Kitchen Table Redo

Hey y'all!

So... I've been working like a mad woman on projects because I am getting SUPER bored without a job here in Florida. Trust me, I've been looking but I'm not going to settle either. 

If you have me as a Facebook friend, you know that I recently announced that I am going back to school! Woohoo, do a backflip, buy me a present, let's eat cake! Nursing, here I come! Can I get another WOOHOO! :-) I'm super excited, motivated and SUPER TUPER nervous. I can do it.

If you follow Home by Ally on Facebook (Click HERE) You know that I posted this picture last night and asked y'all if you wanted me to blog about her. Yes, her. Her name is Betty because she's country and Betty is bad. Ha, yeah I just made that joke. I'm not funny today, hmph.

Betty has EXCELLENT bones and sanded really well for me. That is always a good thing people because SANDING is WORK. Don't let anyone tell ya differently ;)

Here's Betty with her top off :-o Get your mind out of the gutter!

I've gotten asked quite a few times about the tools I use and my favorite products. I think I'm going to 1 day a week video post on my favorite products and/or reviews. What do y'all think about that?

Ok! So, below is one of the sanders I have. This was the first one I bought. I haven't really used the other one enough to review it but I will in a few months after I've used it a ton. This thing below is well WORTH the money and not too much money by the way, I don't even think I spent $30 on this bad boy. You can find a similar sander like mine here from Lowes.com

I also get asked what kind of sandpaper do you need for certain projects, etc. Well it depends on what you are doing! In this case, I was stripping the top of the old stain and poly so naturally I got the "Paint Stripping" sand paper. I love these 3M packs of sandpaper. You usually get 3 or 4 in a pack and they are super cheap, usually $2 or $3 or less depending on where you buy them. I've always found they are cheapest at Walmart and the BX for you military people. I buy probably 5 or 6 packs at a time because I do a lot of sanding.

I actually got this table in Minot with my friend Katie. The story is funny...and I might share it later ;)

Ok, back to the table and it's details. I painted the bottom a nice bright white and it actually needs another coat. I think I will distress the bottom lightly after I am done as well. The top is a new method staining that I actually made up myself!

These are the two stains I actually used TOGETHER. Yes, people TOGETHER. 

MinWax Dark Walnut 2716 

MinWax Classic Gray 271

I knew that I wanted a deeper stain but I also wanted something different than our farmhouse table. So... I did what I do best. I tried something and usually I fail. And I have a lot of messes but this one actually worked in my favor.

I first stained the top of the table with the classic grey. Make sure you always stain with the grain! Provides a better finish! I let that sit, saturate and soak into the table for about 10 minutes. Then, I went OVER that stain with the Dark Walnut stain and I fell in LOVE. It looks like a nice weathered piece of wood. It adds character to the wood without being too overwhelming! And did I mention how much I love it?

Usually the Dark Walnut is well dark. A nice deep stain but I didn't want that this time. I wanted something more rich...and you can sort of tell by this pictures that it is a very rich grain now!

Don't mind my camera bag sitting on the table. I just bought a new lens so I had to re-organize my bag. I love the table now and am currently doing my last coat of paint on the legs. So, don't mind that! I just wanted to show y'all the table, ok!!! Lol.

A VERY important thing when painting or staining any kind of furniture is SEALING it! Now, the stains usually have a seal in them but if you're doing a kitchen table or anything really that you need to wipe down or could get stuff on it, seal it. You want to be able to wipe it clean.

Look how pretty that finish is!

And here is a nice before and after for you. Don't you love Before and After's? I sure do.

I have a few other blogposts in the works so be sure to keep checking back here! If you haven't liked my FB page, please go and LIKE it here!

Thanks for listening y'all and be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think!

XOXO,

Ally

Kitchen & Dining Tour

Hey y'all!

I've been getting quite a few emails and messages about putting pictures up of my house...but it isn't finished! I'm really enjoying the process of getting it together but sometimes I wish it was just DONE. We all know the house WILL NEVER be done I'll get there soon.

I took a few more pictures of our living and dining room just to show y'all some updates. There's a few things I plan to do still and I'll be sure to explain them in my post!

If you have been following me, you know I just got our new barstools a few weeks ago and I am loving them! They are from Ikea. I moved some furniture around so you now see the light sand color buffet in here. I like it so

Here's the view from the powder room. The corner hutch on the left has been passed down from my grandmother to my mama and from my mama to me. My late grandfather made it, I think she said. When I received it, it was black which was pretty but obviously not my style. I painted it Antique White from Valspar and when over it with "Walnut" stain from Minwax to get that beige glazed look. I love how coastal it is now and I just can't stop appreciating it ;-)

I just realized I didn't have the glass knob back in the corner hutch. You probably didn't notice either until I pointed it out. OH well. Haha! Oh! My curtains are 95" panels in Farrah Cream from Target. They are a good cross between a linen fabric and a thicker fabric to kinda block out the heat but still let the sun in! Love them too! Especially the price at $16.99 a panel!

I had someone ask me where I got my curtain rods. They are 8 foot long Allen & Roth White wood Curtain Rods from Lowes. They are SUPER heavy and will last me forever! I love them! You have to purchase the ends and brackets separately but it's totally worth it. If you have big windows like us, it's a really nice investment. The candle vases are from Ross for under $10 each I think? And I got the candles inside of the vases from Ikea. A 3-pack for like $4.99 which is CHEAP. The runner is a burlap style and I just got it from Homegoods. I'm still thinking of ordering a custom made one that is longer with ruffles on the ends.

This is the old door I got from a lady in North Dakota. She got it out of an old ND Farmhouse. She is also the one that I got the huge window that is on my sand color sideboard. It's HUGE at 9 glass panes and it has that textured glass from back in the old days. I love it. That left curtain panel is bugging me.

Here's a close view of the side board. The "S" if from Hobby Lobby. I just slipped it into the ribbon as shown and I think it adds a great layered effect. The little plants are from Ikea. They are actually fake. 

This is the other side of the dining room where there is just enough space for a little desk area. This desk isn't black. It's actually a really deep stain but I think I'm going to do a white wash over it to lighten it up some. We all know how much I love white!

Well that's the little sneak peek for now! I have a load more things in the works for our home... and I'll be sure to do an official home tour. I'm sure that will coming in the coming weeks. Be sure to let me know what you think!

XOXO,

Ally

Desk Redo

Hey y'all!

I hope everyone is doing great. I am SOOOOO happy it's the weekend! Not that I have a job or need a day off or anything haha! But I have really been working hard today and being productive on trying to get a few of my projects done. One of them was this vintage desk an old friend from Minot had given me. It was originally a very pretty and rustic stained wood color and I painted it aqua and heavily distressed it. I got sick of aqua pretty quick and have been meaning to paint it.

So, I'v been experimenting with new methods of painting for different looks and outcomes, etc. In this particular project, I sanded down about 85% of the piece but I left some of the aqua on the wood. As you can see in the picture below, I started staining using "English Chesnut" in MinWax Wood Stain. I stained the bare wood sections and wiped over with a cloth the aqua sections so it would really give it an antiqued look. I usually LOVE to paint everything white and don't get me wrong... I actually wanted  to paint this piece white but I need some pieces to break up all the white.

I don't ever remember to take a BEFORE picture. My bad. I have one of my other computer I'm sure but this couch is so comfy.

So here it is in our new home. The aqua color actually looks like a really antique white now since I wiped stain over it and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes to let it soak in. The rest is the "English Chesnut" stain on top of bare wood. I want to get some vintage knobs to replace the little wood ones but I still like it for now.

Here's a close up. It has a lot of wear and tear but that just adds to the character. Why would you want to sand it out?!

I'm really happy with how it turned out. Above is a semi- before and after. What do you think?

30 Things About Me

Hi friends!

I saw this on another person's blog and decided it would be fun because I occasionally get random emails about myself and this blog of mine.

So here goes. And feel free to join in and let us know 30 things about yourself!

1. List 20 random facts about yourself.
- I love boiled peanuts.
- I always check the clearance racks at Target first.
- I drive a Chevy Equinox and LURVE it.
- My favorite holiday is Christmas.
- I'm CHEAP and I admit it.
- I wish I was brunette.
- I love NCIS and every other imaginable cop show.
- My husband is a cop.
- I used to play fast pitch softball. I pitched and I was good.
- I shake when I'm scared, angry or upset.
- My dogs are my kids.
- I am terrified of my dreams but I think that is a good thing.
- I've never rode in a taxi in the US. Only in Germany.
- I've always wanted to join the military.
- I do NOT have a green thumb. 
- My biggest fear is being alone and not living life.
- I love riding my husband's motorcycle with him. 
- My eyelashes are blonde and I'm not fond of it so I almost always have mascara on.
- I think uniforms are sexy. A man in uniform. Yum.
- I used to drive a box car. Scion XB. Holla! And I loved it.

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.
- Dying. I am scared of dying because I have so much to live for and so many things I want to do before I die. But I also realize that life is short and can end in an instant. I think it's SO important to be reminded of this daily and I try to do that for myself.
- Being alone. I'm a lover. Period. I love to love and I love to be loved. A world alone would be well... lonely. Everyone deserves to feel love.
- Being kidnapped or raped. Enough said.

3. Describe your relationship with your parents.
- My parents are my best friends. Period. I do not and could not be where I am today and the person I am today without them. They constantly remind me of the love everyone deserves, the values everyone should grow with and the supportive family everyone should have.

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could.
- You're going to get your heart broken a few more times. 
- Don't put up with his crap. There are better boys coming your way.
- You're beautiful.
- Enjoy sports. And being in school. And the innocence of it all.
- Enjoy your teachers. Especially Ms. Hatch.
- Don't follow so close.
- Go the speed limit.
- Always check in. Don't forget.
- You are good enough.
- Buckle down and do well in school. You're molding your future.

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?
- Diet Mt. Dew.
- New furniture.
- My puppies.
- My coffee table that is currently my foot rest.
- Army wives.

6. What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?
- The hardest thing I've ever experienced would either have to be losing 3 loved ones very close together to include my aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. And just recently, my other grandmother. I treasure family and loosing each of them meant I lost a little piece of my heart to each. The other would be becoming a military spouse and adjusting to being days away from family and being "alone" other than with your spouse.

7. What is your dream job, and why?
- I love to help people. My dream job would obviously be an interior designer. I love to help everyone discover they can love their home. And to make their house a home no matter where it may be. But with this economy, I enjoy what I can get and am currently pursing a degree in Nursing. I'm still helping people. Maybe I'll decorate their hospital rooms ;)

8. What are 5 passions you have?
- Decorating
- Photography
- DIY
- Helping people
- Random acts of kindness

9. List 10 people who have influenced you and describe how.
- My mama. She is my rock, the strongest and most supportive person I've ever had in my life. And my best friend. She is a constant reminder that you have to enjoy what you have and she makes me relax. Except when I am driving. She is a horrible back seat driver.
- My daddy. He is the most caring man I've ever met beside my grandfather. He is a constant reminder that it is the little things in life that mean the most. Not how much money you have, where you live or what you live in or what you drive... but family and friends and memories. My mama and him are my picture of success and VERY hard work. Everyday. 
- Nana Pat. She was my grandmother from my mama's side. And she always knew how to make me laugh. And I always knew how to push her buttons. I always wonder what life would be like with her here today and I hope that she would be proud of me.
- Nana Carolyn. She was my grandmother from my daddy's side. And I remember always going to her house when we were younger. And just exploring through out the house and playing with her husky. I wish I would have tried harder to have a better relationship with her. I'm sad for my daddy everyday but I know how proud she would be of him and the life he has built.
- My mother in law. I met my mother in law only a short time after Ryan and I started dating. On a pier at 9 or 11 at night, I think? And she is shy like Ryan. But as I have gotten to know her over the years, I have found a true mother. She is constantly bending over backwards to help us and make sure we have the things we need. She is the most caring person in the world and a true representation of what most decent people should be. And I proud to be apart of her family.
- The Cory's. I met the Cory's while we were stationed in ND and I will never forget this husband and wife. They are the most giving and caring people I've almost ever met and I think the world of both. I worked with the Mr. at my job and have the upmost respect for him and everything he knows. He turned out to be a father figure while we were stationed there. And I respect him for always listening to me rant and rave about this and that ;)
- Matthews. My first military boss. From day 1, I was motivated to always be the best and do the best. She is one of the best examples of what a boss should be. She knew the balance between friend and co worker and I don't think I've ever respected a former boss more. She always pushed me to want more things in life for myself and today, I credit a lot of my motivation to go back to school to her. I am slowly finding my independence again...because of her. She made it clear again that I am more than a military wife. And I will always remember her because of those reasons. I really miss her. And how much she looked out for me and the advice she gave.
- T. Force. At our second duty station in ND, I met T. Force through mutual friends. We ended up working together at the clinic I worked at. And she slowly became like a big sister to me. I knew I could always count on her no matter what. With being a military wife, it's hard enough to find friends let alone true, genuine friends and she is one of them. I was attached to her whole family and think of them often.
- My grandfather from my daddy's side. The sweetest man you'll ever meet. Period. Loving and always seeing the bright side of things. He lives life to the fullest. And I strive to be as good as a person as him.
- Ryan. My husband. My best friend. Ryan continues to surprise me everyday with how many thing he has to offer. He has taught me love. And respect. And loyalty. And humor. And what marriage and life is about. Finding the one you want to annoy for the rest of your life  ;)

10. Describe your most embarrasing moment.
- Oh geez. There are so many! But I would have to say in high school during a pageant I entered... I choose "Respect" by Aretha Franklin to sing. And I forgot the words. There are more words by the way than RESPECT. So yeah, I just started clapping and people loved it. I need to find that video. Or all the years I took the bullying of people who made fun of me for my teeth, accent, clothes, hair, you name it.

11. Describe 10 pet peeves you have.
- Dirty car.
- Dirty house.
- Boogers, lol.
- Rude people.
- Bad customer service.
- People who don't use turn signals.
- People who constantly have to "win."
- Someone following to close. Bad drivers in general.
- Immaturity.
- People begin mean just to be and not caring about others.

12. Describe a typical day in your current life.
- Currently, I don't have a job. So, I sleep in like a pro. The pups usually get me up. I look like there's a bird's nest in my hair and I probably have dried up drool on my face. I take my butt downstairs and eat breakfast and lounge for a couple hours. Then maybe tackle a project or move around furniture till Ryan gets home. Then I beg Ryan to take me shopping, hah. And then we shop. Come home, we cook dinner and try to eat together as much as we can. And we lounge some more. And some more. And watch our cop shows. And take a nap. And maybe go to bed? Well he does. And I get energy at like 9pm and start redecorating everything. That was today anyways. :)

13. Describe 5 weaknesses you have.
- Animals. Especially ones without homes or who have had bad lives.
- The elderly. 
- My puppies.
- Soda.
- Clearance racks at Target.

14. Describe 5 strengths you have.
- People. I am good with people.
- Love. I am good at loving. I think?
- Repurposing furniture.
- Decorating.
- Sleeping. Oh yeah. I went there.

15. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
-A dog. I would be your best friend. And your worst enemy if you try to hurt someone I love.

16. What are your 5 greatest accomplishments?
- Becoming a wife and marrying Ryan.
- Adopting our dogs.
- Paying off two vehicles.
- Moving away and embracing the military life.
- Furnishing our whole home by thrifting and repurposing furniture. We have only ever bought our sofa set. Everything else has been purchased for $200 or under. 

17. What is the thing you most wish you were great at?
- Being a wife. I make mistakes everyday and I'm not easy to live with. But I try to be better everyday. And being a daughter. I just want to make my family proud.

18. What has been the most difficult thing you have had to forgive?
- God. For taking my loved ones so soon.

19. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?
-Wilmington, NC. Where our family is. And because of our family. But I am proud to follow Ryan as he serves our country. 

20. Describe 3 significant memories from your childhood.
- Playing baseball in the front yard of my first childhood home. Running to first and instead ran face first into a tree.
- My daddy coaching me in every sport. And my mom always being involved. They were always around which I am thankful for.
- My loved ones. I can still hear all of their voices. I can still hear my mamaw telling me me to marry "a military man because he will always take care of you." I was telling her about Ryan at the time. 

21. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it first?
-I always thought it would be to be invisible so I could hear conversations, etc. But I think I'd be really upset a lot. I would want to be able to fly. So I could be anywhere at anytime. See my parents at moments notice. ETC. And be able to allow others to fly with me. Maybe to save the world. Or if it is considered a super power, to fly to heaven and talk to love ones.

22. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? 15 years?
- 5 years. Graduated nursing school. Looking or have found a job.
- 10 years. Babies.
- 15 years. Babies. And finding a new job after they have grown up a bit and hopefully about ready to leave the military life. 

23. List your top 5 hobbies and why you love them.
- Repurposing furniture. It allows me to help others and help myself.
- Photography. I love capturing memories. Who wouldn't?
- Taking naps. Who doesn't like them?
- DIY. Because it's cheaper. DUH.
- Sports. Softball. Pitching. Although, I don't do a lot of it anymore.

24. Describe your family dynamic of your childhood vs. your family dynamic now.
- Family first. Family dynamic now hasn't changed.

25. If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be and what would you eat?
- Anyone... geez. Not really late history but I would have dinner with someone, anyone from 9/11 who has passed on and was on one of those planes. So I could hear about their whole families and how much they loved them. So I could pass it on after they passed away.

26. What popular notion do you think the world has most wrong?
- "Good things come to those who wait." Sometimes true. But sometimes you have to go after what you want and grab it by the horns!

27. What is your favorite part of your body and why?
- That's hard. As a woman, I am very critical of myself. If I had to choose, it would be my eye lashes or my arms. My eyelashes are really long, they are just blonde like I previously stated. If it were my arms, it would be because they are naturally lean I think. And can get very muscular, very quickly. And they are kinda naturally muscular. I think it's from softball all those years.

28. What is your love language?
- Humor.

29. What do you think people misundertand most about you?
- Oh wow... um... I am SO sensitive and get my feelings hurt very easy. I take everything to heart.

30. List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.
- Kindness.
- Humor.
- My love.
- Being caring.
- My thrifty-ness.
- My furniture.
- My smile. 
- Being helpful.
- Being successful.
- Making a difference.

Longest blog post ever! But I hope y'all enjoyed it! I actually did!

I heart burlap.

I heart burlap. Anything burlap. Burlap pillows. Burlap ribbon. Burlap I love.

So, in my usual shopping trip to Hobby Lobby... I walk around the whole store like I have never been there before. And I swear they have NEVER had this. Or I've never noticed it.

I bought two rolls just in case I ran out because I've had a small project in my mind for awhile. And I'm sorry for the crappy pictures because I took them at night!

Now, this roll is 30 FEET of Burlap ribbon which like the packaging states is enough for most projects! And lord knows, I did not pay $13.99 for this bad boy. It was 50% off this week!

 

If you guys have been paying attention on FB at Home by Ally (here.) you know that I finally got my Ikea barstools I've been drooling over! You can find them here! I bought the white ones and can't seem to find them on their website ;)

 

They are pretty but they needed something. I'm not big on over doing anything. I like to add small, cute details to any room to make it feel just right...just cozy and inviting.

 

So, what's a girl to do? Add bows of course. To everything ;) Not really but I did add bows and loved the way it turned out! Do you want to spruce up your barstools now?

 

 

They aren't perfect. And nothing in my home is. But I like how this turned out. It reminds me of fall.

 

 

I didn't exactly measure any of the bows. And I didn't want the ends to be even either.

 

I also added some burlap to an old window I have near the kitchen. I love hanging wreaths in the house. They don't have to be just on your front door people! You can hang them on mirrors, old windows like this, doors in your house ,etc.

 

 

So what do you think of the bows for my chairs? Here's another BEFORE and AFTER. The before is a picture from Instagram. Wanna follow me? Follow me at allyschmidheiser.

 

BEFORE

 

 

AFTER

 

 

 

The wrinkledness still needs to fall out some. Yes, I just made that word up. But for now, I'm happy with it or at least for fall decor :) Have you used burlap lately? SHOW me!

 

XOXO,

Ally

Front Door Facelift

FIRST OF ALL.

If you haven't liked my page on FB, PLEASE do so! And tell your FB family and friends about me! I love meeting and hearing from y'all! You can find my Facebook here!

Our front door needed a facelift. Period.

I first blogged about how to make a wreath here. I wanted a different feel all together this time. My last wreath was fun and cute. I wanted something more sophisticated today and very "homey."

I bought all my supplies at the wonderful Hobby Lobby, every woman's secret addiction. Here's the link to their FB page here! I buy so many of my supplies from there for redoing furniture and little DIY projects like this one!

Oh wait, I lied. I did get my Valspar Color Samples from Lowes for 50 CENTS in the markdown section! I just about died. Do you ever find something on sale and snatch it up really quick thinking someone else is just going to come and take it in front of you? No? I guess I'm just a nut. You can find more Valspar Color samples here. I LOVE these color samples! I don't know the exact color of these two but isn't the rich brown gorgeous and the calming white just well calming? They have so many great colors to choose from and they are seriously one of my favorite paint brands.

 

Here's the run down of all the supplies. I did not end up using my numbers on the wreath but I am sure I will find another project to use them on.

 

Valspar Paint Sample: $0.50 cent each

Flowers: $5.99 + 50% off at Hobby Lobby = $2.99 each! I bought 6 which made my total just about $20.00 with tax for just the flowers.

Burlap Ribbon: $9.99 at Hobby Lobby. (40% coupon from online) = $5.99

Scissors: I already had them so FREE!

Paint brush: I already had it so FREE!

Wreath: Originally purchased at Hobby Lobby for $4.99 but today it was FREE!

Wire: $2.49 at Hobby Lobby

Isn't it sooooooo pretty? I'm in lurve. PS, I added a "welcome" decal at the bottom. I ordered it off Ebay here. Be sure to let them know that I sent you!

And a view from walking up to our front porch. It totally warms up the space.

Here's a close up. Isn't she a beauty? And totally simple! And did I mention cheaper than buying one pre-made? This whole project cost me a mere $25.00 not including the supplies I already had!

Here's another view from walking up our sidewalk.

Love these flowers. I use them for everything!

So what do you think of my new wreath for our new house? And what about my "welcome" decal? Don't they just tie together perfect? Have you made a wreath lately? Let me know what you think!

If you haven't liked my page on FB, PLEASE do so! And tell your FB family and friends about me! I love meeting and hearing from y'all! You can find my Facebook here!

XOXO,

Ally

Chair redo!

Hello everyone! Gosh, it feels so good to write again :) Tonight, I re did an old chair I found at a thrift store. Originally, I was going to redo this for my mom but she has more of a traditional style and I just love these newly created shabby treasure. She had AWESOME bones so that's why she just had to come home with me:) What do you think of the before? Wasn't she pretty then too?

Drumroll please... 

Here she is...in all of her glory! I lightly sanded down the entire chair and then used my trusty primer. You can find primer at any of your local hardware stores. I like to use a good concealing primer that will hide and block stains.

I realized after I took this picture that I missed the front part of the chair :o Ooopppsss! It is now happily distressed just like the rest of the body ;o My bad yo.

Isn't this fabric FABULOUS?! I LOVE it! My mama had it and I stole asked if I could have it. 

What do you think of this chair redo? Isn't she lovely? She will be for sale in my shop for only a limited amount of time as we move to FLORIDA in one week! WOOP!

Are you interested in buying this awesome chair? Let me know by sending me an email at homebyally{at}yahoo.com

This piece is for sale on Facebook on my page, Home by Ally which you can find {here.}

Thanks y'all and talk to you soon!

XOXO,

Ally