Reminder: Bronx Diba Luichiny Discount

This is just a friendly reminder that the discount code of "Mamalou's Gems" is ending on 9/15/2011.  Have you gone by to check them out at this link?  Please leave me a message if you have checked them out and what you think of their shoes.  Remember that the code is not good on internet orders, you need to call and place your order or better yet, stop in their incredible showroom and see the amazing stock they have their (reminder: check out the back room).  See my original review if you need details or leave me a message and I will get you the info!

Mamalou

Check Out This Blog

Everyone needs to go out and check out this blog....Totally Reinventing Me.  First, she is cool because she is another Lisa (hehe).  Next, she is a new blogger, like me, and we all need as much support as we can get. Also, she has a giveaway on her blog for a navy blue polo shirt with very few entries and you know what that means?  MORE chances to win....that's right.  So, get your rumpus over there and get entered pronto.  Wait, check out my clock makeover first and then run over there!
Direct link for the give away is Giveaway.
Mamalou

PS...do me a favor and leave me a message that you did as I asked.  No, it is not a power trip, I just want to see if anyone pays attention to me and does not ignore me like my 16 year old son!

Clock.....Finally Completed!

The clock that took me forever to start painting is FINALLY completed. Below you can see the before and the after pics.  I still think it use a little move "roughing up" but I will look at it for a few days more before I take out my aggression on the clock.  Who knows, if my darling son tried my patience, I may be put into time out for unnecessary roughness...LOL.  Just kidding.....maybe!  Enjoy the pics.

UGLY Before

Slowly getting better but that brass HAS to go!

So pretty sitting right next to my Daddy
 and Peggy's picture on the baker's rack

Closer....I love the face painted silver much better

Mamalou

Guess what I finished over the weekend!

I had this ugly clock that I have been lugging around for YEARS.  It belonged to one of my ex-husbands and hey, finders keepers, you know the rule!  I figured if it was that important to them, they would have claimed it years ago.  The original ugliness is pictured below:

That is how it looked when I dug it out of the buried crap in the basement, dings all over with a frayed  electrical wire.   I took off the face and began the cleanup, sanding, washing project to get it ready to be painted.  I removed the frayed electrical cord from the back and placed it inside the clock in case I ever decide to redo it.  

Let the games begin, or in this place, let the painting begin. Here are a couple of pics of it in process:

Front w/ face plate removed

side view

I put the face plate back on after distressing the paint but I am not thrilled with the outcome yet as the face is still an ugly bronze.  I am going to pull the plate again and paint it with some silver paint to soften the look and will then post the finished project.  If you look behind the clock on the side view above, you will see the paint "sample" that I purchased at Home Depot.  These are Martha Stewart paint samples in eggshell that can be custom mixed with any store color.  Each contain 8 oz of paint which is more paint than you will need for multiple small projects and you will get more than one small project out of each jar.  Well worth the small price in my opinion because you can use the paint up before it goes bad.  Also, Home Depot sells any of these little jars that have been mixed in "error" as "Opps Paints" and you can pick them up for $.50 each....a steal, so check your local Home Depot paint department often.  This is really a great way to save money and yet get the same high quality paint in a small quantity.  Also, the paint I will be using to paint over the face is a silver metallic paint that I already have on hand from some other small projects, purchased on sale at Michael's months ago at 2 for $1.

So here is the cost breakdown

Ugly old clock left by ex-husband - $0

Sanding blocks taken from my glass studio - $0

old sponge brushes left over from other projects - $0

Silver metal paint left over from other projects - $0

teal paint "sample" from Home Depot - $2.93  

Final out of pocket project cost:  $2.93

I am quite impressed at this project and am happy to have it almost done.   I should have the final pics by tomorrow and will load them then so come back to check them out! 

Until Next Time....

Mamalou

Painted rug

I am in great need now for some of those foam, puzzle piece, floor mats that day cares use on the floor. I know you are asking "why in the heck does she need them?".  Well, let me show you this ADORABLE DIY that I came across in one of my crazy jumps.  Follow the link right below to the blog showing the before and after.

Painted rug:  After you pull your chin back up off the ground like I did (in sheer amazement that this is really a floor mat that is normally used for kids), you will see how incredibly easy this is to make.  And I can even make it easier, if you would like) with my  vinyl cutter,  I can cut a template thus making the painting part even easier.  Personally I am in love with the first floral mat because I love the colors that were used but also love the beige and teal and I can see the black and white going into a boys room.  there are a multitude of design elements that  can be used to design your custom mat to fit in your space.  If anyone has any ideas, other than are shown (paisleys, polka dots, mod dots, special flower types, let me know and Mamlaou can help you with the design.  Thanks!  Until Again....
Mamalou



                                                                                                                                         

After