Thursday, November 30, 2017

Go Big, Go 30 Kitchen Makeover

When we moved into our house in summer 2016, I loved our kitchen. The mint green cabinets paired nicely with my red accessories, and gave off a retro feel. The only thing I didn't love was the painted-on backsplash meant to look like subway tile. It was done freehand, and the lines weren't uniform. It drove me crazy.

Originally, my 30th birthday plans were an epic trip to Disney World, including a stay at the Art of Animation resort and a Disney dining plan to make the whole trip easier. Unfortunately, I didn't start saving in time and that trip is quite expensive. Then we amended it, thinking we'd head to the North Carolina coast and I'd finally see the wild horses that live there. Our summer travel plans then got moved to the fall, and we didn't want to drive eight hours each way three weeks after a 12 hour drive each way to Oklahoma. I knew I wanted to do something big and special for my 30th, I just didn't know what.

Life has a way of delivering an epiphany right when you need it. Shortly after falling in love with those mint green cabinets, the paint started peeling and chipping off. As we've found with many of the DIY updates the previous owners took on, it wasn't done properly. They painted the cabinets, but never sealed them. They also didn't remove them, which meant the hardware was covered in paint. The fake subway tile was driving me crazier by the day, the mismatched dining furniture wasn't helping, and it hit me: I spend most of my time in the kitchen. I create three meals a day, plus snacks, for my family each day in that kitchen. We work on homework in there, we do crafts in there. The combined kitchen and dining area is the hub of our daily lives. Why not make it exactly what we want as my big 30th birthday project?

Here are our before photos, with some special models (why do kids only want their photos taken when they aren't meant to be the subject?!):


As you can see, our furniture is mismatched. This is even after we added the white coffee bar in the back, instead of using an old dresser.

Our kitchen doesn't have a ton of storage, so we use an armoire as a pantry. Because we shop at Costco, a lot of our bulk items don't all fit in it at once and I've been having to use the playroom closet as overflow storage. I discovered during the project that our lack of storage is partially due to another shortcut the previous owners took. When they added an over-the-stove microwave, they cut the cabinets over the stove into 1/3 of what they'd previously been. They also didn't vent the microwave anywhere, so bonus issues there.

I decided I had a few goals with my makeover:
  • For the furniture and cabinets to coordinate
  • New wall color that wasn't matte
  • New, properly sealed cabinets
  • Improved flow
  • Coordinating hardware
I wanted to get rid of the fake subway tile and also use a non-matte paint. All the walls in our house are painted this lovely blue-gray, but they used a matte paint, so every handprint and smudge shows up. It's yet another thing that drives my semi-OCD self insane. Also, the curtain rod doesn't go with anything. The dining area before photo shows the new furniture arrangement, because I was too excited to take photos before getting the new coffee bar and moving the pantry.

If you've been following me on Instagram (@PawPrintsInTheSink), then you've seen a few teaser photos of this big project with the hashtags #GoBigGo30, #BraveNewYear, and #BirthdayProject. I went with Brave New Year because I'm trying not to let things I'm intimidated by stop me from trying them in my 30s. So, I tackled a huge DIY project all on my own!

The first step was to paint the cabinets. I chose to use chalk paint, since it doesn't require priming or sanding. Instead of sealing it with wax, as is typical, I chose to use a hardier polycrilic. I read a post over at the Knoxville Moms Blog about using chalk paint, chatted with my fellow contributor who actually did it, and then followed suit. I removed all the cabinets and hardware, scrubbed them down, and got painting.

I did the upper doors first, then the upper bases. I feel quite close with Jen Hatmaker now, as I listened to her podcasts the whole time. She basically helped me with my kitchen makeover. Starbucks helped one day, too.
One of my Instagram teaser posts


Halfway through the cabinets! 

The first paint stroke was intimidating, on both the doors and the bases. It just felt so permanent, and I wasn't confident with what I was doing. But chalk paint is super forgiving, even if you spill you can wipe it up fairly quickly. I went with Annie Sloane chalk paint from a local seller, so I got to see the paint in person before making a decision. I chose Aubusson blue. I got two quarts, and spent $80 total. I then purchased a quart of Minwax Polycrylic from Amazon for $13, and still have a ton left over of both. I did have to crack open the second quart of chalk paint, but didn't use much. I have enough left over for another project.


I also purchased new hardware for the cabinet doors. I've always loved glass knobs, so I took this opportunity to incorporate them in a small way. I spent $20 on the knobs. I also got a can of Rustoleum spray paint in oil rubbed bronze for $4 to paint the old knobs and put them on the new coffee bar, so the coffee bar and pantry have matching knobs.

That $4 can of spray paint went so far. After scrubbing the caked on paint off of the hinges, I found rust. It looked awful. So I cleaned them thoroughly, and spray painted them. It worked like a charm! I also scrubbed our black, chipped vent covers (registers), and painted them. Now all the hardware in our kitchen matches!

After completing the cabinets, I painted the pantry. I painted it in three coats of linen white from Rustoleum ($17), after priming ($5) over the knotholes.

Once the pantry was done, I took on the walls. It's been years since I've painted walls. I got rollers and a paint tray ($17) and painters tape ($7) from Amazon, and the paint itself (Behr's Frittata with an eggshell finish, I believe) from Home Depot ($40). I did it all in one exhausting day while my kiddos got unlimited screen time and the hubby was at work.
In Progress- taped and furniture moved

I primed over that terrible fake tile
I used the primer left over from the knothole covering to prime over the fake tile. I did two coats of primer, and it still took 3 coats of the Behr with built in primer to cover the awfulness. If you look closely now, you can still see some of the lines, because she put it on so thickly. In time, I plan to do other improvements, including adding a backsplash. If that wasn't in my mind, I'd probably have to go back, sand down the existing paint, and repaint it.

 Once all the painting was completed, I saved up and purchased the dining table and benches I've been eyeing for months. I chose a larger table and two benches, to seat more people, and purchased it. I chose one with a white base and dark wooden tabletop to tie in the existing curtain rod and coffee bar. I'm saving up for the matching chairs to put on each end for additional seating. I found the coffee bar on CraigsList for $35, purchased patterned contact paper as a backsplash, and refinished the old cabinet knobs to match the pantry. I also added a set of 3 dark brown baskets ($20) to tie in to the table, and store things like cleaning supplies that I keep on top of the pantry and out of kids' reach. I added a rolling spice rack to help corral spices ($16), that slides between the pantry and coffee bar. This also allows me to move more of the overflow Costco groceries to the pantry itself.

Of course, there are other improvements. I'd love new countertops, sink, and faucet. The dishwasher and oven don't work perfectly, either. But in time we'll tackle those. For now, I'm thrilled with my new kitchen. I smile every time I walk in, as the sun lights up the room and brings out the light yellow paint. I love not seeing that awful fake tile, and every time I enter I'll be reminded of the hard work I put into making it truly mine.

I spent about 2 months completing the project. I tackled each project in a mini-version, as we were still using the kitchen during the makeover. I finished the cabinets before doing the pantry, finished the pantry before tackling the walls, and finished the walls before bringing in the furniture.

Total cost:
Cabinet paint: $80
Cabinet sealant: $13
Cabinet knobs: $20
Spray paint: $4
Pantry paint: $17 

Wall paint: $40
Brushes/accessories: $17
Painter's tape: $7
Dining table and benches: $320
Coffee bar: $35
Contact paper: $3
Baskets: $20
Spice Rack: $16
Total: $592

Since I did all the work myself, our total cost for a new-looking kitchen was $592. Without the table and coffee bar, the total would've been $237. So if you're looking for a new look, it doesn't break the bank to just paint your walls and cabinets. There were so many small things I didn't realize I'd need to do, like scrubbing and painting hardware and vent covers, but it saved a lot in the long run to not have to replace those. And I'm beyond thrilled with the results. 

Final Reveal:



Monday, November 27, 2017

Coco Review

Pixar's newest film, Coco, released last Wednesday. It was SPECTACULAR.



Olaf's Frozen Adventure was the short film that plays before the movie. I was thrilled to see all my favorite characters return, including Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff, and Sven. This short had more songs than Frozen Fever, the short that aired before the live action Cinderella. The characters showed growth as they struggled to recall traditions from before their parents' death, and reconcile their expectations with their reality. It was really well done, and I loved revisiting Arendelle. I'm super excited for the Frozen sequel release in 2019.

When I first heard of Coco's theme, Dia de los Muertos, I was disappointed. I loved that Pixar was expanding and telling stories from other cultures, but I was saddened it would be a few years before I could share this one with my boys. At four and two years old, they're not old enough for this film. I was skeptical they would be, and after viewing it without them, I know I was right. The way death and family is portrayed is beautiful and wonderfully done, but my kids just wouldn't understand it at this age. In a few years, when they can see beyond the skeletal visualization of each character, they'll love it. In the meantime, I'm a huge fan!

Coco expertly navigated themes of death, remembrance, and the importance of family with a gentle hand and a broad understanding. It provided a deeper insight, at least for me, of Dia de los Muertos. It was, of course, visually stunning. The characters were flawed and complex, including the protagonist, Miguel. We see and understand where he's coming from, and I spent a good part of the film wondering how he could reconcile what he loves with his family's expectations.

There were many good messages in this film, ranging from respecting your family's traditions, to being open minded, to seeking to understand where the opposing side is coming from. Remembrance played a huge role, emphasizing remembering loved ones and passing their stories along.

I'm not going to lie; I cried several times. Then again, it's Pixar so I fully expect to get teary at least once. They often tackle deep subjects and explain them to minds of all ages.Many themes hit me hard personally, as many beloved members of my family are no longer with us. Seeing grief portrayed, and how those on the other side feel as well, was both comforting and a little heartbreaking.

Coco took me on an incredible journey, through the land of the dead and the traditions of Dia de los Muertos. I'm looking forward to the day when my kiddos are ready to see it, so I can share it with them.

Have you seen Pixar's latest hit yet? What did you think of it?

New Dollywood Insiders Post

Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas is truly magical. If you've been thinking about going, but worry about what to do with the smallest members of your family, fear not! My latest Dollywood Insiders post covers all the fun things for your littles and some not to miss events! Check it out here!

And remember, if you're looking for a discount, you can save $5 per ticket by using my code, DWINSIDERS5. Purchase online, print at home, and you'll be one step closer to experiencing a magical Christmas at Dollywood!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Ice Skating Delights at Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures Christmas

Being a Dollywood Insider has already given me so many incredible opportunities. Just last week, I got a behind the scenes look at Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures Christmas show. As a special bonus, I got to speak with the fabulous and talented ice skaters. You can read about my whole adventure- and how they taught me a few things on the ice despite my penchant for clumsiness (I told you they were talented!). Check it out on the Dollywood Insiders page!