Jessica@SheekGeek

Overstock Rug Plunge

May 21, 2012 by Jessica@SheekGeek

So I finally did it. I bought a new rug! It was one of those purchases that I mulled over before hitting the submit button long after Adam was set on the purchase. It was hard because the rug total came to $185.23. That big chunk of change is not a usual purchase for us. I kept thinking how we could find something cheaper on Craigslist, but this rug has perfect written all over it. I had about $85.00 in credit card rewards to use towards this purchase, so that helped too. (I never carry a balance on my credit card from month to month, but I always use a credit card for purchases to accrue cash rewards and point rewards.) The rug was also 15% as part of a Memorial Day sale. I saved another 7% off using a link through RetailMeNot. I’m all about checking for coupons first before finalizing an order. Okay, now on to the perfectness of this rug. One, the rug is the right size. This beauty is going into our home office (which is also one of the largest rooms in our house). I first almost had myself convinced that a smaller rug was the right choice.

I think it was the near $100 price tag that was fogging my judgement. I sometimes have a bad habit of justifying flaws because the price is right. Now, this is a perfectly good rug, don’t get me wrong. It is just too small for my space, and it doesn’t currently come in a larger size. I needed an 8×10 rug at least. And I found it! Even more blissfully, the pattern on this rug seems eerily similar to the scrapbook paper I used on the front of my ikea alex hack.

The ratings for this rug were non-existent and how could I buy a rug without ratings? Well, after some internet sleuthing, I learned this is a Safavieh rug. All the Safavieh indoor/outdoor rugs on Overstock have wonderful ratings (much like this one here).

If this purchase goes well, I just might buy the above rug for under my kitchen table. I might be saying this because I have a two month trial membership with Overstock that garnered me $8.66 in Club O Reward bucks to use on a future purchase. (Yes, I know this is how they get you, but I will end my membership in two months nonetheless!)

So what do you think of this rug purchase? I can’t wait to see it in our office!

Quaterfoil? No, wait – Quatrefoil!

May 19, 2012May 18, 2012 by Jessica@SheekGeek

It seems like every where I look, a quatrefoil (four-leaved) design is a source of inspiration. Whether it is used on walls or accent pieces, it really lends itself to a clean and modern aesthetic. Although I like to think of my style as eclectic traditional, I am finding more and more that it is hard to pin down my style. One thing I do know is I know what I like, and I like quatrefoil. I am completely inspired by the pantry at The House of Smith’s. I don’t know if it’s the gray paint that looks like it’d fit our color scheme, or the pantry placement that is eerily similar to our own, but it is totally my style. You’ll even notice that she uses a quatrefoil design as part of her blog layout!

I am also enamored with her creative use of vinyl lettering. Now, it’s no secret that I have a new l0ve for all things vinyl ever since my diy vinyl wall tree. Turn’s out she actually sells custom vinyl lettering. This means she must have a vinyl cutter. Drool! I’m a sucker for random industrial equipment. Speaking of which, does anyone need to borrow a book binder?

One of the most genius application of a quatrefoil design was at Twin Dragonfly Designs. Using a clear glossy finish only, it was applied using a stencil. Can you say subtle chic?

Keep in mind, a quatrefoil desing can be put anywhere. At Casa de Lewis, tiles were put to good use as beautiful coasters.

Where would you put a quatrefoil design? I am debating between stenciling the craft room with a clear gloss like Twin Dragonfly Designs or in using a keep it simple approach like Casa de Lewis and using her method to add a quatrefoil design to a vase or similar piece of room eye candy. Whatchya’ think?

Blogging Fail # 1 – Not Posting Blog Posts

May 14, 2012 by Jessica@SheekGeek

Adam and I were recently discussing our lack of posts on our blog. Between working full-time as a teacher and part time as a master’s degree student, I try not to beat my self up too much over lack of posts. Adam has a similar time commitment, just in reverse (full time PhD student, part time teacher). However, even with these time consuming responsibilities, we still feel guilty. Blog posts from the pros like this and this and this (and more) say blog often. In fact they all advise blogging a minimum of once a week. We average a post a month. If we’re lucky. Can you say blogging fail? Now with summer approaching, time is being put into both of our laps. Time helps. Of course, thinking that since you have “time” you are going to post more is a fallacy. I’ve been there. And so has Adam. So what is going to push us over the edge to start posting more? What do you think would help?

I am obviously not an expert, but I analyzed the areas of life where I am most productive and I have come to this conclusion. It is all about feeling obligated. Responsible. Accountable. (I’m trying to find the perfect word to describe the feeling I think I should have, but I’m at a loss.) Currently, I do not feel compelled to post to my blog regularly. It is a side thing, a hobby. Obligation, responsibility, and accountability seem incongruous with hobby. But passion can drive a hobby and lead you to accomplish great things. It is happened to me before (even if right now it feels fizzled). How do I begin to feel intrinsic motivation to blog? I decided I need to figure out why I wanted to blog in the first place.

My reasons to blog (a.k.a “Why I wanted to blog in the first place…”)

Build Awareness for my Business, SheekGeek (which is also a side hobby!)
Share DIY Projects I’ve Completed (like this one – which is my current favorite post thus far)
Teach Others (Adam and I are both teachers after all!)
Become a Better Writer
Make Money (I didn’t want to put this, but I am just being honest with myself.)
Document My Life

Looking at this list, I’m trying to find my spark of motivation. Surprisingly, Number 3 is really what is getting me going right now. Good writing evolves. The best writers write all the time. Every day. I don’t write every day! I can’t reach my goals if I am not working towards them. Adam and I both have writing a book on our bucket list (hehe, who doesn’t have writing a book on their bucket list these days!). I get a slight adrenaline high when I write. Ideas start flowing and it is a good feeling. That means there is positive reinforcement for writing. I definitely need to get into the habit of writing/posting. I think goals need to be said aloud (or in this case typed). I want to become a better writer. Ah, who am I kidding. I said it aloud too. I WANT TO BECOME A BETTER WRITER! Man, that feeling of accountability is growing.

I think if lesson number one of blogging 101 is “blog often” then potential bloggers need to analyze why they would want to blog often. Especially if they need a kick in the backside like me!

A Simple Valentine’s Day Message

March 10, 2012February 12, 2012 by Jessica@SheekGeek

I wanted a simple but sweet Valentine to give out to my students. I searched Pinterest and did not find anything that had the degree of simplicity I wanted. That is when I decided to make my own. I used the paint program that comes with Windows 7 and I was pleasantly surprised with the versatility and ease of use of this program. I’ve had a thing for owls recently, so naturally I made my own owl graphic.

Review of EyeBuyDirect – Part One: How to Get Prescription Glasses for Less than $30 A Pair

October 20, 2023January 3, 2012 by Jessica@SheekGeek

I like to say I am not cheap, I am frugal. I like quality and I would rather pay a little more for something that would last, but I also love to save money. Buying eyeglasses online was a bit of risky territory, but I did my research and put in my first order from EyeBuyDirect in February of 2011. I ordered a pair of glasses for $36.12 (including shipping!). I added a “Tint Key” of “Grey 60%” so I could use these glasses for driving. Essentially I created a pair of prescription sunglasses for only $36.12. Can you say sweet!