This may be a “TMI” blog post……but I turned 50 a little over a week ago. Yep, I did …and there….. I said it! LOL I think whenever each of us is blessed to graduate from one decade to the next it brings a range of emotion. Hopefully all are good, but for me …there is always a little tinge of a melancholy – emotional farewell.

I remember when I became a teenager…I was sad because it meant I was no longer a “kid.” Here I am today and feel anyone younger than 40 is just a “kid.” I guess it is all in your perspective and I will probably feel anyone who is 50 is just a kid, if I hopefully make it to 70 or 80…or heck….90!

My last year, being 49 was a great year for me in all senses, professionally and personally. I accomplished some very cool goals with my business, managed a bunch of overwhelming tasks that truthfully, I think some would have crumbled under the pressure and personally, focused on my health and close relationships.

My dad passed away from cancer a week and half before my 12th birthday in 1982. He was only 47. He was a wonderful man and every year on my birthday…of course, I think about him. But breaking past the milestone of 47 meant alot to me. But there was something about turning 50 with the goal to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure that was super important to me. Many have never struggled with their health and that is a blessing for them!

For me…it was not quite a straight path but I am really proud to say, that I did it! I saw this sign that says, “Success is never owned. It is only rented, and the rent is due every day.” This is true for all aspects of life or any goal you might have in business, relationships and health. I would like to think I pay a little rent every day with the choices I have made and continue to make and my daily decisions. It is not always easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.

And although this post is not related to paint, or a “how to”….I do feel that “The Purple Painted Lady” is little more than a paint resource to many people and even if we have not met face to face…..we are friends. So, here is just glimpse into one of the millions of thoughts bouncing around in my head at any one minute. LOL

If you are reading this…I just want to thank you for being part of the extended Purple Painted Lady Family!

XO~ Trish, The Purple Painted Lady 💜

 #proudofmyage #reverseaging #lifeisworthlioving #liveyourbestlife

Chalk Paint®️ by Annie Sloan helped Andrew transform an area of his home that he did not like. He was over the traditional red brick and wanted to lighten up the space so he used Paris Grey Chalk Paint® by Annie Sloan all over and then the color called Pure (white) on random bricks to break up the solid color of Paris Grey. Take a peek at this before and after of the brick surrounding his wood burning stove.

Crazy transformation, huh?

STEP 1. CLEAN:

Andrew used swept and vacuumed his brick surround to remove any dust and debris first. Depending on how dirty your brick surround is – will dictate to what degree you will need to clean it. Also, depending on how shiny your bricks are – which means, if they had been sealed prior or if they are a flat, and unsealed….. On shiny bricks, soot will not stain as easily and usually comes off sealed brick with just soap and water. Use caution with using stronger cleaners on sealed brick to avoid stripping off the oil sealer. Brick that has a dull, flat appearance is unsealed brick and that is harder to clean because soot, dirt and grime can penetrate easily into cracks and crevasses.

One suggestion for cleaning bricks, is:
Put 4 cups of hot water in a spray bottle.
Add 1/2 cup of Ammonia and 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and swirl to mix.
Spray a section of bricks with the cleaning solution.
Scrub each brick with the nylon bristle brush. …
If the bricks are especially dirty, you may need to apply more pressure.

MAKE SURE TO ALLOW FOR A COUPLE DAYS FOR THE WET BRICKS to thoroughly dry if using a cleaning agent.

STEP 2. PAINT:

Andrew used Paris Grey Chalk Paint®️ by Annie Sloan and an Annie Sloan Small Dome Top Paint Brush – and painted all over the brick surround. This paint brush is wonderful for this type of application because the large head of the bristles, are able to work like a mop and really get into the nooks and crannies of the brick and grout lines.

Keep in mind, some brick may be thirstier than others and will really suck up the paint. Depending on how opaque of a look you are going for, you may need more than once coat.

Then, Andrew took his Pure Chalk Paint® and thinned some of it by adding a little water to small amount to thin it and then selectively chose specific bricks to lighten to get more subtle effect. This allowed for the look to be more interesting versus being all Paris Grey.

NO TOP COAT is needed, but if you want to apply a top coat, we strongly suggest that you check with your local fire marshall because every city and state have different restrictions and requirements.

So, what do you think? We love it! And if you want to see more fireplace and mantle transformations. LOOK AT THIS WEB POST HERE! : )

 #anniesloan#chalkpaint#parisgreychalkpaint#purechalkpaint#paintyourbrick#nowax#thepurplepaintedlady

No photos to show on this, but wanted to share some information on if can you paint Chalk Paint® over wallpaper?

Yes, you can use Chalk Paint® over wallpaper BUT……..

9Again)……But…….. the most important factor to consider though was if your wallpaper was sized properly when it was first hung. You would not want to paint the wallpaper- have the chalk paint moisten it and then have the wallpaper fall off the wall.

So, if you want to paint wallpaper- I would also recommend that you apply one or two coats of Shieldz Wallpaper Primer first. The Shieldz Wallpaper Primer will act as a moisture barrier so that the wallpaper does not become saturated and loose by the Chalk Paint®. It will also block any inks used to print the wallpaper from bleeding through into the new paint layers.

I would STRONGLY suggest doing a “test” area in the most inconspicuous spot in the room because we cannot guarantee that this will not cause an issue with your wallpaper (that is a disclaimer in case we were subtle). And then — be prepared for if it does not work – to take on the project of stripping the wallpaper! I get that removing wall paper is not fun. In fact- if it was not put up properly- removing it can even ruin your drywall….but in the end, you may have to bite the bullet.

Lastly, always ask yourself if what you are doing could impact the resale value of your home if you were going to sell it. : )

XO~Trish