I've got questions and I
know that you smartie readers have great answers for me!
Decor/DIY
1. What's under your dining room table?
We've always had an area rug under our table, but right now are going with nothing until I decide what will work best. Right now I own two options: One that is heavy & wool and never moves but has a super traditional pattern. The other has a modern design that I love, but slides all over the place if you don't pick up your chair when scooting it in (and I'm the only one who does that so it's basically a recipe for insanity). The people we purchased the new table from had it on top of a thick shag carpet (I can't see that being easy to clean). So what type of rug do you have? Or do you have hard flooring (and how does that work out as far as keeping the food mess contained?
2. What is your favorite paint to use for painting furniture? Do you use spray paint? Base coat or protective coat?
My past furniture painting has not gone well and I need any tips you have!
3. What is your opinion of painted furniture? Are you a painter or traditionalist?
I need to paint Jack's new bed due to the condition of the wood, but I'm on the fence about the new chairs from the dining room set. The wood is in great condition but I think the chairs would look really fun if I painted them a bright green or something (they are in need of new cushion fabric too). But I hate to paint perfectly good wood...thoughts?
Summer Movies & Adoption
4. Has anyone seen
Bridesmaids?
5. Which Summer movie are you most excited to see?
It feels like there are more new movies coming out this Summer than ever before. Of course the kids movies are most on my/the kids' radar, especially with all the sequels to their favorites!
6. Is anyone going to see Kung Fu Panda 2 on opening weekend?
Because my kids are dying to see
Kung Fu Panda 2 and I've heard this one deals with a lot of adoption issues. Normally that makes me nervous, but I'm more confident in the language and how the plot will be handled because of Angelina Jolie's involvement. I'm really hoping that it is done well and can be a positive conversation starter for us.
7. Who will share their lifebook/lifebook ideas with me?
We've been having a lot of discussions lately about EJ's story. Most of the time it's her "checking the facts" or her asking us to define the terms we use for the 5000th time, but I realize that I have put off her lifebook creation long enough. Now I need advice...I need a format and an idea of how much information to include for a 4-year-old (should I make one for her to use now & a different one for her as she gets older?). Help!
Clothing
8. Can you recommend a charity who needs donations of women's dress shoes?
I finally cleaned out and organized by shoes (it had been much longer than I thought) and I have a lot that need new homes. I've packed up about 5 bags of the sturdier pairs for
Soles 4 Souls, but I have some nicer shoes that would either be good for job interviews or proms/dress-up that I would love to donate. I have a couple ideas to investigate but wanted to ask if anyone had a recommendation.
9. Where do you get your "active" tank tops?
I tend to not work out as much in the summer (I'm the opposite of most of the world) as I really like the kid time! But I do walk to/from as many things as we can, as well as take the girls for walks in the stroller while Jack is in Summer school. To this end, I broke down and bought some yoga capris to wear in the mornings when I'm walking (I'll change into normal clothes during naptime), but would prefer to wear a longer (semi-butt-covering) tank top with them if possible. Oh, and I sure wouldn't mind if it was cute too.
Summer Plans
10.
What is your favorite thing to do with the kids in the Summer? Do you have any favorite events that are underpublicized?
Last year we found out that our performing arts center runs weekly free programming for kids. The events are all different and really interesting (last year EJ joined the breakdancers on stage during one performance), but we didn't even know it existed until August. I'd love you forever if you shared your secrets with us!