All that glitters and all that's under as the glittering snow melts

Overall, for Alberta, it's been a very mild winter. I'm not complaining. For Ali and I it's been a long winter and both of us have been loving the +15 weather the past week, although I know it won't last and it's just a tease of spring. The snow has all melted and we've been playing out front in the big green space, but not until this Mom cleaned up all the hidden wayward dog leavings. I know it's a public space and dogs are just as welcome (or as unwelcome) as children in our neighborhood. Out of curiosity I started counting thinking it I would get over 10 but below 20, boy did I give the benefit of the doubt (and Ali wonders why I demand she wash her hands after playing out there), I managed a staggering 37 pick ups!!!! The past years of anger subsided this year, as I was pooper scooping I thought I was doing a much more positive thing than just complaining about it. Wouldn't you know it, the space actually looked and felt a little cleaner and a little brighter afterward!

Ahhh, there's our little doggy, or is that a kitty? (honest, all the time, and it changes back and forth, unless she's taking care of her imaginary little brother Jack), soaking up the sun and enjoying our walk to the look out. 

It's been a long winter because I haven't been a super active mom this winter. Last winter I used Pinterest quite a bit to create fun sensory and learning play ideas into a reality, this year, I can't imagine. A bunch of colored rice in a bucket sure sounds like a great afternoon, but, all it would take would be one frustrating moment to have colored rice tossed all through my house. We're working on it, and Ali's a great funny girl, she's just so passionate and strong willed and she doesn't understand physics or mechanics of how things work yet. There's always next year. 

I did get motivated to get a dresser in Ali's room. It was borne out of need, I couldn't stand trying to ram in all of Ali's clothes into her closet and have it stay nice and folded and in order AND expect Ali to dress herself. I've realized, unless the used furniture is exactly right, it's not always cheaper to refinish old things. It's gotta be better for the environment, no?

I found this dresser for sale for $50, I offered $35. I gave them $40

 I had the pink paint from Ali's closet/ reading nook so all I really needed was new knobs and handles. Did you know how difficult it is to find a plain primary red paint? I ended up getting a spray can to paint the sides of the drawers to add some color and style..

I got it in my head to add magic Glidden Disney glitter paint for fun.

This is a no tint paint. The base resembles thick white glue, a carrier for the glitter. While applying it, it was difficult to see just how much glitter was going on. It did seem to take two days to completely dry. I was hesitant to put the glitter coat on and have it end up being gaudy or overdone but the glitter is very subtle and didn't take away or change the pink paint in the least. This is the finished paint job up close. There's still over half a can left, I may end up doing Ali's closet/reading nook.

 I had my heart set on white porcelain knobs but didn't find any. Plan B was to buy inexpensive wooden knobs that Ali had free reign with. She colored them with stripes and dots of all colors from her crayola water paints. The dresser is still without handles but I'm hoping to rectify that tomorrow. All in all, it took me two days and many hours but I'd say..... we love it!