Well I’m sure I don’t NEED to go into detail about how stressful moving can be. Everyone knows that. And I’m sure all of you who read my blog have just about had enough of hearing about it! I promise this will be the last time I go off on a tangent of how frustrated and disconnected it can make you feel. So let’s get this over with and move on!
I think the day that I had to hand over the keys to the new owner was the most draining. Now that I think about it, I really am proud of myself for doing it all on my own! My parents were a big help throughout the whole process, but they left for vacation the day after the movers came. There was a lot of cleaning that needed to be done before I could say that I was officially moved out. My body ached for days!
From the moment I accepted that offer, my hands shot up and the roller coaster ride began! I had devoted the last few months of my time and energy to it, and I was getting really grumpy. I needed to create something, so I set out for the craft store. It was like a weight had been lifted when I finally stepped through the doors! I could have spent hours just scanning through the aisles. By the time I was finished shopping, my mood had been lifted, and I couldn’t wait to get back home.
I had to set up a makeshift craft table. I took an old art table top and set it on top of two boxes. It’s actually quite a cozy set up! The project I am working on now won’t be finished until next week, so you will have to stay tuned. Let me just tell you that a lot of “create-ivity” was involved!
One of the first things I did on the first night in my new home was transform my fireplace. It is the centerpiece of the common area and it divides the living room and dining room. I thought of a way that I could use it year-round by putting candles in it instead of wood, and then surrounding the candles with river rock. It has turned the space into a calming sanctuary, and the whole project cost me only $50! I shopped around for the cheapest pilar candles. Micheals craft store had the best selection and price. I bought ten candles of three different sizes for about $30. They also sell a variety of polished stones or river rock, but I found that it was a lot cheaper at Lowe’s. I bought three bags at $6 a piece. You can find them in the greenhouse area with all the house plants. Having all the candles burning does generate a lot of heat, so I kept the glass doors closed and the chimney flue open. I will probably use this in the winter also, so I don’t have to worry about buying wood or making a mess! I love it!
Tip: Make sure you clean the side walls and the flue thoroughly, removing any black soot. Open and close the flue a few times allowing any loose particles to fall. Once the area is clean, cover the entire base surface with saran wrap. This will protect it from any candle wax. Then cover the saran wrap with a layer of river rock.
