{My Sister’s House} Vintage Yellow and Green Bathroom

As promised, I’m back with another feature of my sister’s home.  I shared her fab Turquoise and Yellow Bedroom makeover last week, and now you’ll get a peek at her fun, vintage yellow and green bathroom.

This bathroom presented a unique challenge to my sister because, believe it or not, the walls are all concrete!  It makes it a little difficult, as  you can imagine, to change things that have been affixed to said concrete walls… like a large medicine cabinet with an attached light fixture or any of that vintage tile.

My sister embraced these challenges and kept the original charm of this home intact while adding her own personal touches.  For starters, she brought in this gorgeous dresser turned vanity (so much better than a cabinet, right?).  If memory serves me correctly, I think she bought this off of ebay (pre-Craigslist days…).

Just look at that yellow and green tile – isn’t it fantastic?  Those colors are echoed in a stained glass window she hung within her window frame that also provides some privacy when the curtains aren’t drawn.

The shower curtain coordinates as well with a floral border – two curtain panels hung high give the illusion of a high ceiling and add a great touch of laundry.

Because my sister and her hubby are avid cyclists, the wall art gives a fun nod to their hobby turned passion.

I heart this bathroom, just as I heart my sister’s entire home.  The original charm is there from vintage fixtures that have been embraced rather than replaced, and my sister’s personal touches have resulted in a well curated, cozy home.

If ever a bathroom was charming, this is it, no?

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Safari Room Dresser Makeover

Hey guys! Happy Monday to ya! I was out of town for a few days last week so it'll be back to normal this week.  As good as traveling is, it's always nice to be home, know what I mean?

I'm excited today to show you the latest furniture makeover in the home.made. abode. Remember that safari room I started on, oh, a year and a half ago? The one with the Green Desk makeover and the Zebra Nightstand? Oh yeahhhhh, that one. Well, we finally got around to redoing my daughter's dresser,the companion to the zebra nightstand.

I'm sorta loving it.

Like the nightstand, this dresser had previously been painted pink. I knew I wanted a stained top, so I started by stripping the paint from the top of the dresser with Citrasolve. Huge props to my hubby, who helped me a lot on this part. He sanded and stained and poly'd like a pro. I mean, look at that beautiful finish... like glass, baby!

As for the paint... after painting and waxing the White and Aqua Hutch I was pooped, so I was not feeling the chalk paint.  Instead, I went the lazy easy route and used regular latex primer and paint (rolled on... holla!). The color is Martha Stewart's Glass of Milk color-matched in Glidden paint.  It's a nice warm white that is not too white and not too yellow.

There's still some decorating to be done before there will be a full Safari Room reveal, but tackling this dresser was a huge leap towards completion.  Still left to do: compiling a gallery wall, figuring out curtains, and hopefully having a brilliant aha! moment to make my daughter's "pets" a little more decor friendly.

For now, I'm celebrating another to-do being done.  

It's such a good feeling, right?

How about you?  Did you cross off anything on your to-do list this past week?

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{Wearing} Stitch Fix

Do you ever feel like you're in a style rut? I feel like I've been in one for the past several years, in fact, really since I've had children. At first, I avoided clothes-shopping like the plague as I adjusted to the changes in my *cough* hips *cough* body post-pregnancies. Then it just became such a chore to go clothes-shopping, kids in tow, complaining that I was taking too long and giggling about mama's bra on the floor.

*sigh*

My wardrobe has essentially morphed into a mix of oldies but goodies (that don't necessarily fit anymore), hospital scrubs, and cheap pieces grabbed hastily from Target during one of the aforementioned clothing expeditions with my children. Its desperately in need of a change... But seeing as my time is limited between working full time and being a mom and my incessant urge to paint everything in my house, when do I fit in shopping?

Enter Stitchfix!

If you haven't heard about Stitch Fix yet, well let me fill you in... It's a personal stylist service that chooses clothing and/or accessory items for you to try based on your personal preferences. Your picks are sent to you monthly or however often you'd like. You try them out, keep what you like and return the rest. Sounds awesome, right?!

I received my first "fix" this past week:

It contained five different tops, all different styles since my style profile is not clearly defined yet... Ha! What's funny is that the one top I didn't like straight out of the box is the very one I decided to keep and the one I thought I'd like the best, well, I didn't. The rest didn't work for various reasons: fit, style, etc. And that's ok, cause I just sent it back in the postage paid envelope that came with the shipment. Easy peasy.

I love that the Stitch Fix peops include these styling cards with each item, showing you a casual and a dressier version of the item in a styled outfit. Perfection!

So what'd I keep? I know you're dying to know!

I kept this blue striped top, which was a soft knit in the front with a sheer back. It's totally not what I'd ever pick up to try on, but I ended up liking it enough to keep! That's what I like about the whole grab bag approach of Stitch Fix. It forces me out of my comfort zones, and maybe into more stylish ones along the way!

I'm super excited already about the next shipment and what will be inside that sweet little box.

Have you tried Stitch Fix? What are your thoughts?

**By the way, I was in no way compensated for this post. This is my personal experience and honest opinion of Stitch Fix.**

 

{My Sister’s House} The Turquoise and Yellow Bedroom

My sister lives in an amazing 1940s home in our hometown and she has infused every inch of it with charming vintage style.  She recently redecorated her back bedroom (which my girls lovingly refer to as “their” room) in a turquoise, yellow, and grey color scheme and it totally knocked my socks off, so she was kind enough to let me take pics and share with you!

The room gets a ton of natural light from from the windows that wrap around the far end – IKEA curtains filter the light to create a beautiful glow.  The blinds are original to the home – can you believe it?  They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore… *sigh*

The vintage metal beds were originally red – my sister repainted them in a metallic grey finish to go with the  new color scheme.  The yellow and grey sheets match perfectly and the turquoise throw and pillow throw in a fun pop of color.

Between the two beds is the Arles Yellow and Wood Vanity that I redid for my sister earlier this year, when she was just starting to think about this room makeover.  I added the turquoise knobs back then in anticipation of this!  Now that the mirror is in place, the vanity is even more beautiful.

The gallery wall above the beds and vanity is filled with fun sayings and anecdotes in an array of colors.  The “Think Happy Be Happy” art is my favorite – it truly sends the perfect message about this room and the children who are so blessed to get to stay here with their auntie.

I am so thrilled to get to share this fun room makeover with you – and I can’t wait to show you some more peeks into my sister’s house.  I know you will love it as much as I do…

Think Happy and Be Happy this Monday!

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{Friday Faves} Summer Beauty Multi-Taskers

Hey, hey friends!  I don't know about you, but I'm jumping for joy that it's Friday!  It's just been one of those weeks at work and I'm crazy missing my kids since they've been gone all week on vacay with my sister and brother-in-law.  I'm looking forward to a relaxing weekend filled with snuggling my girls and celebrating Mr. home.made.'s birthday, complete with homemade Italian Cream cake.

Since summers are so busy for all of us, I thought I'd share some of my favorite beauty products that cut down on the time I spend primping because they're beauty multi-taskers:

Here's the skinny on these time-savers:

Jergen's Natural Glow Self-Tanner:  I've already sung praises for this in my Fave Self-Tanner Roundup, but it deserves a second round of applause.  Not only does it add some glow to my ghastly white fair skin, but it also protects with sunscreen.  Score.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer:  I use this daily in the summer in lieu of foundation.  It's the perfect blend of sun protection, sheer color, and wrinkle fighting (since I am getting closer to 40 every day.  Darnit.).

Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo:  I must admit, I was a little late to the dry shampoo party, but now that I've joined in, I'm a believer.  I use this in two ways: as a dry shampoo for day old hair and I use it on clean hair (after drying) to add texture and help hold style.  Trust me, it really works.  Just be sure to brush it out well or you'll look grayer than usual...

Maybelline Falsies Volum' Express:  This is my new favorite mascara (of which there have been many).  This mascara really pumps up my blond lashes and the curled wand makes my lashes look super long.  Plus it's waterproof, so it's a great look that lasts all day.

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes: And last, but not least, the easiest way to take off your makeup at the end of the day.  These towelettes are the bomb-diggity.  They even remove aforementioned waterproof mascara easily!  My face is left feeling clean and super soft.  Love.  (Bonus: they're easy to pack for a getaway...)

So there you have it.  My fave summer beauty multi-taskers - I can't live without them.  Well, I could, but life would not be quite as pleasant, right?  Have a fantastic weekend friends!

White and Aqua Hutch Makeover

 

Last summer I came across a great china hutch on Craigslist while I was searching for a dresser for my daughter’s room.  (Isn’t that always what happens on Craigslist?  It’s worse than Target!)  Anyhoo… because I had quite a few other works in progress at the time, this hutch sat in my garage ever since, waiting to be given a new life.

Because my future plans for my kitchen include painting a darker wall color, I knew I wanted this piece to be white so it would pop against the color of the wall.  This color is Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.

 

 

I painted two coats of the Old White and then topped with a third, watered-down wash of Old White to help give the paint a smooth finish.  I decided to forgo distressing and just left it all white, then waxed with AS clear wax.

 

 

Rather than paint the interior white as well, I went with an aqua wash – this color was created by mixing AS Provence with a little bit of Old White, and then mixed that with an equal part of water.  I simply put it all in a mason jar and shook it up, then painted the interior, trying not to be too precise since I wanted it to look like a wash of color.

 

 

I love the seeing my white dishes against a sea of aqua.

 

 

I’m still tweaking the hutch styling, but for now it includes some of my vintage Rose Point china, a few collected pieces of Ironstone, vintage Pyrex, and some vintage dishes and pottery that I inherited from my grandmother.  I look forward to changing things up on the inside for holiday and seasonal touches.

 

 

I toyed with the idea of replacing the hardware, but changed my mind.  Sometimes it’s better to keep the original hardware, and this was one of those instances.  I want the hutch and its contents to be the star here.

 

 

And since I know how much you guys love pictures, here are just a couple more for ya:

 

 

 

My girls are on a trip this week with my sister and brother-in-law so I’m taking advantage of the free time and working on some projects around here, in between a few dates with Mr. home.made.  He deserves it, since I’m putting him to work too… hazards of being a DIYers’ hubby, right? ;)

 

What about you?  What are you working on this week?

 

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DIY Contributor for Somewhat Simple

When I first started my blog, it provided a much-needed creative outlet for a worn out mama of two precious girls.  Over time it has become a chronicle of my life and my home and I consider myself blessed that you continue to stop by and visit my wee little corner of blogland.  Thank you for reading, for commenting, for supporting me every step of the way.

I'm so excited to share that I will also be one of the new contributors for a fabulous site: Somewhat Simple.



Stephanie is the woman behind Somewhat Simple, a site that is chock full of all sorts of creative ideas.  From printables to sewing to crafting to organization to DIY ideas for your home... you can find it all on this one site!  I am honored to be part of an amazing creative team.

My first contributor post is up today - go check it out!

S’mores Necklace {Tutorial}

After posting about my daughter’s Camping Birthday Party, I received quite a few requests for a tutorial on the S’mores necklaces that the girls made as their party favors… What can I say?  You ask, you shall receive!  Here is the:

This is an easy, fun project to do with school-age or older kiddos and is perfect for parties, girl scout activities, or just for grins on a rainy day.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Polymer Clay in White, Tan, and Dark Brown
• Poly Paste (or similar polymer clay adhesive)
• Jump ring, lobster clasp, eye pin, and necklace cord/chain

Instructions:

Break clay and roll between fingers until soft.  Form two penny-sized balls of the tan clay, a slightly smaller ball from the dark brown clay, and an even smaller ball of white clay.

Flatten tan clay balls to about 1/8 inch thickness and the diameter of a quarter.  Using a clay cutter or knife, cut flattened clay into two small squares (roughly 3/4 inch square).  Use a toothpick to draw a faint line in the middle of each square (to resemble a graham cracker).

Use tip of toothpick to make faint hole marks on each side of your cracker pieces.

Flatten your dark brown clay piece between your fingers to make a piece of chocolate – soften the corners with your fingers until this piece is slightly smaller than your cracker pieces.  It will be a bit thicker, and that’s okay… we like our chocolate thick around here. :)

   

To form the marshmallow, flatten your white clay ball onto a hard surface until it’s a little thicker than the chocolate piece (a little bigger than 1/4 inch).  The smooth the edges by rolling gently on your hard surface.

Now all of your s’mores pieces are ready for assembly.

 

Turn one cracker piece right-side down and apply thin smear of polymer adhesive.  Top with chocolate, add adhesive.  Add marshmallow, add adhesive, and then top with final cracker, right-side up.

Looks almost like the real thing, huh? 

Just like you would with a real s’more after the marshmallow is toasted, squish it down a bit to “melt” your marshmallow.

Trim your eye pin with jewelry pliers (or bend back and forth until it breaks) to fit the depth of your s’more charm.

   

Dip the eye pin into poly adhesive to coat it and then insert down the middle of the charm.  It’s okay if there’s leftover adhesive at the top; just spread evenly with your finger.  It will dry clear after baking.

Bake your charm per directions on your clay package (I used Sculpey clay so I baked mine at 275 degrees for 15 minutes).  I use a clay mat that’s oven safe for baking, but parchment paper works just as well.  After baking, allow clay to cool for 10-15 minutes. 

Attach your lobster clasp to the eye pin with a jump ring, and then hang charm on a necklace and you’re finished!

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