Front Step Demo

The new house had a funky step that the elderly gentleman had put in to help him make the 2-step transition a little easier....but it looked FUNKY and was ageing. SO we pulled it out!

Before-ish picture.

Step One:

Hammer and Pry Bar

Step two:

Half of it was rotted out so we used the hammer to break up the pieces. Bradley was thrilled to get involved and use a REAL hammer to help daddy!

Step Three:

We weren't sure how the front part was connected...no nails, screws, nothing so to investigate further my husband got the skill saw out and cut everything off from where cement step was at on.

We soon realized that whomever put in the step GLUED the wood to the cement....MORE "FUN"!

Step Four:

After he pryed the piece off my husband had to then get to work out chiseling off the glue and pieces of wood remaining. Took FOREVER! And we still need to get some stripper to take the rest off.

Step Five:

Oh YES...forgot to mention that they also nailed the bottom pieces in all four corners INTO the cement...."brilliant" idea....but when you don't want something to move...you MAKE sure that it WONT move! LOL! Husband had to grind off massive nails.

AND.......wal-la

AFTER step was out!

So much better!

Glad step demo was done....but soon realized that anything "added" onto house after the fact was done in a ...."different" manner than you might expect. Hey...you MAKE it work!

Just checked the step demo off the list....next~

Bree and J

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Schools Out: Teacher Gifts

The end of the year is coming up very soon! In a matter of weeks now! My kids have no idea what that means and in fact will probably be devastated when there is no more preschool for awhile. Though I am in fact excited for the weather that is "supposed" to be associated with summer. Last year was awful (I was thankful though being 9 months pregnant) but this year I want swimming weather EVERYDAY!

Anywho......we don't want to forget those very special teachers that helped our kids all year long, put in countless hours before and after school planing, are underpaid and had to put up with (I'm sure...but it wasn't me) irate parents (lol). Here are the links to the great schools out gifts for teachers that are shown up above. 

You can also view our Teacher Appreciation Gifts from Teacher Appreciation Week.

Also look for:

Schools Out: Classmate Gifts

Schools Out: For Your Kids

to pop up this next week!

See a gift you liked up above? Follow these links to see the tutorial. 

Always wanna give love to those who actually made it first! <3

1. Apple Milk Glass and Matching Card 
2. I tried to track this one down, found the photo on Google images and LOVED it...so simple and SO cute...but it was copied and pasted to many times and error only resulting when trying to track down the originator. Any way this cute apple and Thank You tag is very simple to do. Thin ribbon/twine, make a tag and tie to an apple stem and your done!
3. Assorted gifts in a Soda Pop Box
4. Sweet Strawberries Gift
5. "You are sweet" Ice Cream Cup
6. Root Beer appreciation gift
7. For those of you who aren't crafty so much and would rather buy a cute crafted idea here is one:  Cute and Creative Teacher Gifts to Buy
8. Even though this was originally a Christmas idea you can use the idea and just make a few changes for your teachers.... Christmas Gift turn to End of School Teacher Gift
9.  Personalized Pencil Holder
10. Another idea for those of you who aren't so crafty...buy these Adorable Magnets for your teachers!

Show your teachers some love~
Bree and J Pin It

House: Before and In Progress Photos

First things first.....Bye Bye Popcorn Ceiling!

Spray the popcorn with warm water...needs to be VERY wet to discourage any damage to dry wall underneath. After popcorn is soaked scrape off with a 6" putty knife/scrapper. Work in small areas. Highly suggest this be a 2 person job. Also creates a HUGE mess...make sure you cover the floor, we had everything all taped and covered in plastic before hand. 

 After popcorn is gone we primed the ceiling, textured and painted!

Ceiling After

 This improvement alone made the house look brand new! Amazing what the popcorn does for the look of a house...yuk!

Progress on the rest of the house???? Here's some sneak peak pics!

So far whats on the list:

New paint entire house

Replace all light fixtures

New outlets and light switches

Replace all door locks

Adding some outlets

Installing fan boxes for mounting

New Carpet

And much more....

Still packing, cant wait to start decorating~

Bree and J

p.s. I know some of my pictures suck and are blurry sometimes, finally found my camera so I'll try to remember to take them with that instead. I just rely too much on my phone camera. Now I think of those stupid "beta phone tester commercials" when I take a pic...but sometimes the pictures are awesome and others...well...you can see NOT! But its the convenience that I love! I'm working on it! ;) Found the camera now just gotta find the charger! Baaahahaha!

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15 Great Teacher Appreciation Gifts

UPDATED: With the tragic, recent Connecticut School shooting many parents are wanting to show their appreciation to the wonderful teachers that make it their priority to keep our kiddos safe! Here are some great ideas from last years Teacher Appreciation Week! Show your teacher how great you think they are! 

Thank Them!

1. Adorable Crayon letter Frame
2. "We're NUTS for our teacher" treat/gift idea
3. "Bear hugs for Mr. Stu from Bradley" treat idea: add teddy graham bears (you can also use gummy bears) to fold over sandwich bag, cut off fold, make tag with text and punch hole in tag than tie with ribbon. So simple!
4. "My teacher is AW-some" A&W pop idea
5. Quick and easy snacky M&M's and mason jar idea
6. You were mint to teach idea with altoid mints
7. Adorable chalk board planter gift
8. Inexpensive pencil frame for your teacher
9. Multiple cup idea's for your teacher
10. Cute and delicious apple and homemade dip gift
11. Quick and easy water bottle gift tag idea
12. Simple and cute "Teacher's plant seeds" theme planter set
13. Yummy We need "s'more teacher's like you" treat
14. We're stuck on our teacher" mason jar and glue gift: Fill Mason Jar with glue sticks and create or hand write "We're stuck on our teacher" text, then punch out with circle or decorative punch and hot glue to jar. To finish off tie decorative ribbon around top of jar.
15. Extra Gum and Gift Tag: Make a tag that says "The difference between an ordinary teacher and an extraordinary teacher is alittle EXTRA", you can either make on your computer and print or hand write out, punch hole in tag and string ribbon/twine through to tie. Place "Extra" gum into a fold over sandwich bag (cut off fold) and tie closed with tag.

Show your teacher some appreciation~
Bree and J

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Handmade Stepping Stones

Handmade with Love 

Stepping Stones for Mom's Day

What you need:

Molds, such as foil pie tins
Newspapers
Quick-drying concrete
Plastic work container
Water
Rocks, marbles, small toys, or other items
Nonstick cooking spray
Acrylic paints
Paintbrush


Instructions:
1. In a well-ventilated work area, place newspapers over work surface.
2. Pour quick-drying concrete into a plastic container. For each tin, you'll need about 8 cups of dry concrete mix. Mix it with water according to the directions. To slow the drying time, add another cup of water to the mixture. Just before you pour, spray the form with nonstick cooking spray. When the mixture is the consistency of cake batter, pour it carefully into the form.
3. Smooth out the concrete and add embellishments, such as rocks, marbles, or small toys. Write your name with a small stick and make a hand print or footprint if desired. Work quickly. Wash hand or feet when done. Let the plaque dry.
4. Remove the plaque from the form. Paint it as desired. Let the paint dry.


Thank you Martha!


5 days until Mom's Day~
Bree and J
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Handmade with Love: Mother's Day Card

My Grandma gave me this card for Mother's Day..she goes to card making classes with her girlfriends and also creates them herself. I loved this one!!! 

She added a detail on bottom of top page of card, its been forever since i "scrapbooked" so i don't remember what its called but she rolled it through a thingy that cut the paper to add the scalloped edge and then she "browned"/"aged" the edge with an ink pad. (i think, lol) Then place a main, designed piece of paper over the top as your base design to create off of.

Add ribbon accent then glue/tape embellished card stock over ribbon...card stock overlaps ribbon.

Glue/tape down "MOM" scrabble letters to shaped accent then tape shape with foam tape to add a "lifted" 3D feel. 

 Butterfly Detail

Butterfly Die Cut, glue/tape down only the center on back to be able to lift wings and give butterfly a 3D effect. Add a ribbon bow for accent.

She always adds a stamp detail inside card for a little extra touch.

If I come over and your missing scrabble letters I'll be happy your using them to craft! LOL!

Happy Mother's Day Card Making Fun~

Bree and J

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12 Days until Mother's Day

Have you figured out what to do for your mommy on Mother's Day....well ya better soon! There are only 12 days left to get inspired, design, shop and craft!! 

Without your mom there would be no you and in my case no 3 crazy, beautiful, hysterical, loving, hyper kiddos destroying my house....but we sure do LOVE THEM!

Anywho...here's some ideas to kick start your brain storming for that special mommy, mommy-in-law and grand mommy's out there! 

Get creative and have fun!

Straight from our Pinterest Board to you for inspiration:

See something you like?? 

Go to the : Mother's/Father's Day Pinterest Board

Follow us on Pinterest:

Farm House Sisters

Do you think we'd like your Pinterest Boards?? 

We'd love to find more creative minds to follow!!! 

Please leave your link or name for YOUR pinterest board below in the comments...you may see your pin on here next time!

Happy Mother's Day Inspiration~

Bree and J

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Celebrate Earth Day Week: Wednesday

Everywhere I'm seeing cute succulent terrariums.  After a failed attempt at making a hanging succulent garden last summer, I was able to salvage a few "chicks".

 I started with this Goodwill find.  It was actually 50% off because it was pink tag sale day!

I am not a green thumb. The plants I have are what some consider "hardy".  These poor Hens and Chicks were all that had survived after being pillaged by children and left sitting in a old terracotta pot by me ALL winter.  After washing up the glass bowl I set to cleaning up my little chicks.

I remove anything loose and brown so I can get a clean looking root.  Tossed in some dirt I had on hand and plunked them down.  I spray them once a week with a spritz bottle.

Before!

After!

This picture is two weeks later!  They are so happy and green! 

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Friday Pinterest Challenge

Farm House Sisters Feature 

BEST OF: DIY Club Boards

Follow them on Pinterest with us @The DIY Club


Also follow their website @ The DIY Club Inc

(Jessi is at a memorial service today so our Fridays Pinterest Challenge is alittle different this week)


Featured Boards and Pins from the 
The DIY CLUB

Outdoor Enchantment at the DIY Club

Spring Fling at the DIY Club

I {heart} red at the DIY Club

DIY Club Vintage

DIY Club Home DIY

DIY Club Past DIY Project Party Winners/Projects

DIY Club 31 Days of Spray Paint

DIY Club Painted Furniture

DIY Club 31 Days of Paint Projects

DIY Club Garden and Outdoors

DIY Club: What We Make Here

Happy Pinning~

Bree and Jessi

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