I’ve been a complete slacker. I did this table over my maternity leave and never posted! Soooo here it is, 4 months later. This gorgeous coffee table and matching side table were given to us when we first bought our townhouse by Willie’s manager at the time. After over 7 years in our home it had it share of bumps, stains, dog marks, stickers, and all the fun furniture mishaps that happen in a house full of chaos. It was due for an upgrade! You may remember me asking about it when I shared my painted entertainment center.

I found two new products in my beloved town of Occoquan. The Reclaimed Treasures shop owner convinced me that these products outshined most on the market. She was right…the paint product (Fusion Mineral Paint), like chalk paint, requires little prep (a clean surface) and already included the protective component so there was no need for an additional step of waxing your project…wow! Waxing is such a huge task that nearly all my projects never get it, so having this all-in-one paint was great! I used the Fusion Mineral Paint color of Champlain. Here is the color swatch:

So first I sanded the top with a medium-course sandpaper using a circular sander. I then went over it again with fine course paper. Once I got down to the bare would I was ready for the stain.

The stain, another great new product by Homestead House. The “poly”/protective coat was built in. So after applying and drying, you’re done! It is a matte stain so it worked well for what I was going for but if you do want the sheen or extra protection, give it a coat of poly.

I love this table! So happy I got to bring a fresh new light to it and glad it can stay as a centerpiece in my home for a few more years.

New Year = New Kitchen! Happy 2018!

When we walked through our house, I thought ehhh not the huge dream kitchen I was hoping for BUT I can work with it and make it my own. And luckily no one had touched it, so I had no guilt about tearing up new renovations that weren’t my style. So after months of deliberation on colors, tiles, hardware, countertops, appliances, driving my husband absolutely insane…we are FINALLY done.

So this was my BIG Christmas 2017 gift. I told the hubby to put a big bow on the kitchen, but he just reminded me to look over and that was my gift.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

The kitchen is a complete reflection of my classic yet unique or ambitious style. I decided on classic quartz countertops for their durability and remarkable marble pattern. I matched the white/grey countertops with a stunning herringbone pattern marble backsplash with a unique gold schluter trim that matches great with the hints of golden champagne I brought in on the hardware (pulls and handles) and champagne bronze faucet. The cabinets were professionally painted, because after our small attempt, I knew that I would be super unhappy with a DIY result. And boy am I glad we didn’t go forward ourselves because the incredible finish we have now is stunning. The color is bold, yes it’s blue. It’s a little more blue than I wanted but everyday I am falling more in love with it and it truly is a happy kitchen and a reflection of my personality. The paint color we choose was Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray. Willie did a fabulous job on the peninsula as he added a gorgeous white beadboard and trim that I love and glad it’s not the same color as the cabinets. And this DIY project is totally doable and very low cost (like under $30)! And finally my amazing appliances…the double oven is absolute heaven and my fridge is perfect, I just want to kiss it everyday haha.

What does an old sweater, leftover craft ribbon, a stocking, brown craft paper, and a thrift store scarf have in common? They can be used to wrap gifts! Yes, that’s right. Gift wrapping ideas for the thrifty and frugal. This post is inspired by my friends at thredUP where you can save TONs of money shopping second-hand online. I always think #secondhandfirst during the holidays in order to save money and recycle items for a more eco-conscious holiday.

First the scarf I found brand new with tags at the thrift store for $3. This is such fun idea because all you need is craft paper, or matching gift warp, scissors, and tape. Wrap gift in the paper and just tie the scarf around your box like a ribbon with a big bow. The person getting the gift not only gets what’s inside but also an amazing new scarf for winter.

For the stocking wine bottle wrap, you may have an extra stocking lying around or for me I found this one for $1.50 at the thrift store.  Easy peasy assembly by just sliding the stocking over the wine bottle and twisting and tucking the footy part into itself. Finish the wrapping with an adorable “drink & be merry” chalkboard sign labels or paper tag and viola an adorable DIY gift wrap that the person can reuse again or in their home!

The craft paper and leftover ribbon is like a normal wrapping paper where you’ll need just scissors and tape. After measuring and centering your gift, take the long end pieces up to go under one another and secure with tape. Next, take your two short ends and make pointed ends that will meet in the middle to secure with tape. Finish with looping leftover ribbon around the gift with ultimately making a box to secure it. The craft paper roll will last you ALL Christmas if you purchase a big one, so it really is a cheap way to wrap gifts. If you don’t have leftover craft ribbon, try buying a large spool of twine and add either tree trimmings, pine cones, feathers, chalkboard sign labels, or faux flowers to finish off the DIY look.

Finally for the sweaters. I used an old hubby sweater for one box and a $3.50 thrifted Christmas sweater to create two unique wrapping ideas. You can cut these to fit, but I tried to wrestle with the fabric in order to preserve the sweater to either be worn be the recipient or donated again. Who doesn’t love a silly Christmas sweater, it’s just part of the season! To do this pick the opening side to be your face-down side to be secured with bobby pins. Then, with the arms you create a sort of knot at the top. The sweater is also an amazing and easy way to wrap odd shaped packages. Literally just pull it over the gift, secure bottom and top, add embellishment and you have an adorable gift that anyone would love. Gift wrapping doesn’t have to be perfect! I love the fun ideas that make my gifts special.

Will you try any of these ideas this Christmas? Reusing and recycling is a great way to save money while also creating memorable gifts for all your friends and family. Now I’m ready to start Christmas decorating!

Check out thredUP’s full post: Easy Holiday Gift and Décor Ideas from Our Favorite Bloggers