Thrifting... repurpose

I have become quite the thrifter! It all started because I was really getting my kitchen organized. My husband also built me a pantry. In preparation for the pantry I wanted to find some containers and baskets to better organize items in the pantry. {side note--I just love that pantry! I need to post about it}
This post is about a couple of items that are finished. I've already done quite a few projects, but they aren't ready to post yet!

Some of the containers I got for organizing did not need anything but a trip through the dishwasher. I found this canister set and saw some potential. Nice solid wood and heavy glass containers that sealed really well.

This is also my first successful distressing project. After one coat of black paint, it was just too black, and not the look I had imagined.

My hubby sawed off the tops, I had already taken off the knobs that were on two of the canisters. Then the tops got a coat of chalkboard paint... and tada!

I really love this little set!

So here is my candle holder inspiration... I loved the colors, but I have orange in my kitchen. This also inspired my grey and organe kitchen.

Here's what I found at the first thrift store I looked... there's tons of gold decor at the thrift stores. All they need is some paint!

[BEFORE]

[AFTER]

Just a different color makes the world of difference. I am ready to tackle furniture now! There are such great deals on good wood furniture... with a coat of paint and new hardware they are good as new! And you get a super good deal on something that could be as unique as you choose! 

What color candle sticks should I get??

{diet} Dr. Pepper Cake

Diet Dr. Pepper Cake

Oh my goodness.. this cake is so good! I am not big on red velvet cake, but I saw this recipe on pinterest a while back and thought about making it from time to time. It's weight watchers style. I used lite, diet, sugar free ingredients. It does not taste diet AT ALL! Make for others or make it for just any time. It doesn't take long and it's super easy to throw together... believe me you won't be disappointed. Plus you'll have less guilt. I can't won't even tell you how much of this cake I ate on the first day!

Ingredients:
cake
1 box red velvet cake
8 oz Diet Dr. Pepper
topping
8 oz container lite cool whip (there is also low fat or sugar free options)
sugar free cheesecake jell-o pudding
2 cups milk (I used 1% because that's what we drink, but skim would make it even lighter!)

recipe from: Dr. Pepper cake weight watchers style

nice and red and thick!

I almost thought it might need a little more DP

mix Diet Dr. Pepper and cake mix together

bake at 350 for 30 minutes

it doesn't rise as high as a regular cake, I thought I might have cooked it too long,

but after it gets the topping it is so moist!

Tada!

For the topping mix the milk and pudding until it thickens, then spread it on top of the completely cooled cake. Next spread the cool whip on! Store in the refrigerator.

I think you could do other cake and pudding combos... I might try a different combination sometime, but I really love this one!