Planked Wall Bathroom Makeover

The looooooong awaited day has arrived!

I am finally posting the makeover of the hallway bathroom.

Yes, I bought the paint almost 2 years ago...
I was reminded of this fact when I was looking back at this post today.

Judge all you want, it was worth the wait!

My house is never going to be a cottage, I get that...
but there's no reason I can't make it feel like one.

Back in MAY...yes, May...

I posted this picture on my Facebook page.

At this point I couldn't really change my mind...

since I'd just pulled a chunk of plaster out of the wall.

Ooops.

I realized I had so many pictures of the process,

that I decided to break this down into 2 separate posts.

I'm going to show you all the pretty stuff today...

then I'll do a process post with all the behind the scenes stuff later.

This is what we started with...

totally boring...plain.

Be warned...there are lots of pictures.

We'll start with a few before and afters:

And now...just the glorious afters:

I  LoOoOoOove this forged iron hook I found on Etsy for the TP.

It's like the perfect finishing touch.

This funkily angled wall made things fun.

Not.

I really like the contrast of the warm, dark brown

on top with the creamy planks on the bottom.

Like chocolate sauce on vanilla ice cream.

Trim details in the corners add interest and hide seams.

I found the TP hook to match these other forged hooks

I picked up at an arts fair a couple years ago.

They're not exact, but once I spray painted them

all the same color, you really can't tell.

I'm always a little amazed at how something as simple as a

plain wood frame can totally change the look of a basic mirror.

And the power of paint NEVER ceases to amaze...

this vanity was transformed with paint alone.

Knobs and faucets don't count. :)

I know DRAB to FAB is a bit cliche but it completely works for me in this powder room.

When I first laid out the plans for this bathroom,
my husband did this one eyebrow up thing and just said...
Are you sure?
:)
Of course I am (almost positively sure)!

Now, he thinks it's as awesome as I do.
He can't wait to show people when they come over.
How about you?

Stay tuned...
I promised I would do a behind the scenes
with some of the details...and I certainly will.
Update: click here for the behind the scenes post.
Until then...remember:
That if the shoe were on the other foot, you would probably walk funny.

P.S. depending on what computer I view this on...

some of these pictures look kinda funky.

Hopefully it's just me.

:)

Sharing here:

Ivy and Elephants
Crafty Allie
Ella Claire
Savvy Southern Style
Fluster Buster
The Turquoise Home
Life With the Crust Cut Off
Lamberts Lately
Bloom Designs
From My Front Porch to Yours
Embracing Change
Saving 4 Six
Live Laugh Rowe
Living Well Spending Less
Jennifer Rizzo
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Redoux Interiors
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Craft Dictator
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The Idea Room
Liz Marie Blog
I Heart Naptime
Natasha in Oz
VMG206
DIY Showoff
Life on Lakeshore Drive
Refresh Restyle
The Dedicated House
Kitchen Table Art
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Upcycled Treasures
Love Grows Wild
Stone Gable
Sand and Sisal
A Stroll Thru Life
Just a Girl and Her Blog
Maison de Pax
Thrifty Decor Chick
HomeComing
Sowdering About

Moonlighting

Howdy, howdy!

I've decided to start a new random series...

Moonlighting
No, Bruce Willis will not be making a guest appearance.
Too bad, huh?

I haven't had as much time as I'd like to work on projects...

or brain power to come up with new and fun ideas.

But I miss you guys and thought it might be fun to just share

some randomness and things I'm loving at the moment.
Maybe Most likely even some silliness.

This definitely falls under the "things in life that make me happy" heading.

Without further ado, on with the first installment:

*****

In my office at work, there is a chalkboard.
Once upon a time it was a white board.
No one ever used it...so I painted it with chalkboard paint and
now I have fun bringing a little happiness to our sometimes dreary days.

This is how it looks for the summer.

:)

*****

What I'm reading...



The 23rd alphabet mystery from Sue Grafton...W is for Wasted.
I've enjoyed sleuthing with Kinsey over the years.
Sometimes she irritates me, but I like her.
This book has been very engaging, with good character development.
I love when a book is a good read, continually moving and not necessarily easy,
but smooth reading, while still having extensive use of vocabulary.
I love words you can sink your teeth in to!

*****

Okay, how did I not know this existed?

EZ-Freeze Cereal on the Go



A freezable gel container to keep your milk
cold so you can eat cereal at your desk?
Yes, please!



Look! It even comes with its own folding spoon!
Not that I'd use it.
My family, and several others, tease me
because I don't like to eat with plastic utensils.
I've even been called a princess because of this preference.
Hrmph.

My husband thinks it's funny to quote this line:
I'm not a policeman, I'm a princess!
{Name that movie!}

*****

Sara asked for one of these for her birthday.
I had a coupon and a gift card so it was a done deal.



We've been enjoying lots of fruit smoothies thanks to her birthday gift.
Bonus: she has so much fun using it, she always offers to make them!

*****

Speaking of Sara...
We've been having a lot of fun this summer checking
out some of the 4-wheel-drive trails in Colorado.


See what a nice mom I am?

I even let her drive my Jeep.

:)

*****

I was hoping to get the post up for the hall bathroom makeover this week.

Alas, it was not to be.

We've been out of state with a family emergency for almost 2 weeks,

and when I went to edit my before and afters...

I realized I had quite a few in-betweens, too.

So...I'll be working on those pictures this weekend so I

can finally share my awesome new bathroom with you!

Here's a hint..and a sneak peek...we planked the walls.

I love it!

Make sure you come back and check it out!!!!

Until then...

sharing here:

Crafts a la Mode

AKA Design

 Craft Dictator

Horrific Knits

Love of Family and Home

Love Bakes Good Cakes

Natasha in Oz

Will Cook for Smiles

Reasons to Skip the Housework

Six Sisters Stuff

The Dedicated House

Sowdering About

Crafty Allie

Ivy and Elephants

I Am Today's Feature on Remodelaholic!

Guess what, peeps?!?!?!?!

My entertainment center makeover is

being featured on Remodelaholic today!

I am soooo excited I just can't stand it!

Please come by and say hello!

There are more pictures and I'll be answering questions.

Go to the post on Remodelaholic right now!!!

Pretty please?

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy fireworks and barbecue...

Today we celebrate our freedom...

Freedom to chase whatever dreams we have...

Freedom to worship in the manner we choose...

Freedom of speech, even if it bites us in the butt...

Freedom to do so many things we take for granted every day...

Remember freedom isn't free...

and we need to remember we live in the greatest country on Earth.

All because of people who were willing to fight for what they believed in.

Never stop dreaming.

Freedom isn't free, but salvation is.

More important than political freedom is spiritual freedom.

Our forefathers brought forth onto this continent a great nation,

but our Heavenly Father has made a place for us in His kingdom...

we just have to accept it.

We spent our morning watching the Greeley Stampede Parade...

I'd bet you don't have longhorns in your local parade...

Have a safe and happy holiday!

And don't forget...

It takes a really long time for eyebrows to grow back!

:)

sharing here:

The Dedicated House

Ivy and Elephants

No Reply At All

Are you a Phil Collins fan?

I don't have any albums, but

I think I'd say I am...

He certainly helped fuel my love affair

with Miami Vice back in the day.

I mean...who didn't have heart palpitations when Don Johnson

was walking around with all that sexy stubble and no socks?

Whooo.  Let me wipe the drool off my chin.

But I digress...that was so far off topic I need a map to get back...

Anyway...the bigger question here is:

   

I recently read this post from Chelsey @ Budget Girl

(okay, it wasn't so recently, this post has been sitting in my queue for a looong time)

that made me think about this in a whole new way.

You MIGHT be and there might just

be nothing you can do about it.

Because some of the things Blogger does is goofy.

So...I know I can be really bad about not responding to comments.

I DO really appreciate and love and read every.single.one.

But it feels contrived when I'm responding just to say "thanks" you know?

SO, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

...For being here, for reading my rambling randomness...

for taking the time to share some sweet words.

You're fabulous...just so you know.

Even if I don't respond to your sweetness.

 

However...if you ask me a question about some project or recipe or whatever...

I will do my best to get back to you as soon as I am able.

If you read Chelsey's post above...you'll find that sometimes

Blogger does not want to show me your email

address even if you entered it in your profile.

And if you have a Google+ profile it's no fun either.

I will spend a reasonable amount of time finding a way

to respond to you because I feel if it's important enough

for you to ask, it's important enough for me to answer.

If you ask a question and you don't get a response from me...

I am sorry...you may have to resort to checking

the post for the public reply on your question.

 

 

I know this is a frustrating topic,...

so, I've made you some cupcake cake pops so

we can drown our troubles in chocolate.

This is not huge, earth-shattering news...

but I wanted to address it and attempt to be amusing at the same time.

Shouldn't we always try to be amusing? :)

 

Well I hope you are having a fantastic week...

and if not, keep your chin up...

I'm pulling for you!

 

The bathroom makeover reveal is coming up soon...

I promise!

 

 

Super Fudgy Mocha Almond Flourless Brownies



Howdy, howdy!

Did you miss me?

I know I've not been around much lately,

and I don't see it improving any time soon.

So, you'll have to accept these scrumptious treats as a consolation prize.

Mocha Almond Flourless Brownies.

Not a bad trade, huh?

We've just been so busy trying to get

stuff done around the house...inside and out.

In the summertime there are even more things that need done, you know?

I'm trying to get the finishing touches on the bathroom redo...

and there are only so many hours once I get home in the evening...

And Supergirl, Sara...she's got a fabulous internship with

the Colorado Ballet this summer, so we only see her on the weekends,

and we try to make the best of those.

So, as much as I love being here to share with you guys,

it just won't be as often until things slow down around here.

In the meantime...these are worth turning the oven on for...

They really are super fudgy and totally delectable!

You might just want to make a double batch

and hide half of  them in your secret stash.

Don't tell me you don't have one.

Mocha Almond Flourless Brownies

printable version

• 1 cup chocolate pieces (dark or semisweet, morsels work great)
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder (I actually used 1/4 cup reg and 1/4 cup dark)
• 1/2 cup almond meal or flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tbsp espresso powder (or instant coffee if that's what you've got)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla
• 1/2 cup or more roasted almonds, chopped

1. preheat oven to 350°
2. melt the chocolate and coconut oil over medium heat
3. whisk the eggs and sugar together until creamy, gradually stir in the melted chocolate
4. stir in the almond meal, cocoa powder, espresso powder, salt, vanilla, and almonds
5. pour into a well-greased or parchment-lined 8 X 8 baking pan
6. bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes
7. cool completely, cut and devour

They will almost seem as if they are not quite done,

because they are so moist and fudgy, don't be fooled.

Just eat 'em!

I hope you're having a stupendous week!

See you next time!

adapted from Heather's French Press

 Feeding the chocolate addiction here:

The Blissful Bee

Ivy and Elephants

Life With the Crust Cut Off

Savvy Southern Style

Live Laugh Rowe

Saving 4 Six

From My Front Porch to Yours

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Craft Dictator

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Embracing Change

Nancherrow

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Whipperberry

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Made From Pinterest

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Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli ~ From Ready Set Eat!

I like to cook.

Don't get me wrong.

But I don't know about you guys, I just don't like to cook

every.single.day.

So I am always looking for easy and delicious

weeknight meals that don't come from a box.

Well, today I have just the solution...

Please welcome Elizabeth from ReadySetEat:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli

Ordering takeout can get expensive, and making the

same dishes at home can be quite easy!

Try making this Slow Cooker Beef and Broccoli,

and you’ll only spend fifteen minutes for prep time.

Make sure to plan ahead since you’re using a slow cooker,

though, and start cooking earlier in the day.

Slow cookers are used a lot in the winter,

because they’re great for making tasty comfort foods,

but slow cookers are also useful in the

summer because they won’t heat up your house.

Ingredients

• PAM® Original No-Stick Cooking Spray
• 1 cup water, divided
• 1/4 cup La Choy® Soy Sauce
• 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
• 1-1/2 pounds beef flank steak
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 pkg. (16 oz. each) frozen broccoli florets
• Hot cooked rice, optional

Directions

1. Spray inside of 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Stir together 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic and ginger in slow cooker. Add beef; turn to coat with soy sauce mixture.
2. Cover; cook on LOW 7-1/2 hours or on HIGH 3-1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Remove beef from slow cooker. Combine cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup water in small bowl; stir into slow cooker. Cover; cook on HIGH 15 minutes or until sauce thickens.
3. Meanwhile, pull beef into shreds with 2 forks; cover to keep warm. Place broccoli in microwave-safe bowl. Cover; microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until broccoli is thawed. Add beef and broccoli to slow cooker; stir to combine. Cover; cook on HIGH 15 minutes more or until mixture is hot. Serve with rice, if desired.

Author Bio: This is a guest post by Elizabeth L. on behalf of ReadySetEat.

Visit www.readyseteat.com to find pasta salad recipes, chicken recipes, and other dinner ideas.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That sounds incredible!

And I am always telling myself to use my crockpot more.

Thanks, Elizabeth!

If you guys want to find some great quick and easy dinner ideas, 

or even sides and desserts...check out ReadySetEat RIGHT NOW!

Choose your item, enter your ingredients in the search tool...

and it will give you tasty ideas ready in 30 minutes or less!

Dinner is DONE.

Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

And don't forget why we celebrate!

Thank you to all who defend our freedoms!

Dishing it out here:

Saving 4 Six
Lamberts Lately
Put a Bird On It
Love Bakes Good Cakes
Craft Dictator
AKA Design
From My Front Porch to Yours
Glitter Glue and Paint
Horrific Knits
Dizzy Busy and Hungry
Crafts a la Mode
Will Cook For Smiles
Made From Pinterest
Reasons to Skip the Housework
Six Sisters Stuff
3 Little Greenwoods
Life on Lakeshore Drive
The Gunny Sack
A Stroll Thru Life
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
My Life of Travels and Adventures
Ivy and Elephants
Life With the Crust Cut Off
The Happy Housie
Carole's Chatter
The 36th Avenue
Blissfully Ever After
Ella Claire