Monday, May 7, 2018

Refacing Kitchen Cabinets with New Doors

This spring season has really motivated me!  I’ve been working on project after project.  I’m happy to reveal one of them to you today.




I've been dedicated to updating my kitchen.  When we moved into our home nearly ten years ago, I always dreamed of a bright white kitchen.  Over the years we’ve completed a bunch of makeovers, but the kitchen has been on my to-do list for such a long time.  It felt so outdated, from the floors to the cabinets.  So when CabinetNow.com reached out to me for a potential sponsorship, I could not pass up the opportunity.  How could I say no to new cabinet doors?

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’re no stranger to the journey my kitchen and I have been on.  Every so often, I would change a few things here and there, but nothing too complicated.

Installing new cabinet doors was a dream come true.  I was ready to give my kitchen a completely new look to reflect my evolving taste.




Before, the cabinets were flat and dull.  




Then when I couldn’t take it anymore, we updated them with moulding.

This time around, I wanted to streamline the cabinets by having both top and bottom doors combined into one long cabinet door.  CabinetNow.Com was a pleasure to work with.  I had a large selection to choose from.  The ordering process was made simple using a few basic tools.  All the measurements were correct and the cabinet doors arrived perfectly packaged.  I was impressed with the quality of the doors.  The wood was sanded smooth and ready for paint.
   
I painted them in my go-to white paint(Glidden White On White in a satin finish) to match the backsplash and trim.  I kept it simple with silver hardware and I am so pleased with how it looks.

We chose soft-close hidden hinges and hired out to have them installed.  Our contractor/friend worked amazingly fast and efficient.  He saved us a ton a time.





To break up the pattern, I decided to go with glass cabinet doors over the window.  They open up the kitchen a bit and give the space a more custom look.
  
At first, I was a bit nervous about how it would all come together.  I didn't want the glass cabinets to become a showcase, rather than a place for storage.


Right now, I'm using them to store my favorite glass vases.  They can also be used to store my everyday mixing bowls.

Before I updated the cabinets, I was frustrated with my kitchen.  We made some changes, but the cabinets seemed to be here to stay and I accepted the fact that I would always have to work around them.



So, when CabinetNow.com wanted to provide me with new doors, I was incredibly appreciative of the opportunity.  To have new cabinet doors is truly a blessing.  CabinetNow.com cabinets are beautiful and of such a great quality.  I chose the Shaker style recessed panel doors in a sturdy wood finish.  They are made to last.  CabinetNow.com takes pride in delivering the highest quality cabinet components available at a competitive price.  I loved working with them and I'm so grateful for their support of my blog!


*This post was made possible through a partnership with CabinetNow.com. All opinions expressed are my own words

Friday, March 30, 2018

Grown-Up Easter Basket

Happy Easter!  Are you planning dinner at home or gathering together to have dinner at a friend's house?  I love to cook, but this year I look forward to our friend's grilling dinner.
I always struggle with what to bring, when I'm told not to bring anything.  I want to show gratitude when someone opens their home to my family.  So I usually show up with a bottle of wine and flowers.
  
This time, I decided to stop at Target for some Easter-themed treats.  Instead of a basket, I filled a colander with cute household items.  Such an inexpensive way to make a nice impression.
   
Think about what your host might enjoy- no need to show up to dinner empty handed!  A little thoughtfulness can make all the difference. 

Friday, March 2, 2018

I Won a Giveaway

I've always admired Heather Bullard.  She is a contributing editor for Country Living Magazine.  She writes an amazing blog and is an incredibly talented photographer.

  I always smile when I find a new post from her in my inbox.  It would be a dream to attend one of her styling workshops, in France. 
  
Heather and her husband built their dream home on an old orange grove.
 
To cheer us up as the dreariness of winter set in, she held a giveaway on her blog.  Five readers would win a box of handpicked oranges from The Grove House.
  
Lucky enough, my name was chosen!

The fruit was meticulously packed and shipped right to my front door.  When I opened the box, I couldn't believe the wonderful orange scent.
     
What a treat!  The oranges were very sweet and juicy.  My husband and I agreed, hands down, the best we ever had!

We ate several while standing at the sink, with juice dripping down our arms.

I'm a huge fan of simmering pots.  I saved the orange peels, placed water in the pot, simmered over low heat to make my house smell fantastic.
  
Heather, thank you again for such a generous giveaway.  Click here to visit her delightful blog.

Friday, February 9, 2018

A New Rug for the Living Room

Natural fiber rugs are a go-to favorite for my house.  In fact, there's a jute rug in nearly every room.  

They are easy to care for, fit my budget and the natural texture adds a simple beauty to any room.

The old area rug was too small.  Switching to a larger rug makes the room feel much cozier and anchors the space.

  We currently have the Amor Jute Rug from Natural Area Rugs in our living room.  I've been in love ever since it was delivered.  It's so affordable(free shipping) and I haven't noticed any shedding.

I also love that the rug lays flat and even.  I struggled with our old rug.  I was constantly pulling and straightening the ends.
  
 My dogs are much happier because they have more rug to stretch out on!  Although most days they prefer the cool floor to lie on.

  What do you think?  I hope this review helps a bit if you're considering a new rug for your home.



*This post was made possible through a partnership with Natural Area Rugs.  All opinions expressed are my own words

Monday, January 29, 2018

Realistic Faux Plants

I don’t know what it is, but I cannot keep a fiddle leaf fig plant alive.  I’ve read all the books, all the blogs and did all the hacks, but it seems like I never catch a break with this plant!

At this point, I have no more energy to invest.  Instead I decided to pair up with Commercial Palm Trees to receive a hassle-free option.

What I love about this plant is that it looks so natural!  It mimics a true fiddle leaf fig’s sheen and the leaves are generous in size.

It reflects sunlight without looking extremely glossy.

The texture is also realistic and consistent throughout, making it easy to put into any room.

I decided to style it in my laundry room because it was in dire need of some all-season greenery.

Because this faux plant is so easy to maintain, I never have to worry about it dying and wiping down the leaves keeps it looking fresh.

My only complaint... I wish I could bend the stems to make the leaves appear more full.


I put it in a natural-toned basket, just like I would with a real fiddle leaf and placed it near the window for an appropriate sunshine spot.  I absolutely love my faux fiddle leaf plant.  At first glance, no one can tell that it isn’t real.  I’m glad I can finally bring in something that will always withstand time, making greenery in every season easy.  If you’re anything like me and crave simplicity with plants, consider Commercial Palm Trees for all your fake palm tree needs! 

Have you ever considered buying faux plants?  Use code "BLOGGER10" at checkout and receive 10% off an item; except custom, at Silk Plants Direct.

 
*This post was made possible through a partnership with Commercial Palm Trees.  All opinions expressed are my own words.