DIY Coffee Table Reno

If you watch a lot of HGTV, and believe me, I pretty much max out on it on a daily basis, then you've probably considered a thousand ways you could improve your living space with a can of paint and some wipe-on poly.  If you're like me, you probably also think you could totally take on a kitchen reno.    You probably even call it a reno because you're totally in the know like that.

I haven't taken a rubber hammer to any kitchen cabinets yet, but I did buy a really beautiful coffee table off of Craigslist and I painted it and even used wipe-on poly.  So this is all to say, I'm feeling a little boss right now.  Here's my before and after.

BEFORE.  It's not bad.  I like the white, but I don't understand why the top is untouched.  And these drawer knobs remind me of pointy nipples.

AFTER.  I painted and poly-ed and re-knobbed.  It's a soft green.  Maybe softer than I wanted, but I'll probably be glad I didn't go with a bright, trendy teal in the long run.

All in all.  Very pleased.  Can't wait to see it in my own space (as we are still at my folks' waiting for our rental house to be ready).  Ah.  Personal expression via furniture and familiar coffee cups.  There's nothing like it.

Flat Stanley in Chicagoland!

Chicago!

It was time for Flat Stanley to leave the South and hit the big city, so we sent him to our good friend, Vicki Rakowski.  

Four things to know about Vicki: 1) She's nutso good at karaoke, 2) She's been referred to as Mary Poppins for her uncanny ability with children, 3) She can quote just about all of "The Breakfast Club," and 4) She knows her way around a pirate joke.  So clearly, she just plain rules.  We're all a little jealous Flat Stanley got to go spend time with her.  

In her own words, Vicki describes Flat Stanley's visit:

"Greetings from across the lake! I had a lot of fun with Flat Stanley this week. I live in Brookfield now, which is a suburb  west of the city of Chicago. This is an area I did not know very well before, even though I've lived about a 10 to 20 minute drive away from it for most of my life! But Brookfield is very cool -- there are lots of great places to ride your bike, have a bite to eat and there's even a huge zoo! In fact, the zoo is not too far from my house, so I guess you could say my neighbors are zoo animals.

For my adventure with Flat Stanley, we decided to go to the Art Institute of Chicago. Stanley came with me on my first train ride on the Metra BNSF line, which stands for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. There is a station right down the street from my house, and the train lets you off in downtown Chicago. Stanley and I walked to the Art Institute so we could look at an exhibit with my friend Alex. Pretty fun! I think Flat Stanley had a good time on his visit to Chicago, and I know I had fun showing him a little bit about where I live!"

Flat Stanley rides the train!

Flat Stanley does the Art Institute!

Thank you for sharing so much culture and adventure with Flat Stanley, Vicki!  We're very grateful and also hopeful that we might be able to make our own trip to see you some time this fall. 

Flat Stanley in Oxford, Georgia

Oxford, Georgia!

Flat Stanley continues his Southern tour with a trip to our friends, the Riegers, in Oxford, Georgia.  Oxford is a small town about thirty miles outside of Atlanta and is home to about 2000 people.  The Dukes of Hazzard filmed its opening credits jump on the grounds of Oxford College in Oxford.  Whoah!  Thanks for taking such good care of Flat Stanley, friends!  We're hoping to come see you all and Baby Mae in the next year.

Flat Stanley had to undergo surgery while in Oxford.  Thanks to the hard work of Dr. Sam, Flat Stanley has a new foot.  (Note the band-aid).  Thanks, Dr. Sam!  Stanley loves his new foot!  He can run really fast now!

Sam and Flat Stanley play with sidewalk chalk.

Flat Stanley has a sleepover with Sammy.  Hey, Sammy!  Atticus has that same pillow!

Before foot surgery.   It'll be okay, lil' buddy!

Go Vols!

Porch time with the Samster and the Mattster

Flat Stanley in Knoxville!

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE!

The adventures of Flat Stanley continue in Knoxville, Tennesee where he spent time with the Mohr Family on Shannon Lane.  Atticus was especially excited to send Flat Stanley here as it is one of the most fun houses he ever spent time in.  Plus, we all miss the Mohrs like crazy.  Flat Stanley's so lucky to go there!

Knoxville, Tennessee was the home of the last World's Fair in 1982.  The Sunsphere was built for the 1982 World's Fair and is 266 feet tall and has 26 stories.  Knoxville is home to both the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority.  Most importantly, Atticus was born in Knoxville.  It may be hot in the summer, but in our hearts, Knoxville is just perfectly warm and cozy.

Flat Stanley rides with one of our favorite people, Carter Bear.  We miss you, Carter Bear!

Flat Stanley poses with the lovely Andrea in front of their home on Shannon Lane.

Hanging out in the garden with Brett's finger.

Flat Stanley earns his keep by helping Brett mow.  Good work, Flat Stanley!

Flat Stanley rides in Carter Bear's sweet ride.  Atticus said, "What's he doing in there?  He doesn't know how to drive."