Life in Rehab: August 2010

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Critical Mass

I built this particular bookcase with my own two delicate little hands. It's a very sturdy piece that survived many traumatic things in the last 25 years, from wild parties to toddlers to fires.

This may be all it can handle, however. Meet the business end of Hugs, also known as Lunchbox, Tons of Fun, Critical Mass Cat, Storage Locker 12, Full Eclipse, The Most Cat for Your Money, Free Weight, Feed Bag, He Who Blocks Out the Sun, Meatloaf, The Hudge, and The Cat Who Ate New Jersey.

This is a good perch for spreading your ample self out and watching lizards on the screen.

Lizards that you, personally, have no interest in catching. But should one be hand delivered, you will accept. Graciously.

Jack sees no point to this post and is insulted by his inclusion.

Who Wants to Go Shopping?

September 6, 2009, three weeks after my house caught on fire, I sat down and started a blog.

What kind of nut job does that?

Wait, it gets better.

The day BEFORE the fire, that Saturday, we put up a new gazebo and did our very first blog shoot. Yes, I had plans! That went up in smoke!

I apologize for that last pun, sincerely.

However, you may have noticed that I like to celebrate things, so we’re going to do this with a CSN Giveaway!

And in honor of this weird color that we've actually chosen to showcase our dining table, there's a $35 gift certificate up for grabs!

I think this set would look fabulous by the French doors.

Although the simplicity of this one just calls to me.

And a dining set by Tommy Bahama? MINE!

So, here's 4 ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post

2. Become a Follower and comment to that effect, or if you're already a Follower, remind me.

3. Visit www.DiningRoomsDirect.com and tell us what you'd blow your cash on
4. Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment to let me know

That's it! 4 chances to win a little shopping spree at any of the CSN stores! You have until our actual Bloggiversary midnight September 6 to enter! The winner will be announced on September 7 at 9:00 AM EST.

And face it, you were going to make a comment about that green anyway.

Tuesday Tangos

Monday, August 30, 2010

I'm a Big Fan

19 long years ago, I decorated our master bedroom in burgundy and hunter green. It was 1991, people, don't judge me unless you were there. I chose a stunning brass ceiling fan with red blades. It was bold and very out there.

The problem is, it's still IN there. It still worked, so how could I justify replacing it with so many other expenses?

Our room is also horribly neglected. It's been largely storage for the past year, which I'm about to remedy big time, but we'll start here:

Let me know when you're done gagging and we'll get on this.

First, for God's sake clean this monstrosity.

Take it apart as you go. Quick tip: if this is your first time disassembling a piece, jot down reverse assembly instructions for yourself. This is a good idea if a project is a little complicated.

Make sure all the parts are dust and grime free.

Clean the fan blades as well.

Now comes the fun part. Say good-bye to this brassy mess.

First, prime the blades and allow that to dry. Then give them 2 light coats of gloss white.

Now, meet your new best friend, Rub 'n Buff. I procured mine on line at Art Supplies Wholesale

for $2.87 a tube, and after doing this whole fan, there's a tiny dent in the tube! That's it! It was seriously economical, like under $1. I used the Silver Leaf for this project.