DIY Rustic/Modern Table

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Hubs, Lyla and I have been living without a dining room table for quite some time now because I’m too picky to just settle for a store bought one. Yup, we’ve been eating on the couch or sitting at our coffee table EVERY night and it’s sure to have gotten quite old, real fast. I had my “dream table” in mind and I was not going to settle! ;-) I ran across a picture of a dining room table on Pinterest via Creaturecomfortsblog.com and I fell in love with it instantly! It was “THE one”. Ez {writer on creaturecomfortsblog} made this table for her home and made it beautifully I might add! I couldn’t resist how amazing of a job she did… I had to have it! I ran it by hubs and he was all in as well sooo we packed up our little lady and drove right to our favorite place… Menards. Using Ez’s instructions we were able to create this table for our home! So excited to share the process with you! Check it out…

Items Needed:

  • Five 2×8 boards cut to 6 ft length
  • One 1×4×12 board cut into four {3 ft pieces}
  • Sander
  • Sand paper
  • 2 inch Wood Screws {I would suggest approx. 24 screws}
  • Drill
  • Paintbrush
  • Sealer {Minwax-clear satin}
  • Stain color {we used the color “sunbleached oil-based” by Varathane}
  • Vika Lerberg Trestle Legs from IKEA 
  • You will also need some sort of a sawhorse or raised work surface that can get messy when sanding and staining.

1. Start by cutting each of your boards to the correct length. {FIVE 2×8 boards cut to 6 ft and ONE 1x4x12 board cut into FOUR pieces.}

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2. Now it is time to sand away! {Be sure to sand ALL sides of the boards so the stain and sealer will take correctly to the board.}

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3. Once the boards are sanded, stain each side of the boards. {We used 2 coats of stain per board.}

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4. After the boards have dried, lay out all five of the 2×8 boards side by side and place the four 3 ft pieces on top, spacing approx. 1 ft apart.

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5. Attach your wood screws directly through the 3 ft boards to hold them in place. {We used five wood screws per 3 ft board.}

6. Once the top of the table is completely attached, drill two holes through the tops of both of the ikea trestle legs & attach to your table using wood screws.

7. Now set your table upright {you’ll def want to have two people for this} and boom! Admire your finished product!

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I’m beyond pleased with the results!! My husband was AMAZING through this project and did the majority on his own. I was more or less his side kick with this. ;-)

Also, if you are wondering where we got the chairs, we also purchased those at IKEA. {LOVE that place!} Click HERE to see the price of the chairs.

It was so fun being able to sit at our new table tonight and not having to eat on the couch! Yay!

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MEMO BOARD DIY

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I was recently reading one of the newest posts via lemondroplife.com and I saw where she had made over a basic cork board into a fun memo board to store all of her bloggy ideas. I instantly fell in love with how simple yet fun this project was! I was actually so inspired, I went out that same day and purchased my own cork board and got right to work! ;-) I hope all of you enjoy making this project as much as I did.

Items Needed:

  • Cork Board {any size}
  • Painters Tape
  • Spray Paint

How To:

1. I started by putting all four pieces of the cork board side by side and taping off the desired design with painters tape. {Find the design lemondroplife.com used HERE.}

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2. Then I painted over the tape using the spray paint as seen below. {I used the one to prevent rust because it has a grittier texture that I found works great on the cork board. Regular spray paint is fine though!}

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3. Once it was completely dry, I pulled off the tape to find nice crisp, clean lines! Woo-hoo!

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4. Now it was time to display it! The cork board actually comes with mounting tape so they make it easy-peasy to pop onto the wall!

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I love the pizzazz it adds AND it’s great to post all of my bloggy ideas onto! :-)

Have a good day!

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Fancy up your mason jar!

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I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day! Mine was a little all over the place but excellent nonetheless. :-) I wanted to share with you a super fun DIY project that I made for my mother for Mother’s Day that I think all of you will enjoy making too! This year I decided to a little bit different of a gift… I decided to snazzy-up some mason jars! My family and I love drinking from mason jars and what’s better than just slapping on a little chalkboard paint to make it that much more fun. Check it out…

Items Needed:

  • Mason Jar{s} {your choice of size}
  • Chalkboard Paint
  • Small Paintbrush
  • Scissors
  • Paper
  • Permanent Marker
  • Drill
  • Straw
  • Rubber grommet
  • Chalk

How To:

1. Start by tracing out onto paper the shape of what you would like your chalkboard paint to look like on your mason jar. {You may also tape off a design directly onto your mason jar using painters tape.}photo

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2. Using your permanent marker, trace around your desired shape directly onto your mason jar.

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3. Now using your chalkboard paint, fill in the shape.

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4. Now using your permanent marker, mark the spot on the lid where you would like your straw to be. {I found that placing the hole for the straw closer to the edge of the lid is more comfortable for drinking.}

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5. Time to get out the big guns and drill through the dot you marked on the lid!

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6. Push your rubber grommet through to cover up the rough edges.

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7. Now chalk it up with your name, a straw and a refreshing drink!

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These are great for parties so everyone doesn’t have to worry about whose cup is whose!

Lots of fun, right?!

Have a fantastic day!

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My laundry room is screaming for….

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{I know, I know.. that pic is horrendous but I’m just keepin’ it real folks.} I have finally broke down and realized that I can NO longer avoid my tiny dungeon called a laundry room. If any of you are like me, I’m very visual and if a room seems drab and dreary then I find myself avoiding it. I have been going room by room since we moved into our home and sprucing it up {ya know, making it homey} but this room I’ve done NOTHING with since we’ve moved here. So… for starters, I want to paint this baby up and make it a little lively aaaand that’s where you all come in! I have chosen four paint colors and I would like for all of you to comment on the bottom of this post with which paint color you vote on! I’m excited to have you all help me out with this project so let’s get started.

Here’s the four options from Valspar:

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Once a color is picked then all the fun will begin! I’m insanely pumped about this project and I really appreciate all of your input! You guys are awesome :-)

Have a wonderful day,

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Carpet Powder

As I’ve confessed on here before, I am an avid vacuum-er, {eh-hum, possible addict}. I love how fresh and clean my home feels after I vacuum even if there is toys & shoes still everywhere! My obsession has become even more crazy now that we have a pup. Of course the puppy chews and chews on anything and everything leaving crumbs behind in the process… and that’s when I come in, the crazy lady with the vacuum. I had bought some inexpensive carpet powder at Walmart forever and a day ago but I recently ran out. Anytime I run out of a store bought product I like to replace it with a home-made one! Obviously the more natural the cleaning products I use, the better the environment is for our family and even the pup {Lennon}! Baking soda is ALWAYS my go-to product that I love, love, LOVE to use. It disinfects areas as well as eliminates smells! Win, Win in my book {especially when you have a stinky pup running around. ;-) }. Here is my very SIMPLE version on carpet powder that I found to work for our family… feel free to try it out!

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Items Needed:

  • 1 1/2 cups Baking Soda
  • Essential Oil or spice  to desired smell {I used cinnamon}
  • Bottle to store it in {I used a mason jar with a parmesan cheese lid. It fits perfectly!}

How To:

  • Mix together your baking soda and essential oil/spice.
  • Shake well.
  • Sprinkle freely amongst your carpet. {I let mine sit for approx. 5 mins just to let it do it’s work.}
  • Vacuum

I love simple yet “green” home-made products! You may be wondering why I chose baking soda and cinnamon…

Q & A’s:

Why baking soda? -Baking soda is known for it’s disinfecting powers as well as neutralizing smells.

Why cinnamon? -Leaves a fresh, pleasant scent and duals as an ant repellent. {Yes!}

Enjoy!! :-)

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SUGAR COOKIES

Lately I have been cooking and baking A LOT more than normal. I’m talking like every night there has been a meal on the table by the time hubs gets home. For some of you supermoms out there, this is your normal. For me… eh, not so much. I decided to go all “Leave it to Beaver” on my family and make sugar cookies to top it off! I think it’s the prego side coming out but either way, I’m going to ride this wave for as longgg as I can. I’ll warn you, these are pure deliciousness with not an ounce of healthy in them so, get ready! ;-)

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Ingredients:

  • 1 C Butter
  • 3/4 C Vegetable Oil
  • 1 1/4 C Sugar
  • 3/4 C Powdered Sugar
  • 2 T Water
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 t Baking Soda
  • 1/2 t Cream of Tarter
  • 1 t Salt
  • 5 1/2 C Flour

Click the link for the FULL recipe with instructions! C’mon,  you know you want to ;-)  vintagerevivals.com

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35 Easter Basket ideas {besides candy}

Spring has arrived and has brought cold weather with it here in Indiana! I’m anxious for a little sunshine! Easter is right around the corner thought and I’m hoping for a nice, Spring day! As a little girl I remember my mom waking me up on Easter, telling me to go find where she hid my basket. I loved seeing what surprises she had tucked inside the basket. Of course she gave some candy but she would always throw in little goodies as well. This year I wanted to make a fun Easter basket for my little one but not full of candy, especially since she is 1 1/2 yrs old. I figured some of you are racking your brain too trying to think of what to toss in the basket that your kiddo’s will find fun so I made up a list! Here’s some ideas that I found…

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  1. Play dough
  2. Puzzles
  3. Bubbles
  4. Coloring books – I still love coloring ;-)
  5. Markers and crayons
  6. Fun toothbrush
  7. Silly putty
  8. Slinky
  9. Movies
  10. Sand toys
  11. Pool toys (squirt guns, goggles, etc.)
  12. Superheros
  13. Bouncy balls
  14. Sidewalk chalk
  15. Barbies
  16. Legos
  17. Letters and shapes for bath time
  18. Eggs full of small toys
  19. Blocks
  20. Sunglasses
  21. Hair accessories
  22. Nail polish
  23. Movie tickets
  24. Stuffed animal
  25. Cologne
  26. Frisbee
  27. Personalized stationary
  28. New PJ’s
  29. Sippy Cups
  30. Stickers
  31. Children’s Bible
  32. Crazy socks
  33. Finger paints
  34. Jump rope
  35. Board game

Hope you find some of these helpful!

Love your guts!

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Home-Made Febreze

Last night we ran into an uh-hum, “incident” with our new puppy, Lennon. Like all puppies do, she had an accident buuuuut…. it just so happened to be in OUR bedroom! It was quite possibly the worst smell I’ve ever encountered. Of course we got out the big guns and cleaned it up quickly but the smell still lingered and lingered and lingered. The next morning I had to get that ronchi smell out ASAP! Lyla was sick though and there was no way I was going to be able to take her to the store so on a whim I made my own Febreze. I got the recipe here and I couldn’t thank this blogger enough! The stink is gone and my house smells super fresh! Oh and you want to hear the best part about it? It costs less than $0.25 to make! No worries, I’m more than willing to share the recipe folks. Check it out…

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Items Needed:
  • 1/8 Cup of Fabric Softener
  • 2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
  • Hot Water
  • Spray Bottle (I used an empty windex bottle)
How-To:
  • Using a funnel, pour the fabric softener & baking soda into your spray bottle.
  • Fill the spray bottle with hot water and shake well.
  • TIP: Don’t forget to twist the nozzle over to the LOCK position if you’re using a Febreze bottle, or you might fall on your hiney.
  • Now spray every stinkin’ inch of your house! 
Store-bought Febreze: $5.59
Homemade Febreze: $0.15
Total Savings: $5.44 OR  97.3%!
Stoked to add this to my list of home-made cleaning supplies! :-)
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Protein Hair Mask

Since I’ve had my little one, I have really struggled to find time to do my hair! It’s sometimes complicated to just find time to wash it! {I know it’s gross but let’s be real folks.} These days I tend to just “throw it up”, spray a little hair spray on it and go. I normally have a lot of body to my hair since it’s naturally wavy but lately it has been limp, dry and just plain blah. I researched and found that a hair mask is supposed to boost the body and give it shine as well as nourish the scalp which sounded wonderful but I really didn’t see how it could give it body. I figured that the olive oil in the hair mask would just make it greasy and weigh it down. Either way though, I was desperate and gave it a shot. My expectations were pretty low and I honestly didn’t know if my hair would end up looking like a grease pit when I was finished with the mask but to my surprise, it worked beautifully!!! Honest… I felt I needed to take the time and share this with all of you because it’s just that amazing. You HAVE to try this!

Protein Hair Mask {Recipe}

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Ingredients:

  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 Egg Yolk
  • 1 Cup WARM Water

How To:

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  • Make sure your hair is freshly washed & detangled. Also, pat hair with towel to soak up moisture.
  • Mix all ingredients together.
  • Apply to damp hair. {The best way to do this is to use a bottle with a small opening at the tip and distribute throughout hair.}
  • Once mask is applied, run a comb through your hair to be sure the mask is evenly distributed.
  • Let sit for 30 mins.
  • Rinse hair with warm water & shampoo & condition as normal.

This mask gave my hair more body than ever before and helped to sooth my dry scalp! Loved everything about it! I know you’ll love it too!

Q’s & A’s:

  • What are the benefits of using a protein hair mask? It creates healthy, smooth & shiny hair that has more body than before as well as encourages hair growth.

Why olive oil for your hair? Olive oil improves the elasticity of your hair, conditions and reduces frizz.

Why egg yolk for your hair? Egg yolk makes your hair softer, silkier and more manageable, and the added strength from the protein prevents breakage. Your hair will also have more volume and will reflect light better, making it shinier.

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10 Makeup Mistakes

 

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I was reading on Oprah today and found this amazing info! It explains the top 10 makeup mistakes that most women make. I found it to be insightful and thought I would share! Enjoy ladies :)

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foundationMistake #1: Using Too Much Foundation

A foundation that’s too thick will settle into fine lines and sap the luminosity from your skin. “Only use foundation where you need it to even out discoloration,” says makeup artist Frances Hathaway. “You don’t have to cover every inch of your skin.” When buying a foundation, avoid those described as “matte,” “velvet,” and “long-wearing”; look for sheer liquid formulas with light-diffusing pigments. If you have dry skin, foundation can look patchy and accentuate discoloration, so exfoliate two to three times a week and always apply a moisturizer after cleansing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eye circlesMistake #2: Over-Concealing Your Under-Eye Circles

A thick concealer that comes in a stick will eradicate the shadows under your eyes, but it will also draw attention to the crepiness and fine lines that usually show up in that area first (because the skin there is thin). A better option: A brush-on highlighter pen that uses illuminating particles, not opaque color, to camouflage dark circles. Apply it only near the inner corners of your under-eye area, where shadows are most prominent.

 

 

lipsMistake #3: Wearing Deep, Dark Lip Colors

A dark color makes any surface look smaller—a welcome illusion perhaps on your hips but not your lips. To make your mouth look fuller, choose bright lipsticks and glosses (peaches, pinks, vibrant reds) over deep shades (burgundies, wines, browns). Makeup artists use another trick to create the illusion of luscious lips: Before applying color, trace a highlighter pencil along your upper lip line, then buff it out with your finger.

 

powderMistake #4: Finishing with Powder

Youthful skin reflects light. Powders prevent light reflection and tend to magnify lines in the skin. If powder has been the final step of your makeup routine since high school, it can be difficult to quit cold-turkey. Here’s a three-step program: First, switch to a very sheer translucent powder. Then, start using it only on your nose and chin. Finally, trade the powder for a packet of blotting tissues—use one, only on the T-zone (nose, chin, and forehead), if you’re shiny midday.

 

Cosmetic pencil.Mistake #5: Wearing Black Eyeliner

Don’t skip eyeliner altogether—it’s a great way to make your eyes look more open—but choose brown over black, which can be harsh. And keep the color diffuse. “You want to define the eyes with softness and blending, not strict lines,” says makeup artist Troy Surratt. “A thick liner can leave the upper lids looking heavier than they are.” The best technique: Trace a brown pencil liner along the upper lash line (into the roots of the lashes), focusing on the outer corners; smudge it with a Q-tip.

 

liplinerMistake #6: Going Overboard with Lip Liner

A lip liner can define your lips and prevent color from feathering into any lines around the mouth but choose one very carefully. If you line your lips too heavily, or with a color that’s too dark, they’ll look tight and pursed. For the most natural effect, your lip liner should match the color of your lips, not the color of your lipstick. Choose a creamy formula that won’t adhere to any dry patches and use it to fill in your lips entirely.

 

 

bottom lashesMistake #7: Using Liner and Mascara on Your Lower Lashes

Playing up your lower lashes can make your eyes look droopy and draw attention to dark circles. Instead, curl your upper lashes and wiggle a volumizing mascara into their roots and slowly through the ends for the most uplifting effect.

 

 

 

Woman Applying BlushMistake #8: Skipping Blush

A rosy flush on your cheeks brings instant life to your face. And, if applied correctly, blush can offer a little lift. Smile, find the fleshiest part of your cheek and apply color just slightly above it. Blend the color out toward your temples in circles, not a line, using a big fluffy brush. You want to avoid a stripe of color that stretches along your cheekbones, which can make you look drawn and hollow, says Surratt.

 

lipstickMistake #9: Applying Lipstick Straight from the Tube

The borders of the lips soften with age, and any extra lipstick migrates easily. To avoid bleeding color, use your finger or a lip brush so that you don’t deposit too much pigment. Concentrate the lipstick in the center of your mouth, and blend it out with a finger. Top it with a moisturizing balm or light gloss.

 

eyebrowsMistake #10: Choosing a Too-Dark Eyebrow Pencil

“Your brow color fades as you age, so the brow pencil that you were using at 25 will look too stark against your complexion at 50,” says makeup artist Denise Markey. She recommends Maybelline Define-a-Brow Eyebrow Pencils which come in four shades. Choose the one that’s a shade or two lighter than your natural brow color. If your brows are starting to get a little wiry, run a clear brow gel over them as well, brushing them up and out toward your temples.

 

 

 

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Hope you enjoyed the tips as much as I did! Have a wonderful day!

Oh & P.S. Don’t forget about the $50 gift card giveaway going on! Click HERE for more details!

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