Sunday, June 24, 2012

Baby Product Review: Duo Splash Float

I'm a part of the Northwest Arkansas Moms of Multiples Club.  It's a group that meets monthly to share stories, experiences, and support for other moms of multiples and expecting moms.  Recently, someone shared on our group website that they had heard about this new pool float designed especially for twins.  I checked out the website and was really excited about the prospect.  I contacted the owner and she cheerfully gave me a discount in exchange for a review of this float.


My package arrived quickly after I ordered and I was excited to put it to use!  Here's what we thought of it...

Setup-  The Duo Splash float arrives compactly folded into a small box.  Very easy to throw in the minivan next to giant strollers and pool gear.   It just has one "blower"  and we were able to blow it up by mouth in about 5 minutes.  I was afraid it might take longer because of the size of the float, but really it was quick and easy.


The Maiden Voyage-  My twins are 19 months old, and my older son is 3.  I was so excited to think that we'd be able to manage all 3 kids so much easier.  At first, the babies weren't sure about getting their legs in the holes-  the leg holes are deep and the twins were up to their chests in water while sitting in the float.  Overall they loved it-  I was able to hold on to their float with one hand and push it around the shallow end of the pool.  They giggled and enjoyed zooming around.  A big plus for the float was that it was still very stable even when we only used one side.  Our twins often like to do the same activities, but not always.  The float was sturdy and stable with one or two babies and I had no fears about it flipping over.

 Price- $25 plus shipping.  I think it's a reasonable price, considering 2 single floats would run about the same price or more.  Why not just go for the convenience of keeping the kiddos together?

Overall-  A great product for families with 2 or more small kids.  It makes the impossible (swimming with 3 small kids and 2 adults) seem possible- not to mention fun!

If you want to order this float for yourself or someone you know (great gift for someone expecting twins!) you can order here: http://www.duosplashfloats.com/

Or visit their Facebook page here:
 https://www.facebook.com/DuoSplashFloats


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Master Bath Remodel

From the very first time we saw our master bathroom (our real estate shopping walk thru pictured below), we knew the wallpaper would have to go sometime.  Everyone loves burgundy and forest green stripes. The floral border was really the crowning touch.  It's like 1995 had a party in our bathroom.   

BEFORE:








3 weeks ago, I convinced Tom that it was time to start our little project.  I figured that Memorial Day weekend would be the perfect time.  2 days to do the project and an extra weekend day to enjoy- right?  
Well, it turns out it was a bit more than a 2 day project.  
The process:
1.  Remove wallpaper and border-  remove top "shiny layer" of paper, score, spray, scrape, scrape, pull, repeat.
2.  Use spackle to cover the 4,000 blemishes on drywall.  
3.  Sand with new power sander. 
4.  Discover dust everywhere in house.  
5.  Re-spackle the remaining 300 blemishes.
6.  Sand more.  
7.  Prime
8.  Paint  (Behr brand "Clear Pond")
9.  Paint accent walls red.  Decide it doesn't work.
10.  Re-prime and re-paint accent walls blue
11.  One more coat all over everything.
12.  Clean clean clean!  
13.  Finishing touches-  spray paint fixtures, hang wall art, re-hang fixtures.  

UNDER CONSTRUCTION:







Drumroll.....  AFTER!!!  




All in all, the project was 2 full weekends and 3 other nights.  No easy task, but we're thrilled with the end result!


Eventually, we're planning to paint the cabinets dark and spray paint the doorknobs to match.  For now, we're done with the projects in the bathroom and ready to enjoy it!


Getting Crafty and Spray Paint Love

I've been on a crafty kick, trying to give new life to some old stuff.
I have recently discovered spray paint.  I love it.  It's so fast and fun and transformative!


Take these boring brown bulletin boards I picked up at a garage sale for $2 each.  I sprayed them with some pretty white spray paint, used a staple gun to cover them with some leftover fabric from my craft closet and voila!  Some cute bulletin boards to display kids' artwork in the playroom!








Zadie's walls have been pretty boring. I've seen this decorating idea around Pinterest and a few other DIY blogs, so I figured it would be an inexpensive way to add a little color to her walls.  Right now it's a little sparse, but eventually it would be fun to add even more.

Embroidery hoops from Hobby Lobby $1-$3 each-  fabric scraps from craft closet- free!


One tip I learned awhile ago is that when you want to hang big items (or several items) on a wall, you can use a big piece of paper (I used leftover Christmas wrapping paper) to hang do the layout on a table.
 After things are as you want them, mark the nail hole placement and just tape your paper on the wall.  You can nail right through the paper and tear away, and then everything is just where you want it!




I picked up an ugly floor lamp at a neighbor's garage sale last weekend.  They had a bunch of things that were left over from a hotel liquidation sale-  gold/brass finish and plain white shade.  Similar to these:



I used my new favorite spray paint (Rustoleum Oil Rubbed Bronze - ORB)  to give the base an updated look.


 I figured the shade couldn't get much uglier, so I spray painted it blue to pick up the color in my bulletin board fabric. I'm toying with the idea of adding trim or ribbon to the bottom, but for now, I love it!


Speaking of ORB-  did you know you can spray paint just about anything???  For our master bathroom, we considered new lighting fixtures, but then found that it would require bringing in an electrician and and cutting new holes in the walls-  all too complicated.  I sprayed the brassy gold fixtures with ORB and now the hollywood lights are much more bearable!  (Though having all bulbs on is too hot and bright so we unscrew a few to tame it down.)




I also sprayed the light covers and towel racks to match.  I've got plans to do the door knobs in the bathroom, but realized that would lead me to spray paint all the knobs in adjoining rooms.  24 sets (and hardware) around the whole house.  A project for the fall.

That's what we've been up to!