Everything but the Kitchen Sink Link Party

Hey all! How's your week going? Mine is good. I actually have some energy and spent the week getting the house cleaned. It's been a while, so it was not a pretty sight. I decided since I tend to get tired out easily and moving my body in a quick fashion can lead to pulled stomach muscles, to only do one major cleaning chore a day. Monday I started the laundry and vacuumed downstairs. Tuesday I mopped the kitchen floor and finished up the laundry. Wednesday I took the vacuum upstairs and cleaned the floors and then used the dust attachment to dust the furniture. Today I cleaned the bathrooms and organized all my piles of paper that have been laying around the house driving me crazy. Tomorrow I will empty all of the trash cans and then collapse in a heap of exhaustion. That's my plan anyway. I'm not a huge fan of cleaning, but I do enjoy the 1-clean-task-a-day approach and have used it before and will no doubt use it again once our little bundle of joy arrives. How do you guys clean? Do you have a method as well?

Ok, here were the top 5 popular clicks from last week...

Saving 4 Six shows us how to organize a bathroom for a large family. Her tips are priceless! Go check it out!

Racks and Mooby shares her ideas for a rainbow birthday party. So cute and can I just say....YUM!

Design Dreams by Anne shares with us her love of old doors and windows, and how she incorporates them into her amazing style. I love how she uses them and I'm now on the hunt for some old doors or windows to copy those ideas. :)

You guys must be in an organizing mood, because Domestic Imperfections organized pantry was a huge favorite. I have to say, I enjoyed it as well! I love the stencils and the little racks she added for the spices. Brilliant!

I'm always a fan of a good furniture makeover and this one is no exception. Check out what My Serendepitious Life accomplished re-doing this cute side table. I love the color she chose--so happy and spring-like!

Now, time for the party! Don't forget to spread the word and leave comments! It's a fun way to make new friends and keep up with the old ones. Not age-old., of course. We're all 23 in blogland, right? RIGHT???

Have fun!

How to Use Mirrors - Guest Post

It's Done With Mirrors - Using Reflection to Make a Room Appear More Spacious
Most of us regard mirrors as necessary, functional items in our bathrooms, halls and bedrooms; sometimes revealing a bit more about us than we'd like. Yet mirrors can also be our very good friends and can be used to create the illusion of more space in rooms that are limited in size. Here are five ways to do this that play up two of today's hottest design trends: the reuse and repurpose movement and the retro craze of anything mid-century modern.

• Window Wonders Designers are always enlarging or adding additional windows to make dark spaces brighter. Who says they get to have all the fun? Create a faux window for that cramped dining area or windowless office nook, or nestle your sofa between a pair of faux windows to instantly make it feel brighter and more spacious.
  There's several ways to go – create the window with two or three rows of mirror tiles and add a "frame" made from reclaimed wood. Or, score a vintage window from a salvage shop for more realism and use mirror paint on the old glass. You could also use a single long, skinny mirror instead of the tiles. Add finishing touches such as a window box or paint a sprig of ivy on the glass with a little green acrylic paint.
  If you've got the budget for it, you can find ready-made large mirrors made to look like windows, complete with framing. Some even have working latches so that you can "open" the window for special effect.
  Your faux windows will take on an added layer of realism if you can position them on a wall opposite a real window.
  
• Fireplace Fixes Are you staring at a big blank spot over the fireplace where your TV used to be, having removed it because your neck could no longer take the strain of always looking up? Is your other half threatening to put up that "really cool" picture of dogs playing poker unless you have a better suggestion? The answer is simple: hang a mirror. Those that follow the principles of feng shui are nodding in agreement. Even if you don't subscribe to that particular philosophy, a mirror over the fireplace creates a fantastic focal point for the room and works with every design style. Another fun take is to group a series of framed mirrors on the fireplace mantle. Either way, you'll be adding depth and sense of spaciousness.
  
  
  
  
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  And here's another tip if you're no longer actually using your fireplace to burn wood – put a mirror in the firebox for even more reflection.
  
• Crafty Cabinets DIY'ers have been picking up thrift-store finds, sanding and repainting them into charming, one-of-a-kind pieces for years. Here's a twist – create a special storage piece with mirrored drawer fronts. For an added dose of sparkle, use mirrored mosaic tiles instead of a single mirror on each drawer. Or pick up a pair of mirrored storage cubes to use as small end tables and watch how they almost disappear into the room, along with all the clutter they've got hidden away inside! You can also fashion a show-stopping coffee table with groups of two, three or four cubes.
  
• Creative Coloring If you haven't heard yet, orange is THE color for 2012. Yes, orange. So now what are you supposed to do with that – keep a bowl of oranges out on the table all year long? If you're like many others, incorporating orange into a room can be a bit challenging. Lucky for you – a little orange goes a long way, as in orange frames. But not for pictures, for a mirror collage. Gather up a collection of frames in various sizes and styles and paint them in shiny, vibrant orange. Put mirrors in the frames and hang them on a wall. Toss in a classic, molded fiberglass chair in a similar hue and you have one of the hottest looks around today.
  Of course if orange just isn't your thing, you can still create a wonderful light-reflecting mirror collage with pristine white frames.
  
• Hit the Floor Okay, so you don't have a fireplace, you can't mount large mirrors or stick mirror tile all over the place because you rent, and you just aren't the collage type – are you doomed to live in darkness? Not at all. Meet the floor mirror, an extra large mirror that you just prop up against the wall. It will reflect the opposite wall of course, so position it where it will show off something interesting. Simple, easy and very effective, floor mirrors are also becoming popular again.

You'll be surprised at what happens when you incorporate one or more of these ideas into your home. Create some mirror magic in your home today!

About the Author
Bahram Nasehi is a Vice President and partner at Dulles Glass and Mirror. He is instrumental in the development and manufacturing of commercial and residential glass products including tempered glass, glass table tops and shower doors.

Blog Feature - Crazy Craft Bugs

Hey everyone. I'm here today to brag about a good friend of mine, Amy, who lives over at Crazy Craft Bugs. Amy has been here before but I just had to share some of the new stuff she has been up to! Not only does she sew, cook and craft with the best of them....she's an amazing coupon-er that could beat the pants off of those ladies on that coupon show...know what I'm talking about? Anyway, I asked her some questions and thought you might have fun seeing some new and creative projects. Enjoy!

1. Why did you start blogging?

I love the idea of a community where you can share ideas and answer questions! Blogging opens the door to lots of ideas and friends! Also, you convinced me to do it! ;-)

 
2. What do you enjoy most about creating/crafting?

I live with two crazy boys whom I struggle to control. Since I am a complete control freak, crafting/creating is the only way for me to feel like I am in control even though my children are not.

 
3. What is your favorite type of craft activity?

I love to do anything and everything. I would love to buy an old house and fix it up myself. I love to quilt, sew, crochet, paint, sand, etc. If it is out there, I would love to try it!

 
4. If you had $1,000 how would you spend it? (Can't be on bills, etc.)

Minus a much need vacation, I would go to JoAnn's or Micheals and buy craft supplies or go to Menards and by wood and power tools. I own more power tools then my husband if that tells you something.

5. What is a project you've always wanted to try, but never had the guts to do?

Laying tile. I would love to learn how to but it seems scary to me. How do you get them to fit around a toilet?

Also, Amy has now started a blog with tips for all your couponers out there. Check it out for some great ideas and weekly deals!

I hope you enjoyed today's feature! Doesn't Amy have some fun projects? Be sure to check out her blog to find some more great ideas. Have a great day everyone!

EBTKS Link Party

Hey all! Sorry I'm late today. We were in the middle of dinner and the phone rang. Who's calling?!? No one calls us! We had to know! Well, turns out it was the dentist wondering where I was! Turns out the ole hubster forgot to tell me they called yesterday with an opening tonight and he took it for me! Awww....so sweet....So, I ran on over to the dentist and had myself a little cleaning. I'm all sparkly white and smooth now. Ahhh. Nice.

I hope you guys had a great Valentine's Day! Let's check out some of the favorite links from last week.

First we have From Gardners 2 Bergers amazing map art. This lady is a wiz with the computer, and you should definitely check out how she did this!

Next, From the Heart teaches us how to be thrifty and make our own soap. COOL!

Saving 4 Six shows us how to recover an office chair to make it a thing of beauty.

And Artfully Caroline's talented jewelry making skills come into play with this amazing necklace.

Finally, Creative Passage shares with us how she made this lovely heart necklace. I love!

 Don't forget to grab a featured button on the side bar! So, let's start the party! Remember to visit and leave comments! We all love 'em, they make us feel all warm and squishy inside, right? Have a great weekend!

Valentine's Day Fun

Well, Happy Late Valentine's Day everyone! We had a super fun day yesterday. I like to do fun things for the kids for V-day for some reason. I just think it's a cute little holiday. I've hosted a little V-day tea party for them before and they loved it. Now that they are all in school, they get to have parties with their classes. But, we still manage to have fun at home.

They woke up to some fun V-day buckets and stuffed animals from their "Honey." (My mom).

The buckets were filled with $1 Spot toys from Target. 

Then we had heart-shaped French toast for breakfast. (A simple recipe of eggs, milk and some cinnamon).

I went through a whole loaf of Texas toast using this heart shaped cookie cutter!

The kids loved eating their heart shaped French toast on their heart plates, drinking OJ from their heart glasses. It was a heart-filled day and we had lots of fun celebrating!

"Vintage" Wooden Crate

So, I was rearranging furniture the other day and ended up with an exposed lamp cord. HORRORS! Something had to be done, immediately. I thought of a footstool....a low bench....a crate....a---wait, a crate! Something cheap and totally do-able for this little pregnant lady. (And when I say little, I mean short...I'm pretty huge, folks).

Anyway, I went on the hunt for a vintage crate and those suckers are not cheap. Shoot. But, I stumbled on this lovely crate at Jo-Anne's and thought, "Hey, I could totally make this look old....I mean, I'm pretty good at making new things old...." So, I bought it!

I don't really have pics of the process, but it was fairly simple. I used my walnut stain, watered down, and went to town painting the crate. I printed off the graphic from Word and traced them on the box with the rub-the-chalk-on-the-back-of-the-paper method. Very technical. Wilson is my mother's maiden name and 1911 is the year my grandmother was born. I really miss her. I thought the finger was fun...for some weird reason.

I took my 220 grit sandpaper and went to town....but, it was still pretty perfect looking....

So I took my paint brush and some old country grey ASCP and lightly brushed it haphazardly all over the box.

I like it.

Vintage look accomplished??? I hope so.

Perfect for hiding lamp cords....and storing our warm cozy blankets for the winter. I figure for summer, we can store our magazines, books, etc.

I love it!

Pin It

How to Follow Me!

Hey everyone! I hear that Google Friend Connect is going the way of the ghost...what's up with that?  (Ok, just heard that GFC is going away for all non-Google or Blogger users. Which is true? Anyone know???) And we don't want to lose touch, do we??? Of course not! So, there are a few options out there to keep up with all things happening at A Little Knick Knack. And I really hope you will want to keep up with me! I would hate to lose even one good blog-friend out there. You guys are such an amazing group of people, who lend support when I need it most. I've come to really enjoy the friendships I've made over this blog and I hope to continue to make more! Ok, off the mushy stuff. Here's how you can follow me!

1. I've added some social media buttons! I know, finally, right? See over there on the right of my sidebar? The gray buttons?  Well, just click on one of those and they will take you to a way to follow me! Except for the envelope, that leads you to my email information. But, you can follow me through Facebook, Pinterest or (my favorite), Feedburner! This one allows you to receive my updates through all sorts of social networks....Yahoo, AOL, Google Plus and a host of others. I will also be keeping the Google Friend Connect link up for the duration for all those who can follow through their Google email. So, please keep in touch! 


2. There's an even SIMPLER way to get an email of my post, and it's directly under the buttons....just enter your email address and click "submit." Easy as pie!

3. And oh my--is everyone doing the Linky Followers thing now? Should I be doing that, too? I guess so! I'll start the Linky Followers and hope that all my old followers will transfer over to the free-don't-have-to-join-anything-link system. Here's what it looks like....If you were following with GFC, be sure to start following with Linky (located right above the GFC on the sidebar) instead! 

I think we can all stay in touch now! Yeah! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or email me! Have a great weekend everyone!

EBTKS Link Party & Features

*Be sure to join the giveaway for $25 or $10 to spend on the online shopping site Sneakpeeq.com! 

Hey everyone! How y'all feeling? I'm feeling pretty yucky. Last night I could feel the beginning of a cold and today it just blew up and I became a sniffly, snotty, coughing wreck. Sadly, my son caught something and threw up (he's been asleep since 4 p.m.) and my daughter sounds like she's hacking up a lung. So, I called hubs and he came home to help hold down the fort. It's amazing how two of my kids are always catching something and my other daughter is always healthy as can be. She must have an amazing immune system.

Oh, and want to know what else happened to me today? A bird flew into my house! I know! It must have gotten in the garage and flown in when we were coming in from an errand. I didn't believe it when my son said, "uh, mom, there's a bird in the kitchen...." but he was right! I opened our sliding glass door to the porch, got my broom and shooed that little guy out. I'm sure he was as happy to leave as I was to see him go! So, it's been sort of a crazy day!

Now, enough of my nonsense. On to features!

Check out how the Pursuit of Happiness made this oh-so-cute Valentine's with her baby's footprints. Can you tell I have baby on the brain? Yeah....it's still super cute, though! I love this idea for Grandparents!

 First we have the adorable "key to my heart" V-day art from This Life is Shaken Together. I love the red frame and the key is the perfect touch!

Next we get our taste buds going with these yummy heart shaped mini french toasts from Will Cook for Smiles. Oh, I want some strawberries now! Yum!

And look at this cutie from Crafting with my Cub! The shirt, too. This baby is obviously so thrilled to wear such a cute homemade V-day shirt. Go check it out, since it has been worn by all her babies!

And nothing screams V-day more than a sexy little purse, especially one re-done with this amazing ruffle fabric by The Creative Imperative. She gives a great tutorial if you want one of these beauties for your special day.

Ok everyone, be sure to grab a featured button on the sidebar! 

Now, on to the party. Last week ya'll did great in spreading the news about the link party and we had a lot of new link-ups! Thank you so much! I hope we have another great party this week as well. Be sure to comment, comment and comment some more! And have a healthy weekend! 

New Tray turned Old Tray

I found this lovely little tray at Jo-Anne's on The Great Crate Hunt. It was really dinged up and had this weird film all over it. I took it to the check out and asked if they'd give me a discount and they said yes! 25% off! Woo-hoo! So, I took home this little tray for $4. Deal.

First thing I did was wipe all that dust off and then painted 2 layers of Old Country Grey ASCP.

I printed out my graphic from The Graphic Fairy and then used my chalk method (


Take your printed graphic and turn it over. Rub the back liberally with pencil or chalk. Turn them back over and trace the outside of the words onto your sign with pen or pencil. The lead/chalk will rub off on your surface leaving you a nice outline to paint. I like to use acrylic paint pens to fill in my words. So much easier for me and my unsteady hand!) to transfer it on the tray.

 Then, I used a permanent marker to fill in the graphic.

I took my sandpaper and sanded it down to expose some of the original black underneath.

I like. I think it will make a nice little accessory to my "new" dresser.

Giveaway with Sneakpeeq - CLOSED

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Hey everyone! I'm excited to tell ya'll about this week's giveaway sponsor....Sneakpeeq.com! Sneakpeeq is   the largest and fastest growing social shopping company on Facebook and have over 600 brand partners that offer amazing products and deals. The site lets you flip around a tag on an item, much like you would at a store, and then shares the price with you and your friends on Facebook.

Sneakpeeq.com is currently offering  all entrants who are eligible (see restrictions below),  one grand prize winner would receive a $25 virtual gift card...and one runner up would receive $10 gift card. 



Sneakpeeq is also giving away 20% off your next purchase just for entering and becoming a new member of Sneakpeeq.com!

So, enter to win a chance at the Grand Prize:  one winner will receive a $25 gift card and one runner up will get a $10 gift card to use on your favorite food, style and home products—simply click on the link to be a new member of Sneakpeeq.com. Come back here and let me know your thoughts! 

Come see all the things you love but haven’t discovered.  Sneakpeeq has new products for the home, clothing, jewelry, and other online boutiques that you have never seen before!

This giveaway will close Sunday, February 12 at midnight. Winner will be announced Monday, February 13. Good luck!

Restrictions 

- Only new sneakpeeq users can enter the giveaway. This means that only new sneakpeeq users will receive the 20% off when they click that link.

- Our site is currently limited to the U.S., and therefore we have to limit our giveaway to the U.S.