It's been a while since my last post. I blame my day job. How rude that it interrupts my blogging time.
Today's blog is going to get a little crafty. I've realized that I'm actually kind of good at some Pinterest-y type things. Not all things though, that's why there are websites like this with photos like that:
But over the years I've found that I am a decent scrapbooker (which I don't know if I can call myself that since I've only done one complete scrapbook), a great birthday crown maker, knitter extraordinaire, 30th celebration thrower and an okay-ish baker (yes, I've turned banana bread black and made dirt instead of bars). And once upon a time when my husband and I lived in Boston, I took on the task of creating: Crate Nightstands.
We NEED Nightstands — STAT
Back in Boston, we only brought out what our little Cobalt could fit. This meant when we arrived, there were no chairs, no couches, certainly not a bed and definitely no nightstands. Yikes! And while we found a lot of great furniture on Craigslist for cheap cheap cheap, nightstands seemed to be lackluster. You'd either find dingy pieces that should be burned instead of sold, or "vintage" pieces that were way overpriced. Instead of buying brand new, I did the next dumbest thing — create my own.
Keep in mind, while I think I'm okay at craft-type activities, I'm not a natural. I don't know where to find good deals and I don't have extra stuff lying around to use at my disposal. But, I was desperate for nightstands and knew this was my only option.
After searching on Pinterest for a while, I came across this post. It seemed easy enough. Milk crates and a stain color of my choice. All for the low low price of $15! With a plan in mind, I was was ready!
Ready to Craft
NOTE: While I had found the perfect, cheap nightstand situation, I'd say the prices were a bit off. For starters, it said I needed two crates... well that equals four since there are two people and two sides of the bed. And because I don't know where crafters go to get great deals on stuff like that, I had to succumb to my only option: Michaels. Since these type of DIY projects are all the rage, they could definitely jack up on the price. Which they did. Michael's website says each crate is $10 (which I can't remember what they were for me) which starts you at $40. Then add a stain (which I picked up at Home Depot), and you've hit $50. Plus. Then I needed rags to stain the wood and sand paper to sand these crates. So needless to say, this project was nowhere near $15.
In the long run, the project was still cheaper than brand new, and prettier than my Craigslist variety.
Because we lived in an apartment, I had to utilize the parking lot for my crafting extravaganza, noted in this picture:
Got all the essentials!
Don't worry, I didn't obstruct any cars from getting in or out. There was a random little patch of asphalt that fit my project perfectly. It was time to begin!
STEP 1: Sand the crates. Then sand them again
Sanding wasn't so bad. It just took a long time. And it was hot. And there was no shade in site. In retrospect, this part could have been done under a tree, but I figured I had already set everything up and didn't want to have my spot taken by another potential crafter.
After I sanded my crate, I soon realized that there were rough patches. Everywhere. Sure, the outside of the crate was easy, but trying to get through each slate and all along the inside was a less-than-ideal situation. I lacked patience, so I moved forward. It wouldn't matter right?
STEP 2: STAIN
I picked a very dark stain for these crates. I love darker wood and it matched our bedroom decor. Plus, if I screwed anything up, the darkness would hide it. I hoped.
Let me tell you. Staining is tricky. I didn't do any research on staining, but I just figured you'd pour the stain on your towel and rub. No. It depends on how much stain you have on each section, how much you rub into the wood, if you reapply, if you let it sit without rubbing it, etc. And once you've done all but one side, how do you flip it without getting stain all over yourself and everything around you? You don't. You cannot avoid the staining of the stain. And someone PLEASE tell me how to stain between each slate! Good grief.
Afters hours had passed, and heat stroke had set in, I ended up with these beauts:
Ta-da! In all their imperfect glory
I forget how long they had to sit, but I think I was glad to leave them in their place and go inside where the air conditioning would bring me back to life. In the post that I had gotten this idea from, they went a step forward and used nails and wood glue to keep the two crates intact. We decided to keep them unattached so we could move them as we pleased. And it has worked well for us!
I'm basically a nightstand craft queen, wouldn't you say?
I would say the only issue I have with them is that the dust collects on the inside and since I did a great terrible job sanding that, it's a little tricky to get it out. But if you have more patience than I do, you're golden!
Happy crafting to those who decide to tackle this project! Share some photos while you're at it!
Music. It's like an amazing source of energy. You have your sad songs when you're feeling blue, epic songs when you want to drive with the window down, and upbeat songs for creating the perfect playlist for working out. I have a lot of playlists. They save me during long runs or when i'm not really feeling it. On treadmills, it's easier for me to watch something since I'm stationary. But you know you have a good playlist if you'd rather listen to music. It empowers you. It gives you new life. It makes you feel like you can conquer those 3,5,10 mile runs. And while some music might be better for cycling or lifting, I think if you get a good playlist, you can use it for a variety of workouts. The other hard part about playlists and saying MY list is the ULTIMATE list is this simple fact: Everyone has different music tastes. I have a friend who runs to scream-o music. I have another friend who catches up on sermons or podcasts. Whatever floats your boat. But if you want some spunky music that makes you feel all empowered and able to do this thing called life, then check out this lovely curated list from my many playlists over the past several years. Warning: I have incredibly different music tastes. No joke. One minute you could be listening to Christian singer Stacie Orrico, and the next you could be listening to Timbaland's "Bounce"— there is no rhyme or reason. Whatever moves me at the time makes the list. On my lists I'll have some songs that would be considered sad music or slow music, but if I love it, it literally makes the list... at least for a time.
The Only Playlist That You Need (Maybe)
1. Icona Pop - Emergency
This poppy number found it's way into my heart from a cycling class I took over the summer. The class started at 5:30AM. I needed something like this to keep me going. It's definitely good for cycling because of the horn that gives you a good beat to "climb" to.
2. Sia - Unstoppable
Sia is a queen. I feel like there is never a bad time for her music. While this song (also found while cycling) has some pretty slow spots, her chorus is empowering. If you are practicing HIIT training, this would probably be a good song for you.
Runner ups from Sia: Bird Set Free and Elastic Heart
Both of these songs are on multiple playlists, but since I have too many songs as is, I figured this was a good place for them. Bird Set Free also has a slow start but the lyrics will give you strength. Elastic Heart is just a good song.
3. Ryn Weaver - Octahate
Okay. So I might be prejudging this song. I literally found it yesterday from this list on Buzzfeed. It's not overly hip-hoppy or genius lyrics, but I guess they originally shot this music video and she didn't like how it turned out so she made a new music video with her best friend. So it's automatically amazing to me.
4. Aquarius - All Hands On Deck
I'm not a huge fan of Girls, but since I started watching it, I have to finish it. (I'm still one of the few that watch Grey's Anatomy also... don't judge). Hanna (Lena Dunham) ends up on this all women's retreat with her mother and she finally lets go and dances while this song plays over the video. It makes me wish I could dance. But I guess I'll run to it instead.
5. Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath
Any good playlist should have one song from them. Lose My Breath just happens to be my jam. What an upbeat song. It's a song to run the entire time to. Beyonce has so much sass and the clap-like sound in the background keeps you at a fast pace.
6. Fitz and The Tantrums - HandClap
I honestly didn't know if I liked Fitz before this song. Once again, cycling saves me in the form of music. While the beat is pretty steady throughout, the hand clapping and "turn it up" lyrics makes you want to move.
7. Cher Lloyd - Want U Back
Got some aggression towards an ex? This will be perfect for you. She's spunky and has just enough angst to make it a song to love. Also: I think she's better off without her ex. But that's just my honest opinion.
8. Flo Rida - GDFR (Feat. Sage the Gemini and Lookas)
This song gets you going right away. Within 15 seconds, you have a beat to do something with. I'm not a huge Flo Rida fan, nor do I typically listen to hip hop, but it's perfect. Sometimes you need a special kind of playlist for working out that wouldn't work anywhere else. So Flo Rida gets to be in my iTunes. They should feel lucky. (Note: it's not a friendly song. The lyrics are probs not going to appease a lot of people. Sorry!)
9. Paramore - Now
Oh Paramore. I have loved you for several years now. Your spark, your charisma... it's like you get me. Now I could play stuff from their original album, but I found this song on most of my lists. Her voice is transcendent for me. Great guitar as well.
10. Walk the Moon - Tightrope
If you find your tastes more in the alternative lane, this will be a good one to add to your list. The beat will keep you alive through the whole song and the guitar is something not to be missed. I also think his voice is easy to listen to.
11. Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj - Bang Bang
I'm sorry for this one. I truly am. Although I have to admit my love to Ariana Grande. Her music is legit. Also, if you don't think she's great, check her out when she sings like other singers with Jimmy Fallon. Anyway, these females belt it out and make you want to shoot someone. Or something.
12. Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
I. Love. TayTay. I do. I want to be her friend. I am Team Taylor all the way. And I think a lot of her music you can run to, but I chose this one because it's spunky and fun and keeps me moving. Plus, after you see the music video where she's dancing in all different forms, you'll have to dance or run. It's goofy and I like it.
13. DJ Khaled - All I Do Is Win (Feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross)
Oh no. My friend literally reminded me of this song and I couldn't not add it to this list. Hip-hop is just something you need on a list to keep you pumped up.
14. Beck - Timebomb
Who doesn't need a little Beck in their life? This is a completely different feel than "Loser" or even some of his newer stuff. And that's okay, because that means I can run to it.
15. Stacie Orrico - (There's Gotta Be) More to Life
This.Is.My.Random.Song. Talk about a blast from the past. This definitely won't be everyone's jam but Stacie Orrico made her way to the pop scene even though she's in the Christian music category. I loved this music video growing up and her lyrics again make me feel like I can conquer life.
16. Zendaya - Replay
I honestly had no idea who this person was, but I didn't care because this song was what my nike+ app called a "powersong." Basically, once you've run for a really long time and needed a song to perk you back up, this is the one I chose. It's a pretty steady beat so you don't have to feel like you need to run fast.
17. Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
This isn't the first (or hopefully the last) concert I attend for Jimmy Eat World
Jimmy Eat World is probably one of my all time favorite bands. I could probably just play all of their albums for a run and be totally fine with that. They have a lot of significance for me and each album has really signified a huge part of my life. And while "The Middle" may seem like a cliche choice, it is really a good song to run to. I would also say "Work," "Kill," "Chase This Light," "A Praise Chorus" and literally every other song on their albums.
18. Andy Grammer - Back Home
I fell in love with this song when I was living Boston and really missing Minnesota. So it makes me feel homesick when I'm not where I want to be. I love when he sings "it don't matter where we go, we always find our way back home" which I think is really true. So it makes me feel better, and any song that brightens my spirits makes a good running song.
19. Janelle Monáe - Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi)
Janelle's voice is wonderful. She can belt it and she can sing some pretty tricky lyrical setups. I don't even know if that's a poorly worded sentence, but that's my best way to explain it. Get a little soul into your mix people!
20. Rihanna - Bitch Better Have My Money
Okay. This song. Don't judge me. 1) I listen to the clean version. 2) This song just makes me feel like I own the gym. I can lift all the weights, run really fast, cycle harder, etc. Is it a thought-provoking song? Heck no. But sometimes it's about the beat and the attitude they convey. So... she's on the list.
21. Snow Patrol - Chocolate
After Rihanna I figured I needed something that was less.... THAT. And Snow Patrol is the exact opposite of her. Snow Patrol is one of my other faves. I've listened to them since my freshman year of college (thank you Grey's Anatomy for this beautiful find) and this song is short and sweet. His voice is beautiful. Plus it's a good pace to run to. But really, it's the voice that hooks me.
22. Alex Clare - Up All Night
Now this is a song that makes me want to pick up kickboxing or Olympic weight training. Or something really crazy that people couldn't imagine me doing. Or this is a song I run faster than normal too. Like I can power through the 2:43 minute song because the beat is just that great.
23. Demi Lovato - Confident
I mean the title of the song is "Confident." Doesn't that just scream "I can do it?" I think it does. It's sassy and catchy, two very big factors in a good workout song. Demi is a long way from The Disney Channel days, and this song proves it.
24. Hailee Steinfeld - Love Myself
This song has a connotation much like Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" song. To me this song talks about not needing anyone and putting "your body first" and in this case, that means keeping it healthy and clean and doing what you need to do to get it that way. So think what you want, but add this to your list to make you feel great.
25. New Politics - Harlem
This alternative gem is perfect for working out! I picture myself running through a busy city like NYC and running and hurdling over all the obstacles of people and dogs and garbage cans. Not sure why. I may have a little bounce in my step when I run to this one.
The Runner Ups
Guys, this list was HARD to narrow down. I had over 40 songs, and that's just a quick run through my lists of running mixes. I stopped at 25 since my friend gave me the advice that 40 might be too much. But I'll add the honorable mentions below in case you're curious or want to add them to your next mix. I hope this livens up your playlist and makes you feel unstoppable. Also, if I'm forgetting some major gems, let me know. Happy running friends!
I am not someone who gets sick very often. I know this because I don't even own a thermometer. Seems like a basic health tool, but it's never been a concern of mine. And while there was the December 2016 incident where my husband and I watched my nanny kids for a weekend, and was taken down by a 48-hour vomit fest from the teeny tiny destroyer (Don't worry, I still love you Cole) I only really get sick when fall gives way to winter and when spring comes around. So when I got sick last month, I was thrown off guard. I take vitamins! I work out! I eat fairly healthy! I drink water! I get 8 hours of sleep! I even went to a cooking class where instructor said that you won't get sick if you say you're not sick. So I said that mantra to myself at the fist sign of illness.
And yet, I was in and out of consciousness for 24 hours, followed by a cough so deep in my chest that no amount of coughing could actually clear it up. You know you feel terrible when you don't even feel bad about not leaving your bed for days and sleeping intermittently. (I'm someone who doesn't like to nap, so you know it's serious).
While it's clear that I survived, I was keenly aware of how different it was to be sick as a 30-year old versus a kid. So let me count the ways and hopefully you all can relate, and maybe even add some melodramatic rants in the comments :)
8 Reasons Why Being a Sick Adult Isn't as Fun
1. There is no maid (parent) to be at your beckon call
It's true. You can't call for mom or dad, or have someone check in on you to bring you water with electrolytes to keep you hydrated or food to keep you well nourished. There is no one to fill your bath so you don't have to get out of bed or run to the store if you desperately need something. Even when you're married, your spouse is most likely working, so you have to do it all.
2. You still feel obligated to work
I left work early on a Monday and thought I could sleep off my sickness, but by Tuesday morning, I knew I was down for the count. Still, every piece of me felt internal guilt for letting my co-workers down. Who would run reports? Finish the newsletter? Pitch content to our partners? I think of the stress I cause and I don't want my sickness to bring down the team. I worked a half day from home on Wednesday because I couldn't imagine leaving my post for two whole days.
3. Your day doesn't stop
What I mean by this is, even if you are ill, there may still be errands that NEED to happen (depositing something in the bank or bringing a pet to the vet). When you're a kid, the most you have to do is homework and possibly afternoon practice for a sport or a play that you're in. And those things can be skipped. But paying your bills? Nope. The show must go on, and what a cruddy show it is.
4. Your pets still need attention
I'm not a pet owner, but I know this universal truth: pets are needy (also I think children fall into this category, sans the fur). They want love and attention all the minutes of every day. Except cats. Cats are bipolar fuzzballs. But even if you are hacking up a lung and your fever is making you delusional, those balls of fur still want to be fed and let outside. Rude.
5. You feel gross
I used to love staying in my jammies all day. There was something freeing about it. Like you don't have to do anything because you never truly got out of bed. Now? You know that you've been in these jammies for way too many hours and undergarments need to be changed — but that would require leaving the bed and finding equally comfortable clothing.
6. Your doctor makes you feel like a baby
There is a friend of mine who works in the health field, and they constantly tell me how people come in fearing the worst (ex. "I'm dying!") and really they have a cold. So the doctors and nurses run through the things that make the patients feel like they are listening, but they know, deep down, that you have a cold and you have to let it pass. Most of the time, there is nothing they can do for you. You just have to deal.
But when you're a kid? It always felt like they found a way to make you feel better. Different kinds of medicines, suggestions to make you feel more comfortable... they made you feel like they were there to fix all your problems.
7. TV is no good
When I was sick a kid, I felt like all my favorite cartoons were on. I could go for hours watching everything I love and not hit repeat shows. Now? News. Talk shows. Soap Operas. No thank you. Who puts this stuff on during the day and who WATCHES it?! Luckily we are in a time of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime...
8. You're lonely
Where are all my humans at? I can't find anyone in the halls of my apartment building, nobody walking past my window, no one delivering my packages. As a kid I felt like everyone was checking in on me, or at least my sibling would come check up on me and watch TV in bed with me when she got home from school.
But, I will say that I am blessed with a loving husband who makes everything better. He runs my baths, makes me food, gives me medicine, and cuddles me when I need. So really all my complaints of being sick are between the hours of 8am to 4pm. It could be worse.
So for all those where the struggle is real, I hope you are well soon and can find some humor in this. God speed.
