Better After

4 In kiddie/ tables/dressers

Rock the Chalk

Can a child’s play table be … pretty? Can a pretty table be … fun? With the addition of a little chalkboard paint, the answer is yes! And also, yes! That’s what Holly from Chic and Lovely envisioned when she spotted this beat up table at Goodwill.

Just a damp paper towel is all this table needs to go from from chalk-covered to quickly classy just in case the neighbors stop by.

Although, if your neighbors are the type to raise an eyebrow at toy strewn tables, why invite them in anyway? Jerks. Just kidding, your neighbors are totally nice! At least, I hope so…

Thanks Holly!

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March 22, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

6 In lighting

Lights in the Heights

Don’t blame it on the sunshine! Don’t blame it on the moonlight! Don’t blame it on the good times! Blame it on the BOOGIE! That is my favorite song by The Jacksons, and I am blasting it loud and proud this fine morning. A good way to start the day for sure. Also, some lighting redos are sure to light up your day too! Ha! So lame, sorry.

First, a chandelier redo from Brandi at Brandi Nell the Southern Belle. She liked the original crackled finish, but sprayed the brassy parts in a deep red and wrapped the candle sticks in jute! I love the little round bulbs too, a fun twist!

And how many of us would have passed this duck-embossed monstrosity by? Probably 99% of us. The other 1% would be Julie, who wasn’t fazed by the swampy scene and fell for the shape of the lamp and the wooden base instead. So she spray painted the brassy base, left the wood as-is, and what about the ducks? She just spun them around to face the wall! Smarty pants.

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March 22, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

7 In kitchen/dining

Plum Perfect

So what if you can’t afford a total kitchen makeover? So what? Who cares?

(that is a little funnier if you know which SNL skit I’m talking about ).

You can still update and refresh your kitchen for spring. Especially if your kitchen is still rocking this oak and burgundy look that is so last season. Or decade. Or whatever. So what? Who cares?

For instance, just check out Tammy’s kitchen makeover here. Counters: same, Fixtures: same, Flooring: same. Just some new paint on the cabinets and walls, and some new knobs and pulls, and magic! It’s like a whole new room.

Lots more details to see on Tammy’s blog Peppermint Plum. (Like beadboard! Who can resist? Not me!)

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March 22, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

12 In kiddie

Love Bug

I’m trying to go with a “Spring” theme today, so without further ado, here is a little ladybug redo! Better After reader Becky found this faded old Cozy Coupe on Craigslist for $10. Faded and old just wasn’t going to cut it for her cutie, so she got creative with the paint and turned it into a bug-mobile!

So many possibilities with this … Batmobile, Herbie, The Partridge Family Bus, General Lee, obviously I watched too much TV as a child, Kitt, Ecto-1, SpeedRacer … I could go on if you want, but I think I’ve derailed the “Spring” theme so I’ll just stop there. Anyhoo, thanks Becky!

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March 21, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

19 In outdoors

Feeling Springy!

Hi there! I’m back from spring break, all refreshed and tan and ready for action. Just kidding, I’m never tan. But I am ready for action! And I want to say a big fat THANK YOU to everyone who voted for me in the Circle of Moms Top 25 Blog contest! Today is the last day to vote, soooooo … if you would be a dear:

You are the best, you know that?

So Spring has sprung and what says that better than a fabulous yard makeover? Christy’s house used to have a bit of a blah front yard and was also being eaten alive by shrubbery. Who knew there were such great arched windows underneath those testicular trees? I can’t imagine what the view from inside was like. Probably lots of leaves and branches. So I guess it isn’t that hard to imagine.

She removed the offensive bushes, extended the flower beds (so pretty!), added a flagstone path in place of the plain ol’ sidewalk and lightened up the siding and trim with fresh paint. So much better! Check out more pics on her blog BeachBrights. Thanks Christy!

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March 21, 2011 By Lindsey @ Better After

6 In outdoors

Mailbox

It’s spring break around these parts, so I’m taking the week off! But since you were kind enough to stop by (thank you!), please enjoy a little jaunt through the archives this week:

Originally posted September 21, 2009

I gave a mailbox a makeover once, but it was nothing like this. Mine consisted of repainting a faded black mailbox … black again. Don’t be jealous of my creative genius.

Is Megan’s mailbox not the most charming mailbox you’ve ever seen? Look at the detail! Look at the little “thank you!” sign! I bet the mailman smiles every time he delivers her mail.

But I do see that the red reflector also got a coat of paint … I hope no one runs over your adorable mailbox Megan! See her instructions HERE.