Ruler Growth Chart

I can never go too long without doing a DIY project, and I've been meaning to do this one since Owen's birthday - a Ruler Growth Chart!

1-year: 2'5"

Thanks to Pinterest, I was able to make the giant ruler without too many issues. So the first thing we did was get our supplies. Since we do not own a house, Lowe's was absolutely foreign to me...but Owen seemed to enjoy himself.

What I bought from Lowe's: board, sand paper, wood finish, and top coat.

And then we went to Target for the rest: black acrylic paint and paint brushes (I was surprised that I didn't have these on-hand already).

Step 1: Sand the board, including the edges. Wipe off all the dust.

Step 2: Apply the stain. I only did one application.

Step 3: Measure and mark the notches. I started at 9 inches, since I'll be hanging the ruler 9 inches from the floor.

Step 4: Print out numbers, and cut them out with an X-Acto knife; then trace them on the board. (I ran out of printer ink, ugh...so I traced the numbers from my laptop screen LOL. P.S. Sorry for the bad picture.)

Step 5: Paint the numbers and the notches.

I measured 4's placement incorrectly, so I had to "erase" it with some rubbing alcohol then re-apply the finish, re-measure, re-draw, etc...I'd like to put it out there that I was watching the Season Finale of The Walking Dead at the same time, so I was very much all over the place. I finished painting the numbers and left the rest for the following morning.

Step 6: Spray on the top coat, and leave it to dry.

Step 7: Install a hanger, and hang the ruler.

TA DA!

I'll be measuring Owen every 6 months, as I will also be using it for his future brother(s)/sister(s). Until the next DIY project!

Weight Loss - Back on Track

This time, last year, I was on a health kick - I was walking every other day, went rock climbing, and watched what I ate. I lost all the weight I gained when I was pregnant (and then some), and I was determined to lose an additional 25 to 30 pounds.

And then I went back to work in June. Between working full time and taking care of my family, I had no time or energy to exercise, nor did I have the time and energy to cook healthy meals. I gained 10 pounds in the next 6 months. Eek.

After the holidays, I decided that I needed to get back on track with my weight loss, especially since we want to start trying for Baby #2 this year. I've cut down on my Starbucks drinks, soda, and fast food; and now that I'm working part time, I have time to exercise 3 to 4 times a week - Owen and I usually go for a stroll/slow jog around the neighborhood after breakfast.

I'm happy to report that I've lost 10 pounds since January 1st, so I'm back to where I was last year. My goal is to lose at least 20 more pounds before our big family vacation in October, which means I have to lose an average of 3.333 pounds each month. I promised that I'd post a before-and-after photo if I lose 60 pounds - I'm changing that to 50 pounds.

I'm going to post monthly updates to keep myself accountable!