Bathroom Reveal

Alright it has only taken me six months but I finally love my bathroom.

Yes, that is my arm :p

This bathroom was very difficult to photograph, but the changes I made are really amazing.

Here is what the bathroom looked like when we moved in:

 

When we first renovated the house I was 21, and all I wanted was a pedestal sink, the problem was that my contractor picked out the mirror which did not go with the sink at all.  The result?

A top-heavy bathroom with a huge vanity and a tiny sink.  That didn't work.

Then Jeff and I found this great sink and drawers, I painted it and it came out great.

We added the new sink console, a big mirror to replace the old one, and a new light.  I love the result.  There is also a lot more storage, which is good because we lost storage when we lost the other mirror.

On the other side, I fixed up the window, added plants (I love plants in my bathroom, makes me feel closer to nature) and, of course, the new shower curtain I made.   

See the plants peeking out?

On the other side of the bathroom is a simple wall.  Jeff and I installed two towel racks (one for each), my painting, and a small self.

I like to paint toilet paper!

My ring bowl for when I wash my hair.

Then on your way out you have the linen closet (so you always have towels when you need them).

We will have a mirror for the door...soon.

My bathroom is finished.  There are still a couple of things I want to do (change the tiles on the floor!!!), but overall it is in good shape.  I'm very happy with how it turned out.  I really like all the white tile, it just looks clean (I also just scrubbed it from top to bottom).  I really like that. 

What do you think? 

Roadkill Dresser

I picked up this baby by the side of the road.  It smelled like an old lady.  I could totally see that some old lady with lots of cats had this dresser.  She took good care of it, but when she died the children just put it out for anyone to take.  (Do you do that, develop a back story for your found furniture?  Maybe I'm just strange like that). 

It really is not a very special piece.  The dresser is constructed out of particle board, and plastic.  I had no problem painting it at all.  In fact, it took the paint like a champ.  There was no fighting this one, and only two coats (after the primer), and then the poly. 

Alright, are you excited to see what I did with it? 

 

I gave this one a nice coat of white paint and it was done.  I really like it in the simple white.  I kept the hardware.  It has a bit of whimsy.  I might paint the handles at some point in the future.  

Here are some more shots:

One last time:

 Before

After

 

I really am amazed at how a coat of paint can transform a piece of furniture that looked cheep and reminded me of a dead old lady to something that looks clean, light, and beautiful.  I even cleaned out the drawers with lavender scented cleaner. 

Now that I did this project I am ready to paint my beloved antique (or close to antique, it is real wood at least).

She is all ready to get sanded the next day I'm home long enough to do it.

I'm sure you all want to know what color I will paint it.  Well the color found us.

We got this can of paint for $5!!!  I will probably lighten it up a little, but blue is it.

Where I party:
Debbiedoos Blog

Father's Day Memories

Father's Day is bitter sweet this year.  As many of you know my father passed away last August.

This will be my first Father's Day without him.

This is my father when I was little.

Here he is when HE was little.

When thinking about Father's Day I am reminded of one year long ago when I did not have a gift for my father.  My mother is Australian and did not know about father's day.  So as a last minute gift my friend and I made "Hug Credit Cards" for our fathers.

My credit card was almost the size of a regular  credit card.  On the card I had little boxes where he could demand hugs at any time, but then he had to X the box.  I was about eight at the time.

My father kept that card in his wallet for years.  When I was sixteen we had a fight, and at the end he took out his "Hug Credit Card" and used the last hug.  I could not believe he had kept that card for eight years.  It was all worn, but lovingly protected in a special pocket in his wallet.  It was at that moment I realized how much he treasured the gift I made for him.

Me and my dad at my wedding, July 24, 2009

In honor of my father I made this "Hug Credit Card" for you to print out and give to it your father (or your children's father).  I left it colorless on the front so that you (or your child) can personalize it.

Follow these two links for the printable:

Hug Credit Card Front

Hug Credit Card Back

Since this post is all about dads I have to mention one more.  My step-father was also a very important man in my life.  He taught me how to tie my shoes and fold my toilet paper (yeah I'm a bit strange like that, maybe it is a German thing).

This is my step-father and little brother.

I took this picture on one of the last times I saw him.

At the risk of sounding all cheesy and sentimental: love your dad and tell him often.  Enjoy your dad and hug him often.  They are very important. 

Happy Father's Day!!!

Pot of Herb(s)

I got this idea from Martha.  Follow the link to get to her instructions.

Basically I saw this picture and ran with it.

I discovered that five pots of all these different sizes is actually quite expensive.  We only got three (but the same concept applies).

I made a pot of herbs just outside my kitchen door.  Now I just step outside for a nice addition to my cooking.  The herbs have to grow in a little, but they will, I have faith.

Gather your supplies (and the pots of course).

 

I layered the first two pots.  It took surprisingly little soil (we bought way too much). 

Then stacked the third pot on top.  I added some rocks for good drainage. 

Add the herbs (make sure to break up the roots a little to help them grow). 

Plant the herbs, and water.  That's it. 

Then, sit back and enjoy the fresh herbs.  I planted rosemary (that went on the top because it spreads), basil, cilantro, thyme, and oregano.  I love the rosemary in my omelets, basil in everything, cilantro in salsa, and oregano is good on chicken.  Yum, nothing tastes quite like fresh herbs when you are cooking.  They are one great aspect of summer weather for sure (I can never keep them going in the winter). 

I have some more herbs planted on the berm...I just hope the rabbit doesn't get to them. 

Trend Allert: Blue Dresser

Yesterday I shared with you my dresser painting crisis.  I still have not made a decision, but most of my friends on FB tell me to NOT paint it. 

Anyway...I wanted to paint it blue.  I have been planning to paint it blue since I moved here seven months ago.  Now I'm wondering if maybe I am just following the fashion.  It seems that everyone and their mother are painting their dressers blue.  They all took my idea (just kidding, light blue is a popular color right now)!  

One link party, and a quick Google search and I found these dressers:

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They are all really beautiful, but I'm still not sure about my baby.  But don't worry I have another dresser I plan to paint this week. 

What do you think about blue dressers?  Old news, still good?