first home makeover View RSS

No description
Hide details



Dual Purpose Dresser 27 Nov 2011 2:37 PM (13 years ago)

I found this dresser several months ago at Impact thrift store in Hatboro, PA.  The brass handles and its exceptional curve appeal (ha!) are what drew me to this beauty.  When I inspected the dresser, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found -- solid wood, in great condition, the insides of the drawers were clean and spacious and the price was oh-so-right!   i

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Patio Set & Outdoor Pillow Covers 23 Jun 2011 3:31 PM (13 years ago)

I'm excited to tell you about this mini revamp.  I found my wrought iron patio set on the side of the road about two years ago and some change.  Aside from alot of chipped paint and some rust, the set was in great condition - nothing that a good can a spray paint couldn't fix.  I spotted it on the way home from work just a block from my house.  I raced home and

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

New Sewing Machine 22 Jun 2011 4:50 PM (13 years ago)

After almost a year of wanting a sewing maching, I finally bought a basic Brother model.  I did some online research and I decided on this machine because it had over 200 positive reviews, the majority were from beginners like me.  My basic Brother machine was only $94 with shipping at Walmart.com.  I've never sewn anything in my life but I knew

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Kitchen Inspiration 13 Jun 2011 6:08 PM (13 years ago)

I wanted to tell you about the outdoor pillow covers and curtains I sewed, but it wasn't until my camera died that I realized I left the charger plugged into the wall at a San Fran hotel.  Total bummer.  Anyhow, Rob ordered a battery charger for the camera from Amazon so I should be able to fill you in on these projects within several days - once I juice my battery back

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

So Far From Over 8 Jun 2011 6:33 PM (13 years ago)

Hey Everyone!  There are no words, big enough apologies or good reasons why I haven't posted on my blog since MARCH 6th.  I suck.  Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed.  I enjoy writing this blog and sharing my stories. I'm passionate about inspiring people with my projects and helping readers become thrifty designers, smart shoppers 

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Laundry Room Redo 6 Mar 2011 3:35 PM (14 years ago)

Check it out!  We completely transformed our laundry room in one weekend - and it cost less than $400.  I'm skipping all the way to the bank with all the money we saved.  Here's a quick breakdown of what we did...Added a new-er dryer that was given to us from Rob's Aunt Donna Tore down the very old wire shelving and installed a new cabinet and drying rack Painted

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Updating a Fireplace 23 Feb 2011 6:12 PM (14 years ago)

I recently wrote about what I was planning to paint with the Minwax Wood Stain I have left over from our powder room makeover.  One of the items on my list was a trash picked Poang Ikea chair that I couldn't wait to spruce up - check it out here.  Rob had the fan-tabulous idea of staining the mantle above the fireplace.  

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Revamp an IKEA Chair 21 Feb 2011 4:47 PM (14 years ago)

Two years ago this Poang IKEA chair was on the curb outside of someones house, hours away from being trashed.  I pulled over and quickly shoved the chair into my teeny Toyota Celica and drove home. When I got the chair home, I was able to take a closer look at its condition. Aside from a missing screw and minor wear and tear, the chair was prestine. By bleaching the fabric

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Dinner Party 19 Feb 2011 8:22 AM (14 years ago)

Wow.  It's been too long since I've blogged about my projects.  I've had a crazy couple of weeks. My prego lil' sis (whos baby shower I held at my home) is moving to FL on Monday so I've been trying to spend all of my time with her before she leaves. Speaking of which, I cooked a Thanksgiving-style dinner last Saturday for some close family members so that we

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Wood Stain 24 Jan 2011 6:25 PM (14 years ago)

Since I hardly put a dent in the wood stain I bought to paint the vanity in our powder room, and because I want to get my monies worth, I decided to put the dark mahogany Minwax stain to good use.  I'm currently working to spruce up the an old chair (that I trash picked) and our fireplace.  Below is what my chair and fireplace currently look like

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Street Cred 23 Jan 2011 6:02 AM (14 years ago)

Apartment Therapy is hosting an online contest, The Homies:  Best Design Blog of 2011, dedicated to celebrating the "best new home design blogs" and the "richness and awesomeness of shelter bloggers."  That's me!  I'm an amateur blogger who started First Home Makeover in February 2010.  I love my home, writing about the projects we've tackled and taking you

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

How I Shop For Wine 20 Jan 2011 5:08 PM (14 years ago)

I was in Anthropologie on Monday - man I love their stuff.  If there was a location closer to me, or if I could actually afford to buy anything there, I'd pop in more frequently.  My husband bought me an Anthropologie sweater for x-mas and it was just too "crunchy granola" for my taste, so I exchanged it for a nice brown leather purse that was on super sale. This awesome

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Powder Room Heaven 18 Jan 2011 3:19 PM (14 years ago)

On December 18, I received a call at work from Rob.  He said, "Guess what I did?"  I thought maybe he took my chair to get reupholstered.  "What babe?" I asked.  Rob responded, "I just took an ax to the bathroom and it's completely gutted.  Toilet and all!"  If you're not an enthusiastic DIY couple like us I'm pretty sure this news would be

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Baby Shower for My Lil' Sis 11 Jan 2011 3:27 PM (14 years ago)

My oh my.  It's been quite some time since I've blogged.  I really hate when I neglect my blog.I hope you had a fantastic holiday and a wonderful New Year.  I was very busy - but my busy madness was well worth it my friends, because I got a whole lot accomplished. Since Dec. 18th my husband and I completely remodeled our Powder Room [that story and pictures is for

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Easy Gift Idea 28 Dec 2010 6:01 PM (14 years ago)

This Christmas, I had no idea what to get for my boss and a co-worker.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money but I definitely wanted to make a big impact.   I came up with the idea to paint clay pots with the left over chalkboard paint I had from this project.  And what could be more perfect to put in the clay pots at this time of year than Poinsettias?   Luckily,

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Spray Painted Mirror 19 Dec 2010 1:44 PM (14 years ago)

Hello and happy Sunday my friends!  I hope you're having a good weekend. I eyed up this mirror over the summer at a thrift store and snagged it immediately.  I thought it was so cool and I knew that a simple coat of spray paint would instantly revive this baby. Let me explain the red paint on the top part of the mirror -- for a moment, I wanted to decorate our office with red accents.&

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Easy Dining Table Decorating 16 Dec 2010 4:23 PM (14 years ago)

Woo hoooooooooooooooooooo!   I'm so excited because today I realized that "MY ENTOURAGE" hit the 100 mark.  That makes me so happy and I'm so glad that you've been following my DIY stories and home improvement projects.  I hope that I've inspired some of you and that you've learned a thing or two.  If you have, then great!  Because that means alot to me - and I hope

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Chalkboard Paint 8 Dec 2010 6:55 PM (14 years ago)

I spent my Saturday night playing around with Chalkboard paint and creating my front door bling.  Hey, I had fun!   I've been wanting to use chalkboard paint for awhile but held off because I wasn't sure what wall was best to paint.  There were several factors that led to my final decision, such as the wall's visibility, usage, and size.

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Keepin' Busy 6 Dec 2010 6:40 PM (14 years ago)

I thought I'd fill you guys in on what I've been up to lately.  I admitted last night that I've slacked on my blogging the past couple of weeks.  But, I've most definitely been busy with all sorts of things...shopping, thrifting, going to estate sales, painting, crafting and more shopping.  With the holiday season in full swing, I've had to pick my projects

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Feather Wreath 5 Dec 2010 3:30 PM (14 years ago)

Hello everyone!  Jeez, I've really been slackin' on my blogging the past couple of weeks.  I hate when I don't write for long periods of time.  I'd love to post a new project everyday but it's kinda tough to work on projects during the work week - I'm sure a lot of you can relate.  And my garage is getting harder to work in now that

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Phrase Art 20 Nov 2010 9:57 AM (14 years ago)

I picked up about six of these picture frames from...you guessed it, a thrift store that is right here in Newtown.  They were a $1 each and I think they may have been used for a shower or wedding as table numbers.  Anyhow, I used a couple of them as small gifts for friends.  A simple photo in a frame is a nice and inexpensive way to show someone you're thinking about them

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Inspiration Board 17 Nov 2010 4:40 PM (14 years ago)

I get most of my inspiration from the internet and magazines. When I see something I love, I print it out or tear pages from magazines and make a note of the source.  Before I purchased this cork board I had papers all over the place.  I had accumulated a huge mess.  And I was starting to lose ideas because I constantly moved the mess around in an attempt to hide it,

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Decorating a Credenza Top 13 Nov 2010 11:39 AM (14 years ago)

Now that the picture collage is hung and done, I can focus my energy on finishing decorating the top of my credenza.  My part of the credenza is completed.  I primed, painted, re-painted, spray painted and stenciled this piece of furniture until I was blue in the face.  When I write the full tutorial on my completed DIY credenza project I'll be sure to give you

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Completed Picture Collage 11 Nov 2010 3:34 PM (14 years ago)

After tons of moving around, lots of reader feedback and way too much time spent staring at the wall...I'm so thrilled that our picture collage is hung, finished and lookin' good!  Our wall of pictures is a compilation of images I captured and that tell one unique story after another - and I couldn't be happier with the end result! An added bonus to this picture

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?

Thoughts on Picture Collage 3 Nov 2010 5:19 PM (14 years ago)

After playing around with a couple options for how to hang these pictures, I (with your helpful input) decided to go with option #2.  And here it is... Rob suggested I space the pictures a bit more. At first I didn't want to listen to him because I spent alot of time hanging them, but I think he may be right. Ugh. Also, I think I should move the entire collage up several

Add post to Blinklist Add post to Blogmarks Add post to del.icio.us Digg this! Add post to My Web 2.0 Add post to Newsvine Add post to Reddit Add post to Simpy Who's linking to this post?