Backyard Retreat

One of the biggest renovations was adding a complete backyard retreat. When purchasing our home we knew it had great backyard potential. But what we did not know was how much money we had to invest. Definitely went over budget, our initial budget was $8,000 but we added a Pergola which I will show you later. Today I will only show the other expenses.

Right Side 

Left Side

 

We started with adding the cement and re staging the AC conditioners as you guys can see it was right next to the sliding door making it very noisy.  A few months later we added the sprinkler system and the grass and trees as the same time. After a few months later our backyard had a huge transformation.  As you can see in the bottom photos.

 

Right side View

Right side view with cement

 Playground & Chalk Board

 

Side view

We saved money since my husband install the playground and grass. We made the Chalkboard and sand box from scratch so we only added the material expense on the side. We will post the Pergola Soon. Also this summer we added more than 25 Plants around our home so we definitely made more investments in our backyard. Photos will be coming soon.  

Our budget estimate was around $8000

The reality was buying

Trees & flowers

Grass

Cement

Sprinkler system

Rocks

Mulch

Playground

Sand box

Chalkboard

Wood door

Moving AC units to the side

$10,900

 

Backyard Dining Table DIY

After purchasing a new dining table I decided to redo the color on the previous one I had and sent it to the backyard.

Sorry I totally forgot to take a before picture. 

 

It’s nice to have a table outside for the sunny and nice days to grill. Before you decided on the color make sure you clean the table and sand it down. This will help you get the best results. I used spray paint and needed around 7 cans. Make sure you let it dry complete for a couple of days before you send it outside.

This is the color I selected.They sale water resistant spray to protect the wood, I did not apply anything since it hardly rains here. The best spray paint I have tried is Paint plus Primer. I recommend not buying something that does not have a primer. Since I purchase paint for a DIY project and it was a waste of money.

Finally results looks like new. Found this cute table covers at swap meet all for $8dlls. Love the way it looks on the table, it makes a look very chic and pops out the aqua color. Sorry for the bad images need to update my Iphone. DIY Cost $38 including covers, pain and sanding material. Let me know what you think?

Sorry Blog

Sorry guys I been so bad with my post on my blog. I do have all the work but haven't been had time to sit down and post. I just realize how hard it can be to be stay home mom. You're always busy with children demanding, but have to say I have enjoy it so much. I decided the pass week to sit down and write at least 5 projects and will be posting one each week. I hope you enjoy and get great ideas. Don't forget to stop by and leave a comment. By the way Happy Mother Day hope you ladies had a wonderful day.



Playroom

 

We all know that a Playroom does not look like this, but for showing prepress we pick up the room. This is how all parents would love to see a playroom. A after shoot will be added soon so you guys can see the reality.

 

We added shadow boxes for our old book collection.

 

Also display our kids art by using colorful laundry hooks and first letter of their name bought at Michaels.

 

 

We always take home the art that our kids do at fairs so they can be display at home.

 

A playroom needs to be colorful and inviting in order for kids to sit down and enjoy. We need a better organizing tool for the storage which I will add a photo soon. New rule at home for every toy that comes in two have to go. Let's see if that works, since the space is very small. Most of the items we had already had so the expenses went mainly to the carpet and paint. Even if its a small space it can had expenses to the budget. Make sure to make a list of things that you want to have in your own playroom to not go over your budget. I hope you guys enjoy the pictures. 

Renovation Cost $503

Carpet
Paint
Ceilling Fan
Table
Shadow boxes

Huggies Rewards

My Little Secret

 Many of us have seen these stickers on the huggies wipes and diapers. Well for over three years I been register with Huggies Rewards and have been getting pretty cool stuff.

 Last item received was this Bead Maze for my youngest daughter.

It’s pretty easy you just register with them and every time you get diapers or wipers get the yellow sticker and input the numbers on the Huggies rewards program. You will get a different amount of points everytime. After you have accumulated a couple of points you can redeem them at their site. Other items that I have got for free are magazine subscriptions and even Starbucks gift cards. Yes you heard me well I said Starbucks gift cards.

Visit their website

http://www.huggies.com/en-US/rewards

Victoria Style Nursery

After you're second child it's most likely that you have saved something to use in the future.  We decided on a Victoria décor style for our third child's room. Sorry we couldn't show you the before since for some reason we did not have a picture of it.  

 

Before knowing the sex of the baby we picked a ivory color since it can go well with any sex. The bedding and crib was from our fist child so we did not spend any money on these items. Only on wall decorations.

 

We added a hot pink pillow to the window as well as her first photos.

 

The most expensive items was replacing the carpet, paint, celling fan and window curtains.

 

 

 

 I love the shadow box since you can save precious memories.  

 

 

We gave some personality to this room by adding a Victoria style mirror and a cute dress. Love the contrast of the colors don't be afraid of adding a variety of colors in a room. We are in love with antique stuff therefore almost every room we have has a antique item to make it unique. We did not went over budget with this room since we had already a few items.

 

Renovation Cost $1,222

 

Paint

Carpet
Ceiling Borders
Ceiling Fan
Pink Furniture
Mirror
Wall Decorations

Shadow Box

Flowers

Pillow

Curtains





Our Son's Room

Before

 

Color was too dark and carpet needed to be replaced

 

 

When it comes to the theme for your child’s room I say stick with it. I remember when I was pregnant with my son I had decided that his room would be airplane theme, but I would find myself looking for airplane theme items was not an easy task. So when he was born my husband and I had decided on an elephant theme but were never happy with the fact that I was so obsess with airplanes. I took the task to find items in store and online and was able to come out with the final project hurray.

 

After
 
 

Decided on a sky blue color for his room

 

 

 

 Decal is from Easty
 
 
 

 Bought these old vintage posters at an antique store and framed them with Michael’s clear frames.

 

 

 Vintage Airplane

 

 

This place has change a lot with a little but of TLC the renovation cost is on the low side which make it even better when your on a budget. Transforming one room is no problem, but changing a couple can hurt your wallet. Invest in things that have a meaning and purpose in your own home. Simple things can make a room look very unique and beautiful. I must say I'm in love with this room and how it all came out.

Renovation Cost $1,170

 

Paint

Boarders

Fan

Shelf

Lamp

Bedding

Posters

Frames

Airplanes

Carpet

Rug