Old End Tables Renewed

 

 I was gifted a couple of old end tables which looked pitiful but I could see the potential in them.  They're well built and sound with real rolling drawers.  I knew these could be useful but definitely in another color.

Here they are ready for paint.

My goal was to recreate the same look I have with my home built kitchen center table, a faux white-wash effect.

The first step, however, was to get a good solid base coat of flat white.

Two coats was necessary.

Next was the flat grey.

Notice I have not painted it solid grey, I left white streaks, this helps create the final effect.

Next was the "wash" of flat white.  This takes almost an artistic eye as it's all free hand.

This took two coats in the end as I had to let it dry after the first coat to see how I liked it.  I decided it needed a bit more white, and this is the end result.

I spray painted the knobs separately with a matte white and then a clear coat gloss.
I also used the clear coat spray on just the tops of the tables to guard against scuffs.  

So here they are in place.  My version of a side board table of sorts.  Drawers facing out on either end.

So the journey was worth it!

Budget Power Outage Necessities

 During my 22 years here (16 at this house), I have learned what I need for prolonged power outages.  On a budget you are limited, but not left out in the cold - so to speak.  

Already having an adequate wood stove, all I needed was lighting (when dark), a one burner cook stove and a back up power charger for my cell phone.

Here is what I am currently using:

 

These AA battery powered LED portable lights work great.  I got mine on Amazon.  By the way I am not getting paid to endorse these, nor does the manufacturer or seller know I'm promoting them.

This is my favorite cooking stove so far.  I just got this one earlier this year.  I love the butane canister fuel instead of the propane tanks.  Although I do still use my propane grill on the deck as well, this guy can cook an entire meal (one pan at a time) for one person.  It feels very safe for a single senior to use.

Lastly, is my portable back up charger for my cell phone.  It has been through several long power outages already and proven itself. 

My wood stove is my primary heat source anyway, so I never need worry about being cold through a winter power outage. 
I am considering adding a portable, propane generator to power my refrigerator during long power outages however, since the snow in the ice chest routine is tiring.