Crafts: No Monsters Allowed Sign

When preparing Preston's nursery, I knew I wanted to make it a safe and cozy place for him where he had room to grow, explore and learn. Ensuring all the scary monsters always stayed away was a key goal, so I made him this to hang above his closet...

It was an extremely easy craft that intimidated me at first. I may be a DIYer, but I'm no artist, and paint is a medium I've never excelled with! I started slowly and bought this rectangle piece of wood at Walmart. Next, I painted it ivory {using acrylic paints}. The red dots came next {also acrylic}. I used a circle sponge brush to blot the red ones on randomly. Using a plain old marker top, I added the brown circles you see {with brown acrylic paint}. Knowing my limits, I decided to use a brown Sharpie to write the "No Monsters Allowed" on. Lastly, I just hot glued ribbon on the back and hung it over the closet...

Almost two years later, it's still there and looks like new. The best part is that it's just high enough to get the point across and hide the flaws!

Of course, you could put your own spin on this. Maybe simple paint and Mod Podge is more your speed. Paint the wood and just cut out letters and decoupage them on...

This post has been linked up to Home Stories A 2 Z

Preston's Toddler Room: Week One

It's hard to believe that our sweet Preston is already 17 months old. Recently, I've noticed some challenges in his nursery. He seems bored and is always "playing" with things he shouldn't be. This includes getting into his changing station drawers and pulling out every diaper and pair of jeans he owns! As a former preschool teacher, and a person with a background in educational space planning {Let the environment be the teacher!}, this bothers me, but I do know how to fix it...

We've also noticed that we never use the uncomfortable rocker anymore. Hey! I'm not complaining. It was a freebie from the Store of Mom and Dad! {"Stolen" from their loft}

There's a few other "issues" too, so this week, I've begun the long process of  "toddlerizing" his room. {Yep! That's a word! MY word!} I started by rearranging the furniture, getting rid of a few pieces and switching up the stuff on the wall. He was SO excited when I let him back in there. You could read it all over his face, so that gave me inspiration to move forward!

Up next, hemming the ridiculously too short drapes to hit the beautiful windowsills, some more toy storage ideas, a fun art area and LOTS of educational decorative accessories. Stay tuned. This is going to be a GOOD one!

Note: To view Preston's entire nursery, click the "Our Budget Nursery" button on the right column.

Top 5 Happy Spots in Our Home

Earlier today, Kristina from A Cozy Cup of Tea, did a blog post about the "Happy Spots" in her home! She asked her readers to continue the thread and share their happy spots on their blogs too! Thank you, Kristinia for such a FUN subject today! You can also find Kristina on Facebook and visit her Etsy shop here!

Here's my Top 5...

(1) Our ever-changing dining room shelves are one of my favorite things to accessorize in our home. It houses glassware from our wedding and other personal touches. The vintage books and potted cactus are my most recent additions. (2) Our front porch was our most recent project, and I LOVE the transformation. Ryan and I use it so much more, and we even enjoyed two long chats out there this weekend {during nap time of course}! (3) My new desk chair in my studio adds so much POP! I adore the traditional shape and funky {but understated} fabric. The chair sits in front of my childhood desk too. (4) My built-ins make me smile. Every. Time. I. Look. At. Them. They're just gorgeous, and I recently rearranged some of the furniture to create this cozy little nook! (5) Preston's nursery was such a "labor of love". Vintage sock monkeys were our inspiration, but he's growing into such a curious toddler now! I {even the O.C.D. girl that I am} LOVE to walk past his room and see the toys of a little boy scattered about! It means he's enjoying the space we so carefully put together for him. I do dislike the fact that we had to lower the crib, and the skirt is no longer a nice accent. I am looking forward to updating the space even more for a growing toddler!

On another happy note, Modern Bungalow is going to Hollywood! One of my repurposed cupcake stands was purchased by a TV show prop master! It will be used in an upcoming episode of  "GCB" or  Good Christian Bitches!