Wanted DIY: Painted Dresser to Buffet

A few months ago my parents were upgrading their bedroom furniture and I adopted this dilapidated dresser. It sat, waiting for its destiny in my hoarder's room guest room. Suddenly, I found myself in need of some extra storage in the kitchen and the junky dresser found its purpose in life.  Oh yeah, I forgot to take a before picture, so you'll just have to deduce the ugly from this one.



There are tons of great furniture painting tutorials out there, so I'll just tell you, in brief, my method for this particular project.  I took out all the drawers and sanded the whole piece lightly by hand.  I used wood filler to make some minor repairs and fill in some scratches and then sanded again.  Then I primed.  I used a small foam roller and a 2-inch brush to tackle the details.  Oh, and I didn't take a picture of the priming either.  You'll have to imagine that too.

Many brands of paint offer a paint/primer combo, but I thought I would play it safe and I'm glad I did.  It still took several coats of paint to get a nice finish.



The kitchen is pretty dark (with all that wood paneling - a project for another day), so I wanted something bright and cheery.  I chose Safflower by Olympic.  It's a rich coral, but in some light takes on a neon hue that makes me feel pretty trendy.  I love it.





There you have it!  A painted dresser turned bright buffet.  The storage is great - odds and ends, kitchen linens, canning jars and cookie cutters all found a home.

Have you tackled any painting projects lately?

Images: Megean

Most Wanted: Chicken Coop Roundup

I've been talking for a few years about raising chickens. I've done a lot of research, I've talked to chicken owners, and I've plotted where I want to house them.  Most importantly, I've given quite a bit of thought to the adorable chicken coop I will have.  Check out these inspiration photos.







Who knows, maybe I'll stop talking and start building. This could be the year!

Have an amazing weekend!

PS - follow me on Pinterest for chicken coop inspiration and so. much. more.

Images: via Pinterest, backyardchickens.com, Studio G

Most Wanted

I hope that your weekend is going along swimmingly.  It is cold and dreary outside and I've started a new book so my day will be sent cuddled up with my kitten.

They're making the book I'm reading (yes, it's a young adult fantasy novel, what of it?) into a movie:



I've got this sesame chicken in my crock pot right now.  It smells delicious.

I am totally on the Jennifer Lawrence train.  Are you?

While it was snowing this week I spent a good hour planning my non-existent garden.  I'm thinking these and these.

Have a cozy weekend!

xo
Megean

Wanted: Paperchase at Target

Once upon a time I studied abroad in London.  It was the best and quite often I think I could have done more to make the most of it.  The one thing I did make the most of? Shopping.  I was great at it. I fell in love with the magical, giant Paperchase store on Tottenham Court Rd.  I was lost in the stationery, the supplies, endless notebooks and colorful patterns.  I am still rationing adorable polka dot cards from that visit (eight years ago). 



Each year since, I purchased a Paperchase diary (read: agenda) to manage my time and projects.  I loved picking out the design that would shape my year.  That is, until Borders closed and Paperchase was scarcely seen in the US. 



Luckily, Target came to the rescue and announced they would be carrying Paperchase products starting last November.  Why oh why, then, did it take until last week for me to spot them in my local store?  I squealed when I saw it, even if the pickings were slim.  Here's hoping they add more!

What do you think?  Will you be stocking up on Paperchase goods while they last?

Images: Megean

Most Wanted

I can't believe it is already Friday again.  February just goes by so quickly.  Here are a few things that caught my lustful eye this week.



Did you see the most adorable television wedding ever last night? If not, you really missed out. Ben and Leslie may be my favorite TV couple. Those kids...

These gold business cards spotted on Design Work Life are simply the best. All of the designs work together, though some are more practical than others.

Remember the Maker's Mark fiasco I mentioned last week? Well, there's a pretty significant update.

Have a great weekend!

xo M  

Images: EW

Wanted: Handsome Young Men in Tailored Suits

Do you watch Suits?  I love it.  I've talked about it before, and I still can't get enough.  This is one smart show: cleverly written, well-delivered, and surprisingly full of emotion.  Oh, and there are handsome young men in tailored suits - a true delight.



This season wraps up tonight.  The legal stories are as intense as ever, but the storyline I've enjoyed most is seeing Mike and Rachel warm back up to each other while he supports her efforts to get into Harvard.  Get it, girl!  Oh, and Donna being sassy as ever.

Will you be watching Harvey and Mike crush it tonight?

Images: Fanpop, Suits Primer

Wanted: Presidents Day Spread

Today I am pleased to share my signature Presidents Day treat with you.  It has all of the great makings of any presidential snack: cream cheese, a hint of citrus, tart cranberries and pecans.  I first made this delicious concoction at a Presidents Day fete my roommates and I threw in college (any excuse for a party, right?).  I've had many requests for it ever since.  It is lovingly referred to as Presidents Day Spread, or P-Day Spread if your mouth is full.

Dig in!

Presidents Day Spread
(adapted from the back of a Town House cracker box, circa 2006)

1 block of cream cheese, softened
¹⁄₈ cup of frozen orange juice concentrate
¹⁄₄ cup dried cranberries, chopped
¹⁄₄ cup pecans, chopped

Mix together the softened cream cheese and frozen orange juice concentrated. Stir in the cranberries and pecans.  Refrigerate several hours before serving.  Serve with crackers, bagel chips, or french bread.  Leftovers are delicious on bagels or toast the next morning.

Happy Presidents Day!

images: Megean

Most Wanted

Happy Weekend! I hope that you have fond memories of the week we're leaving behind, and great adventures ahead of you.



This week I've been jamming to the Warm Bodies soundtrack on Spotify. Are you a Spotify fan?
PS - I kind of dug the movie.

An interesting look at solitude on social media via Nubby Twiglet

Did you hear that Makers Mark is going to water down its bourbon to meet high demand? I'd be wary, bourbon lovers and brand loyalists are a tough crowd.

I had a great time sifting through these old photos of sweethearts on Vintage Loves, via A Cup of Jo.

Did you see the sneak peek at the new Kate Spade Saturday collection? What do you think?

Have a super weekend!  


images: via Rolling Stone

Wanted: Last-Minute Valentines

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, are you ready? If you need to whip up some last-minute valentines, try these! Just grab some buttons, cardstock, and crayons (if you're into being extra cutesy, which clearly I am).



These are perfect for someone special, your mom, your coworker, your postman, your bank-teller boyfriend (what, you don't have one of those?).



I love using literal interpretations of lovey-dovey sayings on my valentines. Check out more examples here and here.

 

Are you doing anything special for your valentine(s) this year?

Images: Megean

Wanted: A Very Merry Holiday

I hope that your week is filled with peace and joy and wish for you all the merriness I can muster.

x
Megean


Images: Megean