Monday, January 23, 2012

Homemade Furniture Polish

So I'm not buying any new home furnishings or clothing/shoes/accessories for the whole year. I've made it so far (23 days). However, that doesn't mean I have to accept the condition of the things I have, right? 

I won't be buying new cabinets this year, but with a homemade furniture polish, I can feel like I have brand new cabinets. 

These are my master bathroom cabinet doors...


The recipe for a homemade furniture polish is simple:
2 parts vinegar
1 part olive oil
(in other words, 1 C olive oil + 2 C vinegar)


Ready to polish my cabinets


Part way through...compare the left door (unpolished) to the right door (polished)


Compare the next two pictures.
They are both of the same drawer. The top is before, the bottom is after!


My brand new cabinets!


Tips:

  • You may want to start with smaller amounts, say 1 C vinegar and 1/2 C olive oil.
  • If your fingernails are dear to you, wear gloves. After I did my entire kitchen without gloves, my fingernails were flimsy and broken. 
  • If you have divots in the wood, this homemade furniture polish will not get rid of them, but they will be far less noticeable
  • If you have a special glaze or colored stain on your cabinets, try a small, inconspicuous spot before polishing them. 







Monday, January 16, 2012

Newport News Clearance


Today I had to show self-control. I got an email announcing an Extra 75% off all clearance at Newport News. Since I won't be buying anything, I could at least share the news with you. In the past I have gotten some great swimsuits from this website for as little as $4. Can't beat that!!!

Tips:
  • The sale is today only.
  • Check the measurement charts for the perfect fit.


P.S. Two people have already tried to talk me out of my New Year's resolution. On the bright side, I have also inspired another person to follow suit!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Better Take a Seat...

My 2011 resolution was to drive slower...that's it. I have a teenager who will be 16 soon, and I can already hear him calling me on my hypocrisy. I was pretty successful slowing down.

This year, I'm upgrading my efforts. I want to be happier with what I already have. So, I decided to NOT buy anything for my home or my closet for the entire 2012 calendar year. 

My husband was speechless. My daughter is less than supportive (this will decrease her influx of fashion possibilities). I'm confident and determined.

Here's to 2012!