Aloha and happy Friday! Today is the day I’ve been waiting for…our household goods are being delivered! I’m excited to: sleep in a real bed, decorate baby girl’s nursery, sit on a sofa in the living room rather than a beach chair, enjoy our lanai while sitting on something other than the concrete slab, cook a meal with more than one pot, and much much more. I’ll share updates on Instagram and will try to do a progress blog post or 2 here on the blog too. I have a few design/functionality challenges that I’m not quite sure what to do with, so I may need your help!
Here are a few other things that have been on my mind or caught my eye lately:
Extraordinary Moms Podcast Episode 108: Making Mom Friends: It’s easy to make friends as a kid but a bit more difficult once you’re an adult. I’m not overly outgoing but have learned that you need to be willing to put yourself out there as an adult if you don’t want to remain friendless in a new place. I listened to this episode of the Extraordinary Moms Podcast a few days ago and it shared some great ways to make friends as a mom (Jessica, the host, is a military wife so that’s pretty neat too). We are living in a new place and I’m on the hunt for friends, so this one really hit home.
Serena & Lily Outdoor Items: I’ve known about Serena & Lily for a few years now but have never bought anything before because it’s a bit pricy for me. They’re known for classic/preppy decor (think lots of stripes, bistro chairs, tassels, etc.) and their outdoor items have me drooling. I’m eyeing this striped outdoor ottoman (or this striped floor pillow) and this outdoor throw pillow, and I’m hoping they will go on sale at the end of the summer so I can scoop them up.
DIY Headboards: Has anyone ever made their own headboard? We don’t have a headboard and I really want one…yet I’m not about to spend the money it costs to buy one (plus we’d also have to rent a truck to get it home). I’d love a tufted fabric headboard and there are so many DIYs on Pinterest that it’s a bit overwhelming. Anyone have a good tutorial they can share with me?
Paradise Cove Luau: Last Saturday we decided to go to the Paradise Cove Luau as a touristy way to welcome ourselves to the island. (The photo above was taken right before we walked over from our house.) We had a fun time, the food was tasty, the dancers were great, and Jack had fun running around (although he was a bit too young/energetic to sit and truly enjoy the show). If you visit Oahu and want to go to a luau, I recommend going to this one.
I really wanted to upholster my own headboard!! A friend of mine did, and she said the key is to use a LOT of batting to make it comfy! I have a few tutorials on Pinterest, I just haven't tried them yet!
We LOVE Paradise Cove luau and if you need any mainland items, let me know! I'll be there in September and then the whole month of October. Happy to pick something up for ya! 🙂
It was a pretty easy tutorial to follow, but I found it was harder than I thought to get the staple gun to secure the fabric and tuft threads to the back of the board. Also, making your own buttons is a little time-consuming, just so you know in advance. The fabric I used was a lightweight dark denim, which was really easy to work with. I think a heavier weight fabric might be harder to manipulate when doing the tufts. I've had it now for 5 years and I'm really glad I made it.
Thank you so much for sharing, Megan! I'll have to check that out. After I published this I saw what looks like a pretty easy tutorial (cushioned but without tufting) in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I want to make one so badly! Just need to set aside the time to do it. Thanks for reading!!
Yep I have so many tutorials saved too, just need to bite the bullet and get to work! Easier said than done with a toddler, right? Hope you're doing great!
I really wanted to upholster my own headboard!! A friend of mine did, and she said the key is to use a LOT of batting to make it comfy! I have a few tutorials on Pinterest, I just haven't tried them yet!
Check out Target.com for upholstered headboards. I got a grey queen size last winter for $130!
We LOVE Paradise Cove luau and if you need any mainland items, let me know! I'll be there in September and then the whole month of October. Happy to pick something up for ya! 🙂
I made a headboard a few years ago using a tutorial I found on Little Green Notebook. http://littlegreennotebook.com/2012/02/diy-tufted-headboard.html/
It was a pretty easy tutorial to follow, but I found it was harder than I thought to get the staple gun to secure the fabric and tuft threads to the back of the board. Also, making your own buttons is a little time-consuming, just so you know in advance. The fabric I used was a lightweight dark denim, which was really easy to work with. I think a heavier weight fabric might be harder to manipulate when doing the tufts. I've had it now for 5 years and I'm really glad I made it.
I love those outdoor items! I need to finish up some decorating in our house but I'm struggling with ideas.
Thank you so much for sharing, Megan! I'll have to check that out. After I published this I saw what looks like a pretty easy tutorial (cushioned but without tufting) in Better Homes and Gardens magazine. I want to make one so badly! Just need to set aside the time to do it. Thanks for reading!!
How bout a daybed? hahaha
I didn't even know they sold them! Thanks for letting me know!
World Market has some great outdoor stuff and there are a few in the KC area!
Yep I have so many tutorials saved too, just need to bite the bullet and get to work! Easier said than done with a toddler, right? Hope you're doing great!