Fun Shared Girls Room (Reveal)

I have been literally obsessed with finishing the girls’ new room, and honestly it isn’t really finished yet. There are a few things to tweak here and there and paint. There are also a few DIY projects that still need to be done, but don’t worry! I will definitely share them once they have been completed.

The girls’ new room is our old bonus/playroom that never got played in! Doesn’t that irritate you? Well, it DID irritate me! LOL!

What to do?

Answer: MOVE THE GIRLS UP THERE!

I need to back track a little though and let you know why I decided to move the girls upstairs. First, like I said, the room never got used even though we had tons of toys to play with up there. Our home’s lay out is to where the downstairs is our main living space and everything upstairs was considered (for us) bonus. One big bonus room, a bathroom, and another bedroom.

The girls shared one of the downstairs bedrooms and a king bed and were still fighting ALLLLLLLL the time! “She touched me! She looked at me! She FARTED on me! ” You know, the usual stuff.

Then, one day, I just looked at my husband with those ” I have an idea” looks. After I chased him down into the other room and made him listen to me, I told him I thought we should move the girls to the bonus room and maybe their own space would make things better.

So far, so good! I am really happy with how it turned out. A friend of mine said that it reminded her of a cool dorm room.

I knew that if I wanted to make this happen, it was going to have to be on a tight budget. Other than the beds, I didn’t want to have to spend much. I kind of had no way around purchasing the beds. I did, however, go to Walmart to buy the twin beds/box springs which I felt would be the cheapest alternative.(*around $300/each bed) The metal frames were universal ones that I picked up at Sam’s Club. ($38 each)

The hilarious thing is that they are happier with smaller beds. They went from sharing a King, down to a twin bed. I think something can definitely be said though for having your own space……. and not being farted on….. right? Sorry!

I wanted to visually divide the room to allow them to have their “own sides”. I already had these toy shelves in the room and decided to arrange them in a way that they both could have their own things stored on each side. It is basically 4 of the units that I picked up at Walmart for $17 each with fabric containers picked up at Target a while back.

This is one of the projects that still needs tweaking. My idea is to attach them with screws and put molding around the creases with maybe a top to match their desk tops. This way, the piece will look more like one piece, instead of 4.

Next off, the DESKS! I am extremely proud of these desks and I’ll tell you why. They cost me a total of $ 4 . 00 !!!! No, that wasn’t a typo!

Let me explain:

I actually took an old dining table that I had on my back porch (that I wanted to move) and cut it down (since it was a pub table), along with the chairs and attached it to the wall to make their desks. The only thing I had to pay for were the roller casters on the back legs, which I scored at Ollies for $ 4.00.

I had looked and looked on Pinterest for all sorts of ideas. I found some great ones, but they all were going to cost around $300 to $400 to complete, which definitely would have had to wait a while. *Remember the tight budget?

If you look closely, you can see that one end looks like it is coming out of the wall and only has 2 legs.

That is because of this:

I thought I was going to have to buy wood from the store to do this, but instead, we were able to reuse pieces from the original table! SCORE!

To let the girls personalize their own space, I generously gave up a few of my bulletin boards from my office I bought at Homegoods a while back.

This is my youngest daughter’s side.

This is her older sister’s side. I think you can guess which one has “HOARDING” tendencies……. LOL!

Here is a view of the chairs. When we initially cut them down, we didn’t allow for the fact that they all naturally leaned back, so we added the roller casters to the back to level it off. We didn’t want to have to cut two more of the four chairs that were left, in case I come up with more projects…… for my husband to do……. 😉 * He would have preferred to cut them all up and use them for a bonfire, I’m sure. Love you honey!

By now, you have probably noticed in a previous photo that the girls have LOCKERS in their room! This is all because of their cool daddy! While doing a painting project for the local Sheraton hotel in our city, they were getting rid of them!!!!!! There were 6 in total!!!! So, you know what that means…………. they were FREEEEEEE , aside from the paint that we purchased to paint them. They were originally a stale tan color like most lockers are.

You may not be able to tell so well in the pic, but the one in the picture above is a light blue since that is my youngest daughter’s favorite color.

The one in the previous photo further above is a light purple for, you guessed it, our oldest’s favorite color.

The girls and I did a really cool Pinterest DIY project for them. I bought one sheet of mosaic tile backsplash. Then, we pulled individual tiles off and attached peel n stick magnets to them.

Now, the girls can stick things on the lockers since they are magnetic! Lots of fun! They love it!

I love how they are able to express their own style and keep it on their own sides of the room.

There are so many things I love about this room, but one of my favorite things are their headboards.

I was really nervous that what I had envisioned would not come out right, but I am SOOOO happy with it!

Again, I had looked and looked on Pinterest for all kinds of ideas. I found so many great ideas. However, they all involved using a thick plywood for the base, which would have been fine, except I was determined to not have to ask for my husband’s help on this one. He was projected out by this time and I was wanting to do this one on my own.

I would have had to have him cut it and that just wasn’t going to work for me.

I decided instead to buy a very large canvas at AC Moore, which was on sale and went from there. Mom and Dad were visiting the weekend I decided to do it, so I sweet talked Mom into helping me. She was a trooper! I asked her because while I might have wanted to go it alone, it is definitely easier when you have two people tugging and stapling. Thanks MOM!

I will be posting a DIY post on it later.

The one above is my youngest’s. The stripes were actually a result of things not going exactly like I had planned, but then again, they say that some of the best things come from that and I think this turned out better because of it. It also allowed their headboards to be slightly different.

Here is a closer view of it.

Here is a close view of my oldest’s. I kept hers plain without stripes so that she could have, what I considered an older look. By the way, that is a painter’s drop cloth that is on the headboard. 😉 More on that in the DIY post.

AND this is the BEAST that I will be taking on next. The plan is to paint it a dark gray and add a long mirror above it. For this, I will definitely be needing my “painter husband” ‘s help. Once it is done, I will add a tutorial! *Maybe my first video tutorial? What do you think? 😉

Well, there you have it. This is the girl’s room ……… for now.

Anytime I add anything, I will make sure to let you know!

Until next time……

XOXO,

Esther

Sidebar: The bedding was bought at Target.

Turquoise comforter : $27.99 (comforter/sham),

Purple Comforter: $ 24.99 (comforter/sham)

Both Sheet sets: $ 17.99 (flat/fitted/pillow case)

Quilt on purple bedding: Gift from Nana for birthday

Tags: AC Moore, Bonus Room, Bulletin Boards, Canvas, Comforters, Daughters, Decorating, Decorating with Lockers, DIY, DIY Desks, DIY Headboards, DIY Magnets, Dorm Room Look, Free, Girl's Room, Homegoods, Lockers, Mosaic Tile Backsplash, Paint, Pinterest, Playroom, Room Divider, Shared Girls Room, Storage, Target, Toy Shelves, Tween Bedroom, Twin Beds, Walmart

03.01.

DIY Spice Holder

It’s widely understood around these parts that I like Mason Jars. Ok, maybe more like LOVE them.

I even make layered cakes in them. If you missed that post, you can see it here.

Well, the other day, while going into my pantry to pull out things for dinner, I noticed my stash was overflowing. I can never bring myself to part with a mason jar, so I thought of something I could use them for. Then it dawned on me! I have been trying to clean out my lazy susan in the kitchen.

Since I didn’t want to spend any money doing that, I decided to make my own version of a “spice rack”/holder thingamajig.

SO! This is what I did:

First, I took the mason jar…

Then, I hopped online and searched free circular printables and found these. They were perfect size for the seals on the small jars I was using. My computer allowed me to size them this size and also slightly bigger.

If you notice, I chose to put them on a slightly yellow tinted paper compared to white because I wanted the labels to have a vintage appearance on them. You could use any color you like though.

After cutting out the labels for the seals, I took my label maker and made each spice name I wanted to use. I decided to cut the ends in a banner like point to give it some flair.

This was the end result.

But then, I needed something to put them in…….

I had this metal thing I bought from Homegoods a while back and was planning on trying to sell it in a yard sale. I say thing because while I thought it was a good idea to buy it at the time, I just couldn’t find a permanent home for it. It held a few papers once, then was a shoe holder for my little man, and then just went into the yard sale pile.

So, I decided to give it one more try. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t a contender in it’s original state.

So, I laid it down and deconstructed it, a bit.

Ending up with this. I call it RUSTIC FLAIR! LOL!

So, in the spices went.

Now, there are a few spices I use more of, so I thought it would be good to make their jars a little bit larger. Unfortunately, the labels in the original size were too small for their lids, so I doubled them up.

This was the end result.

Now, I realize that one side of the basket, basically being the bottom of the holder, is a different color than the rest of the holder. Then you have the opening on the side of the holder that was originally the top, but I had a solution for that. Hee! Hee!

The opened side went up against the fridge (so you can’t see it, unless I point it out), and the other end just looks brown.

Yup! I’m just lazy like that. Of course, I could paint the brown side, but I kinda like it. If I end up not liking it in the future, I’ll probably paint it.

So there you have it. It really has been a nice addition to my kitchen. I thought about using the piece I cut off and piecing it on the opened side. However, you DO remember I said the word lazy, right?

Happy Weekend, Everyone!

XOXO,

Esther

Tags: Deconstruct, DIY, Homegoods, Kitchen, Label Maker, Labels, Layered Cakes, Mason Jars, Metal Holder, Spice Rack, Spices

02.21.

When life hands you lemons…. (Make a Ridiculously Good Lemon Cake)

It’s been a while since I did a blog post. I have been buried waist deep in these awful things called taxes. Have you ever heard of them? Oh my word, they are awful! I’ll have to tell you about them sometime……. maybe some OTHER time…..

The important thing today is cake! Not just any cake. The kind of cake that makes you wanna slap your momma! *Sorry momma! I never liked that saying. At least not until after I became a momma!! 😉

You know, I have to say, I really surprised myself on this one. Even though it was the easiest of cakes to make (more on that in a minute), it didn’t taste like it was.

It all started with my oldest turning 10 at the beginning of the month. We usually make whoever’s birthday it is, their favorite meal and their favorite cake or one of their choosing. I had just bought these premade “lemon bliss” cupcakes, or so they were called from Sam’s Club. Lee absolutely fell in love with them…. and so did everyone else.

It was decided that she wanted a cake version of the cupcakes. Now, if I were really organized and thinking ahead for this blog post, I would have taken a picture of them. But that just wouldn’t be me. 😉

So instead, picture a lemon cupcake with a dollop of lemon pudding on top with a thin ring of buttercream icing around it.

Oh, how I love lemon!!!!

While I didn’t decide to use buttercream….. only because I felt it would have been just too much for the entire cake. I decided to go the whipped cream route instead.

This is what I did:

I took a lemon boxed cake (yes, boxed) and 2 packages of instant lemon pudding.

I did my best to evenly distribute the cake mix into two pans so that the layers would be as even as possible.

Now, here comes the stacking. However, what this picture doesn’t show is that right after this, I decided to put wax paper under the first layer to allow for spills with the whipped cream icing.

I took half of the lemon pudding and spread on top of the first layer. Then, I topped it with the second layer and spread the remaining pudding on top.

I spread it out to the edge as far as possible without dripping over.

Now, time for the whipped cream. I used my tried and true whipped cream recipe. It’s the same one I used for my Mixed Berry Tartlets. You can see it here. However, I added a teaspoon of lemon extract to amp up the lemon taste for this recipe.

Then, I just dumped it all ( a little at a time) because, well, WHY NOT?

I love whipped cream because it spreads so much easier than buttercream. I actually looked like I knew what I was doing in this pic.

Then, I just sprinkled some lemon zest on top and voila! I carefully pulled the sheets of overlapped wax paper out from under the cake and it made it look very clean.

I was so happy with how it turned out! It wasn’t just pretty, it was RIDICULOUSLY GOOD ! This recipe would be great all year long. It is light enough for Summer, even though I fixed it in the Winter.

If you fix this, I would love to know what you think !

Here is the Recipe:

Recipe: Ridiculously Good Lemon Cake

– 1 Lemon Flavored Box Cake ( I used the Very Moist Version) *You will also need oil, eggs, and water according to cake mix.

– 2 Boxes Lemon Instant Flavored Pudding

– 1 1/2 Cups Skim Milk

– 1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream

– 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar

– 1 Teaspoon Lemon Extract

– Lemon Zest (Optional)

Directions:

– Prepare cakes according to directions. Allow to cool completely.

– When cakes are completely cooled, prepare lemon pudding by mixing together 2 packages pudding mix with milk. Whisk for 1- 2 minutes or until pudding becomes thick.

– Prepare whipped cream icing by mixing heavy whipping cream with sugar and lemon extract with an electric mixer until it forms stiff peaks.

– Start layering cakes by first, laying wax paper pieces in an overlapping patter on top of a cake plate. Put first cake layer on top of the sheets.

– Spread half of the prepared pudding on top of first layer.

– Top with second cake layer and gently press on top, allowing the pudding between layers to spread slightly.

– Spread prepared whipped cream over top and sides of cake.

– Sprinkle with (optional) lemon zest.

*For best results, refrigerate for 1 hour prior to serving.

Tags: Cake, Cake Mix, Cupcakes, Easy, Lemon, Lemon Bliss, Lemon Extract, Lemon Pudding, Lemon Zest, Ridiculously Good, Slap Your Momma, Whipped Cream

12.18.

Holiday Home Tour: Casa Verde

WARNING!!!! This is a long post…… which you will love and not mind sitting and looking at. Women, prepare to drool. Men, prepare to hold onto your wallets, while your lady loves get more decorating ideas. In fact, Men, you might just go shopping too!

I am soooooo excited about this Holiday Home Tour!

I have the sweetest friends who were nice enough to let me invade their BEAUTIFUL home the other morning and take a few pictures. When I first thought about doing a Holiday Home Tour, they were the first ones I thought of and I am just so happy that they agreed to let me come on in!

Machel and Jerrad are the very talented owners of Vintage Marquee Lights. They create the COOLEST Lighting Art you will ever see. If you get a chance, check out their site here.

They have a Charleston style home in a neighborhood near mine and let me just tell you, it is GORGEOUS!

Inside, the foyer welcomes you in with a stunning white Christmas tree, decorated with vintage style ornaments. Machel painted the wall treatment herself that stands behind it. The garland that goes up the stair case is adorned with the same style ornaments.

The grand light in the foyer is practically an art sculpture itself.

To the left of the foyer is the most adorable little playroom/den for their son. I’m so jealous of these sliding barn doors that Jerrad and a friend made themselves. At least I know who to call when I want to tackle the project in my own home!

Here is a view looking in to the room from the foyer. Seriously! They have more creative talent in their pinky finger than I have in my ENTIRE body!

I love how they decorate with their products throughout their home.

Towards the back of the house is the living room and kitchen area, with the most adorable little fireplace. The chalkboard fire casts the cutest little “glow”. 😉

Machel didn’t want to go for just ordinary white cabinets when she was decorating her kitchen. So, she took some of her favorite fabric and pieced it behind the wood trim, hiding the seam. The shelves also help keep it in place. The result is stunning!

I really love this idea, so grab those extra remnants of fabric people and DO NOT throw them out!

A set of old vintage lockers hold their stockings in the corner, while a surfboard still reminds you that the beach is only minutes away.

The industrial style light fixture (WHICH I ABSOLUTELY LOVE) hangs over the bar area, where a cute little table top tree stands watch.

Towards the middle of the house, a magnificent display of twinkling lights and paper stars hang.

View from the dining room.

A quick peek inside the downstairs bathroom, shows a chalkboard lined with garland made from ornaments, a DIY project of Machel’s. “Casa Verde” is the name Machel and Jerrad gave to their home. Mine would read more like “Casa Loco”. In case you are wondering what mine might translate to, it would be “CRAZY HOUSE”!

Another DIY project in the dining room, is the Chandelier. If you take a closer look, you will see that it is clothes pins that make up the body of the chandelier. CLOTHES PINS, PEOPLE! Why didn’t I think of that?

The letters that spell “Joy”, very appropriate for the Holidays, is a creation of Machel and Jerrad’s and can be purchased on their site as well.

If I ever convince my hubby to let me remove the carpet on our stairs, this is exactly what will go in it’s place. I cannot express how much I love this!

I love how the stairs continue to count up as you go. It adds so much character to the home.

It just goes to show you that you don’t have to buy an old home in order to obtain that character. You can have a new home and put some of that character into it yourself!

On to the baby’s room! This little boy is very lucky! This is one of the most stylish baby rooms I have ever seen.

Christmas books double as art pieces on IKEA shelves, lining the wall.

Who wouldn’t want to sit a while and read a Christmas book or two in this corner?

An upstairs bathroom gets in the spirit too with an “I Believe in Santa Clause” picture and a series of Nutcrackers keeping watch.

The Master Bedroom gets festive too. Lit garland drapes the top of the headboard, while the lit Peace Symbol can’t help but remind you of John Lennon’s “Imagine” song.

The vanity’s mirror is not forgotten. Nor is the modern reindeer head that shows so distinctly. Frosted garland and a festive wreath dress the two.

Jewelry is displayed in the corner, while a dazzling full length mirror helps Machel get ready for her Holiday parties.

I couldn’t finish up this post without talking about the Master Bath. The rustic peace symbol over the tub and the Capiz shell chandelier make such a great combo with their eclectic married look.

When Machel found out she couldn’t actually put a hanging chandelier over the tub, she didn’t let that stop her. She knew what look she wanted, so she decided to secure a non lit capiz shell chandelier around the existing standard light, giving the allusion of having a chandelier. BRILLIANT IDEA! *The girl knows what she wants! 😉

Instead of using interior lights to go over the vanity, she used exterior ones. I love how they both have such an aged look patina.

A quick look from the upstairs looking down.

Before we finish, take a look at their front doorway. It’s amazing what using some interior pieces outside can do for a space. They talk about bringing the outdoors in, but I say take the indoors out! This is such a cozy look and you haven’t even gone in yet!