Lamp Revamp

So you don't really like that plain ol' black lamp that you've had since college, but can't afford a new one...?  Try a new look for very few $!  My grandma taught me that you CAN paint pretty much anything, although I'm sure I'm not the expert she is!  This project required a can of primer spray paint, a can of Rustoleum "Oregano" spray paint and a little sandpaper.  All of which I either had or purchased but am also using for other projects (more on that later).  A $1.50 natural woven trim added to the lampshade with craft glue and a little paint and I feel like I have a new lamp!  A little distressed and a little more contemporary than the plain black!  Don't be afraid to paint something you love that's the wrong color or just something you can't really afford to get rid of- a little elbow grease and your husband will think you went shopping!

More on my other projects tomorrow! Night!

kitchen accessories!

Yesterday I made a little stop in TJ Maxx and found some new dish towels for our kitchen.  We have some cute Williams Sonoma ones, but I think I have had them since I went to college and I was up for a change! These are such good quality and you cant beat TJ Maxx prices!!  The burgundy and flowered towels are from my mother-in-law who has great taste and knows me so well!  So, I wanted to post about accessorizing and adding "decor" to your kitchen.  Whenever I get new dishtowels I get excited to roll them up all cute and put them in one of my favorite bowls to display (and eventually use).  Its like functional decor!

Another way to add personality with your kitchen accessories is to use chargers, stacked as a centerpiece.  

This picture just shows two sets of chargers stacked on top of each other with a pretty fall bowl full of knick knacks and nature!   

Did I ever mention I really dislike clutter?!  I am an organized individual.  It can be good and bad...I may need to let up a little!  For the longest time the top of our fridge was messy. Packages of half opened pepsi 12 packs, waterbottles, etc. just stacked on top.  I COULDN' T TAKE IT!  So I went to Walmart and bought myself these beauties for $10 and I breathe a sigh of relief every time I go to the refrigerator!  

That's easy organization!  I always keep a few wooden clothespins on them just in case I need to keep the chip bag closed or something!  I recently just took down all of our pics of the fridge- time to freshen up!  Now all we have to look at and anticipate is our little baby boy we cant wait to meet!  

I cleaned today!  If you want great tips on how to lose the commercial cleaners (cause they aren't good for you, your children, or your pets) head on over to this blog!

My little man awakes- see ya tomorrow!

God Bless!

A LONG week

Well, I made it through last week thinking that I was actually getting over my cold, just in time for it to end up turning into a sinus infection and more time spent in bed.  My poor hubby is probably sick of hearing me whine, but this is really the sickest I have been in ages!  Having done nothing in the past week except eat to survive and change diapers, I come with no offerings of creativity.  So sorry!  One encouraging thing happened over the weekend (opening weekend that is!).....my manly hubby shot a deer!  Some of you are probably cringing and some thinking that's not so hard, but he is a relatively new bow hunter and its really quite challenging to actually hit the deer if you even see a big one!  So kudos to him!

The buck's left antlers broke off at some point, but its still a pretty good buck!  I think Johnny (hubby) is having some bittersweet feelings about shooting a deer this early in the game (Bow hunting season lasts around 2-3 months).  Now he just doesn't know what he is going to do for the rest of the season.  I quickly reminded him he has a delightful family to spend time with :) AND he has a turkey tag to fill, as well as another deer tag for muzzleloader season!  Poor guy has nothing to do!  

Please be praying for my Grandpa Jens who has severe emphysema (sp?) among other things going on.  He has been in and out (thankfully!) of the hospital in the last year and we are SO grateful that we haven't lost him, though there have been some close calls.  He needs our prayers and God to give him strength/comfort.  Also prayers for my Grandma and close family who are basically involved in the 24 hour care- I know they want to be there to help, but its wearing on them too.  

Grandpa Jens

Grandma Shirli

Blessings to you all!  If you are one of my WA friends, I cant wait to see you in somewhere around 9 days!!  How's the weather there?! Already starting to pack my bag!!