My Little Boys' Closet Makeover

I LOVE to be organized!!!

This has to be my favorite closet in my house.

It is so hard to organize a little one's space because they have so much stuff, but I managed to find a place for everything!

This closet was pretty much like the rest of my house when we moved in...white and boring. There were two shelves, and that is about it.

This closet has been a long work in progress and is finally done.

These numbered hooks are from Hobby Lobby.

I hung them low so that my boys can easily hang their own jackets, bags, hats, etc.

Check out the orange vintage tee...it was my husband's when he was in kindergarten.

Love it!

A little stool, an absolute necessity! I wanted to make sure that they would be able to reach their toys and such without climbing like monkeys and getting hurt.

I built the top shelf to store all of their books. The books are out of their reach and I kinda like it this way so that they can't rip and tear all the pages out of their books, which they like to do from time to time. The navy blue basket is full of their favorite books, perfect to pull down for reading time. How cute is that alphabet boarder? I saw it, loved it, bought it, and had no place to put it. It doesn't match their room, but it sure looks cute in their closet.

This is such a boys space with their little bug collection and all!
There is something about old blue jars that I absolutely adore.



I also built these three shelves to hold these cute baskets that I bought at Michael's...don't they look PBK like?
I made the numbered tags by spray painting pre-cut wooden ovals and squares, then used vinyl numbers to label them, and drilled holes for the ribbon to tie them to the baskets. After I went through all the work of drilling holes and lacing ribbons through them, I thought...Why didn't I just use a hot glue gun to put them on?!?


All of these containers/cloth baskets, both in the picture above and the picture below, are from Target. The shelves and shoe organizer in the picture below were also purchased at Target. This little area holds a lot of their things, shoes, more books, socks, under shirts, and more shoes.


I seriously love how cute and functional this closet is. I have been able to put so much in such a little space by taking advantage of almost every square inch.

I am linking this post with...

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday

The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday

Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

Just a Girl, Show and Share Day

Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special
Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party

Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M.

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent

&

Somewhat Simple, Strut Your Stuff Thursday

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

I did a guest post...

Kimm over at Reinvented is so sweet and invited me to do a guest post on her blog. Click on the link below and check it out. While you are there be sure to check out all of her darling ideas! Thank you Kimm!

DIY tiling instructions

I really love the way my tile turned out on both my laundry room and bathroom floors. I thought I would share with you all step-by-step instructions on how to tile, so that you too can tile your bathroom, laundry room, entry, etc.

Step 1: Measure room

Multiply the length of your room by the width of your room to find the total square footage.

Step 2: Remove baseboards

• 
  
  Start at one end of your baseboard and slide a putty knife between the wall and the baseboard pulling a gap between the molding and the wall just enough to get a pry bar behind the molding.


• 
  
  As you're pulling the baseboard away from the wall with the putty knife slide the straight end of the pry bar behind the molding until it touches the floor.


• 
  
  Pull the pry bar towards you. The end of the pry bar will touch the bottom plate of the wall and as you pull you won't damage the wall.


• 
  
  Remove the pry bar and insert if further down the molding and repeat steps three and four until the entire piece of molding is removed from the wall.

Be careful not to damage your baseboards, that way you can reuse them if you'd like.

Step 3: Remove toilet

• 
  
  Turn the water off at the supply lines. Flush the toilet a few times to remove water from the bowl and tank. Use a sponge to remove any remaining water from the tank and the bowl.


• 
  
  Disconnect the water supply lines.


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  Remove the caps at the base of the toilet. Use a utility knife to cut the caulk at the base of the bowl for easy removal.


• 
  
  Lift off the bowl.


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  Scrap off all the old wax.

Step 4: Cut Cement Board

Use those measurements to cut the cement board to size. This material is hard, but not too difficult to cut through. Use a razor knife to score one side, then turn the board over to finish the cut. Use caution when cutting to avoid pulling the mesh off the board.
***Tiling over concrete eliminates the step of laying a cement board and saves quite a bit of time vs tiling over wood. The most difficult part of tiling over concrete is making sure the concrete is clean and level. If there was previous flooring, such as linoleum, remove it and scrape off all glue with a floor scraper.

Clean the floor with an abrasive cleaner. Check to make sure the floor is level. Minor problems can be corrected with the thin set mortar. If there is a major problem with the levelness of the floor, you need to put down a floor leveler. You can buy this at any home improvement store. Let the floor dry well before moving on to the next step.***

Step 5: Lay Out Pieces

Once all the pieces of cement board are cut, lay them out on the floor to make sure it's a tight fit.

Step 6: Secure Cement Board

Secure the cement board to the floor using a drill with screwdriver attachment. Use special cement-board screws, and place them every 6 to 8 inches.

Step 7: Mark the Center of the Room

Measure to find the center of the room. Mark it by snapping two chalk lines that intersect at the room's center point.

Step 8: Lay Out Tile

The tiles that I used come in sheets that are 1 ft. by 1ft. The individual tiles are attached on the underside with rubber "dots." The dots serve two purposes: they hold the tiles together in the patterned sheets and also act as spacers to create even grout lines. The rubber dots are easy to cut through when it's necessary to separate tiles.
Lay out the tile using as many full sheets as possible

Step 9: Spread Adhesive

Work in small sections, lifting out the tiles and spreading the adhesive. Spread the adhesive smoothly and evenly with a trowel. You'll want the adhesive to be about as thick as the tiles you're working with.
Lay the center section first, then you can tackle the tricky cuts around the edges of the room. Spread as much adhesive as possible before it dries. To determine how quickly the adhesive dries, check the open time on the product container.

Step 10: Set Sheet of Tiles in Place

Set the first sheet of tiles into place and press it firmly into the adhesive. For the second sheet, remember to line up the pattern and check the spacing and then set it into place.

Step 11: Start in the Center of the Floor

Work around the room until the entire center of the floor is covered.

Step 12: Cover Perimeter of the Room

For the perimeter of the room, trim full sheets to fit. To cut a tile sheet, flip it over and use a utility knife to cut the rubber dots, then pop out the piece. I started at the door and worked our way around, measuring and cutting tiles and sheets as necessary to fill the area.

Step 13: Cut Tile

The easiest way to cut individual tiles is with a wet saw. It uses water to keep the blade from getting too hot as it makes the cuts. Set the length wanted and guide the tile through the blade. You can rent a wet saw, or if you have just a few cuts to be made you can take it into Home Depot or Lowe's and they will cut it for you as long as you purchased it there.

Step 14: Grout

When mixing grout make sure it is creamy and easy to spread. Use "sanded"grout for larger spacing, "unsanded" grout for closer laid tiles. I used "unsanded" grout for this project.
Using a grout float, place a glob of grout on the tile and push it around the openings. Let it set for about 20 minutes then wipe the tiles with a damp sponge. Once the grout has hardened, buff the tile with a dry cloth.

Step 15: Seal grout

There are so many types of grout sealers. Some are a liquid that gets sponged on, and some are a spray. I used one that I sponged on. Make sure to seal the grout well to prevent staining. Your new tile floor will look new for a long time to come.

Step 16: Replace baseboards

If you are going to reuse your original baseboards you won't measure and cut new ones, simply replace them using a hammer and finish nails or a finish nail gun.

Step 17: Reinstall Toilet

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  First, purchase a new wax ring. If there is any question about the seal you need, take the old seal with you and the name of the toilet manufacturer so you can get the perfect match.


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  Make sure the seal is room temperature or warmer before refitting the bowl. Lift the bowl back over the nuts into position. Rotate the bowl back and forth several times to set the seal. Line the bowl up with the wall and check to make sure the bowl is level.


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  Replace the nuts at the bottom of the bowl and fill the caps with plumbers putty to keep water out.


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  Tighten the wing nuts and reconnect the water supply lines. Turn the water on and flush the toilet several times to check for any leaks.


• 
  
  Re-caulk the base of the bowl to create a water proof seal which protects your new tile floor.
  
  Good Luck, Enjoy, and Have a Good Weekend!!!
  

Pottery Barn Kids Inspired Buckets

I am really trying to get my house organized lately, especially my little boys' room. They have so much stuff and it seems to be everywhere! When I saw these buckets in the pbk catalog I knew that I could make some buckets that were not only a lot less expensive than these, but also more personalized.

I bought three buckets at my favorite store...Target.

I then borrowed my mom's vinyl cutter and cut out some red and silver vinyl letters and shapes.

If you don't have a vinyl cutter, there are so many places online that cut vinyl, or you could always use stickers.

My buckets before...

and after...

I am linking this post with...

Just a girl, Show and Share Day

Tater Tots and Jello, Weekend Wrap Up Party

Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday

The Tattered Tag, KISS Blog Bash

C.R.A.F.T., M.M.M. Party

Making the World Cuter Monday

Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday

Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday

All Things Related, Anything Related Tuesday

Type A, Anything Goes

Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent

Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special

Designer Garden, VIP Party

Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party

&

Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

Updating, Painting, and Glazing Cabinets

Have you ever looked at your cabinets and thought about refinishing them, but don't know how or where to start? That is exactly how I felt for the first few years that I lived in my house. One day I decided I was going to do it...paint and refinish my cabinets. I didn't know how or even if they would turn out, but I knew I was going to try and am so glad I did. I just finished my cabinet in my downstairs half bathroom that I have been working on for the past few days. It was a lot of work, but well worth it.

Supplies used:

*TSP

*sandpaper

*electric sander

*beadboard

*decorative mouldings

*gorilla glue

*finish nails

*primer

*Martha Stewart "Heavy Cream" paint

*Purdy Paint brush

*paint roller

* Wipe-on Poly

*Valspar glaze in "Mocha"

I first thought long and hard about how I would accomplish a more custom and updated looking cabinet. I came up with a plan that included beadboard, mouldings, paint, glaze and new hardware.

Now to really get started...

First you'll need to prepare your cabinet's surface by cleaning it with TSP and sanding it thoroughly. I used an electric sander to make the job easier and quicker, but you could always sand it by hand too.

Next I measured and cut two pieces of beadbord and then glued it, using liquid nails, to the recessed part of my cabinet doors. Finally, I finished it off by framing the beadboard with a decorative a moulding. Also, I used three pieces of moldings to make a baseboard, just the perfect height, for the bottom of my cabinet.

Now it's time to prime. I used two coats of primer and then waited until the next day to apply the paint. I used two coats of paint as well. 24 hrs. later, when the paint was completely dry, I sanded the cabinet just a little bit to smooth out any rough spots or drips. You're almost done now...the glaze is so easy to apply. All you need to do is either wipe or brush a coat of glaze on, wait a minute or two and wipe some, most, or all of it off depending on how worn you want it to look. The directions on the back of the glaze say to wait one week after glazing to apply a clear protective coat (polyurethane). That is the point I am at, just waiting a couple more days to put the final protective coat on.

**Check back in a week or two, I am going to post a lot of ideas on updating any cabinet.** I can hardly wait...my bathroom is almost finished! I got this vintage inspired hardware at Pottery Barn.

I am linking this post up with...

The Lettered Cottage, How To's Day - Domestically Speaking, Power of Paint Party-Somewhat Simple, Strut yourself Thursday-Just a girl, Show and Share Day-The Shabby Chic Cottage, Transformation Thursday-Chic on a Shoestring, Flaunt it Friday-Be Normal Act Different, Show and Tell Staurday-Funky Junk Interiors, Saturday Nite Special-Under the Table and Dreaming, Sunday Showcase-Tatertots and Jello, Weekend Wrap up Party-Between Naps on the Porch, Metamorphosis Monday-debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com, Newbie Party-Making the World Cuter Monday- Dittle Dattle, Amaze Me Monday-Blue Cricket Design, Show and Tell Wednesday-Women Who Do It All, Idea Sharin' Wednesday-Type A, Anything Goes-Savvy Southern Style, Wow Us Wednesdays-The Shabby Nest, Frugal Friday-My Romantic Home, Show & Tell Friday-French Country Cottage, Feathered Friday-Finding Fabulous, Frugalicious Friday-Miss Mustard Seed, Furniture Feature Monday-Remodelaholic Friday-The DIY Club, DIY Project Party Monthly Contest-Thrifty Decor Chick, Before and After Party-&- The DIY Showoff

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out. Thank you!!!

Crayon Buckets

Organization is key in our small home.
Whenever I see a way to get a little more organized, especially when it is cute, I am all for it.
After seeing a fun little crayon organizer on a blog, I thought I should really make something like that too.
This is what I came up with...

A tray decoupaged with charming, vintage inspired scrapbook paper and 7 (reds, yellows, blues, oranges, purples, greens, and neutrals) watercolored buckets.

Supplies used:
* 7 buckets

(I got my little buckets at target in their $1 section.

I LOVE the fact that these buckets came with a ribbon, it made it so easy to change out the plain white ribbon for fun, cheerful, colorful ribbons.)

*1 tray
* scrapbook paper
*spray adhesive
* Elmer's glue
*scissors
* double sided tape
* ribbons
* watercolors/paint
&
* clear glaze

My little boys and I painted three stripes on each bucket with watercolors.

After the paint was dry, I sprayed them with three coats of clear glaze to keep the paint from coming off.

I added scrapbook paper to a little wooden tray using double sided tape. I then brushed on a layer of Elmer's glue. After the glue was completely dry, I sprayed it with a coat of clear glaze.

I love the little imperfections and unevenness of the paint, an obvious child's touch.

I am linking this post with...

Thrifty Decor Chick, Organize it Party

Night Owl Crafting, Hoo's Got Talent?

Polly want a crafter, Polly want to party Mondays

Somewhat Simple, Strut yourself Thursday

&

Women Who do it all, Idea Sharing Wednesdays

Click on the links in my "Favorite Places to Link" page to check it out.
Thank you!!!

Weekend Project Still in Progress.

First, I want to thank everyone who visits my blog, all of my followers, and all those who leave me sweet comments...it really makes blogging so much fun!!!

I had big plans to do my entire bathroom this past weekend...

A lot got done, but there is still a lot to do.

What exactly did I accomplish this weekend?

*Tiled and grouted

*Cut, hung, and painted new baseboards

*Painted the bathroom walls

What do I still need to do?

*Update the cabinet

*Find a mirror

*Accessorize!

Here is the plan for my cabinet...beadboard, new moldings, new hardware, a fresh coat of creamy white paint, and possibly a glaze for an older, more worn feel.

The other moldings in the picture below (#1, #2, & #3) are the pieces I am going to use to make my own baseboard to put at the bottom of my cabinet. I was going to take the easier road and buy a baseboard for my cabinet; I couldn't find the right height baseboard anywhere, so looks like I am making my own. Hopefully it all turns out just how I have envisioned it. Check back in a few days and see how it turned out.

Stylish Blogger Award

Thank you to Katie at Creatively Living Outside the Box for the Stylish Blogger Award!

You can check out her wonderful blog at

http://blah2beautiful.blogspot.com/

The rules of this award are to list 7 facts about myself, so here they are...

1.) I have been married for 8 years to an amazing man who I absolutely drive crazy with all my home improvement/decorating projects

2.) I am a stay at home mom to two sweet, smart, handsome boys

3.) My two sons are my little helpers and love to help me with all my projects around my house

4.) I LOVE to go thrifting.

5.) I, as weird as it sounds, enjoy cleaning

6.) My favorite room in my house is my little boys' room, so cozy!

7.) My mom is my biggest inspiration. She is the sweetest, kindest, most creative, ingenious, & clever person I know.

Now I am nominating a few of my favorite new bloggers that I will pass this award on to:

1.) http://simplycraftyblog.blogspot.com/

2.) http://lovelaughteranddecor.blogspot.com/

3.) http://love2sisters.blogspot.com/

4.) http://kellyisinspired.blogspot.com/

These are some great blogs with great ideas. So click away!

Have you been awarded? What do you do now??
1. Acknowledge the person who awarded you by linking them back in your post.

2. Share 7 random facts about yourself.

3. Pass the award on to other new found bloggers.

4. Contact each blogger to let them know they have received the award; and let the giver’ know that you accepted the award.

Thanks for your inspiration!

Weekend Project

As you can see my half bath is in major need of some tlc.

This is going to be my weekend project, and I am quite excited!

I am hoping to tile the floor, cut and paint new baseboards, paint the walls, and update the cabinet.

Here are a few before pictures...

I have big plans of beadboard, new moldings, new hardware, and paint for this cabinet.

A little weird, there were mirrors on both walls above the sink.

I took them down, patched, and primed. Now it's all ready for a fresh coat of paint and a new mirror. Hoping to find just the right mirror to hang, hopefully a vintage piece but we'll see.

Also, I started to rip the tiles and linoleum up, and took the baseboards down. What a project!

Check back on Monday to see the progress I have made.

Hope you all have a great weekend!