Why Choose Organic Cotton Bedding for Kids?

“This blog post is sponsored by Coco Village and reflects my own personal views and opinions on the products.”

Organic cotton is better for people and the environment. We’ve chosen to go organic with our kids bedding!

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As parents, we always want the best for our children. Our children spend an average of 10 hours out of 24 hours in their bed! By adding 100% organic cotton to their beds is really the best we can do the best for our children! Parents can sleep soundly while our children dream peacefully in bedding free of chemicals and toxic substances!

Non Organic Cotton Production 

Non Organic Cotton has “earned” the title of being the dirtiest crop on earth-with 16% of the world’s insecticides and requiring $2 Billion in pesticides each year. Pesticides and insecticides used in cotton production contaminate the soil we use to grow crops, the air we breathe and the water we drink. Non organic crops also uses much more water due to unhealthy soil conditions.

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Organic Cotton Bedding


Organic cotton is produced in ways that it is better for the environment by using non-gmo seeds, farmers hand-picking weeds, using less water by having healthier non-pesticide soil. By applying these principles, the soil will result in a harvest that yields better for cotton farmers.

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What Happens When We Choose Organic Cotton?

By making a choice for a sustainably-produced cotton product, we help protect our environment, people and animals. Since organic cotton is grown with the help of natural cultivation methods, without artificial fertilizer and chemical pesticides. Examples like: crop rotation or the use of biological control agents.  The results are that people and the environment are sleeping and breathing less toxicity!

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Coco Village Organic Cotton Bedding

Coco Village has been in our home for the last couple of years. This is one of our family’s favorite shops! Coco Village also has 100% Organic Cotton Bedding for kids! Our youngest two girls were so excited to begin decorating their new room in our new Barndominium!  We started off with Coco Village’s Organic Cotton Geo Quilt and in the White Black color. 

This quilt is the perfect mix between  texture, comfort and organic cotton quality! I love the minimalist neutral design, with soft organic cotton  blends beautifully with any decor! Your results will be  a warm and inviting environment. Your kids will love it!

Coco Village Black Friday Sale

Subscribe to Coco Village’s VIP early Black Friday sale!! If you subscribe to the link, you will get special early access on November 25th to all their BF deals!!!  Check out the REEL we made on IG of our new bedding!

If y’all have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

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How I Found the Best Appliances for Our Barndominium

[This post contains sponsored links from ZLINE. All reviews and opinions are mine.]

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Today, I am ecstatic to share about how I found the best appliances for our Barndominium Kitchen. I searched for modern looking appliances that were superb quality at an affordable price. I found them at ZLINE and I am thrilled to have the high-end appliances of my dreams without all those high prices!

Modern, High Quality & Affordable ZLINE Appliances 

When we began dreaming of our DIY barndominium , I had substantial plans for our kitchen in the barndominium. I was determined to find high-end, high-quality, modern appliances at an affordable price. When I found ZLINE, I knew my search was over. Their company met all of my expectations and more!

Why You Should Buy a ZLINE Appliance

On average, ZLINE appliances are 50 % less expensive compared to similar products on the market. ZLINE brings the best quality-to-price ratio in the industry. Trust me when I say that I did my research when it came to the purchase of appliances for our DIY barndominium. I wanted appliances with multiple features but also something that would stand the test of time. I wanted to have an appliance to grow old with per say. I have been cooking for over twenty years and I thought it was about time that my culinary experiences would reflect well on a quality, well built appliance. Let me not forget to mention how stunningly gorgeous these appliances are to the eye! A show stopper in any kitchen!

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ZLINE Dropin Gas Stovetop 

All ZLINE ranges use handcrafted Italian burners, which are some of the highest quality on the market and imported directly from Italy. The single-piece porcelain top is durable and easy to clean. All of the ZLINE hinges are designed to stay put and imported from Italy, along with a fluid and stable weighted action.

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Range Features

• Italian brass burners provides superior heat retention and even flame distribution.
• Solid-pieace cast iron grate. Heavy duty, built to last with exceptional strenth-to-weight ratio.
• Heavy duty, no-scratch Italian made porcelain one-piece cooktop. Easy to clean with  no crevices that can hold residue.
• Cooktop can be installed into counter or island.
 
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ZLINE Professional Single Wall Oven 

Luxury is the first word that comes to mind with our new ZLINE Convection Single Wall Oven. Experiencing the beauty of our built-in with a modern design has been surreal! I told my husband we may gain some weight with all the biscuits, casseroles and desserts I have been making!  

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ZLINE Professional Wall Oven has several standard and convection cooking modes, including: Standard Bake, Standard Broil, Convection Bake, Convection Roast, and Convection Broil. 

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Oven Features

  • Standard Bake and Broil modes.
  • Built-in design.
  • Temperature probe and sabbath mode feature.
  • Comes  with one oven rack, one telescoping oven rack and a broil pan and tray.
  • Halogen oven light.
  • Self-Clean technology with delay cleaning feature to begin self-cleaning on your schedule.
  • Safety panel lock.
  • Proprietary stay-put hinges are designed to support the full weight of the oven door and hold at any place.

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ZLINE Built-in Convection Microwave Oven 

Upgrade is the first word that comes to mind with our new ZLINE Microwave! With 11 different power levels, utilizing regular heat, broil, or convection cooking elements. It is perfect for busy families on the go! The microwave oven’s cooking features include multi-stage cooking technology, sensor cooking, express cooking, and multiple auto-defrost settings. I also enjoy the safety of the child lock safety feature! I love the reversable wire rack that you can use facing down for baking or roasting or facing up for grilling. 

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Microwave Features

  • Ceramic made with reversible turntable. The turntable can turn clockwise or counter clockwise. 
  • Kitchen timer feature with a crystal clear LCD display.  
  • Multiple defrost settings.
  • Standard, broil and convection microwave modes.
  • 1,000 watt cooking power to thoroughly cook or defrost any dish.
  • Rapide preheating-The oven reaches the set temperature very quickly to expedite the reheating process. 
  • Sensor cooking-The microwave oven automaticall determines the required cooking time for each food item and allows you to cook foods without selecting cooking times or power levels. 

Closing Thoughts on Our ZLINE Appliances

If you are looking to upgrade your appliances or install appliances in your newly built home, look no further when it comes to ZLINE appliance! Quality, luxury and best pricing for top of the line appliances. I am so pleased with our decision to purchase ZLINE appliances! We love every single detail of each appliance! If you have any questions about purchasing appliances, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

❤️~Shae

Trimming Our Farmhouse Christmas Tree


“This blog post is sponsored by Old Time Pottery and reflects my personal views and opinions on the products.”

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Trimming our Christmas trees has always been a favorite in our home! Yes, I did say trees. We have had up to seven Christmas trees in our home! I have always enjoyed Christmas!! From trimming the trees to our youngest placing the angel on top of our family tree to baking and decorating homemade gingerbread houses together. I love it all and I really want to create those special memories with my four daughters.

Shopping for Trees and

Trimming 

One of my favorite places to shop for items to trim our trees with is Old Time Pottery! They also have so many different varities of trees to choose from as well, like my white Christmas tree! This year, they have a wonderful selection of farmhouse items like ribbon rolls, bows and wood ornaments!

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I was like a kid in a candy shop! I decided to use a couple different varieties of their wood snowflakes and joy ornaments .

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I thought instead of garland that I would use some of their Christmas grennery picks. I found these and thought they were perfect to give contrast to the white Christmas tree. 

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I also wanted to grab three rolls of their black and white farmhouse ribbon rolls.  It is so easy to trim with ribbon! Start at the top of your tree with your ribbon and go down the tree about two to four inches and pinch the ribbon, gathering with one of the branches. You can easily make your own ribbon topper by gathering  and licking an entire roll of ribbon!

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Here I’m about half way through the roll of ribbon.

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Tie the end with jute twine! Now I just need to add it to my tree and fluff to my liking!

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I also grabbed three of their pillows that you can use from Christmas through February! Add them to the floor by your Christmas tree, where it can be the perfect spot for curling up and drinking hot cocoa! Head on over to our IG and you can see a full video of the trimmings of the tree! 

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I hope ya’ll have enjoyed trimming your tree with me, this holiday season!  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! On behalf of Old Time Pottery and our family, we hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season!

❤️~Shae 

Decorating the Exterior of Our Barndominium for Christmas

Decorating the Exterior of Our Barndominium for Christmas

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Decorating our Barndominium for Christmas 

If you follow along with us on Instagram, you know that this past year has been a journey as we’ve built our barndominimum! To say I was THRILLED to decorate for Christmas this year is an understatement; especially considering we were living in our camper during the holiday season last year!

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The photo above is the Christmas season of 2020, aka, the christmas we lived in our camper, on our property, as we built our barndominium!

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Exterior Christmas Lights

I had so much fun shopping for exterior Christmas decor pieces for our DIY Barndominium! My husband and I knew we wanted to buy Edison bulb lights for decorating the exterior of our Barndominium and I was thrilled when I found them! Our whole family loves seeing our house filled with lights for Christmas!

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DIY Christmas Wreaths

Old Time Pottery has quite the selection of Christmas wreaths to choose from but when I noticed they had all of the items that I would need to make my own wreaths, well, I just couldn’t help myself! After all, I am a DIY’er!! 

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I grabbed two grapevine wreaths, along with one roll of Christmas ribbon and one strand of my favorite Christmas garland! I was able to make two Christmas wreaths for around $30! So easy and quick to make! I plan to share my diy wreath and bow tutorial soon! Check back on IG!  

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Christmas Winter Pillows

Christmas decor isn’t cozy enough until you add pillows and I believe these pillows can take you through February! Christmas pillows in late November and December. Winter pillows for January and Valentine’s pillows for February! At $15 each, it’s a wonderful, budget friendly decor piece! 

I enjoy capturing our barndominium during sunset! 

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Happy Holidays

I hope you have enjoyed a little Christmas here at our Barndominium! It’s our first Christmas here and we are so excited to share our holiday season with you all! On behalf of our family, we wish you and your family, a wonderful holiday season!

❤️~Shae 

The Vintage Tub and Bath Collections That Helped Revolutionize Our Barndominium


“This blog post is sponsored by Vintage Tub and Bath and reflects my personal views and opinions on the products.”

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BARNDOMINIUM DESIGN DREAMS DO COME TRUE WITH VINTAGE TUB AND BATH

When my husband and I began bringing our design dreams to life, I knew our whole family would enjoy a cast iron claw foot tub! There’s something undeniably comforting about a bathroom that serves as a sanctuary. From the bathtub to the sink, this room has the potential to be a serene escape and one of the most effective ways to achieve that atmosphere is by adding a luxurious claw foot tub! Luxurious is the first word that comes to mind when I think of our claw foot tub. Every single family member LOVES it!!

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BENEFITS OF HAVING A CLAWFOOT TUB

  • Luxurious:  Elegance is always in style, am I right?Clawfoot tubs are classic and have remained relatively unchanged for centuries, plus they are  also comfortable. Many modern clawfoot tubs feature deep basins and heat-retaining properties, which make for one of the most relaxing bathing experiences! 
  • Easy to Install:  Clawfoot tubs have legs so you can simply position them where you like and connect them to your plumbing system. Quick installation!
  • Long-Lasting:  Clawfoot tubs are built to last. Today’s models live up to a standard set centuries ago, with high-quality materials! For a tub that truly stands the test of time, choose dependable strength of cast iron.  

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CHARLOTTE CAST IRON SLIPPER CLAWFOOT TUB PACKAGE

The Charlotte Slipper Clawfoot Package features Vintage Tub and Bath’s luxurious Randolph Morris Charlotte Cast Iron Bathtub and a full set of elegant fixtures and mounts. The sloping slipper design is perfect for reclining and relaxing and the included British telephone faucet adds a classic touch!

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FEATURES

  • Premium porcelain enamel over cast iron construction.
  • Excellent heat retention.
  • The hard surface is easy to clean, highly durable, and resistant to scratches.
  • Feet are shipped unattached, easy to install and feature adjustable levelers to stabilize the bathtub.

OVERALL REVIEW

Overall, we absolutely love our Clawfoot tub from Vintage Tub and Bath!! I love that I can soak in the oval tub comfortably! Another little feature is that the rims on the sides are flat so a bar of soap will set there, without slipping off. The British telephone faucet and handle are amazing! The quality of the tub and faucet are outstanding!! I did a lot of research before choosing our clawfoot tub to make sure we were getting a quality piece that could withstand the test of time! I know that our tub will do just that in our barndominium!

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CAST IRON FARMHOUSE KITCHEN SINK 

Ahhhh, the classic white farmhouse sink. It’s no surprise, I love the classic look of the farmhouse style mixed with modern finishes. The  Cast Iron Farmhouse Sink was the perfect way to give our kitchen a chic look while incorporating the farmhouse look I love.

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WHY CHOOSE A FARMHOUSE SINK?

Durability: This sink is heavy duty and super durable. The Classic Farmhouse Sink is cast iron, it will not scratch or stain and it is heat resistant.

Size: One of the big perks of a farmhouse sink is that it’s large enough to place large pans and pans into the sink to wash, comfortably.

Timeless: I don’t think you can go wrong with a farmhouse sink. They are timeless. Farmhouse sinks have a classic, timeless look that will stand the test of time–no matter your style. I believe it changes the overall look of the kitchen and instantly adds character and charm!l

Price: Farmhouse are an investment piece for your home, but I believe there is no better place to buy an investment piece is for your kitchen. It really is the heart of the home.

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OVERALL REVIEW

I feel like you can not go wrong with a cast iron farmhouse sink! One of the focal pieces in your kitchen, a conversation piece, if you wish, plays an enormous role in functionality in your kitchen. When I stand here at my farmhouse sink, in a few weeks, washing dishes,  I know I will be feeling grateful for the people in my life that I will be washing dished for; plus, being able to partner with companies like Vintage Tub and Bath, that allots me to share their products with you…well ya’ll, it’s the good life around here! 

Love~Shae 

How to Choose an Organic Mattress

54FF0EA9-35DC-4AE3-9FC1-98DB9F70D9D9[This post contains sponsored links. The item featured in this post is provided by Sleep On Latex; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

I’ve read the statistic that we really do spend a third of our lives sleeping. Of course, those statistics are meant to highlight the importance of sleep environment since such a substantial part of our life is spent in our beds.

ISSUES with NON-ORGANIC MATTRESSES 

Non-organic mattresses seem harmless but it is often a source of exposure to flame retardants and EMF’s amplified by innersprings.

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HARMFUL CHEMICALS

Mattresses can be a major source of chemical exposure. Mattress companies are not required to disclose all of the chemicals they use and have to withstand an open flame from a blowtorch for over a minute. Almost all non-organic companies douse mattresses in flame-retardant chemicals like polybrominated diphenyl ether, known as PBDE. These chemicals are highly toxic and do not have to be disclosed to us as the consumers!

PCBE’s are actually banned in Canada, Europe and parts of the US. What happens is they can accumulate in the body through skin and inhalation exposure. They are also associated with hormone, brain and reproductive damage.

Mattresses can also contain harmful compounds like:

Formaldehyde – Made from polyurethane foam (a toxic petroleum-based material).

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) – Can cause lung and skin irritation and are often found in the glue in many mattresses. 

Oxide and Brominated Flame Retardants – Can cause hair and memory loss and are listed as possible carcinogens.

EMF Exposure- Coil spring mattresses have the added danger of being high in electromagnetic frequencies. 

How to Find an Organic Mattress:

When I began researching organic mattress companies a few years ago, I still had trouble finding a mattress brand that was a good alternative for us.

An organic mattress often contains cotton, wool, latex, or a combination of the three. On their own, these ingredients are generally considered safe but some of them can still be problematic in mattresses. There is a lot of green-washing and mislabeling in the mattress industry and it is important to check for undisclosed added flame retardants.

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Organic Certifications in Mattresses:

When we see words like “natural” and “eco-friendly” they are unregulated for mattresses. They also don’t mean that the mattress is made of natural materials. Did you know that a mattress must be 95% organic to meet USDA organic mattress standards and to be labeled as organic. Some mattresses may use organic cotton or organic wool for the top layer, but check before assuming an organic label means an entirely natural mattress.

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If a mattress is certified-Look for terms like these:

GOTS – Global Organic Textile Standard. Mattresses with this certification must use at least 95% certified organic fibers for all fabric used.

GOLS – This stands for Global Organic Latex Standard and is the first third party standard for organic latex. It specifies that the latex used must be at least 95% organic latex.

GREENGUARD – An independent certification that requires environmental chamber tests for over 360 chemicals. This certification specifies that a mattress is low in VOCs, phthalates, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals and that it is safe for children and the elderly.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing an Organic Mattress:

Finding a safe and organic mattress was the first priority but comfort was also really important to us. When choosing mattresses, we considered and ranked mattresses based on:

Safety First

We looked for organic and non-toxic mattresses that had been certified through GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and ecoInstitut.

Comfort Second

My husband and I both wanted a medium firm mattress. We are both very picky about comfort when it comes to sleeping!

Price Third

We also looked for a budget friendly mattress as well! Organic mattresses can be pricey but Sleep on Latex is extremely budget friendly without sacrificing safety and comfort!

Sleep on Latex Story

Sleep on Latex was founded in 2013 and is quickly becoming the largest retailer of latex mattress products in the USA. They have developed the gold standard in latex foam, Pure Green Natural Latex Foam through their partnership with Sri Lankan factory. They stand by offering the best products at the best prices and never stop looking for improvement.

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Sleep On Latex Review

We love that it is comfortable and safe! Super budget friendly! Sleep on Latex mattresses are designed to last. Each mattress comes with a comprehensive 10-year warranty so that customers can feel confident in their investment. They also have the BEST pillows that we have ever layed our head on! The first night of sleeping on our mattress, both my husband and I slept so well! Sleep On Latex has been the sweetest company through the process of having our mattress shipped to answering any questions. They truly care for their customers and it shows in everything they do!

Overall Rating: We love it!

Safety:  Natural latex foam is comfortable, durable and safe. Their latex foam is made of natural latex harvested from organically-grown rubber trees in Sri Lanka. It is certified through GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard), Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and ecoInstitut.

Price: Range from $650 to $1350 so very budget friendly for an organic mattress.

Comfort: Soft yet firm! Our backs definitely thank us!

Return Policy: Sleep On Latex has a wonderful return policy! The mattress can be returned for free at any time within 100 days from delivery. No questions asked! Mattress returns are refunded in full and picked up by a third party pickup service for free. You can beat service like received from Sleep On Latex.

Final Thoughts

Buying a mattress is an investment but since we spend so much time in bed, investing in a high quality plus a safe mattress can have a big impact on your overall well being! Head on over and grab a mattress from Sleep On Latex! Your back will thank you!

Have you switched to an organic mattress? If not, will you?

Love~Shae

Antique Pie Safe Makeover



[If you click a affiliate link, I can receive a small commission. It does not affect my opinion as they are all my own.]

Today I’m teaming up with several bloggers to share items that we have found in a thrift shops, estate sales, yard sales or side of the road items and share how we turn them into something beautiful.

44AAEA51-F91F-499F-85C6-73CC4C0E08F3Antique Pie Safe 

I have wanted to find a pie safe for our home for the longest time! I was so grateful when my Father-In-Law offered me one of his pie safe’s! I knew immediately where I wanted to use it in our new DIY Barndominium! I thought it would be gorgeous in our bathroom and we could store towels and linens in it!

Check out our DIY Barndominium here.

Before Photos

We can’t have a diy makeover without the before photos, right?!

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This is the before photo after I’d taken out the shelves and the drawer. The cabinet had several layers of paint, from green to yellow and white primer with a couple layers of really old stain!

Time to Strip & Sand

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I decided to sand the entire piece first, with my orbital sander. Here is a similar one to mine. Next, I used Citri Strip for the entire piece. I like using this stripper better than others as it’s not such a harsh chemical to use and breathe in. Grab it at Home Depot. I stripped the cabinet four times and in between each time, I used my razor to remove the old paint and stain.

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The pie safe also had a sheet of vintage yellow flowered contact paper with  layer of glue on it. It took a lot of tugging but I got it all off! I also decided to remove the old screens from each door. Each screen had a layer of staples that I removed as well.

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The interior side walls were also painted with a bright yellow paint. Here is about 50% through the stripping process on those walls.

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For the shelves, I decided to sand with my orbital sander instead of stripping. Look at those layers of paint and stain.

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On the backside of the shelves, there was an Army printed wording in black writing. It looks like these shelves were made from an old wooden Army shipping crates. It makes me think about all of the families who have owned this pie safe over the years and repairs that were made just like we were doing now!

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The exterior side walls also had a wooden ruler that had been used for trim at one time but was only revealed when the Citri Strip had removed all of the old stain.

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I love being able to think about all of the other people who owned this pie safe before me. It such an honor to have such a beautiful piece!

Time to Seal

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Before I began sealing, I cleaned the pie safe with good ole soap and water! For the wax, I used Minwax Grain Highlighting Finishing Wax.


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I wanted a wax that would highlight the wood’s natural beauty along with give it a slight white matte finish. 

Repair Time

The pie safe drawer needed to replace all three sides of the drawer. It also needed a new drawer bottom. Two of the sides and the bottom were press board.

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I grabbed a 1/4 inch oak craft board and traced the old sides, marked with a pencil and cut with my saw

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I did the same for my drawer bottom. I also traced with a pencil, cut with my saw and used a 1/4 oak craft board.

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My husband made grooves for the drawer sides so that the drawer bottom could slide into.

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Here is a close up of the cut grooves.

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My husband also cut notches out of the bottom exterior of the drawer so that the drawer could slide in and out from the drawer slides.

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He is such a sweetie! ❤️

Finished Piece

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I enjoyed sharing our project of our Antique Pie Safe Makeover with y’all! Did y’all follow along in stories on IG, as I made this piece over? Hop on over and give me a follow, take a look around too! Check out my other fellow bloggers too and see what they’ve come up with for this week’s Thrift Store Challenge!

❤️~Shae

Thrift Store Challenge – Christmas In July

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https://lecultivateur.com/2021/07/15/thrifting-in-July-with-Christmas-in-mind/

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https://www.robynsreverie.com/new-blog/ChristmasInJulyThrift

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https://www.worcesterrun.com/post/whimsical-nursery-decor

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REFRESH YOUR SPACE FOR LESS WITH KIRKLANDS

[This post contains sponsored links. The items featured and linked, in this post is provided by Kirklands; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

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I love a good decor challenge, so when Kirkland’s challenged me to refresh a space in my home for under $100, I knew a challenge would be in our camper! Who says a camper can’t be stylish too?! I love being able to share budget friendly ways to refresh a space on a budget!

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It is cold and dreary out but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a cozy space set up in your home, that can make an impact!

I started off with the Wood Plank Tray. I love how rustic yet sophisticated this tray can be plus you can dress this tray up or down! Serve breaksfast to your significant other in the morning or use as a serving platter when entertaining guests.

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I added these Cream Simple Things Mugs that my husband and I love! Perfect for just about any decor! We both enjoy having our coffee in these each morning! I could not pass up this adorable Word Block Sign that says, “DREAM, PLAN, DO.” I think the words stuck out to me because of where God has called myself and my husband right now. You can follow along with us on Instagram!

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Last but certainly not least is this Black and White Scattered Jute Rug!! I love it!! Jute rugs are my favorite right now and this one called my name! Again this is neutral, so it would look amazing in almost any decor. Add it to your kitchen or an entryway. You could even add it to a half bath.

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Refreshing a space in your home can be budget friendly! My hope is that I have inspired you to refresh a space in your home and be able to maintain your budget, as well! If I can be of any help, please let me know!

Love~Shae

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS WITH OLD TIME POTTERY

CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS WITH OLD TIME POTTERY

[This post contains sponsored links. The items featured in this post is provided by Old Time Pottery; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

Old Time Pottery is one of my favorite places to shop for Christmas gift wrapping! Come follow along with me, as I share ideas for gift wrapping those holiday gifts!

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CHRISTMAS WRAPPING WITH OLD TIME POTTERY

I was so excited when Old Time Pottery asked me to team up with them, this holiday season! Christmas is my favorite time of year, as I love everything about the Christmas season! I am sure a lot of you have been thinking about what to buy family or friends for Christmas. What about a homemade treat? Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade treat and it speaks straight to the heart!

After spending an afternoon in your kitchen, be sure to give your sweet gift the presentation it deserves. I have gathered some of my favorite, easy to assemble, food packaging ideas for ya’ll! This was all purchased for under $100!

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DECORATIVE BOXES

For mine and my husband’s siblings this year, I decided it would be fun to do one family gift for each sibling and their families. I thought it would be fun to do a box of Christmas Eve goodies for them to enjoy together. Old Time Pottery has so many different sized, decorative Christmas boxes that you can use to wrap goodies in! I decided to go with a red truck theme this year and when I saw these boxes, I knew they would be perfect for our sibling‘s family gifts this year!

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MASON JAR WITH VINTAGE RED TRUCK LID

In the box, I placed homemade hot cocoa mix in a mason jar from Old Time Pottery. The lid even had a vintage red truck on it! Add a cute tag with handwritten or printed directions for the hot cocoa. 

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OUR FAMILY’S HOT COCOA RECIPE

My husband has been making this hot cocoa recipe since our oldest two daughter’s were babies. We have had many years to perfect this creamy, chocolatey goodness! 

Hot Cocoa Recipe:

3/4 C Sugar 1

1/4 C Cocoa

4 and 1/3 C Milk

1/2 TSP Vanilla (optional)

Directions:

Mix cocoa and sugar into a saucepan. Stir in milk over medium heat until all sugar and cocoa is dissolved and cocoa is heated. Do not allow this to boil, as it will burn to the bottom of the pan. Add vanilla.

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FOOD GOODIES FOR THE DECORATIVE BOX

I also added homemade hot chocolate bombs, along with homemade oreo truffles and chocolate covered spoons to stir in their hot cocoa.

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The hot cocoa also needed Christmas themed mugs to drink from when drinking the hot cocoa. I wanted to add a mug for each of our nieces and nephews; depending on age, I added the Santa, snowman or polar bear mugs to the decorative boxes. 

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PACKAGING FOR THE DECORATIVE BOX

To fill the box, I added white crinkle cut shredded paper. It also helps to cushion the mugs and Vintage Red Car topped mason jars. I always make sure to fill the crinkle cut paper well, making sure to fill nicely around all the edges of the box.

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VINTAGE RED TRUCK TINS

I also found the cutest tins with vintage red trucks on them! In these tins, I added mini cupcake holders that held the oreo truffles. The Vintage Red Truck Tins with the truffles will be for our parents, along with our aunts and uncles. You could make something simple for these like boxed brownies and cut them into small squares, then add to the tins. You could also make Christmas candy or divinity for the tins as well.

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VINTAGE RED TRUCK CERAMIC LOAF PANS

I buy these little loaf pans, every year from Old Time Pottery! I love to make my cream cheese banana nut bread and give out to extended family, dance teachers, neighbors and colleagues. I wrap them in cellophane and tie with a curling ribbon! EASY PEASY and everyone loves it! I am so happy to have found these that have the red vintage truck on them!

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OLD TIME POTTERY

You can find so many things at Old Time Pottery from wrapping paper to decorative boxes or the ceramic loaf pans! Old Time Pottery has so many options for this Christmas season! Plus, their prices are budget friendly and I am sure that you can find something to fit your budget this holiday season! If you have any questions or want a recipe, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

Love~Shae


Continue reading "CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS WITH OLD TIME POTTERY"

FRIENDSGIVING TABLE WITH KIRKLANDS

[This post contains sponsored links. The items featured and linked, in this post is provided by Kirklands; all opinions and reviews are my own.]

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FRIENDSGIVING TABLE WITH KIRKLANDS

What a beautiful time of year to celebrate being thankful and what better way to celebrate than with friends for a Friendsgiving Table With Kirklands! I have always enjoyed the holidays along with making them special, to spend with family and friends. My oldest two daughters would always say when they were kids that I was Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens, all wrapped up into one. I have always enjoyed cooking for my family on holidays and add in decor with that..it just makes my heart happy!

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I always enjoy creating a tablescape with a budget! Remember to always use things you have on hand first, then head on over to Kirklands to grab your items for your tablescape! I created everything here on my table for less than $100! Join Kirklands K-Club to sign up to receive special offers like a birthday surprise, along with a points system to receive coupons and more! 

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CENTERPIECE FOR YOUR TABLE

I usually always start my tablescapes with a main piece for my center. When I saw the Cream and Buffalo Check Pumpkin Garland, I knew it would be the perfect, simple centerpiece for my Friendsgiving Table. I love the green and cream hues of the garland. I am enjoying it’s simplicty  for our table as well. You could also add this garland to your mantel as well. 

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You could also add the Cream and Buffalo Check Pumpkin Garland to a wood dough bowl on your table as well. It will help add demension and texture to your table. I chose to go without the dough bowl this time for a more simple look for my Friendsgiving Table. 

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DINNERWARE

My absolute favorite line from Kirklands is their Simple Things line! I scooped up the Simple Things Dinner Plates  and oh how I love thier subtle speckle finish! I think that by using a neutral colored plate, it allows you to play around with colored napkins or a more colorful centerpiece! The Simple Things Dinner Plates can be so versatile in any type of decor! 

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NAPKINS

My Simple Things Dinner Plates pair beautifully with the Charcoal Plaid Columbia Napkins. What better way to compliment the napkins to tie in with the Simple Things Dinner Plates! These napkins will add a simple touch of charm to your Friendsgiving Table! I love their rustic charm! Kirklands napkins are budget friendly as well!

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NAPKIN RINGS

What better way to display your napkins but with Kirklands Wood Beaded Napkin Rings! I think it gives a beautiful detail to our Friendsgiving Table! Whites and woods are my favorite in decor! 

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GLASSES

I could not leave Kirklands without picking up these beautiful Highball Hammered Glasses ! The glasses are also from their Simple Things line. I love their subtle texture yet they are so rustic chic! Perfection in my book!

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FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope I have been able to inspire you with my Friendsgiving Table from Kirklands! If you like saving money like I do, you can sign up for Kirklands Loyalty Program and receive fabulous deals! 

Happy Friendsgiving!

❤️~Shae