Chalkboard DIY

OHHH, don't you just LOVE those moments when you stumble upon a most gorgeous find for less than a cup of coffee?  I nabbed this baby at ReStore (it was hiding inside a hugeee cupboard there) & knew exactly what I wanted to do with it right at the store:  A Chalkboard!

I took it apart and gave it a good cleaning and was ready to dig in.  

I wanted to use the actual print itself for the chalkboard, so to seal it in and give an awesome base to paint on, I brushed on a coat of KILZ.  

I still had a lot of Cascadia FAT paint left from redoing my SIDE TABLE, and with Christmas coming, this frame was screaming to be painted in this color. I did 2 coats on the frame.

If you have never tried FAT Paint before you should check them out HERE because their colors are AHHHMAZING!!  I am semi obsessed with all things FAT right now.  #sorrynotsorry

This is hands down my favorite chalkboard paint: RUSTOLEUM CHALKBOARD PAINT, which you can get at The Home Depot or Lowes if you have one close.  Clean up is super easy!

This is 2 coats of chalkboard paint. 

After everything dried I used a sanding block and gave the frame a light sanding, focusing on the edges and places where things would naturally wear off over time.  That keeps it authentic looking. I love seeing the original gold peek through. I then sealed the entire frame with MINWAX CLEAR PASTE WAX, then buffed it out after 5 minutes.  I used FAT Patina Wax in the nooks and crannies to give it even more depth and warmth.  LOVE.  IT! 

I prepped the chalkboard, then reassembled and I am ECSTATIC over how it turned out. This might not be it's permanent home, but I had the space here to hang it up and I could not wait! I am SO excited to start decorating for Christmas and include this in the mix!

**CUE ANGELS SINGING**

Do you have a chalkboard anywhere in your house or have you wanted to add one to your decor?  I'd love to see yours too! Drop a link to your blog below in comments and share with me.

Cheers,

Wendy

Indigo Blue Dresser Mid Century Modern

I loved this piece the minute I laid eyes on it. Great lines but it needed some jhuzzing(yes that's a word!) up!  I have been a bit on the blue train lately and thought this would be the best compliment for this dresser.  Here it is in my garage, as is after purchase.  

This is the blue I chouse, from Behr, called Indigo Ink.  It is really just incredibly rich and pigmented. *SWOON*

I sanded the dresser lightly, and taped off the sides so I didn't have to be so tedious with my brush strokes around the edges.  I used 2 types of painter's tape here, but hands down the SCOTCH BLUE is the best, IMO. 

I gave the pulls a fresh coat, too.  This is the first time using this gold paint, RUSTOLEUM PURE GOLD. It is a softer and more warm option. I also sprayed the dresser legs in this gold, which I think looks incredible.

How INcredible is this color??  

This lighting is SO BAD here, but I don't have a spot quite yet that I can stage pieces and has great light so it is what it is.  I am truly in love and happy with the overall effect of the dresser.  :-)

My Cozy November - 30 Days of Hygge

Going into the winter can be a daunting task for many of us, myself included.  On the daily, I am a happy and upbeat person, but ohhh, when winter rears it's ugly head...it can test even the strongest person.

After coming across the book, The Cozy Life and reading about committing to finding more joy and comfort in every day through the little things, it spoke to me in a HUGE way.  This really is the story of my life and how we were raised....to take joy in the simple things life has to offer.  Somehow, thought the noise of life...I forgot about that for a while and you are my witness in that.  But slowly I am making my way back to this and since November is simply days away, the idea of a 30 day challenge was speaking volumes!  November has 30 days....see where I am going with this?

So I have created a list of my own ideas to share with you or you can make your own.  If you feel like joining along I'd love to see your Hygge photos on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.  Please use the hashtag #mycozynovember

30 ideas for you:

1.  Bake something amazing and share 1/2 with friends or neighbors.  

2.  Hang fairy lights EVERYwhere in your house for instant ambience.

3.  Bundle up and go for a walk with friends.  "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing".  

4.  Put flannel sheets on your bed.

5.  Have a spa night...think facials, pedis, exfoliation, the whole gamut.  And have wine.  

6.  Watch the sun come up in the morning.  Brew a hot coffee and just wait for it.  

7.  Settle in for some adult coloring.  This is my favourite coloring book right now: CREATIVE COLORING MANDALAS

8.  Try a new cafe instead of heading to your usual spot.

9.  Have a candelight bath.  This is HEAVEN!!

10.  Personally take some flowers to someone to let them know how awesome they are.

11.  Wear amazing blingy, statement jewelry and go get groceries like a boss.

12.  Start the morning out with meditation by candlelight.  

13.  Learn to knit or sew, or take a pottery class.

14.  Build a bonfire & invite friends over to join you.

15.  Add Bailey's to your morning coffee.  Salted Caramel is my favourite.  

16.  Put your smart devices away for the afternoon and be completely present in the moment.  

17.  Build yourself a Hygge nook in your house. Get out all the fluffy pillows, candles, blankets and flowers and make a spot for you to just chill and be still.

18.  Do a winter activity you used to love as a child.  

19.  Make a homemade gift for someone.

20.  Make a slow cooker meal...soups or stews are comfort food.

21.  Delete clutter from your house.  Keep the things around you that light up your soul and don't bog you down.

22.  Do yoga by candlelight.  

23.  Go for an entire weekend unplugged from tv.

24.  Bring the smells of outdoors in...pinecones, greenery, etc.  Add in a pot of oranges, cinnamon and cloves simmering on the stove and you will instantly find bliss.

25.  Hygge your wardrobe.  Chunky sweaters and leggings, legwarmers, furry coats...you get me. 

26.  Write down your thoughts in a journal.

27.  Listen to music to soothe your soul.

28.  Play board games with your family or friends.  So. Much.  FUN!

29.  Plan a movie night with popcorn.

30.  Book one whole day OFF in your planner...an empty day for you to just wing it and do some exploring all on your own.  

These are just some of many ideas I came up with for the #mycozynovember challenge.  If you need more ideas on all things cozy and Hygge, I recommend The Little Book of Hygge,  Hygge: The Danish Book of Happiness and of course, The Cozy Life.   

I'd love you to visit me and follow along with me on Instagram here at @coconutsandcaffeine

I am excited for day one!  Thanks for stopping by to read.

Cheers,

Wendy