tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12392609883098619262024-03-13T22:54:33.985-07:00a home in the makingthoughts, ideas, renovations, and random musings from north portland.Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.comBlogger546125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-31990531437646544022013-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-09T06:00:12.633-07:00{inspired} a navy girls nursery<div style="text-align: justify;">
You guys! Today, I'm thrilled to be sharing with you a very special room - it's the nursery of a dear friend's infant daughter. And, I'm ridiculously excited to show you photos because I took them. And no, that's not a nod to my skills (or lack there of) with a camera. I'm excited because that means I not only went to Texas to see my friend (!), but I met her sweet, adorable daughter!! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8MneaIQnyLr5A20bHMwKqLv3AsY99P-BckWgtghTsDJPkaFcIma1ksi7odJ7X_IE0PMWMgkCM2uep0CXmxOGpGBfP3bqWw4DctFAs189E5XLewImAu8taGg4ZM3FHaQ9t_PdHlNskcs/s1600/willa-nursery11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8MneaIQnyLr5A20bHMwKqLv3AsY99P-BckWgtghTsDJPkaFcIma1ksi7odJ7X_IE0PMWMgkCM2uep0CXmxOGpGBfP3bqWw4DctFAs189E5XLewImAu8taGg4ZM3FHaQ9t_PdHlNskcs/s640/willa-nursery11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Becky decided on a bit of a non-traditional girls room color palette, which I happen to adore. I LOVE the navy brightened up by hits of orange and yellow. She texted me a photo of all the fabrics after fabric shopping and I may have squealed with delight. I knew immediately this room was going to be beautiful and special.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPQPkPAtUZpUVS2x73_xdsCE0ig4zMSy7TFPBsmwYcUwBZdXuW-HnK8Z3MK6OsDQkTHGQS0aYV45xYB9pb9VqXC7Op9n32l7dHBVOurxFhpwmnyrypIculJT-OMD4Z6n8WRffpwYRgg/s1600/willa-nursery10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPQPkPAtUZpUVS2x73_xdsCE0ig4zMSy7TFPBsmwYcUwBZdXuW-HnK8Z3MK6OsDQkTHGQS0aYV45xYB9pb9VqXC7Op9n32l7dHBVOurxFhpwmnyrypIculJT-OMD4Z6n8WRffpwYRgg/s640/willa-nursery10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Becky had all the bedding and drapes custom made on Etsy. One of my favorites parts of the chevron fabric is that the chevron was actually finished vertical instead of the usual horizontal. I also love that the fabric door mirrors the window curtains on the opposite wall and really ties it all together.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi69JRToz7VsjM1fXu-q-aSapdq4iP8mZpeK846jW8caS3s3EJAC3NNnILLpWrmcc-gADHkUtQeztX1NeXVzFe9ydniX6repaYHOSa5zRJP5ALscs1TDVQmBsDaqSsngmS5tp_o5EDvo/s1600/willa-nursery12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi69JRToz7VsjM1fXu-q-aSapdq4iP8mZpeK846jW8caS3s3EJAC3NNnILLpWrmcc-gADHkUtQeztX1NeXVzFe9ydniX6repaYHOSa5zRJP5ALscs1TDVQmBsDaqSsngmS5tp_o5EDvo/s640/willa-nursery12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And of course, we need to take a minute to talk about this entire wall. As you can tell, it's what you see immediately as you enter the room. It's a little harder to tell what's going on in my photos, but the wall is a glossy/non-glossy grid, and it is BRILLIANT. And, gorgeous and subtle and gives just enough interest in when you're in the room to make it really stand out. Becky posted a f<a href="http://www.beckymochaface.com/2013/01/painting-nursery.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ew photos on her blog</a>, and it's easier to see the treatment in them, and then she gave <a href="http://www.beckymochaface.com/2013/01/how-to-checkerboard-pattern.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">step-by-step directions</a>.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The scrabble art is a nod to Becky's love of words - I never saw her without a crossword puzzle when we worked and went to school together in Boston! - and is also a great piece of art. You can find the how-to <a href="http://www.beckymochaface.com/2013/05/how-to-scrabble-wall-art.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">also on her blog</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdojVId6yPjIf917ucTqVGsCiFNl7i4DZBpNM1QuCEJ6P2kTT0ux8tmZtFN85j6Jg8f1gmXVLSlDaIaSSZakvu1Yi-LD-VTalb_KkQPtf-w40qcoYI7c4B5A-oZlCRMOGf2S2l9GB7Zw/s1600/willa-nursery3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdojVId6yPjIf917ucTqVGsCiFNl7i4DZBpNM1QuCEJ6P2kTT0ux8tmZtFN85j6Jg8f1gmXVLSlDaIaSSZakvu1Yi-LD-VTalb_KkQPtf-w40qcoYI7c4B5A-oZlCRMOGf2S2l9GB7Zw/s640/willa-nursery3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cute little gallery wall ties in the colors and patterns of the room with a few pieces of sentimental art mixed in. Becky listed all the sources in her <a href="http://www.beckymochaface.com/2013/05/nuggets-nursery.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">nursery reveal post</a>. (Psst. If you click over, you'll see which of the art is from me! :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmkhHJtMNo9sHrt7_JcWCRE6x-ojTwiHiF-s0w4aL-NAtJPQhXqgKptFvCDExmDu7FoqhISpMTHR2kcxKdYv27NaCj8Ch5sAqOpaCMzYQwHU_6aXQB8BHx3ilzZ1V1GVszXi0vLTf-nw/s1600/willa-nursery1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmkhHJtMNo9sHrt7_JcWCRE6x-ojTwiHiF-s0w4aL-NAtJPQhXqgKptFvCDExmDu7FoqhISpMTHR2kcxKdYv27NaCj8Ch5sAqOpaCMzYQwHU_6aXQB8BHx3ilzZ1V1GVszXi0vLTf-nw/s640/willa-nursery1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Let's wrap this tour up with some details of the room, shall we?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WeQ0qRvo8B8KjfVKhW2iVD7o-27m4Y6BVy-THeTRpam1wDzQ6ZLuHLl86mqwEXkVLN-XWYdXhwQ7lt2STGAaGAxWoHIZOrNci7HKizQy3GMGelosaL6fCPTddIBkOoMaCzM1CSSoBQw/s1600/willa-nursery2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_WeQ0qRvo8B8KjfVKhW2iVD7o-27m4Y6BVy-THeTRpam1wDzQ6ZLuHLl86mqwEXkVLN-XWYdXhwQ7lt2STGAaGAxWoHIZOrNci7HKizQy3GMGelosaL6fCPTddIBkOoMaCzM1CSSoBQw/s640/willa-nursery2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEULxO_cspK3S8bbF7ctWZWhnwfdg1smkpfnOHWkLuVy0fHMR-f-QmQHC9w73dCG3G2kbgPo-TWXmqbWsz96jQAfsHnNFVgj4BwWgrfVebehSMdECf7yRTYMQ0G3QoYko-QQGZakBh5qQ/s1600/willa-nursery4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEULxO_cspK3S8bbF7ctWZWhnwfdg1smkpfnOHWkLuVy0fHMR-f-QmQHC9w73dCG3G2kbgPo-TWXmqbWsz96jQAfsHnNFVgj4BwWgrfVebehSMdECf7yRTYMQ0G3QoYko-QQGZakBh5qQ/s640/willa-nursery4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFh0XJr78RGFW6MBlTnYi33kf7XOs6MZHodygb-BjwE772fLFzwvpPLTPNl6u8FKk4h2E4V91zKTvv-Kjq9lMujPWyjP5ld7f50-kxr0Kq1AGN_gHEN0G49pFU09TvTkHJltcLyK1fhI/s1600/willa-nursery7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFh0XJr78RGFW6MBlTnYi33kf7XOs6MZHodygb-BjwE772fLFzwvpPLTPNl6u8FKk4h2E4V91zKTvv-Kjq9lMujPWyjP5ld7f50-kxr0Kq1AGN_gHEN0G49pFU09TvTkHJltcLyK1fhI/s640/willa-nursery7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPYhgEVj86qVbt_ry9tcHDj1zTWufW-6Ayouge3YB7dMreEf-O2koZfvYNp8pyYYQMbtAaxgcouIjU1EuBbCx3oZUhdzPeiUBELcWGV6W0JQWj6BjDVyFA0iGrxEQBpwNkqaUbuL3PzI/s1600/willa-nursery6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPYhgEVj86qVbt_ry9tcHDj1zTWufW-6Ayouge3YB7dMreEf-O2koZfvYNp8pyYYQMbtAaxgcouIjU1EuBbCx3oZUhdzPeiUBELcWGV6W0JQWj6BjDVyFA0iGrxEQBpwNkqaUbuL3PzI/s640/willa-nursery6.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaCC81mzWyeBeBaNQuPCyO0qjyE0DU_kGqQc2ebymGNDZdmFd3WEnaWeCU-w19RDNltRzUVuE3UWVq5OjPlKzfV-VNx5q5G7HEZtSENmZqz8FKXthYEeL8bS-m1GofcIwQ9qJ9mjMF5A/s1600/willa-nursery8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaCC81mzWyeBeBaNQuPCyO0qjyE0DU_kGqQc2ebymGNDZdmFd3WEnaWeCU-w19RDNltRzUVuE3UWVq5OjPlKzfV-VNx5q5G7HEZtSENmZqz8FKXthYEeL8bS-m1GofcIwQ9qJ9mjMF5A/s640/willa-nursery8.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MPI4OeTKcoOu2nycWHGTHJ4p4qN1wWGmg99VgRsPMzOXAqw7QmZLXHIT7k75IMWhEBeGUwn5Lp77SzZQaNuZm_la1KzDU-Mtl7bTgnUQMfV7kseqS443wT15Ipqe-08EzwUKKBJlHws/s1600/willa-nursery9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MPI4OeTKcoOu2nycWHGTHJ4p4qN1wWGmg99VgRsPMzOXAqw7QmZLXHIT7k75IMWhEBeGUwn5Lp77SzZQaNuZm_la1KzDU-Mtl7bTgnUQMfV7kseqS443wT15Ipqe-08EzwUKKBJlHws/s640/willa-nursery9.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Becky and her husband are both Texas A&M grads, so this sign is especially appropriate. And just another example of how important adding personal touches are to any room.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, I'm exited to hear - what's your favorite part of the room? The subtle grid wall? The fabric choices? The hand-made personal art? I truly can't decide, but I do know that I absolutely love that this room is not traditionally "girly," yet is sweet and obviously meant for a little girl.</div>
<br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-7230790745232700882013-07-03T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-03T06:00:08.882-07:00{inspired} miami<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I'm not going to give you the full run-down on all my May/June travels, but I did want to share a few photos of my trip to Miami with you all. Mostly because I was pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed it! :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaC6A3RxeL0fns9-fbMTBkXuvJGquv8fDNBGSNqQdKssPxaimPjSNIDVRCqSrAyz8aKCJbXbYq00t71sxDWvCq6cXx3Bu1uiovE-xilVB77uRY4Sb9WUPkrmgvz03O8Y1HspICTmbvl4/s1600/vacations1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwaC6A3RxeL0fns9-fbMTBkXuvJGquv8fDNBGSNqQdKssPxaimPjSNIDVRCqSrAyz8aKCJbXbYq00t71sxDWvCq6cXx3Bu1uiovE-xilVB77uRY4Sb9WUPkrmgvz03O8Y1HspICTmbvl4/s640/vacations1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See, I have a long list of places I'd like to visit someday and Miami was most decidedly not on that list. In fact, I just don't really enjoy Florida all that much. So hot. So humid. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW1D5leXe1pcUeXAStPUz9o4UX1xkWjuqhSOys4-9X9Jar0W-2MViTayjGjGLPK507nar3_0EFNt_csmWLKchMd6Jw_EzYwcVScH6zV0yLzlFiHipyjB225-0mW9moXPE6GOjdLt66_4/s1600/vacations2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW1D5leXe1pcUeXAStPUz9o4UX1xkWjuqhSOys4-9X9Jar0W-2MViTayjGjGLPK507nar3_0EFNt_csmWLKchMd6Jw_EzYwcVScH6zV0yLzlFiHipyjB225-0mW9moXPE6GOjdLt66_4/s640/vacations2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But of course I'm not going to say no when work offers to send me to conference in sunny Miami for a week! We stayed right on Miami Beach at the <a href="http://www.fontainebleau.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fontainebleau</a>, which was AMAZING. Omg. The pools! The palm trees! The gorgeous interiors! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-OpEHxJSAj6qZQoYjTd71Jmh-Gx1u7ImuK7tYT_J5CGT4U9kIGIC9WeY7t91IICS-KZje0SBUU6JMf6RjCSdo4e3K74f0asqbxzX48MVvU17WosSlu5tT3dSvzF1e8e6evgoXS5kfyk/s1600/vacations5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-OpEHxJSAj6qZQoYjTd71Jmh-Gx1u7ImuK7tYT_J5CGT4U9kIGIC9WeY7t91IICS-KZje0SBUU6JMf6RjCSdo4e3K74f0asqbxzX48MVvU17WosSlu5tT3dSvzF1e8e6evgoXS5kfyk/s640/vacations5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
For some unknown reason I was upgraded to small suite, which had the most amazing views from my balcony. Above is if I looked to the right. Below is if I looked to the left. Gorgeous!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjIX_83PugAypZrCqOkoonKJD0OyNMK0oVul-6zjVhHh7t93VWP9_o_UPITFt2ymdg1aWognnkUHQ5OajsSzpdXcMwO3lEgbTPzC0bUsz5YZji3LGs64pHrjyHd33l4lIgVZH-4HLym0/s1600/vacations3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5u2hQMDf96nUDdYQW9wv-Abp8UYdBwWeFBBBabVTru4ILoIFUhsqL7CX9DOEIgTxxnMBgmS4CVnKUBtTn7rnb7ThTDSlCypBywlz44MginzhDCRzkDdscVa_XNIEkMNNSgqWOmCnU0U/s1600/vacations6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN5u2hQMDf96nUDdYQW9wv-Abp8UYdBwWeFBBBabVTru4ILoIFUhsqL7CX9DOEIgTxxnMBgmS4CVnKUBtTn7rnb7ThTDSlCypBywlz44MginzhDCRzkDdscVa_XNIEkMNNSgqWOmCnU0U/s640/vacations6.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjIX_83PugAypZrCqOkoonKJD0OyNMK0oVul-6zjVhHh7t93VWP9_o_UPITFt2ymdg1aWognnkUHQ5OajsSzpdXcMwO3lEgbTPzC0bUsz5YZji3LGs64pHrjyHd33l4lIgVZH-4HLym0/s1600/vacations3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjIX_83PugAypZrCqOkoonKJD0OyNMK0oVul-6zjVhHh7t93VWP9_o_UPITFt2ymdg1aWognnkUHQ5OajsSzpdXcMwO3lEgbTPzC0bUsz5YZji3LGs64pHrjyHd33l4lIgVZH-4HLym0/s640/vacations3.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwN2Adx7HMqEYYyZUvI_nJwrL2URt0xxgtlJOKMjMb4zp3UGAxKTSPusdmQn3jUJgpgyBSjBzQ3nOM4jhg_8hmZ0-fPNLpN7FMuytj510-nTNvrLVqBkSQrVuarXGoO-kJueLMHY47D4/s1600/vacations4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnwN2Adx7HMqEYYyZUvI_nJwrL2URt0xxgtlJOKMjMb4zp3UGAxKTSPusdmQn3jUJgpgyBSjBzQ3nOM4jhg_8hmZ0-fPNLpN7FMuytj510-nTNvrLVqBkSQrVuarXGoO-kJueLMHY47D4/s640/vacations4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also took a little time to explore the beach, since I was there. I took a quick sunrise walk on morning (top photo) and came across so many people who .... were just getting home from the clubs. Hahaha! Sadly, my week wasn't THAT exciting :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMBbt9DjUEM67Fb6aGJnnsXVYhPf3UK7G65e7t0XVU4EIGSj9CxhK3JjNH4ar4hWwP6LrC515UyIGq_yRhGS2xuJC3dF2TPFbezrEYpSD_e_7Yoe_ouNyZ3D3Xe1YOFhle7svdHVU2nk/s1600/vacations7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMBbt9DjUEM67Fb6aGJnnsXVYhPf3UK7G65e7t0XVU4EIGSj9CxhK3JjNH4ar4hWwP6LrC515UyIGq_yRhGS2xuJC3dF2TPFbezrEYpSD_e_7Yoe_ouNyZ3D3Xe1YOFhle7svdHVU2nk/s640/vacations7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I also took a nice evening stroll down to South Beach and the Art Deco district. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcNQtFo7Mq0d495J3feoF_axtHdM6my6IsODMK8VSSLKmiVQTpHuaVTabFvUOl6tDlvtKEE75DeXocb8gT-yUiQKxgp2F70VckvtIpLMxceQ0NTN_qz2HXKrtZ4-O7GtgmjQf9er-LGQ/s1600/vacations8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcNQtFo7Mq0d495J3feoF_axtHdM6my6IsODMK8VSSLKmiVQTpHuaVTabFvUOl6tDlvtKEE75DeXocb8gT-yUiQKxgp2F70VckvtIpLMxceQ0NTN_qz2HXKrtZ4-O7GtgmjQf9er-LGQ/s640/vacations8.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sadly, by the time I got to all the amazing art deco buildings it was too dark to take decent photos. But, in general, I loved all the architecture along the beach. So fancy, gorgeous, classy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbBnAKnFyov0NTyBC770tFogbgv-GpFeEePACnGRTvUZ9BayUX8VFe8o4zEJtZJBHPD9u263cWXhg_1KAOkW8NE_yHuEYqS5JdT8j4GfmVCL2Pt3FF47LEuBE53Zb9-Vf6S6410C6WRw/s1600/vacations9.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbbBnAKnFyov0NTyBC770tFogbgv-GpFeEePACnGRTvUZ9BayUX8VFe8o4zEJtZJBHPD9u263cWXhg_1KAOkW8NE_yHuEYqS5JdT8j4GfmVCL2Pt3FF47LEuBE53Zb9-Vf6S6410C6WRw/s640/vacations9.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Friends, I hope you have a fantastic 4th of July weekend! Enjoy all the celebrations! :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-16175749454551597902013-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-01T06:00:12.561-07:00{a home in the making} State of the Blog.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's just dive right into where I've been for the past month. Wait, has it been two months? Yep. I originally wrote this post at the beginning of June! So, I've edited to update to the rest of June, but the basic message remains unchanged :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw4-8eQhXoSUk8D7pqIl4bGyHe_ChjX-vR-JUyB8oXxz6zr0eBiNuI7YdWl6LLcbldANEv3sOgQ4siNi13qDsY4PifPXuP1IAbe-danHO9CC9Vmky_JG0VWgi-GbkcN4YS5Abt98o3js/s1600/vacations2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDw4-8eQhXoSUk8D7pqIl4bGyHe_ChjX-vR-JUyB8oXxz6zr0eBiNuI7YdWl6LLcbldANEv3sOgQ4siNi13qDsY4PifPXuP1IAbe-danHO9CC9Vmky_JG0VWgi-GbkcN4YS5Abt98o3js/s640/vacations2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started in May in Miami (above) for work, as soon as I got home we headed to the Oregon coast, then a long weekend visiting friends in Bend, Central Oregon (below) and I finished the month visiting a dear friend in Dallas Texas. May was awesome! And, my head is in fact still spinning. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJX48kc86E1mN9HUPTtMoHFjhESuJaWiPZygI3e1QKulmXE9rUt-AqhGLLApoo6sZV2uFUNCXoyW11nmW0BuskBmkkkAnag2_W3tfg0Y9yPjPcJ3mevXZANMowLLZ0D1FXJXLjHmlJys/s1600/DSC_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJX48kc86E1mN9HUPTtMoHFjhESuJaWiPZygI3e1QKulmXE9rUt-AqhGLLApoo6sZV2uFUNCXoyW11nmW0BuskBmkkkAnag2_W3tfg0Y9yPjPcJ3mevXZANMowLLZ0D1FXJXLjHmlJys/s640/DSC_0102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
June was a little quieter, but included an amazing trip to <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/06/inspired-wine-tasting-and-friends.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wine taste in eastern Washington</a> (below). Quite frankly, I'm not used to traveling that much and lots of other things fell through the cracks. Including, sadly, this lovely space.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuWvosV3_Zx2ZwElat79ne5YMl2EZRSyQxOOL-sQ8ZGLLifRWv7BFXissf5YjxcrlgLoAc8RlAA8OgnYhWoUZ3W8rni24BYQIiwkycwKBnWdZ2c0OAUvfottXS0MS5XMN85hQs5FzJdU/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuWvosV3_Zx2ZwElat79ne5YMl2EZRSyQxOOL-sQ8ZGLLifRWv7BFXissf5YjxcrlgLoAc8RlAA8OgnYhWoUZ3W8rni24BYQIiwkycwKBnWdZ2c0OAUvfottXS0MS5XMN85hQs5FzJdU/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's another issue I've been having, though, with blogging in general. Early in May - pre-travel craziness - I actually thought to myself that I need to hire a landscaper to come weed our terribly overgrown yard and lay barkdust. My reasoning? Besides being lazy (!), getting our yard in shape would take a full weekend day and it's not something I could blog about so I didn't want to spend time doing it. What shocked me the most is that I realized this is only one example in a list of things that I've been avoiding doing because they aren't blog worthy.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It hit me hard that I don't want to live my life according to what's blog worthy. Since I started my new job about 8 months ago, I've had very limited time during the week to blog - thanks to crazy work days that often lead into evening work activities. I've been managing the blog by filling my weekends with starting and completing projects, photographing the projects, uploading and editing photos and then, at a bare minimum, writing Monday's post and starting the other two posts for the week. I'm sure you can guess how much time that leaves me for anything else on the weekends! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSGTkD42Tk7__CPOsXdO-wAWD4CvbT_ZgSvtM9WZXs1peX9EwmEroUp-tcuGCcDD1iB6I5yMVym4Nmf6Ex0KWzleN73mZameGqiFPom56-kYVB9l8NYwcYuQfS97Nrd3tr-JOtH4cXjg/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSGTkD42Tk7__CPOsXdO-wAWD4CvbT_ZgSvtM9WZXs1peX9EwmEroUp-tcuGCcDD1iB6I5yMVym4Nmf6Ex0KWzleN73mZameGqiFPom56-kYVB9l8NYwcYuQfS97Nrd3tr-JOtH4cXjg/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was chained to my house last summer trying to make progress on <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen%20remodel" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">our kitchen remodel</a>, and I don't want to feel the same way this summer. I want to go hiking and pull weeds and go for bike rides and touch up the back entry steps that are chipping. I want to enjoy my weekends!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCHUvwyNwNXNwM3hPSeOWyr0AnPSnOYF-Br-8xyyH3dBWX98oBGN3uHkX3lyar21JLcPHz0O5E3A1HFnTJrT_Q3Tus2XB_xyasDTra5jMvgVPigUPekRSnHxVFIn8zcIgY8wseP5Voi0/s1600/DSC_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCHUvwyNwNXNwM3hPSeOWyr0AnPSnOYF-Br-8xyyH3dBWX98oBGN3uHkX3lyar21JLcPHz0O5E3A1HFnTJrT_Q3Tus2XB_xyasDTra5jMvgVPigUPekRSnHxVFIn8zcIgY8wseP5Voi0/s640/DSC_0104.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not completely sure what all this means. I know I'm not going away. The first couple weeks of May I felt really free in my non-blogging life, but the few weeks I've really missed it - and all of you! I think this summer I'll just be winging it more than usual. There are still small home updates I'm working on - living room furniture, fabrics for the kitchen, the sage of our kitchen chairs - and I'll definitely be updating you as I get to them. But there might be weeks when I just don't have time to contribute here. And I think right now that's fine too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks for hanging in there with me friends! I appreciate you reading and checking in here and not giving up on me when life kinda gets in the way :) </div>
<br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-24506291179507066082013-06-30T12:36:00.003-07:002013-06-30T12:36:33.856-07:00The end of an era ...<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's right. Google reader is dying tomorrow! I know you've probably all taken care of transferring your readers already (and it's easy!), but just in case, I made it super easy for you to continue following me with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2543479" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bloglovin</a>'. Click on the link, or, there's a new button on the right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oh, and I realize I've been quite absent the past couple months, but I promise you don't want to go away. I'll be making a state-of-the-blog address tomorrow, followed by updated and new (!) kitchen chairs, an amazing nursery (not mine - that's definitely not why I've been absent ;), living room chairs and more. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, I'm going to go cry over having to change my blog reading ways.</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-65530311566656367672013-06-18T12:57:00.001-07:002013-06-18T12:57:06.993-07:00{inspired} wine tasting and friends<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends! How good of a combo is that - wine tasting and friends. I think it might be my favorite! :) I actually have a couple posts all ready to publish, but my camera card reader died. Dead. So that's on my list of things to purchase this week, but in the meantime my wonderful and gorgeous friend Angie did a post on her blog about our <a href="http://eachdayinthislife.blogspot.com/2013/06/just-checking-in.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wine tasting in eastern Washington </a>last weekend. I highly recommend you check it out. Because not only will there be cute photos of us:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1J-jy2H6FQOaSercii2OSKuedzhlxu8CjJVXlgpK1dvWnQHosuZogZ-GxNu3budaOyu0Wm177gPIiaTGC-ylmi972jTG4ryfm8EqmB8L_XnH0xUtF1NYfTQ5Xka6nyCknFLI_CEahUM/s1600/IMG_2166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1J-jy2H6FQOaSercii2OSKuedzhlxu8CjJVXlgpK1dvWnQHosuZogZ-GxNu3budaOyu0Wm177gPIiaTGC-ylmi972jTG4ryfm8EqmB8L_XnH0xUtF1NYfTQ5Xka6nyCknFLI_CEahUM/s640/IMG_2166.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
See? But, Ang took <a href="http://eachdayinthislife.blogspot.com/2013/06/just-checking-in.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">amazing photos of the day and the wineries</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And, while not home related AT ALL, it has me wondering - what type of wine is your favorite? I'm a big red girl - cabs FTW! - but I live in Pinot Noir country. So, tasting in eastern Washington was especially delightful. Are you all about Pinots? Chards? What about Merlots? White vs. reds? I'd love to hear! :)</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-50787324189378332172013-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-29T06:00:09.371-07:00{renovate} the depths of indecision<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I'm quick to make decisions and know precisely what I want. Other times, it takes me months and I second guess everything. The latter usually revolves around fabric and/or other textiles. It just so happens that I'm trying to choose a couple different fabrics right now. And a couple rugs. I need to choose fabric for over the kitchen sink. I also need to choose fabric for the <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/04/renovate-new-living-room-furniture.html" target="_blank">living room ottoman</a> and I need a rug for in front of the kitchen sink. Oh and possibly a rug <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/12/renovate-nook-makeover.html" target="_blank">under the table in the nook</a>. Seriously, it's a lot! It makes my head spin. I know I want to have some fun with the fabric over the sink, so I'm trying to choose that fabric first and then base my other choices off it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know you're all curious, so here, my friends, is what indecision looks like:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiH9xroUEPxlilc-82aLq-ctxjycbyzNVBBl_Ni6ZLbUpli1K1aeCCLV4hFMVPP_RJTcwGAS7rKEhzNXTgzThaBkk8VWvjxpDm9GkWQTNys0YRmgCkyp_-dE_j_vWBInKXlVdts8q-LY/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMiH9xroUEPxlilc-82aLq-ctxjycbyzNVBBl_Ni6ZLbUpli1K1aeCCLV4hFMVPP_RJTcwGAS7rKEhzNXTgzThaBkk8VWvjxpDm9GkWQTNys0YRmgCkyp_-dE_j_vWBInKXlVdts8q-LY/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I. CAN'T. CHOOSE. First world problems, right? I just want to pick one so I can move on with my life, but none are right. At the beginning of the kitchen remodel, I posted that I wanted to updated the <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/04/inspired-blues-greens-and-kitchen.html" target="_blank">color scheme be blue and green</a> - instead of just blue. This still holds true. More recently, I posted a <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/01/inspired-kitchen-fabric-options.html" target="_blank">variety of fabrics</a>, trying to narrow things down. The one thing I have decided is that I want a floral, because there are so many straight lines in the room - the cabinets, the tile, the painted lines on the floor. (My awesome husband pointed that one out ;) I need to both mix it up and soften it up. The problem here, though, is that a lot of florals read too stuffy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fabric below (left) is actually the closest to what I'm looking for. Chris loves this one. But I think it's maybe too turquoise? Although, the pattern is pretty awesome.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavAFxrXNzrHuczUAYB55e7-XIO1ZPw0knuzs4rVym4eZOjIddzBUkYRJkvhJ5MjvILbsrisrT2dKjxo8_1yZMDz2w6FBDfUmK7MXRQg3dhoEw-JbGeeqBufkumamNj31Ss2dq6rWdZlY/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavAFxrXNzrHuczUAYB55e7-XIO1ZPw0knuzs4rVym4eZOjIddzBUkYRJkvhJ5MjvILbsrisrT2dKjxo8_1yZMDz2w6FBDfUmK7MXRQg3dhoEw-JbGeeqBufkumamNj31Ss2dq6rWdZlY/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
During High Point Market, I was <strike>drooling over</strike> browsing the #hpmkt hashtag in instagram and came across this fabric:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZKWxAaWL5mjTTZXQPLLPKTzE2mlxrK_VvOntE5mlnr4mSv9CQUZXtCWMjT_hmz5uGLudDcGC8YGgUw_7tHLMGQvY1nZUhkY_WnYNzAEfZKvnFcUiF4FjUDX0hZGbelfmwW_mxPB98s/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCXZKWxAaWL5mjTTZXQPLLPKTzE2mlxrK_VvOntE5mlnr4mSv9CQUZXtCWMjT_hmz5uGLudDcGC8YGgUw_7tHLMGQvY1nZUhkY_WnYNzAEfZKvnFcUiF4FjUDX0hZGbelfmwW_mxPB98s/s640/photo.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
PERFECT. Do any of you know what this is? I asked the person who posted, but haven't heard back. I LOVE it. It's bright and fun, yet not too busy or precious or stuffy. If any of you know, or have a guess, let me know! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, what do you second guess yourself about? Are you in the middle of a decorating dilemma right now?</div>
<br />
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-12769932077335175732013-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-22T06:00:12.545-07:00{create} low maintenace succulent containers<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, it appears that I'm on a succulent kick. It started after Christmas. I always plant paperwhites around Christmas in a large serving bowl and after they die, I save the bowl (dirt and all) for next year. But this year I'm trying to keep more plants in the house, so that bowl was replanted with succulents. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkYk0w1H2RME4CHVJYMEG8wloT8y8_UzwrNm1ntA6cIO_cJeR7bVKJG7GSE769SEg13UBk6KA2p6PLyOq-2yEhi-WN1aAS5pwbJRUO1Ah_-fjobQJKLoYGIILyywA5o9CbaEMM30Qtmk/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkYk0w1H2RME4CHVJYMEG8wloT8y8_UzwrNm1ntA6cIO_cJeR7bVKJG7GSE769SEg13UBk6KA2p6PLyOq-2yEhi-WN1aAS5pwbJRUO1Ah_-fjobQJKLoYGIILyywA5o9CbaEMM30Qtmk/s640/DSC_0015.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It moves around the house as needed :). One of the - pretty obvious - things that I LOVE about succulents is how low maintenance they are. I planted these guys in March and have watered them once since. Easy! I am terribly neglectful of potted plants, but I absolutely adore having them in the house, so I've been trying to incorporate more plants that don't need a lot of t.l.c from me. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYavxBalUJB9b7Ie6UVgYjjG7c0uNQKkborUK2V3yBhAD_d4xZR0V_GoCk5-T9cL-x0okkj7EoPccCPuK5E9NXTuCPDNNiVYf77WrUsa2aiBcuSRHhDgVhmFXMBHAyP7Fvd1NqxM-VUY/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYavxBalUJB9b7Ie6UVgYjjG7c0uNQKkborUK2V3yBhAD_d4xZR0V_GoCk5-T9cL-x0okkj7EoPccCPuK5E9NXTuCPDNNiVYf77WrUsa2aiBcuSRHhDgVhmFXMBHAyP7Fvd1NqxM-VUY/s640/DSC_0020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For this little succulent garden, I added some river rocks and mossy rocks (both from Target), to add a little texture and make the dirt look not so ... dirty ;).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And speaking of low-maintenance. Each summer, I plant flowers in cute little white pots on our front steps (you can see past containers <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2010/05/renovate-landscaping-curb-appeal.html" target="_blank">here </a>and<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2009/04/curb-appeal.html" target="_blank"> here</a>). Last summer was no different, except that I was even more neglectful than usual (<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen%20remodel" target="_blank">KITCHEN!</a>). I let the flowers die and the weeds grow and a few weeks ago, our steps looked like this.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkBMoq0EYlPhHHfEa0fEE33kPRfTtPg-aBw6X8oUS2xSgHhS8jcSAb7WH-3N4sEzkfmteZr24P7FQskNJO5np8p8Ra9WUrNyRMxhgatnaMoYW9HGlGPZIOibgw5JhClNvtsQMuozI9X4/s1600/photo-14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZkBMoq0EYlPhHHfEa0fEE33kPRfTtPg-aBw6X8oUS2xSgHhS8jcSAb7WH-3N4sEzkfmteZr24P7FQskNJO5np8p8Ra9WUrNyRMxhgatnaMoYW9HGlGPZIOibgw5JhClNvtsQMuozI9X4/s640/photo-14.png" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yikes. Those are some huge weeds. But do you notice something about these containers? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyzuxLP5iJewtlHiMtJ2j1PQSZqXrJFcAZb-JY0Ub-Iux0UBPmoGg4I5wnbA-oM3Xj81Ev3UoyOxnH92b_C5Stm_o8HcL1fPqxJbDzEoj1pQhc73IUUB-SFjiRx7CERPDr-mMbpQXRhA/s1600/photo-13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyzuxLP5iJewtlHiMtJ2j1PQSZqXrJFcAZb-JY0Ub-Iux0UBPmoGg4I5wnbA-oM3Xj81Ev3UoyOxnH92b_C5Stm_o8HcL1fPqxJbDzEoj1pQhc73IUUB-SFjiRx7CERPDr-mMbpQXRhA/s640/photo-13.png" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Look closely - the couple succulents that I'd added to the containers not only survived ...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJZ6f94_Nz0ASCmhePSC3ZyiSNexdgzasVPwCnmuZKqlkV01Q5VZJpTlypbpskcvTNHN7kymCeCjPLqZ08WLH1qsp08C0Qs9fVproMDWqzHpzBSL8MUFy2qePZgUHC3l4CAsozvKAJ-4/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJZ6f94_Nz0ASCmhePSC3ZyiSNexdgzasVPwCnmuZKqlkV01Q5VZJpTlypbpskcvTNHN7kymCeCjPLqZ08WLH1qsp08C0Qs9fVproMDWqzHpzBSL8MUFy2qePZgUHC3l4CAsozvKAJ-4/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But some even thrived! Our front steps get huge amounts of afternoon sun, which is pretty hard on certain flowers, but apparently succulents love it. I can take a hint. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSdrCaB7ynL2FLbYbyl99QuB-jAWt0fvfgM2JF2Vhk_uHTEvzRE_cT9-cvGoqQUn00Fv3zhbRQ5l3VgbGvpRrmQN68foimeYm5unTrBjd_05dzTxDL-Ml3zz24VZ2okPJHJnvqbyIc9g/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSdrCaB7ynL2FLbYbyl99QuB-jAWt0fvfgM2JF2Vhk_uHTEvzRE_cT9-cvGoqQUn00Fv3zhbRQ5l3VgbGvpRrmQN68foimeYm5unTrBjd_05dzTxDL-Ml3zz24VZ2okPJHJnvqbyIc9g/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, our front step containers are all neat and tidy. And, planted full of lovely succulents.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv7aUqRvJjlWk7U2sDY5kqwS2XtYCshZO5DzmDenngJGz59vjMlwKO-SLumeFnrv3urnCZAsxZn_-U73WKg_H87GxvXU9BiM_QrHhQlyo9otb6KFWpe2Qb1m0lg45cWgGBsDFcZkIOkw/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPv7aUqRvJjlWk7U2sDY5kqwS2XtYCshZO5DzmDenngJGz59vjMlwKO-SLumeFnrv3urnCZAsxZn_-U73WKg_H87GxvXU9BiM_QrHhQlyo9otb6KFWpe2Qb1m0lg45cWgGBsDFcZkIOkw/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpFkfuCkPl02lUga8NT3j67Bov4ot4GVLWmPu0G-eF-uoV13mGt77-8W_xbcejzjSiBXdPvN__PI0S3jaeGfNgBUQJHrMjspq1nsNtUPpAO4LZz7Ka5EMr9a9fYD7OlGP4HeZm2H57-g/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpFkfuCkPl02lUga8NT3j67Bov4ot4GVLWmPu0G-eF-uoV13mGt77-8W_xbcejzjSiBXdPvN__PI0S3jaeGfNgBUQJHrMjspq1nsNtUPpAO4LZz7Ka5EMr9a9fYD7OlGP4HeZm2H57-g/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm not sure how much each of these succulent varieties will fill in, so I might need to plant more, but I'm excited to see how these look by the end of summer. And, I'm even more excited that they'll (hopefully) flourish without much babysitting from me! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, do you plant succulents? Do you love to take care of plants, or do you take the more hands-off approach to gardening and house plants?</div>
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-68683093377436039522013-04-19T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-19T06:00:05.145-07:00{create} an envelope pillow cover<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, thank you all for your incredibly helpful suggestions about <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/04/renovate-new-living-room-furniture.html" target="_blank">my living room furniture</a> situation. The majority of your opinions really confirmed my thinking - the slipcovered couch doesn't work! I was kind of prepared for that, but I always like to try and work with
what I have first. My current plan is to begin looking for a couple chairs to replace that couch. I also like the idea of putting the chesterfield in front of the bigger window and having the chairs with their back to the kitchen (reorienting the room). We had the living arranged similar to this a LONG time ago, but the wall was always in the way. Now that there isn't a wall (!) I think it's time to revisit that idea. A few of you also suggested putting the slip
covered couch against the window perpendicular to the leather couch. This idea had never crossed my mind, and I was looking at the space this morning and I think there might be room. I'll give it a shot. So anyway, now I have options and I thank you! :)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In other breaking news, I made a pillow. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKKCYcDwfeBbcX5BoB2-J4jInw_NagjvkAYQ5u22OaYZ8xCG1p5llfJ-hFGl6AL0Kzt2lr9JB_hEYSZ6itTWRPTz7Zp0vl2eLz8eKYPX0tQfz4794t7WF2axV7gGVHLWPQK3qzECgnDw/s1600/couches18.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKKCYcDwfeBbcX5BoB2-J4jInw_NagjvkAYQ5u22OaYZ8xCG1p5llfJ-hFGl6AL0Kzt2lr9JB_hEYSZ6itTWRPTz7Zp0vl2eLz8eKYPX0tQfz4794t7WF2axV7gGVHLWPQK3qzECgnDw/s640/couches18.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Okay, so maybe not such breaking news, but you might have noticed that I've been making a LOT of pillows lately <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/04/renovate-church-basement-afters.html" target="_blank"><i>(hello, church basement)</i></a>, so I thought I'd share my method. Because it's really easy.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqbRTH48yxk0vyfWaIebu-KaYI7zM9jAB_4zMxwbGHdb_bK8qbEdTuS9ncpMQP75G17Hr5esqqxLw01L4t2GgHFX3R7Khp-a6z156qwA4b-QTYt67nHeLXpxErlRCe9afiuzS7GyW5p8/s1600/couches23.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqbRTH48yxk0vyfWaIebu-KaYI7zM9jAB_4zMxwbGHdb_bK8qbEdTuS9ncpMQP75G17Hr5esqqxLw01L4t2GgHFX3R7Khp-a6z156qwA4b-QTYt67nHeLXpxErlRCe9afiuzS7GyW5p8/s640/couches23.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On a side note, isn't this fabric fantastic? I 'found' it in my fabric stash a couple weeks ago. I don't even remember buying it <i>(you know you have a fabric problem when ....)</i>, but I LOVE it. And, I had just enough to make a pillow. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m7VmO6MDeiC1M0wxetF-WqybFEMxQHFfIEUpEY40KNMtMYWw9hVOJr9w4Px1ZIZlundfWyDVGEiG-OYip8Oz9H1LsNcWr6D7BbglHeZaqTPUkl_JKlU8BEZmT1iDPBRJakuoROvh1xA/s1600/couches22.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_m7VmO6MDeiC1M0wxetF-WqybFEMxQHFfIEUpEY40KNMtMYWw9hVOJr9w4Px1ZIZlundfWyDVGEiG-OYip8Oz9H1LsNcWr6D7BbglHeZaqTPUkl_JKlU8BEZmT1iDPBRJakuoROvh1xA/s640/couches22.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When was making the pillows for the church, we raided good will and thrift stores for the pillow forms. I was busy removing all the covers one night when I realized that a lot of them were pillows stuffed with fluff and then sewn shut. Do people still do this, really? I remember that's how I was taught in 7th grade home ec. But, I always had a problem getting the finishing stitching to look right! Oh, and the fluffy stuff gets lumpy quick! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoPOSpTwLkThWJ9O_p-Qg83ATqlgeixPDZ3CeljItR7GvA2CQjbPZlunu-V8n3FZE63A1GCaA4_E522-P1oZ3wDmtgPJtI2aBTbhv7uqEcMrMA3wEloGeY9XiGCvDN69Rh-d962AKk7Y/s1600/couches26.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieoPOSpTwLkThWJ9O_p-Qg83ATqlgeixPDZ3CeljItR7GvA2CQjbPZlunu-V8n3FZE63A1GCaA4_E522-P1oZ3wDmtgPJtI2aBTbhv7uqEcMrMA3wEloGeY9XiGCvDN69Rh-d962AKk7Y/s640/couches26.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you're going to pull out your sewing machine anyway, the envelope method is fantastic! I'm irrationally terrified of zippers, so I use this method for all pillows. It's quick and easy, clean-looking and really easy to then switch out new pillow covers. I actually don't ever buy new pillow forms - I have a certain number that works our house and I just switch out the covers - which take up WAY less room when storing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I actually posted a complete tutorial for making envelope pillows way back when I first started blogging and no one read here. Instead of rewriting, I'll point you in that direction - it's a good tutorial. And, as a bonus, you can catch a glimpse of our horrible old blue carpet. Oh, the good ole days! :) Click here for an <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2010/01/state-pillow.html" target="_blank">envelope pillow cover tutorial</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you all have a great weekend! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-68035356348248308592013-04-17T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-17T06:00:12.872-07:00{renovate} new living room furniture<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>I would be remiss to not mention what happened in Boston this week.
Having lived there - and worked just a couple blocks from the explosions
- I know that Bostonians strong and amazing people.
But that doesn't stop my heart from hurting for them and wondering how
anyone could do this on such a fun and happy day/event. My thoughts and
prayers are in Boston this week. </i><br />
<br />
With that said -- <br />
Our living room got a bit of a new
look last weekend. If you remember, Chris bought me a <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/01/inspired-home-holiday-gifts.html" target="_blank">beautiful leather chesterfield sofa</a> for Christmas. We've been storing it in the garage for
the last few months while we finished the kitchen and the church
basement. Right around the same time, my parents were getting rid of a
HUGE ottoman, so I snagged it. It's been living in our basement. But, we
finally moved both into the living room this weekend!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last week our living room looked like this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFZg0uRbX_2bvfNpKI9Zj70RyeZiQvdhGUselVotNZN9ItCijDQj6XGSdPbOExv0trjl_WP2cpgHFVuNl6Lz1V-YjwMA-tUNjbnSmZXgfUVxJceHIzm6qDgIIy4bA7nx847fSIAzJ6fY/s1600/new-living2.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFZg0uRbX_2bvfNpKI9Zj70RyeZiQvdhGUselVotNZN9ItCijDQj6XGSdPbOExv0trjl_WP2cpgHFVuNl6Lz1V-YjwMA-tUNjbnSmZXgfUVxJceHIzm6qDgIIy4bA7nx847fSIAzJ6fY/s640/new-living2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Today, it looks like this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3KigWM8Gh8NEshBQ48jGzmqmBGDtYytzVppWT7thFvEqkz-uCl-i0iERVtLyVLemqAZ4Eko1u2qGzq-TPVE2SyEGgcprklSroig9WZrLHDT8ZAmz1nUkRKxSshwC_C6bl8_S1088edw/s1600/couches7.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3KigWM8Gh8NEshBQ48jGzmqmBGDtYytzVppWT7thFvEqkz-uCl-i0iERVtLyVLemqAZ4Eko1u2qGzq-TPVE2SyEGgcprklSroig9WZrLHDT8ZAmz1nUkRKxSshwC_C6bl8_S1088edw/s640/couches7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The good news is that I LOVE the couch. So gorgeous. And, so comfortable.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnsjrhzOsUy3sXi6y4nmI4LjCjfScpR_dLjeVx_6bhWMEzTUfP2e4JNaZBzoDzWoI4BOh3FzQcljZweCPTfD0LqUVNGbWKlZBv-Q-scpjxf5ahFrLX-_WISsrUL2DK0DCTNdDspK9OA0/s1600/couches16.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidnsjrhzOsUy3sXi6y4nmI4LjCjfScpR_dLjeVx_6bhWMEzTUfP2e4JNaZBzoDzWoI4BOh3FzQcljZweCPTfD0LqUVNGbWKlZBv-Q-scpjxf5ahFrLX-_WISsrUL2DK0DCTNdDspK9OA0/s640/couches16.png" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xHuZoUhP_8ObUDu9yEhkKbIOGcW92r3eBeRbh3SO3XwTp9TxwCIGQ5E4KME7RiyL9D3x9ECPm_xU6tieRmupNL17FI3sWagSdP0SqOGVTetF2QNMrJEvwfYLmMquzZdkwRi2ZwaXMuI/s1600/couches17.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xHuZoUhP_8ObUDu9yEhkKbIOGcW92r3eBeRbh3SO3XwTp9TxwCIGQ5E4KME7RiyL9D3x9ECPm_xU6tieRmupNL17FI3sWagSdP0SqOGVTetF2QNMrJEvwfYLmMquzZdkwRi2ZwaXMuI/s640/couches17.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The bad news is that ... I have no idea how to layout the living room now! I think I may need to rethink furniture. </div>
<br />In case there is any doubt, <b>if we keep the ottoman, it'll get recovered. :)</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UQyqHnTpg0yYTtTWBTNYF0-re6bJHJ-7Rim9tfLjCLHOm08PcgNLI0nVLP3V6HpZyj9Q-1pDgkVTQdKKk1vLJgdabOkW1-YC7K524XKC3FyRPIZyWDzTlcSIaf9oiE7MVjxu0QPUVTw/s1600/couches15.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6UQyqHnTpg0yYTtTWBTNYF0-re6bJHJ-7Rim9tfLjCLHOm08PcgNLI0nVLP3V6HpZyj9Q-1pDgkVTQdKKk1vLJgdabOkW1-YC7K524XKC3FyRPIZyWDzTlcSIaf9oiE7MVjxu0QPUVTw/s640/couches15.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I
love it too, but I'm worried that the problem with the whole set up is
the size of the ottoman - it's pretty huge! We moved both in on Saturday
and had friends over that night. We all agreed the space it tight, but
as we were sitting there after dinner, we all agreed that the
ottoman is awesome because it's nice to have some place to kick back and
put your feet up.</div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOkOf1ts88V4epdScgXEcoaFKIyCFK6N-DK5qYRgpbCRgKdjFR7JT2FZ3ayvOmWNPrvV6LlQZ3NSm2NoCh-L8DeQIYG2aGbp7H-Kymxym5fthZorsdYh_bl2F-rc3rCyJIJgPmeFyaZw/s1600/couches14.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOkOf1ts88V4epdScgXEcoaFKIyCFK6N-DK5qYRgpbCRgKdjFR7JT2FZ3ayvOmWNPrvV6LlQZ3NSm2NoCh-L8DeQIYG2aGbp7H-Kymxym5fthZorsdYh_bl2F-rc3rCyJIJgPmeFyaZw/s640/couches14.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Let's look from a different angle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKZEmSSzPmr9eEIMHK14ejpsWu6s2NxqCDjOeg6sTD4D3Y41MIiyLpJbZVESWUOblO-HXakVGa83gbY0HyMP7bNzWhEqPGx2VCBqYMeuXPkCvHlYRnFDz4MzgRFc05y18VY7ohw31UAQ/s1600/couches3.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKZEmSSzPmr9eEIMHK14ejpsWu6s2NxqCDjOeg6sTD4D3Y41MIiyLpJbZVESWUOblO-HXakVGa83gbY0HyMP7bNzWhEqPGx2VCBqYMeuXPkCvHlYRnFDz4MzgRFc05y18VY7ohw31UAQ/s640/couches3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
I added the bookcase because looking at the back of the couch was just awkward. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aRhEiaV-Olvz4Wf1G9n3k0bXeN6X5K9xPIO3BOW-niVmW2L0lGTOjMO3ALmKlXGp0iPjOZunE0f6EC5ycEx_Vp7GDZAIvPJTSgezBSoD5Ek5yohXLfVcQCJ5l0vYhmKP4sFRNvgbLvk/s1600/couches11.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6aRhEiaV-Olvz4Wf1G9n3k0bXeN6X5K9xPIO3BOW-niVmW2L0lGTOjMO3ALmKlXGp0iPjOZunE0f6EC5ycEx_Vp7GDZAIvPJTSgezBSoD5Ek5yohXLfVcQCJ5l0vYhmKP4sFRNvgbLvk/s640/couches11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And
this angle is taken from the door. So when you walk in, this is what
you see. Is it bad luck/bad feng shui to walk into the back of the
couch? I feel like it might not be very welcoming! Of course the
bookcase would be styled <i>(and it's already dusted - ew! It's been in the basement for over a year!)</i> and it sort of creates a little entryway.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnxbitA7o-CYa3x7lQel7gfEnZYaJkbgc1xa09vRY1n70a9x4XiLdGtBskYohD-EbKSs1ZoqdliN9C2F5MK5cDl6sy3SoXKtFBKgXhoZPS-JNm_6hWuD2k-jQ7YqnAKh9U5acoWuUEq4/s1600/couches10.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnxbitA7o-CYa3x7lQel7gfEnZYaJkbgc1xa09vRY1n70a9x4XiLdGtBskYohD-EbKSs1ZoqdliN9C2F5MK5cDl6sy3SoXKtFBKgXhoZPS-JNm_6hWuD2k-jQ7YqnAKh9U5acoWuUEq4/s640/couches10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><i>I feel like there are a few options:</i></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. My original thought - keep it as is and get a new slipcover for the old couch (too much brown!) and recover the ottoman with a fun graphic pattern.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2.
Keep the ottoman and find a couple of chairs to go where the old couch is
currently. Maybe the ottoman wouldn't seem as big if there were chairs,
which allow for more walking space?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Get rid of the couch and the ottoman and find something smaller.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMOkOf1ts88V4epdScgXEcoaFKIyCFK6N-DK5qYRgpbCRgKdjFR7JT2FZ3ayvOmWNPrvV6LlQZ3NSm2NoCh-L8DeQIYG2aGbp7H-Kymxym5fthZorsdYh_bl2F-rc3rCyJIJgPmeFyaZw/s1600/couches14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
What do you guys think? I wish you could all come over and try out the space for yourself! :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-38746764284511437222013-04-15T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-15T06:00:06.243-07:00{renovate} decorating a large space on a tiny budget<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Monday friends!<br />
<br />
As promised I'm back for one more post about the church basement I recently helped reorganize and decorate. You can catch up with befores here and afters here. Today, I thought I'd share the lessons I learned from this project - both for decorating a large space and decorating on a budget. I try to work within a budget on our home, but the insanely tiny budget ($500!) for this room really forced us to get creative!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg5JEoxka109nQ-HLbdTlcDEnpruMJ3iMfbCuSTaal7yEMZkPewPZMEknlWIBMKyzVkXkdpRrE_m4EGiXA5_Ft2eecSy1Bee_Zuf3_hw0qqAgAnwVLiJOqWP3OEzT0IcDTNqliL1Ga-A/s1600/church-basement-final2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg5JEoxka109nQ-HLbdTlcDEnpruMJ3iMfbCuSTaal7yEMZkPewPZMEknlWIBMKyzVkXkdpRrE_m4EGiXA5_Ft2eecSy1Bee_Zuf3_hw0qqAgAnwVLiJOqWP3OEzT0IcDTNqliL1Ga-A/s640/church-basement-final2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Lessons on decorating a large space:</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Create "rooms" within a room. </b>Within this space, we create four separate rooms: the cafe, the living room, the mini living room and the kids area. Creating rooms makes the space more manageable, more comfortable and not nearly as overwhelming for people walking into the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Pull the furniture away from the wall. </b>I know, you hear this all the time, but it's true and worth repeating. For awhile we had the mini living room up against the wall and it was weird. As soon as we moved it away from the wall, it completely worked. In a large space moving the furniture away from the wall helps fill up space - one of the reasons we were so excited about the barrels that live in the middle of the room.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Hang large pieces of art. </b>The church has an amazing artist who'd created large paintings to hang around the church. We raided the upstairs and brought a few down and immediately the space felt more colorful and intimate. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Leave enough walking space. </b>The thing about decorating a large space is that you want to fill it! But, be cautious of leaving enough room to move. A large space means you can have large walkways and space around the outside of the room to help it feel airy and open.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg5JEoxka109nQ-HLbdTlcDEnpruMJ3iMfbCuSTaal7yEMZkPewPZMEknlWIBMKyzVkXkdpRrE_m4EGiXA5_Ft2eecSy1Bee_Zuf3_hw0qqAgAnwVLiJOqWP3OEzT0IcDTNqliL1Ga-A/s1600/church-basement-final2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXg5JEoxka109nQ-HLbdTlcDEnpruMJ3iMfbCuSTaal7yEMZkPewPZMEknlWIBMKyzVkXkdpRrE_m4EGiXA5_Ft2eecSy1Bee_Zuf3_hw0qqAgAnwVLiJOqWP3OEzT0IcDTNqliL1Ga-A/s640/church-basement-final2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPBhMi3Zr8rR7mZAhIZXCrLtTTPt_Jky0ekfhxSVobgo_MafMGfn5bJjrDWROj5wdeNl5u_0Cuf_lk7DzHVVZogBiqQCZcEuDD3wTowYWfWSOCXduP8NdJtHyIe7qg9RwixjD2mgmi0M/s1600/church-basement-final4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPBhMi3Zr8rR7mZAhIZXCrLtTTPt_Jky0ekfhxSVobgo_MafMGfn5bJjrDWROj5wdeNl5u_0Cuf_lk7DzHVVZogBiqQCZcEuDD3wTowYWfWSOCXduP8NdJtHyIe7qg9RwixjD2mgmi0M/s640/church-basement-final4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3>
Lessons on decorating on a budget:</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Start by cleaning it all out.</b> There was so much stored in this
basement - both out in the open and in the two closets - and we started
by taking EVERYTHING out of the room. We donated the majority of it, but
this was such an important step because it allowed us to shop with what
we already had.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Use what you have. </b>An extension of cleaning out, and important to keep an open mind when doing. Most people have things they can already use, they just need an open mind and a little creativity. In this case we were able to use tables, chairs and a large room divider.<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>- Repurpose what you have, if needed. </b>Get creative about how you look at what you currently have and how you can use it in your new space. We cut down large rectangular tables into squares and turned a room divider into a chalkboard. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEd5wbF-gmgiCUmIu3OcMEh4TSf1Fiey-6R1FoXvpJ2WafPDO8A99KRfU7ldTwfd9i2EDrm1udCYhXZaNgl6aVFMTKVhqV1IDDyN-NPGZ0HtC-0-mXW8F0Z2wXtEXGv4u4WwKI20BEdY/s1600/church-basement-final20.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEd5wbF-gmgiCUmIu3OcMEh4TSf1Fiey-6R1FoXvpJ2WafPDO8A99KRfU7ldTwfd9i2EDrm1udCYhXZaNgl6aVFMTKVhqV1IDDyN-NPGZ0HtC-0-mXW8F0Z2wXtEXGv4u4WwKI20BEdY/s640/church-basement-final20.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for this project, I thought you might be interested in what we already had on hand vs. what we bought. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>What we already had/repurposed:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- pews as benches</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- cut rectangle tables in to squares</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- chairs from basement, spray painted</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- scoured our houses for chairs and pillow forms</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- room divider with legs cut off = chalkboard</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- large table with smaller legs = kids table</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- throne chairs with new fabric</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- small rug</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- ficus plants </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>What we bought:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- paint <i>(in fact, the BEST paint deal I've ever heard of)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- 3 couches</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- 2 chairs</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- 2 lamps</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- 1 rug</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- 12 pillows inserts</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- fabric</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- supplies for cutting tables - new trim, nails, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All in all, we spent $475. Under budget! :) We got lucky and scored some incredible deals. But I can't stress enough that it was repurposing with creativity that allowed us to meet the budget and still make the space stylish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thanks for following along with this room reveal! It was super fun project and I am so happy to share it with you guys :)</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-79362050442475981562013-04-12T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-12T06:00:00.925-07:00{renovate} church basement afters<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy friday friends! Before I get to the church basement, I wanted to share my exciting news for the week - <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8544674/list/My-Houzz--Thrifty--Crafty-and-Charming-in-a-Portland-Bungalow" target="_blank">my house is featured on Houzz</a>! Photographer <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/whitneylyons/whitney-lyons" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Whitney Lyons</a> contacted me a few months ago asking if I'd be interested having my house featured on the site. Of course! We spend a lovely morning taking photos and chatting about the house. I know you've all seen our house photos, but you might be interested in the interview :). You can <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8544674/list/My-Houzz--Thrifty--Crafty-and-Charming-in-a-Portland-Bungalow" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">read it here</a>.<br />
<br />
So, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/04/renovate-church-basement.html" target="_blank">the church basement</a>. Let's review the facts that I mentioned last week. Old building, stark white, overly crowded church basement redecoration. Budget = $500. Timeline = 6ish weeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember the before?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQnvyI1pT2iOVC9VQDq6-eUx4l_XsyAB8FWt0Rzgv4bdg9C-piJK-7-i2XuKsD4Q4LvZtsrWb6lUzI1E7xTeV1_89Pf7AjLJlA-KPq0Jdi7zlr8Y7CmQlUegKqHQVpbZ5zEzjXSpeKvs/s1600/photo-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQnvyI1pT2iOVC9VQDq6-eUx4l_XsyAB8FWt0Rzgv4bdg9C-piJK-7-i2XuKsD4Q4LvZtsrWb6lUzI1E7xTeV1_89Pf7AjLJlA-KPq0Jdi7zlr8Y7CmQlUegKqHQVpbZ5zEzjXSpeKvs/s640/photo-13.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's the after.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CzQuOGLT2R7ESb-_Dp64ICBfcHhHNZRCC72BRY3nUcbGWRwmwDOstDr4R_rLfeJFVRW4YdkgqJO_KvcvXi-bVHdmc5QqF77Wv4ip3VcQMGlqDUqkM8k6JbHiXiMAJWdGLg3jHaOeIbM/s1600/church-basement-final5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5CzQuOGLT2R7ESb-_Dp64ICBfcHhHNZRCC72BRY3nUcbGWRwmwDOstDr4R_rLfeJFVRW4YdkgqJO_KvcvXi-bVHdmc5QqF77Wv4ip3VcQMGlqDUqkM8k6JbHiXiMAJWdGLg3jHaOeIbM/s640/church-basement-final5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSgvp1-Cinon_7oWfLvqTIYGwlVGLY7-QOp53-MBY1ju7UYB38QEOY1BxUlFleocWTlpjiuMKNog26AjjnMPwXv0dZXZ3IcnYd0PUkf7eeOfGkbi3sa746NASYiQWh3dbKvycAZgqmgA/s1600/church-basement-final1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSgvp1-Cinon_7oWfLvqTIYGwlVGLY7-QOp53-MBY1ju7UYB38QEOY1BxUlFleocWTlpjiuMKNog26AjjnMPwXv0dZXZ3IcnYd0PUkf7eeOfGkbi3sa746NASYiQWh3dbKvycAZgqmgA/s640/church-basement-final1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When my friend Kate and I were asked to take on this project, the only direction we were given was to make it comfortable and cafe-like. A place where people want to hang out. To start, we went directly to the fabric store where we picked out a variety of fabrics to base our color scheme on. The main colors are grey, blue and orange. Then, in somewhat of a panic, both of us started scouring Craigslist for small cafe-like table, chairs and couches. It quickly became clear that even just buying tables for cheap on Craigslist was going to eat up our entire budget, which lead to brainstorming ways to save money and use what we already had.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the process of determining the best use for the space, we came up with four separate spaces within the basement. I think the best way to tackle this post is to take you on a photo tour through each small space and tell you what we bought and what we repurposed. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Cafe area</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS7ATAPnUcwmPvh7DWJNsdQsUmmae83CBmc1BaWbM2e9vAf1tBO_rCsJDy23QTXIjAHHZLKEuhKY8Cdg1WBRM1ZTQzCOxFCUeImWa0Zm3cFR8qXOwzcvDXrnUr8bsKLu1Y4CG9HiMFWI/s1600/church-basement-final6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpS7ATAPnUcwmPvh7DWJNsdQsUmmae83CBmc1BaWbM2e9vAf1tBO_rCsJDy23QTXIjAHHZLKEuhKY8Cdg1WBRM1ZTQzCOxFCUeImWa0Zm3cFR8qXOwzcvDXrnUr8bsKLu1Y4CG9HiMFWI/s640/church-basement-final6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were already a few pews in the basement and we knew from the beginning we'd use them as benches. They were perfect! The tables though, were another story. Like I mentioned, we knew we couldn't spend money on other tables and we knew we want small cafe-type tables, so after some brainstorming, we decided to cut down the existing tables in the space, which you can see in the before photo. Then we painted the edges black to make them look a little more polished. The chairs were from a variety of sources - some we found in a closet in the basement and some we gathered from friends - all were free. Spray painting them all orange help unify them and provided a much-needed fun color in the space. We used the fabrics we'd picked out to soften the space a little and add more small punches of color, both in the form of pillows and in seat covers where needed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4KHx4kvk6L66J2XRCSp260lKFxJ-aTa7Sy2EK6F3mXFQ10WuZFFvlrzdJjonJV6QaeOPAgHsk34Rt0ojEUSVjS7Fnonkh6xRwyxo1OdQxyyuXvFmkA1RSFUirug2em6z0aejuXJgqSg/s1600/church-basement-final7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4KHx4kvk6L66J2XRCSp260lKFxJ-aTa7Sy2EK6F3mXFQ10WuZFFvlrzdJjonJV6QaeOPAgHsk34Rt0ojEUSVjS7Fnonkh6xRwyxo1OdQxyyuXvFmkA1RSFUirug2em6z0aejuXJgqSg/s640/church-basement-final7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course, the BEST FIND for the cafe space was the barrels. One of the guys that goes to the church was working on a construction site and they were THROWING THESE AWAY. Luckily, he snagged them because he thought we might like them. YES. We did in fact LOVE them. :) We topped them with more of the same cut down cafe tables to make them a little easier to use, and now they're a great spot to stand and eat snacks and chat with friends.</div>
<br />
<h3>
Living room area</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7D8SiMQ0b-neslj-EXTMGDoSCJXpJktB8oDcSw6iPr8HpGgtTyQ-3mFhzvOCPpeSxRolTGKTWX4dy59Gnkwg7SWi4Twna1s3PGiwCvocy72FiMgcGj7jDf6uC3iiPJF6wa_dJ1cx9sk/s1600/church-basement-final11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7D8SiMQ0b-neslj-EXTMGDoSCJXpJktB8oDcSw6iPr8HpGgtTyQ-3mFhzvOCPpeSxRolTGKTWX4dy59Gnkwg7SWi4Twna1s3PGiwCvocy72FiMgcGj7jDf6uC3iiPJF6wa_dJ1cx9sk/s640/church-basement-final11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Behind the cafe area is a comfy living room area. For this space we bought two couches for a total of $80. Seriously. One of $50 on Craigslist and one was $30 at Goodwill. Both are in amazing shape. We bought the yellow rug and two lights - foreground and background. Do you recognize <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2010/11/renovate-coffee-table.html" target="_blank">the coffee table</a>? The side table was from Kate. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9Fwd1o_Vcd1Isx2So-w8kifHWGYDDS0rX4IYR_BMs9Pg0rnEIG0Tfn5uO3w-1fgudfcU-KAFKLFtED1OVvNBApKTrYVwJYB_nSz9pmWNpgOdnkatyu33zitCB6mcsPLiLvEwA0LDB34/s1600/church-basement-final10.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9Fwd1o_Vcd1Isx2So-w8kifHWGYDDS0rX4IYR_BMs9Pg0rnEIG0Tfn5uO3w-1fgudfcU-KAFKLFtED1OVvNBApKTrYVwJYB_nSz9pmWNpgOdnkatyu33zitCB6mcsPLiLvEwA0LDB34/s640/church-basement-final10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The throne chairs were a fantastic basement closet find. We recovered the seats with the neutral grey fabric (they were bright red!) and they fit in perfectly - and add a little character :).</div>
<br />
<h3>
Extra seating area</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkQ2GqXYrTOtx4ko7VBdWnGV7p6StiafSOdZp_M6a3fnVuOTP8Ejx2FnVycMoCWSxtiw_aYkLifxP5ox5cWafQfWKGbds25rPuRvj82pTcEX_xBy1faDraGjnroW-Jvggitywa2nba4c/s1600/church-basement-final14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkQ2GqXYrTOtx4ko7VBdWnGV7p6StiafSOdZp_M6a3fnVuOTP8Ejx2FnVycMoCWSxtiw_aYkLifxP5ox5cWafQfWKGbds25rPuRvj82pTcEX_xBy1faDraGjnroW-Jvggitywa2nba4c/s640/church-basement-final14.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On the other side of the room, we made another small seating area. The chairs were from Goodwill, the couch from Craigslist and the bench was another closet find. Seriously, there are two closets in this space and once we got them cleaned out we realized they were full of wonderful and useful treasures. The rug was one I had hiding in my basement that we weren't going to use.</div>
<br />
<h3>
Kids area</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aMcAZCTDwKiOE1a0NHLQyeIf-DNKkcyE4t8ZE8cjPQBhMJok6IM3wy-h3Dd7ku7j5hWyMIMoGo8d1PTftRUoE3eYgyX3kfTmhxxDr3sGXSuY4YHITyicQahAnJ3bQo1DCei1hlCQTrg/s1600/church-basement-final15.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aMcAZCTDwKiOE1a0NHLQyeIf-DNKkcyE4t8ZE8cjPQBhMJok6IM3wy-h3Dd7ku7j5hWyMIMoGo8d1PTftRUoE3eYgyX3kfTmhxxDr3sGXSuY4YHITyicQahAnJ3bQo1DCei1hlCQTrg/s640/church-basement-final15.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looping back around - so right next to the barrels - is the kids area. There are a seriously large amount of kiddos at this church and we wanted to dedicate a space for them to play while their parents are chatting. There were large rolling space dividers already in the room, one of which we cut the legs off of, hung it on the wall and turned it into a chalkboard. The kids LOVE it. We also cut down the table legs and paired it with a couple found benches for a cute little kids table.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, this post is getting way too long. I didn't want to stretch this out into three posts, but I think I'll save the lessons and tips for decorating a large space on a tiny budget for Monday.<br />
<br />
So come back Monday for tips :). And, if you have any questions about the space, just ask me in the comments and I'll address them next week. I hope you all have a fantastic weekend! </div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-64909941273002952942013-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-11T12:20:46.592-07:00{renovate} copper cups<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-style: italic;">Welcome, Houzz readers! If this is your first time visiting my site, you can read a little bit about me </span><a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/p/about.html" style="font-style: italic;">here</a><span style="font-style: italic;">.
I hope you look around and decide to stay a while! By way of a quick
introduction, here are a few of my projects you might enjoy:</span><br />
<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen%20remodel" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kitchen remodel</span></a><br />
<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/04/renovate-back-entry-reveal.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Back entry remodel</span></a><br />
<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/10/create-wall-stripes.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Striped hallway </span></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Last month, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/03/inspired-antique-show.html" target="_blank">you might remember</a>, we went to a big antique show and brought home a set of copper cups.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGaFbVMgiAK9IfCdBeeC-2oXigFy6ji0NtLfXGJ7zx9JibxAmLgFA9dtz_0NROu6yGnjRnlnpc3NSAfHEc08jcCUAsN_yVE8mTnlSty2JcIdoRKTzsn44tCZjhjHtM9HauVNKJOZGUDA/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGaFbVMgiAK9IfCdBeeC-2oXigFy6ji0NtLfXGJ7zx9JibxAmLgFA9dtz_0NROu6yGnjRnlnpc3NSAfHEc08jcCUAsN_yVE8mTnlSty2JcIdoRKTzsn44tCZjhjHtM9HauVNKJOZGUDA/s640/DSC_0096.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since then, I've been using them around the house in flower arrangements. But, we actually bought them to drink out of, so I had to get to work cleaning them. You can see, above, that they were really tarnished. Let's take a closer look:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezpks0dEYu3IcSosGV_9E1-Dm7M3QotORhaB7IsREM6_Yz0YybQxN6eH3bNKjF8VFMGVgwzb_keRfcT9gobyNkF04BoNYON13M2J0y8zE2R1ecyR6BC7N_-ND933QeNV5yvd1hm430MY/s1600/DSC_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezpks0dEYu3IcSosGV_9E1-Dm7M3QotORhaB7IsREM6_Yz0YybQxN6eH3bNKjF8VFMGVgwzb_keRfcT9gobyNkF04BoNYON13M2J0y8zE2R1ecyR6BC7N_-ND933QeNV5yvd1hm430MY/s640/DSC_0100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
YEARS of built up tarnish. While it gives it a great 'antique' look, that might not be what we're going for when drinking out of them:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdkI-dtLrmtjhxoxcYcyyU-a8dAWlJnaxE1m61Jf0h-PniDNpiy_5sTHaAaQBtHAegrRqOih2th8xjn9-dH-slAmpR0Iz0JcP7MjRV45t1GTMlvswW_Jpb4S8BjJbA-C4regKbf3Wpts/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdkI-dtLrmtjhxoxcYcyyU-a8dAWlJnaxE1m61Jf0h-PniDNpiy_5sTHaAaQBtHAegrRqOih2th8xjn9-dH-slAmpR0Iz0JcP7MjRV45t1GTMlvswW_Jpb4S8BjJbA-C4regKbf3Wpts/s640/DSC_0102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I knew for sure I wanted to de-tarnish the insides, but then possibly the outsides. <br />
<br />
Here are my weapons of choice:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjryBKuW7oxss0cCu6pWaIi4sehu7tv_0ylPyDORDLnuUNjHaLE30gEEwlxvF1oxeVfszkRCiMILHeReoHcUdCm9Ez65ZT0KZEFD5pcq75k86bCz3HffSOrXml4YPJxdkKovXuHjO26s/s1600/DSC_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjryBKuW7oxss0cCu6pWaIi4sehu7tv_0ylPyDORDLnuUNjHaLE30gEEwlxvF1oxeVfszkRCiMILHeReoHcUdCm9Ez65ZT0KZEFD5pcq75k86bCz3HffSOrXml4YPJxdkKovXuHjO26s/s640/DSC_0109.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had both of these laying around because of the copper counters and a couple copper pans we have. My original thought was that I would compare the two. But I quickly learned they have two different functions! Wenol didn't cut through the thick tarnish, so I first needed to go to work on the tarnish with Copper Glo. But once I'd cut through the tarnish, Wenol really shines up the copper and makes it purty. So I cleaned all the insides (no pictures, but trust me - kinda messy, not that exciting :) and then had to decide about the outsides. And here's the thing friends, I actually like the outsides all sparkly and coppery. The issue? Chris likes them better tarnished.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLpGqtnqBJq-YjnObIIPeFSljBMCdoRtglFYG-ZR0OZE1ueZTLppD6tlDkuZ3eA5Vq-VoBxR3Z_AKw-91XjpUXfufZh3wIsBZk2miH8h0Yh0jtvkIdqNt9DXyKykluWwc0tadxZ9M1Ag/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLpGqtnqBJq-YjnObIIPeFSljBMCdoRtglFYG-ZR0OZE1ueZTLppD6tlDkuZ3eA5Vq-VoBxR3Z_AKw-91XjpUXfufZh3wIsBZk2miH8h0Yh0jtvkIdqNt9DXyKykluWwc0tadxZ9M1Ag/s640/DSC_0114.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We have a divided household. :) For now, half are clean and sparkly and half are tarnished and antiqued.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvItY5dBiigehbFUpyCOIXk7dnXjBkCz3pYj8FjZ_Y8L7_cH6fd7f9oddnP-GkSdyIFc-zOweneOLwqo52ZDpDK-WoU8EjF3m-xLgCTAWSfQSwWejYUEgZey4f_dUub4VA7ZsR3Qjg8vU/s1600/DSC_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvItY5dBiigehbFUpyCOIXk7dnXjBkCz3pYj8FjZ_Y8L7_cH6fd7f9oddnP-GkSdyIFc-zOweneOLwqo52ZDpDK-WoU8EjF3m-xLgCTAWSfQSwWejYUEgZey4f_dUub4VA7ZsR3Qjg8vU/s640/DSC_0120.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The antiqued ones are great for flowers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dw5CHjZANwDnlAy5j_BCKwUbouf9RG1n5tTUjOPPF5mVAh1ZE76c_jGjMGqgL-dPbC2yALz1bf4TB6ZkL6jCm78_ndZX2UivGpD_vrnZmUqjlqLqrmujzWe1K9aiulvsPTxv9CiwwiA/s1600/DSC_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Dw5CHjZANwDnlAy5j_BCKwUbouf9RG1n5tTUjOPPF5mVAh1ZE76c_jGjMGqgL-dPbC2yALz1bf4TB6ZkL6jCm78_ndZX2UivGpD_vrnZmUqjlqLqrmujzWe1K9aiulvsPTxv9CiwwiA/s640/DSC_0130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But for some reason I am more comfortable drinking out of the clean and sparkly ones. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do you guys think? After I finished with the copper glo/wenol combo, I washed them all with soap and water. Is it safe to drink out of cups so tarnished? Is tarnish bad for you? Which look do you like better? I'd love to hear your thoughts about the great copper debate 2013 :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>ps. I wasn't paid to review these two products, I just wanted to fill you in on what I use! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-70348822669154183132013-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-05T06:00:08.789-07:00{renovate} a church basement<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometime back in February, the pastor of the church we occasionally attend asked me and a friend of mine <i>(who has seriously awesome and impeccable taste)</i> to decorate the church's basement.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Want to see what we started with?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QLLolLpzSfmM0BwC7uV3QSI2r77puBQxwklwqT0wTQG6nv1lH31-7Dqu9-yZ22SnDP6UUJwV-GbemOkbx3agi7XJc5Fbm31vjYI_RysYjHv-dD29E9MTrUsYY75-0ZmxTvqXdg1dc1k/s1600/photo-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QLLolLpzSfmM0BwC7uV3QSI2r77puBQxwklwqT0wTQG6nv1lH31-7Dqu9-yZ22SnDP6UUJwV-GbemOkbx3agi7XJc5Fbm31vjYI_RysYjHv-dD29E9MTrUsYY75-0ZmxTvqXdg1dc1k/s640/photo-13.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ummmmm. A little background for you all. This church is OLD. And, actually pretty darn adorable. But the basement had suffered from year's of neglect and then suffered even more when someone painted the window and door trim a very bold beige. The pastor is this young, hip guy that wants this space to be a warm and welcoming place for people to not only hang out after church, but for community events <i>(quite a few are happening here)</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNbuTKsZW23BlMMQiGe0HbKJB30q1JMlnpNR5VSSKtYnfmlNGVe7jbRSiKemI5oou75qUJnaXLRY6efc7JlIC73ppBDPdENv4D542MEhe25zRBoj4koGYjQL-aDkDlSwjLUSqP80qfz4/s1600/photo-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyNbuTKsZW23BlMMQiGe0HbKJB30q1JMlnpNR5VSSKtYnfmlNGVe7jbRSiKemI5oou75qUJnaXLRY6efc7JlIC73ppBDPdENv4D542MEhe25zRBoj4koGYjQL-aDkDlSwjLUSqP80qfz4/s640/photo-14.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see from the photo, we were starting with a HUGE and very blank slate. And a dump run. Once the space was cleared out, we came up with a plan which included lots and lots of paint, comfy furniture and breaking the space up into different "rooms" within a room. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyzVOn-blUMurAGmKnVhYvJUrNZ9RAI7WRetfnFUjLGWH7beQoxNLBs6lYP_Kqjl4ylrZNQBjZkKDAu2eO-i0zE8BZVxMgRXlkE_bPBr9tppnWEuw23017AJ79N018lnFy5SdWTE1NVM/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyzVOn-blUMurAGmKnVhYvJUrNZ9RAI7WRetfnFUjLGWH7beQoxNLBs6lYP_Kqjl4ylrZNQBjZkKDAu2eO-i0zE8BZVxMgRXlkE_bPBr9tppnWEuw23017AJ79N018lnFy5SdWTE1NVM/s320/-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh and did I mention the budget? $500. Yikes! And did I mention the timeline? About 6 weeks. OMG! I'm telling you this now because it's one of the reasons I'm having trouble keeping up here. Because of the budget for this project, we had to DIY a lot. Hence the reason I sewed approximately 300 hundred pillows a couple weeks ago (above). Okay, it was 15. But still. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhNh-32XUSqjeZj5dyGK81M-NWsos-XAbVT_B_0STaEQwpI1ZTaU4bGFcaNo9z4zOGRK8b4ECFuiRX8LQ9U-VATcXbdmz2kmRqWKfdVNP2oAjkUx2oueS2gL1ymyKe6c8uHoaaKicZdE/s1600/church-basement-sneaks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhNh-32XUSqjeZj5dyGK81M-NWsos-XAbVT_B_0STaEQwpI1ZTaU4bGFcaNo9z4zOGRK8b4ECFuiRX8LQ9U-VATcXbdmz2kmRqWKfdVNP2oAjkUx2oueS2gL1ymyKe6c8uHoaaKicZdE/s640/church-basement-sneaks.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We're so happy with how the space
came together, but I need to get over this weekend to take true "afters."
We had it all pulled together for Easter, but I wasn't actually in town last weekend to take photos. So, I thought I'd show you the before and a couple quick sneak peeks
today. Next week I'll share the actual afters along with some lessons I learned for decorating a large space on a tight budget. You'll be so surprised with how far we managed to stretch our very meager budget and how many things we "repurposed" :).<br />
</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-87714216945502495902013-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:002013-04-03T09:54:34.071-07:00{create} people photography tips<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Wednesday friends! I have really missed this space and all of you! But I'll be back Friday to show you what's been talking up all my time outside of work. :) Today, though, I wanted to share about a fun little event I went to a couple weeks ago. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Portland has a group called <a href="http://pdxbloggers.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Portland Bloggers</a>, which exists solely to connect Portland area bloggers through meet ups. So great, right? I've been wanting to go to one of their events for quite awhile and last month they had an event that seemed perfect - it was called 'Strike a Pose.' They brought in a team of local professional photographers, stylists and makeup artists and for just $10 (I KNOW), everyone attending had mini portrait session.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUM6kccCxAfHEknfv1DRTIC7Lr6VuqSUe2TheOgZOKV8BoaKPFq5sE3a2beiDy92HVJjT-jyAbUijEyCqWfl4TwwB8989Lm76Hq3zsE3brxWBVc8ZgpBJ5n4-BqQU-OpGBN3u4M2LlR8/s1600/pdxbloggers-23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnUM6kccCxAfHEknfv1DRTIC7Lr6VuqSUe2TheOgZOKV8BoaKPFq5sE3a2beiDy92HVJjT-jyAbUijEyCqWfl4TwwB8989Lm76Hq3zsE3brxWBVc8ZgpBJ5n4-BqQU-OpGBN3u4M2LlR8/s640/pdxbloggers-23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was teamed up with Ali of <a href="http://www.murrayphotography.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Murray Photography</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/portraitsbyali" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Portraits by Ali</a> and, friends, she was fantastic! If you're in Oregon I cannot recommend her enough - she was so sweet and easy to work with <i>(which is great because it turns out that I'm super awkward at posing for photos!)</i> and I LOVE the photos she took! I am so excited to update all my social media accounts with a fun new professional photo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Best of all though, and the reason I'm even writing this post (besides to give her props!) is Ali shared a few pointers for taking self portraits that I think could actually be applied to any photos you are taking of people. Friends, be prepared to take your vacation and kiddo photos up a notch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. If you're planning on taking self-portraits, invest in a mini tripod. Bonus, you can take them on vacation. This is great if no one is around to take your photo and you don't want to do the arm-reach-around technique. You know what I'm talking about!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Make sure the camera is slightly above eye level. The angle is more flattering. To look even thinner, keep your chin down. <-------- This. This paid for the session. Chris is so tall and always has a weird chin in photos. Because I'm shorter than him! Brilliant!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. You do not always have to look at the photo. Laugh, look over your shoulder, jump, but mostly just have fun. I think this is so true for any people photos - action shots are great and seem so much more "real" than just posing and staring straight at the photo.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Avoid taking photos outside in bright overhead sunlight. Facing soft natural light creates the most beautiful images and prevents harsh shadows.<br />
<br />
Great tips, right? Thanks, <a href="http://www.murrayphotography.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ali</a>! :)<br />
<br />
Want to see one more photo from the session? :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizILzKoInIkoopF6L87uXnAQlpk8Ao_fXrr-iEHJuK_SfUvsJIQCcfACY7FpA5WzqpSAM40kZHppwjOPpvf_7bc4ADosImHiWfaIK0z_2vYn3a2ISp_18o8XpLOVjFofinFqsDGIJr9g8/s1600/promo-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizILzKoInIkoopF6L87uXnAQlpk8Ao_fXrr-iEHJuK_SfUvsJIQCcfACY7FpA5WzqpSAM40kZHppwjOPpvf_7bc4ADosImHiWfaIK0z_2vYn3a2ISp_18o8XpLOVjFofinFqsDGIJr9g8/s640/promo-13.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
Friends, have you ever had professional photos taken of just you? This is not something I'd ever think about doing, but I'm so glad Portland Bloggers thought of it! It was such a fun afternoon. And, do you have any pointers for taking photos of people? If so, please share in the comments!<br />
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-1119116625894618222013-03-18T06:00:00.000-07:002013-03-18T09:22:48.122-07:00{renovate} pros and cons of IKEA cabinets<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, I've had this post half-written for months! But before we get too far away from our <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/03/renovate-kitchen-remodel-recap-and.html" target="_blank">kitchen being finished (!)</a>, I want to talk to you about IKEA cabinets. Before we ever demoed the kitchen, we spent a couple weeks just pricing out cabinet options - they really are the bulk of a kitchen remodel budget. We actually decided to price out a specific size cabinet - 30" x 12" x 22" - in as many different options we could. We priced out low to high range cabinets at Home Depot and a couple small custom cabinet places in the area. We weren't terribly surprised, but IKEA just blew everyone out of the water. Once I knew that, I started looking online for gorgeous kitchens that used IKEA cabinets. That's when I found <a href="http://carolreeddesign.blogspot.com/2009/10/why-i-love-ikea-kitchens.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">this article</a>. See I had it in my head that all IKEA kitchens look alike and I didn't want my kitchen looking like anyone elses. Seeing this collection of gorgeous kitchens helped me get over that fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I thought I'd lay out what we found to be the pros and cons of choosing IKEA kitchen cabinets. Hopefully it'll help one of you decide whether or not these cabinets are right for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuX7eUO9vl92HfAiVJgGKH0RBG1lax4mmO-sWCENn9JJgb-Dgz2kJTDK0y0TGVdszFuIHRUTuSJ5ZQS4sf8CbdulXi_6-T9Ln4iDfPE205OjldtS2sQkMBEhl079OgcXxF98ED6v9o7E/s1600/ikea-cabinets-pros-cons.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuX7eUO9vl92HfAiVJgGKH0RBG1lax4mmO-sWCENn9JJgb-Dgz2kJTDK0y0TGVdszFuIHRUTuSJ5ZQS4sf8CbdulXi_6-T9Ln4iDfPE205OjldtS2sQkMBEhl079OgcXxF98ED6v9o7E/s640/ikea-cabinets-pros-cons.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
IKEA cabinet pros.</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Price </b>- Obviously, right? But besides the out-of-pocket costs, we needed to look at the resale value of our home. We are in an area that might not see a lot of increased value in the next couple years and a very valid concern of the kitchen remodel is that we'd price ourselves out of the market - or not recoup our costs. One major goal of any home renovation should be to increase the value of your home and get that money back when you sell. IKEA cabinets were not only friendly on our wallet, but friendly for our home value as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Love the look </b>- the doors we chose for our cabinets - the Adel? I love them. They were exactly the classic look I wanted in our cute little 1928 bungalow.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Customizable</b> - IKEA cabinets are so, so flexible. We love that there were options for filling every last inch of space in the kitchen and options for how to layout the cupboards - shelves vs baskets. We also opted to customize our counter height, and instead of using their 4" legs, we used 5.5" boards. It was seamless and very easy to accomplish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Easy to order</b> - We had the easiest time ordering. The computer system is so easy to use and the people working in the kitchen department were so helpful. We were taken under the wing of a woman and she really helped us know what we needed and what we didn't. We explained what we wanted to customize ourselves and she didn't even bat an eye - just removed the items from the list we wouldn't need. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
IKEA cabinet cons.</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The IKEA look</b> - as I mentioned above, if you're not careful, your kitchen will look like it came straight from the store. There is nothing wrong with this look and I know some people are happy with this. But if it isn't your style, I think it can be avoided by making sure that not all your elements come from IKEA.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Construction</b> - I think this is the main question people have when they're thinking about IKEA cabinets is the material they're made from. They are not wood. And if you want a custom wood kitchen, you aren't going to find this here. They are press board and that come with a whole set of long-term feasibility issues. But the crazy thing is that all the cabinets we looked at and priced at home depot? Same press board material. So this con is a con depending on what you're looking for - and so far the cabinets are incredibly sturdy and have held up to the construction all around them very very well. But in all honesty, I am curious to see how they hold up over the next few years.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Installation issues</b> - IKEA markets their cabinets as being incredibly simple to install. In fact, we have an IKEA video that is how to install your IKEA kitchen in an afternoon. Realistically, though, the cabinet elements themselves are easy to put together (took an afternoon!), but how easy to install, or not, depends on your space. No rooms are perfectly square. I joke about this a lot, because our home in particular is completely out of whack, but in reality perfectly square spaces don't exist. But cabinets are perfectly square. Therefore, it's going to be more work to install your cabinets than IKEA let's on. According to my husband, shims are your best friend. I believe it. There are still cabinets - especially around the dishwasher - that we're trying to get straight.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
IKEA cabinet helpful tips.</h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here are a few things we learned through this process:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Because we made custom bases, to raise the counter height, we secured the cabinets to the bases instead of the wall, which IKEA recommends. Securing to the wall didn't seem as .... uh, secure, to us as securing the bases. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- It takes some careful measuring, but it's possible to add crown molding to the cabinets - even though IKEA says they're not build for crown.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- If you choose to the go the IKEA route, know ahead of time what elements you want to customize - do you want to raise you counters? Add crown molding? Add a different back to the exposed cabinets? All of this will effect the plans you draw up in the computer system, you measurements and your final outcome. It's so important to have thought through the entire process before you get started.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope that our thoughts on IKEA cabinets can help some of you when the time comes to choose your own kitchen cabinets! Does anyone else have experience/thoughts about IKEA cabinets? I'd love to hear other opinions in the comments.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>ps. I didn't get paid to write this post - Chris and I have just spent a lot of time with these cabinets over the past few months and I wanted to share our experience.</i></span><br />
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-80552858579243999552013-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:002013-03-15T06:00:13.448-07:00{renovate} small space storage, pantry part 2<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's common knowledge that in a small space you need to make the most of
the space you have right? Storage solutions are key. Today I thought
I'd show you one of the ways we're trying to best utilize our tiny space.
<br />
<br />
In November, I showed you our <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/11/renovate-maximizing-pantry-space.html" target="_blank">new and huge pantry</a>, which was incredibly exciting, for us. And, if you remember, the reason we needed a new pantry was because, not only were we not using that particular space up to its potential, but our new oven was actually taking up the majority of the space in our old pantry. See here:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0BxMU4Y-ezhM-0nBtlf28lttbnFx36ufcHRFxPXywMUodF512POf4_eTaonIBH6JAJP8rSdv2Dpm3mki1PZPmCNayH0_S3H6yAQDmbsZCwqu0NA02tHu4e8tmxzrB2YmSowyxJDHvbM/s1600/pantry-before.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij0BxMU4Y-ezhM-0nBtlf28lttbnFx36ufcHRFxPXywMUodF512POf4_eTaonIBH6JAJP8rSdv2Dpm3mki1PZPmCNayH0_S3H6yAQDmbsZCwqu0NA02tHu4e8tmxzrB2YmSowyxJDHvbM/s640/pantry-before.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well it turns out that "new" oven wall, which seemed like a huge bummer in terms of taking of space, is actually the perfect depth to fit the wine racks that used to hang on the wall. We knew we didn't want them on the wall anymore and this works perfectly!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOT9uckiDsFmR4J6ErEa685eYKWz2JUU_l3wIQzDWxgz07dktW1yfmbPeNx3ULUjYsGKmPRdc5SipvscZt9n52kClQEGkM_2r44SR-N-rFPpCa0kh0Z-f8ZtSY9N1pAqAnfn8gqNhmGI/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOT9uckiDsFmR4J6ErEa685eYKWz2JUU_l3wIQzDWxgz07dktW1yfmbPeNx3ULUjYsGKmPRdc5SipvscZt9n52kClQEGkM_2r44SR-N-rFPpCa0kh0Z-f8ZtSY9N1pAqAnfn8gqNhmGI/s640/DSC_0007.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
Clearly this isn't a project any of you will be replicating -- I really hope no one else has an oven in their pantry! But, it got me thinking about the quirky spaces we all have in our houses and making the most of the space you have.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
What is a space in your house that you've had to make the best use of? Or, is there a quirky space you wish you were using more efficiently? I'd love to hear about them!<br />
<br />
Happy friday friends! And, thank you again for all your sweet words about our new kitchen! It's been a fun week here at A Home in the Making :)<br />
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-41673933702896934332013-03-13T06:00:00.000-07:002013-03-13T11:54:43.192-07:00{renovate} kitchen remodel recap and sources<div style="text-align: justify;">
Thank you all so much for all your sweet comments about <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/03/renovate-kitchen-reveal.html" target="_blank">our kitchen remodel</a>. It truly was a labor of love and I'm so happy to share it with you guys! I wish you could all come over and see it in person :).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomapLm7qKKXsIsxJJMqlcNaHZRuCWCe-wUQHTWYZ_nSLEXVXuxcEeAXRJijoJOcPOwXQPYbFK7qsgD4LEL5gorCbR0YRzZQJmaqegB50CyDGTJ-3W46YZPaBS0usnCIVvz1lc99Wr2PI/s1600/kitchen-remodel-sources.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomapLm7qKKXsIsxJJMqlcNaHZRuCWCe-wUQHTWYZ_nSLEXVXuxcEeAXRJijoJOcPOwXQPYbFK7qsgD4LEL5gorCbR0YRzZQJmaqegB50CyDGTJ-3W46YZPaBS0usnCIVvz1lc99Wr2PI/s640/kitchen-remodel-sources.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I thought I'd give you a run down of sources. If you aren't interested, just scroll down to the bottom. We'll be talking about decor, final costs and some last thoughts I have about the whole process.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIq9qGFbxpIS-N973S0y-j8U5Nct8iSg3tsxNhGnc1lwbHef3kkPNST8chFvd2QfCyboFcHbHYi-MYhSR6ilOblHOuRcw-plysn1hEmj0mS5SCujl4ZVsBLShhn7faxYlDKzdZ-07HZY/s1600/kitchen-remodel-sources1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIq9qGFbxpIS-N973S0y-j8U5Nct8iSg3tsxNhGnc1lwbHef3kkPNST8chFvd2QfCyboFcHbHYi-MYhSR6ilOblHOuRcw-plysn1hEmj0mS5SCujl4ZVsBLShhn7faxYlDKzdZ-07HZY/s640/kitchen-remodel-sources1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Cabinets: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=adel&category=products&color=white" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IKEA Adel</a> <i>I've promised this before, but I will post about why we chose IKEA cabinets. Soon! It's half written in my drafts :)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Butcher block counter: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=adel&category=products&color=white" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IKEA Numerar</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Backsplash: <a href="http://www.annsacks.com/onlinecatalog/program.jsp?cat=268004&coll=268204&prg=270404" target="_blank">Ann Sacks Gotham Swiss Cross</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Farmhouse sink: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99822037/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IKEA Domsjo</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Base cabinets hardware: <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1283091&categoryId=search" target="_blank">Restoration Hardware's Duluth pulls</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Upper cabinets hardware: <a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod1283034&categoryId=search" target="_blank">Restoration Hardware's Ephram knob</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Light: Schoolhouse Electric <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/harding-6.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Harding Pendant</a> and <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/cl-2283-09-4.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shade</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Faucet: <a href="http://www.lowes.com/pd_278677-28557-D455158SS_0__?productId=3426270&Ntt=danze+parma+faucet&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Ddanze%2Bparma%2Bfaucet&facetInfo=" target="_blank">Danze Parma Pull-Down Faucet</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Wall color: <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?np=colors/HC-83">Grant Beige</a>, by Benjamin Moore (same as our <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/04/renovate-back-entry-sources-lesson.html" target="_blank">back entry</a>)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJGaNP8q7EQCWziDM8kewnvjOfnwxlf4v2Wu2Rlm125QFWxRcD1LnuKCe071hzOU8d-2xKh8QBP4No_0M1KMX1_YS3kmwMaH_wrBDCI16VoAtCmMCoyaI6UxLcx_1NhZxgPnfDmHuht0/s1600/kitchen-remodel-sources2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJGaNP8q7EQCWziDM8kewnvjOfnwxlf4v2Wu2Rlm125QFWxRcD1LnuKCe071hzOU8d-2xKh8QBP4No_0M1KMX1_YS3kmwMaH_wrBDCI16VoAtCmMCoyaI6UxLcx_1NhZxgPnfDmHuht0/s640/kitchen-remodel-sources2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Island cabinets: <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/search/?query=adel&category=products&color=white" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IKEA Adel</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. Floor color: <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Paint-Paint-Samples-Posters-Fan-Decks/Martha-Stewart-Living/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbo8pZ4tg/R-202060374/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Crevecoeur</a> by Martha Stewart, color matched to <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100126312/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053">Behr's Floor and Porch Paint</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12: Pendant lights: Schoolhouse Electric <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/satellite.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Satellite Sconce</a> and <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/metal-cage.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Metal Cage </a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13: Stools: <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/category/furniture/dining-room/stools.do?nType=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">World Market</a> <i>(no longer available)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
14: Copper Counter: In Oregon, <a href="http://www.schmeersheetmetal.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Schmeer</a> <i>(they were AWESOME)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
15: Clock: <a href="http://www.schoolhouseelectric.com/home-and-office/accessories/schoolhouse-electric-clock.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Schoolhouse Electric Clock</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDyocSWjReLVb_1E-7wQQF5rCa0AQHEdS63qWLgyv8BF37zvv34kt_cW0XbTgHQ7tBaXk6_tf_l1O-pRmGHG__qzaM5tyO0g5eOeOIAM8HUC2NhE6M0NoxjwtFljv_LXVY0-YrLFZOEU/s1600/kitchen-remodel-sources3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrDyocSWjReLVb_1E-7wQQF5rCa0AQHEdS63qWLgyv8BF37zvv34kt_cW0XbTgHQ7tBaXk6_tf_l1O-pRmGHG__qzaM5tyO0g5eOeOIAM8HUC2NhE6M0NoxjwtFljv_LXVY0-YrLFZOEU/s640/kitchen-remodel-sources3.png" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
16: Capiz shell pendant: <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/08/create-capiz-pendant-how-to.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DIY'd!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
17: Ceiling color: <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/blackink" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black Ink, by Benjamin Moore</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18: Wood bowl: <a href="http://uniquestorepdx.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Seek the Unique</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
19: Table and chairs: Antiqued and hand-me-downs</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So maybe you noticed that nothing is on the wall (except the gorgeous clock :)? And there's no window treatments? As I look at the room and look at photos, it's clear we also need a rug in the nook. At this point, I think I made too many decisions just finishing up this construction - my brain is done with decisions. So I'm going through fabric choices now - I have a ton of sample - and that decision will determine the rest of the decor. I don't want to make a quick decision just so the room will be "done." I want to finish it with fabrics and textures and colors I love. I'll make sure to update you as we go, but for now know that I'm working on it :)<br />
<br />
As for what this project cost. I've debated back and forth how much to share here, so I went back to my original kitchen posts and realized that I never even mentioned how much we hoped to spend. I thought I'd share our final costs though, because we did 90% of the work ourselves and hopefully our experience will help other potential diy remodelers know if and when they can tackle their projects. Our total came in at $10,400 - for a fully gutted, rebuilt and remodeled kitchen. Our goal was to be under $10K. We were SO CLOSE. As you know, we purchased our oven and stove - practically brand new - off Craigslist. That really was the only way we could afford to do this. There were three major places where we spent more than we'd originally anticipated. The first was the drywallers and I wouldn't change that for a minute. We got a couple quotes and we chose one that was a little higher - but they were amazing, so professional and saved us so much time in the long run. The second place was from the electrician. Once we started adding plugs and lights it really added up. Again, I wouldn't change this - I love all of our lighting and outlet choices. And I really love that I have more than one outlet now! :) What I would change was the third place we spent more money than anticipated - the copper counter. I wouldn't change the counter - I LOVE it - but I would've researched better. We got a quote for buying the copper from one company and then having the edges bent by a different company. But, we didn't do enough research about copper corners <i>(if you guys ever want to install a copper counter, email me. My husband has a lot of great tips on this process now) </i>and we weren't clear with the copper benders and they did it wrong. It really was our fault. But they weren't willing to help us fix it and so we ended up getting a third copper worker involved, which cost even more money. <i>(The people I recommended, above, were the third people involved and they ROCKED. I wish we'd gone through them at the beginning - again - research).</i> It strikes me as a little funny that all the higher than anticipated costs came from contractors on a diy job!<br />
<br />
Besides saving money on appliances, we saved a bunch of money by purchasing IKEA cabinets. That let us splurge on lighting, tile and hardware. My biggest fear about installing IKEA cabinets was that it would look like an IKEA kitchen - I wanted it to look custom and I think these little splurges here and there really made a difference.<br />
<br />
Some final thoughts about this whole process - be patient. When we started this project, we had a completely unrealistic expectation about how long it would take. It is annoying that it took 9 months? Yep! But, having a life and maintaining our relationships was way more important than finishing the remodel. We all set expectations on ourselves, so please be patient with yourself. Also, ask for help when you need it and know your limitations. As I've mentioned more than once, we have the most amazing friends who were our saving grace throughout this remodel. They have mad skills and when we got to a place we were stuck, we called them and they either walked us through it or came over and helped. We also hired a couple contractors because we knew our limitations. Can we drywall? Probably. But, it would've taken us forever and it's horribly messy. Can Chris wire lights and outlets? Yep! But, he's not great at it, and it was more worth it for us to pay and have it done right.<br />
<br />
We get asked a lot if we'd ever do a diy kitchen remodel again. My first answer - especially this close to the finish - is omg! no! But, I have a feeling that it would actually be in the cards again. We learned so much that we could apply to the next one. But for now, we'll be applying all our newfound diy remodel knowledge to our bathroom - next year :).</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, thanks again for following along with this remodel! Sharing it with you guys made it so much more fun for us :). If you have any questions about the kitchen remodel process or are wondering about a source I might've forgotten, just ask away in the comments, or shoot me an email!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>updated - it was just nicely pointed out to me that my email address is no where on the site! Sorry, guys! I realized a couple days ago that my about me page is gone and that's where my email address is. I have no clue where about me when, but until I fix it, you can shoot me an email at jennmccormick0@gmail.com if you have any questions :)</i></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-68432393074678632222013-03-11T06:00:00.000-07:002013-03-11T06:00:01.260-07:00{renovate} kitchen REVEAL!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, today is the day. I'm declaring the <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen%20remodel" target="_blank">kitchen remodel done</a>! As I mentioned in my <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/03/renovate-kitchen-trim-and-grout.html" target="_blank">last update post</a>, there are still a few things left to do. But nothing on the list effects either using or looking at the kitchen, so I'll just update you when we get to them :). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1LfAph0tOy5hyphenhyphenDmr4gMs5M4522v9izGBZW983FVt-TqIVlZTx6yP_AcYEs3q3NHPYBjVAHHaFZiczlLKh1d8g3PhiDTP803lY14SnJbecUE92J7x81mBTXfYL_seeicCxX5kYfaMnCs/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt1LfAph0tOy5hyphenhyphenDmr4gMs5M4522v9izGBZW983FVt-TqIVlZTx6yP_AcYEs3q3NHPYBjVAHHaFZiczlLKh1d8g3PhiDTP803lY14SnJbecUE92J7x81mBTXfYL_seeicCxX5kYfaMnCs/s640/kitchen-remodel-final7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a couple things I need to mention before I get to a slew of before and after photos. The first is, we've been working on this kitchen since last memorial day. Just over 9 months. And I am so grateful that you guys were so patient and supportive and encouraging through the entire process. Thank you for understanding that we have jobs and we take vacations and we have other things that take up our time. I so appreciate you for still showing up and loving on our remodel! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Second, I really need to publicly thank my awesome rock-star husband. Chris gave up so much in the last 9 months to get this project done and I know I don't thank him enough. Thanks, love! :) Most of you probably know that Chris bought this house way before he ever met me, and I just adore that he never bats at eye at my crazy schemes and I absolutely love that <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/p/by-room-before-and-afters.html" target="_blank">through each project</a>, this house has really becomes "ours." Okay, end sap.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, let's look at some photos! The befores are all from my <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/05/renovate-kitchen-issues.html" target="_blank">original post detailing why on earth we were gutting the kitchen</a>, instead of just updating :).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJXqvaRj_gByYYk8uU9Nm3aHZypneewXMeVulpwpmoN6vo8rAgOItJaMx73lF5BvAivTQh_euJmGkguD7TZo91djwOiCt5bVWPLCutDUdbUlX6exvsYcUe3JFVkuZaU7DTT-opG9ISss/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJXqvaRj_gByYYk8uU9Nm3aHZypneewXMeVulpwpmoN6vo8rAgOItJaMx73lF5BvAivTQh_euJmGkguD7TZo91djwOiCt5bVWPLCutDUdbUlX6exvsYcUe3JFVkuZaU7DTT-opG9ISss/s640/kitchen-beforeafter1.png" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RafGdMErmH4aQ3SF-IcmlOsDBLxvX8XC7_Ky3SWGUuGpiiFEmxRNJME0G5HlPmdU-mmLrBocw4ChR7FOA_qpV7Y4JEslaYoqbogmzrNS6SsA4FNk3Ghe73OB64fQvGQyl7xc_J3lIrU/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RafGdMErmH4aQ3SF-IcmlOsDBLxvX8XC7_Ky3SWGUuGpiiFEmxRNJME0G5HlPmdU-mmLrBocw4ChR7FOA_qpV7Y4JEslaYoqbogmzrNS6SsA4FNk3Ghe73OB64fQvGQyl7xc_J3lIrU/s640/kitchen-beforeafter4.png" width="480" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Taking down the wall between the living room and kitchen was definitely a game changer.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLNjhw4Qs__0MjAqURyC4qGDL7na76t_uZDNm3rqxAVO6uE85LwBezzpH7VqjlSmV2q76DUdsMtv8g3omgWPNMDLtIC59LwM0a5d6S0lSHz5fao6Rk2Gb-bBtLrFMwiBEkdinJvjxvF8/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLNjhw4Qs__0MjAqURyC4qGDL7na76t_uZDNm3rqxAVO6uE85LwBezzpH7VqjlSmV2q76DUdsMtv8g3omgWPNMDLtIC59LwM0a5d6S0lSHz5fao6Rk2Gb-bBtLrFMwiBEkdinJvjxvF8/s640/kitchen-beforeafter6.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
As is the island!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmHOgYEIj6mcJgvSL36t-MOsWaQ77Bcvs0ES7mi5OxfSm0BrJvKpMZSck_TXTyvvppEXpUCzp_q9QePYT8fmBKRuebih7BmpHR2rmOYTzH5OgYbgz3FCjExcWQju_ZsnMpa28Bdeqmb0/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmHOgYEIj6mcJgvSL36t-MOsWaQ77Bcvs0ES7mi5OxfSm0BrJvKpMZSck_TXTyvvppEXpUCzp_q9QePYT8fmBKRuebih7BmpHR2rmOYTzH5OgYbgz3FCjExcWQju_ZsnMpa28Bdeqmb0/s640/kitchen-beforeafter7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkjvAAUtYg4IQml3WVMmtGgXeO0aC2a2ZcFUK9AtmxgjTFp4A51DZVCcc-l7ZQ6FRu1_xa4rlWRD3giIH13UhqOTeNxgkkyctkR7ixUcmjMIkNx-dIHjZvn14ntavDRXq-L68rB-_awE/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTkjvAAUtYg4IQml3WVMmtGgXeO0aC2a2ZcFUK9AtmxgjTFp4A51DZVCcc-l7ZQ6FRu1_xa4rlWRD3giIH13UhqOTeNxgkkyctkR7ixUcmjMIkNx-dIHjZvn14ntavDRXq-L68rB-_awE/s640/kitchen-beforeafter2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I was nervous about removing the cute original built in, but I so love having a wall mounted microwave/oven now. And, it saves us a lot of cabinet space.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And, here are a few photos from the nook: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOF3bZSRRtw3OxQd0IKV-DZydH0GnAzXXOPdz_BBja4JnDMuqq7w3LlBYLabMc48LnZZt5pls1X2dGCl3Kt87FGr-Bufpm7LCaHCapmwFq79ayIUtBBxGsI73aM2cuMHnRE0seMoSzLU/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOF3bZSRRtw3OxQd0IKV-DZydH0GnAzXXOPdz_BBja4JnDMuqq7w3LlBYLabMc48LnZZt5pls1X2dGCl3Kt87FGr-Bufpm7LCaHCapmwFq79ayIUtBBxGsI73aM2cuMHnRE0seMoSzLU/s640/kitchen-beforeafter3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Veixp_lLP8LUSwi4BhhVixo-ZH8kGSxyn5rAVRMCb9A4EsSfm9QMvu4HGJ0sD5BMutgzROhkfc52fX8v7NQowul_Ubkv6ZLn0puJGVEFjuqvHfnqcGyV0hjDNMG3qWo_iBc5-MgyfnY/s1600/kitchen-beforeafter5.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Veixp_lLP8LUSwi4BhhVixo-ZH8kGSxyn5rAVRMCb9A4EsSfm9QMvu4HGJ0sD5BMutgzROhkfc52fX8v7NQowul_Ubkv6ZLn0puJGVEFjuqvHfnqcGyV0hjDNMG3qWo_iBc5-MgyfnY/s640/kitchen-beforeafter5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Below are some more photos of the space, for your viewing pleasure. I took a ton over the weekend! I'll be back Wednesday with sources for everything. Friends, thank you again for following along through this huge process! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOuEhaNVp2hCQHmOlV4F-9paKdMO9wBrLPlq3RleE2VccjVjSi8_IGdZ9QNwhILz0WOUpMBa7HBaI3109GCwxArErSFgwO0TjYb45i1_CddE0lFnSertdL3KmZCf4CVJOpm-DPfyGLeY/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOuEhaNVp2hCQHmOlV4F-9paKdMO9wBrLPlq3RleE2VccjVjSi8_IGdZ9QNwhILz0WOUpMBa7HBaI3109GCwxArErSFgwO0TjYb45i1_CddE0lFnSertdL3KmZCf4CVJOpm-DPfyGLeY/s640/kitchen-remodel-final4.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJjitApU301WF4KaH1iDqtj6ro4fS2yqImvErej_zSpWZLWySSX6Gz51VNC-jf7B7uyHaGAWep9N6COV8ySa2jZ6mSSFqrTnMMGVwd_FlvrYUYzB_fg4qqvHHMx-rJdo5Fg6Dpo3_wow/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJjitApU301WF4KaH1iDqtj6ro4fS2yqImvErej_zSpWZLWySSX6Gz51VNC-jf7B7uyHaGAWep9N6COV8ySa2jZ6mSSFqrTnMMGVwd_FlvrYUYzB_fg4qqvHHMx-rJdo5Fg6Dpo3_wow/s640/kitchen-remodel-final12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC16U-gYW0Zpb9e99ImyxmSP0HYgT5Bx_p8qKw-VbjrKAPh3h9s17yw34Ip1VNc0VvPhlAXvYVUzAjvla2v4kdAdmEPAzb8seZmJd6II97GwvFE55lxtkudIEetaniDnrasrPYcY0qhZI/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC16U-gYW0Zpb9e99ImyxmSP0HYgT5Bx_p8qKw-VbjrKAPh3h9s17yw34Ip1VNc0VvPhlAXvYVUzAjvla2v4kdAdmEPAzb8seZmJd6II97GwvFE55lxtkudIEetaniDnrasrPYcY0qhZI/s640/kitchen-remodel-final16.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-4uLYMEF5Pt3YSsugjQWNmZP-ddXvJaMaOfBOE-58JSeo5JEQU_0mR2JrhKvENe44j83KtJVNW7hECZQVdpaHGsY2dimIZuH1mUrN9X70RJnzqw-xg8zQHvUeCMAPhyphenhyphenA7q__ESsgQvM/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final15.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-4uLYMEF5Pt3YSsugjQWNmZP-ddXvJaMaOfBOE-58JSeo5JEQU_0mR2JrhKvENe44j83KtJVNW7hECZQVdpaHGsY2dimIZuH1mUrN9X70RJnzqw-xg8zQHvUeCMAPhyphenhyphenA7q__ESsgQvM/s640/kitchen-remodel-final15.png" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePR0MnGisAA-x1z8zvBMBQYAszdnOCbltlt3-hg3z8JNg5e8tu08sTzlA_mEJS6k5guS-r-8tY_uUlmynAh0qOYy2c8yw2EzJ4NAe3hqBQtuGVtPH7fycRaQWwCl4oZo72xxxuFPzSmM/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final22.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePR0MnGisAA-x1z8zvBMBQYAszdnOCbltlt3-hg3z8JNg5e8tu08sTzlA_mEJS6k5guS-r-8tY_uUlmynAh0qOYy2c8yw2EzJ4NAe3hqBQtuGVtPH7fycRaQWwCl4oZo72xxxuFPzSmM/s640/kitchen-remodel-final22.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkPtDNf5Y3GRMkWElo8REVx_ChFrnuq2_9w7a_LgIsMUtK6k_C2Rvm9QASV53q10GixbyyAoNN13M2IM_bzU4IH6mbVZwNj7tLtyp5cjZ508dQRso7ZTq5HXVlEk4ZqRDiv5a1UYfl2Q/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final25.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkPtDNf5Y3GRMkWElo8REVx_ChFrnuq2_9w7a_LgIsMUtK6k_C2Rvm9QASV53q10GixbyyAoNN13M2IM_bzU4IH6mbVZwNj7tLtyp5cjZ508dQRso7ZTq5HXVlEk4ZqRDiv5a1UYfl2Q/s640/kitchen-remodel-final25.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrGDN4tsN8MNPhBvmNuPY_rgCP_RlX1jOsxQCS3RQTyBH_-h_ebmR2XiOeBZIvSlMcGGz9Vo_ZTznTCFki3f4XcMdOuxM6vmisy4BhDAXCI8bZwBeBakAPbHvQOLzUE-g-Rvd_JUOXlc/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final39.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrGDN4tsN8MNPhBvmNuPY_rgCP_RlX1jOsxQCS3RQTyBH_-h_ebmR2XiOeBZIvSlMcGGz9Vo_ZTznTCFki3f4XcMdOuxM6vmisy4BhDAXCI8bZwBeBakAPbHvQOLzUE-g-Rvd_JUOXlc/s640/kitchen-remodel-final39.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S0_n69oez9dhYBQ-77BN1q-ROKNVSXyVUOkE-aA2xZi8WAqXuyfXOOYmjWQTESFN04gcJ7CUsjrAEE0i_hx-j1MIyYJsFUqknfqx-6pt9fgDNgZ0yallbwgCejL5fCPylt0zmRQInEw/s1600/kitchen-remodel-final32.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S0_n69oez9dhYBQ-77BN1q-ROKNVSXyVUOkE-aA2xZi8WAqXuyfXOOYmjWQTESFN04gcJ7CUsjrAEE0i_hx-j1MIyYJsFUqknfqx-6pt9fgDNgZ0yallbwgCejL5fCPylt0zmRQInEw/s640/kitchen-remodel-final32.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm sure it's obvious, but wow am I glad we're done!! :)</div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-40186901716158671012013-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-06T06:00:00.064-08:00{renovate} kitchen trim and grout<div style="text-align: justify;">
To say that we've been working our little tails off for the past couple weeks on the kitchen is an under statement. We have gotten so much done! In fact, dare I say, we might be done? I don't know if I dare say it. It still feels weird.<b> </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I need to clean/style before I show you true "afters," so in the meantime, let's take a l<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/02/renovate-stove-fan-and-to-do-list.html" target="_blank">ook at our final to-do list</a> and see how we did.<br />
<h3>
<b>Cabinets:</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDKmOhs7v9qiBnKEyLzdGEARCWtNvtGiPk9992RDQvnRm_2_eO7WPMSWLiQoJqw6hYH_svuIy7oYR6oEOSdXlExRyoATnsD9qS1qnLWXvmwSTsHKaL-WSafTMJecmfhL9M9EE02EC2zs/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeDKmOhs7v9qiBnKEyLzdGEARCWtNvtGiPk9992RDQvnRm_2_eO7WPMSWLiQoJqw6hYH_svuIy7oYR6oEOSdXlExRyoATnsD9qS1qnLWXvmwSTsHKaL-WSafTMJecmfhL9M9EE02EC2zs/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
All the doors are on. All the hardware in the kitchen is on. All the doors are straight and aligned. Yah! We do still have a weird little space next to the fridge we need to deal with and we have to replace and install the matching hardware in the hallway built in. But, that's the hallway, not the kitchen, right? :)<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Install two remaining fronts</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Fix alignment</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Install hardware in the hallway</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Install end cap next to fridge</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Trim:</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTQq4FPNqj1HI2S32zTarKv4OELCe2p8MoF3fBo4CpJqU61zS_LqgJNljE0NV9cJnnBuXymRXIj9IrYqweH0uGPChM_S9fLGbCb9XQBPrBAk56ZtBZI2gIuy9zf6dq4_tYIPUeFbYUtA/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiTQq4FPNqj1HI2S32zTarKv4OELCe2p8MoF3fBo4CpJqU61zS_LqgJNljE0NV9cJnnBuXymRXIj9IrYqweH0uGPChM_S9fLGbCb9XQBPrBAk56ZtBZI2gIuy9zf6dq4_tYIPUeFbYUtA/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPbU-gdhMb_AWR7PIvgqjtts5typAbflkBS-qzQx7XrlStmOv-Bb3oVzzuYfN04THuB1FEAXdPFFKcbK7u33y9Hhp1PlKGImWqLIU0vQU5KlfPNxN-VQuVxFf1EPsKQWo3SVBMeoh4OU/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPbU-gdhMb_AWR7PIvgqjtts5typAbflkBS-qzQx7XrlStmOv-Bb3oVzzuYfN04THuB1FEAXdPFFKcbK7u33y9Hhp1PlKGImWqLIU0vQU5KlfPNxN-VQuVxFf1EPsKQWo3SVBMeoh4OU/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
All the trim is painted! You guys, this is huge. I'm not sure it you can tell from the photos, but our kitchen and nook have A LOT OF TRIM. 3 doorways. 3 windows. Base molding and crown molding in both rooms. And you might be thinking that we didn't replace ALL the molding and you'd be correct. But the molding (around the windows) that made it through the entire remodel was so dirty that it needed to be repainted anyway. This little project took many, many hours. Other than that, there was a little weirdness on the kitchen windowsill that we fixed and we installed base molding beneath the dishwasher. You know, to hide all the cords and wires ;).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Paint</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Windowsill extension</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Attached dishwasher trim </strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Tile:</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeL4lLz4l3GhrU0u3xrVk-VzgzDWAdtgB-0S2gmvAmKw_SHCtWAkRQaLipUj5JXcLnvco8eCF0oNkJrDSSqcAwhU7uz0A8LjQZ975nXylYFyzv8i7NFmCWUNRrXU-Lhd8_DF72xQnVa0/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqeL4lLz4l3GhrU0u3xrVk-VzgzDWAdtgB-0S2gmvAmKw_SHCtWAkRQaLipUj5JXcLnvco8eCF0oNkJrDSSqcAwhU7uz0A8LjQZ975nXylYFyzv8i7NFmCWUNRrXU-Lhd8_DF72xQnVa0/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We grouted! I was really struggling to choose between white and dark grey, so I compromised with light grey. In design, and in most of my life, I really try not to compromise - I usually just end up wishing I'd taken a firm stand, but in this case I'm very happy. The light grey is a great choice. It doesn't draw a lot of attention to itself, but rather it draws attention to the shape of the tile, which is really what I wanted to highlight. <b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Grout </strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Seal</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Counter:</b></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6wya_kFrbXl-FIrBfp4a3N4-2n1yUhJEkC9wpeIKfOV0h9bk60KLgOoT3niIfNg0WZ_50BPP3zT_Z_pBkhddEmboT9S1cNtAskrJ3lFBzr45rWnJU7Q5oPm9h9oOeH7pPCt2VXEPO9Y/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6wya_kFrbXl-FIrBfp4a3N4-2n1yUhJEkC9wpeIKfOV0h9bk60KLgOoT3niIfNg0WZ_50BPP3zT_Z_pBkhddEmboT9S1cNtAskrJ3lFBzr45rWnJU7Q5oPm9h9oOeH7pPCt2VXEPO9Y/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The leg is installed! It still needs the support system, but we have all the supplies and just need to get on it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Install counter extension leg</strike><br />
- Install counter extension support </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Paint under counter extension</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Other:</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyTVP1QexZ0TuvBh3cTRDuI1jciOOKLOVDbacZdkvBekSzLBcjpXGLsuFOHHqojBzpG9c7yYcCp5tiygTg4WXQtL8PK-jsR5J1IlzvK-IGcbkOz8nMEB5pdLYEonRbcFS_T4MswZ6oSQ/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyTVP1QexZ0TuvBh3cTRDuI1jciOOKLOVDbacZdkvBekSzLBcjpXGLsuFOHHqojBzpG9c7yYcCp5tiygTg4WXQtL8PK-jsR5J1IlzvK-IGcbkOz8nMEB5pdLYEonRbcFS_T4MswZ6oSQ/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
So, we had these three random holes in our floor that were a sort of mistake. BUT, it's pretty hard to patch hardwoods and make it look like not a mistake. Our solution? We added little copper squares to cover the holes. They're pretty shiny right now, but they'll weather out and be a lot less noticeable over time. We were joking that we're drawing attention to a mistake! But, I like it and I think it makes the best of a weird situation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzM4hYSNhh6xEcIHdFzQ6o0HTCdc5YNVXIE00uFouoTswPvrrxkR-0M8cvuo9Pd1Db7ohaXpzVdtH4tg4qncT3bAVt1GsAiIiLD6skJzYmJg3l_ZsWKHDTliPx9TfCx-a_i0VeBpEn8A/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzM4hYSNhh6xEcIHdFzQ6o0HTCdc5YNVXIE00uFouoTswPvrrxkR-0M8cvuo9Pd1Db7ohaXpzVdtH4tg4qncT3bAVt1GsAiIiLD6skJzYmJg3l_ZsWKHDTliPx9TfCx-a_i0VeBpEn8A/s640/DSC_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
We'd also accidentally bent the metal on the bottom of the oven, but we ironed that out and it looks good as new! <b><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Fill three holes in wood floor</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Fix metal trim under oven</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, there's THREE things left on our list!! Of course, all are a little time intensive, which is why they're left. The great thing is that none of these effect the appearance of the kitchen. If you looked at it right now it would look done. EEK! :) Of course that means photos coming SOON!! Next week, okay friends? :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-36287194853331332222013-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:002013-03-05T06:00:02.949-08:00{inspired} the antique show<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends! I owe you photos from my kitchen. I ran out of light this weekend to take photos, so I'll take a few before work this week and get them up (hooray for it actually being light in the morning before work!). But in the meantime, I thought I'd share some photos from the antique show we went to this weekend. A couple times a year a huge antique show comes through town and I'm not sure I've ever gone. We thought we'd head over and check it out before we buckled town and painted our little hearts out in the kitchen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We saw a lot of really great things. And a lot of not so really great things. You know, typical antique show fare :). <i>A quick note about the photos: the lighting in this building was TERRIBLE and I was using my iPhone. So, the pictures aren't the greatest - sorry about that in advance :)</i> With that said, here are some of my favorites from the show: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_6cfdd2hD0X7ThoUMexqj2QEkp1TEgSE8kp-vwPbxQAodGV4IeLeo5i2e9xITHStU8yWZgux10bU2qRa2a4w_DLbjNDZdokMZgJTp4nE6QNYys2LmKU9tZJAMa8PVw_KQT82BEXeZd0/s1600/antique-show1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_6cfdd2hD0X7ThoUMexqj2QEkp1TEgSE8kp-vwPbxQAodGV4IeLeo5i2e9xITHStU8yWZgux10bU2qRa2a4w_DLbjNDZdokMZgJTp4nE6QNYys2LmKU9tZJAMa8PVw_KQT82BEXeZd0/s640/antique-show1.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Love these little ice cream bowls. The sweet light coral color is great for spring and the display had me wanting to throw an ice cream party :).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5DqXgsdN5PRN9Mcevi-X6ZIvSuLxNiweUtrWrXnQp94yF9SYrlXJ4iwMihBuuERbSRf9onVTiAklL5xImubS7VghdtQfYBnOQ67Qmv2oksq8J-8Sgs5i8o2Yiy7ILKtjm5aDSKeV6OE/s1600/antique-show2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5DqXgsdN5PRN9Mcevi-X6ZIvSuLxNiweUtrWrXnQp94yF9SYrlXJ4iwMihBuuERbSRf9onVTiAklL5xImubS7VghdtQfYBnOQ67Qmv2oksq8J-8Sgs5i8o2Yiy7ILKtjm5aDSKeV6OE/s640/antique-show2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were a couple different colors of these tea cups and saucers, but all were lined with gold. LOVE. And want to figure out a way to diy this and still have it be food safe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsRC75TfJBqq59sRfgqqYl3y5eW7TlNfWktPMRhSGEQ-AVe9CCgpv4fc4KVQhDPQIRtiYyGcfg4dlbiXVOnJg-owvEqwiliNlm8dSmsLs8OPOR-1L4BYmhTmoilQSLy8x3L2yrO8dies/s1600/antique-show3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsRC75TfJBqq59sRfgqqYl3y5eW7TlNfWktPMRhSGEQ-AVe9CCgpv4fc4KVQhDPQIRtiYyGcfg4dlbiXVOnJg-owvEqwiliNlm8dSmsLs8OPOR-1L4BYmhTmoilQSLy8x3L2yrO8dies/s640/antique-show3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I love displays of matchbooks. So pretty.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfo4gPnumXkz8G2oruk33a6bxya0_DyHyovQEQKC1GfLTi4U_0Vtej7YsJXHrQUxxqalQREhUe4nIJc8yf9D9eldt7LDh4LOoDa2wFzGdrrxmaJTdjg-hWMO8iFC0PGF-6Ikz8tz2GiqE/s1600/antique-show4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfo4gPnumXkz8G2oruk33a6bxya0_DyHyovQEQKC1GfLTi4U_0Vtej7YsJXHrQUxxqalQREhUe4nIJc8yf9D9eldt7LDh4LOoDa2wFzGdrrxmaJTdjg-hWMO8iFC0PGF-6Ikz8tz2GiqE/s640/antique-show4.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And speaking of pretty - this collection of vintage containers was gorgeous. All the colors were so vivid and beautiful. A small grouping with a single flower stem in each would be so cute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvop0pSBy6AUAu_fUijImg4UK0W0SrXl1WJj-VbA4HvNRwSno4SmLcarREw3OV2dNrcUD4NAiUa2BRfXWNDzWV80bldrrcoPKr2pgwdrTpyKp95D5MDwKMYuBETig0NoBB71FjhLUfN4/s1600/antique-show8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHvop0pSBy6AUAu_fUijImg4UK0W0SrXl1WJj-VbA4HvNRwSno4SmLcarREw3OV2dNrcUD4NAiUa2BRfXWNDzWV80bldrrcoPKr2pgwdrTpyKp95D5MDwKMYuBETig0NoBB71FjhLUfN4/s640/antique-show8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Granny chic? Maybe. But I think a cross stitch like this would look great on a gallery wall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgteJfXSnFOXyUPvWIoeQ0nntQdFtri-mux-lhCxAx_c6o-9Aeq9ncnWz_iPiMznH1RaqAVyc97vD71oj64Dbt1u7I36MYofSbqU5PBKKrEQWIr6jY3sBiQYDh-75crqugPeD8CZkpxYE/s1600/antique-show10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgteJfXSnFOXyUPvWIoeQ0nntQdFtri-mux-lhCxAx_c6o-9Aeq9ncnWz_iPiMznH1RaqAVyc97vD71oj64Dbt1u7I36MYofSbqU5PBKKrEQWIr6jY3sBiQYDh-75crqugPeD8CZkpxYE/s640/antique-show10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Letters. I always love letters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYwW3Nle3X25afdztH_DcTceVmcu5vGhX2E4ERt722nf5KQSGkg4hvLGtTZxB76dU8sraRMy_RApbE6uR5ObSYpjNKRgEzBbTYk00iTjRy1-Tn_hbF9YcRAbmMypXvKETVyh0YvytxJI/s1600/antique-show5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYwW3Nle3X25afdztH_DcTceVmcu5vGhX2E4ERt722nf5KQSGkg4hvLGtTZxB76dU8sraRMy_RApbE6uR5ObSYpjNKRgEzBbTYk00iTjRy1-Tn_hbF9YcRAbmMypXvKETVyh0YvytxJI/s640/antique-show5.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I LOVE this lamp. The white parts were actually a really light blue, and we all know that I've been loving green and blue lately :).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have a good/bad habit of only buying things that I KNOW I have space for. This is good, because I don't have a lot of un-used things lying around. On the other hand this is bad because I passed up some really awesome things! There are a few things I wish I would've bought this weekend, including:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Gus_falUS6zrPDXiDJNX3cxEVDBLVk6tuqd4-gqIhommEw586cQi15Q71jvHbuaxa8UeRpJ_t3hYg1tyxZ3aLzD7ak55OjOW3ByI09pHA8hLWnmG1QTwkLx4fvzIF4y_H_3FwbU6Tbs/s1600/antique-show6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Gus_falUS6zrPDXiDJNX3cxEVDBLVk6tuqd4-gqIhommEw586cQi15Q71jvHbuaxa8UeRpJ_t3hYg1tyxZ3aLzD7ak55OjOW3ByI09pHA8hLWnmG1QTwkLx4fvzIF4y_H_3FwbU6Tbs/s640/antique-show6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This super sweet little stool. I'm still kicking myself. I love the color, the shape and the cute floral/shamrock pattern stitched in on top.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4KPKdBxUklgB850sr1B7oQXqmWymv7kWoqyAggh-uvrsF_thkCzOnH-j63uBUgU7YDmtJM5g3nUbTt8-m4SuqfmXEyilSwU_PTc5HOJ7ZumF2S-TB4qO2eWcezSdyyKte-kEqV034XY/s1600/antique-show7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4KPKdBxUklgB850sr1B7oQXqmWymv7kWoqyAggh-uvrsF_thkCzOnH-j63uBUgU7YDmtJM5g3nUbTt8-m4SuqfmXEyilSwU_PTc5HOJ7ZumF2S-TB4qO2eWcezSdyyKte-kEqV034XY/s640/antique-show7.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This botanical print! It was really sweet and the color was beautiful.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWFazTF-rj6xm0dH2mPCuXXtWw7UWhWozu4aJBnrSPivp4RgDzdPJZ6ORIzbdMhrDCC3jWUBGOLRvUyZzNzoOxTJ4Re6WNE160niJeympk74zesbac3SDYKyHBV37zFFVY-D-tMVngJo/s1600/antique-show9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMWFazTF-rj6xm0dH2mPCuXXtWw7UWhWozu4aJBnrSPivp4RgDzdPJZ6ORIzbdMhrDCC3jWUBGOLRvUyZzNzoOxTJ4Re6WNE160niJeympk74zesbac3SDYKyHBV37zFFVY-D-tMVngJo/s640/antique-show9.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were so many great trophies - I'm sure I could've found space for one at home.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After all that, though, we did not come home empty handed.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl1RE8b_qwk73M5IX48DpW9CoqOW7l10QHU1qJ6Mq1JttvXz07D1PLRfEn6xtMcfVbm3AuLsF9IdX-FMB5o3F4UIbikY0u_O1Vbu_6wzIXEjERmg7g8dOukwTQKNEbZJgJ_VzkWtPbrs/s1600/copper-cups1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirl1RE8b_qwk73M5IX48DpW9CoqOW7l10QHU1qJ6Mq1JttvXz07D1PLRfEn6xtMcfVbm3AuLsF9IdX-FMB5o3F4UIbikY0u_O1Vbu_6wzIXEjERmg7g8dOukwTQKNEbZJgJ_VzkWtPbrs/s640/copper-cups1.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We brought home these fantastic copper cups. They need to be cleaned up a little, but that's easy! I'll make sure to show you the process for cleaning when I get to it :).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXtLU2iE7YDDQ5fBNeRyva0w9CWAvY9hxp5zdh7_nUgL3iZdi_9utB_fsiVCi6GVYI3UUbc0ZFN0kgvnHca55KHDQN1zMpl1wuoydPpvsdj0myKTwTrddyUqzOOUVva2YlG9xwZ15cNo/s1600/copper-cups3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXtLU2iE7YDDQ5fBNeRyva0w9CWAvY9hxp5zdh7_nUgL3iZdi_9utB_fsiVCi6GVYI3UUbc0ZFN0kgvnHca55KHDQN1zMpl1wuoydPpvsdj0myKTwTrddyUqzOOUVva2YlG9xwZ15cNo/s640/copper-cups3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cups have these great rings at the bottom - sort of like plastic cups, except much cooler.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpE9NSZmhlSUiljGYuzfI4lXoDOYT42-WJRUo7tprulDIF48_dZ82vfsl4a8r4lIa9_OKfUx44Tf4ogZaGxpZJmTL3fHthYtBaAu5N4gZOZ8Q4rzm1hYgG9sr_fVJYP-CS3Acu6ftP1I/s1600/copper-cups2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpE9NSZmhlSUiljGYuzfI4lXoDOYT42-WJRUo7tprulDIF48_dZ82vfsl4a8r4lIa9_OKfUx44Tf4ogZaGxpZJmTL3fHthYtBaAu5N4gZOZ8Q4rzm1hYgG9sr_fVJYP-CS3Acu6ftP1I/s640/copper-cups2.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And this sweet little wheat embossing. I am so excited to use them! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you picked up any great antiques lately? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-52546983445462980602013-02-28T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-28T06:00:07.604-08:00life, lately<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends! Do you feel forgotten? It's been TWO WEEKS since I posted. I thought it'd only been a week - February is flying by. I'm having a couple weeks where I just feel incredibly uninspired. I'm actively working on the kitchen, but it's really boring stuff -- painting trim! Grout! Straightening cabinets! Don't worry, I'll post photos soon, but I like you way too much to share with you trim process photos. It's boring me! I can't imagine how you'd feel. And because I just really need to get the kitchen done already, I'm obsessing and not working on anything else at the moment. To top it all off, work has been Cah-Razy lately, and not just in the normal working hours. I'm working on a special project that has me working a couple evenings a week. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know! Enough with the whining :). Want to look at beautiful photos with me? Because at the moment that's what I can handle and I thought you might enjoy what I've been loving lately.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I want to go to this dinner party: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qg6DHLGktg6QEUy450RZ3lTSMlmCwWF2aUSjCXJW8BKkRsu-v7rAtf7MKl0LFuuB1sEmA0TdqoFqHZIqFnamrfT0bpmxSTsSMRj4gm2ZqraZjjFgGwCrqYGo8_2o4ICTDJL5ebPzy38/s1600/0bf7fbc6f94a171f8b9ef3a0d012bc8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qg6DHLGktg6QEUy450RZ3lTSMlmCwWF2aUSjCXJW8BKkRsu-v7rAtf7MKl0LFuuB1sEmA0TdqoFqHZIqFnamrfT0bpmxSTsSMRj4gm2ZqraZjjFgGwCrqYGo8_2o4ICTDJL5ebPzy38/s640/0bf7fbc6f94a171f8b9ef3a0d012bc8e.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://ruffledblog.com/wedding-ideas/?gallerytag=centerpieces&image=/wedding-ideas/?gallerytag=centerpieces&nggpage=6&pid=3440" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ruffled blog</a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe antlers are out? But I love them here, especially paired with the dark wall color:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q6gy2vRRiN6Qf1XCiNQigHf4uifjdcPGvN1tUvdJtuyBYzIBKW9TWvvzT-EV7PsS6oS7RqYx-sgSAZrpCNHSXg4DnLSxexXGH8Ys4axn-BwcwCuHNCKrnjRO4IxCPj2VwK9lDRqp8X0/s1600/5c8b25785b42c13738dedd10eac2655f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2q6gy2vRRiN6Qf1XCiNQigHf4uifjdcPGvN1tUvdJtuyBYzIBKW9TWvvzT-EV7PsS6oS7RqYx-sgSAZrpCNHSXg4DnLSxexXGH8Ys4axn-BwcwCuHNCKrnjRO4IxCPj2VwK9lDRqp8X0/s640/5c8b25785b42c13738dedd10eac2655f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6833536/list/Taste-a-Rainbow--11-Top-Home-Decorating-Colors-and-How-to-Use-Them" target="_blank">houzz</a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Those paintings are killing me in the best way possible. So gorgeous:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsbx8UoZrvZp-h392yRQrtgclRP6gaTW849ieyh4jQpKf7S6DHMsMsris3fYMl14cpmSEL7jV_RPYFwLhWxWpYt9VZaZ_29Ivf-XDROBVCFGlku3aAd98bVBpkk64sKiU5FZRzdUYeKw/s1600/8cd65d92ca44dc27c4b6cf01724ee8e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsbx8UoZrvZp-h392yRQrtgclRP6gaTW849ieyh4jQpKf7S6DHMsMsris3fYMl14cpmSEL7jV_RPYFwLhWxWpYt9VZaZ_29Ivf-XDROBVCFGlku3aAd98bVBpkk64sKiU5FZRzdUYeKw/s640/8cd65d92ca44dc27c4b6cf01724ee8e5.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://blog.glamourdrops.com/2011/09/one-room-two-looksvilla-villas-own-home.html#disqus_thread" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">glamour drops</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, thanks for hanging in there with me! I'll for sure be back to my regular posting schedule next week. With, a kitchen update. And, hopefully, kitchen trim finished! :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-18938479148840200152013-02-13T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-13T06:00:09.158-08:00{create} chocolate bowls<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBzpAi1scRuIxHdOowRQ7dZa4PQy_zwvYASLTfUS7szr07n4_LRLsYPn-1RuzwmlKb8Yeb875EXUwfLRD0DK7lUBSWvoT3syf0zQ00D8vNnz5CAFd66ccKucW7Iwjs4XpzWxS7W8Za80/s1600/chocolate-bowls10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBzpAi1scRuIxHdOowRQ7dZa4PQy_zwvYASLTfUS7szr07n4_LRLsYPn-1RuzwmlKb8Yeb875EXUwfLRD0DK7lUBSWvoT3syf0zQ00D8vNnz5CAFd66ccKucW7Iwjs4XpzWxS7W8Za80/s640/chocolate-bowls10.png" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you guys ever made chocolate bowls? I used to make them all the time when I was younger - I'm pretty sure I found the recipe in a Martha Stewart .... back before the internet (gasp!). For some reason I was remembering that the other day, so I whipped up a batch to take to a friends house on Saturday night. They also happen to be a perfect treat if you're looking to make something super easy, and yet completely impressive, for Valentine's day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlQ37C0znSz1tU-JJm41HKJY6I1rJRg1pnCVtiHBkGlXVDEEW8PGlIEG6LhMfQg-vUKFWxRW7r2MMPGtckmpN3qy-9FxfE9XO4m4MyKezBVDd6PH_haGq8WxfPUTIzEKyL812Sz36uoc/s1600/make-a-chocolate-bowl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlQ37C0znSz1tU-JJm41HKJY6I1rJRg1pnCVtiHBkGlXVDEEW8PGlIEG6LhMfQg-vUKFWxRW7r2MMPGtckmpN3qy-9FxfE9XO4m4MyKezBVDd6PH_haGq8WxfPUTIzEKyL812Sz36uoc/s640/make-a-chocolate-bowl.png" width="370" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. You start with a 12 oz bag of chocolate. I used dark and white and then got all wild and crazy at the end and combined them :). Melt the chocolate and let it cool off a little. Put a teaspoon-sized dollop of chocolate on parchment covered baking sheet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Wash your balloons and blow them up to be 4-5 inches in diameter. The key here is to by small balloons -- they'll blow up thin and be easier to pop and pull out at the end. Dip your balloon in the bowl and rotate to get chocolate up the sides.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. It won't be perfect - but I actually think that's part of the charm.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Set your chocolate-covered balloon on your dollop. The dollop give the balloon a place to sit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Continue making your bowls until you're out of chocolate - or balloons :). Put them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to harden up.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Very carefully, pop the balloon. If the pop is too harsh, you risk cracking the bowl.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Deflate the balloon and then very carefully peel out of the bowl.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMaCGFvun8XiK7rbrAMsuU8KYc_xIBAF4pbWQfci_n9nu9Gg_WlUr4159wSlFq5s3OmWnpq50i1F1NZzXG8-a5dqStcey_cumiyU9x0ohAZP3TvhZXfh_jiFSD4W9zpBQm45hFoCzh2Q/s1600/chocolate-bowls12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMaCGFvun8XiK7rbrAMsuU8KYc_xIBAF4pbWQfci_n9nu9Gg_WlUr4159wSlFq5s3OmWnpq50i1F1NZzXG8-a5dqStcey_cumiyU9x0ohAZP3TvhZXfh_jiFSD4W9zpBQm45hFoCzh2Q/s640/chocolate-bowls12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We filled ours with chocolate hazelnut ice cream, whip cream and of course sprinkles - our friends kids LOVED them. But, they could be filled with anything -- I've filled them with pudding, used them to hold other candy at parties - get creative! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEBshMEn-B54pad8bzLrpPeMtxzDMzGwO04fakcW6T6wQaJgqn0R8f-SX32zV14YkvNRxulSHu3bjXDsTjnwze7etF_tmHhtPQP_QFSFDAIbTCBxIntlOKH5QX5wyi5gYOKVWV1EDtjw/s1600/chocolate-bowls11.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEBshMEn-B54pad8bzLrpPeMtxzDMzGwO04fakcW6T6wQaJgqn0R8f-SX32zV14YkvNRxulSHu3bjXDsTjnwze7etF_tmHhtPQP_QFSFDAIbTCBxIntlOKH5QX5wyi5gYOKVWV1EDtjw/s640/chocolate-bowls11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Friends, what - if anything! - are you making for Valentine's day dessert??<br />
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-70600324064456458382013-02-08T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-08T06:00:10.307-08:00{renovate} stove fan and the to-do list<div style="text-align: justify;">
Apparently we're in a very unglamorous stage of our <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/search/label/kitchen%20renovation" target="_blank">kitchen remodel</a>. Because much like <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/02/renovate-finishing-trim-correctly.html" target="_blank">finishing trim</a>, today's update is about the nitty-gritty details. But, this detail is exciting! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our kitchen has never had a fan. It's kind of gross when you think about it, and I can't even count the number of times we've practically smoked ourselves out of the house. Before we'd even decided whether to do a full or partial remodel, we knew we needed two things to make our house more attractive to potential buyers <i>(you know, down the line)</i>: a dishwasher and a fan. The dishwasher has been in for awhile and as of this week of have a functioning fan! :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_0lPggmWZVpaJmdkoVixARDRZ9l05Uikfuh5MVcpzb8qMeO5uxKeJ7CARvBbDwzxh1EBbCQJDePnQwM-znnD1s0r_OH0jZO5b5Rs1L_AkqjfAVE3Mc1xn-wvNg8wHyeCyBwlBeU9me4/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_0lPggmWZVpaJmdkoVixARDRZ9l05Uikfuh5MVcpzb8qMeO5uxKeJ7CARvBbDwzxh1EBbCQJDePnQwM-znnD1s0r_OH0jZO5b5Rs1L_AkqjfAVE3Mc1xn-wvNg8wHyeCyBwlBeU9me4/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
When we picked our stove top, we chose to have a downdraft fan, instead of an overhead fan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjridFJ7RF-zjN6fHiV7WmeMKbv5vqSMzlvuaoRQksh2X2w_-GmbdOuC_RYFB2IOFjS-ESgZC7qdYAolqLKSh4sp5byjgF3GXRLdc11dsAjfTaaBnys3ASst5vVEkdLPsawPzm1ErYBoo4/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjridFJ7RF-zjN6fHiV7WmeMKbv5vqSMzlvuaoRQksh2X2w_-GmbdOuC_RYFB2IOFjS-ESgZC7qdYAolqLKSh4sp5byjgF3GXRLdc11dsAjfTaaBnys3ASst5vVEkdLPsawPzm1ErYBoo4/s640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But to make this bad boy work, many holes were cut and quite a bit of piping was laid. The perk of having an unfinished basement, as you'll see in the next photos, is that this was quite a bit easier to accomplish than it would've been if we actually had a ceiling downstairs. So, where exactly does that pipe go?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD3OdBMUlm3NWsPXQ9nIJ9lX8WuaEDoWoap5tydzS7IIc_Tw2rxdK4ChsjS5Qa9EXILHiND5IvyozPwGvrwRfsrFJzmSKuD2MUp-hGzjnU4HHdt-bVT3HSavB4M64m4dS6tXWFK3HlmE/s1600/stove-fan2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkD3OdBMUlm3NWsPXQ9nIJ9lX8WuaEDoWoap5tydzS7IIc_Tw2rxdK4ChsjS5Qa9EXILHiND5IvyozPwGvrwRfsrFJzmSKuD2MUp-hGzjnU4HHdt-bVT3HSavB4M64m4dS6tXWFK3HlmE/s640/stove-fan2.png" width="590" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All the steam from our stove is now routed out the side of our house. How great is that?? I'm pretty sure cutting a hole through the house AND the siding was not one of my lovely husband's favorite activities to date, but we're both so glad it's done.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So where does that leave us? I keep hinting that we're close. And, we are. This weekend we sat down and made a VERY detailed list of everything we have left to complete. I haven't been sharing many lists with you here during the remodel because, quite frankly, lists were overwhelming me so I stopped making them. But now that we're finishing up, we want to make sure we don't miss any of the little details. Here's where we're at: </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Cabinets:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Install two remaining fronts</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Fix alignment</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Install hardware in the hallway</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Cover hole under range </strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Install end cap next to fridge</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Trim:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Caulk</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strike>- Fill holes</strike></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Paint</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Windowsill extension</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Attached dishwasher trim </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Tile:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Grout </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Seal</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Counter:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Install counter extension leg</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Paint under counter extension</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Other:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Fill three holes in wood floor</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
- Fix metal trim under oven</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My goal this weekend is to make a major dent in that trim category. Chris' goal is to make a major dent in the cabinet category. Go team!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hope you all have a super fantastic weekend! :)</div>
<br />Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-88296191073011085382013-02-06T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-06T06:00:06.614-08:00{inspired} winter color palettes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today feels like a great day to talk about color palettes, don't you agree? If you've been following along, I have <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2013/01/inspired-kitchen-fabric-options.html" target="_blank">blue on the mind lately</a>. It's a very happy coincidence that there's so much blue in stores right now! It's such a nice cool-toned color for winter and I love that both of color palettes below would transition nicely into spring.</div>
<h3>
Winter color palette #1. </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmfOyJzQ8Ip15akEJ0Rhtu5iKxqUwLDsf8SIjzQnTW4PyBbC0345hyphenhyphenvg-3voPQjXm2QbonIeB6cnStShm-gZW9zVpJ4bvRe12quGAN55qVxgPZ7ZjrNfYwwiUhNIPPFwGI19A6qgBU6I/s1600/blues.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmfOyJzQ8Ip15akEJ0Rhtu5iKxqUwLDsf8SIjzQnTW4PyBbC0345hyphenhyphenvg-3voPQjXm2QbonIeB6cnStShm-gZW9zVpJ4bvRe12quGAN55qVxgPZ7ZjrNfYwwiUhNIPPFwGI19A6qgBU6I/s400/blues.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjS2BZJCnXTCDGeFDCnB8ZiazWcp-WBvIBAk9nQD5lEBAoyVBrnmU38qZG8fI-fTpQgBvaDGMHX-L58_GdOBla8i0ui1Z47VZh3UnouAfdOid5fqXpYKz9G-kt6cDY8vnWSpsu6V5KBw/s1600/jcrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqjS2BZJCnXTCDGeFDCnB8ZiazWcp-WBvIBAk9nQD5lEBAoyVBrnmU38qZG8fI-fTpQgBvaDGMHX-L58_GdOBla8i0ui1Z47VZh3UnouAfdOid5fqXpYKz9G-kt6cDY8vnWSpsu6V5KBw/s400/jcrew.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_feature/NewArrivals/sweaters/PRDOVR%7E85477/85477.jsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">jcrew</a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6-UtDehja2oIKAq570VM0KVvGX0vBsSfgACziGpHsyo952pYZNCAR-w0mPF7dC8pX6W2JwzesVETJR7YeVWT7n_E263Fw_pIuTAon8zR1Z_rYuVZDedvTpFSyl3abRR0W3pGdkydQpA/s1600/white+navy+teal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6-UtDehja2oIKAq570VM0KVvGX0vBsSfgACziGpHsyo952pYZNCAR-w0mPF7dC8pX6W2JwzesVETJR7YeVWT7n_E263Fw_pIuTAon8zR1Z_rYuVZDedvTpFSyl3abRR0W3pGdkydQpA/s640/white+navy+teal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/362258363746381735/%20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pinterest</a></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I love the layered blues in both this outfit and the room. A huge dose of white keep both really fresh and clean and the varied shades of a single color adds a ton of depth.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
Winter color palette #2.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoQVQwurPuukWysZBxf31HJTTsM9B3C5IOZSomiVP_6iM1cXdsY3LYEeJ9uQ56iIkFg5-WVtEL6ptm02kuHKwT0N7OsVof-t47-iT-3eIHbE6E9_7SJNoD7JQqDu5c-GCxCTVWQwtFGU/s1600/blues-oranges.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAoQVQwurPuukWysZBxf31HJTTsM9B3C5IOZSomiVP_6iM1cXdsY3LYEeJ9uQ56iIkFg5-WVtEL6ptm02kuHKwT0N7OsVof-t47-iT-3eIHbE6E9_7SJNoD7JQqDu5c-GCxCTVWQwtFGU/s400/blues-oranges.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLqta4dJSOX5jZabdMdNR3213X41f0h09RzMUqEZjBU1jiLTQuiW1mO9vsGcgu9JkR-PTZV_sds-T8KwpitMAbbdVZ6T9LA2GmATO3xqQR3I2WzDRU2rZwyHoESZDRFUnqQrPL8NzfQI/s1600/26559948_015_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLqta4dJSOX5jZabdMdNR3213X41f0h09RzMUqEZjBU1jiLTQuiW1mO9vsGcgu9JkR-PTZV_sds-T8KwpitMAbbdVZ6T9LA2GmATO3xqQR3I2WzDRU2rZwyHoESZDRFUnqQrPL8NzfQI/s400/26559948_015_b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopnew-clothes/26559948.jsp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">anthro</a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJijwKBRgLSohnJOBSnzG1KpTvIgVUICw7awhSF7EZCmnJqNW-w4H2-sW4O9Jc-Z7RerOWeCN77uusJnQeUMSAgt37qAt6nT2wb0kuNkTYx-r42jYgzRaTZBXlUAStnZUPaa0-P6wauCc/s1600/orange+navy+blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJijwKBRgLSohnJOBSnzG1KpTvIgVUICw7awhSF7EZCmnJqNW-w4H2-sW4O9Jc-Z7RerOWeCN77uusJnQeUMSAgt37qAt6nT2wb0kuNkTYx-r42jYgzRaTZBXlUAStnZUPaa0-P6wauCc/s640/orange+navy+blue.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/47006389832382704/%20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">pinterest</a></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd8wuko6Fix2mbQBpijkmOFH6-pc-ouB8g_fzmNLdOdd36q1bFnm697fmH7NdWXdfujqahp4lMYqjnmtPEehcPaeUiUVz7xfn71Pm-p8LdG5wqGBUcBSoMyOldd-2cEzgZPcG0HgyDWY/s1600/blue+navy+orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZd8wuko6Fix2mbQBpijkmOFH6-pc-ouB8g_fzmNLdOdd36q1bFnm697fmH7NdWXdfujqahp4lMYqjnmtPEehcPaeUiUVz7xfn71Pm-p8LdG5wqGBUcBSoMyOldd-2cEzgZPcG0HgyDWY/s640/blue+navy+orange.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://ispiratodesign.blogspot.com/2011/09/football-begins-lets-go-blue-and-orange.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">inspire to design</a></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I actually own this top and it is so amazing in person. The colors are gorgeous. I love how both the table setting and the room take a different spin on the same color palette and are still both amazing. The table setting is a little more glam; the room is a little more preppy. I totally love them both.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Friends, which color palette is your favorite? What color are you completely digging right now?</b></div>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span>**</span></span>Each season I take a look at an outfit
I'm loving and translate that outfit's color palette into a comfortable
and stylish room. </i><span style="font-size: small;"><span><i>If you’d like to check out previous color palette posts see: <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/11/inspired-fall-color-palettes.html" target="_blank">fall color palettes</a>, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/07/inspired-summer-color-palettes.html" target="_blank">summer color palettes</a>, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/05/inspired-spring-color-palettes.html">spring color palettes</a>, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2012/01/inspire-winter-color-palettes.html">winter color palettes</a>, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/10/inspired-fall-color-palettes.html">fall color palettes</a>, <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/07/inspired-summer-color-palettes.html">summer color palettes</a>, and<a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/02/inspired-spring-color-palettes.html"> spring color palettes</a>.</i></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1239260988309861926.post-66692766040670729302013-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:002013-02-04T06:00:01.050-08:00{renovate} finishing trim, correctly<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy Monday friends! Did you have a good weekend? We managed to escape to the beach for a couple nights and it was heavenly. Chris hasn't been down since the start of the kitchen remodel, so it was extra awesome because he was there!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka-9nP7VndaFPoriR9Hgd7KD9MgyYRSLeAwgwXGY1TTVqGDgm0Wqgl1Pk_sXLn-m6jiAujGiuI-NwvZRpo3KgH6qc6C355ILh4yokRd6TNbsXSY12CpZa2F3334UdWFuXTzcRL0TBNXs/s1600/trim-caulk1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgka-9nP7VndaFPoriR9Hgd7KD9MgyYRSLeAwgwXGY1TTVqGDgm0Wqgl1Pk_sXLn-m6jiAujGiuI-NwvZRpo3KgH6qc6C355ILh4yokRd6TNbsXSY12CpZa2F3334UdWFuXTzcRL0TBNXs/s640/trim-caulk1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And, we could not have asked for better whether - so beautiful. I actually wanted to include this photo because it's the only pretty one of this post. Today, we're going to discuss trim - and it isn't terribly glamorous.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A couple years ago when Chris and I were <a href="http://ahomeinthemaking.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-in-making-for-sale.html" target="_blank">seriously looking at buying a new house</a>, we visited a lot of open houses. What struck me as crazy and disappointing was just how many houses I could TELL were diy'd. Friends, you should not be able to tell when a house has been diy updated. The biggest tell-tale? Trim. When trim isn't finished correctly it is not only obvious, but quite frankly, just sloppy. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1dsBagFt7982O8AuGksI_C_LKUJtjBOY0En93ZmYZecNIw4vomHnfL_kkvH7VkJqkHd0BR9kZ3WVpzYVoEPqL8UxUzfU-V91ta3qaQ0IcRpcSgl2JIF4DgFvGA8Cp3nK2kr5cuhbe5A/s1600/trim-caulk11words.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1dsBagFt7982O8AuGksI_C_LKUJtjBOY0En93ZmYZecNIw4vomHnfL_kkvH7VkJqkHd0BR9kZ3WVpzYVoEPqL8UxUzfU-V91ta3qaQ0IcRpcSgl2JIF4DgFvGA8Cp3nK2kr5cuhbe5A/s640/trim-caulk11words.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well with three doors in the kitchen and a window, plus all new crown and base trim, I feel like all I've been doing lately is finishing our trim! So, I thought I'd give you a quick lesson on how to correctly do finish trim. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qE9iMCmq_mn6XoEIEdwzFFZUd80GivxApjgRZH8s5kMhKuU1_PtswRK0yZDs_eVjzq4KZfuetBBuXE7Ou6V2wx88BgoB4IWDai1G7kTkN4Hc1WyA5_qBcQuJ7RYRvk58sDLXYnz4Vtw/s1600/four-steps-to-trim.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-qE9iMCmq_mn6XoEIEdwzFFZUd80GivxApjgRZH8s5kMhKuU1_PtswRK0yZDs_eVjzq4KZfuetBBuXE7Ou6V2wx88BgoB4IWDai1G7kTkN4Hc1WyA5_qBcQuJ7RYRvk58sDLXYnz4Vtw/s640/four-steps-to-trim.png" width="501" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
See the newly installed trim at the top? So many nail gun holes! And, sometimes there will be seams. This is especially true when you live in a REALLY old house where NO walls are square and you have to cheat things a little :). Your tools for finishing the trim are paintable caulk, a caulking tool - so worth the couple bucks - and wood filler. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
First, I fill the nail holes. Yeah, I'm not neat about this - I want to make sure they're full of filler! Next, I caulk. I pretty much caulk anywhere you can see a space. You'll see a good example below, but here I simple used my finger to spread caulk into the seam. I don't want anyone to be able to ever tell we had two pieces of wood there. Once that's all dry, I sand the wood filler. The goal is to get as much of the filler off as possible - for this I used 150# grit. You don't want any filler left outside the hole - it causes a bump, but you want the hole filled - or you'll see a gap. Perfectly smooth is what you're aiming for. It's actually pretty easy to tell just by running your finger over the area. And, I often fill, sand and then fill and sand again before it's perfectly smooth. I painted a quick layer of primer to show you the finish when it's done correctly - you can't see where the seam or the holes are, which means it's ready to paint! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Does this process take forever? YES. Is it completely worth it? YES. Friends, please, please fill your holes! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's a quick example of what a difference caulking makes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsODZlVHYKDZFpdlSQmRGtMhVIVQ9S6bUPqyoTeTTyfqZoB7EYgMdjONwX0vFx_aIh7XI1O6H1pFgb-FfmzUaPzXQTPFl0-mvbGiclbeaXJS0kh7Eipz5e1d4aX1gMnUuBGRhmxJgKe0/s1600/caulk-steps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsODZlVHYKDZFpdlSQmRGtMhVIVQ9S6bUPqyoTeTTyfqZoB7EYgMdjONwX0vFx_aIh7XI1O6H1pFgb-FfmzUaPzXQTPFl0-mvbGiclbeaXJS0kh7Eipz5e1d4aX1gMnUuBGRhmxJgKe0/s1600/caulk-steps.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Did I mention that none of our walls are straight? Um, yeah. It's obvious in that huge gap in the first photo. I simply ran a bead of caulk over the entire line. Then I took my handy tool and ran the point along the 90 degree angle where the trim meets the walls. See all the excess caulk? You definitely want that gone for a clean line. See? So much less caulk in that last photo - and no space. You can probably tell there's a little caulk on the wall. That's okay. Remember, it's paintable caulk and I'll be touching everything up. Once I'm done, you'll never be able to tell :).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The take away from today? Please remember, if you're tackling your own remodeling projects, it's the details - you know, those dreadful tasks that take FOREVER and you just want to give up on - that actually make the biggest impact. You don't want all your beautiful hard work taking a back seat to not finishing the details. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Friends, do you love working on the details? I know some people who love painting trim and caulking - they think it's relaxing. Is that you? Or do you dread the detail stuff? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04583618459604172258noreply@blogger.com5