Dilemma on my Landscaping

I've been brainstorming. A lot. You see, I have these "useless" flower beds around my house. 6 inches down, there is concrete. A lot of it! So nothing can grow there. What can I do with these areas? I don't want to take them out and leave the grass to grow up against the house. Suggestions on what I can do in these areas to improve the curb appeal to my house?

The "flower bed" on the side of my house

Next project

So I've decided to go with two identical bookcases for my next project. I not only need somewhere to put the many novels I have, but also somewhere for all of my textbooks for school! I was debating between the bookcases, a dresser or some nightstands. Seeing as I have never made drawers before, I think it would be wise to stick with what I know for right now. Anything that has drawers seems intimidating to me. Luckily, I have one of my favorite blogs to turn to. Shanty 2 Chic. These ladies have some AMAZING tutorials and advice to tackle those intimidating builds. They are the definition of DIY!! So if you have some time, be sure you stop by and check them out. After my first exam (eeek!!) of the semester, I'll be sure to update y'all on my progress.

Until next time,
Sarah

End Table

As promised, (I know it took SO long!!!) my end table is FINALLY done and in place. I did some different things than I did with my console table.
The weather here in South Dakota has been freezing. Everything in my poor garage is covered in saw dust. I've also been SUPER busy with my last semester of school. It feels like I spend my every waking moment studying or working at the hospital. Good news though, I'LL BE DONE IN MAY!!!

Okay, enough rambling, now onto what you actually came to read...

After finishing the table with my homemade stain, I didn't bother sanding it down before sealing it with polyurethane due to the weather. Maybe one day when it's nicer, I can take it back outside and actually finish it correctly. It doesn't look too bad, just not as good as my big table. The surface isn't as smooth as I wanted it to be.

You can find these plans here. I chose not to do the 2x2 X on each side. I decided to mimic the way I did my other table.
When I made my stain, I added a little more apple cider vinegar which made the wood more red.
As I did with my other table, I adjusted the measurements for this end table to fit in the space I needed it to. Not sure what my next project will be, so stop back by later to check it out!

Until next time,
Sarah

Not enough time...

I know, it's been a while since I've been able to give y'all an update.
I've been working like a mad woman at the Bux during the holiday season and after. I've barely gotten a start on my Florida Gator quilt, just 4 of y 10 rows have been sewed together. I did manage to make it to my hardware store last week and pick up some wood for my new project. I haven't filled my new car with planks of wood yet, so that was a challenge to do. I've only gotten as far as cutting the wood pile. Outside. In the 40 degree weather. With snow on the ground. It was very funny to watch my big German Shepherd lay down on top of a snow pile to watch me struggle with 8 foot planks, cutting them with my miter saw, on the freezing ground.
I "officially" start my last semester of nursing school on the 14th and am planning on finishing my table before that. It'll be challenging since I'm working a boatload.

Who doesn't like a challenge though?

Until next time,
Sarah

Happy Holidays

Happy holidays from my family to yours! Hope you're enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones.