tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34661244694335313352016-09-08T00:36:47.158-04:00Simply InspiringInspiring you to do things you never thought you could do. Making everyday tasks easier, cheaper and BETTER!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-15376495992591563662013-09-26T11:36:00.000-04:002013-11-07T06:58:53.169-05:00Built-in Fireplace In Under 2 Hours<div dir="ltr">I've always loved the look of a fireplace in a room. It gives the space a focal point, adds elegance and sophistication to the design, and provides warmth in the winter. The downside is that they are very costly to have professionally installed.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3xilgJNHz0/UkRJs8qIgLI/AAAAAAAADrs/Zg01uufdXpM/s1600/fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3xilgJNHz0/UkRJs8qIgLI/AAAAAAAADrs/Zg01uufdXpM/s640/fireplace.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Photo credit: aji.co.uk</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g53TGTJRl7s/UkRtGCdt7cI/AAAAAAAADuA/ojX13EXalns/s1600/atmosphere-design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g53TGTJRl7s/UkRtGCdt7cI/AAAAAAAADuA/ojX13EXalns/s640/atmosphere-design.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: atmospherid.ca</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeiaAICg_zs/UkRtP4TlXZI/AAAAAAAADuI/UExIfCgfR1Q/s1600/Amazing-Choy-1-Residence-by-Cary-Bernstein-Architect-fire-place-588x706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeiaAICg_zs/UkRtP4TlXZI/AAAAAAAADuI/UExIfCgfR1Q/s640/Amazing-Choy-1-Residence-by-Cary-Bernstein-Architect-fire-place-588x706.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: cbstudio.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLuNa7Oy1S4/UkRub8tZIaI/AAAAAAAADuU/QarMCIaMeVE/s1600/Photograph-by-Lisa-Petrole-Photography-.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLuNa7Oy1S4/UkRub8tZIaI/AAAAAAAADuU/QarMCIaMeVE/s640/Photograph-by-Lisa-Petrole-Photography-.jpeg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: lisapetrole.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br />I wanted to reap all the benefits of a fireplace without the price tag. So, I DIYed one.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMnLvG_Uhqw/UkRMTH4oYhI/AAAAAAAADsI/v606ocJGMrU/s1600/hdr_00008_0-small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMnLvG_Uhqw/UkRMTH4oYhI/AAAAAAAADsI/v606ocJGMrU/s640/hdr_00008_0-small.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I wanted one with a classic, simple design. I searched for months online for one that was classic, yet cheap. I even considered making one from scratch. I finally stumbled upon this one on Overstock.com. With the coupon I found online, I only ended up paying around $450 for it.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0DmgfaqPIA/UkROkFtCZTI/AAAAAAAADsU/AyfKmcrWkHs/s1600/overstockFP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V0DmgfaqPIA/UkROkFtCZTI/AAAAAAAADsU/AyfKmcrWkHs/s640/overstockFP.jpg" width="470" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: overstock.com</td></tr></tbody></table><div dir="ltr"><br />My husband was at a New York Knicks game with my daughter when the fireplace arrived. Who said women can't do everything men can? I put that baby together all by myself in just about an hour then pushed it up against the wall. It didn't look bad, but I wanted something more professional-looking. So, the next day, I got my trusty chisel and a hammer and cut out a section of my base molding the same length as the fireplace.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8BYb9UYLYo/UkRRKLyLAXI/AAAAAAAADsg/08LHoGg741M/s1600/IMG_3530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I8BYb9UYLYo/UkRRKLyLAXI/AAAAAAAADsg/08LHoGg741M/s640/IMG_3530.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hovDtB4h6w/UkRRpJnpkFI/AAAAAAAADso/oIbWDIXyI88/s1600/IMG_3529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hovDtB4h6w/UkRRpJnpkFI/AAAAAAAADso/oIbWDIXyI88/s640/IMG_3529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Then I caulked the gap between the wall/baseboard and the fireplace, all the way around.</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpJSY5rXyYU/UkRTmZwyq4I/AAAAAAAADtE/WARqMK3PzuM/s1600/hdr_00015_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JpJSY5rXyYU/UkRTmZwyq4I/AAAAAAAADtE/WARqMK3PzuM/s640/hdr_00015_1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">I love the way it looks in my living room! It is exactly what I had in mind and it only took around 2 hours to complete and a few hundred dollars.</div><div dir="ltr"><span id="goog_26668191"></span><span id="goog_26668192"></span><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoI3WCGFEY/UkRSochwcLI/AAAAAAAADs0/3YBaiMytla4/s1600/hdr_00011_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoI3WCGFEY/UkRSochwcLI/AAAAAAAADs0/3YBaiMytla4/s640/hdr_00011_1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uE_Lmvwzik8/UkRTXOyhZ5I/AAAAAAAADs8/GOxQX50m0BA/s1600/IMG_20130926_113010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uE_Lmvwzik8/UkRTXOyhZ5I/AAAAAAAADs8/GOxQX50m0BA/s640/IMG_20130926_113010.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pNBWChrno/UkRUBX7patI/AAAAAAAADtM/ZLinJc6MLp4/s1600/hdr_00017_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pNBWChrno/UkRUBX7patI/AAAAAAAADtM/ZLinJc6MLp4/s640/hdr_00017_1.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="ltr">Here's before (blahhh):</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5J7T61Ip_ls/UkRWjZ9o7zI/AAAAAAAADtY/oePdA68_H3M/s1600/IMG_2609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5J7T61Ip_ls/UkRWjZ9o7zI/AAAAAAAADtY/oePdA68_H3M/s640/IMG_2609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div dir="ltr">And here's after (ta-daaa):</div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REtp9ycDY0o/UkRZD44YiZI/AAAAAAAADtw/PbhqtyTs9kI/s1600/hdr_00021_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REtp9ycDY0o/UkRZD44YiZI/AAAAAAAADtw/PbhqtyTs9kI/s640/hdr_00021_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div dir="ltr"><br /></div><div dir="ltr">What do you think??? </div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-14737867175315375882013-04-10T22:11:00.001-04:002013-04-11T22:27:41.781-04:00Fresh Look For SpringI'm so happy that spring is finally here! The weather's been gorgeous here in Jersey. <br /><br />Feeling the need to freshen up my look, I decided to give myself some red ombré highlights. <br /><br />Even though it was a very looong multistep process, I love the results and would do it all over again in a heartbeat.<br /><br />First thing I did was purchase all of my supplies. I bought them from Sally's (S) and Target (T).<br /><br />You'll need:<br />•Clairol Born Blonde Maxi Blonding Kit (although the Radical Bleach Kit is pictured below, I did not use it here) - T<br />•Feria in deep burgundy (or any color you desire) - T<br />•Latex gloves - S<br />•Bleach/tint brush - S<br />•Disposable cup/container (to mix the lightening product in) - T or S<br />•Vaseline - T<br />•Protective cape - S<br />•Magic eraser (optional-used for cleaning up drips and spills on bathroom counters/floors) - T<br /><br />Next I put on some old clothes that I wasn't worried about messing up. I always have tons of old t-shirts lying around, which worked perfectly. <br /><br />If you have light bathroom surfaces like I do, you'll want to protect them with old towels and have a magic eraser nearby in case you have any spills or drips.<br /><br />Don't forget to put your cape on! After all you are...Super DIYer...hehehe, get it? Okay, very corny!<br /><br />Next I applied some Vaseline around my hairline to protect my skin from any product getting on it.<br /><br />Now time for the lightening part of the process. I followed the directions on the Born Blonde kit, only applying the product to the lower half of my hair. I used the brush for this part so I could be more precise with the application. Also, the brush helped to "feather" the product so I didn't have such a harsh transition from the black to the red. Since my natural hair color is so dark, I had to leave it on for the maximum amount of time indicated.<br /><br />After rinsing it out, I fully dried my hair with a hair dryer since the directions on the box of Feria said my hair needed to be clean and dry. At this point my hair was a very light brown color. Not exactly blonde, but that was okay.<br /><br />Next it was time to tint the lightened part of my hair with the red. Following the Feria directions, I applied the tint to the lightened lower half. I wasn't worried about getting some of the red on the dark part of my hair - it didn't show at all when it was all done. It was important, however, that I fully covered the brown lightened parts with the red tint.<br /><br />I left the red tint in for the time indicated and voila! I had red ombré highlights! Love the way it looks, especially when I'm standing in the sun because the red looks so brilliant!<br /><br />What do you think? Not too shabby, right?! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8YDmaoYKFfI/UWYb40b5dnI/AAAAAAAADQE/wo9_U2_BjAo/s640/blogger-image-1003925489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8YDmaoYKFfI/UWYb40b5dnI/AAAAAAAADQE/wo9_U2_BjAo/s640/blogger-image-1003925489.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9d4GYO9NFLQ/UWYb7t1OyAI/AAAAAAAADQM/WLs7gE-ll2s/s640/blogger-image-1854361245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9d4GYO9NFLQ/UWYb7t1OyAI/AAAAAAAADQM/WLs7gE-ll2s/s640/blogger-image-1854361245.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_701Tpzg6c/UWYb1hLaCEI/AAAAAAAADP8/t4Fd__oLdp4/s640/blogger-image--1446987769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t_701Tpzg6c/UWYb1hLaCEI/AAAAAAAADP8/t4Fd__oLdp4/s640/blogger-image--1446987769.jpg" /></a></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-57512120313541428752013-01-24T12:47:00.000-05:002013-01-27T20:21:19.795-05:00Mini 'Cake-in-a-Can' for your SWEETheart!I don't know about you, but the weather here in Jersey has been absolutely frrreeezing! So we decided..no better time than the present to do some BAKING! Plus the little boy spotted a container of frosting in the fridge and was asking for a "cupp-take".<br /><br />So, with Valentine's Day just around the corner, I came up with this cute idea of making individual Valentine's Day inspired "cakes in a can." It's a great activity for the little ones to get involved in because they're super easy to make and most people already have the ingredients lying around in their pantry.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8TjUbFKArE0/UQFubeiSwxI/AAAAAAAAC78/hTa2DXn9KEA/s640/blogger-image-692055823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8TjUbFKArE0/UQFubeiSwxI/AAAAAAAAC78/hTa2DXn9KEA/s640/blogger-image-692055823.jpg" /></a></div><br />To get started, you'll need a can. The 15 ounce ones work just fine. With the amount of Chef Boyardee my little one eats, there was no shortage of those lying around in my recycling bin! Make sure you run a can opener over the top to get rid of any sharp edges that may be left. Don't forget to wash it out really well, too! Then, you'll want to spray the inside with some oil and lightly dust it with flour.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IzCCzc3dl9A/UQFuuxF8FNI/AAAAAAAAC8E/VrOjkz44J7w/s640/blogger-image-599776942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IzCCzc3dl9A/UQFuuxF8FNI/AAAAAAAAC8E/VrOjkz44J7w/s640/blogger-image-599776942.jpg" /></a></div><br />In a small bowl, start adding the ingredients listed below. I usually don't have buttermilk, so I made some just by adding a little lemon juice to regular milk. If you prefer chocolate cake instead of yellow, add a little bit of cocoa powder to your batter! Mix up the ingredients really well, pour it all into your prepared can, place the can on a baking sheet, and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. You'll know it's ready when a skewer inserted all the way in comes out clean.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UjTLAVhY5go/UQXSAPCr3xI/AAAAAAAADEQ/_Aqgp2L6R_A/s640/blogger-image-239929378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UjTLAVhY5go/UQXSAPCr3xI/AAAAAAAADEQ/_Aqgp2L6R_A/s640/blogger-image-239929378.jpg" /></a></div><br />After you've let it cool in the can for about 5 minutes, run a butter knife along the inside of the can to release the cake. Turn the can upside down on a wire rack and let it cool for another 5 minutes. Then, use a serrated knife (that's a knife with little teeth on it) and slice off the "hump". If you want a two-layer cake, slice your cake in half and add icing in between your layers!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lBcaZ8rZE7w/UQFvG9yBavI/AAAAAAAAC8k/oiUR3krV3G8/s640/blogger-image-1050934860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lBcaZ8rZE7w/UQFvG9yBavI/AAAAAAAAC8k/oiUR3krV3G8/s640/blogger-image-1050934860.jpg" /></a></div><br />Place it on your plate with the cut side down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7-TLSymTFQ/UQFvEFkpPoI/AAAAAAAAC8c/m3h9zSv7Nis/s640/blogger-image-1354137683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K7-TLSymTFQ/UQFvEFkpPoI/AAAAAAAAC8c/m3h9zSv7Nis/s640/blogger-image-1354137683.jpg" /></a></div><br />Put a big glop of icing on the top and spread it working your way down.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a2ajcf5KzPc/UQFvBcnT59I/AAAAAAAAC8U/O4Ej3yuniWA/s640/blogger-image-1119225670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-a2ajcf5KzPc/UQFvBcnT59I/AAAAAAAAC8U/O4Ej3yuniWA/s640/blogger-image-1119225670.jpg" /></a></div><br />Decorate with red sprinkles, sugar, or hearts for Valentine's Day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z2iQA3lPJqQ/UQFu-tdmSjI/AAAAAAAAC8M/ARGHj_ph3VU/s640/blogger-image--1145613376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z2iQA3lPJqQ/UQFu-tdmSjI/AAAAAAAAC8M/ARGHj_ph3VU/s640/blogger-image--1145613376.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And enjoy!!! So easy and yummy! My sweethearts really enjoyed this project!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S5NWBN-bc9A/UQFzIfbmb7I/AAAAAAAAC9U/C9X1aD7hWpM/s640/blogger-image--276916408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-S5NWBN-bc9A/UQFzIfbmb7I/AAAAAAAAC9U/C9X1aD7hWpM/s640/blogger-image--276916408.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MYiLHq41sF8/UQFvJjDAdGI/AAAAAAAAC8s/Qa7Whx3YEvQ/s640/blogger-image--1124712096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MYiLHq41sF8/UQFvJjDAdGI/AAAAAAAAC8s/Qa7Whx3YEvQ/s640/blogger-image--1124712096.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Cake Ingredients (yields 1 cake in a can):</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 c flour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/8 tsp baking soda</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/8 tsp salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 c sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tbsp buttermilk (or a little less than 3 tbsp regular milk with a dash of lemon juice)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 egg yolk (plus a little bit of the white if batter is too thick)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tbsp melted butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/8 tsp vanilla extract</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional if you want chocolate cake)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-27966124682801706312012-11-02T16:32:00.003-04:002013-10-17T21:58:22.339-04:00Kitchen Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2_b2Ohbmtg/UQQ6BQWxFZI/AAAAAAAAC_s/qi8sp_sAaH0/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+11+03+15+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2_b2Ohbmtg/UQQ6BQWxFZI/AAAAAAAAC_s/qi8sp_sAaH0/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+11+03+15+AM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />If you're a regular follower of my blog, you might have noticed that I've been gone for quite some time. There's no real excuse for it, as there are many dedicated bloggers out there who, despite any circumstance, 'keep on keeping on'. In my case, my disappearance from bloggerland could be blamed 10% on pure laziness, another 10% on health (two major sinus infections and general malaise in between), 30% on keeping busy with projects within the house, and finally the rest can be attributed to just wanting to spend time with the family!<br /><br />In any event, I'm back (at least for now) with what will hopefully be a 'worth your while' post...I'm finally revealing the end (again, at least for now) result of my kitchen. (Yes, I can be extremely fickle, hehe).<br /><br />If you recall, back in March I began my <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/03/mini-kitchen-reno-part-1.html" target="_blank">mini kitchen renovation</a>. This involved transforming my outdated Tuscan inspired kitchen into a more modern, sleek, and brighter space, doing all the work by myself (meaning no contractors) on a very, very tight budget.<br /><br />I promise - in another post, of course - to breakdown all of the materials and costs for this project. But for now, here are the before, during, and after pics. Enjoy :)<br /><br />First, we removed the metal cabinets, boxed out the cabinet above the stove, added crown molding to the top of it all, painted the cabinets, and replaced the sink. Read about that process <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/05/mini-kitchen-reno-part-iii-progress.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UgDqmEQJvr0/UJp40yY4ARI/AAAAAAAACzQ/PFNFHZ_7Vfs/s1600/Photo+Feb+18%252C+8+01+28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UgDqmEQJvr0/UJp40yY4ARI/AAAAAAAACzQ/PFNFHZ_7Vfs/s1600/Photo+Feb+18%252C+8+01+28+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3NFuRM755I/T3kc78jt4gI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rssahzYZYU0/s1600/Photo+Feb+18%252C+8+01+51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3NFuRM755I/T3kc78jt4gI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rssahzYZYU0/s1600/Photo+Feb+18%252C+8+01+51+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luC-Dv2Gci8/UJrOjFyPJPI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/NvirtFdGGD0/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+39+46+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-luC-Dv2Gci8/UJrOjFyPJPI/AAAAAAAAC2Q/NvirtFdGGD0/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+39+46+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1HehIqt4M/T7K8ocYBZQI/AAAAAAAACGo/mrKaqWQb4lM/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+40+32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1HehIqt4M/T7K8ocYBZQI/AAAAAAAACGo/mrKaqWQb4lM/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+40+32+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Next, we <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/06/new-kitchen-counters.html" target="_blank">installed new kitchen counters</a> and a white subway tile backsplash.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I5ZOd_QyKQ/UJrPzHW4UvI/AAAAAAAAC2g/GUB5chbcUbs/s1600/Photo+Mar+27%252C+4+53+40+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_I5ZOd_QyKQ/UJrPzHW4UvI/AAAAAAAAC2g/GUB5chbcUbs/s640/Photo+Mar+27%252C+4+53+40+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FE8R8BjISNY/T9af1y2g_aI/AAAAAAAACMs/L5TBWDPyrz4/s1600/Photo+Mar+27%252C+4+52+06+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FE8R8BjISNY/T9af1y2g_aI/AAAAAAAACMs/L5TBWDPyrz4/s1600/Photo+Mar+27%252C+4+52+06+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5m4UO1e1CE/UJrU1qJTJyI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/cVZw08eHGt8/s1600/Photo+Apr+09%252C+4+38+26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b5m4UO1e1CE/UJrU1qJTJyI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/cVZw08eHGt8/s640/Photo+Apr+09%252C+4+38+26+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMJZ_2p5Tss/UJQki9l0wOI/AAAAAAAACY0/ah-5WCdmyXY/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+4+38+02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XMJZ_2p5Tss/UJQki9l0wOI/AAAAAAAACY0/ah-5WCdmyXY/s1600/Photo+Apr+09,+4+38+02+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Then, I recruited the help of my daughter to paint that ugly orange a lovely shade of gray. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1RnA6z8H80/UJQlNA-VAvI/AAAAAAAACZE/rROM9bGAKF8/s1600/Photo+Apr+11,+10+30+04+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1RnA6z8H80/UJQlNA-VAvI/AAAAAAAACZE/rROM9bGAKF8/s1600/Photo+Apr+11,+10+30+04+AM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyndxlHftLw/UJrQ0Cqx4EI/AAAAAAAAC2w/rYK2uj2hIr4/s1600/Photo+Apr+22%252C+3+01+28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyndxlHftLw/UJrQ0Cqx4EI/AAAAAAAAC2w/rYK2uj2hIr4/s1600/Photo+Apr+22%252C+3+01+28+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I swiftly switched out the boob light with a cheap chandelier I found at Home Depot. To spruce it up, I hung some crystals from it with fishing line.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB8Klqy8hjE/UJraJES2eTI/AAAAAAAAC5E/Aufv743HFoI/s1600/Photo+May+01%252C+5+20+44+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rB8Klqy8hjE/UJraJES2eTI/AAAAAAAAC5E/Aufv743HFoI/s640/Photo+May+01%252C+5+20+44+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzFnJFKnr8E/UJQo8m1eXYI/AAAAAAAACaY/yiX4tirY9PE/s1600/Photo+May+08%252C+5+37+36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DzFnJFKnr8E/UJQo8m1eXYI/AAAAAAAACaY/yiX4tirY9PE/s1600/Photo+May+08%252C+5+37+36+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmnrHggBsSU/URKyMCv9D2I/AAAAAAAADH4/bQxukdq98jM/s1600/boob-light-enhance-new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GmnrHggBsSU/URKyMCv9D2I/AAAAAAAADH4/bQxukdq98jM/s640/boob-light-enhance-new.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />Next, it was time to do something with that island. To add a little contrast in my now light and bright kitchen, I painted it black and distressed the edges a bit with sandpaper. I also found some wooden stools at the thrift store for unbelievably cheap and sewed some slipcovers for them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xy4jlCbiGl8/UJpsHAn7LiI/AAAAAAAACww/ttUt_92Pzw8/s1600/DSC01043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xy4jlCbiGl8/UJpsHAn7LiI/AAAAAAAACww/ttUt_92Pzw8/s1600/DSC01043.JPG" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1smobN45YyE/UJpq-AzsCGI/AAAAAAAACwk/GynJ9XrbnoU/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+9+01+11+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1smobN45YyE/UJpq-AzsCGI/AAAAAAAACwk/GynJ9XrbnoU/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+9+01+11+AM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />And now, I am proud to show off my not-so-new, DIY-dope kitchen...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y51NdQmKUo/UJQnsLvQECI/AAAAAAAACZ0/lZ3jKbhsS8E/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+11+03+15+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Y51NdQmKUo/UJQnsLvQECI/AAAAAAAACZ0/lZ3jKbhsS8E/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+11+03+15+AM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVUyXkwK-xA/UJQoH5jT1FI/AAAAAAAACaE/CQTaoqlr_zE/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+9+55+37+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OVUyXkwK-xA/UJQoH5jT1FI/AAAAAAAACaE/CQTaoqlr_zE/s1600/Photo+Sep+22%252C+9+55+37+AM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5lhWEnH-1I/URKtILE7rAI/AAAAAAAADGo/BzaeHmwttR8/s1600/Photo+Feb+06%252C+1+38+28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5lhWEnH-1I/URKtILE7rAI/AAAAAAAADGo/BzaeHmwttR8/s640/Photo+Feb+06%252C+1+38+28+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qg_uQqEnJZU/URKtH2thsZI/AAAAAAAADGg/-2mq1z2_4cQ/s1600/Photo+Feb+06%252C+1+05+59+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qg_uQqEnJZU/URKtH2thsZI/AAAAAAAADGg/-2mq1z2_4cQ/s640/Photo+Feb+06%252C+1+05+59+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y_bGjS9TOSM/URK-wWmCD_I/AAAAAAAADJE/gYkKSAWltno/s1600/Photo+Feb+06%252C+3+31+04+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y_bGjS9TOSM/URK-wWmCD_I/AAAAAAAADJE/gYkKSAWltno/s640/Photo+Feb+06%252C+3+31+04+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iajyYbJcOCw/URKtH1sL4yI/AAAAAAAADGk/lHohv-aK9SQ/s1600/Photo+Feb+06%252C+1+44+31+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iajyYbJcOCw/URKtH1sL4yI/AAAAAAAADGk/lHohv-aK9SQ/s640/Photo+Feb+06%252C+1+44+31+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I love how it turned out. There are still a few other little touches I must add to it, but for now I am quite pleased :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Before:</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whA4JR_RR9M/UJQzCa7OzsI/AAAAAAAACbw/CHk-bkYHV1w/s1600/Photo+Nov+02,+4+52+55+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whA4JR_RR9M/UJQzCa7OzsI/AAAAAAAACbw/CHk-bkYHV1w/s1600/Photo+Nov+02,+4+52+55+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>After :</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_Z79bEGkSI/UJQv7VsevwI/AAAAAAAACbI/WXc26ng7c6w/s1600/Photo+Sep+22,+1+17+54+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_Z79bEGkSI/UJQv7VsevwI/AAAAAAAACbI/WXc26ng7c6w/s1600/Photo+Sep+22,+1+17+54+PM.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><i>P.S. There is one other thing I'd like to mention, as some of you out there might notice the date that this is published and make a connection. If you read my 'about' section, you will discover that I'm from Jersey. We recently (like, 5 days ago, recently) suffered a major hurricane in our state. The devastation throughout the area is truly heart breaking. So many have lost so much. We were extremely fortunate in our case and suffered little damage to our property. Most importantly, our family is safe and sound. I could not post this without making mention of Hurricane Sandy and it's devastating aftermath. My heart goes out to all those who were affected and I will continue to pray for you.</i>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-8718901967060773352012-06-18T23:46:00.000-04:002012-11-02T18:21:56.274-04:00I am a lion...hear me roar!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I had a pretty busy weekend! On Friday, my little one celebrated his third birthday at school (Happy Birthday, baby!) and I made these adorable bubble party favors for his friends:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAQhw_5556o/T9_qjRdKp8I/AAAAAAAACSY/yJZ1j7l0u6k/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JAQhw_5556o/T9_qjRdKp8I/AAAAAAAACSY/yJZ1j7l0u6k/s640/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />On Saturday, I got together with my <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/01/furniture-biz.html" target="_blank">business</a> partner. Our quick trip to the thrift store turned into a whole morning of fun and awwwesome finds (that's me saying 'awesome' with my Jersey accent). Check out our jam packed van full o' goodies:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXQd_ffnMTA/T9_r481d8rI/AAAAAAAACSg/Qq-hReXaABo/s1600/Photo+Jun+16,+12+04+36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXQd_ffnMTA/T9_r481d8rI/AAAAAAAACSg/Qq-hReXaABo/s640/Photo+Jun+16,+12+04+36+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />When we got back from the store, we knocked out two pieces of furniture. The first was this adorable antique sewing table. We left the top its natural wood finish and painted the bottom with Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-am0qU2axeq0/T9_t6W88Y6I/AAAAAAAACSo/UujeTvVCnXc/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-am0qU2axeq0/T9_t6W88Y6I/AAAAAAAACSo/UujeTvVCnXc/s640/PicMonkey+Collage2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The other piece was "the lion table". It's a Duncan Phyfe style drop leaf table that we found at a local antique store for $40 bucks. The wood was in pretty bad shape, but we took care of that with a little paint. Here is the before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxwHla5f7rU/T9_whKLeoEI/AAAAAAAACS0/kth0xJZNm9w/s1600/Photo+Jun+18,+11+20+53+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxwHla5f7rU/T9_whKLeoEI/AAAAAAAACS0/kth0xJZNm9w/s400/Photo+Jun+18,+11+20+53+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMLD8ztyLpo/T9_wiL6ZFLI/AAAAAAAACS8/3s99yrKyrfg/s1600/Photo+Jun+18,+11+20+55+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMLD8ztyLpo/T9_wiL6ZFLI/AAAAAAAACS8/3s99yrKyrfg/s640/Photo+Jun+18,+11+20+55+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And here it is a few coats of paint later. Tell me this table's not hottt!!! And the brass lion hardware and feet...oh-my-gosh.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trPgNLdgv6A/T9_xv8j8bnI/AAAAAAAACT0/Lsh27Ja9DcA/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trPgNLdgv6A/T9_xv8j8bnI/AAAAAAAACT0/Lsh27Ja9DcA/s640/PicMonkey+Collage3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Sunday was Father's Day, which we celebrated with a nice BBQ and some family...but not before convincing my husband to come with me to pick up, guess what??? MORE FURNITURE! LOL! That's okay, it was totally worth the drive to Princeton...got a wood futon for my guest room for $10 bucks and she even threw in this free antique accent table. Yay, me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RG5GdgbTrU/T9_yoP8Bb2I/AAAAAAAACT8/cgTqgURx_rQ/s1600/Photo+Jun+17,+8+51+35+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RG5GdgbTrU/T9_yoP8Bb2I/AAAAAAAACT8/cgTqgURx_rQ/s640/Photo+Jun+17,+8+51+35+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Okay, so I'm not really a lion, but I'm feeling pretty bad ass after the super productive weekend I just had!!! What about you? Did you have a productive weekend, too? <br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-45219914084530423572012-06-13T19:19:00.000-04:002012-06-14T08:46:20.340-04:00Last Minute End-of-Year Teacher Gift w/FREE Printable!Did you wait until the last minute to buy end-of-the-year teacher gifts like I did??? No need to worry! I'm going to show you how to make the cutest, easiest (and quite frugal I must say) gift everrr!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0f6six98Xw/T9lJDAlNG9I/AAAAAAAACQA/QykkG_dt2cE/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+4+06+34+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--0f6six98Xw/T9lJDAlNG9I/AAAAAAAACQA/QykkG_dt2cE/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+4+06+34+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />All of the supplies for this adorable gift were found at...wait for it, wait for it...the DOLLA STORE...HOLLA!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmR5MyIneE8/T9kUxRTGmAI/AAAAAAAACOE/w7AiRrA6kiM/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+6+24+49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cmR5MyIneE8/T9kUxRTGmAI/AAAAAAAACOE/w7AiRrA6kiM/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+6+24+49+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><u><br />All you need is</u>:<br /><ul><li>roll of cellophane</li><li>ribbon</li><li>mini bag of coffee</li><li>wide mug</li><li>iridescent shreds for gift baskets</li></ul>To put it together, first place about half the bag of shreds in the mug. Next, top it with the mini coffee bag and wrap it with the cellophane.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGNTb4cAGNg/T9kYrs1wHXI/AAAAAAAACOY/dP7NB6zyga0/s1600/Photo+Jun+12,+5+20+34+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGNTb4cAGNg/T9kYrs1wHXI/AAAAAAAACOY/dP7NB6zyga0/s640/Photo+Jun+12,+5+20+34+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Last, tie some ribbon around it and attach my <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/97017699/latte-6up" target="_blank">free printable tag</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uKIDJFZR78/T9kaq_xBvJI/AAAAAAAACOg/pSfqdCwDJKg/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+3+50+02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2uKIDJFZR78/T9kaq_xBvJI/AAAAAAAACOg/pSfqdCwDJKg/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+3+50+02+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ-HGikzL5c/T9kbASZd4TI/AAAAAAAACO0/KvCgP5vU67c/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+3+42+10+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ-HGikzL5c/T9kbASZd4TI/AAAAAAAACO0/KvCgP5vU67c/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+3+42+10+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EDaF9byeY8/T9kbNloI-HI/AAAAAAAACO8/tPbmc5XzDg8/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+3+47+40+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2EDaF9byeY8/T9kbNloI-HI/AAAAAAAACO8/tPbmc5XzDg8/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+3+47+40+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdZTk9GKv6A/T9kbU_BbVBI/AAAAAAAACPE/DpPwDF2isfY/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+3+47+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdZTk9GKv6A/T9kbU_BbVBI/AAAAAAAACPE/DpPwDF2isfY/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+3+47+20+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />So easy - on you <i>and</i> your wallet! You can also use brown paper shreds, raffia and brown recycled cardstock instead...it would really give it that "coffee shop" look!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OciXtMs2mtA/T9ke4EzOe2I/AAAAAAAACPY/BS_2BNUUsAI/s1600/Photo+Jun+13,+7+13+30+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OciXtMs2mtA/T9ke4EzOe2I/AAAAAAAACPY/BS_2BNUUsAI/s640/Photo+Jun+13,+7+13+30+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Sharing at</u>:</div><br /><center><a href="http://southernlovely.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q37/schoenfelds/showandshare.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.craftyscrappyhappy.net/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nA88miHMsfw/T9nSrWEbKDI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LfwgHacXwy0/s1600/partybutton.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com"><img src="http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc100/saranatezoey/Embracing%20Change/button.png" border="0"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/"><img border=”0” src="http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss229/krystalwinn/thrifty%20decorating/thrifty-decorating-019-button-3.jpg" width="150"/></a><br /><br /><a href="http://nominimalisthere.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad357/NoMinimalist/houseart-2.jpg" width="150"/></a></center><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-16188784513226627492012-06-11T22:12:00.001-04:002012-11-02T18:23:14.985-04:00Rolling, Rolling, Rolling on the RIVERI had a laundry list of things to accomplish in my kitchen. <br /><ul><li><strike>add crown molding to cabinets</strike></li><li><strike>replace metal cabinets </strike> </li><li><strike>paint cabinets white</strike></li><li><strike>purchase new apron sink and faucet</strike></li><li>install white subway tile backsplash</li><li>paint walls gray<strike><br /></strike></li><li>replace counters with white marble</li><li>paint <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2010/12/make-kitchen-island-for-under-100-bucks.html" target="">island</a> black </li><li>install new light fixture</li><li>decorate with French inspired items</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So far we've <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/mini-kitchen-reno-part-ii.html">added crown molding</a>, <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/mini-kitchen-reno-part-ii.html">replaced my ugly metal cabinets</a>, <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/05/mini-kitchen-reno-part-iii-progress.html">painted the cabinets</a>, and <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/mini-kitchen-reno-part-ii.html">installed a new sink and faucet</a>. Here's where I last left off:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROWkA06sTJM/T7K8wiKqndI/AAAAAAAACGw/ztvgn6wCMcc/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+39+46+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ROWkA06sTJM/T7K8wiKqndI/AAAAAAAACGw/ztvgn6wCMcc/s640/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+39+46+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1HehIqt4M/T7K8ocYBZQI/AAAAAAAACGo/mrKaqWQb4lM/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+40+32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1HehIqt4M/T7K8ocYBZQI/AAAAAAAACGo/mrKaqWQb4lM/s640/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+40+32+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And now we can cross one more thing off the list because we just got our new counter tops installed! Check 'em out:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPP-4t1-frg/T9acZvo3I6I/AAAAAAAACMc/g6sB-IHM1wg/s1600/Photo+Mar+27,+4+53+40+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPP-4t1-frg/T9acZvo3I6I/AAAAAAAACMc/g6sB-IHM1wg/s640/Photo+Mar+27,+4+53+40+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I originally wanted white marble, but the salesperson convinced me that was a bad choice for a kitchen because it stains so easily. So, I took a walk through their stock yard and picked out this remnant piece of granite in River White. It's white with gray veining and specks of burgundy. In my opinion, much much prettier than my initial choice of marble. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aacMZPYuUY/T9ae7D1CmiI/AAAAAAAACMk/4okFFLfhx8g/s1600/Photo+Mar+23,+4+12+46+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7aacMZPYuUY/T9ae7D1CmiI/AAAAAAAACMk/4okFFLfhx8g/s640/Photo+Mar+23,+4+12+46+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Kitchen is lookin' good!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSqOeln_4LQ/T9ainUHAyVI/AAAAAAAACNI/C1GnP4T00rs/s1600/kitchen-before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VSqOeln_4LQ/T9ainUHAyVI/AAAAAAAACNI/C1GnP4T00rs/s640/kitchen-before.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhEJTY2ry5s/T9aisWT5SLI/AAAAAAAACNQ/ywJf00XnKMU/s1600/kitchen-progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UhEJTY2ry5s/T9aisWT5SLI/AAAAAAAACNQ/ywJf00XnKMU/s640/kitchen-progress.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Rolling right along with my RIVER White granite counters! Next up...a little back SPLASH!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Sharing at:</u></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://adiamondinthestuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="A Diamond in the Stuff" border="0" src="http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk189/4MyDesigns/Buttons/adits_125_1.png" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" title="My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia"><img alt="My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia" src="http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy39/Kristinsal/buttonnew-1.png" style="border: none;" width="125" /></a></div><br /><a border="0" href="http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jjzZ1M1Qh-A/THxI7fshPSI/AAAAAAAAZDs/yJ7qafJTTkQ/s800/takealookbutton.png" width="125"/></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://notjustahousewife.net" target="blank"><img border="0" src="http://i492.photobucket.com/albums/rr283/StacyRisenmay/linkypartybutton-1.jpg"/></a></center><br /></div><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-67187106012739580682012-06-04T08:00:00.001-04:002012-11-02T18:24:14.059-04:00DIY Lemonade StandWe had such a great time during our annual trip to the Jersey shore (aka North Wildwood) for Memorial Day Weekend. During our stay, some of the kids in the neighboring condos had the brilliant idea of selling lemonade to the people walking by. My daughter, being the little entrepreneur that she is, decided that she wanted to start her own lemonade stand when she got home. Here she is at the beach looking so beautiful!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCPPip_RaYE/T8pRwS0lGhI/AAAAAAAACIo/FilzHQBdA3Q/s1600/Photo+May+27,+10+32+43+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mCPPip_RaYE/T8pRwS0lGhI/AAAAAAAACIo/FilzHQBdA3Q/s640/Photo+May+27,+10+32+43+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Now, who could resist such beauty!?! I made it my mission to build my daughter her own lemonade stand. So, Monday we sat in traffic for hours getting home (uggghhh), Tuesday I went back to work (double ugghhh), and Tuesday afternoon (yes, after a full 8 hour day of work) I built a lemonade stand completely from scrap...all by myself...using only materials that I already had lying around...in under two hours (yayyy!!!). I was seriously determined to get that thing done before my husband got home! And here is the finished product:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1n-8TOVy24/T8pS9wApWqI/AAAAAAAACI0/RAbA91aqH0A/s1600/Photo+May+30,+6+46+21+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1n-8TOVy24/T8pS9wApWqI/AAAAAAAACI0/RAbA91aqH0A/s640/Photo+May+30,+6+46+21+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Remember the <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2011/01/schoolhouse-rock.html">school house chalk board</a> that I built awhile back? Well, now that we're <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/03/mini-kitchen-reno-part-1.html">renovating our kitchen</a>, it no longer matches our decor. So, I took it down and cut it into two pieces - I used the larger piece for the front of the stand and the smaller piece for the roof. How convenient...it was already painted with chalk board paint...so perfect for listing the items for sale!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q75WKSaHSAU/T8pof6MiQeI/AAAAAAAACKg/-AcxsIN7CMw/s1600/chalkboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q75WKSaHSAU/T8pof6MiQeI/AAAAAAAACKg/-AcxsIN7CMw/s640/chalkboard.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Then, I took the left over piece of wood from my kitchen dishwasher panel and cut it into two even pieces. I used them as the side pieces. Next, using some scrap wood I had lying around, I attached the top of the box and a little shelf.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqZB0iLvC7Y/T8pXhSAU9PI/AAAAAAAACJA/Vh0-8hjTJ_Y/s1600/lemonade-stand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqZB0iLvC7Y/T8pXhSAU9PI/AAAAAAAACJA/Vh0-8hjTJ_Y/s400/lemonade-stand.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Now, I needed two posts to attach the roof. Again, I found two pieces of scrap wood, cut them into two even lengths and attached the roof. All I needed to do now was paint it. The kids took care of that part:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Adwpg4007lI/T8pZVQo5rMI/AAAAAAAACJI/0XVgqYPL2wU/s1600/Photo+May+29,+8+38+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Adwpg4007lI/T8pZVQo5rMI/AAAAAAAACJI/0XVgqYPL2wU/s640/Photo+May+29,+8+38+41+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuLnyN2XNq4/T8pZa3RQG0I/AAAAAAAACJQ/nChRsODFnWo/s1600/Photo+May+29,+8+38+49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UuLnyN2XNq4/T8pZa3RQG0I/AAAAAAAACJQ/nChRsODFnWo/s640/Photo+May+29,+8+38+49+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />After it was all painted, I made some minor adjustments to the roof. I decided it would look better with the roof scalloped and tilted out a bit. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB22BdKZFzM/T8rGurMHYrI/AAAAAAAACK0/DuXhAo7Px1Q/s1600/roof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB22BdKZFzM/T8rGurMHYrI/AAAAAAAACK0/DuXhAo7Px1Q/s640/roof.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Open for business! We used the leftover decorations from her First Communion Party to dress up the stand. Looks great!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5NJh-8QZKE/T8pgnptD-wI/AAAAAAAACKQ/mwl0KHZlQXw/s1600/Photo+May+30,+6+36+43+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5NJh-8QZKE/T8pgnptD-wI/AAAAAAAACKQ/mwl0KHZlQXw/s400/Photo+May+30,+6+36+43+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndSmFYjOaDs/T8pbPa3UtFI/AAAAAAAACJg/Fivz2XYrPbU/s1600/Photo+Jun+02%252C+1+10+47+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndSmFYjOaDs/T8pbPa3UtFI/AAAAAAAACJg/Fivz2XYrPbU/s640/Photo+Jun+02%252C+1+10+47+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We even made these really cute aprons from shopping bags for only 50 cents a piece using this ingenious idea from <a href="http://mysisterssuitcase.blogspot.com/2012/03/reusable-shopping-bag-to-apron.html">My Sister's Suitcase</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNyoLituySE/T8peXIUgeJI/AAAAAAAACJ4/nkBP6gajSYI/s1600/Photo+May+31,+4+14+58+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNyoLituySE/T8peXIUgeJI/AAAAAAAACJ4/nkBP6gajSYI/s400/Photo+May+31,+4+14+58+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5s-AiFMI7Ls/T8pfiBdTMZI/AAAAAAAACKI/1VWSEXOyFa0/s1600/Photo+May+31,+4+26+02+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5s-AiFMI7Ls/T8pfiBdTMZI/AAAAAAAACKI/1VWSEXOyFa0/s640/Photo+May+31,+4+26+02+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzHcc1KbLqQ/T8pc6fkn8WI/AAAAAAAACJw/GxLrxJmNAaI/s1600/Photo+Jun+02,+1+22+13+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fzHcc1KbLqQ/T8pc6fkn8WI/AAAAAAAACJw/GxLrxJmNAaI/s640/Photo+Jun+02,+1+22+13+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Yay, it's summer! So why don't you take a look around your garage and see what you could whip up for some summer fun?!? Believe me, it doesn't take much to put a smile on those little faces (well, one is smiling...I have no idea what the other is doing!!! LOL!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5gh1qmhqyA/T8pbqtcdXfI/AAAAAAAACJo/kTMbKUIVUd8/s1600/Photo+Jun+02,+9+54+08+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H5gh1qmhqyA/T8pbqtcdXfI/AAAAAAAACJo/kTMbKUIVUd8/s640/Photo+Jun+02,+9+54+08+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div><br /><u>Breakdown for this project</u>:<br /><ul><li>Materials - $0</li><li>Time Spent - 2 hours</li><li>Result - countless hours of summer fun! </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Sharing at:</u></div><br /><center><br /><a href="http://myuncommonsliceofsuburbia.com/" title="My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia"><img alt="My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia" src="http://i775.photobucket.com/albums/yy39/Kristinsal/TuesdaysTreasuresbutton.png" style="border: medium none;" /></a><br /><br /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rloME8I_CkU/T84HWPzvQ0I/AAAAAAAACMQ/_exsmhq8cMU/s1600/Untitled-2.jpg" width="150" /><br /><br /><a border="0" href="http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com/search/label/Too%20Cute%20Tuesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/mormishgirl/Blog/TooCuteTuesdayNEW.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net" title="Today's Creative Blog"><img src="http://todayscreativeblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/button.jpg" width="125" alt="Today's Creative Blog" title="Today's Creative Blog" style="border:none;" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/" target="new"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.ladybug-blessings.com/pictures/handmadepact.gif" width="150" /></a></center><br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-17992927546373121882012-05-30T09:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T18:25:01.683-04:00French Chair RevealI finally finished the cushion and trim on my French chair makeover! I completely shocked myself with the results...I think you'll be shocked, too. First, let me show you the before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W-d91qRJNg/T8YZneRF4PI/AAAAAAAACIY/HScdRrJwpwc/s1600/photo%2812%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W-d91qRJNg/T8YZneRF4PI/AAAAAAAACIY/HScdRrJwpwc/s640/photo%2812%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Then, I decided to <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/shabby-chic-arm-chair.html">paint</a> it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VLWjYavI0I/T3OoagoFZ5I/AAAAAAAABv0/b_I5hhfFLzI/s1600/IMG_2839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VLWjYavI0I/T3OoagoFZ5I/AAAAAAAABv0/b_I5hhfFLzI/s640/IMG_2839.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The new paint made the fabric look so old, so I decided it needed <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/french-lovely.html">new fabric</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1Gjyma5dSE/T1DOR4AGvyI/AAAAAAAABt0/xmsiuw4tm38/s1600/Photo+Feb+12%252C+1+23+43+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1Gjyma5dSE/T1DOR4AGvyI/AAAAAAAABt0/xmsiuw4tm38/s640/Photo+Feb+12%252C+1+23+43+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then, I <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/cushion-for-my-french-chair.html">recovered the cushion</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbAph1_Rcs/T3jlGheD_rI/AAAAAAAAByc/PbK6-DNcCFU/s1600/Photo+Feb+13%252C+3+29+50+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbAph1_Rcs/T3jlGheD_rI/AAAAAAAAByc/PbK6-DNcCFU/s640/Photo+Feb+13%252C+3+29+50+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Last but not least, I added <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/trim-for-my-french-chair.html" target="_blank">double welt cording</a> to hide the staples.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdVEpGFXZZo/T3jhGqjozEI/AAAAAAAABxs/q8y-J_sHXH8/s1600/Photo+Mar+02%252C+2+24+36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NdVEpGFXZZo/T3jhGqjozEI/AAAAAAAABxs/q8y-J_sHXH8/s400/Photo+Mar+02%252C+2+24+36+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And now, without further ado, here is the final product...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvwdDjV8BFE/T3OqNzl2YVI/AAAAAAAABv8/Rv3aN9cBPTE/s1600/Photo+Mar+04,+10+50+26+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EvwdDjV8BFE/T3OqNzl2YVI/AAAAAAAABv8/Rv3aN9cBPTE/s640/Photo+Mar+04,+10+50+26+AM.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9nIICG-f14/T3jVaNt1PHI/AAAAAAAABw8/cvVNmXlZECk/s1600/Photo+Mar+03,+4+45+49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j9nIICG-f14/T3jVaNt1PHI/AAAAAAAABw8/cvVNmXlZECk/s640/Photo+Mar+03,+4+45+49+PM.jpg" width="480" /></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/-jw-HWVzgahE/T3jVJcE0FLI/AAAAAAAABws/0YhTsdDXMc8/s1600/Photo+Mar+03,+12+56+51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jw-HWVzgahE/T3jVJcE0FLI/AAAAAAAABws/0YhTsdDXMc8/s640/Photo+Mar+03,+12+56+51+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN3J8C6zkX8/T3jVRNHo3SI/AAAAAAAABw0/yy502xXBb3U/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN3J8C6zkX8/T3jVRNHo3SI/AAAAAAAABw0/yy502xXBb3U/s400/IMG_2846.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svTh5FJKlf8/T3jVtls4OEI/AAAAAAAABxE/wOElwO_c78k/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-svTh5FJKlf8/T3jVtls4OEI/AAAAAAAABxE/wOElwO_c78k/s640/IMG_2847.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span id="goog_1540423087"></span><span id="goog_1540423088"></span><br />Isn't she a beauty?! <br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-83429396580847744372012-05-24T08:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T18:25:34.461-04:00Craigslist Finds and Other Cool StuffLast weekend was such a busy one for me! Now that <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/05/mini-kitchen-reno-part-iii-progress.html">my kitchen</a> is on it's way to being renovated, the rest of my first floor looks so old and out of place. You know what that means...now I've gotta redecorate THE. ENTIRE. FIRST. FLOOR! WOOT WOOT! (can you see my husband rolling his eyes, lol?! That's okay, I work haaard for the money!) <br /><br />Soooo, the weekend began with picking up this awesome Craigslist find on Friday night. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTO7KJs7lKM/T7zdbxeA78I/AAAAAAAACHo/OlaKVJSl7dA/s1600/Photo+May+18,+8+14+12+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTO7KJs7lKM/T7zdbxeA78I/AAAAAAAACHo/OlaKVJSl7dA/s640/Photo+May+18,+8+14+12+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />You can't really tell from the photo, but lemme tell you...this table was as heavy as a mutha!!!! It's made of solid, thick glass and has a touch of brass accent. Originally $1200 from Bloomingdale's, listed for $75, got it for $40...hoooooe, raise the roof!!! (that was so nineties of me, LOL). So, out went the old coffee table in my LR and in went this one. <br /><br />OH...I almost forgot to mention...before picking up the table, my mom came over and we made these AWESOME fish tacos following <a href="http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2012/05/fish-tacos-with-chipotle-lime-cilantro-slaw/">Centsational Girl's</a> deeeelicious recipe. They came out so good! If you try this recipe, try throwing the corn tortilla on the grill for a few seconds on each side - yummy AND healthy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSExKDdvR80/T7zd7XomYyI/AAAAAAAACHw/pcFrmp1plqg/s1600/Photo+May+18,+5+34+29+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vSExKDdvR80/T7zd7XomYyI/AAAAAAAACHw/pcFrmp1plqg/s640/Photo+May+18,+5+34+29+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Saturday was even busier! Now, remember the <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/01/furniture-biz.html">furniture business</a> my bestie Michelle and I started? We recently sold <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/01/tall-dresser-makeover.html">this piece</a> to a woman in midtown Manhattan and had to deliver it to her. Usually, my friend and I would hit the road and handle the delivery all by ourselves. HOWEVER, my friend just found out recently that she is expecting her second child...yayyy Michelle! So this means no heavy lifting for her.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnuZ_ZGpMXU/T11F5jXYgOI/AAAAAAAABus/Q4nqh4Wig0U/s1600/chest2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnuZ_ZGpMXU/T11F5jXYgOI/AAAAAAAABus/Q4nqh4Wig0U/s640/chest2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />So my husband kindly agreed to make the trip to deliver the piece with me. Buttttt then I saw something else on Craigslist. A sofa. A black sofa. A black velvet sofa. A vintage black velvet sofa. A freshly upholstered vintage black velvet sofa. A freshly upholstered vintage black velvet sofa for only $185. I was so happy I nearly peed myself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RPdnRGlatA/T7zeuk1s-MI/AAAAAAAACH4/Z9ku6-qytsg/s1600/Photo+May+19,+12+54+08+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4RPdnRGlatA/T7zeuk1s-MI/AAAAAAAACH4/Z9ku6-qytsg/s640/Photo+May+19,+12+54+08+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />So, our trip to drop off a piece of furniture quickly became a trip to drop off a piece of furniture and pick up another one. I ended up getting the sofa for only $175. What a freakin great find!!! As you can kinda see from the photo, I still have a long way to go with redecorating my LR, but a new coffee table and sofa is a great start! Anyhoo, the rest of Saturday consisted of my friend coming over to work on some pieces for our business.<br /><br />Sunday we headed out to PA for my daughter's golf tourney...it was another beautiful day out and she placed second. So proudy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7_XWe2DShc/T7zfbYhWH5I/AAAAAAAACIA/aO2_o6TE9O8/s1600/Photo+May+20,+4+35+07+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7_XWe2DShc/T7zfbYhWH5I/AAAAAAAACIA/aO2_o6TE9O8/s640/Photo+May+20,+4+35+07+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />This weekend will be another fun one...we're off to the "Jersey Shore" for the long Memorial Day weekend! Enjoy the holiday weekend, everyone!<br /><br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-32408610511619866942012-05-20T20:00:00.001-04:002012-11-02T18:26:13.866-04:00Mini Kitchen Reno Part III - Progress!So, if you remember from <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/mini-kitchen-reno-part-ii.html">last time</a>, we finished building a box to go over our range hood and trimmed all of the existing cabinets out with crown molding. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxH_rnuLFB8/T3kcVX9spXI/AAAAAAAAB0I/twWPPjLkEw4/s1600/Photo+Apr+01%252C+11+25+37+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxH_rnuLFB8/T3kcVX9spXI/AAAAAAAAB0I/twWPPjLkEw4/s400/Photo+Apr+01%252C+11+25+37+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Next up was to paint it all white just like my <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/kitchen-inspiration.html">inspirational kitchens</a>. Here's how it turned out:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROWkA06sTJM/T7K8wiKqndI/AAAAAAAACGw/ztvgn6wCMcc/s1600/Photo+Feb+21,+9+39+46+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ROWkA06sTJM/T7K8wiKqndI/AAAAAAAACGw/ztvgn6wCMcc/s400/Photo+Feb+21,+9+39+46+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />What a difference, right?! It's amazing how much a can of paint can transform a room! Well, in my case it was several cans of Rustoleum spray paint in heirloom white and a quart of paint plus primer by Behr color matched to the spray paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIyUus5lqu0/T7K94n58fUI/AAAAAAAACG8/EeUiL2-K0Pc/s1600/Photo+May+15,+4+11+11+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VIyUus5lqu0/T7K94n58fUI/AAAAAAAACG8/EeUiL2-K0Pc/s640/Photo+May+15,+4+11+11+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HZ4lFylHGY/T7K99XSl46I/AAAAAAAACHE/yRjSITKqDRI/s1600/Photo+May+15,+4+12+30+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HZ4lFylHGY/T7K99XSl46I/AAAAAAAACHE/yRjSITKqDRI/s640/Photo+May+15,+4+12+30+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Here's how it all went down...first, my husband removed all of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts while I went out to buy the paint. Because my cabinets are made by Ikea, this was not hard at all. It just involved popping them out from the hinges/drawer mechanisms.<br /><br />My bestie Michelle came over again to help. Thank goodness for her...love her to death! Not just cuz she is mad talented, but because she's got one of the kindest hearts I know. I took all of the doors outside to spray paint while she stayed inside and painted the fixed parts.<br /><br />Then her hubby came over to help my hubby with the installation of my massive new apron sink (I do a lot, but plumbing is one thing I won't do!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BA6rbvnxA9s/T7K-I-pafaI/AAAAAAAACHM/1M3YBrPDpWY/s1600/Photo+Feb+19,+2+53+03+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BA6rbvnxA9s/T7K-I-pafaI/AAAAAAAACHM/1M3YBrPDpWY/s640/Photo+Feb+19,+2+53+03+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I'm in love with my new sink and faucet. No more stacking dishes next to the sink and gone are the days of not being able to fit my Brita pitcher under the faucet to fill it up - it's so big now I think I could take a shower in it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrOIu-wyyxQ/T7K-f3iQDWI/AAAAAAAACHU/0iSAhWzBqOE/s1600/Photo+Feb+19%252C+11+48+53+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CrOIu-wyyxQ/T7K-f3iQDWI/AAAAAAAACHU/0iSAhWzBqOE/s640/Photo+Feb+19%252C+11+48+53+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ez7m00vmZLw/T7K-mkDpCqI/AAAAAAAACHc/g2E00uNyZ5E/s1600/Photo+Feb+19,+11+49+20+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ez7m00vmZLw/T7K-mkDpCqI/AAAAAAAACHc/g2E00uNyZ5E/s640/Photo+Feb+19,+11+49+20+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />We're makin' progress! We'll get there...slowly, but surely!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1HehIqt4M/T7K8ocYBZQI/AAAAAAAACGo/mrKaqWQb4lM/s1600/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+40+32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm1HehIqt4M/T7K8ocYBZQI/AAAAAAAACGo/mrKaqWQb4lM/s640/Photo+Feb+21%252C+9+40+32+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-4578606723452757402012-05-13T10:19:00.004-04:002012-11-02T19:39:14.085-04:00It Takes an ArmyIt took THIS army to feed ONE person this morning. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11qTjPV9CKI/T6-_YEEcZRI/AAAAAAAACGE/yes6fWucZVs/s1600/army.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11qTjPV9CKI/T6-_YEEcZRI/AAAAAAAACGE/yes6fWucZVs/s1600/army.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Ordinarily, it takes ONE person to feed THIS army. Everyday, 3 times a day. That ONE person is ME! Yes, today is Mother's Day. So, today the kids and hubby are catering to me. And the menu for today is...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpXHmKfqx68/T6_BH_wIP8I/AAAAAAAACGM/JMOzVNmntzM/s1600/Photo+May+13,+9+34+47+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rpXHmKfqx68/T6_BH_wIP8I/AAAAAAAACGM/JMOzVNmntzM/s320/Photo+May+13,+9+34+47+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Sweet, isn't it? They did a great job making my breakfast.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbazbd3FwiA/T6_BUISQpFI/AAAAAAAACGU/Y6yeRE7DGqc/s1600/Photo+May+13,+9+39+28+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbazbd3FwiA/T6_BUISQpFI/AAAAAAAACGU/Y6yeRE7DGqc/s320/Photo+May+13,+9+39+28+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And look...a spa gift certificate to boot!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPz-tb33y_I/T6_Bn485VAI/AAAAAAAACGc/_rh9ItlnjVk/s1600/Photo+May+13,+9+38+08+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zPz-tb33y_I/T6_Bn485VAI/AAAAAAAACGc/_rh9ItlnjVk/s320/Photo+May+13,+9+38+08+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Happy Mother's Day to all those other mothers out there who "do it all"!!!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-40285560890979966672012-05-06T20:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T19:40:58.948-04:00Gallery Wall is Complete (for now)Remember the <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/03/beginnings-of-gallery-wall.html">gallery wall</a> I began not too long ago? Well, it's finished...for now, at least. Here's what it looked like before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ4ebvj20Sk/T34dNBIRilI/AAAAAAAACC0/wWKEnGO7QHY/s1600/blank+gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gZ4ebvj20Sk/T34dNBIRilI/AAAAAAAACC0/wWKEnGO7QHY/s400/blank+gallery.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Note the blank frames and stock photography. Don't act like you've never done that before. Well, here's what it looks like now:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqwFVKBv2Z8/T34dvppSQFI/AAAAAAAACC8/xhfSX1Ks-RQ/s1600/Photo+Apr+05,+6+15+54+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LqwFVKBv2Z8/T34dvppSQFI/AAAAAAAACC8/xhfSX1Ks-RQ/s400/Photo+Apr+05,+6+15+54+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RScJA1UaYQE/T34e4JSrG_I/AAAAAAAACDM/NRoYJAYWsxc/s1600/Photo+Apr+05,+6+06+54+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RScJA1UaYQE/T34e4JSrG_I/AAAAAAAACDM/NRoYJAYWsxc/s640/Photo+Apr+05,+6+06+54+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeSOJGqcrUA/T34y8992L6I/AAAAAAAACEQ/nkDdWwQ0yGk/s1600/Photo+Apr+05,+6+06+41+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GeSOJGqcrUA/T34y8992L6I/AAAAAAAACEQ/nkDdWwQ0yGk/s640/Photo+Apr+05,+6+06+41+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Yeah, that's right. They're all filled now! With my own photos and art! And I've even added more frames! Let's take a closer look:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHBG42Hiccc/T34gNs4CDOI/AAAAAAAACDg/7JQB6VoklPo/s1600/Photo+Apr+05,+6+12+25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHBG42Hiccc/T34gNs4CDOI/AAAAAAAACDg/7JQB6VoklPo/s400/Photo+Apr+05,+6+12+25+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Yes, that's me eating ice cream. That was taken in NYC many, many years ago. My two younger kids weren't even born yet! Classic!<br /><br />I also added some DIY wall art:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcuhD1KEuQ8/T34hgzCg3lI/AAAAAAAACDo/xX44zUG7sbw/s1600/Photo+Apr+05,+5+21+47+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QcuhD1KEuQ8/T34hgzCg3lI/AAAAAAAACDo/xX44zUG7sbw/s400/Photo+Apr+05,+5+21+47+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And some ready made art that I found for $2 bucks at a thrift store:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIWff83ajXU/T34jINj6JlI/AAAAAAAACEI/tws5p9FXX5o/s1600/Photo+Apr+05,+6+18+29+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gIWff83ajXU/T34jINj6JlI/AAAAAAAACEI/tws5p9FXX5o/s640/Photo+Apr+05,+6+18+29+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Ahhh...peace. That's what I feel when I look at my gallery wall. I love it!!! Knowing me, though, it probably won't last...I'm sure it won't be long before I'll want to switch it up or add something new.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VdP19jJmfI/T49YMtBoXEI/AAAAAAAACEw/mxG52fgqn3o/s1600/Photo+Apr+18,+7+58+32+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9VdP19jJmfI/T49YMtBoXEI/AAAAAAAACEw/mxG52fgqn3o/s400/Photo+Apr+18,+7+58+32+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-65848867849564985442012-04-28T22:34:00.001-04:002012-11-02T19:41:24.602-04:00Shimmery Vintage Inspired Chevron InvitationsBetween dropping my older son off to baseball, working on my <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/04/mini-kitchen-reno-part-ii.html">mini kitchen renovation</a> and all the other goings-on, I finally finished up the invitations for my daughter's upcoming First Communion. I'm so happy with the way they turned out! For safety reasons, I had to blur out some of the information on the card, but you get the idea!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z26qxwEP6Ks/T5ykyfU37OI/AAAAAAAACFM/osFE9mXHzc0/s1600/card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z26qxwEP6Ks/T5ykyfU37OI/AAAAAAAACFM/osFE9mXHzc0/s640/card1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Love the aqua and red chevron design. I was inspired by this cake at <a href="http://thecakeblog.com/">thecakeblog.com</a>. So cute right??? Hmmmm....maybe I'll attempt to knock-off the cake for the party?!?!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnN0F70vpIs/T5ylp90wKwI/AAAAAAAACFU/3165fPQnMHI/s1600/brides-chevron-cake.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LnN0F70vpIs/T5ylp90wKwI/AAAAAAAACFU/3165fPQnMHI/s640/brides-chevron-cake.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I'll think about that. In the meantime, check out the shimmery card stock I used on the invitation....gives it that extra punch! Found them on sale for 14 cents a sheet at Michael's.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DasmWbavsf4/T5ymNWd5G0I/AAAAAAAACFc/UujqK_jPVXQ/s1600/card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DasmWbavsf4/T5ymNWd5G0I/AAAAAAAACFc/UujqK_jPVXQ/s640/card2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And finally, love love LOVE the peacock paper lined envelopes I made (also found this paper at Michael's).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXIGwYD-CWQ/T5ym97lQIEI/AAAAAAAACFk/VMmDW0JvkJU/s1600/card3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXIGwYD-CWQ/T5ym97lQIEI/AAAAAAAACFk/VMmDW0JvkJU/s640/card3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I'm learning that attention to DETAIL makes all the difference!!!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-4391517455066382262012-04-22T20:00:00.000-04:002013-10-17T22:18:12.014-04:00Mini Kitchen Reno Part II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now that the weather is a bit nicer, I finally had the chance to get started on the <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/mini-kitchen-reno-part-1.html">mini kitchen renovation</a> I've been talking about. My very talented bestie, Michelle, came over to help out.</div><br />The first thing on the agenda was to get rid of the tacky metal cabinet that was above my range hood.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biq8HQ8_DJ0/T3kWpMjJW8I/AAAAAAAABzg/QGLbxqWHKNs/s1600/yuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biq8HQ8_DJ0/T3kWpMjJW8I/AAAAAAAABzg/QGLbxqWHKNs/s1600/yuck.jpg" /></a></div><br />My solution for this was to take off the door to the cabinet and build a box out of MDF to cover it.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4icYahxDKA/T3kU5I1LhlI/AAAAAAAABzY/-4rM0RVa0DI/s1600/Photo+Feb+18,+2+23+09+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h4icYahxDKA/T3kU5I1LhlI/AAAAAAAABzY/-4rM0RVa0DI/s640/Photo+Feb+18,+2+23+09+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle cheesing for the camera (she's gonna kill me for putting this up)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As you can see from the pic, the piece of MDF that I had was not large enough to reach the ceiling. No biggie, we just added another layer of plain molding to give it more height.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGbNiIodkTg/T3kYUgk4szI/AAAAAAAABzo/aegLuwuuhRQ/s1600/Photo+Feb+18,+2+36+01+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pGbNiIodkTg/T3kYUgk4szI/AAAAAAAABzo/aegLuwuuhRQ/s640/Photo+Feb+18,+2+36+01+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Now that the ugly metal cabinet issue was resolved, it was time to put up the crown molding.<br /><br />OK - I have to admit, we had absolutely no idea what we were doing when it came to the crown molding. We were pretty much making it up as we went along. Once we distinguished the top of the molding from the bottom (LOL, told you we had no idea), we then realized that we had to hold the crown molding a certain way in the miter box while cutting it in order to get the angles correct.<br /><br />So, after wasting a crap load of crown molding, things began to move a little more quickly. First we crowned the box that we just built:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v25L4JAVKCc/T3kZMptocNI/AAAAAAAABzw/oE_jREIi1-4/s1600/Photo+Feb+18,+4+19+26+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v25L4JAVKCc/T3kZMptocNI/AAAAAAAABzw/oE_jREIi1-4/s640/Photo+Feb+18,+4+19+26+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Looks better already, right?! Nevermind the mess inside of my cabinets!<br /><br />Then it was on to the cabinets. But first we needed to add pieces of scrap wood to support the crown molding. We just nailed straight up into the top of the cabinet right through the scrap wood. If you look closely you can see the ends of the nails sticking up. We just bent those down later with pliers so they wouldn't show.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IBZksvKD9Y/T3kat5nhMoI/AAAAAAAAB0A/WFKxmJM0mIw/s1600/scrap+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IBZksvKD9Y/T3kat5nhMoI/AAAAAAAAB0A/WFKxmJM0mIw/s1600/scrap+wood.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Then I nailed the crown molding while my friend held it in place.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxH_rnuLFB8/T3kcVX9spXI/AAAAAAAAB0I/twWPPjLkEw4/s1600/Photo+Apr+01,+11+25+37+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxH_rnuLFB8/T3kcVX9spXI/AAAAAAAAB0I/twWPPjLkEw4/s400/Photo+Apr+01,+11+25+37+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And here's what it looked like by the end of the day...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3NFuRM755I/T3kc78jt4gI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rssahzYZYU0/s1600/Photo+Feb+18%252C+8+01+51+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3NFuRM755I/T3kc78jt4gI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/rssahzYZYU0/s640/Photo+Feb+18%252C+8+01+51+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voIUcTSa288/T3kc98-CVSI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/G7NYAjBNUaM/s1600/Photo+Feb+18,+8+01+28+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-voIUcTSa288/T3kc98-CVSI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/G7NYAjBNUaM/s400/Photo+Feb+18,+8+01+28+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Not bad for two women who've never done this before, huh???<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-66090130269088247902012-04-15T19:22:00.000-04:002012-11-02T19:45:00.109-04:00Trim for my French ChairI finally got around to putting the last touches on my <a href="http://www.simply-inspiring.com/2012/03/french-lovely.html">French inspired arm chair</a>! Here's what it looked like before I painted and re-upholstered it:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W-d91qRJNg/T8YZneRF4PI/AAAAAAAACIY/HScdRrJwpwc/s1600/photo%2812%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W-d91qRJNg/T8YZneRF4PI/AAAAAAAACIY/HScdRrJwpwc/s1600/photo%2812%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I took a trip to Joann's hoping to find some finished matching trim. No luck there. So then it was on to plan B...double welt cord. I hear ya'...what in the Sam hell is double welt cord, right?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhvGRXUCwBM/T3jnngPb17I/AAAAAAAAByk/rD8SRW05B7Y/s1600/Photo+Apr+01,+7+36+54+PM+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhvGRXUCwBM/T3jnngPb17I/AAAAAAAAByk/rD8SRW05B7Y/s640/Photo+Apr+01,+7+36+54+PM+copy.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Nevermind the none-made up face and messy hair in a bun. Double welt cord is just the matching trim that gets glued on around the sides of the fabric to hide the staples. Let me tell you...I was completely terrified to try this because I am NOT a very experienced sewer, but I have to admit, it was one of the easiest parts of the whole re-upholstery process. So, I encourage you...do NOT be scared off by the big fancy name.<br /><br />I was literally standing in the corner of the store reading the directions on my iPhone. First, I bought a $3 bag of cording like this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnx2wCzoelg/T3X8rSaBTPI/AAAAAAAABwM/OL_4h8abaRI/s1600/Photo+Mar+02,+2+45+08+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jnx2wCzoelg/T3X8rSaBTPI/AAAAAAAABwM/OL_4h8abaRI/s640/Photo+Mar+02,+2+45+08+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then, I put my zipper foot on my sewing machine. It looks like this and should already come with your sewing machine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRNHvWSfavE/T3jdUtL3NpI/AAAAAAAABxM/e9yutBEplic/s1600/Photo+Apr+01,+6+51+21+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRNHvWSfavE/T3jdUtL3NpI/AAAAAAAABxM/e9yutBEplic/s640/Photo+Apr+01,+6+51+21+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Next, I just measured out how much cording I needed by holding it up to the chair and multiplying by "2". Then, I cut the cording in half, wrapped my length of 2" wide fabric around it and sewed one side:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkjHgUJhhRs/T3jgD0ZigVI/AAAAAAAABxc/yMj2cy6tP8A/s1600/Photo+Mar+02,+1+11+15+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UkjHgUJhhRs/T3jgD0ZigVI/AAAAAAAABxc/yMj2cy6tP8A/s640/Photo+Mar+02,+1+11+15+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> Then, I did the same with the other half of the cording on the other side:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4Fpfu7kWUE/T3jfZdN4KgI/AAAAAAAABxU/bhv6YFCbbwQ/s1600/Photo+Mar+02,+1+41+25+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V4Fpfu7kWUE/T3jfZdN4KgI/AAAAAAAABxU/bhv6YFCbbwQ/s640/Photo+Mar+02,+1+41+25+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Next, I simply trimmed off the excess fabric and ended up with this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_cVEpP-uOA/T3jghaw7j3I/AAAAAAAABxk/PESnz5kViEE/s1600/Photo+Mar+02,+2+01+19+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_cVEpP-uOA/T3jghaw7j3I/AAAAAAAABxk/PESnz5kViEE/s640/Photo+Mar+02,+2+01+19+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Cool, right??? From here, it's just a matter of hot-gluing the trim to the chair:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdVEpGFXZZo/T3jhGqjozEI/AAAAAAAABxs/q8y-J_sHXH8/s1600/Photo+Mar+02,+2+24+36+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NdVEpGFXZZo/T3jhGqjozEI/AAAAAAAABxs/q8y-J_sHXH8/s400/Photo+Mar+02,+2+24+36+PM.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8gSDzP7PbY/T3jhZAQlyGI/AAAAAAAABx0/QeyKPB_9IwM/s1600/Photo+Mar+02,+2+24+53+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C8gSDzP7PbY/T3jhZAQlyGI/AAAAAAAABx0/QeyKPB_9IwM/s400/Photo+Mar+02,+2+24+53+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Stay tuned for the final reveal of my French inspired arm chair!!!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-84551089611485483342012-04-08T20:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T19:45:29.255-04:00Kitchen InspirationBefore I can get started on my <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/mini-kitchen-reno-part-1.html">mini kitchen renovation</a>, I need some inspiration. What do you think about this kitchen by <a href="http://www.venegasandcompany.com/" target="_blank">Venegas and Company</a>?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_LvZYHLSns/T3j7UbqIrYI/AAAAAAAABys/ER9yAggKoUs/s1600/Venegas+and+Company.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_LvZYHLSns/T3j7UbqIrYI/AAAAAAAABys/ER9yAggKoUs/s640/Venegas+and+Company.png" width="480" /></a></div><br />It's so clean, modern and bright! I love the white counters, subway tile backsplash and cabinets. The contrasting dark island cabinets are to die for. The nickel finishes and gray walls tie it all together.<br /><br />Here's one I'm really feeling, too. It's by <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="http://atmosphereinteriordesign.net/" target="_blank">Atmosphere Interior Design Inc</a>.</span> I love the drum shade lighting!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ8CD7PF_14/T3j9pkVxRQI/AAAAAAAABy0/VuH8XU95WPY/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-01+at+9.11.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fJ8CD7PF_14/T3j9pkVxRQI/AAAAAAAABy0/VuH8XU95WPY/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-01+at+9.11.58+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><a class="colorLink" href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/oharainteriors/martha-ohara-interiors">Martha O'Hara Interiors</a> kept the island cabinets white, but added nice contrast with dark wood counters/floors and pops of bright yellow throughout. I LOVE that lighting over the island. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OuHdcMojmh0/T3j_FXxjZGI/AAAAAAAABy8/V_ueMjHVLJU/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-01+at+9.19.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OuHdcMojmh0/T3j_FXxjZGI/AAAAAAAABy8/V_ueMjHVLJU/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-01+at+9.19.59+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br />And finally there's this one by <a class="colorLink" href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/amorosodesign/amoroso-design">Amoroso Design</a>. This, too, features the white cabinetry, counters, and backsplash. What I love about this one is the white apron sink and relaxed Roman shade window treatment.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZaEDXI4nFM/T3kEYMq1pXI/AAAAAAAABzE/GKoMsI9EYgo/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-01+at+9.42.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZaEDXI4nFM/T3kEYMq1pXI/AAAAAAAABzE/GKoMsI9EYgo/s400/Screen+shot+2012-04-01+at+9.42.35+PM.png" width="480" /></a></div><br />Okay, I'm ready to begin tackling <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/mini-kitchen-reno-part-1.html">this project</a>!!! First up is painting the cabinetry white and adding crown molding to it!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-5469904551260511592012-04-01T19:32:00.001-04:002012-11-02T19:46:03.901-04:00Cushion for my French ChairI finally got around to sewing the cushion for my <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/french-lovely.html">French inspired chair</a>. Remember what it looked like last time? Let me refresh your memory:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BKv3TQESCs/T3pUgPolaFI/AAAAAAAAB4I/5nHue_CoEAY/s1600/Photo+Feb+12,+1+24+21+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BKv3TQESCs/T3pUgPolaFI/AAAAAAAAB4I/5nHue_CoEAY/s640/Photo+Feb+12,+1+24+21+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />To sew the cushion I simply pinned the fabric inside out around the old cushion...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4i7kPpJMS60/T3pVFKKcESI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/L2spVGcnhmo/s1600/Photo+Feb+12,+6+56+16+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4i7kPpJMS60/T3pVFKKcESI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/L2spVGcnhmo/s400/Photo+Feb+12,+6+56+16+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And sewed...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OzkfAJVMcs/T3jklR-mj0I/AAAAAAAAByM/iKJNdn7iz9Y/s1600/Photo+Feb+12,+7+11+53+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_OzkfAJVMcs/T3jklR-mj0I/AAAAAAAAByM/iKJNdn7iz9Y/s400/Photo+Feb+12,+7+11+53+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />It looked so flat and pathetic...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0WIsT9r1DM/T3pVhVhecYI/AAAAAAAAB4c/NJYlVZ-MgBI/s1600/Photo+Feb+12,+8+25+21+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w0WIsT9r1DM/T3pVhVhecYI/AAAAAAAAB4c/NJYlVZ-MgBI/s400/Photo+Feb+12,+8+25+21+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />So, I stuck some extra polyester fiberfill and batting in there. Ahhhh, so much better...I'm sure my tush will appreciate it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbAph1_Rcs/T3jlGheD_rI/AAAAAAAAByc/PbK6-DNcCFU/s1600/Photo+Feb+13,+3+29+50+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7GbAph1_Rcs/T3jlGheD_rI/AAAAAAAAByc/PbK6-DNcCFU/s640/Photo+Feb+13,+3+29+50+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Last up is trim to hide the staples. Stay tuned...<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-40463207183165998882012-03-27T22:49:00.000-04:002012-11-02T19:46:31.895-04:00Mini Kitchen Reno Part IOur house was a total wreck when we first moved into it back in 2004. There was so much we had to do to it to bring it up to a livable condition. What also made things hard was that with the exception of an electrician to wire our oven, we did not hire anyone to help us - we did it all by ourselves on a very limited budget I might add. Thank goodness we had the help of friends and family! It's so sad that we never thought to take pics of our home before we began working on it.<br /><br />In any event, when it came to the kitchen, we didn't have much to work with at all. All we could afford were Ikea cabinets with doors that were marked down to a dollar or two a piece. Needless to say, the stock was very limited.<br /><br />Here's what we came up with:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K4Gn6mHL5Y/TW_XS2doFHI/AAAAAAAAAdw/2chUHpWAzh8/s1600/DSC01263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0K4Gn6mHL5Y/TW_XS2doFHI/AAAAAAAAAdw/2chUHpWAzh8/s640/DSC01263.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjQ5MHZ8hII/T3J59F4GHAI/AAAAAAAABvk/Vc-m6CHQGus/s1600/Photo+Feb+18,+9+19+22+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjQ5MHZ8hII/T3J59F4GHAI/AAAAAAAABvk/Vc-m6CHQGus/s640/Photo+Feb+18,+9+19+22+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />If you were to see it before, you would say that this is a huge improvement. Especially since we started from scratch (we had to rip it down to the studs). And I must admit, we were pretty happy with the results in the beginning, especially given the fact that we spent very little on it (I'm talking less than $1000 on the cabinetry and just a few hundred on the slate floors).<br /><br />But anyhoo, on to the real point of this story. After 8 years of staring at those ugly orange walls and outdated Tuscan decor, it's pretty safe to say that it's time to make a change. You would think that after 8 years we would have saved up enough money to do a real kitchen renovation, but of course that's not the case. Therefore, I'm calling this our "mini kitchen renovation".<br /><br />So here's my plan. Within the next few months I'm going to: <br /><ul><li>add crown molding to cabinets</li><li>replace metal cabinets </li><li>paint cabinets white</li><li>install white subway tile backsplash</li><li>purchase new apron sink and faucet</li><li>replace counters with white marble</li><li>paint walls gray</li><li>paint <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2010/12/make-kitchen-island-for-under-100-bucks.html" target="">island</a> black </li><li>install new light fixture</li><li>decorate with French inspired items</li></ul>I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to get started on this project!!! <br /><ul></ul><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-67042717423314506062012-03-18T20:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T19:47:06.720-04:00French LovelyDo you remember my <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/03/shabby-chic-arm-chair.html" target="_blank">arm chair makeover</a>? After putting on a fresh coat of paint, I decided it really needed new upholstery, too.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDQ9M6ExKx4/T1DFp35SaCI/AAAAAAAABtM/zQaCpYwJ9o0/s1600/chair-B%2526A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDQ9M6ExKx4/T1DFp35SaCI/AAAAAAAABtM/zQaCpYwJ9o0/s400/chair-B%2526A.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Off to Joanne's I went. There were so many choices! Should I go funky with a zebra pattern? Or classic with blue floral?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuqypIMSiSg/T1DJU5pZMDI/AAAAAAAABtU/_ljvyWGKq5o/s1600/Photo+Feb+11,+2+07+57+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuqypIMSiSg/T1DJU5pZMDI/AAAAAAAABtU/_ljvyWGKq5o/s640/Photo+Feb+11,+2+07+57+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />After much deliberation, I decided on this lovely blue toile. I thought it would go nicely with the caning on the chair and give it a french inspired look.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzESttL27Ck/T1DLyqYL6XI/AAAAAAAABtk/5I8uVJmoTVo/s1600/IMG_2851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wzESttL27Ck/T1DLyqYL6XI/AAAAAAAABtk/5I8uVJmoTVo/s640/IMG_2851.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Then I got to work. Stripping old fabric is always the hardest part. By the way, the reason why these photos look kinda dark is because it was after midnight! Can you tell that I was super excited about getting the fabric on?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUg0Frx_Row/T1DNkisorhI/AAAAAAAABts/VwnC7AsV-os/s1600/Photo+Feb+11,+11+25+45+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUg0Frx_Row/T1DNkisorhI/AAAAAAAABts/VwnC7AsV-os/s640/Photo+Feb+11,+11+25+45+PM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I started with the back of the chair, reusing the cardboard that was there before.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1YMEi0BU30/T1DQd1VhfzI/AAAAAAAABt8/gMZxYBvCCjM/s1600/Photo+Feb+12%252C+12+06+42+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1YMEi0BU30/T1DQd1VhfzI/AAAAAAAABt8/gMZxYBvCCjM/s640/Photo+Feb+12%252C+12+06+42+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then the front - I used polyester fiberfil to stuff the holes that were left by the buttons.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S35yFKWKmWg/T1DRrR0AKwI/AAAAAAAABuE/YN5S4DxDwbM/s1600/Photo+Feb+12,+12+32+49+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S35yFKWKmWg/T1DRrR0AKwI/AAAAAAAABuE/YN5S4DxDwbM/s640/Photo+Feb+12,+12+32+49+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Here's what the chair looked like by the end of the day (or should I say by early morning??). I'm really loving the fabric!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1Gjyma5dSE/T1DOR4AGvyI/AAAAAAAABt0/xmsiuw4tm38/s1600/Photo+Feb+12%252C+1+23+43+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O1Gjyma5dSE/T1DOR4AGvyI/AAAAAAAABt0/xmsiuw4tm38/s640/Photo+Feb+12%252C+1+23+43+AM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I still have to sew a cover for the cushion and find trim to hide the staples. Stay tuned...<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-5418000552603673052012-03-11T20:00:00.001-04:002012-11-02T19:47:38.500-04:00The Beginnings of a Gallery WallI recently started a wall display of photos in my family room....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOQfxMEmt1Q/TzLnZ67GHYI/AAAAAAAABoU/R8Ao9-VmLm4/s1600/photo%2830%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zOQfxMEmt1Q/TzLnZ67GHYI/AAAAAAAABoU/R8Ao9-VmLm4/s640/photo%2830%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Don't laugh at the blank frames and stock photography...it's not done yet! Anyway, the black frames were looking really drab, so to give it a punch of color, I spray painted one of the frames a bright aqua blue:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_wd5waUc1k/TzLmiJg_JyI/AAAAAAAABoE/y4XN9-NEJCg/s1600/photo%2828%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2_wd5waUc1k/TzLmiJg_JyI/AAAAAAAABoE/y4XN9-NEJCg/s640/photo%2828%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was so easy and quick to do. I just pulled out a can of paint leftover from my <a href="http://jenspire.blogspot.com/2012/02/really-old-farmers-table-revived.html" target="_blank">farm table project</a> (I used Valspar in Gloss Tropical Oasis)...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kz-AhqEVhg/TzLnC-rn2KI/AAAAAAAABoM/67H1Aeab_gQ/s1600/photo%2829%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kz-AhqEVhg/TzLnC-rn2KI/AAAAAAAABoM/67H1Aeab_gQ/s640/photo%2829%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />...removed the glass, and sprayed away!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqzOijV8zFY/TzLlgvB55wI/AAAAAAAABn8/_WdpjnPd2ak/s1600/photo%2827%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hqzOijV8zFY/TzLlgvB55wI/AAAAAAAABn8/_WdpjnPd2ak/s640/photo%2827%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The wall is really starting to come together, don't you think??? Now, I just need to put some photos in those frames, hehe!!!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-40214175696833530082012-03-04T20:00:00.000-05:002012-11-02T19:48:33.689-04:00Shabby Chic Arm ChairI bought this chair on Craigslist awhile ago and have been meaning to paint it for the lonnnngest time (sorry for the masking tape, but I forgot to take the pic BEFORE I taped it off...duh!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W-d91qRJNg/T8YZneRF4PI/AAAAAAAACIY/HScdRrJwpwc/s1600/photo%2812%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--W-d91qRJNg/T8YZneRF4PI/AAAAAAAACIY/HScdRrJwpwc/s1600/photo%2812%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The fabric was in decent condition, but overall the chair felt kind of dark. So, out came good ol' Annie Sloan...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ON_bJ3Heh5U/TzQ0BsfE8JI/AAAAAAAABps/uGOCYoc5yyo/s1600/photo%2835%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ON_bJ3Heh5U/TzQ0BsfE8JI/AAAAAAAABps/uGOCYoc5yyo/s640/photo%2835%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />I gave the chair two coats of chalk paint and then sanded with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out and lightly distress it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QsYiZw3VOI/TzQ-_kL8yII/AAAAAAAABp8/42D8E98SctM/s1600/photo%2837%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7QsYiZw3VOI/TzQ-_kL8yII/AAAAAAAABp8/42D8E98SctM/s640/photo%2837%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Then I brushed on a coat of polycrylic to seal and protect the paint...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jG17NoQc868/TzRAuWkbZfI/AAAAAAAABqE/DDegOpnanbk/s1600/photo%2838%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jG17NoQc868/TzRAuWkbZfI/AAAAAAAABqE/DDegOpnanbk/s640/photo%2838%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The chair was nice, but looked a little too white next to the antique gold fabric...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urO3Wkx9R88/TzRBQSHY-sI/AAAAAAAABqM/AEyHwkzn2L4/s1600/photo%2839%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-urO3Wkx9R88/TzRBQSHY-sI/AAAAAAAABqM/AEyHwkzn2L4/s640/photo%2839%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4emJot7E-o/TzRHwE-BxOI/AAAAAAAABq8/C521WrBbxWs/s1600/photo%2845%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W4emJot7E-o/TzRHwE-BxOI/AAAAAAAABq8/C521WrBbxWs/s400/photo%2845%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />So, I hit it with a little bit of Annie Sloan dark wax...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsP3U54729U/TzbHjaAagPI/AAAAAAAABrU/ORqyUKbx5rI/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LsP3U54729U/TzbHjaAagPI/AAAAAAAABrU/ORqyUKbx5rI/s400/IMG_2843.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdjBP_5-3S4/TzbG5ezvFCI/AAAAAAAABrE/4K9A7Vq6gNg/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DdjBP_5-3S4/TzbG5ezvFCI/AAAAAAAABrE/4K9A7Vq6gNg/s640/IMG_2847.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I'm quite pleased with the way it turned out...and I'm really digging this natural crackling that occurred...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXIxWFQU3-E/TzRCafUhxmI/AAAAAAAABqk/6qyx2O_w7w4/s1600/photo%2842%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXIxWFQU3-E/TzRCafUhxmI/AAAAAAAABqk/6qyx2O_w7w4/s640/photo%2842%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHqVbDOPOYo/TzbHqv6hLwI/AAAAAAAABrc/Akgbz9PisfA/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHqVbDOPOYo/TzbHqv6hLwI/AAAAAAAABrc/Akgbz9PisfA/s400/IMG_2846.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Not bad for an afternoon of work, don't you agree?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h591wvc8AuM/TzbJt_9Y6rI/AAAAAAAABrk/COaAeA-rO5I/s1600/chair-B%2526A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h591wvc8AuM/TzbJt_9Y6rI/AAAAAAAABrk/COaAeA-rO5I/s640/chair-B%2526A.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-40463427883172959742012-02-28T08:24:00.000-05:002012-11-02T19:49:23.420-04:00Really old farmer's table, REVIVED!A few months ago, my friend picked up this really old dropleaf farmer's table (it's from the 1800's!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lF1goIPHDok/TzLroAiE6fI/AAAAAAAABoc/aeopa2rPw_g/s1600/photo%2831%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lF1goIPHDok/TzLroAiE6fI/AAAAAAAABoc/aeopa2rPw_g/s400/photo%2831%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was in pretty good shape to begin with, but we really wanted to make it stand out. So, I went to Lowe's and picked up a can of Valspar spray paint in Tropical Oasis (glossy finish). It took several coats and almost two cans of paint to fully cover the table.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kz-AhqEVhg/TzLnC-rn2KI/AAAAAAAABoM/67H1Aeab_gQ/s1600/photo%252829%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1kz-AhqEVhg/TzLnC-rn2KI/AAAAAAAABoM/67H1Aeab_gQ/s1600/photo%252829%2529.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />After letting it dry overnight, I distressed the piece by scuffing it up with sandpaper...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkFESer8S_E/TzLwcMWhIqI/AAAAAAAABok/5WQ4l65mBHM/s1600/farm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkFESer8S_E/TzLwcMWhIqI/AAAAAAAABok/5WQ4l65mBHM/s400/farm2.jpg" width="480" /></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvqDu6GEwOw/TzL2mjZEqNI/AAAAAAAABpU/7jl2E0KUoEU/s1600/farm5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RvqDu6GEwOw/TzL2mjZEqNI/AAAAAAAABpU/7jl2E0KUoEU/s640/farm5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then, I sealed it with two coats of clear wax....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNq8HVmFKnk/TzL2O5ODpuI/AAAAAAAABpM/YuI7adyueRM/s1600/photo%2833%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pNq8HVmFKnk/TzL2O5ODpuI/AAAAAAAABpM/YuI7adyueRM/s400/photo%2833%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />and a very, VERY sparing amount of Annie Sloan dark wax on the legs...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TOY_XNK6RA/TzLwhA14SUI/AAAAAAAABos/KUiz4j0NSbw/s1600/farm9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9TOY_XNK6RA/TzLwhA14SUI/AAAAAAAABos/KUiz4j0NSbw/s640/farm9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I just LOVE this piece!!! Look at how stunning it is next to the red!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddpx3JfbLrQ/TzLwxk5-qLI/AAAAAAAABo0/WvDTsD9gtEo/s1600/farm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ddpx3JfbLrQ/TzLwxk5-qLI/AAAAAAAABo0/WvDTsD9gtEo/s640/farm1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Check out the before and after...what a difference!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIo0idu8H38/TzLw88l5P9I/AAAAAAAABo8/SLr-Y2tvzpo/s1600/BeforeAfterFarmTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YIo0idu8H38/TzLw88l5P9I/AAAAAAAABo8/SLr-Y2tvzpo/s640/BeforeAfterFarmTable.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-17655651061152894812012-02-21T15:35:00.000-05:002012-11-02T19:51:05.044-04:00Retro TV Console AKA DresserMy husband and I are totally feelin' our old/new, retro/modern TV console! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLtofGfrIpw/TzLdtHW2b3I/AAAAAAAABns/1fuVM0Uwh0w/s1600/photo%2825%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wLtofGfrIpw/TzLdtHW2b3I/AAAAAAAABns/1fuVM0Uwh0w/s640/photo%2825%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />It's an old dresser, re-purposed as a TV stand. Isn't it awesome????<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_nZMnGykwg/TzLd2UhZBNI/AAAAAAAABn0/OZnAB7DWvWw/s1600/photo%2826%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_nZMnGykwg/TzLd2UhZBNI/AAAAAAAABn0/OZnAB7DWvWw/s640/photo%2826%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />You're going to hate me when you find out how much I paid for it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPTjPoI6Ll8/TzLYRYPKyFI/AAAAAAAABnM/QG6ZOm2hiTo/s1600/photo%2821%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPTjPoI6Ll8/TzLYRYPKyFI/AAAAAAAABnM/QG6ZOm2hiTo/s640/photo%2821%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />It was FREE!!! That's right....zippo, zero, zilch! That's because I found it on the side of the road, LOL! Yes, I totally stole it off the curb of my neighbor's house. Can you believe they were throwing it away??? I saw a very similar one, also made by Lane, selling on Etsy for over $1500!!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl9W3rYle5g/TzLZt8ZIJHI/AAAAAAAABnU/s5gtW4IR2zE/s1600/photo%2822%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rl9W3rYle5g/TzLZt8ZIJHI/AAAAAAAABnU/s5gtW4IR2zE/s640/photo%2822%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Check out all the storage...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3954NTt1A1s/TzLcKEP_ZDI/AAAAAAAABnc/6GlhW-wHfLU/s1600/photo%2823%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3954NTt1A1s/TzLcKEP_ZDI/AAAAAAAABnc/6GlhW-wHfLU/s640/photo%2823%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />And the sturdy dovetail construction:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaBRsDiXL8k/TzLcR0LOzfI/AAAAAAAABnk/0Er4IOiRPvQ/s1600/photo%2824%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LaBRsDiXL8k/TzLcR0LOzfI/AAAAAAAABnk/0Er4IOiRPvQ/s640/photo%2824%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />This just goes to show you...one person's trash IS another person's treasure!!! So, make sure you THINK TWICE before you throw away that old dresser!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3466124469433531335.post-20202002935102993192012-02-13T16:58:00.000-05:002012-11-02T19:51:42.227-04:00Valentine's Day Fortune CookiesHere's a quick, easy and inexpensive personalized Valentine's Day treat that you can whip up in just minutes for all of the special people in your life. I made these for my kids :) My inspiration came from a Groupon email that I received...I couldn't believe how much the company was asking for the custom treats! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwHXv6Eiqp0/TzmCvR9n4rI/AAAAAAAABr8/5KVdAlahCUE/s1600/photo%2846%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SwHXv6Eiqp0/TzmCvR9n4rI/AAAAAAAABr8/5KVdAlahCUE/s640/photo%2846%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />First, create your "fortunes." Using a sharpie, I wrote cute little messages to my kids on pink paper...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Cs_wXfH4k/TzmDsKXa4bI/AAAAAAAABsM/00OcbVupty4/s1600/photo%2848%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Cs_wXfH4k/TzmDsKXa4bI/AAAAAAAABsM/00OcbVupty4/s640/photo%2848%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Next, make the batter. I used <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/fortune-cookies-i/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> because I already had all of the ingredients on hand...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkXJOUZxSzA/TzmDPXwoCjI/AAAAAAAABsE/J6Q9zFW_h9A/s1600/photo%2847%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkXJOUZxSzA/TzmDPXwoCjI/AAAAAAAABsE/J6Q9zFW_h9A/s640/photo%2847%29.JPG" width="480" /> </a> </div><br />It won't matter if they're not perfectly round.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pezXW7E442c/TzmENGb2uRI/AAAAAAAABsU/HiMGiYrshLk/s1600/photo%2849%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pezXW7E442c/TzmENGb2uRI/AAAAAAAABsU/HiMGiYrshLk/s640/photo%2849%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />The recipe said to bake for 5 minutes, but I only put mine in for 4. Working quickly, take it out of the oven and place your message inside. Fold cookie in half and then pinch the two ends together. I used a mug to shape them...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkjYeeCwnwo/TzmE6jN3k9I/AAAAAAAABsc/vPRwTPLDtBc/s1600/photo%2850%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkjYeeCwnwo/TzmE6jN3k9I/AAAAAAAABsc/vPRwTPLDtBc/s640/photo%2850%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Place it in a muffin tin to cool...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6pZtQl59ik/TzmFJRkD1VI/AAAAAAAABsk/lJlUohLnpSE/s1600/photo%2851%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x6pZtQl59ik/TzmFJRkD1VI/AAAAAAAABsk/lJlUohLnpSE/s640/photo%2851%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Now comes the fun part! I used melted chocolate, sprinkles and different colored sugars to decorate...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgA7S23q0j8/TzmFZkzO7YI/AAAAAAAABss/8MiESigYgvg/s1600/photo%2852%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgA7S23q0j8/TzmFZkzO7YI/AAAAAAAABss/8MiESigYgvg/s640/photo%2852%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Then, I put them inside of clear plastic treat bags and wrapped with pretty ribbon...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCST4hxMMws/TzmGG0mnPnI/AAAAAAAABs0/wZmX6TQfC_g/s1600/photo%2853%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iCST4hxMMws/TzmGG0mnPnI/AAAAAAAABs0/wZmX6TQfC_g/s640/photo%2853%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />So cute (and yummy, not to mention!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUiELSJ7dgo/TzmKLx89TCI/AAAAAAAABs8/OHpSkDq_Ge0/s1600/photo%2854%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RUiELSJ7dgo/TzmKLx89TCI/AAAAAAAABs8/OHpSkDq_Ge0/s640/photo%2854%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />My son can attest to that!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoPqISD7Q-c/TzmLWysVngI/AAAAAAAABtE/yeySyAQc9PM/s1600/photo%2855%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SoPqISD7Q-c/TzmLWysVngI/AAAAAAAABtE/yeySyAQc9PM/s640/photo%2855%29.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! Enjoy!!!<br /><br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07337356019008206135noreply@blogger.com1