SB's Sweatshop of Love: Spring Break and a Chevron Update

Hi all!

Somehow, even over Spring Break, I managed to keep myself busy enough not to share one of my new favorite projects.

Here's a rundown of my (two week) Spring Break and the project I completed between all my fun.

Spring Break started off quiet. Jeremy was out of town, and I spent most of the weekend relaxing with Mosby and dogsitting for our favorite furry friend, Fate. There was much relaxing done by all.

Once Jeremy got home, we went for some corned beef and cabbage (pizza) and beer to celebrate St. Patty's Day. (I am talking about St. Patty's Day, I know, I am FAR behind!!!)

My first week of break consisted mostly of crafting and babies. Lots of babies.

My first stop was to see my friend, Cathryn, and her 16 month old, Emma. Right before I left to see them, Cathryn graciously offered to let Mosby come along to play with Emma.

This was Mosby's first playdate with a non-furry friend. It went well. Emma enjoyed giving Mosby treats (and later, food from her highchair). Mosby really enjoyed Emma giving him the food, too!

As far as playing, Emma followed Mosby around, then Mosby would follow Emma. They enjoyed putting each other's toys in their mouths (before the adults could reach them). Mosby jumped on Emma a few times, but Emma was a really good sport about it all.

Getting a dog and a one year old to both stand still or look at the camera is pretty much impossible.

Later that week, I took a trip out to the suburbs. I have a couple friends out there, and it worked out to have lunch with one and dinner with the other.

Lizzy and I worked together for two years, right when I first moved to the city. We have been close friends ever since. I've mentioned her in Casey's post and probably several others.

When Lizzy had her daughter, Audrey, she left her 9 to 5 job, to start her own business and be a stay at home mom (lucky duck). It's been great for her, but our impromptu coffee/tea/beer dates after work have been harder to work out, as she is no longer working downtown.

(*Shameless plug for Lizzy's business, Home Sweet Hale. She does embroidery and sewing for your little ones and home. It's adorable and fantastically made. Check out the link here.)

Ms. Audrey

After a lovely afternoon with those ladies, I went to see one of my favorite families. My best friend, Maggie, her husband Michael, and daughter, Grace. I've mentioned them plenty of times, including in this post, where I framed my maid of honor speech.

Well, I love this little family, and now that it's "facebook official", I can share that this little family won't be little for much longer. Maggie is due with TWIN GIRLS this summer!!

It was fun to go to see these three while they are still only three. Grace is getting so big, and we had fun playing and reading books. It was nice to spend time with Maggie and see her belly start to grow. We stayed up late (9:00 pm people) chatting. (Maggie is the only adult I know who goes to bed earlier than me, pregnant or not).

I rounded off my week of babies by spending time with Sofia. My parents came back from their nine week trip to Florida and the Dominican Republic, and the seven of us had a nice time spending Friday together.

I even got to get in the pool with Sofia for her swim class. She LOVES the water, singing songs, and especially looking at the other kids in the class. My parents took photos, but I forgot to snag a couple from them.

We did bundle Sofia up for a walk. It's nice to finally be able to get out of the house!!

On Saturday morning, Mosby and I left with my parents to go up north for a week.

We were greeted by icy, muddy roads and about a foot of snow in the driveway. Happy Spring Break!

We had a nice time relaxing in front of the fire and drinking Moscow Mules, which is our new (old) favorite drink.

vodka, ginger beer, and lime...yum!

Mosby enjoyed going for muddy walks, although he wasn't a fan off meeting some aggressive new "friends" or the baths that uncaked the mud from his belly and paws.

We did meet up with my Pat and Den, my in-laws, and Michelle and Tim, my brother and sister-in-law for dinner one night. We also saw our friends Karrie and Randy, and Craig and Anne for dinner. I always seem to forget to take pictures when only adults are around.

Although it was cold, there were signs that spring was coming.

We walked out to Lake Michigan, through the woods, and were relieved to see that the beach and water were snow and ice free.

And of course, the most tell tale sign that spring is here....the year's first Oberon. (Never mind that snow in the background.)

Spring break was good. It went too fast. And now, after just a week back at work, I'm already counting down to summer (12 more weeks).

But, my project this week has brought a POP of summer fun into our apartment.

Jeremy and I have these TV trays. They are in good shape, structurally. However, the paint had seen better days.

I decided to spruce them up a bit. I had left over off white spray paint from some wedding projects, so I decided to spray paint them. I used about 3 coats to completely cover up the black.

Then, I decided that my tables needed some color. I LOVE pops of bright color. Jeremy and I have neutral, black, and oak toned furniture and walls, but I love using room accessories to add color.

I have been really liking the chevron lately. (Not sure what chevron is? Click here.) I had some red acrylic paint left over from another project. While acrylic may not be the best choice, it was on hand and it worked out well.

The hardest part of the project was making the chevron pattern. I used this blogger's pattern to make the pattern and her advice on how to apply it. My pattern is now one of my prized possessions.