Privacy, Please!

So, Nate and I live in an apartment where there are NO PETS allowed. As you know, we are the proud parents of two gorgeous kitties. Cats like to sit in windows, which is okay in our apartment, as they can do so without being seen, EXCEPT for in the kitchen window, which of course, they love. In addition to that, it is very easy for the whole world to see into our apartment from that window, so I decided to take action. I installed frosted privacy film. This serves two purposes:

1. No one can see into our apartment, but light can still come through. Now I can keep the blinds open!

2. The cats won't be able to see anything out of the window, so, hopefully, they'll be discouraged from sitting in that window. Yay!

It took me probably about an hour to install. The directions were very clear and easy to follow. I used Gila brand privacy film.

I didn't take pics of my windows, but here is a picture of the before and after of someone else's window. (Mine had the same effect)

BEFORE

AFTER

Cool, huh?

San Jose Sharks

On Saturday 4/25, Nate and I were celebrating. We attended Game 5 of the series and the Sharks were back! Not so. They lost the series today against the Anaheim Ducks. We are mourning.

On the bright side, Nate can finally shave his poke-y play off beard!

Shadow Boxes!

One of my favorite things to do is to make gifts. A really neat and inexpensive idea for a gift is to make a shadow box for a wedding invitation. I just use the invitation that was sent to me. I usually make them for brides-to-be and give them at their bridal shower (Yes, Cynthia, you will be getting one of these...Surprise!). Here are a few examples:

Flowers and Tulle

This box has tulle with silk flowers and pearls scattered on it.

Simple Elegance

You can't see it in this picture, but the back ground is a textured piece of scrap book paper. This is an easy way to add visual interest while keeping things simple. There are pearls scattered around the silk flowers.

Calla Lilies and Pearls

It's hard to see the embellishments, but there are little pearls all over this calla lily box.

Black and White Rhinestone

All the little dots you see are sparkly little rhinestones.

Flowers and Pearls

There is a back ground of tulle in this box.

Each box cost about $15 to make (includes the frame and embellishments). To make one of these, just get a shadow box, 8 x 10 is usually a good size, and a piece of scrapbook paper or card stock for the background. Make sure the paper you choose is compatible with the theme of the invitation. Then, you need embellishments. You can use things you have around the house, like leftover ribbon or scrap booking materials, or you can buy a few things. The clearance section of your local craft store is a great place to look. Silk flowers and beads are a great way to decorate these. Then, just glue it all together, put it into the frame, and Voila!

Maui, What a Wonderful Place

So, this past week, the Hagners went to Maui! We had the time of our lives. We had an activity packed week. Here are a few highlights:

Haleakala National Park

That's a crater from the volcano!

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have reached an altitude of 10,000 feet. You may now use your electronic devices.

Nate and Me at a Luau

Big Beach

Our Dive at First Cathedral in Lana'i

We saw Spinner Dolphins!

The road to Hana

Waikamoi Falls

Wai‘anapanapa Wayside Park

Two of our favorite stops on this amazing tour were the black sand beach...

and the Bamboo Forest on Pipiwai Trail!

We didn't want to leave. There is so much to see and do on this small island!

TOPS models his new tag!

He looks so handsome.

More Shrinky Dinks!

As promised, I am posting some of the other projects I have made with Shrinky Dinks.

A tag for our squirrel-loving Tops!

A refrigerator magnet for my parents to communicate whether they fed the dogs or not!

(Pictured from right to left: Angel, Ruger, Chandler)

Here is the other side of the refrigerator magnet. Also pictured is the tag I made for Tops, and the LA Dodgers earrings and necklace I made for my mom and sister.

I also made a San Jose Sharks necklace using this logo, but I did not have a chance to photograph it before I gave it to my Sharks-fan friend, Karen.

And for my newest adventure, I am taking up soap-making! I made my first batch today of Honey, Almond, & Milk soap.

Mmmmmmm!

On Monday, I am giving my kids in Kids Club their Easter Baskets (Pictured in my Spring Forward post). I think they'll love them.

That's pretty much it for now...

Nate the Grate!

So, I realize that this is about The Hagners and not just Elsa, so today I am posting a blog about Nate. For those of you who don't know, Nate works for Knorr Systems, Inc. as a service technician. He services, maintains and installs commercial pool equipment.

Well to make a long story short, a new skill was added to his repertoire...SCUBA diving!

Nate hard at work

Knorr paid to get their service techs PADI Certified so that they could dive to the bottoms of pools and replace/repair grates to comply with The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

Nate holding a new grate...

...Nate replacing the old grate.

The cool thing is, even though he is working in pools, he is Open Water Certified and can go diving in the ocean!

We are going to Hawaii in a couple of weeks and we've already booked a SCUBA trip in Maui (I'm certified, too). Can't wait!