We knocked another nursery project out today-  revamping my grandfather's dresser that we wanted to use for Baby T.

The dresser was really in great condition considering it'a age (circa 1940's) with the exception of a veneer issue on one side-

A while back we had someone from an antique furniture restoration shop visit the house and check out the piece in hopes that we could get it refinished and looking fab for the baby.  When he left, our heads were spinning-  no way should it cost over $1,000 to re-veneer one side of this piece.  We priced it out on a couple other sites and quickly realized we needed another plan.  

This Old House to the rescue (once again)!  In our last issue they featured a dresser that got a facelift from a little creative painting...

This seemed more our style and definitely more in our budget:)  Particularly when you use $3 oops paint in a perfectly neutral color.  

This project was quick and painless- First, the veneer peeled right off.

Then, Dan sanded everything down smoothly.

A couple coats of that oops paint to add some color and a distressed finish.

Now the dresser is ready to be filled with cute little clothes and blankets!

Before and After comparison:

Getting closer each weekend to a finished nursery!

  

  

The fabulousness of the window seat (storage-bookshelf) deserves a second post to wrap up this weekend.  Guided by a few inspiration pictures and plans from none other than This Old House, we set out to create our own unique piece that would fit our space and vision.

I can't really begin to explain to you what exactly we did.  All I know is Dan started with some 2x4's, made a cube, and the rest just kind of came together perfectly...

We used the trim paint we already had on hand to coat the piece-

We also picked up a yard of quilted neutral fabric and some foam to complete the seat-

It turned out better than we ever imagined!!  No more wasted space from the dormer window-  this piece is ready for years of use as a shelf to hold books and knick knacks, a cozy reading nook, and a prime hide & go seek space:)

One step closer to being ready for July!

The snow melted and we've been braving the still frigid temperatures checking out some more of our local scene-

Trophy Brewing & Pizza Company- Best pizza in town so far and definitely best pizza we've had in a long time.  The atmosphere was super cool-  very small, first come first served family style dining at the few high top tables that are available.  The website gives you an idea of the menu options but the chalkboard that adorns a wall by the intimate dining area will give you all the details you need to order when you're there.

North Carolina Museum of Art- I've been wanting to get to more museums ever since we officially settled in to Raleigh but we've been bad about taking the time to plan a weekend around it.  Then, a Champagne + Chocolate event came around at the NCMA and we decided to go check it out.  What better way to prepare for Valentine's Day than by sampling local Chocolates and other sweet treats while Dan enjoys 2 glasses of champagne?!

I wish we'd had more freedom to roam the museum and view some of the permanent collection but we were mostly kept to a single area.  We definitely want to get back and see some art but it was a neat way to see the museum at night and satisfy my sweet tooth by getting to know some of our local sweet shoppes.    

We sampled from-

Bittycakes

Carolina Confectionery Company (yummy toffee pictured above)

Chocolate Smiles

Edible Art Bakery and Dessert Cafe (chocolate covered shortbread in mini container above)

Sweet Traditions by LeAne - more Cookie Whoopies, please!

Videri Chocolate Factory

Iris, NCMA- the unique museum restaurant open only one night a week (mmm...macaroons!)

In baby news:

We are 16 weeks along-  Baby T is about the size of an average turnip weighing in around 5 ounces and measuring about 5 inches.  While my belly is busy finally starting to show signs of a baby, Dan has been busy getting the window seat I told you about under construction in the nursery...

Cool School has also been updated with some inspired activities for January and February-  don't forget to check it out!