First Christmas DIY

I love decorating for Christmas!!! Yes I say Christmas so if I am offending anyone too bad it is never going to change!!! I am not much of a " Do it Yourself" Kind of person, but sometimes I get an idea and just give it a go.

Last Friday I was showing homes to out of town clients and saw something that I thought was unique. The sellers for the one home had all of their pictures on the walls wrapped up like Christmas presents! I thought that this was a great way to add a little extra holiday touch to decorating! Usually I decorate just a week before Christmas so I must have really been inspired because it is not even December yet!!!

 I have always struggled with what to put on the wall over the fireplace. Aside from the Christmas season there is always a black and white painting hanging on the wall. I always put it away and then try to come up with something to put in its place for two weeks.  Here is what I had done two years ago.

Last year was pretty much the same but I was so busy with just having Bella that I didn't even think to take any pictures. As much as I loved everything about the colours, tree, etc..., the one thing that kept bothering me was the wall above the fireplace.
So on Saturday after I left the office I decided to pick up a few extra bulbs to add to the 400 plus collection and grabbed some wrapping paper, ribbon and an over sized bow! I LOVE HOME SENSE!!!!

After a long day this is the living room décor for Christmas 2013 in the Pasquini Household!

What are your thoughts on this idea? Do you have any unique DIY decorating ideas that you do yourself? I just may attempt something else since I am so far ahead this year! I can't wait to put gifts under the tree this year!!!

 

 



If You Want Children Follow These 10 Steps First

I hear so many parents say that being a parent is the most wonderful thing to happen to them and they wouldn't change a thing. Did I miss the memo?
I wanted to spend some quality time with the family, and work from home since I didn't have any appointments. Result you ask? I made a mistake that's the result! I have heard nothing but whining, crying, fighting, and NO,NO,NO,NO,NO. All I want at this point of the day is to lay in bed and watch whatever programming Slice TV has to offer tonight. It better be the housewives of somewhere because I prefer to not use any part of my brain to process information.

If I hear NO one more time I think that I am going to snap.  I am trying to complete a home evaluation, however I have decided to take a break and blog for therapy.
 Don't get me wrong I love my children to death but no one could have prepared me for the reality of parenting. Here is my top ten to do list if you are thinking "I am ready to be a parent".

1. Pour milk on your expensive shirt or dress in the morning and just leave it there. Don't worry after a while you forget that you smell like sour milk.
2. Purchase white carpet ( if you don't already have it) lay it down in the living room and then use it as a plate and it's okay if you spill your beverages. Make sure everything just sits for a day or two. This will give you every reason NOT to go with carpet or tear it out.
3. Stay up as late as you can before your eyes start to shut on you. At that point set your alarm to go off every after every ten minutes until it is time to wake up for work. Do this for 2 weeks or until you feel your body shut down.
4. Don`t eat real food for at least a few days. Only drink coffee and eat whatever candy you find at work. You just need enough to almost forget that you have had no sleep or food to begin with
5. Instead of buying things for yourself that you usually do, replace it with a trip to Wal-Mart and go straight to the baby section. You will need it soon enough so start now.
6. Buy a box of Cheerios and pour it everywhere including in your car. Walk all over making sure the cheerios are crushed into your socks, and then vacuum. Do this three times a day
7. Start arguing with your husband now. You need the practise because arguing is routine once the kids come. As long as you win the arguments you are on the right track
8. Get really drunk then do step 3. You will understand once you are a new mom
9. Leave Tree House on all day long. You will quickly memorise the programming and start singing along to The Wiggles, Toopy and Binoo etc...
10. If you do step 1-9 successfully take a really long hot shower. After baby it won't happen for a very long time!

If you still want to have children after doing all ten you just might be ready!!Now
I am ready to get back to work again. Have a good night everyone!

My Two ``AHA MOMENTS``on a Friday Night Out!

   Before I go into my blog I thought it would be fitting to show how I really look when I am tired. Dark circles, bad hair, and forgot to wash the make up off last night. Yup I look too hot this morning to pass on a self taken photo looking my finest. It`s okay I am not impressed with how I look so I don`t expect you to be!

 Friday is what we all wait for right? Well I have learnt that once you are a parent Friday is just another day. This Friday turned out to be an extra long. Bella and Antonio woke up earlier then usual, I had appointments that didn't end until 8:30, and I went out!!! Yes I went out. I don't get out much as staying out past my bedtime results in a struggle to get through the next day. Yes I have a bed time!! Who else is going to wake up for disaster 1 and 2 at random hours. Not hubby that's for sure he sleeps like a bear. MEN!!!!! Enough of that rant, that is as a completely different blog post.

 I was invited out by a friend/mortgage agent I work with who is not only a great business woman but also a mom of 3 boys!!! She actually makes me jealous because she looks like a super model and has the personality of a saint! The truth is she does it all and makes me look really bad! Yes Lilly you make me look like a terrible mother and a wife. You some how do it all!
I really didn't want to go anywhere Friday but hubby said I needed the break but forgot to tell me that he was going to sleep in when the kids woke up. My idea of a break would be a self induced coma for about three days but I`m just thinking out loud. I made it out and had a great time. It was an event for a mortgage agent who won an award from the Hamilton Spectator. It was nice to see so much support for this woman from her friends, family, colleagues, and clients. I guess I can say this was work related but with wine. Relax it was only one small glass I am responsible!  We were sitting at the table talking and one of the women made my night with our conversation. Lately I have not been doing any cleaning, cooking, errands etc... I know that I have to get back into it but I could really care less what my house looks like right now. My conversation with her made not only my night, but gave ,me some relief as I am  not the only one who does these things. You are probably wondering what it's pretty simple so here I go. I like to call these my two "AHA MOMENTS"

A) If the laundry is in the hamper folded (if it even gets folded) it doesn't always have to make it into the drawers.
B) The dishes don't have to be washed until the following morning.

Like I said it was two simple things but I carry a little less guilt knowing I am not alone.
Maybe you think I am crazy, lazy, demanding etc... I am just trying to make it work. Oh and that whole waking up at 4:30 crap I was talking about, I haven't done it in over a week. ,  I really need to get back on track which includes putting the quits on the Halloween candy for breakfast!!!  Tomorrow is a new day!

Here is a question before I forget:  Am I the only one who has children that are a complete nightmare today? I guess the clocks going back an hour doesn't apply to anyone under 12!

Happy Sunday off to prepare for an open house!