REVEALED: Snoopy Station

I know I've been talking about this project for a long time, and I really hope you're not disappointed by the results. Remember back in the day when I told you I was done with the Snoopy Station? What was that...June? What is wrong with me??? (Million dollar question, folks...feel free to comment your answer...I would love to identify the problem). Anyway...it's done...it's been done...here it is:

And here's a little breakdown of how it came to be:

I scored this little cabinet from Salvation Army. It was in need for a makeover...but for just $3...I feel like I could manage.

(Yes I realize that's a Christmas tree behind it and this project is almost a year old...get off me) I'm not sure what it's called, but it had that cheap, old, "wood" finish that was glossy; not the greatest for painting. So with a little advice from my Brother-In-Law (his job he maintained in college was house renovations...convenient, right?), I manually sanded down the wood to the best of my ability.
He also advised me to use an oil-based paint. These are tricky because there is no coming back from these, no washing it out...it's permanent. So when using an oil based paint...be VERY careful. You should also NEVER add latex paint over oil paint (it will bubble). I am usually a commit-a-phobe, but I chose an oil-based paint because of the time of furniture I was painting. Always research before you paint!! Here is a Bob Villa breakdown on oil-paint; I also like to reference Young House Love for painting suggestions. I ended up doing 3 coats (the first coat soaked right into the sanded wood, the second almost covered it, but not quite, and the third did the trick).

Finally, I picked out cute little handles and carefully drilled them in so I would have to scrape at the doors to open it; and thus we put the "wow" in "bow-wow" (laugh all you want...that's the real name of a pet groomer in my hometown of Magnolia and my best friend, Justin, and I get TOO tickled about it)!

(fyi...that IAMS bag isn't usually there...it's usually stored in the canister..oops). As a bonus, it also serves as a second nightstand in my bedroom...as you may have seen from this post (that's it peaking over the right side of my bed). Quite functional, eh? So there ya have it! A full fledged nightstand/dog cabinet for my best pal and bed partner (she hogs the covers....and the bed for that matter). So what do you think....was it worth it? How about the other animal lovers out there?? What ways are you all making your home more pet friendly and functional? Snoop and I are always on the hunt for new ideas!

Adventful

We all know that Jesus is the reason for the season-- but sometimes we all need reminding. One of the best reminders I have in my house is my advent wreath. It is completely DIY and makes a lovely centerpiece for my table! So today I'm going to show you how to make your very own Advent Wreath!! Step right up!

If you're like me and your advent knowledge went as far as bringing mom a bundle of holly and candle from your Sunday School class, then you may want to check out yo knowledge huuurrrr.

STEP 1. Hide that greeeen!





I used a wreath shaped green foam board from Hobby Lobby. Then, covered the edge of it with red ribbon.

STEP 2: Insert candles and greenery

to keep it rather cheap I found a very small wreath to set tight on the top. Then stick 4 candles of your choice on the outside four "corners" and a large candle in the middle. I believe the website above suggests using purple candles, however; I prefer using red and white for two reasons (no...it has nothing to do with the Magnolia Panthers.....boo for you if that crossed your mind!). 1. I like to keep Christmas Traditional. 2. I wanted each of the four white candles to represent purity...my Jesus' love was in the purest form after all. The candle in the center (the one that stands for Jesus...to be lit on Christmas) Is red, to remind us of the sacrifice that the sweet baby we celebrate was destined to make. (Here is my favorite Christmas Song to go along with that btw!)

STEP 3: Well now we have to cover that awful Styrofoam now don't we??

I picked up some small sprays from Hobby Lobby...50% off I might add! I bought 2 to go in between each candle, and then four more for each place setting at my table.

And that's all, folks!!! Was an easy DIY to remind you to stop every week of December and celebrate! What's the word??? Do you have any DIY projects fo' Jesus??

How to Make a Diaper Cake!

In honor of baby Greenlee coming VERY soon....here is my last post about Summer's Shower.... The infamous diaper cake. Hopefully you all will enjoy, learn, and attempt!!

STEP 1: pick out the diapers of your choice. I went with Huggies Organic diapers (of course) and I got the newborn size because I figured a new baby might be a cost shock at first -- she can use them imediately. These diapers were less than $20 for a pack of....err....I think 52 and Target.

STEP 2: Everybody (record scratch) get your roll on!

I chose to start at the *ahem* crotch end and work my way up (sorry...I couldn't think of a cleaner way to say that). Roll them as tight as you can!!!

STEP 3: SECURE!!!

Do this with a regular sized rubber band...simple as that!


STEP 4: Making the base

Get a larger rubber band for this step. You'll want to secure abotu 5 diapers together. Make sure you only pull this rubber band over the diapers. don't continue to wrap...you'll want it a little loose. Then stick a baby bottle in the middle and the "backbone." I stuck a few Snickers in the bottle as a little treat for the momma later.

STEP 5: making the base pt. 2

Continue sticking the rolled diapers in the large Rubber band ring to make the extended base. make it as wide as you like (my suggestion is to use 5 diapers for the top of the cake...so make sure you have enough for that). Then, repeat for the middle layer!

(yes, I know it's off center, but I didn't correctly anticipate how many diapers I needed and guess what....it still turned out ok)

STEP 6: Choose your ribbon colors!!

Just go nuts on this part. I've seen some great looking diaper cakes with think brown ribbon and a pink thinner ribbon layering it. I wanted to keep my cake simple with the theme, so I chose a soft green. Use this to cover up the rubber bands...might I suggest using double sided tape??

STEP 7: Pick your "topping"

Some diaper cakes I've seen have a bear sitting on top, or a bottle, or a kid-sized basketball. Again, I wanted to compliment my theme. So I found some beautiful fake green hydrangias (sp?) at Hobby Lobby that fit the top of the cake PERFECTLY (it didn't hurt that they were 50% off!). Then I used some wire cutters to cut of the stem and stuck that sucker right in the middle of the top layer.

STEP 8: Adding your decorations

Again, make this as fun as possible and with your theme! For baby boys, you can stick little tenis shoes, baseballs, etc. For girls, teddy bears, tiny ballet shoes, etc. I've seen some really cute cakes where the person turned it into a gift basket and added pacifiers, bottles, baby food and have it draping off the cake. Again-me-theme...plus I wanted to tie in black from the picture frames used for decorating without looking too "dark" So I kept it simple and made it personal.

So there ya have it folks!!!! what do you think? Was this "how to" helpful? Would you like to see more "how-to's"? Did it wear you out like it did my baby girl??Leave a comment and let me know what you all think!! Peace and Love!

Zack's Study Room: part 4

So this one might be boreing but it did add quite a nice touch to the room. I LOVED the paint color we put on Zack's study room ("camelback") but once the paint was up, I didn't love it as much...and then I figured out why. It was the awful red tiling clashing with the beige

Well I was poor so I couldn't redo the tile...but I did remember that my mom had some offwhite carpet scraps from our house in Magnolia. So being the lovely mother that she is...brought them up! One problem...I never messed with carpet in my life.... Luckily, my AMAZING boo, Zack help me cut the carpet with BOXCUTTERS (not as fun as it sounds). We started with 2 long strips and cut it down to use EVERY piece exept for one corner.

Like the action shots of my little helper?? ok...the pieces are cut and fit perfectly...what's next?? Taping them together! Leave it to a young lady to Arkansas to flip it upside down and put it together with duct tape....for the record...it worked perfectly, thanks. step.. 3:carpet tape! Because this was a small room, all I did was lay the carpet tape about 1" away from the wall all the way around the room. Finally...the door wouldn't open over the carpet. so I cut a half circle to fit the door swing perfectly (so not TOO much of that hideous tile was exposed.
So what do you think???? Do you guys have any better or cheaper ways to cover up the tiles?? Do tell!!

Zack's Study Room-- pt. 3

It's time for stage 3 of Zack's study room!! Last week I shared the before and after pictures of Zack's study room design here. THIS week, I will be sharing about that adorable little cabinet that was left behind.

Yes, I know what you're thinking...."Lauren...adorable...REALLY?" Come on, guys, it just needs a little TLC! I really wanted to dress this room up and make it more homier and calming....but I also wanted to add a "study" touch without making it look like an elementary classroom. Thank God (literally) I was helping Zack clean out some supply closets as well and stumbled upon this bad boy. YES, that is chalkboard paint!!!!! It took about three coats but it definitly added a pop to this cabinet!

(check out my gaurdian between my feet). Aparently it was a big hit because it didn't take long before Zack threw some love back my way, and his roommate showed off his art skills.

P.S....I want to set up this image for you...Zack's roommate (Trey Lippe) plays for the UCA Bears all-conference football team and his fraternity brother. Let's take it a step further, Ever seen Rocky V? the "kid" Rocky trains....Tommy Gun (who is a legit world champion boxer btw)...is Lippe's dad! Anyway, he wanted to design beautiful artwork :)

ON TO STEP 2!!! You can't have a sleep counter with ugly sides!!! I wanted the sides of the cabinet to flow with the trim so I went with antique white.

It took 3 coats of paint...but that's just because I'm a perfectionist...It probably could have been done in 2.

Finally, I added some black shelf liner for the inside (please excuse the mess...Zack's not organized per say but hehas to have things picked up)

I hope you all enjoyed the cabinet makeover!! What do you think about the idea?? Do you have any other ideas for cabinets??

Zack's study room!! pt. 2! --the breakdown

Hello darlings!! As you may remember from last week's post, Zack's study room is finished!! This week I will be breaking down his room in and out! Today...painting.... We were lucky that his landloards offered to pay for the paint and supplies...along with deducting 1st months rent for the job...So we jumped to it....




(it's true......I do love him.)As you can probably tell....I edged and Zack rolled. It took about 2 coats to cover up this blue. We used "camelback" from Sherwin Williams. BY. FAR...the worst part was painting the brick.Yeah....that smile is very fake....here's the more realistic face:We were able to find eco-friendly floor coveres at Wal Mart (who knew!) Ps...I know I look stunning.... So how about you guys?? Any painting-horror stories??? How about great changes?? Doesn't paint make a room look completely different??

BIG REVEAL!!! Zack's study room!! (part 1)

Just for the record...most of this room has been done for about a month now. We just put the finishing touches on it today (although I'm SURE it could change). This was done on a very cost efficient budget and we have gotten TONS of compliments (your welcome, Zack). Speaking of him...Zack has gone from making this room his dirty laundry basket...to actual study usage (I call it his man cave). So without further ado...I present....the before!and (drum roll, please) the after!!
So I have to know....what do you think????? Do you have any other suggestions for the room (go ahead! be honest! I want to learn!!). I will be breaking down the steps to this room one by one forthe rest of the week, that way you can learn ever little detail and fun extras about this room! Happy Tuesday!

Cause that's the thrill of- thriller nights!

I'm a nerd for holiday-decor! I've been looking for new, fun inspiration in decorating for Halloween: I think I've found out it...check it out!







These are simply, folgers or regular canned goods. All you do is take a hammer, nail, and make the pattern of your choice. Add a candle (soy preferrably) and line your sidewalk! Cute and Simple..which is always a plus here! Where else do you think would be a great place to put these??









We love christmas tress...but how about a Halloween tree? Pick out a branch of your liking. Spray paint it black and stick it in a pot. The black rocks can be purchased from the craft section of Walmart. then add some cute little bags as ornaments! Why not fill them with your favorite treats and enjoy your own 13 days of Halloween? It's also a fun countdown, don't you think?

What a fun twist on the an old classic! paint cute light fixtures on a pumpkin and let your light shine through! Want a real challenge? try to make a chandelier!! (I might try to tackle this one):)

I LOVE these, I am definitley making one of these with my Pumpkin Carving Kit ($3.99 at Kroger's!). What an awesome way to display Your initials! Get creative!!! How about your house number?? :)

HOW ABOUT SOME HOLIDAY RECIPES??

I have to write about these first, my mom use to make these for me and it brought back some great memories. they are just lolipops with a white napkin tied over them...they were my favorite:) miss you mom!

My boo loves ribs, how cute is this idea??? simply yet very seasonal!!

How cute is this cake??? I will more than likely make it and

let you know how it goes!!!

So do you guys have any ideas for Halloween decor or recipes??? What

is your favorite way to celebrate??