Bookshelf accents

 When we moved into this house I really had no vision or thoughts for these shelves.  All I knew was that I had no intent on keeping them for books or knick knack patty whacks. 

I removed some of the shelves, put Target contact paper on the back and found these awesome mirrors at Pier One!  

Link for Target wallpaper: 

 http://www.target.com/c/wallpaper-home-improvement/vinyl/-/N-5xtsdZryx3t 

 Our upstairs hallway.  Two of these bookshelves!

 Love the way these turned out!

Chevron Wall

My daughter painted this all by herself. Taped and measured to perfection. She's got mad painting skills and certainly more meticulous than me!  The "e" came from hobby lobby discount isle. Pineapple gold accent sheets from Target and furniture and lamp from ikea. If you have ever put a ikea anything together you understand the amount of love put into this bedroom. 

Only before picture I have, before we moved in. 

 Here she is working so hard on her room.

She had the pink accent for a while, but repainted to the top picture.  I like the top better too!

H A L L O W E E N

Ghoulish Photo of my lil Goblins

I don't know why I didn't think to do this

earlier.  This photo is about 3 years old, but I 

absolutely love it.  My kids have grown by leaps and bounds

with two of them looking down at this mom.

I can't wait until Christmas!

My little goblins

Halloween mantle

I love the $1 and $3 bin at Target!

gold leaves-Hobby Lobby

scrapbook paper for the banner

free deer print

 hearth room

Target wreath:

added free printed halloween flags

BOO         HISS

Summer flower pots turned F A L L

Canvas, paint, glue and glitter

Let It Go ~ FROZEN Birthday Party

Viv is 5

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~it was bound to happen~

a Frozen party

Vivian turns 5

Bitter sweet day

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Yesterday was a wonderful day filled with family, presents, laughter and memories in the making. I'm not sure why the 5 year mark was more difficult than others, but I found myself wondering what it would have been like to be celebrating with her twin. We were thrilled and extremely nervous to find out we were expecting twins.  This would have been our 4th and 5th child.  I never really imagined having 5 children, but embraced the idea quickly and we were thrilled. At 16 weeks during my pregnancy with Vivian I lost a piece of my soul and mind (seriously, you can ask my OB doctor, as  nurse/mom I instantly became a lunatic).  Nothing in life is more devastating than losing a child, born or unborn.  Life does move on, but I can't help but wonder what my life would be like with Vivian's other half.  I do believe she got the personality of both babies.  She is more than a handful and I am convinced I am the only one who could appreciate my basement being painted with vaseline, poop in the dryer and her many creative ventures. So, if I seem too lax with my little Viv and allow her to explore her creativeness to the extreme.  Maybe it's because she is child #4 or maybe it's because I am just thankful that she can and I can share those moments with her. 

 Happy Birthday Viv and Baby B!

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CUPCAKES

I used Duncan Hines fudge cake mix, filled with an easy chocolate ganache and topped with the best icing I have ever made, italian meringue buttercream.   I also used my new cupcake pan and liners from IKEA. 

Cupcake recipe:  http://www.thefauxmartha.com/2011/09/12/chocolate-ganache-cupcakes/

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 Free paper banner from pinterest

Free printable:  http://www.mumsnet.com/features/frozen-printable-party-pack

 My dresser that just keeps on giving!  

 Free printable and photoshop

Handmade birthday hat from her very first birthday!

 Happy 5th Birthday Vivian!

Kitchen cabinet facelift ~ Oak to Paint

I painted my oak cabinets!

Oh no...you painted over wood?  Yep, I sure did.  Yes I understand it will be the biggest pain ever if I decide I want real wood back (I mean...I might just move before I strip kitchen cabinets).  

My inspiration:  My grad school graduation present from my mom.

I love this chandelier!

Lowes: $250.00

Link:  http://www.lowes.com/pd_589389-41368-AD033-P4_0__?productId=50244043&Ntt=chandelier&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dchandelier&facetInfo=

I love the after!   I painted them with floor and porch enamel from Sherwin Williams.  

Before, we were all oaked out!

I sanded all my cabinets before painting and sealed them with a satin poly.

Painted the ceiling two shades lighter than the cabinets, although it looks like the same color here.

         and it took 2 gallons...ughhhhh!

 Going with glass knobs and pulls

Now all I need to do is replace my countertops and change the backsplash, cha ching $$$$$

American Girl Wardrobe Closet

A M E R I C A N 

G I R L

My first ever Ana White project.  Made these wardrobes for my 2 youngest and my niece for Christmas.  Took me one night to put the wood together and another 2 weeks to complete.  

I used the plans from Ana White and took the board measurements to Home Depot (who cut all my boards). 

Link to ANA WHITE:  http://ana-white.com/2011/12/plans/star-doll-closet-american-girl-or-18quot-doll

This one was made for my daughter Paige and her American Girl Caroline.

*I added scrapbook paper to the back with modge podge for the elegant wallpaper effect.

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My Home Depot haul....so thankful for the guy who cut all of this!

I used a pattern and jigsaw to cut out the star pattern for the doors.

My review for Ana White is her plans are spot on and I would venture to build another piece from her plans again!  These little wardrobes are awesome and I hope that my kids, kids will play with them some day.  The good thing about using real wood instead of buying the wardrobes from Target is I know they will hold up and not be a piece of junk in a few years.  


Merry Christmas!  

Peppermint Kiss Homemade Lipgloss

P E P P E R M I N T

K I S S

 lipgloss

Homemade

~ingredients~ 

Vitamin E

Almond oil

coconut oil

peppermint oil

beeswax

cocoa butter

This really is the best for your wintery chapped lips.  Doesn't compare to the stuff sitting close by the checkout counter.  

Made it last year with the ladies, and had to rough it on my own this year.  

1/2 ounce beeswax
2 teaspoons olive oil or jojoba oil
2 teaspoons coconut oil (solid at 74º F)
1 teaspoon shea butter or cocoa butter
1/2 teaspoon pure aloe vera
1/4 teaspoon vitamin E oil
5-7 drops essential oil (like peppermint or grapefruit)

In a double boiler, combine the beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil, and the shea/cocoa butter. Heat over low heat just until oils and beeswax are melted. Remove from heat. Stir in aloe vera, vitamin E, and the essential oils.

Pour the mixture into small 0.15-ounce tubes. Allow to cool completely to set.


Makes (7) 0.15-ounce lip balm tubes.

Wah-la