DIY Project-Paint an Oak Mantel

Kara — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:30:36 +0000

This post was supposed to be an actual step by step tutorial on how to paint an oak mantel. But all my hard work went down the drain when my SD card died, so now you just get a couple photos. All my "before" shots bit the bullet. But I did happen to find an old photo of the mantel on my computer.

We've got a corner fireplace. When we built it we thought it was unique and awesome. But oh my gosh it is hard to decorate around! But it can't be moved, so I knew the best I could do was make it look better. I got soooo tired of the oak. And I realized that every single photo I ever saved of fireplaces I loved had one thing in common. They were all white!

I've been wanting to paint mine white for ages, and I finally got around to it. Hallelujah!!
Here is what it used to look like:Here it is after sanding, some Liquid Sandpaper, a couple coats of primer, and a couple coats of white paint. I used Valspar Satin White.
I did notice that since we added a covered deck on the back of our house, this little corner doesn't get much natural light any more. So taking a decent photo really stinks, especially during the cloudy days of winter. But I sure love the clean look of it now!
When I turn the light on, it looks like a totally different color of paint on the wall. So crazy!
Here is a full length shot. This fireplace makeover started months ago when I spray painted the brass strips across the top and bottom. It is so nice finally having the mantel all finished as well. Now I'm just waiting for the paint to cure so I can decorate it!
I know there are some out there who will say that you shouldn't paint oak. That you shouldn't paint over any wood for that matter. Don't let that stop you. The most important thing is that YOU love your own home. Don't be afraid to change something in your home decor that you hate. If you want to try it, go for it!!

Toffee Brownie Chocolate Trifle

Kara — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:30:57 +0000

How's that for a title? This trifle is so full of yumminess that it was hard to come up for a short name for it. LOL! It's got layers of brownie, chocolate pudding, toffee, sweetened condensed milk, and cream. It is heavenly!!
I love making trifle. It's so simple to throw together, but it looks amazing. And of course it tastes incredible. Every time I take trifle to potlucks, it is one of the first dishes to disappear. Everyone loves it! I'm always coming up with new variations of trifle, and this was one of our favorites. I just had to share it. Since it's made of chocolate, it of course would be perfect on any Valentine's Day menu.
I used the brownie base from my Peanut Butter Truffle Brownies, (I cut the recipe in half.) I am including the recipe below, but you can use your favorite brownie recipe, or even a boxed mix. As long as it's a recipe for a 9×13" pan, you're good to go.

Toffee Brownie Chocolate Trifle

Brownies:
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cocoa
3/4 tsp salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup oil
6 Tbsp milk
Combine all ingredients in order listed and mix till smooth. Pour into a well greased 9×13" pan. Bake at 350° for about 20-25 minutes. Cool completely. Cut into squares. I usually cut off the edges and let my kids eat them.

Trifle Filling:
1 box chocolate pudding
1 box cheesecake pudding (you can use another box of chocolate if you prefer)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
3 cups milk
1 1/2 cups whipping cream + 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup toffee bits
1 Heath bar

Beat pudding mix, sweetened condensed milk, and milk till smooth. Set aside. Whip cream till soft peaks form, then beat in powdered sugar and vanilla. Set aside.

In a large trifle bowl, layer half of the brownie squares, half of the pudding, 1/2 cup of the toffee bits, and half of the sweetened whipped cream. Repeat layers. Top with crushed heath bar. Cover and chill for 1 hour.

Creations by Kara

DIY Project-Paint an Oak Mantel

Toffee Brownie Chocolate Trifle