Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday Mishmash

Just call me Rosie the Riveter Inga the Installer - I'm becoming quite good at putting together furniture from Ikea!  Last Saturday, while Max and Jeff tackled the behemoth desk that Max was going to put in his living room (my computer-science son was making his "command center"), I built his book case and TV stand.  And actually, except for a couple Shelley moments (holding the board the wrong direction and thinking I'd messed up - no, just flip it, silly) it was pretty easy.  I also built the set of drawers for my new desk - hmmm, I'm thinking I might have a new career in furniture assembly.  I could hang out at Ikea and offer my services.  Wait, that didn't sound right...
 As usual, Paco not only "helped" me when I built my desk drawers, but had to get in the picture as well!

Here's Max's desk in process:
Look, they are reading directions! :)
 And here is the desk afterward - Max has three monitors AND his TV hooked up to the computer.  That would drive me crazy because you can "lose" the mouse, but it works for my programmer son.
 Here is his bookcase - obviously he's only unpacked the important (cough*Harry Potter*cough) books so far...
 This is the TV stand that I built - it matches the bookcase that I also built.  Have I mentioned that? ;)

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When my sons divorced moved to separate apartments, they divided up the kitchen.  It became quite apparent when I was helping Max put his stuff away that he was missing some pretty major things - oh, like a colander, hot pads, spoons to cook with, a decent knife...he would have been in even worse shape had my mom not sent him a set of pots and pans (she did the same for Sam when he got his first apartment).  Max and I did a quick shopping trip to get him some basics (TJ Maxx and Target to the rescue!).  Some of the haul - I love that he went for bright colors:
 Just realized I didn't put the colander in the picture - it's turquoise.  Fun!

Max is turning over a new leaf and trying to eat healthier.  I've felt bad about not giving my kids the greatest example of good eating in the past, but the lunch he made for us on Saturday made me feel confident that he knows what is right, from portion sizes to overall balance.  This was our tasty meal:
 Turkey sandwich with fresh lettuce and tomato, baby carrots, Fuji apple, pretzels and a hard candy for dessert!

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So my new desk.  This was my birthday present from Jeff and the boys, and I could not wait to get it built - Sunday evening, after we drove home from Denton, I got to work on one side with the drawers (and convinced Jeff to build the cabinet that is the other support).

Before:
 After:
  
Before:
 After:

I love this desk!  I was able to clear stuff from my closet (that really didn't belong there) and put it in the drawers...and I even have one that is completely empty!  Ahhhhhhh!

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In the "I'm a dork edition" of Fashion Friday, I give you this pose:
 
 Just before the timer went off, I thought I had the camera pointed too low, so I ducked.  Turns out it was fine.  I am a goof.

Here's a more normal shot - we had a nice storm blow through early Wednesday morning, and it was still cool - I'm talking like 73 degrees here, people - when I was going to meet a friend for lunch.  So I got to wear sleeves!  And capris!  It was great.  Of course, the next day we went back to our normal hot temps, but the respite was sweet.
 
The turquoise top is really thin fabric with a floral "burn out" pattern - I just love it.  Felt very beachy with my white capris and flip flops!  California dreamin'...
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This weekend is the start of the half/full marathon training program with my running club.  That I will not be doing (sob!).  Jeff is, and I will be the good sport and go help with the registration, etc.  And of course, panqueques at IHOP afterward - deeelicious!
Hope you all have an excellent weekend!

28 comments:

  1. Now *I* want new furniture and kitchen stuff too! Boy, you are scratching at my itch to redecorate...

    Love the sunny summer outfit. There is nothing as fun and beachy, as you said, as bright aqua and white to signal summer!

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  2. I've had a visit to Ikea planned since November...moved to a new house. I have a sewing room that needs a makeover. It still looks like we just moved in. *sigh* I love all the drawers in your desk! Perfect for all those useless sewing notions I collect.

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  3. I hope you have a great weekend too! And please tell me you'll stop by a home goods and get 5ft Chicken for one of your house!

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  4. Cute outfit and cute pose. It really does look like command central there at your kid's desk.

    The hard candy was a cute touch! Ya done good!

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  5. I like that outfit! And I cam tell you've lost some weight--go swimming!

    Wow! Three monitors! I've never known anybody with three monitors. Probably because I don't know anybody under 40 years old LOL!

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  6. I really like your outfit too. So darn relaxing and beach like.

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  7. You are builder extraordinaire, Shelley! Everything looks great and I LOVE your new desk!

    And your outfit :)

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  8. Hurray - I figured out how to get here via the iPhone!

    I'm the assembler at my house too. It can actually be really gratifying.

    You are such a good mom to those boys. Don't feel guilty about anything. Even kids who grow up in homes where the food was near perfect have to find their own way when they leave home. That's what growing into adulthood is all about. Besides, you'll have plenty more chances when they come to visit!

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  9. Hey, a profitable side career! Either one, really :D

    That outfit is very cute. I love those colors.

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  10. what a change! love the new desk, and the view of your desk´s room is really beautiful!

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  11. You could make a fortune offering your furniture building services at IKEA. Oh, how I hate putting furniture together. And I hate it when Dave does it because he refuses to read directions and inevitably gets stuck at some point! LOVE your new desk!

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  12. Look at you putting furniture together. I always have trouble with the instructions. Now you have me wanting to go to IKEA and go shopping.:)

    Looking good!! Weren't the temps great after the storm. It's like a sauna again here.

    Have a great weekend, Shelley.

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  13. Two things I am not allowed to use in my house? Tools and paint - go you on putting that stuff together - I would be completely lost!

    I know its hard to be a cheerleader - but go Jeff!

    Have a wonderful weekend Shelley!

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  14. Oh goodness, is it weird that your outfit makes me want to hit the beach. One day, one day (I live in Utah and am far away from a beach :(). Hahaha. Welcome home to your son! And your new desk looks great. I don't think you can every have too much space (as in closet, drawers, etc).

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  15. Love your new desk. I'm still using our kitchen table with my laptop. NO drawers at all, haha.

    You are such a wonderful volunteer. If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter:)

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  16. Love the colors of your sons new kitchen gear. I love stuff like that! You new desk is great. what a nice gift for you! And aren't you talented with your assembly skills! I love the color of your shirt today. It is definitely beachy. Have a great weekend. It's gonna be a hot one!

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  17. I built 2 book cases from Ikea and I was so proud of myself!!

    Their directions are insane.

    Love the outfit, love the "command center" I can picture my 15 year old loving an apartment like that someday!

    And I love how you said panqueques! :)

    Have a great weekend!

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  18. Have you ever gotten the IKEA instructions that have no words just safety type pictures ... they are kinda funny. Hey, do you remember to bring a water bottle with you when you swim?

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  19. Cute desk! I have the dresser that matches lol.

    You look fabulous in that blouse. What a great color for your skin and hair color. LOVE IT!

    Have a great weekend Shelley!

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  20. Great desk.
    I got the big red bowl from Target too, on clearance, and some little ones.
    Every time I build something there are several "Laurie" moments, and I take twice as long as the hub would, but screw it, I do!

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  21. You are indeed SUPER FURNITURE PUT TOGETHER-ER!!!! OMG, I love Paco in the photos, and I really like the pose you think is nerdy! You look like you should be on a magazine cover!!!! Have a fantastic weekend.

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  22. I've bought some Ikea furniture for my "office" room too a while ago and I put it all together too and was surprised I had nothing left over when I was finished LOL Maybe we can start a business together as the great furniture assembly magicians.

    I love your new desk, I love your whole office, you've got such a nice view from your desk.

    Tell Jeff to have fun at his half marathon training and I'm sure that even though you can't participate this time you will enjoy yourself by helping out.

    Love the outfit, very bright. That color looks very good on you.

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  23. I ADORE your new desk - that's beautiful! Is it also Ikea?

    And I agree, very beachy outfit!

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  24. I have major issues reading the Ikea instructions... when I put something together successfully I am sooo proud of myself :)
    Cheers!
    Meri
    merigoesorund.com

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  25. Our desks look almost identical (the white one from Ikea), the only difference is that we have 3 drawer towers because we made ours 2 work spaces. LOL You have great taste. :)

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  26. Great job assembling :)

    I love your outfit! Here in Asheville, I'm still VERY much adjusting to the heat, so it's been too hot to even wear capris lately.

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  27. Shelly,
    The built TV stand, bookcase, and desks look great. Every piece of furniture that I have put together from instructions has always been a challenge. But when they are finished they look great just like yours. My last project was an outside wooden play set with swings, a slide and a two story tower. It took me about 40 hours to put it together. My four grandchildren love it and play on it every day.

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  28. Shelley,
    the building you have done is amazing! Have you heard we are renovating...we could use someone like you around, I'd even get you a purple hammer ;-).
    In all seriousness, looks great!

    Just thought I would also mention since I moved to wordpress, my updates may not be showing up you will need to re add me in your subscriptions under livesmilerun.com, hope to see you around my new home ;-) .

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