What you will need:
- Old desk
- Sanding blocks (2 medium & 1 fine)
- Wood Glue (Gorilla)
- Screws
- Screw driver
- Nails
- Hammer
- 1 liter Paint (White Pascol Water Based Enamel Gloss)
- Small paint brush
- Roller
- Paint tray
*Please note that for this particular desk I only took apart some sections of the drawers that were loose, the lid part, all handles, all legs, and replaced the base. Your desk may need more or less.
Step 1. First I took apart section by section (whole desk part, drawers parts, handles).
Step 2. I then sanded every side of every piece of the section I was working with first with the medium to roughen it up for the paint to stick, and finished with the fine so it was nice and smooth. (don't forget to sand the handles and legs if you are planning on reusing them)
Step 3. Then with the section I was working with I put a line of glue along one side, stuck the joining piece on and quickly hammered and/or screwed into place to keep secured. I wanted to use screws because it is the sturdiest option, and the glue just to really make sure.
Step 4. Pour some paint into the tray, get some paint on the roller and away you go! I used the small paint brush first to get into the nooks and crannys, especially with the drawers. Let it dry, quick sand with the fine block, and give second coat.
Step 5. Put back together any remaining parts of the desk. For me my drawers were put together before I painted and my whole desk was still one. The handles, legs, and lid of the desk were painted before screwing back into place. This worked well for me with making the painting part quicker and easier.
Voila!
This took me 1 full day of taking apart, sanding, and first coat paint. Then a second night of second paint coat. And I also did a third paint coat another night. Then one night was quick putting it back together. So for me a total of 1 full day, and 3 short nights.
Good luck with YOUR project! Comment below what you are working on.
It seems as though everyone is jumping on the Clean Eating band wagon.
There are a lot of new products you will come across that everyone will have only positive things to say... so how do you really know?
Here are some reasons you may want to avoid or limit Almond Flour.
1. How many Almonds?
A cup of Almond Flour = 90 Almonds
Could you sit there and eat even 30 almonds? I would think that as a bit of a struggle, but 1/3 cup Almond Flour in your pancake and you wouldn't bat a lid. Just think of the calories!
2. It is not heat stable
This relates to the fancy shmancy chemistry of breaking the bonds leading to oxidising the fatty acids = free radicals = cell damage = no no!
3. High in enzyme inhibitors
This is a problem for the digestive system. Enzymes are necessary for digestion, such as that of carbohydrates and fats. This can lead to bloating and stomach pains.
4. It has PUFAS
- slows down metabolism
- slows down thyroid function
- inhibits detoxification
- depletes antioxidants
- encourages estrogen (weight gain, PMS, acne)
Are you picking up what I'm putting down?
If you are going to continue your Almond habit, try soaking them first in water. This will make it a lot easier for your body to digest.
Coconut flour is a healthier choice. It is grain free, safe to heat, and not toxic to the body. The oil in coconut flour is a proven superfood and highly recommended for boosting your metabolism, and yes you guessed it, weight loss!
A little bit goes a long way so remember cooking with coconut flour is not a 1:1 ratio so check your recipe online.
BUT
Ultimately remember that you can have it all... in moderation.
What are your thoughts on Coconut VS Almond flour? Send in your recipes to be featured!
Congratulations on your new little arrival!
Having a new born is a lot of work, so if you already have a toddler as well then have a look at these tips. They may come in handy for when you need to give bub your full attention (such as during a feed).
1. It can be as easy and simple as a Colouring Book with some pencils (no mess, no fuss, therefore does not require 100% attention).
2. Imagination Box - filled with easy to find items, that may or may not have a specific use. This allows for creative play. A hair ribbon can easily become a gymnastics ribbon for them to twirl around with.
Some ideas to put in the box include:
- ribbons
- wooden toys
- cookie cutter shapes
- blocks
- maracas (home make with empty plastic bottle filled with rice)
3. Large puzzle piece set.
4. Kid Friendly Photo Album (have one just for the children, or give them some photos so they can make their own).
5. Toddler Friendly Apps for the iPad or iPhone
Try these:
- Dr Seuss's ABC $3.99
- Wheels on the Bus $1.99
- Kidzongs Preschool sing-along fun $0.99
- Tozzle Toddler's favourite puzzle $1.99
- Toddler Flashcards $1.99
6. CDs (music, or read along books) & DVDs (Baby Einstein, Sesame Streeet)
Good Luck!
What's YOUR favourite way to keep your little one occupied? Comment below and share your fantastic ideas!
P.S If all else fails, just give them an empty box. I remember the joys of this as a child!
And this sums it up perfectly....
