easy. It’s like 180 snow days in a row.

5. Sisters are God’s way of loving you right here, right now.

6. Blog friends are an amazing source of strength and encouragement. Thank you all for your kindness.

7. Wearing a lot of mascara has its downsides.

8. A husband who loves and understands you should never be taken for granted.

9. Parenting is way harder and way more important than any other job I’ve had.

10. Running while listening to this on your iPod is a great way to de-stress. Great song, Tay.

11. Honesty is good for children.

12. My girls find adding the suffix -y is just plain hand-y. When the word ends with 2 consonants, you just add y…one consonant–double the last consonant and then add y. Funn-y, huh?

13. There are very few things that are really important in life.

14. Helping your children become respectful and obedient is one of the important ones

15. I love Romans 8:26 which says the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

Okay now you really get to vote: 3 columns or stretch?

Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful? sing it with me

January 21, 2009 by Edie Wadsworth 31 Comments

I am absolutely in love with my new blog!!!! My blog is a girl, BTW, and her name is Grace. And Grace just got a brand new look. She got her hair colored and her nails done and a brand new dress from Anthropologie. And the cutest Coach purse you’ve ever seen. So while Lyndsay was making my ‘Grace’ most beautiful and lovely, I was painting the cabinetry in the laundry room. I sanded it (with my very own electric mouse sander) and then painted two coats of black paint…and then sanded it again. I love distressed cabinets. I will finish it with something, but I’m not sure what yet. I also painted the hardware silver and have plans for vanilla ice-cream colored walls and yellow toile window mistreatments.
And while I painted and made the best beef enchiladas ever (they will get their own post soon) the teens were out of school again, so they horsed around…..
while the little ones played in the very slight amount of snow there was…..
and Caiti cleaned out her closet (pics to come)……and took pictures of my ongoing
project. So while Lyndsay did her job most fantastically……..and finished……..here I stand, on the washer painting the cabinets while the washer goes through the spin cycle. At least I have an excuse for it not being perfect.
Now, I need your help. It has been my lifelong dream (about 3 months really) to have three columns on my blog. I have coveted 3 column blogs like crazy. I have dreamed about 3 columns and have nearly lost my very own little blog trying to achieve 3 columns. Grace has always apologized to me for being two columns. Now, I have 3 columns and there’s a little problem. I also want the post column (where the main body of the post and pics are) to be larger. They call it ‘stretch’ in blog lingo. I can’t have stretch and 3 columns. Apparenly having your cake and eating too is not for blog world. Grace can either keep the new dress from Anthropologie or she can keep the Coach purse. But not both. So what I’m gonna need you to do is go visit BrownEyedFox and see ‘stretch’ and then come back and let’s chat. 3 columns? Or stretch?

And then go visit Lyndsay’s site and be amazed. She has very tasteful graphic designs and she’s so prompt and wonderful. I first emailed her on Sunday night. And here I am on Wednesday all made over. I stand in awe. Actually, I stand on the washer and paint. But still in awe . Of my beautiful new blog….and my beautiful new cabinets.