Laminate Drab to FAB!

Here is my most recent project.

A friend offered me this oh-so 70's dresser and a matching nightstand for free.  In in 1972, this would have been something you'd dream of in the Retro Catalog.  Now, the owner would do anything to get it out of her house.  So bad to even drag it down a flight of stairs to her front door bad (she really did this).

Since the price was right and I had a little inspiration, I took the offer.  Tim was not very happy with my decision when we went to pick up the monster dresser.  I was a little overwhelmed with the size of this thing myself -oh boy.

So home we went and my mind started fluttering with inspiration.  Tim and I agreed on the color (BEHR Fashion Grey) and I went to work.

 

As I said in my prior post, do not use CHEAP paint.  If you do, the result will be cheap and you will not be a happy camper.  Here I used Behr paint and primer in one.

I lightly sanded the laminate on this and did the intricate areas by hand.

I was happy with one coat (see what good paint does) and picked out new hardware.  Ta-da, the final result in our bedroom.  Isn't free good with a little TLC??

Happy projecting you Treasure Hunters you!

My Trick to Storing Boots

Recently moving to Colorado from Arizona, I have acquired ALOT of boots (15 pairs to be exact).  So with my new found shoe envy came a messy closet.  I consider my boots to be an "investment" and hate how they would sit in my closet folded and crumpled.  I knew there had to be an easier way to keep their form without spending tons of money on those long bubble things to stuff in them. 

With my recent move also came lots of empty boxes.  I had a "light-bulb" moment and realized the answer to my dilemma!

Here is the quick and practically free way I store my boots.

1.  Cut cardboard to fit the inside of your boot.  Ensure the piece is a little wide so you can fold to create enough strength to hold the boot.

 

2. Form the cardboard inside of the boot so it will stand upright.

 

3. Store the boot without worries of it being smashed or folded over.  This is just too easy to do and makes your closet look nice :o).

 



 

 

Painted and Stained Wood

On a budget with a new home to fill up I have to get creative.  I bought an coffee table off Craigslist for $35 and was ready for my first project.

This was my first time doing anything with wood.  So after a lot of research this is what I learned:

1. NEVER buy cheap paint.  

2. It is easier than you think. (Really this is so true)

3. Painting is a great way to recycle old furniture.

Coffee table.  I know it was in good shape, just didn't work with my living room.

What I used: 

1. Sander (my husbands, or you can rent if you don't have one)

2. Valspar Paint and Primer "Cream in my Coffee" I actually bought the sample size for $2.98 and still have plenty left over for my next project.

3. Small can of Mahogany stain.

4. Paint Brush

5. Old Damp Towel

6. Sand Paper.  I used grain 150 and elected not to use a higher number for a smoother surface.   I like the "used" feeling the 150 gave.

Start by hand sanding the intricate areas the sander will not reach.  On the areas you plan on painting, you will only need to sand lightly.  If you plan to stain, ensure you sand down to the grain.

 I then stained the top of the table.  Make sure you do small long strokes for an even finish.  In this case, I only needed to do one coat.

I then painted the legs and tabletop side.

When the paint is dry.  I took some of the sand paper to sand areas on the paint.  This will give you the rustic effect.

Hope I was able to inspire you with a project.

Let me know how your project goes.

Cher

I'm Back :o)

Hi All,

I have been on a little "Hiatus"...no I'm lying its been a long one, 2 years almost. 

Since my last post, I have move to Colorado Springs, CO with my husband.  We bought a home a couple of months ago and want to share all my new found wisdom -ha!

I plan to change things up a bit.  You will see projects, tips, and idea's.

Glad to be back in blogging action!

Cher

Unexpected Find

Lamp $9.99

Today, I went to Savers on 73rd Ave and Bell.  I have been looking for a table lamp for weeks and so excited  I finally found the perfect one.  It may be an antique, not sure.  Either way, it has intricate metal design and enjoy the uniqueness of it.  Of course, I could not only look at lamps, but the enitre store....well since I was there and love treasure hunting. 

Juicy Couture $8.99

I seem to have the best luck with shoes and found a total of 4 pairs I like.  Trying each pair on about four times, I only ended loving the black Madden Girl pumps (love it or leave it).  The Juicy Couture shirt is not really my style, but wanted to take a picture and share, it was only $8.99.  After 1 hour of shopping, I left with the following.

Citizens Jeans $8.99

Madden Girl shoes $14.99

Lamp $9.99

Black sweater $6.99

With my "buy one get one free" coupon, I spent about $36.  I am also excited to say they started there stamp card again.  One stamp for every $5 spent, after 15 stamps you get 30% off your next purchase.

Madden Girl $14.99, Apt 9 $8.99, Alfani $12.99

Love It or Leave It



Mosimo Sweater $4.99, XOXO Dress $9.99

  After meeting my mom for brunch at Daily Dose, I was determined to hit Goodwill in South Scottsdale.  Today was the Rock and Roll Marathon, and took me almost an hour to arrive at my 3 mile desination with all the street closures.                                                                                    

   I made it and started the Treasure Hunting.  One hour later I had several things to try on, leopard and black sheer top, jean capri's, jean shorts, two sweaters, one shirt, and 2 dresses.  While I was in the dressing room, I heard magical words "25% off today with a student I.D.".  As I tried more on, my options narrowed down even further.  I finalized between a gray cotton and metallic dress (appropriate with leggings), teal short sleeve sweater, jean capri's, shirt, and fushia sweater.  My mind started, "If I were to get the dress I would have some tailoring to do and really didn't love it that much", okay so the dress was a no.  "The t-shirt was a little big on me and the teal sweater seems a little cheapy", down goes the t-shirt and teal sweater.  "I love the fushia and would be a great pop of color on anything, the jeans are very veristile as well".

I bought the sweater, jeans, and a soda for $15.64 after my 25% discount.

J Crew Sweater $4.99, Banana Republic Capri's $12.99

15 Minute Surprise

Years ago, I maintained my nails every two weeks.  Not only was this habit costly, took a lot of time, but mainly damaged my real nails immensely.  Once I decided to remove the acrylic it took several months for my nails to grow back and look somewhat decent.
While out with some friends and family Friday night, I admired my cousins newly painted french tips.  She shared a little secret to me later that night and to my surprise her nails were "press on".  I could not believe how great they looked and became curious to try myself.
Saturday morning I drove to the Family Dollar and picked up a pair of my own for $3.25.   I was excited to come home and try for myself.  I carefully chose each matching nail and filed them to fit with perfection.  Fifteen minutes later and a little super glue, my nails looked surprisingly great.  I became excited knowing the amount of time and money I saved, best of all no filed and mangled nails underneath. 

Shoe-A-Holic

Today the place was Savers with a 30% off coupon in hand.  I entered with an agenda of what I wanted to look for; basket, shirt for Tim, maybe some fabric to make Tutu's for my niece's.
When Treasure Hunting I always leave with something unexpected.  If I let the rush get to me, I will also leave with too much. 
I started in Home Goods and found a perfect tray for when I read in bed to fit a drink and notebook.  Next to Menswear, as most of my Treasure spree's I find things I want Tim to wear.  When I do make those purchases the items end up returned or donated to a friend.  I settled down to one black tee-shirt with Tim's style all over it.  In Women's, I found several items I really liked, but did not love.  Rule number one; "Love it or leave it".  I put the items back and headed towards shoes.  For those of you who know me, I have a lot of shoes, not that I need all of them, I LOVE them.  The picture shows the four pairs I tried on.  All barely worn and fit great.  Do I really need four more pairs of shoes?  I set them in front of me thinking of which I loved most and also practical.  I had to have the brown Alfani's and surprised to know the green sticker was 50% off today (YES!!).

Today's Little Treasures:
-Alfani brown leather sling-backs $6.50 ($12.99 50% off)
-Black Tray $3.50
-Black T-Shirt $2.99

I Had to Share

This morning I put on my new shoulder bearing sweater from Goodwill and felt confident in my presence.
Sweater, $2.50
Earings, .99
Pants, $2
Watch, $5
Belt, $5
Tank, $3
I am still learning how to take creative pictures, any suggestions would be great!

Is it really worth it?

Today, I found myself at Kohl's, with "Kohl's Cash".  I had $10 to spend on anything I wanted, how exciting.  I started in the men's section looking at Thermals, found one for $15.  Good deal, right?  I grabbed it and went to men's clearance...Ooh, a new dress shirt for Tim....and pants, a belt, all on sale.  Yes, I love the word "sale" or "clearance".  Soon I wandered into housewares, hands full of course.  There it was again "Clearance" and found 2 beautiful candles I could use.  Then it starts, my mind talking me out of what I do not need to buy....do I really need to get all of this stuff for Tim?  I put the thermal and the belt down.  Went into the purse section as I could always use a new purse.  There was nada appealing to my bargain eye.  Ugh, my mind again...down go the pants and candles.  Lets check out jewelry.  Found a ring I loved, but not my size..bummer.  Again it happened, "Tim has 8 other shirts at home he never wears".  I put the shirt down in the jewelry section.  What was I to do now with this $10 Kohl's Cash?  I had wondered the store 40 minutes and now my hands were empty.  Realizing I littered the store with merchandise, I giggled a bit.  Then I noticed a woman in-line with shoes and pants for her son.  "Here Miss, I won't be using this and would like you have it."