Sunday, May 29, 2011

{DIY} Cabinet Makeover - From Drab to Fab!

Ok...we have all seen those Basic Melamime cabinets. Basic white with basic plastic handles. They were quite popular back in the 80's! Before you call the cabinet professionals for a complete kitchen renovation...check out this nifty tutorial. You can take these cabinets from drab to fab in some very easy steps and inexpensively!


So here are the culprits! LOL. Basic White plain cabinets.


The before cabinet in the laundry room. Also a plain white wire shelf that will get a facelift.



Cut a piece of bead board to fit your cabinet - available from your local lowes or home depot. They can also cut to fit if you bring them the dimensions for a very small fee. Wood glue the beadboard to the door and hold in place with a clamp. Dry for 30 mins +. 



Once dry, add trim of choice around door cut to fit. Lattice molding was used in this tutorial. There are many molding choices you could use. Glue and clamp again as before. I would go a step further and use a small finishing nail around all trim with a nailer if you have one.


Once everything is dry, caulk any uneven spots and give it a good sand. Prime with a good primer and paint with your choice of color. In this tutorial white was used. You could use any color. We like Behr paints with teflon.




Here is what the finished product looks like! You would never know they were basic boring melamime! *TIP* If you love the antique vintage look. Use an off white or cream based paint and rub an antiquing glaze into the cabinet corners and cracks for an aged look! Ralph Lauren has a lovely line of glazes. You can also use a punch and add worm holes randomly on the trimwork before glazing. You boring cabinets will look like a million bucks. For the more adventurous...these would look fabulous painted black, and antiqued by using a small palm sander or hand sander to lightly sand around trim work to add aged details. If doing black a thin coat of varathane is recommended. Dont' forget to add some new beautiful door knobs!





A boring wire shelf is hidden with a small piece of molding. Brilliant.



Love the jars for holding bounce sheets!

adapted from loving your space.


Wednesday, May 25, 2011

{Freebie} Harry Potter Butterbeer labels + Recipe

We have had many requests on how to purchase our graphics from our recent Harry Potter Party beyond our etsy invites. We have decided to share the butterbeer labels and the recipe to make your very own butterbeer. We have included 2 recipe's. One is an easy version we created and the one many children preferred. The other is the long version...but is similar to that of the one @ the wizarding world.  Enjoy!

Click the image for Larger! Print, cut, and affix to soda bottle with low temp glu gun. Make sure to remove orginal soda labels. Jones brand remove very easily!

Recipe ButterBeer (Easy - by Serendipity Creative):
Makes 1
Ingredients:
1 bottle of cream soda (We like Jones)
1/2 cup butterscotch syrup (We like Smucker's squeezable)
1/2 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Measure butterscotch and butter into a microwave safe container.
2. Microwave on high for 60-90 seconds, or until syrup is bubbly and butter is completely melted
3. Stir and cool for 30 seconds
4. Slowly mix in cream soda from bottle. Mixture will fizz quite a bit. Slowly stir to combine.
5. Pour mixture back into bottle
6. Chill for an hour in fridge or serve warm
if desired squirt whipped cream into each bottle...the kids at the party enjoyed this! It got a little silly. We used coolwhip spray brand.
*This version is pleasant...and unlike the recipe below you could drink the whole portion. :)

Recipe ButterBeer (copycat wizarding world):
Servings: 4
1 cup light or dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons water
6 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar
3/4 cup heavy cream, divided
1/2 teaspoon rum extract
Four 12-ounce bottles cream soda

In a small saucepan over medium, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a gentle boil and cook, stirring often, until the mixture reads 240 F on a candy thermometer.
Stir in the butter, salt, vinegar and 1/4 heavy cream. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Once the mixture has cooled, stir in the rum extract.
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the brown sugar mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to beat until just thickened, but not completely whipped, about 2 to 3 minutes.
To serve, divide the brown sugar mixture between 4 tall glasses (about 1/4 cup for each glass). Add 1/4 cup of cream soda to each glass, then stir to combine. Fill each glass nearly to the top with additional cream soda, then spoon the whipped topping over each.

*Note this is a rich drink and you will likely only need a small amount.*


adapted from foxnews





Tuesday, May 24, 2011

{Giveaway} Every girl loves Coach! Bag Giveaway!

Ok Ladies! The time has come for our Coach Giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an adorable Coach mid size wristlet with signature black fabric and logos. Retail value with tax 90 dollars. Complete with Coach giftbox. Super cute right?...now see bag below and how to enter!


Here's how to enter!

1. "Like" our Facebook page. Serendipity Creative
2. Become a "follower" of this blog using google friend connect.
3. For an extra entry...leave a comment on this post...and tell us why you should win this purse!
*Note* Previous "likes" and "followers" will be automatically entered. :)

Contest ends June 24th. Winner will be chosen at random using random.org. The winner will be announced on our blog June 25th! Good luck and pass it on!




{Fab Features} Little Outdoorsman Party

This is an adorable party we had to share. Styled by "Celebrations at Home". Also featured on Hostess with the Mostess. The Party Printables by Bird's Party would also be great with a camping or Father's day theme. We love the rustic feel and the earthy color tones. The simple brown paper bag favors are brilliant. Take a peek at all the adorable little details.







Monday, May 23, 2011

{Fab Finds} Cake Topper + Cute Tape

We have all seen those wooden handmade cake toppers...well here is a cute alternative. Crushing over Cute Tape's Momiji Dolls. Their Birthday Girl doll would make the most super cute cake topper. Cute Tape has fantastic items in their shop. From cute tape, adorable packages, labels to bakers twine! Check them out.




{Fab Finds} Adorable Fabric friends!

These adorable Fabric friends are hand stitched with love by Monkey & Bear. What a gorgeous gift and friend they would make for any child or child at heart. We adore them. They come in beautiful bold and trendy colors that would fit in with the latest baby nursery and children's room decor. They also offer Custom wall letters and the most lovely fabric bunting perfect for any room or dessert party table!  Every Monkey and bear item can be custom made to suit your preference. Head on over to Monkey & Bear and prepare to be smitten! Also available at My Bubbalicious.











{DIY} Closet reading Nooks and Playlofts + Tutorials

Do you have a super small closest or niche that does not have a purpose? Of course you do! Re-invent that space for the kids! Turn it into a pint size reading nook or playarea! Here are some super cute ideas for reading nooks and playlofts and some pretty nifty tutorials on how to do it.



see full tutorial and sources @ pretty handy girl

ohdeedoh











thrifty decor chick


ohdeedoh