{ChicByTab}: April 2015

Thursday, April 30, 2015

3 Beautiful Belle's

Do you ever wonder how a day could turn out so perfectly? Where all the deals line up on Kijiji. Pick-up goes smoothly. The furniture is exactly what you were looking for.

That was my day today. Meet my 3 Beautiful Belle's.

This first one, I found yesterday on Kijiji. Great thing was, it was located 2 blocks from my work. I brought my friend from work and took a stroll over to check it out on break. Turns out this beautiful belle was being used as a prop in a high end clothing store at the mall. She was in great shape and sturdy. The store was located on the second floor, so we had to locate the elevator and the closest parking. Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

This next one, I also found on Kijiji. Upon a few email banters with the seller, I remembered buying furniture from her last year. She sells items for people online. Usually has a ton of goodies, and always willing to barter.

I scoped out her other adds and found this next gal.Perfect? It sure was.

I arranged all pick ups for today. My other friend and I grabbed my car after work, parked strategically, ran up to the second floor, placed on dolly and were back in my car in under 10 minutes. Nice work. Dresser one was on route to my house.

I really should take videos of me unloading my furniture single handed and up my front steps. My neighbors must grab their coffee and laugh in their front windows. " Honey here's Tabatha trying to get another dresser in her house. Come watch!"

Anyways, after school and haircuts for the kidlets, I ventured back to the city for the next 2. Both fit in the back {thank goodness for my Traverse} and we were back on route to my house.

Today was my day. This weekend I have colors to pick and hardware to order. Wish me luck and stay posted for the reveals next week.

Thanks for listening and have a fab weekend!

Here's where I party!

missmustardseed
elizabethandcovintage
lifeonlakeshoredrive
dwellings-theheartofyourhome
coastalcharm
stonegableblog
domestically-speaking
modvintagelife
diyshowoff
elizabethandcovintage
astrollthrulife
commonground

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Can I really do this?

I'm super excited to share my next few projects with you guys. They're a little out of my comfort zone, but I'm trying new stuff here. I've typically stuck to my vintage 60s-80s pieces like these

Which are totally nice, but I feel like I'm in a painting rut. I find myself searching for the same things and painting the same colors all the time. One of THE biggest decisions that I have made recently, is to make a go of my furniture painting. I've always had the cushion of my regular job, and painting was my side girl. Now, as of Friday, I am unemployed in the corporate world, until we move. I feel like this is my chance to make my furniture a go. To show myself that I can do this. I have no more excuses.

I'm sure many of you have felt this before, it's that cliff we have all stood on. Can I do this? Can I support my family with this income. I really am a realist about this, I know this will not be a get rich quick job. I paint because I love to. That's it. But can my love keep me a float?

I also want the freedom to volunteer at my kids schools or go on field trips. My oldest will be going into grade eight next year, and I want to be able to help her with her hair in the morning. Is it too much to ask. I see many fellow bloggers, making a living doing what they love. I think I can too?

Alright, enough self talk. Time to set some goals.

1. I will paint 3-4 pieces of furniture a week.
2. I will hit garage sales for good deals on Thursdays and Fridays.
3. Blog regularly.
4. Go to the gym 4 days a week. (This one is for me only)

The end.

Sounds simple to me. Weekends are off limits, as this is our only family time with my hubby. Right now he lives 5 hours away Mon-Fri and comes home for the weekend. In between keeping my house show home ready and the kids, this should be easy...said no mom ever.

I'll keep you guys posted on progress. I have 3 amazing items to pick up tomorrow. Can't wait to start on them Monday. First day of being my own boss.

Thanks for listening.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Anonymous Distressed Grey Sideboard

So, it's been awhile....but I'm back. I'll give my best explanation at the end of the post. Lets start with this gorgeous girl.

So this was me Thursday.

A little well known secret at our house,my husband dislikes furniture in his garage. I like my explanation. As you can see, he knows furniture all too well.

After much pulling and lifting this out of my car on my own (pat self on back), I managed to maneuvered her to the inside of our garage.

I love the unique front doors. I tried to find a name anywhere in/on the sideboard. No such luck.

For the piece I used Behr paint in the color Anonymous. I like to mix my own chalk paint, using a 2:1 ratio of paint to Plaster of Paris. I start with the Plaster of Paris in my red solo cup, and add enough water to make it thick but pourable. Then I stir in my paint, I usually let it sit for 30 minutes. After that, give it one more stir (get rid of any lumps) and it's ready to use. Don't get me wrong, I love Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. But this is much more convenient for me, as there's only one store in Edmonton that sells it with limited hours. Here's what your looking for if you want to try my technique. I buy mine at Home Depot in the wood repair section.

Another product that I love and can't live without. Is my Rub'n Buff in Gold Leaf.

Here's a nice close up of my handles. It's so easy to apply. I like to wear gloves, dab a bit on my finger tip and rub it in. Doesn't it look gorgeous?

Lastly, I sealed her up with Minwax Polyurethane Water Base in Satin Clear finish. I am seriously loving this side board.

Now on to my year hiatus... So life got busy. I couldn't hold down everything, so my painting had to hold. Good news is I have more time on my hands now. My last day at my job is Friday, and I'll be painting full time till we move. Ooops, I forgot to mention we are moving provinces to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. I'm so excited for a new chapter in our lives. Hubby already moved in January, and the kids and I are waiting for the house to sell. I'm thinking part time work and furniture on the side. I guess we'll have to wait and see how it turns out.

Here's something funny. First picture is 9:00 am yesterday morning.