Time to Spray Paint

I recently snagged a mantle clock from my cousin who was getting rid of it.  Originally from Home Goods, I liked the clock but it wasn’t really my style. 



I thought it would look nice on top of my kitchen cabinets, but the color looked too bland against the walls and cabinets.  That’s right, my kitchen cabinets are still oak colored *gasp*!  Please tell me I’m not the only one with unpainted oak cabinets still.  Anyone out there still rocking the oak too?  Anyone???



I digress...back to the clock.  I thought it would look nicer repainted and I decided to go a little wild and try a fun bright color.  I chose Valspar’s Exotic Sea turquoise which I already had on hand from spray painting an outdoor candle holder.

I gave it a go and the clock is definitely bright, but I’m not sure I’m feeling the turquoise in this situation.



The color doesn’t really seem to fit with the style of the clock either.  I could change out the face with a more modern print, but I’m still not sure if that would win me over on the turquoise.  I’m thinking it’s time to repaint. 

I was thinking to paint it a regal red (previously seen in my spray painted sea shell and outdoor planters); red just seems more kitchen-y to me.  But then I was poking around on the internet and came across a nearly identical clock in black.


This one is for sale for $49 on Amazon, which makes my $0 clock seem like even more of a steal!  But now I’m thinking maybe a black or oil-rubbed bronze color is the better way to go?

What do you think, which color should I paint the clock?  And any oak kitchens out there?

P.S. Make sure to enter my $50 Home Depot Giveaway from Kwikset this week!

Kwikset $50 Home Depot Gift Card Giveaway

We work hard to build beautiful homes that we love, but what’s more important than keeping our homes and family safe?  So I jumped at the chance to upgrade my home’s security with Kwikset SmartKey locks when the nice people at Kwikset and Home Depot contacted me recently.  I headed over Home Depot where I picked up an additional deadbolt for my home.



Kwikset SmartKey deadbolts have passed the most stringent lock picking standards and have Grade 1 security, the highest level of tested residential security available in the industry.  These are no joke!



I was happy to pick up a deadbolt with Bump Guard protection.  The SmartKey locks feature a side-locking bar which replaces the traditional pin and tumbler design of locks which can be vulnerable to lock-bumping. 



If you haven’t heard of lock bumping yet, it is scarrrry.  Basically, criminals can use a specially modified key and insert it into a lock, then after a few bumps with a hammer or other tool, the lock pops open in a matter of seconds.  This video better explains the dangers of lock bumping:

The SmartKey locks are called “smart” for another reason too.  They allow homeowners to quickly re-key their locks without removing them.  This means that you can loan a key temporarily to a neighbor or contractor and re-key the lock to give them a key that’s different from the one you ordinarily use.  So you can render lost or unreturned keys useless if you wish, without having to install totally new locks. 



You can pick up Kwikset SmartKey locks online or at your local Home Depot.  You can also check out Home Depot on Facebook and Twitter.  I will be back this week with details on how I installed mine.  In the meanwhile, who wants to win a $50 gift card to Home Depot???  Yep, they have generously offered up a $50 gift card to one lucky winner.

Here’s the scoop on how to enter: 

- Prize: $50 Home Depot Gift Card
- Enter By: Monday 3/12/2012 2pm EST.
- To Enter: Just leave a comment!
- Bonus Entry: Follow my blog through an RSS Feed (like Google Reader) or on Blogger/Google Friend Connect.  Leave a separate comment saying you’ve done so.  If you are already a follower, leave a comment saying so.

--This Giveaway is now closed---

Note: The Home Depot partnered with bloggers such as me to help promote their KwikSet Lock product. As part of this promotion, I received compensation. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products. The Home Depot believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

My Favorite Projects: February 2012

I heard someone say “Happy New Year” the other day.  I too am surprised at how quickly this year has been moving, but I think we can all agree we are well past the Happy New Year part of the year!  Welcome to March!

Like usual, at the start of each month I like to take a look back at the previous month and share some of my favorite projects that I came across on other blogs. 

First, here’s what I was up to in February.  The month started off a little slow as I was adjusting to a starting a new job, but I ended up accomplishing a few cool projects.  Click on the link to see the full size photo and read the full scoop about the project.

I added some folksy art to my kitchen:


I showed off the family room pillows that I sewed:


I organized my coat closet:


I celebrated Valentine’s Day with a heart shaped pizza:


I had a laugh at blogging:


And I updated my 30th Birthday trivia printable for 1982:


I came across a ton of great projects on other blogs too. Here’s are some of my favorites.

Oak Ridge Revival did a beautiful job making over her daughter’s bedroom:


Addicted 2 Decorating made a very cool lamp from a globe:


Hi Sugarplum created some very stylish mirrored boxes.  Don’t be surprised if you see me try this out someday!


And you will never believe what Matsutake’s lamp looked like before this amazing transformation (found via Curbly).


Aren’t these projects incredible! What were your highlights from February?