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DIY Kitchen Makeover

June 19, 2017 by wildsunshine Leave a Comment

Frugal Kitchen renovation: 1970s floral to cottage cute

Wallpaper and turquoise counters to neutral and beautiful

Working full time, starting a family, and renovating a complete fixer upper is not for the faint of heart, so when you just can’t justify a major overhaul for your budget or time or sanity, have no fear! Here’s how we kept our sanity and did a DIY kitchen makeover to bring our small kitchen out of the 1970s without breaking the bank.

When we purchased our home in 2008, we had no children. We bought a cute little cape cod on a half acre because it had ample space for our 85 lb boxer to run, and room to clear out and garden and make our own little piece of paradise. BUT… it was definitely a fixer upper. This cute little cape cod has now been painted top to bottom, plus remodels to 2 bathrooms and the kitchen

The kitchen remodel was actually the last thing we did to really get this baby out of the ’80s. When we bought the house we had all kinds of visions for the kitchen. We were going to tear out the wall between the kitchen and the dining room and make one big farmhouse kitchen. We were going to get rid of those upper cabinets that separate the kitchen from the eat-in part (so 1980s!!). But after 7 years of living with this gorgeous (ha!) wallpaper, the kitchen decided it was time for an overhaul whether or not we were ready.

Do you see that wallpaper? Those turquoise counters and backsplash? Those bisque colored appliances? Y’all. 1978 was all kinds of cozy.

It all began on our anniversary circa 2011, when the only new appliance – the stove – burst into flames during our first ever attempt to cook an expensive pan full of fresh scallops. Doggone it! (yeah, definitely not my actual words…). So we replaced the stove/oven. Then the week before Thanksgiving 2014 the refrigerator stopped working AND the dishwasher went. So we took advantage of Black Friday sales and finished off our appliance set. It became clear that with 2 kids, no walls were being torn down in the room where I spend most of my waking hours. We said to heck with it! Lets just make it a space we enjoy!

 

Frugal DIY Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Renovation: the breakfast nook

Wallpaper Removal

The entire kitchen was covered in burgundy and green florals. We dutifully used a scoring roller to puncture the paper and DIF spray to loosen the glue before peeling all that paper off. Be sure to wash thoroughly with warm water! Cost: $10 (we had some leftover DIF)

 

Cabinets

We opted to keep the cabinets and purchase new, unfinished doors and paint everything ourselves. I love simple and bright. The doors were Shaker style, ordered from Barker Door (www.barkerdoor.com) and had to be measured to within 1/16 inch of the correct size. Y’all. Painting cabinets is no small task! I spent the entire summer of 2015 painting during nap time in my backyard. The paint is an alkyd-acrylic from Benjamin Moore, which is basically easy to wipe clean like an oil paint but still acrylic. Color is Simply White.

To prep unfinished cabinet fronts, first go over everything with a fine grain sandpaper and wipe off any dust. Then take some of your paint and mix it about 50/50 with water in a plastic cup. Paint a thin coat of this over your cabinets and let dry (I let mine dry overnight). This draws up the grains of the wood, which you then want to sand down with a fine grit sandpaper and again wipe clean. Now you’re ready to paint! I did two thin coats on each cabinet piece (front and back). When painting cabinets, thin coats are best! If you have access to a sprayer (they are available for rent) this will make painting a lot easier. Because I was painting about 2 doors a day during a 45 minutes nap time, this wasn’t in the cards for us.

We purchased contractor packs of Oil Rubbed Bronze knobs and pulls and attached them ourselves using this handy little tool: a hardware installation kit. It’s a tiny little ruler with holes so that you align it with the edge of your drawer front or cabinet and make a dot in the correct holes so that everything matches.

On the back of the peninsula I dressed it up with these easy molding squares from Lowes. Just nail them on and use paintable caulk around the edges to cover any gaps, then paint.

Cabinets: $758  Paint: $90

 

Lighting

Because ours is an eat-in kitchen, we also had the breakfast nook to renovate. In our home we’ve gone with oil rubbed bronze fixtures and hardware, and I wanted something soft yet industrial to go with our hand-me-down farmhouse table. I love this light fixture! It casts little light sparkles around the room at night. Grab one here at Overstock.

Cost (including over sink pendant and other ceiling light): $300

Wall Paint

This involved wallpaper removal followed by two coats of paint (Olympic Faint flicker in satin). Cost: $50 (2 gallons)

Converting a Soffit into Gorgeous Trim

These lovely 1970s cabinets came with a lovely 1970s soffit, wallpaper included. I hated it. But since we were trying to do this with minimal demo/mess and had no idea if anything of importance like a duct/electrical/vent was hidden behind there, we chose instead to trim out the soffit to look like a mighty piece of trim above the cabinets.

We actually painted over the wallpaper on the soffits with several coats of Kilz (there is another, supposedly better, but way stinky option to use for this if you are serious about sealing in the paper. We chose not to suffocate on fumes and so far it’s held up for over 5 years!). Then we cut a basic crown molding and nailed it against the soffit/ceiling corner followed by a 1/2″ piece of rounded wood trim that we cut and nailed into place halfway up the soffit.

The last step was to wood putty the nail holes, seams, and any gaps in the trim followed by light sanding. The soffit is painted the same color as the cabinets-

Cost for trim: $150

 

Counters

Kitchen countertop install

Kitchen countertop install

New counters and sink

New counters and sink

 

We wanted something classy and durable (because I spend about 10 hours a day in this kitchen, lol) that was also neutral and would last through changing styles. There is a great stone shop 45 minutes from us (Apex Marble and Granite for anyone in central NC, definitely worth checking out!). I lucked out and found a Groupon that was good for any of about four of the most inexpensive granite options. We chose Venetian Gold, and the cost of the groupon included a sink, install, old counter removal for $1600. Can’t beat that!

 

PS: We chose a deep single bowl sink and it was the best decision! I hated never being able to fit a big pot into one side of a small double sink. Now we can do everything in that sink – even bathe our kids!

Cost: $1600

BacksplashDIY Kitchen Makeover for less than $3500

The backsplash was the last thing we did in the DIY kitchen Makeover. We actually waited until I was about 38 weeks pregnant, and spend an entire weekend (well, maybe about 8 hours total) cutting and setting tile. It’s a glass tile from Lowes that comes in 12×12 sheets. We have a tile saw (you could rent one) and after a whole lotta measuring and cutting around outlets, laid that baby up with mastic and grouted it the following weekend. There is no motivation like a baby on the way and the knowledge that your productivity will grind to a halt for no less than the next six months!

Cost of tile, mortar, and grout: $250

DIY Kitchen Makeover. www.wildsunshineandlemonade.com

Peninsula Trim

Frugal peninsula: DIY molding squares

Frugal peninsula: DIY molding squares

The backside of the peninsula was a plain white slab of wood. Lowes hardware sells these amazingly easy to use moulding squares for less than $20 each. We measured the back of the peninsula, purchased three sizes that would center well, nailed them into place with finishing nails (making sure to level and center each one). Then the seams were sealed with paintable caulk to cover any gaps and nail holes and painted. For less than $100 we have custom looking trim that dresses up the space!

Cost: $60

Total DIY Kitchen Makeover Cost = $3,268

 

We’ve been holding out on flooring for our home while the kids destroy the old laminate. Hopefully soon we’ll get some updated hardwoods in here! Thanks for reading!

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Filed Under: Arts and Crafts Tagged With: cottage kitchen, frugal, kitchen, kitchen makeover, painted cabinets, renovation, soffit, soffit trim, wallpaper

DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen

June 6, 2017 by wildsunshine Leave a Comment

We are an adventure-loving family and spend a good deal of time in the great outdoors during the warmer months (which here in North Carolina is about 9 months of the year!). When my oldest turnedDIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen two and we started spending some serious time in the sun, I began researching sunscreen. Almighty there is a LOT to learn about sunscreen if you want to be sure it’s safe! I’ve spent my life slathering on the Coppertone, but now that my sunscreen choice was affecting my babies and their health, we started splurging on the safe (and expensive) options. We tried many that were rated a 1 or 2 on the EWG website and it was taking a huge chunk of money out of our summer budget. Not cool! So I dove head first into testing different recipes and finally ended up with a DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen that has been a huge success to keep my babies sunburn-free and save us some money in the process.

I make mine in small 4oz mason jars (available HERE) for several reasons. 1) I like to use glass to prevent leaching, since I’m melting ingredients directly in these containers. 2) They are small enough to tote around in a backpack or purse 3) The smaller size means that we use it up in a few weeks and it doesn’t have a chance to get lumpy. That was my biggest complaint with the first batches I made. They were in large jars and after about a month the coconut oil and/or shea butter would start to get lumpy so that I had to heat it up in my hand before applying.

When we apply this DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen, we use it on bodies. It does leave a barely noticeable white hue on the face so we purchase a store brand for faces. Currently my favorite is Think Baby, which comes in at $4/oz, although Kitchen Stewardship recently recommended a bulk version of Tropical Sands on Amazon that is closer to $2/oz that we may try. If you want to know more on safe sunscreen, definitely check out their yearly review of sunblocks.

DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen

Left arm: sunscreen Right arm: nothing

USE: We use this in and out of the water. I do try and re-apply at least every 2 hours and have never had a burn! Then again we are usually spending time in the shade and/or taking a break by that point since my babies are little.

WHAT IS THE SPF? Several ingredients in this recipe have a natural SPF, but since it has not been tested by a regulatory organization, my best guess as to the SPF listed below is between 20-30. Generally agreed upon estimates for the SPF of individual ingredients are:

  • Coconut Oil- SPF 4-6
  • Zinc Oxide SPF 2-20 depending on how much used (this recipe uses a higher proportion than several others I’ve tried). Zinc Oxide makes up just over 25% of this recipe.
  • Shea Butter – SPF 4-6

 

SUNSCREEN INGREDIENTS

*I’ve included links to ingredients I use and love. When you purchase something via one of these affiliate links, I receive a small commission but the price is the same for you*

1/4 cup Coconut Oil (I purchase Costco’s oil, but here is an alternative. The important thing is that it is unrefined and cold-pressed)

1 Tbs Beeswax pellets (I choose white since this is going on skin)

1 Tbs Unrefined shea butter

1.5 Tbs Zinc Oxide powder (Make sure it is Non-nano Zinc Oxide powder, available here. Be sure NOT TO INHALE the powder when mixing)

DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen

Place jars and ingredients in shallow water bath to melt

OPTIONAL: 1/2 tsp Vitamin E drops

 

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Place a shallow pan over low/medium heat. On the bottom place a small washcloth (this keeps the glass from clanking as the water simmers) and on top of this 2-4 small jelly jars. Fill the pan with water until it’s about 1/2″ below the rim of the jars.
  2. In each jar place the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.*A note on stirring* I love that this sunscreen has protected us in the water. But when I’ve tried to make it with my mixer as other recipes suggest, it will not come off the beaters even after a good wash. I have bamboo chopsticks that I stir with so I just have to wipe them off before tossing in the dishwasher.
  3. Stir occasionally as the ingredients melt together. Once everything is blended, carefully remove the jars (I use an oven mitt, you could use jar tongs). Set aside.

    DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen

    Add the Zinc Oxide

  4. Carefully measure and mix in the Zinc Oxide and Vitamin E (if using) until everything is well blended and creamy. It’s important NOT TO INHALE the powder. I wear a dust mask. Once it’s mixed, you’re good to go!
  5. Let the sunscreen sit at least 12 hours to set. IMPORTANT: I’ve found that if I just let it sit, it will get some small chunks from the oils cooling at different speeds. To prevent this, stir it once or twice in the first few hours as it cools.

 

Store in a cool spot (below 76 degrees as this is the melting point for coconut oil) for several months. One reason I love the small jars is that we can easily use one up in two weeks in the summer and we don’t have a ton left over the winter. I usually scoop old sunscreen out during the winter and re-make it in the spring because I’ve found that it gradually gets harder over time.

 

DIY Waterproof Mineral Sunscreen

All mixed up, ready to set overnight

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Filed Under: Arts and Crafts

My First Photo Shoot

May 1, 2017 by wildsunshine Leave a Comment

I am incredibly lucky to have some trusting friends who placed their family photos in my hands last fall. It was my first official photo shoot, and I LOVED it! It may be my last for awhile because (ahem) life is just a bit crazy at the moment. But I would absolutely love to do more of these a few years down the road! These photos were taken at West Point on the Eno park in Durham, NC in the middle of the afternoon. The light was filled with the rusty colors of autumn, but it was BRIGHT and direct and basically terrible for portraits. Fortunately we were able to find good bits of shade.

 

*All photos are copyright Amanda Clark 2017

 

Thanks for checking out my work!

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Filed Under: Arts and Crafts Tagged With: family photography, West Point on the Eno

Sunshine & Lemonade Pallet Sign

July 14, 2016 by wildsunshine Leave a Comment

FULL DISCLAIMER: I first tried to write this post as I was making this sign back in JUNE!! Larkin was just 2 months old, and she did actually sleep on occasion and I could do certain things. Then she stopped sleeping. Seriously, she often napped a TOTAL of 20 minutes a day and was screaming and crying another 6-7 hours. I almost lost my mind. I still don’t know how I made it out alive. Months later (as you will see in the photos, lol) I finally had some more time to photograph my summer project… in the fall. And here I am, at the end of January, finishing this post. And darn it, I sort of liked reflecting on the details of my life that I’d included — I’m enjoying thinking about the heat of summer and how I love fall– so I left it. For the life of me I do not know how mom bloggers with young children get anything accomplished. I realize I do have an extremely difficult baby right now, but my lack of any time for myself is ridiculous. Ah, the season of motherhood! And if you are still reading and interested in this cute little pallet sign:

****

I’m slightly obsessed with the Fixer-Upper style.

It is hot down here in the south. Summer only officially began on Monday, but it is 97 degrees and HUMID today. I think I may be melting. Thank goodness baby Larkin was an April baby. I would die being preggo in this heat– how do people do it?!

DIY pallet sign

DIY pallet sign

And the heat has me daydreaming of quintessential summer: sunshine and lemonade. I have a pile of pallets by the driveway that have been beckoning me to make something out of them. I asked the hubs to bring them home two years ago so I could dismantle them and make this typography sign of one of my favorite quotes. It now hangs in what should be our dining room (and is currently full of kid clutter and a changing table. Sigh, someday…). Obsessed with rustic pallet goodness.

Then I read about pallet gardening on Mavis’s Garden Blog. I had leftovers and gave it a try. It worked really well for our strawberries, but alas this mama did not get netting up in time and the squirrels had a blast eating our crop. Then we had a copperhead decide he liked living in the little gaps under the wood. Nooooooo thank you! I love me some snakes, but not copperheads and not where my kiddos play.

So these bad boys were decaying nicely beside our driveway for over a year when I hit Pinterest for some inspiration. After finding a lemonade sign I loved (made by @thecreativepallet but there’s no longer a picture available. Sorry!!), I sketched my own. Want instructions to DIY? Here ya go 🙂

  1. photo 6Decide how big your sign will be. Mine is going above my fireplace, so I wanted it to be approximately
  2. Find some pallets and dismantle them.  It should be ugly if you’re going for the rustic
    look. Expose the rusted nail holes. leave rips in the ends of the wood planks. If you can’t get enough ugly pallet wood, you may have to purchase thin boards from your local home improvement store to reach the size you want.  As long as you’re going to paint the sign, you’ll never notice the difference.

 

 

 

 

3. Cut at least two (maybe three depending on your sign’s size) cross pieces for stability. I had some leftover wood from photo 7our playground and cut it to size. You want these to be thin pieces of wood too. Keep in mind that once the sign is complete, all the wood together makes it rather heavy.

4. Screw the support pieces to each horizontal  piece. This isn’t supposed to be precise. I used one 3/4″ screw per piece.

photo 4

 

5. Paint it. I used an exterior white paint I had sitting around. Again it should be ugly painting. Leave dark edges unfinished. Don’t even try to paint the rusty nail holes.

 

photo 16. Sketch your letters first. In pencil. I’ve been obsessed with lettering and hand-lettered wall prints for years, and every time I’ve created a sign like this I’ve relied on fonts found on my computer. If there is not one I’m looking for, I download a free one (just google “free fonts). Type the word(s) in a word document and copy them (for those who are comfortable free handing) OR print out the letters in the size you need, cut them out, then trace them onto the sign. To get the curved look of my Lemonade sign below, you can either use a photo editing software like photoshop to curve the letters or draw a bottom line curve on which to place/trace the letters.

Remember: it’s supposed to look like a vintage hand painted sign. Don’t sweat the pencil lines, they give it character.

 

7. Paint away. One thing I love about beat up old pallet wood projects is that if there is still pencil showing, it’s ok! If you can’t quite stay in all the lines, that’s ok too. It’s supposed to look beat up.

 

Pallet sign and fall mantle

Pallet sign and fall mantle

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Filed Under: Arts and Crafts Tagged With: diy, fall mantle, farmhouse decor, farmhouse sign, lemonade sign, pallet sign

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Hey Y’all!

I'm Amanda, a mama of four wild things and a growing herd of animals. We just built a farmhouse on our 13 acres of countryside in North Carolina, and are on our way to transform worn out tobacco pasture into a diverse landscape of animals, veggies, orchards, and grapevines. Join me on the farming journey! Read More…

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