Thriifty Decor Chick

Giving thanks craft

Hello everyone! Today’s post is perfect because I’m feeling especially warm and fuzzy and thankful! My husband and I just got home from a trip to Hawaii – awesome right?? He was asked to judge some marching band shows and I tagged along. We haven’t been away together for years so it was lovely. Even though he had some work we both relaxed quite a bit – it takes some time for us to really decompress. It was WONDERFUL. Usually we’re the types to go go go on vacations but this was just what we needed. I’m SO happy to be home though and feeling incredibly grateful that we got to experience the trip. These thankful projects are really resonating with me right now, more than usual. They are some great ways to count your blessings and involve the family and kids. I’ve seen many thankful trees over the years but this one has such a pretty natural look: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08EdlHDNQzbxIFUtjHmJ2hTzyzcA9Lx2vXb7eQqVd3YY-pXsqvaOy-31V3nxgFYpV1sWWQUvRE7xUH_YKgRG6s7YVD9DN42rsGaODDjOolW1nym1GEf2MoLDiLuPB58otY2UNmLttpTE/s1600-h/8192336894_de531639dd_o%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="8192336894_de531639dd_o" border="0" height="755" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-ypIWgoclLfln_pM7Sl3T0gZWsRb2daATHo6tZ-trJrb49WPWtckQAzsGeYsIVILofApjwRm372ZUPeh98vBahiLB_8sqnOqjr1oMyV0Y-g76S9NaXknjTv6aSz4V_naiKEIItGH9Ms/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="8192336894_de531639dd_o" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/2012/11/16/the-thankful-tree-with-chalk/" title="http://www.simplyvintagegirl.com/blog/index.php/2012/11/16/the-thankful-tree-with-chalk/">(source)</a> LOVE the little chalkboard wood labels – those would be lovely on a Christmas tree too! (Or used for a Christmas countdown!) Speaking of trees, I love this idea too – making a big one on the wall with leaves: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBZK69H0bLRLpxWJ4K6eiN3-tBFgcPX92n_gk82ncvFvW6TFfYdcMIzlD4zJkyUEgKBHtLmhP62ZAHH36W82GDnij1OYz8XL9NFScdxP7aHFXyfPaJURpTlrva0Pr-M4wfK3fhXA0hcPE/s1600-h/P1010947%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1010947" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhTRdxX1spDFbMv8T_6iDcsrMiUF02ca0k2SloR5rHTPd_N59GMa7NFQ4tgsRoUzv3yElHzrUn8uH8WId6CJFFUsIVUP4mVJxBRQS2fkFt5bhcmMFx7wOggrA1TPaUotZROraJzoU9-g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P1010947" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://bargainbound.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankful-tree.html" title="http://bargainbound.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankful-tree.html">(source)</a> The kids take the leaves from the bottom and write what they’re thankful for, then fill up the top of the tree. So cute. If you don’t have a craft cutter I’m sure you could find the paper leaves at craft stores. This little turkey craft is so adorable: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybkIvfZmv63zQTStSoEZ7SOfAGu8M3XJdvpvi-lTN5oG-o0RbhUp-WoNoKBW06ee2TcgXnrrBBbI9mgLtFqV1c2wEFFMswqY0uY7KWuZV55xjb0DkfIwGhRzjb9AEGSW-0eEMjRsi7gU/s1600-h/turkey-printable-7%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="turkey-printable-7" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kllgl7Z_N8bWxMuix-NRjoyrtP3nsto3jpII5MtwpW-dKgKVN7TA2nyB6FLpHCe-ETZ1Ir0FNoF9Yj1COlypiWLcUVT3uK_0v36unhZl7BmwEfH8J8CoDzjGFg7eqhhVAuScQQz1oYM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="turkey-printable-7" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.desumama.com/thanksgiving-turkey-gratitude-craft-for-kids/" title="http://www.desumama.com/thanksgiving-turkey-gratitude-craft-for-kids/">(source)</a> The kids write on each feather and fill him up – too stinking cute! I thought this one was cute too: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_1dCrD0Z41TcouTKEPRWKPvrWj4XbxkJCUaTfxovtZWrZmyYYuHVjrXhZb4cUQ6QVAhtOfdZbsmiZepJeQYQ11_1OhvV7IdCejN3huiYFSg0yzFYFRguly2Rzf1xpZN947yIUEKr3S4/s1600-h/1-thanksgiving-turkey-thankful-kleenex-box-kids-craft%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="1-thanksgiving-turkey-thankful-kleenex-box-kids-craft" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA20RmYZF0cVkHHJLny0D3t8Lr4jwyChrvDhyphenhyphenxByqL94SWTCVSwiOnX3rT-5L4RMKliUPf55gYs-PivNImjPWz1zAMyCzcXNOkJsJsxIh205MV4g7er9Wmdqe5ohXBzKtO14dXoEoV4rE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="1-thanksgiving-turkey-thankful-kleenex-box-kids-craft" width="402" /></a> <a href="http://meaningfulmama.com/2012/11/day-312-thanksgiving-kleenex-box-turkey.html" title="http://meaningfulmama.com/2012/11/day-312-thanksgiving-kleenex-box-turkey.html">(source)</a> She includes a free printable for those thankful cards as well! Turkey turkey! This printable can be customized with the kid’s fingerprints: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8afnstmn-qViuCVnkAjqfnrvqIoND2DuwwzH17qDHzXHbQIcdxeZliGPZaxZJ6qA3YIOX0RKDOIDmTaHmqpwBoSfyQ0fBaC7kLm13QGohEOGUoaeQsX78UBASzxWDuPT33AMLkC09Za8/s1600-h/IMG_0157%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0157" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcMj8FZCFzkztw-LHGLn9AdtAF-ctdwIgEJvjsAITg4y9puqfnSPC1pJtesP7VMKStRJVnIRPY6jTDrc68KUl5wLsZed2xGuAzXjH898lfXybLPGk3PI7CsvnaSZotTblmFlEs9pcXbzk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0157" width="426" /></a> <a href="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2011/11/colorful-leaf-printing.html" title="http://littlepageturners.blogspot.com/2011/11/colorful-leaf-printing.html">(source)</a> Or you could have the whole family join in when they come for dinner. I’d frame that and keep it up all year! I LOVE this idea! Use an inexpensive drop cloth for a tablecloth: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1h5e-Qq_IHrcId8AjpoC_LHh4-WpUcVt17jPc3xZ2LJrsVdNaUWKjiP1B89e8aIIlROZNhkTc9s6xvLRnrg_AKTtSD2qpQU-gp7Kr3GpxqInxIk-l72rnUa5FcCBobM-z0MdT-zm5xo/s1600-h/IMG_3208-1024x682%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3208-1024x682" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizADwGIlJmAiN3q4LTIGU_enlusXl7XFyjVFcyOYrcOfslCJ6zwRQCO_5nICkZ3vz3XRHOqtZOT6o827l1HeYsh9MDZZEd7yz4Tif3ANNcjM28gealfTxQXlsiovsLTQFCEkOqWKfMSCo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3208-1024x682" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://the2seasons.com/2013/11/18/a-new-tradition/" title="http://the2seasons.com/2013/11/18/a-new-tradition/">(source)</a> And then get different colored sharpies and have the family write what they’re thankful for (make sure they date it!). Keep it and have everyone add to it every year. LOVE! This is a similar idea I thought was cute: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpdrbaeCeEPmw6mRBcyow7NCnMb-h65Kx71a8cYpkab-9ilCBWWVR9l95602wkw_V4AS804H82ZNSY7aMyaqNgO0klxVAJko9DRsL49KsQ5_IhPV_pjWl75C_4H4d11c9tmVhSciax8Hk/s1600-h/thanksgiving-table-runner%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="thanksgiving-table-runner" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kWkDwCK0Y71QtwYdw1ShZS5R8hOQkusHihG1I5TvcARkhT92ok82LBzwUdu8s-aIknXfYFsnqgqGShy1rzuf8VOF8GlG9fwZB9QE35_9PN5X-rAOOMjRiX2etr3n76bSItGapJtyREE/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thanksgiving-table-runner" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://spoonfulofimagination.com/feast-with-friends/" title="http://spoonfulofimagination.com/feast-with-friends/">(source)</a> It would be adorable to see the “turkeys” grow over the years. :) This is another cute project that would be pretty easy to do with the kiddos: <img alt="thankfulness-wreath-with-gold-dipped-leaves-22" border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeVwVwl1y-PQLN4h_esmF9R8gAceqIVk7hNHrBFSKwMHskwTvzPwWNQlzwiEJOcAjw7a4U52ERHu0-T8nUrTLKLCxK0bBxE97mwt2f70dtFNRmNDiCUHmNFP_k68d6-Tcl_CvawGnFRvs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="thankfulness-wreath-with-gold-dipped-leaves-22" width="500" /> <a href="http://bubblynaturecreations.com/2012/11/thankfulness-wreath-with-gold-dipped-leaves.html" title="http://bubblynaturecreations.com/2012/11/thankfulness-wreath-with-gold-dipped-leaves.html">(source)</a> You could take the leaves off and make new ones every year, or just add to it! So cute! I love all of these and most of them look pretty easy! I’m always trying to think of ways for us instill thankfulness in our son and if it’s fun for kids I think they grasp it even more. I know Christmas is already everywhere but I’m not all in just yet. I’m starting to get the itch to work on a few projects though, so stay tuned for those soon!

Giving thanks craft

Hello everyone! Today’s post is perfect because I’m feeling especially warm and fuzzy and thankful! My husband and I just got home from a tr...

8:19 AM

Simple fix: Filling holes

Hey heeeey. I’m back today with a quick DIY tip! This one will come in handy if you ever go to paint furniture or kitchen cabinets and want to change out the hardware while you’re at it. I’ve shared how to fill <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCoQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthriftydecorchick.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fgot-holes.html&ei=JfhaVKemFNOyyASUoILQCg&usg=AFQjCNExCAAYvbXliJ1d2H_RN1ojyO9S7w&sig2=w4RzJ-DurqqHOb8hy9uw8Q&bvm=bv.78677474,d.aWw">holes in the wall</a>, but this takes a little more finesse. Maybe because I’m pickier on furniture. :) I like this method because it gives you a finished look on both sides of the drawer or door. I shared <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/black-and-brass.html">this dresser</a> than I repainted a few weeks back: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvF5-p-X3j195uOX01-8T-U16AW7P987O_5AFdSrChqte06aOkLW0DaemF6Y6fY-9p_9OYXAb13utotYWwFUjkqqQZhIbQZMp362-MJtpmbij_5W8E6licob2wrhMLkkfJght4A_FU20/s1600-h/IMG_02462.jpg"><img alt="painting furniture the easy way" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDnOKMnT92J6-3pCEUwC32nVMsAfVtmhX2mj7Ilz4083-UIqyoow2uRYR6dXTzMS5xlK-Mrof0Oj7SlCNEuDp_nFtNyUgY2x86umLo7PTUAiDjTYFO9h9WYz8vMTeyAS4kLMkAr3h8ho/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painting furniture the easy way" width="500" /></a> If you remember I hated the hardware so it had to go: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_OFAUIi25firxFSyEFgd726wRsMaX590wJjbpISIw3twT1fYC9YzaMtiBEkxqROyHeELc4Wk4mOw9gc4_g0ag2YU3Sr9ZYvpvOgRRkSPw_J3uqj2hISlbKd2JMVE-cBVEmKw2m5aACM/s1600-h/IMG_02472.jpg"><img alt="vintage brass hardware" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVpq730isZaslUN720a2Q2YunvUApogV_lWjXTVylrQcXDyYelJeXNkfWU55doLW1WhSVuXv_-VsXj64a_rbAt9zzrcTlJB6CEOtiq05c3UL9puqmwp0iNUZ09h3fWaSP47ik_Rz5ZvA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="vintage brass hardware" width="500" /></a> These handles left especially large holes that couldn’t be filled with just putty or wood filler. I mean, they could – but because the back was open it would be a pain to try to get enough in there and get it all smooth. It would take numerous fillings and sandings. Ain’t nobody got time for that. The hole on the top is the size I was dealing with – there’s an easy way to take care of these: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSpI0VWkUEXD_vgSbabBQYVpXGSfenZ928iHAQt9H6VSO3W2Z7JbJEmaV0x1WAvrDY8WZlUaMyDKLJgbyeOb7tJK5lHMP8AJmNz8Eyua3_y2_4vZCoLShSKppE1mJvJCxH7Kosd4b5GM/s1600-h/IMG_02482.jpg"><img alt="filling holes in furniture" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwxbhDe9MbX-WsDhQ5DBgV6V8dw7PL492bmamMfeeoQYgo5Ai8PaBZeaYPcgch5pBlWM6TaoXDlno0BM7K93uoOvEiGqgjH4LlvTVRwvFngi_iFWSXHOsXax7LYjDhqZd_fUtbwvvPJOU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="filling holes in furniture" width="500" /></a> I’ve heard a few ways of filling bigger holes like this – toothpicks is one and wood plugs is another. Both work great, but I was going for the easiest, quickest and cheapest fix – the wood dowel: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfcm64DHGsAmNClNC6nYGOOA10TtpeNsbti__L-nVIEqWfKltUVhyphenhyphenNefmluZKXD7Yq5jsuDcTUV6t3NB8z8Gk_oNxPZ3YiM1NiWbeTJnpQWa4Idgl-RXFrKNUGyHAJV0Sp2PVP3u2Odc/s1600-h/ScreenShot20141105at10.31.26PM3.png"><img alt="wood dowels" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIlEKG4SxuA5e2FomrOdsy1dOJf0Hla3a1VtFw6Rh-Qk0PHNjgO55cOFFf3ZbgpUauM5VNzTdFyGeH6szImtxBaRDDNPugzj6K_zztus37F_FvXn1B0fJabuf9PG8hALfnX_phnuU0zko/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="wood dowels" width="500" /></a> (<a href="http://thecakegirls.com/cake-support-pegs-wooden-dowl-rods.html">source</a>) I took the hardware to the store with me so I could figure out the perfect sized dowel. I actually got a couple to make sure I got the right fit. I pushed it through the hole in the drawer and marked where I needed to cut – this way the hole would be filled on both the inside and outside of the drawer. (Although I’m not picky enough to make the inside look perfect). I cut the small bit of dowel down and then covered it with wood glue: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnhlrgeF2RYpWxZZ_d6xwjRVmzqucg_4B_LNmgyKWaYwebOFpGohKRBmwlbHK2zD06tV7GwOVEdyZkHOrJ60F2c8uPSZcCw9hoU5m3sg4Apmaife_g57j0i575kOrX2UrBun89oJ4p6r8/s1600-h/IMG_02512.jpg"><img alt="filling holes with dowels" border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxLDlJToP4hvRMDRAObpZGzaRP3s49NOHH3Vc37HrBLfh4o380zqn1uQqQAU5VFjbptuTki85nfIau5nr4qHmBErf0fiYTuw9bX3vJI4Wwr6KueKb6idR0uOvD8fV3-XBXWa-_9kFK34/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="filling holes with dowels" width="500" /></a> Put the dowel in the empty spot (I’m tired of saying hole) and make sure it’s flush. You’ll want to let it sit for a bit to dry, but it was ready quicker than I thought it would be. When the wood glue is dry and the dowel is secure you can use some wood filler to even it out even more: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlwMIVjpv0qPc20tjBgXWbRIlhwWaPdRVcLEyUZVpuW-LYZQls6ygZ0DOdyKPf3v1Ox3OQaLV123USrJIcVpA-UMLfY-DzNFlzQ_MgvmTuiPCRypw2XBPMOUiHlyq9wFngPyCrxb3M1w/s1600-h/IMG_02522.jpg"><img alt="how to fill holes in cabinets " border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpYIY5Karhxll-ZLB5fpEH5Cc4KSrkBWrBgkMS2ZQ4z3mEUH7I42v9Wvn1I1GxEY7B7Vndh0An9P7Ii8z46BEHHWVKrydVrQq_x6JqJH0zLY4SijU_25Fbfd-vOaK2zaJBqd-tjfwtwU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="how to fill holes in cabinets " width="500" /></a> You’ll want to sand it down (lightly) and you may need to reapply the filler two or three times (and sand between) to get it nice and flush with the surface. After paint you won’t even notice it was there!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-Wp2V4Qq5GTjT3ZbF_ziUIvv7r8LvoVifPORcs3rWYLqkjVDvuUGVBNa1zHGqBvn7_BkHvp1zgmxXVly1igH8HcBUJcdnGoZ3CU1cYBdbHvhp5DYNCtWxpyz31DCvuV_XPWBc9RA_V4/s1600-h/IMG_02572.jpg"><img alt="painting furniture" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJtuuOWiG08gFvgiSxVVslRwLXCOSQ6Zj38bejvNgE8CxYgzvsKRscC1xCqPpoRA6dgX3KesX9GKiyjyge-g6ZwQYTR7KOx1gHPs2d7tH3FoGmztjv4i_gVPnoVpV6fH3wgKUmwS80p8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="painting furniture" width="500" /></a> This is a GREAT tip for anyone painting kitchen or bathroom cabinets and wanting to change out the hardware at the same time. Dowels are usually about three feet long and are super cheap – mine was less than a dollar. One would probably get you through a whole kitchen. :) Of course if you read the post about our dresser you know I decided to keep the hardware (that I used to hate) at the last minute. It looked great with the new color and I fell in love with it!: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu2fXzzzxeGSCV9Fp1h9dfjOCFqDBbIxYaqi8GRGmZq054-48gu0kkCMfPX6ijb8cSpchQjCa1-dOU6YvGJcHjscjRtnQlAD6y6FyUuHRGAeemHw8orRjtYg40jMj0uJeG1Xn_C4-MGI/s1600-h/IMG_04182.jpg"><img alt="graphite benjamin moore" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJU8Sc2Bw2zhu4chCNX1mkL9DQdbQGAe1cCsluK_w1uPb-4L5ljfdh4qhJ0_WUPkFFLjtgdFnxvhKwMo0_HC2AqEGKAZIyt2ykWd4OAFaTkafe71qZoxcWqmim4xOnyZv0JkVj5CLTMIA/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="graphite benjamin moore" width="500" /></a> So I ended up just drilling the dowel rods out – gah. I had only filled the top two anyway so not a big deal. But this is a great little tip that should save you some time and some wood filler. :) I love easy and inexpensive fixes! Do you have a trick like this for holes in walls or furniture?

Simple fix: Filling holes

Hey heeeey. I’m back today with a quick DIY tip! This one will come in handy if you ever go to paint furniture or kitchen cabinets and want ...

7:17 AM

Bay window progress!

Hello my friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I’m back with an update on the bay window we’re reworking in the kitchen. I told you a little bit about our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-window-seat-in-kitchen.html">plans for this space</a> a couple weeks ago and I am so excited. So I was looking back for old photos to show you how this space looked before and it immediately struck me how much smaller the bay window looked:       <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-aaMp2birpogy8uh8ExTsT0pbRzHWLuf1Ubh9XXYC2wrT5LFJoyNJ6gdfqSs94g7cUAjr4Zeu846CevBDfG2mFpcrKiGuhY8oMfshY2OU4MnECU2qVRY-GGo-_t_47kt13vKPbFJNNU/s1600-h/backdoor72.jpg"><img alt="bay window black door" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh0D3K0RS7h7HV3htGFm-pREssRJu-I1wpjZApQK5uf8T5R5dnDDSlg6pDv7RaEvaRFx877mADpnxb5fKOSA4rSlfG5u83bdWdqxG2Tow7vuK-ZI8J6O6Sb2l8WT9OpHY22in3w0u1OM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bay window black door" width="500" /></a> I’m sure it’s because that whole area is so much less cluttered now – but the difference is huge to me! When we <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/07/tearing-down-wall.html">took down the wall</a> in the family room we quickly realized we’d have enough space to practically double the size of the kitchen: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6RdDpMN6dnwysl21Oa3E-RjFCMC8gO5T8HXOgrvmrWS3LpF__Cqu6o-K3EM-OEAM0R2OZn8C481iG6pmb_w7MdMYK8X32TJUru7uPwQaq3Q92lQrG5vaeAv1Jl7pdh9qrPvVSm9tOwmI/s1600-h/IMG_95002.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdv452KJ-C5dv3rU7OXtnvd2sG549QunKXW7ZBqLP96b5vaUkc6swjsK1D1dSFXsL4fsV8IAcWrNCgTLOfIm3Ui5B4Hy_E1Xdd6UliybAOFxI4C-Av3rjM17oWoBa4Nr49VcJMmJills/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a>The sofa and sofa table used to go up to the middle of that small wall where the black dresser is. We had new wonderful, lovely, amazing space with everything moved down so we moved the kitchen table over and LOVE that change. The next phase of the renovation was supposed to happen in the spring, but I wanted to just get the construction stuff done so we moved forward. It’s been slow going because of some delays with the doors, but we were able to move ahead with the bay window changes. This time the hole in the house was on purpose: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcESX7LAzpQvpPIxatRsUAjnlQCfU-q7nJ6gcOmlfh7_OakhPZaEvM21mXXEyZHmkPEZ8BxN5uIvlAp-QImBkbfF-OXGYDXxWMLDZFxmODgMvy-9hKwXUO3J9DYLRs3fgxUdtJxuq2y8/s1600-h/IMG_61132.jpg"><img alt="replacing windows" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJz8UeivTQCzI8OoWcXqPPsHD9ft2mMFiEF7Yd35DBywdcYKYJe8_jz8i3uRiE_yvprCTNltw_0eUTFG-FJ-g4l52ri79hamKlysucsK3EYT8Fw7O1DJSxmzz9VU1DLURsM2gi7Qun4s/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="replacing windows" width="500" /></a> If that doesn’t make sense to you be sure to read <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-diy-goes-oh-so-wrong.html">this post</a>. ;) To make this spot work for a window seat (my dream) we replaced the super tall windows with shorter ones. I tried to figure out ways to keep them but it just didn’t work – they are 72 inches tall and we couldn’t move them up higher enough to accommodate a seat in that spot. I was surprised at the cost of the new windows – they weren’t bad at all. I’m selling the old ones so that will help to make up some of the cost. The guys ended up moving the new windows up a bit higher than the old ones and then replaced the door with a window as well: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNedpXDoFKEUL69_OEnmH8madySEzL55sTode4dXklSHgfgNdLktA8KbWcl7ypGGK-pAAAg73sJugRfnlFBHaf5yA3hO5Kk6vpmI7Foq2e5MhbooHURGG_LkAoSuRf4cDDlmmoVaTqcnc/s1600-h/IMG_61382.jpg"><img alt="bay windows" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zckaKxIw0nQzKCZMrUHIGiiPniPlxNqsu6lMmCqMnU9mydgYq6cQg7UDGYK1bOpfigcNLYT_yQRXksbIICwUATofgY33BMAImDlkNrZH8F0KmHsq0tUZBujE_xVJi4OClmwzP-e_KOw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bay windows" width="500" /></a> We just had that door replaced last year – gah. But it had to be done because of leaks to the basement. We gave the old door to one of the guys in exchange for some services so that helped too. (I actually wanted to use it for the mud room to garage door but it opened the wrong way and we didn’t think we could make it work.) The free services were to wire and install four lights in the bay window. We had one coach light outside by the door so we added one more to even it out now that there’s no door there: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pr6pDI28z7oBZBEzOm580qUjCQpCCC8oemymXt14l_2BPA5Oq4jLRLyenStzPM9PBOww_pvMfFkkzaJTmOrOMFHybXGfoO0jXbFDAma0dlD4B77UlEoNN7MsWATdNx93ov7Ch6GoUBw/s1600-h/IMG_0479%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0479" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioekbWt54dzyMPrgyPNM6wRDjvdiTThAmqbfWDXJ3lhho3xhjplAVIH-QQgwwQhVNvQv9lRb_AYJj_5X6hUls6BTQyrshXfK6qeGq0_1Na8rTqOIrLacrJt6rqPSeppIyVjNxEZoBVwQs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0479" width="500" /></a> I think it looks so stinking cute from the outside! So much better without the door and the added light outside is always a bonus too. The guys had to fill in some siding and it turned out perfectly. They ended up taking some from the side of our house that had hail damage – we got an insurance check for that over a year ago and went ahead and got that fixed too. I’ll be glad when there are no more big projects around here. This project fund has been depleted. :) Because everything was open we were able to add a little something to the inside as well – two sconces on either side of the middle window: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uNhf9B7uRXOZvAT4fjV4OeYLPuLm60d8C8E9F8F37wXG2TfAR0OPpZLW-tVHFL7UNhyphenhyphenbLQDDkNYDN6S-Eiv6QPx-n3WfjKgw5YaByBmeAZ1TKeIEXr87qiJe3FQl3YR9KXiaWRTP8NQ/s1600-h/725916100995lg1.jpg"><img alt="metal sconces" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMbJhp4vxXtA1zjDXxQIIZxm5UONPYuWKkweu-1of7KgChjvQvkB9WA3uQj8Orh69mGTZG9pUknadcSBlo1gA5anMydENq3RrLeEuv535KK9wb1sMq_98UWjWwS8NcibN772kBuA_XL8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="metal sconces" width="276" /></a> I laughed when we got them up and realized I used the same exact lights <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/06/barn-light-love.html">in the mud room</a>: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_AjdMacQdBn31sJZ0GL4mTwMYi3Laz0fntOn-OgLd7GTmFGNYHxtFey4jwMpeaEK4AbClTipzGjsr2gAhA9eh4bfs-1Mci-3dFOlPYPYFvzOpMB14EsgX_SBH4QG42wDeqL-fcse9h4/s1600-h/IMG_91812.jpg"><img alt="mud room beadboard" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtE71XEBDLpdySqUKi7MfT2cvv2Nc8fiCOl4QjFY8qkncBa2UgZtcXaHVz3bxVxmYUDxxZDogoWNLkf-wXi6PYyeZVy2OF4Ef96NUvy_EDbZ3rgy8B2orsyGBEIa5DCxmCQoxG2c_pnFU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="mud room beadboard" width="500" /></a> They’re actually exterior lights and $20-something each. I LOOOOVE them. Obviously: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZr_xU0sBzkYAD1KVFgnntBEZ1_jSmkjDHL9Yp7JJYv-IPXsz-Yxf1L9R_wtxZ3P2-Rnaj126Koq0QUbJOlk0LuyuP1DG8QEOM9P9hU_r1JrVmazKX3bFpls6yP7dcyI8X7MGV0Xvha50/s1600-h/IMG_0492%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0492" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZTxgmQsHYZa3vzpSOUvz0j13osZeBMXbylJvrCgTU0ymuyFwI6JBR3n_NSOA5lC6GQHjw-KMaSwXIQ8fKo3y9w2CEJV6ooHGr0nnZyeo0V1dyA33naOTm_zb6Cn7fCacZtEDPlLQqw0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0492" width="500" /></a> Here’s the window area with the window trim, drywall repairs and the new lights: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXbiZf9Qvc6ISReR3Riw5ZtYFeAmku_Zz6wVqHfCokH0cxWV5VfPH9S3RZQnryKDsbvGBb00iddr5T86oApepBBEyxYOZWRTcMsTwLs-hbp5zmnMaZGvK0Jx59raSaYZqd3t_Y-7RSyYM/s1600-h/FullSizeRender2.jpg"><img alt="sconces in bay window" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-0KhV5zLr4x927WssPpWNuhA0HFpbTpcPV9cgjW3uNTmT7Jt1v6wjngHA-ofeMgxzyH1TytLifdWAdg7t2OcQgXy35F4oHwpk3_qO1o3RMAC7a6eA23ICIDZ95WHXBWcN0VmgpooA1I/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="sconces in bay window" width="500" /></a> Doesn’t it look so warm and cozy on a rainy day? Sigh. I think one of my very favorite things to do is add accent lighting like this around the house. I think it adds character and warmth to the house in a different way than anything else. I finally got the walls painted last week and it makes it feel so much more finished! I didn’t bother patching up the baseboards where the door was since there will be a window seat there eventually: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKV4pqNLD6vDR0j8gXN3ML9JgODvSzBsYN7RxsE8xiPRDum6uDw3cLNliJTCpJxnl-_TXiRovj_1EqyUR3BGpU9XKiwBp_li4vO8oQBe_kcBQHNSRrbTyGg0f7MEgcKJpYNTpDtcWoFtI/s1600-h/IMG_0483%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="craftsman style window trim" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cG698wGlCm1jWFjpez-ElwBfdm6XAXTpUuWq0EtuW8YgH5tMaRvRO44DOFkE8zob3gphxo5vPEh99V5XkE_GyaSfQ2VShqMLmasEHRatNsekMj-8MLJoxaAT4UM3HQ9FcJN5l2_8V6g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="craftsman style window trim" width="500" /></a> There’s trim that still needs painted and I still need to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/its-time-for-some-board-and-batten.html">extend the crown molding</a>, but at least it looks somewhat presentable now. :) There are two things I’d love to get done in the kitchen before the holidays – this window seat and the expanded kitchen island. Having the larger island would be ideal for serving and parties but I know I’m not going to be able to tackle both projects in that time. I’ll be lucky to get one done. ;) See what I mean about the bay window feeling so much more spacious?: <img alt="bay window black door" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwh0D3K0RS7h7HV3htGFm-pREssRJu-I1wpjZApQK5uf8T5R5dnDDSlg6pDv7RaEvaRFx877mADpnxb5fKOSA4rSlfG5u83bdWdqxG2Tow7vuK-ZI8J6O6Sb2l8WT9OpHY22in3w0u1OM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bay window black door" width="500" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hn6qml1brlywNbTzeTEthmqlQ7eGyjukgsVGBK54TPIryR7KZ_QCdidwwBdSngSEtHZJi8DDn3CLzkW5VnAbm2Pp8eidqMImGUsShZ-d9p-2IpKL5og74t71nC4sWRwherPkHxHx35o/s1600-h/IMG_0486%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="bay windows " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf78yKc9UypeOk-FMMTm4hMWs5mPoy32GtVUaCpU0nL2tCD26MblPKDCWeWSexS5jAp2ePwOCYcmhKFw0WbSNDsqxgesalAE8CDWvoMLS8vT5aBfCRZhdZ4Tc4-NjgjuoifUjgWA-yn3s/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bay windows " width="500" /></a> I know, duh – removing a table and chandelier will do that. ;) But it’s something about the windows too. The day they finished my husband walked in and said “It always should have looked like that.” See? We’ve been saying that a lot during this process. ;) Now to get the new door finished up and then we are DONE with the dusty part of this renovation! I’m SO THRILLED that we were able to do this – it has been huge for our family and the way we live in these spaces. The kitchen will be a 2015 project. An ALL of 2015 project. ;) I’ll be sharing more of my plan for that space soon.

Bay window progress!

Hello my friends! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! I’m back with an update on the bay window we’re reworking in the kitchen. I told you...

6:10 AM

The cutest countdowns

Hey there everybody! Happy FRIDAY! Can you believe how fast the time is going? It was JUST August. It’s freaking me out. Did you realize there are less than 50 days till Christmas? Let me repeat…LESS THAN 50 DAYS. Errrrybody freak out! OK, seriously, you won’t see much Christmas decor here till later this month but it’s become a fun tradition for me to share cute Christmas countdown ideas every year. I share them early just in case you want to DIY one for your family – or if you just want to buy one and make sure it’s still in stock. ;) I was in Target last week and they had a bunch of countdowns and all were super cute: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zS51myKPInU/VFu4-yZ_RKI/AAAAAAAAsp4/0_Cz1hvx2D4/s1600-h/IMG_63562.jpg"><img alt="target advent calendar" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-crG_WEwh358/VFu4_rp4rCI/AAAAAAAAsqA/l2ha6Bl98GY/IMG_6356_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="target advent calendar" width="500" /></a> I thought this little house was adorable. And it’s an easy one – no stuff, no candy. Just a countdown. :) This one was cute and the back of each ornament had an event or treat you can do with the kids: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hId4KWmzfcY/VFu5AYRQf_I/AAAAAAAAsqI/9SAdcNCnKnU/s1600-h/IMG_63572.jpg"><img alt="tree advent calendar" border="0" height="566" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HyRKliM_98w/VFu5A0w9FdI/AAAAAAAAsqQ/97oygvx5vZg/IMG_6357_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="tree advent calendar" width="500" /></a> I’d check them each out just to make sure you are willing to do said things. Ha! And because little trinkets and candy are just fun – this one had little drawers just for that: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X6d2cdgw-6E/VFu5BnczcgI/AAAAAAAAsqY/nv-WJ4zTp0w/s1600-h/IMG_63582.jpg"><img alt="target advent calendar" border="0" height="500" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vWJ-pcckozA/VFu5ChcGMJI/AAAAAAAAsqc/xoDSy3hbVU4/IMG_6358_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="target advent calendar" width="500" /></a> They were REALLY small though. If you have more than one kiddo it may not work. ;) I saw this one at Kirkland’s weeks ago and had to share: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EN5VoJuDMQk/VFu5DRKRuQI/AAAAAAAAsqo/1pcSK24nxMY/s1600-h/unnamed2.jpg"><img alt="snowman advent calendar kirklands" border="0" height="667" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MED8A-it-Xo/VFu5D0FbaAI/AAAAAAAAsqw/yQjyD6SVG00/unnamed_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="snowman advent calendar kirklands" width="500" /></a> I just think he is the cutest! I found this beautiful hanging advent on Etsy: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yrYIE6a6Ag8/VFu5EtxCYII/AAAAAAAAsq4/vpy4P-KzKM0/s1600-h/il_570xN.505424587_2zkp3.jpg"><img alt="fabric advent calendar" border="0" height="375" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jyLXKMBvkmw/VFu5FaRizdI/AAAAAAAAsrA/_h4Y3p1GJbc/il_570xN.505424587_2zkp_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="fabric advent calendar" width="500" /></a><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163721646/santa-advent-calendar-christmas?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=advent&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" title="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163721646/santa-advent-calendar-christmas?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=advent&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">(source)</a> There’s so many details to it! I just love this one – it reminds me of something similar I had as a child. Pottery Barn never disappoints with their advent selection: <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hy8B9Ky5kog/VFu5F_YvupI/AAAAAAAAsrI/SQTh97VgT2Y/s1600-h/img33c4.jpg"><img alt="pottery barn advent calendar" border="0" height="417" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0ey_cHFMNQg/VFu5G5EYDeI/AAAAAAAAsrQ/uP9xtdfJXr8/img33c_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="pottery barn advent calendar" width="529" /></a> <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/jumbo-clothespin-advent-calendar/?cm_src=AutoRel" title="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/jumbo-clothespin-advent-calendar/?cm_src=AutoRel">(source)</a> Seriously…I’m going to make this one and save myself the $150. For real. But if you don’t want to DIY I’m not mad at ya – I think this is super cute and you could add whatever you want to the clips! I loved this Rudolph one from PB as well: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4_uMDts6Dh8/VFu5HQI7ysI/AAAAAAAAsrY/5osUQN86M4U/s1600-h/img43c3.jpg"><img alt="rudolph advent calendar" border="0" height="441" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OD9lttsmNEc/VFu5IFaVx4I/AAAAAAAAsrg/VIEQBZNUDyI/img43c_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="rudolph advent calendar" width="500" /></a> So cute! Let’s talk DIY versions, shall we? The easiest one by far is printing off fun projects/events for each day. Well the easy part is just printing and cutting them out – the hard part is in actually doing each event. ;) I loved these ideas you can print out and use: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-67CH6UkRqIE/VFu5I0_Vu4I/AAAAAAAAsro/0UzRYa2K83c/s1600-h/WMKidsActivityJar2blank13.jpg"><img alt="WM-Kid-s-Activity-Jar-2blank1" border="0" height="625" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pLUResKzYlI/VFu5JudpkSI/AAAAAAAAsrw/55tX6fHp6xM/WMKidsActivityJar2blank1_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="WM-Kid-s-Activity-Jar-2blank1" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://www.whilehewasnapping.com/2013/12/printable-kids-christmas-countdown-jar/" title="http://www.whilehewasnapping.com/2013/12/printable-kids-christmas-countdown-jar/">(source)</a> The best part about these is you can determine what event goes with what day – so read a story could be a week night and movie night could be over a weekend. I love the idea of these – it’s all about being with family and making memories, right? I’ve shared this idea before but it’s so dang cute I have to share a couple new versions. This one’s pretty easy too – just print out the Santa head and grab some cotton balls: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FrDfpfQDDY0/VFu5KRL7QWI/AAAAAAAAsr0/QXx44hhz2I4/s1600-h/santafaceAdventCalendar487x6003.jpg"><img alt="santa beard advent printable" border="0" height="600" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zkruB8LIvPo/VFu5Ky8dxHI/AAAAAAAAssA/pJVGOlTaibs/santafaceAdventCalendar487x600_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="santa beard advent printable" width="487" /></a> <a href="http://lovebugsandpostcards.com/kids-craft-santa-advent-calendar/" title="http://lovebugsandpostcards.com/kids-craft-santa-advent-calendar/">(source)</a> That one you can print out and let the kids color. If you want one already ready to go check out this cutie: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1CNNt2G-U80/VFu5LoyypNI/AAAAAAAAssI/6rSs7oJV7o8/s1600-h/2de8c35fa75c59132d91194ca47f01464.jpg"><img alt="santa beard advent printable" border="0" height="482" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0gcrr-t1Wnc/VFu5MaG0sNI/AAAAAAAAssQ/zKRTkYrlWuE/2de8c35fa75c59132d91194ca47f0146_thu.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="santa beard advent printable" width="356" /></a> <a href="http://www.tomfo.com/diy-free-santa-christmas-countdown-advent-calendar" title="http://www.tomfo.com/diy-free-santa-christmas-countdown-advent-calendar">(source)</a> LOVE the Santa face on the mason jar as well. :) Super easy right? Print it out and pile up some cotton balls! If you’re looking for a countdown that’s a little more decorative I love this chalkboard idea: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zMYzCTbvmDA/VFu5N-Qg4JI/AAAAAAAAssY/3r9WUPxQ7fM/s1600-h/countdowntoChristmas23.jpg"><img alt="chalkboard advent calendar" border="0" height="550" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9WihdNgPQAw/VFu5OedRm-I/AAAAAAAAssg/EddKhXvW9yA/countdowntoChristmas2_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="chalkboard advent calendar" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://todayscreativeblog.net/countdown-to-christmas/" title="http://todayscreativeblog.net/countdown-to-christmas/">(source)</a> It may not be as fun for the kids but you know, I haven’t met a child who doesn’t like any kind of countdown. The anticipation is half the fun! I think this idea is pretty and probably tons of fun for <strike>you</strike> the kids to open up everyday: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YbTOGrWxzqU/VFu5PJr7oaI/AAAAAAAAsso/c2fejVn4Apc/s1600-h/december009_thumb33.jpg"><img alt="DIY roll advent calendar" border="0" height="754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tux6t-8XbUw/VFu5P04Xz6I/AAAAAAAAssw/ZI8HU7sx9Cg/december009_thumb3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY roll advent calendar" width="500" /></a> <a href="http://mindypitcher.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-countdown-to-christmas.html" title="http://mindypitcher.blogspot.com/2011/12/our-countdown-to-christmas.html">(source)</a> She used toilet paper rolls but paper towel rolls cut up would work as well. Or just simply rolling some card stock to make the tube. I like that you can use festive papers to customize it too. The kids could help decorate it after you fill them up. :) Years ago when the Bub was just a little babe I <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2008/11/countdowns-for-kiddies.html">decorated these little boxes</a>: <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bmFpgEUDK_Y/VFu5QhV9uxI/AAAAAAAAss4/_xo82958qPw/s1600-h/ScreenShot20131112at10.54.34AM_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png"><img alt="DIY Christmas advent boxes" border="0" height="246" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZiYdHz1b1oE/VFu5RtOCBDI/AAAAAAAAstA/lZnTv4vosRU/ScreenShot20131112at10.54.34AM_thumb.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY Christmas advent boxes" width="500" /></a> It was a labor of love – they took a while. But they are still doing great and we pull them out every year. I think they are so adorable! We do a mix of treats and things like “drive around a look at Christmas lights” kind of things. Every year I plan on attaching them to something but I kind of like that we can put them out anywhere: <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hC7-A5fiV7Q/VFu5SZg4I9I/AAAAAAAAstI/-mrpWiYn1pc/s1600-h/ScreenShot20131112at10.54.34AM_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png"><img alt="advent box craft" border="0" height="385" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1WULIUo1AdA/VFu5TKXStSI/AAAAAAAAstQ/ZZaWvk5IfEI/ScreenShot20131112at10.54.34AM_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="advent box craft" width="404" /></a> I gotta say…looking at these gets me excited. :) :) We are Christmas nuts around here so it’s hard to wait! Do you have an advent calendar? Have you ever made your own? You can see more of my advent posts from years past <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/42-sleeps.html">here</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/11/counting-down.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/10/53-days.html">here</a> for more inspiration. Have a wonderful weekend!

The cutest countdowns

Hey there everybody! Happy FRIDAY! Can you believe how fast the time is going? It was JUST August. It’s freaking me out. Did you realize t...

8:05 AM

Fiddle dee dee

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZzFxjo-A96qOjAq6Fou7OIfDldFzQ9jxXFK_dhCvdnlVdtWNJ2KRxXl9YrqX5olC7mc021MB4jNxD6OP60nHIaVOEgqGn9P8Em7xY9nlFpDA4BK-MmOiblxK9zOduyQV_Xx_yYL0gxY/s1600-h/IMG_0471%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fiddle leaf fig" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTALK8x23Uc6LrRV44s4e5IsjHf-I58vVIiJt8v6YtJqGZCLTZTvhAu87yZhxW4wcRogyMHbw7LK8y5Rbg5kFb2iTrw_za5EULaM38yrFGTPKKae9u5R8_bPnRiWbsIjqIXPPeKRtXI0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fiddle leaf fig" width="500" /></a> Yet again…I’m late on the trend train. Like, the train is in the next station late. Per usual for me. I’m not very trendy anyway, and on the rare times when I do get on with one I’m super late and usually on it’s way out. I know you want to be cool like me. :) One trend that I admired and never jumped on till this year was the fiddle leaf one. Funny that a plant can become a trend, right? But these plants with the beautiful large leaves are still everywhere: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixMteHbxJ6QpZEMjkIzPDj6xk-LhDnipHQwISWfqlwCVL-5yskfpitNGY8r4k3Y2APrZ9jVxijrYtp8dyLgkJlgrx4-UU0qRF9As0LC4mBOq0l4UbAFob4p3tTJZdkqhfhSPR2jyEZwtE/s1600-h/IMG_01402.jpg"><img alt="plant in basket" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1yz-mePhauEE7D7SGZQCiYty7532gEmeBwkABIldRLYpUls57EaiDCETAHAwmS60KuwdQ7_e3ZlKdCv1oAXNuL5A_PE037Dy6bd5FLqC5X6Zmy5Zs83uoqh8f1s5wKhDawCxYS574H3s/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="plant in basket" width="500" /></a> I’ve noticed they come in two different forms – the more squatty version like this one that has much larger leaves: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrawFDynR5zR0wlbnM-218iD1oC46rFWws8YMIkkpwnAC-uSlpTLOdRKvmb8kUG2om3EBcB4xRynIZPNB-mFfMVTxtKw4BF4JlCpvrQWtoyjXWZlauMmRtAhoIuZ3U-rGyuLLnUluofE/s1600-h/unnamed%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="large fiddle leaf " border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOSyOWtpBVoh8lJ2rdWCC0APnEf2bAy1ylBvDXcCdcam1qvXMtB-rdyjfwcqZcF55szEdqV0UnLpAT5vmm4yzYY8jmApxOIpKahXtgsSW-Tm5lxUoI8G3qkkB_X6gro6mdUh4H3EQo-0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="large fiddle leaf " width="500" /></a> And others have much smaller leaves but are taller and branch out into more of a tree shape. That one above was <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/10/ikea-finds.html">an IKEA find</a> a few weeks ago and he was not in the best shape. Most of the leaves have some kind of damage but he’s doing much better so far. The IKEA one was a super great price of only $13. I’ve never seen them for that low anywhere else, especially for the size. I got this one for our master bedroom last winter for a lot more than $13. ;) It is taller though: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWryL8GZqGTM2EcxyFtylstkblGa_J_ZtA1lfXQsS4S45eaGNUgxn3zZGN0B6t4OfwLObGR1780bxy-njZ20ilTHNE5uYNHQOJr2hGvBlj0UySjSZOEy-AiE5WpRNTnptvjGeNSjHfffs/s1600-h/IMG_87682%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="gray board and batten wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWqLF-NsZekN_0MmGEdcQrS77bXDHgYARjB3kFyNOzfzOKXYkNYAhCzqg9e3h0SboystIvuWhH3MUf5aGcfs4qh1MTn9aj0y0ZJ8fYPP858NRcU9bv-zo88p6bXI6ov_nUBU1F5uqpkiI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="gray board and batten wall" width="500" /></a> This was my first fiddle leaf and I immediately started killing it. Like, right away. It’s leaves were dropping like flies and it was NOT happy in it’s new home. So I started doing some pretty ingenious things to keep it alive…like watering it and making sure it had enough light. ;) Seriously, I think the key to these plants is LOTS of light. I’ve read they don’t like direct sun but mine looooove it. As soon as I got this guy into the sun every morning he started doing great. Not before half of the leaves fell off though. Whomp. And now I water them about once a week – not a soak, just a good watering. Water and sun…who would have thunk it. I’m not a clean freak by any stretch of the imagination but the leaves on this guy were grossing me out: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jsJaRJlQtL7kHghO4ElHpliFDPVdAIwXR9V6mTujltsBt3aL2OXMCFyHNmXyqq6nS7ex2bvrQlhBBrddFkRSPuyp-mXj5VBLiIu7yRF_O6RyejVvMyGIwznt0g0F1QDzu8ozWrAfx5M/s1600-h/IMG_0457%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAx3dBkx0xlw94ZMoWA787Hn0yRw8u3FBbHK_lbBYsvLghi0_-xfxBpIhxaJh7uksFSzkXMAxT9bGhDazFE_Z-3vPSWjZ3_c03Vv63v198uwS5OKNn2y7XY9bjBaMfWwnSHXeF5bkrYoU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="500" /></a> You can see the new leaves are bright and shiny. The old ones were filthy. I swear to you the rest of my house does not look like those leaves – I’m not sure what I did in the room that made them so dirty. Maybe because that window is open so much? I don’t know – the newer leaves that are about eight months old barely had any dust on them. No idea but I finally decided to clean them up – I took a wet rag and wiped every. single. leaf.: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFd9gr23yifwxK2R-WqXcE1cpfL6bSpNeU1N5AHRZx4EZhV62o6epeCI8l0e1SnShSDGdrJMAoJh1boZdbsdp2BhuFoJHzDeixDVdi9rxwniNf2SSYRkbctqGVMOqhP5K1E7KpoYA3kto/s1600-h/IMG_0458%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cleaning plant leaves" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8Sx5HuosNSTRxB3cprefgnnnGcmI9gyvYprN0oFlrguw6llloaZnKPYoHZp2G58zPtrsKAcdegm4yVMYug-_nA9r6Dt1D8-Ypnh63vxC5BkM1IK6lmvjDvPOOrLUnCT5TM-p6XX7ric/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cleaning plant leaves" width="500" /></a> For real, I stood there and couldn’t believe I was dusting my plant leaves. Do most people do that? I don’t even know. I guess I’ve never had plants with leaves big enough to actually accumulate anything before. I recently heard about a little trick to shine up the leaves and make them look brand new again. It sounded a little wacky to me but it worked – I just took a teensy dab of mayonnaise and wiped the leaves down: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYSGtxrUOg3q34UwQalj75fOSPjLLii6guteLBgFWrZO30LzZBct2voLMyOlVh9S_R_FUGZz5sV4K-75a4SrVB5BHzcRswfEKxK3Y8oc5SI2wurv2YFkELZ3fHu92eCErrYxtvGMUD70/s1600-h/IMG_0460%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="mayonnaise on plant leaves" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TcGfOEL6ZEJ0FrvD-F_qAOxQWLidTf4uvXc5epoJuvMxGHmNc3qgZookpmU6uUD9WFDLPR_-S0dXTYOUX9aVZTXKhaHCOpROvy53X-CuoT9U3V-Ug9sjmYV7UXHD_iGSaDn2INYnKcU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="mayonnaise on plant leaves" width="500" /></a> I did this very gently by the way – the older leaves are nice and thick but I didn’t want to do any damage. I have to admit it worked really well – the older leaves now match the glossier (more glossy?) new leaves: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92M29U4x58r8tgn-5iJsVQrfGe5Zz7fQ4su9DV3ri4zgxgex6Z9x-fXoLSYaLZmXHaq0Tf2fGZlYrYnjioUnpSPk6uFH3_L4lqfd9sV_JLiUs85SRiIJJnJyfs_e3070hUvccLwiKrKI/s1600-h/IMG_0461%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="making plant leaves shiny" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgZu-M-VNvHqkQpekwKk4soulykDGRvodkWSiVdYshpaJKE8bpwiHGRXFr2lIhahbXVXs9CFMhM7qcPtzrZdrayy0Um8udyPnXMsD-2lPUMxLshdHyrrhbA5jgV2kT8KrluAdnsb7qME/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="making plant leaves shiny" width="500" /></a> Fiddle is looking pretty awesome I must say: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuO7Zmih_Ihlhtr-Y0yU2bhPpCmPw2sClPaCzZZtHeVleeGgJywwfUZKv3YMCzgg_vYFFMEQ292mxdD_8qqhPG-VHizd4oRpJyLgBH4iEocPknD4wO2Z57l6ioQODwjRTV8nObkbG8Vzg/s1600-h/IMG_0462%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fiddle leaf tree " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-KlmrL__iuYoZT2nHGjNtfFcXazy-dvxOTRS2xONeW5jFeGihwBGzbVOjW_o59G5g-b6ZGgEtyeW0bfy0RZ6p3pR4sVPViYHJIwAVtFmv0l892lqC_iRqGTxL9y_cg28AygcoI3sZ6g/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fiddle leaf tree " width="500" /></a> Excuse the cat butt. Side note: I love green and gray together. You can see from the older pic above that the tree lost a TON of leaves. But you should have seen it before I figured out how to bring it back. :) It has grown quite a bit since then – both out and up. I LOVE these plants now – I’m completely hooked. If I can find more at IKEA I’d like to get one more. Their big beautiful leaves are lovely: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMd-fdOdMctxLE64esXaH_0SrGrV285rgppYEl_iizViYMXj1xMwqiVqF8q5N1BFml_Huko7UycavLsdu5ZQps8bI99JiEdGnJ0Hd2k21XdsGIBAd-YFv974OqhCaTDPEq412EW8cD_JA/s1600-h/IMG_0476%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fiddle leaf fig tree" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkBoeFVPipIgKMNUDwPgWzf7u03jMhnGvFT2l9xWiWXNBVO5rBpxwEtQMgA_rbepH-tueMgb6hp7t1bZ9tBZmlOvZpu4lcWvmB5kbmuHEYXPWvx9ENJjQPBcyFoIkmapxrpeFpYdlY-o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fiddle leaf fig tree" width="500" /></a> A few of you have asked about the cats with this plant. I waffled back and forth about getting one because I read conflicting reports over the years. But I’ve found the cats don’t touch these plants. Our palms they chomp on like food but they’ve never shown any interest in these at all. Also, when the fiddle leaf is healthy it doesn’t seem to shed leaves…this one hasn’t lost one leaf since I brought it back to life. Have you jumped on the fig train? Are you a plant person in general or no? I LOVE them and love having plants scattered throughout the house – they give it life! I’ve blogged about plants that are safe to have around cats (and easy to grow!) <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/01/plants-i-dont-kill.html">here</a> and <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/07/pops-of-green.html">here</a>. I think the key to most plants is the light – pay attention to what their needs are in that area and you’ll be good. Most of our plants I water every two weeks or so and they do wonderfully.

Fiddle dee dee

Yet again…I’m late on the trend train. Like, the train is in the next station late. Per usual for me. I’m not very trendy anyway, and on t...

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Giving thanks craft

Simple fix: Filling holes

Bay window progress!

The cutest countdowns

Fiddle dee dee

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