The Crib Project... Stage 1

We started our Crib Project last night...

Let's just say... I think I'm in over my head.

Here's the crib before we did anything to it. Just to give you an idea of what we're working with...

Beautiful right? what you can't see is the Permanent Marker writing on the side and the bite marks on the rails. But there's a lot of detail and it will be wonderful when we're done!

We started with a paint/varnish stripper. The instructions say "Spray thoroughly, let sit for 15 minutes, scrape off." Sound easy right? 

Well... Tiave sprayed once, I sprayed over it... we assumed the thing was just about as soaked as it was gonna get. 

Issues we didn't foresee....

1) How the heck are we supposed to scrape those round bars with all those tiny grooves after getting it all sprayed? Goopy Mess.

2) After sanding this all by hand.... our hands just might fall off. 

Oh well. I'm determined that it will be worth it. I love this crib!

Here's what it looked like after we quit for the night...

We had one side rail completely sanded and about a bar and half done. If anyone has the urge to sand something in the near future, hit me up. We've got plenty to do.

I'm really excited to continue working on this with Tiave and get it all done and put together! It's a great way for us to enjoy each other and build something for our little one. I worry that we might not finish on time, so if anyone has any tips that would make it easier, or more time efficient, it would be greatly appreciated! 

We'll keep you updated on how it goes and how it turns out!

Date Night How To/Ideas

Disclosure:

   I am not an expert on the subject of dating, so I've scoured the internet and found input from people who are to create this lovely "how to" for date night!

Let's start with 

The Basic Rules:

   1: Make a schedule. Whether you want to have date night weekly or monthly, you definitely want to try to make a set schedule. The hubby and I make ours every Thursday. You can always adjust if someone decides to get married or die or something... but it's always good to have a set day to look forward to and plan for!

   2: Take turns planning! We trade off every other week, but you're welcome to do this however you see fit. If the planning is left to one person all the time, it turns into more of a chore than a date... and that just ruins the whole point of date night. 

   3: Consider your partner. When planning a date, always keep in mind the things that interest your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend. You don't want them to feel like they're stuck doing something they hate. Also... consider their physical condition. Like... It's not a good idea to take a pregnant girl to Jump On It. (This has never happened to us... but it's a good example of what NOT to do. Ever)

And now... Ideas...

Head Out:

• Take a Hike - Pros: It's free, great workout, time outdoors. Cons: Can't do it in the wintertime... unless you're crazy.
• Watch a City League/Minor League Games - Pros: You get to spend time outdoors, eat at the concession stands for dinner, baseball rocks. Cons: mosquitos, seasonal
• Go Bowling - Pros: you get to be active, can do it any time of the year. Cons: bowling shoes :P 
• Street or County Fair - Pros: free admission, carnival games/rides, fair food, culture. Cons: Seasonal, and you might get fat from all that cotton candy!
• Volunteer Work - Pros: It's free, you're helping others while helping yourself. Cons: Cons.
• Stargazing - Pros: There are plenty of parks to go to, snuggling outside, stars. Cons: Seasonal. 
• Hit the Arcade - WARNING: This CAN be pricey if you're not careful! Those nickles add up, so watch it! Pros: Arcade games, laughter, winning tickets/prizes. Cons: sharing the games with other players.
• Mini Golfing - If you're lucky enough to have a pass of all passes here in Utah County... you can get in free! Pros: Indoor or Outdoor, a little competition (winner gets....?) Cons: Risking hitting each other with golf clubs
• Take a Hayride - Pros: outdoors, sightseeing, quality time to talk about life and whatever. Cons: Seasonal
• Build a Snowman - Pros: outdoors, could turn into a snowball fight, building something together, end the night with hot cocoa. Cons: Seasonal, cold.

Stay In:

• Bathroom Spa 
• Take turns giving massages, foot rubs, or whatever tickles your fancy... then go ahead and relax in a bubble bath! Just don't get too relaxed. Falling asleep really kills the mood
• Movie Theme Night
• In the mood for Italian? Pop in the Italian job and whip up some pizza! Or is it a Wedding Crashers kind of night? Grab some cake from your favorite local bakery and enjoy in the comfort of your own home! 
• Ethnic Eats
• Look up a recipe for your favorite foreign food and see how well you can make it together! Make sure you're both involved... and don't forget the aprons!
• Carpet Picnic
• Throw down your favorite blanket, whip up some great picnic foods, and enjoy! Make sure you leave the TV off and just enjoy each other!
• Ice Cream
• Make yourself the biggest, craziest, most delicious ice cream sundae ever, then share it!
• BlackOut
• Ban the use of all electricity (including cell phones and computers) Light some candles and get creative with dinner. Try playing shadow games on the walls or board games by candlelight!
• Finish that Project!
• Refinish a piece of furniture for your home, put together a scrapbook, or build something together! 

Bonus: Especially for the hubs:

• Take a test drive of his dream car - You might die... but he'll never forget it
• Hit a sports bar on game night - Even if you're not into the game, you get to go out and get some great wings out of it and he'll love that you are letting him watch the game on date night

What do you guys like to do for date night? How do you make it work for you? I'd love to hear/see your input! 

Happy Friday! 

Date Night

Date Night Date Night Date Night....

What to do? 

It seems that deciding what to do for date night is one of the most difficult decisions I make all week! Thankfully, Tiave and I trade weeks planning so neither one of us feels like we're stuck doing all the work.

Heading out for dinner is always nice. It can get old though... and expensive.

Tiave LOVES the movie theater! But being pregnant, I have a hard time sitting in those chairs for more than 5minutes!

And staying home seems boring most of the time....

Personally, my favorite date nights are the ones we spend at home. The ones where we really get to spend time together.

Sometimes it's a redbox and wendys on the couch. Other times we get more creative!

Here's a particular favorite of mine...

We strapped on our aprons (awesome wedding gift btw)

And got together with Chef Smurf

And Whipped up the most amazing pizza of my life! One half Chicken, Bacon, and tomato, the other half all that plus pepperoni and sausage. 

Because date night can be so difficult, but is SO important to maintaining a healthy relationship, I've decided my next post will be a list of date night ideas that won't break the bank and are way better than dinner and a movie! Also, I plan on trying them all out, so expect an update on how they go!

Also, slightly off topic, I'm trying to aim this blog... somewhere. And I'm thinking I mostly just want to relate to people. People who are in similar life situations as me (young and married, pregnant, working moms, crafty friends, etc...) I'd love any input any of you, my blogger friends, may have! :) 

Until next time!