MAKEOVER MONDAY: Dining Room Chairs (BEFORE)

Ever since Havilah purchased these chairs on Craigslist, 

I've had my eye on them!  

I LOVE the look of them and the structure they have. When Havilah decided to get rid of them and give them to charity, I jumped at the chance to redo them! (Plus they were FREE!)

So, I've been thinking a lot about them, 

especially when I see them in my backyard EVERY day. 

How can I redo them? 

What style should I make them?

 How can I make them kid-friendly AND stylish? 

Since I'm not a fan of the country wood color, 

plus I don't need ANY more dark wood in my home,

 I've decided to lighten them up.

REMOVE CUSHIONS:
So...first things first.
Get the seat cushions off.
I've seen this done a MILLION times on design shows,
but I've never done it myself.
This is usually something I would wait and ask Mr. Giles to do.
Since he's really fast and has all the tools.
However, he's been working 3 weeks straight and
 I've become impatient!
So... I took them off myself.
My family is applauding right now,
as they know I'm not good at these things. 

Actually it was REALLY easy.
They were disgusting...moldy and horrible. (Totally tweaked my OCD!)
However, I have visions of them looking fabulous and had to overcome my fears! 

Cushions Off. YEAH! 

Honestly, the cushions were SO BAD, I have to throw out!
(including the wood and foam)
This is going to add to the overall cost.
However, I couldn't imagine putting beautiful fabric on
 disgusting cushions
and knowing what was underneath! 

SANDING:
I used a sanding block. I LOVE them!
Some guy tried to sell me on the sanding papers
because of the curves on the chairs,
but I didn't use them.
The block is all you need and I only used one.
 It cost around $4.
So far... this is a really cheap date! 

It took about 4 hours, but they got done.
Almost thought about keeping them sanded,
but I NEED to lighten up my house.
 So, I've decided to paint them.

That's it for now.... stay tuned for more pictures to come! 

Cheers, until we meet again!

Debsx 

Fourth of July Decorations

Thought I should share my simple, inexpensive ideas for decorating our doorstep 

for the 4th of July BEFORE the month is over!

 (You'll have to remember to look at this next June. LOL) 

We were really tight financially in June... okay more like... REALLY TIGHT!!!

 I always struggle spending money on the non-necessities during times like these, 

when we are trying to catch up financially from a crazy month 

including moving house, going on vacation and slow sales.

 (My husband works commission) 

However, while I was walking through Walmart getting my groceries, 

I saw some (cheap) cute decorations and justified purchasing them. 

I took it out of the weekly food budget. 

I think all the decor, plants and flag cost under $30. SCORE! 

Havilah, my sister, gave me a Paper Wreath for Christmas. I LOVE IT!
I've hung it on my front door and have envisioned decorating it for every season.
(Pictures to come!) 

I came across some 4th of July cupcake liners.
They came with toothpicks topped with starts.
I attached them to my wreath like flowers and pinned them with the toothpicks. 

I LOVE how they turned out! 

 I planted my flower pots with 4th of July colored flowers.
The flowers were on sale and I purchased the soil from a neighbor.
(The joys of being a one-car family and stuck at home!) 

Aren't they lovely?

Lastly, I HAD to hang a flag!
 I think everyone in our neighborhood hangs a flag.
That's what I love about living here.
On our walks, I always make the kids count the flags on the homes.
So much fun and they learn their numbers too!

Secretly, I always call the 4th of July...
"Independence From Evil, Old England" to Mr. Giles!
He loves how patriotic the American's are. WINK!

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July! 

Cheers, until we meet again,  
Debsx 

Gabriella's Room

Inspiration

I was thinking of adding some glam with a mirrored dresser. The cheapest I found was HERE. 

I love the silk ruffed curtains and pink rose pillow

I love this bench, not very practical but something I could make.

Room Storage

Love the concept of this room, including the colors! 

I found a similar bed at IKEA HERE. 

It's a daybed and trundle!

 So we could use her room as a guest room too.

IKEA has similar shelves HERE.

Colors Combinations

Pink and Navy 

Grey, Black and Pink

Teal and Pink

Thinking of taking my bedroom curtains and using them for her bedroom. Adding cornice boards and gluing ribbon roses to them. 

I purchased the Fabric HERE. Joann's Fabric always has it on sale! 

(I have it in chocolate brown and ivory too.) 

More to come!

Cheers, Debsx

Farmer's Market

I LOVE Farmer's Markets. It's a great place to support local farms and educate my kids about where food comes from. Yesterday we went down to the Downtown Farmer's Market. It's a wonderful place to purchase fresh produce, oils, nuts, cheese, homemade bread, seasonal flowers and order free-range meat.      Local Farmer's Market Information

Beautiful Plants & Flowers

Fresh Cucumbers, Squash and Green Beans

Since it's held under a freeway, it was a great activity to keep cool in the 103 degree weather!

7 months pregnant.... large and in charge!

Daniel's in love with old trucks... must be an English thing?

William sitting quietly in the stroller

Fresh Mushrooms