Mayuya's Randoms

Photo Post: Mommy & Me

2013-11-24T14:54:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted anything but the truth is that life has been really busy. I did however manage to take out my camera and dust it off last week and give this awesome mommy and her two kiddos a photo-shoot. It was really fun for me and we took tons of pictures that day. Here's just a glimpse of what I shot last Wednesday.

Aren't they gorgeous?!
xoxo,
Mayuya

It's Fall Y'all

2013-09-22T12:09:00.000-04:00

Pre-School Pictures and Routine

2013-09-06T22:05:00.001-04:00

This past Tuesday has been very emotional for me as I kiss my first baby goodbye at her classroom door. Time really flies and it was really bittersweet seeing her all ready for pre-school when just a couple of years ago she was an infant looking in my eyes as I feed her. My beautiful Safiya is finally in school well pre-school and she's growing more and more independent each day. This week has been a learning experience for me as I adjust to our new schedule but it's been fun as I enter this next stage of motherhood. Nothing like a little chitchat as I drive her in the morning and a little chitchat as I pick her up. We're really connecting on a different level now that she's all grown up and studious :)

The first week of school or the first four days to be accurate I would take a cell phone picture of her outside before we get in the car. It makes us both smile and she loves posing. Oh my baby girl isn't a baby anymore!

I also created a little table with our morning routine and our bed-time routine to help me and her stay focused and of corse little sister follows the routine too so hopefully that'll make next year easier for her :)

Hope you find these helpful as much as the girls and I found them helpful.

Goodnight Mamas because I'm really tired after a long day with my girlies.

xoxo,

May

Photo Post: At the Zoo!

2013-08-25T13:17:00.002-04:00

Hello There,
I'm still here and well and alive :) it's been a busy busy time for me trying to juggle so much but it's been good!

These pictures where taken earlier this summer at National Zoo. The girls had so much fun and I captured some photos.

Enjoy!

Smiling while deep in thought

I heart cows!

Sun Bathing

Bunnylicious

Don't move!

Green!

15 minutes?

Hope you liked them :)

xoxo,

May

Praying for Egypt

2013-07-07T22:19:00.001-04:00

Wow! I can't believe that it's almost been two months since i've last written a post. Time flies....

A lot has been going on though and life has been busy busy busy....

At the end of May i went to the Lucketts Fair and got to meet Marian from Miss Mustard Seed, She's really awesome and I'll write about it soon, one of these days, hopefully. I've also been crocheting bunting and sewing pretty pillowcases that will be available for sale soon and I will announce when and where when it's time. I've been to the beach and to the zoo with the family and have been trying to be out and about with the girls. Just a lot has been going on and I haven't had the chance to share it.

Lately though I've been following the political chaos that's been going on in Egypt my motherland and it's really sad. I was humming today while doing housework and the humming turned into words and then I finally came up with this little poem dedicated to my beloved Egypt.

Praying for Egypt praying today

Praying for Egypt praying away

I pray for happiness and no more dismay

Praying for the beloved land far away

I pray for the women and the children at stake

I pray for the men that fight for freedom's sake

I pray for the enemies and Tyrants to fall

I pray for free people to stand proud and tall

I pray for the love that people used to feel

I pray for the unity that autocrats steal

I pray for knowledge and freedom to think

I pray for a media written with honest ink

I pray for justice and equality for all

I pray for God Almighty to answer my call

I pray for land of the Nile and the Red Sea

I pray for the Mediterranean I pray for all three

I pray for the Sahara and for the countryside

I pray for liberty and prosperity to never be denied

I pray for the flag that no more soars the skies

I pray for the tears that are build up in peoples' eyes

I pray for the country that I used to know

I pray for my Egypt to once more start to glow

I pray for my children to one day go back and see

The Egypt that it should be the Egypt that is free

xoxo,

May

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2013-05-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

I'd like to wish my beloved dad a happy birthday!

My dad is the best man that I know and he's definitely the first man I've fallen in love with. No other man can have that special place in my heart that's reserved just for my daddy. My dad has always been so giving that he never took a vacation just for him. He always opted to spend the time with us and to spend the money on us.

Thank you dad for teaching me how to be self confident, how to stand for what I believe in, and how to be strong while still maintaining integrity and humbleness.

Thank you for carrying me on your shoulders when I was too little and too tired to walk anymore.

Thank you for having me hang out on your lap as I caressed your face and talked.

Thank you for being supportive and for cheering me on when I didn't believe in myself.

Thank you for being so selfless and for being the most generous man that I know.

Thank you for still being there for all of us and for loving my daughters the way that you do.

No "Thank yous" are ever enough for a man like you.

All I can do is pray for you~

May God grant you all that your heart desires.

May He give you a long, healthy, happy, and blessed life.

May you and mom be blessed partners in this life and in the hereafter.

May He grant you the highest levels of Paradise and make you from among those that he loves and from among those that are near to him.

I love you daddy and miss you dearly every day even though you're only four hours away.

Not only are you the best daddy ever, you're also the best grand-daddy any little girl can dream of having.

Thank you for being you.

Love,
May

Happy 3rd Birthday!

2013-04-25T10:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, was my first daughter's third birthday. Oh how time flies....I just want to say that:

The day I had you is the day I become a mom for the first time. I felt emotions that I never knew existed and felt a love stronger than any other love I've known. You bring me joy and happiness everyday and I'm so thankful to Allah for giving me this gift. I pray that Allah gives me the ability to raise you well and to instill in you good values and morals. May you live a long fulfilled life with much success in this life and the hereafter. May you achieve all your potential while maintaining your great sense of humor and simplicity. Finally, May Allah protect you and bless you in all that you do. I love you more than words can express and I'm so grateful to be your mother.

Then it was time for a photo shoot with little sissy!

Love you always sweet little "monsterettes",

xoxo,

Mommy

American Flag Coffee Table

2013-03-29T11:19:00.000-04:00

This is a makeover that was pretty time consuming but at the end it was totally worth it. I got this table about a month ago and it was in excellent condition and sturdy. I had it just hang out and wasn't sure what to do with it. I was thinking turquoise but that was so predictable, then I was thinking dark top and light bottom but then I've done that before. I let it sit around for about a week before I actually decided to do the American Flag, I have thought about the Union Jack but that's been popping up all over blog town everywhere and plus I'm American :)

I work pretty slow and I'm pretty meticulous but at the end it was all worth it...Here's what I had to work with.

It was in pretty good shape as you can see. Then I took out my tape, ruler, and calculator and started measuring and dividing (that was fun for a math teacher like me).
Here I had already painted the blue box and started on the white stripes. Don't you love my little mint plant hanging out by the patio door? Nothing like some middle eastern mint tea after dinner :)

Then I was busy busy busy for a few days and didn't take any further pictures till I was finished. I mean seriously do you expect me to photograph each step? Once I'm into it I'm really into it and the camera is the last thing on my mind.....

I ended up giving it a rub down with some clear wax mixed with a gel stain.
So here's the after shots!

I didn't have any star stencils so I traced a star off the computer screen from google images. I then transferred the star on card stock paper and cut it out with an exacto knife. That's it I had my own homemade stencil :)

I really like how it turned out! I'll probably go ahead and give the top a poly coat for extra protection.

I love how the American flag and just country flags in general really go with any decor style. Flags are truly timeless additions to any decor.

Please show some love and let me know what you think.... Any Americana projects on your to do list?

xoxo,

May

I'll be linking up to the following parties:

Photo Post: Vintage China

2013-03-26T21:59:00.001-04:00

I've been busy busy busy refinishing furniture this past week and have tons of projects going on. I actually found some awesome pieces on craigslist yesterday and they are happily hanging out in the garage. I bought all of the pieces from the same girl and she had some great stuff around her house. I actually like her too and we got to chit chat about furniture and randomness. Don't you just love when you meet neat people that share snap shots of their life with you. I believe you meet anyone and everyone for a reason. Anyway, these makeovers will be shared as soon as possible.

To take a break from all the brushes and waxes today I decided to take out my camera and shoot some of my vintage china. I have a lot of china but not a lot of vintage china so I'm slowly increasing my collection. I'm happy with how the pictures came out so here's some eye candy!

How about you guys? do you collect vintage china? or vintage anything for that matter? Would love to here from you.

xoxo,

May

Painted High Side Table/Entry Table

2013-03-17T21:43:00.000-04:00

This table is another project from this weekend...notice I say "another" because it's surly not the last...I've been super busy painting this weekend and it was so much fun..

Anyway, this table is a Drexel Furniture high table. The top was pretty scratched up so I stripped it...If only I knew how yucky stripping was, I would have just sanded away...There was a sticker on it that said "Property of US Government" which I though was charming so I went ahead and stuck it on the bottom in an effort to preserve it and protect it from the paint. :) yeah I'm sentimental like that..

Here's the before! More masculine then the Queen Anne Table and the finish is too!

The top had a very thin layer of veneer so I stripped it to the wood...

I painted it this blue color but kept the drawer and the top stained.

blurry but ok :)

I then gave the top another color wash in blue and some dark wax.

The height of this table makes it perfect for an entry way, and so does the drawer and the shelf.
So how do you like? Show some love!
xoxo,
May

I'm linking up to these parties:

Painted Queen Anne Table

2013-03-17T20:57:00.001-04:00

This table is now truly fit for a princess! I love the outcome!
I got this table off of craigslist over a year ago and it has been sitting in my garage collecting dust. I finally dug it out yesterday (actually hubby did the digging out) and I finally gave it a new life.

Here's this old school looking table before it's fabulous makeover.

Don't sneak in the background :) I was working on multiple projects this weekend!

Inside one of the drawers I found the company's stamp! It's a well known furniture manufacturer from back in the forties according to my humble research.. Researching "Boring" doesn't really yield positive results.

Well here's this beauty after some painted chipped nails and splattered clothes! I'm in love!

Look how curvy and feminine this piece is...

I painted the original hardware in this perfect gold paint...

The girls approve and couldn't stop touching it and playing with the drawers... I think this soft lavender is perfect for a feminine decor or a girl's room....
How do you like it?!

xoxo,
May

I'm Linking to the following parties:

Gossip Bench Makeover in "Duck Egg Blue"

2013-03-10T22:32:00.004-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while now because I've been really busy. I haven't had a chance to show you but I've been busy crocheting, busy visiting family in NJ, busy refinishing furniture, busy hunting down furniture, busy re-arranging furniture, and busy being a wife and mom. I've been feeling quite productive lately and today especially since I got out and cleaned up a part of my front yard to get ready for spring. The longer days make me happy :) Anyway let's get down to business and let me show you my latest project. I'm totally in love with it.

So exactly two weekends ago I landed an awesome gossip bench. I've been on the search for one for a while now and I really thought it suitable for my foyer. It was on craigslist so I contacted the seller and got it the next day.
I wanted to paint in in Annie Sloan's Duck Egg Blue but I honestly can't afford it at the rate that I paint furniture. By all means I love it but it's just pricy so if price isn't an issue then go for it. Anyway I searched blog land for inspiration and as always I learn something new. I love blog land and how everyone is so willing to share information. I came across Altard.com and found Annie Sloan color equivalents and was so happy. Check out their post on Color Comparisons. So my Duck Egg Blue in Behr paint was Gray Morning. One trip to the Home Depot and I was set! I also bought Polished Pearl which is like the Old White because you can't go wrong with having it around.

Here's what I started out with (ignore the background and focus on the bench) working on my kitchen table.

And here's my paint :) you won't believe that I only bought a sample for $3! Yay! Plus I only used half it it so $1.50 is a drop in the bucket compared to Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint. I was so proud of myself.

Here's the result after the first coat!

While my final coat of paint was drying and I went ahead and popped my fabric in the washer and then dried it. I bought a drop cloth canvas and used it to reupholster the seat. Cheap and sturdy and french looking and this was inspired by a lot of projects in blog land but mainly by Miss Mustard Seed. I love her blog and her house please be sure to check out all of her awesomeness I spend hours on her blog and I love it. Seriously though who am I to give her a shout out when I'm such a young blogger I'm just giving credit where credit is due :)
Anyway here's the fabric.

Then after stapling my fabric to the seat I painted stripes on it using some burgundy/purplish oops paint. Always nice to have oops paint on hand :)

Then a few hours later as this was drying I glazed the bench with a little bit of gold craft paint diluted in water. It was so thin more of a wash and I glazed to add some sheen and gold accents then I'd wipe lightly with a cloth. That made the blue more green so then I made another wash with the blue and went over the whole thing again. Then some sanding and distressing with a hand file and I was done.

A photo shoot was in order:

Don't you just love all the details?! I know I do.

It's total luck that my oops paint stripes match the hearts on my It's Good To Be Queen pillow :)
So this is it! Just a $1.50 worth of paint and this baby has been transformed and is sitting happily in the foyer. Please share some love and let me know what you think. Would love to hear from you!
xoxo,
May

I'm linking up to these parties:

Happy Birthday to my Mom

2013-02-08T12:04:00.000-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday! My mother is a very special woman in every way I can think of. She is so selfless that I know for a fact that I can never be like her. I also know that God has truly blessed me by giving me a mother like her and by allowing me to experience what it means to be a mother. She's also an awesome grandmother to my two girls. I wrote this simple poem for her today.

Happy birthday to my mom

The one who raised me well

The one that gave up on her dreams so that her children may excel

Happy birthday to my mom

The one who with my dad left their country, people and all that they considered home

Happy birthday to my mom

And may she with dad in paradise roam

Happy birthday to my mom

The one who taught me how to walk, sit, eat, and speak

Happy birthday to my mom

That showed me how to be strong even when I felt weak

Happy birthday to my mom

The one who insured that all we ate was homemade

Happy birthday to my mom

The woman who taught me about God as she prayed

Happy birthday to my mom

That taught me how to be humble so that God elevates me

Happy birthday to my mom

That showed me that good manners where always the key

Happy birthday to my mom

May she be blessed with health, wealth, and happiness for all her life

Happy birthday to my mom

That after all these years proves to be the perfect wife

Happy birthday to my mom

That knows the true meaning of being a mother

Happy birthday to my mom

The best grandma to my girls, she’s truly like no other

Happy birthday to my mom

The most selfless woman that I know

Happy birthday to my mom

And may her face on judgment day with light glow

Love you always mom!

xoxo,

May

Photo Post: Northern Cardinal

2013-02-03T18:31:00.002-05:00

I've been wanting to take a picture of a Cardinal for so long and I finally was able to this past Friday. I really love these birds, not only do they look so pretty but they sound so pretty too. I was able to get a picture of the Male in red and also the Female :) they were chasing eachother around the tree just in time for Valentines day.

Hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed capturing photos of them.
xoxo,
May

Crochet Slippers

2013-01-17T11:05:00.000-05:00

I've been looking for a crochet pattern for some cute slippers to make for my little monsterette. I came across a lot of patterns and finally decided on one that I thought to be the easiest. I found it at

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/CD205-05+Adult+and+Child+Slippers.htm

and after downloading the FREE pdf file I decided to crochet the children's slippers in a Medium which equates to about a size 9. I found this pattern to be super easy. I didn't crochet 4 soles like the pattern and instead decided that two would be enough since little Monsterette will be wearing them at home. I also added the little white single crochet on top for a bit of a girly touch. I crocheted them at night and when she woke up I told her to go see what's on the table and she was jumping up and down and dancing and sliding on our wood floors. Ahhh the things that make me happy :)

They are a little loose though so I'm thinking to crochet more single crochets to create a little of a cuff or a mini boot. Here they are for now!

The little slippers are of course for little little monsterette but they are not finished yet! I'm also working on a full size blanket in this orange and it's only about a foot and half wide. It's going to take me a while to finish such a large project but hey next winter is a year away right? :)

That's all for now! How do you like? would love to hear what you have to say :)
xoxo,
May

Creating Crochet Heart Patterns

2013-01-14T14:46:00.001-05:00

There's a lot of Heart crochet patterns online that I tried. As many of you know the HEART is my favorite shape. I've been crocheting hearts lately but was looking for a bit of a variety. Since I'm far from being able to create my own pattern I decided to use a grid method that's typically used for knitting and crochet. So I went to my handy dandy excel sheet and created a few hearts using the grid. I then crochet one stitch of choice for each box on the grid. I tried it and it worked! :) I've seen people and tutorials out there that start the upper half of the heart by doing the 2 semi circles and then attaching to it the bottom of the heart which is the triangle. To me that was just too much attachments so to speak so I decided to crochet the heart from the bottom up and work the first semi circle then the second semi circle by attaching a new piece of yarn. I've also Crocheted a heart using the grid sideways and it turned out great and looked like a knit since the lines where going up and down. Crocheting from one side to the other meant that I only need to use on piece of yarn throughout the pattern which I liked. Now the possibilities are limitless since I can crochet many different patterns using this method. Doves perhaps? Let's see what I come up with!

I'll be photographing my hearts soon but for now here's a screen shot of my excel spreadsheet.

I actually have graph paper on hand too so I can doodle until I come up with something that's created all by myself! :) That makes me happy!

Do you use this method? Let me know if this was helpful and please share your thoughts.

xoxo,
May

Heart Wreath

2013-01-10T15:05:00.000-05:00

There's something about having a wreath on your front door that always made me feel like it makes a house feel like a home. Months back I was on a hunt for a heart shaped wreath when I finally found the perfect size hearts at Michaels. I snatched them up and was so excited to get home. I already had the silk flowers from ACMoore from the year before and with some ribbon I went ahead and started to attach my flowers to the hearts. I then attached the hearts to one another and I love how they look when I drive up to the house. Dont' mind the shiny paint on the door. That's on my "to tackle" list but slowly and surely right? Here's what it looks like! I heart it! Literally!

How do you like it?
xoxo,
May

Neighbor's Gift

2013-01-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Last Friday we all went to Jersey to spend time with my family until new years. We had a lot of fun! I enjoyed reconnecting with each of my sisters, the girls where of course being spoiled by everyone and we all just had a great time and mom's great food too! yesterday we decided to leave and get on the road before all the traffic started. The trip back to VA wasn't bad at all as was the trip going to Jersey. It took us about three and half hours to get home and it was such a relief because my little little monsterette was crying most of the trip and I was on the verge of having a break down. Breath breath it was only new years day... As I got out the car and approached the front door I found a gift bag on the front steps. Hubby picked it up and took it inside and with it was a card. It was from our next door neighbors wishing us a happy new year. I thought it was so sweet of them and it was really nice to have something at the door when you least expect it. The bag included the card, a pack of chocolates, and a bottle of sparkling cider. I thought that this was such a thoughtful gift. It's simple you may think but actually a lot of thought went into this gift. I know that because as Muslims we don't drink any alcohol and also eat no pork. Believe me we had pork given to us by people that should have known better, and we've been offered alcohol on many occasions as well. So having an alcohol-free bottle of cider at my door says to me "we know you" "we thought about what to give you" and to me that's the best gift ever. Thank you dear neighbor for being a neighbor with all that that word means and implies. Happy New Year!

Pomegranates!

2012-12-23T21:26:00.001-05:00

Oh how I love pomegranates! They are so sweet and such a treat to eat. Lately though I've been reading all about the health benefits of this amazing fruit and it seems like the benefits are endless.
This miracle fruit is mentioned in the Quran to be one of the fruits in heaven. Also, according to some research that I've done it's also mentioned in the Bible as a fruit that grows in the gardens of Eden. Isn't that amazing?!
I've also come across some information that suggests that the peals are actually more nutritious then the insides! So I was on a mission to benefit from the peels as well. I read that some may just boil the peels to make a tea and some also just dry the peels to make a powder to add to teas, food, and cakes or cookies. So I decided to dry up the peels.

And here's how I did it:
Spread the peels in a cookie sheet
Place in oven on 150 degrees or warm and leave for as long as possible.
Turn over and repeat till all is hard and dry.
Grind to a powder mix using coffee grinder.

Of course the hubby, I, and the girls devoured the insides in a couple of days (I like to peel them all and keep in the fridge) and I can't wait to use my peels later.
Tip: to make sure all the white "stuff" is gone just fill the bowl with water and let the "stuff" float as you get rid of it.

Do you like pomegranates too?! They just make me happy :)

xoxo,
May

German China Planter

2012-12-18T13:06:00.002-05:00

There's nothing like a great thrift store purchase! A couple of weeks ago while I was still recovering from pneumonia (yucks!) I figured I'd go to the thrift store for a change of scenery :) Well I got quite a few things that day like a lot of china items. I found this German china planter and instantly fell in love with it and it was in perfect condition.

Then it just sat there waiting to be loved for another week until I stopped by the Trader Joe's and unintentionally found this awesome miniature holiday tree. I'm still not sure about the name of it but some research should give me an idea as to what this tree is. Anyway I've been looking for a tiny one and just happened to spot it on my way out so I grabbed it and was so excited to be on my way home.

A little potting soil later here's what I ended up with. I totally love it!

What do you think? Do you like "thrifting" as well? What are some of the items you've "thrifted" lately?

xoxo,
May

Crocheting for the Cold!

2012-11-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've written but this past month was full of so much to do. This past month I spent Eid (the Muslim holiday) with my family up in New Jersey and we all had a blast spending 10 days there. I also started to crochet some scarves and cowls for the winter. I love drinking a cup of tea as the girls play around while I crochet. Something so relaxing and cozy about doing that. I've crocheted a scarf and cowl for my sister and I've also added some items to the Shop. I also crocheted some coasters for my mom. Then this past weekend hubby, the girls, and I spent some great time in Ocean City, MD. The weather was spectacular and it was for my birthday. Yes the big 28 which is two years away form the big 30. All I can say is that I'm blessed and pray that God continues to bless me. Anyway, here's some crochet pix :)

Would love to hear from you! xo, May

It's Sewing Time!

2012-10-15T15:24:00.003-04:00

Hello Loves!
This past week I've been itching to sew and just hear my machine running...the things that make me happy ... Well anyway, I decided to sew some pillowcases for my daughters and add some crochet edging to give them a vintage inspired look and a feminine feel. So I got my fabric ready and my crochet hooks out and started working...I've made 8 cases since Thursday! Not bad for a Monday post huh? The older (2year old) daughter approves and I got a lot of kisses for this one. I've made a few to put in my etsy shop so be sure to check them out and I'll be sure to add some more. These really make me happy and add instant color to the bed. They are so soft and just fabulous to sleep on. The crochet detailing makes each case unique and one of kind. Here's some photos for you to enjoy.

So what do you think?

xoxo, Mayuya

Painted French Chair

2012-10-07T10:31:00.001-04:00

Good morning!
So the other day I finally found a chair that I've been looking for. It's been a while since my desk makeover and I really wanted a small scale chair to fit underneath it. I was at a thrift store last week and spotted exactly the beauty I've been waiting for. I painted it with Annie Sloan paint in Old White to match the desk then I added dark wax and gold paint. I love how it turned out!

This is the chair before it was brought back to life (cell phone picture):

It wasn't actually an easy project because of all the details and the nooks and crannies so here it is in transformation (another cell phone picture).

Here's this beauty all done and ready for a photo shoot!

I love how the dark wax and the gold paint bring out the details and the personality of this chair. I covered the seat in a bright red velvet that's so soft and beautiful.

I'm actually thinking of re-re-doing the side tables that I posted about the other day. I kind of like this more elegant look. I know it's crazy but I have to sand them down again and get started on this more sophisticated look.

What do you think of this transformation? What would you have done differently? Any tips or advice for painting furniture? Would love to hear all that you got to say.

Have a great day!

Mayuya.

Side Tables

2012-10-04T17:54:00.001-04:00

About four months ago I found a pair of side tables at a thrift shop. They were in excellent condition and were solid wood with some really nice detail. I bought them to paint them and use them as night stands in my daughters' rooms since they match. I never got to do anything with them until yesterday where I decided to use them in the living room as side tables. Hope you enjoy this makeover as much as I did.

Here is the table (they are both identical) before:

And here it is from the inside:

Take note of the discoloration....

I already knew that I wanted to paint the interior because of how ~~ugly~~ it looked but I didn't really care for a particular color. So I dug around my paint cans and found this bright yellow. It was like a dollar because it was oops paint from the Home Depot. Here's the shelf looking so fresh and so clean clean.

Here's the inside also looking so fresh and so clean clean :)

I had a color in mind for the exterior and when I was at the Home Depot looking for oops paint that I like, I actually found a color close enough to what I wanted. I wish it was a little more blue but it was more green and I still liked it.
I mixed my own chalk paint at home using a recipe I found online somewhere and jotted it down. See when I painted my beautiful desk I actually used Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and loved it but it was so darn expensive.
So here's what I mixed:

1 Part Plaster of Paris (from A.C. Moore with my 40% off coupon)
1 Part water (mix very well until smooth)
3 Parts Paint (I used eggshell)

I loved it and it did feel like chalk paint and dried to that chalky like feel. I was so happy to get the same result for so so so much less.

Here's the side of my to be beauty:

Now after I painted it I got some stain that I had and rubbed just a little bit all over my table. It's going to look soooo dark so then I got my clear wax and with a white t-shirt wiped the dark stain off using the clear wax. What do you think?

Here's of picture of the two tables, one waxed and the other just painted (yes I was working on top of my kitchen table, so nice to have your project up in front of you).

Then after the body was all done I went ahead and stained the top. Amazing how this time around I already have all my supplies :)

I went to sleep to let everything set till the morning and here's what the kitchen looked like this morning: ( I just love my farm table that I also "thrifted" when we moved into the house last year)

Now it was time to get the girls dressed and run to Pier1 to get some colorful knobs but first here's a picture of the dovetailed drawer (don't peek):

Here's the inside after a dabbed on some of that green paint (still don't peek):

Ok ok now you can peek! Don't you just love them? They are ceramic and were $4 a piece. I love how they match the inside. The bottom two match and the one for the drawer is different.

Now here's my finished table chilling by the sofa (never mind the messy throw basket in the back, the girls love playing with them all day):

I love how this table has really classic and traditional lines but such a playful and whimsical color! What do you think? I love the outcome!

Such a huge difference !

Would love to hear your opinion!

Have a great night!

Mayuya

Photo Post: Carnival Happy Thoughts

2012-08-30T23:50:00.003-04:00

Fairs bring me happy thoughts. They are always full of excitement, colors, cotton candy, happy kids, happy adults, funnel cakes, lemonade, rides, music and just pure happiness. I dug up these pictures that I took earlier this summer and hopefully they make you smile :)
Let me know what you think!

Goodnight!
Mayuya