Project 365

6/18/13: Project in progress. Finished product promised next week! #pinteresting #pinterest #pinterestparty #p365

Kitchen Overhaul: Step #1

I declared a year and a half ago that I wanted to redo the kitchen before I passed 40. I knew I couldn't afford a complete overhaul with new cabinets and all so I set my sights on new counters, new sinks and faucets, painting cabinets (inspired by a friend's project), paint walls, and tile backsplash. In December, Michael finally gave me to the go-ahead to order the counters (the biggest investment) so I rolled and committed to the laundry room too.

First, I tested my painting idea out in our two bathrooms. I wiped the golden oak cabinets down with a no-sanding liquid twice, did some light to medium sanding, painted one layer of Sherwin Williams tinted primer, and two layers of their black oil-based lacquer.

Guest Bath Before

Guest Bath After

Master Bath After (sorry, no before)

Of course I didn't take pictures of the kitchen before the counter removal but I have many candid shots with the "before" that I will include in the final comparison however far away that happens to be.

Desk

Island/Stove

Laundry Room

Kitchen Sink

Counter Top Sneak Peek

Tomorrow I plan to take pictures of the counters installed and give an overview of the steps to come.

1st Knitting Project Finished

Thanks to my friends Allison and Kylie I have done it...officially checked an item off my bucket list...I have learned to knit and have actually made "something"!!!

While it is small and it's not the only thing I have knitted it is DONE and right now that is what counts. I had dreamed of making many of these and giving them as gifts but who knows if time will allow. For now I will enjoy my accomplishment.

Brooke

Knitting 101

I had my first knitting lesson last night from two wonderful and patient friends (Allison and Kiley). Can't say I am proficient nor will I be making anything more than a test swatch for now, but I can "cast on" and "knit" (or at least that is what I think it is all called). They taught me how to make a slip knot to get started also (I only did it once so I have already forgotten :( )

Once I got home, the hubby was sick, so I finished the night as single mom and pulled out my needles and yarn in front of the TV. It took some time and I had to find some video tutorials on Knittinghelp.com to help me remember how to cast on again, but with the base I got from Allison and Kylie I did it. Thanks so much friends...and FYI... I am going to need a few more lessons.

My New Best Friend

For about the last year I have been pinning lovely craft ideas (and so much more) to my Pinterest  boards; many of which referenced using Mod Podge. How I made it this long in my life without using this AWESOME product I will never know???

I bought some a few weeks ago and today decided to give it a try. Now I can say that I am IN LOVE! The crafting stars aligned...I found an idea for homemade toddler "toys" (on Pinterest of course) and had an empty Pringles can and some scrapbook paper.

I love everything about it (the Mod Podge not the game)...the cool things you can do with it, the how easy it is to use and clean up, and even the smell. I am a bit worried that the paper will eventually peal off the can by am hopeful it will hold together.

For now I'll consider it a success so I think I may try out a couple more ideas and when I use up the whole jar I may even make my own homemade Mod Podge and save some cash.

What kinds of projects have you made with Mod Podge?