DIY Chalkboard gift!

I've been looking for ideas for teacher gifts online for a few weeks now. I really like to gift things from the heart and I enjoy making things when I have the time. We recently redid our boy's room using Disney's Great Slate tintable chalkboard paint in the color "Nightvision." I recalled having a little left that I was saving for touch ups (which we haven't needed so far). After searching the internet for tutorials on how to make a chalkboard out of a frame, I went searching through my basement storage and came across a pile of brand new empty frames in various sizes. I decided on the 10 x 13 bronze frame I had. I also remebered that I had a can of white spray paint from Hobby Lobby for "quick projects." Realizing I didn't need to leave the house to buy supplies was enough inspiration to get me started.

I used a small foam paint brush and painted one coat directly over the cleaned, and dried glass using brush strokes ( probably should have dabbed to give a paint roller- like effect, found that out on last coat.) I attempted to speed up the drying process by using my hairdryer on the low,cool setting. If  you can be patient, try, because my impatience lead my chalkboard to have some cracks/streaks that I could have avoided. On a brighter note, it does have a vintage feel to it now! I coated with a second coat, left it to dry overnight, then a third and final coat the next day ( I used the dabbing method for the final coat). 

I repaired the frame by reinforcing the backing with super glue and a hot glue gun to make sure it wasn't going to fall apart. I then spray painted the frame, left that to dry 30 minutes, and then coated it with a second coat. While letting the frame dry for another 45 minutes, I primed the chalkboard. To do this you; a- gently rub a white piece of chalkboard chalk (avoid sidewalk chalk) sideways covering the whole chalkboard in multiple directions, b- rub the chalk in to every nook and crevice with dry paper towel (a rag or felt eraser will work too), c- wipe the board down with a wet paper towel, or rag and let air dry.

I don't have the best penmanship, but was able to search and find a simple saying that is holiday related but universal. I wanted to use a phrase that my kindergartner could read. He is so eager to read any and every sign and is enjoying learning how to read thanks to his wonderful teacher Mrs. Slate! A very helpful note...use Q-tips! I wet the tip of a Q-tip to refine my edges and to create the lines inside of the letters.

I added the frame and viola! Not so bad! Not perfect, but neither am I! One final warning, don't push too hard when writing your phrase or you may nick the paint (unless your has been dry for days). I'm quite happy with the final product, after sitting it on a picture frame display ledge I realized it looks very Pottery Barn-esque ( see picture at top of page)! I really hope his teacher likes it! Tomorrow is the winter party and I'm excited to have my little guy give it to her! Stay warm and be safe......

Post Baby Formula For A Happy, Healthy Mama

The first time around I, like most new moms, was winging it when it came to recovering and the road to getting back to "me". I want to stress that mental health is equally as important as physical health after baby and the balance is very tricky at times. You strive to maintain some sliver of a social life, and some "you" time (which usually consists of the ten minute power shower), and maintain housework, and acknowledge the husband ( who?) as Sweet Brown has famously said, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"

By the second time around I had really learned a lot. I'm not sure if its because I had two boys in a row, or if it was because I had gone through the process of having a fragile newborn and knew I was more than capable of taking care of one, but it seemed to be second nature? I now have a plan formulated for baby #3 due in January and have worked long and hard at making sure I have everything ready to accomplish my goals.

Here is my formula.......

#1- Pick out a going home outfit for yourself that is a statement of reclaiming your body! I know you just gave birth and you probably want to hang out in some yoga pants or sweats and hoodies or tees until you start feeling better. That was my plan the first time around and even though I left in a cute coral sweatsuit I got home feeling frumpy, and unmotivated. Second time around, I brought my favorite maxi dress, some spanx ( i'll get to that), a new scarf, and my favorite jewel sandals. I left feeling like a million bucks! I was ready to do this motherhood thing again, from the top....and I felt happy, healthy, and motivated! Here is what I've come up with for this time around!

#2- Wear Spanx (or any high waisted shapewear you choose) for 40 days and nights. I did this both times and I was able to reclaim my former shape and eventually tone up my midsection. This is actually practiced in many different cultures in many forms! Some use a gauze wrap, ace bandages,or just plain material wrapped multiple times tightly. I used to think it was ridiculous back before I had kids. Seriously though,come on people, we've already been uncomfortable for the last few months, whats another 5/6 weeks?If it means things will be more likely to work back into place why not? I actually wore mine past the 40 day mark for comfort during the day. I am not one who is comfortable with my bulges or bumps even if no one else can see them.....( I prefer the high waist boy short type, see above image)

#3- Make a starting workout plan- As eager as you are, I highly recommend waiting the full 6 weeks before you do any more than walking. I'm not going to list all of the risks but I've heard of women who were so eager to get back in shape after their babies they ended up hemorrhaging and almost dislocating their reproductive organs from a mixture of gravity and the strain they were putting on their bodies. That being said have a starting goal in mind. Mine is to start doing Zumba at home on my Wii. I have done both Zumba 2 and Zumba Core at home on the Wii and have seen awesome results, and its really fun! So I got the new Zumba World Party and am excited that I know where to start on my road to post baby weight loss.Also, remember to be realistic. I'd love for my goal to be- Make it to the gym 3 days a week. I also know I'll have 3 kids, it'll be the end of winter, my gym doesn't take babies under 12 weeks old, etc., etc..

#4- Buy a new workout outfit- Just like the going home outfit, this outfit will serve a fell-good purpose. It is the start of you reclaiming your health/fitness! Even when I hit a plateau on the road to shaping up I usually go for a new workout outfit, or at least a fun bright top or new sports bra. These things don't have to cost much. Try Marshalls, Walmart or Target and often times you can get a complete workout outfit for around $20. I happened to catch the first ever semi-annual sale on the Zumba website ( going on until Dec.25th, 2013). I love the bright colors and couldn't pass up some of the awesome deals they are having! 

***PS- if you have an instructor code from your Zumba instructor, you can get an extra 10% off your order!

#5- Use an event as motivation- Usually my motivation is a friends/family members wedding. You could also use a birthday, anniversary, or heck just pick a date! Again, BE REALISTIC! I'm having my baby in January, and as much as I'd love to say Valentines day would be my goal, it obviously, for many reasons, cannot be.Try to make the date 6-9 months post delivery. As they all say, " It took 9 months to gain it, give yourself 9 months to lose it." If it works out that you accomplish your goal earlier that's absolutely wonderful! If it takes a little longer, don't get down and give up, just extend it to baby's 1st birthday and I know you will make it! My goal is my birthday, which is exactly 6 months after baby. 

#6- Say No, more often- As much as we'd all love to make it to dinner parties, social gatherings, and even play dates, sometimes its just best to say no. Politely decline and let everyone know its not personal and that you are looking forward to catching them at the next occasion. I attempted to attend everything after baby #1 and was so flustered sometimes that I felt I did more damage to my relationships with others by being there than I would have if I had declined the invite. Up until a certain point not all of us are able to leave the little one (even with trusted loved ones) and slip into our old selves for the evening. I found often times that I'd feel guilty being away from them. Even at events where they could attend, I often felt as thought I were appearing to be anti-social because it was easier for me to park myself and the kids at a table in the corner so I could keep all of my things out of the way of others and so that my children were far from the exits and I didn't have to keep chasing after them! Even though they are usually fairly well behaved, kids are kids, and at certain ages they are just more curios!

#7- Give yourself a break- There may be times where you feel out of touch with yourself. There may be times where you know you've said or done something that just really isn't like you. Try not to judge yourself so harshly immediately post baby. With baby #1 I really felt as though it took 2 years to fully "find myself" again. A lot of the first year (other than moments caught on video/in pictures) was a blur. The people who love you and understand you the most will still be there when the dust settles. I wish for everyone reading this that some of my discoveries will help you on your journey back to mental/physical health and reclaiming your own identity after baby. Motherhood is the most wonderful thing in the world, but it is a tricky balance. Everyday we learn something new about ourselves in so many ways!

Post baby going home outfit for Mama

Post baby going home outfit for Mama by aishaahm featuring Sally Hansen

Long Black Holiday Dress Party Maxi Dress Empire Bohemian Style 150cm...
amazon.com

Sweet Nothings Get The Skinny Womens's High-Waisted Boyshorts
walmart.com

Nine West leather boots
ninewest.com

Scarve
target.com

Black shawl
target.com

Skinny belt
target.com

Sally Hansen nail polish
amazon.com

Rejoining the Real World / Baby's Name Frames for nursery tutorial

I'm back, finally! So to catch you all up after the last post I discovered we are expecting our third (our first girl due in January), our internet bit the dust along with our ancient computer, my oldest started kindergarten, my sweet niece turned one, we've redone our boys' room and started the nursery, had a baby shower and so much more and life has been busy busy busy! I am going to try and backtrack to do some tutorials on the things I was able to pin from my iphone! 


I will be doing a detailed post as soon as the nursery is done, but to start I'll show you the baby's name frames I made, which don't require a lot of time or money! We are going for a Tiffany blue, black and white, Parisian theme for her nursery ( I've never been a pink lover myself). At this point I'm having so much fun I told my husband I'm contemplating moving into her room! 

So I had originally purchased black wooden letters in a nice font from Hobby Lobby and they were decently priced being as they were 50% off but still cost about $3.50 a letter. I intended on using those for either over the baby's crib or on the shelf (see picture below). They looked O-K but something was missing?  During the same day shopping spree I had also bought a frame from the Dollar Tree for a picture I wanted to send back with my family after their Thanksgiving visit. After looking at the frame with the picture in it I realized the frame was nicer than I had realized and suddenly the idea popped into my mind to make the baby's name with those and scrapbook paper instead.

 So back to Hobby Lobby I went to return my wooden letters for $17 and some change and off to the Dollar Tree I went to purchase $5 worth of the black frames! I already had some black and white prints of scrapbook paper I purchased for card making from Walmart in their $1 scrapbook section at the end of the scrapbook aisle in a pack of random pages! I also used some black sparkly card stock I already had from the Walmart's scrapbook aisle that came in a sparkly $5 pack. So technically I cheated a bit already having had some of the supplies. I used my Slice craft cutter to cut out 4 inch letters but could have easily printed the letters in the font I liked from the computer on regular computer paper, cut them out, and used them to cut the letters out on regular white computer paper. I used one scrapbook page for all 5 letters. I just removed the picture that came with the frame cut out the little family and used the picture size to help cut out the printed paper pieces. After having the letters cut I realized they didn't pop like I wanted them to. So I put a letter on some of the sparkly black card stock and cut a square around it and used that square to make 4 others. I used crafters adhesive runner (99 cents, Walmart) but tape and regular glue would work just fine. I aligned the pages in front of me then placed them in the frames one by one. I didn't use any ruler or specific measurements for alignment of the letters/papers but you can if you are particular about that kind of thing. It looked so much nicer than the plain black letters and for now I have them on her shelf but I am contemplating hanging them above her crib, when I get to that point....Oh so much to do and so little time!