2nd Birthday Photos

Click here to see some photos from Evelina's 2nd Birthday and party.  

Playroom :: Almost Complete

We've made some great progress on Evelina's playroom over the past few months.  It's been slow going but it is really coming together nicely.  I love the space and Evelina seems to enjoy it as well.  She loves coloring at the table, reading books on the bean bag and investigating all of the storage baskets trying to decide what the toy of the moment will be.  We do still play in the family room and the area between the kitchen and family room as well since it is nice for a change of scenery. 

Without further ado, here are some photos of the {almost completed} playroom:  

What remains on the to-do list:

• Hang wire to display Evelina's future art projects - I think I've decided to put this on hold. I have some other ideas for displaying her art work in other parts of the house. 
• Paint A and Z bookends so they pop a little - I'm thinking red or even lime green to stay within the color palette. 
• Purchase and hang mirror for future dress-up activities
• Bunting for the ceiling - a good winter project (get ready Mimi!!) 

Click HERE for source list. 

Goals for 2011 :: Q3 Status

Goals for 2011 Q3 progress: 

• Organize the pantry in the kitchen -ACHIEVED!! Although, I feel like this needs to be done again...ugh. I did throw in organizing the linen closets and bathroom cabinets so that is an added bonus.  Bring on the basement and downstairs coat closet. 
• Wean from the pump - ACHIEVED!!
• Paint, have a back splash installed in the kitchen, and find some fab curtains to hang around the slider - No progress.  This is pretty much on hold until next year.  It just isn't a priority at the moment.   
• Convert the existing office into a playroom for Evelina - Almost complete as can be seen here; we just have to hang a couple of more things and I need to label and organize the toy baskets.  
• Hold a yard sale -ACHIEVED!!
• Plan (and go on) a summer vacation - ACHIEVED!! 
• Have a date night with Chris AT LEAST once per month - We have been semi-successful with this goal.  Last weekend we had a party to attend in Nashua, NH so we decided to go out for dinner beforehand.  We tried Saffron Bistro and it was delectable.  We will try to keep date night up during the holiday season or at least for both of our birthdays.  
• Tone up for Kate and Jason's wedding - FAILED!!  Due to constant back pain, I am currently working with a Physical Therapist to improve my core strength.  It is long overdue that's for sure.  
• Practice patience - It depends on the situation whether or not I'm patient. ;-)  Meal times and night-time wake-ups are definitely my weak spot. 
• *Try* to worry less - I've made some progress...thankfully we have a walker, but now I will attempt to not worry about Evelina not saying more than a handful of actual words.  It's always something!!  
• And most importantly, be the best Mommy I can be and have fun!! I'm working on it....it is an area of continuous improvement.      

Only one more quarter left in 2011, that's just CRAZY!! 

Yard Sale = Success

Chris and some bargain hunters

On Saturday we held our first ever yard sale and it was a success!!  Boy, are we glad it is OVER!! It took a lot of prep work, going though everything in our basement and some spare closets, making and hanging signs, and setting up, but it was totally worth it.  

We had advertised that the yard sale was to begin at 8:00a and we had our first two bargain hunters around 7:30a before we had even finished with the set-up process.  By 8:30ish, our street was a parking lot.  It was a lot of fun.  We were able to catch up with most of our neighbors (two of which participated in the yard sale), and meet a few people from neighboring streets.  "Shoppers" came in waves and with each hour that passed, we would either slash prices or put more items on the $1 or free table.  We did NOT want to have to have to lug anything back up the driveway to the garage or basement.  In the end, we made $460.  We plan to donate $400 to the cancer walk we are participating in on Sunday and Chris and I split the remaining $60.  

It feels wonderful to be cleansed of so much extra "stuff" in our lives and it's refreshing to walk through the basement everyday.  

The Ciano Fam!!

A special thanks to my mom...without her spending some quality time with Evelina, we would have never been able to pull the yard sale off. 

Yard Sale Prep

One of our 2011 goals was to hold a yard sale to purge the abundance of stuff that has overtaken our basement.  We have accumulated sooooo much for a number of reasons:  

1) Our taste has changed which means that many things we used to love, we no longer love, so they were moved down into the basement to make room upstairs for new things that we love. 

2) We had a baby!!  As a result, we had to make some room for her on the main levels of the house which resulted in more piles to the basement.  

3) We never completely unpacked from when we moved into the house back in 2008 (or when we moved in together in Charlestown for that matter).  Yesterday I was going through boxes with housewares still wrapped in newspaper dated from March 2002...yikes!!  Needless to say, these things are yard sale bound. 

Over the past week, Chris and I have been spending our evenings, after Evelina is in bed, along with her nap times, in the basement going through all of our stuff and moving things into the garage that we plan to sell at the yard sale this coming Saturday.  A few of our neighbors will also be participating. I'm envisioning a big cul-de-sac yard sale party!!  I'm praying for a good turnout AND good weather.  We don't want a repeat weather day from Evelina's 1st birthday party that's for sure.  

Our goal for the yard sale is to get rid of inventory.  As much as we would like to make some money, we are more focused on getting rid of stuff and moving on to the next project, ORGANIZING the basement.  I.CANNOT.WAIT!!  Chris and I also decided that we plan to donate the proceeds from our portion of the yard sale to the UMass Medicine Cancer Walk that we will be participating in on September 25th.  

Anything we don't sell will be listed on Freecycle or trashed.  I LOVE purging!! 

I've listed our yardsale at yardsalesearch.com and plan to list it on Craig's List as well.  Find more garage sales in Ashland on Yard Sale Search.

I'll be sure to let you all know how it goes!!  I desperately need to post (or photo dump) about a few farms we've visited over the past month but it may need to wait.  Too many pictures to sort through/edit and too little time.  

Teacher Appreciation

Every once in awhile, I feel the urge to be crafty. Since today is the last day of school before Evelina transitions to a toddler room, I thought it would be fun to create something fun for Evelina's teachers to thank them for everything they have done for us over the past year. For inspiration, I sought out ideas from one of the best website on the planet, Pinterest. I LOVE this site almost as much as I love Etsy. 

I came across this "Thanks a latte" card and thought it would be perfect and easy to make...which is important for a non-crafty lady like myself. Since school is a peanut-free environment and they discourage bringing in homemade baked goods, Chris and I figured a Dunkin' Donuts gift card would be the next best thing.  Who doesn't run on Dunkin'?  But, just giving a gift card in a store bought card seemed too boring after seeing this idea.   

For my version, I used raffia instead of string. I also exposed the Dunkin' Donuts side of the cup sleeve instead of the ridged side since the ridged side had some glue on it that didn't look very nice.  I also included a personalized note from Evelina on the back of each card. I'm happy with the way they came out and it really didn't take that much effort.  I hope her teachers like 'em!!  

Time Capsule

Evelina's birthday time capsule has officially been closed. I finally got my act together and completed the project.  I can't reveal what is actually in the time capsule since Evelina may read this blog one day before she is actually 18, but I can say it will be a lot of fun to open on 6/6/2028!!  There are even a few letters that were sealed that I didn't even get to read.  So exciting!!  

Playroom Progress

The playroom is coming along, slowly but surely.  Now that my organizing fix has been satisfied, I can focus on the playroom again.  Free time is limited these days (thanks in part to summer and to our dismay a child who doesn't love long naps), but I would love to be finished with the basics in the next few weeks.  What remains on the list: 

• Frame and hang animal prints 
• Hang pinboard over desk  
• Purchase additional storage baskets 
• Organize storage baskets Montessori-style 
• Hang wire to display Evelina's future art projects
• Purchase and hang mirror...Evelina is in a vain phase and we can use it for future dress up activities

 Things that can wait for now: 

• The easel since she isn't really old enough to use it yet 
• Art supply organization
• Bunting for the ceiling 

Let's Get Organized!!!

Every so often, I feel a strong desire to organize, it is in my DNA. For the most part, the house is very organized compared to some but there are just certain areas that really get to me.  The closets, the garage, the cabinets...places that anyone who comes to visit rarely sees.  One of my favorite blogs is "I Heart Organizing", I'm so envious at some of the projects featured, there are crazy organizers out there.  I'm jealous!!  I think I missed my calling to become a professional organizer. 

Recently, our linen closets, bathroom drawers and cabinets started getting under my skin so over the past couple of weeks I decided to tackle them.  Lots of purging, refolding (this technique is the bomb), any many trips to The Container Store, I can now breathe again. It feels good to be organized.  


Our hall linen closet before and afters.  Nothing earth shattering but it sure makes me happy.

Playroom Inspiration

Slowly but surely we have begun the process of transitioning our existing office space into a playroom for Evelina.  I've been on the lookout for inspiration but I've struggled a bit when compared to what I had envisioned for her nursery.  I think my biggest dilemma is that the playroom will be one of the first rooms you see when you enter through the front door. I don't want it to scream playroom, with girlie pinks and pastels everywhere.  While I want it to be a fun, creative, and functional space for her, I would also like it to be somewhat cohesive with the other rooms on the first floor.

After trying out a handful of different yellows (I love the little samples!!), we have decided to go with Benjamin Moore Yellow Lotus for the wall color.  It is actually a bit brighter and more yellow then the swatch, not as much gold. The room will be painted in the next couple of weeks...YAY!!  Chris is getting a free pass and we are hiring someone this time around :-)  Other then color selection, we haven't done much else with the exception of starting to clean the room out and searching for ideas and furniture.  

Yellow Lotus

Yellow Lotus looks very much like this room. I like the red accents, too. 

Via

I love this room.  The rug is to die for and the pennant banner is perfection.  I definitely want to snag the pennant canopy for a reading corner.

Via

This playroom is also appealing to me.  I love the Expedit bookcase from Ikea. They are so functional and I've seen them in so many rooms (including in the picture above).  We will definitely set up an easel for Evelina and I love the idea of displaying her artwork from a cable.  So easy to switch out old art for new art, and it will be a fun decorative element. 

Via

I've seen lots of indoor play tee pees throughout my inspiration search and can't get enough of 'em.  Since the room we are working with isn't huge, I don't think a tee pee will be an option, but I may just have to order one for fun backyard adventures.  

Can't remember where this picture came from

Again, if space permits, I would love to have a little dress up corner for Evelina. Love this one. 

Via

Our goal is to at least get the room painted and cleaned up before Evelina's "big" first birthday party so the room isn't an eyesore.  I know it would have been ideal for it to be completed BEFORE, to allow little attendees to use it, but there just aren't enough hours in the day.  After her party, we will start putting it together.  I'm excited to get started and see the transformation.   

Goals for 2011 :: Q1 Status

My Goals for 2011 are always in the back of my mind but they have proven to be difficult to achieve.  An endlessly sick/teething/fussy child who is back to taking short naps, and working really put a wrench into any progress on goals.  This is where I'm at: 

• Organize the pantry in the kitchen -ACHIEVED!! When Lina was in a long nap phase. 
• Wean from the pump - ACHIEVED!! Zippity doo dah, zippity aye...freedom. 
• Paint, have a back splash installed in the kitchen, and find some fab curtains to hang around the slider - I keep trying to convince Chris to make a trip to the tile store with me but I get the feeling he isn't really digging this goal. We did make a pilgrimage to the paint store though and asked for some help choosing a color that would work nicely with our family room and dining room colors.  At the moment, we are leaning toward Moroccan Spice. I think it will look nice if we choose a lighter back splash. 
• Convert the existing office into a playroom for Evelina - I have started to put my vision together for the room and we selected a color that will compliment the other colors on the first floor (Wheatfield).  I'm not sure if I'm in love with it, but the swatches I painted are starting to grow on me.  In the next week or so, Chris and I are going to start clearing out the room. 
• Hold a yard sale - Chris and I talk about this each time we walk through the basement. We need to dedicate a weekend to go through everything we have and decide what we want to include in the yard sale. In the meantime, I'm thinking about posting a few things of Craig's List. 
• Plan (and go on) a summer vacation - In Process; We had grand visions of renting a house on the Cape for a week but we would've had to book late last year to get something decent and in our price range.  So, instead we are going to plan some long weekend adventures with Evelina.  Outdoor adventures up north, beach weekends, etc.  
• Have a date night with Chris AT LEAST once per month - FAILED; Our "baby sitter" AKA, Mimi, had surgery on her foot.  Walking up and down stairs with a cast isn't easy and I'm not ready to hire an actual babysitter yet.  Soon...soon. 
• Tone up for Kate and Jason's wedding - FAILED; I have maybe lifted a weight 2 times and the wedding is next weekend.  Spanx will be required. 
• Practice patience -I'm not completely achieving this goal but I'm not failing either.  I am well aware that I'm a work in progress and this is one of my character traits what will improve over time.  I'm trying my best. 
• *Try* to worry less - Totally FAILING!!  Evelina still not crawling has concerned me, BUT, since she started army crawling a week or so ago, I feel a tad better.  
• And most importantly, be the best Mommy I can be and have fun!! I'm *trying* to be the best and that's all I can do.  This past month has been very challenging and by the end of many days I just feel defeated.    

Here's hoping for more success in Q2.

Evelina's Nursery

It only took 8+ months but Evelina's nursery is complete, minus some additional art I would like to scoop up, like this cute hanger from Etsy or a silhouette of Violet, and perhaps a yellow rug to tie everything together.  

I really wanted to create a happy and cheerful space that wasn't too pink or cutesy.  A room that I'd like to enjoy being in just as much as Evelina, a space that could grow with her and evolve as she makes new discoveries.   

When I was searching for nursery inspiration I came across the two below that really tickled my fancy. 

Sweet and Sunny Nursery 
Little P's Room

I just loved the blues, yellows and bright pinks(hence the colors of this blog) that showered each of these rooms and created such a fun but relaxing atmosphere.  

There are so many things I love about the room but a few of my faves are: 

• Little White Chair - It was my father's as a child and my Uncle John repainted it for Evelina.  My father carved his name in the back as a child and his childhood dog, Penny Nickel Fisher, even chewed up the wood slightly.  It is a very special chair that I am looking forward to Evelina sitting in soon. 
• Owl and tree mobile hanging above the changing table - Evelina loves staring up at it and watching the owls fly by  
• Fabric Hoops - My mom and I created these easily and I think they are pretty, inexpensive art. 
• Shadow Box - What's better then having a memento of Evelina's little hands a feet?  And the memory of how difficult it was to get her to cooperate to get the impressions!! 

We are thrilled with the way the room came out and it makes me happy to spend time in it with our sweet little one.  I hope that Evelina will enjoy it for many years to come.  

Our next project for Evelina?  Creating a playroom in our current office space.  We barely use it for an office and think it will be the perfect place for Evelina once she is a mobile toddler!!  

Click HERE for source list.

Less Than 60 Days....

Holy crapola...only 59 days until my estimate due date!! I can't believe that my journey to motherhood is approaching its end so rapidly. Will Cashina be early, late or on time? Will she be petite or a porker? Will she look like her mama or her papa or a combination? The suspense is killing me and although I know I will miss being pregnant and continue to take it all in and enjoy each moment, I can't wait to meet her!!

The nursery painting is in progress and so far I am happy with the color we chose, but boy is paint stinky. Even the low VOC, good for the environment kind. You think they could put something in it to make it smell like peppermint, lavender or something yummy. I think there could be a market for that. Below is a pic from Chris being his cute self once again. He was smart and didn't paint our potential name choice!!

On Order

After lots of shopping, website hopping, room planning, and looking at fabric swatches we finally ordered the last piece of nursery furniture over the weekend. Considering how much I research things, you'd think I would have looked for our glider online BEFORE placing an order with a store....we could have saved about $300 but alas, there is no turning back. Lesson learned.

The furniture won't start getting delivered until May but I am antsy and don't want to wait (me not want to wait? now that's a stretch!!)!! The nursery still needs to be painted so we are hoping it will be completed by the time the first piece arrives.

We choose a light green fabric (not the one pictured) for the chair with a pink swirly piping. I'm a little uncertain about the green and hope it doesn't clash with the blue wall color but my dream of yellow fabric wasn't an option and Chris wasn't a big fan of any of the pink fabrics or of buying a different chair and having it reupholstered.

I am excited to see how it all comes together. Did I mention I'm getting antsy?

Nursery Inspiration

Even before we knew Cashina was a girl I scoured the internet looking for nursery inspiration for both a boy, girl or just gender neutral. I came across this nursery on the ohdeedoh blog and fell in love with the blue walls and yellow bedding. I think the color combination works so well together as it is feminine while not being too over-the-top girlie. I haven’t had much success finding similar bedding unless we decide to spend crazy money but did find a cute, reasonably priced, option with pinks, yellows, greens and blues. I’m not sure if the blue walls in the inspiration room will really complement the bedding but we shall see once we buy some samples and start painting test patches.

I also just love the “Hooray” banner and think it is such a good idea to put coordinating fabrics in hoops for art. Seeing pictures of finished nurseries makes me eager to start putting Cashina’s together. It is exciting to envisioning her in it, sleeping peacefully (let's hope!!), being rocked in the glider, being read too or playing. Can’t wait!!