NEW BLOG COMING SOON!!!

As you can see, I've started to revamp this whole blog with a new look! Coming January 1, 2014, I will have daily posts, and more tips, pics, and helpful info!  Stay tuned.!!!!!!

Kids' Chore Charts - FREE Printable

Free Chore Charts for Kids!  These are completely customizable Word documents.  You may add your own clipart, additional chores, kids' names, etc.!

Click to download:
(Permission is not required to download the file.  Please see download instructions for details.)

Our Home Projects

I'm in the process of posting pictures of our home projects.  I failed to take before pics of some of them, but in the more recent ones, you will see both before and after. 

Click (HERE) to see projects or click on the tab under the blog header.

Home Project: Goodbye Brass Fireplace Surround!

DECEMBER 2013
We hated the ugly brass fireplace surround!!!!  So after some online research, I discovered an easy, inexpensive fix (as opposed to purchasing a new surround with doors that would cost about $300-$400!)

BEFORE (ugly brass!)

AFTER one coat of black Rust-oleum high-heat paint 

($13, Home Depot) I used a sponge brush to paint it on, taping off the brick with paper tape and painter's tape.

2014 Calendars

Here are some 2014 Calendars.  Click on image to download and print!

Project: Half Bathroom Makeover

I think some people call them "Powder Rooms," but we refer to them as half bathrooms (bathrooms with no shower/tub). Ours was pretty boring when we moved in.  The mirror and lighting were original to the house back in the late 90s.  Fortunately, it didn't take much money or effort to update it to the modern times!!
-New Paint -New Mirror -New Lighting -Painted Cabinets -New Towel Holder -New Cabinet Hardware

(These pictures are awful, I know!!!  It was very difficult to get a good shot with the new lighting, not to mention the tight space!!!)

I used 3 coats of Java gel stain (and 3 coats of polyurethane) on the cabinets

Valentine Mantel

My Valentine Mantel
Most of these decorations were from the Dollar Tree or items I already had!

Black Candle Stands were from Hobby Lobby (around $7 each on sale)
White Candles from Hobby Lobby (around $5 each)
Red Heart Garland wrapped around Candles - $1.00 per strand at Dollar Tree
Glitter Red Cardboard Hearts - $1.00 for entire pack
Frame w/Photo, Mirror and Tree I already had (added mini red heart stickers to tree, $1.00 from Target dollar section)
Black 6-section Mirror - $1.00 from Dollar Tree
Window Stickers on section mirror (my 5 year-old daughter decorated it!) - $2.00 for the sheet from Meijer
Fake Roses - $1.00 each bunch from Dollar Tree
Black holders I received as a gift many years ago
Red Heart Garland - $1.50 from Meijer
White Lantern I purchased at Christmas time from Joann's for around $15
Red Heart Lights inside Lantern - $2.50 from Target (I also put white Christmas lights and the remainder of the hearts garland inside)
Monkey with Heart - I already had

Valentine Nails!

First I painted my nails white and allowed to dry several minutes.
Second I free-handed a dark pink heart with the Sally Hansen quick-dry polish using an X-like stroke.
Third I used a Sally Hansen glitter polish over top.

Inside My Purse!!!

Yikes!!! My purse was an absolute disaster!!! How did I end up with half this "stuff" that I found inside it???

It seemed to be getting heavier and heavier, so in light of the new year and my organizing resolutions, I decided to do a little cleaning out!!!

Before & Afters