why girls need pressure

Our house had no warm water pressure. The shower dripped. DRIPPED. Shampoo can't be washed out with a drip. But now, we have water pressure! Chris spent about three days without a shower last week (ew) while our entire house was replumbed! Sorry, no pictures here. We can see the pipes, but trust me, they aren't very photogenic. The old pipes are completely rusted out and laying the backyard (nice), and the new pipes . . . well, they're just plain ol' pipes. In our eyes, though, they're beautiful. Well, maybe just my eyes. I do have way more hair than Chris. Coming soon though . . . pictures of the newly painted exterior! Chris spend countless hours last week trimming the house, and it's looking awesome! Soon, I'll unveil the finish product.

an update and an introduction to power tools

After weeks of not working on the house, we had a non-stop work weekend. Chris was super productive prepping the outside windows for paint. He stripped and primed all the windows! Poncho the hired help? No, Chris in his *paining hat*. Apparently the sombero prevents him from becoming a red neck. I don't think there's much hope. ;) I continued on my quest to prep the kitchen and met my new best friends -- the power sander. Why haven't I been using this all along? Seriously, work went SO MUCH faster. The pics below might not look great, the those windows are smooth and ready to prime. And, my muscles and hands are pain free. What could be better? Last, I found this picture tonight, and it's exactly what I have in mind for our back porch. Simple and fresh.

the kitchen table

There's been much debate about our kitchen table, but THIS is my idea of the perfect kitchen table. Or, the perfect island in the kitchen. I'd take it for either.

Love at first sight

Oh, this designer is fabulous! I was purusing desire to inspire today and came across their feature of Ashley Roi Jenkins design. I love it. I know, again with the wall paper. But it's a great color and has great visual detail. I love this grey color, especially leading in the pink bathroom. Of course, I'm not sure I could get away with a pink bathroom in our house, grey walls would probably pass with flying colors *or lack there-of*. I want this. A closet that serves as a office. I'm racking my brain as I type trying picture where in our tiny house this could go. The hall closet? Also, check out how nicely the textured wallpaper complements the cozy pink drapes. Drool.

Oh how hectic

This is just an update. I haven't been posting, because we haven't done anything. (insert frowny face here) Between moving and being out of town over the 4th, we had to put the house on hold. Things will pick up again soon! ********************************* Until then, I have a confession. I'm mildly obsessed with the new trends in wallpaper. I'm not talking entire rooms of wallpaper, but wallpaper as an accent. Nook? (from HGTV)

Chalk drawings

I love lists. I have more than one list that I'm continually updating. I'm not really into blackberries and such as I like to write my task down and then check it off. You should try it. It's one of the best feelings in the world. I've often toyed with the idea of painting a section of the kitchen or backdoor landing with chalkboard paint as a central message center. But, how cool are these? Such great ideas for always having your lists handy, and sharing with others. From See Jane Work photo via simply lovely

And I have pictures!

I think I mentioned in this house needs a lot of work. The list below (and the pictures!) is everything we need to do that isn't decorating focused. We'll prioritize later, but it helps to write it all down so we know what lies ahead. It also helps you all to have a better idea of what we're getting ourselves into. This post is sort of long, but I hope you enjoy! Nook: - Strip paint, *all eight or nine layers*, from windows - Sand and even out built-ins - Repaint all Kitchen: Before I begin my kitchen list, let me warn you that the kitchen needs a complete remodel. It's not laid out well and it's very, very old. We aren't in a place to hire someone now, so for the time being, we're going to tackle what we can ourselves and with the help of our wonderful families. - Remove cabinet doors - Strip paint from doors - Paint doors - Replace cabinets doors - New appliances - Paint walls - Install island Living Room: - Paint walls and ceiling - Install ceiling fan - Find something to do with the weird fireplace (paint??) - Install molding between the baseboards and the hardwood floors - Reinstall missing vents Bathroom: - New, smaller sink - Strip paint from vanity, sand to even out - Repaint vanity - Paint walls and ceiling - Find something to do with the window in the shower - Remove caulk and then recaulk shower Backdoor landing: - Repaint all - Remove carpet - Install handrails Back porch: The back porch is on the other side of the door above. I don't have pictures, but it's also a priority because it's such a great space. - Power wash floor - Install siding in missing areas - Whitewash - Secure screens - Spray paint screen door