Chalk Paint Wars: Calcium Carbonate vs Unsanded Grout (4 Chalk Paint Recipes)

I have this friend named, Britiany who always has a plethora of DIY tasks from, big to small, going on in her house. The girl in this picture is the Brittiany in question . . .

 One sunshine-y day she approached me and said,

  "Amy,  I think we should paint your chairs using

   different chalk paint recipes so that I can

   decide which recipe I want to use to paint my piano."

I thought it was a splendid idea  and didn't mind experimenting on my chairs one bit; so I agreed. Painting my chairs was something that I had wanted to do, but need the right push to get . . . un-lazy.

We were a bit ambitious at first. I have five chairs and she had four recipes, but we also had three kids to add to the mix {two of them being rather  . . .rambunctious} If the title gives you any indication, we only were able to attempt two recipes:

Calcium Carbonate Chalk Paint Recipe:

2/3 paint 

1/3 calcium carbonate

 a little water

mix water and calcium carbonate first, then add to paint and mix again
* to see coffee table painted using this recipe click here

Unsanded Grout Chalk Paint Recipe

1 cup paint 

1 TBL unsanded grout

 add a tbl water to the grout

 mix

 add to the paint

 Add more water if paint is too thick one tablespoon at a time

* it wasn't until after I used this that I read the back label which clearly states that this

 product can cause cancer. After reading this I don't recommend it when their are much safer methods to achieve similar results.

We wanted to attempt {but didn't get to}:

Plaster of Paris Chalk Paint Recipe:

2 latex cups paint 

5T plaster of paris,

 add 1-2tbls water to the plaster of paris,

 mix, 

then add to paint 

mix again

Baking Soda Chalk Paint recipe:

1 cup latex paint

 1/4 cup baking soda

mix baking soda with a  TBL of water before adding to paint, 

then mix in paint

* Note: other helpful tools: Hand mixer (not necessary, but useful), mixing cup, steel wool, sand paper, paint brush, drop cloths, finishing wax.

**Be mindful as you work that the paint dries quickly.

*Update: Britt has since tried the other two recipes and she says the calcium carbonate is here favorite. She got it from a health food store.

Meet the Challengers:

This is what my hand me down chairs looked like before any paint: They were the dining room chairs that my husband and his 9 brothers grew up with. With chalk paint you don't need to sand, that is the whole point of using it, but I think I had previously sanded these chairs down a bit prior to this project.

  This is Britt mixing the paint: She found that adding water the whatever medium you choose to put in to turn your paint into chalk paint works better if you mix it first with a little water, then add it to the paint and mix with a hand blender.

This is one of the three rambunctious children: We had to let them paint so we could paint . . .

As you view the pictures, you"ll notice that they aren't really step by step . . . so let me just sum up briefly: We painted both chairs with the different types of chalk paint. At this time, the unsanded grout was our favorite until we read the health warning. When the chairs were completely dry, we alternated sanding them with sand paper and steel wool. The steel wool was awesome. You don't get all the scuff marks that sand papers leaves behind, AND it added sort of an aged color which worked well since we were distressing. 

 Check out that distressing . . .beating up furniture is a GREAT way to relieve tension!

It was a little frustrating at times to paint around all these grooves.

Then you can use your new chairs to take awesome pictures:

See more if Jayci here:

See more of Kona here:

See blue chair in a lemonade theme photo shoot here:
I hope you found it helpful to have four chalk paint recipes in one easy location. I would love to hear what kind you like best. If you feel so inclined as to leave a comment that is:) Otherwise,

For more: see a dresser I painted with the pink chalk paint here
and a coffee table I painted with the teal chalk paint here.


Happy Crafting!
XOXO,
 Amy

DIY Whimsy Dress:Tulle and Ruffles! {The Ups and Downs}

I am not a seamstress. I can sew. A little. Sometimes I get ambitions and think that I can make really fun, whimsical things for my daughters. 

Sometimes I can. Other times . . .i wing it.

This is my story:

I splurged on some ruffle fabric for my two year-old's birthday. It is a little pricy, but when you consider the fact that someone else has taken the time to make ruffles for you, the price might be worth it. It runs about $15-$20. I got it from Ruffle Fabric(.com) 

(and this is NOT a sponsored post)

This is what you need:

Sewing Machine

3 yards of tulle

1 yard of  Ruffle Fabric

For necklace:

elastic, tulle, glue gun and decorative brad, matches, candle

What I like about tulle and ruffle fabric . . . no hemming!

Using my daughter's measurements, I cut the fabric 15 in in length and 6 in in width.

THIS WAS PART ONE OF MY MISTAKE:  My little dog, Maddie tried to tell me that since the ruffle fabric stretches, I could subtract 3 inches so that it would fit snugly around my toddler and not fall down , but I never have been good at speaking dog, so I didn't listen.

 Doesn't the fabric just look fun already!

 The I cut the tulle to the length I wanted, 26 in long in 5 in strips. You can actually use more or less tulle depending on how full and fluffy you want the "skirt part."

 

 This is the part 2 of my mistake.I pinned all the tulle to the base of the ruffle fabric and did not allow for any stretch. Meaning, even the the tulle fabric stretches, once you sew the tulle in, place it ceases to stretch. I should have allowed for 2 small slits. Once the dress was on, the slits would be invisible, but would allow for stretch. Or maybe one of you reading this will; have another solution you"l want to share with me.
Maybe I could have tapered the top so that is was more of an A-line, the top could have been snug and the tulle wouldn't have been tight . . .
Anyway, it wasn't so bad, but it won't grow with my girl for very long . . .
unless, I cut some small slits in the tulle now . . .

 Anyhow . . . I sewed the tulle to the ruffle fabric and then sewed up the sides of the bodice of

 ruffle fabric and got this:

 For the tulle flower head piece, I cut 8 circular pieces of tulle and burnt the edges using a candle in a well ventilated area. Do not inhale this stuff. It is nasty. I stuck a decorative brad through the middle and hot glued it to a piece of elastic that was measured to fir my 2 year old's blond, curly head.

It was fun . . .
Happy Crafting
XOXO,
 Amy!

The Fluffiest Scrambled Eggs

In  a house full of picky eaters, scrambles eggs is one of a very few recipes that can please all six tummies in my household. Today I am going to reveal a secret that will teach you how to make the fluffiest scrambled eggs in the world:) When  I say  fluffy, I mean big, fat, mouth watering, delicious-fill-the-fork-to-capacity-bites!

This little gadget is the key . . . your household blender. Pictured below is the blender we got as a wedding gift more than 13 years ago! I don't know why, but  eggs liked to be whipped and beaten like a dirty rug. Hand whipping takes to long to achieve the kind of fluffiness that a blender can create in a matter of minutes. Add all your ingredients to your blender and blend for 2-3 minutes . . .then cook as normal.

The results of blender your eggs is evident as soon as your poor them into your frying pan. They should look frothy and foamy. This is the prelude to yumminess.

Like a college freshman who gains 20 pounds their first time away from home you should be able to tell that the eggs are bulkier than usual as you scrape the pan.

 Season. Serve. Enjoy!

 Now you know the secret and you can  . . .

Bon Apetite!
XOXO,
 Amy

Make Your Own Candy Dish!

"A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous."

- Ingrid Bergman

'Tis the month of love. It is time to be shot by a little winged, baby like creature who slings a bow and arrow with a heart shaped tip! You may or may not have a sweetheart, but you can always treat yourself to sweets. And you can also find someone else who may benefit from the blessing of a secret admirer.Consider containing your sweets in this little candy dish!

I made this little candy dish right before Christmas. I filled it up with small ornaments. But with the change of the season and a wave of my magic wand, it has now become a Valentine's Day Candy Dish. I love decor that can do double duty.

To make this jar, you will need:
An old jar. This one happens to be an old pickle jar that was expertly cleaned. I have also made them with Mason Jars and other dollar store vases.
A glass candlestick from the dollar store
A can of  Spray Paint. I used Krylon semi-gloss (the one with primer in it covers better using less paint.) Or any kind of spray paint, my friend only buys dollar store spray paint and she loves it.
E6000 Glue - or any other glue that works on glass. You can find it at Walmart.
Ribbon to garnish
Candy to eat

The Paint and the glue will be your biggest expenses, but hopefully you can use them for future projects.

Instructions:
On a protected surface, spray the candlestick and the jar lid. This may recover multiple coats. Allow each coat to dry in between. ( I know, that is the hardest part for me, too) When desired paint coverage is achieved, read glue instructions and adhere the jar to the candlestick, making sure jar is centered. Allow glue to dry completely.

Fill with Candy. Display at your home. Make one to leave on someone's doorstep.

Check these out too!
Ten Valentine's Day Crafts!
Three Yummy Valentine's Day Treats!

Happy Crafting!
XOXO,
 Amy

Ten Valentine's Day Crafts!!

 For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

-Judy Garland

My house does not boast of Valentine's Day decor, but I do love a good craft. If you feel the need to add a little festive love decor to your humble abode, check out these crafts . . .

 First off,  from Amy's Craft Bucket,  here are three kid friendly crafts I made last year. The crayons were especially a favorite of my kids! And the decorative plate can be customized for any season.

Be Mine Goodie Bags From Parents.com

http://www.parents.com/holiday/valentines-day/crafts/valentine-crafts-recipes/?page=7&ordersrc=rdparents1103166

Love Letter Blocks from Stories by me

http://storiesbymeblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/letter-blocks.html

 

Button heart art from Mama’s Crafty place

http://mamascraftyplace.blogspot.com/2012/02/button-art-heart.html

Valentine’s Day String Art by Make Grow Gather

http://makegrowgather.com/posts/2011/2/10/valentines-day-string-art.html

Candle in a Bottle from “I Love This”

http://ilovethisandthat.blogspot.com/2012/01/candle-in-bottle.html

From Dollar Store Crafts, A Valentine’s Day Gumball Machine

http://dollarstorecrafts.com/2012/01/make-a-valentines-day-gumball-machine/

 

From The Anderson Crew, Valentine’s Day Mailboxes

http://andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/2011/02/emily-did-something-crafty-holla.html

So Cute! Might make me want to think about decorating a little more for good ol' V-day after all!
Happy Crafting!
XOXO, 
Amy

Three Yummy Valentine's Day Treats!

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." 

 - Lao Tzu

Love will soon join the winter chill in the air. I don't usually decorate for Valentine's day because quite frankly, after Christmas, I am tired of decorating. I usually just have a little something here and there that act as a tiny clue announcing the holiday. I do however love making little treats to win over the hearts of my house hold brood. Here are three cute little treats I thought I would share with you. Enjoy!

Reeses Peanut Butter Cookies from I heart Nap Time

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/reeses-peanut-butter-cookies/

Don't these look so yummy! I am a sucker for anything chocolate and Peanut Butter!

 Cupid's Arrow Cupcake from Bakerella.com

http://www.bakerella.com/cupids-arrow-cupcakes/

How adorable are these?!

Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches from Recipe.com

http://www.recipe.com/strawberry-sandwiches/

These look so cute! What a fun treat!

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope you make something yummy!

XOXO,
 Amy

Finding the Right Fit: A Search For the Perfect Pait of Jeans

Skinny, Relaxed, Boot Cut, Straight leg, Hipster . . . . mama mia, there are so many types of jeans.  There is nothing more comfortable than an old, worn pair of jeans that fit you like they were custom designed to fit your body. And there is nothing more elusive than finding said pair.

 Because I have been pregnant four times, I have been every size from 5 to  . . . well pregnant. Finding the right pair of jeans has been increasingly difficult since baby number 4. I am not proud to admit that my body has changed for the worse, but I know somewhere the perfect pair of jeans is out there waiting for me. A pair that will hug my curves, flatter my body and hide my crack when I bend over to pick up a dropped toy. (Remember: Just say no to crack)

I came across this article that simply put, is a must read. I am serious. You MUST read this article.
This is the link that will change your life! Ready . . . . HERE it is! It is written by Rachel of "Grasping for Objectivity in My Subjective Life" and is entitled,

Mom Jeans and the Dreaded “Long Butt”  

Rachel will entertain you with her clever wit and astounding research, but most of all with the vast amount of pictures of improperly and properly dressed rear ends. She has since written several articles all related to the denim world and all of them are well worth the read and will aid you on the journey to find the perfect fitting jeans.  

I read her second article, a about finding jeans when you are over 50,  to my mom while we were visiting her over the Christmas break. We were sitting at the kitchen table near the laundry room. We laughed so hard that we didn't even hear the washing machine (which empties into the utility sink) over flow and only noticed that it had when our feet began to feel the dampness of the flood. It required an hour and a half of clean up.   

Read the article and then let me know if you have an overwhelming desire to hit the stores near you to refit your rear.

xoxo,

 Amy

Easy Taco Soup!

This is one of my  hubby's most requested meals . . . Taco Soup! It is packed with yummy goodness. I first had it while I was pregnant with my number three child. I had just entered into my second trimester and was starting to enjoy food again. I had this meal at a good friend's house:) This would also be a great recovery meal after a hard workout!

To Cook Soup:
1 lb ground Beef (or ground turkey)
4 cans of your favorite beans (red, kidney, garbanzo, black) do not drain
1 can diced tomatoes (or dice your own fresh tomato)
1 can water
1 packet Taco Seasoning

Top with:
Shredded Cheese
Sour Cream
Tortilla Chips or Fritos

Brown meat in skillet. Drain. While meat is browning add other ingredients (not toppings) into a pot. cook on med high heat. Add meat once browned. Once meat is cooked it really is just a matter of heating the other ingredients until heated thru. Once meat is in the pot, simmer  5- 10 minutes more. Enjoy
Healthy without the toppings . . . . not so much after . . .:)

 XOXO,
Amy

DIY: New Year's Resolution Journal- Fast, Easy, Cheap!

 

I was spending the night at a friend's house across the street from my house for New Year's Eve. I was eight years old. I remember sitting around her small round kitchen table with her mom and dad and brother. This is my earliest memory of making a New Year's Resolution. I haven't the foggiest idea of what my resolution was at that tender age. Nor do I remember any of my  resolutions from any of the other years . . . except last year. Why . . . because I finally wrote it down. Along with the rest of my family's

Last New Year's Eve we sat around my tall, square kitchen table and talked about resolutions and goals. We didn't go into too much detail since we have four small children, just enough to give them the general  idea.

It is so fun to look back on the things my kids said . . .here is a small taste of what was recorded:

 Husband: Read all of the scriptures before 2013

Me: Excersice at least 3 times a week

Finish Book of Mormon

Read Ensign each month

Cambria (8) : Go to Hawaii and play volleyball for a year

Kiera (6): Do fireworks every New Year!

Malachi (4) Do fireworks every New "Thor's" (he was and still is way into Superheroes)

Raia (1): To learn how to walk

To turn Two Years old!

As you can see they range from frivolous to serious. Now we can look back and see what we actually were able to do!

 Husband: Read all of the scriptures before 2013 (incomplete)

Me: Excersice at least 3 times a week (complete- until I tore my ACL, that is)

Finish Book of Mormon (incomplete)

Read Ensign each month (incomplete)

Cambria (8) : Go to Hawaii and play volleyball for a year (incomplete)

Kiera (6): Do fireworks every New Year! (Complete??)

Malachi (4) Do fireworks every New "Thor's" (he was and still is way into Superheroes) (Complete??)

Raia (1): To learn how to walk (complete)

To turn Two Years old! (complete)

You can see that some of us did better than others!!! I like the idea of using a notebook because all the pages stay together. There are no loose papers to loose. Plus I was done in 20 minutes. Just enough time to make sure the glue was all the way dry.

To make your own New Year's Resolution Journal You will need:

One Composition Notebook

Scrapbook Paper

A ribbon

Mod Podge

Cut down scrapbook paper to size, glue it to the cover of your composition book, add ribbon or any other embellishments you desire . . .then record your resolutions!

 How dun this will be to look back on every year!!!

I can't wait to see what my kids come up with this year!!

 Happy New Year!! May 2013 Be YOUR year!

XOXO, Amy

Ten Neighbor or Teacher Gift Ideas: Revisited

With winter break in full swing all of my little ones and my hubby are home for the holidays!Before I go on my own little Christmas break from blogging, I wanted to share with you what I posted on my cousin-in-law, Heidi's blog. Just in case you didn't go a lookin' I also included three more ideas that I found via Pinterest, so that if you already did visit Honeybear Lane you wouldn't feel like you looked at my blog for nothing!:)

But First . . .

This little Sucker got deleted from the bottom . . . I know, how totally unprofessional to start with number 6!

6. Here Is What You Give: Hot Chocolate Mix
Here Is What You Say: "When Your Hands and Nose Get Cold and You Need A Warm Thing You Can Hold, Look No Farther Than This Jar. It Has Been Filled With Love, By Friends So True, With Sweetness Made Just for You. To Us Your Friendship Is A Gift That Always Gives Our Hearts A Lift! Merry Christmas! "

NOW . . . the new

From splitcoaststampers.com

From love-the-day.com



From room-mom101.blogspot.com

Now, this is what I wrote for Heidi . . . it starts in the middle . . .

Now For The CUTE Stuff! You may have seen something like this already this season, but I really wanted to do a post that featured ideas for Neighbor Gifts this Christmas! So here are 7 ideas and some original short poems that you are free to use! (P.S. I tried to stay low budget- there are so many cute and clever things you can do, but I was trying ideas that were easy on the budget:)

1. Here's What You Give: Wafer cookies:
Here's What You Say: “Wafer” Not, But Let Your Faith Abound In Christ and Let Your Soul Delight In the True Meaning of The Season! Merry Christmas!”

2.Here Is What You Give:Sparkling Cider
Here Is What You Say: Like the Stars That “Sparkle” in the Night, Friends Like You Bring Our Soul Delight. When the “Sparkling” lights come down and no longer on our rooftop found, Friends Like You Bring Lasting Cheer and Make our Hearts “Sparkle” the Rest of the Year! Merry Christmas!

3. Here Is What You Give: Pop Corn

Here Is What You Say: Friends Like You Make the Holiday Season “Pop” With Joy! Or"We "Popped" On Over To Give You This Treat Because We Think You Are Really Neat. At Christmastime You're A Gift Times Ten And We Feel Really Lucky To Call You A Friend."

You could also just wrap a bag of pop corn . . . I just thought it looked cuter in the jar for picture's sake:)

4. Here Is What You Give: A Strand of Christmas Lights

Here Is What You Say: “Shepard's Kept Their Watch By Night and Saw a New Star Burning Bright. Angels Sang and Greetings Gave And Invited All To See the Babe” May The Light Of Christ Fill your Hearts This Holiday Season!

5. Here Is What You Give: A Christmas Star

Here Is What You Say: “Star Light, Star Bright, A Brand New Star I See Tonight, Bathes the World In precious Light and Hails A Baby's Birth Tonight” May the Light of Our Savior Bring You Peace and Joy This Holiday Season!

6. Here's What You Give: Fishy Crackers or Swedish Fish

Okay, this is not an original poem, but Here Is What You Say: "We Fish You A Merry Christmas, We Fish You A Merry Christmas, We Fish You A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!"

So, there you have it! I hope you like some of these cute and affordable ideas!

I hope your Christmas is merry and filled with joy!

xoxo, Amy

Throw An Ugly Sweater Christmas Party: Revisited

Revisited (I have been too busy for new stuff . . . Merry Christmas! (new Game ideas at bottom)

I won't argue, I know we look good! My sweater even won an award:)

I should so be a fashion blogger:)

Ugly Christmas Sweater Parties are so much fun! You can make your own sweater or go to a thrift store or ask your Aunt May to borrow one of her sweaters. Just a warning however: When you ask to borrow Aunt May's sweater, don't tell her you need and "ugly" Christmas sweater, tell her you need an extremely "festive" Christmas sweater:) That way you will still have peace in the family.

So this is what you do:
Invite your guests and tell them it is a pot luck party.
Go in search of the perfect Holiday sweater (or make your own- it is way more fun)
Have a prize for the ugliest male and female sweat.
Prize should be simple, like a glow stick left over from Halloween (don't break the bank on a prize)
Have a white *Elephant gift exchange (something you don't ever use that is laying around your house or a dollar store item.
Enjoy food and Company!

*White Elephant Gift Exchange Rules:
Place all white elephant gifts in a central location.
Have two to four plastic cups (depending on how many guests you have) Each cup should contain a pair of dice. Pick a number like three. Every time someone roles doubles of the number three they get to choose one of the white elephant gifts. The cups with dice should be moving constantly around the guests. The next person who roles doubles can choose to take a new gift from gift location or steal from someone who already has a gift. It is best to set a time limit like 5-8 minutes depending on the crowd you have invited.


** Another great party game is Catch-phrase because it doesn't matter how big or small your group is everyone can play. edit: If you wanna get really crazy add some "Minute To Win It" Games!

2012 EDIT: Here are two sites for fun party games, Minute to Win it Games Style! Sorry, no pictures, but the sites have multiple games on them and are worth your time if you are looking for out of the box ideas.
From:

*Parties 4 Me!

*Invite and Delight

There you go, simple, easy, fun!

Happy Party,
xoxo,
Amy