DIY — MomStart

A Front Door Makeover From Brown To Red Glidden Trim & Door Paint

October 24, 2011 By Momstart 6 Comments

Earlier this year Glidden introduced a brand new type of paint. No mixing, shaking or second coats needed. Really! I didn’t believe it so Glidden sent me 1 quart of paint to put it to the test, I transformed my front door from brown to red.

First I made sure the door was clean and then taped off the window and door frame. We also took all the handles and knobs off. The paint said no drip, no spill, but I’m quite accident prone so, I was extra careful. When I opened the can, I found that the paint was very thick. That’s part of the secret, the technology behind the paint keeps you from spilling and dripping. The new Glidden Trim & Door, is an industry-first innovation that amazingly leaves behind no drips or brush marks, making it easier than ever to paint interior and exterior trim, doors, furniture and more. As I was painting I felt like I was getting all kinds of paint brush marks. So I had to look at the directions again.

The can says that you need to apply a generous even amount of paint to the surface. So I went back and made sure that I had an even amount of paint on the entire door. It wasn’t exactly a second coat because the paint was still wet and most of it was fine. My husband looked at the door and said you’re probably going to have to do a second coat. I thought, the same but told him we needed to wait and see how it dried.

The next day we both agreed, the door looked great and didn’t need a second coat. Also I didn’t spill one single drop of paint. The only paint I got on the floor was from paint I got on my hands. I put my hand down to balance myself and oops. paint on the floor.

Available in eight classic colors, Glidden Trim & Door fills and covers wood grain and minor surface imperfections to provide an exceptional high gloss, no brush mark finish. In addition, this ultra durable, oil-based paint stands up to wear and tear far better than traditional, acrylic paints.

Stay tuned, next week we have another fun painting project and a giveaway to accompany it. It’s an awesome room makeover giveaway.

We received a sample quart of paint on behalf of Glidden.

Filed Under: DIY, review Tagged With: DIY, door, door and trim paint, front door paint, Glidden paint, indoory trim paint, outdoor paint, personal, review

The Bathroom Reveal – A Better Homes and Gardens Makeover

September 13, 2011 By Momstart 19 Comments

I had so much fun decorating the bathroom. Choosing all Better Homes and Gardens products was harder than I thought it would be because the products are priced so low. I had a terrible time picking out enough to spend the amount I was allotted because every time I added something I still had more to spend.

Well, I finally picked out everything and took the pictures this morning. Remember the Before?

Now here is the After:

I took your advice:

Mrs. Cox Said,

If you use your bathroom to unwind and relax, start incorporating more spa/zen like colors and textures. If it’s purely for getting ready – then add more functional pieces; a shelf over your toilet for more space, update the fixtures and linens, maybe add a little artwork to a wall.

So I added some artwork where the toilet is, above my sink, and two of the the Better Homes and Gardens three lengthwise mirrors above the towel rack. I also added the Better Homes and Gardens red curtain above my bathtub and a lengthwise bath mat for when I get out of the tub.

Robyn Wright of RobynsOnlineWorld.com Said,

I love the wall color you have. You need something in your shower to hold all your shampoo bottles and stuff

So I added the Better Homes and Gardens shower organizer. I love how it has four adjustable shelves. We kept the color and I added a few Better Homes and Gardens bath towels, and on the bath tub I also changed out my candles and added the Better Homes and Gardens Black candle holders.

I love the color red so I kept that color and just got more of it. I organized the toilet room with a black Better Homes and Gardens shelf that my husband put together with the kids. It’s really nice to have a newly decorated bathroom and to actually have somewhere to put everything. New houses just don’t come with very much storage space. I might one day have to build my own shelves above the black shelf because there is quite a bit of unused space there.

Thank you Better Homes and Gardens for selecting us to participate in this fun and very well priced bathroom face lift. You can visit the Better Homes & Gardens Live Better Facebook Page to see photos from other bloggers showing off their before & after bathroom makeovers on a budget. You can even submit a photo of your own bathroom to enter to win a $200 Better Homes & Gardens Bathroom Makeover on a Budget.

We were provided with all of the supplies needed.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: Bathroom Makeover, Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes and Gardens, DIY

Tasty Treat Thursday Strawberry Tall Cake Recipe

June 30, 2011 By Momstart 6 Comments

With minor modifications, I have helped my son create the Strawberry Tall Cake from The Do It Myself Kids’ Cookbook by Laura Goldrich Wolf.

My son (4YO) and I made this cake together but changed the strawberry syrup to a homemade multi-berry sauce by simply boiling a package of Dole frozen fruit over medium to medium-low heat until saucy; to thicken a bit add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or a ¼ cup powdered sugar as desired. We also made our own whipped cream using our Kitchen Aid stand mixer with the whisk attachment using 1 cups whipping cream and ¼ cup powdered sugar. On one layer we used strawberries as the recipe states and the other layer we used blueberries for a red, white, and blue cake in honor of the 4^th of July.

Find the Strawberry Tall Cake in The Do It Myself Kids’ Cookbook on pages 106-9. My 4YO is learning to read so the cookbook’s full pictures help him read what’s next.

Here’s my little helper! Do you love to cook with your kids too? My son told me the other day he’s going to be a chef … that would be a dream for me. I do hope he follows his dreams to do whatever he wants as he grows up!

Strawberry Tall Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS:
12 large Strawberries
1 frozen pound cake, defrosted
10 tablespoons strawberry syrup
1 can whipped cream

DIRECTIONS:

Grown-Up Prep: pound cake, defrosted and sliced horizontally into 3 equal pieces

1. On a cutting board, use a plastic knife to thinly slice the strawberries. (Save 1 whole strawberry.) Place a bowl securely on the work surface and put the strawberries in it.

2. Place the platter on your working surface. Put the bottom slice of cake on the platter. Spread about half of the strawberries over the cake slice. Drizzle the strawberries with 5 tablespoons of strawberry syrup. Cover the berries with whipped cream. (Shake well and squirt! But not too close to the berries.)

3. Place another slice of cake on top of the whipped cream. Place almost half the remaining strawberries on the cake slice and again drizzle with 5 tablespoons of strawberry syrup. Again, cover the berries in whipped cream.

4. Place the last slice of the pound cake on the layered cake. Top with the remaining berry slices and whole berry.

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living while cooking up a storm.

Filed Under: recipe, Summer, Tasty Treats Tagged With: cooking with kids, DIY, do it yourself, Fourth of July, Fourth of July Recipe, recipe, Tasty Treat Thursday, The Do It Myself Kids' Cookbook

DIY Instructions How to Make an Ogre Slaying Knife

June 21, 2011 By Momstart 1 Comment

You remember last Wednesday for Wordless Wednesday, I showed you my beautiful Ogre Slaying Knife/Pirate sword that I made all by myself. Well, I had an amazing instructor, Holly Conrad, and these are her instructions on how to make an Ogre Slaying Knife and I wanted to share those instructions with you.

You will need:

Paper and Markers (to make your pattern)
A Band Saw
A few pieces of 1/4th inch MDF
A Rotary Tool with different bits (could replace the band saw altogether)
Two Part Epoxy
Gray Primer
Black Paint, Silver Paint, Rub-n-Buff Gold Paint

Directions:

Draw your sword on a piece of paper
Cut it out and create two paper patterns – the whole sword and then hilt, handle and blad
Draw them on your board (the whole sword, then make two handles)
Now Cut your wood on the band saw (it’s awesome using the band saw)
You should have 3 total pieces
Use the Epoxy to glue all of the pieces together and then get ready to detail

Use the Rotary tool to make the knife look sharp, making indentions and shaving the wood to a point. Holly says, “Take your rotary tool, and using a small sanding disk, clean bevel the edge of your blade to make it look pointy (bevel the hilt as well, add scrollwork, go crazy) I recommend taking a cutting wheel attachment and adding a few ding marks on the blade to show your friends you’ve killed a lot of ogres.”

Clean it off
Prime your sword with the gray primer
Paint it black, then cover with rub-n-buff
Then paint the hilt any color you’d like

My partner (pictured above) in crime is Eric from Tools in Action.

This DIY idea is brought to you by Craftsman, my instructor Holly Conrad, and strong women everywhere. Craftsman paid for all my expenses to Chicago to learn and overcome my fear of using tools.

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: DIY, do it yourself, Holly Conrad, how to, how to make and ogre slaying knife, Ogre slaying knife, project, wood working, wood working instructions

Wordless Wednesday DIY

June 14, 2011 By Momstart 35 Comments

Had so much fun working with Craftsman Power tools. I made this with a band saw and a rotary tool.

Disclosure: Craftsman paid for all the airfare and hotel expenses during the Craftsman DIY blogger event.

Filed Under: personal Tagged With: craftsman, DIY, Wordless Wednesday

Craftsman 255 Piece Craftsman Mechanic’s Tool Set

June 13, 2011 By Momstart 2 Comments

Oh wow, so many tools in one place, I’m currently at the Craftsman DIY blogger event and I’m in the process of putting together a post for everything I saw today, WOW. Sears is the place to find all of the coveted Craftsman brand tools and with Father’s Day coming up, you might want to just head on over there and check out the selection. If you want a heads up on what to look for, try finding the 56-piece Craftsman Universal Tool Set, or the Craftsman NEXTEC™ 12V Cordless Drill/Driver, and be on the lookout for a brand new innovative item the 51-piece Craftsman MAX AXESS Mechanic’s Tool Set.

Last week, my husband and I received a 255-piece Craftsman Mechanic’s Tool Set on behalf of Sears and Craftsman in honor of the “Dads Making a Difference” contest held by Sears Blue Tool Crew in honor of dads helping out their communities. You can nominate any dad who is actively helping out his community. To Nominate someone, you’ll need to put together a 250-word-or-less essay and submit a photo. A panel of judges including Ty Pennington, well select 10 finalists and America gets to vote on who will win a very special visit from Sears Blue Tool Crew to help with an ongoing project or new community project to make a big impact in the winner’s community.

Opening all of the tools and placing them in the toolbox was he biggest puzzle I’ve competed in a long while. My husband and I set out reviewing the 255 piece Craftsman Tool set as a family with the kids involved, it quickly became a no don’t touch that, that’s already in the right place, OMG we’re never going to get all of these pieces in the right place. Well we were wrong and the kids had a blast even with all the yelling and exasperations. We found a home for every piece and discovered it’s a very complete shiny tool set. Craftsman has such a quality look to it, which is why most people want that brand.

Comparing it to my husband’s tool box set he received quite a few years ago, the Craftsman set wins hands down. I mean, Craftsman tools are hearty heavy tools, the tool set is quite heavy, while his other tool set isn’t.

If you still want more Craftsman ideas for Father’s Day consider the Craftsman NEXTEC™ 12V Cordless Multi-Tool and the Craftsman Right Angle Impact Driver. Of course, I’m quite interested in many of the Craftsman NEXTEC tools after visiting with Craftsman at the Craftsman DIY blogger day, and I’ll have much more information regarding that fun event for you in the coming weeks. Who know, I could use power tools, and not only use them but fall in love with using them.

Stay tuned for more details about DIY projects and Craftsman Tools coming out soon! Just in case I miss something and you don’t want to Like the Sears Blue Tool Crew Facebook page via Facebook, and Follow the Sears Blue Tool Crew Do It Together Team on Twitter @BlueToolCrew.

Disclosure: I received the tools, and was also invited on a trip to learn even more about Craftsman after I agreed to do the product review. I grew up around Craftsman tools and have heard about how good they were so I was quite excited to learn even more and accept the all expense paid trip to Chicago to visit Craftsman studios. Thank you Sears and Ace on behalf of Craftsman.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: 255 Piece Craftsman Mechanic’s Tool Set, Ace, craftsman, DIY, nextec, review, Sears, Sears Blue Crew, tools

Creativity For Kids Classic Wood Crafts Giveaway

May 31, 2011 By Momstart 258 Comments

Oh it’s summer Time, at least it’s almost summer time and we all need something to do to entertain the kids home from school. My own daughter, now that she’s accustomed to going to preschool every day she needs more activity and stimulation. Zoe has always loved arts and crafts even before she went to school, now it’s just a must do. So we’re working on stocking up our do it yourself crafts and Creativity For Kids came to mind.

I LOVE Creativity For Kids because they have so many different kinds of do it yourself kits, arts and crafts packages and every one of them includes everything you need for hours of entertainment. The Classic Wood Crafts set is no exception and Zoe is SOOOO excited to get started.

This kit (Classic Wood Crafts Kit) is so cool it comes with so many different pieces: (over 400 pieces). Zoe is determined to make a princess and I know we have everything we need to make quite a few princesses.

· Jumbo wood craft sticks
· Flat wood shapes
· Cotton storage bag
· Dimensional wood shapes
· Assorted wood beads spools
· Craft spoons
· Wooden people
· Eco paints
· 2 Paint brushes
· Feathers
· Chenille stems
· Fine point black marker
· Craft glue
· Cotton cord
· Elastic cord
· Sand paper
· Instructions and ideas
· Contents may vary from those shown or listed

For ages 5 – 95 looking to have some old fashioned wood bit fun. I remember playing with my sister in her grandfather’s barn and we would use his wood working scraps to make all kinds of things. Creativity for Kids gives you everything you need for creative crafting…and parent’s love the neat and tidy storage bag. Go green! The lid becomes a mess free crafting situation and the box can be reused to display your creative creations. Creativity for Kids is also introducing Eco-Paint. The special formula is earth-friendly and kid approved.

Enter to Win:

Creativity for Kids Classic Wood Crafts (2 winners)

To Enter:

Visit Creativity for Kids and tell me what other kit interests you

Extra Entries:

Become a fan of Creativity For Kids on Facebook
Follow Creativity for Kids on Twitter

RT @MomStart: Creativity For Kids Classic Wood Crafts #Giveaway http://bit.ly/jSVzrq

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

and/or

Win a @Creativity4Kids Classic Wood Crafts Kit @MomStart #Giveaway (2 winners) http://bit.ly/jSVzrq

Subscribe to MomStart
Comment on any non-giveaway post
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig, stumble, like or share on Facebook (or use any of the share options listed below)
Blog About this Giveaway (10 extra entries, linking to the giveaway)
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Follow/Like Mom Start on Facebook
Follow me on Google Friend Connect

This giveaway ends June 20th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Classic Wood Crafts, crafts, creativity, Creativity For Kids, DIY, giveaway

The Do It Myself Kids’ Cookbook

May 20, 2011 By Momstart 1 Comment

It’s nice to have some extra help around the house. Get your kids involved … making sandwiches; snacks; salad, dressings and dips; desserts; and drinks. My kids love to cook with me and we cook a lot. I like that cooking not only teaches them a life skill but it also has its true roots in math and science.

My only problem is when I hear, “I can do it myself!” No worries now though. Get your kids (and yourself) The Do It Myself KIDS’ Cookbook by Laurie Goldrich Wolf from Downtown Bookworks publishing so they can take part in their diet and get some of the work off your back. With 45 recipes kids as young as 4 years old can follow, the fully-illustrated step-by-step directions can be performed without needing to read in order to create dishes that look and taste as yummy as the finish photos.

I had my 4YO help me make dinner by mixing together some Honey Mustard Dressing/Dip from The Do It Myself KIDS’ Cookbook. The whole book can be made with “Nothing Sharp, and Nothing Hot!” The simple dressing was featured as a dressing to salad for mom and dad, and a dip for a plate of the same ingredients for the kids. Added to the Honey Mustard we had spinach, tomato, carrots, apples, mushroom, and chicken.

We’re so excited to make something else from The Do It Myself KIDS’ Cookbook and can’t wait to share another exciting adventure with you! We have 10 bookmarks of recipes we’ll be concocting soon. So whether you need help around the house, need to entertain your children during summer break or just need some new ideas for recipes — get your own copy.

Downtown Bookworks’ mission is to keep kids actively engaged by learning, making things, and exploring. You can find The Do It Myself KIDS’ Cookbook and other kid center titles on the Downtown Bookworks’ kid’s site. You can also keep current by Liking Downtown Bookworks on Facebook.

About Summer:

Filed Under: recipe Tagged With: cook book review, Cookbook, Cooking, DIY, do it yourself

Holiday Party Supplies, decorating, DIY ideas Beaucoup Giveaway

November 26, 2010 By Momstart 182 Comments

My family is out right now shopping for a new Christmas tree, and light fixtures so we can hang the lights outside the house. I’m at home, because I hate going out this time of year. That’s why I’m so excited about all of these online stores I find out about while blogging. Last year, through a blog campaign with The Family Review Network, I was introduced to Beaucoup.

Beau-coup has all kinds of goodies for everyone on your nice list including personalized Hershey’s chocolates that will satisfy that sweet tooth, custom fortune cookies to liven up a holiday soiree, tea sachets to ward off the chill, and of course plenty of favor packaging like mini spice jars, and favor boxes wrapped in personalized ribbon to make the wrappings as pretty as your Christmas party favors inside!

They have so much stuff it almost difficult to choose something. They sent me a few things to review and it really got me into the Holiday Season. Thinking of the Holiday Season makes me think of Zoe, she’s been singing, “it’s the Holiday Season..do do doot do.” And I have no idea where she learned the words. I can only imagine it was in the car on the radio, because I don’t think they sing that at school or in church.

Anyways, out of the items that Beaucoup sent me, my favorite was the glass Christmas tree.

It is beautiful details like this that just capture my attention. I love how this glass Christmas Tree reflects the light, and how small it is. It sits nicely on my fireplace mantle. The Mini Glass Christmas Tree also can be ordered with different ornaments than the one you see in my photo. Remember, Beau-Coup should also be considered for Do It Yourself Ideas. Beaucoup has an extensive DIY section and video section as well.

Enter to Win:

50.00 Gift Card to Beaucoup

To Enter:

Visit Beau-coup Favors website and tell us what you’d love to get if you win!

Extra Entries:

Tweet RT @MomStart: Holiday Party Supplies, decorating, DIY ideas Beaucoup Giveaway http://bit.ly/gODtTY

Subscribe to my blog and Follow me on twitter
Follow me on Google Friend Connect
List this giveaway on any giveaway site, dig or stumble or use any of the share methods below
Blog About this Giveaway (linking to the giveaway)
Add my blog button to your sidebar.

This giveaway ends December 13th, I received a sample as compensation. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Filed Under: 2010 Gift Guide, giveaway Tagged With: Beau-coup, Beaucoup, christmas party favors, DIY, holiday decor, holiday gift ideas, party favors, personalized gifts, personalized ribbon, tea sachets, video section

Make it yourself – Halloween Gift Pack #Giveaway

October 7, 2009 By Momstart 64 Comments

You can make this has asked me to host another giveaway. They did offer me my own pdf of Halloween holiday stuff I could make but I don’t have the time to be all creative even though I want to. I spend all my time with you guys. , Except today I spent a lot of time with my MOMS Club friends.

You Can Make This is providing a “Not So Scary” Halloween gift pack

a bundle worth $50 of Halloween downloads, they include:

About You Can Make This

Dedicated to helping you succeed in enjoying the creative process, YouCanMakeThis.com provides detailed, step-by-step guides for making fun projects in a variety of DIY categories. The guides are available for you to download immediately after purchase – most as PDF documents.

YouCanMakeThis.com (or “YCMT” as our customers call us) was launched in 2006 by Kim Christopherson, a mother of three, who wanted to share her expertise in creating handmade items. Kim reached out to others she knew that could share and invited them to join her in creating detailed guides that anyone could follow to create items for loved ones or even to sell. Since then the list of authors, most also mothers or grandmothers, has grown to over 200. YouCanMakeThis.com is dedicated to providing high-quality instructions for you, our customer.

To Enter:

Tell me what you would make for Halloween with the set above?

Extra Entries:

Vote for me for 5 extra entries

Non-bloggers get an extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for 10 extra entries
Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
Add my button to your blog/blog roll 10 extra points if it is on your homepage
Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)

Comment on any other post and come back here and tell me you did.

A Front Door Makeover From Brown To Red Glidden Trim & Door Paint

The Bathroom Reveal – A Better Homes and Gardens Makeover

Tasty Treat Thursday Strawberry Tall Cake Recipe

DIY Instructions How to Make an Ogre Slaying Knife

Wordless Wednesday DIY

Craftsman 255 Piece Craftsman Mechanic’s Tool Set

Creativity For Kids Classic Wood Crafts Giveaway

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

The Do It Myself Kids’ Cookbook

Holiday Party Supplies, decorating, DIY ideas Beaucoup Giveaway

Enter to Win:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Make it yourself – Halloween Gift Pack #Giveaway

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Follow Me

Premium Sponsors

Proud to Be

Pages

Meta

Archives

Giveaway Listing Sites

Ways to Save