Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations Before and After.

Howdy, Islanders!

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I've branched into new services.  One of my recent projects included a friend's townhouse.  We truly transformed every space.  The room with the most drastic 'before and after' would have to be the kitchen.

New appliances | New back splash | Updated counter top | Updated cabinets

Today, we're talking about how we updated cabinets.  The kitchen was dated and the cabinets were such a drastic contrast to the cool blue-gray paint color and the rustic vinyl wood flooring that I knew we needed a change.  I really wanted to transform the builder-grade oak cabinets for a fresh and updated look.  Rather than a bright white, in a high traffic area like the kitchen, I decided to go for a creamy white look.  Hopefully, I could find the right color but only a trip to buy the kit would tell.

On a trip to Lowes, I found two kits on sale and I couldn't resist the price.

One kit was unmixed bright white.  The other was called Linen (which, in my opinion, has a pink undertone to a creamy off-white paint color).   In addition to the kit, I picked up painters' pyramids.

OMG!  Those little risers were amazing.  They made painting the cabinets (front and back) a breeze but seriously?!  The best part of Before and After posts are the photos.  Can we get to it already?

Things I Love: Himalayan Salt Lamp Review

Yesterday, I shared my love for the essential oil diffusers I purchased awhile back.  Today, we’re talking about another natural way to freshen and purify your air.

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When a co-worker first told me about the Himalayan Salt benefits, I was skeptical.  I mean, I enjoyed the pleasant glow of the rock in her office but -- a rock?  With all those benefits?  

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Couldn’t be true.  Could it?

If you know me, you know I research.  Seriously, Islanders.  When in doubt, find it out!  I researched and found the benefits of Himalayan salt to be astounding.  You can learn more here.

I planned to buy one when I saw it on sale at Bed Bath and Beyond but the sale passed and, with it, so did my desire to purchase.  As you know, I frequent my local thrift shops and I was pleasantly surprised to find one priced at $4.90 on a half-off day!  Islanders! THAT’S $2.45!!! OMG!  I rushed home, wiped it down with a damp cloth, then with a dry one and excitedly plugged in my new Himalayan salt lamp!

The ambient glow is great in the space at night.  Yep, now the dog can see when he quickly jumps off the sofa whenever I enter in the room (rolls eyes... my REAL life).

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If you’re looking for a natural remedy to the things listed above, do your research and search for one on sale (they are heavy so shipping may cost more).

Things I Love: Skyroku Oil Diffuser Review

Hi! I’ve shared how the smell of my home can instantly make or break my mood when I walk through the door.  I will wash a load of whites for the scent (because you know I ain't interested in laundry - haha),  I use fabric softener in my homemade Febreez recipe, I have placed vanilla extract into a small foil “bowl” and baked it, I have plug-ins, I burn candles, and more!  I go to great lengths to ensure my house smells as fresh as possible.

Then, I got a dog.  I love my dog but I hate how my dog smells... especially after a walk in the summer heat.

Like, I hate it.  I hate how my dog makes my house smell after a walk or when he farts or burps or ugh. I hate it.  I hate it. I hate it!

My boo, Sheena, always keeps me up on the latest and greatest cleaning products.  She told me about the lemon- and then the lavender- scented Pine-Sol cleaning solutions when they first hit the shelves.  She told me the benefits of hiring a cleaning service to clean the areas of the home often neglected (like ceiling fans, windows and door frames).  One day, she sent me the above picture to start the conversation about her latest gadget that was a game-changer in her house.  What's that, you ask?

It’s an essential oil diffuser and, Islanders, it’s awesome.  I went to Amazon and ordered two Skyroku brand diffusers for less than $30 total.

The Skyroku diffusers have two diffusing settings, continuous and 30-second intervals.  Oh, and Munchface loves them!  Her favorite part is the many lighting options.  She has the option to select one of many color options, the light show option (it cycles through all colors) or to have no light at all.

 That's a video of the light show captured while Munch was sleeping.

Another favorite part for Munch is choosing her oil.  We especially enjoy the peppermint, lemon and lavender scents.  We got the above set for $17!  If you've ever purchased essential oils, you know they cost anywhere from $5-$12 each so, a set of 6 for that price is a great deal!  Here's how it works:

1.  You remove the top and fill the cup like portion with water to the Fill Line.

2.  Add 3-5 drops (more if you have a larger space) to the water.
3.  Return the top to its place and align the 'lock'
4.  Press the power button and design a setting (green for intervals or red for continuous)
5.  Enjoy the fresh scent using oils known for their health benefits and functionality.

An added bonus?  The increased moisture in the air has similar effects to a humidifier and can help with allergies, colds and restless sleeping habits.  I placed one in Munch's room and the other in our family room.  We love the functionality and freshness!

Things I Love: Beauty Products.

Hey, Islanders.

You might be sick of my multiple and seemingly random blog series but... WHATEVER!  I'm back with another one and it's all about nifty things I've found at a great deal or that I've implemented in our life that really work!  This series will not be like Maya Mondays or Wordless Wednesdays but I will use the 'Things I Love' tag (saved under the right navigation menu --> Topics and Thoughts) to store all of the things (deals, tips, tricks, and more) I love!

Today, we're talking about beauty products and dupes I've been using for the past few months that have TOTALLY changed my life!

1. Beauty Blender for $1!

I've seen the Beauty Blender in a number of stores and, while I wanted to have the flawless face after makeup and moisturizer application, I couldn't bring myself to pay the $20 price.  When I saw the Sassy+Chic blender at Dollar Tree, I had to pick one up.  I LOVE IT and I LOVE ITS PRICE EVEN MORE. Oh, and even if you don't wear makeup, this is perfect for moisturizer application... the goal is to minimize hand-to-face contact.

Day 22: $6 Chili Recipe

So, I know you don't believe it but YES, the Dollar Tree (DT) sells chili.

AND NO.  I don't care how great the reviews are, I'm NOT talking about canned chili!  This month's challenge has forced me to LOOK for cool things at DT.  It's been fun! While searching, I scanned the food aisles and this McCormick seasoning packet caught my eye.  

Hmm, skillet chili.  Sounds interesting enough...  The package said all I needed was a 1 can of tomatoes, 1 can of red or kidney beans and a pound of ground beef.  I made ours with a can of fire roasted tomatoes (purchased from DT), a can of Goya brand kidney beans (purchased from DT), a pound of ground turkey (purchased for $1.89 from Aldi), and I served it over white rice (purchased from DT).  That's $4 at DT and $2 from Aldi for the meat.  A meal for 4 adults for less than $10?!  Unheard of!