Frugal with a Flourish

[ 9:19 PM | Posted in random thoughts | Add Comment | ]

I have thought long and hard about this post. I know I often post things that I hope will inspire you - and today is no exception. I hope that this post inspires you to help. To give. Because despite what you may be seeing on the national news - Nashville, my city - needs you. The hubby and I are fine, and I appreciate the thoughts and emails about our safety. But our city needs your help. Please consider texting "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10 to flood relief. Or go directly to the Middle Tennessee Red Cross Website and donate.

The Nashville Skyline. This is before the Cumberland crested at 12 feet above flood stage.

(photo via The Tennessean by Samuel M. Simpkins)

A neighborhood near Opryland. Most people didn't have flood insurance.

(photo via The Tennessean by Samuel M. Simpkins)

For my friends who went to Blissdom - this is the Delta portico under 10 feet of water.

(photo via Tennessean by John Partipilo)

This is the highway I have to take into work. Obviously it is closed. To the top right over there is the High School (underwater) where Taylor Swift filmed her "You belong to me" video. So most of you have actually seen that Football field before.

(photo via The Tennessean courtesy Bob Barker)

A home that literally exploded in the wake of the flood in Franklin, TN.

(photo via The Tennessean)

A man carries his wife from their home. They are headed to a Red Cross shelter.

(photo via The Tennessean by Ann Wallace)

This photo was taken on Monday - after the rain had stopped but still shows the destructive power of the water that is still here.

(Photo via The Tennessean by Sandford Myers)

This is how the debris has piled up across the city.

(photo via The Tennessean by Shelley Mays)

Clean up at the Lighthouse Christian School.

(photo via The Tennessean by Shelley Mays)

This photo says a thousand words and just chills me. Please help. We need your support now more than ever.

(photo via The Tennessean by Chris Roth)

Please if you can - anything will help us. Please go to the Red Cross to donate. Or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to donate $10 to flood relief.

Sewing Table Redo

[ 8:25 PM | Posted in DIY Tips, Thrifty Revamps | Add Comment | ]

So way back last fall - I was browsing on Craig's List and found this fantastic sewing table for $50.

Check it out open! I love the workspace!

And I have been wanting to refinish it ever since I got it. Now that we have the garage I could finally get to work.

First, I took off all the hardware to spray paint it black. Then I took a good hard look at the legs. Unfortunately, I wanted to take the metal base off too - but the screws were stripped so I had to leave them on. I decided to go ahead and get a good base spray on first and then when they were dry, I taped them off and I started sanding and painting.

Since this piece was veneered - I knew I couldn't go straight at it with a sander. That would have just torn it to pieces. So I started with a medium grade steel wool and did an initial pass. I then went back over and filled in anything I could sand down with wood filler. After another pass with the medium grade steel wool, I went one final round with a fine grade steel wool. It was nice and smooth at the end.

I primed with Zinnser's Bulls Eye Water Based Primer which is a low VOC formula and fantastic! I also forgot to take any pictures between that point and the final project. Oops! The primer went on really well and once it was on, I painted with two coats of Valspar Ultra Premium High Gloss Paint in Woodlawn Bedroom White. View swatch below.

(If you didn't know, Valspar has partnered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to preserve colors from many different historic homes. Woodlawn was originally part of Mount Vernon and built for George Washington's Nephew. Cool right?)

So here it is - and I love the color with the black hardware! This photo was not taken in its intended spot as they guest bedroom/craft room is still in progress.

And here is as a side by side comparison! I love the total transformation!

So my question is this - should I sand down the edges and make it a little shabby chic or leave it as is? I love the crispness of it as is but just curious on what you think!

Linking this up to

Met Monday with Susan @ Naps Between the Porch
DIY Day with Kimba @ A Soft Place to Land
Trash to Treasure Tuesday with Kimm @ Reinvented
Get Your Craft On with Kim @ Today's Creative Blog
The Power of Paint Party with Maryanne @ Domestically Speaking

Also linking this up to The CSI Project's Furniture Transformations Challenge

Eight Great Finds - Bright Spring Pillows

[ 7:22 PM | Posted in Frugal Find, Inspiration, Shopping Tips | Add Comment | ]

I love how pillows can change up a space and really make it fresh and current for the season. I have been on a little bit of a pillow binge lately, some you've seen - like my paisley beauties in the dining room - and some are yet to be revealed. Now I like to make my own pillows as decorative accents - but not every one is crafty. So I have rounded up eight great spring pillows under $18. (Of course - this is just me finding deals - no kickbacks here!)

Love this first one. The purples and greens are really pretty and the print isn't overwhelming!

Marmom Decorative Pillow - $13 - Walmart.com

Ok - so this is really a collection of pillows but in several graphic and floral prints and they are all only $11.99! I think they would look great indoors or outdoors.