Lindsay Ballard, Author at Makely

I don’t know how to put this, but I’m kind of a big deal. People know me. I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. -Ron Burgundy

Okay, not really. I don’t have any leather bound books, I don’t live in an apartment, and I don’t have any mahogany furniture. But, I do have my picture in the September 2012 issue of House Beautiful. And on the second page of the Color issue, nonetheless!

Isn’t that so cool? You can even lift up a little flap under under my face to read a notable quotable about my color inspirations.

I may have bought five copies for myself. When Zack asked why, I replied, “So you can have one when you get married.” Obviously I was joking, but he thought that was a very reasonable response. I honestly don’t know why I bought so many copies, but I just felt like I should.

And if that wasn’t one of the most exciting things to happen, Glidden has released the second of the videos that the amazing video crew came to our house to shoot. This one features me talking about where I find inspiration, visiting some of my favorite places around Austin, and me just being goofy with my kids. The first video, where I talk about finding inspiration for decorating your nursery, can be found here.

It’s less than 2 minutes long, and I’d love if you’d take a little time and check it out. It was so fun to work on, and they did a great job showcasing my true personality.

Thanks for being here and supporting me and this blog, you guys! I’ve got some big things coming in the next few months, so hang on for the wild ride!

The kids’ book situation in my house has reached critical mass. Zack’s bookshelf is overflowing. Emma’s basket of books is piled as high as Mount Everest. Every day after nap time/quiet time, we have to pick up countless books that they’ve read and tossed on the floor while they were resting.

Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m not complaining at all! We developed their love of reading early on. Zack is reading about 3+ grade levels ahead, and Emma is already identifying numbers and letters. We’re proud nerds.

But, as far as organization was going, I needed something more than just a basket in Emma’s room. I was cleaning up her room last week and decided that I should finally put away the crib rail that we took off the front of her crib (she’s the next Gabby Douglas, y’all). I propped it up against the wall to get it out of my way, and then inspiration struck.

I just leaned that bad boy up by the rocking chair and tented books over the slats. It’s very light weight, so I didn’t even bother to secure it to the wall. I’ll be upgrading her to a “big girl” room shortly, so there was no need to make more holes in the wall if I didn’t need to. She hasn’t even attempted to try to turn it over.

About 30 books fit on the crib rail bookshelf. Emma can easily remove them, but she’s didn’t immediately know how to replace them. We’re working on learning that now.

I’m just so pleased with myself and my little idea. It’s so nice to have a project that you can pull off in 10 seconds. Believe me when I tell you that doesn’t happen much around here.

I think Emma is pleased with it, too!

Do you have an extra crib rail lying around? Try making an easy bookshelf!

A Few Minutes of Fame

Turn a Crib Rail into a Bookshelf in 10 Seconds