Christmas came early!

A package arrived in the mail for me last week. What is it, you ask?

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by a couple of lovely folks representing 3M. To celebrate the launch of 3M's new ScotchBlue Painter's Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector, they asked if I'd like to try the product out on my next painting job and review it on my blog. Umm, let me think about this... Yes, please!! As if it wasn't a no-brainer already, I had a painting project looming in my near future anyway. Perfect timing!

Back to the package. Lizzy and Tomi (the aforementioned lovely folks) were kind enough to send me not just the ScotchBlue Painter's Tape, but an entire painting kit! Complete with a sample of paint, a brush, roller cover, roller tray, wire roller frame, two nap roller covers, and three rolls of ScotchBlue Painter's Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector. How awesome is that?!

AND, as if that wasn't enough, the kit included the book "Decorative Paint Techniques and Ideas," which is filled with a plethora of painting techniques and finishes. (Some of which are a little intimidating to a novice painter like me, but the step-by-step instructions and photos give me hope that even I could master them!)

Be still, my heart.

I'm totally stoked about all this because I desperately needed a new paintbrush too. Just look at this embarrassing mugshot of our old brushes, with their frazzled, frayed, and fatigued bristles.

I know what you're wondering now. What's this painting project I've got lined up? It's not big as far as size, but I think the impact will be big! Our hall bathroom has been bugging me for awhile. The reddish-brownish color itself isn't so bad -- in fact, it's the same color used in our hallway and staircase -- but I think it's too dark for such a small space, especially when you have to use the shower.

Yes, we have 10-foot ceilings. That helps the space appear bigger, but those corners are still awfully dark!

Knocking out a hole in the exterior wall and putting in some glass blocks for extra light would be nice, but not practical right now. A different light fixture might also help, but I don't want to spend that money. That leaves a fresh coat of paint as the easiest and cheapest solution to brighten things up in here. I haven't decided if I should pick a color that still complements the shower curtain, or something different that would call for a new shower curtain... Right now the sink is covered in paint swatches. What I do know there's lots of trimwork, etc. that needs to be taped off, so you can expect a full review of the ScotchBlue Painter's Tape!

Aaaannnnddd, for those of you are still following along, I'll soon be hosting a GIVEAWAY -- generously sponsored by Lizzy and Tomi with 3M -- for a roll of ScotchBlue Painter's Tape with Edge-Lock Paint Line Protector! And there will be multiple winners! Just wanted to make sure I got your attention there.

So, have I given you enough reasons to stay tuned yet?  :)

** Painting kit was provided to me free of charge from ScotchBlue, in exchange for an honest review of their product.