Ikea Hack

So my dinning room had to be done on a budget as we have to spend our house budget on more structural type of things but we really wanted a new dinning room as we love having friends round for food and we wanted to make it our own. I’m going to be writing a blog post on the dinning room as a whole when it’s all finished but I just wanted to share with you one of the ways I created an industrial style shelving unit from an Ikea garage type shelving Hyllis.

I was scowering Pinterest for ideas and came across this

However couldn’t find the how to guide that went with it so I thought I would give it a go without.

I started by following the instructions and I put the piece together (I feel like I’m a flat pack expert between home and work I’ve assembled so much recently). Then I sprayed it black with Rust-oleum painters touch it took two coats. *tip* don’t put too much paint on at once as this can create drips if this happens its a lot more work to put right – sanding and respraying. (this happened to me)

Next I measured out Spruce furniture board the measurements were 60cm x 27cm this was to put on top of the metal shelves to give it a more expensive feel to it. Dave cut them out for me as I don’t trust myself with his ripsaw (he wouldn’t let me have a go).

I then stained them with Rust-oleum dark finishing wax although this is a finishing wax not a wood stain it gave them just the right look and it finished the wood as well. It was really easy to use it just wipes on using a cloth and a little bit goes a long way (I have lots left for my next project) I would definitely recommend this product.

I placed the wooden shelves onto the metal shelves and Dave secured them by screwing them in from underneath. This is how it turned out

Cost break down –

Ikea Shelving unit £9.95

Rust-oleum spray paint x 2 £14

Spruce Furniture board x 2 £50

Rust-oleum dark furniture finishing wax £5.03

Total cost £78.98

I still need a few bits and bobs to fill them. I’m thinking wire baskets for the bottom shelf.

Candlestick monkey- H & M (currently in the sale)

Candlestick rhino – H & M (currently in the sale)

Pineapple ice bucket – Oliver Bonas

Picture frame – Paperchase

Cactus – B & Q (no longer available)

Box – TK Max

Frame – Homebargains

The Cocktail print in the frame is a greeting card I found in TK Max for £1.50.

My friend asked me yesterday if it was worth doing it myself and up-cycling, I personally think yes I am extremely pleased with it and think it fits in with my dinning room perfectly plus I made it!

Jessica x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shopping for/with an 8 year old

Mollie has had a growth spurt recently and literally everything doesn’t fit anymore so Sunday we hit the shops and had a family day out to Meadowhall (our local mall). When I first met Mol she hated shopping but I think judging on Sundays trip I have changed her into a mini shopper. I love shopping for Mol I get to dress her up or at least I used to. This trip I realised she is developing her own taste and definitely knows her own mind. When I was trying to put her in ruffled shirts and the little dresses over a t-shirt she simply refused to even take them into the changing rooms. Dave was no help he just agreed with her, I’m not sure he likes all my style choices in fact most of the clothing I own he has something to say about them (Hamburglar, lumberjack and the newest one a comic strip of breaking bad). I never normally care what he thinks about my fashion choices but Sunday he was rubbing off on Mol and that was not fun, so with the shopping we had to play it safe and let Mol have some say. I did manage to steer her away from the sequin t-shirts where if you brush it one way it is one emoji and then brush it the other direction a different emoji (Dave was still team Mol on these tops). We didn’t manage to get everything she needed as the hanger set in on all three of us so we called it a day and hit TGI’s.

Here are some of our purchases from the trip.

Jacket & Top from H&M  Jeans Next

Cropped Jumper from Zara

T-shirt from Zara

The Cardigan is from Zara

Mollie chose this dress from Zara

These are some of the things I wanted Mol to try.

The dresses on the left are from Next and the ones on the right are from Zara. I’m going to keep working on her, I may even play the aunty card, she loves my younger sister she’s “the cool aunt” so if she suggests it maybe I might get her to at least try them on…

Jess x

Maid of Honor Duties

Just a quick post basically asking for hints and tips for our trip to Paris.

In November my bestie of 11 years asked me to be her maid of honor the card said it all. I always knew I would be but she had to ask officially. Since then I have been to look at venues, to wedding fayres, dress shopping and bridesmaid dress shopping I’ve loved it all. My biggest duty so far has been organising the hen party, we had a girls night in before Christmas to throw some ideas around and we settled on Paris. I sent out the group text and there are 6 of us headed to Paris for the weekend at the end of July I can not wait!

My little bridesmaid note book has come in useful writing things down and making lists make me feel organised even if I’m not. I’ve booked flights, an apartment then had the apartment cancel on me (I know absolute nightmare) so I’ve booked us a hotel in the Latin quarter .  The plan is to arrive in Paris Friday morning spend the day there doing I don’t know what yet, maybe a sightseeing cruise on the Seine (suggestions required please). Friday night we are going to Moulin Rouge and then cocktails. Saturday is a full day in Disney in our matching ears and vests cheesy but a necessity of a Disney hen party. I’m going to make us a fun photo scavenger hunt for the day with things like kissing a character, finding Nemo/Dory (more ideas are welcomed). Sunday we don’t fly home until 6pm so have most of the day to shop and chill in the amazing city that is Paris.

For the trip so far I’ve nearly finished everybody’s goody bags some of which has been handmade by me which I have really enjoyed doing (its inspired me to make my own save the dates).

Here is a sneak peek at something from the goody bags. I don’t want to give too much away.

I want my bestie’s hen to be as perfect as it can be so we need ideas and tips on the places to eat and drink and the must do’s when in Paris Please.