Momma Hen's Frugal Life

WW link party and a subsription to FOLK magazine GIVEAWAY!!

2012-02-29T06:22:00.001-08:00

Today's Whatever Wednesday is a special one! It's dedicated to FOLK magazine. The editor , himself, has graciously offered my readers (That means YOU!) a chance to win a full years subscription to FOLK magazine ..... FREE!!!

!!!GIVEAWAY IS BEING HELD ON MY FACEBOOK PAGE!!!click for details

What is FOLK you ask?

Directly from FOLK's blog:

'FOLK magazine is devoted to presenting a fresh and youthful interpretation of simple country lifestyles, while focusing on the stories that make America our collective home sweet home. This down to Earth magazine fills a unique niche in the shelter publication landscape: content is part lifestyle, part editorial, all heart.

The pages of FOLK are filled with abundant inspiration in photos, how-to articles, features, shared stories, and even beautiful advertisements. Contributors include writers, columnists, photographers, designers, chefs, bloggers, and business owners from across the USA, Canada, and Internationally, giving the magazine a voice that is all-inclusive and wide in scope.

FOLK seeks to be the definitive guide to living a new kind of simple country lifestyle for readers of many backgrounds, ages, and interests. Readers find their own photos, stories, and memory submissions within each issue, making them a vital component of living the FOLK life. The magazine reaches across the many representations of American Country style to unite our country, celebrating personal expression in our homes and lives. Featuring elements of decor from primitive and rustic to farm-fresh and industrial, with a nod to mid-century modernism and nostalgic kitcsh, every style is FOLKstyle.

Each bi-monthly issue brings a fresh approach to lifestyle inspiration, including:

- Shopping and Collecting antique, vintage, handmade and artisan original wares
- Decorating and Entertaining while expressing personal style, not trends
- Gardening and Cooking with a focus on local markets and farms
- Home Remodeling and Restoration using reclaimed and repurposed materials
- Fashion that celebrates individual expression of vintage style
- Travel, exploration of nature and local attractions, and enjoying a shared history
- Support and Promotion of independent main street businesses, artisans, events, and shops
FOLK is a rapidly growing lifestyle magazine, available in print with additional content offered online. It is published by CHANDLERclark, LLC, dba FOLK.

The magazine is available by subscription from the publisher and via single-copy sales at independent retailers. Circulation has more than quadrupled since its premiere in September, 2011. FOLK is currently available in 49 of 50 states, in 6 countries, and on 5 continents. Expansion via International distribution to newsstands in bookstore and grocery chains is underway for 2012.

Advertising rates in FOLK magazine are conducive to the magazine's goal of supporting local merchants and independent businesses across the country.

The FOLK brand has already expanded beyond the magazine to include:

FOLK store on Main Street in Beaver Dam, Kentucky.
FOLKlabel brand licensed artisan products include specialty food and decorative accessories, sold on etsy and in the FOLK store.
The shopLOCALeveryday campaign launched in 2012.
Ben Ashby, Editor-in-Chief
P.O.Box 195 Beaver Dam, Kentucky 42320 USA
editor.folk@gmail.com '
Do you want a chance to WIN a years subscription?! Be sure to join the giveaway on my

Facebook page!!

Upon arrival you will see a note labeled

'1 year subscription to FOLK magazine GIVEAWAY!!'

Click for further details.

FOLK on Facebook

FOLK's website

FOLK's blog

This week on WhateverWednesday , instead of featuring the most viewed, I want to feature some of my favorite FOLK style links from last week.

My Vintage Bliss linked up this vintage style Union Jack art

The Creviston Nest shared this great piece

Shabby Love shared her GREAT vintage ironstone jackpot

If you were featured , please feel free to grab a featured button on the left side bar! 

Don't forget to stop over and join in on the GIVEAWAY!!

{{giveaway ends  Friday March 2nd and will be announced on my FB page}}

What have you been doing this week?

Frugal Friday : Mini quiche recipe

2012-02-24T04:03:00.001-08:00

Having so much to do today I knew I needed a hearty breakfast . These scrum-didily-umptious mini-quiche were perfect! I love quiche. Sooo time consuming though. Not these!

Using pre-made pie crust

(with a cup )cut out circular shapes,

plop them in a muffin tin.

baked at 375 until firm (approx. 5 min.)

Remove from oven, set aside.

mix up a mixture of 6 eggs,1 TSP salt,1/4 TSP pepper,1/4 TSP paprika, and 1/4 TSP garlic powder and onion powder.

pour mixture into the muffin tin (with baked pie crust)

place small pieces of broccoli and bacon and top with a big helping a sharp chedder cheese

place back in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. (approx. 20 min.)

Me and my family have challenged ourselves to not eat out for 30 days. The convenience of fast food has taken over our meal time. We decided it had to stop. I love to cook, it's my passion. It's time to find it again and keep my family healthy and save some money while were at it!

Have you been whipping up some yummy recipes? Crafts?

Share your frugal-ness here!

Now, show me your frugal ideas!

FRUGAL PROJECTS ONLY 

fru·gal/ˈfro͞ogəl/

Adjective: 

1. Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
2. Simple and plain and costing little: "a frugal meal".

WhateverWednesday link party and some BIG NEWS!!!

2012-02-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday already?! How did that happen?

Well, it's here and it's a beautiful day outside. I'm in serious need of some sunshine lately because I have been feeling so yucky and nasty for the past few weeks.....blah.

But, it's all for a good reason...

because..... 

 We're going to have a new addition around this crazy house of ours.... 

We're prego!!

That's why there has been a lack of projects here lately on the blog.  I'm still in my first trimester . Which means I'm sluggish, tired, and totally unmotivated. Hopefully I will get back on track soon!

Even though I'm unproductive , you guys are keeping me busy by sharing all of your projects.

Last week Carolina Country Living was a big hit when she shared her flannel pajama pants

Then Stardust- Decor & Style shared these great room make-overs

I was totally intrigued by this tiny little dresser from Crafty in Canada 

What do you have for me this week?

Frugal Friday : Make your own slipcovered sofa

2012-02-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

For today's Frugal Friday I wanted to do a quick blast from the past :

Enjoy!

Okay, now let me tell you:

first, It's not as bad as it looks.

Second, I knew I wanted a large camel back sofa.

Third, This couch was only $20!

The sofa originally was all scratched up on the back...They had a little yippie dog that liked to sit on the back .

too small to jump; he climbed.

Nice, huh?

I removed all the damaged fabric . Then, realizing I didn't have a before picture.

This is why it looked so badly.

I replaced the ratty looking torn fabric with some fresh clean fabric to hold all the stuffing in place.

Doing this , I [very] simply tacked the fabric along the back and stuffed the bottom portion down underneath the foam. It wasn't going to be seen , so I didn't worry about how it looked.

However, that said, If it were a piece I was going to sell; I would do a much more professional job.

But, it wasn't. So, I didn't.

Now, I have had so many of you wanting to know HOW I made my slip cover.

I am the type of person that gets something in my mind and just jumps in and does it. With out thinking.

I'm not going to give a tutorial because it would be horrible and uninteresting.

BUT! I will send you to {slipcover heaven}

This woman, if you haven't heard of her yet, is genius.

Her slip covers are amazing .

Conveniently, she has a how-to guide to get you through your slip covering endeavour.

(which, I highly recommend-don't take me for an example and do it on your own)

Pink and Polka Dot

and

Guide to making a slip cover E-book

(by Pink and Polka Dot)

go.

now.

Stop reading

(be sure to come back!I haven't revealed my after for goodness sake.)

and go take a look at her blog!

Great, huh?

She was the inspiration behind wanting to jump (head first) into the world of slip covering.

do you have a hideous piece of furniture

(like mine. Famously named "drug behind a truck")

Cover it up! I promise, when you do, you will not be disappointed.

Although, time consuming, it will be worth it in the end.

Then....You'll turn this:

into THIS:

HAPPY SLIP COVERING!!

To read the original post go: HERE

After re-reading this oldie , I must say I really miss my old house. It was significantly smaller . But, I don't know how much longer I can handle all this renovation and living in an unfinished house.

Do you have some FRUGAL ideas or projects?

Now, show me your frugal ideas!

FRUGAL PROJECTS ONLY 

fru·gal/ˈfro͞ogəl/

Adjective: 

1. Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
2. Simple and plain and costing little: "a frugal meal".

WhateverWednesday link party

2012-02-15T08:15:00.000-08:00

I have to agree with you all . Last weeks favorite link

21 Rosemary Lane: Beautiful paper wreath 

Then Shabby Cottage Collectibles shared these fun planter ideas

and this is so cute, not only the project but the little story behind it ...so sweet. Thank you Petites Passions for sharing!

What have you been up to? Share it here!

Living room update

2012-02-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce we are actually talking about doing something to the living room!! 

Not what you were expecting , right?

Well , Let's see....6 months ago we moved into this house. 

Only one month ago I broke down, cleaned our nasty carpet, removed the wall paper and  started using our living room. 

Which means we've been living in our bedroom, basically for 5 months! It's been driving me crazy. It also means that our living room is still a disaster and we are using the space!

Remove wall paper : check!

Today we are moving all the furniture back out and were primer-ing and preparing the walls for paint!

Guess what comes after paint....carpet!! I'm so excited to finally get carpet for this space. 

Notice the "..." on the todo list. I have pretty big plans for this space. Which, is why it's taking so long. Big plans mean big money. 

I know I'm Miss Frugal. But, I truly believe if you spend money  (Not lots of money, just what's necessary ) on the bones of a space ( walls , doors/windows, carpet/flooring ,etc.)  The rest of the space will come together nicely and you  can save money on the decor. 

...I'll keep you updated!

Hop over to my Pinterest living room inspiration board to see some of my living room ideas.

Old crusty windows become art

2012-02-11T06:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to link up to Funky Junk Interiors themed link party today. But, I quickly realized I didn't have a post dedicated to today's theme: windows. 

So, here it is! 

When I used to have my booth at the Ghost  in the Attic Antique Mall I would create all sorts of fun window displays and projects. One of my favorite was this chalkboard window. 

Using chalk board paint, after cleaning the window, I applied right over the glass. This was actually a newer window so the glass was good and secure. 

This is a perfect project for all those windows left over from renovating a house!

Just leaving windows as they are is a fun way to add architectural charm to a space. This would look much cuter in a home as apposed to a pegboard wall. 

This window actually used to be a screen door that I cut down. I liked it better as a window. 

This would be super easy to recreate using wood as well. 

What do you do with your old windows?

In other fun news, My bathroom make-over was featured on RoadKill Rescue today. Go over and see!  

Linked this post to

Frugal Friday : Create your own birthday cake

2012-02-10T08:37:00.000-08:00

Birthday cakes can be expensive. Especially when you get into custom order cakes. All those cute little decorations are awfully cute. 

But, why pay so much for them?

My youngest son had his second birthday recently . Wanting a small family get together , I didn't intend on spending a lot of money .

With two boxes of cake mix , I prepared and then laid one of them down into the toss-able pan.  I took the second cake, cut it into three pieces, and arranged them in a "hill." 

Mud (chocolate frosting,)dirt (crumbled oreo cookies,) and grass (green sprinkles) work perfectly for the base of this cake. I found the cars and construction scene set at the Dollar General store for $5 !

For around $11 I had a fun , perfect for the occasion, cake that will feed a crowd. ...frugal-icious !! 

So, are you reconsidering buying that expensive cake this year?

Do you have some FRUGAL ideas or projects?

Now, show me your frugal ideas!

FRUGAL PROJECTS ONLY 

(Please link everything else to WhateverWednesday link party)

You MUST be a follower of Mommahen's Frugal life to participate.
LINK BACK here to this party (feel free to use my Frugal Friday button)

fru·gal/ˈfro͞ogəl/

Adjective: 

1. Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
2. Simple and plain and costing little: "a frugal meal".

WhateverWednesday link party

2012-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Last weeks WhateverWednesday fabulousness :

In First place Decorating Insanity

In Second place from A to Being

In third: Primed Pondered and Perfect pantry make-over

Today We have had what seems like our only snow day this Winter, the kiddos are sick, and I feel so uninspired and lazy. I don't think I will be getting much done today. So, please show me what you've been working on and get me up and movin'! 

Rules:

-link up whatever you want



-use my BUTTON and link back here
      NOTICE: This linky requires you to link back here before you can  
 link    up! Grab a button and place at the end of your post to be able 
  to    participate :) Thank you!

-You must be a follower of MommaHen

-Please be nice and visit others. This is all about being inspired. Each week there are some amazing entries, you will love!

If you love Link parties be sure to stop over to my Frugal Friday link party and link up your frugal projects.

a poor man's donut recipe

2012-02-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning craving donuts. But, not just any donuts. 

The most amazing , crispy on the outside, soft and warm on the inside donuts. Donuts that will keep you going back for more...which , probably, isn't a good thing. 

My greatest memories of my childhood were of my time spent at my Grandmas house

My greatest meals were always at the same place, my grandmas. This recipe is one that my grandma used to make for me and I still enjoy to this day.

Using a can of cheap-o biscuits  

take each biscuit and poke a hole in the center using your thumb. With a little twirl of your your hand , widen the hole.

Heat oil in a pan to 375 deg. and drop in "donuts"

Donuts should almost immediately come to the top of the oil. As they start to firm and puff up turn them over. 

Fry until both sides are golden brown.

Remove from pan , drain on paper towels, drizzle sugar glaze over the top and enjoy!

Ingredients:

refrigerated biscuits

50/50 mixture powdered sugar and water

oil for frying

directions:

Heat oil to 375 degrees F

Remove biscuits from container 

Using your thumb puncture a hold in the center of each biscuit , gently pulling to create a large donut size hole

place donut shaped biscuits into hot oil , careful not to crowd the pan

After the top starts to firm and puff up , turn them over. 

Allow both sides to turn a golden brown.

Remove cooked donuts from pan and set out on paper towels to blot away the excess grease

wisk together equal parts powdered sugar and water (1tbsp water 1 tbsp powdered sugar) 

drizzle sugar over warm donuts

optional: After donuts have cooled sprinkle more powdered sugar over the top . 

...enjoy!

Frugal Friday custom his and her artwork

2012-02-03T04:49:00.000-08:00

In your bedroom, I believe, is the best space to display photos of your favorite people. Think about it. When you go to bed they are the last people you see and think about . When you wake up they are the first people you see and think about. 

I love gallery walls and knew it's what I wanted in my bedroom. I chose the frames and photos using a "theme" I didn't want all photos and I wanted photos that were going to remind me of things without being really specific. For example : This is a photo that I took at my Grandmas farm. It's a really pretty photo and reminds me of my grandma without being a photo of my actual Grandma.

This is a photo that my mom drew of me when I was little. It not only reminds me of my childhood . But, it reminds me of my mommy too.

Then I chose a color theme: I wanted muted soft colors, black and white, and colors of nature and gold. 

all of my frames are from flea markets, thrift stores, or the really cheap frames at Wal-mart. Frames can be really expensive. I really recommend checking out your local flea markets. I am constantly coming across different styles of frames. Too dingy for your taste? Paint them! You wouldn't believe the difference. Too big? create your own mat by cutting your custom size from posterboard or foam board.

My favorite frame was my most troubling frame. I couldn't figure out what photos to display in it. 

I started with maps. 

 boring.

Then I tried to make silhouettes of me and my husband.

Terrible! 

I ended up looking like a big chinned , snooty woman . My husband looks like he's 800 pounds. 

Yesterday I mentioned on Facebook how I bought the most hideous curtains of all time at Goodwill. I was strangely attracted to them and was determined to incorporate  them into our bedroom.

Adding these fun , quarky, bold curtains into this space made me think of a fun idea for some art to place into my favorite frame.

I love the fun quarky feel they bring to the room. Why deer? My husband is a hunter and really enjoys hunting for a hobby. This is a good way to make the space feel like our space, rather than just mine.

Using a really heavy paper I did a quick sketch of a buck and doe silhouette that I found on Google images and filled in the lines with a paint marker.

In about 5 minutes I had custom art. You could just ask easily print these out , if you have a printer.

Now, show me your frugal ideas!

FRUGAL PROJECTS ONLY 
(Please link everything else to WhateverWednesday link party)

You MUST be a follower of Mommahen's Frugal life to participate.
LINK BACK here to this party (feel free to use my Frugal Friday button)

fru·gal/ˈfro͞ogəl/

Adjective: 

1. Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
2. Simple and plain and costing little: "a frugal meal".

WhateverWednesday link party

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Since I didn't get a chance to post WhateverWednesday link party last week, I don't have any features.

So, I'll feature some of my favorite Frugal links from my Frugal Friday link party (did you link your project ?!)

West Furniture Revival:

Union Jack (FREE!) crate makeover

Doodlebuddies's Valentines Day makeover 

Can you guess what she made this from? You will be surprised! 

This is only a couple of the great things you'll find over at Frugal Friday . Stop over for inspiration or to link up a project of your own!

Rules:

-link up whatever you want

-use my BUTTON and link back here
      NOTICE: This linky requires you to link back here before you can  
 link    up! Grab a button and place at the end of your post to be able 
  to    participate :) Thank you!

-You must be a follower of MommaHen

-Please be nice and visit others. This is all about being inspired. Each week there are some amazing entries, you will love!

Frugal Friday - jewelry corral

2012-01-27T04:37:00.000-08:00

It's Friday!! 

Do you remember my bathroom make-over? When planning out my guest bathroom, I wanted to ensure I included little details that will make guests feel at home. variety of soaps, lotion, room spray, extra toiletries, etc. 

For the ladies, I wanted to add a place to safely lay rings and jewelry while they were washing their hands. I don't know how many times I've laid a ring beside the sink and almost lost it down the drain!

Since I was doing this makeover for free. I had  to be a little creative and search the house for a quick alternative . I purchase this photo frame while collecting frames for my bedroom gallery wall ( 25 cents at Goodwill)

A quick scuff with fine grit sand paper, coat of white paint, and a couple coats of poly I had a one of a kind jewelry holder.  

I've recently been using this to hold my soap pump . I love it for this purpose too, keeping the small counter space from looking cluttered.

What do you think? Will you try this?

::more of my $0 bathroom makeover click here::

Now, show me your frugal ideas!

FRUGAL PROJECTS ONLY 

(Please link everything else to WhateverWednesday link party)

LINK BACK here to this party (feel free to use my Frugal Friday button)

fru·gal/ˈfro͞ogəl/

Adjective: 

1. Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.

2. Simple and plain and costing little: "a frugal meal".

Ask and you shall receive : Easter edible birds nest recipe

2012-01-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

I showed you a photo of some edible birds nest that I was making and you wanted the recipe . 

So, here it is. I hope you enjoy your yummy treats!

3 CUPS large or mini marshmallows

3 TBSP unsalted butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

2 TBS peanut butter

4  c. dry chow mein noodles

Reese's pieces Easter pastel eggs 

Grease a large muffin tin.  Set aside.

Over low heat, melt the marshmallows ,peanut butter, and butter in a large saucepan.

Once melted, stir in vanilla, then the chow mein noodles.

Coat your hands  with vegetable oil  , to prevent sticking .

Grab
 a clump of noodles a little larger than a golf ball size. 

Using your hands , gently form the clump of noodles into a ball by rolling it around in your hands . 

Press into greased muffin tin , pressing up on the sides to create a nest shape.

Allow to cool before placing candies inside. 

yields: approx. 14 nests

linked this post to these fun parties:

furnace closet turned linen closet before and afters

2012-01-23T11:22:00.000-08:00

What used to be a furnace closet was turned into a linen closet after the furnace was removed.

It was a great use of the space . But, not an effective use of the entire space. 

 the shelves didn't come all the way to the front of the closet , the door way was to slim and made it hard to get things in the top of the closet (As you can see my my strategically crammed linens)

 So, I started gutting the entire doorway as far as it would open up without harming the structure . I took away the damaged drywall in the back and put decorative wood slats in it's place. 

 Then I added this great faux wood grain detail to the walls.

 After planning I got to work and decided what size shelves I wanted and how far apart they should be according to what I needed to store.

 I'm so excited about the result. Having a more effective storage space will not only allow me to keep things organized and within reach ;But, it makes me smile every time I walk by the space. I can't wait to wash my linens and put them away now! 

Of course, I'm sure that part of it will fade away soon...I really dislike the laundry chore.

I found these really great little battery operated puck lights that have a setting to detect overhead light and switch on with the other lights. Neat!

Having light in a small space prevents losing things in the back of the closet. Which usually ends in overspending . (I can't tell you how many times I have made multiple purchases of the same things only because I can't find them! ----future hoarder right here)

My only disappointment is that the faux wood finish can't really be seen with the filled linen closet. 

However, I have another plan for this faux finish! ....you'll just have to wait and see .

To see more of the beginning process click here

and HERE

after

before

http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LN5g599FckA/T0MCVlm7zsI/AAAAAAAAS0U/hpeqNKj9G14/Untitled_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800

yum! yum! Edible Easter birds nests

2012-01-23T10:39:00.000-08:00

...Making and overeating a super yummy Easter treat!

2012-01-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

It's no secret I love to reveal a little wood grain


white coffee table

side table makeover

desk makeover

dresser makeover

coffee table makeover

large union jack coffee table makeover


frugal art

 and  my closet makeover is no exception...But, how do I reveal the wood grain on drywall?

Home depot

With this little fella.

I have seen these things numerous times and have never had any interest in using them. When I started designing my linen closet, it was around the time when I was freshening up on my knowledge of the art of feng shui. Simply put, the center of your home represents your health&  well being . Nature elements are best for this part of your home.....wood! 

I took a little more modern approach and did a grey white combo. wood grain.

I REALLLLY love how it turned out!

Maybe you think it's dorky?

I'll keep you updated! I still need to install the shelves and start the organization process.

::The beginning of this linen closet process::

WhateverWednesday link party and a linen closet update

2012-01-18T07:03:00.000-08:00

Well, my "weekend" project is still in progress. 

operation: linen closet

I initially wanted a pretty yellow in this space. But, didn't have enough yellow paint on hand. The yellow is a bit more intense than I wanted to use anyway. So , I went with my next option: mix together some paints to get a custom color.

I ended up with a really pretty mossy green that worked perfect with the orange tones of the wood floor.

I wanted more white . I decided on a fun , modern circle pattern . .....fail.

Too sloppy, uneven, all around terrible. I'm going to give this a light sand and start fresh. Even thought the green color is pretty. It's not what I am wanting. Back to square one. I know this is a really smalls pace and a lot of the "design" wont be seen. But, I think the small details are what really makes a space special. So, I will not settle.

Hopefully I will have a reveal for you soon!

Until then, lets get to WhateverWednesday link party.

Last week I had a terrible outcome with only 23 links. But, within those links I had some really great linkers and projects!

In FIRST : Pondered Primed Perfect with this really fun find! (I'm so jealous !)

In SECOND:  All Things Home with books and burlap(gorgeous home !!)

In THIRD: Shabby Love's Christmas presents and winter vignette ( This girl is no stranger to being featured here...one word...amazing! )

WhateverWednesday rules:

-link up whatever you want

-use my BUTTON (on sidebar) and link back here.

{{Please use my button or link at the bottom of your post and not in a general "linked to these parties" link.  }}

-You must be a follower of MommaHen

Will
 you be featured? I will feature my favorites on Facebook (MommaHen) and
 then on the following Wednesday I will feature the most viewed links 
here on the blog (first and second will have photos and descriptions and
 third will have a link) Good luck!!

Be sure to grab my BRAND NEW featured button, if you've been featured!! 

new look and a new name

2012-01-17T09:47:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have noticed: I have a new look!

For those of you who didn't notice, shame on you-you should visit more often. 

I've had this idea floating around in my head for a while and finally found someone who can make it come to life. I found this amazing artist on Etsy who did custom caricatures and pitched my idea. She was so willing and excited to work with me . After only a few days she got back with me , with a finished product. I couldn't be more satisfied ! You can visit her blog to see more of her work, too. 

Using the image designed by Kiko Yamada, I added some text to create my new header and I also designed a new featured button. If you've been featured on this blog before, be sure to grab my new button! (to the left on my sidebar)

I'm sure you also notice the name of my blog has changed. I started this blog not knowing exactly what direction I would go. One thing led to another and 90 % of my posts ended up being about me "designing on a dime." 

bathroom makeover on $0

A lot of us want beautiful homes and lives . But, we can't seem to figure out how to accomplish that without being rich. Lets face it, beautiful design is EXPENSIVE! I wont settle for that. I am determined to have a beautiful home without spending a fortune. With this blog I want to help you do the same. 

Every week I will host WhateverWednesday link party for all of you to share your home projects (for those of you with a blog) and to come and get inspiration .

I also host Frugal Friday where I show you a frugal project and let you link up your frugal projects. 

I hope you love what my blog has become. Be sure to show your support by sharing my blog with your friends, 'like' me on Facebook , and leave me lots and lots of comments! 

Have a weekend? Create a new project! Project: linen closet

2012-01-16T10:35:00.000-08:00

I know that I've been drowning you all with unfinished projects lately. But, I have another one! 

This is a quick little "weekend project"

This little space used to house the furnace. It was taken out a long time ago and turned into a linen closet. 

I tried to use it for a while. But, clearly , it wasn't working.

The door way was so small I ended up cramming everything in a strategic way to not cause an avalanche of blankets and other things. 

Not to mention, everything (good towels, washcloths , rags, seasonal items, curtains, etc) was stored together. Which meant I wouldn't dare search for anything. 

As I drug everything out into the floor to organize , I got more and more frustrated , eventually deciding to rip away the doorway to make a larger space.

Then  ripped away the "shelving" only to discover a giant hole and exposed electric. 

Then decided to continue and remove the damaged dry wall and unused electrical wires and random piece of carpet.  

After installing some pretty slats of wood 

continued the hallway flooring into the closet

repaired the damaged drywall and finished out the , now larger, entry

I'm getting really excited about my new space!

I'm allowing the drywall to dry and later today I will sand and start painting. Tomorrow we will install lighting and new shelves. I can't wait until it's all finished and I can start organizing all my linens .

Be sure to come back and see the end result. 

While the drywall mud is drying I'm going to go snap some pictures of my little one's room, like I promised. 

2012-01-13T13:09:00.000-08:00

Sooo....

I started yet another project today (quickly, while my husband was out to ensure he couldn't talk me out of it) 

Frugal Friday #1 (with a link-up!)

2012-01-12T17:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first ever Frugal Friday! Times are hard, for everyone . Even when the cash flow is low you can still create for little, to no, money. This week I had a pile of scrap wood from another project I was working on.

  Even if you don't have spare pieces laying around they are  super affordable , at only $1 a piece , pick one up next time you are at your favorite home improvement store .

For Christmas my oldest son got a VERY special room make-over, I will reveal that later. Afterwords , I was left with lots of scrap pieces of wood .  Since, I have moved on to making over my youngest sons room. Heading towards the finish line, I needed a little something special to complete his room.

His room, without being too "theme-y" , has a very rustic feel. I started with cute little sheets

and added lots of "boy stuff" and "stuff that goes" related things and came up with this rustic highway sign to round it all out.

I secured all of the scrap pieces together with intentions of creating a squared off piece. I ended up liking the random rustic-ness of all the mismatched pieces. 

With a quick route 66 shape and theme with the addition of  our name, I have a cute little piece for my sons brand new room. This cost $0 and took me 5 minutes to create. The black outline and details were simply created with a sharpie marker. Easy enough , eh? 

Be sure to come back next week and I will show you the rest of this space. 

I would love to see your frugal projects!

LINK PARTY RULES:

FRUGAL PROJECTS ONLY 
(Please link everything else to WhateverWednesday link party)

LINK BACK here to this party (feel free to use my Frugal Friday button)

fru·gal/ˈfro͞ogəl/
Adjective: 


1. Sparing or economical with regard to money or food.
2. Simple and plain and costing little: "a frugal meal".

::WHATEVER WEDNESDAY LINK PARTY HERE::

Union Jack coffee table

2012-01-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

There's no question that Miss Mustard Seed's blog is one of my favorites. I'm sure most of your have seen her furniture , right? Then you know about her Union Jack dresser. It was a HUGE hit and created a big following of copy-cats. Of course, I was trailing behind. 

When I start with a piece of furniture I don't start off with a plan. I  start giving the piece a sand and repairing any damaged areas. The  design of the piece starts coming to me as I work with the piece. 

As I started sanding this piece the wood grain revealed a familiar pattern

Do you see it too?

This was my opportunity to put my own spin on the Union Jack craze

After finishing this piece , It sold on Etsy. 

I wish I would have held on to it. 

The patina was perfect and would have brought a lot of character to my home.

Whatever Wednesday link party

2012-01-11T06:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all of your great comments from the past few days while I post my past furniture projects. 

Be sure to keep coming back for more!

Last week on WhateverWednesday in FIRST PLACE:

Pondered Primed Perfect with her family est. name sign 

Second:

Three Mango Seed's restored dresser

and in Third:

Ciao Newport Beach's winter white inspiration

WhateverWednesday rules:

-link up whatever you want

-use my BUTTON (on sidebar) and link back here.

{{Please use my button or link at the bottom of your post and not in a general "linked to these parties" link.  }}

-You must be a follower of MommaHen

Will you be featured? I will feature my favorites on Facebook (MommaHen) and then on the following Wednesday I will feature the most viewed links here on the blog (first and second will have photos and descriptions and third will have a link) Good luck!!

FYI: I take the time to view each and every one of your links, when you link-up. Return the favor and don't "link and run." Stick around a while and see what I've been up to! 

Grab a featured button on the sidebar if you were featured!!  

a TON of Before and after photos

2012-01-10T06:13:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing I've learned from being frugal : paint is a miracle worker!

...told ya! 