A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING
Day by Day Insights
DIY Kitchen Reno 2021
One of my 2021 Goals was to complete my DIY Reno for @TheAybarKitchen, and I finally completed it this August.
This project (like all the other ones) took longer than I expected. I began prepping for this in March, by May I began the demo and hired contractors to help me with the floors and countertop because I’m only one person, with 1,000 things to do.
I went through so many design ideas before going with a minimalist contemporary + modern farm style design. My kitchen is the reason I moved into this apartment almost 7 years ago and the foundation of The Aybar Kitchen. Although it’s spacious and had potential, for years my kitchen floor has been unleveled and I found out why during the reno.
Inspo Design I
Inspo Design for Tiles
Inspo Design II
This building was first built in The Bronx in 1928 and not only did we discover I have plaster walls behind my drywall. I had four layers of floors under my tiles, not to mention the mold from the poor plumbing under the sink (the smell is horrible - imagine dealing with this for an entire year). I have been trying to get my landlord to take care of these issues since 2018, and if I continued to wait, I’d still be in the before.
Breaking down the design plan for the reno, this is what was done:
Replaced Tiles with Vinyl Plank Floors (Lifeproof-Trail Oak)
Replaced Countertop (Ikea’s Oak effect/laminate - Butcher Block Style)
Plaster + Paint Ceiling
New Subway Wall Tiles (White with Black Grout)
Add Shelves (Use extra countertop slab)
Replace Base Molding (5”1/2)
Electrical: Replaced + Update Light Fixtures + Outlets to Black
- Outlets (Regular)
- Outlets (GFCI)
- USB Port
- Outlet Covers
- Light Switches
- Light Switch CoversPowder Coat Paint Pipe + Stools
Update Faucet + Soap Dispenser
New Kitchen Sink
Paint Walls + Ceiling White
Update Microwave + Stove
I started with the pipes and stools using Rust-oleum Paint + Primer for Metal to spray paint them black. This process is very messy, similar to powder coating, spray painting leaves tiny residue everywhere! I’ve done it a few times when I painted my radiators and renovated the bathroom (see this project here), you spend more time cleaning up after than painting.
I saved myself about $100 repainting the stools, rather than selling them and purchasing new ones.
After this, I still had to wait a few weeks before the contractors I worked with were available, I began the demo by ripping off the tile floor using a crowbar and hammer. There were some areas I left intact (like the stove/fridge) to not have open holes. The underlayment was exposed for about a month before we began work.
When the contractors began we expected to complete the entire project within a week, but after removing the remaining tiles from the floor, under the cabinet, and the wall tiles there was a bigger mold issue at hand. Again, I had over a year of dealing with the mold under the cabinet but was not expecting what I saw.
We discovered Plaster behind my drywall and it was barely holding up behind the sink. The mold damaged the plaster wall from water leaks, and we literally pulled it off with our hands. Plaster is really hard to break through and it hardens more over the years, so this was evidently caused by years of damage and the most recent leak in January 2020 that my landlord never came to repair.
Since we ran across this issue I also discovered another outlet hidden behind my dry wall and ran new wiring and added another outlet on top of the cabinets to hide the under cabinet lights wire and for the microwave range hood.
I had to keep that hole open for an entire weekend and blocked it off with the new floors just in case a rodent wanted to try and pay me a visit.
Once the wall was resealed, we restructured the sink cabinet with thick plywood, which helped save me money by not having to purchase a new one. The countertop was installed, we then cut and laid out the wall tiles, and moved on to painting the cabinets.
First, I primed them with Behr Acrylic Alkyd Enamel Primer before painting them with Behr Cabinet & Trim Enamel Interior Semi-gloss Paint, using a small roller and brush. My good friend Ed at Home Depot on Gunhill (The Bronx), helped me out a lot with the best way to paint them by hand. Originally, I was going to spray paint them with a gun but the gun I borrowed wasn’t working and I had to complete the task manually.
I lightly sanded them down before priming them.
I updated the light fixtures and outlets to black, although one of the GFCI outlets gave me trouble. Getting electrocuted isn’t fun! Please do not attempt this if you’re not certified or trained.
I only replaced two appliances, my small microwave that sat on top of my fridge, for a range hood style microwave, and my stove. I purchased my appliances at PC Richards & Sons. The microwave is a JVM GE Model and my beautiful Kitchenaid Stove, as I mentioned in the video, I was able to get on a deal. I fell in love with it from the minute I saw the double oven and even more when I found it was blue inside! It has a sabbath mode feature (I’m not Jewish but I do practice a 30 Day Sabbatical Fast annually and this is ideal).
KitchenAid 6.0 cu. ft.
Double-oven gas range
+ Self-cleaning system
+ Double Oven
+ Sealed Burners
+ Prep multiple dishes
+ Sabbath Mode
I left painting for last after the appliances and baseboards were installed, I used Behr Primer + Paint Ultra Pure White for both walls and the ceiling, two coats to cover and complete. Please be advised painting a ceiling is way harder than it appears, but an awesome upper body workout too. I was able to install shelves using some of the countertops that were leftover and added handles to the cabinets.
Finally, one of the last esthetics that revamped the entire kitchen was moving the fridge to the opposite wall facing the window. I host a lot of events, and the kitchen is where everyone gathers while meals are being prepped. Having the fridge right next to the sink was uncomfortable and was in the way, now in its new location is opens the room for people to stand freely without having to move out of the way.
During the process, I got asked (a lot) why I invested in this project when I don’t own the property? I provide a service out of my kitchen and even if it’s a private setting, I’m accountable for abiding by state laws when it comes to Food Service. I’ve worked in various commercial kitchens and food safety and cooking ethics are a priority. This Kitchen also serves as a Lab where I teach my interns how to cook, etc. Plus who wants to eat at a restaurant with an unattractive kitchen setting?
I’m super ecstatic with my new renovated Kitchen and was able to test it for a private wedding we hosted at Parkside Place just a day after completing reno the first week of August. This private event really put us on a deadline to finalize the project, and it was also a success (I’ll be sharing a blog about that event soon). In total, I spent around $800 in materials to revamp the kitchen, the full project cost me $3,000-$3,500.
I really have to thank my Dad, who’s been a Superintendent since I was 3 years old. I learned and mastered a lot of my handy woman skills from him, from locksmith to plaster and paint, carpentry, electrical, plumbing and more.
We’ll be reopening The Aybar Experience with Invites only for Aybar VIP Clients and Members at The Aybar Kitchen.
DIY Bathroom Reno 2021
In December 2020 I began planning a bunch of Interior Design Home DIY projects.
The bathroom was the first completed project. I started in April and took me about a week to complete.
Powder Coated Painted the Pipe
Removed the old towel and toilet paper holder
Patched + Plastered the holes
Painted (Including Decor Sign)
Changed the Door handles + hinges to Black
Electrical: Replaced Light Fixture + Outlets to Black
Completed Abstract Design
Replaced Baskets with Shelves
The abstract design took me about 8 hours to complete and was the longest part but it’s what gives the bathroom this entire vibe! The original Inso was a wallpaper, but me being me I wanted to create it free-handed and I’m so glad I did. My dad is a Superintendent and I learned the majority of my handyman skills from him.
I plan to update the sink and faucet fixtures to black in the near future.
My Curly Hair Routine | Wash + Style
Here's my first of many curly hair routines. It's my go to from wash to style with some tips and tricks for training straight strands to curl.
MY HAIR JOURNEY
So after a bad cut in 2006, I struggled to grow my hair for 10 years. I thought it was never going to grow back and eventually gave up on it. It wasn't until one baby shower In 2015, I was playing around with my cousin's extensions and after a few selfies, I felt nostalgic about the length of my hair. Although, I had said, 'I'd never do that,' I resorted to extensions. About a year in and learning all about them, I decided to start limiting the amount of heat I applied to my hair to help it grow. I began taking biotin, later discovering Collagen and it's amazing benefits (I'll save this for another post). Within a few months I noticed a surprising difference!
I was celebrating my 27th birthday in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic with my sister (celebrating her birthday too), my mother (the other Libra celebrating), brother-in-law and friends. One evening, I got ready for dinner, I styled my hair including my extensions and was amazed with the outcome. My curls looked better than they ever have in years, they were bouncier! That motivated me to slowly begin focusing on my hair's natural state of health. I didn't know much about curly hair maintenance. One spring Sunday, I got a text from one of my good girlfriends, she was in town and I had forgotten she was also a curly hair guru. After 3 hours of talking and 2 wine bottles later, I officially announced on social media that I accepted the curly hair challenge.
For a year, I went through frustration and urgencie to straighten my hair because there are days that are harder than others. I got desperate at times but I stayed strong. Straight strands (Damn freaking straight strands) were the one's that tested my patience the most. I gave myself restrictions to straighten my hair once every 3 months (with the exception of Christmas and New Years). Staying strong to my commitment brought me to where I am today.
I'm a Libra, which makes me indecisive as it is. This was definitely a difficult challenge for me but it was worth the year I dedicated to taking care of my hair's health. I learned so much about curl training, hair health benefits, ingredients and etc. My curls look better than they've ever have, not even during High School and I'm only getting started!
Remember, reading is fundamental! Read your products label's, it's VERY important! Everything has a purpose, some products require specific instructions and by not simply following them, we get mixed results or no results at all. Learn everything about YOUR HAIR! Everything isn't for everyone. My routine might not be effective for other people. Most importantly, BE PATIENT! Great things take time.
I hope my story inspires someone in the world to take on a challenge, even if its a silly one. As long as you grow from it and it makes you a better person, that's all that matters.
|AMAZON DISCOVERIES|
I discovered MY Awesome Diffuser on Amazon. I procastinated so much in getting a diffuser but I'm so glad I did. It makes a HUGE difference when it comes to styling your curls. The same friend that convinced me to take on the curly hair challenge, had about 3 years before that visit telling me to invest into one.
Anywho, It's perfect! Not only is it awesomely designed but It saves space and is easy to store away.
I'll continue to share my discoveries on this blog with you all since I'm an Amazon Lover! I discover so many convenient products there that help make life easier. Being a minimalist with a mix of OCD, allows me to discover cool gadgets and products that are eco-friendly, organic and natural with retro/modern/contemporary design and hidden storage and all for the best economical price.