New Desk for Bedroom Office

Hello Everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July with lots of fireworks and yummy food!  Today, I am going to show you the new desk that my hubby built for me.  We have been talking for a while about putting a desk in our bedroom so we would have a place for my laptop and maybe another computer for hubby.  Last week, I showed you the start of the desk.  Today, I finally get to show you the finished product.  But first, I will go through a few more pics of the process.  I have to say that I learned a few things and would probably do things a bit different next time.  We decided to stain the pine wood a dark walnut color first.  Then we I painted over that with white paint.  The idea was to sand it down a bit to show the dark color underneath.  Well, that is what we did but it took a lot of elbow grease to sand off two layers of paint.  I should have stopped with one layer but I was wanting the part that was staying white to be a little more "white" and smooth.  So, I went with two coats.  After it was all done, I put two coats of clear wax to give it a nice finish. Keep in mind that this is a long desk so it was a lot of work all the way around.  I'm fairly pleased with it.  The distressing didn't turn out quite like I had envisioned but it is growing on me.  So, here is where we started.

This is the pic I show last week.

Stained desk.

Painted desk.  (Don't mind the mess.  Our porch was being used as a workshop)

Recruiting the hubby to help with the "elbow grease".

Don't be too jealous of my paint clothes.  They have history all over them.  And, it was a very hot day hence the pulled up sleeves.  Boy, I need to get rid of my farmer's tan. ;)

Here she is! This is minus the desktop computer.  That will go in the bottom of the left hand side.  We also need two chairs and a lamp.  The basket in the middle is for trash.  

A close-up of distressing and baskets.

My side.  You might be able to tell that I have already started filling up my baskets with all things "office".  Fun!

I found this cute little dish at TJ Maxx and the cup/pencil holder at Tuesday Morning.  I am going to be making new mousepads for both the hubby and I that will match better with the colors or theme of our room.

So, there you have it.  I'm excited to have this project done.  I am going to be on the lookout for chairs.  I really don't want office chairs as they are a little bulky.  However, to make everthing fit right, we had to make the desk a little taller than a normal desk.  And, being that I am a little shorter than the average woman (5'3"), I am going to have to find a taller chair.  I have thought about bar stools so I can just tuck them under the desk when we aren't using them.  They won't be as comfortable though so I haven't decided.  I'll let you know when I find the right thing.  The best part about this desk is that we saved a lot of money and got the desk in the exact length that we wanted.  And, we can say, "WE BUILT THIS OURSELVES".  Accomplishments! :)
So until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane

Linking up to:

Ginger Snaps: wow me Wednesday #6
Handy Man, Crafty Women: Wicked Awesome Wednesday
Somewhat Simple: Strut Your Stuff Thursday Link Party
Shabby Chic Cottage: Transformation Thursday 

The 36th Avenue: Share Your Awesomeness Thursdays

DebbieDoos: Newbie Party
My Repurposed Life: Catch as Catch Can
Miss Mustard Seed: Furniture Feature Friday 

Quotable Quotes

Hello Everyone!

Happy mid-week.  Hope it's going well for you.  If you have stalked visited around blogland for very long, you have probably come across several that have postings for Wednesday that either have words or don't.  Some are called Wordless Wednesday and just show a picture.  Some are called Wordful Wednesday and have lots of words or some other such idea.  Well, I have come across a lot of quotable quotes lately.  Since there is no day of the week that starts with Q, I'm not sure which day to share.  Should I just do it randomly or make a special day for them?  I'm still deciding that one.  Feel free to chime in an opinion if you have one.  For now, I will start on this Wednesday and see what happens from here.  So, my quote for the day is:

HOLDING A GRUDGE IS LETTING SOMEONE LIVE

RENT-FREE IN YOUR HEAD!

Just something to think about.  Those seeds of bitterness can grow to where they not only want to live in your head rent free but want to take it over and become the new owners.  That is not a fun or happy way to live.  So evict the grudges and live a happy life!

So until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane

Weekend Finds

Hello Everyone!

Hope the weekend went well for you all.  Mine started out on Friday afternoon when the hubby met me at Lowe's to buy wood for a new desk.  Finally I will be able to move all my computer stuff off of my bar and onto a great new desk in my room.  Saturday, said hubby took my son fishing and my daughter and I went to a few yard sales.  We were all going to be back early to work on the desk.  I think we both got a little distracted.
We were supposed to go to Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Tuesday Morning and such looking for baskets for my desk.  We are doing bookshelves with baskets instead of drawers.  We did finally make it to town but you know how tempting those yard sale signs can be.  My daughter was getting a little exasperated at me when I kept saying, "Oh, just one more." or "This one looks promising.  Maybe they will have some baskets."  To my credit, we did pass up a few.  Anyway, we finally made it to town and were kind of disappointed in the basket selection.  Hobby Lobby was about out of baskets.  I'd never seen it quite so bare before.  They weren't getting more in until Wednesday.  I needed my baskets like "NOW" because we needed to know how far apart to make the shelves.  I went several places and finally came home empty handed.  Michael's had some pretty good looking baskets but their prices weren't so pretty.  I kind of had a general idea of the height so we were just going to go with it and hope that I found baskets later.  We were supposed to actually start building the desk on Saturday.  However, like I said before, we both got distracted.  I was told that the fish just kept biting.  Interpretation, "We were having too good of a time fishing to stop and come home to work."  Well, that isn't all together true, he didn't really say that but that was the way I interpreted it.  Anyway, we had plans for Saturday night and the hubby had to work Sunday so the desk didn't get started until Monday.  And, I got my baskets on Monday as well because Michael's decided to be nice to me and give me 40% off.  Well, ok, they gave anybody who wanted baskets 40% off but I kind of felt like they did it for me since I needed them so bad.
All's well that ends well.  The desk is made with just a few pieces of trim to add and I have started staining it.  I am going to paint over the stain and then sand down and distress a little.  Dumb me, I forgot to take a before picture.  Here is one of an upside down desk that is partially stained.

Hopefully, I can work on this more this week.  Wednesday is piano and "town" day so I won't get a chance then but maybe on Thursday I can get the rest stained.

So in your mind you're saying, "What did she find at the yard sales?"  Well, I'll just show you.  I had a lot of fun this time around.  I really only bought something at I think 3 sales.  And really truly, we only stopped at maybe 6 sales.  But enough talking and onto the pictures.

old wooden spools, pink enamel pan, old wire egg basket, glass bottles, chair, picture frame, sweatshirts, nightgown, dresses, shoes, old sign and a baby onsie

Some of this I will keep and some try to resale.  Does anything strike your fancy?  Keep watch on Etsy.  You just never know what you might find there.

The picture frame just got a new coat of paint today and will be made into a chalkboard.  The quilt sign I had in mind to give my sister if she's interested.  So, N. are ya?

With so many nieces and nephews, I'm always on the lookout for shoes that are cute.  These were really cheap as the lady was going half off all her clothes and shoes.  So far, none of my nieces are wearing a size 8 shoe so these will probably go in next year's JBF sale.

Sweatshirt for hubby, one for me, a nightgown for my daughter and two adorable little dresses for either above mentioned nieces or to sell at JBF.  These were new and still had the tags on them for a ridiculously low price.

Last but not least is this old wire milk crate.  I forgot it in the original overall picture.  I used it right off to cart jars of salsa to our Sat. night get together.  I got it for like a dollar or two.  I don't remember exactly.  This lady was also having a half off day.  

So there you have my finds.  I took pictures of some of the items today so I could list them on Etsy.

Overall, it was a pretty good weekend.  My niece announced her engagement this weekend also.  That was exciting but I now realize this summer is going to go by FAST!!!  I will be helping her with a few things, sewing a bridesmaid dress for one of her friends, doing projects around here (still haven't stripped all the wallpaper off of my upstairs room), getting ready for next year's schooling (ordering books), tending the house, garden, kids and my sanity.  I wonder if I could throw in a tropical vacation with the hubby?  Sigh, probably not.  Oh well, a girl can dream can't she?  Hope you all have a good week and 4th of July.  Hopefully I'll be able to share a finished office space soon.  Keeping my fingers crossed... Until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane

Money Mondays at The Misplaced Midesterner

 Hello Everyone!

Just doing a little advertising here.  If you have an Etsy shop, a website, or a photography site you want to promote, hop on over to  The Misplaced Midwesterner  for a little free advertising.  Kim has a blog hop she calls Money Monday where you can link up your different shops or online businesses.  As long as you keep it family friendly, you can post items or services for sale.  What a great way to see what others are selling and get the word out about your things as well.  Go check it out and get selling!  Until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane

PS. I had a great weekend of bargain hunting.  Don't forget to watch my Etsy shop for some new items this week!

Hello After Goodbye

Hello Everyone!

Hope all have had a good weekend.  A few days ago, we lost a young friend in a drowning accident while he was floating a river.  I am a little late in posting this.  If you read Kensington Cottage or The Virginia House, you have already heard this news.  However, I have spent the last few days thinking about the accident, the young man, and how fragile life can be.  I have thought about the victims of the recent Joplin Tornado.  I've thought of my father who passed away almost 3 years ago now.  When death comes to those we know and love or to even just casual acquaintances it can make you really stop and evaluate your life.

I grieve for the family of the young man and am praying that they can find strength and comfort in the Lord.  The two above mentioned blogs have talked about songs that mean something to them at a time like this.  I have been thinking of a few but one especially is called, I believe, "Finally Home".  This young man never made it to the shore of the river he was floating but he did make it to shore...

"Just think of stepping on shore and finding it Heaven

Of touching a hand and finding it God's

Of breathing new air and finding it celestial

Of waking up in Glory and finding it Home..."

This is just part of the song but just think of those words.  The other song I have thought about and hence my title is a song called "Hello, After Goodbye" that was recorded by Legacy 5 when they lost one of their members and friend.  The main thought being that for a Christian, this is not the end.  We may have to say goodbye for a little while now but there will be another "hello" and then we will be together much longer than we were apart.  My brother shared this song with me when our father passed away and it has been a big encouragement to me these past 3 years.  I hope this can be an encouragement to Christians out there who have lost someone.  If you don't know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, today is the day of salvation.  We are not promised tomorrow, or even the next 10 minutes.  So please take the time to ask the Lord into your heart and save you from your sins and be the Lord, Savior and Father of your heart and soul.  Thank you for listening and please pray for the family and close friends of this young man.  Until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane

Pet Bed from Aldi Box

Hello Everyone!

Hope you have had a good week so far.  I am going to show you a cheap and quick way to get a pet bed.  For us more specifically, a cat bed.  Yes, I know, my family is probably saying, "WHAT?  You have cats?!?"  Well, yes, actually, I do.  I am normally not a cat person.  If fact, I have been know to say in the past that I well, hate dislike cats.  You can't train them, they never stay home (or if they are someone else's cats they always do their business in your yard), they shed, etc., etc...  Well, that was how it was in my childhood.  Now, I don't love cats but I do think kittens are cute.  And, we live in the country where not all of the country mice have gone to live with their cousins, the city mice.  So, I believe cats can have their place.  I will not have a house cat! (Yo, Jill, you hearing me!!??)  I have a friend who is sure that they will end up in the house.  Even though these kittens have spent the last few days living in my son's bathroom.  They are now used to us and they now have a bed!  So tonight, out they go!!

I didn't do a before/after kind of thing here or a step by step tutorial but I think you can probably figure it out.  This is what I did.  I started with a good size box from Aldi.  For you who don't know what Aldi is, it's a grocery store that stocks their items in boxes.  There is no bagger so you bag your own groceries.  I always use their empty boxes and fill them so I don't have to pay for my bags or bring my own.  Anyway, I took the box and modge podged scrapbook paper on the outside and inside.  I chose some that looked like barn wood.  Then I got some fabric from Hobby Lobby and made a cushion or pillow for the bottom.  Then, I took wood lathe strips and glued them around the inside for added strength and to give the cats something to sharpen their claws on. (I know, sounds painful for us but remember, I want them to be mousers.)  Anyway, this is what it looked like after all that.

 

Then of course, I needed to personalize it for the little darlings. (Yes, that is said tongue in cheek.) ;)

And, yes, we have a boy and a girl.  And, no, we are not having kittens.  They are going to be fixed when they are old enough. :)

I think the names are kind of cute.  Now, my painting isn't the greatest but remember, I said this was a fast way to make a pet bed.  I wanted to get the cats out of my house!  I didn't get too fancy on the name plates.

So, do you think the cats like their new bed?  They are looking a little unsure at this point.  However,

I think they will get used to it.  So, tonight is the night.  They are on the back porch in their new little bed and I haven't heard any meowing from them yet.  Let's just hope it doesn't start up at 3:00 am!  So there you have it, a quick and fairly easy way to make a pet/cat bed.  Now if I can just get all this dried modge podge off my hands...

So until next time...

Have a blessed day,

maggie jane

Linking up to:
The 36th Avenue
Ginger Snaps

Chocolate Wacky Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hello Everyone!

I am going to give you the recipe I used for my daughter's 10th birthday. We had a red and white polka dot theme going and made cupcakes instead of a regular cake.  This recipe worked really well and they were yummy.

Chocolate Wacky Cake

2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
6 Tbsp. cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup oil
1 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups water

Mix all together and pour into ungreased 9 X 13 pan or muffin tins.  Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes. 
Note:  It always took longer in my oven.  More like 30-40 minutes.  Just check with a toothpick.  For the cupcakes, you will want to bake them for less time.  I think I did mine for around 20 minutes.  We had 48 cupcakes in at the same time because we did a double batch so you will just have to watch them.  Maybe go less and check to see if you need to add more. 

This cake is very yummy cold and topped with cool whip.  For the cupcakes, I chose a cream cheese frosting that was very yummy.   Here is that recipe:

Cream Cheese Frosting

2 Cream Cheese softened
2 tsp. vanilla
Blend these together and then add:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick) softened
Blend until smooth and then add:
2-3 cups powdered sugar
Blend until smooth.

This is not the sickly sweet cream cheese frosting that comes out of a can.  It has a rich cream cheese flavor without being overwhelming.  It almost takes like cheesecake on top of these chocolate cupcakes.  YUM!

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Now I do have to put in a word about the yucky red decorating icing we used.  I would not recommend Betty Crocker Cookie Icing that comes out of a squeeze bag.  This does not work well for decorating cakes.  We tried to do polka dots but they turned into blobs.  Then we tried to do an A and a 10 for my daughter's initial and age and it was a little better but not much.  I learned my lesson on this and hope you will not make the same mistake I did after reading this.  Here is a picture of our "blobs".

Where's the cuteness in this?  At least they tasted yummy!

So, until next time...


Have a blessed day,

maggie jane