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DIY Glitter Converse All Stars or There’s No Place Like Home

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When it comes to my wardrobe there are a few staples for which I always rely. A-line dresses, statement necklaces, a good pair of jeans, brightly colored pants, a few nice blouses, cardigans, and Converse All Stars. I know it seems weird that with my preppy style, I love these shoes so much, but I will find any excuse to wear them. Even a fancy occasion. Like performing in front of hundreds of people.

 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rago

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of participating in Listen to Your Mother Chicago for the second time (Squeee! Videos will be released soon). This year a portion of the show’s proceeds were given to the Red Pump Project, and while the cast wasn’t required to wear red shoes, I love a theme.

Also, I love crafts.

 

And glitter.

 

And I wanted to make a pair for my stage partner, Samantha Schultz.

 

Photo courtesy of Balee Images

Also, fellow cast mate (and comedian) David Slattery loves All Stars as much as me.

 

Photo courtesy of Balee Images

However, when you have some butterflies about a performance I find it best to do what makes you comfortable or at home. And nothing says home to me like a good pair of Chuck Taylors on my feet and friends and family by my side.

I have since worn my glittery shoes out and about, and people have asked how they can make their own. Luckily, I took a few pictures on my iPhone of the process.

Supplies:
Converse All Stars
fabric glue
glitter
paint brush
spray clear glaze (I used Dresden gloss I found at JoAnn Fabric)
trash bags

 

First, protect the area in which you will be working. I used trash bags. Also, remove the shoe laces from the shoes.

 

Using a small paint brush and working in small areas of the shoe, paint glue on the shoe. Then carefully sprinkle glitter on the shoe where you applied paint.

 

NOTE: I used a paint brush to spread the glue evenly onto the fabric and to also keep the glue exactly where I wanted it avoiding rubber sides and souls, and metal lace holes. I only did the sides of the shoes, and avoided the tongue as I thought the rubbing of laces would eventually rub the glitter off.


Once I covered the areas I wanted with glitter, making sure to fill any areas that were missing. I let the shoes dry for about 12 hours.

Next, I put plastic bags in the shoes, and took them outside. I also put the All Stars on a brown paper bag. This made them ready for spraying the glaze. This helps to minimize the amount of glitter falls of the shoes.

 

I sprayed three coats of glaze on the shoes waiting about 30 minutes between coats, and letting the shoes dry outside.

NOTE: It is extremely important to do this step outdoors as the glaze is extremely toxic.


I re-laced the shoes and they were ready for show day.

 

Here are some photos from the big day, so you can see how they turned out.

 

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rago
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Rago

So, I am pretty sure that this is what I am going to do to all my Converse now.




If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

50 Questions: Why Do I Love These Damn Things?

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One of the first things I ever filled out on Facebook was something similar to this, back when I first was a stay at home parent. Who knew years later I would be blogging three different places and still love doing these things. My friend Shannon over at Deepest Worth asked me 50 Questions. Here goes:

1. What are you wearing?
The Uniform: Jeans, hoodie, converse.

2. Ever been in love?
Yes.

3. Ever had a terrible break-up?
Yes, and I am glad for the experience to be honest because I survived the heartbreak and lived so share the tale with my kids for when they experience it too.

4. How tall are you?
5’9″

5. How much do you weigh?
More than when I was born and less than when I was pregnant.

6. Any tattoos?
I cannot decide on curtains, can you imagine? No.

7. Any piercings?
Ears.

8. OTP (One true pair, favorite fictional couple?)
TV: Scrubs, Turk and JD. Their friendship know no bounds

Movies: The Apartment, CC Baxter and Ms. Kubalek. CC doesn’t judge her for her mistakes.
               When Harry met Sally, Harry and Sally. Friends first.
Book: Emma by Jane Austen, Mr. Knightley and Emma. Mr. Knightley is the only one to call Emma out on her crap.
9. Favorite Show?
I am a TV junkie, so this is VERY HARD, but I will give you the short answer. Right now it’s: Brooklyn 99 is my favorite sitcom and House of Cards is my favorite drama.10. Favorite Bands?
U2, Guster, Mayer Hawthorne, Ryan Adams, a few more.

11. Something you miss?
Dad12. Favorite Song?
Too many. (That isn’t the name of the song, there are just too many to mention.)

13. How old are you?
33 and proud!

14. Zodiac sign?
Sagittarius

15. Quality to look for in a partner?
Humor, loyalty, and consideration.
16. Favorite Quote?
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.'” ~ Erma Bombeck
“If someone called me chubby, it would no longer be something that kept me up late at night. Being called fat is not like being called stupid or unfunny, which is the worst thing you could ever say to me. Do I envy Jennifer Hudson for being able to lose all that weight and look smokin’ hot? Of course, yes. Do I sometimes look at Gisele Bundchen and wonder how awesome life would be if I never had to wear Spanx? Duh, of course. That’s kind of the point of Gisele Bundchen. And maybe I will, once or twice, for a very short period of time. But on the list of things I want to do in my lifetime, that’s not near the top. I mean, it’s not near the bottom either. I’d say it’s right above “Learn to drive a vespa,” but several notches below “film a chase scene for a movie.” ~Mindy Kaling
“When humor works, it works because it’s clarifying what people already feel. It has to come from someplace real.” ~ Tina Fey
17. Favorite Actor?
I want to give a shout out to the six amazing performers I had the pleasure to work with this past summer at Second City. They were able to bring my words and the words of other writers to life, and that is a thrill that I cannot ever explain. They are my favorite! Thank you Galya, Sarah, Melisa, Damian, Chris, and Tim.18. Favorite Color?
Every color can be worked with, to be fair. You’re talking to someone who buys “oops paint” at Home Depot. So, yeah, I guess you could say I like all.the.colors.

19. Loud music or soft?
Loud, unless I am trying to give orders like, “put your clothes away!” or “do your homework!” then I don’t like any music at all.
20. Where do you go when you are sad?
To my bed, with all the pillows and I make all my people come with me to read books or watch movies.
21. How long does it take you to shower?
It takes about 10 minutes.
22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
Am I showering or not? Showering: 30 mins. Not showering: 15 mins. (Before you judge me, sometimes I shower at night because I work out or do a paint project or something, Judgey McJudgerston)
23. Ever been in a physical fight?
No comment.
24. Turn on?
Funny. You gots to be funny.
25, Turn-off?
When I was in college we called them tools. I think the kids call them db’s now. Basically any self-centered moron who picks up more chicks than books.
26. The reason I started blogging?
I like to write. I like to be crafty. I like to make people laugh.
27. Fears?
I have fears about my kids daily. DAILY. I know I need to calm down.28. Last thing that made you cry?
I cried hard last week saying goodbye to one of my favorite family members.

29. Last time you said you loved someone?
Just now when I put my youngest down for her nap.

30. Meaning behind the name of your blog?
Brian, my niece and I were all coming up with names that had the word HOME in them. When Brian said, how about, “Home Everyday.” I mean that’s where you are. We all laughed because well, with three kids all under 4 at the time, I wasn’t getting out much.

31. Last book you read?
Top Secret Twenty One by Janet Evonovich
32. Book you are currently reading?
Going to the library today 🙂
33. Last show you watched?
Watched Sunday’s Brooklyn 99 last night on DVR. “I’ve been a cop for 30 years. Also, I’ve seen movies.” How can you not love the captain?!
34. Last person you talked to?
Caroline told me all about her day at school.
35. The relationship between you and the person you just texted?
Spouse.
36. Favorite food?
Pasta.
37. Place you want to visit?
Ireland. Always Ireland.
38. Last place you were?
My bedroom for my laptop charger.39. Do you have a crush?
I totally have a hetero-comedy crush on Mindy Kaling.

40. Last time you kissed someone?
This morning.
41. Last time you were insulted?
Yesterday. It’s ok. I was probably oversensitive, and the insulter was an idiot.42. Favorite flavor of sweet?
All of them.

43. What instruments do you play?
I played piano for 10 years. Until I was a senior in high school. I never looked back. I can still play some Christmas carols and a few tunes, but I don’t have a piano so…

44. Favorite piece of jewelry?
The earrings Brian sent over to me the morning of our wedding. I wear them every day.
45. Last sport you played?
Volleyball in the backyard. I stink.
46. Last song you sang?
“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor you can judge of you want, but that song rocks my socks off.


47. Favorite chat up line?
I’ve never been to a discotheque, so…
48. Have you ever used it?
Used what?
49. Last time you hung out with anyone?
Over a week ago. Lame.
50. Who should answer these questions next?
Samantha Schultz of The Peanuts Gang 

If you like this post and would like to read more about all things domestic with a touch of humor, become a Home Everyday follower! For blog updates or to see other places I write such as ChicagoNow or Chicago Parent follow Home Everyday on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Unofficial End of Summer: Fall Fest

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This past weekend, was our town’s annual Fall Fest. It includes, food, live music, parade, and HUGE craft fair. It is the perfect way to end summer and kick off the school year. We live walking distance to “The Fest,” so we usually invite friends over to come park in our driveway (saves them $20), and we walk up and enjoy.

Sara (my friend from college who I talked about here), took some pictures of the kids enjoying their favorite part of Fall Fest, which was the carnival rides.

 

Now that Fall Fest has come and gone, I guess it is time to plant some mums and get some pumpkins.

 

Best Pals, Cars 2, and Pancakes: It doesn’t get much better.

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Last week, my best friend from college, Sara, came to visit. She has lived on the east coast, the midwest, and currently lives on the west coast. She is finishing her doctorate, but she makes time once a year to come to visit me and my family.

 

Sara and I actually went to do different schools in Cleveland (C-Town WOOT!), but met through mutual friends. We became friends during tumultuous time for both of us. We have managed to stay friends all these years despite graduate schools, moves, marriage, children, and the pressures of every day life.

Here is my favorite picture of us from our college days. We got dolled up for a Valentine’s Day party hosted by my sorority.

 

Amazingly, we have both grown into pretty successful, mature, and if I do say so myself awesome young ladies (you’d never guess, but the picture below was taken by a four year old).

 

She usually comes bearing gifts for the kids. However, little did she know the gifts she brought this time would be awesome for me as well. Sara knows how much I love to cook and bake, and how I also love to do those activities with my kids. She gave us some cool new tools to do this together.

Sara knows how much my kids LOVE Cars and Cars 2. So, she found Cars 2 cookie cutters and pancake molds at Williams and Sonoma. So, as you can imagine we started cooking and baking almost immediately.

 

With the pancake molds, the Williams and Sonoma recipe for buttermilk pancakes was included. The next morning we (me and a few helpers) whipped them up.
One VERY important tip, when, using pancake molds, make sure you definitely use a squirt bottle for pouring the batter into the molds. I used a ladle and I ended up with some messy looking pancakes (hence, no pictures of the finished product). Next time, I will make sure I have a squirt bottle.
The kids (and Sara), however, had no complaints. Even if the pancakes didn’t come out perfectly.

Favorite Summer Memory: Truck Show

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We were recently talking about how Autumn is almost here, and all of the things we had done this summer. The boys mentioned that other than going on their first boat ride and  going to soccer camp, attending the Truck Show was their favorite.

This is a FREE event that is about a half hour from our house. All the neighboring communities and businesses park their trucks and let little kids sit on them. What little kid wouldn’t love to pretend to be a real fire fighter or truck driver? Not to mention, they had free little cars and monster trucks to give away to the kids. We’ve already decided we will be back next year.

They went crazy for the cement mixer.

 

And of course, the emergency vehicles were a big hit.

 

 

A REAL ice cream truck?!?! This was my favorite.

Then it was time for lunch. We found the perfect shady spot.

While I’m a little sad that our care free summer days are over, I cannot wait for the pumpkin patch, cool nights with bon fires, hot cocoa, Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Linking up at Serenity Now.

The End of Babies: Zoo Trips

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This is post is dedicated to our great family friends, you know who you are.
 
Today was one of those days that I swore would never happen. I swore I would never be one of “those Moms” that embarrassed her children with sobbing tears over every milestone of her kids’ lives.
I found out today, I cannot help it. It is what it is. I AM going to be one of “those Moms” and get emotional, and people are just going to have to get over it. Mainly myself.
Today marked a milestone for me and my Mommy friend, Colleen. We took our kids to the zoo, which was probably the MILLIONTH time we have done it (and I’m sure there is a million more visits to come), but today was different.
Let’s start at the beginning. Colleen and I started having babies in 2007 and didn’t stop until 2011. In four years, between the two of us, we had six kids. We were there for each other for every bout of morning sickness, every birth, every Baptism, birthday, and everything in between. We’ve talked about every possible baby topic at least a thousand times. From cloth diapering to teething. From homemade baby food to discipline. We’ve seen each other through baby blues, husbands working long hours, moving to new neighborhoods, and kids’ phases (like picky eaters).
In addition to our mommy relationship, our kids have have become so close, that they treat each other like family. They have learned to share, take turns, and help each other. They have spent hours holding hands and following each other everywhere. They have taught each other lessons. They have shared meals, moments, and tears. They have shared their babyhoods together.
A lot of this all comes back to the zoo. The zoo is a place we started going when Colleen’s oldest was about 9 months old and mine was about 4 months old. It was a weekly gathering spot. As we would have more children, we would just pack more food and get bigger strollers.
I remember the first time we brought all six of the kids to the zoo, and we felt like “SUPERMOMS.” We thought we could take on the world. Most people around us looked at us, and thought we were crazy, but we didn’t care. The zoo was/is our place. Our kids can play, learn, and talk with each other. Colleen and I could catch our breath and talk about things that only we could appreciate (like how we just figured out the perfect system for organizing toys in our house).
Today is different because the kids are growing up.
We blinked.
School is starting. Our time is not our own. We cannot call each other and say, “it’s gorgeous outside, we’re going to the zoo.” or “Our kids needs a playdate, let’s head to the zoo.” or “I’m going to go insane if I don’t get out of this house, let’s go to the zoo.”
To our kids nothing changes. We WILL, of course, still meet up at the zoo. If it were up to our kids a pair of them will get married some day, and probably want to have their wedding reception there. But, Colleen and I realized something today. Our babies our growing up. Zoo trips will have to be scheduled around school, soccer and ballet (watery eyes). And as years’ pass, we will probably trying to coordinate a trip before everyone leaves for college (tears).
It kind of seems like an end of an era. Soon, no more strollers, no more sippy cups, no more diapers. Conversations will turn to drivers’ licenses, boy/girl parties, and college.
While we were both a little (and by a little, I really mean VERY) emotional today. I have to say some of my tears were happy. We have created a bond for our kids and with each other that will hopefully last a lifetime. Maybe someday they will be meeting at the zoo with their own kids (sob).Looking forward to what’s ahead. Are you?