Buns Buns Buns

I've been growing my hair out for about a year.  Actually, that really means I haven't gone to the hair salon in that amount of time.  I seriously need to get there ASAP.

Funny how that happens.  Before kids, I went to get a cut and highlights every three or so months.  After having kids, a salon trip every few weeks is a comical idea.

In the mean time, it's becoming such a chore to style hair that's way past my shoulders.
To go from wet, shower hair to looking acceptable, is taking for-ev-er.

The ends need to be cut so it takes quite a bit of heat styling to make them look smooth.

Since it's summer, I've just been pulling it into a pony tail. It's fine but looks very much like one of those moms in desperate need of a makeover on the Today Show.

I found this bun tool and thought it was worth a try.

Remington Perfect Bun

Given that it was only a few dollars, I didn't have high hopes for it to hold all day.
I was wrong.
SO WRONG.
This this has become my favorite hair tool in my 20+ years of styling my hair.  Seriously.  It's like a dream.  I am done in literally 30 seconds and my hair looks like I spent time actually concerned about my appearance.

A huge bonus for me is it actually stays in all day.  After it's in, I don't even have to touch it until I take it out.  No touch ups.  And, when I do take it out, my hair is full and wavy from being rolled inside.

They sell them for blondes or brunettes and also have a size for girls.
Here's how simple:

Remington

I can't believe I never knew about this before!

Ikea/Target Picture Facelift

This picture has been in my closet for-ev-er and I decided I was either going to trash it or doctor it a bit.  I found a few bottles of acryllic paint at Walmart and thought I'd have a go at painting over all of the DARK areas.  I have no idea what I was thinking when I bought this deeply saddening print.  It looks like it belongs in an pamphlet titled, "Are you Depressed?"  Blegh!

I couldn't find my good brushes but I did find a kiddie water color paintbrush that worked just fine. 


So, it was pretty simple - I sprayed the frame with white Rustoleum spray paint and then went to town with my white and blue acryllic paint just adding more petals.  A little here, a little there.  Then, I ended up with a huge white blob - not worried about it too much.  Ultimately it looks WAY better than before.  It may end up in my bathroom - or a pamphlet.  :)

It's kind of fun to attack my prints with paint.

Flat-Top Stove is LIKE NEW AGAIN!

Sugar Bananas has moved!  Click here for this post on the new and improved www.SugarBananas.com

HE is Much Better

You've taken such good care of us.  You've worked sometimes ALL DAY and even into the night.  But, it's just that time.  It's not you, it's me.  This has to be done. 

Goodbye old friend...

And HEL-LO to you...

Our poor washer has been on its last leg and the dryer officially quit so it was time for a high efficiency set.  On the long plane ride back to Texas, I happened to sit next to a Sears exec.  I asked a bazillion appliance questions (I know, intriguing conversation right?) and he managed to convince me that high efficiency is a much smarter option.

However, we ended up buying the new set from Best Buy.  It's ok, Sears has plenty of our money anyway.  Back to the washer and dryer - I'm IN LOVE with them.  The best part is I checked the circulars a week later and found the exact set on sale.  Because they price match, I went back to Best Buy and they handed me $200!!!  Woohoo!

There's no time like HOURS before it is delivered to measure and make sure they'll fit.  It was a close call (look at the space under the cabinet) but it worked out.   

Why I love it?  It uses a fraction of the water, soap, and energy.  The drying time is almost cut in half because of the sensors.  AND, they hold much larger loads of laundry.  So, the king-sized duvet and sheets fit in one load.  It's also very easy to keep the lint build-up at bay ...which is SO IMPORTANT!

I think my favorite part has to be the music it plays when it's done.  It's much sweeter than that horrible, jump-out-of-your-chair buzzer I had before.

Next is decorating this room.  I'm not even sure of where to start. 

Any suggestions?

Library Closet

No way!  I love this idea...and if I had an extra closet in my home, I'd be all over this. 

My friend posted this link on fb and I fell in love. 

Jolie over at Shopping Candy bought her first home and has been very busy renovating and decorating.  She turned a regular hall closet into a mini library, seating and all!  This is beautiful.  Check out her blog for the before/after pictures as well as her inspiration photo. 

What a neat way to display and store your books!

The Container Store

YIKES!

Sugar Bananas has moved!  Click here for this post on the new and improved www.SugarBananas.com

Personalized Name Plaques and a Family Visit

Sugar Bananas has moved!  Click here for this post on the new and improved www.SugarBananas.com

Bathroom Brightening

I love my bathroom but I’m so lost when it comes to finding just the right décor. I found this and loved its swirls.

I got it home and put it right where I imagined and… blegck! It was way too dark. In fact, every time I walked into the bathroom, this is how I saw it:

I’m really inspired by the bright whites and pale turquoises and aqua blues that you’d see in a spa - hence the “Picture Facelift” post. (btw, that picture is hanging in the same bathroom).
Remember this?

Oh, this is just gorgeous!

Thank you Better Homes & Gardens for the picture!

I'm done drooling and back to my shelf -
So, it was attacked with some white paint.
Here’s the after:

Ahhhh, much better. Now, what to put on the shelves?

Picture Facelift

This picture has been in my closet for-ev-er and I decided I was either going to trash it or doctor it a bit.  I found a few bottles of acryllic paint at Walmart and thought I'd have a go at painting over all of the DARK areas.  I have no idea what I was thinking when I bought this deeply saddening print.  It looks like it belongs in an pamphlet titled, "Are you Depressed?"  Blegh!

I couldn't find my good brushes but I did find a kiddie water color paintbrush that worked just fine. 


So, it was pretty simple - I sprayed the frame with white Rustoleum spray paint and then went to town with my white and blue acryllic paint just adding more petals.  A little here, a little there.  Then, I ended up with a huge white blob - not worried about it too much.  Ultimately it looks WAY better than before.  It may end up in my bathroom - or a pamphlet.  :)

It's kind of fun to attack my prints with paint.

This picture ended up finding a perfect spot in my bathroom.  It's part of an ongoing, Bathroom Brightening plan I have for that space.