Playroom Update: Reading Rack

Okay, I've stuck to my plan.  I've been doing laundry like it's my job... wait it is my job (lol).  I've gotten most of the Christmas Decor put away, and have slowly been reclaiming my messy home after my holiday break.

Yesterday I finally added the rain gutter reading rack that I've been wanting to do for a long time.  

Ta-Daaa!!!

Lol.. I made a few mistakes along the way, like I didn't realize the brackets should be attached to the gutter before attaching them to the wall (I thought I'd be able to just hook the gutter in once they were screwed in... oh well, I've never claimed to be a professional).  After I fixed my initial mistake of screwing the brackets in first, it was quite simple.  

Here's a quick run down of what I did. 

First, I measured and marked where I wanted my rack to go.

Next, I used a stud finder to mark where I'd screw the brackets.

Last, after removing the brackets that I'd screwed into the wall, I slid them onto the gutter, and reattached each bracket to the wall.  Confused yet?

If you need more detailed instructions, check out this blog. She did a great job of listing needed supplies and capturing pics during her process.

I know what your thinking... what happend to the magnetic center, (okay maybe you're not... but I'll tell you anyway)  They were only attached with hook and loop command strips, so it was really easy to relocate them to another wall.  You'll get an update on those possibly next week.

Finally I let the little ones get to work.  Munchkin almost immediately put is foot onto the gutter as if he was going to climb it (of course), he was uh nicely reminded that, that is not cool (perhaps not those words exactly).  Anyway, his next move was to pull up a chair and start reading... SCORE!!!  I do have a cute picture, but we are still potty training and he tends to be naked from the waste down most mornings.  So, I'll be saving that pic for when he's older and has a girlfriend.

 Oh yeah, notice the new reading tent.  Santa brought that for the boys.   I'm so excited the playroom is really coming along and turning into the child friendly dream space I've always the boys want.

Thanks for reading!!

Playroom Update: New Magnetic Center!

I'm not sure if this is true for every one's stainless steel fridge, but mine is not magnetic.  What!?!? Now how am I going to hang fun letter activities and things for the boys?  Well thanks to Pinterest, I found my answer.  If you haven't checked Pinterest... run there now.

Anyway, while reading lots of Tot School posts, I'd often see the leapfrog magnetic refrigerator game.   I love everything Leap Frog and I immediately wanted it for Munchkin.   The answer... a new homemade magnetic center in the school area in the playroom.  This is the before, if you want to see.

See this!

Pinterest via preschoolsuperstars.blogspot.com

I love the idea!!!  What do I love even more?  It was so inexpensive!   The cookie sheets were only 98 cents from Walmart!  The command strips that I hung them with were more expensive.  Anyway... take a look at my version.

 I was going to spray paint them bright red... but the hubby was like "is that non-toxic?"  Lol, I started imagining peeling red paint chips, or scratches from rough play (I do have to little boys).   Needless to say I left them shiny silver.  Not exactly what I had in mind... but I love it nonetheless.  I'll save the red spray paint for the spice rack shelves I'm gonna add.

First I laid them on the floor to decide how I wanted to hang them.   I measured the space to try and get them centered... and uh... they're still a tad bit off center... oh well.

They are the perfect height for Munchkin and Little Bear.  Lol, Little Bear isn't really interested in the Leap Frog Magnetic Zoo (what else is new?)... he prefers to bring them to the little Elmo table, eat them, hide them... You get the idea.

Thanks for reading!  

I'll be linking to 

A Bowl Full Of Lemons

Clean&Scentsible

Mudroom Update.

Remember my bare mudroom, and messy closet.  Well I took care of the closet... Check it out here, and I have finally gotten around to fixing up the rest.  It's still a work in progress.  I'm working on some fun family art for the walls, but take a look so far.

 I've added two rail hooks. I wanted to make sure Munchkin had easy access. I'm trying to teach him to hang up his things.

I scored the umbrella stand from Bed, Bath, and Beyond for %40 off.   Don't you love clearance!!!

I also got to use my %20 off coupon on the door mat.   Hoping this baby saves my wood.

Stay tuned for some fun family wall art that I'll be adding.  I'm just looking for a frame that will work.

Thanks for reading,

The Pink Lady