Master Bathroom - Part 2

Hello! I hope you are all having a fabulous week! After many months of procrastinating, I am finally finished the cabinet section of our master bathroom! 

{The blue mason jar projects can be found here}

I still have to add some more accessories and touch up a few paint spots from when the new countertop was installed but it is close enough to call it done!

 And since the Before and After shots are always fun....

Now I really wanted an undermount sink {and granite countertops would have been nice too!} but the budget only allowed for a basic laminate countertop.  I also replaced the light {which I have absolutely hated ever since we moved in 10 years ago}, changed out the faucet, changed the hinges, and added some funky knobs from Anthropology {these were my splurge!}.  

The cabinets have actually been through three re-paintings which is one of the reasons that this project took so long to complete.  I originally painted them with Annie Sloan chalk paint in Old White.  It ended up being too cream so I painted them again with a white latex paint.  I then decided that they were white and tried to add  a glaze to it.

Let's just say it didn't turn out so well.

So everything had to be sanded down once again and re-painted {CIL Whisper White}.  

The faucet was also a pain to install as the original plumbing was really wonky.  I actually had to cut the piping and install new water shut off valves.  I ended up making three trips down to the local hardware store and even carted down my sink on one of my visits!  I am sure they are hoping I do not come back again!  Anyways, if you are looking to install a faucet for the first time, this You Tube video may be helpful for you.

You can find Part 1 of the bathroom makeover here and here.  And if you want to see how the cabinets are organized behind the scenes you can check out this post.


Now I just need to do some curtains for over the bathtub and change out the faucet on the bathtub.  An end is in sight!

Have a great day!!


I linked up with Home Stories A to Z, Polly Want a Crafter, Ask Anna, The Rooster and the Hen, 504 Main, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Not Just a Housewife, A Bowl Full of Lemons, The DIY Project Parade, Positively Splendid, Simply Klassic Home, 30 Handmade Days, Blue Cricket Design, Lil Luna, Oopsey Daisy, Uncommon, Tip Junkie, Thrifty Decor Chick, Today's Creative Blog, Skip to My Lou, Under the Table and Dreaming, Craft-O-Maniac, Sew Chatty, I Heart Naptime, Be Different Act Normal, Lolly Jane, Tatertots and Jello, Thirty Handmade Days, Tidy Mom, Design Dazzle, Whipperberry, The Shabby Nest, 504 Main, At the Picket Fence, Somewhat Simple, The Shabby Creek Cottage, The 36th Avenue, House of Hepworths, Crafty Scrappy Happy and Delightful Order.

The Creative Spark {No. 32}

Hey there! Welcome back to another week of The Creative Spark! Before we get to the party, I just wanted to share this sweet card that one of my fabulous readers sent me {all the way from Singapore!} This card is just one more reminder of why I love blogging and connecting with all of you!  

When we got back from Kaua'i I had a pile of mail to go through {translation: lots of bills} and was so excited to receive something fun!  It has been a long time since I have received a card in the mail. Sandy has a beautiful paper crafting blog called Sandy's Space and, if you are a regular to The Creative Spark, I'm sure you've seen some of her designs before.  Everything she creates is amazing! Thanks Sandy!

Okay, now it is time to see what you all have been working on!  Feel free to link up anything that you have created - crafts, DIY, scrapbook projects, organization ideas, decorating, recipes - anything goes! I can't wait to see what you have come up with!

Want to link up? 

• Link directly to your specific post {not the homepage}. 
• Please add The Creative Spark button to your post or blog {the code is in my sidebar}OR place a text link at the end of your post. I would love for you to help me spread the word! 
• Check out some of the other fabulous links. A few nice comments always inspires us to create more! 
• Follow along with Facebook to see if you have been featured throughout the week. I will also be back to showcase some of my favorite ideas for my Sunday Sparks.

Thanks so much for joining in on the fun!  

Bathroom Sign

Wow! It is hard to believe that another weekend has just blown past and it is Monday again already!  Is it seriously going to be March this week? We had a busy weekend this week celebrating Dave's birthday with family and friends and spending Saturday afternoon skating with the kiddos.  We had some friends over on Saturday night and ended up playing this game for the whole night.

{I'm not good at descriptions but if you are interested you can find them here}

We had so much fun and had lots of laughs!! If you are looking for an easy game to play with multiple people, this is a great game and you come away with lots of interesting {but pretty much useless!} trivia facts.

Anyways, after recovering from Saturday night, I spent Sunday afternoon trying to install a new faucet in our master bathroom.  Due to the wonky plumbing in this house, it required 3 trips down to the local hardware store {one of which I actually toted my bathroom sink with me!} and lots of patience.  BUT, I have now finished painting the cabinets, installed new hardware, have a new coutertop, and now a new, drip-free faucet!  Unfortunately I still haven't had a chance to actually get the pictures taken so you will have to wait a couple more days.  Just so I don't leave you hanging, I did get one other little bathroom project done this weekend that I can show you.

I gathered up this piece of driftwood last summer to use as some kind of sign and it has been sitting in my garage since then.  I thought it would make the perfect addition to my bathtub area.  I was originally planning on hanging it on the wall somewhere but I am kind of liking its little resting spot on the ledge.  The letters were painted on with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in graphite after cutting out a stencil on my Silhouette. I still need to distress the letters a little bit more but it has been a long day!

This is definitely my little escape from the world!

Wishing you all a fabulous week!


I linked up with Lolly Jane, Tidy Mom, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Home Stories A to Z and Skip To My Lou.

My Sunday Sparks {No. 31)

Happy Sunday! Sorry I haven't been around here much.  I haven't been feeling too well since we returned from Kaua'i {maybe just some sun and relaxation withdrawal???} and have been busy getting things organized around here again.  I have still been working on the master bedroom/bathroom and have also started a couple of projects for Connor's reading nook but have just not had a chance to get anything posted.  I'm sure you can all relate...

We had a fun family day yesterday taking the boys skating.  Matthew especially is a HUGE hockey fan so he has been pretty excited to start skating.  I must admit they look pretty cute out there on the ice.

They were down on the ice a fair bit {notice all of the ice on Matthew's knees!} but they still loved it!

Anyways... there was another fabulous week of link ups last week at The Creative Spark and once again I wanted to take the time to show off a few of the fun ideas and thank-you all for taking the time to stop by, visit and share your projects.  You guys are the best!

I love this free printable from The Letter 4.  It might just makes its way into me bedroom redo.  We can always use a little reminder to slow down and enjoy the little things!

How fun is this "You've Been Pinched" printable set from I Should Be Mopping the Floor?

I cannot wait for Winter to be over and am looking forward to those first signs of Spring.  This cute birdhouse makeover from Ode to Inspiration is so bright and cheerful - and totally reminds me of Spring!

Make your own designer fabric band-aids from The Moody Fashionista.  These would definitely take some of the "sting" out of those owies!

I really love this tree stump table from Design Dreams by Anne.  And such great sentiment behind it too!

I hope you enjoyed the features! Thanks again to all of you who participate in this week's Creative Spark.  For those of you that were featured here or over on my Facebook page, feel free to grab a featured button from my sidebar.  

I am now off to figure out the plumbing on a new bathroom faucet that I am trying to install.  I have been dreading this for the past few days so wish me luck!  I hope you all have a fabulous Sunday!

Master Bedroom Progress - The Desk

Well, I have been making some progress in the master bedroom.  I must admit I am not a huge fan of big projects.  I don't have a lot of patience and I love to have a finished project to show off immediately. But I have been plugging along and spending way too much time searching online stores for the perfect accessories.

So first of all, thanks to my wonderful Dad, most of the walls are painted in the bedroom.  After much debate I went with CIL Fine Silver.  Dave still isn't completely converted, but I am loving the grey.

{Sorry, I did have to take the pictures with the flash but it is pretty true to color}

We still have one wall, the walk-in closet {which will be a pain with all of the cutting!} and the ceiling left to paint.  Notice that I said we?  I am still working on recruiting my hubby...

Now my second project, was finding a desk.  In order to save some money, I will be repainting all of the furniture that I currently have {still haven't quite finalized the color yet!} but I did want to add a desk to our room for my laptop and a few writing supplies.  After more than a month of looking on Craigslist with no luck I decided to give up {I seriously cannot believe the price that some people are asking for their junk!}  And then I found a great dressing table at Ikea that was less than $200 and worked perfectly.

This is the Edlund dresser and it just happened to be on sale {maybe clearance?} for $189 CDN.  The chair and slip cover are also from Ikea.  I love the little drawer handles and the color is very close to Annie Sloan Graphite which is likely the color that I will be painting the bed. The drawers are lined and are the perfect size to fit my Smashbook and The Little Things journal.

I did some shopping around the house for accessories which is always my favorite part.

{Details of the chalk board/cork board can be found here}

And there you have it!  It is begging for some art work or a photo wall above it but that will have to come later.

I will be working a bit more on the rest of the master bathroom this weekend and hope to have everything finished in there by the end of the weekend {which probably means sometime next weekend!}

I hope you are all having a great week!


I linked up with Under the Table and Dreaming, Craft-O-Maniac, I Heart Naptime, Tatertots and Jello, Thirty Handmade Days, Tidy Mom, Design Dazzle, Whipperberry, The Shabby Nest, 504 Main, Home Stories A to Z, Skip To My Lou, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, The DIY Showoff, Somewhat Simple, Delightful Order, House of Hepworths, The 36th Avenue, Crafty Scrappy Happy and The Shabby Creek Cottage.

The Creative Spark {No. 31}

Happy Tuesday!!! We are now {sadly} back from Kaua'i and getting settled back into daily life. 

We had such a fabulous time touring around the island, snorkeling, swimming, and just plain ol' relaxing!  Kaua'i is just amazingly beautiful.  

{I have a feeling that it is going to be a long day at work tomorrow!}

 The past couple of days have been filled with unpacking, laundry, and tidying up the house but I will be back to working on some new projects by the weekend!  And... I still have a few posts to just quickly finish up that were done before I went away so you won't even have to wait that long.  Thanks for sticking around!

So, now let's see what YOU have been up to! Feel free to link up anything that you have created - crafts, DIY, scrapbook projects, organization ideas, decorating, recipes - anything goes! I can't wait to see what you have come up with!

Want to link up? 

• Link directly to your specific post {not the homepage}. 
• Please add The Creative Spark button to your post or blog {the code is in my sidebar}OR place a text link at the end of your post. I would love for you to help me spread the word! 
• Check out some of the other fabulous links. A few nice comments always inspires us to create more! 
• Follow along with Facebook to see if you have been featured throughout the week. I will also be back to showcase some of my favorite ideas for my Sunday Sparks.

Thanks so much for joining in on the fun!  

The Creative Spark {No. 30}

Aloha from Hawaii! I'm so glad you could all make it out for another week of The Creative Spark.  We have been having an amazing time here in Kaua'i.  Pool, sunshine {well, some of the time!}, beach, family time, and pure bliss!

{This picture was taken along our bike ride on the east coast of Kaua'i.  Amazing!!!}

Since I obviously haven't been up to anything crafty this week {except creating sand castles!}, I am looking forward to seeing what you have all been working on. Feel free to link up anything that you have created - crafts, DIY, scrapbook projects, organization ideas, decorating, recipes - anything goes! I can't wait to see what you have come up with! 

Want to link up? 

• Link directly to your specific post {not the homepage}. 
• Please add The Creative Spark button to your post or blog {the code is in my sidebar}OR place a text link at the end of your post. I would love for you to help me spread the word! 
• Check out some of the other fabulous links. A few nice comments always inspires us to create more! 
• Follow along with Facebook to see if you have been featured throughout the week. I am not sure if I will be able to post up My Sunday Sparks on Sunday but I will do my best!  We will be returning to reality late on Sunday night so things will be back to normal around here next week.

Thanks so much for joining in on the fun!  

My Sunday Sparks {No. 29}

ALOHA!!  After a very long travel day, we made it to Kaua'i! {and now I know how to actually spell Kaua'i!} The island is absolutely beautiful - very lush with amazing beaches {and wild roosters everywhere!}.  Unfortunately it is not as sunny as I was hoping for.  The boys don't seem to mind but the pool is freezing when the sun isn't out and they could literally stay in there all day.  I think we will be heading down south today to chase the sun and check out some snorkeling!

So, once again, there was another fabulous week of link ups at last week's Creative Spark.  Since I have been up since 3:30 this morning{don't ask!}I did get a chance to pick out some of my favorites to share with you today.  Here you go!

I am not a sewer but I still love this magnetic pin dish from Color Me Domestic. I can see lots of other uses for this beauty!

Anyone else have a basement full of seasonal wreaths?  Here's a fabulous interchangebale yarn wreath from The Crafty Scientist.  Brilliant!

Space 46 showed off her beautiful refinished vintage desk.

No room for an office?  Check out this super cute portable office from Organizing Made Fun.

And finally, I love this little peg family and standup clipboard from Uncommon.  This is definitely on my To-Do list!

Thanks again to everyone who linked up to this week's Creative Spark!  If you were featured here or on my Facebook page, feel free to grab a button from my sidebar.

Just a few other little things that I wanted to mention.  First of all, I now have the Linky Followers on my sidebar. I hope all of these following options are not getting too confusing - I'm just trying to give alternatives to the Google Friend Connect as I have a feeling that it will not be around for too much longer.  I am just so happy to have you read along no matter how you choose to follow!

Secondly, I am so thankful for all of you that take the time to pin my projects.  It is so exciting to see more visitors come in from your pins and see my ideas up on Pinterest!  With that in mind, if you will be pinning any of the ideas featured here, please take a second to click over to their blogs and pin so that they get the credit!  It's always a little sad to see your ideas pinned to someone else's blog.

Well, I better be off!  If I can find where I put my camera cable, I will post some Hawaii pictures for you guys.  Now off to see some fish and hopefully a sea turtle or two!

Follow Your Bliss - Bathroom Accessories

Happy Friday!! I am hopefully on the plane right now to Kawaii but thought that I would leave you with one last post before I left. I wrapped up my bathroom stenciling last weekend and needed a piece of art work to finish things off in there.  Something calm and inspiring...

The board was painted with Annie Sloan Graphite chalk paint and I used  my Silhouette to cut out vinyl for the letter stencil.  Using the negative aspect of the vinyl.  I painted the Bliss with just a blue acrylic paint that I had and the white letters are in Annie Sloan Old White.  The sign kind of ties all of the bathroom colors together.

The edges and lettering were then distressed.

I just attached it to the wall with Command Strips {man, I love those things!}

I also spray painted my towel bar and toilet paper holder with Krylon Premium Original Chrome spray paint {they were more of a bronze color before}  It covered really smoothly and dried super quick.  Hopefully it holds up to bathroom life!

I have been collecting some new accessories for the bathroom over the past couple of months since I had the color scheme all picked out. Here's my little shopping list:

Striped towels - Superstore

Wooden storage bin and baskets - Home Sense

Metal Vase - Wuslu

Turquoise bin {holding the perfume}- Anthropology

Light Fixture - Rona {It wasn't my first pick but it was by far the cheapest at just under $30}

Black Bins - Home Sense

And that about wraps it up for now!

Since we are off to Hawaii, things will be a little slow around here for the next couple of weeks.  I will still be posting the Creative Spark on Tuesday night but, other than that, I am officially on a bloggy break!  {although I have a feeling that I will still be popping in here and there!}

I hope you all have a Happy Valentine's Day and I will see you soon!

I linked up with Sew Chatty, Thirty Handmade Days, Tidy Mom, At the Picket Fence, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, The DIY Showoff, House of Hepworths, The Shabby Creek Cottage, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Not Just a Housewife, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Tip Junkie, Today's Creative Blog, Young and Crafty, Lolly Jane, Too Much Time, The 36th Avenue, Somewhat Simple, Delightful Order, Crafty Scrappy Happy, Oopsie Daisy, Lil Luna, Blue Cricket Design, Craft-O-Maniac, Ask Anna, Under the Table and Dreaming, I Heart Naptime, Funky Junk Interiors and Be Different Act Normal.