Update and Transform Your Home on a Small Budget! Big Results forLittle Money!

   This post shows several of my favorite, easy, and affordable makeovers that I have come across lately that I absolutely LOVE!!! Not a lot of cost involved and huge changes visually!! You cannot ask for more than big changes with little investment! Woo hoo!

   The first project is just a classic need in most homes... Various rooms quickly get slightly dated iun appearance and it quickly becomes VERY overwhelming as the home owner! Immediately our minds think that we have to change out the counter tops, the tile in the shower and tub, the cabinetry, and the list goes on.... These things quickly add up to figures that really become daunting when you know there is more than JUST ONE room that needs this kind of attention in your home.... Here is a perfect redo showing how you can make small changes and get big, beautiful results! Love this redo example and this site! Just look how fresh and pleasant that bathroom redo is with the change of a few minor and inexpensive elements.

https://centsationalgirl.com/2011/01/guest-visitor-house-of-smiths/

   This next redo shows how to really update a fireplace and take it from an older more traditional fireplace to a statement piece in your room! Note the fireplace stops at the mantle, but by repainting the brick around the fireplace, adding framing up the entire wall to the ceiling, and painting the wall from the mantle to the ceiling in the color that matched the brick this fireplace now fills the wall from floor to ceiling and it is gorgeous with minimal investment! Now if you have a fireplace that makes you fretted and seems dated and dark think of the options now!

   http://providenthomedesign.com/2014/09/03/diy-woodwork-mantlefireplace/

   Here is a mud room redo with paint as a few decorative pieces added to the walls basically, but this room was completely transformed!

 BEFORE

AFTER

http://www.designertrapped.com/2013/10/the-laundry-room-reveal.html

   This is a neat idea to add interest and a pretty window seat to a room that needs a face lift and some dressing up... Ikea pieces repurposed for a whole new idea! I love window seats no matter what, but then add storage to it and you cannot lose... Especially in your children's rooms. :)

http://mommyvignettes.blogspot.com/2013/05/ikea-no-sew-window-bench-tutorial.html

   This next one is something I just loved... It really gave the kitchen a total facelift and it just looks so bright and inviting now!!!! Note how they opened up one of the pieces of cabinetry to make it an open faced display shelf for some lovely pieces in the kitchen.... I really liked that. Also, think about this from a different aspect being if you purchase a home with far less cabinetry in the kitchen then you hoped for..... Add shelving with pretty shelf supports and paint them to match the cabinetry. Place your pretty pieces or well organized sections of kitchen gadgets on the shelves and hide the less manageable sections behind closed doors!! I love my grandmothers kitchen in Maine. She had opened shelving in several spots in her kitchen that made it feel inviting and homey to me. She displayed hand made pottery pieces on those shelves in tons of bright colors. I just love it!!

BEFORE

 AFTER

http://www.thekimsixfix.com/2012/08/kitchen-reveal-80s-to-awesome.html

   This last redo is close to my heart and cost less than $90 to complete. It is a bedroom in my home. We remade our king size bed from headboard to floor in this post and I was so happy with it!!!

   http://www.mommamiamoments.com/2014/05/diy-king-headboard-total-king-size-bed.html?m=0

   I hope these offered some inspiration to  your home and family! Thank you so much for visiting my blog!

Lots of Love,

Momma Mia :)

Make Your Home A Showpiece !! Little Details that Count in Big Ways !!

   I want to do everything on this list!! I am excited to share a bunch of finds that will add alot of charm to your home with little money spent. These little changes are small, but unique and smart features and additions that will set your home apart from the rest. You would not see these things often, but once you do you will not want to go without! 

   Check out how great this makes those plain and simple light switch covers look. Funny how my light switch covers were just fine until u saw this haha, but what an easy and inexpensive upgrade! So pretty! You go from a normal switch plate to lovely.... :) Love it! 

   Two approaches to achieve this and both cost very little... First option is an inexpensive or old frame you have setting around that fits your switches which is pretty easy to do because the sizes are comparable or you can use actual molding. The following link shows the redo with picture frames. 

http://memyselfndiy.com/2014/03/03/diy-switch-plate/

   This is a great change coming up next. You know those drawers in your house that are fake? You pull them and think for sure they will open, but nothing happens and then you just think it so odd to take all that time to install something that really should actually be what it looks like?! :) Well make good use of it and turn it into a functional addition to the space with this neat idea! 

http://www.houzz.com/photos/555862/In-Cabinet-Paper-Towel-Holder-traditional-kitchen-orange-county

    Here is another inexpensive upgrade. Not fond of the color of your appliance anymore? Upgrade your dishwasher for example simply with contact paper that is stainless steel in appearance! 

http://julieblanner.com/diy-stainless-steel-makeover/

   We all need extra space in our kitchens! The below addition is so smart and takes up very little space and yet still adds a lot of space! This creates a neat and clean organizational space for cleaning supplies and when you close the doors no one would ever even pay attention to it. 

   Add a lovely cover to your toilet paper and paper towel rolls with this great idea! Molding turned into a shelving case around them removes the eye soar and adds functionality with a very attractive flair. Love!!!!! 

   Here is another very pretty way to cover your toilet paper roll and add function and style at the same time. This is really a pretty way to add decorative details to your restroom/powder room. 

http://southernhospitalityblog.com/updating-a-70s-bath-avocado-aqua/

   Here is a beautiful way to make your bathroom look more elegant and just by adding two shower curtains instead of one! Also, I love the shower rods that curve outwards to add the appearance of larger space in the shower. I just think those are pretty and then add double shower curtains again to that scenario also. Lovely!!! 

http://fabuloushomeblog.com/?p=6592

   This is same idea as cabinet paint makeover in the kitchen example, but still the transformations are just so fun to see. It's encouraging too to see what small investments can change! This is just changing fixtures and paint. Remember too fixtures can get expensive if you approach it the wrong way. Be sure and shop for sales, and look on sites where people are selling barely used things.... You can save a ton even though you weren't really spending a lot to begin with. The key is that the extra savings here CAN MAKE ANOTHER PROJECT POSSIBLE! :D (Happy Dance!!)

http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/09/bathroom-cabinets-makeover-my-first-ever-grown-up-diy-project.html

   Now I loved this because this lower portion of a lot of houses on the outside siding is just unattractive and unfinished looking. Take a look at how much this completes and details the house to really look finished and beautiful! 

   I hope all of these small, but very effective changes can really step up the look of a home! It's gorgeous and small additions to your home that really make an impact! 

Thank you for stopping by and checking out this post! 

Lots of Love! 

Momma Mia :) 

Lamp Shade Redo ~ Mini Blog Post :)

   So this post I labeled a MINI blog post :) mostly because well first of all I should have gotten more pictures along the way and saved a little more detail to share..... I wasn't thinking about blogging this little project when I did it..... The thought came after from my sister so I'm sharing what I have. Mostly the mini thing refers to the fact it was a super short and sweet DIY project. :) 

   So I had a lamp that I love, but the shade had seen better days. Finally a week or maybe a month ago :) (since the addition of our second sweet baby my concept of time is off more than usual even) the lamp shade was so badly in need of love I just retired it into the trash can, but not before saving the metal framing for a possible project later :). Soooo I had been looking at some of my favorite spots to shop for supplies and crafts, but I was finding nothing! The shades were either super expensive or just a paper form with lots of love needed. I ran across a lamp shade that was too long and lacked any character really, but it was a good width and I had my fingers crossed as to the cost. It was unmarked and all alone on a random shelf. Surprise for me because I get to the register and it was $8 on clearance! 

   I get home and decide I'll try it as is, but it was awful. You couldn't reach the switch at all once I put it on. So then I decided I would cut it down and just go from there. I took a small knife from my kitchen for this project. A crafters knife of any sort would have been more helpful, but this was the closest thing to me when I decided the lamp shade was going to change and work for me if I had anything to do with it! I sliced around the entire form to shorten the length and repeated a couple of times until the length looked really cute. Remember to slice away from you at all times. This specially was a project where the form slipped some while working with it so it made me a little paranoid while cutting  Then, I grabbed a small belt I never wear and thought I might use it as an accent detail around the base... I decided against this, but will use this concept again because I liked the look of a thin braided belt as an accent. I ended up choosing some pretty ribbon that complemented my bedroom colors and the lamp shade just in a simple easy solid color. It was a navy shade and now a simple white ribbon. To do the project I just carefully used hot glue because the lamp shade material and ribbon fabric were perfect for this simple choice to just hot glue. (I love my hot glue gun!)

   The lamp shade is now much better than before and only $8 for it! Simple fix. Maybe 30-40 minutes to just get the shade length to what I liked and add ribbon! 

   Basically, do not give up on a redo you have in your mind. Don't necessarily get your mind set on a certain path either. Look in clearance, look in odd places, grab what looks like it may not work yet has potential and the best things often come from these purchases!!! Pictures attached below of final lamp with new shade!!! :) I am happy and hope this offers some inspiration for a project on your shelf at home as well!! :) 

~~Momma Mia 

DIY Table Layout! Handmade Place Settings

So my latest project was a simple, no sewing involved, project for my sisters new house! All you need for this project is the fabrics of your choice, a glue gun, a ruler, and scissors.

    She loves natural yet delicate combinations for her decorations and really favors burlap and lace detailing. She just refinished her kitchen table with white paint and wood accents so this was a perfect gift for her.

      Below you can see I just purchased my burlap and cut in length and width I desired. Be sure and place your utensils set or one of similar size into the pockets prior to cutting them and gluing to ensure the place settings are oversized by a little. This allows utensils to fit without hassle and gives a little flexibility if another set is purchased. I would always make sure they are made a little larger rather than smaller just to be safe. As a side note, I purchased a large section of burlap rather then pre cut rolls of burlap because it was much less expensive and it gave me flexibility to really choose the width I wanted without limitation. I made a set of eight for her. 

      I ran a small strip of hot glue on the inside edge I was folding up and over to create my pocket as shown below and then ran a thin strip of glue around entire parameter of the back of the place setting to stop any edges from shredding and shedding those little strings on the burlap. If you don't do this they really will shred quickly. I was having a difficult time just avoiding losing more fabric than I wanted to while I was cutting and placing everything like I wanted it. 

   After my pockets where glued I cut my lace in strips and just used hot glue sparingly and carefully to secure the pieces of lace down into the pocket so the ends were hidden. I also used a touch of hot glue around the back of the place setting so that the edges were all secure and concealed from the front view of the place setting when in use as well. 

   The finished product is below!!! I hope this inspired you to create your own special touch at your kitchen table with burlap place settings or any fabric that fits to your style and preference! This was a fun, no hassle project and I plan to make a set for myself as well!!! Thanks for reading and give me your thoughts on this project! Also, please feel free to share your special kitchen table project ideas with us!! 

~~Momma Mia~~ 

:D 

Outdoor Projects and Decor! Handmade Wind Chimes

   This time of year has everyone out in their yard adding special touches and making lists of special projects! I've come across so many lovely handmade ideas for wind chimes and outdoor decor that I just had to share!!! So here is the most recent thing added to my outdoor project list!!

The below is featured on Crystalarium. They have some beautiful pieces with crystal details. The great thing about this is there will be gentle noises in the breeze and wonderful prisms of color :) 

I really loved the below concept. Take antique pieces and attaches beads, utensils, small antiques and objects that reflect you and your likes! Beautiful and one of a kind! 

I also love the utensil chimes and decorative pieces! Really best reuse of these items and so fun! The reality is that if you enjoy home projects and DIY art then these are not difficult and just really unique and fun! Also, just to buy these already complete they are pretty expensive. Try your hand at creating your own. Then time spent makes it special! If you don't have the time though, which happens to us all, then definitely wonder in to your local craft and decor stores for some beautiful pieces already complete and ready to enjoy! 

Another chime that beautifully displays unique antique pieces, or duplications of them. Love, love this one! 

This really shows how you can take any okect and repurpose it for a chime. Be totally open minded. If you like the look of something upright, upside down, or sideways then make it happens. Use a steamer basket from kitchen, a metal wire basket for fruits, and the list goes on. Flip it upside down and add your attachment to hang the finished piece. Then add anything that clangs with a noise you think is pretty and add pieces that reflect your surrounding, personality, etc!

I really liked the concept of the below piece, but in my mind I would want to add children's handprints and seal them or special sayings that my family enjoys, my kids art on each piece, or all of us painting them together and adding special details! 

Here is another I loved! I just keep seeing so many beautiful ideas!!!! I really want to add this piece to my collection too! 

I am working on making some of these and so are the sweet little helpers in my life!!! Will follow with a post of my little boys wind chime and mine! :)

I hope this sparked some ideas in your mind for some beautiful creations to add to your porch or garden space! Happy creations!!! :) 

Thanks for visiting!!!! Share some of your beautiful creations and ideas with us!! Love seeing the ideas and special pieces!! 

~~Momma Mia~~ :D 

   

Our Handmade Christmas ! Enjoying the Holidays & Keeping A Budget :)

   If you have a lot of people to buy for this Christmas or even if you only have a few special people in mind, but either way you are trying to maintain a budget for the holidays then I have the list for you. :) I have compiled a list of my favorites and the list of things that I'm doing this holiday to cut down on cost, but really increase the meaning of the gift you're giving to your family and friends.

   A big focus of mine is handmade! Now this scares some, but don't let it! There is a wide range of handmade gift ideas and absolutely everyone can find something special to them to make from the heart! 

 1) Handmade Art by Your Kids :)

  Your sweet little ones can create gifts for the holiday that mean the world when received! Visit your local Hobby Lobby and pick up some of their canvas for handprints and footprints or a beautiful piece of art painted by your kids! This will absolutely be a hit and you won't ever get another like it! 

2) Gifts Fresh from Your Kitchen

   Go to the kitchen and pull out your favorite recipe! What is a signature dessert you love to make or a favorite hot chocolate with your special flare added to it that everyone just loves?! Now think mini version! :) Make your favorite pie, but in a cupcake pan for bite size gifts to fill small Christmas trays with or a batch of cookies would be perfect too. Back to the hot chocolate you could make one of those adorable ingredients layered ready to mix up mason jar gifts as well!!! Just get creative and pick your recipes and treats according to ingredients and pricing as well. There is no harm in picking the best dessert at the least expense. Everyone loves a warming, homemade treat and it will be a hit no matter what! 

3) Handmade Crafts by You

   Something I personally love to do is crafts. I am making a lot of crocheted things for the people this year. This is something that relaxes me and majority of the people I know love to receive these types of things. Pick patterns and projects suitable to their tastes too. I am making blankets, scarves, hats, head bands, and little cell phone purses. You can crochet all of these and at a very reasonable price especially if you watch your sales at your local craft store such as Hobby Lobby. They run sales for sections of their store every single week and they also offer a 40% off coupon for one regular priced item per customer. Also note weeks before Christmas even comes close to arriving Hobby Lobby and many other local craft locations are already marking down the Christmas everything substantially so this would be a great time to grab those last minute yarns and scrapbook papers with a holiday theme!!!! 

 

4) Now for the Festive Wrapping! 

   Now to "wrap" ;) this all up think about the wrapping paper that you are using. That festive pre-finished paper can be so expensive and for barely any paper! Some wonderful warm, personal alternatives can be butchers paper or some basic white paper that you can buy from anywhere for a multitude of purposes. The cost will not be nearly what it would be for some pre-packaged holiday wrapping paper because it's not geared towards the current high demand. Grab a silver or gold marker and write your Christmas note right on the paper. Get some solid white paper draw some pretty designs on it or make a little ornament and attach it to the top as a decorative edition. Examples of ornaments are in my prior blog post about handmade ornaments http://mommamiamoments.blogspot.com/2014/11/handmade-christmas-decorations-family.html?m=1 . I have also included some other ideas below. Simple little wooden ornaments you can create by just finding a tree limb in your yard or grabbing a dowling rod that you can get from your local hardware store and cut in slices. You want the width to be substantial enough to make a nice circular ornament so a few inches wide is ideal. Use a little wood burning tool kit or paint (whatever you prefer) on these and add some sweet sayings, a Bible verse , names and a date, or note the celebration of a first Christmas for a couple just married or in their first home. Highlight a precious baby's first Christmas or a gift for expectant parents and it will mean so much, but at a portion of the cost. 

   I hope that you enjoyed this and are inspired to out your own personal touches on Christmas this year!!! I appreciate each and every person that stops by and reads my page. 

Merry Christmas!!!! 

~~ Momma Mia :)