Transformation Tuesday #53

I'm thrilled to have a few transformations to post for Transformation Tuesday!

This first one is actually one that I wanted to share myself (with Eli's permission, of course). In the summer, Eli asked me if he could go to the rec center (the gym at the school) to start lifting weights. He'd tried it once before and really didn't like it. I didn't want to pay for a membership if he only went a few times and then quit, but he insisted that he really wanted to do it.

Well, it turned into a favorite hobby of his--he LOVES lifting weights. This is a progress photo of him. I think he started lifting in early September. He said that for his first bench press when he started, he lifted 85 pounds; and his most recent one was 195 pounds! He gets really excited when he sets a new personal record.

I'm so happy that he found a healthy hobby that he loves. He's gotten more social (meeting up with people at the weight room) and he's built a ton of self-confidence. Not to mention that he looks fantastic! (Eli will be 16 on January 7th.)

And here are a couple of readers' submissions...

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I installed cedar shingles on the outside of my house (on the exterior walls of the three season room) where the previous homeowner didn’t (not sure why) and I wish I would have done this sooner. It was so easy and I think it looks more cohesive with the rest of the house. I already had the materials (shingles and paint) on hand and it took me a few weekends to complete because of the weather.

- Sarah

Sarah, I'm so impressed that you did that yourself! You're right, it seems odd that the previous owner wouldn't have included shingles there--but it looks fantastic. You did such a great job--you matched it up so well that it looks like it was always there! - Katie

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This is my first ever attempt at painting furniture and I’m thrilled with the results. My mother bought these dressers in the late 1940s and they’re super solid but they were pretty ugly. I ordered glass tops for them to protect the tops.

(There was no name on this email, so I'm not sure who it's from)

These look STUNNING--I absolutely love the new drawer pulls and they make such a big difference. I love furniture makeovers like this! There are so many great, solid pieces out there that just need some updating. You've definitely found a new talent! - Katie

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Thank you SO much for sharing your transformations! I always love seeing what you all come up with. Please please keep them coming so I can keep posting Transformation Tuesday. To submit a transformation (of anything--get creative!) just send a before photo and an after photo to me at: katie (at) runsforcookies (dot) com. Don't forget to include your name and a description of your transformation!