DIY Kitchen Remodel Adventure

I love, love, LOVE my new house. However, I knew there were two big projects that would have to be done for it to be comfortable to me.

1. The master bath - I NEED a tub. I am a bath lady through and through. I have bath bombs, bubble bars, and salt soaks. Bottom line: I have to remodel to add a tub.

2. The kitchen - As you can see from the photos below, the kitchen is completely functional. I've definitely seen worse kitchens in houses I viewed, but it felt really closed in to me, so I knew I would have to open it up, and lighten it up. 

My first big step was to take down that overhang, but it was SUPER HEAVY, so I took down the absurdly low breakfast bar and cabinet doors while waiting for a friend to stop by to help. Once I got it down, the kitchen had a completely different feel to it.

Yes, that is the same kitchen. As you can see, I had to use a jack to hold up the cabinet I took down after I unscrewed it from that giant metal bar hanging from the ceiling. It left very little residue on the ceiling and wall, which was a marvelous surprise. Now, with the heavy lifting (or so I thought) out of the way, I was all set to paint the cabinets!

Painting was a lot harder, and more time-consuming that I had originally expected, and I went in expecting it to be rough. I had a little over a week before I was set to move out things into the house, and close on my old house, so I wanted to take that time to do any intensive projects that might be hindered by my two fur-babies being in the house, so painting the cabinets had a defined time limit. I didn't want dog hair tumbleweeds to find themselves forever embedded in the paint on my cabinets, so I took some time off of work and primed, painted, and sealed my cabinets.

It took 2 coats of primer, 3 coats of paint, and 3 coats of polycrylic, but the end result is LOVELY. Above you can see how the doors looked before and how they looked after. Now comes the informative part. How did I do this myself? I'm going to list it out for you right now!

Things I Used:

PREP:

1. 220 Grit Sand Paper
2. Clorox Wipes
3. Tacky Cloths
4. Zinsser Oil Based Primer
5. Purdy Brush
6. Spray Paint Primer for Knobs/Handles

PAINTING:

1. Purdy Angled Brush
2. Wood to keep cabinets off of the ground
3. Foam Roller
4. Paint (I used Valspar Signature indoor latex in Fresh Cotton)
5. 2 Sawhorses
6. Bronze Spray Paint for Knobs/Handles

PROTECTING:

1. Purdy Brush
2. Minwax Satin PolyCrylic
3. Paint Sprayer
4. 2 Sawhorses

Steps I Took:

PREP:

1. I washed all of my brushes and removed loose hairs, so I didn't have to worry about them sticking to my primer or paint later in the process. While they were drying...
2. I wiped down the cabinets and handles with the Clorox Wipes. I know this sounds trivial, but you have no clue how much gunk builds up on kitchen cabinets and hardware! Without wiping them down first, your sandpaper will gunk up and not be as effective, and you'll blow through a ton of it. Just trust me, wipe them down first. 
3. Next I sanded them. I just sanded them enough to rough them up and give the primer something to hang onto. Had I wanted to re-stain the cabinets instead of repaint, I would've had to sand down to the wood, which would have taken a lot more time and muscle. If you're looking to repaint, just scuff it up enough to give the primer something to hold onto. 
4. I then took the tacky cloth and wiped down the sanded wood. That seemed to get off all of the dust from sanding. You don't want dust in your paint if you want a pretty, smooth finish. 
5. I wiped them down again with a Clorox wipe after using the tacky cloth. I used about 1 wipe per door. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I wanted them to be perfect and wanted to make sure all of the dust and gunk was G-O-N-E before priming.
6. I used a regular (non-angled) Purdy brush to prime everything. I started with the backs of the doors, because when the doors are being supported, you can afford some primer from the backs to smudge or be nicked when you're priming the front because the backs of the doors aren't seen often. While priming and painting I set the doors between two sawhorses, so I didn't have to bend down on the floor (I have a bad back) and could get things done standing. I did 2 coats of primer on each side, and since I worked full time, this was an end-of-the-day task I would do before going to my old house. So the way I timed it was:
•  I primed the backs of the doors (which I had set up in the garage), and then I primed the boxes/cabinets inside the kitchen while that primer coat dried. 
• I let them dry overnight.
• I did another coat of primer on the backs of the cabinets and the cabinet boxes.
• I let them dry overnight.
• I did a coat on the front of the cabinet doors.
• I let them dry overnight
• I did a coat on the front of the cabinet doors.
•  Ilet them dry overnight.
7. I Sprayed 2 coats of primer onto my hardware.

PAINTING

1. Now that everything has been properly primed, I can start painting! Using the same sawhorse technique I painted a coat on the backs of the cabinets using a foam roller, and the edges using an angled Purdy brush.
2. While the first coat on the backs of the cabinet doors was drying, I painted the first coat on the cabinet boxes. I used a mix between a 2" foam roller and a regular Purdy Brush. By the time I was finished painting the boxes, I was able to go back in and do the next coat on the backs of the cabinets.
3. My second coat on the backs of the doors was the telling coat. A lot of the other DIY cabinet painting blogs and sites I'd read, they used 2 coats, but that just wasn't crisp or white enough for me, so after the second coat dried, I realized I needed 3 coats. So after I completed the cabinet boxes, I came back and did my 3rd coat on the backs of the doors, then, the boxes. 
4. During this time I also sprayed the hardware bronze for it to dry as the doors did. 
5. After finishing that, I was then finally able to flip them over and concentrate on painting the fronts of the cabinets. I did 3 coats, waiting between each coat for the paint to dry, and I was done painting. It was late at night at this point, so I went home to catch some Zzzs and get ready for the part I feared the most - PROTECTING.

PROTECTING

1. By the time I got around to this part, I was tired, cranky, and upset I was having to use vacation time to paint cabinets. At this point, I was okay with never seeing a paintbrush or cabinet door again. However, I pushed on as I was in media res, and had 3 days until all of the furniture and fur-babies were being moved over to my house. I started on the backs of my cabinets, as usual, and worked my way inside to the cabinet boxes. The polycrylic dries fast, is clear, and (according to my research) can be the thing that makes or breaks your project. I didn't have an issue, though, so don't be afraid to protect your work!
2.  I put on a thin layer with an angled Purdy Brush, and, like when painting, by the time I was done with the boxes, it was time to do the backs again. I kept painting in this order for the next 2 layers, then it was time to flip them over, and protect the fronts.
3. i made sure to organize my hardware, so I was able to put on the hardware as soon as I was happy with the dryness of polycrylic.
4. You're done, and can breathe a sigh of relief as you put those doors back on to reveal your like-new cabinets!

I somehow managed to finish the cabinets in time, and as you can see in the photo above, the counter tops were a bit of a mess with all of my paint samples, tools, and takeout. I cleaned up all of that, and moved in my belongings and the rest of the family!

I also added a new light above the sink to go with my rustic/industrial theme. I'm VERY proud of these "new" cabinets.

The next thing I was to do was add wooden flooring to the side of the peninsula, which would add that rustic look I wanted to have in the kitchen. I used Super 90+ adhesive, and it worked like a charm! I also painted the kitchen Behr's Doeskin Gray, got a new oven and microwave, and updated the chandelier in the dining area by adding new shades. Other than new counter tops, and finishing up the coffee bar, I'm done! Here's the finished product:

It's great looking at it and knowing that you have done it with your own hands. There's no better feeling than taking care of business yourself AND saving money!! If you have any questions, leave a comment, and I'll try my best to answer them!

Harry Potter Loot Crate Unboxing (July 2017)

Oh the drama surrounding the delivery of this box! My last Wizarding World box came to my new address without issue, but for some reason the address reverted to my old address, and regardless of calling the local post office, I received notification that the box was out for delivery... to my OLD address. Fortunately, I was able to call again, and cancel the delivery. I had to leave work early and hustle over to the post office before the closed for the day, so I could pick it up. Seeing as I am actually reviewing the box, I was able to make it on time... barely. The mail person said it was good I got there, because they didn't know what they were going to do with it if I didn't pick it up that day. Uh... I mean, shouldn't they just hold it for another day? Regardless, I was able to get it, and now we can see all of the magical goodies inside! 

The theme of this box was Defense Against the Dark Arts, so the box's seal is quite appropriate. I was pleased to see that if any Death Eaters dare attempt to open my package, we have a protective patronus to stop them in the act!

The inside of the box is beautiful (and has a special purpose that I reveal further down). This box didn't seem to be packed full of stuff, regardless of the price going up $1, so I was a bit wary about the items that were included, and, for the first time, I wasn't sure if I was going to be satisfied with the box. 

I was really happy to see a quality item on top. The box is lovely, and the pen is VERY sturdy. This isn't a cheap plastic pen, it definitely has some heft. I'm not sure how long it will last, as it didn't "click" when you closed it, so I'm concerned that it might dry out, but we'll see! It's a great display piece nonetheless!

The next item was this awesomely comfortable "Counter Curse" advertisement tee. The photo shows up as a dark gray, but the shirt itself is actually a beautifully, rich heather blue with an even lighter print. See below for a photo of me wearing it that better reflects its actual color.

I wore this to work to counter any anti- productivity curses, and it was SO comfortable. As a major t-shirt junkie, the shirts I receive in this box are some of my favorite tees I own. I can dress them up, or dress them down. 

 The next item is this awesome Dumbledore's Army embossed journal. I like to keep a little journal in my car and on my person in case I need to write down last-minute notes/charms that I KNOW I won't remember when I get to the point I need to use them. I'm not saying I would do it, but this journal is DEFINITELY Horcrux worthy.

The next items are something I NEVER thought I would see in a Loot Crate, but are something I've been looking for for quite some time - BOOKENDS! These are heavy and definitely capable of holding books 1-7 tightly together on any shelf. They feature the "Guardians of Hogwarts",  and the incantation "Piertotum Locomotor", which was famously used my Minerva McGonagall to animate the statues and suits of armor (a.k.a. Guardians of Hogwarts) to fight the Battle of Hogwarts/ last battle of the Second Wizarding War. Much like they held Hogwarts, these will hold any books you set between their protection.

"Then the second brother, who was an arrogant man, decided that he wanted to humiliate Death still further, and asked for the power to recall others from Death."

—The Tale of the Three Brothers by Beedle the Bard

This month's Loot Crate pin is modeled after Marvolo Gaunt's signet ring. Marvolo's ring was an heirloom made of gold with the Resurrection Stone inset. I'm really glad this isn't a Horcrux like the real thing, because I'd hate to have to destroy it. 

An additional surprise awaited me in this months box... as this month's box. Loot Crate sometimes creates their boxes with ulterior usage in mind. This months' box was actually a scene for a shadow-puppet Death Eater and Stag Patronus.

After following the directions, and literally flipping things inside-out, we were left with this. 

Turning off the lights and shining a flashlight at the cutout created something that I played with for quite some time. My dogs were confused, but I was just plain excited. 

Defence Against the Dark Arts
We're facing the foulest creatures and most hideous curses known to wizardkind with collectibles, artifacts, apparel and more designed to aid in the Defence Against the Dark Arts.

This Crate's Magical Loot
1.Counter Curse T-Shirt - Jinxed? Cursed? Petrified or otherwise spellbound? Defend yourself against the darker side of magic with this specially-designed tee!

2. Professor Snape's Premium Wand Pen - Take care, you now have in your possession the very wand used by the Half-Blood Prince himself! Or, at the very least, a diecast and resin replica. Use it wisely.

3.Guardians of Hogwarts Bookends - Should you find your precious books threatened, this metal bookend set can man the boundaries and guard them against the deadly forces of the Dark Arts!

4. Defence Against the Dark Arts Journal - Any good secret society requires secret plans. Keep your strategies to oppose You-Know-Who and his Death Eaters safe in this journal embossed with the Order of the Phoenix and Dumblebore's Army emblems.

5.Marvolo's Ring Enamel Pin - Tom Riddle's second Horcrux come in the form of Marvolo Gaunt's signet ring. 

 I was sad to note that Loot Crate seems to be sticking with their new insert insead of the scrolls, but in the end, this crate was VERY useful, very unexpected, but very fun! I think it's safe to say that We have everything we need to protect our person and our belongings from the Dark Arts. Well done, Loot Crate!

As always, I'll see you all in 2 months time! I'm really excited, because September's Loot Crate Theme is:

Here's hoping they include some dried billywig stings, my stash is dwindling! 

Mass Effect: Andromeda Loot Crate Unboxing

Despite the negative reviews of the game, I LOVED Mass Effect: Andromeda, and can't wait to see what's in store for the future of the franchise. While I wait with bated breath for DLC, I suppose this crate will inject much needed Mass Effect newness in my life. So, let's wrap up our calibrations, assume direct control and OPEN THIS BOX!

I was a little upset at my postman/postwoman, because they left it on top of the birdbath, and not under the covered porch. Where I live, we get pop up thunderstorms, and yep, you guessed it, we had one the day this was delivered. The birdbath overflowed, the corner of the box got soggy, and a bit wet. However, it made itself safe inside, and here we have it:

The first thing was this awesome Andromeda Initiative hoodie. I have my trusty N7 hoodie, and this A.I. hoodie is definitely thinner and more light-weight. I could see this being my "wear to the movies during the summer" hoodie, because I am ALWAYS cold.

I liked it so much, I felt the need to pop it on right away and snap a selfie, because it is so soft and lightweight! I'm also quite surprised something this expensive was included in the box, but I'm not going to argue. THIS is how a Loot Crate should be. 

Like I said, I was super pumped about the hoodie, so I forgot to take a photo of the box before taking that out, but this is the box full o' goodies that were still in the box after removing the hoodie. I was glad to see that the rain hadn't ruined anything in the box.

The next item I opened was VERY surprising, but will be very well loved in our house. Blast-Ohs cereal bowls!

In case you're unfamiliar with the reference. Blasto is, within the Mass Effect universe, a fictional hanar that shows up in Mass Effect 2 and Mass Effect 3 as the subject of movies. He makes his way to Andromeda by way of a box of Blast-Ohs cereal, which can be found in the museum on Aya.

These bowls are cute, made of study plastic, and will be great for snacking while gaming! Nice job, Loot Crate!

The next item is an Andromeda Initiative patch, which is great. I collect patches on this old, raggedy messenger bag I use for dog walks, so this will bring my bag into the present (and future) since the last thing I added to it was a patch of Ralph from the Simpson picking his nose...

The next item was this ADORABLE diecast model of the Nomad. I immediately knew where I was going to put this guy in our study/game room, so he is a welcome addition to my Mass Effect collectibles.

Here is a close-up of the replica. I think it looks pretty darn realistic, and ready for all of the terrains Andromeda holds for us!

The next item is this Andromeda Initiative commemorative coin. I'm going to put mine in my car, that way I always have a little bit of the A.I. with me. I actually am going to use it as a glorified paper-weight. You see, I keep this parking receipt from my trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter from 2014 on my dash. I do this so I remember the good times I had there, and a part of me has to believe I never left, because the place is SO magical, if I know how far away from it I really am, I will literally burst from despair. This will be sure to hold it in place when I roll down my windows or if something were to attempt to shift the receipt into precarious grounds. In short, thanks Loot Crate!

Here's another REALLY COOL thing about this box. Since I pre-ordered, I received not one, but TWO loot crate pins. One being the Tempest, the other being the Andromeda Initiative pin, which I can, and will, pin to my work clothes, so I can flaunt my geek chique style as well as my power as an agent of the Andromeda Initiative.

We also received a limited edition Mass Effect: Discovery #1 comic. I'm REALLY excited about this, because I've been looking for more comics to read - right now, the Walking Dead is the only series that I've gotten into - I haven't read it yet, but I believe this weekend will be PERFECT for sitting down and reading this!

Another surprise item were these really wickedly-twisted Vortex (the club on the Nexus) tumblers. They twist and turn, and are nice, thick, heavy glass. Another quality item in this box that I was not expecting to get. Loot Crate, you KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!

I really liked the style of the item description card. It was a heavy, and had a personal message from Mac Walters, creative director of Mass Effect Andromeda. Not to mention, the obverse looks like a data pad with a message to the Pathfinder - hello cosplay opportunities! 

As we embark on a new journey to Andromeda, I'm continually amazed by the support and passion we receive from our fans. Mass Effect has always been about more than just the experience in the game; It's a universe filled with friends and places that for many of us seem as real as the world we live in. I hope you enjoy this uniquely curated Loot Crate of Mass Effect collectibles and memorabilia. And thank you for making Mass Effect something special.

- Mac Walters

Pathfinders:
Once in Andromeda, it will be up to you to discover, salvage, and build whatever you need to survive. While you will face many challenges ahead, you are not alone in your journey. Scattered throughout the Heleus cluster will be caches of useful (and nostalgic) items for you to discover. These crates are a small reminder the hundred thousand brave souls eagerly waiting to being their new lives in Andromeda.

Good luck and godspeed, Pathfinder. 

Overall, Loot Crate did an amazing job working with Bioware to curate a truly excellent limited edition box. I feel this encompassed the excitement and adventure of not only Mass Effect: Andromeda, but also of Mass Effect in general.  I am so very glad I was able to snatch one of these up, and will not hesitate to order future Mass Effect (or Dragon Age) boxes.

While the fresh injection of new Mass Effect goodies in my life, I look forward to re-playing Andromeda, and connecting with other Mass Effect fans within the multiplayer extensions. I do hope we see more for Andromeda, particularly in the form of DLC. Anyone who can woo over fans with the Citadel DLC following the ME3 ending drama, can definitely pull out a great DLC to compliment an already awesome game like Andromeda!


In closing:

Thanks Loot Crate! Thanks Bioware!

I'm Pathfinder Westberry, and this is my favorite subscription box on Habitat 7!