Cabinet Chalkboard

I recently completed our first DIY project in the kitchen.

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw that I posted this sneak-peek photo.

Ever since we first decided that we were going to buy this house, I imagined this little section of our kitchen cabinets as a chalkboard.

This little DIY didn't take long at all! 

First, I wiped it down with a vinegar and water mixture to get rid of any dirt and grime that may be on it. Then, I did a light sanding, which probably wasn't even all that necessary. 

After sanding it down, I vacuumed up all the dust and wiped it down again.

Knowing that we plan on painting all of our kitchen cabinets [and the walls], I taped off anything I didn't want to become a part of my new chalkboard.

< I somehow lost the pictures of what I taped off  >

I used a small foam roller brush for the main surface, and a small paint brush to get into the tiny crevices and corners. 

I painted two coats of the chalkboard paint, and had to let it set for 7 days before I could write anything on it.

------- LONGEST  S E V E N  DAYS  EVERRR  ------

Totally worth the wait to do something the correct way.

I love our new cabinet chalkboard.

We have already used it so much when making lists for our trips, and it's so handy! 

What do you think of it?

xoxo,

Jen

Fall Mantle

As I've said before, I love fall, it's my favorite season, but I feel like it was too short! We have just had our first snow of the season and it's not even winter yet!

With Thanksgiving this week and Christmas around the corner, and changing out the decor for it soon, I figured that I should finally share the fall mantle before I take it down.

Where did the time go!?

I decorated our mantle using the painted pumpkins that I shared with you here.

Those twig pumpkins were only $3.00 in the dollar section at 

Target...Score!

The brown and yellow ones were a gift from my MIL that she got from TJMaxx.

I easily made the leaf banner using fake leaves {that I spray painted gold}, twine, and miniature size clothes pins...super easy!

What do you think?
Did you decorate you mantle for the fall season as well?

xoxo,
Jen

Once Upon A Lamp

I'm not happy with the current situation of our guest room/office space, and although I have somewhat of an idea in my head of what I want it to look like, the struggle is real.

One step at a time though.

There's this lamp on the nightstand that I just wasn't pleased with anymore, but I didn't particularly want to get rid of it either; I loved the shape, and as my husband would say, there's nothing wrong with it. 

On the contrary, with the help of my favorite DIY partner, the rehab was simple.

I used the fabulous Rust-Oleum metallic black spray paint.

Here is the lamp as it was...a little too silver-y. I wasn't fond of the two-tone colors that the black leather band offered.

I taped off the leather band and spray painted the rest of it.

I love the darkened appeal to it now with the metallic finish and in one full color.

I'm hoping simple changes like this will eventually make a big impact as I slowly transform this room.

xoxo,

Jen

Washi What?

Hi friends! I wanted to share this really simple craft that I did with Washi Tape. 

Honestly, when this stuff came out I didn't see what the big deal was. Sure, the designs are super cute, but I didn't understand the point of it. 

Turns out that Washi Tape is easy to remove, made from natural fibers such as bamboo, and it's really strong. Actually, what is there not to love?

I'm all aboard the Washi Train now because there are actually a lot of fun uses and crafts that you can do with it; just search Pinterest, but take caution because it's inspiring stuff. ;) 

 I found some in the dollar section while I was at Target! 

Gosh,that place is glorious; I can never go in there and not head straight to the dollar section!

I had an ugly frame that I originally spray painted white, but I still wasn't satisfied, so I bought two different rolls to glam it up with.

"G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S, yeah G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S

The glamorous,
The glamorous, glamorous (the glamorous life)..."

 Fergie anyone? ;)

This is so easy that it doesn't even need explaining. Just align your tape with the edges of the item and cut.

What do you think?

Do you love and use Washi Tape for anything? 

I'd love to hear!

xoxo,

Jen

Pumpkin Painting

Happy Fall! 

My favorite season is finally here! 

I just love everything about it! Cheering on my favorite team (Go Hogs!), tailgating, apple cider, the crisp weather, open windows, sweaters, boots, scarves, pumpkins, and the colorful leaves all over this beautiful natural state!

I've been seeing a lot of different craft projects being done with pumpkins [real or fake]. I've seen people use things like paint, Washi Tape, glitter, stickers, or monograms to decorate them for the fall season, and I thought I would give it a try. 

I found these babies at Wal-Mart for only a dollar!

I used my trusty spray paint in some soft neutral colors. 

So much easier than busting out the brushes.

And look how beautiful they are now! 

So much more appealing, wouldn't you agree!? 

This was a cheap and easy project if you are looking for one, and a great way to add to your fall collection!

I've been starting to decorate our house for the season and these faux painted pumpkins look great!

Have you painted pumpkins or started decorating for fall? What is your favorite thing about the season?

xoxo,

Jen

DIY Baby Turban

I've been seeing adorable baby turban headbands all over Pinterest, but I didn't want to spend a lot of time following a tutorial, or bust out my sewing machine.  I also saw really cute ones on Etsy, even organic ones, but I didn't want to pay $10+ for only one!

So, I brainstormed to come up with my own. 

This is a super easy DIY for baby turban headbands!

For your materials, all you need are scissors and headbands of your choice.

I picked up some adult size headbands from the hair styling section at Wal-Mart for about $5!

First, cut the headband where the seam is. 

Then, fold the headband in half hotdog style.

Fold the headband again so that the two ends meet.

Use your scissors and cut diagonally across where all the corners come together so that you get a point.

Unfold the headband and voila!

I have this adorable baby turban headband in 5 different colors for half of the price of what one was selling for on Etsy! 

Now, tie onto an adorable baby like so, and you're done! ;)

What do you think?

Super cute right?! ;)

xoxo,

Jen

Top Ten Tuesday: Fall Fashion

Happy Tuesday!

Since next week is the first official day of the fall season (the 22nd to be exact), and fall is my favorite, I thought I would write about my list of top ten fall fashion items! 

1. Plaid.

Plaid flannel shirts are a must have this season.

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2. Don't pack away your white jeans just yet! Call me a rebel, but the whole, "no white after Labor Day" is not really a rule to follow anymore.

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3. Vests are a great statement piece to add and spice up any outfit.

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4. Bootie, bootie, bootie rock'n everywhere!  ;)

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5. A fabulous fall hat can be great, especially when you just throw something on and head out the door. Floppy hats or fedoras are my personal favorites!

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6. A scarf is probably my favorite fall accessory, and if you click on the source, there are some various ways to tie one. 

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7. A classic, chic, chambray shirt!

This piece can be worn in several different ways:

Wear it alone, under a blazer, under a sweater, open over something else, pair it with a skirt, or tie it up over a maxi...the possibilities are endless! :)

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8. Colored jeans are so fun to me; maroon, forest green, and deep purple are great fall colors! Buy them in a skinny or boot cut, and you can wear them with flats or boots!

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9. I love keeping my dresses out and being able to continue wearing them in the cool, crisp weather! Just pair them with some leggings and boots and you're all set!

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10. Cardigans! You can never have too many cardigans, no matter what the season! Am I right, or am I right!?

Wear it over anything: tie it together with a belt over your dress with leggings, a plaid shirt, your fabulous chambray.

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I hope these items inspired you for fall fashion! 

What are some of your top ten fall fashion items?

xoxo,

Jen

Fireplace Facelift

As you know, our house has a few things that need a little TLC. 

This post is such an easy DIY fix too!

The golden vents (or whatever you call them) on the fireplace have got to go!

(PS: Ignore all of the TV cords; that's another DIY for another day.)

I can't stand looking at these golden vents, so I found some black High Heat 

Rust-Oleum spray paint to help me say my goodbyes.

Make sure you buy the high heat version or this will be pointless for you.

First, I used a small screwdriver to remove the vents and prep for painting.

I applied about 2-3 coats of spray paint and waited for them to dry.

 Once they were dried I took them back in to re-install.

I am so pleased with the results and to have a gold free fireplace!

Perfect time for cooler weather! :)

What do you think?

Have you done any simple DIY's lately?

xoxo,

Jen