Well Played Dad, Well played!! Here are some last minute April Fool Pranks!

Happiest Friday

&

Happiest April Fools Day!

I was going to paint my son's nails this morning

 (my good friend did this to her son and he was mortified all day), 

I had this big plan...

sneak to their rooms in the middle of the night and paint them bright red..

But...

 I just couldn't do it!!

The torture they would have to endure all day was enough to make this mama feel guilty.

So..we couldn't let them off scott free

Travis, instead, decided to aim the shower head facing out..

so when they turned on the faucet, that cold shower blasted them square in the face. 

As each kid took a turn,

 I heard "dear hubby" laugh hysterically

The boys even agreed, 

"Well played dad, Well played!"

I just LOVE April fools...

However, I can never think of any way ahead of time.

I have heard a few funny ones already this morning!

If you haven't got a chance to trick your family..

Try one of these fun April Fools Jokes

1. Cream cheese replacing deodorant!

Now, that is a good one.

Found on Pinterest! No direct link.

2. MACARONI AND CHEESE ORANGE JUICE

3. Swap pudding for Mayonnaise

4. Cover a hallway with cups!!

5. Paint a bar of soap with nail polish

I hope these Inspired You!

The Kids might not think your cool...
but now who looks the fool!!!

On a more serious note, Come Visit us at the Iron Range Home and Boat show in Virginia!
We for sure will not fool you with our prices!!

Enjoy Your Friday!
Shelby

Last Minute St. Patricks Day Treat!

Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!

Hope you  have "the Luck of the Irish" on your side today.

I wanted to take just a few minutes

 to show you a fun, last minute treat

 you can enjoy with you family tonight.

They are LIME Sherbert Floats & they Only need two Ingredients!!

Yes, TWO INGREDIENTS

Lime Sherbet and Lemon Lime Soda!

 Scoop in the Sherbet & Add the Soda!

  And there you have it!

Amazingly delicious treats!

 

 For the whole Family to Enjoy!

We can thank

 http://homecookingmemories.com/lime-sherbet-floats-green-recipes-st-patrick-day/

for this awesome recipe!

I think we "struck gold" with this fun, easy recipe!

~Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone~

Hi ho, hi ho...off to the store I go!

 Enjoy your day,

Shelby

When kids come home they just "dump" and run!

HaPpY wet Wednedsay Everyone!

Hope you guys are enjoying the warmer temps!

The warmer temps are sure nice, 

but 

the mud and water that gets tracked in can sure drive someone crazy.

What tips have you guys been using to keep your house "puddle proof"?

This is our back entry and the dumping grounds for everything!

I mean everything...

From American girl to Karate uniforms.

When kids come home they just dump and run.

 I'm working on a few things to prevent the dirt and water from entering the whole house!

#1. Purchasing a nice floor mat by the door!

that way dirt and mud don't land right on your floors

#2. Baskets for shoes. 

Buy a few affordable baskets~I usually try inexpensive ones from TJ MAX

BUT

~I have been known to find a few at Goodwill~

Then kids can just pull out the basket and drop shoes in.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

#3. One or two daily swipes :) 

I have been trying to sweep once or twice a day to prevent that icky sand from entering the home.

#4. Undress in the garage before entering

This is for those extreme cases when they have puddle jumped all day and are wet head to toe

I just get a kick out of my little girl~puddle boots backwards! Why not?

On a side note!

Have you jumped in puddles lately?

If not, you must take one hour and just go slam around in puddles!

The relief you get from dancing in the rain & slamming your feet in puddles is priceless!

 

On one more side note...

Water can cause a muddy mucky mess around you home.

If you are having water problems at your home consider:

 

Installing new gutters~ 

Altobelli Peterson Construction specializes in steel Gutters

New roof~ 

are you having roof issues? Get a quote on a metal roof~Lifetime gauranteed

Windows~ 

are you windows leaking? Look at installing new Anderson windows.

   Give us a call at 1-218-744-3350 for a free estimate today!

 

Enjoy your wet Wednesday!

Shelby 

...Come around the world and back again :)

Happy Map Monday...

Map Monday you ask?

Yes...maps...Follow me this direction..and I'll show you the way!

There is this new "trend" I have been seeing

and

I am really feeling inspired!

http://honestlywtf.com/home/classroom-maps/

In my home, we have a blank wall in the living room 

and I am contemplating adding a map!

They add a vintage, unique look.

This next picture is from:
http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2013/06/where-in-world-have-we-been-map.html

They purchased the map from Ikea
They take bulletin board pins and pin places they visited..
You could always pin...
places you dream of going
or
Places you are praying for (a child you sponsor, or a country in crisis)

You can also use a map to "hide" different elements in your home.
In the picture below, they used a antique map to cover a flat screen tv.

You can even purchase map wallpaper from any paint/wallpaper store!
You can wallpaper the wall & frame it in.

Love this picture below from:
 http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/05/07/map-wallpaper-for-walls/
She created map wallpaper for a small hallway!

http://theinspiredroom.net/2013/05/07/map-wallpaper-for-walls/

Thanks for coming "around the world" decor tour with me!
I will keep you posted on our map project and show you guys pictures along the way!

Hope you feel inspired today!!

Shelby

Getting Ready to Deck your halls..."Oh wait, A Lifetime Movie is on!"

...Getting Ready to DECK your halls!

This weekend, I am starting to decorate for Christmas!

Yes, you heard me right....

I know, I know..early right?

Well, this year our home is part of the Essentia Health Festival of Trees Home tour.

So...that means, by Nov. 20th...My house needs to be "decked".

This is a hard task because this year, I don't have a decorator coming in.

You are looking at her.

This girl is taking it on...HELP!

 For my brain, this is a hard task because I very often find myself distracted.

This is a TYPICAL Christmas decorating day for me!

I get everything out and then:

"Oh wait, I need Christmas music"

"Oh wait, I need some hot chocolate!"

"Oh wait, where did I put that one sign from last year?"

..So, I head down stairs to find it..

"Wow, it's messy down here!"

"I better clean up in the basement!"

"Wow, these floors are sticky...I better mop down here!"

"Wow, I'm tired..let me sit on the couch and watch lifetime for a minute!"

""Oh wow...it's dinner time!"

"What are we having for dinner?"

"I better run to the store and get us something!"

"Time to eat our late dinner!"

"I might check facebook quick!"

"Wow kids, you need a quick bath!"

"I better throw in a few loads while I'm up here!"

"Kids, time for bed...okay, I'll lay with you for a few minutes!"

Okay, mom's OUT!

 I get easily distracted when I am doing a task I have a hard time with or don't know where to start.

Does this ever happen to you guys?
Am I the only one stranded on planet distraction?
...anyone, anyone?

 

 So, I made myself some tips to make decorating more enjoyable.

Hope you enjoy!

Three ways to Make "Decking" your halls more timely

#1. Make the hot chocolate & put on the music BEFORE you start.

#2. Cancel your cable ahead of time so you don't get sucked into a Lifetime movie. 

#3. Don't go "tuck your kids into bed"..ZZZZZ!

 

All in All, I am looking forward to this. It's going to be fun!

I just need to get started.

Look at me now, I'm being really productive...I'm blogging about how unproductive I am,while trying to be productive.

Ha, ha...I'm shutting the computer off and getting going!

Bye Everyone!

Peace and Love!

WISH ME LUCK...I need it!

If you didn't have a chance to read yesterday's blog, check it out!
It was a little dedication to dear daughter:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/11/there-is-this-girl-she-kind-of-has-my.html

...Spooooky Fun Drinks for you Halloween Night!

...Happy Halloween

Hope you have a spoooooktacular Halloween tonight!

Just wanted to share with you some easy, kid friendly drinks for your Halloween night! 

#1. The Green Eyeball:
~This one looks super fun..I spy with my little "eye" a fun night!

http://www.agirlandagluegun.com/2014/09/easy-halloween-drink-with-peep-straws.html#_a5y_p=2415829

#2. Fanta Jack O' Lantern Floats

http://belleofthekitchen.com/2014/10/20/fanta-jack-o-lantern-floats/ 

3. Gummy Worm Punch 

http://bitzngiggles.com/2015/04/gummy-worm-punch.html 

  

...And for the over 21 crowd, 

The Purple People Eater!

http://guestofaguest.com/new-york/halloween/spooky-cocktails-for-a-halloween-monster-mash&slide=3 

Be Safe Tonight Everyone!

Enjoy your Halloween night, hope you get a good fright!

Shelby

Just a throw back on this Halloween!

My Austin, you make me smile and fill my heart with so much joy!

Love you buddy!

15 day Cookie Making Challenge!

The 15 Day Cookie Making Challenge...

Last week, dear daughter, politely stated the following statement:

"Mom, you never make cookies..like ever!"

.So, I politely responded, "Oh honey, yes I do!"

She responds, "Not the ones you have to make by yourself!"

I laugh...

She laughs...

Then, we both Laugh!

This continued &  repeated for 15 minutes, until I finally said.

"Fine, I will make you cookies every day for 15 days!"

Her eyes popped open!!
"Really MOM? For 15 days!"
"Yes, 15 days in a row we will make cookies!"

Now, I must follow through....

Yesterday was day #1 and we made cookies!!
(They may or may not have come out of a frozen box, already shaped into perfect balls)
~She didn't notice...shhhhh!
They were "Goblin cookies!"

I have 14 days Left of Cookie Making and I am pumped
~a little nervous, because baking is not me!

I am taking the challenge...
want to come along on the 15 day cookie challenge with Me?
Come on you guys...I need a team to support me!

If you have any easy fun cookie recipes, please share them with me!!!!

Also, if you are looking for Affordable ways to decorate for Halloween:
Click this link:
:http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/10/halloween-decorating-all-for-100now.html

Hope you have a "great cookie filled day!"
Shelby

Grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and pick out a spot to sit!

...FaNciFy FrIdAy...

Happy Friday Everyone!

Just stopping in to show you a couple fun Fall Pictures from my porch!

Grab a cup of coffee, a good book, and pick out a spot to sit!

Let's enjoy the Friday together!

 

I tackled the front door yesterday!

Grabbed two cornstalks from the farmers market~$5

Added a pumpkin~$3

A fun shovel from a talented friend~

and

then  used what I had around the house!

Can you tell I love Fall?

Fall has always been a peaceful time of year for me.

It just always brings back good memories of 

being outside riding wheelers, 

enjoying the woods searching for a grouse, 

or

just simply smelling the crisp air. 

Hope you have time to enjoy Fall this Weekend!

To see some fun ways to Decorate Fall on a Dime, check out this post:
http://altobellipetersonconstruction.blogspot.com/2015/09/decorating-for-fall-on-dime.html

Thanks,

Shelby

Throwback Thursday...My cornstalk days! Plus an adorable porch reveal!

 Happy Thursday Everyone~

Hope this day is Leaving you well!

You know how when you find something really cool..you have to tell your friends!

Well, that is exactly how I feel about this front porch!

Are you guys Loving it as much as me?

Well, Let's do it!

All you need is:

1. Cornstalk 

2. Mums

3. Hay Bail

and

4th: A creative mind like this decorator from: 

http://ourvintagehomelove.blogspot.com/2012/10/autumn-porch-ideas.html?spref=fb&m=1

In all Reality..

If we really want to make it happen~

We can do it!

Click on picture for original blog post:

 We just need to:

 ~set out that cornstalk by our front door.

~Buy a mum and put it in a crate.

~Get a hay bail and set some pumpkins on it..

and

Lastly,

Put a cute pillow on our wicker furniture and there we go!

Can I get a whoop, whoop...followed by a fist pump?

See  we can do it too...

We don't have to be "super decorator"

Add caption

 I am fairly confident mine won't turn out anything like this..

But,

You Just Never Know...

I also found a fun throw back Thursday for you...

 This is Pre-Collette, can you believe it?

So much has changed since then!

We now have a daughter

New home

New job

 but

one thing remains...my Love for cornstalk...and of course, my dear hubby!

Happy Fall Y'all!

Shelby

Attention: Cabin Owners...Help Is On the way!!! Hang on to your Bobbers!

With the glimpse of warm weather we have had...

I have summer on my mind!

The sun, the water, the boats...

The smores

&

 suits hanging over railings :)

&

fishing 

& 

fires 

&

jumping off the dock..
the list truly does go On and On!

Being at the lake, truly is heavenly!

We do not have our own cabin, 

but 

luckily we are blessed with friends and family
who let us drop our beach bags down,
pull up a chair,
and enjoy their little slice of heaven!

I see the work that takes place when we are up there.

 I watch our hostesses having to attend to all the needs a cabin entails. 

This is no surprise...

Many people refer to their cabins as "work farms"! 

You here it all the time.

They say it is hard to enjoy the property because they are always "working on it".

 Wether it's fixing something that's creeking,

 to cutting the grass,

 to removing the weeds; 

there definitely is a lot to be done at a cabin..

but, 

I'm sure most people wouldn't trade it for a minute.

That is where we come in..
I have exciting news!!!

We can help you with "all that work" that has to be done at your cabin!

We frequently travel to lake places all over northern St. Louis County 

to give free estimates on fixing those pesky problems:

~That leaky roof, leaning roof, or those wind blown shingles!

~that door that squeaks every time you run in and out!

~the patio door that you cannot latch or open properly!

~the screen that's torn and those pesky mosquitoes are coming in!

~that window that is cracked or giving you an obscure view of the beautiful lake!

~that deck that has missing boards or rotting boards!

~that gutter that's hanging half way off the roof and ready to hit a guest in the head!

~that siding that truly needs to be fixed once and for all!

..the List is truly Endless & we can help you enjoy your summer at the cabin instead of you having to "work at the farm" all summer!

*You may even be thinking; your hubby was planning on doing them..

however, 

 once he starts, 

he is easily distracted by the boat 

and 

the fishing poles parked at the dock 

or 

becomes stumped with how to actually finish the project!

Thats where we, Altobelli Peterson Construction, come into place!!

If you would like us to come and check out your lake place project

 just give me an email at:

speterson@abcironrange.com

  or

 call us at 1-218-744-3350. 

We would love to come show you how simple and easy hiring a professional is!

Are you unsure of what you would actually want done? 

No worries, 

our design consultants can create ideas to give you a helping hand!

ABC Seamless Log Siding :)

An option is a metal roof from www.vertexroofing.com

New Windows to Enjoy Your View

Maybe a deck or Screen Porch!

What's holding you back?

You think about the cost and how it is out of reach financially.

Well I have one more great surprise!
Wait for it, wait for it...

We offer Financing Programs~

NO INTEREST..

365 days Same as cash ZERO INTEREST LOAN!

Now...

Enjoy your cabin and be stress free...

leaving those cabin projects to the professionals~

Enjoy the moment & make memories..instead of messes!

 Shelby

What does a bookcase, a window seat cushion, and Altobelli Peterson windows have in common? Come check this out! Adorable!

When you take a talented, ethical carpenter  (Like My amazing husband Travis)
and
mix it with a crazy wife with lots of ideas..
You get one team that can help you make any of your home improvement dreams a reality!

 What does a 
bookcase,

  window seat cushion,
and an

Altobelli Peterson Construction Renewal by Anderson window

have in common?

well.....

You can put all three of them together to make an 

affordable 

simply beautiful

Window Seat!

Just flip the bookcase over on it's side...

www.indulgy.com

..add some cushions and baskets

www.iheartorganizing.blogspot.com

...and you have an affordable, adorable window seat :)

www. apartmenttherapy.com

Oh ya, Don't forget the window!
This is were you need "Dear Hubby" and his talent!
The Window!

If you need a new window, let us show you how durable and strong
 Altobelli Peterson's

Renewal by Anderson Windows are!

They are high quality and installed by professionals!!

Call 218-744-3350 today

(tell them Shelby Sent you :)