Monday, March 30, 2020

DIY Kid’s Fairy Garden

So with the chaos of our world right now some simple happy crafts that make you smile are just what we need. This centerpiece type fairy garden is the perfect quick project to do with your little one. Hartley and I shopped Michaels online store together and she got to pick the type of fairies she wanted. There are so many options that your little one can choose and add all sorts of animals, colored moss, house, rocks, etc. And Michaels curb-side pickup was super simple and followed the social distancing rule with Lysol wipe and spray off before they were brought into the house.

You can pick whatever container you would like, a few floral foams, moss, flowers, small fairies, and any other additions you would like to make your fairy garden super special to you. I hope this brings some inspiration, imagination, enchantment, and magic into your home during these uncertain times. Stay positive and making memories at home.

 

Tuesday, December 24, 2019

Master Bathroom Makeover : Valspar Chalky Finish Painted Vanity

There are two important tips I learned when remodeling my bathroom…I’ve always underestimated the power of a paint roller and a trick to keeping paint supplies usable for the entire project. The first tip and I’m not really sure how I after all my projects with chalk/mineral paint I’ve never used a roller. EVER! Not even on my massive entertainment center. Completed all by a tiny little paint brush. Soooo, needless to say I’m now a huge supporter of using a paint roller when you can and a bathroom vanity is the perfect place to do it. Second tip is placing your painting material in the refrigerator so they stay “wet”. Why has no one ever told me this? After every coat I covered my pan and roller with a plastic grocery bag and sealed my brush in a ziplock, stuck in fridge, and these babies were like I never stopped between coats even after 24 hours! This was a game changer and so much less waste.

Our bathroom has been a long awaited project and I love the little changes we did for a BIG impact. Total cost of the project was right under $1,600. BIG shout out to my hubby for doing all the electrical and plumbing. Saves so much money with household labor. I wanted a deep rich sexy color for the walls. It’s Valspar paint in the color Seine. Mirrors are from Kirklands and such a great deal on sale, together they were $81. Faucets and light fixtures from Wayfair and both in matte black finish. Door knobs are matte black from Lowes. The granite color is Brown Fantasy from Erin’s Marble and Granite. Originally I was trying to get away without painting the cabinets, but when the granite was installed, it needed a pop of brightness against the dark wall color I did. Luckily I had paint in the garage already (yay free) so I went for it…

Lightly sanded, cleaned with heavy duty cleaner like Liquid TSP Cleaner, tape , and removed doors to paint separately from frame. The drawers I left on and taped the back. This allowed me to paint both front and back of the drawers at the same time. Pick your paint (I used Valspar chalky finish paint in ¾ kids gloves leftover from entertainment center and ¼ a gray color I found on clearance for $5). I only used a paint brush to apply to edges and places that I could not reach and everything else was applied with the small roller. I did two coats on the back (inside) and three coats of front (outside) of the vanity waiting at least 8 hours between coats (which is why the refrigerator tip came in handy). After 24 hours of the last coat application, I had to finish with the sealing wax applied via wax sponge and roller. This is the WORST part for me. I don’t know why I dislike it so much. I like the Valspar product but after 4 vanities now, I’m still liking the ease and durability of the Fusion Mineral Paint. I never posted it but I used for my girls bathroom and because it’s all in one it’s quick and I don’t notice as much chipping.

Merry Christmas to me! This is all I really wanted and we finished it right before the holidays. Hope you all have the best holiday season and see ya in 2020!!!

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Richmond Weekend Away Thrift Look

Last weekend we decided to take a trip to Richmond with the girls and it was so much fun! Sometimes it’s nice just to pop out of your normal weekend routine and do something adventurous with the family. It’s also super nice when you have absolutely no plans, no timeline, no one to meet and you are completely on your own time and itinerary.

This trip we were actually able to explore, could afford wrong turns, take a few extra minutes to explain where the fishes are in the rapid running water, and have a sofa dance party in a brewery. You know the moments in trips that make small memories.

Richmond is such a unique little city and definitely has it’s special style. I thought this outfit was the perfect Richmond look and a gateway to fall fashion.

Remember these jeans from my Military Inspired Look post? Well here they are again in their full $6 glory hehe. The boho top was $3 and the black military boots were $4 from my local thrift store.

Outfit Total Cost = $13

Happy Thrift Thursday!!

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Cilantro Lime Ginger Grilled Swordfish

What a glorious weekend spent celebrating my beautiful daughter’s 5th birthday in the prettiest weather. Anytime I can spend my weekend almost completely outside is a total win! It also inspires me to try fresh recipes and practice with my camera so BAM – new recipe. This Cilantro Lime Ginger Grilled Swordfish is the perfect end of summer dish. Grilled to perfection with loads of fresh cilantro, ginger, garlic and lime is how this fish should be treated. My favorite way to cook anything is grill. Who’s with me?

This recipe is SO easy. Make a quick marinade, grill and ENJOY! It’s also incredibly healthy (paleo, gluten-free, whole30, etc). It was the absolute perfect ending to a celebratory weekend. Hope you enjoy!

Please make sure to follow me on Instagram. If you try a recipe give me a shout out by tagging @LovestheFind.

Cilantro Lime Ginger Grilled Swordfish

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp minced fresh garlic
  • 1/2 whole fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 lb wild caught swordfish at least 1" thick
  • 1 tsp salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Combine all marinade ingredients in a gallon bag or bowl. Add fresh fish and place in fridge for at least 20 minutes up to an hour. Grill on each side for 5-6 minutes.