Yup, Another Do-It-Yourself Chalkboard

It's no secret that chalk board paint is a huge trend right now. It's like the skinny jeans of blogland. I would love to paint a tiny wall between our kitchen and dining nook with chalkboard paint, but alas, I rent. No dice. No matter! There's plenty of great ideas out there that are both budget and renter friendly. Here's my latest:

I started off with a Dollar Tree silver colored platter. Ain't she purdy?



Originally, I planned on keeping the edges silver, buuuuuut, why not have a little fun and add a little color?

I just spray painted the platter, focusing on the edges/border. I didn't tape off the center for this step since I'd be adding black chalkboard paint later.



After about three light coats of aqua, I let her dry overnight to be sure I wouldn't ruin the border paint by adding tape. I used 2" masking tape to cover the border and protect my pretty turquoise framing.

I found that a few smaller pieces of masking tape worked best around the corners to achieve a nice rounded edge.

Oooooh, ahhhhh.

Important: It's definately best to do 5-6 light coats of the chalk paint. You only need to wait a couple minutes between coats, too, which is great for us instant gratification folks. :)

And here I thought I went overboard with all that tape. Turns out spray paint kinda gets in all the nooks and crannies. Go figure.

Not to worry. I was excited to take the final photos, but I'll be spraying a little aqua paint into a paper cup and using a small art brush to touch up that sneeky chalk paint.

Cute for the kitchen, don'tcha think?

Little birdy wanted to help keep watch over the chalk. Such a good boy.



There you have it! Nothing super mind altering or life changing, but totally fun and frugal! I have a feeling that it won't stay in the kitchen for long. My two year old daughter is already eyeing this baby...

Anyone else makeover something fun and frugal with their chalkboard paint? I'd love to hear your ideas! My next project...adding chalkboard paint labels to my glass pantry canisters. Wouldn't that make a great gift?

Linky Linky:

The Shabby Nest

Chic on a Shoestring

French Country Cottage

My Romantic Home

Tatertots and Jello

Whipper Berry

Somewhat Simple

A Diamond in the Stuff

Fireflies and Jellybeans

Short 'n Sassy

Can you believe I used to have hair down to my, err, bum? Cra-za-zy! I have a problem. I like to grow my hair long enough to rival a certain long-maned princess, complete with show tune-esque ballad, then chop it all off at once. I'm insane...and not just because of the epic crooning.

This last time, however, I decided I wanted to try out a couple of cute medium length cuts before giving into the dark side (as my bro-in-law would put it = hates short hair on women). But this past week I decided it was time to go all the way. Maybe it was the hot weather; maybe I'm channeling Posh Spice; maybe I'm jealous of my in-laws' Yorkies who both just got their coats shaved for the summer. C'mon, aren't you ever envious of your puppy? No? Um...*cough*...moving right along then...

Without further adieu...my new 'do!

Rockin' the sassy layers...

Ooooh baby, check out those side burns!

Ahh yeah! Work it!

There's no use denying it - I'm in love! Thanks Sarah! XOXO

Now, what about color? Hmmm...

What about you ladies out there? What are your thoughts on super short hair on chicks? The hubsters is always really supportive, but I have to admit I was a little hesitant that he wouldn't like my hair so short. I was wrong - he totally loves it! Gotta love him! He's especially good at that whole, "Whatever makes you happy, sweetie" thing. =) His brother, on the other hand, not so much. Girls should be feminine and pretty, and to him that means long luscious locks.

What do you think? How about a super awful hair cut? Have you ever cried because your favorite stylist moved away? Do you fly 'cross country to get your hair done 'cause ain't nobody else gonna touch that fabulous coif?

Linky: Somewhat Simple & Blue Cricket Design

{ Printable } - Just Be

So I've been accused of only posting three times this month.

Guilty as charged.

There are many honorable reasons why I've left you all rocking yourselves in a dark corner wondering, "Why? Why has she abandoned me?" (It's okay. I know I'm the only reason you get up in the morning.)

Besides the crazy weather preventing me from painting and finishing projects, and this month being ridiculously busy for my family, I've also been a bit uninspired. "A bit" is an understatement, actually. I think I've been putting a lot of pressure to craft and reupholster and share ideas and post about really cool inspiring things. Sometimes, however, you just need to do laundry, and build a "Tangled" tower with your toddler, and cut coupons, and maybe even take a nap.

♥

Meantime, I came across this quote and thought it was appropriate to display in an enormous full sized mural on my living room wall. Okay, not really. But I did make an 8x10 print to put on my nightstand to remind myself that sometimes life is about living. That it's often about the little everyday things like drawing and blowing bubbles with my daughter, eating dinner as a family, reserving time to just snuggle and talk with the hubsters, and not just about coming up with cool projects to write about online. It reminds me that I don't have to be perfect at everything, or try to prove to anyone who I am and what I'm capable of.

"Just be. After all, we are human beings, not human doings." - Kobi Yamada

So here's my "Just Be" printable as a great big rainbow sprinkles covered "thank you" for sticking around even though I've left you rocking back and forth all month, sucking your thumb, and crying out, "Why?"

You're the best readers, ever! Smushes and huggles!

Funky Father's Favors

Procrastinating your Father's Day gifts? Me too. I have a few ideas up my sleeves, though, and while I was browsing about I came across some really fabulously funky ideas at Paper Source. Love that site! From BBQ cook books, geeky dad gifts, and some swanky leather goods, you're sure to find something perfect for your man!

There you have it! Check out Paper Source for a whole bunch of other snazzy Daddy's Day gifts to show your big man how much he's appreciated!

Pink...and I'm Still Here!

So I've been really feeling pink lately. Could be because I have a little girl who's really starting to become a little lady. Could be because I'm finally seeing past a decade of all but loathing this ultimate feminine hue, and another decade of mild curiosity. Could be because we've had the coldest and wettest winter in history and I'm longing for something cheery and fun. Could be because I recently became a Mary Kay consultant and am now constantly working with pink tinted packaging and samples. Could be because my hubby picked out a pink sapphire as the center stone in my engagement ring. Maybe I'm just surrounded by pink and I'm finally giving in to the dark side! Ha!

Whatever the reason, I'm excited to show you these gorgeous party ideas from The Party Dress.

Gorgeous, right? Look closely - there's so many cute ideas! So how about you? Anyone else feeling the pink? Planning any girlie girl parties? I'd love to hear about your great ideas and posts!

A Thrifter's Life - What's This World Coming To?

Is it just me, or has the thrifting world gone a little crazy lately? Gone are the $2 blouses and $4 chairs. No way. Now you pay $15 for an u-g-l-y ol' beat up chair that needs sanding, painting, and reupholstering. Now you pay $35 for an off-brand health rider (you've seen the infomercials for the exercise equipment) that is missing pieces, completely rusted all over, and doesn't even work. Now you pay $8 buck-a-roos for a ripped infant dress.

Exhibit A:

Looking for dress-up clothes for my daughter, I spotted this sweet little dress. Darling fabric and color, but $8? Okay, maaaaybe, if it were in pristine condition, but alas 'twas not so. The fabric near the zipper was ripped in the back and would have to be repaired somehow. Plus, there's not a lot of fabric going on here. What you don't see is that this little cutie is an infant dress, and only about another 3 inches long.

Exhibit B:

At first I was drawn to the cute ruffled neckline and layered look, but what's this? Five dollars for a onesie? A used onesie? Gah. This thing has been well-worn and washed a hundred times. I would maybe think about it new...definitely no way used.

*

So what's the big deal folks? I know it sounds like I might be pinching pennies over here, but aren't we all trying to be more frugal these days, just a little? Again, it's one thing to spend higher prices on brand new items, or used items in excellent condition, but really? Really? Why not just shop holiday sales and get the same prices on brand new stuff? I got a dozen brand new pants and tops for my daughter last month at Wal-mart for $0.50 each! Now that's a bargain!

Exhibit C:

Now here's an interesting item: My darling girl having the time of her life on a Tigger rocking toy. Worth trudging around for an hour not finding any good deals? Priceless, I tell you. Priceless.


On the flip side, I once found a brand new, totally perfect, name brand exercise machine for $8. Whaaaaat?! Yep. I brought that bad boy home with me lickity split! I felt like the woman from that old Ikea commercial running from the store with bags calling out, "Start the car, start the car!"

Crazy Ikea Shopper Video

So, how about you? Ever been totally floored by the prices at a local shop? Good or bad?

P.S. Wish I had photos of the awful chair and riding contraption (bad blogger! bad!). All prices mentioned in this post are totally true and found today at a local thrift store. I heard that some of their locations are changing their prices...some are not. It's rumored to be a test to see if they still move as much inventory if they increase prices. *sigh* Here's hoping next time isn't such a bust. Maybe I'll go check out a different location...