Easiest way to paint cabinets EVER

I'm back! Is this a joke? Nope, I AM BACK!  I took a semi 2 year hiatus, (nearly 3), after the birth of my last son in 2016 and for much of my pregnancy the year before.

I found myself, overwhelmed, and all too consumed with being a mommy to a new baby all over again, to focus on much else.  In those years, I had fawned over, projects I'd like to complete one day, as he was older.  I craved to put a paint brush in my hands again. I desperately NEEDED my creativity to come out, since it had been such a long time, since I had been able to start and finish a DIY project.  I stalked the internet (mostly instagram hashtags) over the years, for the easiest ways to paint my kitchen cabinets.  I was settled on the fact that I would have to painstakingly sand and primer and remove EVERYTHING.  I didn't like this idea one bit.

One, it would take way too much time out of my mentally worn out days, and two, I didn't desire to chase a busy body toddler around during all of the chaos it would take.

Like everyone else looking for short cuts, I looked into chalk paint.  There wasn't any ONE particular source I gathered all of my information from, but multiple.  In the end I decided, I would use the cheaper of brand in the chalk paint world and seal it with a polyacrylic finish.

Below: What my little heart desired to use for this project.

So far, I've only managed to complete the TOP row, and one bottom set.

So, let me fill you in.

First, I ended up using 2 paint brushes that I felt were good for ME, and MY hands, and I did the first coat, BUT ONLY after I used KRUD KUTTER to degrease, and then a bucket of hot water and diluted dawn dishsoap to have a super clean surface.

My cabinets started off as builder grade shiny oak. YUCK. Nothing I myself have ever loved.  I made the decision one night at 2 am, that I would do the paint in place, and only remove the knobs on the cabinets.  There was no way on God's green earth I would have time to remove everything.  So that that I painted my first streaky, hideous coat of Rustoleum's chalk paint.

Below: If you decide to chalk paint your cabinets, don't let the streaky first and second

 coats deter you.  Those coats will always look like trash ;)

The next morning I did my second coat, and mid afternoon my third coat.  I waited a day, and then did the fourth coat.  After a few hours of dry time, I did my first coat of matte polyacrylic with a brush, making sure to not have any drips.  I let it dry 5 hours, and did my second coat with a foam craft brush.

In all I put on 4 thin coats of the polyacrylic to seal everything.  I let the cabinets cure for a couple of days, and added the knobs back.  I did the scratch test with my finger nail, and no paint came off.  SUCCESS!!

It's been 3 weeks now, and so far so good.  I just need to find time to do the lower ones.

I just figured I would make this quick update, for anyone looking for the absolute EASIEST way to repaint your cabinets:) Much luck, dear readers!  I can't wait to finish, and start more projects and show them with you all.  It's been so long.

Blog Review: Museum Trees

Hello, friends!  Recently, I was contacted and asked if I would like to do a blog review for museumtrees.com .

Have you ever stepped foot inside a mall, hospital, aquarium, or museum, and noticed the beautiful artificial landscape and trees?  I have.  One of my favorite aquariums in Kure Beach, has an endless amount of faux foliage.  The beauty seems all to real, until you reach out and touch it.

I know, I am not the only one, who asks, "is this plant real?" while reaching to further inspect.

And, here you have this great company, at museumtrees.com that does just that.

Whether you have a large or small commercial project that needs a touch of the outdoors, brought indoors, or out, museumtrees.com is the place for you.

Typically, Museum Trees, will consult with the architect or designer at the introductory phase to the design process to enable the necessary structural supports or footings so that the tree sculpture can be included into the engineering right away.  All of the products are crafted from only the highest quality material in order to look and feel both realistic, and durable. Any type of tree, you can think of, Museum Trees, more than likely has it.

Museum Trees, has been in the industry for over 40 years, giving clients across the globe an incredible experience with the beauty and design process, that only they know how to complete.

Let's be honest, taking care of live plants, can be an arduous task if you aren't exactly a green thumb.  It can require more hours for employees to take care of a live landscape, and sometimes the landscape doesn't always meet your expectations.  Why not hire Museum Trees, and cut back and save money on the man hours that it requires to upkeep a live landscape, and go for something that looks just as good?  What a great investment!

With Museum Trees, the artificial landscape takes the hard work out of growing and nurturing live plants.  They do the hard work for you, and you in turn, (as well as your clients, and/or guests) are able to sit back and enjoy the lifelike beauty for years to come.

Adding artificial landscape to any design element makes a place more inviting and more appealing to your clients.

Head on over to Museum Trees today, to view all of the wonderful aspects of artificial landscape, they have to offer the commercial business industry.

Blog Review: Commercial Silk

 Recently, I had the pleasure, of being contacted by Commercial Silk with an offer to do a blog review.  I chose a hydrangea wreath and fell in love with the quality.  Most people in today's fast paced world don't have time (or the green thumb) to properly care for plants.  That's where Commercial Silk comes in.

 

Do you have an office?  A business? A health care facility-- be it a dental, nursing, or urgent care establishment? Perhaps a real estate office?

Do you ever notice, that the business' that draw you in the most, are those that some how incorporate the outdoors?  I know when I come into a business that has real or artificial plants, I feel more at ease, more apt to want to hand my hard earned money over to a place that makes me feel welcomed.  Nothing welcomes me as much as seeing plants in a business, along with great customer/client service.

I strongly feel that Commercial Silk has the ability to provide these ammenities to their clients.

Founded in 1986, Commercial Silk has had a broad experience in interior landscaping design.  They can offer a single product, or a complete design and build set up for your facility.  Currently, they are rapidly expanding across the globe and have a reputation for outstanding design and services.

Taking the title of Best Project Award in 2009 by Interiorscape's 24th Annual Competition, which featured their interior landscape renovation, they are no strangers to the design world.  They were also featured in Texas Home & Living Magazine.

Head on over to their website, and let the images and their high quality work speak for itself.

Why not spruce up and make your business more inviting today? Give the kind folks over at Commercial Silk a call and let them help assist you in the next step towards attracting more clients.

Our Farmhouse Table

We purchased an unfinished table last month, from a local carpenter. He only charged $300 for the table with two benches. I love to finish items myself, and so between juggling the kids, (mostly Danny), and our trip to Jersey, I finally completed this beauty.  I've been wanting a large table that we could all sit at and enjoy meals together.  Admittedly, and non super mom status, our typical dinners consisted of me serving the kids at the old pub table, and Stephen on the couch, while the tv blared and I scrambled to feed Danny, only to eat last, with little to no conversation. This was a must for me.

So this is how we picked up our lovely table. Our carpenter did a great job and sanded it.

 

I made up my mind that I would be using minwax stain in special walnut. The first night I stained the table top, bottom and the top portion of the benches.

Over the next several days, I painted the legs with Zinnser primer. In total, I used 3 thin coats. I decided that the primer would serve as my paint, because I just don't have it in me to do more. (

Danny keeps me busy).

At this point, we had gone to Jersey for a few days.  Once we settled back home, Stephen assembled the table for me.  I lit up over it. 

 I let it sit a few days and then started my 3 coats of rustoleum Satin polyurethane.  I applied it thinly, using only a foam wedge craft brush.  

It's safe to say I'm in love with it. I'm in love with it, and my 34 year old self is not as energetic for these things much more.

And to think, I still want to paint our kitchen cabinets. 

Plantscape Inc. Review

It's been a while, since I've ventured into reviewing, and I am really excited to share this review with my readers!  I was contacted by Plantscape Inc. and offered a product in exchange for a review.  Upon browsing the wide variety of artificial plants and flowers, I was beyond impressed.  I had been wanting to find a realistic looking artificial flower for the new table we had built, and this came just in time.

I decided to chose the Hydrangeas, 12 piece.  Initially, I wasn't expecting much beyond the normal craft store flowers, but when they arrived, and I opened the very well packaged box, I was floored.  I couldn't stop saying, "wow"!  These flowers are so real looking, FULL, and beautiful.

I posted an image of them on my social media, and had received several messages asking about where I had obtained them in just the first hour I had them up.  I think any of the flowers or plants on Plantscape Inc.would make a lovely addition to any piece of furniture, needing an eye popping centerpiece, or any office, that wants to send welcoming vibes to it's patrons. The hydrangeas and allium are my personal favorites, but every single item is very well made, realistic and affordable.  A week before I was contacted by Plantscape Inc. I had browsed two local craft stores, looking for something similar, but found that the flowers were not full, and weren't anything to be desired for the high price tags.  The plants on Plantscape Inc. are affordable, well made, full and gorgeous.  I fully intend to purchase a few more items for other areas of my house after falling in love with the product I was sent to review.

The items are packaged, to prevent damage:

 Can you see, why I was smitten with these? GORGEOUS!

I ultimately decided, that I would trim the stems a little to fit

 nicely in this cute glass vase/candle holder:

See how realistic they look? AMAZING!

Plantscape, Inc. you have outdone yourselves, I can't stop bragging about how truly breathtaking these are!

I love our table so much, but the flowers from Plantscape, Inc make it POP!

So, now that you know how much I am pleased with, and love the hydrangeas from Plantscape, Inc. let me tell you more on the company!

"Founded in 1974, Plantscape Inc. is a leading national interior landscape firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We have over 40 years of experience in offering a diverse set of specialty services in landscape planning and design, landscape architecture, trees installation, plant service and maintenance programs and commercial décor. Our team of professionals have decades of experience in designing interior and outdoor landscapes using live plants and trees, especially tropical plants.

We have expanded our interior landscaping design business to include our artificial plant division, Commercial Silk Int'l (CSI), with a goal to produce the world's finest, most authentic artificial trees and plants for commercial projects. Our depth of experience, skilled craftsmanship and extensive capabilities in dealing with both, live and artificial plants and trees allow us to undertake a range of projects irrespective of the business and its scale, meet complex requirements and take on the most challenging landscape projects from planning to completion.

Our mission is to create better environments which will enrich the lives of people and help them feel more relaxed, productive and happier. We take pride in building strong partnerships with our clients and we’re proud to say that we still provide weekly plant care to our very first client. Our firm is driven by values and every project member has a passion for the most distinct and perfect landscape. Whether it's the creation of custom plants and trees to make your business a unique space or the creation of the perfect commercial landscape design and planning, our idea is to make your setting a better and brighter space.

Our departments constantly explore new, innovative ways to bring your dream landscape to reality. Whether you’re looking to work with a small space or want to do a property wide renovation, our team will work with you from start to finish to create a landscape design which will thrill and impress your customers for years to come."

One of the services they offer is interior landscape design. They have a team ready to work with you and make your commercial or residential area custom to your specifications.  The first thing that attracts any patron to a business, is the visual aspect.  If your business is presentable and looks appealing, it is going to draw in people.  Plantscape, Inc. not only carries artificial flowers, but topiaries, trees, plant containers, fountains and much, much more! Offices, Health Care Facilities, Shopping Malls, Restaurants, and Government Buildings could all benefit from this service, that creates an enlightening atmosphere to all who see it.

Please click here, in order to obtain these unique services or learn more.

Do you enjoy social media as much as I do? They've got you covered there as well, be sure to browse their social media platforms:

Plantscape, Inc. Facebook

Plantscape, Inc. Twitter

Plantscape, Inc. Google