DIY Pallet Headboard

 When we bought our new bed we thought about getting a headboard right away too. We had a hard time finding one we really liked and the ones we did like were pretty expensive. So when we got our hands on some old pallets,  I knew what our first project would be. A headboard!

 I had seen a few ideas on Pinterest of what I sorta had in mind, but once we got working on it and drew out plans we made it up as we went. 

We began by carefully removing all the boards from the pallets and pulling out the nails. Then we decided what side of each board looked best and sanded them nice and smooth. 

Next we build the frame.

We started by deciding how high and how wide we wanted the headboard to be. We measured the bed frame and wrote it all down on our sketch of it.

We originally thought we'd do 5 vertical back braces but then changed our mind and did 4. But then realized 6 would be better! Hey, we're not pros. We're winging it as we go! 

  

Then the fun part... fitting the boards all in. For the most part we wanted them all to end on the frame so we could make sure the ends were adequately attached. 

We also added a ledge/shelf to the top of the headboard to finish it off. 

What I love so much about this project is that the imperfections of each board just add to the character of the whole piece.

 We sanded down the areas the screws went in and wiped the sawdust and anything else off it. And then it was ready to be stained!

  

We wanted some color but not too dark that you couldn't see the wood grains. So we did one coating and let it sit for a bit and then wiped off the excess. I love the shade it came out as! 

Three days of drying and it was ready to be put up! 

I'm so happy with how it turned out! Now I'm even more excited to create some more things with the rest of the pallets!

All Moved And Setting In

While I'm not sure it's possible to have a stress-free move, ours was relatively as free of stress as we could make it. It's still a very good feeling to be all moved in and able to unpack.

In the midst of moving, I was also trying to run more in anticipation for a Run or Dye 5K. It unfortunately got cancelled, but in the process of running more, I've found I'm starting to enjoy running again. Enjoy?! Did I say that? I mean... tolerate and not ask myself why I'm doing it for the entire 5K. My pace and endurance is still not what I'd like, but I'm seeing improvements every week; and that is encouraging.

I've also started the annual build-stock-up-for-craft-fairs season in my shop

 I like to use the slow time during the summer/fall to prepare for when it's going to be crazy busy!  

Because some days call for a brightly colored dress...

 As I sometimes don't always do the best job at keeping up with posts for le blog, you can follow my days here: 

Summer Activities

As I mentioned in my last post, we went on a trip to Alberta for my brother's grad. For the summer he's moved to British Columbia and is living with us. He has two pets, a dog and a cat. We've lived together before so the transition was pretty easy on everyone. That is unless you're our cat 

He has relaxed and has gotten used to them now 

So far this summer I think we've been fairly blessed with gorgeous weather! I've been trying to make the most of it and spend as much time as I can outside! 

We've done a couple hikes

 

 And taken advantage of lake living and kayaking lots before we move next month. 

 

 
 And while I'm looking forward to this move and excited for it. I'm trying not to get to nostalgic thinking about our past two years at this house. But with that said, there are empty boxes waiting to be packed... 
 
 

Life Is What Happens...

Whoa whoa whoa! Back up the blog writing bus! Last post was May 30! whoops!


 “Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” ― Allen Saunders

And that is what I've been doing. Plans for our trip to Alberta,

plans for moving next month,

plans for summer adventures,

....and so on.


So while I may not be writing on here often; I have been writing many posts in my head. If only there was a sync option.

Workout Motivation

I've done pretty good the past year or so with keeping up with exercising regularly. I've really been trying the past couple months to step that up a lot. I have wanted to do a Color Run since I first heard about it! But they never have one near here! One year I almost signed up for the closest one which was 9 hour drive away. Anyways, I found out they are having a Run or Dye in the nearby city this summer!! So I pre-registered! Now I really have motivation to run more!

 With that in mind, on an impulse I signed up for

Summer Shred 2013

It'll be interesting to have a workout plan for the month! There was great reviews from May's so I'm excited for June!

So with my workout partners ready to go it's time to kick butt! 

Our Trip To Kamloops

Hello big blog failure. {Insert lame excuse explaining why my draft folder is full of posts but publish was never pressed} Let's pretend I've done a great job at documenting my life lately. Because really, isn't that the intentional purpose of a blog? Sure there are additional benefits to sharing your life in blog form.

Anyways, where have I been? One place, is Kamloops, BC. I went on a trip with Jon there for his work. Free trips are always great! Almost exactly two years ago we took a similar trip on the same route. So it was nice to revisit that.

The night before we left our strictly-indoor cat snuck out the front door during our trips in and out while packing the vehicle. We only realized he was missing at 11pm when we noticed we hadn't seen him since 7! We looked in the dark for 2 hours and finally called it a night at 1. I slept on the air mattress in the living room in front of the patio door in case he came back in the middle of the night. I woke up at 5 am and opened my eyes and saw a very terrified cat looking back at me.

 

He was so not impressed we were leaving him home alone right after and taking the dogs with us. We had to take them to the city to drop them off on a dog farm for boarding. 

 Painted Chasm. It's a bit out of the way but we like stopping every time we go by.

 

We did some geocaching on the way down.

I was tired from not sleeping well the night before and Jon was studying for his work competition, so this was my attempt to stay awake. Seems safe. 

  

Jon had to get up really early; I refused. Let. me. sleep. all. day. please.

The view from the hotel room

And... that was about it! I wish I could say we did something excited but when work sends you for a quick trip there isn't much time! It was just great to get away for a couple days together. I love roadtrips where we can talk and spend time together with few distractions!