First off let me introduce you to the characters…

Dad (Gary) – partner in crime

Whether willing or not he gets dragged into my projects. He is my support at Menards (seriously they have everything, why is that so overwhelming!) and my second set of hands. And sometimes he gets tired of waiting for me to get to the projects and instead just starts the project without me. Ahem, the kitchen cupboards he was sure I would never finish!

Mark (Brother-in-law) – the expert

Not only does he provide me with access to power tools, but he also listens to my project ideas and tells me what is going to work and what is a daydream. But the best part is, he always suggests a way to fix it and does not just dismiss me. Also, he is handyman by trade and has gotten sucked into more than one DIY, whether paid or not (before he started the business).

Mom (Lisa) – shopping partner

When we have a day off together, we go out for shopping and lunch. The bartender at our favorite lunch spot has our drinks poured when we sit down! We love our craft stores and discount stores. Christmas time at Hobby Lobby is limited to two hours before we HAVE to leave and have probably already spent too much money. But we find the best finds and the best deals. And so far we have both kept our fake succulents from Target alive.

Gracie (the sister) – the voice of reason and biggest cheerleader

We weren’t that close before I left for college, but now she is my favorite person (possibly only trumped by my nephew, her son). She is probably the only person I listen to when she tells me I am going overboard. She is also the first person to encourage me to go for things. She is pretty funny and you will hear a few of her antidotes’ along the way. She also loves a great craft cocktail and lets me test new ones out on her for the restaurant!

Ashley (the bestie) – the idea woman

Oh boy, her ideas have gotten me into some big projects. But she has also been there next to me while we execute them. She is a craft goddess and has great project ideas. Her ancient cricut is exactly what started me down this path. She was there when we got down to the wire on a few party planning events and kept my head on straight. And unfortunately for her she got a brand new cricut for Christmas which I can’t wait to use for new projects!!

Jenny (cousin) – the listener

She lives in Georgia, but we try and talk once a week on the phone. She is great to bounce my project ideas off and she gives great feedback. She is the one who encouraged me to write this. We discuss our $ store and thrift store finds and all the things we can do with it. We talk about fun cocktail ideas we have seen and which ones we got around to trying. Ahem, jello shot Christmas tree!

Ben (the nephew) - the Inspiration

Unfortunately for him, he will forever be subjected to my ideas. Whether it is letterboard photos or extravagant birthday parties. I have SO many ideas and he gets caught up in them. Thankfully he is a good sport and I can just see him rolling his eyes at me as he gets older. But he is my squishy and is stuck with me.

The Cats (Tipsy and Tango) – the adorable annoyances

Tipsy is the little black one and Tango is the giant orange one. They are lots of fun but a bit too nosy. They think they are a big help and frequently get kicked out. You might see them in some of the pictures.