Shiny New Knobs

and Pulls. One the my complaints about our kitchen was the cabinet hardware.

I am not a gold girl and I this is also not a stain that I would have chosen for our cupboards. The combination of the two gave me a little twitch every time I was in the kitchen (and I am pregnant, so you can imagine!) Remember when I even took measures to try and give the knobs new life?...check it out here. Not only was it a bust, but opening some of our cupboard without any handles for a few months has been an annoying hassle.

I have since been convinced that painting the cupboards is not a good idea- you heard it here! However, I reserve the right to change my mind if I want:) Anyway, Henry and I both figured new hardware was a better way to give the cupboards new life. We decided on some modern pulls from Ikea.

We saw them in this display, so we knew they would look fab with our blond cabinets. I picked up 54 of them with my 75.00 Ikea bucks, hauled them back and we prepared to make the change. Meaning, my mom took all of our old hardware off the cabinets and scrubbed them all down before I rolled out of bed a couple of Saturdays ago. Ahh! We excitedly pulled a handle out of the package and held it up to one of the drawers only to realize it wasn't the same size and all of the drawers and cupboards previous holes would need to be sanded and re-stained...dun dun dun. So, we didn't do anything and waited for Henry to return home from a trip. 

Since hole filling and re-staining is not in my job description, I let Henry make the final call. After a week of opening all of our hardware-less cupboards with a butter knife the final call ended up looking like this...

One last 'before' photo for a clear comparison:

I think it was the best decision ever! I am so pleased with the decision and the way it turned out. Not to mention, we spent 70.00 less on our final choice. Now we just need to figure out when we are going to return the bag full of hardware to Ikea.

Bonus Knob:

 We Henry knobbed the Laundry Chute!

Two Zone Living

I finally did it, I made the trip back to Ikea to plead my 'wrong slip cover' case. I went in with my sweetest voice and in return was treated very well. Between Spencer (the customer service representative) and I we negotiated a 75.00 gift card. Considering, I didn't want to have to put Ikea on my black list (and convince all of you to never shop there again), I was happy with the agreement and spent the next 3 hours shopping my gift card away. You can imagine I spent a little more than that, but was thrilled to have an extra 75 bones in my pocket. I would also like to mention that Spencer pulled the new slipcovers out of the box to confirm they were the right fit, pulled up directions on MapQuest to help me get to Trader Joe's after my Ikea visit, gave me the 411 on how to contact him directly next time (next time, yikes?!) and stored my items in his office for the afternoon so I could enjoy a hands free shopping experience.

The best thing about Ikea...Spencer! lub dub lub dub:)

Scoring the right slipcovers completed the furniture needs for our Two Zone Living Room; TV Zone and Fireplace Zone:

Before:

 Our old way of living before we were blessed with this, this and now the chaises, could it get any better?

 After:

 Our TV Nest! Only 1.5 more months until this arrives, oh boy oh boy. Things are really coming together.

The rug below is acting like a place holder until our back ordered rug arrives. 

 Imagine colorful pillows and throws to brighten up and draw together the spaces. Can you picture it?

It may appear that we own 15 faux sheep skins. The truth is we own two; one for the adorable factor and one for the world's cutest Shitzu, our Princess Stella.

P.S. Tune in tomorrow to see how I spent my 75.00 Ikea gift card.

Rocked it- again!

I finished the back cushion for the rocking chair. I know, I know, were you starting to think it would never get done? Just teasing, I am a crafting machine!

I was unable to find a foam bed pillow, so I ran into our local fabric store and picked up a big piece of foam. Foam happened to be 40% off, lucky me! 3 minutes and $8.00 later, I was back in the car. I am a girl on a mission!

Ooh snugly!

From the top...

Making a conscious effort to use what we already have. Meaning, we won't be spending our hard earned bucks on one of these, but instead planned on cozifying (it's a word! feel free to use it:) this classic wood rocker my mom gave me.

 The material, an old throw pillow and old and dirty chair pillow...

 I doubled up the back foam...

 Measuring is not my style. I just jammed it in place and got busy with the scissors...

 "Rock-a-bye, baby in the tree top"...

 Precious, meaningful and cheap:)

The Stats:
Chair- Free
Seat Pillow- Free (I will be replacing Henry's office chair cushion soon:)
Back Foam- 8.00
Throw Pillow- Free (I bought a load of them from garage sales a few years ago to cover)
Yellow Throw Pillow Fabric- 2.99/yd
White Chair Fabric- 3.99/yd x 2

Total- 19.00ish. Which means, I saved the family 831.00, according to me! Can I get a "What! What!"

DIY Art

A little homemade art comin' at you up in here. I thought the baby's room needed one last pop of color. On the war path of refusing to spend much money on decor, I made my own! Are you surprised?

I have really done it this time! I am in love with my own creations:) and couldn't wait to share how you can create art too, for just $9.59!

You certainly don't have to copy my designs but know that you can if you want...popular crafter's saying..."I can make that!"

I had two outdated pics laying around that I wasn't using. So, I gave the frames a face lift. I already had the red spray paint, so I don't count that in my 9.59 money stats...

Finished frames and supplies...

Alphabet stickers and one super cute Martha Stewart bird (french fry not included)...

I laid down all the pieces until I was satisfied with the arrangement and then glued my heart out. Michael's had a variety of die-cut themes. This jungle themed package of 180 pieces cost just 2.99 on sale.

My inspiration comes from some quality alone time in Michael's Craft Store. Sometimes a girl just needs time to browse! 

The craft stats:

-glue, spray paint and frames: own it! I don't count past purchases, it was money well spent.

-white tag board: 2 for .50 each

-package of jungle theme cut outs: on sale for 2.99 

-alphabet: 2 packages on sale for 1.80 each

-bird: 2.00 with a *'50% off coupon on one regular priced item'
-french fry: just cut a strip out of a yellow piece of junk mail

Total: $9.59

* Michaels almost always offers coupons that can be found online. Google 'Michael's Coupon'. Print and save.

P.S. It's almost wedding season...I was featured on a friend's blog sharing money saving wedding tips! Please check it out!

I am linked up to...

The Stories of A to Z

Tip Junkie

Lady Bug Blessings

Blue Cricket Design

Momnivore's Dilemma

Baby Lovely's Bedroom

BEFORE

 AFTER

There you have it!