* Remodelaholic

Cause sometimes, I like to show off....

2010-03-18T11:59:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would give a shout out to

Roeshel of the DIY Show Off!

THANK YOU!

She was kind enough to feature my half bath Retro Remodel from my post here, today!

The one that went from this to this:

Enter here; Entry Remodel Plans

2010-03-18T07:00:00.130-05:00

Our house is your basic builder's grade house. Nothing interesting, no great finishes. The entry is no exception. This is what it looked like when we walked through the house.

For the last little while we have been making plans. I wanted to show you some of these today. The only caveat is that we have no time frame as to when exactly we will get this done... It is just how we work. See, if the weather gets good, we have a project to do outside. Or somethings need to be organized before I go insane, we try to get to that first, cause going insane is not a good thing!...

Which means, while we will try to get this done asap, for our sakes as well as your inquiring minds, I can't make any promises to time lines! But fear not, you will get to see the finished product... sooner or later!

There are a few problems with the entry

1. It is a tight fit.

2. There is no natural light.

3. It is just kinda blah....

4. It felt like an undefined space. (one of the problems with one plans to me, is the lack of defined spaces, the entry just sort of melted into the family room)

My goals: (pretty much the opposite of the problems...)

1. Open up the space

2. Let in some light

3. Give it some character

4. Define the space, as it's own little room.

5. A small table for keys and a mirror, (so I can see how bad i look when I answer the front door).

So, I started drawing up options. I am a person who likes to see what I am doing. Also, since Justin and I collaborate on projects it is the best way to communicate back and forth. Needless to say there are usually a lot of these plans, in varying degrees of "finished-ness". While we are building it, we sketch our versions of how it should be done until we come up with the best solution. There are always a lot of changes!

1st try not the final plan. Our first attempt at coming up with a solution.

The attempts to fix problems, are as follows

The new newel posts sit on the first stair, instead of on the floor in front of them,

this gained us 6 inches of extra width.

A small 1' deep console table, very open.

Corbels in the open space to create some sort of header to define the spaces a little more.

2nd attempt, after deciding to have arches into the kitchen.
We were figuring out what it would look like with a full arch into the entry.

We also had new plans for the door headers. You can see that we have already made some changes to the entry, i.e. painting the door black, but I will show you that later.

Same day view from the kitchen, to see how the two arches would sort of look together,
and a possible black handrail.

3rd option, While looking through some magazines and old tear files I found these images that I really liked, which sparked a new, altogether more open option.

We discussed the plans and Justin made a 3d model of the space with our few changes,

and the idea is getting very close to done.

This was basically the last plan we had come up with. It opens the space up tremendously. The new arch above defines the spaces, The stairs look custom, grand and beautiful. So, this is what we have had in mind, but there is still one major problem, NO natural light.

Enter our last solution, not quite fully worked out. I will have to explain this in depth after our visit to the window store on Saturday. But here is the sketch:

Notice the large window?

Remember how I was talking to ya'll about stained glass?

Well, I will explain that in more detail on my next "designing our house" post....

What do you think of the new plan?

(i hope you don't hate it, cause we are already working on it.... and it is probably not going to change much)

**EDIT: To let you know why I don't want to replace the door to add natural light. First because of the budget! Hello, expensive!! But also, we get a LOT of solicitors in our neighborhood, and my no soliciting sign does not always stop them. So, often times I check out my trusty little peep hole to decide if I am going to answer. If I had a window on my front door, it would be hard to look through and see who is there, before deciding on whether or not to answer the door, cause they could see me. But I promise, I have a solution that will work! (Thanks Emily for the question!)

They've got a way! Guest Remodel Project

2010-03-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Ronda from Batchelor's Way sent me this great bathroom transformation, links to part one and part two. They used finds from the restore, goodwill stores and what she already had(my kind of remodeling!!) I hope you enjoy the project!

We have been finishing our basement one room at a time, and we have just finished the boy's bathroom down there. We do most of the work ourselves this helps us to be able to afford all our home improvement projects. We also find less exspensive ways of doing things.

Let me share our journey of the bathroom and how we saved. We knew we wanted to tile the shower/tub walls because we wanted the tile to go all the way to the ceiling. I don't know about you but my teenage sons, take the hottest showers so tile walls really help.

Anyway, I priced the tile at about $200 at Lowes. That was using mostly small plain tiles. But then I went to the ReStore, (which is like a second hand home improvement store.) That's were I got creative with the tiles I found there. My hubby and I came up with what would work with what they had, and the tiles ended up costing us just over $60. Savings of around $140. SWEET! I think they turned out wonderful.

I saved money on the paint even though I painted the bathroom twice. First I painted it this light apple green. Why? 'cause it was left over from the upstairs bathroom. But there is no natural light in this room and it was glowing green like some sort of alien. Then I took some leftover white I had and mixed it with some dark brown my sister had left over. I really like how it turned out. Both paints were free so I call the color Free Mocha.

Next I picked up these floor tiles at a Black Friday sale at Lowes, $26 for the tile to cover the whole bathroom floor. I convinced my hubby that we should lay them on the diagonal, I love the look. We used dark grey grout for two reasons. #1 grout will eventually end up that color, especially with teenage boys. #2 We had to buy a bag which would cover more than that bathroom, so this color will work on our bathroom up stairs. Two for the price of one.

We planned on moving our mirror down there if we could get it off the wall in one piece, but we need storage. After all, four boys will eventually share this one bathroom. That solution came one day when we were shopping at DI, and found thes babies! Two matching corner medicine cabinets for $10 bucks each! I sanded them primed them, touched them up, painted the outside black, and put stone like contact paper on each shelf. Instant storage that doesn't look to shabby!

Here's our mirror prior to moving.

Here's the finished product.

One of the high cost on any project tends to be the lighting. Why light fixtures cost so much is beyond me. But you know me, I don't pay those silly high prices. I found this white light fixture at the ReStore for $5, still in the box brand spanking new. I of coarse spray painted it black. It did not come with the glass parts. But I was patient. And last week I found I found four perfect glass parts at DI for $1 each. That's $9 totall for my light fixture. We had picked one out at Lowes that was similar but cost $43. That's a $34 savings. Love it!!!

Here she is all painted and installed. She looks good!

Decorating the bathroom on a small budget started with inexspensive fabric from Walmart. I used it to make a shower curtain. It cost about $9 and I made it extra tall because I like the look and it keeps more water from spraying over the top. The fabric had different surfboards all over it. So, I gathered up what scrapbooking supplies I had in coordinating colors and made paper surf boards mounted on foam to give them a 3-D look. Then I mounted the whole thing in some black frames I already had.

Next I found this metal trash can at DI for $1. I brought it home, taped it off and spray painted it (of course).

I plan on buying each boy their own color of towel. Grey, black, brown, and tan. That helps keep track of whose towel is whose. So far I've only purchased the grey ones. I also like to use hooks instead of towel bars. It's easier for kids I think. I attached a piece of bias tape to make it easy to hang it on the hook.

I needed a hand towel holder but didn't have a very big space. So we used an industrial handle and Spray painted it black. I like it cause it holds the towel in place better when they are drying their hands.

Also, I just love this shelf above the toilet. I got it for free from my lovely neighbor. Only it was about four feet long. So my wonderful hubby cut it in half and put it back together. I added a short peice of one by two piece of wood behind the fancy supports to beef it up a little. I just love it. I wanted the shelf for a basket to fill with good old TP. (At our house someone seems to always be yelling from behind the bathroom doors, "Can someone bring me some TP?" Hopefully this will help.) I already had the basket. I picked up the cute plaque I picked up at Salvation Army for $1.

The Final Product:

That's our latest and greatest project. I love it! And I love that it's done!

Ronda, WOW! I am tired just thinking about it!

I am so impressed with all the great deals!

What do you all think?

Now it's your turn. Do you have a great remodeling project to show off, submit your projects to me today!

Lucky You! Cheater's Cream of Broccoli Soup

2010-03-17T07:00:00.065-05:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Since I did not decorate in any way for the holiday the least I could do is eat green food, right? Yea, I know, who wants to eat green food? Me! As, long as the item is naturally green, and isn't just dyed green. So, I thought I would share with you one of my favorite, 15 minute meals, Fake it- Broccoli Soup.

I love a good Cream of Broccoli soup, but usually when the word cream proceeds the word soup, it means you shouldn't eat it. So, while on my little stint with Weight Watchers(which when I have the time works well for me), I worked this little baby out and I think it was only 2 points per serving. So, not only can you eat it and enjoy it, you can feel good about it too!

Cream of Broccoli Soup

(serves at least 8, I make it large and then freeze individual servings in ziplock bags,

for when I need to eat, but don't want to cook- which is pretty much everyday!)

1 bag frozen Broccoli Florettes

1 bag frozen Cauliflower Florettes

1/2 medium onion

3 cans Cream of Broccoli Soup

1-2 cans chicken broth

1/2 bag frozen peas

salt and pepper to taste

2 cups water

optional garnish:

Dallop of sour cream

Shredded Cheddar

In a large saucepan add chicken broth, water and frozen broccoli and Cauliflower.

Meanwhile in a small saute pan, spray a little shot of cooking spray and add the onions,

saute till translucent and soft.

When the broccoli and cauliflower are soft add the 3 cans cream of Broccoli soup and sauted onion. And then puree in batches in your blender or food processor. Because there is not thickening agent in this soup, pureeing is key, it is what gives the soup thickness.

Return soup to pot add the peas and salt and pepper to taste, bring up to heat and then serve! Easy-peasy!

We served ours with Parmesan toast- which can be the "gold"!

butter lightly some bread or rolls of your choice

(optional) light sprinkle of Garlic Salt

sprinkle with Parmesan

Toast! Till the Parmesan is golden brown!

(we use our trusty little toaster oven but you could broil it in the oven)

Link up a recipe!

Ugly Garage Door Be-Gone! Carriage Door Tutorial!

2010-03-16T07:00:00.098-05:00

Thanks to Randy of Capelli Design Group, the project we've been waiting for is here!

If any of you Dallas/Fort Worth locals would like to have this done for you, while you sit back and relax, please contact Randy his email is randy@capellidesigngroup.com.

The before is below:

I have been scheming of ways to to make my garage doors into faux carriage doors for a while, but our friend Randy did it first! That makes my life SO MUCH EASIER!! Luckily, he and his wife took a ton of pictures too, so that we could feature it on the blog. And, I KNOW you all wanna see how it is done, well, here you go!

We have worked very hard and have spent a lot of time creating this tutorial! This project may not be reproduced on any blog without receiving Remodelaholic's written permission before posting. If you receive permission, you may use the finished garage door image only, and link back to Remodelaholic for the tutorial. No part of the tutorial may be copied except for personal incidental noncommercial home use. If you build the project, and post about it, please link back to the instructions on Remodelaholic. Thank you.

Supplies:

(for a 7' x 16' door)

4 sheets of 4 x 8' outdoor groove board

Pine 1 x 6 (plus any wider segments you might need)
(Length according to design and panels on garage door)

Liquid Nail adhesive

Self Tapping Screws

Nails

Stain/Paint

Decorative Hardware
Garage door opener Springs

Tools:

Circular saw

Miter saw or handsaw and miter box (to keep cuts straight)

Jig saw or reciprocating saw

Drill

Hammer

Caulking Gun

**The space that is left at the top of the door in order to be able to operate, can be covered on the door frame (the actual wall portion of the opening) with an extra piece of case molding.

Remember that this could work for single garage doors too. And whatever design you love best you can try to imitate. Look for the carriage doors that you love, I sketched a few random options out, cause I like to sketch, no they are not perfect but you get the idea right? Good.

Cost Breakdown:

Lumber $250.

Stain $30.

Hardware $75.

Tension Springs $140.

Total $495.

Congratulations you just saved yourself

about $6,000 dollars, AT LEAST!

(*Hey locals -to get the installed price with labor please contact Randy)

Welcome to the blog! Guest Project

2010-03-15T16:00:00.012-05:00

I hope you all noticed that I am going to start featuring your projects from my Friday party links whenever I can. And my first ~~victim,~~ uh, I mean guest is Erin from Lemon Tree Creations.

I love what she did with this thrift store find. And, I was thinking this could be easily copied with two old weathered fence posts (keep an eye on the curbside spring cleaning left overs- I know I may have a sickness for reusing things). Simply take a board to paint the sign on and wrap it with beat-up boards, nail around the edges and wa-la!

Without further adieu here is the project!

Erin from Lemon Tree Creations
$1.00 Welcome Sign!!

Who would have thought that this old $1 Longaberger Basket sign could look so cool? Even though I quickly grabbed it up from the thrift store, I had no idea that it had so much potential.

Whoever had painted it the first time around used some sort of crackle medium, because when I tried to paint over it, my paint became really transparent and slimy. I painted 3 coats of white to try to cover up the dark red and blue paint, and ended up with a relatively blank slate to do some stenciling. You could still see a little of the crackling, but it wasn’t nearly as big or obvious as it had been on the sign originally. I printed off some different fonts and experimented with sizes up against the wood. Once I found one I liked, I sprayed it with a tacky stencil spray so that it would stick to the wood.

I then traced the outline of the letters on the back of the paper in pencil, stuck the paper where I wanted it to be on the sign, and scribbled over the front of the paper so that the letter outlines were lightly rubbed onto the sign.

I peeled the paper off and filled the letters in with a black acrylic paint. I then lightly sanded over the letters in the direction of the wood grain with a coarse sand paper. I stained the wood trim a dark oak color, and then painted over the letters and the white with an antique glaze, and quickly wiped it off. This is what I ended up with.

The initial crackling came through beautifully once the wood was sanded a little bit, and the glaze filled the cracks in just enough to give it a perfect aged look. I even ended up with several large cracks through the letters, like this one through the E and L that I love.

I started off with an old looking sign, and ended up with a sign that is old looking, but in a good way!

Isn't that cool?

I love the distressed look!

If you want to check out more of their projects

go to Lemon Tree Creations!

Thanks for linking up to the party Erin!

If you too would like to have a project featured, either link up to Friday's party or send me an email with the link to your project, so I can consider posting it! Thanks!

If You Carriage All!

2010-03-15T08:01:00.002-05:00

In honor of our awesome garage door- to Carriage door tutorial tomorrow, I wanted to show you some wonderful doors. I lean toward the ones with the "x" on the door, I just love them!

Which one do you like the look of best?

(Source)

(source)

(Source)

How many of us are excited for the tutorial tomorrow?

I think I am ready to put all my other projects on hold so Justin can do our Garage door!

A Virtual Penny For Your Thoughts...

2010-03-14T07:00:00.022-05:00

I have a scheme budding in my brain, and I would like your opinion.

I will try to explain how this scheme works into what I am planning to do on Thursday.

But first I wonder,
what you think of stained glass?

Love it or leave it?

Would it be something you replaced if you bought a new house?

Now I must say I am NOT talking about Bambi living eternally in my stained glass window,

or even cheesy flowers prints from the 80's. What I like is more of the geometric designs,

without the "riot of colors" name that movie (love it).

This is the image that got me thinking about stained glass, it is from Young House Love.

I like a few of these images that I found at www.stainedglassandmore.com, not necessarily the colors,

but you get the picture right? Good. I am glad we understand each other!

I love this pattern, but the clear glass won't work for what I am thinking of.

I love Celtic knots lately. They make me want to do a jig by a big pot of gold,...

or maybe it is the big pot of gold that makes me want to do a jig, either way!

I think I might actually be able to make this one, for real.

I admit, I have two nature scenes that I really like,

the one above and then there is this below:

So, what are your opinions?

Love it, Hate it?

Like this style but not that?

Tell me what you think! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Remodelaholic's Anonymous Meeting 10

2010-03-12T07:00:00.101-06:00

I have a few new guidelines and rules
so please read them:

As for features, I am going to go big time! When I see a project that I love I am going to try to feature it on the blog, how about one a day? (when I can) That means during the week you may be featured, so check back often.

Okay, for a while I have been wanting to reupholster my wingback chairs, I haven't quite gotten there, but look at what Beckie of Infarrantly Creative just did. I am in AWE, and she explains how she did it! Double score!

Then from Shaunna at Perfectly Imperfect book covers. As an avid book reader, lover and collector, you better believe I am going to be trying this project soon! I can't wait to make the ugly books look better on my shelves.

And, I hope you know by now that I am a sucker for re-use projects. I think it is one of the most responsible things we can do both financially and environmentally, but also it is a great creative thinking practice. This project just happens to mix another of my loves into the picture- crocheting.

Karyn from CandarbryGarden made these from old grocery bags, I LOVE them!

If you are featured,

please grab a Featured On" button from my side bar.

(if you have ever been featured, please feel free to take one too!)

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, Please join us!

By linking to the party you give Remodelaholic full permission to feature all or part of the linked post. All featured posts will be credited to the original author and linked to said post.

Here are the party guidelines:

1. Please become a follower of the blog FIRST !!

2.Please link to something that is relevant to this blog's topics (up to 3 links per blog). For example, a remodel, before and after, recipe, craft, DIY project, show us what you are working on. Please no businesses or etsy shop links.

5. Please check out the link before you and make sure to leave a comment! ***On that same note, I want to apologize for not being able to comment on each and every linked blog. I will look at each and every link, but I have come to the decision that in the interest of my daughter/mommy time that I can't always comment. It takes an incredible amount of time to comment on each link and I feel the stress of it. I am sure you will be understanding! Know that I am looking at them, and I love that you are participating. I know that quite a few people look through these links and click through to all of them, so I hope you will continue to link up! Also I hope to start featuring more of your projects here on the blog, so keep linking and check back daily for the featured projects (I am mostly going to be featuring interior design/ remodeling posts FYI!) Thanks!

If for some reason your link has been deleted, just make sure that you have followed the rules and retry.

Tuesday's Tutorial Teaser: Before and After

2010-03-11T07:00:00.014-06:00

Okay folks, are you ready for this? I am posting a teaser for Tuesday March 16th's Tutorial. I know that is sorta mean, but I wanna work up some hype for this AWESOME project. Cause I am telling you, I AM IN LOVE! Wanna see the before and after? Trust me, you do.

Before:

After:

HINT** He didn't buy new doors!!!
EDIT* I should clarify this is a friend's house here in Fort Worth. So while I wish I had them on my house, I don't yet! He has kindly offered to show his how to on our site. Also, if any of you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area and would like this done on your home please feel free to contact Randy at randy@capellidesigngroup.com or check out his website at www.capellidesigngroup.com

This whole project's materials cost less than $500.00 dollars.

By the way, I will have a complete tutorial for you on this one.

Here is the link!

Happy Trails Winner!

2010-03-10T16:00:00.025-06:00

Sorry this post did't get up yesterday. Busy! Busy! Anywho, did you guys check out this giveaway?

Thanks to Purple Trails we were able to offer one my readers a

free Basic Membership plan. Free prints for an upcoming party or holiday what could be easier, than leaving a comment? Well, it was a pretty close little giveaway.

All the better for those that enter, right?

So, who won?

Marcia of Life with the Lamars

Congratulations! Marcia!!

Send me an email and I will get your info to Purple Trails!

This Little Piggy! Sweet Pork Tacos

2010-03-10T07:00:00.030-06:00

One of the saddest thing about graduating from college and moving was leaving all of our favorite restaurants. The one I miss the most is Cafe Rio. Let me just explain, all restaurants that make custom burritos and tacos are not created equal. not. at. all. And let me let you in on a secret for those that live close enough to go to a Cafe Rio... The desserts are REAL GOOD too. (p.s. Anyone have a great recipe for Tres Leches or Chocolate Flan? please link up baby!)

For those of you that have never been there, it is a restaurant the builds your customized burrito, enchilada, taco, salad or what not with a few different choices, like homemade tortillas, pork, chicken, beef, beans, rice you get the picture.

Well my friend Lew was kind enough to share with me her copycat recipe, and has given me permission to share it... Thanks Lew! You too, will want to thank her too when you try it!

Sweet Pork Tacos

Serves 6 to 8 adults

3 - 4 lb Pork Roast

1 (8 oz) bottle Taco Sauce

1 Tbsp Cumin

1 cup light brown sugar

1 can coke (I used Pepsi)

Soft Shell Tortillas

Put Roast in crock post and fill with water to cover half of roast. Cook 8 hours, once the meat is falling apart, drain out the water and shred the meat with two forks.

Add all of the other ingredients and cook on low for a couple more of hours (or longer)

Lime Rice

in a rice cooker add:

1 c rice

1 1/2 c chicken broth

juice from one lime

some cilantro

Cook and serve with meal

Sides
serve with these tacos:

Heat some canned black beans with a few shakes of garlic salt and onion powder.

Guacamole

Salsa

Lettuce

Sour cream

Cheese

Serve on soft, warm tortillas, (you can melt cheese on these too if desired)

Grab the button off my sidebar.

Recipe Links Only Please!

Head of the Board! Headboard Tutorial

2010-03-09T06:15:00.004-06:00

I have been living without a headboard for the last 4 years. Well, technically I have never had a "real" headboard, but I have been wanting one. In college, I made one out of an old door that we had sitting around, (in this post you can see it) it was a great headboard, but I wanted a "real" one so I left it when we moved, and I haven't had one since! Such is life.

Well, the thought of having a "real" headboard has been on my mind for a while now. If you have read this blog, or searched the archives, you probably know I am not going to go out a buy one. . I just can't swallow the price tag of the cardboard furniture that they make nowadays. That and I definitely cannot afford the "real deal".

So, I've let the desire ruminate for a while.

And a golden idea struck me... Kitchen cabinet doors! Yea!..uh...What?

That is right kitchen cabinet doors. They are pre-made raised panels, which removes the need for expensive router bits and table saws.

So, now I am going to share the plans with you, because what are blog buddies for, right? Wanna sneak peek at the finished product first? I feel like a genie in a bottle granting your wish, and now I have that Christina Aguilera song in my head... not what I meant at all!

As we made this, we learned some things and figured out how we should have made it (to simplify it). So, we have a TON of pictures that are not exactly right. So, we built a model, and made an instruction sheet so when building this follow the steps on the instruction sheet and not the order in the images. And as always if you have any questions, please just leave me a comment, I will clarify when necessary through the comment section below.

We have worked very hard on this project, and have spent a lot of time creating this tutorial, so I have a request, please! This project may not be reproduced on any blog without receiving written permission before posting. If you receive permission, you may use the finished headboard image only, and link back to Remodelaholic for the tutorial. No part of the tutorial may be copied except for personal incidental noncommercial home use. If you build the project, and post about it, please link back to the instructions on Remodelaholic. Thank you.

Now that the tough stuff is out of the way, I want to clarify one more thing, this project is meant for those of you without a lot of tools, and just a basic understanding of building, so BE careful! On that note, IF I were going to spend real money on the wood (and buy walnut or poplar or some other nice hardwood) I would have built this very differently!

Headboard instructions:

Supplies needed:

2 - 4 old kitchen cabinet doors

Various 1 x __ Mdf boards (size depends on cabinet doors!!)

(we used: 1 x 3's approx 16 linear feet, for the bottom rail and all vertical stiles

1 x 6 approx 12 linear feet, for the top rail and top shelf)

9 linear feet of small base board molding

1 -8 foot 4 x 4 cut in half ( I had Home Depot do this)

3 - 8' long 2 x 2's

(optional: to hang on wall an 6' long 2 x 4

cut in half on a 45 degree angle on a table saw)

Tools:

Miter box and saw

Screw driver, drill bits and screws

Hammer and finish nails

Nail set

Sanding block (or sanding paper wrapped around a piece of wood)

**Measurements are all relative for this project.

They depend on a number of things, like the size of bed you have,

the size of doors you find, how many doors you use etc.

So, I have attached an image with a few of our our measurements called out

so you can get a better understanding of scale, just keep in mind you will have to make it

according to your supplies.

*TIP*

When you buy MDF boards the length wise front edges are chamfered (or rounded off on corners) So, in order for butted edges to look clean, and well planned, after cutting all the vertical stiles to length, sand the top flat edge to match the horizontal edges. That way a straight angular end won't butt up to a curved edge, instead both will be rounded off and look even, and well planned!

If you want to make a matching foot board,

instead of the 2 x 2 frame you would just attach the doors to another face frame on the back.

And use pocket screw on the inside of that face frame to attach it to the posts.

To better understand the headboard, and see clearly what is what,

I color coded an image, and called out some things on the next.

To hang this on the wall attach the bottom half of the optional 2 x 4 that has been cut in half at a 45 degree angle to the wall like so. The other will hold the headboard to the wall!

This project can easily be customized. I saw a headboard online while surfing that could be made using these instructions. See, you could easily make the headboard below as well, by only using two large doors, and aligning the top of the posts with the top of shelf and attaching that top shelf all the way across.

(source E-how here and here)

I must tell you that we actually spent much less than $30.00 on this project by using old scraps from other projects. That price is more likely what you will spend buying all the wood etc. But, I thought it would be fun to give you our cost breakdown anyway, because honestly I am such a deal lover that it is fun to share.

Our Final Cost Estimate:

$8.00 - 4 Kitchen cabinet doors

$7.00 - 8' long 4 x 4 (we have scraps and an AWESOME project planned for these!!!)

Used old wainscoting molding(from Asheville Kitchen Remodel)

Used old 2 x 4's cut to 2 x 2 (from Asheville Kitchen Remodel too)

MDF (left over's from our Screen making tutorial)

Screws and nails from our stash

Tools already owned

Paint (left over from Laundry room remodel)

Caulk (laundry room remodel left-overs)

Plaster for patching (left over from our unfinished column project)

Grand Total: $15.00

Sweet Dreams, Beautiful Beds

2010-03-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

In honor of the headboard post coming tomorrow,

(that I have been talking up for a few days, and I hope will not disappoint)

for today's inspiration post I would love to show you some beautiful beds.

by Domino Magazine (source The Coco Male blog)

(Source Contemporary Beds)

(source Decor Pad)

(source Pottery Barn)

(Source Pottery Barn)

(source Atlanta Home Magazine)

(source Sunset Magazine)

Which headboard do you like the most?

It seems I have a thing for 4 posters, but I can't fit one in my room at the moment.

And anyway, I am loving my new headboard!

To vote or not to vote?

2010-03-07T16:31:00.030-06:00

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately.

(image source)

About this here blog, and I think I am going to make a few changes. These may take a month or so for me to all get in place, but I think for the most part we are going to be able to give you more of what you want to see. Design, Interiors, Remodeling and tutorials related to such. So I have a question,

Should I continue posting recipes?

What do you want to see more of?

What do you want to learn about?

What have we not posted
that you are dying to see?

What should we continue posting?

I really need your opinions, please let me know.

I really want to make this the best resource it can be who want a custom home, with out the large budget... so ring in your opinions and tell me what you love, hate or wish we had etc.

Keep it together...

2010-03-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

Love her or well don't, Martha knows her job. While the information she shares is rarely a total revelation, she organizes and arranges household info in clear and easy way, that it is hard to ignore. She knows what she is selling... and honestly who couldn't use a little reminder? Especially with spring around the corner...

I thought you might want to hear some of the great simple tips she had for household preventative care. You can see the whole slideshow of ideas here on her site.

1. Make your bed!

If you take care of this, you will be less likely to let the rest of the piles linger.

(image Southern Accents)

2. Put them in their place! (you go)

Whenever leaving a room grab something that is out of place and put it away.

For even more impact make it a family rule.

3.Sort the mail

Recycle unwanted papers, place bills, filing, and personal mail in their respective boxes.

(image from Pottery Barn)

4.Clean as you cook;

Place your used dishes in the dishwasher as you cook, rinse immediately and/or quickly wash them and replace them- this is one of my mother's rules too. The family joke is that you can usually only get one sip of a glass of water, before Mom dumps it out and throws it in the dishwasher, she is super efficient. ( I love you Mom!)

5. Wipe up spills ASAP!

They are easier to clean while they are fresh, (you will remember this tip the next time you are scrubbing dried spaghetti sauce off your cook-top!!!

(this little baby can be purchased like this..

after all April 1st is just around the corner)

6. Go Shoe-less

Institute a no-shoes policy. Shoes track in all kinds of grime and abrade hard surfaces.

Wear slippers or socks instead indoors, or go barefoot.

(Follow Mr Rogers example! Image found here)

7. Get Rid of Carpet Ghosts

If you have indentations or carpet ghosts! wooooo - left by furniture in pile carpet, place ice cubes on the dent. The fibers will swell as they absorb the water. Vacuum carpet thoroughly to pull up wet fibers.

There are other great ideas in the article, so check it out.

What are some of the things you always do

to keep things clean?

What do you wish you would do?

I Create, U create, We All Create!

2010-03-05T07:00:00.016-06:00

It is time to go check out my tutorial at Ucreate.
(Fridays Remodelaholic's Meeting is here)

Ucreate is a great resource.
Kari posts links to several reader's submitted projects a day,
so it is a great place to be inspired and to share ideas.

I am so excited to be featured on Ucreate!

Ucreate is like the Univiersity of Craftiness,

and I feel like I am earning a new Degree in Craftation! With an emphasis in knocking off Pottery Barn.

Thanks Kari for the chance.

Click on the button below to check out my project!

It is a Pottery Barn knock off that looks very much like this mosaic art work:

For those visitors who are new to our site,

please make your self at home!

Literally, that is what we try to do at Remodelaholic, is make ourselves a home and we try to show you what we've done and explain how you can do it too!

p.s. I LOVE NEW FOLLOWERS!

And I would be flattered if you choose to follow, I promise it will be worth it.

To prove it I will give you a peek of the tutorial

I have planned for Tuesday March 9th

and all the tools you'll need is a Miter-box, hand saw, and drill to make this baby,

detailed tutorial to come. (and no that is NOT a 5 panel door...)

It can be adapted in MANY ways, and all bed sizes.

BTW this baby was only $30 dollars, just thought I would dangle that carrot.

Also, feel free to check out these tutorials just click on the image

or you can stroll through the archives or specific labels located in my sidebar!

Have fun and Welcome Remodelaholic!

Remodelaholic's Anonymous Meeting 9 EARLY!

2010-03-04T07:00:00.012-06:00

SURPRISE!

I am starting our little party early this week, because tomorrow, I am guest blogging... can't wait to announce it, but that means tomorrow's post is going to be an invite to visit the guest blog... ( I will keep the party open for the weekend) Here are some of the wonderful projects that we had at our party last week.

First Mama Thompson had this awesome, I repeat AWESOME room update and organizational project... that I LOVE.

Before:

Next from Bird Crafts an adorable tutorial for some no sew flowers

And finally from The Single Nester a fabulous jewelry organizer, perfect!

If you are featured,

please grab a Featured On button from my side bar.

(if you have ever been featured, please feel free to take one too!)
By linking to the party you give Remodelaholic permission to feature full or part of the linked post. All featured posts will be credited to the original author and linked to said post.

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, Please join us!

Here are the party guidelines:

1. Please become a follower of the blog FIRST !!

3.Link to the specific post, not your homepage!

4.Add my button to your blog's sidebar or the post so more people can here about the party... The more people that see the button, the more people that will see your posts and blogs!

If for some reason your link has been deleted, just make sure that you have followed the rules and retry

"Choc" it up, My Dad's Chocolate Cake

2010-03-03T07:00:00.078-06:00

Wanna know what the best cake on earth tastes like? Heaven! And guess what, that heavenly recipe is coming right at you like a red hot shooting star! It is chocolate, but for those of you that love maple, it is in there too, and a hint of almond... and concourses of angels singing from above... sorry got carried away.

I promise, this is one of the best, most delicious recipes on the planet. It is a recipe that my dad's mother has been making since she was a newlywed, so it has definitely passed the test of time. Also, it's history gives me a reason to love it it even more. And finally, it is a simple recipe, and you too can make it from scratch!

Dad's Chocolate Cake

2- 3 bread loaf pans or 8 small mini loaf pans

In a bowl mix together:

1 cup flour

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1-2 eggs (as desired)

1/4 buttermilk (or sour milk see this recipe)

1/4 tsp maple Extract

1/s tsp vanilla

In a separate bowl melt and mix together

1/2 cup butter (1 cube)

2 tsp oil

6 Tbsp cocoa

When chocolate and butter are smooth like above, add them to the first batter and combine.

Now add and incorporate

1/2 cup boiling water

Pour into greased and floured pans

Bake 375

20 minutes for small laves

25 minutes for large, (or toothpick test it)

Frosting (must accompany this cake!!!)

2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/4 tsp maple extract

1/4 tsp almond extract

6 Tbsp cocoa

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 tsp salt

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.

Add about a Tbsp of boiling water at a time and mix to desired consistency.

(we usually like it to be the thin enough to pour over each piece).

P.S. We also used this frosting to make cookies.

Prepare the frosting to a thicker consistency,

spread between 2 graham crackers

then freeze them, and eat when ever you like them, straight from the freezer!

Grab the button off my sidebar.

Recipe Links Only Please!

When in Rome! Faux Roman Shades Tutorial

2010-03-02T07:00:00.122-06:00

Can I just say that I am so nervous about posting this little tutorial... See, if you remember my question for y'all on Saturday, as seen here. I pinned up some fabric and asked for your opinions and the answer? Pretty much, every single person picked the print. There was love for that sweet little print all around... well the truth is, on Saturday, I posted it, and then I waited about an hour and started... on the white fabric. FORGIVE ME!

However, I still LOVE the print, but I just had to go with my heart, kinda like the bachelor... (I can't believe I just admitted that I watched some of this season...), and I just decided to go for it. BUT don't fear, I am using the printed fabric in my craft room...when I get to it, so stay tuned for that one!

Anyway, this project has been done before in the blog-o-sphere. But I think that pretty much anyone who has made their own drapes has done this before including myself in this project back in 2005, before I even knew what a blog was... so there, I am not just a copy cat! Although I do love my cats, and my chickens.. and well you get the picture, moving on.

Here is a before:

The whole house has these 2" faux blinds, and they are brand new and perfectly functional so,

I decided to keep them, but I didn't necessarily want to look at them all the time.
~~( apparently that means I would rather stare at the blank brick wall that is my neighbor's house...)~~

After:

Here are the instructions if you would like to try it out.

Collect your supplies:

Fabric

Ribbon (if desired)

Heat bond adhesive strip

Velcro, adhesive backing

1 x 2 (x window width+) pine board

Measuring tape or ruler

Iron

(drill and screws or small "L" brackets)

This project can be sewn or not, it is up to you.

Measure your window, decide the width you would like and cut your 1 x 2 to the proper length.

Cut the fabric to width of finished blind plus at least 2 inches and the finished length plus at least 8 1/2+ inches. (technically since theses blinds do not operate,

you don't have to have the full length and it would be fine)

Finish all four edges, by folding the top and two sides over 1/2 inch,

then 1/2 inch again and either sew or heat bond the seam in place.

On the bottom fold it over 1/2 inch and then 3 inches and sew or bond in place.

Now move on to the tutorial images.

Any questions? ... Bueller? ... Bueller?

Did it work out with the white instead of the print fabric?

Happy Trails to you: A giveaway!

2010-03-01T12:00:00.134-06:00

Do you have a party coming up? If not, then you better start planning one, cause we have your invitations covered!

Purple Trail an online print shop featuring customizable invitations, cards and announcements is offering one of my fabulous readers a Purple Trail Basic Membership Plan!

I think I have admitted to you in that past, that although I love to host a party as seen here or here, I am usually pretty lame about getting invitations out, and now, I found the easiest way to send cute invitations without all the work- so I can be cool again, or for the first time! Hooray!

Simple as pie... oh pie!

How it works-

1. Sign Up for an account-

*4 plan options- Free, Basic, Pro and Premium

2. What is the occasion? They have them all!

3. Select a card design.

4. Customize it.

5. Email, print or have it printed!

Other nice features-

1. The e-cards are add free.

2. Completely customizable. You can create you own design from scratch with your text, image/logos. Or select a design from our gallery of over 5000 designs and personalize it.

3. Rich feature set; including ticketing and recurring events.

4. A consensus piece that helps you gather input from guests to decide on a place and time of the event.

5. You can easily communicate with guests in real-time, through the chat board on the event web-page.

6. Easily send event invites/reminders over sms (text).

7. PurpleTrail is the only site that offer online, as well as print invites. So ,you could create a design for online invites and get matching print invites done or vice-versa.

They have pretty much every type of card or event possible. From

Baby Announcements and Shower invites

Celebratory events like Birthdays and Holidays

Everyday cards

Wedding

Business

For example they have a whole section of Easter cards

The Giveaway:
A Purple Trail Basic Membership Plan.

Giveaway RULES,!!!

1. First you must be a Public Follower of this blog, located on my sidebar. (This is required to enter in any way, if you already are a follower move to step two. I am sorry there is no way for me to see private followers, and subscriptions, so you must be a public follower.)

2. Go to Purple Trail and tell me what event you might use your membership for.

3. Leave one comment on this post telling me that you follow, and a card link you like from Purple Trail.

Optional, MORE WAYS TO ENTER:

1. For a second entrance, Tweet about this giveaway. You can click the button at the bottom of this post to re-tweet it. Leave a second comment stating that you tweeted the post, and give a link to the tweet (just copy the url from the tweet (or a stumble submission!)

2. For a third entrance, write a quick post with a link and an image from this post on your personal blog and leave a comment with the link to that specific post.

3. For a fourth entrance, grab my button for your sidebar, and put a link to your blog in the comment stating that you grabbed a button.

Finally, check back here on Tuesday, March 9th for the winner. If I have your return email address I will reply to you as well, if not, I will be relying on you to get back here!!! If I have not heard back from you within 2 days I will redraw a winner.

You may enter/comment up to 4 times. Once as just a follower, once for a re-tweet, once for a blog post and finally once for posting my button on your blog. I think that about covers it.

If you comment more than the allotted amount and do not have the links, those comments will be disqualified. SORRY!! Open to anyone in the continental US!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: remodelaholic at gmail dot com.

Thanks! GOOD LUCK!

Patty Cake: St Patrick's Decor Ideas

2010-03-01T07:00:00.072-06:00

I will be perfectly honest... I just barely got the last of my Valentines decor down, and I am not personally planning to decorate for Saint Patrick's day. Do you think I am a stick in the mud? I have nothing against Patty's big day, I just think I will probably end up just dying my scrambled eggs green and eating broccoli soup and calling it a holiday well celebrated.

Do any of you feel this way?

Oh wait, I admit, I am doing one thing, that if it works out, can technically be a Patty day themed decoration... I am using it for Easter, but I am not sure it will be ready by the 17th... (shhhh.. it is a secret, I will reveal later)

Moving in, IF I were to decorate for the holiday, this is what I might consider, (images care of BHG and Martha dearest)

First spring green plants:

Plant some jars of clover (or oxalis) otherwise known as Shamrocks.

Dye some carnations green!

Bells of Ireland

Another Bells of Ireland

Baby tears plant

Hydrangea

Green Apples

Grass

Second, pops of green:

(I think this was from the Nester- a Actually own 6 of these exact plates!)

Green glass.

Green on white beds

Third, Celtic theme prints:

Misc:

(instructions at Martha's)

What do you plan to do?

Which picture was most inspiring to you?

Will you still speak to me if I don't decorate for Patty's day?

5 golden months

2010-02-28T09:19:00.000-06:00

Justin just got this done this week... we are catching up!

It is flying by, but well worth the ride!

What do you think?

2010-02-27T12:06:00.000-06:00

I would really like some input, I am making some faux roman shades for my master bedroom. I have two options. I pinned the fabric up to see what it might sort of look like.... ( the room is a little dismantled at the moment, excuse my re-arranging!)

What do you think?... I want to finish this project today, so I need some thoughts asap! Thanks! I appreciate your opinions.

Option 1: Blue printed fabric Option 2: White cotton simple.

Remodelaholic's Anonymous Meeting 8

2010-02-26T08:00:00.037-06:00

From the Wonders of Doing, this is mid project, but I am proud of that fact that she did this all by herself! Great job, keep up the good work!

From Beth Kruse Custom Creations, we have all seen those fireplaces where you kind of tilt your head and think Why that color of stone? I know, we had one... anyway, look what she did. I LOVE the results.

Then from Low Tide High Style, we have the kitchen remodel of my dreams. Sigh... ~~envy.~~ moving on.

If you are featured,

please grab a Featured on button from my side bar.

(if you have ever been featured, please feel free to take one too!)

NOW IT'S YOUR TURN, Please join us!

Here are the party guidelines:

1. Become a follower of the blog!!