Painted Parquet Floor

This is my parquet floor in my foyer. You know....pronounced Par-KAY. 

But not to be confused with this Parkay.....

Before all of you Parquet Floor Purists get all in a tizzy, let me explain why I decided that painting our floor was the best thing to do. 

Our home once boasted cream colored carpets in ALL of the living areas; great room, formal dining, office, hallway. The carpet was not in good shape and we replaced it with espresso, wide plank, laminate wood floors.  We bought enough flooring to replace the parquet floors, but that stuff is glued down to the sub-floor and it was going to be a big mess to rip out. 

Other than a little water damage, which is repairable, and some cosmetic issues, the floor itself is in good condition. So, thus, the decision to paint it. 

When we bought this house, this floor already had some paint spatter on it, and we had planned on replacing it or painting it so I didn't worry too much about getting more paint on it during the two times that I have painted this foyer already in the two years we've lived here. I am the President of the Messy Painter's Club!

Besides the obvious paint spatter issue, there was the issue of the flow.  The orangey glow of the parquet floors clashed with the espresso floors in the rest of the house. This further bolstered my decision to paint it. 

So here's how I prepped the floor for painting.  

I sanded down spots in the floor that were a little raised from water damage. Then I filled in gaps with wood filler and sanded again. I only sanded the damaged area, which is a small area confined to right in front of the door. 

Once that was completed, I was ready for primer.  I used Zinsser primer.  I can't say enough about this stuff. It eliminates the need to sand. (The only reason I sanded was the damage.)


And here is the foyer with one coat of primer on it.  Even though it is splotchy, it is already an improvement. I will be working on this project today and will hopefully get it finished. I have to put one more coat of primer, the base coat of paint, then the paint treatment that I am doing. But I'm not gonna tell what that is yet.  You will just have to come back and see when I am finished! I hope you will!

**You can view Part 2 HERE!

Upcycle: Melissa and Doug Wooden Trays

It seems that at every birthday party, special occasion, or holiday, my girls are gifted with one or more Melissa and Doug item. They are the cutest toys ranging from bead sets to pretend food play.  My girls love them, and they are definitely a birthday party staple around my hometown.  A lot of the items come in wooden trays.  They are great quality, sturdy, and even have little dovetail joints.  I couldn't bear to throw the trays away so I stuck them in a closet, promising myself that I would find a way to reuse them.  And there they sat for months.  

I finally made myself dig them out of the closet so that I could actually utilize them to their full potential. First, I primed over the wording with Zinsser primer. (If you've never used Zinsser, then you are missing out. It is wonderful!  If you are painting furniture, no need to sand. Just prime with Zinsser and you are ready to paint your topcoat.)

After I primed over the words, I used white spray paint to finish the job. It was just easier to get into the nooks, crannies, and corners that way.  I didn't even use a whole can. (Rustoleum primer+paint in satin white.)

Then, I cut scrapbook paper to fit into the trays.  I chose colors that compliment my home's color scheme; lime green, navy, teal, and gray. 

I started thinking of ways that I could actually use these little trays and I wanted to share it with you!  Here are ten ways to upcycle your Melissa and Doug toy trays. 

1. Craft Storage

I have craft supplies everywhere at my house. I needed somewhere to corral all of my washi and such, so this was a great use for the tray!

2. Nightstand Storage and Organization
If your husband is anything like mine, he takes all of his change out of his pockets and it all ends up on the nightstand.  Use a tray on a nightstand for change, cell phone, and your husband's wallet. 

3. Jewelry Organization
I am always needing places to put my bracelets and earrings. This is a stylish, cost-effective way to keep up with all of your bling!

4. Entryway Organization

Place a couple of these trays in your entryway to drop your keys and miscellaneous items.  Having a set place for your keys will tidy things up and will help with the "oh-my-goodness-where-are-my-keys-I'm-gonna-be-late" panic. 

5. Charging station
Drill a hole in the back of one of your trays and insert your phone charger cord for a stylish charging station. 

6. Mail Sorting Station
Do you have a hard time keeping up with all of your mail?  Junk mail, bills, correspondence?  Use your trays to organize it. Label your trays for efficiency. 

7. Stationary Organization

Keeping a drawer organized is hard.  I placed three Melissa and Doug trays and a clear tray in my Secretary drawer so that I could organize all of my stationary.  Now this houses thank you notes, cards, envelopes, enclosure cards, address labels, and stamps. 

8. Corral Hair Accessories
Between my two girls and I, we have enough pony tail holders, bobby pins, and headbands to make your head spin.  Using these trays to keep them organized and in place would make things so much easier. 

9. Spice Tray
Place these in your kitchen cabinets to house all of your spices.  If you have more than one tray, you could organize your sweet/baking items like cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa in one tray, and your Italian spices and seasonings in another, and so on.

10. Drawer Organization
You know that junk drawer that you have that you try to keep hidden from your friends?  Now, don't tell my you don't have one. We all have one. Utilizing the trays to finally get an upperhand on your hazardous junk drawer would be a great way to upcycle them!

The next time your child receives one of those adorable Melissa and Doug toys, don't throw away the tray!  Upcycle it and make your home a little more organized. 


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Free Mother's Day Printable

Hello, sweet friends!  This Sunday is Mother's Day.  You didn't forget did you?  You did?  Well, don't worry.  I made this free printable just for you.  Frame it for when you have your mother over for her special Mother's Day lunch. Or you can print it in a 4x6 or 5x7 format, write a personal note on the back, then insert it into a pretty pink envelope.  Let Mom know she's special. 

To download, right click on the picture, save to your computer, and print. Easy, right? 

Also, one more thing.  Looking for other free printables?  Check out the new Printables tab on the Navigation bar.  They are all in one place should you ever need them. (Working on the Projects tab as well.  I am trying to make the navigation of my site easier for everyone.)  

*For personal use only. Copyright Cultivate Create 2014

Curvy Girl Fashion

Shopping Guide

 Finding on-trend, hip, plus-size fashion can be a challenge, especially in the rural area I live.  I want to dress nicely just like the next girl, but sometimes it seems like finding an outfit for my curvy frame is almost as easy as making lemonade from a watermelon. 

It can be frustrating to walk into a store, seeing all the uber cute clothes in the enormous misses' and junior's sections, then walking to the plus-size section that is maybe half the size and picking through five racks that hold jeans that belonged to the 1990's and shirts and sweaters that your grandma would wear.  It's almost like department store executives got together and said, "You know the plus-size section?  Let's make it really small and out of style so that those gals don't have a choice but to go on a diet to find something to wear. Mwahhahahah!" (maniacal laugh)

Ok, so that's probably not what they are doing, but it feels like it sometimes.  I mean, all I want to do is wear clothing that is flattering,  well made,  and is on point with current trends. You feel me?

Sometimes, I've had to look a little harder, search a little longer, but the avenues to find trendy, boutique-style clothes are out there.  And I wanted to share them with you today. You know.....just in case you just walked out of a department store empty handed again and are looking for some new places to shop.  I'm looking out for you, here!

Torrid

Torrid is the place to get fashion forward plus size clothing.  You can just about find anything you need from casual to dressy.  I have ordered from Torrid and loved the quality and style!  In need of a new swimsuit?  Go check their selection out. Right now everything is BOGO 50% off, even on clearance items using promo code SUNNY50. Sizes 12-28. 


Maurices

Maurices is my go-to place for casual clothing.  We have these stores locally, so it is a lot easier to drop-in there and check out what they have.  Also, they have an even bigger selection online. Online only right now everything is BOGO 50% off using promo code ALLBOGOMAY14.  


Blondellamy'Dean

If the boutique style clothes are what you are looking for, then Blondellamy'Dean is just for you! You can find anything from patterned leggings, palazzo pants, piko tops, and the prettiest dresses around!  Shop online or if you are in South Alabama, go check out the store in Dothan.  Sizes 10 and up. 

I got this adorable orange top at Blondellamy'Dean!  So comfortable and flattering. 

Gwynnie Bee 

Want to try it before you buy it?  Then Gwynnie Bee is for you! Fill your virtual closet and items are shipped to you to try, wear, and send back when you are done with them with the option to buy if you want as well.  You can try it free for 30 days.  Sizes 10-32.

A couple of other places that are more well-known are Lane Bryant and TJ Maxx.  You could always try there, as well. 

Do you have any other sites/stores you shop at for Plus Size clothing? Please do share in the comments below. I am always on the lookout for something new!

Rattlesnake Rodeo Recap

This post is a couple weeks late, but better late than never. The band that I sing in, the JT Jordan Band, had the opportunity to play at the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo.  It is the 54th annual rodeo, but it is the first year that they had a family day on Sunday, which featured Christian artists. They have always only had country acts on Saturday nights in the past, so this was a welcome addition. (This year, Easton Corbin headlined on Saturday night, and in the past I have seen Blake Shelton and Sugarland there just to name a couple.) We had so much fun and cherish every opportunity we get to play. 

 Let me introduce you to the band!

 John Akridge// bass

 Jonathon Hornsby// drums

JT Jordan// rhythm guitar and our fearless leader 

Tanner Jackson// lead guitar 

Me//vocals

After we finished with our set, I hopped on over to the Feed the Children table and volunteered for the remainder of the event.  Feed the Children provides food and other essentials to poverty-stricken children worldwide. 

I got to man the table with these two lovely gals!  So glad I got to spend some time with Anna and Bethany.

Sweet Bethany and I....love this girl!

While we were volunteering, we got to hear some amazing music! (And I am happy to say that a lot of children had new sponsors after that night!)

Hawk Nelson

Family Force 5

Crank it like a chainsaw!  These guys are so fun! I have a couple of their songs on my workout playlist. 

Building 429

The music was amazing and family friendly! I appreciate having something like this in our city and hope they continue it in the years to come. 

I couldn't leave you with a post about The Rattlesnake Rodeo without a picture of a real rattlesnake, could I?  (My brave Ashlyn standing fearlessly close to the cold-blooded thing, being professionally handled I might add.)

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is fast approaching!  (It's May 11th.) That's really not that far away and if you are like me, you need the reminder. Here are some items I found that would make excellent gifts, and they are all under $40!

1.) For the "Hard to buy for" mom.  Why not get her a beautifully hand illustrated card? Add a gift card to her favorite store and she is sure to love it.  Love You Heaps Card $4.50 from Littlelow. 
2.) For the "Prim and Proper" mom. If your mom writes thank you notes for everything, then this is the gift for her.  Return Address State Stamp.  $35 from Stephanie Creekmur.
3.) For the "Jet-Setter" mom.  Is your mom always traveling, planning her next getaway as soon as she gets home from her latest travel? Get her the Largo Travel Accessories. $19.99 from Z Gallerie. 
4.) For the "Foodie" mom.  Does your mom love to cook for her family and for others? Then this adorable Personalized Family Cake Stamp is just the thing for her. $29.22 from SophiaVictoriaJoyLtd.
5.) For the "Artsy" mom. This art print is colorful and has a beautiful message. You Are So Loved Art Print. $18 from The Wheatfield. 
6.) For the "Tech" mom.  Get her the Largo iPad Cover in her favorite color. $19.99 from Z Gallerie.

Have a great weekend!  And don't forget to get that Mother's Day shopping done. 

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