Pinterest Inspiration: Rain Gutter Shelves

I had seen the awesome rain gutter shelves on Pinterest for awhile now. There are several great tutorials including this fun one:
http://www.fairlyfabulousblog.com/2012/01/rain-gutter-book-shelf-tutorial.html

The only thing I did different was I had Home Depot cut the gutters for me. At first they were hesitant until they realized I meant the vinyl gutters, not the metal ones. The gutters come in ten foot sections, so I had them cut them in half since I was using a fairly large wall space (where a bookshelf had formerly stood).

I had to run BACK to home depot to get the brackets because I didn't remember to get them the first time, I am the most un-handy person ever, despite my crafty skills, so I wasn't thinking of how to actually get the gutters ON the wall. Hey, I can only be so many shades of perfect at once...

This is also a two person job because one person needs to find level and hold the gutters while another screws the brackets in. Maybe you can do it alone...I'm not that awesome.

Anyhoo, we got it going, and thankfully the gutters slide while the brackets are up because I didn't factor in our hall door when I put them up, so we slid the gutters down a tad so the door would open fully. Again..not a handy lady...

But it's DONE! It frees up floor space, and is very visually open. The books are facing out so children can see choices, and it's much easier to change up the book selection for seasons, themes, etc. My kids still don't read as much as I'd like them to, but this encourages them to just grab a book whenever. I'd like to make a cozy spot on the floor that folds up so they can just grab a book and settle down.

I have one more gutter and I'd like to put it in the boys room to hold books for nighttime reading, but haven't decided if that's what I want to do. I think they'd also be great cut into smaller pieces for bathroom storage, craft room storage, garage storage and more!

I still have to say, Pinterest makes my life so much easier!!
~~amy

Duct Tape Waterbed...Pinterest Idea on Crack..

Time for another Pinterest inspired activity. I swear Pinterest will make me fat and drunk but a crafty, fun mom! The original post is here: http://playathomemom3.blogspot.com/2012/02/redneck-waterbed.html, which is a really cool blog about sensory, play and having fun with your kids.

So, we splurged on the plastic sheeting (18.00 for two, you use only one at a time.) and some more duct tape and turned on the water!

Fold over the 15x25 3.5 mil plastic sheeting so its folded in half and duct tape the three open sides. Now this SOUNDS super easy. It's not. Its a pain in the arse, particularly if you decide to do it alone, without grown up assistance, outside in 90 degree heat. Once I moved the process inside, put on a movie for the boys, and got comfy on the floor, it got easier.

Once you get most of the 3 sides taped up, head outside, insert a hose into an open space, and tape it closed around the hose. Turn on water, mix a frosty cold beverage and wait. And wait, wait, wait, because it takes a REALLY long time to fill up a huge water bed. Check your tape for leaks and get tipsy on your blueberry vodka lemonade.

Once the bed fills up, remove the hose and force your children on it. Why force? Because despite the fact that the older child BEGGED you to make this, he's inside boycotting all outside activities and watching a movie because you implemented a no video game policy. So you let the little one enjoy it for awhile solo.

That's my picky eater....can you tell from the skinny body? Sigh. Feel free to come make him eat...I dare you..come on over.

Then add a hose and force the older child out to have some non electronic fun. Then sit back, drink more, and watch as they realize it IS fun outside and they WILL NOT die from mommy's ideas.

What's awesome about adding a hose is this turns the waterbed into THE.BEST.SLIP.N.SLIDE.EVER. Because not only is it squishy and jumpable, it's now SLIPPERY. You cannot resist the awesomesauce.

I don't know why it's so hard to get my older son's photograph...he either makes a weird face or turns right before I snap. I think it's a conspiracy.

And this is why I love my husband. Because after a hard day turning wrenches, he is willing to throw on his bathing suit and water slide in the front yard without questioning WHY there is a giant waterbed in his front yard.

It was a ton of fun. I'm glad we have one more plastic sheet left, which we'll use again after the front grass grows back from our two days of watersliding. We made such a mess that the water ran into the neighbors side of the yard, and he had to put on boots just to go fetch his trashcan. But he's such an awesome neighbor, he just smiled, and after I apologized for the water, he replied, "Kids have to have fun, it's hot out!" I love retired, grandpa neighbors. (Did I mention he's done plumbing work for me? I'm going to miss him when we finally sell our house.)

I bet we were a site for people passing by, and I know I probably turned into Scary Mommy once or twice on this day but I hope they remember the sliding and the water and the fun.

I know I will.

Imbibing and Debauchery....Summer Style

I saw this fabulous recipe on Pinterest and knew I HAD to try it. Originally from this blog, Keep It Simple Foods...I had to give it a go.

It was DELICIOUS!

                                                   ©Amy Dutsch 2012

Pinterest Inspired--Colorful Sprite

I saw this super cute idea on Pinterest about putting Kool-Aid ice cubes in Sprite. I saw this post pinned and had to replicate!

Instead of mixing up Kool-Aid (because the only reason I buy Kool Aid is to dye yarn, so I'm not using it to DRINK!) I used PowerAde ready to serve. I poured PowerAde into ice cubes, and once frozen, put in a glass of Sprite for the munchkins. Add a crazy straw and it's perfect!

Best part is, as the ice melts not only does it flavor the Sprite but you can crush it up and eat it, slushie like!!

Enjoy!!!

Angry Birthday

Today my "baby" turned 6 years old!! I can't believe it's been 6 years and before I know it, he'll be graduating and heading out into the scary world!!
But for now he's still my baby! We don't make a big deal out of birthdays but I did make him cupcakes. I made him transformer cupcakes for school. (Blue frosting, silver sparkles and transformers cupcake toppers) :)

But the best part was I made Angry Birds cupcakes for after school! We enjoyed them with our friend Evan.

The idea is not original, I found it on Pinterest from this blog.
A lot of work but really fun!
Mine were gluten free, I used Pamela's Products Chocolate Cake Mix. Best ever!

They had fun and yummy cupcakes!!