Cabin fever, April snowstorms and the absence of spring most certainly had the four walls of this house closing in on me thus giving me too much time to dream up some home projects. The longest lasting winter ever has pushed me over the edge to wanting to lighten up everything in the house, making it brighter and hopefully giving the feeling of freshness and cheer.

One can of Chiffon Cream Chalk Paint and I set to work eyeing up my targets. Picture frames and candle pillars were the first to go.

I probably could have done a primer paint, but who has time when trying to get a project completed during nap time. I did 3-4 coats of spray paint letting each coat dry a few minutes in between. After drying for an hour I took fine grade sandpaper and distressed the corners and ridges lightly. Loving the end result! Watch out end tables, you may be next.

I feel like the nesting has begun…7 weeks to go!! Although I seem to have no energy I have all of these great ideas of home projects I want to do before the baby comes. One down and we will see what motivation I have left.

I have had my old handmade wooden kitchen set from when I was little in our unfinished basement for awhile now. Grace is at the age where she really loves going down there and playing with it, but I don’t want to necessarily be bringing the baby in the basement especially during the colder months because it’s not really heated.

Even though Grace’s room is pretty small, Aaron came up with a new floor plan to be able to fit everything plus the kitchen sink. So I decided before moving it upstairs I would repaint it and give it a little face lift.

Cost of the project a gallon of paint and a can of spray paint. I kept all of the original hardware and just spray painted it gold, with the exception of the plastic knobs on the sink. We had some gold ones laying around from an old project that matched perfectly.

Before…

After…

Ever since we returned from Ghana I have been meaning to make an attempt at making my own body butter for the boys’ skin. Knowing their skin would need extra moisture I bought raw shea butter while in Ghana, but not exactly sure what to do with it. I was told by a few Ghanaian friends that I could just apply the shea to their skin without mixing anything in, but it seemed pretty crumbly and I wanted something easy for them to use.

I took to pinterest and found a recipe for body butter making a few of my own adaptations. It turned out better than I had expected and the boys love it and the glow it gives their skin. I have even been using a little for some extra moisture. The one thing I didn’t expect was how greasy it would be, so unless you rub it in well you may need to wash your hands when done.

Whipped Body Butter:
3 cups Shea Butter
1 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
3/4 cup Almond Oil
1 1/2 tsp Vitamin E Oil
Optional essential oil for extra fragrance

In a double boiler melt the shea butter and coconut oil.

Bring to room temperature and add the remaining oils. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes or until it starts to set around the edges.

With a hand mixer beat for about 5-7 minutes or until it thickens.

Makes about 3 1/2 pints.

When putting together Grace’s room I wanted a changing table that also functioned as a dresser. We discovered an old dresser at my in-laws, which they said we could have. It also happened to be the perfect height for a changing table. Turns out it is an antique dating back to Aaron’s great-grandfather. We found a delivery tag attached to the back with his name on it, love the history!

My husband is handy with woodworking, but neither of us were exactly sure how we would refinish it. I loved the vintage look and wanted to keep it as close to it’s original state as possible, but also wanted to freshen it up a bit.

Aaron lightly sanded the top and a few of the rough spots on the edges. He then took a crumpled paper towel, dabbing it in stain and then dabbing the excess off onto cardboard before lightly applying it to the dresser. The area where the knobs had been needed a little more touch up.

I found some great pink crystal knobs at Hobby Lobby to replace the wooden ones. It added a sweet feminine and vintage touch. I love how it turned out and it’s very functional! I am happy my husband encouraged us to be resourceful in finding a changing table.

Before…

…and after!

I admit not the biggest transformation, but a very easy way to change up a piece of old furniture you may find lying around.