Bookends. Not What You Think.

You saw it. You're clever little eyes caught sight of something you've been waiting for. Am I right??

Let's recap. Remember this post? Of course you do. Remember what we started with?

Did you see this picture the other day?

Yep. I've been holding out on you. We "finished" this little guy over a month ago. The reason I have not shared yet, is because it is too cold to polyurethane. And I really wanted him to be finished before I showed him off. But, that may be a while. And I teased you earlier this week. So I decided to share.

I have pictures of the process somewhere, but I'm having difficulties locating them right now. Sorry!

Also sorry that he does not have his polyurethane coat{S} on! He would be a much richer, dark brown color if he did. One day he will completely match my dining room table.

On top of him not having his coat on, he also is not styled. Stacy and Clinton would have a field day on the poor guy. The mirror he's sporting is actually borrowed from our bedroom until I find time to DIY a Pottery Barn inspired mirror to go with my Pottery Barn inspired console. He's got a measly Woodwick and key plate. That's it. I feel like I should be apologizing for his lack of styling. I feel like he's naked. I'm sorry for exposing him so crudely. But you had to see. You had to know I finish projects I start. {Well I almost finish them. And then I use them. And one day I will finish them. All.}

So.... dare I ask? What do you think?

A big, huge thanks to Ana White for providing the amazing plans for this little dude. Seriously. Check her website out. You'll want to make every piece of furniture in your house.

I cannot take responsibility of time wasted on the aforementioned website. This is your warning. 

Cat in a Burlap Sack

Calvin has a new favorite napping location. But let us start from the beginning.

Somebody had a mini breakdown this year when we brought out our old, fake, little Christmas tree (Duke). (S)he thought it looked bare, stupid and fake. And (s)he was quick to point out that every year we have said we were going to get a real tree next year. Well my wonderful husband agreed. And was all about getting a real tree. But somebody (Duke) was having an internal argument with (her)himself. (S)he is a cheap-o. As in, "We have to buy a tree stand, a new tree skirt, and a new tree, no way. We'll wait until after Christmas to get the tree stand and get a real tree next year."

It sure is a good thing that my wonderful husband totally understands somebody (Duke) and convinced (her)him that getting a real tree was not going to be that expensive, and then filled the car with tree branches from other Christmas trees to prove how wonderful the smell would be. And overindulgence is the reason for the season, after all... right? Maybe not, but either way, we're getting a real tree. Stay tuned.

Anyway, back to the matter at hand... burlap. You read that right, we wanted a burlap tree skirt. Why not? It's a pretty brown color, cool texture, and since we were getting it from my new favorite store in the world, Atwoods, it was cheap. $3 for more than we could ever need for a tree skirt. And it sure is a good thing we got more than we could ever need for a tree skirt because...

Yes, moments after bringing the burlap into the door, Calvin was on top of it. Inside of it. Playing with it. Laying with it. He loved it. He claimed it as his own. So we used one bag as a tree skirt, and another as a makeshift bed for Calvin. He couldn't be happier.

His favorite thing to do is lay completely inside of it, and play with whoever is on the outside. Or lay completely inside of it, and fall asleep, all afternoon. It's pretty cute. You have to admit.

So when you come to our house, and you see a burlap sack on the ground, don't think we just finished off our rice and haven't had a chance to get to the garbage. Especially if you see a little lump, the tip of a black tail sticking out the end, or perhaps a little white paw. Beware of crazy cats sleeping (and/or awaiting unsuspecting passersby). Just a tip.

Later this week, we will be tree chopping. So stay tuned next week to see what comes of that. Anyone else have any crazy cat stories? Or crazy dog stories? Duke's still chasing his tail. Like crazy. Is that normal?

A Hint of More to Come.

There comes a time in every girls life when she realizes, some things are not within reach. I cannot bounce on the clouds, even if I jump out of a plane above them. I'll just fall through and get wet. I cannot be best friends with Justin Timberlake (unless I got Ellen on my cause... which also will not happen). I cannot have long, thick, Princess Jasmine hair. She is a cartoon.

And as much as I love Pottery Barn, I know cannot afford to furnish my house in Pottery Barn buys. Maybe one day, when I win the lottery, and buy my house on the Pacific with the big windows and black sashes. But for now, when we live on a 2dLt salary, and have student loans to pay back, it's not going to happen.

So what is a girl to do? Lets do a little math, shall we? What does:

My extreme love for

+

An empty, sad, boring entryway 

-

Bags of money

Photo Credit

Equal?? I guess you'll just have to wait to find out! But I will give you a hint: