Our Swing Set Makeover

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We purchased our swing set 5 years ago. It’s a KidKraft model and has held up amazing! We wanted to change the layout to make it more functional for the girls now that they are older and add a few of our own touches along the way.

Here is what it previously looked like before the Makeover.

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We decided we wanted to move the slide to the side to add more room over top of the seating area and make room for the new awning. We moved the rock wall to the back where the monkey bars are because they weren’t getting much use. We painted the base and some details using white outdoor paint leaving the top the natural wood.

Here is the new layout and we started painting.

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The girls have always wanted a pink slide and pink swings. We used Krylon spray paint for plastics in the Satin Pink Blush.  I was nervous how the slide would hold up over the years with all the wear so I decided to tape off the center and only paint the sides and back. I also used the same spray paint for the swing seats. Both the slide and the swings needed a few coats. We also used this paint on their door. I wasn’t 100% happy with how the door turned out. It kind of has a weathered look because paint didn’t give a solid cover. If you want a solid color I would probably buy out door paint or try to use a primer before using the spray paint. This is my first time using this paint for outdoor use so I’m experimenting. So far in the past month it has held up great.

 

Next up the awning. I saw several different ways to add an awning to a playhouse so I just had to figure out which worked best for ours. I loved the idea of using shelf brackets and turning them upside down. Then adding a thick dowel a crossed the brackets. Its hard to give measurements when it depends on the look you are going for so you just have to play around with placement. Linking the brackets we used here.

 

Here is the fabric I used for the awning and the pom pom trim. I had planned to use hot glue as its usually my go- to for sewing projects. I just happened to be heading to my Mother-in-laws that night and knew she had a sewing machine so I measured and cut and had it all pinned for her so she could just zip around the edging for me and it turned out perfect! I then bought velcro with a sticky adhesive and added the hard side directly to swing set and the softer fuzzy side to fabric awning. Since the fabric I purchased was not weatherproof and I didn’t spray weatherproofing on it I plan to remove awning when the girls are not playing outside to help prolong the life of the awning. The velcro adhesive makes it so easy and so far has held up great with all the rain we have had.

 

I had wood IKEA Spice racks laying around from the girls old playroom I used as bookshelves. I decided to paint them white with the outdoor paint and attach to swing set as flower boxes shown below.

 

I repurposed this old outdoor rubber door mat I was planning on throwing out. Just gave it a good wash, cut it down to size, and painted. I love how it turned out!

 

We also made a small stone patio and decided it was perfect for their pool in the summer so it doesn’t kill the grass.

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Here are a few photos of what we have finished so far!

 

The girls are so in love with their NEW swing set and have been playing in it so much more. Hopefully you enjoyed Our Swing Set Makeover and feel free to reach out with more specific questions. We also shared some more of the process on our Instagram page @brynnnora in the Swing Set Makeover Highlight! Check back in a few weeks for some more cosmetic additions that haven’t arrived yet.

This post contains affiliated links. Purchases made with these links are greatly appreciated and helps support my family. There are  NO costs add to the purchase price.  This is not a sponsored post. All items we purchased by us to try out.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Summer Vacation

Every summer we stay local and go to the Jersey Shore for our family vacation. This summer we went to Cape May, NJ. Cape May holds a special place in my heart. As a child Cape May was the beach I spent many summers exploring. My grandparents had a house there. I just love the atmosphere. The victorian homes mixed with the beach is a total dream!

Almost 11 years ago, when Dom and I got married we stayed at a Bed and Breakfast in Cape May the weekend after the wedding. Our honeymoon was planned for a few months after the wedding but we wanted to stay somewhere special after. So it was the perfect little getaway for us.

This year we stayed a block from the beach so daily trips to the beach were a must! We even went back at night some days to watch the sunset. The beach is my happy place. Brynn and Nora loved looking for shells and  sand crabs. Brynn enjoyed riding the waves on her boogie board.  They also spent a lot of time fending off the momarazzi. How could I not take pictures when we were in my favorite place in our favorite matching Kortni Jeane swimmers ?!? These bathing suits are not only so adorable but super comfortable. I’m loving their mix’n’match style!

If your in Cape May you have to visit the Cape May County Park & Zoo. Its by far the best Zoo in the Area. Its free and open year round. They also have the Tree to Tree Adventure park for those who like to zipline.

One night we did a horse and carriage ride. We learned so much about Cape May’s history. The girls loved the experience of being on a horse and carriage like Cinderella and we loved hearing interesting facts and fun stories about different homes and past residents. If you are visiting I would definitely recommend taking a ride around town with Cape May Carriage Company.

The Washington Street Mall is the perfect place for everyone. Lots of unique shops, sweet treats, and places to dine. If you need a pick me up stop in to Coffee Thyme for one of their delicious flavors of coffee.

Cape May also has an arcade on Beach Avenue. Its the only “boardwalk”  I grew up with. Unfortunately, the girls have been spoiled with Ocean City’s Boardwalk so two nights we made the trip to the Ocean City.  The girls love going to Gillians Wonderland Pier. So many fun rides! My sister and her family were down from New Hampshire and staying in Ocean City that week. So it was nice being able to visit and the girls love seeing their cousins.

While we were in Cape May we also celebrated Nora’s 3rd Birthday! Which called for more pictures on the beach! Her fun sparkler candle was from Ellie & Piper Party Boutique.

The Cape May Lighthouse, Wold War II Lookout Tower, and The Nature Conservancy  are also fun stops to make. Unfortunately this time there we were unable to fit them in. We had a great time on our Family vacation in Cape May and can’t wait to go back!

Gifts for Your Little Sweet Heart

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Valentine’s Day is probably my MOST favorite holiday! I know to some its a corny made up day but to me it means SO MUCH MORE. Being a mom that went through years of infertility and loss, I honestly dreamt about these moments for many years. Now that I’m able to experience these little (but oh so special) moments I go a tad over board but that’s ok right?!? I also love any excuse to find cute things that I know my girls will love. I put together a list of my favorite items for the girls that make the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts! I hope you enjoy!

 

  1. Rain Boots – London Littles Rain Boots are so adorable. The girls are going to be so excited for NEW rain boots! They also worked so perfectly to stuff with all the other goodies instead of a gift bag.fullsizeoutput_288d
  2. Book – I always try to get the girls a new book for holidays to spice up their collection. This Sweet Hearts board book is so perfect for the Valentine’s Day Theme and has a great story celebrating LOVE!fullsizeoutput_2891
  3. Bows – These gorgeous bows are from All the Pretty Pretties! Im so in love with all their bows for each holiday and everyday wear!  These prints were my favorite for Valentine’s Day! They have so many others to choose from making it impossible to pick!fullsizeoutput_2895
  4. Nail Polish – Lots of Sparkles! Piggy Paint is my favorite polish for the girls . Its Non-toxic and safe for the littlest loves in your life! fullsizeoutput_289b
  5. Wands – These hand made Conversation Heart Wands by The Della Rose Boutique are so adorable and I know the girls are going to love playing pretend with them!fullsizeoutput_2893
  6. Magnetic  Dress-up – Mudpuppy is our go to for Non-digital toys/games. The Magnetic Dress-up Set is the perfect solution for lost game pieces. They come in a closable tin case and will be so perfect for the girls for in the car and when we go out to dinner.fullsizeoutput_28d4
  7. Stuffers- Lots of the little stuffers and candy I found at Target. Most were in the Target Dollar Spot!fullsizeoutput_2894