An Old/New mirror

So I have to admit I have discovered a great love for Rustoleum's Maui Blue. There is just something about looking at this color that makes me smile and when I saw this mirror it was a match made in refurbishing heaven. So I didn't take a picture of the mirror before hand (I know bad Tina) but here is the after picture. I picked it up for $20.00 at the ReStore in Chatsworth.
 

                                      

So imagine this to have originally been a medium dark wood mirror with exposed knots. I had sanded it down the best that I could and primed it with my trust rustoleum primer in white ( as you can tell I am pretty brand loyal) and let it dry. While normally you should let it dry for at least an hour that say was so unbearably hot it dried so quickly that I only waited 45 minutes before adding the first coat of Maui blue. 

It's mirror was tricky when dealing with painting it because I could not remove the mirror so I had to cover the glass with old newspaper and scrape off any bleeding which there was. This took one coat but I touched it up a bit the next day (i let the final product dry overnight before moving it).  So for a total of $26.00 ( this includes paint) I got a cute one of a kind mirror for the guest room/ sewing room.

From drab to chic: Nightstands

I So after the dog bed side table excursion I was on a high. I just had to start another project it. It was like a drug to me. So here we are. At ReStores Mother's Day sale they offered 50% off all home furnishings so I had to go back to get a pair of these neat looking Marriott castoff night stands. I have to admit my family thought I was slightly unhinged when I told them I was going to take apart one of the drawers as they rolled so amazingly. But I have to say I love the after pictures so it was worth it and I redeemed myself to them because they liked it as well.

                                

At first when I saw them they were priced at $35 each but with the sale and a kind sales woman I got them for $30 for two. That's $15 each and that is a good deal. But the only down side is that I had found out that these nightstands are almost impossible to sand because the varnish was so thick. Like really thick I spent an hour scrubbing and last got nothing so I brought out the power sander and went to work.

                                    

So after the sanding fiasco I removed the cabinets and primed and painted the nightstand. While I loved the Maui blue from the mirror earlier i chose to use a nice aqua in flat. I think it will flow very well in the space. 

                                          

As you can see I removed the bottom track and left the top. I did this because I have always loved the nightstands with the bottom open. For some reason I hate having two drawers in a nightstand. Ten after painting the nightstand and drawer I removed the old bronze candle and replaced it with a chic new silver pull. 

                               

See isn't it just so very cute. I just fell in love with it the moment I put that drawer in and it also wowed my family. They couldn't believe that it was the same nightstand. But as you can see I wasn't finished unknown to my family and the boyfriend I painted the interior of the drawer a very pretty pink (behr watermelon pink) I have found that the behr tester sample paints for $2.95 are prefect for small projects on a budget. 

                                         

So far I only had one nightstand complete but it looks like it was a hit and I can't wait to tackle the second one soon. 

From dated table to chic dog bed/side table

Have you ever found yourself with a few extra days on your hands but instead of relaxing in the sun by the pool you just get that itch. The itch I am referring to is the itch to restore old furniture. There is just something about giving life to an old piece of furniture that would have otherwise been destroyed that is fulfilling.

 So this past weekend I had a few projects going on but one was my favorite: a side table dog bed. This was my first piece that I had done in a few years (I know a long time but time was just not on my side) but it was love at first sight and I just knew this table was for me. And luckily it was still there when i left without it the first time because The boyfriend couldn't see what I was able to see, but I just could stop thinking of this table. The next day I left early in the morning to pick it up.

After everything even he had to admit that it was a very nice looking piece of furniture (especially since it was for HIS puppy)

Steps:

So first I found an outdated side table for $20.00 on clearance at ReStore. This one was a steal but I have seen similar ones go for about 35 - 40. Then you have to remove the doors and hinges and sand the entire surface of the table. Proper sanding is important since it helps the primer and paint adhere to the wood properly. Once the table is sanded wipe it down with a wet cloth and let dry. Since I chose to paint it white i bought three cans of rustoleums paint and primer spray paint as white is notorious for requiring multiple coats. Finally spray the entire piece. Follow drying times specified on the can. I didn't have to wait as long because it was 105 that day and the paint dried in almost a quarter of the time. At this point the table should look like this:

I know I didn't specify this earlier but always remember to use either cardboard or drop cloth as well as protective gear when dealing with spray paint. Even while in a well ventilated area the fumes can be overwhelming. Now it is time for the fun part. While I initially wanted to put lace on the side a quick trip to Michael's had me changing my mind. When we went we both picked patterns and my choice won (yay). So last year I had made colorful coasters and I used the same principle here. I mod lodged the paper onto the inner squares on each side. (There was only four sides as the front doors were removed). Then I added five layers of polyurethane in order to waterproof and seal the paper to the side I case of spillage.  

Here is what the back side looked. I know that it wasn't necessary to do ten whole back but I am still unsure which side of the couch this will go on so better make it perfect all around. Just be careful of the polyurethane I had the boyfriend do it and he wasn't so careful with it and we got drippage. Now for the front just paint the interior and get a cute bed ( we are still waiting on the bed). Were were a bit crazy and added a ceiling light to the inside but since we live in earthquake country we validated it by saying it is for earthquakes but really I thought it was cute. Here is the almost finished product on the inside. All we have left is to add mini table legs to the sides like pillars and get a bed. Doesn't she look cute.

                                    

ReStore finds!

So I have previous praised all that is restore but I just thought I should just share the finds that I have uncovered at ReStore the past week. 

1. Large hanging mirror $20.00

2. 70s side table $20.00

3. 2 nightstands $30.00 for both or $15 each

4. Stained glass window $35.00

So that was $105.00 for 5 pieces of furniture that would have costed me a whole lot more had I bought them after fixing them up. Pictures will be posted later this week.

Charli our new puppy

So we have just bought a new puppy and she is a little cutie but oh boy is she a menace, but you would never expect that from her. Everyone falls madly in love with her the moment they lay eyes on her and I have to admit I can't blame them she is soooo cute.

When we first saw her it was love for Nate. It took all of two seconds for him to tell the lady we would take her. And as I said I can't blame him. She was so cute and well mannered her first few days and we were excited that we found a puppy that was not only cute but well behaved and then she got comfortable.

Yep that really is potting soil on the carpet and yes Charli really did that. She is just like a child the moment you turn your head she is getting into trouble. But I wouldn't change her for anything.

                                       

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

So I have discovered the most amazing place this week: The habitat for humanity ReStore. Here you can find hidden treasures just waiting to be given a new life. And the best thing is that it all goes towards a good cause.

I have been here almost four times in one week. And have walked away with a piece of furniture every time. So if you ever need any type of furniture for a project always remember to go to your local Habitat for Humanity first. You are not only getting a good deal but doing good for others.

www.habitatca.org

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Loaf!

One of the best party loafs every seriously a keeper!

Right off the bat i am going to admit this is not my own recipe I had originally found it on Pinterest as a cheesy Mushroom loaf but as many might know I don't like mushrooms (My father loves them) so I tweaked it to suite my pallet better.

So this is my Cheesy Garlic Chicken Loaf!

Ingredients (serves 4-6: but in my fathers case serves 1 maybe 2)

Filling

• 2 tbsp Diced Garlic
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup Diced Chicken

For the Bread

• 1 unsliced loaf sourdough bread
• 8 ounces Colby Jack Cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup finely diced green onion
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Basil
• 1 tsp Parsley

Instructions

For the Filling

Heat a medium skillet on medium. Add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add the cooked diced chicken and Garlic. Saute for 1 minute until chicken is coated.Set aside.

For the Bread

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cut the bread lengthwise and width wise without cutting through the bottom crust.Place loaf on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Pour the chicken between the cuts and stuff it with the Colby Jack Cheese. If you want it to be extra cheesy place the cheese first them the chicken and a second layer of cheese. Use your fingers to push the chicken down into the loaf. Melt 1 tsp of butter in a small sauce pan and drizzle it over the top of the loaf. Garnish with Paprika, Parsley and Basil and cover with an Aluminum fail hood.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Unwrap the bread and bake 5 more minutes, or until cheese is melted.

I would normally have a picture of the final product but it didn't last long at all for a picture :)

Credit for the recipe goes to http://www.beantownbaker.com/2012/01/cheesey-mushroom-pull-apart-bread.html which was adapted from  The Girl Who Ate Everything