The Giant That Took Over My World

So when you last left the center of my world....me.....I had just made the decision (under duress) to purchase (well actually won at auction) a huge behemoth of a china cabinet made in the 1960's. Please read about it HERE if only to understand the thought process that goes into such a carefully constructed plan. 

So now I owned the danged thing and I needed to get it home. Dear GMan looked at me in "that" look with his head cocked to the side and said "Where are you going to put that thing"? Which isn't really a legitimate question in this phase of the acquisition process now is it? I had no idea and of course....no....it wouldn't even come close to fitting in his SUV. So we made the emergency call to our dear friends Theresa and Larry and sweet Larry came to our rescue. Without spending too much time on nonsense like how to get it home, the boys hefted and heaved and hoed the thing into the truck and I tagged along carrying my purse and the glass shelves....I HELPED!!! Really I did!!! Did I mention this was the middle of summer and about 115 degrees here in Phoenix? I was sweating in places I didn't know I had and I wasn't even the one doing the manual labor!

I had them drop it right in my dining room because that seemed a reasonable place for it which is where it remained until October. Yes....October. This piece of furniture just NEVER ENDED! I kept painting and painting and painting and there was no end to it. 

So the first thing to do was choose the color and I was wrestling between Letterpress Grey and Bohemian Blue both of which I adore but I'm super glad I chose to do a combo of the grey and accents of Beadboard White. 

The first thing I learned is that this cabinet had NO solid wood anywhere on it. It was a very poor wood veneer done in the 60's when they basically laid contact paper over pressed board. It happened, however to be in excellent condition but I knew that my beloved paint which covers EVERYTHING with no prepping, priming, or sanding might need just a little bit of extra grabbing power so I prepped for a bit of light sanding with a sanding block. 

And then I took the back panels off so I could paint the inside unobstructed. 

So after I painted the back panel in the lovely bright white Beadboard White I put the panels aside and started painting the cabinet in earnest. 

I'm not sure if it was the number of coats or the sheer size, but this guy wore me out and I thought I would never finish it. I honestly did tons of projects in between just because the immensity of it. It will probably be my last china cabinet. Here's how it turned out.

I think he turned out handsomely and I'm so glad he doesn't live in my dining room anymore. He went quickly to a new home and I know they are enjoying him where he BELONGS.....not as the white elephant in the middle of mine!

Day 17 of the 30 Day Blogging Challenge-My Favorite Blogs

My Favorite Blogs

I read so many blogs these days....trying to keep up....trying to be inspired....and just because I get on random tangents and keep clicking. But I do have a few that I always go back to again and again. I still get excited when I see their posts in my feed. They inspire me because of different reasons but they all keep me coming back for more. 

• Victoria Elizabeth Barnes- This was the first blog that I truly followed every single post. And read EVERY SINGLE POST that she had written. When I was in Philly I briefly thought about stalking her until hubs reminded me of stalking laws. I love her writing style, her subject matter and the fact that, well, she's a little crazy. You simply must go read and follow her because she is simply pee-your-pants funny and because I said so!!!
• The Shabby Creek Cottage- Gina's blog is everything to eat, make and decorate. In addition to the best tips and ideas, she reaches out and helps other bloggers to find success. She is a master collaborator and an all around great gal. While her writing is more straightforward, her videos are the best. She does regular videos and is so real and approachable. If you like recipes or shortcuts or aqua...make sure you follow her! 
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• Redoux Interiors- Karen is one of my favorites! She is a nutty redhead and probably my most favorite dumpster diver ever! Her garage looks pretty much like mine and she is so real and approachable! She has the cutest ideas to "re-doux" her trashy finds and they always turn out looking darling. This girl has vision! And she is super funny! Love her!