I’m not a natural in the kitchen.  In fact, there was a time when the thought of preparing a well-rounded, sit-down meal for my family made me want scream.  I mean there’s nothing wrong with oven pizzas, instant macaroni and cheese, and microwaveable chicken nuggets…right?   Don’t worry, I also had the local pizza and Chinese take-out numbers memorized for those more “elaborate” occasions.  Thinking back, I remember calling my mom (several times) wondering how to hard boil an egg for crying out loud!!!

Having two growing kids changed that dining philosophy drastically.  Sitting down to a nourishing, home-cooked meal quickly became a significant priority of mine as a mother.  No room for excuses in this department.  I had to learn the ropes in the kitchen, or my kids were doomed to a lifetime of quick meals and junk.  I am proud to say, that I have turned the corner and take pride in the meals I prepare for my family.  From comfort foods to nutritious dishes, I look forward to making breakfast, lunch, and dinner for my little crew.

Three things are responsible for ALL of the culinary confidence I have acquired over the  years:
1. Pinterest (Thank the Lord above for whoever invented this AMAZING tool!)
2. My CrockPot (probably used thanks to a Pinterest recipe)
3. My recipe box (stocked with the tried-and-trues from family and friends over the years)

Speaking of that recipe box.  Here’s the beaut that I picked up about 10 years ago at a dollar store while I was in college.  It has served me well over the years, but if you know me (and my taste in decorating), you can see that it’s not really my style.

As important as they are, I think my recipes deserved an upgrade.  Don’t you? 

     So, imagine how thrilled I was to stumble upon this vintage cigar box at a local garage sale.  I snagged this bad boy for only $3.00!  And wouldn’t you know it, my 4×6 cards fit with a perfect vertical stance.  If that wasn’t enough good news, I went online and discovered that this particular box sells for $25.00-$35.00.  Yes, I shouted “Huckle Buckle Beanstalk” on this one, for sure!

     Literally, all I had to do was print out some new category dividers on my brown paper bag cardstock, and I was all set with this incredibly unique, one-of-a-kind recipe box.  So, the next time you pass by an old wooden box, ask yourself if your recipes could use a revived residence.

Happy hunting my fellow treasure collectors and salvage visionaries.

Until next time,
Laura

For as long as I can remember, my mom would talk about an amazing “gentleman’s wardrobe in my grandparents’ attic. Apparently, my grandfather had used it to hold his clothes in the 1940s when he lived above a gas station that he owned/operated.  Naturally, time was not kind to this piece.  The mirrored doors were broken, a drawer was missing, and the finish was discolored and scratched.  Also, did I mention that it was trapped beyond a narrow staircase and draped in decades of old newspapers, tires, and dust?

A few months ago, our family had the sad (and somewhat overwhelming) task of de-cluttering and emptying that attic.  Naturally, the wardrobe was painstakingly brought downstairs.  Although at first glance it may have seemed destined for the dumpster or burn pile, I pledged that there was still life left in this ol’ boy.

My husband and I brought it home and I vowed to have the piece completed for my mom this Mother’s Day 2015.

Here are some before shots.  I had to do some repairs to the wood surround, and I had a local carpenter repair/re-create two of the center drawers.

I removed the doors as well to break free the broken mirror before painting.

Speaking of painting, I used a creamy-white, chalk paint to cover and distress the piece.  I always start on the drawers of a piece first.  It’s a great way to practice your technique and get a feel for the overall look you are going for.

Remember, when it comes to distressing, a little goes a long way.  Lightly sanding the edges and around the hardware/handles are places that would ware naturally over time.  So, these are the places to hit when recreating that look.

After painting, I lightly sanded the whole piece and added several layers of wax to seal it and provide durability for a fruitful future.

Hind sight is 20/20.  I wish I had taken more pictures of the process. However, I did grab a picture of this Mother’s Day Masterpiece, before giving it to my mom.  I think it turned out quite lovely.  Can I hear a “Huckle Buckle Beanstalk?”