HappyGoStuckey

Trim Paint-a-thon 2014

January 27, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

Yep.. it’s still going on. We’re NOT finished yet– but we’re close! To be fair, the trim was pretty quick– (well quick when you consider sanding, 2 coats of primer and 2 coats of pain!) but the doors, etc. are taking a while. But we are pressing on valiantly– and I hope to have some before and after photos for you soon– and for me. I can’t wait to be finished with the trim so we can paint the walls!

But as I currently have 18 boxes of oak flooring sitting next to me, the pressure is already on. 🙂

Thank you to all of you who offered humor, encouragement and helpful advice during our decision making process.

Once it’s over, we are all planning to do a victory dance.

And for your viewing pleasure, here is Abby’s Victory Dance. Sometimes we all race around the house, or up the stairs (its a good way to get them moving towards their beds at night!) and I started doing a little victory dance.. and then Abby made her own up. Cute.

You’re Welcome.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y9lEYn4GAA]

I love how she gets down and winds her little body up! Hilarious!

Happy Monday!

Can’t see the Paint for the Trim

January 23, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey 3 Comments

Thank you all for your kind words and input on my painting conundrum. It definitely helps to have others thoughts.

HOWEVER.

I was not prepared me for what would happen when I started painting samples on the wall. Remember a couple of them were supposed to be beigeish with a gray tiny or undertone. “Greige” they call it. Really.

Sample 1– looked completely GRAY.

Sample 2- looked considerably taupe-y but with a heavy shade of gray. (HEAVY.)

Sample 3- which happened to be the Revere Pewter that everyone says is the best color ever (which I do not doubt) but on our walls, with limited light and brown trim. WHOA, GRAY for DAYS.

Sample 4- looked slightly different than what was already on the walls with a distinct shade of cool… you guessed it– gray.

And then I went for broke this morning and added Sample 5 to the mix– which did not look at all gray– but more of the color mascarpone cheese and lemon zest looks when mixed together. (YUM! but not good with all that brown trim.)

Then I began the ritual walking into my living room every five minutes, scowling at the walls, and then walking out.

Followed by standing in front of the many, many shades of “Greige” on the walls (not 50, mind you– but almost.) and eating popcorn drizzled with chocolate (leftover from our family movie night the other night.)

Then there was a little bit of standing in front of the walls with the blinds drawn, then open, then drawn, then open again.

Then a friend came by and agonized with me and helped me see the beauty in one particular shade.

Then she left and I tried to decide and decided I couldn’t decide so I did what any normal person would do.

I pitched an internal fit. (because the girls were watching and Abby gets in trouble for pitching fits a lot.)

And then I called someone who said the magic words, “You know you want to paint the trim white. Why don’t you just do it?”

And then a lightbulb.

A soft hazy lightbulb filtered through the shadiness of the room with way too much brown trim in it. But still I realized. “YES. That really IS what I want.”

All this time I’ve been trying to pick a color that would compliment the trim.. make it warmer… make it not so DARK in there. And the fact is, it IS dark in there. No amount of lamps will help that. And I was so surprised how that room full of brown would affect every single pretty color we tried! (I know. Such an amateur I am.) But it does. And every color either looks too blah or washed out.. or too dark.

So we’re doing it. We’re painting the trim a nice crisp white. And then something pretty for the walls.

I promise I’m not a crazy person. It’s amazing the amount of weight the trim color has on the room’s over all look. We have the same paint color in other areas of the house and it looks almost fabulous with white trim. Clean, crisp and not at all drab.

So here goes. And I promise this will all be over soon and I’ll be sharing a little less about paint and a little more about interesting things— OOOH! Like who won the BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

Keisha and Whitney (from Beauty in the Mess) have both won a copy of Melanie Shankle’s Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn (affiliate link used.)

YAY— Keisha and Whitney!!!!

Happy Thursday!!!

Help. I need somebody. HELP.

January 21, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

(Or the one where she prattles on about beige paint for far too long.)

Ever since we whitewashed our brick fireplace, the need to paint our living room has been increasingly evident. Before we moved in, the house was painted a very flat, very boring beige. Now, most of the house had the trim re-painted white but in the living room area, the trim is still brown. After much discussion (we’re talking about 2 years worth!!) we have decided to keep the trim in this portion of the house brown. There is a HUGE bookcase against one wall, a wooden wall above the mantle, several doors and a stair banister that are all the same trim brown– and we’ve decided it actually IS a nice brown, and we like the coziness it brings.

BUT, that brings with it the trouble of trying to lighten up the room. The fireplace whitewash helped ALOT. And we are about to have oak floors installed in this same room.. which will both add to the coziness and add a little to the darkness. So, my issue is this:

Picking the Paint Color! Our furniture has cream, khaki and a bit of red in it. The floors will be dark brown, the trim is brown (which leads me to want a beige…) BUT, the fireplace brings in an element of “grayness” now. It looks great, but the room doesn’t get a lot of natural light so most beiges I’ve seen are almost too brown with the brown trim. Basically I’m afraid gray is too cool for the warm trim and Beige is too brown. Help.

Am I talking in circles here?

Have I lost you already?

Because this is how my thought pattern has been. IN CIRCLES.

I mean, good grief. It’s just paint. Right?

Except that the floors are now going to be installed in two weeks and they have recommended that we paint first (we will probably have to touch up after.) So I have to decide. And Lance told me as he left today, “Hey.. pick out a paint color today, ok?”

And I felt like he said, “hey give the kids three jars of glitter and then try to sweep it all up in 20 minutes, ok?” (I kid. He’s most helpful and does not ask too much. Ever.)

So I have about a dozen swatches and I’m going to get a few samples tomorrow– but here are the colors in the mean time.

Shaker Beige

Revere Pewter (This one I LOVE but all the photos I’ve seen have white trim.. so it looks crisp.)

Baby Fawn (This is actually part of the off-white collection.)

York Gray

Tyler Gray

Timson Sand

And even now, as I look at all of these they look exactly the same. So yeahhhh… But what are YOUR thoughts? lighter beige? lighter gray with warm undertones? Obviously, I’m headed to get samples and slap some of these up on the walls… I’m just doubting my own ability to choose.

Here’s some pictures of our house to help:

This mantle is EXACTLY the color of the trim everywhere else in the room. And YAY that carpet is on it’s way out!!!

This shows the combination between the gray and the beige and the brown.. yikes, you can really see where we need to touch up!

So I know I’m overthinking this. I KNOW I am.

And for the one reader who is still reading this, Thank you.

Any thoughts?!

Five Minute Friday: Encouragement

January 17, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.” –Proverbs 18:21

I like to think of myself as a pretty decent encourager of others. I know the value of a “What can I do to help?” text or a phone call just to say “I’m thinking of you.” I know encouragement is important because I often need to be encouraged.

But how am I doing with encouraging my immediate circle of influence? My husband and the two little people I live with…
How am I doing at teaching my daughters the value of encouraging each other?

Some days it is down right tough to be encouraging to the very people in my life that need it from me the most. Sometimes it’s all I can do to PARENT. Let alone nurture. ( too honest?)

But oh the place we have in their little hearts and lives when we remember the importance of speaking love to their little tender hearts.

And we CANNOT do it alone. But God’s Grace is enough.

I do NOT want to miss the unbelievable opportunity to raise up little encouragers. Little ones that go out into the world and speak healing words of love and truth to others.

But it starts with me.
Actually it starts when I truly abide in Christ and let HIM love them through me.

(stop)

I’m linking up ( for the first time!) with Five Minute Friday Here.

Sparkly Green Earrings Giveaway!!!

January 15, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

So my stack of books “to read” is getting larger instead of smaller. That’s not supposed to be the case. I started with a small stack, and then came Allume and the wonderful swag bag full of amazing books. And then Christmas and after Christmas sales and then several people had wonderful new books released– and I snatched them up. And then I realized… I have a problem. I like to buy books. I like to start reading them. I have a hard time finding time to actually sit and read. But, I’m turning over a new leaf. This year. I’m finishing books. And so far, I’m doing pretty well! All of these books I’m either reading or wanting to read are so amazing and I cannot wait to dive into them– it just requires more self-discipline and planning on my part. So here’s to FINISHING books in 2014!

And to celebrate my newfound fervor for getting up/ going to bed early enough to do some actual reading–

We’re going to do a book giveaway of one of my favorite books!!!

If you are a mom or have a mom– you will love this book. Sparkly Green Earrings: Catching the Light at Every Turn is a heartwarming and hilarious look at motherhood. this book would make an excellent gift for a first time mom– or even a great Mother’s Day gift for your own Mum! The author Melanie Shankle is the author of the Big Mama Blog and she is so stinkin’ funny. AND, Melanie’s 2nd book, The Antelope in the Living Room: The Real Story of Two People Sharing One Life will be released very soon, on February 4th!!! Lance pre-bought me a copy for Christmas and I cannot wait until it arrives after February 4th! I’m sure it will be just as fun as the first.

Sooooo, I have not one, but 2 copies of Sparkly Green Earrings to give away to two of you lovely readers!!!! (I love giveaways. I just LOVE them!)

Nothing fancy, just comment down below and answer the following question…. Where is your favorite place to read a book?

Add another comment if you are a blog follower or if you become one; two entries for you!!!

This giveaway will conclude next Wednesday night, January 22nd at Midnight!!! Winners will be announced Thursday, January 23rd!

*Amazon links are affiliate links.

**Giveaway sponsored by yours truly. I just love this book and I love to share the love!!!

Favorite Things Party- Volume 1 & 2

January 13, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

I’ll admit that I am a product girl. I LOVE finding new products to try. I am definitely more likely to try something if it comes recommended by someone I trust or respect, so when I read about the idea of the Favorite Things Party– I was so excited to try it. I read up on it a bit through various bloggers that had tried it and planned one for our next small group social.

Basically, when you invite everyone to come you ask them to think of one of their favorite $7.00 items and bring THREE of that item. They bring them to your house unwrapped and then you do a fun gift swap in which everyone leaves with three new, different items to try. (Most people do more than three of the item, but we were trying to keep it a relatively inexpensive event. Next time, we will probably do more.)
Everyone also brought either an appetizer or a dessert. (What’s a party without fun food, right?)

We have now done it twice, once back in the Spring of last year, and then at Christmas time. It was a fun thing to do in early December as a Christmas party– because it really opened up the types of things you could bring– and it gave everyone great gift ideas!

Since I was WAY better at taking photos of the one in the Spring, I thought I would post those pictures first.

At the door, we had everyone place their name once in one bucket for door prizes and three times in the other for the Fav. things Exchange.

The table with everyone's Favorite Things lined up-- so fun! — The table with everyone’s Favorite Things lined up– so fun!

Bags for everyone's fun stuff! — Bags for everyone’s fun stuff!

(Bag tags printed from this cute blog!)

The favorite things I received: a GREAT cup which I use for Iced Coffee like there's no tomorrow, the BEST inexpensive lip balm ever, and this adorable little ceramic bird and a box of Tazo Chai Concentrate. — The favorite things I received: a GREAT cup which I use for Iced Coffee like there’s no tomorrow, the BEST inexpensive lip balm ever– EOS Lip Balm, and this adorable little ceramic bird and a box of Tazo Chai Concentrate.

We had such an amazing time at the Spring Favorite Things Party, that we immediately decided to have one for Christmas as well!

At the beginning of December, we all gathered together again to celebrate and share a few of our Favorite Things.

The Hot Cocoa Bar was SO FUN! I used a recipe for Polar Express Hot Chocolate I found HERE through Pinterest. It was so delicious– but definitely not something you should have every day!

Spa Water with Fresh Cranberries and Orange Slices

One of the girls made these "Melted Snowman" cookies-- so cute! — One of the girls made these “Melted Snowman” cookies– so cute!

So here where I failed– BIG TIME. I totally dropped the ball as far as additional photos! I cannot believe it but once the party got going, I lost all track of time. But, I DO remember the “Favorite Things” that everyone bought— Hand Soap, Fuzzy & Cozy Socks, Gel Nail Top Coat, Scarves, Books, Cool Pens, Starbucks GiftCards, and Jars of Coconut Oil. All such great ideas! I brought little sets of Mrs. Meyer’s Holiday Collection Countertop Spray and Hand Soap tied up with a pretty Christmas bow. I LOVE these products and *BONUS* I find my counters are cleaner because I love the smell of the spray and I use it often. Score!

This is by FAR my favorite kind of party to host. I would love to do it quarterly–and I just might. You should too!

Courage & Perfection

January 8, 2014 by HappyGoStuckey Leave a Comment

“Mommy, I want to draw it but I don’t know how.”

“What is it you’re trying to draw, hon?”

“Jesus. Baby Jesus in the manger. This needs to be the FIRST Christmas.”

“Ahh. Ok. Well why don’t I get you started with the manger and you can go from there?”

“Ok!”

I began to draw a crude little box and made scratches of pencil to make hay so she could add Baby Jesus. (My drawing skills are about a 4 year old level anyway.)

She stretched out on a blanket and proceeded to get all her stuff straightened out. Pencils, here. Paper, here. Cup of water, here. Book to put under paper, there.

I sat mere feet away, tentatively cracking my own book. Preparing to read the days’ advent reading while she drew and her little sister napped. The quiet doesn’t come often these days and I was two days behind. Just as I read three words, I saw her shoulders heave with an audible sigh.

Inwardly I sighed myself, thinking. “She’s already bored with this.” The parent in me resolved to make her finish what she started. She sighs again.

“Mommy?”

“I can’t do it. I can’t.”

“What’s the matter, Lu? You just started. You can work on it for a few more minutes, can’t you?”

“No. I can’t start it because… it won’t be perfect.”

My stomach flip-flopped as I heard those own echoed words rising up in me so very often.

“Sweetheart, it does NOT need to be perfect. Just do your best.”

“Mommy, no. No. This is different. It’s a picture of Jesus.”

“Okay… but Mommy thinks you draw beautifully. And I’m sure Jesus does too. Especially if you’re drawing something FOR HIM. God is the one who made you and He made you a little girl who likes to draw!”

Little by little she became a bit more confident. Along the way she began to truly enjoy the picture she drew until the very end, when she was positively pleased with the outcome.

But even weeks later, I wonder… Why do we do that? Why do we allow the fear of the end result keep us from making art?

Why do we shy away from doing something new, something creative, something different– or something that stretches us… all because we cannot ensure the quality of perfection?

I was, however, reminded of the sobriety that is sometimes needed. I was reminded of the need for reverence when attempting to point anyone in the direction of Christ. Especially when that picture is my own life. Is it a clear likeness?

But when God has given us a desire, a passion or even an interest in something– we need not forget that even the smallest bit of creativity is hopefully a reflection of our extremely Creative Creator. I used to think I could never be an artist. I can’t paint. I can hardly draw a straight line– (see aforementioned manger description.) but there is SO much MORE to ART than a physical canvas and a literal paintbrush.

Whether you teach 6th grade Sunday School; speech to underprivileged children, or you’re just trying to teach your 5 year old to read– Your “art” matters and you are being used. Gone are the days when we might have incorrectly estimated that there is a hard and fast line between the sacred and the ordinary. There is nothing “ordinary” that is done to glorify God. What matters is our obedience. And the outcome is not really in your hands.

Did you hear that part? Because I really need to say it again for myself.

The outcome is NOT really up to you. And we need to start these things– regardless of the feeling that we “may not have what it takes.” The fact is, we do NOT have what it takes. But He does. And this trying, this building and creating… it makes us shine brighter and gives us another avenue of worship.

Emily Freeman in her amazing book, Million Little Ways, A: Uncover the Art You Were Made to Live
said it much more eloquently– “What makes us come alive goes deeper than what we choose to do in our professions and our free time. What makes us come alive is LIFE, and this life is Jesus. Painting, cooking, parenting, calculating, and conversation all have the potential to hold within them a mystery and an expression of our life in Christ.” (A Million Little Ways, pg. 30)

As my sweet four-year old revealed to me, she was afraid of beginning because she did not foresee the beauty of the ending. Her perspective was pure– but it was that of a child.

And when I step back, I see that my perspective is not always the accurate one. It comes from limited insight. But, HE sees the end from the beginning. And we will be most fulfilled when we are obedient.

So, 2014. Let’s agree to not be fearful. Pinky Promise?

You should know this being brave thing is pretty new to me too– which may be why I’m learning little lessons from watching my kiddos color. Courage. It’s not such a scary thing when we realize that it’s not ourselves we are trusting in, but He who holds Heaven and Earth in the palm of His hand.

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)