It's time to get that finished already!

It may seem that my blogging has slowed down...It's not because I don't love you guys anymore. It's not because I'm not doing anything anymore. It's simply because I have been busy doing boring projects or half projects.

So, I decided this week needed to be a "Go-Ahead-And-Finish-Those-Projects-You-Started-Long-Ago" kind of week. And, I feel I should let you know my progress...just so I don't seem like a slacker.

Here were my goals:

1. Order Diaper Bag with coupon codes
2. Finish crocheted afghan for baby
3. Paint crib
4. Touch up paint on changing table
5. Paint rocking horse seat
6. Paint wooden toolboxes
7. make Amy a few more hats for Pippa
8. Sew second boppy pillow cover
9. Buy fabric for bumper pad
10. Find a glider
11. Decide on fabric to recover glider 
12. Make an IKEA trip
13. Organize baby clothes I've received by size
14. Work on Christmas projects

And I was somewhat productive...

1. Order Diaper Bag with coupon codes

Per the awesome suggestion of my sister, Amy - I will be using the Vera Tote for my diaper bag. Due to some fabulous coupon codes, I was able to actually score the Ditty Bag for free - along with free shipping...It was a good time to buy.

I was so excited that one of the new fall patterns was in the colors I am using for the nursery. This tote has TONS of pockets, and is very deep. I love that I can easily slip the baby items I need inside. But I can also have room for my things...wallet, Bible at church, etc. I also plan to use the Ditty Bag for diapers/change of clothes/etc. It will be easy to drop of that smaller bag at the nursery during church times and feel that I can keep the tote with me.

Side Note: When ordering things online, I always google for coupon codes. And I always go through Ebates. If you have never signed up for Ebates, you are missing out on getting easy cash back. Read all about it here! And there is usually a gift card offer just for signing up! I also used our Discover card for added cash back. Stack all the savings you can! And don't forget that Ebates even offers cash back for Priceline and Amazon!

2. Finish crocheted afghan for baby

Well, I am closer than I have ever been before on this goal. I found this adorable pattern (via Pinterest, of course).

I had colors that coordinated with my nursery plans already on hand. The squares themselves were extremely easy to construct. Each square took about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. But sewing them all together was a NIGHTMARE. I have never attempted a granny square afghan or anything of that nature.

This pattern has an option to connect the squares as you go... IF I EVER try this again (I probably will stick to making blankets like the one I made Pippa from now on) I will try the sew-as-you-go-method. All my squares are together, I am just needing to tuck in all the loose ends of yard. And there are a lot of those. Maybe that will get done next week.

3. Paint crib

Thanks to the help of some friends, we received a free crib mattress and a free Jenny Lind crib! The crib was just a darker stained wood color.

I had originally thought I would paint the crib and changing table a grayish color. When I went to Lowe's to inquire about what kind of paint to use for a crib, I found this $30 can of Low Odor, No VOC, Valspar Paint plus Primer paint that was on the mis-mixed shelf. I always look there when I am buying paint. You never know what type of deal you may find in the color you need. This particular can was a dark brown/gray color. Depending on the light, the shade looks different. The more I stared at it, the more I liked it. I also liked the fact that it was really good paint with low odor and it was only $5. When I got home, I saw on my receipt a $5 rebate for any Valspar paint purchase. So, in the end...my paint was FREE!!!

It covered the furniture so well. I used a smaller sponge roller to apply the paint directly to the Jenny Lind spindles. I also had one of those cheap sponge brushes handy to touch up any hard to reach spots. Those little sponge rollers are amazing...and make painting any furniture a breeze! I wouldn't paint without them!

After we are sure that everything has dried well, Jeremiah will put the crib back together.

4. Touch up paint on changing table

I had actually painted the changing table first. My mother-in-love had found it for FREE a while back. It was originally white - making it a little harder to cover up with the brown paint.  I painted both furniture pieces while they were taken apart. I had Jeremiah assemble the changing table so I could look for any spots that I had missed. The white really showed through in a few  areas. So, while I had my handy sponge roller out, I did a little touch up work.

5. Paint rocking horse seat

Back when I revealed some of my nursery ideas, another fabulous friend of mine found a little much-loved wooden rocking horse at a yard sale for $3! (I love that I have friends that pass good deals, free furniture, and treasure hunting finds my way!) He had a very nappy looking mane and tale (the horse, that is -- NOT my friend, she has nice hair...just wanted to clarify).

After removing the straggly yarn, I simply painted the seat orange using some of my BFF/neighbors free paint from ACE.  

I do not think I will attempt to reattach a mane or tail. I'm liking the baldness.

6. Paint wooden toolboxes

Many years ago, I picked up a little lime green wooden box. I used it to hold some kitchen-ish supplies in our last apartment. Since our move, the little box has been a little neglected. I decided it would be great for some storage in the nursery. And it seemed to complement our rustic/hardware themed room. But lime green wasn't matching up so well. So, it got a little orange love as well.

Last Saturday, I picked up a fun primary colored tool-box/art station thing at Goodwill. After a good scrubbing, it was ready for a makeover too. I simply painted the box the same color as the crib and the drawers were painted orange. My neighbor's kids kept asking me what our little baby would keep in this box. It will be fun to see what it gets used for throughout the years.

7. Make Amy a few more hats for Pippa

I have recently been crocheting up a storm. It has proven to be a good activity for me to do when I need to prop my swollen feet up, but I'm not really wanting to nap. While watching a normal hour long tv show, I can whip up a quick baby hat or a headband (I had a friend request a few little items that I was happy to make).

I had made Pippa a turban a few weeks back. It was a little bigger than the pattern indicated that it would be, but she seems to enjoy it...and it keeps her ears warm. (don't you just love the far-away look/model pose she is striking here...ha ha)

Since she loves it so, I made her a few additional colored ones. Next week, I have GOT to get them in the mail to her. They aren't doing me any good sitting on my coffee table.

8. Sew second Boppy pillow cover

I have recently reconnected with a dear friend from my RA days. We had served together while in college. She is also expecting a little bundle of joy. One day last week, we decided to attempt a Bobby pillow cover.

I mean, you see these patterns all over Pinterest. And they "say" they will only take one hour. Well, they lie. It took us all afternoon, and they still aren't perfect. But we sure had fun doing it. I also did not attempted the zipper. I know my sewing limits!! I simply made mine like a pocket pillow. If it seems that the flap is gaping later on, I will just add a button or some Velcro.

Here is the pattern we used...and for the record, I would purchase more fabric than the suggested yard. One yard is enough, but you will have to do some piecing together. If I had purchased one and a half yards, I could have just used 2 continuous pieces.

I had purchased enough fabric to make two covers - and I already have my pieces cut. But I still haven't gotten around to sewing that second cover. This project gets moved to next week...

9. Buy fabric for bumper pad

I do have the pattern picked out and I do know how much I need...I just didn't get around to purchasing it. Next week!

10. Find a glider

Check! I scored one in excellent condition at Goodwill on Saturday for $25. The cushion is 1993 country blue and looks as if it has never been sat in. But the price was right!

11. Decide on fabric to recover glider 

Next week...

12. Make an IKEA trip

Jeremiah and I were actually going to head there today. However, one of the items that I wanted was temporarily out of stock. So, we have post-poned our trip until a later date. And, that just means I have more time to add things to my wish list!

Side Note: Did you know that you can create a shopping list at IKEA.com? You can then have it emailed to you! Upon creating the list, it will let you know if it is in stock at your store and it will also note the location of the items in the store!

13. Organize baby clothes I've received by size

Next week...I thought about doing this...just didn't get around to it yet.


14. Work on Christmas projects

I did make a lot of progress in this area...I just can't tell you about it :) Can't ruin Christmas for my family members for the sake of blogging! 

Did you have a productive week? What things did you not check off your list? I have to have a list - even if I have to write down things like "wash hair" or "eat lunch."  I just love to cross something off!