 It was in the 6th grade that I met my childhood bestie... almost 30 years ago! Typing that number is bittersweet...so long ago, yet just yesterday, all in the same breath.The Bestie recently moved to Atlanta where her hubby was promoted within his company. This was the first time that we have ever had to share life at a distance. I have to say that while I miss our lunch dates terribly, I am beyond thrilled that she was able to relocate and settle into life as a stay-at-home mom. It was a good move for their family and just means that we have to spend more quality time together, instead of quantity. She had only been gone about 3 weeks before I booked my flight to "Hotlanta" to see her and her 2 girls...whom affectionately call me "Auntie!" =) I don't know who was more excited, her oldest daughter or ME!!! Four weeks later, I was packing my suitcase to head to the land of peach trees to see my girls. I was thrilled that I was able to fly in the "business class" where they served Milano cookies instead of pretzels...what a lovely treat =)  Upon arrival last weekend...the dresser in the guest room greeted me warmly with a slew of handmade cards created by a smart little Kindergartner...just made my day to see her handiwork! Soon, we got busy decorating her 5 year olds bedroom...ok, she's really almost 6, but going on 16! Her 5 year old got her own bedroom in the move...no longer sharing a room with her 2 year old sister. It was time for her to have a space of her own where she could crawl into the closet and write in her journal during "meltdown" moments and enjoy organizing her jewelry without "Sister" interrupting. My Bestie had long been admiring all of the tree art that covers the walls of little girls' bedrooms these days. As soon as my plane hit the runway, plans were being made for Auntie's work to begin...I was volunteered to paint the whimsical art on her dreamy eyed, sweet girl's wall. We stayed up until the wee hours of the morning catching up and Pinteresting ideas for her daughters room. Here is some of her inspiration...       Saturday was paint day!With a piece of sidewalk chalk, a quart of white eggshell paint and her hubby entertaining her girls...work began. Using the chalk, we...she and I, both... took turns drawing out the tree on the wall. We each had a "eye" for what the branches should look like =) The beautiful thing about using chalk is that you just wipe it right off the wall if the outline doesn't work for you! Ingenious idea!!!  (Look closely to see the chalk lines...) Then, it was time to fill in the chalk lines with paint. It immediately transformed the room into a "Once Upon a Time" space...oh, so dreamy!   The Bestie was in love with the whimsical masterpiece...whew, thankfully because that was some kind of pressure! Eternally grateful that she approved...While the wall dried, I spent an evening with the little girls while Bestie and her hubby went to dinner. The girls and I enjoyed "Game Night"...complete with pizza, a Greek salad and POPCORN...Mmmmm! After tucking the two little princesses into bed, I was off to reorganize a closet. After all, I packed my labeler...so I HAD to use it! Bestie and I spent some time at the Dollar Store earlier in the day, collecting colorful bins to house clothes and toys.  I must say, sorting girlie stuff is certainly not what I am used to, so I admit that I utterly enjoyed playing with fluffy tutus and princess dresses. (My expertise has been in organizing sports equipment with 2 boys and 1 grandson in the fam.) This is how the closet looked BEFORE...    And then, the big reveal...  Bestie came to give her input on the closet. She was thrilled with the new look, just moving a few things around to better suit her 5 year old. This is how it wound up looking AFTER...   The next morning, I awoke to a little sweetheart at my bedside sharing the kindest thought..."I love what you did to my closet!" Awwww...that was worth it all (even if her momma did tell her to come in and say that! LOL ) All too soon, my visit was over and I was over skies, in route to "Home Sweet Home." The trip was WONDERFUL, but it didn't beat seeing my boys' faces at the airport when picking me up! My son greeted me with, "I love you!" and said it 5 more times before we even got home. I think he missed me!!! Here is the way this trip panned out: Dollar Store bins to organize closet...$15 Pizza and Salad for Game Night...$30 Airline Ticket...$133 The look of satisfaction on the Bestie's face...PRICELESS! Truly...such a joyous trip! Miss my girls already, but Bestie and I are already scheming on the next trip out. =) Inspired, Dawn ***Update*** Check out this newly painted sewing table that was passed down from Bestie's hubby's family. It got a few coats of paint and is now totally "pinkalicious!" Looks adorable in the bedroom. =) The big girl room is coming together...  |
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