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.

We have been doing a bit of nesting around here, my husband included. All of a sudden our garage is insulated and will be sheet-rocked before long! While I was on bed rest I made up great to do lists from the couch and am now set on a mission to accomplish everything. Of course I feel like I have to do it in one weeks time!

Although I am not very crafty you may find me posting a bit more DIY than the usual next to nothing. First up is this beautiful little wall mount coat rack that I absolutely adore. Our entry way from the garage is a tight space, so I am not able to do a preferred set up of cubbies and coat hooks without knocking everything off as you walk by. So we had to opt for an alternative and came up with this home made coat rack.

Directly in front of the entry way is our laundry room, which is where we opted to hang this. Although, after the way it turned out I would prefer it to be in a room where I could look at it daily.

We found this piece of wood in the scrap pile at the lumber yard and picked it up because we both loved the natural character it had. It then went on to sit in our garage for 8 months and now is finally making it’s debut, looking rather refined with a bit of bling.

Not much was needed to get this piece of wood ready as we wanted to keep the rustic look it had. Aaron sanded it down a bit so it wouldn’t become a hazard to little children’s hands and then applied one coat of polyurethane. He screwed on these nifty gold hooks and makeover complete!

With the updated look the coat rack gives I feel a slight itching to perhaps repaint the laundry room!

Transforming the “office” into a bedroom for our sons!

A few before pictures…

And after!

As you can see it’s a bit crowded for now, but should be a little more roomy when we bunk the beds.

I find myself glancing in their room everytime I walk by. Sometimes turning the light on in the morning just so I can see it all more clearly, because it makes my heart so happy!

I love seeing everything put together, their beds made, the walls painted, but most of all knowing I will soon be peering in and looking at two beautiful little boys! Not just any boys, our sons!!