Pirate Room Make-Over: Part 1!

Ahoy Matey! Doesn't it seem that children grow up much too fast? Arrrrgggg!!! (Pardon the puns! hehe) Didn't I just have the fun of putting together my son's Mickey Mouse room? And yet here we are a year and half later with a new baby boy, and so, a new boy room to share. I had seen some very cute space ship bedding and had lots of ideas in mind, but then I went to Target(dang them!) and saw their adorable pirate themed bedding. I was smitten! So I went home and hit up Pinterest for Nautical and Pirate room ideas. Man, there are some very clever people out there! I saw actual boat beds and rod iron wall lamps. I saw painted ceilings and huge sails and pirate flags. I had neither the budget or the time for something that grand, but I had plenty to work with!

So here is Part 1!

Before:

After:

The Bed: I bought the cute bed frame on a local buy/sell FB page for $50. Score! I painted it brown with Spray paint from Lowes. I think the color was called Thorny Brush by Valspar. I found the navy striped comforter online at Target.com for $19! The sham and skirt were separate but total bedding was $35! The Pirate quilt I had been looking at was $79, so that's a savings of almost $50. 

Wall Art: I bought Pirate wall stickers from my local Target where I saw the bedding. They were $12. I then went and bought a set of canvases from Michaels. It was a 4 pack that was on sale for $7.99. Woot! So I made the wall art with the stickers and canvas. I just simply painted the canvas and then applied the stickers. Done. The Yo Ho sign was one of those pieces of foam board that are .99 cents. Painted it and added the words. Its not perfect but it will do! I bought the ship's wheel at Hobby Lobby on clearance and they added an additional amount off due to damage. Hey, if it works, it works, right? I thought it all turned out pretty fun! 

Window: I used a twin sized sheet from Walmart ($4) for the window "sail" and some rope from Michaels($5). All I had to do was create a rod pocket for it to hang. I cheated and used the Witch Stitch stuff that you just iron on instead of actually sew. Then I swooped it over with some twine and tied it with a knot. 

My most expensive splurge was the Pirate Octopus pillow from Target. He was $17.99. 

So far I have come in under budget and have been pleasantly pleased. I am now working on the other half of the room. A lamp, dresser, crib bedding, and book shelf. Then onto Daughter's room! No rest for the weary...

Hope you are having a great summer!

Happy Pinning!

THE BEST EVER CHOCOLATE CAKE!

Grab a glass of milk! This is honestly the best chocolate cake and frosting recipe that I have made to date, and that is saying something because 1) I'm impatient when baking, and 2) I can mess up a box cake mix. So seriously, this cake takes the cake! Pun intended. Ha!

I would describe this cake as velvety smooth with the perfect sweetness. Its not so rich that you are immediately licking your pallet and thirsting for a glass of milk. Instead, you savor the flavor. Its melt in your mouth good, and the side of vanilla ice cream or glass of milk just enhances it. Its not a rescue. Have I mentioned yet that it was easy and fast? Here it is in all its glory!

I'm not a pro decorator or anything, but I did try my hand at a few roses. Next time some colored icing for a fun rose cake!

Here is the original pin and link:

http://addapinch.com/cooking/2013/01/25/the-best-chocolate-cake-recipe-ever/#.Ur2KV6DTXJt

Visit her site for the original recipe tutorial and more fun recipes and ideas! She has more than just chocolate cake!

Here is the recipe:

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

1.  Preheat oven to 350º F. Prepare two 9-inch cake pans by spraying with baking spray or buttering and lightly flouring. I also like to use the wax paper method. Cut out a piece of wax paper to place in the bottom of the pan after you spray. Helps the bottom just pop out!
2.  Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt and espresso powder to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk through to combine, or, using your paddle attachment, stir through flour mixture until combined well.
3.  Add milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla to flour mixture and mix together on medium speed until well combined. Reduce speed and carefully add boiling water to the cake batter. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter. (If it appears pretty runny, then you are doing it right!)
4.  Distribute cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
5.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes, remove from the pan and cool completely.
6.  Frost cake with chocolate buttercream frosting.

For the Frosting:

• 1½ cups butter (3 sticks), softened
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa
• 5 cups confectioner’s sugar
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder

1. Add cocoa to a large bowl or bowl of stand mixer. Whisk through to remove any lumps.
2. Cream together butter and cocoa powder until well-combined.
3. Add sugar and milk to cocoa mixture by adding 1 cup of sugar followed by about a tablespoon of milk. After each addition has been combined, turn mixer onto a high speed for about a minute. Repeat until all sugar and milk have been added.
4. Add vanilla extract and espresso powder and combine well.
5. If frosting appears too dry, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency. If it appears too wet and does not hold its form, add more confectioner’s sugar, a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

My last little note is this: ESPRESSO POWDER is not generally available at your local store. You can buy it through Amazon or specialty places. I did not have Espresso Powder so I looked up a substitute and found that you can use regular instant coffee crystals instead. You just use twice the amount. 

Get to your kitchen and make this cake now! I guarantee no crumbs left behind!

As always,

Happy Pinning!

Fourth of July Fun!!!

I love the Fourth of July! Its a holiday that no matter how old I get, I always feel like a kid. The fun, the food, the fireworks! Growing up, we always had this big block party that my mom coordinated every year. Neighbors and friends would congregate on our front yard with desserts and fireworks, and the party lasted for hours! Kids ran around with sparklers and poppers, and the dads formed a group in the middle of the street lighting up the main event. My dad always went out of his way to get some of the illegal kind that rocketed into the sky for the finale. I'm not sure it was a picturesque Norman Rockwell painting or anything, but my memories are sure rosy and warm. I appreciate what my family and neighbors did and have a happy fondness of the holiday. Not only that, but they instilled a sense of pride and love for our amazing country!

So to honor America's birthday, here are some fun ideas and links to help kickoff your celebration!

First off, how about some fun Red, White, and Blue sweets!

http://www.craftbyphoto.com/red-white-and-blue-rice-krispies-treats/?crlt.pid=camp.N6hvWXGSLGgY

http://www.reasonstoskipthehousework.com/firecracker-cookies-with-pop-rocks/

How about some food ideas for that BBQ or party!

http://www.psxo.com/inspiration/fourth-of-july-party-ideas/?pp=1

http://www.honeybearlane.com/2014/06/10-fabulous-4th-of-july-recipes.html#_a5y_p=1890211

Its not ALL about the food, how about some fun crafts!

http://www.thejennyevolution.com/patriotic-4th-of-july-kid-crafts-activities/#_a5y_p=1895581

You know how I love a good wreath!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/192696069/patriotic-4th-of-july-burlap-red-faux?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/20-craft-ideas-link-party-features/

How about a fun free printable?!

http://howtonestforless.com/2014/05/20/god-bless-usa-free-printable/

I honestly could go on and on for pages. There are so many fun and creative ideas on Pinterest! We all know how it sucks you in. Admit it, you go to look for a recipe and next thing you know its been over an hour! Ha!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July! 

-Happy Pinning!

Pinterest and the Pauper feature and update!

My little blog has been featured on a super fun website called homeheaven.com.au! I am so excited! They did a piece on recycling old furniture into something new, and asked to use my popular chevron cabinet make-over. Here is the direct link:  http://homeheaven.com.au/renovations-repairs/diy/gallery/recycled-diy-decorations-your-home/recycled-diy-decorations-your. This site is so much fun, I don't even know where to begin! Go check it out!

As I took a closer look at my blog, I decided it needed a new simpler look. I gave the blog itself a small make-over and spent 3 days going through links and images. If you see anything not working, please let me know! 

Thank you to everyone who has visited Pinterest and the Pauper! You are awesome! Thanks for the love!

-Happy Pinning!

How To Paint Your Front Door!

Painting your front door seems like a pretty straight forward thing, right? Roll on some paint and ta da? What I did not think about when painting my front door was all the dings, dents, dirt, and weather that it has withstood. Not to mention the old "Welcome Home" sticker that was basically glued and faded to the middle of the door. It is most likely the door the house came with and I do not know how many little hands have touched it, but we have been here for over a year now and it was time for some TLC.

I just happened to stumble upon a tutorial on Pinterest about a month before I painted. It must have been meant to be! When I went to paint the front door, I followed the tutorial step by step and ta da! A clean and new found front door!  I couldn't get rid of some of the bigger dents and this is a rental, but you get the idea! Our newly painted blue front door....

Before

After

Painting your front door isn't any harder than painting a wall, but there is a technique that makes it look flawless! Here is the link to the tutorial:

http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/06/how-to-paint-a-door.html

Supplies:

1) Your choice of colored indoor or outdoor paint. I used the color Indigo Clothe by Valspar in a Satin finish from Lowe's. I only used 1 and 1/2 of their sample jars! Total of $6!

2) A roller brush

3) Regular angle brush 2 inches wide or so.

4) Sand paper

5) Painters tape

6) Possibly primer if you need it.(I didn't use it on this project. My door is under a large area of house and porch so it doesn't get a lot of sun or weather, etc.)

How To:

1) Tape off any areas that you don't want paint touching. 

2) Remove what hardware you can. If you can't remove it, cover it well in tape.

3) Remove anything from the door such as old tape or stickers.

4) Sand any rough areas down.

5) Clean the door well with water and soap. Let dry.

6) Now that you have a nice clean and smooth front door, paint! Starting with the indented areas first. Use the angle brush.

7) After the indented areas are painted, paint their raised middles. Now each panel should look painted.

8) Now using the roller brush, paint the very middle strip of door that runs top to bottom. Paint in up and down with vertical strokes.

9) Next, Paint the very middle area that runs horizontal with left to right brush strokes. Now all the panels and middle areas should be painted with only the outer door areas exposed.

10) Starting at the top area of the door, paint all the outside edge areas. The top and bottom areas are left to right strokes, while the sides that run top to bottom are up and down strokes. 

11) Repeat coats in the same manner until the door is nice and even.

(See the original tutorial for more photos)

Side tip: If you are worried about brush strokes you can use this stuff you mix with the paint that makes the paint dry slower. Ask your local hardware store! I didn't use any, but some of you may have really nice flat doors that would look amazing with some extra umph!

This project cost me less than $20. It only took about 2 or 3 hours and most of that was coats of paint drying. It didn't take much effort and really changed the look of the front door! If you just want a simple front door change, grab some paint and switch it up! Have fun with it, but keep your HOA in mind. Ha!

Have a great week and happy Pinning!

Summertime wreath!

Ok, so last week I showed you my front door make-over. I'm really liking it! I am enjoying its simplicity, especially since it didn't break the bank and it adds something fun before you even enter my home. A preview, so to speak....

Today I'm going to show you how to make a pretty Summertime wreath. Woot! Bring on some color! I saw this wreath on Pinterest and it hung on a navy door. I said to myself, "I MUST HAVE THAT!" and so began the make-over. The wreath itself was honestly one of the easiest to put together(no really!) and with very minimal effort. Just the supplies, hot glue, some floral wire, and about an hour of my time. I wish I could say it was under $20 but it was closer to about $25-$30. Still not bad! And its so easy, even those who consider them selves "craftless" can do it!

So here it is...My pretty summertime wreath (on my new blue door)!

Here's the How To:

Supplies:

1) A grapevine or twig/branch type wreath. ($6.99 full price at Hobby Lobby)

2) A green small leaf type garland. (Hobby Lobby on sale 50% off, so it was about $8)

3) A flower spray type garland. (Hobby Lobby on sale 50% off, so $8 as well)

4) Wood letter of your last name or a monogram. Whatever you want to hang in the middle.(Hobby Lobby at about $3)

5) Hot glue gun and glue sticks.

6) Floral wire.

7) Your choice of ribbon. I used burlap ribbon.

8) Small piece of twine.

9) Your choice of paint for your wood letter.

To Make:

1) Paint or even modge podge your wooden letter and let dry. Set aside for later.

2) Using floral wire, secure the green garland to the wood branches of the wreath. Its going to hang somewhere so make sure its on there nice and tight!

3) On top of the green garland, add the floral garland using the floral wire as well. Secure this in several places over and under the other garland. Nice and tight! 

4) Use hot glue gun to add additional security where you think it needs it.

5) Make a bow from your ribbon and chose where you want to fasten it. I used both floral wire and hot glue.

6) Underneath your bow, hang your letter using the twine. Secure the twine to the actual branch part of the wreath for security. 

7) Hang on your front door!

That's it! No wrapping, pinning, flower making, or hot gluing your fingers together. Ha! So easy!

Here is the Pin of inspiration:

http://www.onsuttonplace.com/2014/03/simply-spring-a-diy-wreath/

Her blog is SUPER cute and she has the original tutorial on her site with more photos as well. Hop on over and have a look!

Next week I am showing you how to paint a front door properly. Stay tuned!

As always, Happy Pinning!

~Amanda

Front Porch Makeover!!!

Spring is here FINALLY! Slowly but surely my projects are starting to get finished up. (Holla!) Spring in WA means a few days of sun followed by a week of rain, so I struggle to get things done as fast as I can. I have some fun posts coming up, but this one is going to be one of my favorites this year I think. 

I have a nice wide porch area leading to my front door which has been sitting pathetic for months. Duck tape from Halloween and a dead poinsettia to name a few items gracing my doorstep. It was not very welcoming and quite frankly, boring. Here it is in all its boring glory...

So I decided one of my first spring projects would be to add some colorful curb appeal. I also have one small confession. I am a plant killer. I just cannot grow anything to save my life, so this little make-over had to involve, fake, yes fake, plants. hehe. The perk? I don't have to water and it still looks green. Ha!

So I made a wreath (next post!), painted the front door, bought a rug and plant, and used my daughters rain-boots she wore all of once. Ta Da! A welcoming and colorful doorstep. Much better don't you think?

Here's what I did:

1st) I went to Lowe's and bought one of their $3 sample jars. The color I chose was called Indigo Cloth by Valspar. This one jar painted my whole front door. Can I get a woot? I chose it in semigloss. I wanted to paint over all the dings and nicks. It wasn't perfect, but it is SO much nicer! A different post will be on how to paint your front door, so stay tuned!

2nd) I had a medium/large pot that was an off white color just sitting in my garage so I spray painted it yellow and bought a silk plant to go in it.  I purchased the plant at Michael's for 40% off. Was originally $35 and I got it for $22.

3rd) I used my daughters cute rain-boots and bought silk lavender plants that are fairly realistic if you ask me, and stuck one in each boot. I got those at Michael's as well for 50% off. They cost me about $4 total. Did I mention I don't have to water them? hehe.

4th) I hunted for an outdoor rug, but one that covered a large area, not just the patch by the door. I found the navy and white chevron rug(you know how I feel about chevron!) at Target in the garden section. It was my most expensive item at $29! I love it.

5th) I made a new spring wreath to adorn my new blue door. I went to Hobby Lobby and made the wreath for about $30. A  bit more expensive than my previous wreaths, but its pretty fun! I will be posting the wreath tutorial next! 

This isn't a fancy make-over by any means, but it was affordable, easy, and turned out cute! In the next few posts I will share my how to's and the Pinterest inspirations that helped transform my boring porch. Stay tuned!

And as always, Happy Pinning!