Desk Makeover Reveal

Hello Lovelies,

So this morning I was on a roll and was determined to actually finish this desk that I've had for a couple of weeks so that I may post this very post.  So as a reminder here's what I started out with. This beautifully made all wood desk with dovetailed drawers from craigslist @ guess how much? @ $65! Yes! Can you believe it? It's in great shape too!                                                                         

Then about a week later I went to get my supplies and here they are on my amazing kitchen table that I use and abuse all the time.

~ Here's what I used for this project ~

• New good quality paint brushes
• Buffers
• Foam roller
• Brasso (to shine the handles)
• Sand paper (220 grit)
• Sand paper (800 to buff wax)
• Annie Sloan Old White Chalk Paint
• Annie Sloan Clear Wax
• Annie Sloan Dark Wax
• Minwax stain in dark walnut
• Electric Sander

I first started out by staining the insides of the drawers because I've always hated beautiful pieces that are ugly on the inside.  I like a pretty interior too because even if you never see it I'll be seeing it everyday.  After the stain dried i rubbed off any extra with a towel and then started painting the front of the drawers.  I used about 3 light coats so if you're the type to use a lot of paint the 2 should be enough.  I also would dip my brush in water if i needed my brush to glide easier.  This paint allows you to do that.  Then i got the clear wax and waxed the fronts really well then sanded with the silky smooth 800 grit sandpaper to let it blend well.

Then i did the same thing to the body of the desk.

Then again to the bottom:

After all was clear waxed and dry it was time to give it some personality.  I got the same brush that i used for the clear wax and dipped it in the dark wax and added it around the edges of the desk itself and the drawers. Then i got a white cloth and dipped it in the clear wax and started to wipe the dark wax off.  Now I have this awesome aged french vintage looking desk at home that I can't wait to use and fill it up.

Let me know what you think.  Thanks!

xo, Mayuya

Thanks to all of the co-hosts of this awesome link party!

Micki from addhousewife.com
Kim from themoney-pit.com
Joanne from doublewideinthesky.blogspot.com
Shelby from thebeansproutnotes.blogspot.com
and  Lisha from onehouseonecouple.blogzam.com

Happy 2nd Birthday to Beautiful Safiya

On April 24th, 2010 not only were you born but I became a mother.  I want you to know that I love you so much that it brings tears to my eyes and aches to my heart.  May God bless you always and grant you all that you wish for.  May you be successful and happy in this life and the hereafter.  You are the joy of my heart and I can't imagine life without you.  Love when you smile at me and call me MAY instead of mom.  Love your kisses and your tight hugs.  Love it when you say thanks with that twinkle in your eyes.  I just love everything about you and can go on forever.  Hope one day when you read this you'd get a glimpse of how much you mean to me.  Happy 2nd Birthday!

Jars, Bottles, & Anyting Glass

Those who know me know that I hate when edible goods or crafting items come in plastic bags or containers and stay there.  So I'm a big fan of re-purposing food jars and bottles (I don't drink and these bottles had sparkling juices in them).  I love how they look in the kitchen and how they're see through and work as an exhibit for the stuff that's in them.  In this photo is a whole bunch of bottles and jars getting a good soaking.

This is what I do to clean these babies up:

• Soak in warm soapy water for a couple of hours (or longer if you can).  This will most likely get them clean.
• If there's stubborn labels and glue then rub with Goo B Gone (I've used it but God knows what's in it so this time I used coconut oil that smells ooohhh so yummy)
• Scrub with some steel wool or crumbled up foil like I did.
• Run them in the dishwasher for a good final clean.
• Fill with yummies or crafty supplies and enjoy.

I had also bought some fresh mint that day to dry up.  I put it in my black tea for an added great taste and aroma.  In the winter I usually wash the mint and strain thoroughly and put on a cotton pillow case on top of a heating vent.  But since I don't have the heat on these days I put the oven on 150 degrees and place the mint in the oven for a couple of hours until almost dry.  You don't want to go any warmer than this to keep the mint from actually cooking and loosing it's nutritious value.  Then leave in the oven for another day until none of the leaves are moist. 

Here's my yummy mint on my vintage aluminum tray! 

Here's some of my bottles and jars in action loaded with (from the left):

Popcorn - Mint (from above) - Oil - Turmeric - Sage

If you look outside the glass on the top right of the photo you'll notice to small planters outside.  One is Thyme and the other is Oregano.  I love adding those two to homemade breads. 

Here's another angle. 
If you're wondering what are these plants in the back in the carton, they are Lavender (which is now planted in a nice looking planter) and Marigold (to add to salads).

That's it for this post:  Now tell me:

Do you repupose glass containers?

What's your favorite things to put in them?

Till next time,

Mayuya

Check her blog out!

Hello People,
Like I said in my last post I want to order some Annie Sloan paint so i went to the website to find local dealers and I did.  Her blog is Oh So Pretty and she's located in Northrn VA where I am.  I'll be sure to check out her stuff meanwhile you should checkout her blog and her etsy shop at:
www.stylishpatina.com
http://www.etsy.com/shop/StylishPatina?ref=em
XO,
May

Desk Makeover

Ok so yesterday I found a vintage desk on craigslist for really cheap.  Yay! I'll tell you how much when I actually give it a makeover...you'll have to wait :)
Anyway, the drawers are beautifully made and dovetailed, it's in pretty good shape, and is curvy in all the right places.  I love me some solid wood furniture to makeover! I plan to paint the bottom with Annie Sloan furniture paint and stain the top. I also plan on giving it a distressed look and finishing it off with a good waxing.  Did I mention that it has brass pulls?  Can't wait to get started.....probably sometime next week as I have to order the paint and then wait for my little girlies to go to bed early one night.....sigh*
Here's what this bad boy looks like for now....<3  Goodnight!

I'm Back!

So I haven't posted anything in the last 8 months just because I've been super busy! I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on September 15th, 2011 and she was the new addition to my other baby girl that was about to turn 17 months at the time.  Yes, i know i currently have two under two and just as i was getting the hang of things the terrible twos are on the verge of completely arriving.  My 1st monsterette will be turning 2 on the 24th (God Willing).  But a lot has been going on in the house and in life in general.  I painted the family room/fireplace room, i painted two rooms upstairs (the guest room and my monsterette's room), i purchased some great stuff on craigslist that i plan on painting and refinishing, and I've been cooking new recipes.  So I'm really excited to be back and can't wait to share pictures of all that's been going on.  On that note I'll leave you with a picture of my beautiful second baby girl  the day she was born! Night Night