Three Days of DIY

So for the past 72 hours, my life was consumed with a "small" DIY project (so I thought).

I woke up Sunday hoping to take my kids sledding again, only to realize that the pouring/freezing rain wasn't going to let that happen.  Being that I am not very good at staying put and not having something to do all the time...I decided that my husband and I were going to refinish the kitchen cabinets.  

We had been talking about it for weeks and had just ordered a new counter-top last week, so it was time.  Had I known how much time said project was going to take and how it would take over my house, I would have happily paid someone to do it :)

BUT looking back I am honestly really glad we did it!  I would definitely recommend it if you like doing things yourself and you're looking for a less-costly solution to replacing your old cabinets.  

Basically, we purchased the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformation kit from Home Depot for $75,  paint brushes, disposable gloves, and microfiber cloths and got to work. The toughest part was waiting a couple of hours between painting (about 6 different coats of paint and gloss), and not painting while the kids were awake, which is why it took place over three days.  My dining room table was in my living room with the contents of all these cabinets the entire time, so the first floor was pretty much off limits for the kids.

At one point I was cooking chili in the crock pot, in the living room...in retrospect, not my best idea.  Takeout, takeout, takeout.

When all is said and done though, our cabinets went from a dated wood look, to a clean white cabinet that my boys will surely have their fingerprints all over in no time!  It cost us around $100 and I'm sure when a little time passes, I would gladly be up to doing again at some point.  I always love a good DIY project even if it's a little challenging.  

The end result is almost always worth it!

-Colleen

Hi Everyone! I hope you all had an amazing New Year's Eve and Day! I spent both days with my boys and catching up with lots of friends. On Wednesday my son and I wandered around South Philly with our good friends, all day, at the Mummers parade. It really turned out to be such a great time. Always risky being out on the town with a couple of two year old children for more than 6 hours straight, but it was all worth it!  After lots of walking/carrying, numerous trips to the nearest "potty", and exploring new houses and roof decks...it was time to go home, eat some pizza, and think about a New Year's resolution or two.

The one I have been wanting to do for some time is a definite must for me, and that is to put down my iPhone as often as possible. I am definitely in the habit of checking emails, texts, Instagram, twitter at so many times throughout the day. I love having access to all of this stuff so easily but I really find myself wondering if I needed to check those emails first thing in the morning, or see what my closest twitter celebrity friends are up to :)  

I'll let you know how this one goes! It's definitely a habit of mine now so it won't be too easy to just stop doing, especially with a work schedule that is constantly changing via email and text. I'm always up for a good challenge though! 

Resolution #2 is also going to take some getting used to...cutting the cable bill. Our monthly cable bill is getting out of control and I feel like this is probably one of the easiest ways to save some money in 2014. So goodbye new season of Shameless, you will be missed.  Homeland...I'm sure I'll be back in time for next season, lets get serious.  

If anyone has insight on either resolutions and how I can achieve them - please fill me in! 

Here's to a happy and healthy 2014 for all of you!

-Colleen