tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28220639057180524472024-03-19T05:45:35.133-07:00Sometimes SimpleDianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-32694604831503791412012-04-02T07:46:00.009-07:002012-04-02T11:32:40.120-07:00Kitchen Makeover Part 2: Painting the CabinetsWe're painting the roses red! We're painting the roses red! I'm painting my cabinets white linen!<br /><br /><br /><div>Whew. Painting cabinets is no joke. This time consuming, multi-step process has had our house in chaos for OVER THREE WEEKS. Finally, FINALLY the cabinets are done! Those who have already painted cabinets can sympathize; those who haven't just cannot understand. I didn't understand! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here's a sneak peak of the kitchen with the cabinets painted, the knobs installed and doors (mostly) reinstalled. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726871456664371874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin28l62U3NRU2-WoJAGLshRXEgXju25qePdYJpekzPX2WEfSI1RYt6ycw9nQtJmPquZFc6Ke-pXegtTtwreWQ5lMtKdjge_FtAphG7M0Vc82wA1rf5UiYv1Jov6tfVNIFkQi6dKCBYGek/s400/kitchen+cabinets.jpg" /><br />After reading and reading and reading blogs on how to paint cabinets, I finally decided that I wanted to use Benjamin Moore Advance Paint in Linen White. Great, right? Wrong? Do you know how many stores sell this line of paint? Not so many. After visiting 4 stores that sell Benjamin Moore paint and calling a few more, I finally found one about 25 minutes from our house. I drove up to the local hardware store after work one afternoon and was fortunately to score their very last can of Advance Paint in Satin.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Why did it take 3.5 weeks to finish this up? Remember, I have to do this at night after work and after the kiddos are settled down for the night. The work breakdown is below:<br /><strong>Day 1-2</strong> Clean cabinets with TSP and remove doors from cabinets</div><br /><div><strong>Day 3-4</strong> Sand cabinets and doors</div><br /><div><strong>Day 5-7</strong> Prime doors and cabinets</div><br /><div><strong>Day 8</strong> Didn't get to do anything</div><br /><div><strong>Day 9</strong> Sand all the doors and cabinets</div><br /><div><strong>Day 9</strong> Finally find and buy paint</div><br /><div><strong>Day 10-11</strong> Paint coat 1 on cabinets and doors</div><br /><div><strong>Day 12-13</strong> Paint coat 2 on cabinets and doors </div><br /><div><strong>Day 14</strong> Do nothing-no time!</div><br /><div><strong>Day 15-16</strong> Paint coat 3 on cabinets and doors</div><br /><div><strong>Day 17-20</strong> Do nothing while paint on cabinets/doors cure</div><br /><div><strong>Day 21-23</strong> Drill holes for new knobs/rehang cabinet doors</div><br /><div><strong>Day 24</strong> Stand back and admire all the work</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am so glad that is done. Again, here's a peak at our progress.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 288px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 386px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726868084331882978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEaGp9or4VKqWvcB8Dp3ydxgpRd9ge_Y2idg1SAtxGntJH8ptGAIp6DECHqfDBa8Lfw1IpL0VEaY_6JIL7wUXL-ezhEoWCVWhzeXi7DeaMSZwcYrtSXDZoE6Qn8bGRreyjyErJNXoA6i8/s400/Kitchen+counter+2+before" /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIdXwTkSuF2I-iVWiiCauKaKhd4YV8fqAvqHl1PMhGSo906uF7_MlELNCbdvxHfzMjRDTG1d0ARkJr6CMOwAOgLI4qefzhCYcTmolqqTPs9S23LcP31Zt1tgE-giJGhAprnv98rQOEnQ/s1600/kitchen+cabinets.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5726872377711787330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIdXwTkSuF2I-iVWiiCauKaKhd4YV8fqAvqHl1PMhGSo906uF7_MlELNCbdvxHfzMjRDTG1d0ARkJr6CMOwAOgLI4qefzhCYcTmolqqTPs9S23LcP31Zt1tgE-giJGhAprnv98rQOEnQ/s400/kitchen+cabinets.jpg" /></a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-26378382498447995322012-03-19T11:19:00.009-07:002012-04-02T10:58:00.558-07:00Kitchen Makeover Part 1: The Post I've Been DreadingAfter seven and a half years in our little home, we've decided to update our kitchen. I'm not talking about <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">throwing</span> some new paint on the walls and adding some new accessories-I've already done that (about 4 times already). Changing the paint color just isn't making me love the kitchen. More serious work needs to be done. <br /><br /><br /><p>To be fair, our kitchen is certainly not ugly. At most, it's a little dated. The flooring and counters are chipped/cracked in some places-but it was nothing I couldn't live with. Like many of our household projects, this decision resulted from another project. We are currently having a new exterior door in the kitchen installed. This door leads out onto our second story deck. This is the final exterior door we want to replace. We would like to stop supplying heat (or A/C) to the rest of our neighborhood and a new door should help. After the door is installed, I have to repaint the trim and walls anyway, so why not work in a full makeover? <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721693281672127746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkee1DujzW_PMbBpXiuxFBQH7zXsYojCV2qjtjIL08AloSFdYLBptXZbnl-fmM1W43y00_2-k2EG3rbrMcDSxDNlOMDX0ZD-2JlzyGxdctCW_SABL9DpAhoyq3MJkw-sl5HskQ9IySE4/s400/DSC00262.JPG" /><br />Here's a preview of what the kitchen currently looks like. Actually, the walls aren't even green anymore; they are a light aqua blue. It looks basically the same and most people didn't even know I changed the color. It's not horrible. The maple cabinets are in good shape and the laminate counters are okay. There are chips and, if I'm honest, I'm the only person I know who doesn't love gray right now. The laminate floor looks okay, but it's actually in pretty bad shape. The floor is warped in some areas and chipped in many places. Laminate floors just do not work for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">clumbsy</span> me in a kitchen.<br /><br />I've decided to follow <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.younghouselove.com">Young House Love's</a> kitchen remodeling steps since those guys are so <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">DIY</span> savvy and do such a fantastic job providing tips. My first step is painting the cabinets. I am so not looking forward to this, but I am looking forward to the end result.<br /><br />So, what's the plan? </p><br /><ul><br /><li>Replace the sliding door (not pictured). This is where the bulk of the budget is going.</li><br /><li>Paint the cabinets a creamy white (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ack</span>-I have to decide on a paint color!)</li><br /><li>Replace/add hardware</li><br /><li>Install a new tile and glass <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">backsplash</span></li><br /><li>Install a new butcher block counter top, sink and faucet</li><br /><li>Paint the walls a new color since Installing the door will ruin the paint and I am ready for a new wall color anyway. Aqua blue, while pretty, just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">does't</span> do it for me.</li><br /><li>Install inexpensive flooring</li><br /><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Accesorize</span>!</li></ul><br /><p>We're pretty slow with our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">rennovations</span> due to our day jobs, kids and well because we are just slow at getting anything done (except eating). I'm hoping to get this <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">rennovation</span> done by mid-May, but I'm not going to flip out (much) if it's not done. Slow and steady-that's my mantra with this project.<br /></p>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-67735291106664819912011-12-30T18:16:00.001-08:002012-01-02T05:59:19.191-08:00Covering an Old WindowOne of the many joys of buying an older home is finding out where the original house ended and additions began. In our house, inefficient, oddly placed windows were the tell-tale sign. Until last spring, we had a window in one of our bathrooms that looked directly into the laundry room. And while this was very convenient when I wanted to watch my kids bath while I did laundry, it left a lot to be desired when someone had to actually use the toilet! This year, we turned that window into an adorable little wall <a href="http://www.sarahsimple.blogspot.com/2011/04/mission-private-bathroom-complete.html">niche</a> in the bathroom. I'm still thrilled about it and our new found privacy!<br /><br />The second window we decided to address was the window in our basement kitchen (yes, we have 2 kitchens) that looks into the children's outdoor toy storage/garage. Last year, we replaced all the windows in our home with new energy efficient windows except this window. Best $10K we ever spent on this house! Why replace a window that we would rater just get rid of, right?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OdjEsFl0Ff5-nK-srK2Rw_42uZLS6TBi76peF-fTf1exhpAFMUcPipHBD_VZSAL-zM9LAd34X9IDfNM_iJav6KjcwkTVRphARjazd0bF41P67NputcYrldv5meLgbHWnDvSmyOgx6Zx4/s1600/DSC00637.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OdjEsFl0Ff5-nK-srK2Rw_42uZLS6TBi76peF-fTf1exhpAFMUcPipHBD_VZSAL-zM9LAd34X9IDfNM_iJav6KjcwkTVRphARjazd0bF41P67NputcYrldv5meLgbHWnDvSmyOgx6Zx4/s400/DSC00637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692100939895863202" border="0" /></a>In this picture, we are removing all the flooring in the basement to replace it with laminate flooring. But, you can see the window that looks out into our toy storage room/garage/garage door. It was just ugly. Okay, so the entire space is awful in this picture. Doesn't it always look worse before it gets better?<br /><br />Since funds were pretty low (like non-existant) after repairing all the water damage this year, we had to get creative. First, Carl patched the window with extra plywood we had from an old daybed. Between the plywood sheets, he added insulation and Great Stuff for insullation.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhJCJQLY6TqFp1fsN5l_NpQhWa0kpdR5B84cnAxUF1dhKu9Eb97IowWuHJyTsdRCM59plk48jYAplawb4xoRLphyaT7ciCHDyK-m7MDOrCtjTftXS3SRon385UuMz7kOL57oskox-xqcM/s1600/DSC01275.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhJCJQLY6TqFp1fsN5l_NpQhWa0kpdR5B84cnAxUF1dhKu9Eb97IowWuHJyTsdRCM59plk48jYAplawb4xoRLphyaT7ciCHDyK-m7MDOrCtjTftXS3SRon385UuMz7kOL57oskox-xqcM/s400/DSC01275.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692103535808008642" border="0" /></a>After putting in the plywood, we realized how dark the room looked. The kitchen is in the basement, after all. We agreed that adding a mirror to this space would look great. But, having a mirror cut could be expensive. A look at craigslist and our local second-hand stores didn't yield anything in our price range either. So, we began looking through all our junk and spied this!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhPOOTdXUwfjstRwh73DUUqdcwja3HDh2qLppmQG-Cdz6iszEz2sisiB6vf7X5_HFeNIcSUtPNyV1Td-4xo7y8UjuxX4ap6Mq7zlNGJOdjPl_f1dQzgWLT4uEg0myzs4F-3KtqNNf7lOs/s1600/DSC00286.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPhPOOTdXUwfjstRwh73DUUqdcwja3HDh2qLppmQG-Cdz6iszEz2sisiB6vf7X5_HFeNIcSUtPNyV1Td-4xo7y8UjuxX4ap6Mq7zlNGJOdjPl_f1dQzgWLT4uEg0myzs4F-3KtqNNf7lOs/s400/DSC00286.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692104635522915298" border="0" /></a><br />We were no longer using the hutch portion of this dresser and decided to store it. The mirror was a perfect fit for the space. So, Carl popped out the mirror, glued it into the space and added some moulding to secure it in and to look nice. Here's how it turned out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY62ETbEnOGkSuaFuEhi0FFsDSFXqfTIs7Yi1o3uZBdRYpPNlfTMaA_cEsMCRW6wdtXFQN7tFieJvAjgJtCUpsFFKurKNDpYjEl203h4o-AcMAE2xq44WYng-rGIqj1RbXwZCYHq65M99t/s1600/DSC01323.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY62ETbEnOGkSuaFuEhi0FFsDSFXqfTIs7Yi1o3uZBdRYpPNlfTMaA_cEsMCRW6wdtXFQN7tFieJvAjgJtCUpsFFKurKNDpYjEl203h4o-AcMAE2xq44WYng-rGIqj1RbXwZCYHq65M99t/s400/DSC01323.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692105424401480130" border="0" /></a>I painted the tile backsplash white. Yes, i painted the ceramic tile. I'm not that concerned because we never use this kitchen. I decided not to paint the cabinets (for now) because they are in excellent original condition. These cabinets are original to the house. So, they are approximately 50 years old. They have a very mid-century feel which works well with the rest of our theme in the room. They polished up beautifully too! Honestly, I hate the light fixture globes, but Carl loves them and they match the family room rug, so they will stay. I added some lime green accessories like towels, rug and a clock to tie the color scheme into the adjacent room.<br /><br />As I mentioned before, I never style pictures because I just don't have the time/desire. This is how it looks every day (we don't use this kitchen much). I always keep a cutting board out (because I am obsessed with cutting boards!) and the dogs messed up the carpet. Oh, and I usually walk around the house in a red apron and my hair a mess. We are beyond pleased with this project. Now, we can spend time in our family room kitchen without viewing the old, ugly and inefficient window. This old house is slowly becoming one that reflects our family.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-1871791591922908702011-11-10T10:04:00.000-08:002011-11-13T13:19:40.846-08:00And We're Done-Bedroom Complete!Both the roof and the basement have dried out and been <a href="http://sarahsimple.blogspot.com/2011/10/that-1.html">repaired</a>. Since the last update, the small roof over our garage has been completely replaced and we've had a french drain and sump pump in the master bedroom. Finally, we were able to move onto fixing the flooring situation in room.<br /><div><br />About 18 months ago, we ripped out the old nasty carpet and installed laminate flooring throughout the entire bottom floor of our house (summer kitchen, family room, hallway and our bedroom).<br /><br /><div></div><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 300px; display: block; height: 400px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5673432429194285298" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWMmDTrquzaVtx1gakmuo50PhzWsoWNLxVPsuAdUrUjNxu7uhtE-gfxWhyphenhyphenYGb94nTLpzhlUGnqgEz4F86oW7X64KhNeIE24aiJkesZ_nuvpmCm4inhGno3wlWL18WMjqzZcmKHQZf6Bw/s400/DSC00641.JPG" border="0" /><br />Our bedroom, pictured above was the last room to get the laminate flooring. It doesn't usually look this bad. This is the middle of a construction zone.<br /><br />We finally got the laminate floor in and... I hated it. In the pictures, it doesn't look bad. However, I just didn't love it for my bedroom. It reminded me that this room wasn't supposed to be a bedroom, it was supposed to be a bonus room or family room. And because I didn't love it, I didn't blog about it. I didn't spend much time in it either.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ0GtYek7xB-8zCne9E2cKNm-uttIIDvxmWlakqvgl14DDZPpD3sBcf2DpIYSh_hE-qbr1hIBbbrbFUttXcXGozAwhHscr-VyjVXCUFFAjzd6X1IB69yx9m57r_ZHl64z-odIuXQ91Zw/s1600/DSC00968.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQ0GtYek7xB-8zCne9E2cKNm-uttIIDvxmWlakqvgl14DDZPpD3sBcf2DpIYSh_hE-qbr1hIBbbrbFUttXcXGozAwhHscr-VyjVXCUFFAjzd6X1IB69yx9m57r_ZHl64z-odIuXQ91Zw/s400/DSC00968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674551286373700258" border="0" /></a><br />When we had the french drain installed, Hubby and I had to remove the damaged laminate floor. After two weeks of walking around on cold, gross concrete floors, I was ready to start pricing carpet. I knew what I liked, and I knew my budget ($500-$600), but the two didn't agree with one another. Isn't that always the way?<br /><br />We have a large dog who's nails snag, so I knew Berber wasn't an ideal option. We have Berber carpet throughout much of the house and I am always trimming the snags. I like the new shag carpeting, but it turns out it's not in my budget. I looked into installing carpet tiles, but the mixed reviews scared me away. That, and it wasn't really that much cheaper.<br /><br />The one thing I did know is that I wanted a brownish tan carpet with no pink undertones. Pink undertones with our yellow and green room just doesn't look great.<br /><br />I got three estimates on carpets and found one that I liked the best for the least price. It is a brown plush/shaggy style in browns. I even managed to get it installed for under $600.00, $589.00 to be exact!<br /><br />Two weeks later, out carpet was installed and I am in love! I love the soft cushy feeling under my feet!<br /><br />Here's some pictures below of the room with new carpet. You won't find perfectly styled rooms on this blog. I have a bit of an aversion to knick knacks, and prefer items have functionality. This is why my bookshelves contain books that are read very regularly. I like a styled bookcase as much as the next person, but it's just not going to happen in our house.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OqAO_2Mh-0c1PIMFUCSLzJLTK9Qx23xjBRooe5ATJvPy5xBLxbplwsmv1HO_nXXzGwX8nX6M1233N_UG6A6GYwfu-VP1FmlLV3OUXj0Y9jy5G_JYQV4SN9F5kOZBMcqR0WlNIBp75No/s1600/DSC01272.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OqAO_2Mh-0c1PIMFUCSLzJLTK9Qx23xjBRooe5ATJvPy5xBLxbplwsmv1HO_nXXzGwX8nX6M1233N_UG6A6GYwfu-VP1FmlLV3OUXj0Y9jy5G_JYQV4SN9F5kOZBMcqR0WlNIBp75No/s400/DSC01272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674552487505838994" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D963XDTbnbtB9xANDbVOZPewoOxgIA9Z0-hfJ5ybcc00K3ScFkdmRJnQyp9pR6yk1mCPpWi_bfjdbkGB9ahTWSuGaJsut-0eWp9NIHMKEG3eZ14BeUz8Fa8mDzx1dYbwHSUgIGQGPnw/s1600/DSC01270.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D963XDTbnbtB9xANDbVOZPewoOxgIA9Z0-hfJ5ybcc00K3ScFkdmRJnQyp9pR6yk1mCPpWi_bfjdbkGB9ahTWSuGaJsut-0eWp9NIHMKEG3eZ14BeUz8Fa8mDzx1dYbwHSUgIGQGPnw/s400/DSC01270.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674552704811993266" border="0" /></a>This room is a blend of old and new. The dressers and night stands belonged to my parents and are at least 50 years old. The bed came from my grandmother. The lamps and picture are all Goodwill finds. We painted over the old paneling. We even reused some of the old laminate flooring in front of the door. Since the windows have ledges under them, curtain lengths had to be customized. Floor to ceiling curtains, unfortunately, just could not work. I make the curtains using discounted fabric and stitch witchery. The new items in the room include bed linens, door, windows and window treatment fabric. <br /><br />Finally, I can relax in our bedroom. <br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-60084973135872300672011-10-27T06:56:00.000-07:002011-10-27T07:21:32.042-07:00That 1%I haven't blogged many projects in a few months because we've been working on boring house maintenance and repair work. But, thinking back, that's an interesting and important topic to write about as well, so here goes.<br /><br />The mid-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Atlantic</span> area has been hit with rain, rain and more rain for the last few months. Everywhere we look housing are experiencing major flood damage. Unfortunately, we own one of those houses. The situation is so bad that when we called to get someone in to look at our flooding problem, we had to wait, get this, a month just to get someone out. And that's if I received a call back at all! On the positive side, we had time to save our $$ to pay for the repair.<br /><br />We actually had two major problems.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 280px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668172728439087202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPofSDuiP-2UwDzbjZJbnj4aKLlhG1ettCiVA1Gk6Oyj5wSjOsmHnqf811eyLFJtkOMXqRP2bq0I4mnA5ybUh1_tFenkcJ5rWzD_qkHTyzw-_NkeuVM7JM_CWYBxLVlC4DOnyyGqMgjY/s400/before+house+back.jpg" /><br />Using an old picture, I've illustrated the areas damaged by water. I'm being generous. The circled items are just where the damage originates. We have way more damage than just in the circled areas. <br /><br />Problem #1: First up is the small roof above the garage. You'll notice that the back of the house has no gutters (why, I don't know). Because of this, water was falling off the deck roof directly onto the roof below. Water was trapped inside this roof causing all the wood to rot inside. This was not evident without removing the XXX. I discovered the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">damage</span> when a sheet of wood fell inside the shed because the structure holding it in rotted. Goody. Ironically, the shingles had no damage. <br /><br />So, we needed to replace this entire roofing structure. Despite being a repair cost of at least $1,000.00, this project was actually too small for most roofing companies to bid. These guys are so busy, they are turning work away! We got a total of 2 bids. One was more than double than the other. We selected the lower priced option because this company actually provided a solutions to the problem in addition to replacing the roof. They will be installing a gutter system above the deck. This will be done this week!<br /><br />Problem #2: This addition in the back of our house contains our master bedroom and laundry room. Every single time it rains, both rooms are flooded. The water <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">originates</span> from the corner I've circled. I should mention we just put in new flooring in our master bedroom less than 1 year ago and now it's ruined. After months and months, we finally had a professional in to assess the situation. Turns out that 99% of houses like ours (a raised ranch/bi-level, split foyer) do not need a sump pump. Looks like we're that 1%. We felt so special. The solution is to install a french drain that leads into a sump pump in this back addition. This too will be done this week. <br /><br />So, looks like these projects will be done soon, and I can work on (and blog about!) fun projects. I can't wait!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-11958847894711368502011-07-09T08:14:00.000-07:002011-07-09T11:17:58.527-07:00Herbs Take 2I may have mentioned a time or three that I love our herb garden. Herbs are not only pretty, but they also are edible!<br /><br />Sometimes, the herbs in our garden grow a little more than I anticipate. Last week, my mother asked me when I was going to weed my garden. I had already weeded, but the herbs began to encroach onto the sidewalk and look kind of, well, weedy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAS9y1p6-M76a-tNUFgJkPjHHaG3knB8Iul3uk6O6EXBiBIDuTTPQGxjwVhzN_Gc1YTK4yUYMvQXrz7sAj4W_vFsqgCfh9vsYmzcqquepHiyiIAdLBtvr9JPsGmt9CSxlHnTusiTSDIY/s1600/DSC00640.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSAS9y1p6-M76a-tNUFgJkPjHHaG3knB8Iul3uk6O6EXBiBIDuTTPQGxjwVhzN_Gc1YTK4yUYMvQXrz7sAj4W_vFsqgCfh9vsYmzcqquepHiyiIAdLBtvr9JPsGmt9CSxlHnTusiTSDIY/s400/DSC00640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627415315869065282" border="0" /></a>I promise, these are herbs-chives to be exact!<br /><br />I occasionally give herbs away, but I find that a lot of people do not really want them. And we have more of some herbs that we will every need, so I just trim them back. I hate tossing the clippings in our compost pile; it seems such a waste. So, I decided to start using them in vases in our home.<br /><br />Currently, we have a glut of oregano. This plant has a beautiful little white flower and has that wonderful oregano smell. So, I cut oregano until I found the sidewalk again, washed the plant well (because they attract all kinds of bugs!) and threw them into a kicky little lime green vase.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTHIFqOdLZGY_s6GgOh8HQ29snCiPitLC0BlaBJY8hsVLU7fPpgREn48isG-h2JFR-AJeit8qKmUPqpjpBzER_YtIvT9BCsaDc6BomEfHaEqarg9LbECUWJUKP0tguMwkdKWo5NAP0C0/s1600/DSC01040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTHIFqOdLZGY_s6GgOh8HQ29snCiPitLC0BlaBJY8hsVLU7fPpgREn48isG-h2JFR-AJeit8qKmUPqpjpBzER_YtIvT9BCsaDc6BomEfHaEqarg9LbECUWJUKP0tguMwkdKWo5NAP0C0/s400/DSC01040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627416368988940754" border="0" /></a>I didn't add water because I figured the oregano could dry on our table and I could just pull off little leaves as we need them when cooking. How's that for practical decorating?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jg4kfqSZct4IDuWxAOOxCcXGwTFLKfek0oBOF9RgrCQwezfemJI2EaAW_oWw6HRaTbbJ5j2pn8zLFYBJrf4kpuXo9h9crfMPW35agqhUJqSk3f4SfPtJFbB3ofXUflNh05LYa5Mgh-s/s1600/DSC01039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-jg4kfqSZct4IDuWxAOOxCcXGwTFLKfek0oBOF9RgrCQwezfemJI2EaAW_oWw6HRaTbbJ5j2pn8zLFYBJrf4kpuXo9h9crfMPW35agqhUJqSk3f4SfPtJFbB3ofXUflNh05LYa5Mgh-s/s400/DSC01039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627416994654122898" border="0" /></a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-85508501121503705512011-07-07T07:28:00.000-07:002011-07-07T08:07:15.666-07:00Blackberry Jelly Time!As a child, I remember walking down our long rocky driveway on hot summer days and picking blackberries with my sister. Sometimes we'd eat them, occasionally, we'd bring a basket of fruit home with us, but most of the times, we had blackberry fights. Now, I'm mortified not only for the stains, but the total waste of food. Oh well. The memories were good. I wanted my children to have similar memories. So, my husband planted 6 berry bushes along our back fence. Now, each summer, we are rewarded with raspberries and blackberries. The blackberries really are the star of the show. They are huge-sometimes over 2" long, super sweet and plentiful.<br /><br /><div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626620477091689426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sikIOOrg2_2M1oZHBUq0I2DRMIh1kH1fg9oHptKNY5rWVm3jwTZsKSX4zhx5GAgToydqB5IyV6q_GMQSV0IXYA6GrFMwY1GOtghfdIVKbBEABgCtf8wJHwcXZngfm5RhT5WOORh1Tmk/s400/Jolee+with+the+berries.JPG" /> Now, my children walk to the back of our little yard and pick berries.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626622294725800418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEdjUq0QKXKv3jl-GBXLgzM3U67jij2iShwn95Zcz5noNL1Nc83Wz4nCw5Pka1WbfLq1k2oq4ch0pvfgHT_v8VnegpmgweXmD9u6Fu_A9_pmLydgfvIdK4YtWd3vwLsW9YaV_3NkBA3Y/s400/Alek+picking+berries.JPG" />Often they just pop them into their mouths (yes, before washing them). When they notice that there are a lot of ripe berries, they run inside, grab a bowl and start collecting them. They even recruit me to help. Since we are all different heights, we are good at finding all the ripe berries!<br /><br /><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626619816195712738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqiVN3vGnDsmBKMy9QQ3i2OV-hQKP28hzuXgYOdt5BQk42k2taHApLZiUO40nNaWqzwpFKXsBK3bIvibvsmqN0pWA_3EWjqjCoBpT8P68t7LPqJ03FwL4QpGyuxUBLGrndnMqINPMJiPE/s400/berries+in+a+bowl.JPG" />We picked these yesterday. This bowl made about 4 cups of crushed blackberries.</div><br /><div><br />After the berries are collected, we bring them inside, wash them and make freezer jam. I think this is their favorite part!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626625034101661474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNJeSLKw-t4lPiojdU725TILUWb9RhCU6a-ItfxXOvh40VbLaVx-GeWN6qXMkePeHHXNmn4PSGnxVcabEzlh22jk7seLExVvNlMhBVSm1nq1FXbR59esqLno92ffH67GZtNQtgYziYV4/s400/A+and+J+making+Jam.JPG" /></div>There's just something about picking something that you grew and turning it into something for your family to eat. I hope my kids think back fondly on these activities one day. I know I already do.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-57449578696822165972011-07-06T07:09:00.000-07:002011-07-11T10:07:30.226-07:00Simple. Ha!<div>About a week ago, I noticed that one of the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">fluorescent</span> bulbs in one of our <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">kitchen</span> light fixture was dim. So, I decided to replace the bulb. However, changing the bulb didn't do the trick.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 358px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628141829874720290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDFQcU4Rz5aav8gme7JVcnpz3_dJ1RIQhmnjQ2BZkaaezqTGMnBmZA4GQRPpd4dDCDX3UwInHB6grS6uXNi78OY067F5K-kHCybVFg_eXFmLp2RBBUynxAmqSkaiY_kstaclqm0W4XNc/s400/ugly+light+2.JPG" />This isn't the light, but it's what the light looked like. This picture is from our downstairs kitchen. Same light, different location, both ugly. You get the point. <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Now I had a decision. I could:<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><strong>A. Try to fix the old, ugly <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">florescent</span> light box, </strong><em>or</em><br /></p><br /><p align="left"><strong>B. Go buy a new one already</strong></p>After consulting with the husband who apparently hated the light fixture (who knew?), I drove on over to Lowe's to check out new light fixtures. I had a few criteria in mind when shopping.<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>Not the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">light box</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">florescent</span> type of light</li><br /><li>No pendent lights. This fixture will be directly over the kitchen sink/counter where we stand frequently. I am tall (6'0) + we have ceilings that are not high. Consequently, pendent lights, if they don't hit my head are just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">uncomfortable</span> hovering just over it. </li><br /><li>We'd like a darker color such as black or oil rubbed <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">bronze</span> to match out other light fixtures (but I wasn't afraid to paint if I found something</li><br /><li>Inexpensive-as in under $50.00</li><br /><li>Both hubby and I had to like it</li></ul><br /><p>I quickly found a much more updated, non <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">florescent</span> light box type fixture for $40.00. It was the last one in stock and it was originally $59.00, so I snagged it.</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626268674994760098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9zcwVRimh60W5s01VAtIu0IrSYGaoeIsIJ54QpkppkfHuEZao8CQL-Om_S51PE4h3X2TSrIFAVD0zT7cTFWAmXNldvF7-hM2HkO6Aq31s-k3BuvBqw76F-OybpdEPen7BFpa5jvA12E/s400/lights.jpg" /> This isn't the exact fixture, but it looks similar. See it fit all my criteria!<br /><br /><br /><p>I was excited when I arrived home, so I wanted to install the new light right away. I turned off the electric (always a good idea!) and went to work removing the light fixture. Imagine my delight to find not one , not two, but THREE holes hidden under that box. Only one of the holes was needed for the electrical wiring. The other two were just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">delightful</span> little surprises. Since the new fixture wouldn't cover the holes, I now realize that I have to patch the ceiling. </p><br /><p>Which means...</p><br /><p></p><br /><p>I have to now patch <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">and</span> paint the ceiling. Ugh. I hate <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">painting</span> a ceiling. Furthermore, I am incapable of painting a ceiling without getting little splatters all over the walls. So, I'll also have to touch up (at a minimum) the walls and pray that the colors still match. This simple little fix was turning into a total room makeover. </p><br /><p>After a minor attitude adjustment, I realized this was not a problem, but an opportunity to tweak a kitchen that I have never, ever been able to get quite right. This kitchen has been 4 colors in the last 6 years. The rooms has been cream, colonial blue, yellow-green and light gray-green. After reading tons of blogs and advice online, I *think* my problem is that I was using muddy colors next to my gray counters, white trim (originally stained) and white/black tile. The result was a bit gloomy </p><br /><p>First things first, I had to start at the top, err the ceiling that is. I patched the holes. I just crumbled up some paper, stuffed it into the holes and covered it with mud-a neat little trick my father taught me when I was 16 years old! And what do you know, it covered pretty well! A little sanding later and I was ready for to paint the ceiling. Finally, 3 days after trying to fix the original light, my lovely husband hung the new light fixture!</p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fp-PuFZOSgPULHfvLYgzI0UFesVMkaodPGu6MncXvC5VeMz3AxeJkBZG69ZcfXncTPUWGypqZE6DlpLzaoYt4AbJfOzgU5SFL8QxsogkdGcnOOG4TXcoV2uRMVovs8RcnAyf3urBqao/s1600/DSC01036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 380px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627411343616920274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Fp-PuFZOSgPULHfvLYgzI0UFesVMkaodPGu6MncXvC5VeMz3AxeJkBZG69ZcfXncTPUWGypqZE6DlpLzaoYt4AbJfOzgU5SFL8QxsogkdGcnOOG4TXcoV2uRMVovs8RcnAyf3urBqao/s400/DSC01036.JPG" /></a></p><br /><br /><p></p>When we flipped the switch to the light, we were astounded at how bright our kitchen became. Hubby suggested we get lower wattage bulbs and I agree... when these burn out that. We really like the new track light fixture. It does a lot to update our outdated space for very little $$.<br /><br />Next stop, painting the walls because I splattered ceiling paint on them. Fingers crossed, new paint will help brighten up our kitchen even more! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-11358493876560196522011-06-25T17:40:00.000-07:002011-06-28T18:19:11.349-07:00Oops! Paint, I LOVE YOU!I always have good intentions to finish one project before I start yet another. Yet, sometimes I just cannot pass up a deal. Then, I get so excited by said deal that I have to start the new project as soon as I get home.<br /><br />Case in point, last weekend, while buying crack sealer at Lowe's, I happened upon the Oops paint section. I have no clue how I ended up in this section, but I did. Imagine my delight when I found a lovely aqua paint in my favorite brand-Valspar Ultra Premium in semi-gloss. It was the exact color I wanted to paint my daughter's dresser. And it was only $5.00.<br /><br />Here's the dresser before.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsHHIjxUyKYiYdvdfSkQdGpNAR_57f3CLWJAkB1AlnDDIH_RnBkkVrU9GWk0NHrvd_7IGOIddaqwJyMtY1b_iGwopE-EYbPVFOx0fEw8rPGuoPpdHJABdNMs84freemcV4JOUzJpUGuE/s1600/DSC00388.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIsHHIjxUyKYiYdvdfSkQdGpNAR_57f3CLWJAkB1AlnDDIH_RnBkkVrU9GWk0NHrvd_7IGOIddaqwJyMtY1b_iGwopE-EYbPVFOx0fEw8rPGuoPpdHJABdNMs84freemcV4JOUzJpUGuE/s400/DSC00388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623067321367763778" border="0" /></a>My mother found this dresser (along with a matching vanity and night stand) at an estate sale for around $125.00. She didn't notice that it was pretty stained up until after she bought it and loaded it onto the truck. That was no big deal. The bedroom set was in fantastic shape otherwise.<br /><br />Finally, 10 months later, I stumble upon the aqua paint. And the next day, I painted the entire set. Here's the after.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOj4GwgW9D-5fybAeomq40udqhyWfvJNcdm46KS589rr-aXjCCGRxq4vR4lVpD8Yb4Oyn94BQRHUGW_Nm-OsqoFB-o6UjQ08YjpMcfLFk2ZsewjXr2nKo0_PrRnwYZ20GfTe0gK9WW5U/s1600/DSC01005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 332px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOj4GwgW9D-5fybAeomq40udqhyWfvJNcdm46KS589rr-aXjCCGRxq4vR4lVpD8Yb4Oyn94BQRHUGW_Nm-OsqoFB-o6UjQ08YjpMcfLFk2ZsewjXr2nKo0_PrRnwYZ20GfTe0gK9WW5U/s400/DSC01005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623069023008622482" border="0" /></a>I left the handles as is because the mirror and headboard match and I was undecided on which way to go. I love how it turned out.<br /><br />This was by far the easiest piece of furniture I have ever painted. I just sanded it, primed and painted it with two coats and used a roller. That's it. Now, I just have to finish decorating my daughter's room. I'm so close now, I can just see it!<br /><br />Linking up!<br /><a href="http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/tatahmar/CASSIE%20BUSTAMANTE/btt.jpg?t=1286337961" /></a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-20004903050254145872011-06-22T18:48:00.000-07:002011-06-22T19:14:23.152-07:00New NeighborsAbout two weeks ago, we had a new family move into the house across the street. As soon as I saw the For Sale sign come down, I prayed that a nice family with kids would move in. We have a lot of older neighbors, and wanted a family like ours to join the neighborhood. Well, the good Lord heard my prayers and I spied a lovely family with two young children bringing in moving boxes.<br /><br />I wanted to go over there and introduce myself right away, but for some reason I hesitated. I'm not particularly shy, so why hesitate? I am embarrassed to admit that I am often paint covered and filthy from working in the yard.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeXvKNH7xvMcSCFILaHJkCp-YgjXWnBECBcIgMD0g4IyqwOFYyJSWdeS27AS2g9O3Q_9pNrH73HIO0jtTCSBsbHZM7GWv5KsTsvrSuxix1LSSsB2WLDghbG_1BxCpr0zv5NyFJDZ87k/s1600/DSC00708.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeXvKNH7xvMcSCFILaHJkCp-YgjXWnBECBcIgMD0g4IyqwOFYyJSWdeS27AS2g9O3Q_9pNrH73HIO0jtTCSBsbHZM7GWv5KsTsvrSuxix1LSSsB2WLDghbG_1BxCpr0zv5NyFJDZ87k/s400/DSC00708.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621230875250098754" border="0" /></a>See, this is just my hand from our playhouse project a few weeks ago.<br /><br />While doing yard work, my kids often join in and are equally filthy. Okay, they are just plain gross. Even I can't deny that!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA6FTMgDk6AOj2wv-mSNL3vXeqglK8I_y9jRGK2bvj5Sgv27JH0Fxki-4HavqnnSbi_a0HaMgHEpJ8cJgY4YTLMmqoZPL7OIhpWu3FbeNxOkjLvgnafmDXj7zLP_k9oO59TERW7hUuSc/s1600/IMG_2152.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtA6FTMgDk6AOj2wv-mSNL3vXeqglK8I_y9jRGK2bvj5Sgv27JH0Fxki-4HavqnnSbi_a0HaMgHEpJ8cJgY4YTLMmqoZPL7OIhpWu3FbeNxOkjLvgnafmDXj7zLP_k9oO59TERW7hUuSc/s400/IMG_2152.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621231310446874370" border="0" /></a><br />I have yet to meet a new neighbor for the first time when I wasn't gardening. True story, my husband unexpectedly arrived home one day from his year long deployment overseas only to find me knee deep in our compost pile. That's right, not only was I covered in dirt, but rotting food too. I can't believe he didn't run away terrified. But at least he's seen me dirt free where as the new neighbors have not. I did not want the neighbors to think that my family was the filthy stinky one.<br /><br />Finally, I realized that being stinky is not nearly as bad as unfriendly. And if I wait until the kids and I are clean and they're home, we'll never meet. So, one day after my run (because at least I wasn't actually covered in mud), I noticed they were home. I grabbed some freshly baked banana bread and walked up to their house. I let the kids ring the door bell so I could stand back a little (so the smell didn't hit them right away).<br /><br />Thankfully, the new neighbors were too polite to say anything about my less than lovely appearance and welcomed me into their home. The family is a wonderful family with two small children, just as I hoped for. I cannot wait to get to know them better!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-72670568387132641672011-06-19T17:06:00.001-07:002011-06-19T17:23:47.072-07:00What I've been Working OnWhat exactly is this? This is a hot mess that's what!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJPuLznkGzLlqMrasFQP2zSOl1h_ESVi7iPQMx_WtkNxIP33rj_ZcrM3WGrM2zBUlXXk9vtFTlTFG5UWEOOv1faTISgGmp8Bn_7rZQXgkWkKbBcl6jn9IfeVfldRgE30UHTubgy86Dkc/s1600/DSC00667.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJPuLznkGzLlqMrasFQP2zSOl1h_ESVi7iPQMx_WtkNxIP33rj_ZcrM3WGrM2zBUlXXk9vtFTlTFG5UWEOOv1faTISgGmp8Bn_7rZQXgkWkKbBcl6jn9IfeVfldRgE30UHTubgy86Dkc/s400/DSC00667.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620086769939815490" border="0" /></a>To be more specific, this is an old dresser that is part of a bedroom set belonging to my mother (additional pieces include a vanity and headboard in equally bad shape). Unfortunately, my mother had to put this little dresser, who once upon wasn't such a mess, into storage. Even more unfortunate is that her storage unit flooded ruining majority of her furniture. It was awful to see beautiful wood furniture warped and pealing beyond repair. Many of the items held sentimental value to her. This dresser was one of those items that had more sentimental value than monetary value. While old, it was made from cheap pine and laminate. Fortunately, the water damage, while bad, wasn't impossible (for me) to repair. None of the wood was warped, but the laminate was pealing. This I could work with!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklw0US4gr1oErHgOdE-NfI8v58Nksj1_uIVv6XbczUpSSV850XLN1dlF3UPtsI09G-_jLE1V-yOQnAKRtRCvBIUFMsyZBX9FCs7NE3SYcj9CKSdIH8_jjumGpvzKZfQShJ_DrQG4Tzgk/s1600/DSC00668.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklw0US4gr1oErHgOdE-NfI8v58Nksj1_uIVv6XbczUpSSV850XLN1dlF3UPtsI09G-_jLE1V-yOQnAKRtRCvBIUFMsyZBX9FCs7NE3SYcj9CKSdIH8_jjumGpvzKZfQShJ_DrQG4Tzgk/s400/DSC00668.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620088330944594546" border="0" /></a>So, I've been working on this dresser and the matching vanity for the last two months. Yes, I am that slow. I've been peeling, stripping, patching and sanding these pieces over and over and over again. I'm not going to lie, this project hasn't been easy. And had it just been for me, I would have just scrapped the thing. But I'm working on this for my mom. Hopefully, when she sells her current home, she can find a place in her new home to fit her precious family antiques.<br /><br />Here's a sneak peak of the project so far. I think this shabby chic paint job is kind of interesting, but I know my mother would hate it, so this is an in-between peak. More to come!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjyKUeUJIFgzFSoQtrc1VUOIdscaUKSlE0YwsmG-PrPSVyW3BtDfLMXVAS52h1zoj0pVEGDWLbAAb60JRfzefQEIlek2lvN5N4C9k7SO0ALxRzpNf51n_qrOSxqd4bnz-YDrIEWwW5jE/s1600/DSC00954.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQjyKUeUJIFgzFSoQtrc1VUOIdscaUKSlE0YwsmG-PrPSVyW3BtDfLMXVAS52h1zoj0pVEGDWLbAAb60JRfzefQEIlek2lvN5N4C9k7SO0ALxRzpNf51n_qrOSxqd4bnz-YDrIEWwW5jE/s400/DSC00954.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620089717856055154" border="0" /></a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-89042615391564360562011-06-19T16:51:00.000-07:002011-06-19T17:01:51.882-07:00Happy Father's Day!To my wonderful, husband, have a happy, fun-filled Father's Day. We love you!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR0wPFCL4cPyVLb06NtlUq3RaaAEmlkIE_edwcix2DRaGX72SJeejGF4j7P-iX3o7N4xtoQMiR1rX6GjyMwH6o-aP5DlZgG5bsd2WYdAtDnw7Bup7-rNo39kcEHSd_hjOI_36RaqZA6g/s1600/DSC01000.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnR0wPFCL4cPyVLb06NtlUq3RaaAEmlkIE_edwcix2DRaGX72SJeejGF4j7P-iX3o7N4xtoQMiR1rX6GjyMwH6o-aP5DlZgG5bsd2WYdAtDnw7Bup7-rNo39kcEHSd_hjOI_36RaqZA6g/s400/DSC01000.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5620083079846797794" border="0" /></a><br />As is typical, I waited until the absolute last minute to worry about a Father's Day present that shows how much we love and appreciate my husband. And by last minute, I meant Father's Day morning at 6:30 am. <br /><br />After casually asking what he would like for breakfast (at 6:00am), I headed out to the grocery store to pick up his request item-cereal. Yup, I can and was willing to make whatever he wanted for breakfast, but he wanted cereal. So, I sneaked out this morning and bought his favorite cereal-Cinnamon Toast Crunch. I even splurged on the name brand! To round out the order (and because I haven't been to the grocery store since we returned home from vacation), I also added<br /><ul><li>1 dozen collousal-sized donuts (it really was cheaper by the dozen) freshly baked</li><li>1 bunch of bananas</li><li>OJ</li><li>Fresh Milk</li><li>Freshly ground coffee<br /></li><li>1 bunch of assorted flowers</li></ul>Then, I quickly scribbled a card together and added it to the table of food. I think he enjoyed his carb feast!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-86323533242958096032011-06-19T09:55:00.000-07:002011-06-19T10:10:02.538-07:00Goodwill Finds!I often browse at our local Goodwill, but rarely buy anything. I'm pretty picky what comes into our house and I rarely buy anything I wasn't looking for already. For example, I am currently looking for<br />1. Picture for our bedroom<br />2. A few lamps for various rooms in our house<br />3. Butcher block table top<br /><br />Imagine my delight when I walked into Goodwill and found this delightful little oil painting that matched the colors in our bedroom perfectly! It's signed and dated 1983!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LWCcjKGO2jQJVVZ4o0Zt11p0hpMfyDU1U_aUqAka96KTgcTKdalML4DdYI-OIU8MDFLfWPKFpO_fy8wbQzRy4fk5W0C8d2D-_PPV24Bknu3bd2HY_cgEDOxKtPBbG2eX59U8fs7MKKQ/s1600/DSC00957.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LWCcjKGO2jQJVVZ4o0Zt11p0hpMfyDU1U_aUqAka96KTgcTKdalML4DdYI-OIU8MDFLfWPKFpO_fy8wbQzRy4fk5W0C8d2D-_PPV24Bknu3bd2HY_cgEDOxKtPBbG2eX59U8fs7MKKQ/s400/DSC00957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619976237661740434" border="0" /></a>It's a bit brighter in person which I really like. Our room is a bit dark and had a lot of hand-me-down 70s furniture. The picture matches the style of the bedroom perfectly! I paid $8.00 for the oil painting. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi4GsP4WFcKKGuHP_4q7dD9zuHaHAfaX12TicaN7TKIEfk3Oz7BFHM0Z6Lh8FLH8FXwqovbWJ3j_sUD5oLX0oFsFA5TpV92KBcfw0kCfyXnCSfnK_fOB6plBq8NcRrCtr1pzDQpmIz6E/s1600/DSC00968.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBi4GsP4WFcKKGuHP_4q7dD9zuHaHAfaX12TicaN7TKIEfk3Oz7BFHM0Z6Lh8FLH8FXwqovbWJ3j_sUD5oLX0oFsFA5TpV92KBcfw0kCfyXnCSfnK_fOB6plBq8NcRrCtr1pzDQpmIz6E/s400/DSC00968.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619976836561683154" border="0" /></a>Next, I found this lovely floor lamp with a fantastic milk glass shade. I love milk glass and buy milk glass serving bowls for daily use for serving food and displaying in our kitchen. The base is also pretty heavy in comparison to many of the floor lamps I find in thrift stores(or regular stores for that matter!). I paid $15.00 which is what our Goodwill charges for all floor lamps<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8WMVOf_o6c6dUbaWsSYiqeKj0Ub0ivaYLUBYAHRD88A0xGBFsOKouoZgN-VfMJ7QbZn16miYs8wZQgQwQe3ZzavYdb6daMiXPj7uVSDR7WUMV3gV9s2JcNZKuKtzt4erjkrdRZx3eMc/s1600/DSC00959.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv8WMVOf_o6c6dUbaWsSYiqeKj0Ub0ivaYLUBYAHRD88A0xGBFsOKouoZgN-VfMJ7QbZn16miYs8wZQgQwQe3ZzavYdb6daMiXPj7uVSDR7WUMV3gV9s2JcNZKuKtzt4erjkrdRZx3eMc/s400/DSC00959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619977393283096050" border="0" /></a><br />This lamp is perfect for our bedroom as it provides a light source for us as soon as we enter into our room (there are no light switches).<br /><br />And finally, I found this adorable little desk lamp. I've got a few ideas on where to use it, but for now, I'm still undecided.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEhq4cDp_BZR_iy4QF-ulJIYYSn6-8n1i8RzN5tE6XqgLUNwAnLS2adc6XxknVA99QleyI4pn6eTqplD5R58NMIGjiOhLRA9KQ65MpafLhDgPjr2C7aMNUjBP8Nse_JdjZSM0kVmU1rg/s1600/DSC00967.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQEhq4cDp_BZR_iy4QF-ulJIYYSn6-8n1i8RzN5tE6XqgLUNwAnLS2adc6XxknVA99QleyI4pn6eTqplD5R58NMIGjiOhLRA9KQ65MpafLhDgPjr2C7aMNUjBP8Nse_JdjZSM0kVmU1rg/s400/DSC00967.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619977937526799762" border="0" /></a>I paid $4.00 for this little beauty. <br /><br />Notice that my lamps were antiqued gold? I am so glad this color metal is coming back. While I like the chrome/pewter look that we've all seen in the last trend, it matched nothing I owned (unless you include our faucets). Yeah for old becoming new again!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-74534834238187874192011-06-06T17:45:00.000-07:002011-06-07T06:49:29.735-07:00The Playhouse Part 6: The BudgetLike all home projects, we set a budget for the playhouse project. I set the budget at $300.00 Sounds kind of expensive, doesn't it? I thought so, but dang, good quality exterior paint is expensive (and worth the extra $$ IMO).<br /><br />So, here's the cost breakdown (rounded)<br /><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Exterior</span><br />Paint $74.00<br />Plants/Potting Soil: $66.00<br />Planters $25.00<br />Trellis $12.00<br />Furniture $28.00<br />Mulch: Free<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Total Cost (Exterior ONLY) = $205.00</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Interior</span><br />Primer $50.00<br />Exterior Paint $52.00<br />Deck Stain FREE (previously on hand)<br />Curtain Rods $3.00<br />Furniture: Free-(previously owned)<br />Accessories: Free-(<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">previously</span> owned)<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Total Cost (Interior ONLY)= $105.00</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Total Cost of BOTH Exterior + Interior =$310.00</span><br /><br /><br /><br />One of the reasons it's taking us so long to update our lovely home is that we are slowly saving for all repairs and paying in cash (or check as is usually the case). Since we were already over budget by $10.00, we decided that the extra little touches like trim mouldings (or gingerbread), hooks and mailbox could just wait. The kids don't miss them, so why should I. Rest assured, as soon as we update the playhouse, I'll provide a new after picture.<br /><br />Exterior Cost $205.00. Interior Cost $105.00. Years of fun and play for the kids, priceless.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615473686523699250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxokI0nE-012mhf66lJsPRH_rvignfSlVdqypSz7jTDxYxQy024pUOvffFSsPE1DNj3AWzIX1C4NUA3Eo_e0OoHAKMslLeu4QF4PjmpirIwW_LzCZUbVnWkXFbfRih3Q-2pWX_-3J09M/s400/playhouse+interior" />Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-50465959461997216122011-06-05T11:38:00.000-07:002011-06-30T12:00:22.402-07:00The Playhouse Part 5: Painting and Decorating the Interior<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">Mr. A and Miss J.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"> </span><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">You are invited to tea in The Playhouse.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"> </span><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">Tea, strawberries and sweets to be served.</span><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"></span><br /><span style="COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)">Come one, come all, come NOW!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; COLOR: rgb(204,0,0)"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br />Located at<br />The Playhouse<br /></span><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">1443A Whitington Avenue</span> <span style="FONT-STYLE: italic"><br />Xwwwww, XX, 55555</span><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">(Conveniently located in the backyard)</span><br /><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic">Hope to see you there!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br />This is the invitation the kids found stuck to the front door after lunch on Saturday. They cautiously made their way to our backyard. After a minute or two of looking around, they found the place!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBi3dyX2EfJGJYXdnaXLN8EFU7XFLXnd75JT6h5MtD_8WVaqza4pKgrpPt2MOSDSIaeZPw_THf5nv5rBUfMRdYYCurggSdb16cm9htHoBWhaSEGV5LxdqF8WLyc_wubEoCvrDcyX84gc/s1600/DSC00725.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614812321980059122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnBi3dyX2EfJGJYXdnaXLN8EFU7XFLXnd75JT6h5MtD_8WVaqza4pKgrpPt2MOSDSIaeZPw_THf5nv5rBUfMRdYYCurggSdb16cm9htHoBWhaSEGV5LxdqF8WLyc_wubEoCvrDcyX84gc/s400/DSC00725.JPG" /></a>Cautiously opening the doors, the kids found a delightful surprise-their very own playhouse! Come on in and have a look! As a reminder, this is what we started with.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61eUbKbugtPTgz-gJDZpTPVVwhYYUSxL9nFrrWVxGQ9egBUecVr7ChJ1I0fZEVwZ9w-wffmgcocl5vUN5nKN_Cv2t4C5-o7y8nqKSXaRY3mAFdr5Fzi0FoLalne137t_C3-Hxv94Nyrc/s1600/DSC00674.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614807491769389890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61eUbKbugtPTgz-gJDZpTPVVwhYYUSxL9nFrrWVxGQ9egBUecVr7ChJ1I0fZEVwZ9w-wffmgcocl5vUN5nKN_Cv2t4C5-o7y8nqKSXaRY3mAFdr5Fzi0FoLalne137t_C3-Hxv94Nyrc/s400/DSC00674.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And here's the surprise that awaited the kids when they opened the doors!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-0LDDveYmIjA6zZwVh7wGzXcdAorc1IRhQSo58s2_fdajMUntXK4orCIEzLLfcsqZstal57FZZ0t6UYzOHnwwA_9pd9BhuRIdbegHdEDweF1lXlQWVpi93i6jMo5vQ23TyMb5DP7XHw/s1600/DSC00726.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614808084960362962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-0LDDveYmIjA6zZwVh7wGzXcdAorc1IRhQSo58s2_fdajMUntXK4orCIEzLLfcsqZstal57FZZ0t6UYzOHnwwA_9pd9BhuRIdbegHdEDweF1lXlQWVpi93i6jMo5vQ23TyMb5DP7XHw/s400/DSC00726.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKUH0wnBrlT8O5lu1r7Vl5-O670EKVI7oDp7-j2tcjJN_S-GSYc3YCV5hdyux_T5Dl96d6UDMDgso1Nug4ESQskunIo4ZDvwUT6rC7-mkMTK5Lb6D8sN5WJ1p5pJkV8SLbTGzDFazbeg/s1600/DSC00728.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614808352435101314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKUH0wnBrlT8O5lu1r7Vl5-O670EKVI7oDp7-j2tcjJN_S-GSYc3YCV5hdyux_T5Dl96d6UDMDgso1Nug4ESQskunIo4ZDvwUT6rC7-mkMTK5Lb6D8sN5WJ1p5pJkV8SLbTGzDFazbeg/s400/DSC00728.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKUH0wnBrlT8O5lu1r7Vl5-O670EKVI7oDp7-j2tcjJN_S-GSYc3YCV5hdyux_T5Dl96d6UDMDgso1Nug4ESQskunIo4ZDvwUT6rC7-mkMTK5Lb6D8sN5WJ1p5pJkV8SLbTGzDFazbeg/s1600/DSC00728.JPG">Green tea, strawberries and black bean brownies, oh, my!<br /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXsWGzQcK3_88iJcVXsZ08mWKS5S3b0Sj_K6TLJ-8mEogk3Vru2bUUxrzjWFHIB4oSww_YaWbMS9s7bviClxLD5H1ggp1WwvqkFt_yqwyfmiKcb7BlpD_oeHUDhAV79F5FwwXZyQH2dU/s1600/DSC00729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614808587299021282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXsWGzQcK3_88iJcVXsZ08mWKS5S3b0Sj_K6TLJ-8mEogk3Vru2bUUxrzjWFHIB4oSww_YaWbMS9s7bviClxLD5H1ggp1WwvqkFt_yqwyfmiKcb7BlpD_oeHUDhAV79F5FwwXZyQH2dU/s400/DSC00729.JPG" /></a><br />Storage shelf with helmets, their adored pillow pets and plenty of space to add their own little decorating touches (which they already started to fill). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssVtxOLl9i9eOsSeMih6rDccJHOzbC7FOCYPviqMmfaf4PBc5rdUJrV_orynYuYqUbmVtlT9FGJx6_GnF_R693myg955wYZ4hbuNHmQjsOHzxqdDxAlLHUKUeQn072Or5PLfx5LT5C_I/s1600/DSC00730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614808887572745250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssVtxOLl9i9eOsSeMih6rDccJHOzbC7FOCYPviqMmfaf4PBc5rdUJrV_orynYuYqUbmVtlT9FGJx6_GnF_R693myg955wYZ4hbuNHmQjsOHzxqdDxAlLHUKUeQn072Or5PLfx5LT5C_I/s400/DSC00730.JPG" /></a><br />Outdoor toy box that doubles as extra seating. Favorite stuffed animals, Teddy and Sprinkle joined the tea party too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeIqZooRBCcdufi9H67-w7ghokpKQFi20x0SLXbPnFvTL_hVcCb8QPLQyfsoLQP7YnnyZUwjdHxSiHgyRfk0jYQOXWHxouhAPFuWNOyT0WBDy8RVQ8OLepnvPMLEl6TINGzCifPTZA20/s1600/DSC00736.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614809823239369122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQeIqZooRBCcdufi9H67-w7ghokpKQFi20x0SLXbPnFvTL_hVcCb8QPLQyfsoLQP7YnnyZUwjdHxSiHgyRfk0jYQOXWHxouhAPFuWNOyT0WBDy8RVQ8OLepnvPMLEl6TINGzCifPTZA20/s400/DSC00736.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSXPDDXTnvzBuKsOw2y8q2Zh37KfXZrQO6g3DbQ1HJodLg3KAl_p62v4JxU1X4UKi5vFFEJiLRoByhiC4VMU1JlB6TaXVdQ4Pk7VWF9q6dK54GVA7EIPwIkdwrrRZWE21S6sPMgs6Nvw/s1600/DSC00737.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614815726531935410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMSXPDDXTnvzBuKsOw2y8q2Zh37KfXZrQO6g3DbQ1HJodLg3KAl_p62v4JxU1X4UKi5vFFEJiLRoByhiC4VMU1JlB6TaXVdQ4Pk7VWF9q6dK54GVA7EIPwIkdwrrRZWE21S6sPMgs6Nvw/s400/DSC00737.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The kids enjoy their afternoon tea. They were so excited, they didn't even eat the brownies!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7Gbt0uaTLhOL0u4mjo0_tibnvpMmdPduvdXXOCaOLsb93LKHTmioniILnNV4CF7AQBFeMhJKtanx3y551wtygIV8V3EvJXlXCABxrbpUpd1l8WISJtO4f7i0Iier2a8Rs4UBuAU9sfA/s1600/DSC00741.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614810382385145698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7Gbt0uaTLhOL0u4mjo0_tibnvpMmdPduvdXXOCaOLsb93LKHTmioniILnNV4CF7AQBFeMhJKtanx3y551wtygIV8V3EvJXlXCABxrbpUpd1l8WISJtO4f7i0Iier2a8Rs4UBuAU9sfA/s400/DSC00741.JPG" /></a>Miss J takes it outside to enjoy a quiet cup of tea on their "patio".<br /><br />Now, the kids are begging to take every meal out in their new clubhouse (their term) and to sleep there overnight. Too bad my less than youthful back refuses that treat. From the hours of silence hubby and I now have in the house, I'd say this project was a great success. </p><br /><br /><p><br /><br /><center><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.com/" target="_blank" border="0"><img src="http://www.eightcrazyimages.com/TDCbutton.gif" /></a> </center><br /><center><a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Shabby Nest" src="http://i1087.photobucket.com/albums/j480/theshabbynest/Shabby%20Nest%20Blog%205-2011/ShabbyNest-GrabButton.png" /></a><br /></center><br /><center></center>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-73949544455349671122011-06-04T13:06:00.000-07:002012-05-08T08:45:40.093-07:00The Playhouse Part 4: Painting and Landscaping the ExteriorWouldn't you know it, as soon as I decided to paint the exterior of the playhouse, the heat climbed to over 90 degrees. It's a good thing I love heat! After slathering on a ton of sunblock (because I burn and worry about wrinkles), and donning my painting cap, I tackled the exterior painting. My poor hubby isn't as heat tolerant, but still stepped up to help with the painting-thanks, Honey!<br />
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Two gallons of yellow and 1 pint of green paint later, and the exterior painting was done! I used the Valspar Duramax Semi-Gloss paint color matched to our house (called adobe cream by the siding manufacturer). Great paint. It was pretty expensive @ $37.99/gallon, but I understand it's excellent paint and we shouldn't have to repaint next year. While I was at it, I decided to finish the landscaping too.<br />
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Welcome to the new playhouse!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRa5Kuud6L2Ykry5CvUMhj1NQIZliMZsykHapfPcobj4shyfcWtmkt8alKk9Yvl6gkCdxjaZ53GmUOVQQCk8tdlZAM8ZazQof6s_rLS-PaeUWQYbZCOxTcHDbY4w1UF7ibe_DU1ThyPE/s1600/DSC00717.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614461501272763266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRa5Kuud6L2Ykry5CvUMhj1NQIZliMZsykHapfPcobj4shyfcWtmkt8alKk9Yvl6gkCdxjaZ53GmUOVQQCk8tdlZAM8ZazQof6s_rLS-PaeUWQYbZCOxTcHDbY4w1UF7ibe_DU1ThyPE/s400/DSC00717.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ6yGmUQlZPHgHoZA23RxEQ1uMNmiPGMOvhup4TRUi-seBkdM76V0bgAWlbufyA-Ob_-SfCn1l1wD8X6QAlTaWMRXE6c9UGhcQJaBVIaYVmcf_SksimFznV4o1Kym-0BiVGILRI-_StU/s1600/DSC00722.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614461024471114002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQ6yGmUQlZPHgHoZA23RxEQ1uMNmiPGMOvhup4TRUi-seBkdM76V0bgAWlbufyA-Ob_-SfCn1l1wD8X6QAlTaWMRXE6c9UGhcQJaBVIaYVmcf_SksimFznV4o1Kym-0BiVGILRI-_StU/s400/DSC00722.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>We added a hook and hanging basket on the right hand side of the doors and two barrels of flowers on either side of the doors. We wanted to be cautious of planting anything on either side of the doors just in case someone swung the doors a little too wide. We also added the address "1443A" above the doors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wWiLqpikntlWKIny_OPiwpE5IRZVCCvYEM0Tfas_IoUSwsXq0bKx68Ftgl8iPQQDnkb1ZUDZGZ-U6TQtQgjl6TJ_5t-UIEi5V_VtoLEvVVlJXPTyZMGxlrm1dzuMA99bg9C0Ofn7kOo/s1600/DSC00720.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614462426733549346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wWiLqpikntlWKIny_OPiwpE5IRZVCCvYEM0Tfas_IoUSwsXq0bKx68Ftgl8iPQQDnkb1ZUDZGZ-U6TQtQgjl6TJ_5t-UIEi5V_VtoLEvVVlJXPTyZMGxlrm1dzuMA99bg9C0Ofn7kOo/s400/DSC00720.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1kHQ51hwsegxX3X47Oc_D_QRRz5bw9zLPkdfvqmOWFTtohO-IK1VaWUNf7YYfHlLuCb5U_vLdUPnpRuDMNhcsQGEl7zcxxnF9SOfVra09EyAJP7N8XeIx-2wPwcKV0Dw-SpXUFdbUYo/s1600/DSC00721.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614462621150248770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI1kHQ51hwsegxX3X47Oc_D_QRRz5bw9zLPkdfvqmOWFTtohO-IK1VaWUNf7YYfHlLuCb5U_vLdUPnpRuDMNhcsQGEl7zcxxnF9SOfVra09EyAJP7N8XeIx-2wPwcKV0Dw-SpXUFdbUYo/s400/DSC00721.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>On the right side of the house (side closest to our home), we turned the worm bin/yard compost into a vegetable garden. This little box contains 3 types of tomatoes and 2 types of peppers. I wanted to plant strawberries, but they are going out of season. Strawberries as also much more expensive then the vegetables plants! Having a garden for our kids is very important to us. We want them to see first hand where produce is grown. I have fond memories of picking fruit in the summer as a child and want my kids to have similar memories.<br />
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Directly next to the vegetable garden box is a little place to rest. We added two little green lounge chairs for relaxing and a metal and mosaic table for drinks. Behind the chairs, we added a trellis and a clematis plant. The clematis is still pretty small. Hopefully, it'll grow, grow grow this summer and be nice and full by summer's end. The trashcan next to the chairs is actually our potato experiment. We're growing potatoes in that can! And behind that bin is still our compost bin. This bin will stay since it's the only place in our yard that's appropriate (aka far enough from the house) for a compost bin.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-l95GlUNyuzGvlcJJyVQFUaLlP6VJyLJOPS54XZ51PM9D4pLZ50_FucsUwUI987V1dAxHDRGKvZg0ZbRpqJOMWVdc69TmiuzgWAId7Wr7mBg0R3y1AIKmh_hc8AwIi2-fFFzJSgQ4c4/s1600/DSC00724.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614464268354819698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-l95GlUNyuzGvlcJJyVQFUaLlP6VJyLJOPS54XZ51PM9D4pLZ50_FucsUwUI987V1dAxHDRGKvZg0ZbRpqJOMWVdc69TmiuzgWAId7Wr7mBg0R3y1AIKmh_hc8AwIi2-fFFzJSgQ4c4/s400/DSC00724.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;" /></a>On the left side of the playhouse, are the raspberry, blackberry and kiwi bushes. We just love going out to the yard and picking a few berries to sample! Don't you love the old clothes line pole? We only have one (left from the previous owners) and love using it for climbing plants. I think it's charming! You can also see one of the two windows here. I love the little green shutters. They are such a great little accent! The kids and I mulched the entire area from playhouse to fence for ease of access. My son is, at this very moment, planting sunflower seed along the edge of the house here. I cannot wait to see them grow!<br />
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We're still looking for running trim (or fretwork, or gingerbread) to go along the roof edge, but it's pretty tough to find. I also don't want to pay $60+ for a 4' section. It's only a playhouse for goodness sakes! I also want to add a small mailbox. I haven't found exactly what I'm looking for just yet. I'll find it eventually, I'm sure.<br />
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This run down little shed has come a long way, don't you think?<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XrjthhNEq3ToJ5tga4ssFnkwTHRHCcC4v35Ik_cEqGHUuar6Cs5Ln-K5LHUPpMHQ7GE2J0IsXWAFoqDWxlFZnIEdY3es2WLqx4zXLB1F1JWASvq1esj8g4gUUMqj0nCJ_tS2gYoogV0/s1600/DSC00670.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614529505730990066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8XrjthhNEq3ToJ5tga4ssFnkwTHRHCcC4v35Ik_cEqGHUuar6Cs5Ln-K5LHUPpMHQ7GE2J0IsXWAFoqDWxlFZnIEdY3es2WLqx4zXLB1F1JWASvq1esj8g4gUUMqj0nCJ_tS2gYoogV0/s320/DSC00670.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 240px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1oROVpKmV6fTY_RHKdI8UGnYq0l6IZ_GWwwP4Fa4op8RA5Uxnb17i2khuariZECYfXpRCJKWX8AtW_Rzm7koTOLYC3dtYU8VbnGhTNE3IWLVWsA5qRMx7eUr08BwapqSlBY6hwC7qHk/s1600/DSC00717.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614529873688592306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1oROVpKmV6fTY_RHKdI8UGnYq0l6IZ_GWwwP4Fa4op8RA5Uxnb17i2khuariZECYfXpRCJKWX8AtW_Rzm7koTOLYC3dtYU8VbnGhTNE3IWLVWsA5qRMx7eUr08BwapqSlBY6hwC7qHk/s320/DSC00717.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 320px; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 240px;" /></a><br />
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Next week, I'll share the interior and how we surprised the kids (who had no idea we were turning the shed into a playhouse). The interior, in my humble opinion is the best part of this makeover!<br />
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LINKING UP!<br />
<a href="http://thediyshowoff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The DIY Show Off" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Ydn4kd0aaEY/SvO1EQ53tuI/AAAAAAAABt0/h5tFf_uXQiY/S990-R/DIY+Blog+button.jpg" /></a><br />
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<center><a border="0" href="http://thriftydecorchick.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.eightcrazyimages.com/TDCbutton.gif" /></a><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/Smallbutton125x125.jpg" /></a></center></center>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-34243923804445263642011-05-29T04:32:00.000-07:002011-05-31T09:33:49.300-07:00The Playhouse Part 3: Painting the InteriorWhile hubby slaved away at repairing a few exterior boards, I worked on the interior of the playhouse. This involved painting, painting and more painting. Yup, this little shed needed to be primed and painted from top to bottom. And while I enjoy painting, I don't love to paint ceilings in 90 degree weather. Actually, I don't love painting ceilings in the best of conditions.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbInQB-GwXwyn0rkTG3B3vztXzU6v1V5u8eZclo9zBmaG9BSLQz9FoBpVcXIrTfFw8cLm-9uEPMqUk4BhVPf3P1wxgPbmIHnROagnxiM5qWCQrFSoR2ZPoI3O-iIeqLswl-8ZJRDlhGE/s1600/DSC00674.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612102568723026898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbInQB-GwXwyn0rkTG3B3vztXzU6v1V5u8eZclo9zBmaG9BSLQz9FoBpVcXIrTfFw8cLm-9uEPMqUk4BhVPf3P1wxgPbmIHnROagnxiM5qWCQrFSoR2ZPoI3O-iIeqLswl-8ZJRDlhGE/s400/DSC00674.JPG" /></a>Our first step was to head to Lowe's where we bought a cart full of paint.<br /><br /><ul><br /><li>2 gallons of exterior primer (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>)</li><br /><li>1 gallons of exterior paint in a lovely sky blue (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>)</li><br /><li>1 gallons of exterior paint in white (Olympic)</li><br /><li>1 pint of green paint for trim and door (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>)<br /></li><br /><li>1 gallon of exterior paint in pale yellow (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Duramex</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>)</li><br /><li>4 rollers to apply the paint designed for exterior surfaces<br /></li></ul>Yes, that's six cans of paint! Luckily, there was a sale on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span> paint ($10 discount for every $50 spent). Total cost was around $130.00. I can already see that this little project is going to not be cheap!<br /><br />After thoroughly checking for interior damage, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"></span>and finding none, I primed the interior of the shed.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIMDGaW82c79JyqJ4dM26HKItvJ9D71QcUyKmZPhhMZK15A1iSCEHhj2p_EsEskI7MRWouVv1Ks04hNO826dnsbA5Nl6PKukPz8e9hS7pwCgO9h8G2uifukNNHJ3hGlKRLRpFHaOW544/s1600/DSC00701.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612103203994391426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIMDGaW82c79JyqJ4dM26HKItvJ9D71QcUyKmZPhhMZK15A1iSCEHhj2p_EsEskI7MRWouVv1Ks04hNO826dnsbA5Nl6PKukPz8e9hS7pwCgO9h8G2uifukNNHJ3hGlKRLRpFHaOW544/s400/DSC00701.JPG" /></a>Two evenings and about a gallon and a half of primer and I was done. This primer was very good and went on beautifully. I'm glad I finished this before before the weather hit 90 degrees. I love how much brighter the interior of the shed now looks.<br /><br />Next, I painted the ceiling a lovely shad of light blue. Between the good primer and the regular flat exterior primer by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>, I only needed one coat of each and the ceiling was good to go. Can you tell I'm a fan of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo8sPcqX7lTKp8M323cXnYE2nlmSF6qWpx4ikmiYjJQ9hZBosZPIw9Q3SK7UUTqTJkBeIX4rZVtU2WKtZDhM3eu_17-33PlS3jMw7kemZ0aIrDMyv8Sj37tx3YkxfvV56LPNetn8jJJY/s1600/DSC00705.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612107719166576802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfo8sPcqX7lTKp8M323cXnYE2nlmSF6qWpx4ikmiYjJQ9hZBosZPIw9Q3SK7UUTqTJkBeIX4rZVtU2WKtZDhM3eu_17-33PlS3jMw7kemZ0aIrDMyv8Sj37tx3YkxfvV56LPNetn8jJJY/s400/DSC00705.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGB9SLkD7A2eTEOX3qfi76L5KFAKF99MfIHAiEKCyD7gorg3NwN5lXkrOzREn06M9t6oQ31-FOLd7otR8zah3aEVjK8HtaLPTnxc0HAYPRv8SbAve9Ku2OIuxEB3G3sSYIsPOWhwJWZg/s1600/DSC00704.JPG"><br /></a>Note to self, do not do an arm workout the evening before you plan to paint a ceiling.<br /><br />Then I moved onto the walls. I wanted to keep the light airy feeling, so I painted the walls white. Unfortunately, I had to paint two coats of white over the primer. I don't know why I bought Olympic paint, but I bet that if I had bought <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span>, I would have only needed one coat. What I do love is that I can still see the wood grain through the primer and paint.<br /><br />Finally, I removed the drop cloth (which didn't seem to help at all) and decided I might as well power on and finish the floors as well. Instead of using the green as I had planned, I grabbed some leftover deck stain from our deck project last year. Yeah, it's bright red, but perfect for a playhouse! It's a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Behr</span> brand that worked very well (I also like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Behr</span> paint, but Lowe's is about 5 miles closer to our house, so I use <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Valspar</span> more often).<br /><br />After one quick coat of deck stain on the floor, this is what I was left with.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPL9C3z39_TYMXJF3fPFdfK39S7H5f7UK9v_TdsgeVjb9eQRWFU_3nmtR0347FZA0Jtvl1W0dcNfrg6mnhhadiIZuvv7Et6WK_VEC27Q-RVUy05stwn6x3fXTlqHueasXHE74XUyPBG8/s1600/DSC00709.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612107055928536258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPL9C3z39_TYMXJF3fPFdfK39S7H5f7UK9v_TdsgeVjb9eQRWFU_3nmtR0347FZA0Jtvl1W0dcNfrg6mnhhadiIZuvv7Et6WK_VEC27Q-RVUy05stwn6x3fXTlqHueasXHE74XUyPBG8/s400/DSC00709.JPG" /></a><br />I love it! Now, the only thing left to do on the interior is adding furniture and accessorizing. I can't wait to add the little tables, hooks and curtains. Unfortunately, our next step will be painting the exterior. Stay tuned for that!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-69766722186907341232011-05-28T17:24:00.000-07:002011-05-29T04:31:54.122-07:00The Playhouse Part 2: The GlitchLike every single project I start, the playhouse project also ended up with a glitch making this simple project not so simple (hence my blog title).<br /><br />Enter the problem: water damaged boards on the exterior. Fortunately, the interior was in perfect shape. No water damage of any kind was evident.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx9JECCE1FgNNWgWUGL8c3nXcCj09h7lEBtUdBDgd1sLtl85oKYZ1_chlx3_42yhEaSdNexnOHS8golJ6vRe-7dWsuTcme9VUItD4hyphenhyphen3rn1ujc_LidNif4-9BwgpCN6tW5gD4UFsGK4U/s1600/DSC00702.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBx9JECCE1FgNNWgWUGL8c3nXcCj09h7lEBtUdBDgd1sLtl85oKYZ1_chlx3_42yhEaSdNexnOHS8golJ6vRe-7dWsuTcme9VUItD4hyphenhyphen3rn1ujc_LidNif4-9BwgpCN6tW5gD4UFsGK4U/s400/DSC00702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611928062980570578" border="0" /></a>The damage looks worse than it actually is. Thank goodness for my wonderful hubby! He stepped into save the day (well, evening since it was after dinner).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI_X9if4iyW8r5qV2A9Sk0EzE1lf0W1-4_h07xziriBj4amSC_IZTfGrThXugFk9_hQT8UKxY3LXT2EioBFhyqNBAoPae2tvKRy682a3NHBtkjpO45oJ2HD5wdh_U5vQ1_9ML5FEQHXc/s1600/DSC00714.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimI_X9if4iyW8r5qV2A9Sk0EzE1lf0W1-4_h07xziriBj4amSC_IZTfGrThXugFk9_hQT8UKxY3LXT2EioBFhyqNBAoPae2tvKRy682a3NHBtkjpO45oJ2HD5wdh_U5vQ1_9ML5FEQHXc/s400/DSC00714.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611928468082803586" border="0" /></a>For some crazy reason, hubby is wearing safety glasses, but no shoes while operating a saw. I asked him not to do this, but he ignores me. Hubby doesn't enjoy DIY home projects. So, I try very hard not to make suggestions or nag too much when he agrees to do unnecessary household projects.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysm7T5VJvY2tPoS1D9_cceq_k2b7cz8-qdzFudeiVJ45XfBH8Px1u80y9Vge9N6JOp1K5K18osWSQ-BxB9C__GVrijwCIOjZCXqMPZLr-KfQK1upRB5LpuqNCeQ-Xkf4ak6bz1ukh-JI/s1600/DSC00713.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysm7T5VJvY2tPoS1D9_cceq_k2b7cz8-qdzFudeiVJ45XfBH8Px1u80y9Vge9N6JOp1K5K18osWSQ-BxB9C__GVrijwCIOjZCXqMPZLr-KfQK1upRB5LpuqNCeQ-Xkf4ak6bz1ukh-JI/s400/DSC00713.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5612099148317710370" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hopefully, this will be the only glitch in the playhouse project.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-26136829428134399682011-05-25T17:00:00.000-07:002011-05-27T03:52:43.939-07:00Playhouse Part 1Despite that we have a to-do list full of home projects, I have ditched all those and started a new one. My husband is almost thrilled. We are turning our old shed into a play house for our kids! The kids are growing up so quickly that I want to get this done for them ASAP! Or maybe I just always wanted a play house of my own and am now living vicariously through my children. Does it really matter? In either case, the kids are getting a playhouse.<br /><br />Here she is, in all of her glory, the soon-to-be playhouse!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzAi8Z3PhQqmCXgDKRcHHKoEjNnYcKQn5LtKlNU3TctBj3APervjqQ98k05G147qnfThndNmnUi4l5PPZgUGV-CDN6tGQpl7mTw-8cnuZYJ2CwqK7paGwgFsW_tWp7W_ggdAudQbkaR8/s1600/DSC00670.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610810707880219394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzAi8Z3PhQqmCXgDKRcHHKoEjNnYcKQn5LtKlNU3TctBj3APervjqQ98k05G147qnfThndNmnUi4l5PPZgUGV-CDN6tGQpl7mTw-8cnuZYJ2CwqK7paGwgFsW_tWp7W_ggdAudQbkaR8/s400/DSC00670.JPG" /></a>Yeah, it's ugly, but very solid. It reminds me of our <a href="http://sarahsimple.blogspot.com/2010/01/five-years-later.html">house </a>when we first bought it. So, I know it had loads of cute potential! The shed originally housed our tools and yard equipment. However, we have half a garage that is more than big enough to contain these items.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDj9OgisjIdAPh8bLaI2kHHS8HH4aqLOLd-OD2PYIPX1D87CvihuN-INS2ToN5rxNSxyBfYrNPYYoXt7LpWZqUIBr1ZbmpgmHnSo1VbWvDw7Ouv9cXnGwUO5TKs2CFUD1B_Jl6zv2lOo/s1600/DSC00671.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 231px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610812822039579538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDj9OgisjIdAPh8bLaI2kHHS8HH4aqLOLd-OD2PYIPX1D87CvihuN-INS2ToN5rxNSxyBfYrNPYYoXt7LpWZqUIBr1ZbmpgmHnSo1VbWvDw7Ouv9cXnGwUO5TKs2CFUD1B_Jl6zv2lOo/s200/DSC00671.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW2CeblEi9sNHhn1O3kB5oynEvXLDUqk_0W7eMYvv7PDGNXj1_tem9weJWumcQ-cQJeBdYz19Io8GdD-NASzLwxrruYipHppqrl8axznrnCI7LrHTONAB5HYBmYtqjrxR77iEVnen3WE/s1600/DSC00672.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 219px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 292px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610813096781236226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHW2CeblEi9sNHhn1O3kB5oynEvXLDUqk_0W7eMYvv7PDGNXj1_tem9weJWumcQ-cQJeBdYz19Io8GdD-NASzLwxrruYipHppqrl8axznrnCI7LrHTONAB5HYBmYtqjrxR77iEVnen3WE/s200/DSC00672.JPG" /></a><br />To the right of the shed is a lovely box we use as a yard waste/worm bin. In the picture, you see a bunch of stuff piled up in it because we are cleaning the yard. There are two windows that unfortunately look out into the neighbors' yards. I would have loved to see some of those windows from our yard. And finally to the back of the shed is our compost bin. It'll have to stay here as it's the only place that makes sense for a compost bin in our yard.<br /><br />The inside of the shed is pretty basic. It's unpainted plywood. Yeah, that's going to be so fun to paint.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAIs577gGUgIPgYHYeMFciGRbELbl4edfw3y5qALhv7W1dPxW6Dl_XPstI4JfBJrJXWzVelUkZYHAatNX8VjSSr_uBckNUUKCx8sUDBgmBvSebJfKv_9z0Ea8UTKTr0imPVuWGQI29GQ/s1600/DSC00674.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610814212517790642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAIs577gGUgIPgYHYeMFciGRbELbl4edfw3y5qALhv7W1dPxW6Dl_XPstI4JfBJrJXWzVelUkZYHAatNX8VjSSr_uBckNUUKCx8sUDBgmBvSebJfKv_9z0Ea8UTKTr0imPVuWGQI29GQ/s400/DSC00674.JPG" /></a>As soon as it stops raining, I'm going to start my paint-a-thon of 2011. This puppy will easily take 6 gallons of paint, maybe more. Despite the work ahead, I am so excited. My kids are going to be thrilled. My son even started hinting around how great it would be if we would like the kids play in the shed like it was a little kid's house. I want to keep it a surprise, so I told him that it was for our gardening equipment.<br /><br />So, what's the plan? I actually have two plans; one for the interior and one for the exterior.<br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Exterior</span><br />*Paint the shed pale yellow to match the house<br />*Paint the trim yellow and green to match the house<br />*Add an address sign<br />*Add landscaping (some strawberry plants, clematis on a trellis and two bushes)<br />*Add two little chairs and table to lounge around outside<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Interior</span><br />*Prime ceiling and walls<br />*Paint ceiling blue, walls white (maybe) and floor green<br />*Add hooks to hand toys, coats, and bikes<br />*Bring in table, shelf and toy box (already own)<br />*Add a lovely little indoor/outdoor rug<br />*Add some cute curtains<br /><br />I'll start on the interior first before we really start seeing 90 degree weather. Hopefully, the rain will let up for a few days and my husband and I can get started painting. I'm so excited for the kids, that I doubt I'll lose focus on this project any time soon!Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-31278963247944307222011-04-28T14:27:00.000-07:002011-04-28T15:20:53.149-07:00New Doors!After scrimping and saving for the last 6 YEARS, we have finally replaced another exterior door. If we're keeping count (and we are), that's two doors down (replaced), only 1 more to go.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh7ife_9p5nd5RwLFoAiGDqIgi7-dfEpsVJdtEY5_LYgprSIS5GwPlBrawuWqRNmrO0ljQypMoGUu6jAs_2YsZM3l2kMDAhp1FlTn16DowYrxtwIV94SpV3ktWpP0bH5yX6yfLxsZjpk/s1600/before+house+back.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheh7ife_9p5nd5RwLFoAiGDqIgi7-dfEpsVJdtEY5_LYgprSIS5GwPlBrawuWqRNmrO0ljQypMoGUu6jAs_2YsZM3l2kMDAhp1FlTn16DowYrxtwIV94SpV3ktWpP0bH5yX6yfLxsZjpk/s400/before+house+back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600752757879927010" border="0" /></a><br />This picture makes me cringe. It was taken when we bought the house in 2005. Yup, it was a lovely peachy-pink house with an addition wrapped in white siding. I still cannot believe we bought this house.<br /><br />The wooden door was old, probably original to whenever the past owners (there has only been one other owner of our home, the builder himself) added this addition to our house (maybe late 70s?). The exterior door was cracked, splintered, peeling and broken. It never closed easily, leading to many escapes by our lovely Miss. Penny Sue.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-4M6iYZk_Eh2J0zcNxAUX8JAxl1U3_h5RaTJDhjj9hCFjyDv7iPVFj7l4VQyFH-M9TeW5Ts-9iq9Azmw-RFNhCWyikCzvC8UISJq9OduSySKASI5mnNWALTrbsFMEPlVNDfPrQ4MR1M/s1600/IMG_2349.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-4M6iYZk_Eh2J0zcNxAUX8JAxl1U3_h5RaTJDhjj9hCFjyDv7iPVFj7l4VQyFH-M9TeW5Ts-9iq9Azmw-RFNhCWyikCzvC8UISJq9OduSySKASI5mnNWALTrbsFMEPlVNDfPrQ4MR1M/s400/IMG_2349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600751875762584914" border="0" /></a>Isn't she adorable? That's why we forgive her.<br /><br />Last winter, the storm door glass was shattered in one of our many wind storms last. And that's when we realized how poorly the door insulated us from the VERY cold winter.<br /><br />So, we called our contractor friend (who also replaced our windows) and placed an order for a new exterior door that would provide both light and privacy. The door leads directly into our master bedroom, so privacy was very important. We had to wait about 6 weeks for our contractor to install, but he's absolutely worth the wait! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNpXPT5IjTR3EUdy8fclv38n0XEei3xV2b7J_bssKnQV_PPTwI7nAlNN9vn9NR6BVxs4e0SJGaoRu4K4KIAsG-Jzp8YdwRflJn2JrElaQODDtVvYhegzUToUEqF_4d2n5CIMVpJtgF-0/s1600/DSC00642.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiNpXPT5IjTR3EUdy8fclv38n0XEei3xV2b7J_bssKnQV_PPTwI7nAlNN9vn9NR6BVxs4e0SJGaoRu4K4KIAsG-Jzp8YdwRflJn2JrElaQODDtVvYhegzUToUEqF_4d2n5CIMVpJtgF-0/s400/DSC00642.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600759402286057298" border="0" /></a>You can see that we had vinyl siding installed and added a cute little iron bench. Directly to the left of the door is my beloved herb and rock garden. It appears that a gladiola sneaked into the herb garden as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMZcLg6SPTo7wWcJsbYLGk3FZWfkJBhY7etQQA3G0gTUwpn2-CPAglZ-WD_34holdZkrs8Bdi_7Uk110gIt1pfboosBJwe_P_kYnX8xsAa7q-qABHU_Nuu4BnYekJt4JRkA6XPaPmpwQ/s1600/DSC00657.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMZcLg6SPTo7wWcJsbYLGk3FZWfkJBhY7etQQA3G0gTUwpn2-CPAglZ-WD_34holdZkrs8Bdi_7Uk110gIt1pfboosBJwe_P_kYnX8xsAa7q-qABHU_Nuu4BnYekJt4JRkA6XPaPmpwQ/s400/DSC00657.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600759685675444946" border="0" /></a>We selected a green door (to match our front door), with a full grid of windows. We also chose to have the glass frosted, again, for privacy reasons. I know I could have found curtains for the door, but I didn't want to have to do this. We selected antique bronze door knob set and door bell also to match our front door. I love consistency in a house. I'm weird like that. It explains why both of our bathrooms have the exact same tile and wainscoting. I digress.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9VKer3DV7nFg7UmaMCU4oVdI1jtDngd-CMVhMfMgQutQ5kLGhf7otvzBIvCxoyLKWjRVr_oU4EX2EbZE5j8DycsA43lgSvJryULJTYJm-BFed80umnGLnRa2sz736EAyZT3sgalnZ0o/s1600/DSC00654.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9VKer3DV7nFg7UmaMCU4oVdI1jtDngd-CMVhMfMgQutQ5kLGhf7otvzBIvCxoyLKWjRVr_oU4EX2EbZE5j8DycsA43lgSvJryULJTYJm-BFed80umnGLnRa2sz736EAyZT3sgalnZ0o/s200/DSC00654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600760958404523170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN7PgwFi_k-eruRcv34eUmwJEyXB9PMAetWbvesGB0Aw9gniixmn286gPXIlx-9W2d55TELS4vFtBeMovTvs0c3evxktQCcPoW4Eef6DmoSwVCYakX4w-OQF9c90HcOCe9Ab1ajkauOc/s1600/DSC00655.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTN7PgwFi_k-eruRcv34eUmwJEyXB9PMAetWbvesGB0Aw9gniixmn286gPXIlx-9W2d55TELS4vFtBeMovTvs0c3evxktQCcPoW4Eef6DmoSwVCYakX4w-OQF9c90HcOCe9Ab1ajkauOc/s200/DSC00655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600761399852166786" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now we have a pretty door that keeps us warm at night, is solid and not cracked!<br />I still cannot get over the difference a little door makes!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9de5Pa1DTRQ-PeUhyzRGI3qtRVSmhkeoyvUJJEmsHg5thywBm8SSZ8jlN4x1pagnQ6rGs-c9BHfeTYc-cQa2Jka65jQyR5pFKXZFGRvuinyPjlbqlSc82n_jqe8lkwhhX-C_KAWNbNY0/s1600/DSC00638.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9de5Pa1DTRQ-PeUhyzRGI3qtRVSmhkeoyvUJJEmsHg5thywBm8SSZ8jlN4x1pagnQ6rGs-c9BHfeTYc-cQa2Jka65jQyR5pFKXZFGRvuinyPjlbqlSc82n_jqe8lkwhhX-C_KAWNbNY0/s400/DSC00638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600761964499422386" border="0" /></a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-69889299388552801332011-04-23T08:48:00.001-07:002011-04-23T08:51:07.370-07:00Happy Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW4Yl6y0GH567rtakW78L6VxGfuJloOLpyR_yggsf2oBDVSyEvGwNojnxCN6JbcEpgW-caEYrA8ZtWzKMa0MxvZ3ePJEaWtgGMulePcn3aXNa8vZMVn_PqMgYrTBOQ9jgX5E06NAbTtA/s1600/IMG_2020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdW4Yl6y0GH567rtakW78L6VxGfuJloOLpyR_yggsf2oBDVSyEvGwNojnxCN6JbcEpgW-caEYrA8ZtWzKMa0MxvZ3ePJEaWtgGMulePcn3aXNa8vZMVn_PqMgYrTBOQ9jgX5E06NAbTtA/s400/IMG_2020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598806986178591938" /></a><br />Have a wonderful Easter Day, full of of dyed eggs, marshmallow peeps, chocolate bunnies and most importantly a day full of our Lord, Jesus Christ.Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-84136812283562504842011-04-19T14:12:00.000-07:002011-05-11T07:40:21.392-07:00Mission Private Bathroom: Complete<div>The bathroom is finished! The bathroom is finished! Well, 95% finished (because nothing is ever 100% complete in this house) and I am so happy with the results. Come on in and take a look!<br /><br />Here's what I started with when we bought the house 6 years ago. The tub and tile is original to the house (1966). I didn't hate the tile, but it was pretty cracked, so it really had to go. Oh, and did I mention there was no electrical outlet? Where's a girl to plug in her hairdryer? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDK5Mfnb9A5aXhdWHbhax3yD6zg2kv42RrqI56hYrDw70IgxzxJYVsoMuEXrxVZvRXXZ4AdsoR2OAlewEZ_kWUhxeRhTWBhpmBmLdfw-1gjZPY_zbuRo92so9UnBBntt74xOMjW-N9dM/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597783594650942482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDK5Mfnb9A5aXhdWHbhax3yD6zg2kv42RrqI56hYrDw70IgxzxJYVsoMuEXrxVZvRXXZ4AdsoR2OAlewEZ_kWUhxeRhTWBhpmBmLdfw-1gjZPY_zbuRo92so9UnBBntt74xOMjW-N9dM/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" /></a><br />This is the only before picture I have. It's circa 2007. Turns out, I hate taking pictures of ugly.<br /><br />Two years ago, we had the tile removed and replaced with a neutral tan tile, new tub, sink and toilet replaced and wainscoting installed. Yes, I hired this job out because my husband was deployed overseas and I didn't feel confident replacing old plumbing. After witnessing all the problems the professionals had, I'm very glad I didn't bother. Gosh I'm getting sick of wainscoting. Probably because I read way too many decorating blogs, but it's going to stay. I originally painted the walls light blue, but never removed the window into our laundry room. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605467841917819394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJE4WPPmNkxWjzn1ez8lcUxk_PAs-AUasKZZ00B2yJfJFBvk8E2alSQJX9_6PPNOD9gHkbYpqu8Eps6qSpDe46iqq1VMLZjvPJA0i2yl0VQzWL8UuZtXxdhy8ntExk8wr6cRA-7ft5kkA/s400/bathroom+middle.JPG" />Honestly, the bathroom was never completely finished. Until now, that it!<br /><br />And here it is today.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_knEQLe4d6sRYj0RQOQuuCoLzBdjiZlaKHlS68tGlcvIN5q5jR53P1WyW1zie4enLCeCIFHxpa4yX6xiT5o0Ra-6ZGcj9UhtHMWHged5OSgFJeURF9itjCo2Q8UnP4nM3sYyoVb70jg/s1600/DSC00406.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597784365530758690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_knEQLe4d6sRYj0RQOQuuCoLzBdjiZlaKHlS68tGlcvIN5q5jR53P1WyW1zie4enLCeCIFHxpa4yX6xiT5o0Ra-6ZGcj9UhtHMWHged5OSgFJeURF9itjCo2Q8UnP4nM3sYyoVb70jg/s400/DSC00406.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Our first step was getting the exhaust fan installed. Cost of the exhaust fan was around $115.00. Installation (no, we do not diy electrical anything!) was around $280.00. The electrician was here four hours-2 hours longer than anticipated, so the $280 was very inexpensive for his time!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTE3SK5jglQqd9XGd-S3ZEPLQhrO3SEMh4jQzJIDMSJGWuXC_dOuA4baLl9D_szPRr9ka6Z_sgGwvSyzoKRA-babn1ozklHONEZj12QSRqO5zlPWImU5q5sq4c_BSYEVqpLguG5trrA0/s1600/DSC00411.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597784707601730674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTE3SK5jglQqd9XGd-S3ZEPLQhrO3SEMh4jQzJIDMSJGWuXC_dOuA4baLl9D_szPRr9ka6Z_sgGwvSyzoKRA-babn1ozklHONEZj12QSRqO5zlPWImU5q5sq4c_BSYEVqpLguG5trrA0/s400/DSC00411.JPG" /></a><br />Quite a nice change from the gaping hole (which I did patch myself thankyouverymuch!).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vGwaN63jDrdSJiLFOdfVFI15x_9QP8lCibBos9RCBa0AWAoASU46bEZH9wrKTNv541YP4T70HKgAo3-aoKaVibg4nmwKa_Qs_qMjv_bH2HLRqSDYxSiaOlulQdu-rTQZGzR766XYO7A/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597786177811551618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vGwaN63jDrdSJiLFOdfVFI15x_9QP8lCibBos9RCBa0AWAoASU46bEZH9wrKTNv541YP4T70HKgAo3-aoKaVibg4nmwKa_Qs_qMjv_bH2HLRqSDYxSiaOlulQdu-rTQZGzR766XYO7A/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" /></a><br />Step two, was to patch the cracks in the ceilings. The ceilings had been patched a time or two and I knew cutting a hole into the ceiling to install the exhaust fan would cause the cracks to resurface. I was right. Fortunately, only 1 coat of mud and 1 round of sanding did the trick.<br /><br />Then, I took a hammer and knocked out those shutters leaving us even less privacy. I was hoping this would spur hubby into action. Alas, his school work (yes, I got me a college man) was too much, so I had to wait for our window to be covered.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMkRF1xUlQUemHK9uzxFESv46ak6K1sA0JxJIOjapsKJMspKsc6bgD8XmmDBiaCqDxtAPo6AsfeDbTuyZSsSao6guCZaHGy_Mh86SNjmpWJ54Qmfcv-dsHsE1iPm1wWALmKE6BoDriTM/s1600/DSC00402.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597786641678162690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMkRF1xUlQUemHK9uzxFESv46ak6K1sA0JxJIOjapsKJMspKsc6bgD8XmmDBiaCqDxtAPo6AsfeDbTuyZSsSao6guCZaHGy_Mh86SNjmpWJ54Qmfcv-dsHsE1iPm1wWALmKE6BoDriTM/s400/DSC00402.JPG" /></a><br />Yes, that is the view from my bathroom looking into my laundry room/bedroom closet. This room also needs MAJOR work. Let's ignore that for <span style="font-size:78%;">the next year</span> now.<br /><br />So, I moved onto the fun part, painting. I painted the ceiling (gah!) ceiling white by Olympus. It's a splatter proof brand that we've used it the rest of the house, It's not as white as most ceiling paints I've used in the past. For the walls, I used Valspar's Brooklyn Brownstone paint in a semi-gloss finish. I am in love with Valspar paint. The walls only required two coats of dark brown to cover the light blue. It looks just like chocolate pudding, too! The trim was painted brilliant white (more leftover trim paint) and I didn't touch the wainscoting that was already white.<br /><br />Finally, hubby stepped in and patched the window. It only took two days of constantly interrupted work, but he finished it. I caulked and painted it in one night because I was so excited to be done.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLRfw61i_29HbzWK2VC2FM3PB8JzI8VbPdB7f5TJCD2h_okpwd2r9HZWOn7ZmokDwnJFvh1sFbyg0DLhFq-zdjqX6qEA2JzGnGS2fA8NHFs6XfuFcWiGrCVz4F8BEFFWiKk7_VTpEmtY/s1600/DSC00420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597789328424806770" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLRfw61i_29HbzWK2VC2FM3PB8JzI8VbPdB7f5TJCD2h_okpwd2r9HZWOn7ZmokDwnJFvh1sFbyg0DLhFq-zdjqX6qEA2JzGnGS2fA8NHFs6XfuFcWiGrCVz4F8BEFFWiKk7_VTpEmtY/s400/DSC00420.JPG" /></a>I'm not sure what I'm going to put in that niche. we're considering a shelf, a monograph or a picture. Putting little ceramic knick knacks isn't the best idea because this bathroom is for my kids , my very active kids. So, I'm leaving the niche blank for now until I come up with a better idea than a vase of flowers.<br /><br />And for your viewing pleasure, a few more shots of the bathroom.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde9Ct0DQ-rNoggaE8erZLfKUKPC2QXx4qjXqu61DYQIbwfjAQQHyBVwpnzbKB7loqo2DuJrHDzFU3MDQ-sswLSOCFQw8zrrPjrM9NsC3oJTHcrKYy0gRxm2mJscYY03IwmbrQo2qbLh4/s1600/DSC00416.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597790013080234578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhde9Ct0DQ-rNoggaE8erZLfKUKPC2QXx4qjXqu61DYQIbwfjAQQHyBVwpnzbKB7loqo2DuJrHDzFU3MDQ-sswLSOCFQw8zrrPjrM9NsC3oJTHcrKYy0gRxm2mJscYY03IwmbrQo2qbLh4/s400/DSC00416.JPG" /></a>I used lime green accents to tie it into the adjacent room (the family room).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQYB5jwymQxilkwyYSd9-IhurmH25Nk1VO3VisFZ8nOCenP1D6eq4cKdTZl7yklHanMo1fzyS0cVLgM2NDfriKibDh-Br5XGSiuuvyRV8QQ5C85NGDeItdwystA9V6pHoLjVfyk5e9BQ/s1600/DSC00414.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597790319378241058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQYB5jwymQxilkwyYSd9-IhurmH25Nk1VO3VisFZ8nOCenP1D6eq4cKdTZl7yklHanMo1fzyS0cVLgM2NDfriKibDh-Br5XGSiuuvyRV8QQ5C85NGDeItdwystA9V6pHoLjVfyk5e9BQ/s400/DSC00414.JPG" /></a>The ubiquitous Target bird picture. I bought this picture and it's mate from Target several months ago. Turns out, so did everyone else. I've seen it pop up on several decorating blogs in the last month alone! The blue bird picture is currently found in our family room (for now).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPyQo9W5f-_8qyYXBrq0rURnECOSphqHdqSd1ZC_1t5HryhpjrXev8qlvwy1ubD6Nkrvei7MnU58NsORyFz1Y9VzeEBvcdSFQmg2rft0Pt52s6fhoi6FElTWVsbUhpmwbvIxXdScaVqs/s1600/DSC00420.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597790965655601826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPyQo9W5f-_8qyYXBrq0rURnECOSphqHdqSd1ZC_1t5HryhpjrXev8qlvwy1ubD6Nkrvei7MnU58NsORyFz1Y9VzeEBvcdSFQmg2rft0Pt52s6fhoi6FElTWVsbUhpmwbvIxXdScaVqs/s400/DSC00420.JPG" /></a> Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to enjoy some private time in my newly decorated bathroom.</div>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-618254212120203552011-04-18T08:19:00.001-07:002011-04-18T08:49:42.770-07:00You Should Try Herb<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPD3nc0RfHmXwq4YJZ9vHtuDhQ_YDgMwXn3iyS8Si2-fpKq8IWzLZjLrwxWQ0jY0otN1DchX-3urubFwB7375u3iqup0Nxr73mJNdBsR5BUAZpzr3e9yN5MAvBqgQBHGeA8DLmqGQCn0/s1600/IMG_2174.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPD3nc0RfHmXwq4YJZ9vHtuDhQ_YDgMwXn3iyS8Si2-fpKq8IWzLZjLrwxWQ0jY0otN1DchX-3urubFwB7375u3iqup0Nxr73mJNdBsR5BUAZpzr3e9yN5MAvBqgQBHGeA8DLmqGQCn0/s400/IMG_2174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596943808004002370" border="0" /></a>One of my favorite gardens (yes, we have more than 1) is my herb garden. I love to mix the herbs in my rock garden.<br /><br />Herbs are the easiest plants I have ever grown. I just plant them in small bed next to the foundation of our house and watch them grow-that's it! I always recommend herb gardens to new gardeners looking to plant something edible.<br /><br />Most years, I plant a variety of chamomile, parsley, sage, oregano, chives, rosemary. I once planted lemon balm and now it will not go away. Never, ever plant anything from the mint family (lemon balm is from the mint family). It's aggressive and invasive. It now grows between every plant and side walk crack in our yard (and likely the neighbors yard). Sure, it makes a nice tea that's good for digestions, but no body's digestion is that bad!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a89v5U2C16ABJYwZtI8BwMB4VW-E1TuBq1ATR7bVDj0ujma_gerkRFuSVPyGAhhkq6Qd-3AOhIpiKXwKhyphenhyphenh7q7MCbnSPZ3hxWu6o6AZBlt8z-b83arkmpuBPyH4gVFuuOLBVW798sbI/s1600/IMG_2175.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9a89v5U2C16ABJYwZtI8BwMB4VW-E1TuBq1ATR7bVDj0ujma_gerkRFuSVPyGAhhkq6Qd-3AOhIpiKXwKhyphenhyphenh7q7MCbnSPZ3hxWu6o6AZBlt8z-b83arkmpuBPyH4gVFuuOLBVW798sbI/s400/IMG_2175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596946697747945266" border="0" /></a><br />I have often found that my simple little herb garden yields more <span style="font-size:78%;">lemon balm</span> herbs than my family needs. So, I like to pawn it off on my poor unsuspecting friends, neighbors and co-workers. But beware, handing people a baggie of dried herbs may not look so good <span style="font-size:78%;">(or make you the most popular neighbor on the block!). <span style="font-size:100%;">I always dry my herbs using a simple method. I get up in the morning and clip my herbs after the morning dew. Next, I wash and pat dry the herbs and put them on a cookie sheet. I bake them in the oven at a very low temperature (like 200 degrees) until they are dried (usually about 2 hours). I package them in baggies. I really need to find a more legitimate looking container. </span></span><br /><br />Finally, I wanted to share a picture of my lavender row from last year. Lavender is so very pretty. Unfortunately, I have a neighbor who spared the perimeter of his yard with some sort of grass/weed/any living thing killer and every single one of my lavender plants died. I managed one harvest from the plants but couldn't bring myself to use or give them away since I didn't know what my neighbor used to kill the plants. He's a little grouchy, so I avoid asking him anything. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm3842EtN0qoDtSQgaZpa32A9TPEwXizZIvRmNYGykv3LJpjS26GqSf-cq38pHdwAFSmFVXq4FELgCZsx4i9L8BvYFtXZ6Tezunnyi5vs7ZSnBM3C_XLW0_pMfCvyyxAwyu6evNOdg_c/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm3842EtN0qoDtSQgaZpa32A9TPEwXizZIvRmNYGykv3LJpjS26GqSf-cq38pHdwAFSmFVXq4FELgCZsx4i9L8BvYFtXZ6Tezunnyi5vs7ZSnBM3C_XLW0_pMfCvyyxAwyu6evNOdg_c/s400/IMG_2108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596949850030563314" border="0" /></a> And really, he didn't do anything wrong. I still dried them as practise because I do plan to have lavender again, just not in a garden bordering my neighbor's yard. <br /><br />To dry lavender, I cut them at the height of their blooms, put them in bunches and tied them with dental floss. Next I hung them to dry in a dark, well ventilated room. I actually use this method for my other herbs too. Either method works well. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb5pPB2jGRPNiBFeTbMKkcXOYiGKkx03YjQ1zarcqXvFqKPJotu-E-0Of57NOWxfYNgtufZMm5UtokwNgZPZ9cZSWVq6Vp_cnWglIK2MGwCJoazUZzjvOgdk2qviJFjkYicKEMvASTSo/s1600/IMG_2063.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimb5pPB2jGRPNiBFeTbMKkcXOYiGKkx03YjQ1zarcqXvFqKPJotu-E-0Of57NOWxfYNgtufZMm5UtokwNgZPZ9cZSWVq6Vp_cnWglIK2MGwCJoazUZzjvOgdk2qviJFjkYicKEMvASTSo/s400/IMG_2063.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596948535476755266" border="0" /></a></span></span>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-22565093912525189482011-04-15T18:35:00.000-07:002011-04-16T12:00:48.023-07:00Kitchen Art, or Refrigerator Not NeededRecently, I was struck by inspiration. I love when that happens! I love kid art and I love encouraging my kiddos to create, but putting artwork on the refrigerator got to be very overwhelming. Do you realize how much art kids bring home from school? It's insane! On a few blogs, I noticed cork boards hung full of children's art and thought this the perfect solution for our family. I present you with my kitchen cork board.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKD8e2CvCB3ptbZpk91-kXbMXe1_Ch6tVZqjltCcqyJO5NY7wsB2DcZi5_SazhcGBLKIAmi5LYwm8maS5qdxdGfx6_823osudXY8VIMMMNZ11rgZd1PUDQtW1LEdxbdSVIOjiwUE06XM/s1600/DSC00378.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKD8e2CvCB3ptbZpk91-kXbMXe1_Ch6tVZqjltCcqyJO5NY7wsB2DcZi5_SazhcGBLKIAmi5LYwm8maS5qdxdGfx6_823osudXY8VIMMMNZ11rgZd1PUDQtW1LEdxbdSVIOjiwUE06XM/s400/DSC00378.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596256210973896818" border="0" /></a></div>This awesome cork board not only holds many examples of my children's artwork, but it also frees up refrigerator real estate. No longer do I have to worry about opening the refrigerator fearing an attack of paper (or twelve). This cork board allows for easy rotation of art and less mess since it's not moved until I move it intentionally! Last and certainly not least, this rotating art feeds my need for constant change and lots of color!<br /><br />I made this cork board using:<br />1. 1 Giant Frame bought at Michael's (with their 40% off coupon): $12.00<br />2. 6 Cork squares $10.00<br />3. Blue spray paint $3.00<br />4. Caulk $1.00<br />5. Hot glue had on-hand<br /><br />This project almost beat me. I couldn't find a pre-made cork board big enough, so I used a large picture frame without the glass. However, once I hot glued the cork to the cardboard backing and hung it up, the cork sagged away from the top of the frame. My problem was that when I replaced the glass with the cork board, the frame no longer fit together very well. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0qdgDU73r44LDXKUOPyz6L6KxGNRnuXfj_sGjozO8sMBDP-lAlJjRWaJpTTvORY4p2MLFW-FwdiecHWMUeJ1kryONBw3UZ-z9wqB08gBESKRieqCq_VzXFJCvCW4wUoYcaHsVOzdQY/s1600/DSC00259.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0qdgDU73r44LDXKUOPyz6L6KxGNRnuXfj_sGjozO8sMBDP-lAlJjRWaJpTTvORY4p2MLFW-FwdiecHWMUeJ1kryONBw3UZ-z9wqB08gBESKRieqCq_VzXFJCvCW4wUoYcaHsVOzdQY/s400/DSC00259.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596254790644713282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoY0qdgDU73r44LDXKUOPyz6L6KxGNRnuXfj_sGjozO8sMBDP-lAlJjRWaJpTTvORY4p2MLFW-FwdiecHWMUeJ1kryONBw3UZ-z9wqB08gBESKRieqCq_VzXFJCvCW4wUoYcaHsVOzdQY/s1600/DSC00259.JPG"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">S</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ee that sagging? It was ugly. It was also proof that a this board wasn't going to hold up to rotating pictures.</span></a><br /><br />Enter my new BFF, caulk. I caulked around the back side of the frame filling the the gaps between the cardboard and the frame and let it dry overnight. Finally, no sagging (well, at least no sagging <span style="font-style: italic;">cork board</span>).<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnqsF6w9x_m9UjzpA1tPnsv3SbngnIvt7n8gPRVmRR3tJSovRK4rSTobl7PipusrA4Zu3hc_TGVfMRNxLAp95U-rIahgWlcfqS9Q5jcMy1VKgx7quXkys7Dhltb27XrmkdmM00Fmu8x0/s1600/DSC00377.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnqsF6w9x_m9UjzpA1tPnsv3SbngnIvt7n8gPRVmRR3tJSovRK4rSTobl7PipusrA4Zu3hc_TGVfMRNxLAp95U-rIahgWlcfqS9Q5jcMy1VKgx7quXkys7Dhltb27XrmkdmM00Fmu8x0/s400/DSC00377.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596252706965900082" border="0" /></a>Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2822063905718052447.post-86243843743577748512011-04-15T17:23:00.000-07:002011-04-19T14:12:28.288-07:00Master Bedroom Makeover that Turned into a Bathroom MakeoverTwo weeks ago, I decided that I tired of looking at our fugly master bedroom and vowed to do something about it. This room, has been the most challenging to decorate in our house so far and it doesn't even have plumbing or electrical issues! Well, maybe it sort of, indirectly does.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a tale of project creep.</span><br /><br />Our master bedroom was a disaster. We ripped up nasty carpet and replaced it with laminate flooring, oh back in July and never put any of the baseboard moulding back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryEn1YYZNFDmTKU1KCMlgysns23S-vW4GihcxrIagrRsnIBRg6EZcU_FWvSO4EFzlCugLhti6DK2GnMoBYMHxxqXdp0oPEVOO-0BLWEhOIhYEM6x2sGEG81BL-49nsMWmhuQVYyHW3kM/s1600/DSC00641.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryEn1YYZNFDmTKU1KCMlgysns23S-vW4GihcxrIagrRsnIBRg6EZcU_FWvSO4EFzlCugLhti6DK2GnMoBYMHxxqXdp0oPEVOO-0BLWEhOIhYEM6x2sGEG81BL-49nsMWmhuQVYyHW3kM/s400/DSC00641.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595974099553631298" border="0" /></a>We put laminate flooring in the entire bottom floor of the house. Since this was the very last room, it was full of toys, exercise equipment and general nastiness. Unfortunately, last month, we has a major toilet leak that pretty much ruined all the new flooring in our bedroom. Oh well, time for plan B-carpet. Hubby and I were done with laminate and less than impressed with how it's held up, anyway. Yes, I am fickle. <br /><br />You can see that the room is paneled and has cheap-y built-in bookshelves. In another life, this room was used as a family room, a toy room and an exercise room, but we wanted to sleep on the same floor as the kids, so this room became our master bedroom. That and we couldn't fit our furniture in the other 12' X 13' rooms in the house. Oh, the joys of an older homes-no master bedroom!<br /><br />Typical of me, I never did take a picture of the master bedroom set up as a bedroom. In case you weren't aware, I suck as a blogger (as if my lack of posts wasn't already a big clue).<br /><br />Finally, I decided to make our bedroom something that didn't embarrass me. One of the many problems with our bedroom is that it has a exterior door to our back yard. People are always walking into our house through that door. I don't know why our friends and family can't use our front door! At least the UPS guy does!<br /><br />I painted the walls (using paint I already had), and caulked/painted all the trim white. For the record, caulking is hard! It looks so easy, but causes so much flipping mess! Hubby finally finished installing the moulding (all 7 pieces). I even made curtains (using stitch witchery) because long panels didn't fit with the chair rail height shelf found on 2 of the 4 walls (I hate that shelf!). We even had a new door and windows in stalled. The room was looking good, or at least, much better then what it had looked. The final step was to install carpet. And that's where I ran into problems and project creep.<br />1. Before we can get new carpet, we have to fix the plumbing and flooring issues in the master bedroom closet. FYI-this closet houses our washer and dryer.<br />2. Before we can fix the flooring/plumbing in the master closet, we have to remove/replace some walls.<br />3. And while we are removing/replacing walls, we might as well remove/cover-up the window that looks out from our master closet directly into one of our bathrooms. Yeah, privacy is a problem. I mean, it was great that I could fold laundry and watch my kids bath at the same time, but that time is fast ending and we all would really like some privacy when using that bathroom.<br />4. Before we cover that interior window, we need to install an exhaust fan into the bathroom because there is no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">other ventilation</span> in that room.<br /><br />Gah! That's where I am now. I'm working on the bathroom, so I can work on the master closet/laundry room, so I can finish up my bedroom makeover.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD8BOTuXTGTwhbCdYoS79W0lNymplLCZA_eqwaOGo-Dzr2e63vHSpgYZZqHlO3Zkuj3H9y-0y7QbbHrOHKRu5dynzX_3dPbcqke-_GMrfvcWxY6dSVGyi8do34BCldcWkfFhg3hVBktU/s1600/IMG_1730.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD8BOTuXTGTwhbCdYoS79W0lNymplLCZA_eqwaOGo-Dzr2e63vHSpgYZZqHlO3Zkuj3H9y-0y7QbbHrOHKRu5dynzX_3dPbcqke-_GMrfvcWxY6dSVGyi8do34BCldcWkfFhg3hVBktU/s400/IMG_1730.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595971112616465586" border="0" /></a>The plantation shutters in the pic is the window that looks out into my laundry room. While it looks like it provides some privacy, it doesn't really. There is one slat missing and it cannot be replaced (not by someone of my skill level anyway). The location of the missing slat is in the perfect position for viewing any and everything which is why I can watch my kids while doing laundry. Additionally, sounds are not muffled at all (if you know what I mean!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1FUPKYN9Dwk1jTOq5pD0zsqGarPmehSvpUD2D4jNaesBkQwpGeXCnt87E0rTKC6pz-s-J6GkSwJOlLBZUYuidE3Boe5XB_Kp6gCWpImT5sM_oWgZykZbNAk9e59FRD53unKecQR9oyQ/s1600/IMG_1729.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1FUPKYN9Dwk1jTOq5pD0zsqGarPmehSvpUD2D4jNaesBkQwpGeXCnt87E0rTKC6pz-s-J6GkSwJOlLBZUYuidE3Boe5XB_Kp6gCWpImT5sM_oWgZykZbNAk9e59FRD53unKecQR9oyQ/s400/IMG_1729.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5595971310628024210" border="0" /></a><br />Oh, see that hole? Yeah, I had to patch that 2 years ago. I know that as soon as we cut a hole in the ceiling to install an exhaust fan, the patch will crack and have to be repaired. I like repairing drywall almost as much as I love to caulk. I'm about as skilled too.<br /><br />I should mention that these bathroom pictures are more than 2 years old. We have since had tile and bead board installed. So, it's much, much nicer, but not great. Hopefully, it's about to look great!<br /><br />New step #1. Work on bathroom<br /><br />So, let the games begin. I'll be showing my progress (I promise this time) on each of my steps (no, really).Dianahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662377961062257634noreply@blogger.com0