So how was this winter?
This winter was soooo much fun! Between the below zero temps and everyone getting the flu it was just a blast! I just wish we had more snow! Oh and sliding off the road into a ditch, crawling out of the car, walking home in the cold, dark night..... So. Much. Fun.
Luckily, I have a super awesome neighbor, that happens to own a fire truck, and he was kind enough to pull my van out of the ditch. Thanks, Joe!
Winter sucks.I picked up some brackets, 1x10s and 1x12 for shelving. Because I was going to be staining these inside I decided to go with a simple stain made with coffee and cocoa powder. After a couple coats of stain, letting them dry completely between coats, I went over the boards with mineral oil, let that sit for 15 minutes, wiped it off and that was it. No fumes or chemicals to worry about and cheap too!
This thing was ugly and damaged. It was, however, comfy and functional. I filled dings and sanded. Chalk paint is great to use because it can be used over oil or water based products, usually with little prep too. Chalk paint can be expensive, but if you make your own it's pretty cheap. I use calcium carbonate and latex paint. You can find calcium carbonate on amazon. A little goes a long way. I've been making chalk paint for years and I still have a ton left. After painting I sealed it with polycrylic, which gave it a nice sheen. You'll see at the end.
And wah-lah!
Other things I did-
*Electic Fireplace-$189 at walmart.com
This thing heats up the room fast! And it looks beautiful!
*White Quilt for the futon-$55 at walmart
*Pillows from walmart-$5-15 bucks each
*Storage ottoman-$89 on amazon
This thing holds a ton of stuff!
*Rope ladder for blankets-$10 at Hobby Lobbhy
*Cube storage under desk-$12.99 at TJ Maxx
Easy to put together and nice storage area for guests.
*Artwork from Amazon and Hobby Lobby, $12-$40I have so many books on my list! Anyone read anything good lately and would like to share?
My two cents-
Behind Closed Doors, The Breakdown, and Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
The Fourth Monkey and the Fifth to Die by J.D. Barker
The Woman in The Window by A.J. Finn
I See You and I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena
The Nowhere Child by Christian White
Leave No Trace by Mindy Mejia
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Witch Elm by Tana French
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls-This is a nonfiction, which I usually don't read, but I think everyone should read it. It's an unbelievable story.