A NEW Playroom

A NEW Playroom

Here it is!  My favorite room in the house – so far.  Our playroom makeover is complete and has been played in many times already.

For under $1000, I was able to totally transform a dark, cluttered room in our home to a bright and cheery playroom that is kid and adult friendly on a budget!

In case you missed it, here is the before photo:

Before: Playroom

Before: Playroom

Before, our room was dark, cluttered and very unorganized.  Nothing had a proper place and toys were just stuck in every nook and cranny.

Playroom Makeover

Bright & Cheerful Play Area

Now, our playroom is bright, cheerful, organized and much more spacious.

With furniture from Kidcraft, JC Penney and Target, our room has been transformed into a totally different space.

Toy Storage Unit

Toy Storage Unit

The storage unit that resembles a Pottery Barn Kids favorite of mine, is actually a very affordable piece from JC Penney.

Open storage unit

Open storage unit

Very durable and stylish, this unit conceals toys behind doors and in canvas storage totes from Target on sale for just under $10 each.  It’s amazing how much cleaner the room now stays now that each toy has it’s own home.

Playroom Seating

Playroom seating/reading area

The seating/reading area is a favorite of  all the kids.  The toddlers feel very independent climbing up in the chairs and the preschoolers enjoy their reading time alone.  A perfect nook in the room!

Changing Table

Changing table re-do

When the search for a new changing table for this small wall area came up short, I decided to try out my crafty skills and paint my current one.  I used a celery green paint to match some of the furnishings and gave it a good 2-3 coats one afternoon.  By evening it was dry and looked brand new!

I added a shelf from Homegoods, that was just sitting in the garage, above the table to hold wipes containers for each toddler in my care.  The containers and baskets on the shelves below contain diapers, extra clothes, blankets and pillows.  The perfect $8 solution!

Framed photo

Personal touches

Along with $15 decals from Target and finger painted art from the kids, I decided to add another personal touch to the room walls. I snapped a photo of all the kids on the porch swing, blew it up for $7 at Walgreens and framed it with a $5 frame from Target.  It came out adorable and very professional looking!

After: Playroom

After: Playroom

I love this room!

With a little hard work and vision, my dream of having a Pottery Barn room was created on a Target budget in a very short amount of time!

Next up on my Project Home Organization – the entry way!

It’s a goodie, too!

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Shrimp & Tortellini Pasta

by Kasey on July 28, 2010

Shrimp & Tortellini Pasta

Shrimp & Tortellini Pasta

I love this dish!

Try this yummy Shrimp & Tortellini Pasta the next time you’re looking for something quick to make for your family.

It’s so easy, can be made with fresh ingredients and is kid friendly, too!

Ingredients

1 pkg frozen or refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 can diced tomatoes – I like the organic oregano and basil kind
3/4 lb of cooked and cleaned medium shrimp
Parmesan Cheese to taste

Directions

Cook tortellini as directed on package.

Drain over thawed shrimp and return to saucepan.

Add tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Simmer uncovered until sauce has thickened.

Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

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Why Go Organic?

July 17, 2010

For Your Health!
Organic production helps protect your health, your family’s health and future generations.
For the Planet!
Organic farming never uses toxic  pesticides.  This helps keep the air you breath,  the water you drink and bathe in, and soil where you grow your veggies clean.
It’s Easy!
Almost every food you eat has an affordable organic alternative.  There are [...]

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Quick & Healthy Mommy Snacks

July 15, 2010

When it comes to eating during the day, it’s so easy to grab a handful of junk food to eat as you pass through the kitchen on your way to change a diaper or to get your toddler down off the table before he dives head first onto the floor (or is that just me?).  [...]

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Mountain Mamma Salad

July 13, 2010

Did you know that I am originally a mountain mamma from West Virginia turned corn lovin’, Illinois girl?  Yep.  That’s me!
Check out this salad that my mom used to make in the Summer.
So simple…yet so good!
Ingredients
Salad
Ribeye steak (this is my favorite cut for this salad, but use what you like)
Seasoned french frys
Ranch dressing
That’s it!  Assemble [...]

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e.p.t “Moment You Knew”

July 12, 2010

Where were you the moment you knew?
Do you remember the exact moment in time you found out you were going to be a mom?  Whether it was the first, second or sixth time – we all remember.
Were you scared, unsure?  Or were you confident and relaxed?
With e.p.t brand pregnancy tests, you can test 5 days [...]

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Back To Reality – Life After Vacation

July 12, 2010

We’re home from our vacation.  It was a great time.  It never seems long enough though. I’m going to update you all with some awesome photos once I get them all organized.
In the meantime, I need to get back to reality.  How in the world are there so many things to do when you’ve been [...]

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Mamma Must Haves – Bath and Body Products I Love Right Now

July 8, 2010

I love all things bath & body – lotions, shower gels, make-up and hair care.  I love to try new products and have my favorite stand-by’s as well!  Here’s a glance into my bathroom cabinet at my favorite must have products right now.

Say… YES To Carrots!
Carrot Rich Shower Gel
Yummy, rich smelling, yet light and moisturizing. [...]

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Our Independence Day View

July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July everyone!
We’re  on vacation and enjoying the view from our cottage on the lake.  The weather is perfect and the kids are having a blast! (as is their parents!)
I hope you all have a wonderful day with your  families and friends!

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Green Tip – Farmers Markets

July 3, 2010

Spend the morning at your local Farmer’s Market!
Showing support for your local farmers by shopping at your local farmer’s market is great thing!  You’ll find a ton of locally grown veggies and fruit, baked goods, flowers and plants.  The produce is grown locally on farms and harvested at the peak of freshness so you know [...]

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