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Friday, August 9, 2013

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Bathroom Makeover Week! Day Four!

Ready to catch up on an episode of The Bold and the Bathroom?

Yep!  Day four has come and gone and we are still working away on the bathroom!  Day after day, little by little, it is getting there!  Hopefully we will have some time this weekend to divide and conquer {a.k.a. I play with the kids while the hubster finishes all of the major installs, and then I find ways to thank him endlessly for his super awesomeness}.

You can catch up on our progress here: Day One, Day Two, Day Three.

Two things happened yesterday.  Something small, something tall.

First, the small thing.

I got crafty.  The kids are writing a book so while they sat and used their author and illustrator skills, I decided to work on an itty bitty project for the bathroom.  Something I could tackle on my own, since I would totally screw up the installation of the remaining floors or installing trim. 

Raise your hand if you love salsa as much as I do.  Yummo.


Not only do I love me some chips and salsa, but I love the shape and size of the salsa jar.  I may collect them and wait to find ways to use them...  

First step was to soak the jar in hot water to remove the label.  That always leaves behind oodles of sticky gluey goo.  Remember the all natural Goo Gone I made way back here?


This stuff works SO good at removing that gross gluey goo.


I also spray painted the lid.  How about a little side by side action of what a salsa jar can become?


That alone rocks my world.  Love it.

And then my brain thought it would be funny.  I have these moments frequently where I think of something I think is hilarious, laugh and giggle to myself, get stupid excited and then tell someone only to hear nothing but crickets.  I think this may be one of those times....

I played around in Microsoft Excel to create a label for the salsa jar.  I printed a few options to select one I liked best.  You can find a tutorial that I use for these types of things here.


Yep!  I created a Tip Jar label.  Pretty cute right?


I very slowly and carefully hand cut out the label with some simple scissors and applied a little Mod Podge to the back and stuck it to the jar.  Once that was dry, I added a protective top coat as well.


Get it.  Tip Jar?


Q-Tips!  Bueller?  {cricket cricket}

Moving on to the something tall.

Something magical happened last night.  I went to dinner with a friend and came home to this.


Say what?!  And those beautiful sconces, they actually WORK!


Sweet baby cakes, I was SO excited!


First, the lights.  Once I found the oh-so-amazing long and tall mirror, I knew I wanted to flank it with some sconces, vs. throwing a single one over the top.  I thought it would just balance things out a little more.  SO happy with that decision.  I selected these from Home Depot.  They were the perfect size and finish. 


Installing the lights was a little out of our scope.  Bryan called in a helper to get them wired correctly and installed without cutting up the entire wall.  I think it is important to understand and know your DIY bounds.  It is also nice to have family with skills in electrical, plumbing and drywall. 

And remember the great mirror that I found at HomeGoods for $25?


It received some scrubbing with a magic eraser which took out all of the scuffs that we found it with.  And in typical Jen fashion I couldn't leave it all white.  It was lacking a little luster.


Enter the Gold Leaf Rub 'n Buff.  And a Q-Tip from the "Tip Jar".


Every single little button thingy {technical terminology} on the mirror got a little gold buff action.  And I totally love the little imperfections of my sloppy work, I call it character.


Yeah... totally a fan.  Like I was doing the wave by myself in front of this mirror.  This room will be a mixture of metallic finishes, and I am diggin' how they play together so nicely!



And all together now!


The gray formica counter, sink and faucet are heading to the Habitat Restore, we are going to try and swap that out this weekend to freshen things up even more in there.  Hopefully it will go as smoothly as we think it will... Google will be our best friend as we take on a few more "new to us" projects.

Oh, and just because it's the weekend, that doesn't mean updates will stop... hoping to keep this real time blogging thing going!

Happy weekend everyone and....

80 comments:

  1. Loving the real-time blogging and also the mixing of the metallics! Can't wait to see how the bathroom turns out. I love the inspiration photo on day 1!

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  2. I just wanted to say that I am very much enjoying the "real time" blogging. I find it very encouraging, as my hubs and I struggle a bit to find the time and energy after working all day. Although the "fait acompli" reveal is magical to watch, like the crazy DIY remodeling shows, it is great to see some reality as well. Thank you for that, for the encouragement that it gives. (And, BTW, I love the mirror, especially the gold detailing, it totally makes the mirror!)

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    1. That is so sweet to hear Lisa! I am glad that showing it real time puts it a little more into time perspective. Hopefully the reveal will live up to the hype I am giving it, lol. :D Little chunks of projecting ultimately will get you there, these rooms don't happen overnight.

      xo!
      Jen

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  3. I
    Love
    Tip Jar!!

    Brilliant! Can't wait to see more over the weekend!

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  4. You make me so excited to buy a house and start doing projects!!! I never would have put that gold next to the silver, but you definitely pulled it off! Loving these non-pinterest photo posts you have going!

    -Sarah
    limitedspaceorganizing.blogspot.com

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  5. That tip jar is mighty crafty and I did giggle a little so you are not the only one Jen. & I am IN LOVE with the gold trim around the mirror! I am enjoying this real time blogging a long with the rest of your readers :) have a fun weekend!

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  6. I love what you did with the mirror, it looks great!

    http://withasparklex.blogspot.com/

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  7. Love, love, love the gold added to the mirror! It makes it look like a completely different mirror.

    Also, I thought the tip jar was hilarious!

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  8. Tip jar... Cute!

    I didn't even really notice the mix of metallic finishes, they just work together that well! The sconces are a great accent with the tall mirror. Nice job!

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  9. This is very inspirational, little changes make a big difference. Thank you the step by step and picture by picture directions, I for one need both sets of instructions.

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  10. The gold real adds a little extra umph to the mirror. Can't wait to see the finished project!

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  11. first of all, when I saw 'tip jar', I thought you were making your boys pay when they leave the toilet seat up! I always wanted to do that at my house! second, I thought the gray counter was part of the re-do- I think it blends in well with the wall color and cabinet color! love the color of the cabinet! have fun finishing up the bathroom.

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    1. Haha! Love the idea of charging the boys, I would be a gazillionaire! ;)

      xoxo,
      Jen

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  12. As always, everything is looking amazing! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your idea for using a salsa jar! I always try to hold on to jars and then my husband finds them and asks what they are for and I say, "I don't know?" and into the garbage they go! :) I thought your joke was hilarious and genious! My kind of humor right there!
    xo,
    Amber

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  13. Love how the mirror turned out. And, I personally love the "tip jar"...priceless!! Great conversation piece.

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  14. No crickets here; that tip jar is hysterical! (I just may have to "borrow" it for my own home.) As for the bathroom, it looks beautiful! I can't believe how much you've gotten done in just a few days.

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  15. YAY! Love watching all this real-time work. And love how your bathroom is coming together! The gold button-thingys are my favorite! :)

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  16. The updates look really great! And I love the tip jar, and chips and salsa! I love the jars and hate to toss them but never know what to do with them. Good idea! I love your blog you always have such good ideas. I am new to blogging and really enjoying it! Thanks for the inspiration.

    Tammy @ thecoloreddoor.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you SO much! And congrats on entering into the blogging side of blogworld! It's the best hobbyjob ever.

      xo,
      Jen

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  17. Lol... I do the same thing. I think it's funny. ..but... hubby just looks at me... like 'oh really'. I loved the tip jar. Yes I had a chuckle.

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  18. I love how you reused the salsa jar! I love doing that! And your mirror and lights look fabulous!

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  19. LOL Totally got the "tip" jar... no crickets here. :)

    It is looking good Jen!!!

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  20. This is just as suspenseful as the real-deal-soaps!! :-) I totally collect salsa jars too! I put some washi tape around the top and use one for a little vase. I store screws in one, my vinegar/steel wool mix in another...they are so useful. Now i think i will have to make a tip jar. Yay!
    lovin' it!

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    1. Ooooh! So many great ideas! Thanks for sharing! I will start the club - Salsa Jars Anonymous.

      xo!
      Jen

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  21. Seriously when I started reading about the tip jar I was thinking; is she gonna use it as a hit like "tip me, I'm washing yr unspeakables!!! U know u really odd to!!" ? Great idea! Should seriously make one of those! - totally forgot that this was bathroom week! Have no idea how that happened cuz I've been reading yr progress all week...

    Anyway, love that mirror and the golden touch! And definitely a great call on those sconces, much better then one on top!

    Found yr blog through the links section on www.organizedjen.com and I haven't regretted it a bit! U r the reason I felt safe to start blogging, although I have been thinking about it for years!

    Thank you bunches! <3

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  22. When I saw the tip jar, an old Bette Midler joke popped into my head. She was speaking of bathroom attendants requesting tips, and responded "What for? I did it all myself."

    :D

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  23. I had to click on this because I wanted to know what you were doing with salsa in the bathroom!!! :) I knew it had to be something super fun and creative and it was! The mirror and sconces look great too!

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    1. That's hilarious! I forgot my first image is the main image for the post. Salsa in the bathroom is the newest trend, didn't you know? ;)

      xo,
      Jen

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  24. LOVE the daily real-time updates!!

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  25. Looking so good! Thanks for the cleaner recipes!

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  26. I heart you and the real-time updates!! The tip jar is so cute it will probably show up in my bathroom soon ;)

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  27. Jen, thank you for showing us the little things make such a difference. Like painting the lid of the jar and adding gold painted buttons! I have been trying to get the goo off jars all week. Thanks for the tips!

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  28. I am loving reading about these real time updates and that mirror looks perfect for the space. What a great find. I have a question about spray painting lids - how do you get the sides of the lids? I can paint the tops alright, but the sides get left barely painted. Please solve my conundrum :-)

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    1. Hi Jyotsna!

      I lay them out on cardboard and walk around the entire lid while I spray. Seems to work well. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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    2. Saw something today that I'm going to try. Girl broke out a tin foil covered lazy freakin' Susan and spun it while she spray painted. I about died.

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    3. That is stinkin' genius! Love it!

      xo,
      Jen

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  29. No crickets here Jen, I laughed out loud at the tip jar, very clever indeed my friend ;-). LOVE your ideas for the bathroom makeover, it's looking gorgeous already just like all your projects turn out! I'm anxiously anticipating the final reveal and before and after pics! Keep up the good work!!!

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  30. Love this! I'm also a jar addict. Though with salsa the lids always smell so I just use it as an open jar- but I'd love to hear if anyone knows how to clean them. Thanks!

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    1. I let them soak and dry and once the lid is dry, I place coffee grounds over the top for a few hours to neutralize odor. Seems to work pretty well.

      xo!
      Jen

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    2. I just came here to ask how you get the salsa smell out. I soaked in vinegar water for a day and a half and it still smells. I use coffe grounds for so much, no clue why I didn't think of that. :) Thanks!!

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  31. Jen! You ar my hero! Seriously LOVING your bathroom week! So much fun. Can't wait to see it all done! Did I mention you are my hero? :)

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  32. Hahaaaha, love the tip jar and I'm familiar with the *cricket effect*. Maybe it's because I have a household of boys too. Bathroom is looking great!

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  33. That already looks so pretty!!! Awesome job.

    Vera

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  34. Hello there, this is my first time commenting here. I live the jar idea :) may i know what did u use for the protective top coat? Is it the mod podge as well? Not familiar with the product. I presume the protective layer sorta works the same way as laminating? ie prevent wear etc

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    1. Hi Nurin!

      That is correct, I used Mod Podge under the paper and once it was dry, put a coat over the top as well. :)

      xo,
      Jen

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  35. nice job!!!

    xoxo, Tayrina
    blessingscraftstudio.blogspot.com

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  36. I love how easily you transform a great bargain into your own unique decorating piece. The mirror looks great and adds that perfect touch of character!

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  37. Your real-time redo is one of the best things I've read in months. Thanks so much for doing this for us. You know how it goes...the internet world of facebook, Instagram, and blogging can be very misleading and make us all think that everyone has a perfect life except for us. What should be inspirational can start to weigh you down, thinking that you're not good enough. This thing you've done here is not just about a bathroom. It's about showing us that all of the these projects take just as much work and juggling and creativity for you as they would for us. THAT is inspirational. I can't wait to see your finished room!!!

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    1. Best comment ever. Thank you so much! That totally made my day, and now I have a huge permagrin.

      I completely agree. As a blogger trying to provide some daily inspiration, it can also be equally as daunting sometimes. I have to remind myself frequently that no one is perfect, we are all just trying to share and create inspirational beauty each day. :)

      xo!
      Jen

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  38. Before I do anything in my apartment I consult your blog. You are so talented, and budget friendly too!! I would love if you could check out my sister and I's blog :) fivetimesfun.blogspot.com

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    1. That is SO amazing to hear! Thank you so much, I really appreciate you checking in!

      xo,
      Jen

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  39. Hi Jen! I have been reading your blog for a few months now, first time commenting, but this real-time series really is getting me hooked! I love all the little details that you added along the way, like the shelf-liner and the gold details. I also hoard all sorts of old jars and bottles :) I love how it's a cheap way to sort out small items like washi tape, buttons, magnets... I have a whole bunch in my office! Thank you for all the inspiration, xxx

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    1. Thanks for the first comment! :) So happy to hear you also love to reuse jars and bottles! They really are the perfect storage containers!

      xo,
      Jen

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  40. I love all of your ideas and attention to details! At least twice, maybe three times, while reading this, I thought, "I would never have thought of that on my own!" I must learn to make boring FUN. :) This will come in handy for our brand new house we're moving into on the 30th! Love your blog. :)

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    1. Wahoooo! Congratulations on the new house! SO much fun!

      xo,
      Jen

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  41. Love this! Love your blogging and you make me laugh and smile. Gosh I need to be more like you! And loving the use of the salsa jars...I've actually been saving my spaghetti sauce jars and wondering how I will use them...now I may have an idea! Thank you so much, you really inspire me to be a better mom and wife that gets things done and organized! <3

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  42. This is a great blog. I always hate having to throw away those cute jars. Unless I have a useful reason to keep them I need to toss them. Thanks for a cute project and a fantastic idea.
    Eve

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  43. Hi Jen, I love this blog of yours! How wonderful. I can't wait to take some of your tips on freshening up my master bedroom!

    Found you by way of Whatcha McCall It, I've spot-lighted you both on my Monday (tomorrow) Blog Stalking Sundays! Hope you can stop by.

    Thanks for sharing your creations.

    Wendy
    @effiegirl.blogspot

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  44. Jen! It looks so good! I am loving those gold accents you DIYed. I can't wait to see where you are taking this room!

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  45. I'm so glad you posted the link to the natural goo gone! I saw that post, but forgot about the recipes. I'll be tackling the pesky labels on my jars this week :)

    And the bathroom is looking fabulous, as if we would expect anything less!

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  46. wow, that mirror is amazing with the gold rub and buff! I always try and avoid mixing metals, but i totally love it here! Can't wait to see whats next!

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  47. I let them soak and dry and once the lid is dry, I place coffee grounds over the top for a few hours to neutralize odor. Seems to work pretty well.

    xo!
    Jen

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  48. Can't wait to see the next update. I have been checking all weekend!

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  49. Your blog is wonderful! Thank you for those tips.

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  50. Your blog and these ideas are so fantastic! <3 This may be a silly question, but could you tell me the font you used on the Tip Jar label? I could foresee myself becoming inspired and making many labels using Word :)

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  51. Thank you Erika!

    The font I used is Edwardian Script.

    Have fun making those labels!! :)

    xo,
    Jen

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  52. I love what you did on the mirror!

    Melanie ~ www.iheartsharingthings.blogspot.fr

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  53. Hi Jen, can I ask what brand/color paint you used for your "tip jar"? I did a similar project with some jars I had in my office, and I used a metallic spray paint...I think it was Valspar. Anyways, it didn't turn out as bright as yours seem to be in the pictures...which is what I was going for.

    Thanks!

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    1. Hi Anna!

      I use Rustoleum Gold Metallic Spray paint for majority of my projects. I really love it!

      xo!

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  54. Hi Jen, where did you purchase the Rub n' Buff? Michaels?

    Love ALL your work-I've done a few of your projects & intend on painting my dining room set which is over 30yrs old (my parents) a fun color!

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    1. Hi Angela!

      That is right! I find it at Michaels, I have also seen it online.

      xo!

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  55. Hello,

    Love the tip jar...do you have a printable you can share? I'm unable to find that particular shape in word or excel.

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