Simple DIY Doorknob Redo

My family recently moved to a new home, and while it is a beautiful house, many of the appliances and features are very dated, so we've set out on a mission to update and upgrade our home. Many DIY projects have begun, which I will try to share with you - starting with a REALLY simple but effective one. Door knobs!

Apparently whoever owned our home before loved shiny brass, which, unfortunately, I detest. It reminds me of the 70/80s decor when I was growing up, and even then I remember not being too fond of it's shininess. If you're a brass lover - my apologies - but if not, read on...

At first, we were thinking - "hey, let's replace all these door knobs with new ones in a finish that we like", then when we started pricing door knobs and counting just how many of them are in our home, we decided to look for another alternative. Queue the idea music and the light bulb...

Why not just spray paint the knobs? and that's just what we did - we got ourselves a couple of cans of this handy, dandy stuff and got to work.

I am loving the finished product! We chose an Oil Rubbed Bronze, but this paint comes in many different finishes, and it can be used on metal, plastic and wood. Voila! the tacky brass is gone for a fraction of the cost of replacing all those knobs! I'm planning to repaint a metal lamp with it next, and who knows what else?! I can just feel all the ideas popping up.

BEFORE

 

AFTER

 

Dry Erase Menu Board

Tired of hearing "What's for dinner?" everyday?  This might be the solution to that little problem!

A dry erase family menu board!

 Please don't judge me by my menu...

It's just about the easiest thing in the world to make!(It took less time than making most dinners)

Just type up the header and days of the week in the font of your choice.  Be sure to leave plenty of space between each day!

Print onto scrap booking paper or card stock. 

Place menu in a frame. (I used a cheap inexpensive one from the dollar store)

Hot glue magnet strips to back of frame.  (I tried the self sticky ones - they came off quickly, resulting in the a menu on the kitchen floor. Trust me here - just use the glue and save the time and trouble)

Write the meals next to the appropriate day using dry erase markers. 

And the next time someone says "Mom, what's for dinner tonight?" - Just point at the fridge!

Painted Knife Block

As soon as I saw this on Pinterest:

http://pinterest.com/pin/230246599672045701/

A light bulb went off.  I knew immediately that my knife block could use a little makeover!

Before

A couple of coats of craft paint and a little distressing with some sandpaper later:

After

Greek Chicken and Salad

Greek Chicken and Salad

• Chicken thighs (bone- in, skin-on)
• 3 sprigs Oregano (leaves pulled)
• 1/2 bunch Mint (leaves torn)
• 2 Garlic cloves (smashed)
• 1 Lemon (zest and juice) plus more to garnish
• Salt and freshly cracked Black Pepper
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup Olives (pitted and chopped)
• crumbled Feta (to taste)
• 1 cup Spring Mix
• Salt and freshly cracked Black Pepper

Chop the herbs and combine with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice. Reserve half the marinade, and set aside.

Add the chicken and coat in the remaining half of the marinade. Allow to marinate for up to 1 hour.

Place chicken skin-side down. Cook until skin is golden and crispy, about 8 minutes. Flip and continue to cook on the second side for 8 to 10 minutes.  Remove chicken from heat and allow to rest while preparing the salad.

To Prepare Salad: toss together tomatoes, olives, spring mix, and feta with the reserved marinade and season to taste. 

 

Plate chicken  and top with a side of salad.

Enjoy!!

Recipe adapted from The Chew's Michael Symon's Greek Style Grilled Chicken