I've been busy! Bathroom Reveal!

I saw a post on Pinterest with a before/after of oak cabinets transformed to dark espresso.  I was intrigued since the picture looked exactly like my bathroom.  The "pin" I followed (pictures at the end of this post) had a link to the original tutorial from the blog "Monica Wants It" So, it appears, I am a copy of a copy now!

I followed the instructions EXACTLY.  I read other readers comments - many asked if they have to use the same stain or if they could just use a brush instead of a sock.  Well, let me tell you... the stain is AMAZING!  I will never use another brand of stain again.  It's a gel stain by General Finishes.  I found it at my local Naked Furniture store. No wiping off, not messy, color takes extremely well, and you still keep the woodgrain look.  In my bathroom, I applied 3 coats of stain - I wanted a dark espresso.  I then applied 3 coats of poly.

At first, I thought the other bloggers were crazy to use a sweat sock and I tried other applicators (foam brush, etc.).  Then, after my 1st cabinet, I figured what the heck, I am going to try the sock method.  OMG - they sock method made it sooooo much faster and easier!

Bottom line, these other gals have it figured out!  Follow their instructions and you will be amazed!

I added a new double sink with granite counters - about $300 total from Hobo!  Overall, I think I spent about $350 - most of it being my upgraded countertop.

My Before:

The Ugly Before

My After:

The Gorgeous After!

Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Wake Up! Dude!

I've been getting tired of the constant nagging in the morning... I hate sounding like a broken record!

For those who have kids... have you ever heard "Wait, just one more (fill in the blank)" or "Let me finish (fill in the blank)" Well, that's my kids everyday. It's always "Wait, Mom" This mom is tired of waiting for a my kid to crash his dirt bike in a game on an iPad app or waiting for that last YouTube video to finish. No matter what I ask them to do, it seems like the answer is always to wait. No one reacts and does what they are told. :(

 To solve our morning routine, I've come up with this "Wake Up, Dude!" chart.

And of course, I had to make one for my little bundle of sunshine too!

Wintertime Blues! (or should I say reds...)

Winter is upon us in Wisconsin!  Can't believe the time is going so fast!

My favorite thing about this time of year is organizing, decorating, and creating!

Here's what I've been working on so far...