Dressing Up Some Dressers

I've been checking Craigslist like crazy lately looking for furniture for our bedroom. We haven's had a nice set and the "dressers" we have are falling apart...literally. One of the drawers is sitting on the top because it's broken and doesn't slide in and out. Buying from Craigslist was a learning experience. The first dresser we took a look at was in bad condition and in a smokey home. So lesson learned, ask if it's from a smoke-free home. The second dresser we looked at looked much worse than the picture led us to believe. Second lesson, have them email you a few pictures. That way you can zoom in and hopefully assess the item a little better. We finally picked up a set that I think I'll be happy with. I've been cleaning them tonight. After pulling all the drawers out and really getting to know these pieces I feel even further educated. I was disappointed that some parts are laminate or paneling type stuff which led me here while doing some research on line. The bulk of them are real wood and they are heavy! The drawer slides are wood and the joints are dovetail, both positives. I can't wait to get them painted! Now to decide what color. White is out per Kirk's request. I'm not convinced I want black in such quantity in my bedroom. Hmm, what does that leave?

Hobbies

I love watching Bruce and Henry's interests take shape.

Bruce received duplo Legos for Christmas and plays with them a lot. About a month ago we got him the smaller Legos that he can play with during quiet time. It's been great and works out well for everyone! This morning we were looking at the box they came in and the different things that were built like cars, a crane, a windmill, and boat. Today he busily built the crane and windmill as shown on the box. I am amazed at his attention to detail.Henry loves playing with balls and will play catch all the time if someone is around to play with him. Though he usually throws overhand and tends to lift other types of toys over his head as if he's going to throw them too. I try to show no fear so as not to encourage him, but man those toys can hurt! We were at the park and a guy was shooting hoops. Henry went over with his ball as if he were ready to play too.

Paint Chip Art - Now Finished

I have an art project in progress. It was inspired by a few bloggers here, here, and here who were inspired by this (above picture) piece from Ballard Designs.

I decided my squares were going to be 3x3 so I matched up the width and length to an appropriate size for the wall behind my tv. I do realize if we ever upgrade to a flat screen this will need to be relocated. Lowe's had my plywood and chip samples. I went with greens and rust colors. I would love to see different shades of the same color.
I followed the tutorials. Right now, I'm waiting for my first coat of mod podge to dry.


After the mod podge dried for a couple days I got around to applying the glaze. Since I had plenty of that available and no stain I opted for the glaze. It was already tinted black. Two applications was enough for me. I did get worried as I was wiping the glaze off the first time the squares were a little milky colored (I'm guessing that was the mod podge) and my squares were discolored. It looked like I had a Sante Fe theme going on which I was not digging. I let that fully dry and was relieved when it went back to the original color. With the glaze, take off more than you think you should. You can always add more, but it's mostly impossible to alter it once it dries.

Monkey for Breakfast

The possibilities are endless with this breakfast and some ideas from my friend Meredith and the pancake guy, Jim. The squeeze bottles I purchased from WM. It was a fun change to normal pancakes.

Give Me A "W"

Using this as inspiration, my friend and I recreated our own initial plaque. This project required one 12x12 piece of plywood, a scrapbook page, a wooden letter, and paint. The paper was mod podged, the letter was painted, and whoila!

New Favorite Muffin Recipe

For dinner I made these awesome blueberry muffins, hashbrown potato cakes, and turkey bacon. The muffins have sour cream which is a first for me. Delicious!

Valentine's Day Crafts

Some inexpensive ways I decorated for the Big Red holiday. They were a little late so I'm thinking I'll keep them around for a few more weeks, at least!

The rosettes on this 3" styrofoam ball is a 24" strip of streamer, twisted around and around. Super easy, but took a lot to cover this large of a ball. They were hot glued on. I had planned to make three, it's a work in progress. The hearts have scrapbook paper mod podged on them.

This is a wood frame, painted black then cream. I roughed up the edges with sandpaper. The 4x6 picture I mentioned before. Such a quick easy way to rotate holiday themed pictures/art.

I am loving this crafting kick I'm on. It helps having a buddy to share the latest project I've discovered!

On A Roll

I had a 4x6 frame to fill and thought this would be cute! Aren't you loving the decorating trends lately....vinyl, subway art, and re-purposing are a few of my favorites.

Fabric Covered Bulletin Board

In an effort to be organized I've been wanting to put up a bulletin board to keep a calendar and other various paper, lists, sticky notes, etc. Kirk inherited it when his parents brought up some of his childhood treasures. Gotta love em.

On a side note....Is Ace of Base back? I'm listening to the radio right now and there's a song on that reminded me of them.

So I bought some fabric that matches my turquoise/yellow theme in the works. Covered the board with the fabric using hot glue and put it back together. It's hanging up in all it's goodness. And is accompanied by one of those cute, trendy plaques that we got for Christmas. Now all I need to do is print off my monthly calendar and knock one thing off my list in my pursuit to get organized. Because when I'm organized, I'm happy. It's true.

And do you see that yummy goodness on the counter. I seem to be all about dipping things in chocolate. First, searching in vain for cinnamon bears. Now, strawberries. What is next!?! These pretties were made after the children were put to bed. Unfortunately I didn't hear Bruce come out of his room. He saw them and surprisingly allowed himself to be returned to his bed with promises of "Maybe one tomorrow." He didn't even sneak out later to try and get one. I'd give him credit for his obedience, but I'm pretty sure he was so tired he fell right to sleep. No naps helps him fall asleep in record time, but makes for a cranky kiddo. I guess being 3 doesn't help either.

The blue oil you see...it's dish soap and I love using the oil decanter for this purpose. That pile on the microwave is my recipe collection. So sad I know to have them piled in a file folder. I am working on making recipe cards in what I think is a very clever way. I'm creating a 5x7 in Photoshop and having each one printed as a photo. I get to use cute digital papers and have them saved should I need to reprint it. These are put in a small binder that fits 5x7's. It's great. If only I were done with this project.

Ha, just did some google magic and it's called Alejandro. Remake of Ace of Base's "Don't Turn Around." Thank you Lady Gaga.

Once There Was A Snowman

An odd, odd snowman...

This guy was started a week or two ago. Add a foot of snow and we're a little more motivated to finish.

I am shocked that I'm not as bothered by the snow and cold this winter that I usually am. It could be partly contributed to the fact that our roads are cleared even after this latest snowpocalypse. Henry didn't really like being outside, but whined at the door when I brought him in.