I found this cute little end table at Goodwill for $9.99. I saw it as I was perusing the furniture section, which isn't usually that impressive at the Goodwill here in Joliet, IL. There was another lady looking at it and she was actually on the phone with someone describing it to them and wanting to know if she should grab it. So I waited patiently within ear shot and once I heard that she wasn't going to be leaving with it and strolled on over and grabbed the ticket. I went to Home Depot to look at spray paint because I wanted to paint it something other than white (which is what I've been painting everything so far). I choose this color which is called 'Aqua' and I love it. I want to spray paint some more things aqua:)

I actually have no intentions of keeping this for myself even though I do love it and have already found a great spot for it in our house. I'd like to sell it in order to use the cash to purchase more furniture for my "projects". If it doesn't sell (on craigslist for $40) then I'll keep it. I have it sitting in between two of our Ikea swivel chairs where I sit every morning, while Cooper naps, drinking my iced coffee and catching up on blogs or reading a book. So I'll continue to enjoy it's "aqua-ness" while it's here. Big League Chew & Sunflower seeds...

Why 'just plain Courtney'? As I said in my most recent post, I don't consider myself to be a creative person. I grew up in a family where sports consumed a lot of time. My summers were spent at the ball park either watching my brother play baseball or playing softball myself. Big League Chew, sunflower seeds, and walking tacos from the concession stand were my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I love those memories and I hope I can build some of the same with my kids. But unless your a stellar athlete, those days of running the bases and catching fly balls often end. I'm not saying that playing sports stunted my creativity because I really enjoy them but there's not a lot of creativity when it comes to sports. Sports are about discipline and fundamentals. Perfecting a craft. What I love about painting a wall or stripping a dresser is that it doesn't have to be perfect, it just have to be something that I like. If you don't like how the color turned out you just start over and paint it again. There's room for error. A person like me who may lack a natural knack for the arts can still create be create in my own way. I love the freedom of taking a piece of junk and turning it into something useable and attractive. I believe in a creative God who wants his people to be creative too. How are you using your creativity today? My new obsession...

So I have a new obsession. DIY home decor. For those of you who are out of the loop, DIY stands for 'do it yourself'. Don't worry, it took me a while to figure out what it meant too. A few months ago I was introduced to some home decor blogs (which I have also become slightly obsessed with) and I can't get enough! The title of my blog 'Just Plain Courtney' fits well because I do not consider myself an artsy, crafty or creative person. Give me a softball glove, a pair of running shoes or a snowboard and I'm good, but don't sit me down at a sewing machine or in front of a glue gun because I'll be lost! After reading through many DIY blogs and being amazed by tons of pictures of what a $10 piece of furniture from a thrift store could be turned into, I was hooked! You don't have to be an artist to paint a piece of wood. Anyone can do it. And like The Nester says "It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful." Boy did I need to hear that!
So a couple of months ago I scoped out an awesome dresser/buffet on craigslist (yet another one of my obsessions) and snagged it for $50. It was dark wood with brass looking handles. I cleaned it off, sanded it down, primed it, painted it white, spray painted the hardware metallic silver, put it all back together and VOILA! An amazing new piece of furniture that I love! And it was cheap! We now use it as your tv stand and its super functional. Since then I've redone two other pieces that I plan on sharing about in the future.

Check out the before and after pics!
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