Finally a little auction action...

...but little to write home about.

The weather was beautiful yesterday but there were no onsite auctions so Brian and I headed to an auction house.

The auction offered several "moving" and "estate" collections, but after a couple of hours we decided our time would be better off spent enjoying the beautiful day. The weather forecast for the next few days is predicting bitter cold, snow and sleet so we definitely wanted to be out enjoying the "pre-spring" temperatures rather than cooped up inside bidding on what few things sparked my interest...and honestly, with the prices things were selling for and the sheer magnitude of the uninteresting items to be sold, I was a tad bored.

I did pick up a few little things. Two old Boy Scout "backpacks"I thought my son-in-law might find interesting and an old scale....

This is the second set of old scales I have purchased...they seem to be all the rage right now! The first set I picked up were antique Penn Scales and they didn't last long in my booth!

I love the look of these "vintage" treasures on my counters but I just can't seem to bring myself to "clutter" what little counter space I have with items I don't use...even if it is nifty looking!

Now if they were scales that belonged to one of my grandmothers, that is another story. Even though I don't use wood cutting boards, the one behind the scales belonged to my grandmother...so it stays.

Usually I will let "froo-froos" hang out for a bit and then eventually I will take it to one of my booths to sell!

For now I have listed the scales on my Etsy store...you can see them here!

That's the "circle of decor life" around here.

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Simple before and afters....

Today I want to share a few super simple little projects that prove you can take the ugliest little piece of furniture and with a few waves of a magic spray paint wand, turn it into something you can proudly use in your home!

These aren't "hard" projects. Most require minimal repairs, a good coat of primer, (my favorite is Kilz) a little sanding and spray paint.

Lowe's (and most home improvement stores) now carry spray paints in awesome designer colors! Teals, reds, pinks, purples, greens....just about any color to compliment or jazz up your decor!

Here I shared how just a little bit of spray paint changed the entire look and feel of the bedroom furniture I had grown weary of (nice way of saying I REALLY disliked it!) I actually kind of like it now and am not tempted daily by the desire to run out and spend thousands on new furniture!

But honestly, that was a pretty sizable project. You don't have to do anything THAT big to make a huge impact on a room. Just painting a few little pieces here and there can change how you feel about a room. As I have said many times, before you sell it in a garage sale for pennies or haul it to the curb, give it a coat of paint. Who knows...you may just find that you like it again! Or if you see something cheap at a garage sale or thrift store, don't turn your nose up at it just because it is the wrong color...color can be changed!

This piece was one my neighbor gave me. Her son had tried to sell it in a garage sale and had no takers! Part of the reason may have been that it was "broken." The little bottom shelf was cracked! A little glue and clamping, a coat of Kilz, sand, tack and spray paint. Good as new...actually, better if you ask me!

On these inexpensive little pieces, I usually just spray paint the existing hardware. Why spend money on new hardware when you can spray paint what is there for next to nothing. Just stick the hardware in a piece of styrofoam, hit it with a little bit of metal primer, then spray paint it! I painted this one with brushed nickel paint. They have gold, silver, bronze...just about any metal color you could want.

I found this ugly little "pressed board" table in one of my apartments. It was missing a drawer, so I added a shelf on the bottom and again...primer, sand, tack and spray paint! Sooooo simple!

I didn't like the wood knob. I had a little knob in my hardware stash so I gave it a coat of black paint...super simple!

This is my bedside table. Again, painting the bed and high boy was a bit of a chore...but just updating the bedside tables can make a huge impact in a bedroom!

I removed the little scrolly doodads on the sides and used wood filler to putty the holes. I went a step further on this table and gel stained the top and painted the base. I HIGHLY recommend using General Finishes gel stain if you want a little contrast on a piece. Again, the hardware wasn't cutting it for me and I didn't want to spend the money on new...so I painted the existing hardware and it changed the entire look of the piece!

Using gel stain is super simple. I use the process featured on "Monica Wants It" on pieces I don't want to strip and it works every time...regardless of what I am staining. Monica used it on oak builder grade cabinets but I have found it works on just about anything! But trust me...follow the process to a T and do not try it with any other gel stain...order the General Finishes Gel Stain on Amazon...other gel stain products just don't work as well!

If you don't like the color of a piece of furniture, PAINT IT! Again, you may still not like it, but you won't get any more or less for it at a garage sale...it's worth a shot!

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Tips and tricks for the DIYer....

On this page, I talk in detail about the tools you definitely want in your DIY arsenal.

Again, if you are an avid DIYer (or want to become one!) these are tools you will want. Ask for them for Christmas, Mother's Day and birthday gifts, invest in them a little at a time as the need arises, and watch for them to go on sale...usually around the holidays and Father's Day (like men are the only ones who need them...geez!)

Throughout the blog, I give detailed instructions on all types of DIY projects...from painting furniture to caulking bath tubs! Just use the search function to find posts that address any questions you might have! Or shoot me an email!

Today I want to share just a few "tips and tricks" I have learned and developed over the years of "projecting." This is by no means a complete list....and most I have shared on here from time to time. But I thought it would be a good time to compile a list of simple little suggestions that can make your DIYing projects a little bit easier.

In no particular order....

1) Cutting foam. For years I used a razor knife, serrated knife and scissors to cut foam. Then I read a "tip" somewhere about using an electric bread knife....

I happened to stumble across one at a garage sale or $1, so I decided to give it a shot.

CUTS THROUGH FOAM LIKE IT IS BUTTER! Seriously, I don't know how I did anything before I added this to my arsenal of tools. I use it to cut foam for cushions and reupholstery projects and it cuts the foam straight and without those "layer lines." I just mark the foam with a sharpie and then cut right through the entire thickness...I use it on regular foam and memory foam!

You can find these knives for pennies at thrift stores and garage sales...GET ONE! For $1, it pays for itself the first time you need it!

2) Speaking of foam....several little "tips." First, I make my own sponge applicators for applying wipe on finishes (oils or poly) and stains by using scrap foam and cheap socks I buy at garage sales and thrift stores!

You can read here how I collect all kinds of things from thrift stores and garage sales to use while projecting...glass bowls, old measuring tools, towels for shop rags, etc. The pennies and dollars saved add up real quick when you project!

And another "tip" on foam. Foam can be REAL expensive if you buy it "by the piece" at craft and sewing stores. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy one of those "memory foam" mattress covers clearance priced from Overstock or Amazon. Use your bread knife to cut it to the size you need for the project you are working on...then roll it up, tie it off with a rope or or even an old sock and save it for the next project!! If you are reupholstering several pieces or making several seat cushions, it might be worth it! Do the math!

3) Painting hardware! Cabinet and dresser hardware can get pretty expensive if you have to replace it. The best source (i.e. the cheapest) I have found for replacements is myknobs.com. But if you don't have the money to buy new hardware or knobs you can paint them!!! Or if you just want the screws that will show to match whatever you are painting, paint them to match!

If you are painting hardware, start by reinserting the screw into the hardware, paint the underside first, then flip it over and stick the screw into a piece of styrofoam. I use old styrofoam lids and styrofoam from shipping packages...

If you are painting screw heads, just stick the screws into the styrofoam!

I always prime mine first with a good metal primer...it dries quickly and then you can spray it with your spray paint or use a "craft" paint brush to paint them. Most home improvement stores carry "metallic" colored paints...brushed nickel, gold, silver, etc.

After I paint the hardware the color I want it, I spray them with a light coat of poly so they will hold up well to use!

Did you know you can paint interior door knobs? Mine were an ugly bright brass. I removed them, stuck them in styrofoam, hit them with a coat of primer and then spray painted them black. They look AMAZING with my interior doors I painted black! And SOOOO much cheaper than replacing all the door knobs!

4) Paint additives. As I have said many times, the trick to getting a great paint finish is the "prep." Stripping, sanding, priming...whatever the piece needs. And of course, using quality brushes or proper spray paint techniques. But ANY time you are going to roll or brush latex paint or oil-based paint you need to add an additive...Floetrol for latex paints and Penetrol for oil-based paints. They help the paint "level" while drying and eliminates brush strokes and roller marks.

5) Paint cans. I always save leftover paint for touch up. The best way to make sure your paint stays usable is to 1) store it indoors, away from extreme heat and cold AND 2) make sure you seal the lid properly. That is tough to do when you have paint gunked up in the rim. So as soon as you open a can of paint (regardless of the size) take a small nail and hammer and punch little holes, about every 2-3", around the inside of the rim....

This allows any paint that gets in the rim from pouring or wiping your brush to flow back into the can. Then you can just wipe out the rim with a paper towel before resealing it!

Speaking of paint cans, make sure you write on the lid what the paint is for...living room walls, master bath trim, etc. If you store it in a closet with the lid well sealed, it will last for YEARS and make touch up a breeze! I just touched up the walls we painted 8 years ago and you can't even tell where I touched up!

6) Which brings me to an important reminder about paint. Make sure you save the leftover for touchups. You can save it in the original can as long as the lid is air tight, which it should be if you use the above tip. If you have just a little bit of paint leftover, pour it in a glass jar with a tight lid or store it in a clean quart size can! STORE IT IN THE HOUSE! In the back of a closet or cabinet and labeled. Just make sure you don't put it someplace that has extreme hot and cold...like a storage building or garage.

Clearly mark the container so you know what room it goes to. I repainted my living room, kitchen and den 8 years ago. I stored the leftover paint in the cubby in my laundry room. Last week I opened the can, gave the paint a good stirring and used a 4" foam roller to touch up all the walls. You can't even tell!

Both oil based and latex will store for years if you keep it out of extreme temperatures and seal the container. Oil based paint may form a thick hard layer...just scope it out with a stick and stir it REAL well...good as new! I have been able to touchup my trim for YEARS with the same can of leftover oil-based paint!

I keep a can of leftover paint in all my rooms...touch up is a breeze regardless of how long it has been since I last painted

7) Floral Foam. A huge expense. Here I share with you how to use spray insulation foam to fill urns and flower pots for seasonal arrangements!

8) Finding inspiration. Here I share how I found inspiration for my master bathroom.

So many times we zero in on a picture on Pinterest or another blog and think "Wow, I want my room/dresser/desk to look JUST like that." But unless you have a room/dresser/desk just like that or have the same exact resources for the elements, yours may never look "just like that" and you will inevitably be disappointed!

So take your time...collect pictures that "strike your fancy." Even if it isn't a space "just like yours" put the picture in a file (either a paper file or computer file). Do this over a period of time and then go back and look at them. Find the common element in each...what is it about that space or item that you love?

Chances are, you don't love EVERYTHING, but maybe just a few of the elements....the color, the style, the hardware, the lighting. Regardless of how many "inspiration" pictures you have gathered, there will be something in each you can incorporate into your project.

Don't take a picture of a million dollar master suite and tell the clerk at the home improvement store (or your husband) that you want THAT suite in your 3 bedroom ranch house. Probably isn't going to happen. But you can take the elements of ALL your "inspiration" rooms and incorporate it into your space.

9) Make lists. Large or small project! Seriously. Sit down and make a list of EVERYTHING you want to do in your space...by room. Or if you have a lot of little "honey-do" projects you want completed throughout your house, write them down!

Seriously overwhelming huh?

Now, prioritize. You can do this by room or by project, depending on what you want accomplished.

You may not be able to completely redecorate your master bedroom, but maybe you can start by completing a few smaller projects in that room and throughout the house.

If your plan is to completely redecorate a room, it is important that you collect your inspiration as I suggested, make a detailed list of each project you want to complete, assign a realistic cost (keeping in mind that you may have HIRE someone to do some of the work!), and then write down each project in the order in which you intend to complete the task.

If you need to declutter and clean the space, write it down. If you need to make little repairs here and there (walls, missing trim, etc) write it down!

This is called "making a plan." Just like building a house...you have to have a plan and you have to know exactly what needs to be done and the order in which each task has to be completed...and for most of us, we have to have a realistic budget. WRITE IT DOWN AND FOLLOW THE PLAN!! The entire plan...from start to finish!

As you go, mark off the completed tasks...this is what I call "eating an elephant one bite at a time!"

10) Which brings me to my last "tips for the day." Declutter and clean! Seriously, GET RID OF STUFF! Clutter and filth are the number one reason why people struggle with home DIY projects. You want your space to look like a picture on a blog or Pinterest...but let me ask you, when was the last time you saw a picture of a space you loved that was filled with clutter or just plan dirty! You don't.

These are just a few helpful tips! Every project is different and as I have shared what I do, I try to give you little tips here and there that will make your DIY project a little easier and a little more affordable.

I am always amazed at what people think they CAN'T do. I like to think that we in the "blogisphere" inspire others to take on a I CAN DO THAT attitude!

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Antique side table...before and after!

Today is one of those days when I had to dig around in my photo files to find a project I have not shared.

I had hoped to share more about my home buying and selling process, but since I am in the "frustrating" phase and not yet "on the other side," it is probably not a good time.

I did meet with the Realtors yesterday and we did a walk through of my house. They gave me great tips on staging the house...most I knew I needed to do but it was nice to have confirmation. I have been completing small tasks that I have put off for some time...paint touch up here and there, tile repairs, caulking, etc....but there are always those big things that need to be done. Removing furniture, decluttering MORE, etc. Very helpful! The big hangup right now is the inspection on the place I want to buy! I will go into more detail on that later!

For now, a super simple little project. An old table I bought at an auction months ago. It is one of the projects that languished in my garage for months, only because I knew I had to construct a new top and I just wasn't in the "mood."

As you can see, the top was a total bust so I knew it had to be replaced! The sides and fronts were veneer as well, and they were in pretty rough shape and the original finish had "crackled!" I decided to embrace it all...in other words, I did minimal structural repairs and then applied a "chalk paint" treatment to the base, distressed it, and applied a clear coat.

Two years ago, I bought some solid oak tongue and groove planking at an auction. I have had it stored in one of the storage buildings at the apartments and I have used it occasionally for signs and such. I decided to use it to build a top for this little table.

I cut four pieces the width I needed for the table top, cut and sanded the "tongue" off the front edge, then glued all the pieces together and clamped it. I let it dry overnight.

Originally I just glued and clamped the top to the base...but that did not work! I didn't want to put nail holes in the top so I pre-drilled little holes in each corner, counter-sunk screws, and then glued little oak plugs into the holes.

I stained the top with brown mahogany gel stain and then sealed it with spray on poly.

I think it would make a great little bedside table or side table in a living room...maybe even a tv cabinet...it has the perfect space for electronics.

Simple...again, don't overlook those ratty little pieces you see at garage sales and thrift stores! With just a little bit of effort and imagination, you can turn them into a beautiful and useful piece!

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LETTING GO....of FURNITURE, HOMES AND PETS YOU LOVE

This has been a week of "letting go." Of special pieces of furniture, a home I love and a beloved pet. What an emotional roller coaster!

Easiest first....I constantly harp on keeping your home free of clutter. But I am notorious for hanging onto things that were my kids.

It doesn't bother me too terribly much because they each still have their "own" room in my house where their walls are adorned with framed jerseys, flight maps, pictures and diplomas...and their closets are packed with shoes and clothes I know they will never wear again. I have an entire attic full of carefully boxed and labeled childhood "momentos." Specifically every trophy, jersey, letter jacket, report card, certificate, award, newspaper clippings...anything and everything that represents their childhoods is stored in my attic.

One thing I could NOT get in the attic is this little "house shelf" I built and painted for Katie when she was a baby.

I built this cabinet and a little table and "tuffets" for her first Christmas. The table and tuffets are long gone but this little shelf was in her room until she was old enough to put her foot down and demand I remove it. I think it was after the "teal, purple and blue" phase and before the "fail whale/chalk wall."

Since I had no place to put it, it has languished in the garage for years. Brian has begged me to sell it to free up space, but I just could not bring myself to part with it. I wanted it to go to another little girl and I NEVER want it sold in a garage sale for $25.

Wednesday a beautiful little girl came to claim it. She immediately did what Katie did when she was little...curled right up in the cabinet and shut the door. I found Katie sleeping in there on more than one occasion.

Almost made me cry.

So next week the precious little "house shelf" will go to another little girl's room. I told her parents I never wanted it sold...when their daughter is old enough to put her foot down and demand it be taken away, I wanted it given to another little girl or returned to me.

Then...I made an offer on a house and (after weeks of back and forth...its a repo...what a nightmare!) it was accepted. I will go into much more detail in the future, but suffice it to say, I have a MAJOR project on my hands AND I have to get my house ready to sell. Wow...I honestly never thought I would say that about this house!

Don't judge just yet...I know, the colors are all wrong, the landscaping is all wrong, the "lack of architectural style" is all wrong...and don't even get me started on the inside. But I think it has "good bones" and a lot of potential.

Give me time, and all the equity in this house, and I know it will eventually be a great house.

Again, I will share more details later! There are some tremendous upsides to this house...or at least it's "potential." There will be LOTS of projects to share and I am sure the buying and selling process will give me a lot to talk about in the next few months.

Lastly, (and the most heart wrenching).... I had to make the decision to have my precious Molly kitty put to sleep.

She was a week older than Katie...and we have had her since Katie was a newborn. Seventeen plus years. It ripped my heart out to let her go. She was a beautiful, loving, precious kitty!

If you have never had to have a precious pet put to sleep, you are so fortunate. It is a gut-wrenching experience and one I now dread even more since I have a house full of much loved critters that I know I will have to part with someday.

I won't go into gory details, but I dropped her off at Dr. Mark Davis' office Thursday morning. When he called me later that morning (a wonderful, kind friend who happens to be our vet!) he told me what was going on and what our options were. The decision on how to proceed was too much so I asked him what HE would do if she were HIS cat. Considering her age and other health issues, the prognosis was not good...but it ultimately was still my decision. It is a decision one should NEVER have to make. If we dare to even think about it, we all hope our precious pets will just die peacefully in their little beds after a long and happy life. We are not always so fortunate.

I went back up to his office, wrapped her in a towel and spent time holding and petting her. And crying. She knew something was wrong...she always does....if I was ever sick or upset, she knew. She took her little paw and started stroking my face. That made it even worse. There was a moment when I thought I would just walk out the door with her and take her home. But I knew that would not be best for her.

Sometimes letting go means putting aside your own pain and fear and thinking of what is best for someone else.

We have three other cats. And two dogs.

But I don't think I will every have another kitty as special as Molly.

Naturally, I am crying just relating this story. When I am sad I try to think of something funny or happy to keep from "going there."

Years ago my mother had to have her siamese cat put to sleep. I had to explain the process to the boys (then 5 and 4). The "doctor" had to put Amy "to sleep" because she was sick and that meant she had died and we would no longer get to see her. A few weeks later Mitchell developed a rash and my mother looked at it and said I should probably take him to the doctor. He began crying hysterically and refusing to go to the doctor. When I was finally able to get him to calm down enough to understand him, he said through gasps and hysterical tears "I DON'T WANT TO BE PUT TO SLEEP!"

Tough week...letting go can seem unimaginable...whether it is a person, pet, house or a silly piece of furniture! But in the end you have to focus on the positive and keep moving forward! Think of all the wonderful things you miss when you are consumed by and mired down in sadness and grief.

Don't cry because it is over, smile because it happened!

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Ugly laminate dresser before and after...

Like old maple furniture, they are a dime a dozen...old "laminate" furniture. The pieces aren't constructed near as sturdy as the old maple furniture (Here, here and here are a few maple pieces I have featured) but if you have a "boring" old laminate dresser sitting around or if you stumble across one at a thrift store or garage sale for next to nothing, it takes little time and effort to bring them back to life!

Like most of these pieces, the top and sides (basically the "box") were all laminate. The drawer fronts were wood veneer.

What is the difference you ask? Basically, laminate is a "plastic" type material over particle board...then a "grain" is printed on to give it a "wood look." Veneer is generally constructed of a real wood top layer glued onto a wood base. It is pretty easy to tell the difference...if it looks and feels like "plastic" it is probably a laminate...if it looks and feels like real wood (but it is not a solid piece of wood) it is probably a veneer.

The biggest difference for me when redoing one of these pieces is I always prime and paint the laminate...usually spray paint. I use a chalk paint treatment on the veneer because I can "distress" it and the "real" wood grain will peek through.

On this little dresser, both the laminate and veneer were in pretty good shape. Sometimes you will see "chipping" on either the veneer or the laminate. Both are relatively easy to repair. First, scrape away any loose pieces. Apply wood filler with a putty knife and then sand it smooth after it dries.

Since we are in the heart of "Razorback country" I decided to give it a black and red treatment. I thought it would look cute in a boy's room or maybe in someone's "man cave" as a tv console.

Again, super simple transformation. I removed all the drawers and then removed the hardware. Replacing hardware can get real expensive, real fast so I decided to give these little pulls a makeover as well. After I removed the pulls from the drawers, I put the screws back in them and stuck them in some old styrofoam (here is a picture example). I primed them with a metal primer and then I sprayed them with the same spray paint I used on the box.

I sprayed the "box" with Kilz, sanded, tacked and then gave it two coats of red spray paint. I painted the drawers with homemade black chalk paint (two coats) and then distressed them a bit. I sealed all the pieces, including the hardware, with clear spray on poly.

If you have an old dresser like this and need inspiration for color or styling, check out Pinterest. There are sooo many inspiration pieces. Some even remove a few of the drawers and add a shelf in the space so it can be used as an entertainment center for a tv and video equipment. I have done that with an old maple dresser and it turned out super cute and perfect for a living room.

I had the chest that matched this dresser...I painted the "box" off-white and the drawer fronts a pretty tealy blue. I redid it months ago and it is long gone! This poor little guy has languished in my garage for months and was one of the many projects I managed to get completed this week during our little warm spell...along with cleaning out the pond (AGAIN!) and washing exterior windows!

Good thing I got a lot done the last few days because today it feels more like winter again.

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School desk makeovers...

The temps FINALLY warmed a bit and I was able to get out in the garage and get a few projects done! It is impossible to paint outside, or even in the garage, when it is bitter cold! Yes, I need a heated shop, but since I don't have one I am at the mercy of Mother Nature!

One "project in the waiting" were 5 old school desks I bought at an auction several months ago. I have "repurposed" several old school desks over the years (these oak desks and this cute little metal desk) and it is always one of my favorite projects. Every time I fix up one of these little desks I wish I had done them for my own kids but they are still fun projects because I know some special kid, somewhere, is going to get an awesome little desk!

When I bought these desks I knew immediately what I wanted to do with them...paint the metal legs bright colors and chalkboard paint on the tops!

The first thing I did was give them a good scrubbing. They had been used as plant stands so they were pretty dirty. I scraped off all the gunk and sanded the most glaring scratches and rust.

Rust on metal is common on older metal pieces and it is important to get as much of it off as you can and then use a good metal primer before painting. I usually scrub the pieces with vinegar water (1/2 and 1/2) and steel wool, then prime with a metal primer specifically for rust. ..I use Rust-oleum automotive primer!

I used this process on these outdoor chairs and this old metal typewriter table and both have held up beautifully!

I primed the laminate tops with Kilz. After all the metal primer and Kilz dried well, I sanded them with 0000 steel wool and then wiped them down with a tack cloth to get rid of all the dust!

I sprayed the legs and underside of each desk with spray paint. I usually use Valspar "paint and primer" spray paint...it seems to hold up well and comes in wonderful "designer colors." Keep in mind, even though it SAYS it is a "paint and primer in one" I always prime the pieces first...call me "old school" but I just think it is best to prime first before you paint! Besides, the primary coat will highlight anything that needs to be sanded or patched before the final coat of paint!

I applied chalkboard paint to the tops of each desk with a 4" sponge roller...three coats!

TIP! The trick to a flawless paint finish (other than chalk paint!) is first and foremost the prep! Paint WILL NOT cover up scratches and rough spots. So make sure you sand, tack and prime well before you apply paint.

The trick to spray paint is to apply light coats and allow it to dry well between coats. Spray paint dries fairly quickly so I usually apply additional coats after about 1 hour...too hot or too cold and you will see your "spray lines!"

The trick to getting a good finish when applying paint with a sponge roller on flat surfaces is to apply your paint with the roller, then run the roller in the same direction on the final pass. Think of it like running your hand on velvet...if you run it in different directions, the nap of the fabric will look different...same with paint!

If I am brushing or rolling on latex paint I add Floetrol...oil based paint Penetrol. The additives allow the paints to "level" while drying and will eliminate MOST paint and roller lines. I don't add an additive to chalkboard paint so it is important to run the roller in the same direction on the final pass!

And PRESTO...super precious little makeover!

These little desk are super simple to makeover and since spray paint comes in a multitude of designer colors, you are sure to find a color that will coordinate with any decor!

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Why I prefer oil finishes to polyurethane!

I am often asked...why do you prefer oil finishes over polyurethane?

Well, because it is super easy to apply and there is no better finish for durability and touchups!

The ONLY time I use poly is to seal paint finishes...usually Minwax Polyurethane or Valspar clear spray to seal "chalk paint" or spray paint finishes. It's no secret that I am not a big wax fan. I never use poly on stained pieces.

Here I discuss the importance of using a "food safe" oil on butcher block or wood cutting boards. I usually use Watco's butcher block oil finish, even if I am only going to use the cutting board as a decorative item (which is always because I am just "weird" about using wood for cutting food!).

Here I discuss the difference, or rather the lack of difference, between different oil finishes. In a nutshell, the biggest difference is on the label. For me, I prefer Formby's Tung Oil finish...but I have tried Watco danish oil, teak oil finish and several other oil finishes. It is honestly a "personal preference."

And keep in mind, I am talking about oil FINISHES...not REAL tung oil. Real tung oil is a great wood finish, but not exactly something a DIYer really wants (or needs) to experiment with!

Here is why I prefer oil finishes on natural or stained wood...

1) Ease of application. Seriously, it is "idiot" proof! Once you have stripped all the old finish off (doesn't matter if you are stripping a small cutting board or a large table...see a tutorial here!) and applied a stain, the oil finish is super easy to apply! Rub the entire piece lightly with 0000 steel wool, TACK CLOTH THE ENTIRE PIECE (seriously, I can not stress how important it is to use tack cloth whether you are painting or oiling!), and then wipe the oil finish on with a "sponge applicator." (Here I show you how to make super cheap applicators!). I always apply 3-4 coats of oil finish...however many I need to get a nice even finish...rubbing with steel wool and tack cloth between coats!

Oil is a "penetrating" finish so you really want the wood to soak up those first few coats. I usually use a circular motion to apply...kind of like "waxing." Then I just wipe "with the grain."

If you notice a "drip" after a coat has dried, it is super easy to buff it out with steel wool...no biggy!

Seriously, this stuff is super easy to apply!

2) Durability. Oil finishes are super durable...in my opinion, just as durable as poly. To me, poly finishes look "plastic" and tend to mask the texture and depth of a beautiful wood grain!

3) Touch up. This is the real kicker. Oil finishes are super easy to touch up or "bring back to life." I usually re-oil my tables whenever they get scratches or begin to look a little dull.

The first thing I do is rub down the top with steel wool....

Then I wipe the entire piece down with tack cloth. Tack cloth picks up EVERYTHING and is honestly the trick to getting a smooth finish! (I did not stain this table...that is the "natural" color of white oak and walnut with an oil finish)

After that I just wipe on a fresh coat of tung oil finish with my homemade sponge applicator...and the piece looks like new!!

Here you can see the scratches caused by kitty nails....

After a little steel wool, tack cloth and a fresh coat of oil...gone!

Today I re-oiled the top of my Drexel coffee table. After a year of use it had a few scratches and was beginning to look a little dull! Now...just like "new."

This is not something you can do with polyurethane!

I usually let the oil dry overnight before I apply another coat or before use!

To clean or dust, I just wipe down with a damp rag...then follow with a dry one.

Poly has its place in your DIY arsenal...but for me, oil finishes are best on any natural or stained wood piece especially if they will need touch up from time to time!

Whether you apply a stain or leave the wood natural, there is no durable finish that allows the beauty of a wood grain to show through as well as oil!!!

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Antique mirror makeover...

I know I have been MIA for the last few weeks, but I have SO many exciting new things going on...hopefully I can share in the next week!

I am chomping at the bit to share all the wonderful things going on around me...in due time. I have a post written but I am waiting on a few things to fall into place before sharing!

Because of the holidays and this crazy cold weather, I haven't really been able to project much. And because of the (fingers crossed) exciting new things going on, I have been frantically trying to get a few things done around my house...hardly worth pictures and a post!

So I dug through some of my old project pictures to find a simple project I have not shared to date. Something that can easily been done inside during these cold, dreary months!

One of the first things I stumbled on was this antique mirror. Naturally there is no "before" picture, but trust me, the frame was very worn, bland and generally unappealing...which is why it sat in my booth for MONTHS and did not sell. I finally brought it home, gave it a simple little chalk paint and distress treatment and BAM...it didn't last a week...

One of the reasons I wanted to share this project is because it is SO simple and it shows how such a simple "update" to an otherwise "outdated" piece can make a huge difference. I used the same treatment on the "old" pictures in my dining room and the change was simple but stunning!

I make my own "chalk paint." The recipe that works best for me is 2 1/2 tablespoons of Plaster of Paris, 1 1/2 tablespoons of warm water...mix well...than add 1 cup of latex paint. I like this recipe because it is super cheap, I can mix it up with ANY color of paint I have laying around and I can even mix two or three different colors of paint to get a "custom" shade.

I usually apply two coats of the chalk paint to a piece. Really no need to sand or prep. It dries super fast...within an hour. Then I distress a bit with 220 grit sand paper and then seal with a spray on poly. I know a lot of people like to wax their pieces...and that is okay if you want to get a certain "look." But I like the ease and durability of poly...to each his own!

New frames can be expensive but a simple little "makeover" on a dated frame or one that is just the wrong color can make a huge difference!

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The most AMAZING steak EVER!

This is the perfect time of the year to cook the most AMAZING steak ever! A little too cold to grill, but after years of doing it "wrong" I have found the RIGHT way to cook the perfect steak...

Head over to my "Cooking 101" page and check out this recipe.

Trust me, you will never fire up your grill for steaks again!