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~

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:

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.

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~

Frugal Treasures Features!

Hello Everyone!
Well we've started a new week and the heat is crazy here!  Whew!!!  But you've all come up with some really cool things to share last week.  By the way, I love the variety we're getting with furniture and recipes.  A little something for everyone!  So lets take a look at the features from last weeks party.

Jamie's Italian Pasta Salad at Love Bakes Good Cakes.

Frugal Treasures Tuesday #20

You've all been so busy and the links this week were awesome, as usual! : -)  So let's check out the features from last weeks party:

One More Time

Surprise Gifts of Love and Frugal Treasures #17

Hello everyone! ^ _ ^  It's that time of the week again!  First I'd like to welcome to our new party people and thanks for joining us!  If you'd like to see the FEATURES just click on the link.
I didn't get around to any of my big projects this past week or weekend.  But here are some pics of my activities this past week.  First I received an unexpected gift, don't you just love surprise gifts.  My lovely niece was strolling through the thrift store and when she saw this she said it made her think of me!  Awww *blushing*  She's got good taste, huh!

Frugal Treasures Party Features

Hello everyone to the start of another great week!  I've got a lot going on and have so busy that I haven't uploaded my projects though I've already taken  the pictures.  May have some major news later this week, possible move to a larger space . . . *ssshhhhhhh *  It's a secret!  I'll keep you updated though. : )   -_^

Now on to our features from last weeks Frugal Treasures Party.  Our most popular link was from
Alderberry Hill for her awesome spring green adirondack chairs.

Vanity Reveal!

I've finally finished the vanity!  Whew . . . lol!  How did such a small project turn into such a big job, I still wonder. LOL!!!    But I'm quite happy with how she came out!  NOTE:  Heavy photo loaded post. : )

Frugal Treasures Tuesday #15

Well it's party time again.  I've been really busy working on my little vanity.  Though it's not a big job, its taking me so long because I just can't make up my mind where I want to take it from here.  I've given it the initial 2 coats of diy chalk paint in a sort of pearl white tone.  I've sanded it and it came out so so smooth; love chalk paint. : -}

Frugal Treasures Tuesday Features!

Welcome and Happy Monday!
I've decided to do the features from last weeks party in a separate post.  The Frugal Treasures link party will be up tomorrow evening!  So lets get on with the features.

Once again you've all have made my job very difficult in trying to pick only a few links to feature each week.  You're just so talented and amazing.  So as usual, I'll start with the link which received the most clicks:
Congratulations to Peggy over at  Crazy Thrifty Crafts for her post on 'Garage Sale Tips'!  I love that so many took the time to check it out.  Her tips were simple and to the point and as a long time regular in having yard/garage sales, she was on the money.  One tip I can use now that my health has changed was in getting a young person to help you out.  Plus they can make money by selling a few of their own things.  Genius!!!
  

Frugal Treasures Features!

Hello! Hope everyone had a great weekend.  I'm enjoying my vacation in Portland,OR and spending time with my family and friends.  We're still awaiting the arrival of the new grandbaby; any day now!   Let you know when she gets here. : -)

Of course I've already done some shopping.  But in my defense, I didn't bring warm enough clothes thus I had to do some local frugal shopping! -_^  LOL!  That's my story and I'm sticking to it. : )
These finds are from 2 different stores, a thrift and Ross!

Pretty good haul, don't you think?  I fell in love with the texture and colors of the little purse.

Frugal Treasures Tuesday #12

Hello Ladies,
Welcome to another lovely spring day.  I'm in the process of packing for a vacation so won't be around much for a few weeks.  Good news we are having the party this week!  But starting next week, the party will be postponed for a couple of weeks.  I will, however, post the features from this weeks party next Monday!  While on vacation I will send some pics of my shopping stops and frugal finds as well as the beautiful views of the state of Oregon!  I'll also let you know when my new grand-daughter is born with a quick pic! : )

So now on to the feature links from last weeks party.  Your favorite by number of clicks is a 3-way tie this week:
Kathy @ Sharing Shadymont for her great frugal scores.  I especially love this tablecloth!

Frugal Treasures Tuesday #10

Okay Lady's is party time again.  Once again, there were some amazing projects out there and great frugal finds.  So lets get on to our features from last week.
Your most popular choice with the most clicks was from Biljana @ Biljana Shabby for her beautiful
romantic cabinet.  You must see the before on this cabinet, you will truly be surprised!

Peek at Bedroom Update!

Well, I'm 3/4 finished with my bedroom makeover! Yippeeeee!  I can see the glow of the rainbow through the clouds!  So I thought I'd show you a peek of where I am.  Lets start with the fact that my bed is off the floor!  Yep, that's right, I found the rails to fit and for just $25!  So here is your peek . . . :

I'm finally happy with where its going.  As you can see from the drill sitting on my nightstand, I'm still working! lol   I got a few more of the smaller projects completed since I took this pic but they will have to wait for the final reveal. -_^
I still have two large paint projects to finish, but I want to wait until after I get my Annie Sloan chalk paint to do those.  Yes, I'm finally biting the bullet and will see how far that quart can really go. : )  I've been busy moving furniture around.  I don't know if I shared this corner amoire from my livingroom in another post, but I put it in my bedroom.  This was not easy, its soooo heavy!  *Whew*

    

Now it sits in the corner in my bedroom and will hold my sweaters and linens.  I bought this  at a yard sale for $50.00 a year ago.

The table to the right is what's left of the former desk turned nightstand; have plans for it also.  : )

I'm thinking of painting the inside and maybe adding a stencil to the walls so its pretty when its open.  Or maybe I'll cover the inside with a colorful fabric as I'm not so keen on the paint fumes being in there closed up with my sweaters.  It takes so long for the fumes to totally evaporate from the surface and yes, I'm impatient! lol
The other big project is this antique dresser I bought at a yard sale about 10yrs ago for $30.  The knobs are ceramic hearts painted white.  One was broken in my last move, but I still have an extra one.  I'm actually thinking of changing the knobs to handles as the original holes are still there but I've never used them.  It came with no knobs or handles.

Well, that's all for now . . ., the next time you see the room it will be completed.  I'll show the furniture makeovers in separate posts.  So look forward to a lot of photos with the reveal post.  I will try and do some of the photos in collages so you can see the whole story unfolding without it becoming too long.

Next week, I'll reveal the completed bathroom makeover.  But first I need to revamp this little cutie that was given to me by a dear friend.  Isn't it just adorable!  And it fits in the bathroom without making it look smaller or taking up any walking space.

Hope your week has gone well.  Thanks for taking the time to stop and visit.  I'll end this post with a bouquet of flowers I picked the other morning!

~BEE~

I'm linking to these parties:
Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Power of Paint Tuesday @ Domestically Speaking
Tuesdays Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Show Me What You Got Tuesday @ Our Delightful Home
Whatever Goes Wednesday @ Someday Crafts
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
Whats It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm
Thrifty Thursday @ Thrifty Decorating
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home
Inspiration Friday@ At the Picket Fence
Strut Your Stuff Saturday @ Six Sisters Stuff
Spotlight Saturday @ Classy Clutter
Saturday Night Special @ Funky Junk Interiors
Overflowing With Creativity @ Its Overflowing

Frugal Treasures Tuesday # 8

Hey Ladies, its party time!  So we had quite a few links this week, which I love.  I just want to thank you all for participating and taking the time to share your projects each week.  And for those of you who are visiting for the first time, WELCOME! 

So let's start with the link which got the most clicks:
Sarah at Alderberry Hill caught your eye as she did mine with the vibrant colors of her charming pillows.


My fave frugal find of the week is from Art Is Beauty!  Can you believe she found this was a roadside find with mirror intact?   You'll want to read how she brought this back to beauty, detailed post.


This weeks other featured links are:
Caps Creations with a frugal find I would personally love, this vintage address book.  A great back up for when you lose your cell phone and all your contacts. lol


Joann over at  Woman in Real Life showed the original way to go frugal shopping, at mom's! : )


My grand-daughters will be so excited when I make these beauties shared by Heather at Me Making Do!  And yes she was generous to share her free pattern.


Jenny over at The NY Melrose Family shared these adorable towel lollipops!  Talk about a creative baby shower or housewarming gift.


The House at Bluebird Lane showed such imagination in art imitating veggies!


With the help of Samaa at Honey Sweet Home, I can make something which will bring all of my grandkids much joy!  These letters are an easy way to add personality to a room and will make a great pattern for pillows also.
     
  Well that's it for this week.  Thank you all for sharing and look forward to what you will come up with this week.  Please feel free to grab a featured button from my right side bar.
Now for the our party, a few guidelines to keep it fun for everyone.

• Link up any of your found treasures, great buys, inspiring projects, crafts, photos, or recipes.  Please not Etsy shops or giveaways.
• Would really appreciate it if you'd become a follower and leave a comment so I can follow back.
• Please place a link on your post back to the party, either my button or text link, so others can find the party too.   This will also make it easier for you to check back and see if you've been featured!  -_*
• Please, try and take the time to visit some of the other links so the party will keep growing.   If you leave a comment you may gain a new follower, also.  : )
• You may add up to 3 links.

Have a great week!  Haven't had much to share lately, but this week should be full of surprises both inside and out doors!
Add your link below: