Crafting from Pinterest

Today I actually did something I found on Pinterest. I pin a lot of different crafts for ideas, but do not have time to get to them all. This was one that I knew I would do when I pinned it and I am so excited that it turned out as well as it did.

I took a lot of pictures in New York City but one of my favorite ones is this picture from Central Park.

I really love how the bridge reflected in the pond and the colors are just so pretty. Once I pulled it up on the computer at home, I knew I wanted to put it up in our house in some way. Then, I remember this tutorial I found on Pinterest for making your won canvas prints. Using this method, I spent way less money than I would ordering the canvas. I sprung for a high quality print from mpix.com, but found the canvas half off and had another 20% off that. Everything else I already had on hand, so I ended up spending just over $20 for a pretty 12x24 canvas print. So, here it is. The canvas sitting on our mantle.

You can see all my boards on Pinterest here.

The Little Touches

We're planning on a lot of little house projects this year and one big one. The kitchen. While we won't be completely redoing it, we are going to spend some cash on new counter tops, flooring, and back splash. If I can convince Matt, we might even tackle staining the cabinets and refacing them with new doors. Last weekend I added a couple small touches to our guest bath and I think it turned out really nicely.First, I added a hand towel ring and made the Harry Potter inspired sign. I love it, even though I know not everyone will "get" it. Then, I added shelves in the nook that is behind the door and another towel hook. All simple things that really made it look so much nicer. Oh, and just so you know, the yellow is not so bright in person. It's much softer and prettier. I can't seem to capture is accurately in photo.

I'm also slowly adding small touches to our guest bedroom/my new sewing room. I have fabrics to make curtains and a new rod. I also am scouring craigslist for a sturdy sewing table. Another slightly larger project will be painting our bedroom and bathroom, replacing all light fixtures, and framing the bathroom mirror. I can't wait to work on it all. All these little things should really add up.

Anyway, today is my last holiday until Memorial Day. The students will be back tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it. Even though I do not work directly with them, I love the atmosphere of campus when they are there.

2012

I like setting goals. I feel like they help me become a better person. Now, I don't always follow through on them, but I usually do make some progress. The beginning of a new year is a perfect opportunity for setting goals, so here are 12 things I would like to accomplish in 2012.

1. Read 50 books.
2. Run in 3 races.
3. Join a church.
4. Buy a bike and use it to commute to work.
5. Complete a month long personal spending freeze.
6. Take a class for fun.
7. Complete a crochet project.
8. Go to a local theater production.
9. Volunteer.
10. Grow something in the garden and keep it alive.
11. Eat only from the Farmers' Market for one week.
12. Try 5 new restaurants.

6 months later...

I'm still here! I guess a lot has happened in the last 6 months - new job, wonderful vacation, and a new year (happy 2012, by the way).

First, I switched jobs in September. I went from doing institutional research for state government in higher education to business and financial management for a college at an institution for higher education. I love my new job. It's more challenging, better paying, and way closer to home. I work with wonderful people and thus far have no real complaints. In another year I might even be writing about my doctoral work since I now qualify for a tuition and fee waiver (we'll see how ambitious I get!).

Next, we went on a really great vacation right after Thanksgiving. We spent 5 days in New York City. Even though we saw just about everything that we could, we will definitely need to go back in the future to experience more shows and see a few more things.  Are you ready for an absurd amount of pictures for a blog update?

Times Square

Macy's

The Empire State Building

Lower Manhattan from the Empire State Building

The Top of the Empire State Building

The Statue of Liberty

 

The Sphere and Eternal Flame that now resides in Battery Park

The 9/11 Memorial

The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall

The tree in Rockefeller Center

 

The Bull

 The Big Piano at FAO Schwarz

Central Park

 

 The Brooklyn Bridge

Since vacation we have been scrambling around. First I had a  New York City cold as soon as we returned home, then there was Christmas, then Matt started his cold, and now it's 2012. I'm looking forward to the new year and hoping it brings wonderful things. Check back later for some goals I have set for myself.