Today’s post will be from a friend of ‘too-many-years-to-count’. I was talking to Kamilah last night, telling her I wanted to add some guest bloggers to this space because I wanted people to see what fantastic friends I have! 15 hours later I had her post in my mailbox!
So here’s my first ever guest blogger, a ‘super-friend’, a member of my village and someone who inspires me to just DO!
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Hello! My name is Kamilah, and I am privileged to be a part of Tiny’s village. When she asked me to write a guest post I instantly knew that I had to take this opportunity to thank her for putting a name to my experience. Last year was a challenging one in our household, but one that renewed my sense of purpose. Formerly a ‘proud lazy girl’, I suddenly found myself no longer content to idle away my evenings and weekends. Through sheer necessity, Pinterest, and my favourite blogs I found myself inspired to DO.
And so began my journey into Doing It mYself! No longer would I just read about cool DIY projects, I would actually do them. Yes, we had delved into the DIY world once or twice – hardwood floors and the kitchen back splash, but this was different. This wasn’t the once a year project that we would have rather paid someone else to do. This new wave of DIY was woven into my daily life. I could dedicate an hour in the evening to a coat of paint! I could knit while watching TV! I could complete any project, big or small, if I was willing to apply myself with purpose.
So, here are the top five things that my new and improved life with purpose has taught me.
- Power tools ROCK! At first I was afraid, I was petrified… but once I understood the safety requirements I was hooked. Power drill, chop saw, hand sander – bring it on! I’m hoping for a sawzall for my birthday (fingers crossed), and you should really count a sewing machine and glue gun among the tools that every girl needs in her arsenal.
- If you hate it, change it. Now. I have hated our kitchen cabinets since we moved in nine years ago. A complete renovation was not in the budget, but a few cans of paint were. I procrastinated for years, afraid that the after would look worse than the before. It took me five weeks to settle on a colour, countless hours of researching techniques, and numerous trips to multiple paint retailers to chat up the experts. Eventually I took the chance and I am so glad I did. Research and patience resulted in a job I am truly proud of. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.
- Paint is your best friend. Your DIY project doesn’t have to be permanent or expensive. A single $10 canister of Rustoleum’s Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint, a screwdriver, and I was on my way to the door knobs I’ve been drooling over in magazines. A single pint of black paint transformed my bathroom cabinets, the island in my kitchen, and a huge frame for a mirror – all for around $17. Most paint retailers have ‘o0ps’ choices available for as little as $3, so there is no excuse not to experiment a little!
- YouTube can teach you anything. Knitting, crochet, and sewing are three skills I have added to my DIY repertoire in the past year thanks (in part) to YouTube. Hats, scarves, superhero masks, skirts, pillow covers – all thanks to the kind people who share their knowledge through video tutorials.
- Just do it. There is nothing more satisfying than making a plan, implementing it, and admiring the results. It doesn’t matter what the project is, you will gain a sense of accomplishment from watching its progress, and finally completing it – even if the results aren’t perfect. Paint that glass vase that you haven’t taken out since it arrived. Throw up some wallpaper. Clean the grout with that stranger-endorsed concoction. You’ll see, it’s worth it.
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How great was that? Now go out there…pick a project and just DO!
Here’s a pic of LaLa in her kitchen – back splash and painted cabinets done all by ‘little miss DIY’ (with a little help from hubby…lol)!
T
delicatelydope.com 