My mom and I work at an exhausting pace. Yesterday, I primed four pieces of furniture, painted three, refinished a table, cleaned our workshop, made the slipcover video, wrote a post, wrote an article for HGTV.com, organized my son’s clothes and toys, and painted a lamp. Crazy, right?
Tomorrow, we’re going to paint the solo peacock wall in my dining room in the Aria Ivory that coats the other three walls. I love the blue, but I am planning on painting the corner cabinets blue. And blue on blue with the blue drapes is just too much…well…blue. I also need neutral walls for my photo shoots.
Today, we drove all over the world to do some shopping. First up was Hobby Lobby in Chambersburg. I bought a bunch of materials I need for my Easter/Spring/Summer projects for HGTV.com. My youngest broke something and threw M and M’s on the floor. My oldest asked about 80 times if we could go Chick-fil-a first. Shopping with two toddlers was a little hairy at times, but we made it out ok.
After a drop cloth stop at Lowes and a long drive to Westminster, we ate (and played) at Chick-fil-a, where my youngest screamed so loud it attracted the attention of everyone in the restaurant. I think they were certain someone had lost a limb based on the volume and urgency of the scream, but the door had simply not cooperated when he and another boy tried to exit at the same time.
Then, it was on to Goodwill, where I was certain I would find a great haul of furniture. I was so anxious to beat everyone else to “my” treasures that I almost left the keys in the car (with the car running.) Nothing else matters when deals are waiting.
Guess what I came out of Goodwill owning?
Not one, but TWO incredible Hulk action figures that will flex their chests when a button on the back is pressed. That’s not all, though. We also found a plastic Thomas the Train bowl.
Yeah, that’s not exactly the haul I was hoping for. It was a major bummer.
The furniture I did get to look at was a bunk bed set at a furniture store, which felt like a foreign and strange place to me. My older son asked, “Is this someones house?” I don’t think he’s ever been in a furniture store. I don’t think I’ve been in one for about ten years. “I’m a thrifter.” I told the salesmen. “I don’t normally shop in furniture stores.” “Hmm”, he replied. I don’t think he was impressed.
On the topics of bunk beds, does anyone own a set they really love? We’re having a tough time wading through all of the options and it’s really strange territory for me. If anyone has some good advice (or a pair of sturdy bunk beds they want to sell), please share.
My mom and I are pooped, so we’re off to bed.
Don’t feel too badly for her. I’m making her awesome and healthy meals, including a veggie omelet this morning.
I may be working her to death, but she’s going to be well fed.
72 Responses
I just had to laugh at your goodwill "haul". I remember those days when getting a little toy made me the hero of the day!!
Patricia :o)
Whew! What a day you had! I have those days too…shopping with a toddler is usually not the best idea for me LOL..it works out okay for about an hour or so and then it's ALL ABOUT HER! Don't they understand the the thrill of the hunt?! Haha! Can't wait to see your final dining room photos – have fun painting and take it easy on mom LOL!
Your pace is more than exhausting. But your at haul at Goodwill gave me my laugh for the day!
Have a Wonderful weekend!
you are a MEGA WOMAN!!!!!!! that decor looks GREAT!!!!!!
wow that's an accomplished to do list! mom's sure are wonderful! 😉
that omelet is making me hungry…im sure it was delicious.
judi
oh my gosh – love those slipcovers on the seats.
You're not joking when you talk about going full-tilt boogie, Marian! But I don't blame you in the least for making the most of the time you have with your mom's extra help. Oh, and your boys will love the Hulk toy. My son has one and it's a favorite. Good luck checking things off your list tomorrow!
I'm exhausted just reading about your Saturday adventures! And with 2 kids in tow, at that. Sorry you didn't have much luck at Goodwill. Hopefully next time! Sounds like your Mom is having a fun, but busy time. Love & blessings from NC!
sounds like a perfect day to me….enjoy your mom. xo
I could not have lived without my mom helping me when I was first opening my store. I think she might have set a world record for volunteer hours. I wouldn't trade her for the world, or the stars, or the moon, you get the idea!
Liz
http://mylovelylittlelulu.blogspot.com/
I just started following your blog and love it. My sister Grace is always commenting on how much she loves your blog…so I thought I'd check it out! You have amazing style and are quite an artist! I feel inspired every time I read your posts. Thanks!
Wow you got a lot done! Oh my! Can you send your mom over to my house when you're done with her? 😉 I could use someone around here to kick me into gear!
My daughter& husband bought loft beds for her 3. It's amazing how much more room they have & desks beneath them. They found them on Craigs List. They actually use the desks and they have great organizing space.
You asked about bunk beds and IKEA has some reasonably priced, reasonably attractive options.
So glad you have your mom there. Mine lives next door,so I am totally spoiled. I am still VERY impressed with how much you got done. I don't think I could accomplish that much even if I didn't have kids! That sounds like a weeks worth of work to me. I need your superwoman powers……
Keep the woman fed well, if nothing else!Sounds as if she will need her strength!!What an exhausting list of "dones" ( not "to dos"), ya'll have!
Carol in GA
Just a little, just a little of your energy is what I want for Christmas, birthday, AND Mother's Day.
Why are you going to retail stores for bunk beds? Doesn't your local CL have any listed? I bought mine retail and I could just kick myself for it. In my defense, I didn't know much about CL then. The horror!!
Oh I feel your pain I had the same luck today at our local Goodwill except no hulk or thomas the train. Maybe we will both have better luck on our next trip.
Blue is my most favorite color but I was too chicken to paint my kitchen this color. Looking at yours makes me wish I would have taken the plunge, but I do plan on painting another room that color. I can't wait to see what you and your mom get accomplished.
Penny
If I were to going to have bunk beds I think I would opt for building the set from these plans. They have a staircase instead of a ladder and the stairs are storage boxes too!
http://bunkbedscentral.com/stairway-bunk-bed-plans/
I watched your part 1 video on how ton make piping and it was very good. I appreciate all your details and helpful hints as to what you do yourself to make the project easier. I was wondering if since you cut your fabric on the straight of the fabric as opposed to on the bias do you ever have problems with it not laying smoothly around corners. I have always done it on the bias but boy does it waste a lot of fabric. I'm excited to try it your way.
This may be a really stupid question but you are always mentioning HGTV. I know what it is but what do you do with them? Can I find your articles or projects somewhere?
Oh no I love your wood cabinets with the wood top table!!
oh wow, the Goodwill has changed since I lived in Westminster! it was a gross little room above some other shop when I lived there and best avoided 😉 I still went there tho and still have a dressr i bought there in college, haha! Anyway, i laughed b/c i was at MY Goodwill here in Virginia and there was a set of wooden bunk beds tehre! we should have traded places-I would offer to grab them for you but I live about 6 hrs from you and shipping these HEAVY wooden bunk beds would be just as much as buying some up there, I am certain. rats. enjoy your SABBATH and make it restful!! 🙂
My goodness, you've been busy. I can't imagine taking two toddlers on a serious shopping date, but that's why you are a mom and I'm not! That omlette looks scrumptious. I can't wait to sink my teeth into your video tutorial on piping. I've always had a dread of piping…
Have a great week and happy valentines day!
Sherry
I feel your pain! Chic-fil-A always caused my kids to challenge my sanity a few years ago… it was our date night so often w/ the play area and better than most fast food, but also the scene of my girls' biggest public dramas and noteworthy spewing. And who stole all the Goodwill treasures?? Perhaps some of your fans 🙂 😉
I've had many thrift shop stops like yours today~no furniture but ALWAYS toys!!! Your mom is a real trooper!! 🙂
Your tutorial is great…can't wait for the next one! Hope you got some good sleep, your post made me tired! (LOL :O ) No bunk beds here, but I know many that have them and think they are great!
Hi Miss Mustard,
I think you should visit Ana-White.com, she designs loads of furniture plans including bunk beds! (that are actually sturdy) You and your Mom could have them built in no time… lol
Always have high hopes when I go to my local Salvation Army, and bummer when no treasures in the rough reveal themselves. Laughing about the kids….I remember well, and now they are in college and beyond. Your mom sounds like a godsend.
You certainly had quite the day. My kids are older now but I so remember days shopping with them like this.
I love it!!! My son has that same scream! I've stood up in restaurants following an out burst, just to let everyone know, yes we are leaving. LOL
I go thrifting so much that my daughter named her doll "Sally Ann" which is my name for the Salvation Army!! LOL
Good times, I tell ya!!!
Kaye
Oh Marian…you should have been with me at my Salvation Macy's…I spotted two fabulous French Prov chairs that you would have swooned over!
Sadly the bottom tag had been taken, which meant someone else already spotted…darn!
Janet xox
What a day you had! I only wish i had some of your energy.Thanks so much for the piping video. I'm going to give it a try.I can't wait for the wing chair video.Thanks!
Kathy
Man do I feel slack now! All I did yesterday was go to the park, play outside and go out to dinner! But it was all with my favorite Valentine's day boys so it was worth it. So glad you are enjoying your mom's visit! I'm off to visit my mom this week 🙂
Phew! I'm exhausted just reading your post. :o)
You girls are animals!I bet there has been lots of laughter and chatter…..good times and busy times!
Oh my word, I am tired just reading all of this. I think I remember having this much energy, just been so long. lol Hugs, Marty
Your goodwill must be way better than ours. I never find any decent furniture there. It sounds like YOU need a break 🙂
I love what one can accomplish in a day, especially with mom by our sides!
I've recently seen some simple (looking) diy plans for making your own bunk beds. Sorry, can't remember the link but I'm sure if you google it you'll come up with tons of ideas.
My goal this week is to watch your slip cover tute & jump in with both feet!!
Just reading that made me want a nap! haha… I have had a tough time thrifting furniture lately…Maybe everyone is reading your blog and giving their old stuff a new life!
Can you tell me anything at all about the drapes? Like did you make them? Where did you find the material? What weight is it? etc. I have been scrolling through your site and can't seem to find anything and I am seriously IN LOVE with them.
FOUND THE DRAPES TUTORIAL! Thanks!
HI Marian-
Sounds like you just completed a marathon. Keeps life interesting. I wish there was a Hobby Lobby in the Phila area, I have read so much about the store. I guess I will have to travel west to find out. My hubby grew up in Westminster, haven't been there in along time.
I hope you can enjoy a bit of downtime soon.
My best- Diane
Oh my gosh, you're a hoot! When I was reading your post I felt like I had to read it fast to get the flavor of your day, haha… On the bunk beds, and having two boys, I would say go for the ones that have the desk areas attached, where the beds are in opposite directions of each other and give the feeling of their own private spaces.
I have GOT to venture out from the city thrift stores and find some more rural shops, our Goodwill is especially overpriced (like the banged up, hardware missing, though noticeable very old, side table sized low boy i saw for $200+!)
stellaandgray.blogspot.com
Are you kidding me? You were in Westminister yesterday? So was I! While you were shopping with your delightful boys I was hauling a** to get my son to a football presentation at McDaniel College. We were coming from Haverford PA 136 miles away. All I could think of was if only one of my girls was looking at McDaniel we would probably run into Marion at Goodwill – and we probably would have! Mothers and daughters see adventure and potential when they pull into the thrift store parking lots…sons usually see prolonged agony unless you can find something awesome like a Hulk doll.
I totally can relate with having two toddlers! You are amazing Marian! I don't know how you do it! Every time I try to go thrifting, we end up with roller skating Mickey Mouse or a Princess jewelry box….not really what I had planned,lol!
you have a great sense of humor…always enjoy reading your posts! what a whirlwind day you had – sounds like you had a good time through it all!
August Fields blog has an incredible set of 4 bunk beds that were built when they were building their house.
Even if you don't want to build them, just take a look at her blog and drool like I did!
I've been reading your blog for a while and now I've decided I had to tell you how much I like your posts!!!!
They are fun, beautiful, delicious, intelligent and charming…and your selection!!!!!!
Amazing!!!!
It's a daily pleasure to get your posts!!!
Kindest regards
Iela
Oh, thank you! I love tapping into your world! I needed to walk out of my own for a short spell and this was just the right medicine.
I've never been a fan of bunkbeds due to their generally shakey nature. You know all about sturdy and solid wood. You'll find it! And there's plenty of used ones to be had. No need to go retail unless you can't wait. Or perhaps visiting Ana White with some plans so you hubby can build some? My first stop would probably be ikea if you had one nearby.
"Thanks Mom, for giving my friend a helping hand!"
Donna
HA! Your post gave me a good chuckle!
I still have days like that and my kids are 10 and 8!
As far as the bunk beds, I plan on making these for my boys..
http://ana-white.com/2010/01/plans-how-to-modify-the-simple-bed-to-a-bunk-bed-land-of-nod.html
Wow, girl! YOu and your mom are quite a team!
I have so lived like that. I know how exciting/frustrating life can be when trying to get through life. Remember to stop and enjoy it too. Those babies grow up and are gone before you know it. Have you considered making a set of bunk beds yourself? You have some really great skills and it would be just a matter of finding a great plan that will suit your layout. There are some great ones at http://ana-white.com/ you may already know about her blog but I thought I would mention it. You may even be able to incorporate a dresser or desk or etc into it. Remember to breathe and get lots of hugs from those babies. Blessings to you.
Debbie
You guys rock! Aren't moms the greatest?!? Bummer about the Goodwill trip. It always seems that when I'm looking for something, I never find it! Can't wait to see what else you guys get accomplished this week. And I can't believe you also have time to cook…healthy!
Love the Hulk….miss those flea market days when action figures and tonka trucks were all they wanted. They grow up fast..pause and enjoy those moments…someday you will yearn for them back.
What a fun day despite only some green Hulks at GW. I'm so glad you're having fun w/your mom and the boys. (Yes, enjoy those moments, even the tougher ones!) Blessings!
Wow, Just ready your post made ME tired. I know how it is to shop with little ones. My shopping usually includes myself, my daughter and a 3 year old and 2 1/2 year old. If I don't have a prepared a list ahead of time I can't do it. And for forget browsing. If I want to do that I have to go alone on the weekends when my grandchildren are occupied with other things. When I shopped with my two daughters as children I did ok, but not so with the grandchildren. I think it has a little to do with my age and a lot to do with I'd rather play with them than shop. Hey…maybe that's why my daughter always wants me along when she shops!
Man! Y'all ARE busy! I think those corner cabinets are gonna rock it out in blue. 🙂 shaunna
Oh my goodness, you are wearing me out just reading about all that you got done! Praises to your mama! If she likes chocolate you better throw some of that in her breakfast line up! And make her sleep in tomorrow! What a gem!
You and your Mother certainly have an abundance of energy and patience! I found my son a set of Stanley young america bunk beds with the storage drawers, tall dresser and nightstand on craigslist. I could never live without the storage drawers as our bedrooms are small and the toys are in abundance! I paid $700 for a set that would have cost $3k new.
Whatever it is, I'll have what you're having! 🙂 I have no clue how you keep this pace…none at all.
Eons ago, I had bunk beds in my son's room. Didn't care for them. They are horrible to make up/change sheets and falls are not good at all. We finally took them apart and used as twin beds ~ much safer and easier to work with.
Check out this website for AWESOME furnature plans. Pottery Barn style with 2X4's and sheets of plywood. Might be right up your alley! http://www.ana-white.com I have built some of her plans and I LOVE them. No more furnature stores for me! enjoy!
I can't wait to see how you decorate with those two Hulks. I hear they're all the rage.
Do you have that much energy ALL the time? With two toddlers? Pretty soon they'll be making a Miss Mustard Seed superhero! That hulk doesn't have anything on you!
Makes me laugh at all that you do in one day. I am probably your mom's age and I remember doing all of that with four kids in tow. Whew, I couldn't ever do that again!!
The best bunk beds we ever had were handmade by my husbands uncle, in fact they are still in use by my grandchildren. Heavy duty!
you. are. superwoman. I rarely have energy to get dressed with 2 little boys, let alone do ALL THAT! youre my hero.
AND im SO incredibly jealous that you have a hobby lobby. 🙁 no HL here.
On the bunk bed note- hubby made ours- his first REAL wood building project- with these plans at Knock off wood-
http://ana-white.com/2010/09/classic-bunk-beds-cleverly-designed.html
they were really pretty easy. the longest/hardest part was the finishing. and we all know you're the queen in that department! 🙂
We bought bunk beds by Young America for our boys: http://www.youngamerica.com/
You'd just have to find a furniture store that carries the company (I think there's a search function for that on the site).
Furniture stores always seem to lack soul, in my opinion. Haven't been in one since we bought the bunk beds 3 years ago.
Ah, the adventures in toddler land! Please enjoy every loudness, bumping, spilling, beaming face moment! My boys are 18 and 16 and usually have headphones in their ears! The silence IS NOT GOLDEN!… neither is waving your arms in front of them to get their attention… well, it's just silly!
check out the bunkbeds at Sams—we love the ones we just bought.http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod2490009&searchTerm;=bunkbed
Oh my goodness, where do you find the strength. I sure wish I had your energy. My kids are older and I have hard time getting them to go anywhere with me. "Ugh mommy, you always take to long when you go shopping". Enjoy it while they're young enough not to have a choice! haha!!!
My husband is a fireman and says he wouldn't put a child in a bunk-bed EVER!! The smoke and heat are the worst up closer to the ceiling.
Just my two cents worth.
I really enjoy your blog. I have learned so much. thanks Rose
rosieogrady01@hotmail.com
what color blue did you use on the wall in the original picture (before painting aria ivory)? do you think that shade of blue at 50% would look nice on my ceiling with aria ivory on the walls and tucker resist indigo fabric on the windows? i’ve been wanting to paint the ceiling blue and i’m looking for the perfect shade to go with tucker resist indigo. thanks in advance for the help!
wendy