Old Things New.....

Found an old treasure box?  Step 1: Dust it, Step 2: Clean it, Step 3: Put it to use.....

I'm really starting to enjoy finding pieces like this and putting it to use.

I hate when toilet paper can be seen in the bathroom, so now it's a little discreet......

I found this treasure box in our basement. Eric has never seen it and he's been here for 8 years. So it has some antique touch. I had a piece of wood from a previous DIY project and used it as a sign. I found the graphic on The Graphics Fairy and added the text using French font and printed image then Mod Podge'd it.   Vintage inspired once again.

Thinking Green with a little Theme ... Recycling Craft

Recycling has never been so fun....I'm learning to recycle and put old things to use.  Our home is under contract and I'm going through some things packing and getting rid of the old (unless I can reuse).  At any rate, I found an old book, romantic novel of sorts and while sipping on my protein shake and reminiscing on the DIY projects posted on Pinterest that day......Recycling that old protein bucket that I took the last scoop from today was on my To-Do list for sure. 

So I cleaned the bucket out and got to work.  I took pages from the old romantic novel I found and Mod Podge'd my way around the bucket.  I also cut out words from the novel or words from a newspaper like "girl power", "beautiful" or anything that caught my eye. 

The print on the lid of the bucket was found on the best sight ever!!!!  The Graphics Fairy the print is found here:  http://thegraphicsfairy.com/gorgeous-vintage-paris-label/ 

The dry flower on the lid was one my daughter Brooke picked out for me earlier this summer.

Away I went Mod Podge'ing and this was the end result .............Now, I just hope my daughters don't look to close at the pages of the novel, I realized later how steamy this romantic novel was.  lol

I'm not done just yet thou, I want to glue a string of pearls around the top of the lid.  I'll update when I do.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Next I Mod Podge'd the lid to an old box, once a centerpiece at a baby shower I went to, and used an old antique frame to give it a little Umph!

365 Days! Happy 1st Year Anniversary

Happy 1st year anniversary to us!

Blessed I am to have such a wonderful man in my life, one whose own needs he himself puts on the back-burner to ensure that his wife and children are taken care of first. One of many attributes that will never go unnoticed.

One who made marriage vows mean what they say, standing steady by his wife and children through trials and tribulations. Getting through them together is the best gift.

One who seriously upholds his promise that he made during our Cord of Three Strands ceremony symbolizing the joining of one man, one woman and God into marriage; agreeing that it was God who taught us to love and by keeping Him at the center of our marriage, His love will continue to bind us together as one throughout our marriage. "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."   Ecclesiastes 4:12

My words fall short, how else can I express myself?… He loves me just the way God created me, with every scar and imperfection. He sees past my outward flaws into the depths of my heart and loves me just the same. Just one look from him and I know everything is going to be ok.

We are so alike, and so different, in all the right ways, but he is considerably more selfless than I deserve. He is my life, and I am so blessed that God chose Eric Perez to be my husband.

I am blessed beyond measure to be his wife and thank him daily for enhancing my life.

Heaven @ 7 ~ Happy Birthday Brooke Marie Kennedy

Last night I was a complete wreck....I can't believe my little girl is 7 today.  I created this especially for her.

My heart grew my two tiny feet the day she was born.  Feeling blessed beyond belief, for the love that God has given me through hers.


Heaven @ 7 ~ Happy Birthday Brooke Marie Kennedy

Do-Over!!!! Converting an old dresser to a new buffet station

A few weeks ago my in-laws moved back to FL - they left two dressers in their old room - I knew not to get rid of them, considering we would eventually use them and especially considering we have minimal storage space in our home.  Not to mention how I love to Pinterest my ass off, I knew I would be DIY'ing in no time at all.

So....I was getting a little tired of our bakers rack in the kitchen...my husband had it prior to me moving in, so we kept it; and considering I replaced almost all his furniture with mine I figured I'd let him keep the piece.....for now!!

The water bottles stacked on the bottom rack were exposed; and there is nothing that irks me more than to see a mess, even if it was organized chaos....then it a light bulb went on in my head the old dresser!!!

Off to Michael's I went with a 40% off coupon (my husband stood on one line with one coupon and one item and I stood in another (hey 40% off any one item is def worth doubling the line).... I Purchased 2 long posters of wine bottles and one bottle of Mod Podge.  My husband had an old poster he never unwrapped so I used that as well....here we go:

Old Dresser (still in great condition)

My husband's old poster that he never had framed, scissors, ruler, blade and Mod Podge

Close up of Mod Podge used

 

To Mod Podge, measure and using a razor blade cut pieces to be Mod Podge'd on each drawer, this is very tricky especially with this type of dresser which had raised outlines.  Lightly brush the back of each piece with Mod Podge glue and set on surface.  Lightly with fingers and a credit card press/brush to get air bubbles out....continue with each drawer.  Let set for about 2 hours, then using a foam brush Mod Podge again (same glue...don't worry it dries clear)  to get a clear gloss protective coating

 

This was the trickiest .... I printed "Wine...is bottled poetry" on Waterslide Decal Paper then used Acrylic Gloss Sealer and let dry for a few hours.  Next you cut (be precise) and place sheet in water (I used a baking dish big enough to fit the piece).  Let sit for about 30 sec to 1 min, then place on surface, pull the backing, set and go over with a wet cloth to get air bubbles out.  Let dry over night.

 

AND THS IS THE FINISHED PRODUCT - OUR NEW BUFFET - WATER BOTTLES ARE NOW IN THE BOTTOM DRAWER AND CANNOT BE SEEN! THANK GOD!

 

Our Small Kitchen - but BIG in Love

Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix - Oh Yum! Perfect snack for hiking or wherever you go!

I have to say this is delish!! I should have done this last week when I hiked "Breakneck Ridge Loop" could've definitely used a little pick-me-up.

 

Pumpkin Seed Snack Mix

 

 

Ingredients

 

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds, roasted and salted
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1/2 cup dried dates, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted almonds
1/2 cup candy coated chocolate pieces

 

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients until well incorporated. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

 

Enjoy!!