Project 2: An Electrifying Project

My first crack at replacing the old electrical outlets in my home.  A little nerve-racking, but I completed this task with overwhelming success (aka - I managed to NOT get electrocuted)  ;)

I managed this with the help of this youtube video for dummies
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfZAE1VQPEY

Before (old crappy painted-over outlet)

Step 1: Assemble your tools

- in my case, screwdrivers, plyers, box of new standard outlets, and my nexus 10 tablet (for viewing youtube video)

Step 2:  De-electrify

- make sure the correct breaker is turned OFF.

Step 3:  Remove old outlet

-remove wall plate and old outlet from the wall.  Gently pull outlet away from the wall to expose the wiring.   Detach the old outlet from the wiring.

Step 4:  Attach new outlet

- attach the wiring (including ground wire) to the new outlet.  Use the new screws to attach to the box.

Step 5: Replace wall plate.

TA - DA!!!

Project 1: Creating a Luxurious Bedroom (on a budget)!

Recently I helped create my husband a "man cave" in the basement.  After finishing I realized how important it is (especially with 2 kids) to have your own space.  So I decided to create my very own "girl cave", for lack of a better word.

So here we go, my very first project...creating a luxurious bedroom in the thriftiest way possible:

Some "Before" pictures:
**these aren't truly before pictures, I've already completed the first step which was painting the 3 walls a beautiful "Tole Blue" (CIL colour).  Previously the walls were a horribly boring beige (bleh).

Tasks To Complete:

1. Paint accent wall at head of bed in "Bangor Blue" by CIL.
2. Replace dark brown dressers with pure white dresser. (possibly with black hardware).
3. Paint bedside tables a pure white (possibly with black hardware).
4. Make floor length curtains out of a faux silk fabric.
5. Repaint horrendously ugly closet doors.
6. Repaint corner wall shelf a pure white.
7. Possibly replace ceiling light fixture (depending on cost).
8. Purchase pure white headboard for bed. (or refinish an old headboard)
9. Mount artwork above bed.
10. Replace crappy shelf (beside dresser) with a pure white bookcase.
11. Recover lampshades (bedside tables) in a white satin fabric.

Woo hoo!!