If You Can't Take the Heat, Get Outta the Garage

OK. So literally today my skin melted off my body, landed in a puddle on the asphalt, sizzled, shriveled up, turned black and only ashes were left. It was THAT hot. I kid you not. I ran two errands where I parked only 10 yards from the entrance of each store and in the short trip in and out the above melting scenario happened at least 4 times. I can't take the heat. I just can't. When we're outside even Lil B says "Too hot, mommy! Too hot!"

During this heat spell we are usually sequestered in the house for most of the day which is really not my ideal way to pass the day. We did join a neighborhood pool which has been a lifesaver. We usually hang out there in the evenings and cool off.

Ok, enough complaining about the weather. I've been out of blogging commission again while transforming a consignment store find. Where do I find the time to do this stuff, you may ask....during naptime and in the evenings. Doing something crafty is sort of relaxing to me. I like having a productive project to focus on otherwise I can and will waste my time. And don't tell me to read a book because, as my husband says, "do you even know how to read?" Hate reading. Sad but true. Those summer reading projects from school turned me off forever....but I digress.....


So, thanks to the heat, I have spent my free time sweating off gallons of water weight in the garage sanding, staring at, painting, re-painting, staring at, sanding again, and more staring at this chest of drawers. I have also become fierce enemies with the creepy, crawly moths, roaches, and june bugs that invade my craft space in the evenings. I can't work in these conditions, people! It is downright freaky what is in my garage at night! Anyone ever notice how june bugs are the most spastic insect creature ever? They have no real flying ability and get stuck upside down constantly. hate. them.
It has become the bain of my existence, this chest of drawers.....I thought it would be as easy as my $5 Goodwill table but, alas, it has proved to be a bit more stubborn. Anyways, it's almost done and I'll post pictures soon of what's been stealing my affections from the blog.

From Boring to Bow-Bling!

And she strikes again. Keep me away from the Goodwill store!

So I dragged my mom to the Goodwill store near her house the other day in hopes of finding another treasure and I found this little straw purse. I thought it would be the perfect little summer tote for when I run errands without the kids and the monster-bag they require.

This was another $5 purchase. I'm noting a trend here:

Goodwill + $5 = Fabulous

I made a bow from some pretty paisley fabric that I bought a few weeks ago that I just liked so I bought it. I have a "favorite fabrics" stash. I am addicted to pretty fabrics and I just buy a yard or half a yard when I see something I like...for such a time as this!

As we were perusing the Goodwill aisles my mom came across a blazer she had given away (indeed we were at the Goodwill near her house where she donates her old stuff). "Look! Lori, here's my jacket!" We were actually looking at a blazer that used to be in her closet on the racks of the Goodwill store. I started laughing hysterically. I almost peed my pants, in fact. Anyone else find that funny because I was laughing so hard I was crying.

Before and After

TA-DA! The unveiling of my $5 Goodwill table transformation...

BEFORE

AFTER

Let's do a thrifty recap
Table: $5
Spray paint primer: $4
Under color taupe spray paint: $4
Top color ivory paint from the reject pile at Home Depot: $1
Elmer's glue for the crackling effect: $2
Gel stain for the legs: $5
Stencil for the top design: $10
Total project cost: $31 and a little elbow grease
Not too shabby for a shabby-chic table, huh?

Craftiness Complicates (and Enhances) My Life...Yet Again

What the heck is going on over there, I'm sure you're wondering since you are visiting my blog to see if there is a new post, right? We had a busy weekend...

Family was in town visiting. We had a birthday party for Lil B on Saturday, I attended a big-girl birthday party for one of my friends Saturday night, then on Sunday I helped host a baby shower for my sister in law who is cooking up a playmate for Lady B. She is due in August--YAY!

So since my life isn't complicated enough I've decided to tackle yet another crafty project....

Some background: I'm a devoted fan of some craft-a-licious blogs such as Centsational Girl, Thrifty Decor Chick, and The Shabby Nest. When I read these blogs and see all the crafty goodness that awaits me I am struck silly with inspiration and ideas of grandeur for my home.

The other day I decided to pop into my local Goodwill store to see if there was any furniture that might satisfy my crafty itch so I could try out a painting technique I read about. And just look at what was calling my name.....

I almost missed it because it was sitting on it's side. But her legs were what caught my attention. Those cute little legs. On that trip, I ran into a friend at the Goodwill (random, I know....you know who you are....Lisa!!) and she convinced me to indulge myself on the $5 purchase. Yes, you read that right...this baby was a whopping $5. Which is why I bought it because if I brought home one more table that was worth one penny over that amount I think my husband might put me out on the curb for Wednesday's pick up. However, I billed this as an "experimental craft project" that could be thrown away if it went south....so stay tuned for the transformation....