New House, New Tree

It's been months since I've posted, and there is so much catching up to do!  We've moved (more later) and needed a new tree for the new, bigger, house!  It's artificial, I keep it up so long it has to be.  Our last one lasted 10 years, so it was time.  This is a 9-foot tree from Home Depot, and I love it!

Portland Saturday Market

I FINALLY made the trip to Portland, to visit my sister who moved there over a year ago.  It was cold and rainy, just like I hoped it would be.  I'm a southern California native, but I really think I was accidently born in the sunshine; the rain suits me just fine!

Here are some of the lovely sites in Portland...

The Market is held along the downtown waterfront. These beautiful trees were everywhere.

Yes, Hubby has on two hats; it was cold!

The old "White Stag" factory...

If you watch the Travel Channel, you probably know about Voodoo Doughnuts.  This quirky downtown doughnut shop was made famous on TV, and is known for it's strange combination of doughnuts (Maple Bar with Bacon, for example).   It does not stand out at all, except for the lines of people waiting to get in!  We didn't go in, but did get a few pictures of all the fuss.

Hmmm...

Boys Room Headboard

Headboard 101 - ** Lots of pictures!! **

I finally tackled a headboard for Our Boy's room.  It was super simple.  I started with a piece of plywood from Home Depot, about $13.  Standard sheet size is 4 x 8.  Our Boy has a full size bed, the width aproximately 54 inches.  I cut the plywood to 54 inches for the width, leaving the height 4 ft.

After a chalk line was made, the wood was cut

Once the cut was complete, I used painter's tape to cover the edges.  I planned to cover the entire sheet of plywood with vinyl, and didn't want the rough edges to tear the vinyl.  I did end up sanding the sides a bit too to clean the edges.

Next step was adding the foam.  I used adhesive spray and attached 2 inch foam.  Using pieces 22" x 22", it took 2 and 1/3 pieces of foam. 

 

The foam was 1/2 off at JoAnn's, about $7 each.

Next step - covering with vinyl.  Unfortunately, it wasn't on sale!  I bought 4 yards, $9.99 a yard; the most expensive part of the project.  You could certainly use any fabric, microsuede would look really great.  I chose vinyl so that will be easy to clean.   I used a staple gun to attach - super easy.

I tucked the vinyl underneath the foam on the front, stapling in place so it fit nice and tight.

The vinyl is backed with a thin layer of felt, which created the look of wrinkles; it was easy to lift and smooth out.

The vinyl easily folded to the back, then secured it with more staples.

Once all the sides were stapled, this is what the back looked like.  Since I had plenty of vinyl left, I decided to cover the back too. 

All done!

Before ...

After!

A Summer Saturday in January

Our weekend weather is unbelievable!  82 degrees in JANUARY!!!  Hubby and son and I spent the day in Los Angeles.  Spent Friday night in Marina Del Rey, and Saturday in Long Beach visiting the Queen Mary.  Even as a southern California native, I'd never been to see the QM!

Marina Del Rey, just south of LAX, was beautiful.  It really felt like a summer day.  View from our room...

First stop was breakfast in Marina Del Rey.  We found a wonderful little spot called Cafe Buna on Washington St. 

If you go where the locals go, it's almost always the best place to eat in town; and the food at this itty bitty standing-room-only place was delicious.

Starting with a yummy latte...

and my favorite, Eggs Benedict; called "Zuni's Benedict" here...

Hubby had this luscious Buffalo Burger...

Super yummy place.  Next it was off to Long Beach, to see the famous Queen Mary.  Built in 1934, the Queen Mary was purchased by the city of Long Beach in 1968, where it is permanently docked.  It is now a hotel, and has restaurants, bars, and meeting rooms.  You can also tour the old engine room, and read about it's history.

A view of Long Beach from the top deck

Hubby and Our Boy

Our Boy and me

Indoor shops on the Promenade Deck

Having fun