Tackling the Elephant in the Room

Howdy one and all!  I know I've been MIA for a few weeks now!  Well, I'm feeling more like me and have begun to tackle my greatest task . . . the "Elephant in the Room", my china hutch! LOL!  The reason I call it the "elephant in the room" is because I live in a one bedroom apt without a patio for a painting area.  Plus the cabinet is much too large for me to use my usual outside space, my parking space. *_*    Thus, I have to paint it in place in my livingroom; inconvenient mess, especially since the piece is so large.  Here is its present paint colors plus a peek at some of my blue/white collection. : -)

It's been this color since about 2002!  I'll show the first original paint job when I do the complete reveal!  This hutch is the first piece of furniture I ever attempted to paint!  Please ignore the mess in the picture below; one of the challenges of diy in an apt - moving furniture and everything else around when you're painting. lol

 I had a challenge on this back area.  You can see where the top of the hutch sat; the last time I painted with the top in place.  Can you see the old turquoise color?

Here's a sneak peek of where I'm taking it now!  The first step of painting it two-toned!  This color is a bit misleading as I've since remixed the diy chalk paint.  But not by much . . . -_^  What do you think the second color will be?

So that's it for now!  I'm hoping to finish this by this weekend .. . energy willing.  Hope your week is going well.  Stay tuned . . .

~Barbe~

Video Cabinet Facelift

This little cabinet was given just a quickie facelift since I know I don't intend to keep it long term.

As you can see below, its not real wood but particle board with a wood veneer!  But for $5 it will serve the purpose until I find a wood bookshelf of the right size. -_^

I started by taking it apart as I thought it would be easier to paint.

I started to prime it and instead decided to use some leftover diy chalk paint from my dresser makeover.

The top, edges, and back sides I added a moddled wash with royal blue enamel paint.  Then I added the white stenciling and heart shaped knobs.

Here is the after again:

Have a great week and thanks for stopping by!  Stay tuned for the Elephant in the Room!?!  LOL!!!
~Barbe~

It is Fall Isn't It?

Hello everyone, I realize I've been MIA the past few weeks.  Just had a lot going on with the family and giving my body time to rest up and heal.  Actually today is the first time I feel more like myself. : -)

I have been slowly working on one project that I hope to share by the middle of the week. -_^  Well its the first day of October . . . so says the calendar and the news reports!  Hmmm . . . but the news also says it will be 100 degrees today, as well as, tomorrow! *_*  Sheesh!  I'm ready for fall weather not just the announcement.  So I see many of you are sharing beautiful turned leaves from your yard and from your neighborhood walks.  This is what is still in my gardens:

Now don't get me wrong, I love my roses and canna lily, but I'm ready to plant some mums and pansies. :  ( Until the weather cooperates, I'll just keep myself busy with other things.  Kind of hard to think fall when it looks like mid-summer outside. lol  Hope you're week is productive and full of joy!  (((HUGS)))
~Barbe~

Antique Dresser Reveal!

Well, she's finally done!  My shades of blue lady is sitting pretty in her new space.  You may remember this dresser before in the Shades of Blue Antique Dresser post which shows its first 2 makeovers.  Well, here she is now:

Decor Timing With A Lease!

I've been putting off really decorating my apartment for the past nine months as I knew I wanted to eventually move.  Well, things didn't turn out as planned and my lease was up!  Since I didn't find another place, I'm thus at the same residence for another year. *_*  It's just another challenge of living in a rental, timing!  If you plan on staying in one place for more than a year, it's worth the investment to make it your own space with paint and minor wall damage such as hanging shelves and pictures.  If you're renting on a short month to month basis, less than year, it would be more frugal to keep your decor simple with maybe a few large pictures (less holes in the walls); colorful accessories, and textures.  Though I have been here for 2 1/2yrs, this is the route I've taken in my kitchen; especially on the back wall.  It went from nothing on the wall but this empty mini curio cabinet.  I know, really dull huh.  But now it looks like this . . .

                                     

  

Shades of Blue Antique Dresser

I love this little dresser which was given to me about 10yrs ago by a neighbor who was moving.  Below is the first makeover (this was with a very old camera, sorry so blurry).   I started by applying a Minwax white stain.  Then I stenciled it with floral vines and roses with a country blue creme stencil paint.

The knobs are blue resin hearts with a raised vine pattern on them that I ordered from a catalog.

Final Frugal Treasures Features!

Yes, you read right!  I'm discontinuing the Frugal Treasures party.  I so enjoy all of your projects and visiting your blogs to see whats new.  But because of health issues and life, trying to keep up with the party has gotten to be to time consuming.  I started it because it looked like it would be fun and it was!  But visiting all the links and picking the features each week is taking energy I just don't have to give.  I've realized I haven't been putting much time into writing for my blog, which is a source of comfort and release for me.

I will still be visiting each of you on a regular basis; connected to most of you through emails now so I can keep up.  I hope you'll still come by each week for a visit.  I'm hoping to use this time to get more of my projects completed and be able to share more of my home, tips, and thoughts with you all.  Thanks to all of you for your support these past 6 months.

Now for this weeks features . . . guess what . . . its EVERYONE!!!  That's right, I'm ending the party with a bang and all of you will be featured. : -)
My favorite this week goes to Alderberry Hill for this adorable Sweater Pumpkin!

Italian Chairs - Yard Sale Jackpot!

This is the third time I've started this post!  Blogger image and design tools weren't working correctly.  So after a couple of days, I finally figured it out . . . too many apps on my browser! *_*

Anyway, on to my great yard sale jackpot!  Since it was so warm this entire holiday weekend, low to mid 90's, I figured there wouldn't be any yard sales this weekend!  Well, I was so wrong!  Okay, let me just say, I'm not usually one of those people who swing a u-turn on impulse; but this time I plead guilty! LOL!  You see, I was supposed to be going to the grocery story and return somethings at Ross!  I almost made it to the stop sign at the corner when I spotted these chairs.

Frugal Treasures Tuesday 24 & Features!

Hello and Happy Monday!
Once again you've all been so busy shopping for great frugal finds; cooking yummy recipes, and creating awesome projects! So on with this weeks features:

The most popular per clicks goes to Biljana.

Frugal Treasures Tuesday #23

I took a road trip up the coast with some girlfriends this weekend so no projects to share, . . . yet!  But the scenery was awesome!
Its party time again!  I'm so looking forward to seeing what you've been working on or what great frugal thrifty score you've found!  My plans for this week is to makeover my antique dresser and mirror so keep  your eyes open.  I'm so excited I've found an Annie Sloan distributor here locally.  Though I like my diy chalk paint, at times I just don't feel like mixing it up.  This will be my first time using ASCP so eager to see if all the hype is true; truly hope so!  I may also have a final reveal on my bathroom!!!

Now on to:


Here are the rules:

1. Link up your projects, recipes, makeovers, thrifty finds, recycles, etc!
2. Link to your actual post and not your blogs home page.
3. Please be courteous and add a link ( my button or text) to your post so others can see it and find the party.  The more the merrier and it will help our party grow.  Necessary to be featured!
4. If you haven't already, I'd appreciate if you'd become a follower.  Leave a comment and I'll follow back.
5. Feel free to add up to 3 links.
6. Let's remember this is a party, so do some mingling and visit at least 2 of the links.  If you leave a comment, they may become your new follower. -_^

Have a wonderful week and remember to show your family and friends love; tomorrow is not promised! : ) ~Barbe~

Frugal Treasures Features*

Well its a new week and you've all been true to form with your talents.  It gets more and more difficult to pick features each week.  First let me apologize to all who added my button only to have it disappear from their blog later in the week.  I'm not sure what happened but I have since fixed the problem.  So feel confident and grab a button! :  -)   Now I'll start with the one which you made most popular with the most clicks.
This would be Debbie-dabble for her Pretty Bathroom

Window Shopping!

I was feeling a little bored the earlier tonight so I decided to do a little window shopping but . . . . on Craigslist!!!  I was amazed what was available locally.  If only I had more space . . . . lol  *WARNING*  This post is HEAVY WITH PHOTOS!  So get your coffee or tea and whatever goodies to go with it! : )

First we'll start with the free stuff.  This is what was available as of today.  If only I wasn't going out of town, today I'd so be trying to pick these up. . .




I know your drooling right now . . . huh!  Just pull up and take it all for free!  There is also a king size mattress set; must take all or take none.
Next were these barraster(sp) cases below.

  Isn't this gorgeous!  There are two of them and totally for free, just pick up!

How's this for inspiration while potty training and only $25!  My youngest grandson just got potty trained. lol


Below I found another crafter with a Facebook page, Revolving Door Decor, selling these wings!  Such a simple yet pretty project.  She also has some awesome furniture pieces!


I might have to buy these:  bookshelf, table, and small painted chest all for $40!  I've been looking for a tall narrow bookshelf; other pieces a bonus. : )


Love the shape of these nightstands.  Notice the glass tops that come with them.


I'd love to see this made over, too much gold!!! *_*


Tissue holder, mirror, toilet shelf and magazine rack - all for $100.


They have 2 at $100 for both!


I recently saw one of these on someone's blog, $25.


Begging to go home with someone for a makeover, $5.


Beautiful but expensive, $400!


If only I had the strength to manage a business!  Only $50!


This one has glass shelves and the lighting for $40.


Awesome storage for a craft room.  Look at those shelves and the deep drawers plus a lock and key, $150
  

Now this takes me back to my first apartment!   Wonderful memories . . . -_^  I think they're making a comeback also!  Only $40.


I love this table and it extends to 60" oval with the leaf extension that sinks in the middle!  I so need a kitchen table set though this doesn't come with chairs.  But it is solid oak and can keep it round for everyday use.
  

I need to make arrangements for this bedframe before I leave this evening!  Just what I've looked for!  Just $100 or best offer!


Okay, so you see this could go on forever! LOL!!!  The interesting thing is I usually don't find much of anything locally, especially in furniture.  Hope you enjoyed window shopping with me and have a blessed rest of the week.  If you haven't already, don't forget the Frugal Treasures Tuesday party is going on through Sunday evening!
~Barbe~

Tiffany Purse Storage Box and Frugal Treasures Tuesday #22

Well, it's a new week and summer is winding down fast!  Our heat wave finally broke and we're in the cool mid 90's! LOL*  So I didn't get any big projects done but I finally finished a smaller one, this cute Tiffany inspired Satchel Purse from a storage box!

This is how it started (already started painting with leftover diy chalk paint when I remembered  before photos).

Frugal Treasures Tuesday Party #21

Well its that time of the week again!

 Let's get this party started:  A few points to remember:

1. Link to your actual post and not your blogs home page.
2. Please be courteous and add a link ( my button or text) to your post so others can see it and find the party.  The more the merrier and it will help our party grow.  Necessary to be featured!
3. If you haven't already, I'd appreciate if you'd become a follower.  Leave a comment and I'll follow back.
4. Link up your projects, recipes, makeovers, thrifty finds, recycles, etc!
5. Feel free to add up to 3 links.
6. Let's remember this is a party, so do some mingling and visit at least 2 of the links.  If you leave a comment, they may become your new follower. -_^

Looking forward to see what we share this week.  We're still in the 100's this week so don't know if I'll get any projects done. : (   Hope  you all have a great week!
~Barbe~
I often party with these ladies: