LOST AND a new FOUND treasure

How has it been an entire month since my last post? Things around our house have been nutty. Too much happening all at the same time. And since giving birth, I've completely lost my ability to multi-task (translated means I've been nutty too.) Organization, I'll make you a part of my life one day. One sweet day.

But time has flown. I feel like it was just spring break week on MTV.  (I did not watch spring break week on MTV. Do they still do that?) While you've been productive in blog land, I've been lost in a cluttered mind.  I've missed you lovelies!

I'm excited for today's post! You know by now that I'm a sucker for anything DIY. And it's a lucky day for us, ladies, because the talented Anna of A Newfound Treasure, stops by to spill her to-DIY-for tips on how to create a look for less, do it yourself Dorothy Draper duo of chests.

Enjoy! And don't forget to stop by Anna's blog where you'll find more tricks, time-savers...and of course, treasures. You're welcome.

 

Hey y'all! I'm Anna from A Newfound Treasure, and today, I am sharing about my latest Ikea hacks. I have admired the Dorothy Draper chests for years and knew that the DIYs I'd seen online were perfect for our bedroom nightstands!

I started with 2 Ikea Rast chests and painted them in Rustoleum's oil-based glossy black paint.

I then used painters tape to section off where each gold inlay design would go. (This part took forever!) Once my rectangular boxes were all taped up, I got to painting. I used Liquidtex's iridescent rich gold (heavy body) acrylic paint. It took a few coats, for sure!

I free-handed the rounded corners. 

Next, I replaced the old wooden knobs with these gold ring pulls. And voila!

Lastly, I sealed up the dressers with a coat of polyurethane. Now, they are nearly indestructible! I should've done another coat of the gold paint, but I got excited. You can see where it's a little patchy in places if you look closely. They aren't perfect, but I am very satisfied with my looks for less.

What do you think??

[Please excuse the humidor and ugly cords in my pictures… this is real life, people!]

Blogger Spotlight: The Hidden List

Kelley McCarter Copeland is passionate about being "in the know".  She shares her insight, inspiration and passion for finding all things exceptional on her blog, The Hidden List.

What inspired you to start THL?  Where do you find your hidden gems?

My friends always call me when they need a recommendation for a great restaurant or the perfect gift.  I started reading blogs a few years ago and thought that this would be a great way to share my ideas and journal all of the cool things I find.  I'm a voracious reader of blogs, magazines and inspirational books of all kinds.  I find new interesting things every day just by being aware of my surroundings and always being willing to dig a little deeper to find that special hidden treasure no one else cared about.

on your playlist:
The Civil Wars - love them!

in your purse: my hobo wallet, Tory Burch sunglasses, Bobbi Brown lip pencils and glosses and sometimes my camera

on your nails:  always an American manicure

in your fridge:  tons of whatever fruit is in season and Whole Foods flavored sparkling waters

on your to-do list:  clean out my closet and do a major wardrobe reduction, create an office/studio in the extra bedroom, purchasing a custom-made pillow from The Pillow Bar, buy fabric for my custom-made headboard

beside your bed:
my Bible, iphone charger,
bio oil and bottle of water

your go-to outfit for summer:  comfortable casual dresses...the coolest thing to wear in the Texas heat

current state of mind: hopeful

spot for a steal:  For cool clothing, Cotton Hearts in McKinney - Dorie always has a bargain basket with great stuff!; For my home, all thrift stores and flea markets - There's always a treasure to be found

window-shopping: Barney's New York, at NorthPark, and all Anthropologie stores - all inspirational

coffee table book: 
Jan Shower's
 "Glamorous Rooms"
and "Decorate"
by Holly Becker and
Joanna Copestick

most marked characteristic:  my passion for staying young at heart

1 thing few people know about you:  I can't, nor have I ever been able to, turn a cartwheel.  My mom can't either...I think it's hereditary

dreaming of: another trip to Paris 

your de-stree recipe:  a hot bubble bath

your ideal evening: Listening to great live music in a small venue with someone you love

beverage of choice:  jasmine iced green tea

most overused word or phrase:  Mine?  I think I say "cool' a lot...

your "it" design color
of the moment: grey

biggest source of inspiration:  all creative people who take risks and follow their heart

5 words that describe you:  Thankful, Informative, Creative, Unique, Curious

favorite design blog:  sfgirlbybay started my blog obsession and still continues to be one of my favorites

favorite quote:  "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

blogger spotlight: Recently

Rise and shine! Oh, and welcome my dear friend and editor of Recently to the spotlight!  Enjoy!

Hello Along Came Splendor lovers!  You gals and guys are very lucky because you’re reading the blog of one gifted lady and my friend for life, Jenny.  This beautiful woman not only has a heart of gold, she has more talent in her left pinky than some have in their entire body.  I’ve been lucky enough to call her friend ever since our ridiculously fun college years and throughout this crazy journey we call adulthood.  Although, I’ll say I never feel like much of an adult when we get together.  We have too much fun!

So, when Jen came to me with this perfect idea for a series, of course I jumped at the chance to share.  I hope you enjoy!

on your playlist:  The Avett Brothers, Bon Iver,  old school rap that shall remain nameless, Mumford & Sons, David Gray, Dave Matthews, Kings of Leon, Radiohead, Need to Breathe, Ray Lamontagne, Adelle, STP, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Diamond

beside your bed: a stack of books that I want to read but haven’t had time

in your purse: wallet, lip gloss, diapers, wipes, Cheerios, bottles, baby toys (did I mention my purse is a diaper bag?) 

on your nails: a dark pink by OPI, don’t remember the name but it’s very summery!

in your fridge: sparkling water, whole wheat tortillas, rice milk, skim milk, yogurt, organic fruit and veggies (not enough though!), shredded cheese, olives, spinach, salad dressing, and chocolate chips (I always have them on hand for cookies and I have a weird thing about keeping them cold!) 

on your to-do list: Laundry. Always.

       current state of mind:  content and fearless

what do you hope to pass onto your children: I want my

children to know that God is the only source for true 

contentment and that their attitude about life will shape their happiness.

spot for a steal: Ebay baby!

window-shopping: First Dibs

most marked characteristic: Physical- my freckles. Personality- I wear my heart on my sleeve (too much in my opinion.)

1 thing few people know about you: I’ve perfected the art of the Riverdance.  Not really, but I like to pretend.

  

your "it" design color of the moment:   PINK!  I’ve never been much of a pink girl, but man is it growing on me.

nicknames for kids: boo bear, bubba, buzz buzz, sweet pea, goober, buddy, tough guy

favorite tv mom: Right now- Gloria from Modern Family.  In the past- She-Ra Princess of Power (I’m sure she became a mom at some point!)

 dreaming of:  becoming a published writer

your de-stress recipe: wine, popcorn and a chick flick.  Preferably the original Twilight (ugh, I know) or Pride and Prejudice.  And, when I can, Yoga.

your ideal evening: Dinner and drinks with my husband and close friends, followed by an intimate gathering on a patio somewhere, sharing stories until the wee hours.  When we’re home my ideal evening consists of a movie and popcorn with my boys.

beverage of choice:  Coffee, iced tea (unsweetened) or, at the moment, greyhounds (vodka and grapefruit juice.)

most overused word or phrase: Love it! and Fabulous

biggest source of inspiration:  My girlfriends and sisters.  They are all amazing women and mothers who inspire me to chase my dreams and create a home of love for my husband and children.

5 words that describe you: compassionate, emotional, dreamer, feisty, loyal.

favorite design blog: Tough one!  I absolutely love Caitlin Wilson’s design style and her blog  is definitely on my blog crush list.

   

 coffee table book: I have a vintage Cezanne art book that I love, but don’t have it on my coffee table for fear of a baby mauling!

  

favorite quote:  “Happiness is a journey, not a destination.”  It reminds me that happiness is not something we strive for, but something that’s available every day.  It’s up to us to find it.

Jen, thank you so much for having me.  This is such a great idea for a series and I can’t wait to see all the answers from lots of talented ladies!

PS- If you ever get the chance, request that Jenny do her “lounge singer” act for you.  You can thank me later!

blogger spotlight - along came splendor

Today, the spotlight is on me. But who knows...tomorrow it could be you. Oh come on, it's fun! Email me at jenvitucci@gmail.com if you're craving some time in the spotlight!

name: jenny  blog: along came splendor hometown: dallas, tx room-mates: my husband, carmen, and our son, max. oh and dolly, our dog that we sometimes forget we have 

most treasured treasure: my mom’s old record collection of classic rock, folk and old soul from the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. she gave me everything but the barry manilow records 

favorite tv mom: was lucille ball a mom? not that she's my favorite but i seem to get myself into the same ridiculous situations she always found herself in 

spot for a steal: estate sales and online designer discount daily deals 

window-shop: barney's or calypso 

dreaming of: a tropical vacation 

my “it” design color of the moment: yellow or kelly green 

current state of mind: creative, which leads to grateful, as well 

favorite quote: ”save the drama for your mama” but of course, i rarely do.

drink of choice: iced tea for a non-alcoholic beverage and a glass of sauvignon blanc for something with a kick 

my ideal evening: a night in with my husband and son - laughing, being silly and enjoying a good meal. for a night out - a good meal and good company 

1 thing few people know about me: i’d say that i sucked my thumb well into elementary school but that’s just embarrassing. so...let’s go with...i was in a lifetime movie. also embarrassing, I guess 

recipe for relaxation: sitting on my back porch under the lantern tree-lights after max goes to bed with a glass of wine, either talking to God, a beloved friend or listening to music on my iphone. peaceful. 

coffee table book: anything by kelly wearstler

biggest source of inspiration: creative women with enough confidence to put themselves out there - be it thoughts, words or their own creations. i get so inspired reading other blogs. always amazed at how talented you women are! 

5 words that describe me: optimistic, forgetful, silly, playful, devoted, loving, fun...that’s more than 5 

favorite design blog: oh, i can’t even list them all! definitely the must-reads I’ve put on my blog. plus about 50 others. add indecisive to the question above 

most marked characteristic: expressive. and maybe dramatic. but not in a crazy, flip-out kind of way like when kelly kapowski took too many caffeine pills 

what i hope to pass onto my children: a joyous love and longing for Christ, and after that, confidence in who God made them to be 

nicknames for kids: we call max all sort of things - buddy roe, puddin, little man, silly goose

on my nails: pale yellow 

beside my bed: my Bible and journal 

in the fridge: berries, apples, nectarines, mango, oranges, veggies, CHEESE, hebrew national hot dogs, ground coffee, flavored creamer, pickles 

on my play list: my morning jacket, michael jackson, neil young, bob dylan, U2, black keys, stevie nicks, mumford & sons, kol, al green, billy joel, talking heads, neil diamond, otis redding, vampire weekend, willy nelson 

in my handbag: make-up, iphone, wallet, lip balm, deodorant (it’s hot out) and a notepad/pen to jot down ideas 

on my to-do list: blog!