A Step Stool Grows Up

This is the kind of step stool we've all had in our homes for little people to reach the sink while brushing their teeth or the shelf in the fridge when getting juice like a big kid.

*Sniff*

My little one is now 5 feet 7 inches.

But since I still need it to reach things (as the shortest one in the house), I figured a new life in the kitchen was worth a makeover. First, a light sanding to remove years of tiny footprints.

*SNIFF*

A wipe with a clean soft cloth to remove the dust.

Then I taped newspaper to the top to protect it...

...and prayed I'd have enough Krylon Gloss White to give the legs 3 light coats to cover. I did!

Now, we had a thunderstorm brewing, so I needed to get that top done. To avoid putting tape directly on the not-quite-cured paint, I fashioned a newspaper skirt around the slightly tapered legs.

I also taped under the handle.

The color on top is my favorite Spa Blue, and I gave it a good coat of gloss clear sealant for good measure. Savannah looked at it later and grinned. "I wasn't so sure about that project at first, but that's actually decently awesome!"

High praise from a 15 year old who used to stand on it on her tippy-toes.

*SNIIIIFFFFFF*

Kitchen Stool

 

This magnificent piece was freecycled to us already grungy and splattered with gunk. In fact, this is what it looked like after a hefty scrubbing by the Teen Minions. Blech.

 The steps, which are regulation issue plastic, got wrapped in kitchen plastic wrap with a little painter's tape to seal the deal.

Then all the metal got 3 light coats of Rust-o-leum Gloss White.

After that dried, I did the same wrap job on the metal...

 ...and gave the plastic risers a coat of plastic primer. I know there are paints for plastic, but honestly, I'm not impressed. When we repaint the all-weather wicker, you'll see why. As a bonus, with primer, I can use any color I want.

Like my favorite Spa Blue, for example. 3 coats please.

There. It now coordinates with the kitchen, looks fresh and clean, and once again, it's not in a landfill while I splurge for something new. Can we agree on a budget of $3?

Guess Where I Am?

Tatertots and Jello does a great Weekend Wrap Up Party. Talk about some talent!

The Fire Room Update

Okay, so the window we took out is going to be a french door opening onto the patio. Like how nicely it's all framed out?

All the framing work is done, and the floors are ready.

I kept the arch in the room even after we removed all of that God-awful stone. The beam is original. In fact, I was able to save a lot of the original wood. 1920's Dade County pine is like iron. Seriously.

Seedlings at One Week

Week One. We're doing okay here!

I think it's also time to whip up another batch and get the raised beds ready.

There Were No Witnesses...

Bright and White

Oh, I was nervous.

I'd purchased these Chinese garden stools based on two things:

1. I wanted Chinese garden stools

2. They were 75% off at Big Lots. 5 years ago. $3.75 each. Yeah.

Of course you second guess yourself. Were they really as awful as I thought? Was I being unfair about the weird patterns and uneven trim paint? Did I just want white ones for the fresh, updated look?

Well yeah. Where's my spray paint?

First, I gave had Thom give them a thorough scrubbing with soap and water and let them dry.

 

Next, they got a very light coat of primer to make sure the paint would stick. The primer calmed me as

I watched the designs on them vanish a bit.

5 light coats of gloss white later, I smugly declared that I have to stop second guessing myself.

So which one is new?

Savannah couldn't tell. It's the one on the right. Still had the tag on it for proof.

New Garden Seat: $20

Two cans of Spray Paint: $5.94

I'll even throw in the original price of the 3: $11.25

Totally Cool Receipt? $37.19

Or you could hop over to Target and spend $759.96.

Don't get me wrong, I love Target, but I'm not seeing $722.77 worth of difference here.
Are you?

A Little White Lie

I got the text yesterday afternoon from Michael:

"Did you realize the $20 stools you're showing are only 10 inches high and not for sitting?"

I explained no one actually sits on them, that they are generally used as side tables or plant stands. But 10 inches high? No I did not!

Awesome. I just started blogging, and now I've lied to both readers. I furthered this by telling Michael that of COURSE I knew they were 10 inches high!

So after Sam and I met his coworkers for a quick Happy Hour Choir Practice, I persuaded him to run into Big Lots with me.

Squint when you look at the ad I posted. It says 18 inches. I breathed a sigh of relief and snagged one of those bargain beauties, because as I said, I have three stools. I wanted 4. So here's the new addition!

 

This is why I have 3:

 

Yeah, there's a cat involved in this, and as a side note, gluing things together is NOT one of Thom's many talents. I only still have it because it might wiggle its way into a mosaic project.

We also took a picture of this guy. I like him. When he dips below $19.99, he may become mine.

Is it wrong that I envision him in the bathroom?

I Can Has Button?

 

Yes, it was time.

The html box is at the top right. I'd be just all kinds of tickled if you'd share me and send your readers to Rehab. If you do, let me know, and I'll be happy to reciprocate. 

Seriously, how did we find projects before the internet?

Creativity Corralled

 
Here's two very cool spots to check for projects!

Sneak Peek: Where Do I Shop?

Were you mutually horrified by the price of the Chinese garden stool yesterday? Yeah, I know you were. And that IS the going rate. I already own 3  that I bought at Big Lots 4 years ago. They are ANYTHING but white. But if you'd like to own a few and not break the bank, check this out:

Ceramic Garden Drum

$20

 

You read that right.

I'm not affiliated with any of the places I feature, and they aren't compensating me in any way. I just know a bargain when I see one. You'll see why mine are going to be white soon (hint: they are hideous, but they were 75% off)!

Inspiration Point: Salvaged Treasure at The Playwright Irish Pub

I promised we'd head back to The Playwright Irish Pub with a better camera. This is evidently the 5th pub opened by three Irish brothers, and it boasts authentic salvage from derelict churches as well as some new structures, like the mahogany bar, that were handmade in Ireland and shipped here to South Florida. I started asking the bartender questions after spotting this mortise and

tenon joint beam.

 

I gave Thom the camera, so he's our photographer today.

This I suspect is reproduction, but I'd love to have it as a headboard, wouldn't you?

How to hide your powder rooms.

The stage is very impressive, crowned with an antique pipe organ.

LOVE the ceiling medallion!

How's this for a DJ booth? The hostess stand was similar.

Oh, the places I could use a piece like this...

...and then back into the beautiful tropical sun to head home to my garden! If you're ever vacationing down here, do NOT miss this place. It's like a stroll through a museum, cold ale in hand.

Sneak Peek: Furnished in Frugal Style

Yes, I loved this when I saw it at Target. Loved it. So clean, so pure, so classic. I'll need three of these white beauties for the patio, please!

Drum Garden Stool Prosperity Design - White

$189.99

Soooooo not happening.

Wanna see what IS happening? Meet me here this weekend!