Attempting to be "crafty"

Like many others, I LOVE Pinterest!!! I especially love the DIY/craft column, and have been getting a lot of ideas over the past few months. I have never been a "crafty" person, but have recently been inspired by some of the what seems to be "easy" projects. Jared and I found 2 chairs at the Habitat for Humanity store for $5 each. They were in much need of some TLC!



Before: cigarette burns, black marks, and a terrible rancid smell!!!

So..... Jared was forced kindly volunteered to help me make these beautys come to life. My kind and wonderful husband spent 2 days taking over 300 staples out (I would have helped but was in school, an exscuse I will not be able to have anymore ;). We did not have a budget, but did try to keep our cost as low as possible with the supplies. We have no craft supplies, so some of the items we bought will be used on future projects to come. Items purchased: white spray paint, primer, foam, batting, nail stapler, staples, fabric (make sure you get enough!). The entire project took about 2 days (allow time for the paint to dry, so multiple coats can be applied). And...... tada!

After: aren't they pretty!!!

We calculated each chair cost about $30 after buying all of the supplies. Note: make a list of the items you need, thus avoiding 100 trips back and forth. If we can do this, anyone can! Hopefully, they will be in our new house if this short sale ever goes through!!! More on that later. ;)

Beginning a Blog

We are on the home stretch…. Jared and I will officially be living under one roof, as a married couple, very soon (12 weeks and 2 days to be exact). It has been a long time coming, but I will finally be done with school. Jared is convinced I will be a lifelong student; however, I keep trying to assure him I am looking forward to living a normal life again. For the past 6 years all I have known is writing long papers, studying hours upon hours, and having mini anxiety attacks about not getting 100% on an exam. I am soooo ready to be done! 

Right before Christmas, I found out I got a nurse practitioner position at Ottawa Regional Medical Center. I could not be more excited! It is a wonderful facility with a lot of resources for patients, and not to mention a nice and supportive staff. I will be working days, Monday-Friday, no on-call or weekends! 

Jared continues to work with his Grandpa Peters at Streator Farm Mart (going on 2 years). Their major line is Kubota tractors, but they sell many other types of outdoor power equipment. He really loves learning about running your own business, and hopes to one day take the business over (maybe adding an additional store somewhere!). 

Visit them at: http://streatorfarmmart.com/

We are starting to get the itch of buying a house. We have been looking in the Ottawa area and have found some really nice homes (I have my eye on one in particular). At the earliest, we would not be able to get a house until I start my job June 1^st, but it is always exciting to look. Since we are moving over an hour north, I thought having a blog would be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. Hopefully, I will be able to keep the blog up-to-date on our future and exciting endeavors!