Dollar Store Jewelry Box

Last week I came across this little jewelry box at the dollar store. (It was actually $2 but still a good deal!)

Life: Designed

In anticipation of my dresser makeover (exactly when this makeover is taking place is still TBD...) I decided to paint the box a lovely shade of blue!

Life: Designed

It's a wee bit darker than I was going for. That's what you get when you paint at 2am with just a table lamp! But it's a lovely shade nonetheless. Once the dresser is painted, maybe I'll tweak the colour of the jewelry box. For now, it'll do a great job of keeping my jewelry in one place as opposed to being scatter all over my room (and bathroom).

Life: Designed

Life: Designed

I had a faux mohair fabric sample that I cut to size and put on the bottom for a nice cushion-y liner! I LOVE mohair. If only it was real....One can pretend. =)

Life: Designed

I love the clasp! The little "brass" details are the reason why I bought it.

Not bad for $2! I wish it came in a variety of sizes. I would love to have a tiered stack of these on my dresser!

I'm going to the States this week! Just a short day trip. I'm SO excited to stop by Hobby Lobby and Joann's. Target is also a must. Can't wait to get me some triple chocolate m&m's! Can you believe we don't get these here in Canada?! Boo....

Hope you're all having a great week!

Pink Tutus!

In the header of Maria's Craft Crazy Mom blog, her daughter is wearing an adorable hot pink tutu. Little did I know, Maria makes those!

Craft Crazy Mom

And did you know Maria has an Etsy shop? I didn't until recently!


Last Christmas I bought my niece a little tutu from Winners but it was nothing like the ones Maria makes. I'm currently really digging her 3 piece set that comes with a tutu, headband and pin! SO cute! 

Bijou Baby Boutique

It's pink and yellow and tulle! Remember this post from not so long ago? It's perfect! It's a sign. I gotta have it. 


I mean, Mia's gotta have it... heh


I think it would be perfect for her 1st birthday! Or any day really....

Bijou Baby Boutique

Oh my goodness. Can you get any cuter?! 


I'm emailing my sister right now. If she doesn't want to buy this, she's crazy.


Side note: I'm not affiliated with Craft Crazy Mom or Bijou Baby Boutique or getting paid for this post. I just think this is too good to not share!

Stained Magazine Holder

A while ago I mentioned this faded magazine holder I got for $5 at the thrift shop. (Original price: $57!)

Life: Designed

This sat in my room for a week as I went back and forth over what to do with it. I finally decided to stain it for a few reasons:


1) I've never stained anything before and I wanted to try it!


2) To prove I'm not one of those "all wood needs a coat of paint!" people that DIYer's and decorators are often accused of being.


3) It's for my sister who's living room is currently in between decor as they will be moving soon....so I wanted to keep it simple.


I was going for a deep, dark tone so I got this from Home Depot: 

Life: Designed

I got the smallest can available and of course to skip a step, I got the one with the polyurethane already in it. I don't have a lot of spare time on my hands... efficiency is paramount! =)


I was so excited to get this stain party started that I rushed home, gave it a quick light sand and went at it!

Life: Designed

So... if you're thinking this looks no different than the before picture, you'd be correct! I might be new this staining thing but I'm pretty sure something should happen...


I picked up the can and read, "stir well". Yes. I admit it! I didn't stir the can! You'd think that would be obvious. Oops. Haha

Life: Designed

Ok, so you might not be able to tell, but believe me, this was about about 2 shades darker!


I love how the magazine holder comes apart. Makes it SO easy to stain!

Life: Designed

I was hoping for a much deeper stain but this was definitely a step up from the original. The stain really brought out the beautiful grains which I love!

Life: Designed

Here it is after 2 coats. Staining is such a long process. I'm far too impatient!  (Recommended drying time: 8 hours between coats)


Before and after:

I realize I chose the wrong stain colour... it's not quite the deep dark tone that I was going for but it's still a step up from the original!

What are your thoughts on the staining process? Love it or hate it?


And what do you think? Should I go darker? Sometimes I look at it and think it's fine but most days I think....it needs to be DARKER... like ebony dark...


Happy Weekend Everyone!! =)