Betancourt house update continued...

The Betancourt house update continues... today, pictures of a few kitchen projects I have been working on. Simple changes, quick projects, but lots of fun!

I have had this frame for years and never knew what to do with it. I spray painted it white, and made a chalkboard in the center using smooth plywood and chalkboard paint. It's perfect for posting my weekly menu!























I was inspired by this posting on House of Smith. I was lucky enough to score this light blue plate at a thrift store for $1.50. I cut out the letters, and designs on vinyl with my cricut. I attached a dry erase marker to the back with velcro and it's a great place to jot down notes - the dry erase marker wipes off easily for multiple uses.

Simple and quick. I cut out this design on vinyl with my cricut and attached it to my kitchen utensil crock.

I have been wanting new kitchen curtains forever! Now that I have been learning to sew I figured it would be a fun project. I found these tablecloths on clearance at Target and fell in love with the fabric. Using tablecloths made these curtains super easy... I only had to trim the bottom and sew one hem. They were hung using clip rings so I didn't need any additional sewing.

Another view of the curtains - plus check out the swirly trivets I picked up at a thrift store.

My last kitchen project - is the EAT sign above the cabinets. I bought cheap wood letters at Hobby Lobby. Painted them blue, inked the edges for a worn look and then adhered vinyl decals that I cut using my cricut.

That is it for now... more to come. So check back soon... all eleven of you! ha!

betancourt house update

Thanks to a very patient husband, and some really really late nights, I've done a few crafting, decorating projects around the house. What I love is that almost all of the projects are using items I already had, or items I found thrift store shopping! Here are just a few... more to come later this week, so be sure to check back! Today, it's all about the dining room!

I painted my Grandmothers old sewing table a bright cheery yellow. It ended up being much brighter than I planned, but once it was done I decided to live with it. I like the bright pop of color, but it was a little much... so for now I put this table cloth over it to break up the color.

I used chalkboard paint to update this old cabinet door that I had. It used to have a floral print in the center, but it just wasn't my taste anymore... so I covered it with chalkboard paint for a fresh new look. I added some really fun knobs from Hobby Lobby that are all different colors. It's been fun to have a place to write messages or words of inspiration!

I scored on this refurbished buffet table from Chic Staging Designs (check em out on FB). I added a few frames and other accessories that I had hanging around - I just love it! It's funky, distressed and full of character - plus I don't have to worry about the boys messing it up!

I found an old vintage window, sanded it a bit, painted it and purchased this bird vinyl from House of Smith. I think it needs something more... but for now I haven't decided. Maybe a shelf underneath? Suggestions are welcomed!

My awesome, creative friend Jenny helped me make this fabric rosette wreath that was inspired by Kiki Creates blog. I just love it... although my fingers are a bit tender from all the hot glue burns! I wasn't sure where I was going to use it, then I realized this window I had laying around would be the perfect backdrop.

Be sure to check back this week for more decorating, crafting, upcycling fun!

Valentine's Day

Yesterday was Ezra's school party. I was bursting with excitement to make his Valentine goodies to share with his classmates. I had it all planned out... making the "I dig you" shovel candy bags from eighteen25 (an awesome blog by the way!). I ordered the shovels on ebay, but they didn't get here in time. My dear, sweet husband went on a bit of a hunt the night before to make sure I had what I needed... and I did! He found 12 shovels, so that I could make the perfect Valentine's. Love him!
We got to school that morning, and as I walk up one of the moms says, "oh, what did you make? You always make something cute." Seriously... she made my day. I'm known as THAT mom? I was in heaven. Inside though, I was also laughing... ok, so I'm the mom that brings the super cute classroom goodies. My kids had the super cute OhFiddlesticks mustache Valentine shirts. Adorable. Me... well I looked like I just rolled out of bed. I had just showered, thrown on my sweats and tennies, and literally ran out the door. Absolutely no effort put on myself. None. So I guess for now I can clearly say that my ability to balance things is still a bit off... kids, husband, house, work, school, exercise, my appearance. I can't do it all, somethings gotta give, and right now it seems to be my appearance. Such is life. For now I will shine in the glory of being the creative mom in hopes that one day I can be the creative, hot mom. Or at least creative, put something on besides sweats and wore a bit of make-up mom.
Here are few pictures of the goodies I made. A special thanks to my scrappin mamas group for all the wonderful inspiration - these ladies always make me look good!

"I like the way you roll" box of Rolo candies for teachers.























"I dig you" Valentines with shovel and candy.
























and of course, this years Valentine sent to family and friends.























Hope you have a love filled Valentine's Day! xoxo

My Story.

Today. For the first time in my life I was thankful for those dark moments of my past. Why? Because those experiences have given me the empathy and compassion to understand that sometimes people make bad choices. That doesn't make them bad people. We have to look beyond the actions and see the person. Because let's face it... do you really think the promiscuous teenage girl is doing it because she likes the sexual contact? In all honestly, it is probably the opposite. How do I know? I was that girl. I was that teenage girl making really bad choices. I was the girl cutting class, smoking a cigarette in my car in the parking lot. I was that wounded soul looking to fill that void in my life with all things bad. I spent many years regretting these choices. Carrying shame with these choices. A typical facebook encounter tonight helped me realize that having those experiences taught me first hand to look beyond the behavior and listen to the story. There is always a story. My story has some dark moments that tend to overshadow the sunny days. Abuse. Death. Tragedy. As a young girl I let those dark moments consume me. I let those moments shape "my" story. Luckily, my life took a turn. I met a loving, pure hearted boy that saw beyond my imperfections and looked at my heart. My soul. He loved me tenderly. He saved my life. I often wonder where my life would had gone had I not met this incredible person. So, tonight I write this in my warm, loving home with that same tender hearted man who has given me the most wonderful gift. The gift of directing me to be the person I was always meant to be. Passionate, loving, giving, and so much more. Take the time to listen to the story. It will change your life.

Disneyland half marathon

Running my first half marathon was an awesome experience. The training and dedication was so much more than I thought it was going to be... I complained and struggled, but I did it. We spent two days touring and walking Disneyland the days before the marathon... probably not the best way to rest your muscles, but we couldn't wait to take the boys. Sunday morning I headed out for the starting line. Being surrounded by all those people is really thrilling and motivating. I was hopeful the adrenaline would carry me through. It took me 25 minutes to even get to the starting line... and then we were off! My goal was to at least run for the first 6 miles, and then walk if I needed to. Well, I ran straight for the first 11 miles and then I just didn't think I could go anymore... the pain in my feet was horrible. So I stopped to walk a bit - which made it worse. My legs felt like jello... but then I picked myself up and ran some more. The last two miles were a walk/run combo, but I finished strong and ran through the finish line. Running through an empty Disneyland/CA adventure was exciting, but my two favorite parts were around mile 9 - running on the field of the Angels stadium. The crowed cheering, your picture on the big screen, and "California Gurlz" bumping on my ipod. I felt like a rock star! (then unfortunately my ipod died - my least favorite part of the run). As I almost hit mile 13, I saw my boys and Robert cheering me on. I ran by and Ezra gave me a high five. It really put a pep in my step. I was so proud, and happy that they were there to share in my experience. My hope is that they will always be proud of me and that I will be a positive example to them and show them the importance of taking care of yourself. Most importantly I hope to teach them that no matter what, you can do anything you set your mind to. I may not be the most fit, the fastest, but I made a committment and I followed through. I pushed my mind and my body further than it had ever been before... I said I wouldn't do it again, but now I'm not so sure. It feels pretty amazing.

Van Halen - Right Now (Music Video) HD

This is the song that does it for me. That pushes me when I am running.

It gives me that feeling of empowerment. That I am strong and powerful.

That my body is totally capable of doing this.

That I have to keep going. Right now. C'mon turn this thing around.

There was a time many years ago where my internal dialogue was abusive and hateful. I thought it was good motivation. I was wrong.

Seriously, my old mantra to myself was "keep going. you are disgusting and fat."

Now... it is "you are strong and powerful. you can do this."

Much better, don't you think?

Reading the book, "Woman, Food and God" by Geneen Roth has changed my way of thinking. It has taken me to a new understanding... what if I am good enough just as I am? Maybe I should stop trying to "fix" myself... maybe I really am not "broken."

I have been dieting since I was in the 5th grade. Honestly. It was my first trip to weight watchers. Size 6 to 28, I have never in my life been content with my body. I just don't know what that feels like. Well, except for one time. But it wasn't in this reality... I was in a guided meditation (attending a Sylvia Browne event). My BFF Melissa asked me to go with her. I said sure... why not? What I didn't realize was that it was one of the most powerful and life changing events in MY life. A quick and easy description of the event...

Sylvia guides you to your "place." You picture yourself there...seeing myself brought tears to my eyes. For the VERY FIRST TIME in my life I saw myself as beautiful. I wasn't thin, I wasn't fat... I was just me. Standing in a peaceful meadow. Wearing a clean crisp white summer dress. My long hair blowing in the wind. I instantly had a feeling that was totally foreign to me. I didn't think about it. I just felt it.

I was at peace. At peace with myself. A feeling of being totally content. Everything was perfect just as it was... it was so amazing and wonderful.

I hope that one day I can experience that feeling again... but in my daily reality.

Love and Chocolate

Today was a day for chocolate... so we made some brownies. Both boys love to cook. After we were done, I let Ezra lick the spoon... remember how great that was when you were a kid? He loved it. Here is the proof.

When I look at these pictures I can't help but smile. It warms my heart... these boys make me laugh out loud every day. They are so much work, but so much fun. I have become totally obsessed with capturing these moments on film. If we laugh about them today, imagine the joy and laughter they will bring us in 20 years.

....and these moments are just priceless. Robert came out and told me, your gonna want to get your camera for this one. We couldn't stop laughing.

Boys, Boys, Boys...