Saturday, May 31, 2014

DIY Bathroom Vanity Mirror

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A few years back, when we gutted and updated our 70s bathroom, we had a real problem. Not uncommon with 70s bathrooms, there were two recessed medicine cabinets with rather dated, and dare I say ugly...oops, I mean vintage, mirrored doors. These were one of the many things that I couldn't wait to get out of there!


Temporary solution to cover the two holes in the wall by
using mirrors from another room.


But it unfortunately left me with a problem. Two holes in the wall that were surrounded by light fixtures on the top, left and right. This left me with a very awkward space to fill!

Searching for the perfect mirror was not easy, it had two very big qualifications to fulfill! One, that it covered the holes but fit between the two wall sconces. Two, that I liked it! That wasn't easy.

DIY mirror for just under $50.

So I decided to make my own but that did not come without its challenges! After seeing a great DIY on Pinterest using a stock door mirror that you can purchase for $15. at any big box store I thought I had my answer! So I purchased the mirror, purchased the wood and got to work. Along the way I discovered that, even with a 1x6 wood frame around the door mirror it was too big. So I went with 1x4 and that was too small. Yikes. So I did my own thing by combining 1x6 side pieces with 1x4 top and bottom. Stained it with a steel wool/vinegar aging finish and waxed it.

Linking up to:
Before and Afters Linky Party at Remodelholic
Best DIY Linky Party at Redoux Interiors
Grace at Home at Imparting Grace
Dare to Share Saturday
Weekend Wind Down Party      

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Painted Kitchen Cabinets

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I took the plunge a little over three years ago. But I thought about it for much longer than that. It took me a couple years to jump in. But now, over three years later, I'm so glad I did. 


A 4 foot wide wall, with a doorway on each side and no power outlet, graces the north side of my kitchen.

When I look back at the many changes to my kitchen, I love it's current state. However I also know that I'm not done. I suppose I never will be. But I do know that we are thinking, down the road a couple years, that we will be selling to either downsize and/or move to another area. That makes me look at my house in a whole different light.



From the kitchen looking towards the eating area.


In it's first life, well let's just say that 'country wasn't cool' and leave it there. We then went on to the start of our cupboard painting adventure, you can read more in "On my way to a dream kitchen." and The Painted Cupboards." Then we added a new laminate countertop and beadboard to the back of the island, read about that here.

Wainscotting project from several years ago.

Plastic 'tin ceiling tile' backsplash was a inexpensive and easy upgrade.




Gotta love those textured walls, huh? Every. wall. in. the. house. is. textured.
I knew, from the get go, that although I really wanted granite or quartz countertop, new cupboards, and a new layout with the recent drop in home values in our area (for the past 5 years) we would not get our money back.
IKEA kitchen island fits the limited space well.
So we have settled for inexpensive and simple upgrades that make a huge difference without a huge dent in the pocketbook! And other than a couple high traffic areas, the painted cupboards have held up great!

Touch up area.


Linking up this week to:


Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party




            
 
  Welcome to the 16th week of 
 Wake Up Wednesday "Linky" 
27 Blogs  -  1 Party


 Giveaway



We are so excited to have you all party with us.
 
Thank you so much to all those who participate in our party.

Last week we had  307 awesome linkups!   

 
 Wake Up and be happy, get excited and have fun with us! 
 
We want to be inspired, entertained, laugh and have a good time!

 
 The hop is hosted and posted on 27 different blogs

 

 

Your link will appear on the blogs of





















 





           Euchre Fun               An Alli Event       Organized Dream      Decorating Chica      Fiber Artsy                        Facebook                 Facebook            Facebook                  Network                 Facebook



              Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest  


              Bloglovin                 Bloglovin                  Twitter                      G+                         Twitter




 
Interested in Co-Hosting Wake Up Wednesday?


Fill out this form and Angel will be in touch with you?

 

This weeks 


Featured Bloggers



 



Watercolor and black marker in sketchbook: pansies • AtopSerenityHill.com #doodling #watercolor #flowers


Just a month ago we were only dreaming of spring. Now it is finally here and I have been having some fun with my new watercolor pencils! Enjoy!








My sewing machine has been humming along as I've been creating  spring kitchen linens and aprons.  I've been having such fun with a new line of Tanya Whelan fabrics and decided to make some fun half aprons, kitchen towels and pot holders






DSC_0487


This cake is so easy because it begins with a cake mix.  With a trick of trap­ping in the mois­ture, a few addi­tions  and some fresh whip­ping cream, this dessert is incred­i­bly moist, decadant and always a favorite.







Naked Cake: The Charm of Home


I have stumbled upon a trend with my "naked cakes".  I didn't realize they were so popular. I mean really it looks like I forgot to ice some of it.... This naked cake looked like it had blossoms strewn on the top.  The sort of blossoms that a toddler would pick for his Mother, you know the ones that have no stems.   So my naked cake reminds me of something only a Mother would love; like that gift from her child during those tender years.



 

 
 








So many of you know that I am a Canning Fanatic. After going Pinterest and Etsy strolling for a few hours... I've been practically drooling over the hanging canning jar lamps floating around. I didn't want to spend several hundred dollars for one though and it seems like something you should definitely make yourself. So we did! Or mainly, I designed what I wanted and bought the materials and my husband used his amazing DIY skills to make it for me















caabnotebook1 
 


At the end of 2013 I picked out a word to meditate on this year.  The word I chose was “intentional.”  It is so easy for me to just go with the flow and not really think about why I do what I do.








 







Since my parents moved back home a few months ago, I won't be able to spend Mother's Day close to my mom, however I truly believe that the ones who love us most are always right besides us and in our hearts.


 
 


how to thank a blogger


Here are ways I like to show gratitude for great work, because lets face it, a bunch of us aren’t getting paid enough (or not at all) for the hours of work we put in.



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  • Remember to Follow Your hostesses- the first 27 links and your Guest Hosts.  
  • 27 times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends and to share your wonderful blog and discover others too.
 
 
Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.


 

Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..


  • Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.
  • Please Link to your post and not to your blog home page
  • I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional
  • Please No adult content blogs
  • Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)
  • Giveaways are always welcome.. Add your giveaways to Sew Crafty Angel's Pinterest Community Giveaway Board too.  
Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts.  Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.

Angel






Sunday, May 11, 2014

Quick and Easy Summer Cooking

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I don't know about you but when summer hits, my whole approach to meal preparation changes. I no longer have a desire to bake and spend a lot of time cooking. Well, maybe that could be said at any time of year! 

However as I get older, I somehow am finding satisfaction in preparing a good meal for my family. Could be simply that my guys are super appreciative of a good meal and that inspires me! But whether it's simply too hot to cook or you need to throw something together quick, here are a couple super easy and super tasty side dishes that go with just about any main dish. 



This dish uses fresh vegetables, Kraft Greek Vinaigrette Dressing, italian seasoning, and parmesan or mozzarella cheese. I always put summer and zucchini squash and then add whatever I have on hand. Tomato, green pepper, onion, carrots, olives, etc. Simply chunk up the vegetables and shredded or chunked cheese and toss with Kraft Greek Vinaigrette dressing. Let set for 4-6 hours or overnight in your refrigerator. Mix it up quickly before serving for a tasty, simple side dish.

This simple dish consists of a package of spinach leaves (prewashed and ready for a salad), sliced up strawberries, chopped walnuts or pecans. Mix together and toss with Poppy Seed Dressing for a simply, but tasty, side salad.

The ingredients are easy, and flexible, so you may even have everything you need right in your cupboard! I love to cook this way. 

Linking up this week to:

Show Off and Inspire at A Stroll Thru Life
Serenity Saturday at Serenity You
Saturday Show-Licous at Sewlicous Home Decor
Dare to Share at Pams Party and Practical Tips

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

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Join our Wake Up Wednesday Party,
            
   Welcome to the 15th week of 

 Wake Up Wednesday "Linky" 

27 Blogs  -  1 Party
&
 Giveaway




We are so excited to have you all party with us.
Thank you so much to all those who participate in our party.
Last week we had  340 awesome linkups!   

 Wake Up and be happy, get excited and have fun with us! 
We want to be inspired, entertained, laugh and have a good time!

 The hop is hosted and posted on 27 different blogs

Your link will appear on the blogs of

 
           Euchre Fun               An Alli Event       Organized Dream      Decorating Chica      Fiber Artsy                        Facebook                 Facebook            Facebook                  Network                 Facebook
              Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest                    Pinterest                Pinterest  
              Bloglovin                 Bloglovin                  Twitter                      G+                         Twitter



Interested in Co-Hosting Wake Up Wednesday?
Fill out this form and Angel will be in touch with you?


This weeks 
Featured Bloggers


April Favorites from The Beauty Secion

April Beauty Favorites 

Seriously where has this month gone?! I still feel like it should be the middle of April! But here we are at the end of the month so it’s time for MONTHLY FAVORITES! April has been a great month, I love that the weather is finally starting to warm up and act right. Now let’s get this party started!



Asparagus, Goat Cheese & Pearl Onion Quiche from Frugal Mom Eh!

Asparagus, Goat Cheese and Pearl Onion Quiche #giveacluck #CleverGirls

I wanted to really show off what Hens left alone to do Hen things could make… gorgeous Eggs!  What better way to make use of these golden treasures than a delicious Quiche filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients.



DIY: A TP Candle from 3GLOL

TP Candle - Finished

What is a TP Candle you ask? Are you sitting down? It’s a candle made from a Toilet Paper Roll. Crazy, right? Who in the world thought one day “Hey, I think I’ll make a candle from my toilet paper.”?

You’re not seeing it yet are you? No worries, you’re not alone. I couldn’t see how you could do this using wax and a toilet paper roll. First off, you don’t burn this candle if that helps any of your concerns. Wait till you see how this is done.


Frozen Yogurt Bites from The (mis)Adventures of a Born Again Farm Girl

The littlest country kid LOVES yogurt. I mean like a junky looking for his next fix, he will stand in front of the refrigerator yelling "yogurt!!!" I am please he like his dairy products, but having just turned two, his spoon skills are lacking in the feeding yourself some yogurt department. It is just a mess I like to avoid. And frankly I don't want to sit down and spoon feed it to him, so what is a mama to do!?!?   Frozen yogurt!


Being around for over 40 years is part of what helped Starbucks raise to the top as the world’s top coffee retailed. With over 16,850 shops in 40 countries, Starbucks has tested their fair share of drinks and gained more loyal customers than imaginable. The average Starbucks customer visits the store 6 times per month while a loyal 20% of customers go to the stores 16 times per month. Many customers head into Starbucks to get the day started or to keep pushing through a long day.  A Starbucks grande coffee has 320 milligrams of caffeine, over four times the amount of caffeine in a Red Bull. I love me a good cup of coffee but I’m obsessed with making and trying to mock recipes. I’ve found 5 DIY Starbucks Holiday Drinks that are worth a try.

Growing Food Without Owning A Speck of Land from Northern Homestead

 Growing Food Without Owning a Speck of Land

This is the very first time in our 20+ marriage years that we own some land. Not much, just about 1/8 of an acre. We’re so looking forward to Spring to get the garden started and grow some yummy food. However, as you know, this is not our first year of growing food. We have been growing food without owning a speck of land, and lots of food. So how did we do it? And what advice would we give to someone who does not own any land?



Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea from A Sparkle of Genius

TeacherAppreciationGiftIDea

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  What an important week.  I hope that everyone remembers to take the opportunity to tell your kids teachers Thank You because teachers really are amazing.  Our school does a really good job appreciating our teachers.  They have a special activity planned every day of the week including door decorating, favorite meals, favorite snacks, etc so the teachers feel extra special.  We are very lucky to have two great teachers right now so I am excited for my kids to give them their teacher appreciation gift.



Lengthening Mascara Encourages Lash Growth from All My Lives Now



As a consultant for NYR Organics, I am able to learn about new products before 

they are released. One of the newest products introduced in March is the Lengthening Mascara.  This Lengthening Mascara is Amazing!


----------------------------------------------------


You can enter our Rafflecopter  
Win $222 in Cash & Prizes

a Rafflecopter giveaway


  • Remember to Follow Your hostesses- the first 27 links and your Guest Hosts.  
  • 27 times the opportunity to make new bloggy friends and to share your wonderful blog and discover others too.


Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.

Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..
  • Please leave me a comment , I love to hear from you.
  • Please Link to your post and not to your blog home page
  • I'd love for you to grab my party button for your blog party site but it's totally optional
  • Please No adult content blogs
  • Please do not add links to shops or selling websites (they will be deleted from the party)
  • Giveaways are always welcome.. Add your giveaways to Sew Crafty Angel's Pinterest Community Giveaway Board too.  
Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts.  Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.
Angel




The Wallpaper from Hell

Pin It My first project of 2024 finds me updating my hallway with board and batten wainscoting and peel and stick wallpaper treatment at th...