Why you should DIY…and not ask me to

Crime scene?

I guess, of sorts. While the screwdriver was used to open that paint can, things really escalated when I wielded the brush (shown here subdued by a plastic bag). That circular might have been put to better use if actually read, as it was clearly no match for this event. I guess doing the bare minimum of prep work is where the reasons start for why you should do it yourself, right there at the very beginning. I can give you some tips on how to be an underachiever though that may inspire you to do a little paint makeover of your own though. Let's see how this project progressed.

Before:

Step one is apparently to not take a decent "before" picture. This prevents anyone from getting a real sense of how poor good your craftsmanship is. Some light sanding went on, but probably not enough.

Another step not to be avoided is hastiness. Why empty the creepy, and possibly antique, doll in the drawer when she can provide company and moral support?

Be resourceful when making sensible choices for propping up your project. Old televisions and computer monitors make sturdy work stations if you happen to have some sitting around. Again, do not waste a lot of time or energy protecting the floor.

I also subscribe to the notion that paint equals primer, and eventually I will have enough coats. 

After:

This is important - act quickly! Take that "after" photo before any bleed through occurs with your paint. Yes, there are absolutely ways to prevent this from happening, but need I remind you of the title of this post? This is about being good enough with your thrifty self when giving new life to a basement find.

My daughter required more of an end table sized night stand, and she did not disappoint with how much stuff is typically spread out across the (poorly finished) top.

I can provide shortcuts and other half-assery tips for a multitude of undertakings - just ask!

This particular nest

Perhaps you have been wondering how I am doing in my new phase of life?

Even if that was not your primary concern for coming here, can we talk about it anyway? Although, now I am curious as to why you've stopped by. This calls for a cookie! However, since I have already eaten two homemade chocolate chip cookies today, each one the size of my hand, let's try to focus. 

I know people are fond of the expression "empty nest", those might not be people who have experienced it. First of all, as you can see above, the nest doesn't really get left empty. There is dirt and and detritus that overflows in the wake of duffel bags being hauled out the front door. Look at all of those twigs-were they even comfortable to sit on? Did anybody actually use them? Why were they even kept? Surely that mother bird and I have much to discuss.

I don't think of our entire house as a nest, mainly  just this couch.

(Yes, I vacuumed for you.) This is the place where we all fit comfortably in our assigned seats. Well, some of us were more comfortable than others in a literal sense, but my soul could rest here. Whereas that mother bird eventually got crowded out, this nest still had plenty of room. It has taken some effort for me to figure out how, and where, to sit in this space.

I am 5'4" and just can't quite fill it up.

 I have to work on my sprawling techniques.

I have made some progress though, as last Monday I went and sat in my bedroom on the phone instead of looking at the empty seats, and today I am here typing on my assigned cushion...and taking dorky pictures to share with you. Thank you for giving me purpose!

No tears were shed during this post and I am very pleased to report that both kids are settled in and seem very happy!