DIY Dry Erase Board

               For months now, I searched for a place to put notes (such as meal plans, shopping lists, and phone numbers) in our kitchen so my family could see it on a regular basis and there would be no excuse that they didn`t see it (Well that maybe wishful thinking on my part but that was my goal). It had to fit everything as well as be stylish and organized. After looking every where, I couldn't find anything that was both the right size and look that I wanted so I decided to make my own pretty dry erase board.
       

              Supply List

Frame - whatever size you would like

Dry Erase Board - cut to fit your frame

Pliers - Only if you are using an old painting like I did. To remove the nails that hold the painting in place.

Hammer - For attaching the dry erase board

Sand Paper

Dust Mask

Latex Paint

Paint Brush 

                 The first step was to find a frame. I thought maybe I could build one out of crown moulding but I couldn't find moulding that was ornate enough at my local building supply store. I didn`t want to compromise and settle for basic trim. Then one day when I was out at a yard sale I found an old ugly painting which was the perfect size. The painting only cost me $10 making it a lot cheaper than if I had to build one out of crown moulding.

Painting I found at a yard sale.

                  I got the dry erase board from my local home building supply store and they were nice enough to cut it to the right size for me for free. I removed the painting from the frame so that the painting became my template for the size of my dry erase board.When removing the frame from the painting, be sure to leave the nails or clips in the back of the frame so you can use them to attach your dry erase board.
       
                 The next step of this transformation was to sand and paint the frame. I roughed up the finish on the picture with some light sanding. Make sure to wear a dust mask while sanding this project as the dust is very fine and hazardous to inhale.

Frame during the painting process.
*Excuse the colour of the carpet as this is the next room on our reno list. 

     
               As for what paint colour, I knew I wanted the frame to be the same colour as the dry erase board to have a clean, monochromatic, modern look. In this case, it meant it would be white latex paint­. I had to give it a couple of coats of paint to completely cover all the nooks and crannies and then let it dry for 24 hours.
     
               The last step is to put the dry erase board into the frame using the same nails that held the painting in place.

Ta Da - DIY Dry Erase Board

                I love how it turned out and we use it everyday. I put our menu for the week in the middle of the board so my husband knows what we are having and can help out. It also keeps us on schedule because next to the days of the week I have our commitments (like a gym class or meetings) and the times that we must leave the house. The only thing I would add is somewhere to keep the markers (look for it in an upcoming post.).  

The Perfect Afternoon continued

As promised, here are my spring picks that I am going to be looking for:

1. Golden Accessories. I was very much inspired by all the gold in the designer ads for spring. On my    shopping list are gold aviators and a chunky gold necklace and bracelet.

2. Floral Blazers - I've seen them from a couple of different companies and I will definitely have my eyes peeled for one of them. Both Loft and Bebe have some great blazers.

3. Chunky Heels - I'm not really a heels kinda person but these shoes have me intrigued. They look both comfortable for a Mom on the go yet stylish and current. Love the ones from J. Crew.

4. New Flats - Tired of  ballet flats being the only flat shoe options out there. I am a sneaker girl at heart but I know they make me look a little frumpy. I really want to check out a moccasin style.

5. Sheer Lip Colour - Looking for something that gives a polished look without being heavy like a lipstick.

Let me know if you have any suggestions.

The Perfect Afternoon

           My perfect afternoon began as I had put my son down for his afternoon nap and I noticed the postman had delivered the new, very thick I might add, spring issue of InStyle magazine.

Side Note: I so love fashion but after moving to the small town after living in two major Canadian cities and having a baby I have fallen a bit out of touch with the fashion world. So my New Year's resolution for 2013, is to get back in touch with my love for fashion and art. To be inspired once again, with the colour and design found on each page of a crisp, new, glossy magazine page. To find time, to sit and enjoy my magazine without little hands wanting to see what Mommy is doing. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom and a wife, it's just that I have lost pieces of myself (that's a story for another day) along the way. So my journey is to reconnect with those lost pieces so I can be a better wife and mother.

Back to my perfect afternoon...

         I quickly grabbed my new issue and before heading for my favourite spot on the couch I grab some chocolate. Of course, you cannot have a perfect afternoon without chocolate. I begin to flip through those glossy pages and the excitement and inspiration start to build inside me. My mind is beginning to start to whirl with ideas. I only made it half way through the magazine today (my little napper just woke up) but stay tuned for next entry which will have my new spring inspirations. 

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 Welcome! A blog of inspirations for all things home and fashion: recipes, home decor, new product reviews, DIY projects, crafting, art, design, and clothing.