The "slide in" shelf

The one thing I hated about the nursery was the attic access (aka: cabinet door) on the wall.

I mean, how is this not noticeable:

So, I started debating my options, because, well, this was just not acceptable. I toyed with the idea of a large picture or other ways to hide it. Then one day I realized I was going about it the wrong way – don't hide it, embrace it. And that's where the concept of my "slide-in" shelf came from.

While we currently don't use our attic, we didn't want to block off access to it. So I came up with the concept of a built-in looking shelf that could slide out when necessary, and then put Brent to work.

The first order of business was to go through the cabinet, which was super exciting because I found my houndstooth stencil (so I can finally repair the hole).

Then we cleared it out:

Now it was time for measurements. We still managed to have scraps leftover from the man cave built-ins, so this was another free project. Brent didn't want to deal with the angle at the top – so we put a permit board there, and had the shelving unit below that.


Once it was built, the painting began:

The end result:

I am so happy with how it turned out!

I grew up in a 1920s cape code. There was detail everywhere and built-ins in every room. While this no nowhere close to that 1920s craftmanship, it does remind me of the house I grew up in and that makes me smile.

From eyesore to wow feature:

The other side

I love the built-ins Brent and I did for the man cave. But it was looking a little sad on the other side of the stairs.


So, during our "rush week," Brent and I added that task to the list and had this project finished in no time.


Our biggest obstacle was the vent, since we didn't want to block it. The solution: just letting the vent be.


The "end" result:

I still need to find something for the bottom. I was thinking some sort of basket for storage. As for the top, Brent's wanting to get a second TV.

Curb Appeal (day 8 and done!)

After today, the forecast is rain, rain, rain until my mom's party. So, today was the day to finish up the front yard; and after 8 hours braving the humidity – it's done!

Last summer:
Now:

I'm really happy with how it turned out. I can't believe this project can be crossed off the list. This is something Brent and I have wanted to do ever since we moved in, but kept putting it off because of time and financial fears. Thankfully, both concerns turned out to be a non-issue.

Time
I did this project in 8 days, and only had help for half of them. The project would have been done even sooner, but surprises like a gas lamp pole and a bed of rocks underneath the dirt – held me up.

The financial breakdown:
- Ripping out the bushes: free (DIY)
- Retaining wall stones: $80.85 (55 stones during Home Depot's spring Black Friday sale at $1.47, normally $1.69)
- Retaining wall toppers: $33.80 (20 toppers at $1.69 each)
- Landscape block glue: $9.60 (2 bottles)
- Shrubs and perennials: $113.66
- Mulch: $14 (7 bags during Home Depot's spring Black Friday sale)

Pre-tax Total: $251.91

Not bad at all.

Spring Organizing (Closet #2)

The office closet had gotten out of control:

It was my giant junk drawer. But not anymore.

I did a thorough clean sweep on this closet – going through every piece of paper in it. Check out the rejects:

But it was totally worth the effort:

And since I got rid of so much paper, I rewarded myself by adding more to my "mini paper store" stash:

Spring Organizing (Closet #1)

After my medicine drawer rant, I decided my drug turf in the linen closet could use some serious decluttering (hello, Tylonel from 2007 – I'm talking to you). Well, at least that's what I intended to do. But when I opened the linen closet, I discovered what an embarrassing war zone the entire closet was.

The embarrassing war zone:
So, I emptied it:

Then decided I had nothing else going on, so painted both the walls and shelves:

I picked green because it's bright, but more importantly, because I had a lot of this paint leftover from the hall bath.

Then came Target. I promise this trip started off innocent. I had a prescription to pick up, which apparently earned me a $10 Target gift card since it was a new med. So I mosied over to Target's storage area, and that's where things took a turn. I stared down 2 bins for at least 20 minutes. Yep, I just stood there and stared, while trying to visualize my super narrow linen closet and what would fit. I'm sure I looked awesome.

Anywho, on to the after...

I am so happy with it. And other than some (okay lots) of expired medicine and 1 pair of sheets – everything is back in there. Yet I somehow have much more room! I love organizational magic tricks. :)

And now some less awkward angle shots:No more searching for a special medicine. Things are now grouped into 6 categories: first aid, cold, aches, allergies, Ashley's and other.


And since I'm still on organizing mode, I've decided to tackle 3 more closets – the office and the 2 in the entry way.

Team moss

I'm joining every other decor blogger out there and making a moss wreath.

I've never really been a fan of wreaths. I think it's because whenever I think of them, I picture the country ones from the early '90s. My parents definitely had one in that famous country blue with a wooden duck on it. I may need therapy after revisiting that memory.

Anyway, I went to Joanns for my supplies (I picked Joanns because they seem to have the biggest letters, and I had lots of their coupons):

Let the hot gluing games begin!

I've decided the "M/W" are the most annoying letters to do this project for. There are some very narrow and difficult areas to do. Halfway through, when my fingers began to hurt, I began extremely jealous of all the "I" last names. Some people just have it so easy. :)

The back doesn't have to be pretty. Here's mine:

The final product:

I'm really happy with how it turned out, and I love how huge the M is. Brent said he could see it 3 houses down. Point for me!

We actually have window molding!

Well, our windows in the kitchen have always had molding, but you'd never know that with the extra-wide blinds the previous home owners installed.


While the blinds are very nice real wood...not white + too big = of constant annoyance to yours truly.


So, we finally made the switch in the kitchen (and family room). Being able to see the molding makes all the difference.

The kitchen (phase 1 done)

Thank the lord, my kitchen cabinets are done.

Before:
After:

I know, it may not look like too much of a difference in the photos, but it lightens up the kitchen so much.

Here's a closer up photo to show you the difference with the new hardware:


So, what's next for the kitchen? Countertops and back splash. I'd love to say that's going to happen soon, but considering my kitchen fund only has $200 in it at the moment – I have a ways to go. I'm aiming for October or November. Or maybe, if we get an awesome refund, sometime sooner. :)

Container Store love

When I was at The Container Store in Dallas (yep, Kansas City does not have a Container Store, and yes, it makes me sad daily), I splurged on all things organization.

I found these fabulous acrylic stacking trays that I'm now obsessed with, because you can add/remove the dividers to your pleasing. I wish I got more than one while there. But at least my cosmetics drawer is finally organized:

Before:
After:

More photos to the hallway

I love the photo display in my hallway...


So I decided to continue it on to the other side of the door. Sure, it's only 3 more photos, but I love the way it looks.


I especially love the frame with the 4 photos – it's Brent's and my grandparents either on their wedding day or shortly after.

My pedestal table flip

I first fell in love with this side table from Pottery Barn:


But since it's from Pottery Barn, I think we all know the price wasn't a bargain (or anywhere remotely close to one).

Then came Z Gallerie's side table for only $99.


A lot better in price, but I still couldn't do it.

Well, remember this guy:


Yep, I used him and made my own:


I'm so happy with how this table turned out.

I scored this table off Craigslist for $10 (!!!!!!!), and once the cost of spray paint is factored in – I only spent $27 plus change on everything.

Unfortunately, the table is too big for the space I intended it to go. While I love it next to the chair, for it to go there – I have to push the chair too close to the sectional – and that's the only walkway to the kitchen. So for the moment, my table is homeless. I love it so much, but Craigslist may be in its future.

Project details
This project was super easy. I roughed up the table with sandpaper, cleaned the table off and then used Rust Oleum's titanium silver metallic spray paint. With the finish on the table being so dark, I ended up having to use 2 bottles. Once that was dry, I used a clear coat spray paint over that just to be safe.

Note: Of course that's "Mockingjay" on the table. And of course, I already finished it. That book was amazing! Seriously, go read The Hunger Games series right now!

Closet facelift

I love having a finished basement; the only issue is the lack of storage.

In the first house, the basement wasn't finished – so it was 100% storage. In the current house, well, it's basically the exact opposite.

So where did everything that didn't fit in the storage area end up? The third bedroom:


Yeah, it's slightly embarrassing. But I didn't want to pack up all my extra accessories, so I didn't have a lot of options. Until I remember the closet in the guest bedroom:

The closet now:


I'm really happy with how it turned out. Brent and I just used the cheap ClosetMaid gear, and quickly discovered that while it's the cheapest – it still cost a good chunk of $$. It was totally worth it though, because now the third bedroom is crap free.

While organizing everything, I found my cat ears. I decided to put them on Macintosh – he wasn't a fan.

Goodbye buffet

In case you didn't notice my "after" of the dresser/buffet I bought just for Brent's party in yesterday's photos...

Before:

After:

I'm really happy with how it turned it. The only thing weird about this dresser was the middle drawers – the drill holes were all different. So I filled the bottom holes in to make it more consistent and then updated all the hardware after I painted the piece white.

This is the first piece of furniture I've bought this year with the pure intention of flipping then selling. I'm happy to report that I received 3 emails in about 2 hours, and this guy was picked up last night. Brent's happy to have some more space in his man cave, and I'm happy to have a little extra money in my pocket. All good things.