Plain Jane Table to Bright and Beautiful

All the projects I had planned on doing this Summer were delayed by the above three!

Our house had become so quiet, losing 2 of our cats ages 20 and 22, one last December and the other this March. Then very unexpectedly, losing our American Staffordshire, 9, just a month later.

 

Not sure what I was thinking rescuing 3 puppies! I usually rescue around a year old.

All 3 within a month's time! A little black and white Terrier mix, a brindle unknown (vet won't even hazard a guess!) and a Corgi.

What a handful. I have more baby gates up now than I ever did with any of my kids! 

Anyway I digress, my oldest son had bought new furniture, the old was being sent to the dumps ~ but not before I got a look!!  Grabbed a recliner, the table above, a large bench and a personal refrigerator.  All but the refrigerator need some love, ie projects.

I started with the table in the above photo.

 It was all white with crayon and marker accents ;)

I had taken before photos but I changed carriers, buying a new phone and there go my photos  GRRR  Completely forgot I hadn't retrieved them.

I tightened all the wobbly joints to make it solid again.

I painted the legs with Hello Hobby Chalk Paint in aqua.

I've never used Unicorn Spit and really wanted to try it.

Figured the top of this rescued piece would be perfect.

I taped newspaper all the way around the edges to protect the Chalk Paint.

 I used Zia Teal, Purple Hill Majesty and White Ning Unicorn Spit.

Not sure what I was doing, I squirted some on and used my fingers to swirl it around. 

Wasn't too crazy about the swirls, so I "played" a bit and ended up making lines then blended the colors so they weren't so definite. I had a bowl of water nearby to dip my fingers in when needed to help move and blend the colors.

once it was dry I painted the edges with black craft paint.

The whole time I worked on this table I kept feeling like I was being watched.

Finally figured out who had their eyes on me ~~

I'm sure they thought they were going to be fed.

Once everything was thoroughly dry, I put 3 coats of  Marine Spar Varnish over the Unicorn Spit.  I wanted it to be protected well, my younger son would be using it.

I used a sponge brush to apply the Varnish, I wanted to be able to toss it when I was done. 

I found that the sponge would make bubbles in the Varnish.

Once the whole top was covered in Varnish, I found if I went over it with the side of the sponge brush it didn't leave any bubbles.

I then applied a clear Wax over the Chalk Paint.

 It was fun using the Unicorn Spit.

I really like the way it turned out.

The next project will be reupholstering the bench,

but that probably won't be until next Spring.

These puppies keep me hopping!

more here

New Share the Memories Freebie Kits ~ 9/26/22

Use these freebies to create your own unique pages 

using My Memories Suite!

https://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_1

Funny Dots Add On by Happy Scrap Arts

This digital kit includes:

2 Papers

7 Elements

https://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_2

Smitten QP by: PapierStudio

This digital kit includes:

1 Quick page

Awesome freebies available for FREE until:
October 2nd

Use this code for discount on 

My Memories Suite 9: STMMMS25918

Holiday Time 8 Lighting Modes Pre-Lit LED Christmas Pyramid Tree, 7ft, Warm White ~ Review

''Please follow the instruction manual which offered together with the product.
Stake it into the ground, plug it into a standard outlet, and go;
Self inflates in seconds.
LED Christmas Pyramid tree stands 7’ tall;
Comes with 300ct Warm White LED Lights , with 8 Lighting Modes: Combination, In Waves, Sequential, Slo-Glo, Chasing/Flash, Slow Fade, Twinkle/Flash, Steady On;
Designed with a stake base for easy use in the yard and garden;
For outdoor use only.''

Holiday Time Pre-Lit LED Christmas Pyramid Tree which measures 7 ft tall with 300 Warm White LED light bulbs that have 8 different settings. It has a stake base with 3 stakes to spread the string of lights out. The lights work great. I was very disappointed in this Christmas Pyramid Tree. It arrived with no instructions to put it together, the light strings were a tangled mess along with cording. I wasn't sure where to slide in the pole attachments . It is described “Self inflates in seconds”, there is nothing that inflates. Once figured out I staked it as best I could. I would imagine it would look pretty on a lawn, The stake pieces are a sturdy metal and slide into each other easily. Stores compactly.

I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Way To Celebrate Halloween Plastic Pumpkin Pushins, Monster ~ Review

''Witches and goblins and ghosts, oh my! Halloween is here and that means it's time to decorate your pumpkin! With our Way To Celebrate Halloween Monster Plastic Pumpkin Pushins, you can take your pumpkins to the next level. This set offers a fun, family-friendly alternative to carving pumpkins and features 17 pieces that will make your pumpkin scary good. Choose from an assortment of wacky eyes, wicked smiles, creepy horns and even bat wings to create your own monster pumpkin—which spooktacular combination will you choose?! Green horns with three eyes? Or maybe yellow fangs and purple claws? Can't choose? No worries! The best part of this Halloween decorating kit is that you can interchange the pieces! Pull out the one you want to swap, then replace it with your new piece, or try drawing inspiration from the examples shown on the packaging. These monster face pieces work on both real and fake pumpkins alike and are best suited for pumpkins 9 to 11-inches in diameter. Display your monster madness on your porch or in your home with our Way To Celebrate Halloween Monster Plastic Pumpkin Pushins, then save the pieces to use again next year!''

Love, love, love these adorable Pumpkin Pushins to decorate your pumpkin for Halloween! Made of sturdy plastic and such a variety of pieces you can interchange on a whim! 17 individual pieces to choose from includes eyes, smiles, bat wings and horns to make the spookiest pumpkins ever.

 I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

New Share the Memories Freebie Kits

Use these freebies to create your own unique pages 

using My Memories Suite!

https://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_1

Noted Samples by Patty B Scraps

This digital kit includes:

3 elements

https://www.mymemories.com/store/share_the_memories_kit_2

Abiding Trust Samples by Over The Fence Designs

This digital kits includes:

3 elements

Awesome freebies available for FREE until:
September 11th

Use this code for discount on 

My Memories Suite 9: STMMMS25918

2023 - 12 Month Calendar-Beaches-12x12 Hanging Wall Calendar by Day Spring ~ Review

''There's a reason Day Spring's standard 12" x 12" Wall Calendars have been a staple in homes for so many years--because their lovely designs and stunning photos address your need for colorful wall décor while keeping you up-to-date with your busy schedule. Each calendar grid features national holidays, gives enough room to keep track of all of life's important events, and helps with planning for a whole year--January 2023 through December 2023. Our Beaches calendar features breathtaking photography printed on gloss finished paper. Our calendars come packaged in shrink-wrap with a stiffener to protect your product.''

Absolutely love the gorgeous photos that each month brings on the 2023 Hanging Wall Beaches Calendar by Day Spring. I have MANY appointments and need to have the large squares to be able to keep track of them. This calendar provides just that. Made well on thick glossy paper. Easy hang equals ready for the next year quickly and easily.

I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

TAL Ranger 40 oz Black Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Wide Mouth and Flip-Top Lid ~ Review

''The Tal Ranger stainless steel bottle is perfect for a day out cycling, running or hiking. The 40 oz. bottle keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot beverages hot for 12 hours. It is made with double wall insulation with copper lining and stainless steel. The wide-open mouth makes it easy to add ice and there is never condensation on the outside. It features an easy carry loop.''        

The TAL Ranger 40 oz Black Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Wide Mouth and Flip-Top Lid is the strongest water bottle I have ever seen. Sturdy doesn't even cover it. First of all I love that it's black. The wide mouth makes it a breeze to add ice cubes and it does not leak. The cap on the small opening for drinking is attached but very easy to open and close! Love that the carry loop can be moved out of the way if need be. My Dad keeps coming to mind. As a carpenter he would have loved this large heavy duty water bottle that keeps beverages cold in the Summer and hot in the Winter.

I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

BOSHEL® 3PC Pet Grooming Scissors ~ Review

"Pet 3 Pack Scissors by BOSHEL® - 1 Large Straight Dog Scissors - 1 Micro-serrated Scissors & 1 Dog Thinning Shears. Groom your pet like a pro from the comfort of home Whether you’re the proud human of a hulking hound, diminutive doggie, or feisty four-legged cutie, the BOSHEL® 3PC grooming scissors kit gives you the power to safely trim your pet's hair with professional ease!

Looking for great gifts for dog owners? Our pet shears kit comes in a beautiful box for a smile-sparking presentation, and your loved one will get to save lots of money and time by using the BOSHEL dog cutting scissors.
SHEARS:
● 7” straight sharp body scissor.
● 6.5” micro-serrated dog scissors for grooming eyes, face, paws, nose & other sensitive areas.
● 7-inch (26-teeth) thinning scissors for blending, texturizing, and cutting out mats.
HIGH GRADE STAINLESS STEEL:
● Made from top grade stainless steel.
● Ultra-sharp blades ensure clean cuts.
GROOM LIKE A PRO WITH THE BOSHEL GROOMING KIT: This dog hair grooming kit features 3 Grooming Shears: One 7” straight sharp body scissor, and one 6.5” micro-serrated dog scissors for grooming eyes, face, paws, nose & other sensitive areas, and a 7-inch (26-teeth) thinning scissors for blending, texturizing, and cutting out mats.
DESIGNED FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY: Never again worry about injuring your furry buddy. All our dog trimming scissors feature rounded safety tips. Ideal for beginners and professionals alike.
CUT FASTER AND CLEANER: Unlike other pet hair grooming scissors that struggle to cut thicker coats and pull on fur, our dog grooming shears stand out with super-sharp blades for quick & pain-free cuts.
PHENOMENAL QUALITY: We’ve crafted our rounded-tip dog and cat grooming scissors using high-quality 2mm thick stainless steel, with blades firmly held together thanks to a super-strong non-removable screw, that will ensure a clean cut for a quicker grooming session, no matter how tangled the fur is.
EXPERIENCE THE COMFORT: With a non-slip ergonomic grip, a finger rest, and a removable rubber ring for a custom fit, grooming will be a breeze."

 I was pleasingly surprised when my 3 Pack of Pet Hair Scissors Set by Boshel showed up looking and feeling so professional. I love the rounded safety tips, no more poking my cat with the point of regular scissors. They fit comfortably in my hand, especially with the finger rest. I have a 3 legged 20 year old cat that isn't able to groom herself as she used to, which makes her prone to mats. Using the Thinning Scissors it was a breeze to cut them away without hurting her or her fighting me.

 I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Is Your Home Ready for Fall?

5 Top Items on Your Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

Fall’s gently tumbling leaves seem so peaceful, they can also be a wake-up call that winter's coming. Now’s the time to take care of some important home maintenance. Use this list as a guideline to get your home ready for the cold weather ahead.

By doing these projects now, you can avoid some costly repairs and feel confident that you’ll be warm and comfortable when the cold weather arrives.

1. Get Your Heating System Humming

You don’t want to wake up on the coldest morning to find you have no heat. Schedule a furnace checkup now. An expert technician will make sure everything is running properly and that your system meets the manufacturer’s rated efficiency. The checkup will also measure carbon monoxide leakage.

2. Prevent Gutter Gridlock

Leaves, twigs and other debris can clog gutters, causing water to back up and flow into your house. Save yourself from this expensive repair by cleaning the gutters after your leaves have fallen. Tighten gutter hangers and downspout brackets, and replace any worn sections. Check that your downspouts extend at least five feet away from the foundation. If not, you can buy inexpensive extensions and attach them.

 

3. Take a Caulk Walk

Walk around the exterior of your home and check it for air tightness. Carefully look for cracks, which can be the source of air leaks, energy loss and money down the drain. An inexpensive tube of caulk can help prevent energy loss and also help prevent moisture from getting inside the walls of your home. Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting or electrical wiring comes through walls or floors.

Most Common Source of Air Leaks

Dropped ceilings

Recessed lights

Attic entrance

Sill plates

Water and furnace flues

All ducts

Door and window frames

Chimney flashing

Outlets and switches

Plumbing and utility access

Critter entrances

4. Get a Look at the Roof

You don’t need to get up on the roof to spot trouble areas. Stay on the ground and use binoculars to look for buckled, cracked or missing shingles. If you find any, replace them right away. Examine the flashing and look for any rust spots, which could expose your home to damaging leaks. The good news is you can clean, prime and seal the rust fairly easily yourself. Also, if you spot large areas of moss, your roof may be rotting underneath. Call a roofing professional rather than trying to tackle it yourself.

5. Clean Out the Chimney

Looking forward to a cozy fire? Better make sure your fireplace, chimney and vents are clean first. A good cleaning by a professional chimney sweep can help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide buildup. Some DIY measures you can take include keeping the fireplace damper flue tightly closed when not in use and sealing seal air leaks with fire-resistant materials like sheet metal or sheetrock.

Get these projects knocked out and your home will be warm and cozy for winter. Then head to the store and load up on hot chocolate and some good books.

More tips here

Pope Francis Paper Dolls

Enlarge, print, assemble, play!

More Paper Dolls

Campers and Trucks Holiday Garland ~ Review

This 15' white Tinsel Garland by Holiday Time is the cutest I've seen in a long time. 

It's decorated with Christmas Tree topped red campers and trucks. 

I was surprised by how lush the garland is, not sparse at all. Strong, not flimsy.

This garland is very versatile, perfect for your Christmas Tree, banister, doorway - anywhere you need some Holiday cheer.

 I may have received one or more of the products mentioned above for free or a discounted price. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Composting Equals Surprises

Another lazy gardener tip!

 I have no room for a compost pile nor the energy to tend to it.

So this is my little hack.

I collect all fruit and vegetable peels along with trimmings, eggs shells, coffee grounds, tea bags, fruit or veggies past their prime, etc.  They are added to a bowl I keep on my counter (I'm sure you could find something much prettier).

When I get a chance I bury them around my gardens.

Just dig a hole 

Add trimmings from the bowl

Cover with dirt and tamp down.

The trimmings will decompose adding nutrients to your garden as well as feed your worms.

NOW come the SURPRISES!

You just never know what will pop up when composting this way.

This year I have these awesome volunteer plants!

Onions

Cantaloupe that is taking over

Full of blooms

With Cantaloupes almost ready to pick

This Cherry Tomato made it through 2 Winter so far!

And it's producing for the 3rd year!

I don't know how that is possible 

but I have watched it very closely and it is the same plant.

So not only are you making your gardens healthier, reducing your waste, and feeding the worms, but you just may get some volunteer plants along the way.

More garden posts here