I have been busy coming up with some fun and frugal ideas for the home by reading many a blog lately. I get much inspiration from so many crafty women. I am always on the lookout for a bargain so here are some of my finds.
I found this star plaque for 4$ and the chalkboard for $5 at the goodwill. Neither would work as is, but with a little spray paint and tlc, they are a great addition to the girls' room.
after... both a pretty shade of ballet pink.
I would really love to paint the girls' room, but I have a hard time justifying the expense since we live in a rental house. Of course paint is not very expensive...
This is a cupboard I found for free outside of an antique shop. Yes, it was in a pile of trash. I asked the owner if I could take it and she said go for it. It only had one door, was very dirty, and came complete with a wasp nest. I took off the door, cleaned it up, and sanded it down. It still needs to be painted, probably a pretty blue, but for now, the ultra shabby look is going to remain. Jaron said it was a piece of junk and ridiculed me for bringing it home, but I told him he could not complain because it was free.
It has character. I think it is great.
These are two of my absolute favorites. I got the antique breakfront a few months ago and adore it. It houses my beautiful books and every time I see it I love it more. I got in on Craigslist and though it was not free, I think it was a fantastic find.
I also found the chair on craigslist for $25 about a year ago. It came with a slipcover, but it is not my taste and I have resorted to covering it with a sheet. My goal is to make a new slipcover for it this summer. I need at least 5 yards of fabric if I just recover the cushions. I probably need 8-10 yards if I take on the whole thing. I will probably stick with just the cushions as the outer part of the chair is a beautiful cream. I now just need to find a shabby print that I love...oh and that also does not cost an arm and a leg.
I found this console table and mirror not too long after we moved in this place almost 3 years ago. I think I paid $35 for both. Great deal. Anyways - I always thought I would paint them but they sat for so long just yearning to be brought back to life. I finally painted the table last week with a cream colored paint that was given to us. I cannot decide if I should paint the mirror the same cream or a different color. For now, it hangs unfinished calling out to me each time I pass it.
I am in the market for a king headboard and a dresser for our room. I am going to try and find both for free if I can, knowing that paint can work wonders. Have one you want to give me? I love the dresser below and the two headboards. Hopefully something similar will find me soon.
This next week I will be working on an idea for the wall behind our dining room table. I bought my supplies, it cost me a whopping 8$ and hopefully it will turn out as I envision it. Pics to come when it is complete. :)
Avery really loves books on tape or books on itunes. I downloaded a few for her and we also checked some out on our weekly library visit. This pic is of her during her rest time last week. I guess she was pretty tired.
The girls have truly been obsessed with eating chicken legs. They LOVE them! The above pic is of Riley at my grandparents house chowing down on some yummy chicken legs.
Avery started swim lessons this week and has done so well. I cannot say enough about how well she is doing. I have been amazed because Avery does not usually take to new things very well. I expected tears the first day, but she was amazing! She is taking private lessons, which I think is exactly what she needs. She gets so excited to get in the pool and the last two days she has actually run and jumped into the pool to greet her instructor. She has been diving under the water to catch rings and using the kickboard, flippers, etc... This really is something she is enjoying and that makes me so happy.
Daddy took Avery out tonight to buy her some new goggles and to enjoy a special treat at Baskin Robbins. Above is Avery sporting her new gear and showing off her rosy cheeks below.
