Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Happy Spring (Officially)!

Happy Spring!  I'm really enjoying all of the fresh new green that is appearing quickly before my eyes.  It's so inspirational to see everything take on a fresh new beginning. There is an optimism that comes with Spring and it energizes and motivates me.  What about you? Last week was Spring Break for my girls and a highlight for them was getting their haircut and styled.  Like me, my girls have a lot of thick hair which requires patience and maintenance.  Let me digress and give you a little background.  A few years ago, I took them to a cheap haircutting place where one of my daughters got a horrible haircut.  Mind you, this horrible haircut was done by the same stylist that did my other daughters hair just seconds before hers which turned out fine.  Now, I've been in the beauty industry on and off for many years (factoid: I'm a licensed aesthetician) and when someone is visibly not happy (i.e. crying and saying out loud that you should be fired), as a service provider you should do what you can to make them happy. That is to say, make an attempt.   I don't care if your client is 9 years old or 90 years old.  They are still your client.  Not only was the stylist completely unapologetic but she also proceeded to double charge us because they had thick hair.  Really? Hmmmmmmm...  So, using this as a teaching moment, I explained to my daughters that everyone gets a bad haircut at least once in their life and since there is no way to put the hair back on once it's been cut, you have to shine it on and find a way to move forward until it grows out.  Fast forward 2 years. She agreed to go to a new girl I found only after her sister got her haircut there first.  After seeing her sisters super straight (that's what we're into for the moment) and perfectly styled hair, she was in.  After her first visit, she finally realized how great it feels to get your hair done right and walk out loving it. So much so that it was requested I make the appointment this time early enough in the day so that they have time to "enjoy their hair" before the day is over.   After two hours, both girls emerged with beautiful straight hair and big smiles on their faces.  As pre-teen girls go (or girls of any age for that matter), this type of thing does wonders for the self-esteem and I enjoy seeing them feel good about the way they look.  The rest of the week was just as productive and fun with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a whole day of cleaning out the attic.  I know it's not sexy, but it feels so good to be organized and to donate the stuff you know you are not going to use. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of stuff in the attic that is not getting used (at least not now and not in this house) but to be able to see it and know where it is when I want it makes all the difference to me.   I also got to tackle another project that I wanted to finish.  Last year, I bought 5 sets of wood exterior shutters off of Craigslist. I actually only need 4 sets for the windows on the back of our house but since 5 came with it, one set is a spare. These needed to be sanded and painted and I wanted to get those done and hung up before the week ended.  Done.  HH sanded them down and I painted them and then he hung them up. Seemed a lot easier than I was anticipating and it looks so much better.   I even had some time to go to a few thrift stores and I found a beautiful sofa.  I'm going to slip cover this and have one long cushion made for the bottom instead of the two that came with it.  I'll let you know how that project comes along.    Hope you had a great week as well.  Here are some pictures from the week starting with the sofa.




This was really dirty and gross and had stains on it so it stayed in the garage.
 
 
Starting to deconstruct this.  I am looking at covering this with muslin first, then having a slip cover made for it.  The structure of this sofa is solid and heavy.  

 
 
Tatiana at the Rodeo.



Gabriella and Jason (HH) enjoying the Rodeo.
 


Here is an OK picture of the shutters.  It's been raining so I haven't been able to do a little touch up paint (from the install) but you get the idea.  They really add architectural detail and balance to this addition.  The color of these shutters is Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore.   
 
What about you?  Are you working on any projects around your home?  I'd love to hear about them.  Have a great week!  I'll be sharing the next little project with you in a few days.  Until then.....




2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Tara...love the pics of your girls! They've matured so much! I've got several projects in process, but mine are so beginner...just trying to get the girls rooms completed in the next two weeks, I have cuttings planted and rooted and ready to go, and our biggest project in consideration is painting the exterior of our home. I'm thinking a creamy white with a light tan shutter, wood door and dark bronze fixtures? Such a major undertaking and permanent decision. I love the shutters you added....looks sharp! Also, loved the scrap book you found...WOW...so inspirational, and I can't wait to see where you all decide to travel. We're doing D.C. this December...really looking forward to that!

*Tara said...

Hi Dikola! Those kids.....They do grow up don't they? Are you considering painting your brick? That is a major undertaking but the colors sound nice. I'll bet the girls are excited to have their rooms done. I'll be they'll look great and I'm sure you'll share pictures.... hint.hint.....

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