Painting the fireplace mantle

If you have been reading this blog you know that we went through a floor remodel. Before the flooring was replaced we had our fireplace redone with a brick border and added a mantle. We have these windows right above our fireplace and there is just a teeny tiny ledge on it. So I wanted a bigger ledge to decorate. Well after the brick was chosen (not my first choice brick) and the mantle was done, we were disappointed in the outcome because of the mess that was left. Mortar all over the bricks. I scrubbed and scrubbed and still could not get it to be as clean as I wanted. But it wasn't the end of the world. I was never over the moon happy with the color of brick we picked. And as we started painting the walls with the new color, the red brick didn't really go anyways. So I painted it the same color as our baseboards. I am extremely happy with how it turned out. But if you do this, beware of what it takes.

I didn't prime it because the paint I had already had primer in it. I also deep cleaned the fireplace just to make sure I didn't get dust and dirt in the paint as I went.  I read some where to use an old cheap brush. THIS IS A MUST! The paint brush will get ruined from the brick. Its just going to get tossed out. So don't use your favorite paint brush. I did use a roller first just to get the first coat on. And that was nice. Also, keep in mind that you will use a lot of paint. I used about a half a gallon on our fireplace and I still missed some spots that I had to go back and get. The brick just sucks up the paint into all the holes and nooks. Let it dry with each layer. Here is the outcome.

The Before

The After

Starting to paint

Done!

With the new wall color

More of an idea with the windows

Mantle is done. Now to add some furniture! That's for a later post.

Our summer...

I have been a stay at home mom full time now for 4 weeks. And it has been interesting.  I started the 1st week helping Nathan's class finish up their last week of preschool. The 2nd week we all had the stomach bug. A nasty one. Then the 3rd and 4th week were filled with swim lessons. Every day out in the sun for an hour or more in 100+ degree weather. LOVELY! But I am tan now so that's nice.

Zachary is almost 2 and we don't like doing parties so we are just getting together with any family that can make it. Nathan is still in swim class. And in between that we have gotten together with friends, went to the Children's Museum here in town, visited a toy train museum and we are headed to a water park in a week.

I am really excited for swim lessons to end so we can get into a good routine of playing, grocery shopping, outings and such. Lessons are right in the middle of the morning so they ruin any outings we may have and both my boys still nap in the afternoon so that makes our days pretty much over after that.

That's the update so far. I am sure I will have more as we get more into the summer.

Zehring Vacation Fund 2013

So for the month of May I have kept track of everything that I have earned towards our vacation fund.  This is going to be a fast update because I have not really been in the mood to blog. We have had stomach flus, remodeling, ending a job (I am staying home full time) and just trying to get into a new routine with my family. So here goes the update...

• 10/12 (I forgot to add this one in) $5 Disney.com gift card. I will use it to buy a gift card for disneyland
• 4/22  $10 Disney gift card from being a part of their movie rewards. I cashed in my points for it
• 4/23 $5 Target gift card for buying cereal in bulk
• 5/22 $20 in Target gift cards for buying sunscreen and other needed toiletries in bulk
• 5/24 $10 in Target gift cards. I went back and bought more sunscreen. With the coupons and gift card deal I had to stock up. I paid about a dollar each for banana boat sunscreen
• 5/30 $10.27 in change
• 5/31 $10 from My Surveys
• 5/31 $5 from EPoll
• 5/31 $10 in Walmart (shhh, don't tell Joel) gift card from Plink

 Total: $85.27

Total Fund : $621.50
My Goal is $1000 by the time we leave in Sept.