Bamboo Bar Cart Makeover

Welcome!  I am dusting off the blog today!  I am beyond guilty of neglecting this little corner of the web, but sometimes I get in a rut!  Is anybody still reading blogs?  I will admit that I neglect my favorite bloggers thanks to Instagram... it's just too easy to scroll through and see what's what.  Anyway, thanks for stopping over!  

Isn't this serving cart adorable?  

It ended up being the inspo I needed to get the back porch Summer-ready.  

Have you ever trash-picked curb-rescued something only to get it home and your original enthusiasm quickly spirals downhill ?  

You start off so positive: "Oh, that will be so cute in _______  (insert where you envision the wonder going).  But once you get a good look at it, you turn to "I'll-just-spray-paint-it" mode.   Step three of the vicious cycle is when you realize even blessed spray-paint ain't solving this problem.  

I was Bamboo-zled, get it?  
Here it is... looks can be deceiving because it was horrid on the underside.  I was actually getting annoyed that someone left this Target bar-cart circa 2015 OUTSIDE!  It was moldy and nasty.

Finally,  you are left with only TWO options.  

1.  Throw it out on your curb and risk the original neighbor 

(in my case on the same street) seeing it out there.

or

2. Fix the darn thing up.

This is my story of the rescued bamboo bar cart.  I spotted the cutie on the way out one evening and asked the spouse to pick it up if it was still there when we were on the way home.  Of course she was still waiting for us, and the spouse was so sweet to go get it for me.  However, when I got it home, I went into step 2, then quickly to step 3 once I flipped the cart over and saw the moldy damage that had prompted her demise in the first place!  But my pride is bigger than ability to accept defeat.  My kiddo and I tore out the existing shelves and built new.  After a little paint and elbow grease, it is now a fun addition to the back porch.  It even inspired a much needed revamping of our outdoor space and I can't wait to serve up something fun on this baby!


My assistant and I started by removing all of wood from the shelves but were able to salvage the bamboo frame and wheels.  
I used some scrap wood and cut new shelves and supports that were glued and nailed to the frame.  I didn't take any pics of that because, I'll be honest, I thought this one might get nixed.  See the rot?

  I spray painted the whole thing with Rust-oleum Navy Blue in a glossy finish.

...and finished the wheels with Krylon Metallic Copper.

See how cute it turned out?  My daughter asked me if we should take it back to the original owners!!  Nope, they neglected her, she's mine now. 

 I was so inspired for a spruce up that I couldn't resist some new accessories to go with the new addition.  Now, on first glance, one might think I had recently returned from an international adventure, traveling the world and collecting textiles and treasures from afar.
Nope, the Christmas Tree Shops guys.  I scored both of the rugs out here for less than 60 for the two of them.

 I also found these adorable melamine plates with bamboo trim.  They are similar to the one's at Ballard Designs, only for a fraction of the dough.

...and a few gold flower pots  for 5 bucks to finish off the look.

My DIY sliding screen door is holding up pretty good out here!
Details can be found here.



Thanks for stopping over!

Full Hands, Fuller Heart

So this may be less of a decorating / DIY post than usual, but the reality is that my real job is "mom."

  Once upon a time in my life, I had five kids ages 9 and under.  If I had a dollar for every time someone told me I had my "hands full," or " you're busy," or my favorite: "God Bless Ya, I don't know how you do it!"  -I'd have college for all 5 kids paid for by now.  Honestly, I found this extremely offensive back then, and would have to bite my tongue from spurting out a nasty reply to these folks.

Pinterest

But something happened over the years, and I started to feel empowered by these comments.  I embraced the fact that I could handle something that these "average" ladies just could not.   Confession:  I still feel that way.  I do.  I don't get offended by the remarks.  I am so proud that I have these five gorgeous children (and still fit in my skinny jeans) and have grown to accept and embrace people's insecurities that they project toward others.

But parenting changes.  Kids change.  Somewhere along the road to middle school, society acts like you aren't a parent if your kids are no longer wearing what you pick out or getting snack-time at school.  We focus so much on baby gear and toddler manners that the real-deal kid-raising takes a back seat.  Like all things in life, I guess, when it's no longer "fun" it isn't worth mentioning.  

I'll admit that raising adolescents is not as intriguing as watching a toddler explore a playground for the first time.  Once the little people we've acquired have an opinion and a voice, it becomes much more challenging to enjoy the daily grind.  We are no longer in control of every aspect of  them.  They have their own plans, thoughts, schedule, conversations, and friends (who we didn't choose just because we like the other moms).  It isn't "sweet" anymore and glamorous in the least, hence why it "doesn't count" as parenting in today's world.  

I'm shedding some light on the fact that this is when the "parenting" gets REAL.  Yes, my babies, toddlers, and pre-K's needed us.  We loved those times (I have a trillion pics to prove it).  But now, when the attitudes come home from school, the drama starts in third grade, they get a driver's license, or walk around the house with earbuds in (all day), this is when the we are in the thick of it.  They need guidance, emotional support, lectures, and discipline just as much now (if not more) than ever before.   

We recently faced a harsh reality.  I should say we continue to face it, as our oldest son lost one of his closest friends in a tragic accident.  The details are not important, but the fact remains that I can't take away this pain, grief, and visual of having witnessed what nobody I know has had to endure. As a mother,  my sole focus has been to protect the kids.  I can't fix this.  I have had to learn to be the passenger on this ride, and let me tell you that's not easy.  Learning to listen, grant space, offer words of encouragement at the right time, stop talking at the right time, and letting him just be, are all new paths for me.  Navigating this experience is new to all of us in this family and I will say I have never been more aware of how much I need to be more "present" with my kids and how thankful I am for them each day.

 Once my kids began to grow older,  I began to realize they are no longer my people who's lives I am able to orchestrate.   Adjusting to these changes has been challenging, interesting, but so enjoyable.  Seriously!  I really like the people I have raised so far.  They have conversations with me, help me create projects, laugh with me.  As parents, we are doing good, I'd like to think.  I hope to raise these boys to be great men, and my daughter a fabulous woman; all of whom love God and praise Jesus for all of life's blessings.  That's it:  ultimate goal right there.

But now, unlike before, I really do feel like I have my "hands full."  I could use a "God Bless Ya!"  because some days, I really don't know how I do it.

Thanks for listening...

Budget-Friendly Boho Inspired Finds to Update Any Room

I'd be a liar if I said I don't crave Spring right now.  Once I packed up all of the cold weather / Valentine decorations,  I was more than ready for a simple, clean, fresh start.
I just finished up some wallpaper in the Family Room.  It's very Scandinavian of me ;)  I'm in love with the way this transformed the family room.  It went from just, "meh" to "WOW!"   I used Beacon House's Scandinavian Block Print Tulip in blue.  Now, this wallpaper is not pre-pasted, so I knew it would be a witch to hang, just like my foyer ceiling was.  But the quality is fabulous.  I've had cheap paper tear and stretch when hanging it up, but this is sturdy and thick.  I covered only the wall around the fireplace and it's just what we needed to carry the blue from the kitchen cabinets through, since both are visible at the same time.

Here's the view from the family room into the breakfast nook...the blue now floooows right in.

This new look has me craving some Boho style in our family room.  This should be easy, given that I never jumped on the "shiplap wagon."  (Don't knock me yet!)  I adore it in other people's houses, I think it is a great way to add character to a blank wall.  I actually ordered some shiplap wallpaper for an upcoming room project, so there.  Real shiplap just clearly doesn't go with our cookie-cutter-colonial.  Lucky for me, I can't commit to any color and all of our furniture is basically neutral as well.  This room can use some updated pieces, so I went to my regular source for everything:  Amazon!!  

Adding this Boho, or Modern Boho look is an easy update for a tired room like we had.  Mixing textures is the key here.  Some navy blue, woven wool, leather, natural elements, and pops of gold work well together.

I love this Moroccan leather pouf, it doesn't come filled though so I guess plastic grocery bags it is...  But this Faux Fiddle Leaf tree is in my cart.  I kill every plant I own.  (It's a wonder my family has fared well thus far).  Since everybody's doing the Fiddle Leaf thing, I can participate now and not regret causing the death of a lovely plant while preserving my budget.  This is a steal people.

$69.99

$52.69

$18.79

$24.99

$23.49

$11.99

Just the sheer fact that when I was a kid my mom had a macrame wall hanging on the sun porch and woven plant hangers is reason enough for my nostalgic side to order these guys.  

     

Need any of these to remedy your space?  Click an image to go directly to the affiliate link on Amazon.

Thanks for popping over...don't forget to subscribe (top right of the blog-mint box) and follow on Instagram @cure4decor to enter to win the Blogiversary Giveaway this week!

Chalkboard Sign Giveaway

Happy Sunday Loves!

Today, this is short and sweet.  I just want to share the Chalkboard Sign I made for my 5 year Blogiversary.  For one follower, it's yours!

I love this saying and feel like it serves as a great reminder to everyone in the home!

This was so easy to make.  Now,  I'm not talking anybody into using Chalk Couture, nor am I compensated in any way for sharing this, I just use it and love it.  I made this distressed-look sign using Chalk Couture products and a perfectly vintage store-bought frame.

It was seriously 3 steps and it was finished!  Chalk Couture is removable but I clear coated this one to make it permanent.  

(Some screen shots of the steps)

How to enter?  

1.  Subscribe to Cure4Decor

(At the top right of this page, enter your email in the mint colored square "Get Cure4Decor in your inbox")  Be sure to check your email to confirm the subscription.  If you already subcribe here...Thanks! You are automatically entered!   Go to step 2.

2.  Follow me on Instagram

(Link to my IG is at the right under "Let's Connect"
click the camera icon to be directed to IG)  That's it!

Enter through Sunday, March 4th.  The random drawing winner will be announced March 5th via Instagram and here on the blog.  The winner will also be notified via email and all shipping and handling costs are covered, so it really is free, enter today!!

If you want to learn more about Chalk Couture and how to get it, hit the black button on my sidebar.

Thanks for stopping over!

How to Make New Galvanized Metal Look Old: DIY "Rusty" Olive Baskets

This post contains affiliate links.

 Call me late in the game, but I just picked up a pair of these olive buckets to flank the front door.  I know, I know...but I'm a discount shopper and refused to pay big money for something like this.

Left: dreamywhites.blogspot.com
Right: savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com

Ballard Designs  $129.00 ??? Nope, sorry.


Amazon to the rescue...
I found these baskets, not one, but two for way less than the price of the ones found at the elite stores.  These babies measure 14.5" X 15" X 11"  which is plenty big for my taste.   And at less than $50 bucks for the pair, I am a happy girl.

Amazon Affiliate Link

They arrived in two days and I loved the size and value, but they were far from rusty and "real" looking.  I decided to try to create some vintage vibe on these two.

Using brown matte acrylic paint and a fine paintbrush, I went over the handles and anywhere it would tend to rust on an old metal basket.

I ran the brush down the seam and across both the top and bottom rims.
It dried super quick and in 10 minutes, they looked like they have been outside for decades.

See the difference?  Left:  Rusty, Right: Not!

No Tetanus shot required!  Now where am I going to put these until I go buy the plants?!!


Thanks for stopping over...

5 Year Bloggiversary!

Happy Anniversary to me!

Cure 4 Decor  Planted and Blooming Girl is 5 years old today!  

Ok, so maybe I haven't been the most dedicated blogger in the world.  I know, I'm a slacker, but keeping it real means keeping it simple.  I try to share useful info for you guys out there, and loyal folks know I am not big on bragging.  If it's helpful, I blog it.  If I didn't do it, I won't usually share it because, really, anyone who has the funds can get a contractor to come and revamp your kitchen, swap out your corner jacuzzi tub for a claw foot, knock down walls, and change your dated granite and kitchen floor (sorry that may be my wish list).  It's pretty obvious that new construction has all the "up-to-date" finishes and, no offense, that's boring to read about, not to mention unrealistic.  I'm not interested in making myself feel bad here.  I just like to surround myself with pretty things (and experiment with tools sometimes ;) while sharing my remedies for the Cookie-Cutter-Colonial. 

So aside from getting 5 years older... what's been happening for the last five years?