tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56350909520452018542024-03-13T10:08:19.923-07:00The Sunshine GirlDaniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-4868323526311262162011-05-17T16:34:00.000-07:002011-05-17T16:34:45.728-07:00Hi-Ho Cherry-OHidey Ho! Now I know I've been working on my kitchen for <strike>forever</strike> months but life is busy. I'm sluggishly making progress and thought that <a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/">Thrifty Decor Chick's Spray Paint Linky Party</a> would be the perfect time for me to add some splashes of color to the kitchen revamp. With all the blue, white, and gray going on in the kitchen it's been feeling a little cool in there. I'm going to be incorporating some nice wood tones eventually but I wanted some splashes of color to warm it up too! <div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, hello beautiful!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://blog.livelikeyou.com/wp-content/2010/05/Krylon-Spray-Paints-52101-Krylon-Cherry-Red-Spray-Paint-KRYLON-AEROSO-B0038D5BSM-L.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="232" /></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I debated between red and yellow for a while but finally decided to go with red. It'll pack the punch that I'm looking for. What is I'm spray painting exactly? </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The hardware!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_45hUd7PDY/TdMEwygQgNI/AAAAAAAAAMc/xiJ61xnfk1w/s1600/007+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_45hUd7PDY/TdMEwygQgNI/AAAAAAAAAMc/xiJ61xnfk1w/s400/007+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now, I love Oil Rubbed Bronze as much as the next person but I wanted something different. Something a bit more retro/vintage/whimsical but most importantly fun! Perhaps the inspiration came from this picture I found eons ago when admiring other kitchens. I love the pops of red. Granted there isn't red hardware but there is a red stove! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img height="400" id="il_fi" src="http://www.countryliving.com/cm/countryliving/images/kitchen-turquoise-50s-gtl0406-de-40914331.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="313" /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/how-to-get-the-look/kitchen-paint-color-ideas">via</a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was too chicken to do all the knobs so I started with two from some of the cabinets we removed. I wanted to make sure I was going to like it before plunging into painting all of them. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCBkPafDuDQ/TdMEvBbUwcI/AAAAAAAAAMY/L-wlyUGVDs8/s1600/004+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aCBkPafDuDQ/TdMEvBbUwcI/AAAAAAAAAMY/L-wlyUGVDs8/s400/004+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Sorry for the horrible picture but I don't have time to take another right now!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I applied a couple of light coats of red and allowed ample time to dry. Then I replaced the knobs on two of the cabinet doors.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_GYXuIE9L4/TdMEps4YW5I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/hhqysE2rjEA/s1600/002+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_GYXuIE9L4/TdMEps4YW5I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/hhqysE2rjEA/s400/002+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I plan to live with them for a week before I do the rest but so far I'm digging it! What do you think? Is red cabinet knobs too crazy or is it right up your alley?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><img alt="[image[7].png]" border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_vswDWGRlsPw/TdHa8DuEZdI/AAAAAAAANWo/7x56MPTkr-g/s1600/image%5B7%5D.png" /></div></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-15241253691382415992011-05-15T14:35:00.000-07:002011-05-15T14:35:22.363-07:00I love free stuff!I may or may not have mentioned this but I am extremely cheap! Last weekend my wonderful hubby scored me a free lingerie chest. Booyah! I was/am pretty pumped. I've started sanding but that's it. Here are a few pictures to tide you over until I'm finished.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mFYAQnGW48/TdBGfbfhUaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/KsGho0NiPhA/s1600/028+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mFYAQnGW48/TdBGfbfhUaI/AAAAAAAAAMI/KsGho0NiPhA/s400/028+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k28uyfvKUgI/TdBGiTleSiI/AAAAAAAAAMM/2KWNKgb2jps/s1600/034+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k28uyfvKUgI/TdBGiTleSiI/AAAAAAAAAMM/2KWNKgb2jps/s400/034+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">She's a little rough around the edges but I like a challenge!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hope you're having a lovely weekend! :)</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-85436434482436188612011-05-10T19:27:00.000-07:002011-05-10T19:27:58.437-07:00Scrapbook Inspired Bridal Shower InvitesHello, hello! I just wanted to share some photos of the invites I'm working on for my Besties' bridal shower. I still have to complete the back but I'm loving the way the front came out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVsUEKgGXAg/TcnzeGVKMOI/AAAAAAAAAMA/RKORrDJSiNw/s1600/018+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVsUEKgGXAg/TcnzeGVKMOI/AAAAAAAAAMA/RKORrDJSiNw/s400/018+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5N6RLhMlJg/TcnzirFEIhI/AAAAAAAAAME/EyTXy4CtHvk/s1600/022+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u5N6RLhMlJg/TcnzirFEIhI/AAAAAAAAAME/EyTXy4CtHvk/s400/022+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I'm hoping to finish them and their coordinating envelopes tomorrow night! I have to mail them out by the end of the week so I need to get my booty in gear! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I hope you're all having a great week! :)</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-36019323055361978672011-05-08T18:09:00.000-07:002011-05-08T18:09:41.178-07:00An Impromptu HiatusI can't believe it has been two weeks since I have written a single blog post. I hadn't planned on not writing anything it just kind of happened. I was working on cleaning and painting and catch up on laundry and spending time with my family. I was trying to put less stress on myself since I had been feeling so worn out. However, I plan on getting back into the swing of things this week. I may not be posting five times a week because I have come to realize that those are unrealistic expectations for myself. I have a full time job and I have a family. I do not have the luxury of being a full time blogger even though I would like to. <br />
<br />
In other news, today was Mother's Day. I had to travel for work on Friday and Saturday so it was wonderful to be home all day today and relax. It was also nice to receive this wonderful gift from Jeff and my little lady....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVPkwo9U8_4/Tcc-PFJf5MI/AAAAAAAAAL8/-zLQ-3yU2r8/s1600/sewing+machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVPkwo9U8_4/Tcc-PFJf5MI/AAAAAAAAAL8/-zLQ-3yU2r8/s400/sewing+machine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Now I just need to learn how to use it! Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mothers out there!Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-12361279291431228032011-04-25T18:10:00.000-07:002011-04-25T18:10:13.180-07:00Review: Rustoleum's Countertop Paint<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yesterday during my parent's Easter gathering I was talking with my cousin about the Countertop Paint that I used a while back. After talking about it with him I figured now was the perfect time to do a little review of the product. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ34f1IC154/TbYY7eLM73I/AAAAAAAAALw/ZzncGfCN6jg/s1600/Counters+Before+and+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YJ34f1IC154/TbYY7eLM73I/AAAAAAAAALw/ZzncGfCN6jg/s640/Counters+Before+and+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I am 90% happy with my decision to paint the counters. However, there is 10% that wishes that I had just left it as it was. What is the reason for the 10%? Spots that look like this…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yP4UvGmFIiI/TbYY_EPPOxI/AAAAAAAAAL0/iM8iDI818io/s1600/113+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yP4UvGmFIiI/TbYY_EPPOxI/AAAAAAAAAL0/iM8iDI818io/s400/113+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While I never expected perfection from a $20 can of paint I am slightly disappointed that I have a handful of spots where the paint has come off. This could be my own fault though. On the can it says to lightly sand really glossy surfaces. I didn’t. Our counters really weren’t that glossy but perhaps I would have had better adhesion if I had. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I also made the mistake of emptying my dishes and leaving them to sit, unmoved, on my newly painted counters for a week after painting them. The paint didn’t come off but there are visible rings like this…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqMy3bxL2iE/TbYZBqA82TI/AAAAAAAAAL4/dAGSe95iq-c/s1600/115+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JqMy3bxL2iE/TbYZBqA82TI/AAAAAAAAAL4/dAGSe95iq-c/s400/115+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While I’d rather not have the small flecks of the old counter showing through I do have the option of touching it up with the leftover paint I have from the project. I, also, am happy to say that my painted counters have completely solved my problem of forgetting to use a cutting board! Woohoo!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">While the counters most definitely are not perfect, I'm happy that I painted them. I’d rather have an imperfect counter in a color I love then an ugly counter in perfect condition. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you’re thinking about tackling this project yourself I would recommend sanding any surface regardless of how glossy it is. (Do as I say, not as I do people!) I think it would definitely help to keep from getting little marks in your surface. Also, make sure you wait the 3 days that is recommended prior to use. I was tempted several times to just go ahead and use them but I waited and I’m glad I did. Overall, I would use this product again if I am ever faced with ugly laminate counters and a tight budget.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I'm linking this over to <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/04/paint-projects-link-party/">Centsational Girl's Paint Linky Party</a>.</span> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-30878080525057180212011-04-21T18:38:00.000-07:002011-04-21T18:40:54.795-07:00Bridal Shower Inspiration<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">100 days from today is my BFF's wedding. I'm so excited for my bestie and I'm thrilled that she chose me to be her Matron of Honor! Her bridal shower is approaching rather quickly so I have been scouring the blogosphere for inspiration and ideas. The shower is being given by myself, her mother, grandmother, and bridesmaid. I have been left with the responsibility of decorations, favors, and invitations. All the fun stuff if you ask me! So far here are some inspiring images that I have found and plan to incorporate into the shower.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihkkHwqAbKk/TbDYmICMxGI/AAAAAAAAALg/aNp7Kv4Ma2g/s1600/paper+doily+program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihkkHwqAbKk/TbDYmICMxGI/AAAAAAAAALg/aNp7Kv4Ma2g/s400/paper+doily+program.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://raepinky.tumblr.com/post/484632703/all-things-paper">Raepinky</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm really liking the paper doily idea. The above picture is actually a wedding program but I think I'm borrowing the idea for the invitations. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXCPYOtwwfY/TbDZWfjty9I/AAAAAAAAALk/xbskjmKAfpM/s400/doily+garland.jpg" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theartofindecisionblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/christmas-crafting-with-paper.html">The Art Of Indecision</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then to tie in some of the decor with the invite I'm considering stringing up some of these cute garlands.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghTL4sZj6BM/TbDZ7Nz_BLI/AAAAAAAAALo/ACVn3VrDlSo/s1600/Milk-Glass-and-Tree-Stump-Centerpiece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ghTL4sZj6BM/TbDZ7Nz_BLI/AAAAAAAAALo/ACVn3VrDlSo/s400/Milk-Glass-and-Tree-Stump-Centerpiece.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/05/11/real-weddings-kellie-chris/milk-glass-and-tree-stump-centerpiece/">Elizabeth Anne Designs</a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The shower is being held in a barn and I want to keep everything rustic and green feeling. Some DIYed stump charges fit right in. I also plan to recycle some wine bottles for vases.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnEWkrujc2A/TbDakpYKwWI/AAAAAAAAALs/MKypfoJt600/s1600/fabric+flower.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YnEWkrujc2A/TbDakpYKwWI/AAAAAAAAALs/MKypfoJt600/s400/fabric+flower.bmp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kindawonderful.typepad.com/pink_paper_peppermints/2008/05/31-crafty-flo-3.html">Pink Paper Peppermints</a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I stumble across these adorable fabric flowers along with a ridiculously easy tutorial. I haven't tried it yet but it really does look so simple. I'm thinking burlap favor bags of chocolate embellished with fabric flower brooches. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm having so much fun coming up with <span style="background-color: white;">ideas! Hopefully within the next few days I can get my tushy in gear and make some tangible progress on everything.</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-4433151555296057172011-04-20T18:15:00.000-07:002011-04-20T18:15:10.005-07:00When It Rains It Pours<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Lately we have been having some home mishaps around these parts which have me feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and defeated. A couple of weeks ago our furnace bit the big one. Luckily, we were able to hook up our water to an electric hot water heater that was already in the basement and we can run our wood stove to keep the house relatively warm. However, we will be saving our pennies all summer so we can pay cash for a new furnace before the cold weather returns.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">On top of our furnace breaking down we have also been having issues with our septic. Last week I went downstairs to do a load of laundry and was surprised with a utility sink full of water that was overflowing onto the floor. After an hour of lugging buckets up the basement stairs and dumping them out the Bilco Doors we had the water cleaned up. Jeff snaked the pipes and it seemed as though a certain little someone may have flushed something she shouldn’t have. It may have been tissues, baby wipes, or doll cloths. We weren’t sure but everything seemed to be functioning properly once again. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Over the weekend Jeff went to my parents to help put in new hardwood floors in their bedroom. After they ripped up the carpet it became apparent that the simple floor install would not be so simple. Whoever built my parents house had not laid the sub floor properly. For obvious support reason, seams of sub floor should lay on the rafters. These seams didn’t, plus they were dry rotted. Hubby, my father, and my brother spent the weekend replacing the rafters, installing a new sub floor, and then, finally, the hardwoods. An afternoon job for two turned into a weekend job for three. On the bright side, my parents have beautiful new floors in their bedroom and do not have to worry about falling through their floor. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Monday night I was trying to be productive in the kitchen and sanded all the Spackle. I was cleaning up the dust and went to the basement to get something. I didn’t even make it to the bottom of the stairs and could see water on the floor. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh. Em. Gee. I thought I was going to cry. I had forgotten that I was supposed to be taking it easy on running water. In the midst of me trying to be productive I had done a load of laundry, ran the dishwasher, gave Charlie a bath, and took a shower. I completely over did it. Imagine my guilt when Jeff got home and had to help me clean up the disaster mess I made. I told him what I did and apologized and he responded with “Things happen. The floor needed to be washed anyway”. He’s a saint. He could have easily been mad at me but instead we spent some quality time sucking and moping up water, rearranging our basement to remove things from the water, and cleaning the floor. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tuesday morning he snaked our drains again and we thought our problem was solved. No such luck. Currently we can not run water in our house which makes my productivity basically zero. Here's to hoping Jeff can fix it in the morning and I will no longer have to go to my parents to shower, eat, do laundry, and basically live. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">What household mishaps have you had lately?</span></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-76153061074497142332011-04-18T15:00:00.000-07:002011-04-18T15:00:56.675-07:00How To Paint Without Taping!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">As I've mentioned , I repainted my living room a couple of months ago. When I went to the Home Depot to gather supplies for the job I found this cute little brush....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IznRkrHZKwE/Tay0KwgWPBI/AAAAAAAAALc/pFBEw7rz930/s1600/brush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IznRkrHZKwE/Tay0KwgWPBI/AAAAAAAAALc/pFBEw7rz930/s1600/brush.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's called a 2 inch Angle Sash Brush and it's made by Wooster. I picked it up for under $6!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is, by far, my favorite paintbrush ever! With this little brush you have way more control than with a normal paintbrush because of the short flexible handle. I was able to paint 95% of my living room without taping. (The other 5% had to be taped due to lack of elbow room) What a time saver! Taping has always been my least favorite part of painting so if I can get by without doing it I will. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Next time you're getting ready to paint a room I'd highly suggest picking up one!</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-50081389289349688252011-04-15T13:21:00.000-07:002011-04-15T13:22:27.757-07:00My Marie Antoinette Inspired Chair MakeoverFor months I have used this chair at my desk...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSyYXj9h6nc/TainWICLJqI/AAAAAAAAALU/8P-VWZOdZZE/s1600/042+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSyYXj9h6nc/TainWICLJqI/AAAAAAAAALU/8P-VWZOdZZE/s400/042+edited.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I bought it for $5 off of Craigslist with the intention of painting it. Finally, one night, I decided to dive into the project. First, I mixed my own shade of pink with acrylic paints I had laying around the house. Then I watered it down and dry brushed it on. (For those who aren't familiar, dry brushing means wiping most of the paint off of the brush. Once I was done it looked like this....</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU9IXbxkpnI/Taik_4BpTvI/AAAAAAAAALI/dQmcEvxplmk/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yU9IXbxkpnI/Taik_4BpTvI/AAAAAAAAALI/dQmcEvxplmk/s400/030.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next, I did another layer of dry brushing with a watered down version Martha's Rainwater paint that I am using for kitchen redo.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tK_lI7b30Gc/TailcfyDOmI/AAAAAAAAALM/gVKOLs6us-w/s1600/031+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tK_lI7b30Gc/TailcfyDOmI/AAAAAAAAALM/gVKOLs6us-w/s400/031+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">At this point, I was frightened. I had this picture in my head but this wasn't it. I knew I wasn't done but I couldn't stop thinking of cotton candy, mermaids, and the movie Marie Antoinette. I wasn't sure I liked that. When I went to bed that night I planned on starting over the next day but in the morning I decided to finish what I had started since I wouldn't be wasting anything other than my time if I didn't like it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So the next day I carried on with Plan A by applying yet another layer of dry brushed, watered down paint. This time I used Glidden's paint right off the shelf with no tint added. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhtLJhXChVM/TaimHkLLyHI/AAAAAAAAALQ/IfvVLAHluaY/s1600/033+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhtLJhXChVM/TaimHkLLyHI/AAAAAAAAALQ/IfvVLAHluaY/s400/033+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">By this point I think my hubby thought I was crazy (I know, what else is knew!) but I continued on with glazing. I rubbed on Minwax's Dark Walnut stain and wiped most of it off. Then I sanded it lightly to give it a distressed finish. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After, I was done painting the wood I moved onto the caning. For this I used a sample of Valspar's Lincoln Black that I had laying around. By this point I was clinging to the idea of Marie Antoinette. I always loved the decor and fashion in that movie so why not stick with it.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once I was done painting, glazing, and sanding I had one more step. I needed to cover the bottom of the legs where they had been chewed by the previous owner's puppy. This wasn't something that wood putty was going to fix so I decided to cover them with fabric. The fabric I used was a soft pink corduroy that I hot glued to the chair and then reinforced with black upholstery tacks. My tacks are FAR from perfect but I did it last night at 11:30 and was frustrated by the whole process. Normally I would have used needle nose plies to hold the tack while I used the mallet it to hammer it in but I couldn't find needle nose pliers. Typical. I did my best and here is the end result.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Itjt60Qm1k/TaikLtNfFrI/AAAAAAAAALE/xLuRvL2TWUA/s640/007.JPG" width="480" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ek1_g0afzk/TaikH59M7pI/AAAAAAAAALA/cAXrCy26Qbw/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ek1_g0afzk/TaikH59M7pI/AAAAAAAAALA/cAXrCy26Qbw/s640/006.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Overall, it's good enough for me. It's not perfect but neither am I. We'll make great friends. Maybe someday I'll fix the tacks or maybe I won't. Who knows!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seJ-qemAdD8/TaioPQltLNI/AAAAAAAAALY/Z8garqcU2ug/s1600/Chair+Before+%2526+After.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seJ-qemAdD8/TaioPQltLNI/AAAAAAAAALY/Z8garqcU2ug/s640/Chair+Before+%2526+After.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I'm linking this over to <a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/">Miss Mustard Seed's</a> Furniture Feature Friday. Have a great weekend!</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-90412843135503599592011-04-13T18:26:00.000-07:002011-04-13T18:26:36.764-07:00The Green's Dreams and Kitchen Progress<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Happy, happy Wednesday my lovelies! I don't know about you but I am oh so very happy that the weekend is approaching! Today I want to share something with you. Actually, I want to share <em>someone</em> with you. This is one of my Besties, Marie. Oh, and that handsome guy that happens to be in the picture with her is her beau, Jake. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzZnq3GFSM/TaZE8en9AZI/AAAAAAAAAK0/J2xbW9ouSyA/s1600/marie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRzZnq3GFSM/TaZE8en9AZI/AAAAAAAAAK0/J2xbW9ouSyA/s400/marie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Marie is the blogger behind <a href="http://www.thegreensdreams.blogspot.com/">The Green's Dreams</a>. She has recently joined the blogging community to share her home ideas and projects. This girl is truly beautiful inside and out. Quite possibly one of the nicest people I've ever meant. I really couldn't say enough good things about her. She is a blast to be around and especially talk design with! I feel completely privileged to have her as a friend and on top of that her and I are in the planning stages of some joint projects that I hope to share with you all in the near future. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In the meantime, I would love it if you would give Marie a warm welcome into the blogging community and drop by her<a href="http://www.thegreensdreams.blogspot.com/"> blog</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news, I'm making progress on the kitchen! Woohoo! Not much but some. Last night I had every intention of sanding and painting but I couldn't find my sanding block. Boo! Then I was going to do some caulking but had a mishap with my caulk. After that I gave up. It felt as though I was not meant to get any work done so I forfeited. However, I did snap some pictures to share with you...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORpTWlxXufE/TaZLj7BQa8I/AAAAAAAAAK8/eqqhi2y6zKY/s1600/Before+%2526+Progress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ORpTWlxXufE/TaZLj7BQa8I/AAAAAAAAAK8/eqqhi2y6zKY/s640/Before+%2526+Progress+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Slow and steady wins the race, right?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZEYYandyDU/TaZLiFWn-7I/AAAAAAAAAK4/LgD7dQ7ra44/s1600/Before+%2526+Progress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ZEYYandyDU/TaZLiFWn-7I/AAAAAAAAAK4/LgD7dQ7ra44/s640/Before+%2526+Progress+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Someday it will be finished. For now we live in chaos. And yes I know that in all this time it would seem that I should have accomplished more but there have been some set backs that I will share with you when I'm finished. Perhaps by then I won't be as frustrated by the whole thing. (Here's a hint: My patience is as thin as the paint I used on the cabinets.)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you're all having a lovely week!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-89745603718888974072011-04-12T18:59:00.000-07:002011-04-12T18:59:26.324-07:00My Strange Design Obsession<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm not really sure why, but lately I keep looking for ways to incorporate chicken wire into my home decor. Yes, I said chicken wire. I first saw it on one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://ashleyannphotography.com/blog/2011/03/08/diy-chicken-wire-wall-antiqued-frame/">Under the Sycamore</a>. Ashley's work is truly amazing and inspirational. Here is a picture of her chicken wire wall...</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxWVdE8qh3k/TaT5wG3sf1I/AAAAAAAAAKM/CNVEV8HNa50/s1600/chicken+wire+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QxWVdE8qh3k/TaT5wG3sf1I/AAAAAAAAAKM/CNVEV8HNa50/s400/chicken+wire+wall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">An entire chicken wire wall is a bit much for me personally, but on a smaller scale I'm totally loving the texture it creates. I'm contemplating using it in two different ways in the near future. First, I'd like to take a section of Charlotte's playroom wall and cover a framed section in chicken wire to use for displaying her artwork. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xuYKeZ0zZs/TaUBPQCEbiI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/X-JWanN9dzU/s1600/chicken+wire+art+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3xuYKeZ0zZs/TaUBPQCEbiI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/X-JWanN9dzU/s400/chicken+wire+art+wall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://slightlycosmopolitan.com/blog/2011/04/art-display-wall/">Slightly Cosmopolitan</a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The second way that I'm considering using the chicken wire is for a hanging jewelry organizer. I don't have a ton of jewelry but for the little I do have I think it would look great displayed on framed chicken wire.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">What are your feelings on chicken wire? Would you incorporate chicken wire into your home decor or is it too quirky for you?</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-39653316288063105632011-04-08T12:49:00.000-07:002011-04-08T12:49:15.112-07:00My Grandfather's Desk<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Short and simple today folks. A couple of weeks ago my parents dropped off this beauty to me...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0uLy2KOhBc/TZ9loHY563I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/e2Bz5XZPTnE/s1600/003+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p0uLy2KOhBc/TZ9loHY563I/AAAAAAAAAJ8/e2Bz5XZPTnE/s400/003+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's my grandfather's desk. They don't have the room for it so I graciously volunteered to house it. I love it. I love having something that belonged to my grandfather. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgPjLJ_9a6s/TZ9ltX7zMOI/AAAAAAAAAKE/vr4Z3MG8Sf4/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dgPjLJ_9a6s/TZ9ltX7zMOI/AAAAAAAAAKE/vr4Z3MG8Sf4/s400/005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_rjb-_9V2Y/TZ9lxDK4xBI/AAAAAAAAAKI/VCrI1ev5shY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x_rjb-_9V2Y/TZ9lxDK4xBI/AAAAAAAAAKI/VCrI1ev5shY/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I had planned on completely refinishing it but I don't quite have the time right now. Instead, I'm just going to clean it up and have a glass top cut for it. I think I may do a fun design under the glass too. Maybe with scrapbook paper or wrapping paper. We'll see.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxcjLXXthc8/TZ9lpkQlORI/AAAAAAAAAKA/bEkSPK_OsPw/s1600/004+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CxcjLXXthc8/TZ9lpkQlORI/AAAAAAAAAKA/bEkSPK_OsPw/s400/004+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm linking this over to <a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/">Miss Mustard Seed's</a> for Furniture Feature Friday. Stop on over to see all the entries!</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-65870442188249418952011-04-06T18:48:00.000-07:002011-04-06T18:48:22.277-07:00Cha-Cha-ChangesHello, hello! Not much to share today. I'm working on finishing up my desk chair that I have been working on this week but it's not quite ready! Here's a sneak peek though!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFcq_QTegjA/TZ0WQqLQbmI/AAAAAAAAAJc/qi2a9RFc-ko/s1600/042+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cFcq_QTegjA/TZ0WQqLQbmI/AAAAAAAAAJc/qi2a9RFc-ko/s400/042+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
In other news, you may notice that I made some changes to the blog. Since beginning my blog, I've been trying to decide on a "look". I'm very indecisive but I'm really thinking that I like how it's looking right now or at least the direction it's heading. However, I'd like to hear your input! Which do you like better? My blog header now or the one from before? For those of you that are first time visitors this is what the header use to look like...<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hW1cD7dr_nY/TZ0WqsGBtSI/AAAAAAAAAJg/aaV8YCjXASM/s1600/blog+header1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hW1cD7dr_nY/TZ0WqsGBtSI/AAAAAAAAAJg/aaV8YCjXASM/s640/blog+header1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Let me hear your thoughts! Do you like the more generic header or personalized with pics? I should also mention that if I stick with the current design I will be hopefully adding some more pictures in my sidebar! So leave me some comments with feedback! I'd love to have your input!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">As always, thanks for dropping by! I hope you're having a great week! :)</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-2976475026570861812011-04-05T17:16:00.000-07:002011-04-05T17:17:44.621-07:00Craft Room InspirationWhile I’m desperately trying to finish my kitchen cabinets I have been dreaming about my next room overhaul. We live in a four bedroom house and currently only put three of them to good use. Two are used as bedrooms and the third is my girl’s playroom. The fourth bedroom is located directly off of the loft/office has been a landing place for random junk. With starting this blog I have come to realize that I need a space just for working on projects. This is the perfect space since I do most of my blogging in the office.<br />
<br />
Instead of using this room as a place for abandoning items that I don’t feel like finding a home for I’m going to turn it into a workshop/craft room. I want this to be a room specifically for being creative. My friend Marie and I plan to collaborate on projects and this room will more than likely be the first of many. I can’t wait to see how it turns out but in the interim I’m compiling ideas that are cheap and fun! Here are a few places that I’m pulling inspiration from.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMhQoPi3aqU/TZuuz-ehIGI/AAAAAAAAAJA/FeOf8aXy33A/s1600/She+Likes+Cute.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jMhQoPi3aqU/TZuuz-ehIGI/AAAAAAAAAJA/FeOf8aXy33A/s400/She+Likes+Cute.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.shelikescute.com/blog/">She Likes Cute</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmqedmKJkV8/TZuv1xLWQmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Uj0zq_x7YdQ/s1600/armoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kmqedmKJkV8/TZuv1xLWQmI/AAAAAAAAAJI/Uj0zq_x7YdQ/s320/armoire.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/make-craft-room-0306">Country Living</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky6s3J2-R9M/TZuvWBLTvAI/AAAAAAAAAJE/ZarNnu25zdQ/s1600/craft+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ky6s3J2-R9M/TZuvWBLTvAI/AAAAAAAAAJE/ZarNnu25zdQ/s400/craft+room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-karis-ikeahack-matching-craft-table-and-desk-073523">Apartment Therapy</a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Yum! I can't wait to get started! What would/does your craft room look like?</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-45615268640160273402011-04-04T14:02:00.000-07:002011-04-04T14:02:57.938-07:00Raining on Sunday<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Actually didn't rain at all this Sunday but some of the painting I did around the house made me think of that song. I finally bought the paint for the kitchen! It's called Rainwater by Martha Stewart. After painting our living room with her color called Salvia I think I am hooked! Both of these colors are so beautiful. I haven't had a chance to paint the kitchen walls yet but there was one place I was able to test it out. Remember this?...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgVqjUzu7GI/TZi0cPt3qPI/AAAAAAAAAI0/WKWTXDI1hfc/s1600/071+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgVqjUzu7GI/TZi0cPt3qPI/AAAAAAAAAI0/WKWTXDI1hfc/s400/071+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what the inside of the cabinet looked like after the recommended two bond coats. Obviously that wasn't going to cut it. After realizing that I was going to have to do five coats on the cabinets (Yes, I did say five!) I decided to paint the inside of the cabinet a color rather than using my bonding coat from Rustoleum's Cabinet Transformation kit. Here's how the inside of the cabinet is looking now.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEM3UO1viOk/TZoxnRUjl4I/AAAAAAAAAI8/N_uo7k4W0V8/s1600/020+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zEM3UO1viOk/TZoxnRUjl4I/AAAAAAAAAI8/N_uo7k4W0V8/s400/020+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I l-o-v-e it! In my eyes it reads a bit blue, green, and gray which is exactly what I wanted. I can't wait to see it on the walls but there are a few things that need to be down before that can happen. I've made a lot of progress on the cabinets. Most have all five coats but need the protective coat still. Once I've applied the protective coat I'm going to take on the walls. I'm anxious to see how the brick wall looks once it's painted! </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you think of my new colored cabinet? Have you tried Martha's paint line yet? I hope you had a lovely weekend!</div><br />
<div align="left"></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-73508110842310074102011-03-31T17:35:00.000-07:002011-03-31T17:36:50.614-07:00Project Idea OverloadI’m feeling burnt out today and rather unaccomplished. I didn’t get anything done last <br />
<div>night which is frustrating to me. I’m also frustrated by the number of ideas that I have in</div><div>my head that I haven’t had time to do. Maybe sharing my ideas will make me feel better.</div><div>Here we go…</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><u>My Haphazard List of Ideas</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><ul><li>Make a work table using slab doors and sawhorses</li>
<li>Paint Charlotte’s playroom door with chalkboard paint</li>
<li>Make shelves with yardstick</li>
<li>Paint and decoupage my office chair</li>
<li>Create a gallery wall in the living room</li>
<li>Make decoupage letters for the kitchen</li>
<li>Strip, paint and stain or bedroom dresser</li>
<li>Make light out of antique window</li>
<li>Make a wooden crates for kitchen</li>
<li>Learn to sew a cloth doll</li>
<li>Make a reading tent in Charlotte’s playroom</li>
<li>Hang sheer curtains in our bedroom and move our bed</li>
<li>Remove and create my own labels for our spices</li>
<li>Finish my drop cloth curtains</li>
<li>Make pillows for our couch</li>
<li>Paint all of our hallways gray</li>
<li>Paint our full bathroom white and oval/round Oil Rubbed Bronze mirror to replace the matchy, matchy rectangular wood one.</li>
<li>Remove closet door in master bedroom and replace with a curtain</li>
<li>Staple chicken wire to the ceiling of the work shop</li>
<li>Paint the purple office wall with chalkboard paint</li>
<li>Make felt flowers for the lamp shades for the lamps that I purchased last summer that I still have not painted</li>
<li>Make stump chargers for my BFF’s bridal shower</li>
<li>Make hand stamped jewelry</li>
<li>And the list goes on and on and on and on…..</li>
</ul><br />
Please do not be confused. I’m not saying all of these are good ideas but rather just <br />
<div>what pops into my head on a daily basis. I apologize if I have passed any of my anxiety</div><div>on to you by allowing you to read my inner ramblings. Maybe if I can just get my kitchen</div><div>done I can work on some of these other ideas…..</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">What ideas have you been thinking about today?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">PS – Happy 1st Birthday to my adorable godson Cooper!</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OeJSAPtVfg/TZUdqT3lmSI/AAAAAAAAAIw/h_a8iu-c10Y/s1600/397+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9OeJSAPtVfg/TZUdqT3lmSI/AAAAAAAAAIw/h_a8iu-c10Y/s400/397+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Isn’t he the cutest?</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-76612875316543137162011-03-29T19:42:00.000-07:002011-03-29T19:42:23.077-07:00DIY Library Bag<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPN2yB2_78Q/TZKV2-imANI/AAAAAAAAAIk/B5Wkqpsn1KY/s1600/011+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPN2yB2_78Q/TZKV2-imANI/AAAAAAAAAIk/B5Wkqpsn1KY/s400/011+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">About a month ago I took Charlotte on her first trip to our local public library. It was a total success and she loved looking at all of the books and picking out a few to take home. When it was time to check out the books, Charlotte wanted to carry them to the car. I didn't have a bag so the librarian handed us a plastic bag. My girl carried the bag all the way to the car. I knew I needed to have a special bag for our library trips. At the same time that we began going to the library, Charlotte began painting. I thought this would be a great opportunity for her to put her own personal touch on something. I bought some acrylic paint, cheap paint brushes, and a canvas bag and let her go crazy. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9h0k-y24E0o/TZKV7RFyDHI/AAAAAAAAAIo/6cfBwO3-Bsg/s1600/426+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9h0k-y24E0o/TZKV7RFyDHI/AAAAAAAAAIo/6cfBwO3-Bsg/s400/426+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I taped plastic bags down for a drop cloth. I always have an excessive amount and thought this would be a good way to reuse them.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuy3_bfkcYY/TZKV9bgeFxI/AAAAAAAAAIs/6_RapcBBms8/s1600/436+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuy3_bfkcYY/TZKV9bgeFxI/AAAAAAAAAIs/6_RapcBBms8/s400/436+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's my girl at work. Sorry it's blurry. I was having issues. :)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After she was done with her "masterpiece" and it had plenty of time to dry I sparingly applied some hot glue around the top edge of the bag and attached some ribbon. I truly wanted this bag to be something that Charlotte had "designed" so on a trip to Hobby Lobby I had her pick out a spool of ribbon that she liked and that was the ribbon I used. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Once I had attached the ribbon I decided that I wanted to add an inside pocket to keep our library card in. For this step I used random pieces that I had laying around. I used fabric and ribbon that was left over from <a href="http://thesunshinegirl-create.blogspot.com/2011/03/diy-memo-board.html">my Memo Board</a>, a random button, Charlotte's ribbon, and some hemp cord. I forgot to take pictures as I went but I basically just hot glued ribbon around the edges so that I wouldn't have to sew anything. It wasn't until I was done with the ribbon that I decided to add the button. The card didn't fit as snug as I would have liked and I was afraid that it would get lost.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaA4Fg-kYFc/TZKVyjxp16I/AAAAAAAAAIc/MC9Q1k964M8/s1600/003+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaA4Fg-kYFc/TZKVyjxp16I/AAAAAAAAAIc/MC9Q1k964M8/s400/003+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm so proud of the art work that my peanut creates and love being able to carry it around. Not only does it make me smile but it also makes my girl happy. I love hearing her say things like "Mommy, I did that." I want her to be proud of the things she creates and I definitely think that allowing her to carry her painting around with her will help build her self confidence.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQhQRbREEsw/TZKV03enffI/AAAAAAAAAIg/LDamcUtEZRw/s1600/009a+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zQhQRbREEsw/TZKV03enffI/AAAAAAAAAIg/LDamcUtEZRw/s400/009a+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> What crafts have you done with your children lately?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-55931378370827878442011-03-28T20:01:00.000-07:002011-03-28T20:01:10.028-07:00Crafty Spring CleaningWhen I say Crafty Spring Cleaning I'm not sure if I mean crafty as creative, or crafty as in cleaning my craft box. Maybe it's both. When I visited <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/">Centsational Girl</a> today and saw that she was hosting the Fair Weather Forum I knew I wanted to participate but didn't have anything "Spring" in mind for today. All day long I kept trying to come up with something and couldn't. Perhaps I was too distracted by the complete and utter disaster that is my dining room turned cabinet painting room. Yes, I am <em>still</em> painting cabinets. Anyways, after racking my brain all day I pulled out my craft bin hoping that I had supplies to make something spring like. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yXoFYZgTMI/TZFK9FzKtMI/AAAAAAAAAH8/mDpDAeU2ZT0/s1600/051-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yXoFYZgTMI/TZFK9FzKtMI/AAAAAAAAAH8/mDpDAeU2ZT0/s400/051-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My craft box has been nagging me for months. Every time I would go to work on something I would buy new supplies because I wasn't sure what I actually had and didn't have the time to sort through my bin. Honestly, it was atrocious but Charlotte was asleep and I couldn't go to the store so I had to pull it out. After one glance it hit me. Spring Cleaning my craft bin was the perfect idea. I had a post to link the the Fair Weather Forum and I got to organize my bin so I no longer have to ignore it and pretend it doesn't exist.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzj5iwNLP2o/TZFKljkPj8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/o2s8VJHVCL4/s1600/056+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hzj5iwNLP2o/TZFKljkPj8I/AAAAAAAAAHw/o2s8VJHVCL4/s400/056+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Within five minutes of starting I found things that I didn't even know were in there. I'm pretty sure this fusible webbing and Heat 'n' Bond are my Mothers but I may have to find a use for them. I'm actually interested to see if they still work because they look pretty dated. Time will tell.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEifWloLf_U/TZFKpDFV-YI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Hpx8e68v5hI/s1600/060a+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEifWloLf_U/TZFKpDFV-YI/AAAAAAAAAH0/Hpx8e68v5hI/s400/060a+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Any who, af<span style="background-color: yellow;">ter</span> digging everything out and sorting, I had a dining room table (in my living room) that looked like this. Oh and you even get to see the dining room disaster that I mentioned. My house is seriously chaos at the moment. I'm not sure how much longer I can take it. The plus side of me feeling annoyed with the clutter is that I'm picking up speed with painting because I just want to be done with the cabinets. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jreFCiniedE/TZFKvQSW0dI/AAAAAAAAAH4/B0T1_rnIlmo/s1600/064a+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jreFCiniedE/TZFKvQSW0dI/AAAAAAAAAH4/B0T1_rnIlmo/s400/064a+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Now you may be wondering why I would think that this may be crafty as in creative. Well, once I had emptied the contents of the bin I realized that I needed to organize the <strike>junk</strike> supplies somehow before dumping them back in. While redoing the kitchen I have come to realize that I have too many plastic containers for leftovers. I needed to get them out of the kitchen but didn't want to get rid of them because I find them to be rather useful. I kept my good Rubbermaids in the kitchen and re-purposed our saved take-out containers for craft organizers. Perfecto! As you can see I feel rather clever that I used take out containers for organizing. I'm sure I'm not the first one to do it but let's not burst my bubble.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG8BjGDbltw/TZFLBt1hLYI/AAAAAAAAAIA/LtlkjZBNQQQ/s1600/067+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG8BjGDbltw/TZFLBt1hLYI/AAAAAAAAAIA/LtlkjZBNQQQ/s400/067+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm feeling much better about getting this bin organized. Now I just need to finish this darn kitchen so I can move on the spare bedroom (soon-to-be project room). Once that's complete my supplies won't even need to live in this bin! I swear, there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done! </div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you haven't noticed already I'm linking this post to CG's Fair Weather Forum. Stop over and check out all the wonderful entries!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">How's your spring cleaning coming along?</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-35815261860759858792011-03-27T18:39:00.000-07:002011-03-27T18:39:02.161-07:00Hotel Inspiration<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Hi all! I hope you had a great weekend! Last week I traveled to Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Connecticut for a work function. Hubby and I had traveled there to spend a few nights after our honeymoon. For both occasions I stayed in the MGM Hotel. My coworker and I stayed on the top floor and shared this spectacular view...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix4RdAZ1RgE/TY_k1MySrjI/AAAAAAAAAHo/zkyKWo8re1I/s1600/649+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix4RdAZ1RgE/TY_k1MySrjI/AAAAAAAAAHo/zkyKWo8re1I/s400/649+edited.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's amazing to me how a resort like Foxwoods is located in such a rural area. While I'm sure this view would be even more lovely if the trees were filled in, changing colors, or glistening with snow I still enjoyed looking out over the tree tops. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The rooms themselves are also quite spectacular. After spending a night in the hotel bed I'm seriously contemplating splurging on high quality sheets. They were so comfortable! I had a hard time pulling myself out of bed in the morning.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNzdqayCE3U/TY_ksA7HoFI/AAAAAAAAAHY/oOt94G4Ot4k/s1600/622+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNzdqayCE3U/TY_ksA7HoFI/AAAAAAAAAHY/oOt94G4Ot4k/s400/622+edited.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also struggled to pull myself out of the wonderful spa bathroom. Next time I remodel a bathroom I want my shower to look like this...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-rUZs8fkc/TY_kuMQqBAI/AAAAAAAAAHc/k65HSgGf1TI/s1600/624+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD-rUZs8fkc/TY_kuMQqBAI/AAAAAAAAAHc/k65HSgGf1TI/s400/624+edited.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And here's me goofing off in the bathroom while getting ready for dinner...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn-ATilzK8U/TY_kv_q_91I/AAAAAAAAAHg/Iy2XlR4XH5c/s1600/625+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nn-ATilzK8U/TY_kv_q_91I/AAAAAAAAAHg/Iy2XlR4XH5c/s400/625+edited.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another thing that I couldn't help notice was all of the wonderful light fixtures throughout the resort. I think part of what makes them so grand is the sheer size of them. They are truly enormous. This a picture I snapped in the lobby while we were waiting to check out. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCNqWgIAu1Y/TY_k4d2TfRI/AAAAAAAAAHs/-nDlzEWYULw/s1600/654+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RCNqWgIAu1Y/TY_k4d2TfRI/AAAAAAAAAHs/-nDlzEWYULw/s400/654+edited.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While we there we had the opportunity to dine at David Burke Prime. The food was to die for! Everything from the Kung Poa Chicken to the Green Beans was nothing short of being truly scrumptious. Aside from enjoying the cuisine, I drank some fantastic Pinot Noir as well. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SS6bjTixd8/TY_kyjh-7dI/AAAAAAAAAHk/3e8QoQOf2zo/s1600/632+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="0" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SS6bjTixd8/TY_kyjh-7dI/AAAAAAAAAHk/3e8QoQOf2zo/s400/632+edited.jpg" width="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is a peak at the phenomenal wine cellar at David Burke Prime. It's two stories high! And that glass blown light fixture is awesome! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While I am not a gambler I do enjoy the atmosphere and the luxuries involved in visiting. Perhaps someday I will get to spend more time enjoying this resort.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">What are some of the luxuries that you enjoy when staying in a hotel?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-26119737704562436112011-03-23T19:05:00.000-07:002011-03-23T19:05:51.337-07:00DIY Memo BoardHello, hello! I am finally able to share with you all, my DIY memo board. I had mentioned in my post on Monday night that I wanted to share a Before & After with you yesterday. Unfortunately, I didn't pull through. I decided to embellish the board a bit more than I had originally intended to do which required more time. Sometimes I'm not sure whether my plethora of ideas is a blessing or a curse. I get so many thoughts running through my mind I'm not sure what to choose. In the end I went with something much brighter and more playful than my original plan. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jrlG5FmecrQ/TYqbtjc6pSI/AAAAAAAAAGU/NVoV1I2vuN0/s1600/047+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jrlG5FmecrQ/TYqbtjc6pSI/AAAAAAAAAGU/NVoV1I2vuN0/s400/047+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">For a while now, I have found myself looking for somewhere to stick ideas, paint swatches, and other pieces of inspiration. The perfect solution for this was the not-so-original idea of a memo or bulletin board. I didn't want to go out and purchase one but rather decided that I should just make one from an old framed picture we had laying around the house. Someone had given it to us and it was just collecting dust in the spare bedroom. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EZmWoUdD29g/TYqcuGiOiDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/yf10QF8S0Uc/s1600/002+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-EZmWoUdD29g/TYqcuGiOiDI/AAAAAAAAAGY/yf10QF8S0Uc/s400/002+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This first thing I did was remove the paper backing. Once that was done I began removing the staples that held the picture in place. To remove the staples I just wedged a Flathead screwdriver in between the staple and the frame and lifted the staple out. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z8TkqoMQY8c/TYqeEaWcs0I/AAAAAAAAAGc/VjC1-FnjRjM/s1600/009+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Z8TkqoMQY8c/TYqeEaWcs0I/AAAAAAAAAGc/VjC1-FnjRjM/s400/009+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I worked my way all around the perimeter and ended up with a mess that looked something like this...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0oCIbWzIYGg/TYqeS573nJI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ArEtFhFv-BE/s1600/010+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0oCIbWzIYGg/TYqeS573nJI/AAAAAAAAAGg/ArEtFhFv-BE/s400/010+edited.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />
Neat is something that I most definitely am not when I get working on a project. Things are more fun when they're messy! After I was able to separate the frame from the picture and glass I lightly sanded the entire piece. Once I was done sanding I wiped it down with soapy water and allowed it time to dry. Once it was dry I coated it with two coats of Claret Wine in a Satin Finish. I didn't bother to prime the piece because I don't expect it to endure that much wear and tear. Also, I like when things look a little bit beat up. Gives them character. After spraying the frame I move to make the actual bulletin board. Now I had contemplated buying real cork board to cover with fabric but because I am <strike>cheap</strike> frugal I stuck with my original plan and just used cardboard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cyyz7f31ivU/TYqgJiB__FI/AAAAAAAAAGk/F83DL6CtUsg/s1600/013+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cyyz7f31ivU/TYqgJiB__FI/AAAAAAAAAGk/F83DL6CtUsg/s400/013+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The frame already had one piece of cardboard that was used for the backing but I wanted to reinforce it with another layer to ensure that any tacks stick. I had a empty cardboard box laying around so I cut it down to pieces that would fit the original piece. Once I had all of my pieces cut I used tape to attach the pieces to the front piece and moved onto attaching my fabric. I used a hot glue gun and worked my way around the edges.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oI-vuKPOUsY/TYqgvEHxusI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dQtSzzDZI9s/s1600/023+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-oI-vuKPOUsY/TYqgvEHxusI/AAAAAAAAAGo/dQtSzzDZI9s/s400/023+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For the fabric I used two layers of cotton that I got at Joann's for around $4 a yard. I tried to find a pattern to use but wasn't able to find something I loved. I think I'm glad I used a neutral fabric because it will give a better backdrop to my other pieces of inspiration. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mqFPaC7mDAI/TYqhqTfdcxI/AAAAAAAAAGs/cQqkYF2zGm8/s1600/026+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mqFPaC7mDAI/TYqhqTfdcxI/AAAAAAAAAGs/cQqkYF2zGm8/s400/026+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">When I reached the corners I simply folded the fabric flat and glued it down flat with hot glue. Once both pieces of fabric were secure I cut 4 pieces of white grosgrain ribbon to place 3 inches from all the edges and attached with hot glue on the back of the cardboard. I did not flip the piece over for this because I wanted to ensure that the ribbon stayed straight. I simply placed a dot of hot glue on the end and lift the board to flip the glued edge under and held it for a minute until it was secure.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4EYTHlMOUz8/TYqh8xFsdCI/AAAAAAAAAGw/3hEF6TgeLFI/s1600/029+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-4EYTHlMOUz8/TYqh8xFsdCI/AAAAAAAAAGw/3hEF6TgeLFI/s400/029+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I hadn't planned on adding any further details to the board but looking at it almost put me to sleep! It was so boring. That is when I decided it need something else. This is going to be placed in my office/crafting area so it needed to be more creative and inspiring, not boring! I made a trip to Walmart and picked up more grosgrain ribbon and some colorful flowers meant for scrapbooks.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_rqSvV4dq4/TYqjjR3gpLI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ESYSCrI1DgM/s1600/032+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v_rqSvV4dq4/TYqjjR3gpLI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ESYSCrI1DgM/s400/032+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now<em> that</em> is more like it! The last step was to just place the board inside the frame and secure it with either staples or tape. I'm not going to lie to you. I have yet to actually secure the board in place but I am going to be out of tonight tomorrow night and I was too anxious to share my end result.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5UFGRYkkE5E/TYqkWdaOBEI/AAAAAAAAAG4/ILBtqYr-VrQ/s1600/042+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5UFGRYkkE5E/TYqkWdaOBEI/AAAAAAAAAG4/ILBtqYr-VrQ/s400/042+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't wait to hang this up above my desk and place some pieces of inspiration up there along with pictures and whatever else pops into my head! It will definitely be put to good use!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think? Do you use a bulletin board or do you have other ways for keeping track of things? </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-35798381987612139212011-03-22T18:32:00.000-07:002011-03-22T19:59:12.142-07:00Accidental HagglerI want to apologize in advance for anyone who is dropping by to see the Before & After I mentioned in my last post. I decided to make some changes and wasn't able to finish in time. Next time though! I'm putting the finishing touches on it tonight! Now onto how I became an Accidental Haggler. <br />
<br />
For a couple of months there have been antique windows sitting outside the back of a bike shop next to the Dunkin Donuts that I frequent by my work. Each morning I would sit in line at the drive thru wondering what the shop was planning to do with them. For weeks they sat there untouched. Finally, one day, several weeks ago I worked up the courage to go in and ask the Store Owner what his plans were for them. His response was this, “I sell them to antique collectors and artists. Do you fit either of those criteria?” My response was this, “Uh, sort of?” I wouldn't call myself either of those things but I wanted these bad boys in the worst way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fSI6Rf1CFss/TYlLuS_UY7I/AAAAAAAAAGM/AZFcdiKuR7g/s1600/037+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fSI6Rf1CFss/TYlLuS_UY7I/AAAAAAAAAGM/AZFcdiKuR7g/s400/037+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Despite my unconvincing response he took me out back to show me the goods. He asked me what my plans were for them and rather than spouting off the ridiculously, erratic list of ideas in my head I simply told him I planned to use them for a headboard. He seemed pleased with my answer. I asked him how much he wanted for them and he told me that he typically sold them for $25 a piece. My heart crumbled. I told him that was more than my budget would allow me to spend, swept my heart up off the floor and turned to walk out. I was not trying to talk him down because I didn’t think he would go for it. I wanted 5 windows which would have cost me $125. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DV3vvu_BENM/TYlLwRtE7LI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/U73sKwN2rZo/s1600/036+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DV3vvu_BENM/TYlLwRtE7LI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/U73sKwN2rZo/s400/036+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Then a miracle happened. Okay, maybe not a miracle but something really exciting! He asked me how much I could afford to give him. I told him 5 bucks a window and he AGREED! He told me he was in a good mood and I could take 5 windows home for $25 dollars. I wanted to squeeze him but I held my composure, handed him the money and loaded my pretties into the back of my truck. Once I was in my truck I nearly had to pinch myself because I could not believe what had just happened. I haggled! Well, sort of. It wasn’t on purpose but he dropped his price $100 and now they are mine all mine! I haven’t decided what I’m really going to use them for but I have seen lots of ideas and have a few of my own.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EbP2N3qn2RE/TYlIOALWu8I/AAAAAAAAAF4/RyzT55L-0TI/s1600/Better+Homes+and+Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EbP2N3qn2RE/TYlIOALWu8I/AAAAAAAAAF4/RyzT55L-0TI/s400/Better+Homes+and+Gardens.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Headboard via </span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2006522502"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Better Homes & Gardens</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-poWgw4HotPs/TYlIPFdt-pI/AAAAAAAAAF8/7EHcEVzJqwI/s1600/Brenda%2527s+Wedding+Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-poWgw4HotPs/TYlIPFdt-pI/AAAAAAAAAF8/7EHcEVzJqwI/s400/Brenda%2527s+Wedding+Blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Seating Chart via <a href="http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/">Brenda's Wedding Blog</a></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LUHE_PRZY7c/TYlIRlKTeZI/AAAAAAAAAGE/hINNH3kmZOA/s1600/Crafty+Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LUHE_PRZY7c/TYlIRlKTeZI/AAAAAAAAAGE/hINNH3kmZOA/s400/Crafty+Nest.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Mirror via<a href="http://www.craftynest.com/2009/01/salvaged-window-frame-mirror/"> Crafty Nest</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rpdlzmofx6c/TYlIQGiYWzI/AAAAAAAAAGA/tv3VOuTGOb8/s1600/Cottage+Life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Rpdlzmofx6c/TYlIQGiYWzI/AAAAAAAAAGA/tv3VOuTGOb8/s400/Cottage+Life.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Chalkboard via <a href="http://www.cottagelife.com/">Cottage Life</a></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gt1gXpqO2YE/TYlISxUycbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/tIzlfTYUiRE/s1600/The+Borrowed+Abode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gt1gXpqO2YE/TYlISxUycbI/AAAAAAAAAGI/tIzlfTYUiRE/s400/The+Borrowed+Abode.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jewelry Board via </span><a href="http://theborrowedabode.com/2011/01/seriously-awesome-jewelry-storage/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Borrowed Abode</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">What do you thnk? What would you do with them? I have some other ideas in mind but I'm not sure if they'll work out or not. We shall see! :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-41223875596547332572011-03-21T20:57:00.000-07:002011-03-22T20:00:42.903-07:00Taking A Risk: Painted Cabinet StyleToday over at <a href="http://www.thenester.com/">The Nesting Place</a> there is a linky party going on! It's about taking risks. This honestly couldn't have come at a more perfect time for me. Lately, I have been taking plenty of risks (for me anyways!). Two weeks ago I (finally) started this blog. I have been considering doing this for many, many months but kept being too chicken to take the plunge. I wasn't sure that I was capable of doing it. Now it's two weeks later and I already can't quite figure out why I waited so long. What did I have to lose?<br />
<br />
Aside from starting this blog, I have taken other risks such as, ripping down cabinets as a first step to <a href="http://thesunshinegirl-create.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-kitchen-work-in-progress.html">revamping my kitchen</a>. The second step I took was partially influenced by <a href="http://www.thenester.com/2011/03/take-a-risk-day.html">The Nester's post regarding taking risks in your home</a>. After reading her post I made this comment on her blog... <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A6QFkRjdLXI/TYWFXWu1RuI/AAAAAAAAAFE/uAbdpX5PPNQ/s1600/Nester+Comment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A6QFkRjdLXI/TYWFXWu1RuI/AAAAAAAAAFE/uAbdpX5PPNQ/s400/Nester+Comment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>...and stayed true to my word! The next day I went to town painting my laminate countertops, which you can read more about <a href="http://thesunshinegirl-create.blogspot.com/2011/03/updated-laminate-countertops.html">here</a>. I had planned on linking up to the party with that post but I dove into yet another project in my kitchen. (I'm feeling motivated!) Painting my kitchen cabinets! <br />
<br />
I have never loved our cabinets. There is nothing functionally wrong with them but I was never a fan of them. When we first moved in I tried to convince myself into liking them by changing the hardware to Oil Rubbed Bronze knobs but it didn't help. I even toyed with the idea of just changing the backsplash. After almost a year of living with them my feelings haven't changed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V4RnunROaBM/TYWGm-whvCI/AAAAAAAAAFI/1jVymMFjw7Y/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V4RnunROaBM/TYWGm-whvCI/AAAAAAAAAFI/1jVymMFjw7Y/s400/kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I have wanted white cabinets since before we even owned a home. The Hubby isn't overly fond of white cabinetry but agreed to letting me paint them in an attempt to make our kitchen more aesthetically pleasing. After reading <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2011/02/a-new-solution-for-transforming-your-cabinets/">this post</a> over at Centsational Girl's I thought I would put Rustoleum's Cabinet Transformation's to the test. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZvedxclBcqQ/TYWMniJE72I/AAAAAAAAAFM/rUwki3ivTbQ/s1600/071+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZvedxclBcqQ/TYWMniJE72I/AAAAAAAAAFM/rUwki3ivTbQ/s400/071+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I purchased the kit from my local Home Depot and had it tinted to Pure White. According to Rustoleum they recommend using two coats of the tinted base. The above picture is after the second coat. This obviously won't do. Onto a third coat. If any of you are familiar with this product you know that it does not cover painting the interior of the cabinets. Unfortunately, this cabinet requires that the interior be painted because it has glass doors. (This is definitely the only time that I have considered it unfortunate to have glass doors! I love them for displaying my dishes and stemware!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-Czg7HAEqI/TYWO5j8jw4I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/UOMHgGzOD3A/s1600/073+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e-Czg7HAEqI/TYWO5j8jw4I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/UOMHgGzOD3A/s400/073+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
This is definitely a very slow and tedious process, despite not having to sand or prime my cabinetry. I spent my Friday night watching Fried Green Tomatoes and Waitress while deglossing cabinets for approximately 5 hours and I didn't even finish! I was hoping to have the cabinets painted by the end of the weekend but because I am going solo on this project it just didn't happen. Hopefully by weeks end I will have my kitchen functioning again! <br />
<br />
At this point I'm not sure whether my risk is going to pay off or not. I'm sure hoping that it will. Hopefully I can share my success with all of you soon! <br />
<br />
<em>PS- I'm hoping to share a Before & After tomorrow so make sure to drop by!</em>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-57842965817532884742011-03-21T09:30:00.000-07:002011-03-21T09:30:00.875-07:00Before & After: Timber!Happy Monday Everyone! I'm so excited to share pictures of some of the happenings around my house over the weekend! On Saturday, my parents stopped by on there way to Lowe's and I couldn't resist tagging along to pick up some supplies for a refinishing job I plan to start this week. On my way home I called Hubby to see what he was up to. Our conversation went something like this...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Me - "Hey, what are you doing?"</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hubby - "Just getting some stuff done outside."</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me - "Alright, I'll be home in a few minutes."</div><br />
I was thrilled that some outside work was getting done. Boy was I in for a surprise! I came home to this...<br />
<br />
<div align="center"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-q84SuN3byoo/TYWUZMCTExI/AAAAAAAAAFY/XpGU7ebDEAQ/s400/064+edited.jpg" width="400" /></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">What are they looking at?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZoos7hehCM/TYWTpwzaTkI/AAAAAAAAAFU/GNiKCSfqTGo/s1600/060+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GZoos7hehCM/TYWTpwzaTkI/AAAAAAAAAFU/GNiKCSfqTGo/s400/060+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">That would be my Hubby up in a tree!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Our front yard has been the home to two very old and ugly, dead pine trees but while I was out Jeff recruited two of his friends to help take them down. (Don't worry they have experience!). These trees were old, tall, and completely scary on windy days. I am loving this "Before & After" because we no longer have to worry about these trees crushing our Home Sweet Home!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HTdLIMX21U4/TYWWZgxdPKI/AAAAAAAAAFg/IYe_S58NkL4/s1600/066+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HTdLIMX21U4/TYWWZgxdPKI/AAAAAAAAAFg/IYe_S58NkL4/s400/066+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Eek!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hDye930SqoI/TYWXPvZm-UI/AAAAAAAAAFk/wXlkXlETr2M/s1600/068+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hDye930SqoI/TYWXPvZm-UI/AAAAAAAAAFk/wXlkXlETr2M/s640/068+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Yay! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">That is much better if you ask me! And now, because I couldn't resist, here are a few snapshots of my babies from this weekend!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INbXi5wv7NY/TYWZiwll0cI/AAAAAAAAAFo/jzr304pNp3k/s1600/010+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-INbXi5wv7NY/TYWZiwll0cI/AAAAAAAAAFo/jzr304pNp3k/s320/010+edited.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aAyCNYjg6h8/TYWan8Q8mVI/AAAAAAAAAFs/v8PZDAoU7M8/s1600/038+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aAyCNYjg6h8/TYWan8Q8mVI/AAAAAAAAAFs/v8PZDAoU7M8/s320/038+edited.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7M_-yYSxLWg/TYWb4WAnXSI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Ik5Aa49iPJU/s1600/034+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7M_-yYSxLWg/TYWb4WAnXSI/AAAAAAAAAF0/Ik5Aa49iPJU/s400/034+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gc62ETnmKRM/TYWb2wIJ-2I/AAAAAAAAAFw/Qnqbx4MwFdI/s1600/033+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gc62ETnmKRM/TYWb2wIJ-2I/AAAAAAAAAFw/Qnqbx4MwFdI/s400/033+edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?! I think so! :)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Check back in tomorrow for an update on my kitchen! :)</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-51485022838874468672011-03-17T18:53:00.000-07:002011-03-22T20:01:09.011-07:00My First Rendezvous with RefinishingHi All! I'm keeping it short and simple today. It's Furniture Feature Friday over at<a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/"> Miss Mustard Seed's</a> so I'm linking up for the first time. I'm so excited to finally be participating after sitting on the sidelines for so many months! Want to know what I'm linking? Here's a peak but be sure to read on to see the rest! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T-LAxtp0A5s/TYKxQymAwEI/AAAAAAAAAEs/OkaaFbW3zpU/s1600/384+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T-LAxtp0A5s/TYKxQymAwEI/AAAAAAAAAEs/OkaaFbW3zpU/s400/384+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Several months ago I purchased a desk off of <a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/sites">craigslists</a> to place in our loft/office area. The desk had great details but the finish was very worn and needed some TLC. Amongst all of my excitement to get started on my very first refinishing project I never snapped a before picture. Bummer! (Sadly this is not the only time I've done this.) To give you an idea of what it looked like it was stained very dark and had an Art Deco finish. Typically Art Deco is not my thing but for some reason this piece totally pulled it off. <br />
<br />
I had originally planned on sanding the entire piece and restaining but quickly realized that I did not have the <strike>patience</strike> time or tools for such a job at that point. I pondered for a while after deciding against sanding the entire piece and finally decided to stain the top with Minwax's Dark Walnut stain and use Rustoleum's Heirloom White for the body. After envying so many transformations around blogland that featured dark stained tops and crisp white bases I decided this was my chance to try it out. Now I have to apologize for some of these pictures because they are truly craptastic. However, they are all I have to share at the moment. Here they are in all of their craptastic glory.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h5iNwpi5kZ8/TYK1luNMAyI/AAAAAAAAAEw/aQrNOFUyBLQ/s1600/376+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h5iNwpi5kZ8/TYK1luNMAyI/AAAAAAAAAEw/aQrNOFUyBLQ/s640/376+edited.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I personally think that despite my less than stellar photographs the desk is a true beauty. However, I may be slightly biased.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-93SUfsPo86s/TYK22ixF7BI/AAAAAAAAAE0/alYKqr8EXE8/s1600/375+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-93SUfsPo86s/TYK22ixF7BI/AAAAAAAAAE0/alYKqr8EXE8/s400/375+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I also used the Dark Walnut stain as a glaze overtop of the Heirloom White. Once I had finished with the staining and painting I then worked through the piece and distressed some areas with sandpaper. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wvw57pOswXA/TYK3Bxrgv0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/cIAUPy_k2iE/s1600/373+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wvw57pOswXA/TYK3Bxrgv0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/cIAUPy_k2iE/s400/373+edited.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><br />
I replaced the old wooden knobs with these pretty Antiqued Brass knobs that I purchased at Home Depot for about 2 bucks a piece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kYXfyqc0FcQ/TYK3xAAKdCI/AAAAAAAAAE8/b9xylxrHOxU/s1600/368+edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kYXfyqc0FcQ/TYK3xAAKdCI/AAAAAAAAAE8/b9xylxrHOxU/s400/368+edited.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Overall, I am totally thrilled with how my desk turned out. In the end I believe I spent about $60 at the most to complete the entire project. Not too shabby if I do say so myself!<br />
<br />
I hope to make some progress on my kitchen this weekend to share with you all next week. Wish me luck! <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Have a great weekend! :)</div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5635090952045201854.post-3364573212658455662011-03-17T01:30:00.000-07:002011-03-20T17:56:24.591-07:00Window PainMy name is Danielle and I am afraid of window treatments. It may sound ridiculous but I truly struggle with choosing window treatments for our home. We have lived in our house for ten months now and there are only two sets of windows in the house that have any form of coverings. Actually, scratch that. There are three but the third set is only because the previous owners left their curtains and I never took them down. I don't think that should count towards my total. <br />
<br />
Charlotte's room has paper blinds. I think a cute patootie like her should have something way more adorable and then white paper blinds that are too long for her window. They honestly hang there, taunting me with there blandness. Aside from Charlotte's room there is our living room. The living room isn't much better. There are currently two unadorned drop cloths hanging awkwardly from a rod with not nearly enough ring clips. I'd show you pictures but I'm too embarassed. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Someday I will get around to dressing up all our windows in a way that shows off there beauty but for now I'm focused on one window and one window only. Our kitchen window. With the kitchen upgrades that I'm working on I want to have a plan for my window treatments. I don't want something too heavy. Just something small and flirty that adds some color to the space. Here are a few pictures of kitchen window treatments that have been inspiring me...</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WJ07ODCNq5o/TYFabkYpsbI/AAAAAAAAAEg/4LIxeBgVoWI/s1600/Woman%2527s+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WJ07ODCNq5o/TYFabkYpsbI/AAAAAAAAAEg/4LIxeBgVoWI/s400/Woman%2527s+Day.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Source: Woman's Day)</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CwTmV2ZBiZU/TYFbjkYrtzI/AAAAAAAAAEk/9SJjiOGoHJI/s1600/the+kitchn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CwTmV2ZBiZU/TYFbjkYrtzI/AAAAAAAAAEk/9SJjiOGoHJI/s400/the+kitchn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Source: </span><a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/kitchen-design/tea-towels-as-curtains-bright-and-simple-126091"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Kitchn</span></a><span style="font-size: xx-small;">)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YFHhN6g1F-I/TYFZ6_sY4JI/AAAAAAAAAEY/5UJHUDy7YUM/s1600/country+living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YFHhN6g1F-I/TYFZ6_sY4JI/AAAAAAAAAEY/5UJHUDy7YUM/s400/country+living.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Source: Country Living)</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KRSM_ucJg-A/TYFaPIA7mmI/AAAAAAAAAEc/PHpKTuvrBCk/s1600/httpwww.southernliving.comhome-gardendecoratingkitchen-finishing-touches-accents-00417000070246page7.html.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KRSM_ucJg-A/TYFaPIA7mmI/AAAAAAAAAEc/PHpKTuvrBCk/s320/httpwww.southernliving.comhome-gardendecoratingkitchen-finishing-touches-accents-00417000070246page7.html.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Source: Southern Living)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vz8IYx2jrnc/TYFcOxay8ZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/JcLQNEtx6y8/s1600/Southern+Living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vz8IYx2jrnc/TYFcOxay8ZI/AAAAAAAAAEo/JcLQNEtx6y8/s320/Southern+Living.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Source: Southern Living)</span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not sure what I'll end up with but I'm really liking the idea of using bright patterned cloth napkins or towels as cafe curtains. Or who knows I could take a chance at conjuring up some curtains myself.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Help me out! What types of window treatments do you like to use in the kitchen? </div>Daniellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16787663410863747666noreply@blogger.com1