! Cheap Like A Birdie !

Porch Hanger

2011-05-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Can you ever have too many places to hang cute signs or decorative items?

I think not!

Though I’m pretty sure there are some (even in this very same house for shame) who would disagree. I guess we all can’t be sane logical people…

This was my DIY solution to the problem, a beautiful porch hanger for all my seasonal signs/decor or anything else I want to use it for

I am loving building things lately, it makes me feel very handy-girlish.

I’ll have a tutorial up soon for this so check back and let me know what you think.

Battle Of The Ages

2011-05-16T02:53:00.001-07:00

Over an office……

Maybe it’s more the battle of maturity, either way this war is driving me nuts!

I wouldn’t call myself a decorator by any means, nor will I be applying for the Pottery Barn staging team anytime soon, but I do enjoy decorating and I LOVE flipping through inspiration pictures.

Inspiration pictures is what got me into this problem!

Sense and “maturity” tells me I should decorate my office something like this.

BHG.com

Decorpad.com

Yes, very mature…very upscale. Whoo Whoo.

Don’t get me wrong, I love each and every one of these inspiration pictures but when it comes right down to it, I want to slap this all over the room.

Babycenter.com

Or make it look something like this

Enchantedenfant.blogspot

Well minus the pepto pink walls, because well, even I have a pink limit.

So you see the battle I’m in, I’m just not sure how to call truths and satisfy both sides. Any ideas?

Pottery Barn Wood Clock

2011-04-20T16:54:00.001-07:00

You know, any company that can make an unmade bed look good is A-OK in my book and Pottery Barn seems to do just that. I get pretty excited when I see that PB catalog or “inspiration book” as I like to call it sitting in my mailbox. Yeah I know, I’m pretty easy to please. So when I came across this faux clock I had to give it a try.

See it way in the background? I don’t know how they do it, the coffee table is a mess and yet it still looks “put together”, why can’t I pull that off at my house?!?! I’ve got to be lacking some ability.

Moving on…..

I kind of have this thing for clocks, I have them all over the house……………mind you they don’t really have batteries in them so it really defeats the purpose but you know, tomato, tomAto who’s counting.

To start I hit up the lumber store and had the HB calculate how many pieces of wood I needed that would waste the least and get around a 30+inch square. Hey, he is also pretty good at calculating shopping discounts, so I keep him around. I only needed about 4 pieces of lumber and had the nice guy cut them at 30 inches for me which ended up costing me a whole whopping like $6.

Once home I used wood glue and clamped the pieces together overnight.

I had originally taken pictures of the next step but discovered when I uploaded them they were no-where-to-be-found. I’m thinking maybe next time the camera blinks at me and then shuts off that I should probably pay attention………Lesson learned for next time.

Anyhow, it’s pretty simple even without pictures.

1. Glue pieces together

2. Stain wood

3. Paint wood color of choice

4. Find center and draw circle around outside, whatever size you want.

5. Paint circle and roman numerals whatever color you want

6. Distress!!!

And here is my lovely Pottery Barn inspired clock

I decided I didn’t want all the numerals but instead the major four for less “clutter” and added a statement to the center. I love how it turned out and how it looks like it’s been sitting in a old barn for awhile (ha ha get it, barn, pottery barn I kill myself)

As always I link to these parties

Spring Wreath

2011-04-13T18:03:00.001-07:00

It’s Spring right? I ask because I’m not sure mother nature has made up her mind yet, either that or she has REALLY become fond of teasing me.

Tease me with the sun if you must oh cruel lady but I. will. make Spring themed decor! If nothing else but to trick myself into feeling like its warmer outside……………or maybe that is my hand still burning from the hot glue? Eh.

This is my, please of please say it’s Spring wreath.

I purchased a wood wreath form for a dollar and covered a portion of it with moss

**Enter the burnt hot glue hand, Yes I said H-A-N-D not just finger because what is the fun in that! Might I suggest not gripping the moss as I’ve discovered hot glue seeps through moss quite easily.

After the moss glue dried and the tears stopped flowing………I kid…………no really, then I attached the butterflies and a bright yellow ribbon. When I see it, it reminds me of a little fairy garden and I love how whimsical it feels.

Total cost- $4 with supplies left over.

Mail Holder DIY

2011-04-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Yes, I’ve been quite MIA but lets not focus on the negative and get on with the goodness.

I have to say if I were a superhero, my nemesis would be paper clutter and more specifically mail!

I can see the outfit now, I’m thinking something in pink with a letter opener on it and lightening, yes lightening would make it very “official”. Maybe some ruffles?

Ok ok, back on track.

I hate when my entry console looks like this

Source: randomrecycling.blogspot

You caught me, that isn’t really MY entry console. I’m all about being “real” but it gave me hives to think about posting my mess for all to see.

Something had to be done to contain the evil genius that is mail clutter………I’m pretty sure my mail carrier is a sidekick of some sort. So I broke out my big boy power tools and built my secret weapon.

I added not only the holders for mail but clips and space for either important reminders or a calendar.

I’m pretty happy with it, especially considering it’s the first thing I’ve really built completely from scratch and had no directions what.so.ever.

Not to mention the total cost to me for this project was about $5, I don’t think you’d be able to get away with that at Pottery Barn or Ballard Designs!

Now to try and actually get the HB to remember to use it.

Please check out these wonderful parties I’ll be linking to HERE

My Tool Wish List

2011-03-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Yes I’m a girl and YES I have a tool wish list! Don’t we all?

Being the thunker that I am, I figured what better way to get the point across (since hints aren’t cutting it) then to make a post with pictures and all. Also, since I’ve been told a good writer (not that I am by any means one) knows his/her audience, or intended audience, this post shall be written ~~TO GET THE THINGS I WANT~~ for that purpose.

Here we go.

Amazon

Nail gun/stapler- It’s just logical! Now, if I were a math-a-miticalish person I could surely come up with some supporting equations, but lets just put it in girl talk. Picture the hand movements with me if you will (and I’m about 100% positive my female readers will be able to do so).

With this I could be all:

Ching…………………Ching………………Ching……………………Done

Instead of:

Pound, Pound, Pound, Pound, OUCH, Pound………Maybe this project can wait (You know what I’m talking about, we all have the “get back to it” pile)

Rockwelltools

Table Saw- I needs to cut some stuff! If I had one of these I wouldn’t have to giggle and act naive while asking the nice guys at the store to cut said meeeeeellllliiiiooon pieces for me.

Rockler

Router- I could make cool things! You know how sometimes you just need the latest electronic? Yes, meet said latest tool.

Rockler

Molding Bits for Router- You know all the molding I spend money on? I could make my own! Sold!?!?! Amazon

Paint Sprayer- Really a gift not just for me! You know those math-a-miticalish equations I could have provided for the nail gun, same example just a little different.

More like:

swish………swish………….swish…aww, look at how beautiful it (wall, chair, dresser, furniture et…) is, what a beautiful color.

Instead of:

Ugh, maybe we’ll just leave it white……

Now, as mentioned before I am a girl and as such require “accessories” so please include the following items.

Pictures from Amazon.com

I hereby promise to ~~try~~ keep body parts out of the working areas of said tools and to use them for their intended purpose. I may also agree to the “borrowing” of said tools with some stipulations. Please be advised however that this is an ever growing list so please check often.

Disclaimer- I am not promoting any brand, website, or even tool. I have not been compensated for this post, HOWEVER if anyone would like to send me something off my list I could be open to such a thing (crosses fingers).

Framed Statement

2011-02-15T17:16:00.001-08:00

Remember this post?

Yes, it may have been several months ago but better late than never right ?!?! At least that is my story and I’m sticking to it.

Any who.

There are a few things in life that I just get giddy over, one happens to be ribbon and the other picture frames…………ornate picture frames to be exact.

I started collecting these last summer and hope to continue till I have enough to cover every inch! A few of them are from the 1930’s which just makes me smile! I just love the simplicity and beauty of them.

Chalkboard Decor for the ADD

2011-02-11T00:02:00.001-08:00

No matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to escape the ADD! That good ol’ attention deficit decorating is like a monkey on your back I swear.

I’ve had this blank space above my entry console that I’ve tried to fill with large pictures, clocks, small animals, cobwebs, dirt………you get the point. The cobwebs were doing a really good job of filling the space but they just weren’t doing anything for the feel of the space, not to mention you can only take so many “are you going to clean that” comments from the MIL. : )

Any who…nothing really seemed to be perfect for the space.

I wanted something that would

1. Fill the space

2. Was changeable

3. Could move with me and be used in other places

4. Was ~~Cheap~~ Affordable

I decided a moveable DIY chalkboard would be P.E.R.F.E.C.T. I could decorate it for every holiday, change it any time I wanted (which the ADD would love) and take it with me anywhere I went.

I know it’s only been up for a week but I’m already itching to erase it and decorate it for the next holiday/season! So far, I’m in LUH-ve though and couldn’t be more happy with it, not to mention the total cost of the project was about $12!!! Twelve dollars to fill a 52X72 space, yes please and thank you.

Giddy Up! Wall Decor

2011-02-08T13:38:00.001-08:00

My sweet friend is having a baby and picked the most adorable “western” bedding for the nursery.

Since I ~~secretly have a deep desire to decorate a nursery~~ love to decorate and jump on ANY chance I get to do so, the ideas started rolling.

I first thought I’d do some adorable “baby-ish” decor but thought it might be nice to have something that could grow, and be used in an older child’s room also. Here it is

I had originally planned to do the child’s name but try as I might, I couldn’t get it out of her. (She claims they don’t know yet, but I think it’s just a surprise!)

Soooooo, the next best thing was the versatile “Cowboy”, which I am quite please with and can’t wait to give to her.

Wordy Pillows

2011-01-30T07:26:00.000-08:00

I’ve been looking for rectangular pillows for my sofa for awhile now, but nothing seemed to fit. ~~I’m picky~~.

I happen to find the perfect fabric (yep on sale from over $8 a yard to $1.50) and decided it was time to try freezer paper. I found a quote I loved, cut my stencil and used fabric medium.

I really like them and love the old world-ish, not perfect writing to them.

Linking to:

All the Parties I like to HERE, please check them out!

Headboard Love

2011-01-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

There were no tears this time! (if you are wondering what the heck that means, please check out THIS post)

Here is the finished headboard and I L.O.V.E, be my valentine-hugs and kisses, LOVE IT!

The whole headboard will be about 1ft taller once it’s hung. It is just resting on the box springs in this picture since I was too ~~impatient~~ excited to wait.

I wish you could actually see the crystals I used for the tufting, but they seem to be camera shy. I swear I tried all but hanging from the ceiling to get a good picture and it was.not.happening.

Here is the best I could get.

The new fabric is so soft to the touch and has the most amazing texture. Bonus, it is such a perfect neutral so I can change my mind ~~which happens A LOT~~ all I like and it will still work.

Total cost was less than $70! (more than half of that was for FOAM!)

Linking to:

Mostest Awesomeness Headboard….Maybe

2011-01-19T19:18:00.001-08:00

Hi, I’m CLB and I have been living without a headboard for 6 months now.

(insert the Awwww’s and shameful look HERE.)

I’ve wanted a headboard like this

But didn’t want to pay a BAZILLION dollars for it! So what is a girl to do… DIY it!

I headed to the lumber store with two males of the engineering sort in tow, BIG MISTAKE. People, if you want to be out of the store in less than 5 hrs, (full of structural debate) I suggest going alone.

There I picked up this board for around $6 for a 4X8 sheet and had the nice people cut it down to the width of my mattress and then in half (to fit in my car)

Once home I put the two sheets together with 5 (3 on the back, 2 on the front) of these metal brackets

At this point the “inspector” will probably visit to make sure you’re doing things properly.

Inspector- “Ahh, I see you’re working on something here, is it for me?”

Inspector-“You just keep going, I think you might be doing it right”

Inspector-“Lets just go with this, if I put my head right here, every time you turn the screwdriver I get pet, It’s WIN WIN!”

It’s hard to go on after that but here we go.

I then measured and cut my molding. (By I, I mean one of the engineering sort I spoke of earlier)

Then measure around the edges for molding placement and adhere your foam with spray adhesive.

Then cover with batting.

Then cover with your material and staple around the edges.

THEN, discover the nails for the trim are just slightly too short and decide to take it into the room and hold it behind the bed to see how much you love it and instead………

burst into tears saying you hate it because the fabric that looked good in different light now C.L.E.A.R.L.Y has green and pink stripes that you HATE.

Sooooooooo

While I had hoped to have an awesome headboard to show, instead I have a bazillion staples to remove before putting on my new fabric and posting pictures. (This weekend!)

Linked to:

Please check out my Linky Parties post to see all the places I party

The Humble Coffee Filter

2011-01-13T17:59:00.001-08:00

You all know I love the after Christmas shopping, but this year was a

BIG.OLE.LET.DOWN

Well, till I found a cute wreath stand for $3 and knew a coffee filter wreath project was in store.

I apologize for the lack of pictures, I couldn’t find the camera at the time (I’m pretty sure the camera troll had it!) and I’m a bit impatient!

I started out with a green floral foam wreath shape, a roll of ribbon and a pack of white coffee filters from the dollar store.

I wrapped the foam with the ribbon (it takes almost 4 yards) because I didn’t want to cover the whole thing with filters and didn’t want the green to show. Plus, I hate the little dust that comes off the floral foam and knew the ribbon would help.

I wanted the filters a specific color so I filled a bowl with an inch of water and and added acrylic paint till it was the perfect color. I dipped the filters in the water and since I’m slightly ~~majorly~~ impatient I placed them single layer on the oven racks at 200. They are practically dry by the time you push the rack into the oven so be careful, I ended up with a few that looked like chicken with nice grill marks!

On a side note, if you decide to dry them in the oven you might want to mix up a cake or cookies to bake later. The sheer look of disappointment on my HB’s face when he asked what I was baking and the answer was “Coffee Filters” was quite sad.

After they are all dry you simply fold the circle in half and then into a snow cone shape and hot glue it down, and you’re done.

The whole wreath took about 35 filters total for the fullness I wanted and I’m pretty happy with it. I’m thinking I may make a pink one for my office.

To Silhouette SD or Not to Silhouette SD

2011-01-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Really, that is the question!

WAIT, Don’t leave……

No, no this isn’t another one of the “Silhouette sent me a free machine and I’m here to rave about it for them” post you’ve probably seen all over blog land.

I purchased the Silhouette, well Santa did but since we share a bank account same dif.

Any who

Here I sit with the UNOPENED machine next to me and a semi desire to return it (sorry Santa). Yes I admit, I was a sucker for the “look at all the wonderful things I’ve made, it’s so fabulous I have nothing but great things to say of my free machine” touts, though now that it’s here, I realize there are a few things these posts didn’t mention.

You CAN’T cut a 12x12 piece of scrapbook paper. That’s right, this little baby cuts like 9 inches by 40 or something but not 12!

I know I’m ruining my chance at Silhouette sending me a free machine, which sucks because I do like free, but I wish one of the other posts had mentioned this. What confuses me is, why would Silhouette even make the cutter 9 inches instead of just upping it a few inches to 12 when ‘everyone’ uses 12x12 paper. Heck, it’s even hard to find some of the cool paper in smaller sizes. To use any of my paper I have to waste 3+ inches of it!!

Next, I read you can’t cut chipboard. Some of the other comparable in cost cutting machines will cut such thick material so I wish this one did. The replacement items seem to be more expensive than other cutters as well.

It’s not all bad, I do love the idea of being able to use my own fonts and design my own things but other cutters have caught on to this and there are programs available to do the same.

All in all I had a couple different cutters I was interested in and may be sorry I chose this one.

PLEASE, if you have this cutter or any other post a comment that will either make me box this one up and ship it back once and for all or make me love it.

Linky Parties

2011-01-01T23:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you to these wonderful bloggers for hosting each party. Below is a list of wonderful parties that I usually link fun projects to, please take a chance to check them out.

Mondays:

Tuesdays:

Wednesdays:

Thursdays:

Fridays:

Saturdays:

Sundays:

If you have a party you would like to list please leave a link in the comments.

Wood Block Picture Frame For Less Than A Dollar

2010-12-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Very creative title right? I know!

A few ~~five~~ months back I found these adorable mini clothespins on clearance

Now, I’m a sucker for all things mini (and clearance) so there was no way they weren’t coming home with me! I thought they would be really cute to hold pictures or notes with but then TB kicked in and they sat in the “to do” pile.

You know, TB- Tired Butt Syndrome!

However, on a recent blog tour I found some ladies who really have my number! Shanty2Chic posted some so cute I could pinch their cheeks wood frames and after I finished thinking “See the cute things you could have made a few ~~FIVE~~ months ago if you hadn’t had TB!” I got to work.

No I didn’t have a picture handy and yes that is a sideways Christmas card. Ha!

Now I can not only check something off my “to do” list, but my Christmas shopping list as well.

I sure hope my sister likes her present.

Since I haven’t done a CLB Cost Break Down for awhile here goes.

Cost Break Down:

Wood Board- .10 cents (Cut for FREE)

Clothespin- $1 for a pack of 50 or more

Knob- .50 cents

Flowers- FREE from scrap material

Paint- .98 cents (FREE to me since I had it on hand)

Total: Less than a dollar!!!! (Shhhh, don’t tell my sister)

Linked to:

3ft DIY Reindeer

2010-12-14T03:53:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been out shopping and found the P-E-R-F-E-C-T item? Well, perfect if it were say

Another color?

Taller?

Etc.. Etc…

Yes, yes, it happens to us all! I admit, it’s usually clothes but here is my most recent “I’d love it IF” item.

I found this little cutie in front and just loved it, the problem was it wasn’t near the size I wanted for the space I had in mind. Besides, bigger is better! Especially if you’re talking Christmas decor!!!!

Can you believe it is DIY? I think it looks amazing and I am so thankful for my ML taking the time (something I’ve been pretty short on lately) to make it for me.

You can’t even imagine how much this thing sparkles and the pictures just can’t capture it. Here is an attempt. (a poor one!)

I honestly considered the title of “Photographing Glitter is for the Birds!!!!”

Oddly enough it looks gold in that picture when it is in fact a tarnished silver and sparkles better than some diamonds I’ve seen.

I can’t wait to see what other wonderful goodies I can create using the same technique!

Still Kicking

2010-11-23T00:58:00.001-08:00

Ok ok I know I’ve totally been MIA in bloggy world! Truth is I’ve been CRAZY busy with craft shows. Yep, that’s my newest adventure I’m hoping will PAY off. Since it’s the holiday season that means I’m either creating or ~~trying to~~ selling, which leaves little time for blogging, or much else to be honest.

HOWEVER!!! I will interrupt work for a silhouette giveaway over at TDC, Grosgrain Fabulous, Infarrantly Creative, How Does She, Tater Tots and Jello, The Idea Room, JAG, House of Hepworths and Shanty2Chic. I’d be crazy not to. I’ve spent the last few months trying to decide between a Cricut and a Silhouette and frankly, if it came FREE that would certainly make up my mind. Maybe the Silhouette fairies will read this post and decide to take the pressure of a decision off me and send me one to test out for them. I’m a good tester, I swear.

*WISH* *WISH* *WISH*

*CROSS FINGERS*

*TOSS SALT OVER SHOULDER*

Maybe a little pepper for extra measure.

Ok, I’m not sure that last one will help but I could certainly use some luck.

On a side note, as soon as I get a second I’ll try to get some non-midnight terrible light pictures of the goodies I’ve been creating and ~~trying to~~ selling.

Black or White?

2010-10-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

This is my recent acquisition

Can you tell I have a ~~huge~~ small thing for curves?

Sooooooooo now the question is, do I leave it white or paint it black? The gold background HAS TO GO but I’m not quite sure what to do with the rest of it.

It will be living in my currently unfinished office/craft room which has a black, white, pink color scheme going on.

So what do you think?

Bad Goodwill

2010-10-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

I feel like I’ve had a terrible fight with my best friend!

If you’ve been around these parts for more than 2 seconds you know that Goodwill is(was) my unofficial best friend…………………… or maybe my official best friend since I see more of Goodwill. I think all of that shall soon change.

It pains me to write this post, but I have to know

Has anyone else noticed a HUGE jump in Goodwill prices?

I was shopping Goodwill today and could not find a shirt under $7-$8! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Eight Dollars for a USED shirt when I can get a new one for that? I picked up a plain white button up shirt with ARM PIT STAINS and several RIPS can you guess the price? Yep, $7. There is something terribly wrong with that, and it isn’t only one Goodwill that I’ve noticed this at.

I used to adore Goodwill shopping, though I have to admit my opinion has gone downhill and I do believe I will be finding a new best friend.

Please let me know if you’ve had the same experience.

Pumpkin Carving

2010-10-11T15:37:00.001-07:00

Heading to the pumpkin patch and picking out my own pumpkin to carve was a necessity this year! I haven’t carved pumpkins in years, but this year feels different and more traditional so it was a must.

I fully planned on taking a bunch of wonderful “oh this day is so fun” pictures

BUT

when we got to the patch there was a bunch of this

Click Photo for Credit

So just imagine this

Click Photo for Credit

with a few pumpkins around me!

Once I was able to get home and cleaned up the magic started.

I originally planned to carve something very Halloween-ish and then figured, why not do something a little more me. So I did.

If you look close you can see the crown reflection shadow on the wall in the back. I had so much fun that I’m thinking of doing a whole princess collection.

Have you carved your pumpkins yet?

Metallic Pumpkins

2010-10-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Orange just wasn’t doing it for me this year! I wanted metallic pumpkins but the price was making me think “maybe not”

As I started digging out the fall decor I came across the fall items I picked up last year for 90% off. I don’t know about you, but finding things you forgot you purchased last year is a happy place moment.

I first tried a copper colored spray paint and was quite disappointed, the color was so muted and just blah.

Plan B, acrylic paint! It did the trick wonderfully and I adore the result.

Cost-

20 tiny pumpkins/gourds $2.00

3 small pumpkins $.30 (yep 30 CENTS! Thank you 90% off)

1 medium pumpkin $1.00

Paint- $.89 if I hadn’t had it on hand already

Boo Bags

2010-10-06T22:33:00.001-07:00

Have you been booed?

I thought it would be great to start this cute tradition in my neighborhood this year and this is what my neighbors have found on their doorsteps.

It brings a smile to my face each day I go past a neighbor I’ve booed that has this cute “Boo” hanging on their door.

For this boo I started with a treat bag filled with all sorts of Halloween goodies. I created the door hanger using paint and a foam shape and then attached a scroll with instructions and a cute “You’ve been Booed” poem.

Have you started this tradition in your neighborhood? If not, give it a try. We could all use a little sense of community in our neighborhoods these days.

Favicon

2010-10-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness do you see my cute little favicon up there at the top?

Yes, I’m so proud that I actually had to make a post about it!!

I think it is about time the whole CLB blog was the proud recipient of a makeover. We all feel better after a makeover right?

Aprons

2010-10-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

I thought I would take a minute to show all of you a sneak of what I’ve been so busy helping with lately

Is that not the cutest thing! I swear it is just cute enough to make me want to cook. Does warming things up count as cooking if you wear a cute apron?

I think so!

Here is a cute Halloween apron

If you would like to see more aprons please visit HERE.

Linking to:

Big Box Stores

2010-09-30T02:39:00.001-07:00

To say I love a bargain is an understatement! However, I’ve recently watched this documentary and couldn’t be more terrified.

I am simply going to leave this post at that as I prefer to stay clear of “politics” here and if you wish to learn more you can.

Oh a happier note, I’ll have a few pictures of some CA-UTE handmade items soon that I hope you love.

Stairwell Art

2010-09-28T14:23:00.001-07:00

“It’s like a puzzle really!” Should have been the title of this post, however for the sake of being able to actually find posts from the past we’ll try to be a bit more straightforward. I’ve never had a stairwell to decorate before and while I originally didn’t really plan to do much (if anything) with it, the trips up and down past these huge blank walls started to make me itch. What people don’t tell you about a stairwell is:

1. The walls are H-U-G-E!!

2. You can’t really get a ladder to stand on stairs (yes yes, I know there are fancy smancy ladders that could possibly do this but I’m really more of just a step ladder kind of girl and it wasn’t working on the stairs)

3. The walls are H-U-G-E!!!!

4. You’re going to need A LOT of frames to cover these walls.

5. How you change the light bulb at the top of the stairwell????????

No really, that last question is me sincerely asking how you accomplish that task without breaking your neck. My current plan is to pray it never goes out, after that I’m out of ideas!!!

Shhh, don’t look too close or you’ll notice that ~~a lot~~ some of the frames have the original ‘store art’ still in them. Ugh and the oak molding and plain walls!!!!!

This was actually quite a bit of fun once I gave up the ‘step ladder stair dancing’ and asked the HB for help. It was like putting together a big puzzle decor style. As you can see I’m in need of a few more frames, refer back to my “list of things people don’t tell you about stairwells” for clarification.

Frame Collection

2010-09-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

This is a teaser for an upcoming project, one I’ve been collecting for ALL summer and hope turns out F-A-B!!

Yep, you do see 50 cents on that amazing mirror!!

Curvy Leg Desk

2010-09-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

For the longest time I’ve had an ~~ugly~~ art desk and always wanted something pretty.

Enter craigslist.

Craigslist is really a rollercoaster, you’re up and excited with the perfect find and then down when you find out someone stole it from you. If you keep at it though, you’ll find a treasure.

I found this beautiful desk

Sure, it was a little banged up

but look at those legs. It just needed a little makeup.

Everyone looks good in black and she is no different.

Please forgive my office, it’s not finished and renting means no paint and in my case oak colored molding LOL.

New Nightstand

2010-09-20T14:54:00.001-07:00

I have to warn you now, you are going to have to use your imagination reading this post. Be ready!

Remember this little beauty and my retail guilt?

The shocker, I loved it so much I considered paying retail for another one!! You are all shocked right? (I was) Turns out the only one left had just been put on hold by someone and while I considered devious things to acquire it, it just wasn’t happening.

I spent the next several months hitting these in search of another nightstand (or lets just be honest, anything that caught my eye…… which was A LOT. I love yard sales!!!)

The only thing that wasn’t showing up was a nightstand!

Finally a few weeks ago, there it was. I’m not even honestly sure if it was really for sale or just being used to display things on. However, as I’m hauling it to the car and yelling back “how much is this?” I heard the wonderful music of “uhh 5 dollars”. Yes, please and THANK YOU.

I completely forgot to take a before picture but it looked something like this

HA HA HA, I warned you that the imagination would be required for this post.

And here it is with some makeup on.

Those curvy legs make my heart smile.

I’m not completely finished with this project, I have a few touches I plan to add to tie it in with the other nightstand. I also plan to add something in that hole there, but what I don’t know. I was thinking a basket, but I’m not sure a basket has the same “glam” as those curvy legs.

Suggestions??

Linking:

9/11

2010-09-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

In memory of so many people, victims of a horrible act.

Always Amazed

2010-09-09T14:26:00.001-07:00

Isn’t it funny how things happen?

Sometimes I think things are too much to just be “coincidence”

Now all of you are sitting there going “Oh great, she’s been gone awhile and now she’s not making any sense SHE’S LOST IT!!!”

I haven’t, I swear!

I have however been in a huge funk lately, both creatively and a “just give me some direction” funk. I am always amazed at how things are answered, for in the midst of my search for direction I was contacted by the wonderful ladies at Offering Hospitality who informed me I had won this book

The amazing part, I hadn’t even directly entered the giveaway (it was simply open to all followers)!

I can’t wait to receive the book and possibly the direction I have been looking for.

Thank you again to Offering Hospitality!

Food Bond

2010-08-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

Have any of you heard the term “the closer to your food the better”? What with all the food bacteria/egg scares lately the term is quite true.

I’ve been MIA, blog wise, lately and have been doing a lot of this

click for source

Yes-sir-ee I am quite the farmer lately

Shhh, it’s my dad who is really the farmer, I’m more the picker I suppose.

and when the fresh produce runs out this winter we’ll be enjoying some of these

click for source

I have to admit I consider it quite the blessing to have such an opportunity.

Have any of you been canning this summer?

Oily Hair

2010-08-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

While I dedicate this blog mostly to decorating or crafts, sometimes there are a few things you learn you just have to share.

We’ve all heard about the horrible oil spill, and the ones that tend to happen YEARLY. Like me, most of you have probably felt a little helpless. The good news, there is something all of us (even our pets) can do to help.

Do you get the title now?

I had no idea there was an organization called Matter of Trust but from now on I’ll be asking my salon to send their clippings in for a good cause we all benefit from and I hope you will as well.

Confessions Day 2 Money

2010-08-03T13:13:00.001-07:00

Cha Ch'ing! $$$$$$

Confession: I’ve been a money saver since I was “knee high to a grasshopper”. Most kids buy candy or toys with their money, not me!!, it was all about saving it. I remember shopping between a couple stores for the “best price” on a craft I was making for my mom when I was like 7.

Confession: I have an unnatural fear of being broke and having to live under a bridge. I am far too much of a girly girl to pull of bridge living!

Confession: I scan the prices on a menu before I even look at the item.

Confession: Everyone comes to me if they’re looking to save money on something. I have an uncanny ability to find money saving options on anything from furniture to vacations.

It’s your turn to share some juice now, head on over and link up.

Confessions Day 1 Food

2010-08-02T12:59:00.001-07:00

I………I……I was home alone at 9:30 I swear!

This week is confessions week at Windy Poplars and I thought it might be fun to join in. The topic today is food, so lets get started.

Confession: I’m like the girl from signs! I have half cups/bottles of water all over because once it warms up its “con-tamin-ated”. Yeah yeah water isn’t “food” but I’m including it.

Confession: My food can’t touch! Seriously, I practically need a kiddy plate with dividers. I hate when gravy gets on your veggies, it’s not right. Not right at all.

Confession: I eat things in order of like; start with the things that are least appealing and work your way up to the yummies. This really dinks me over if I’m sharing something with someone else though!!!!

Confession: I’m a slooooowww eater. I think as a kid I must have really taken the “chew your food 20 times” to heart.

Confession: Raw chicken freaks me out! Picture a scene of me trying to get the skin off chicken pieces with a couple forks, some tongs and making sure it doesn’t touch me anywhere!! Yep, youtube funny right there.

After reading those back to myself, I’m thinking they may start letting me park closer to the store!!!!!

Now it’s your turn to join in on the fun. Do you have any confessions?

Slacker Alert

2010-08-02T00:09:00.001-07:00

I have to apologize, I am such a huge slacker lately! I keep stalking everyone and their wonderful posts and then I think “aww my poor little blog, it really needs some lovvvvv-in”…… but it doesn’t happen!

(I’m sorry bloggy, that's what happens when the honeymoon is over!)

Please tell me (even if you have to lie because I need the pick me up!) that I’m not the only one who’s had a slacker/ creative funk episode????

HA HA “episode”, that really makes it sound like a disorder! Do you think they’ll let me park closer to the store for that?????????????????????

Making Cupcakes

2010-07-21T01:10:00.001-07:00

So, it’s 1am and I’m making cupcakes……faux cupcakes!

I was really hoping to have pictures to post by now but the good ol trial and error monster struck, or was it the disaster monster…… either way it’s taking longer than expected so hopefully I’ll be back soon with cute pictures!

I Feel Guilty!

2010-07-12T15:42:00.001-07:00

I feel the need to visit a confession booth, home decor style.

*deep breath*

I’ve purchased a nightstand for my bedroom……… AT RETAIL!!!!!!!

I honestly can’t remember the last time I paid retail price for a piece of furniture, or anything for that matter, but it happen this weekend. I’m still a little shocked that it actually made it to my car without the cheap voice screaming “REALLY, retail, REALLY!!!!”

I have to admit, I still have the receipt “just incase”.

Here is the lovely beauty that has caused this break in temptation.

*Warning* Curves ahead (hahahahahaha)

I think it’s adorable, I just love the style and couldn’t walk past it and leave it there. It’s just perfectly me.

What I don’t love is that it is essentially a fairly cheap piece of furniture, yet cost way more than I think it should. The crafty part of me knows I could paint a piece of furniture just like it, but the internet searcher/thrift store searcher/garage sale searcher in me knows I’ve never seen anything with this shape.

So, the point to this post is for you lovely people to tell me how smart it is to keep it :) or give me an option for creating it myself.

Red, White and Blue

2010-07-05T22:55:00.001-07:00

I love having parties, any excuse to have people over and decorate is good in my book.

Here are a few pictures from our patriotic weekend.

I do love me a glittery door hanger.

and bunting!

Our BBQ was so much fun and I loved decorating with Red, White and Blue.

I can’t wait for next year!!!

Independence Day

2010-07-04T15:13:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone. I hope you all are enjoying the long weekend and time with friends and family at BBQs or just relaxing. I’ll be posting pictures from our little BBQ soon.

God Bless America!

Land of the FREE

Because of the BRAVE

(I couldn’t have said it better myself)

Oh My Bloomin Petunias

2010-06-26T22:17:00.001-07:00

I have become obsessed!

Obsessed with these

Picture link

I’ll pause here so you can stare at it for a moment.

Isn’t it beautiful? I think it’s flirting with me…… Not in front of my readers!

Picture link

Anyways, moving on

This new obsession comes with a few downfalls, first I may or may not have a black thumb and it’s highly likely that I have often forgot to water any said plant that has come home with me. Second, honestly my goodness have you priced these things? If you haven’t I’ll save you the heart attack and just let you guess. Yes, you’re on the right track, now add $40. There was no way I was going to pay that for something that was most likely going to suffer from dehydration.

Sooo, are any of you as in love with these as much as I am? Well, you are about to love me just as much. I happen to be out today hoping to grace this paper colored skin of mine with a kiss of sun when what should I stumble upon, YES some beauties. I smiled, they winked back but in my heart I just knew it was another evil flirtation that would leave me broken hearted…… AND THEN, there it was a ray of sunshine reflecting off the CLEARANCE sticker for $4.50. I grabbed one, (yes just one, they’re heavy) and rushed to the cash register, I knew there had to be some mistake. I quickly asked the nice lady “Are these marked down because they’re going to die soon?” to which she responded “Nope, we just have too many. In fact there are a lot of plants in there and it should get quite big and last the whole season very well”. AWESOME! So if you happen to find yourself obsessed as well, head over to home depot and indulge yourself.

Sick Leave

2010-06-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

Cheaplikeabirdie is currently on sick leave till further notice, that means no projects (sad face!) but ~~hopefully~~ lots of blog hopping. Soooooo I hope to be hopping over to your place soon to see what you’ve been working on and leaving lots of comment love!

I figure those who can’t do, watch and comment right? Like a supervisor. HA HA HAHA no, like a totally ~~jealous~~ loving person.

Oh how I miss all of you and can’t wait to see what you’re all up to.

Covered In Boxes

2010-06-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

I’m currently covered in these

Please excuse me while I climb out from under things and attempt to get back to “normal”.

Dichroic Glass

2010-05-25T11:59:00.001-07:00

So even when a girl doesn’t feel well and the doctor can’t figure out why, she still needs to craft.

Right? HA.

You know I love anything that sparkles, shines or is just WOW and dichroic glass does not fail. Plus, it comes in PINK which makes it all the better in my opinion.

Here is what I’ve been up to lately.

How about some beautiful coasters?

I have to say though that pictures do not do these justice, they are UH-MAZING in the sunlight!

Linking to:

I Have Learned

2010-05-24T21:51:00.001-07:00

Being organized really makes this

much much easier, though still not fun!

Spring Mantle

2010-05-19T22:28:00.001-07:00

Summer is almost here, can you believe it?

Since I’m not feeling well enough to be any sort of creative I figured I would post the pictures of my Spring mantle……….. before the season completely escapes me and no one ever gets to see the cuteness!

Please tell me I’m not the only one who absolutely loves that brown and pink ribbon! Oh and the over the top picture frame tucked in there LUHVE!Anyone know where those finials came from? Don’t you love the dollar store!

Here's to hoping I’m actually back to normal someday SOON and actually have something wonderful to post about.

Tricked You

2010-05-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

Goodness it seems like it’s been forever. Oh how I wish I were here to post some lovely project I’d completed………but I’m not. I seem to have picked up pneumonia/bronchitis somewhere and it’s really kicking my butt!

I sure hope to get over it and back to things S-O-O-N!! I haven’t even been able to blog hop lately, now that’s bad.

When it Rains

2010-04-27T00:10:00.000-07:00

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth........though I wonder!

However, the lack of a computer this week is certainly going to put a damper on the blogging addiction. I'm pretty sure there will be withdrawals and it won't be pretty

On a different subject but realted if you lovely ladies could cross your fingers and think of me, maybe a tad of your luck will rub off on my family this week. I would certainly appreciate it.

Amazing Purpose

2010-04-21T14:59:00.001-07:00

I was all set to write up a “tufting tips” post to go along with the ottoman re-do till I received an e-mail today saying I had won a prize from the Ultimate Blog Party.

First, I have to say I’m so excited to win, I never win anything! but the true reason for my post today is because I was moved by the purpose behind the site offering the prize.

Premades with a Purpose

Please check out the about section for the story behind this site.

Without getting too deep I can say I relate to Lena on a very personal level.

With that being said, I know there are so many of us who are new to blogging, don’t know much html or your blog just doesn’t look the way you’d like it to. I for one have surfed and surfed the internet for blog templates I liked, only to find the ones I liked were $40+. I couldn’t justify the price on a blog that had no income. In steps Premades with a Purpose! Lena’s templates are about $5! FIVE DOLLARS! That’s like the price of a coffee these days, that I can justify.

I hope you all will take chance to go visit Premades with a Purpose. You may just find the template you’ve been looking for or even an answer to a customization question you’ve had.

Tufted Ottoman

2010-04-19T14:01:00.001-07:00

This is my before picture *Warning, it’s scary!*

Don’t you just love the bigger than your head flowers?

This was a hand me down (FREE!) and didn’t look like this till the HB flopped down on it one day. RIIIIIIPPPPPPP.

Some people might have decided it was ready for the trash at this point…… you know I considered it till I priced large ottomans! Not only was the price not happening, I couldn’t seem to find another ottoman that was the perfect sofa/foot height so it had to stay.

It hid in shame till the day I found this

By the way, that’s a faux fur coat, no animals were harmed in the making of this post, or coat!

Yep, that’s right……I found almost a whole roll of upholstery fabric at goodwill for $9 in the exact color I had wanted. I may or may not have laughed to myself and said “not anymore” in my head when asked by another goodwill shopper “Oh, they have fabric here?”.

The ottomans time had come, I flipper her over, unscrewed the legs and pulled out a MEEEEEEELLLLLIIIOOOONNN of these

I was finally ready to start the beautification.

I knew I wanted to tuft the top and asked the HB if he would drill me a couple holes for tufting. That may have been a mistake, because what I figured would take about 5 minutes ended up being HOURS as he mapped out several different tuft layouts in AUTOCAD. Yes that’s right ladies, in a man’s world you need AUTOCAD to tuft.

This is my end result

Beautiful, AND not a bit of sewing!

Linking up to:

2010 Party!

2010-04-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

Wow, I am quite the party animal this week! Hopefully all of you are having a good time being a social butterfly as well and I’m so glad you took the chance to stop by!

Now on to today’s party.

So what is Cheap Like a Birdie?

I’m a little bit of a newbie to the blogging world but the name really says it all. I enjoy decorating, having parties (really enjoy the planning!), organization, beauty/skin care and crafting with one major theme…… Cheap!

I don’t claim to be Martha Stewart (or even close for that matter) but I like to share tips or tricks for cutting costs, saving money and still getting a great result.

I’m so glad you came by and hope you’ll leave a comment so I can return the favor. Please take a chance to look around and come back soon to see the result of a first time ottoman tufting experience!

Did I mention this blog party had prizes? No? Go on over and check out the selection they have!

If I win I would honestly just be thankful for anything, however some of my favorites are:

Grand Prize- Toshiba Laptop

US104 $50 Visa Card

US112 $50 Amazon e-certificate

USC3 $50 Target Gift Card

Random others- INTL16, INTL14, INTL11, INTL8, INTL3, USC60, USC17, USC8, USC3

Sunshine Award

2010-04-15T06:01:00.000-07:00

Awww isn’t it pretty!

Chirp in the Forest was so sweet and passed this award on to me. (Thank you again!) Check out her fireplace re-do, uhmm WOW!

I was having a few log in issues and now that it’s fixed I would like to share the love and pass this award along to the following blogs, in no special order!

1. Joys of Home- I love this blog, she can put a display together like no other! You should see her holiday decor as well. Just so much to love!

2. Thanks Mail Carrier- I recently found this blog, by recently I mean last night! and I’m already a fan (that and a little jealous of all the goodies she gets to try out). Not only does she try them out, she gives one away! Like this beauty… don’t know what it is? Go check it out.

3. Windy Poplars-Her blog is so encouraging and she has really fun Kindred Parties every week. Check out her post on infused water.

4. Cinnaberry Suite- One word… CREATIVE! Seriously she has so many great ideas, truly an inspiration. Go check out what she made this out of, you’ll be amazed!

5. Pleasant Home- Cooking, crafting, sewing you name it, she can do it. She comes up with some of the cutest (or tastiest) things I’ve ever seen. Check out this quilt she did out of scraps, yeah SCRAPS!

6. House Changers- Amazing what you can do with a little (LOT) of elbow grease and creativeness. You have to go see how this house started out!

7. Andrea’s Attic- Eye candy! I think she is my eye candy twin. I adore all the fab decor pictures she posts about. I don’t even know where she gets them all but I love them! Oh and you HAVE TO SEE the before and after post on these! LOVE the pillows.

8. Sharon’s Place of Blessings- Talented lady! Check out the after of this lamp, it is ADORABLE.

9. Inside Brucrew Life- I was all set to write up a nice little bit about this blog but I’ll put a picture and no words are needed, Go check out the yummmms.

10. 9 o’clock Dance of Joy- This girl can turn trash into treasure! Here is just one example, you should see what she does with phonebooks!

11. Just a Girl- I just love this blog! She has such a great personality, the kind you just want to be BFFs with, her house is BEAUTIFUL and she is so creative. Incase you don’t know her (as if everyone doesn’t know her HA!) She recently fixed a window treatment you might just want to check out.

12. It’s So Very Cheri- If you love linky parties this is the place. There are always lots of creative projects and ideas to check out. Just one example, go check out all the goodies, you’ll be glad you did.

Alright ladies here are the rules for the Sunshine Award!
1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Pass the award on to 12 other bloggers.
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Link back to the person from whom you received this award.

Kindred Connections Party!

2010-04-14T14:59:00.001-07:00

I’m really enjoying these parties! Fun questions, new friends what more could you want.

Head over and join in.

1. What is your favorite vacation spot?

Oh wow, hard to pin point just one! I LOVE vacations just in general. However, I am a bit of a Disney fan so between

and

2. What are the three qualities that you most admire about your husband (or if you're not married what are the three qualities you would most desire in a man)?

a. Ability to make me laugh, no matter what.

b. Makes me believe that no matter what things will always be ok.

c. Creative.
3. What has been a meaningful Bible verse to you this week?

It’s not a verse per se, but just knowing through faith and trust you will make it through the trials put in front of you.
4. What is your favorite color(or colors) and why?

I have a PINK addiction! It just makes me happy. I love just about every variation of the color. Tiffany blue is a close second.
5. What is the funniest thing that happened to you in the last 24 hours?

I was tufting an ottoman and had to laugh to keep from crying, does that count?

Easy Affordable Apothecary Jars

2010-04-13T14:18:00.001-07:00

I adore apothecary jars! You can really put almost anything in an apothecary jar and it looks cute. The downside to my apothecary jar love, $35 a pop really tends to jade the relationship.

Like any true star crossed lovers, we find a way!

I came across these at goodwill for less than $1 each.

I loved the shapes and figured I could work with them as is….. I was wrong. The relationship just wasn’t working out, call me shallow but the whole lack of a pretty stand was turning me off.

Solution!

I purchased some of this

Pretty glass candlestick holders (for $1)

and now

Ahhhhhhhhhhh.

I really think this relationship is back on track. Heck, for $2 I think I can afford multiple luhvahs. (I really had to spell it that way, I could just imagine what kind of google searches I’d end up with otherwise!)

I’m So Excited

2010-04-09T14:20:00.001-07:00

Wooooo what a great Friday!

I had two wonderful things happen today

First I was FEATURED, yeah yeah! WOOT WOOT. I know, I’m a nerd but seriously, I’m excited!

My birdhouse picture frame was featured at

Thank you so much Michelle! I really appreciate the mention.

Second, a wonderful new bloggy friend, Birdie @ Chirp in the Forest gave me this. (Check out her blog, it’s GREAT! She’s full of ideas.)

I’m having a few issues with google at the moment but as soon as that is cleared up I’ll be dishing out this award to my sweet bloggy friends.

For now, I am off to tell the HB about my luck! I sure hope this all doesn’t go to my head……… I want M&M’s, but ONLY the yellow ones and in a crystal bowl. HA HA HA HA.

Make New Friends Party

2010-04-08T01:26:00.000-07:00

I was blog hopping and came across this fun party:

Join in and maybe you’ll make a couple new friends along the way.

1. If you could describe your desired lifestyle in one word, what would it be?

Serendipitous
2. What style of home is your "House of Dreams"?

Well if not here

Then definitely here

I adore Georgian Mansions. Oh to be a proper Southern Belle, accent and all!
3. If you could live in a fictional story/movie, which would it be and why?

Beauty and the Beast- I love fairytales and it happens to be my favorite. Enchanted items, a prince, a castle what more could you need.
4. Do you prefer coffee or tea? Favorite kind?

Tea- I’m not a coffee drinker but I enjoy all kinds of tea, especially tropical. High tea is just one more reason to like tea.
5. Share the last sweet/romantic thing your hubby did for you.

Sent me a text as he left for work saying he missed me already. Awwwww.

$4 Knock Off Spring Decor

2010-04-07T15:35:00.001-07:00

I had purchased these frames (they were plain black) from the dollar store a few months ago, I had to have them but wasn’t sure what to do with them. The HB doesn’t understand the logic but you know what I’m talking about! Want and need, same dif.

I had zipo-zilch in the form of Spring decor till Cinnaberry Suite saved me with her adorable project, please check her out.

The light went on and I was able to say “See HB I knew I needed them”.

Birdhouse shaped frame with the nest, LUHVE IT! Not to mention my favorite blue!

I purchased the frames and bird from the dollar store, had the paint and moss.

For the frames I took tiffany blue craft acrylic, dry brushed it on and then wiped it off with a paper towel to give it an aged look. I hit the scrapbook paper stash to fill the frame. For the nests I started out using just the moss in a nest shape, things weren’t working out though. I had a huge mess and something that didn’t look anything like a nest! I grabbed a miniature grapevine circle, my glue gun, the moss and had a nest in 2 seconds. Shortcuts people, shortcuts. I plan to add eggs to the nests as soon as I find/make something the appropriate size for these mini nests.

Same process for the bird with one additional step, I watered down brown craft paint, brushed it on and then blotted with a paper towel. I love how it made the detail of the wings stand out.

See the gloom outside, I hope we get some nice Spring weather to go with my Spring decor soon!

Linking to:

I Need a Cricut

2010-04-07T01:19:00.001-07:00

Yes, yes I do. I need a cricut (the big one) very very badly.

Shhhh, I know the HB reads this and may pick up the “hint”.

Dining Re-do

2010-04-05T15:54:00.001-07:00

It’s no secret, I have decorating OCD… or maybe ADD, either way I change my mind A. LOT.

I was once in deep love with Tuscan style decor. I had this beautiful vision of dark woods, golds, faux finishes and warm Tuscan sunset colors. I enlisted the help of my MIL (who happens to be a painter) to help me faux finish my dining room wall. This is how it ended up.

I was so appreciative of her help and though the end result was nice, it didn’t match my vision………at all. (Please oh please don’t let her read that and take it the wrong way!!!) It’s hard to describe a vision to another person and it come out right.

Fast forward a couple months and the decorating ADD was kicking in, I needed to change.

This change made the whole space brighter and I got to incorporate molding!

Now, just to find a chandelier I like!

Sorry about the HORRIBLE pictures, it’s overcast and gloomy today. Hopefully I’ll be able to get better pictures tomorrow.

Linking to:

Easter Decor

2010-04-03T01:23:00.000-07:00

Collage of the various Easter decor this year.

Now to replace with the Spring decor……… I’m so addicted!

I appreciate….

2010-04-02T13:13:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate sweet comments and new friends. Mostly I love finding new blogs to stalk, I’m never short of amazed ~~jealous~~ at how creative all of you are!

I feel bad though when I come across a commenter or ~~follower~~ friend that doesn’t have their blog linked to their profile or a way to get a hold of them to return the love. Please know that I read and love each and every comment that is left.

I make every effort to visit my friends and any commenters, so please if you are a follower or have stopped by and left love and it is unreturned, no you aren’t Jacob, I just haven’t found a way to return the love. Please do contact me, I would love to visit you!

Did you all get my Twilight joke? Jacob, Bella? Unreturned love?……… No I’m not a Twilight junky.

Cutest Spring Cupcake Stand

2010-03-31T05:54:00.000-07:00

Is that not the most pinch your cheeks, adorable cupcake stand ever! I can’t believe someone gave this to goodwill but I’m so thankful they did.

Antique Glazed Wall Sconce

2010-03-29T14:27:00.001-07:00

I was so excited when I found this beauty at Goodwill.

You don’t think it’s beautiful? Maybe beauty really is in the eye of the beholder because I was run to the HB “look what I found look what I found” excited when I found it.

Normally I would have slapped a coat of black spray paint on this baby and been happy. However, someone in bloggy land has let the Heirloom White bug out of its cage and it BIT.ME.

Oh decorating OCD why do you haunt me so.

So I slapped a coat of HW on her and it was finished. HA HA HA no, it needed more. So I glazed it!

Oh how I luv it and adore that real looking electric candle on it.

That bug bite is really itching, I wonder what else I can find to paint HW.

Linky Parties:

New Button

2010-03-28T21:03:00.001-07:00

I’ve made a new button so if you would please grab it that would be wonderful. Please please let me know if you’ve grabbed my button so I can return the favor.

Steps to Organization

2010-03-24T01:32:00.001-07:00

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned before that I have this ~~huge~~ little thing with organizing. Ok, maybe my clothes are organized by color but I don’t space the hangers exactly 2.5 inches apart (fine, yes that’s only because I have too many clothes but let’s overlook that) so it’s just a little problem.

Anyyyywhoooo

I really like to be organized, I feel very balanced and in-synch when everything is “in its place”. However, being the world that it is and the fact I’m not perfect (I so hope my sisters notice I said that!!!) things can get out of balance and unorganized.

Since the paper clutter issue I’ve been on a quest to really pay attention to my actions and get to the root of the issue. I figure the only way you can solve a problem is to really know the cause and develop a solution from there.

You know the saying “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”?

Lies!

Words can be very harmful. I’m talking about these little words “I’ll get to it later”. Don’t look away; you know what I’m talking about…… You bring the mail in; you sit it on the ______ (fill in the blank) and walk away thinking “I’ll sort it out later”. You’re finished with a craft project while the glue gun sits there and you walk away thinking “I’ll put it away later”.

I never realized how much I actually say or think those words, but I’ve since noticed it’s a lot ……… and the cause of my organization issue.

It always starts with that one “I’ll put it away later” item, then another and another and another till it’s this ugly pile (or drawer) of mess that you don’t want to even look at and know will take F.O.R.E.V.E.R to put away.

Now the duh moment.

Why not just put it away to begin with? I know, easier said than done!

At the start of my observation I had a few of those ugly piles (and drawers) around the house that I just couldn’t pretend didn’t exist anymore. They were really starting to taunt me, it wasn’t pretty. The change was when I tackled the piles this time, I actually paid attention to how long it really took me to clean up and put things away. We are talking hours. Add in the stress of the clutter, the frequent sidetracks and the “I really don’t want to be doing this right now” and it just isn’t worth it.

I’ve decided to change my thinking from “later” to “now” and attempt to put everything away after using it, or bringing it in the house.

Wish me luck! I’ll report back with the results.

Hope Chest Take 2

2010-03-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

Busy Busy I have been.

I’m so glad the weather is turning the corner from Winter to Spring. I have such a love for spring flowers as they start peeking out of the ground, it’s just beautiful.

I’m sure you all remember the hope chest I had turned into a filing cabinet? I loved the idea, not the look so it became another check point on the “to do” list.

Speaking of, does your list ever seem to get shorter? I swear mine only grows, even when I check something off I come up with two things to fill the space. Never ending I swear!

Moving on……

I started the chest re-do by taping off the inside cedar portion of the chest to prevent overspray. I didn’t want to take the chance of having the lovely cedar smell covered by spray paint.

Did you notice the lovely Spring weather in the background? No hate please.

Pay no mind to my ghetto spray station, it works and thats all that matters.

I didn’t want to take a chance of having this disaster repeated so I decided to prime the piece first.

I am so glad I primed, there was no sanding and the paint went on so well and took less.

After giving it a few coats I decided to distress it a bit around the edges with my new luv

As a friendly reminder, don’t let your HB sneak out to your project when he decides it needs another coat of clear and it’s starting to get cold outside.

Yep, clear coat and chilly weather do not mix! HB has some sanding and refinishing in his near future to do! However since it’s just the lid I can show you the rest of the project.

It fits so much better with the rest of my office now (yes, I’m a bit of a black and white fan) though I have to admit, the craziness in my still isn’t sure if I want to keep it black or go ivory.

Coming Soon

2010-03-10T12:35:00.001-08:00

I hope to have pictures of the hope chest soon if the weather will work with me and the sealer could stop being naughty!

Tools for the Trade

2010-03-04T01:07:00.000-08:00

I’m not a huge fan of sanding, it’s usually a pain and the feel of sandpaper just makes me cringe. It’s like nails on a chalkboard to me.

No longer!

The HB picked me up one of these babies

Oh isn’t it cute!

Now to find some goodies to test this baby out on!

Thank you HB!!

Shine to an UGLY Floor

2010-03-03T02:55:00.001-08:00

Maybe you recall this post?

I’m sure you do, it was a post with it all… anger and a catchy tune, that’s like a good movie right there.

Anyways, before we even start I still have to state upfront that linoleum and I are not on good terms! I am however quite happy with this little bottle of “thank goodness a product that does what it claims”.

Now don’t get me wrong my floor isn’t perfect (by any means) and I’m still looking to replace it, but in the mean time while I wait for the funds for that to magically appear….If anyone knows a magician who can perform this please by all means contact me!… this little inexpensive bottle has really saved me.

My linoleum is quite a few years old and even after a good Cinderella style scrub it still looked disgusting to me, I realized it was because the floor had no shine to it………… at all.

I hit the cleaning isle in hopes that some shining light would direct me to my saving grace. There it was, the fluorescent lighting bouncing off the label.

Ok ok, maybe it didn’t happen exactly like that but go with me here.

The label had the two words I was looking for, quick and shine.

It’s so easy to use, you simply start with a clean dry floor, rinse your mop, squirt it on the floor and do a quick push around the area. Let it dry for 15 minutes and you’ll see a gloss to your floor you haven’t seen in awhile.

I LUHVE it!

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated by the manufacturer of this product and do not endorse said product. I am simply sharing my experience and/or opinion of mentioned product. Use of said product is at your own risk.

Newbie Blogging Questions

2010-03-02T13:03:00.001-08:00

I’ve been trying to figure this out on my own and figured who better to ask than the experts (you all).

I’ve visited a few of my blogging friends (shout out!!) and noticed that in blog rolls everyone else has a cute little picture……… except me!

Soooooooooo

Does the blog roll just dislike me or am I doing something wrong?

Hope Chest Turned Filing Cabinet

2010-03-01T17:56:00.001-08:00

You remember my post here about the ugly ugly paper clutter problem.

Just incase you forgot lets go over the before picture

Before

onlineorganizing.com

I started out using these for filing

but they can only go so far, and sitting out they aren’t exactly on the pretty list if you know what I mean.

I’ve had this hope chest for years and had considered getting rid of it when it became a gathering place for odds and ends.

You can imagine how happy I was when I discovered it would work PERFECTLY for filing!!

Look how happy that paper looks in its new organized home!

I’m not completely finished with this project since the honey colored wood doesn’t exactly go with my office, so the outside will be getting a cute makeover. I’ll be adding a few additions to the inside for additional office organization just as soon as I find the perfect fit as well.

I’m so much happier and more organized now! I don’t know about you but I feel more in balance when things are organized.

The best part(s) of this project, I was able to recycle something for my needs, it looks so much better than a metal filing cabinet, I could use it in ANY room of the house.

I Hate Linoleum

2010-02-25T18:39:00.001-08:00

Today was my big clean everything in sight day and I must say I hate linoleum!

I know hate is a strong word, but in this case I can’t think of a more appropriate term.

Maybe I should be more specific and say I hate white linoleum with little divots for texture.

Maybe I have a little OCD and the fact that it never looks sparkly “I could eat off the floor” white bothers me but come on. Who really thought that “texture” was going to do anything other than collect yuck!

I honestly think it’s time to replace it with something that doesn’t make me itch just thinking about it. Till then I’ll continue to play Cinderella scrubbing the floors on my hands and knees I guess.

A dream is a wish your heart makes, when your scrubbing the linoleum, no matter how your knees are aching, if you just keep cleaning the dream that you wish will come true.

students.ou.edu

Paper Clutter

2010-02-24T00:39:00.001-08:00

onlineorganizing.com

Ok ok you guessed it, that isn’t actually me ~~her problem is small in comparison!~~ but for the sake of this post lets just pretend since I’m too embarrassed to take actual pictures.

I have a paper clutter problem. There I said it, I feel so much better. Actually I don’t, admitting the problem means you have to fix it and really a blind eye is so much easier.

I don’t know where all this paper comes from, I’m starting to think paper may be in the bunny family because it has to be mating and reproducing somewhere in my home!

My goal is not only get the current situation under control but get a procedure in place that will keep it from being a reoccurring issue. I’m thinking the HB’s current mail “fall where it may” process may be a key source to the issue, oh and the paper mating!

Do any of you have the same issue? What tips have worked for you?

I’m giving myself a couple days to attack the problem and hopefully I’ll have some pictures I’m not ashamed to publish.

Decorating for the Holidays

2010-02-22T16:24:00.001-08:00

I think it must be a blogging bug! I can honestly say that before blogging I only really decorated for Christmas and a little for Halloween. I bet my HB wishes we could go back to those days but we CAN’T so lets push on.

Now, I’ve caught the bug. I feel the need to decorate for EVERY holiday. I fear it may become so bad that I start looking outside US holidays even!

Someone help me!

Do you all have this issue?

Did it start before or after blogging?

Most important question…… how long do you really have to wait to start on the next holiday/season?

I’m thinking since the sun is starting to shine more a little spring decor isn’t out of line… am I wrong? The HB just doesn’t get the need to decorate for EVERY holiday. Silly silly man.

At least the sun coming out means I will once again be able to use SPRAY PAINT outside. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

Sale Therapy

2010-02-15T23:21:00.001-08:00

Woooo! I could use a foot massage, or really any kind of massage…I’m not picky.

Did anyone else take advantage of the Presidents Day Sale at Goodwill? You know I did.

There were so many people out it was hard to get a cart around at times. It’s to be expected when there is 40% off pink, blue, and green tags while red tags were .99 cents.

Oh how I luv me some Goodwill sale therapy!

Shopping can be so much like hunting, well minus the camo. First you survey the land, eye your prey and then pray the lady standing in front of it has her eye on something else and moves SOON. Ok Ok, maybe that last part doesn’t happen often in hunting.

I had such a good time today and scored some major deals, probably bought a few things I didn’t “need”, but then again isn’t need a relative term?

Giveaway Love

2010-02-10T22:42:00.001-08:00

Ok, because I love you so very very much I’m going to share something wonderful with you.

Ready?

Cheri is having a MONTH LONG giveaway over at It’s so Very Cheri.

Yes rub your eyes and read that again, I said M-O-N-T-H long.

Free and I go together like spray paint and old furniture so a giveaway like this pretty much makes Cheri my new best friend. Sorry Oprah, you can have the spot back when I get my ticket to the “My Favorite Things” show. HA HA HA HA

Please go check her out. If you win the towels I’m in LUH-VE with please don’t rub it in, that’s just not nice.

Cabinet Eye Candy

2010-02-09T00:56:00.001-08:00

I first have to say THANK YOU so very much for all the sweet comments! All the hard work that went into painting the cabinets was worth it when reading the wonderful things people had to say.

I noticed there were a few “I’ve been thinking about painting my cabinets” comments so I thought I would share a few inspiration pictures and maybe encourage you.

This color wouldn’t normally attract me but there is just something about all the colors together that really works for me. I think the glass fronts really open things up.

ArtisticAlternatives.com

I love the glaze on these cabinets.

decorpad.com

The all white of this kitchen really makes it bright and crisp. I wish I had beautiful windows like that in my kitchen.

decorpad.com

I love the sparkle of the subway tile backsplash, the more I see subway tiles the more I think it may be the backsplash for my kitchen. If this were my kitchen I would have painted the island black and switched the counter to lighter for contrast.

decorpad.com

White on white, it’s just so clean.

decorpad.com

I LUH-VE everything about this kitchen! The hood is just beautiful, the little cabinets at the top are soooo much better than blank wasted space and the black chopping cart I want!

decorpad.com

The pops of color from the spring flowers really stands out against the white cabinets.

marthamockford.co.uk

Are you brave? I don’t know if I’m brave enough to attempt this color on my cabinets but I think it looks so cheerful. There has to be something I can paint this color and not hyperventilate.

designerantiques.net

Black cabinets look great if you can pull them off in your space.

Hopefully you’ve picked up some inspiration, if so please come back and link up your projects (I’m a sucker for before and after pictures).

I’m going to tackle the bathroom vanity with a can of black paint, wish me luck!

Pictures are from and owned by the sites listed under each picture unless it is unknown. If the picture is watermarked with the Cheaplikeabirdie name it is copyright by me. If you own one of the pictures and wish it removed please contact me and I will do so.

Painted Cabinets

2010-02-03T00:16:00.000-08:00

What do you do when you’ve got UGLY cabinets, don’t have the funds for a total kitchen remodel and really get sick of looking at those ugly cabinets?

Paint those babies!

I have to warn you the following pictures are not pretty!

Don’t ask me why I feel compelled to tell you that I don’t normally have pots and dishes on my counters but I do.

The tools were out during the molding portion of this project.Who in their right minds ever thought a big block shape of faux wood looked good enough to commit this crime. Yes I just called this a crime!

We removed all the cabinet doors and made sure to use numbered post-it notes to keep the placement right after painting.

The hard part of this whole project was finding areas in the condo to place drying cabinet doors! Well and the tears that almost flowed after the primer was applied and I was positive it was going to look that uneven in the end.

The look of primer is NOT a first time cabinet painters friend.

We didn’t want to have to sand at all (we won’t go into how I hate it with a passion!) so we started with an oil based primer only to discover it wasn’t adhering well and cleanup was horrible. We took the paint back to the store and after grilling the paint guy for an alternative discovered the 123 primer, it worked wonderfully, clean up was so easy and it didn’t have the intense smell the oil based had.

Even though the look of the primer finish freaked me out, it was too late to turn back now so we grabbed our kitchen bath and cabinet paint and pushed onward.

I’m happy we did because I love the change it made.

It’s so much brighter now, I just love it!

I LUH-VE my chalkboard menu on the end of the cabinet!Now for an inexpensive new counter top, an beautiful backsplash and a project for the blank space above the cabinets and I’ll be finished in the kitchen…….for now.

I’m linking to Met Monday, TDC before and after, Room a month, Do it yourself day, Trash to Treasure Tuesday, Get your craft on!, Toot your horn Tuesday, Penny Pinching Party, Show and Tell, Power of Paint Party, Make it Yours Day, It’s so very Creative, Timeless Tuesday, Transformation Thursday, Thrifty Thursday,Show off your Stuff Party, Show and Tell Friday, Frugalicious Friday, Funky Junk, I made it without my hubby party

For the love of molding

2010-02-02T01:13:00.001-08:00

I don’t know about you but I luh-ve molding. I am always amazed with how much of a difference a little molding can make to things.

I mentioned earlier this month how I had a builder basic kitchen that was SCREAMING for some TLC and it all started with a little molding.

The first steps to any room makeover for me is inspiration. I have a habit of clipping and saving anything that catches my eye and from the looks of my “kitchen” folder it was time to act. I noticed that every inspiration picture I had of kitchens I loved had one thing in common. Can you guess? Yep, molding.

I started out by taking a trip to the kitchen design shop to ask about this molding. I was disappointed to say the least when I was told the molding was “special order”. We all know what “special order” is code for……It’s going to cost you a FORTUNE. My cabinets were blah but the bones were good and I knew there had to be a way around it.

I spent the next couple weeks scouting the molding section of any home store I passed much to my HB’s dismay. I found styles I liked, styles I loved but none of them were constructed with an edge that would allow for cabinet installation. Special order was starting to appeal to the HB as I made one last ditch effort to the home improvement store and finally found the perfect molding.

This is my cabinet before.

Yeah remember how I said BLAH, nothing to write home about.

This is after we installed the molding.

Is that not the most perfect, oh how I love thee let me count the ways molding!

I think this makes such a difference in the cabinets and finishes them off so they look complete instead of lacking. Did I mention we were able to do the whole kitchen for $20? I can tell you one thing, “special order” would have cost 10 times $20.

I have to admit I still wasn’t a fan of the cabinet color so come back tomorrow and see how a little paint changes the look!

Blog Button

2010-02-01T00:50:00.001-08:00

I’ve seen buttons all over the place, everyone has one, it surely must be the cool thing to do!

I’m not sure I’ve got the idea perfect but I’m giving it a go so here is the new blog button.

I’ll be posting a code on the side if you would like to place my button on your sidebar. Oh how it would make my day if found my button on someone's sidebar (hint hint)…… no pressure.

Cause I’m dreaming today

2010-01-26T16:36:00.001-08:00

Of a place of my own, for all my shoes to live happily in (make sure you sing those lines).

Is it wrong that picture ~~definitely~~ sort of takes my breath away?

I have to admit in a kind of group therapy meeting sort of way that I, yes I, ~~have a huge problem~~ kind of small problem with shoes. It’s getting better though! While I once purchased shoes with only the “anything that’s cute” (even if it may not be my size and kills my feet) stipulation, they now must be cute and comfortable. It’s progress, it counts.

Since I recently scored a few pairs of brand new heels for $5 shoe organization has been on my mind and I thought I’d share a few inspiration pictures.

businessweek.com

Oh how I love organization! Look how clean and crisp everything is.

decorpad.com

Oh Christina how I envy you… minus the odd naked mannequin in the background and the piggy pink/red combination. A+ on the outfit though!

decorpad.com

Love it! The way the under cabinet lighting illuminated the shoes and that chair is just Key-Ute!

fantastictoe.com

I like the idea, minus the wood tones. I’m not a light wood tones kind of girl.

raneredesigngroup.com

Those cubbies would be perfect for shoes and handbags.

shopfashioneuphoria trendyshoeshop.com

Heaven! I love the pink wallpaper with the black graphics and how organized it all looks.

I do have a blank wall in my closet that I think I could pull something off on and if I take over my HB’s side the possibilities are endless. Muahhahahahah (evil laugh)

Homemade Soup

2010-01-25T14:25:00.001-08:00

I should probably start this post with a disclaimer, a chef I am NOT! In fact, I honestly rather prefer not to cook. Have you ever heard someone say “You’ll get tired of eating out”? Are these people crazy? Who gets tired of eating out? I’m sure somewhere there are those Martha Stewart/Wonder Woman mothers that just thoroughly enjoy cooking and feed a child with one hand while making homemade cookies with the other. I hate those people. Ok ok, it’s not really hate it’s actually jealousy but this isn’t a therapy session so we’ll keep moving on.

Any who.

I have to come clean and admit that there are in fact certain times of the year, for whatever reason, that I actually kick into “I like cooking” mode. Odd, but true. Right now I love making soups, they are usually super easy to make and even better they are fairly cost effective.

I thought it would be great to have a chance to exchange a few recipes for soup. Since I am new to blogging and don’t really know how Mr. Linky works I figured you can either give your recipe in comments or a link to a post for the recipe.

Last night I made Broccoli Cheese Soup for the first time, it was nummmmmeeeeee.

I should also probably mention that I am not really a measure things out exactly kinda girl. I’m going to guess that would make me a horrible baker since that is more of a chemistry dependant but I’ll fight that battle when it comes.

Now onto the “recipe”.

1/2 bag of Broccoli florets (cooked till tender in salted water then set aside)

In large stock pot:

1/2 cup butter (melted)

1/3 large onion finely chopped (cook in butter till translucent)

1/2 cup flour (add to butter/onion mixture and cook long enough to get a slight color change, about 2 minutes)

1cup chicken stock

1cup milk (the amount for the liquids will depend on how thick you like your soup)

Be sure and whisk heavily while adding liquids to prevent lumps

Add, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard to taste and bring to high heat and then add following ingredients.

1 cup Cheddar cheese

1.5 cup processed cheese (Velveeta)

Add the cooked broccoli

Eat

The amount of cheese and spices can be adjusted to fit your tastes.

I think the whole soup took about 15 minutes to make and made enough for LOTS of leftovers.

Maybe I’ll have to share the butternut squash soup that even the hubby loved.

Now it’s your turn. Do you have a soup recipe you love to make that you’d like to share?

Wild and Crazy Like

2010-01-20T02:19:00.001-08:00

I suppose I could have titled this “When Life Gets In The Way” because that is exactly it.

I’m not usually one for sharing a lot of personal items so I’ll just say that things around here are really all over the place and half the time up in the air. I haven’t been blogging for quite a month yet but I already feel odd when I can’t post everyday, however since things are so wild and crazy around here at the moment I’ll have to deal.

I’ll still be posting at all the chances I get and hopefully things will work out, calm down and just plain get back to normal around here.

Green Cleaning

2010-01-19T01:32:00.001-08:00

TDC is have a cleaning party so I figured I’d join in.

I have to admit cleaning isn’t exactly on the top of my fun list, is it for anyone, other than Martha Stewart? I don’t exactly hate it so if I had the choice of cleaning or the flu, I’d pick cleaning. I tend to do regular upkeep cleaning and then break out the big guns when the DEEP cleaning mood strikes.

Here are some of my favorite cleaning products or tips.

Vinegar!!!!

LOVE IT! Not only can you clean a kazillion and one things with it, but you can cook with it, it’s non-toxic and you can buy two jugs of it at Costco for like $2. You can’t go wrong.

Don’t you love to clean the oven? No? Yeah me either. It’s a cramped area to get to, the chemicals they sell to clean it are toxic, all around, it’s just a pain. TILL NOW (I had to, it felt like an infomercial moment)

When I purchased my condo the oven came with it, needless to say I didn’t realize I had purchased the past tenants burnt and caked on grease. I sprinkled the door and bottom with baking soda and then added vinegar, it bubbled and fizzed for a bit and I let it sit. After a few minutes I took a kitchen sponge and just wiped it all up, I was amazed that even the tacky grease came up.

I have linoleum floors like the picture above, oh how I hate them, and oh how I REALLY hate those little dimples in it. You know dimples are cute on a person, not so much when it’s a floor that collects yuck in those little dimples. The floors are just one more place that vinegar becomes my special friend, it cleans the floor well and I don’t have to worry about any residue being left behind.

I use vinegar in the sink as well. I could go on and on about vinegar but I fear the relationship may start sounding a bit unhealthy with all this dependency so I will move on.

I find I clean the toilet more often then almost anything, ohhh no don’t get the idea it’s because I enjoy it, after all, it is the toilet, but more because I can’t stand the idea of catching a stomach bug and having a non clean smelling toilet. You get me?

I used to use this oh so wonderful product, I loved it, it worked wonders. I mean I didn’t even have to scrub, that’s great in my book. Then came green products, I am all for this idea (part of the reason I love vinegar). I honestly don’t think we have any choice as a nation other than to be more conscious and green about the products we use. Sooooooo I tried this new product.

I really wanted to love it, I did, but it just didn’t work like I expected. I’m still holding out hope for a green product for the toilet and I’ll let you know as soon as I find one.

The shower/tub is another area I used to really dislike cleaning, mostly because I couldn’t get it as clean as I wanted. I’m fairly picky about the tub being able to sparkle! Soap scum is the enemy!

Till I found Kaboom I had tried everything from scrubbing bubbles to bleach. Now, I spray Kaboom on, go spray the other tub/show then come back and do a quick scrub and rinse. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have to scrub but I have issues. Did I mention I’ve actually tried waxing the shower? Issues, lots and lots of issues.

Finally my Stock.Up.On product and always have around

I can’t say I prefer one over the other, just whichever one Costco is currently stocking. I use these to wipe everything, clean up any spills, blow my nose…. ok maybe not that last one but everything else. I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself a germaphobe but knowing that everything has been disinfected is great.

I would love to hear about any of the products or tricks that work for you so please leave a comment.

My plea for help

2010-01-13T01:13:00.000-08:00

I am absolutely loving this new antique silvery gold color. Have you seen it?

I love it because I’m not really into gold, and I’d like my silver to be a little warmer. Ya feel me?

I couldn’t find a great picture of the color but this should give you an idea

Ok so my plea is, do any of you wonderful people know of a spray paint that is like this? Not gold, not silver but uhmm middle. Confusing, I know, which is exactly why I’m asking the people I’m sure will know.

Mini Dress Shop

2010-01-12T01:06:00.000-08:00

I’ve been tweaking my bathroom decor lately, and even considering a whole bathroom redo to be honest (Yes I have ADD-decorating) and thought I’d show you a little item I made before blogging.

I started out with this (thankfully I was able to find a before picture online, not the best quality but it gives you the idea).

I found it as a gift set on sale after Christmas for $2 and thought the little cabinet was cute and could surely be used for something.

I have an off center single vanity which leaves a big blank space on one side, and since my bathroom is done in a glam fashion sorta theme I thought it would make an adorable dress shop.

I started out by painting the whole outside black and the inside white with checker floor.

I needed something for the inside and happen to find “Barbie” dolls at the dollar store that came with another outfit on a mannequin body… It was PERFECT! The doll outfits weren’t really the style I was looking for, so with some extra material wrapped and glued we had a nice window outfit.

Add a shelf and some accessories

Then I had to gold leaf the handles, I mean they are just so small and cute!

Done.

Now that I’m thinking of redoing the bathroom this won’t fit in though and it’s kind of hard to get rid of things you made. Do you have that problem?

My Kinda Tape

2010-01-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

How pretty is that!

Have you heard of Japanese Masking Tape? I don’t know where I’ve been but I didn’t know what it was either.

Oh just imagine all the lovely things you could make with tape this pretty. The gifts you could beautify, the crafts you could make.

I think this set was made just for me. Pink and Black, my two fave colors together.

Or this

Just incase you’re loving it like I am, I googled it and found a site you could purchase it at called Happy Tape. If you make anything or have some cute ideas for it let me know, I’d love to see them.