DIY: never saves time or money

Every once in while I get the DIY-itch.  No matter how bad, time and money consuming the previous project, I still find a way to find something on pinterest or some youtube video that makes me want to become Martha Stewart for a day, or more like a week or two.  Yes,  by the time the project is complete I have spent more time and money than just buying the finished project outright.  But its that feeling of accomplishment and the resultant bragging rights that make me go cuckoo for DIY.  But gosh darn it, this is the last DIY thing that I will do...
So, this time we perseverated on chalk paint.  Yes, that lovely paint that costs an arm-and-a-leg, doesn't require priming, requires waxing afterward, and is only at select stores.
The paintee?  A sentimental piece, or so I am calling it, one of my first adult pieces of furniture.

Still cannot remember why I bought a set with this ridiculous pattern.  Yep, there is a bed, dresser, bedside drawers, and a mirror with this pattern.  Still good enough for the guest room tho, this is real wood!

Clearly the side doors had to go.

My initial plan was to track the cost so that I could also brag about how cheap the project was.  The paint and brushes were over $100.  Then of course I needed knew knobs.  Then of course I need new feet.  Then of course I needed these cool backing things to go behind the knobs.  Now factor in the hourly rate of a DOCTOR while I'm not doing doctor-work and this project was expensive as hell.  Cost bragging rights, uncheck.  Well, the thing is [nearly] done, I love the look but, as you can partially see, the new feet are higher than the old feet so the middle posts that I believe are required for central support need to replaced or have a piece attached so that they touch the ground.  And I think I want to put another coat of wax on this thing.  Argh!  I am already sick of this project.

Next time, I may tell you about my DIY magnetic boards that were finished by our local handyman.  

Late entry...

Time for a change!

For the past 5 years or more, I have relied on shutterfly for my printing needs as well as our Christmas and New Year cards. This year the quality was poor. I don't know if it was because of the pearl shimmer or because of the quality of the print but our facial features were muted.

This year, I plan to try a new company like tiny prints or minted. They had sample cards in the December issue of Real Simple magazine.   

Stitch Fix Review

I like the premise behind Stitch Fix. If you are busy, spending time in stores gets really old. I would rather spend time doing rather than wasting time preparing to do.  And, it is disappointing when you spend so much time looking for the right fit or style but never find it.  Additionally I am finding that the stores are catering too much to teenagers and trendsetters. 

I also liked the idea of the style cards and trying on your new items with items you already have in your closet.  All this while at home. 

As mentioned with other reviews, there is a cost associated with such convenient shopping. The prices are probably exaggerated due to the personalized nature of the service. 

The trade off for me is time and frustration. My friends aren't close and my toddler children are terrible shopping buddies. 

To start there is a $20.00 automatic style fee for each scheduled fix which is applied to any item that you choose to keep.  If you love nothing and send it all back, you lose the style fee. 

So, let's jump right in on the review!

Five items received. 

Style card included to help you pair the items with other (not included) items and accessories. 

And here goes my fashion show...

I decided to keep the dress since I have some ideas on how to wear it. Quality is nice. Price tag...$68.00. 

The necklace had a piece that chipped off so I returned it. Too delicate to be so pricey. Price tag...$34.00. 

The jeans have a nice fit. A little too large in the waist for me but hey, it is hard to fit my waist plus my hips and thighs so this works well. They have the mom-fit but I figure I have enough butt-crack jeans in my wardrobe. Kept. Price tag...$78.00. 

Interesting sweater as I first thought the shoulders were damaged. Both sides, odd.  Oh!  They are supposed to be like that. Like the boyfriend fit. Nice color. Kept. Price tag...$58.00. 

And finally...

An embroidered cargo jacket.  Was not planning on trying on because I did not like the style but once it was on I liked it a little bit.  Cut/fit is cute.  Embroidery, not so much my style especially the area on the back.  

Cost was the deal breaker. Returned.  Price tag...$68.00. 

So, $200.00 for three items which included tax.  Pricey?  Yes!  May be worth the experience and convenience.  If I would have kept all the items, I could have received a 25% discount and the total would have been $209, not including tax. 

I think I will schedule another fix, though not any time soon. 

My referral code is below.  $25.00 to me when you schedule your fix. 

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5918248