Kitchen Table Makeover

Here is a quick afternoon makeover that turned our inexpensive Better Homes & Gardens Dining Set into a rustic farmhouse table.  It was a simple project that takes more patience than skill.  I started by carefully coating the tabletop & bench seats in Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel, avoiding the black parts of the dining set.  (Follow the directions on the container, it is VERY simple to use.)  I like this gel because I can safely use it in the house.  I used a taping knife to scrape the gel/varnish.  I let the Citristrip sit for 30 mins before scraping (I probably could have waited longer...) & I then repeated the process one more time.

After I let the table dry, I applied my favorite Minwax Dark Walnut Stain with a clean rag.  I applied two coats of the stain, letting the table dry between coats.

Once the stain dried, I lightly sanded where I wanted to see a little more "wear & tear" (mostly edges).

My next step is to apply the Minwax Paste Finishing Wax (Natural), just to give the table a protective coat.  This is a very heavily used table and we have gone two weeks without a protective coat (just the stain) without any issues.  The wax will just add a little more luster to the finish & make the table a little easier to wipe down after meals with two toddlers.

I AM LOVING our "new" table!  It's so much more fun to decorate now that the color is more neutral & more rustic.  

Pink Flamingos to Pumpkins

Hello everyone! It's been a while...

As summer is winding down, I look back on how crazy it actually was & realize that I've almost completely neglected my blog!  So I'm just checking in with this post & letting everyone know that I'm back from the chaos & I have lots of projects finished up & coming your way!

I will admit that I'm pretty excited about the transition from summer to fall.  I made my first fall centerpiece today.  Yes it is August, but I've always said that fall is too short - so I'm extending the season here at the Kunz household.  The weather we've had these past few days has been a toasty reminder that I'm just living an air-conditioned fantasy... nothing that can't be ignored with the help of a pumpkin iced chai.

As excited as I am for fall, I will miss our summer lifestyle.  The kids & I are soaking up our last week of this carefree season before it turns into schedules, routines, early bed times, etc.      

Wishing you all a happy transition! 

 

Happy 4th of July!

Well here's the extent of my decorating this year.  I'd love to doll up our house in stars & stripes one year, but it seems like we're never around on the 4th to enjoy it.  As I type, we're headed to our friends' cabin to enjoy a little sunshine on the water & a little PBR by the fire.  

Wishing you a safe & happy 4th of July!

Mallory Jane

Hayseed Homemade Happiness

A few simple Hayseed Homemade rules for a happier kitchen & home:

Keep a jar of fresh flowers on the table. (or a vase, whatever suits your style.)    
Minnesota winters can seem so dang long, especially when spring can't seem to commit to us around here.  So I've been keeping fresh flowers in the kitchen for the last few weeks as a pick-me-up.  I buy a new bouquet weekly (thankfully, my taste in flowers is pretty inexpensive: I like that country-wildflower look.)  Even if it's just a daisy or two, try it out... It'll put a little spring in your step.

Candles. 
Light a candle.  It's a mood thing & a nice finishing touch after cleaning.

Music.
Keep it playing: even if it's quietly in the background.  Dishes aren't as boring to the sound of a steel guitar & Strait.

Fresh Air & Sunshine.
Crack open a window, tie back your curtains.

Brew up some happiness.
I always keep hot coffee in the pot or cold tea & lemons in the fridge: depends on the season.

Simplify.  
Keep things around that are pretty, useful, and/or important.  Get rid of the rest.

Prettify.
It could be a pretty coffee cup, a pretty dish towel, or a pretty picture frame: get it in your life.  Functional doesn't have to be ordinary.

The Small Things.
Enjoy 'em.

Rise 'N Shine.
Make it a point to go to bed with a clean kitchen & a tidy living room (or wherever you spend most of your time.)  Wake up to a fresh start every day & take a little time to enjoy all of these things listed above- even if it means giving yourself a few minutes before the kids rise...& shine all over the house.


& a "Pinterest Friendly" photo:

  



     

   

Valentine's Day: Tinsel Garland & Tulle

 

 As you can see, we had a pretty classy Valentine's Day at our house.  This was my last minute attempt to decorate the house for the kids.  I decided this would be a good idea late last night & after hours of cleaning & making the kids' cards, I was up until 1:30 am - digging through Christmas storage boxes and stringing tinsel garland & tulled lights.  

  

Hoping everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Chandelier Makeover

We bought this chandelier a few years ago at Menard's for less than $50.  I loved something about the color, shape & style; it reminded me of something you'd see in a farmhouse.  I was so excited about this purchase, as it was the first change we made to our first home together.  It moved with us, from house to house.  Though I'm ready for a change & need a little more sparkle, I find myself emotionally attached to this plain Jane chandelier.  I've been thinking of ways to dress it up and the other day, while browsing a local thrift store, I found these [pictured below] pretty glass shades - $1.00 each.   

 

I had a couple of these pretty glass shades stored [from when I used them as candle holders at June's Junk Gypsy birthday party] but didn't have enough to finish this chandelier.  I was ecstatic when I saw 4 more of these beauts sitting on that store shelf.  Seriously, what are the odds?!  I think it was meant to be...
 

 & I love how they sparkle when lit up.

 

Valentine's Day : Twine & Lace Garland

The kids & I made this pretty twine garland simply by tying pieces of lace to twine with pink ribbons.  The possibilities with this quick project are endless, & it's easy enough for the little ones!