tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2961743597076762052024-02-20T08:30:44.758-08:00Abbie on the InsideAbbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-84765955180940369752013-08-26T06:17:00.001-07:002013-08-26T06:17:42.402-07:00New Front DoorSeveral months ago, I was perusing the Habitat for Humanity Restore. I don't even remember what I was looking for, but I do know that I was not looking for a front door. There is nothing wrong with my front door and I've never thought, "I really want a new front door"...that is, until I saw a craftsman style door there for what I thought to be a very reasonable price. I was smitten! I couldn't find the picture I took of the door but this one from Home Depot is very similar to the one I saw. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/555.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_555.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All I could do was picture this door in MY house. So, after talking about it non-stop for 3 days :), Caleb finally agreed to go look at it. We measured our existing door, called to make sure the door was still there, packed up the kids and went to go pick up our new used door--or not. The door was not the right size for one thing, and once it was inspected by someone who looks for more than just its aspects of cuteness, Caleb noticed it was splitting down the middle and in several other places. Craftsman style door not happening....so I thought. Well, THAT craftsman style door wasn't happening, but my sweet honey started researching how to build one himself. We did look into buying one that was already made but...unless we want to sell the rest of the house and have only a front door, the wood doors were way too expensive!!! <br /><br />So after a little bit of research, my man started building...actually, men, plural, because he enlisted the help of my sweet father-in-law to help (thanks Rod!). After measuring our existing door and buying all the necessary wood, they started by cutting all the pieces and putting them together to see how it was going to look and to see if it was square etc. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/556.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_556.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then they connected all the boards in a process I know nothing about (I know they used a biscuit joiner which they didn't end up liking, and I know they put in steel rods to add support for door slamming and general kid craziness)...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/557.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_557.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Once the glue dried and the necessary screws were in place, it was time to caulk to seal any gaps and putty any large holes to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/558.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_558.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />To make sure the door fit, we placed it in the doorway. This helped Caleb see what needed tweaking. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/559.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_559.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next, Caleb drilled out the holes for the door knob and the dead bolt using a special tool that my dad had on hand...which saved so much time. I believe the tool is just called a door lock installation kit. So handy!<br /><br />Now to my job...painting! We used oil based paint (paint color is retreat by sherwin williams) and covered every possible nook and cranny of this door, with several coats. The fastest way to ruin a wood door (most exterior doors are not made of wood anymore) is to allow water to get into the wood and expand it. Although oil based paint is no fun to work with, it is the best at protecting the wood so it is definitely worth the headache!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/560.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_560.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />You can see this was before Caleb installed the window. We special ordered the double paned glass for this door which was really the only spendy thing about the door.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/561.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_561.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Once the window and hardware were installed, my door was ready to be put in. And here is the finished product, both from the outside and from the inside. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/562.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_562.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/563.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_563.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/08/26/564.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/08/26/s_564.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What do you guys think?? I love my new door! I love it even more than the one I wanted to buy! We've had it since February (it was my Valentines present...that is true romance ladies and gentlemen) and it is holding up perfectly so far. <br /><br />Happy back to school dear friends!!! <br /><br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-31858425719446160092013-05-12T21:08:00.001-07:002013-05-12T21:08:10.228-07:00DIY Mother's Day GiftHappy Mother's Day to all you sweet moms out there (if you are still awake)! I hope you had a wonderful day full of love, appreciation, and hugs! My day started out with getting to sleep in, getting a sweet card and some hand-picked flowers from all my boys, and a venti caramel macchiato from Starbucks. Oh, and by sleeping in I mean I woke up at 7 o'clock, thanks to my internal alarm clock...my boys are early risers so I am used to getting up a bit earlier. I like to think that I am such a fun mom that they are just so excited to start their day with me every morning! Okay, probably not, but it is still mother's day for one more hour so I can believe what I want to believe! <br /><br />Anyway, let's move on to reason for writing this post...I wanted to share with you a little DIY project that I made for my mom this Mother's Day - a DIY message board. So easy, so cheap, so cute. Win. Win. Win. Here is how it turned out...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3300.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3300.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3301.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3301.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Aren't my mother's day flowers beautiful (side note)? What do you think of the message board? My mom loved it, by the way. She always loves anything with pictures of her grand boys and anything homemade. <br />Here are some process pics so you can see just how easy it was...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3303.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3303.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> I used a piece of scrap plywood (3/8 inch, good grade) that I cut down to size using a table saw, followed by sanding.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3304.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3304.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then I applied some classic gray stain with a foam brush and wiped away the excess stain.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3305.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3305.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Once it was dry, I put in two screws where I wanted my clips to hang (I was afraid glue would not be strong enough) and then I taped off the area that was to be painted with chalkboard paint. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3306.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3306.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Then, I slapped on some paint, removed the tape and... voilĂ !<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/05/12/3307.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/05/12/s_3307.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='300' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Okay, it turns out that I accidentally used magnetic paint instead of chalkboard paint, huhum, mom brain..so now it is a magnetic chalkboard;). Happy accident. <br /><br />So what do you guys think? Anyone else try a DIY gift for mom? What is your favorite Starbucks drink? Yum, Starbucks. Am I supposed to be boycotting them or something? I try not to stay too current with all that stuff for fear that I won't have anywhere to go when I leave the house. Anyone with me? <br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-54464924581651079842013-03-17T06:11:00.001-07:002013-03-17T06:13:30.032-07:00Pantry DoorLet's just pretend that it hasn't been months since my last entry...let's just jump right in like no time has passed!<br />Today, I will be introducing you to my new pantry door (okay, I've had it since the summer but it's new to you;)). In case you are wondering, there was nothing wrong with my old pantry door. It was perfectly ordinary. I just have always wanted a unique pantry door. I have mentioned it before (maybe a few times) in passing...so Caleb got me a new one! I wasn't even trying to drop hints when I talked about it, he is just that good to me;). So, before I introduce you to my new door, let's back up and look at my original, ordinary pantry door...<br />So, I don't really have any before pictures of just the pantry door, so this is the best I could find. Check out the blank white door at the back of the picture. And there she be...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/854.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_854.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />See, nothing wrong with the door, but nothing that makes a statement. <br />And here is the door that Caleb bought me from Habitat for Humanity ReStore ($40)...of course, it needed some finishing....<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/855.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_855.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Above is what the door looked like before my kids and I left town for the weekend...and this is what it looked like when we got home:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/856.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_856.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Oh, my sweet husband! Didn't he do an amazing job?(I'm pretty fond of his work, if you couldn't tell:)). Here is what the process looked like (he was even nice enough to take pictures along the way so I could blog about it)...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/857.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_857.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />The old door is off.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/858.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_858.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />We had to keep the existing hardware because the new door didn't come with hinges. Caleb spray painted the old ones black.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/859.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_859.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then, he sanded, taped around the window, and stained the new door (the stain color is dark walnut)...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/860.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_860.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/861.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_861.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Next, he wanted to add some more character to the door, so he created a design on the computer and printed it out. He put the paper on the back of the door so it would show through and taped it once he had the letters and picture where he wanted them.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/862.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_862.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Then he put the door on a pillow on the ground so he could paint it. He carefully traced over the letters and the picture with a fine tip paint brush and a steady hand. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/863.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_863.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/864.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_864.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Now, to hang the door...this step sounds relatively simple until you realize that there were no holes for the knobs or the hinges. It is a bit tricky trying to line everything up perfectly so it opens and closes without rubbing or catching. Mission accomplished though. Here she is in all her glory!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/865.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_865.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=13/03/17/866.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/13/03/17/s_866.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I love the contrast it creates against the white cabinets. It changes the whole feel of the room! Not bad for $40, huh? Now to tackle the issue of being able to see in my not so organized pantry, along with being able to see the trash can and mop etc. Stay tuned to see what we did! <br /><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-13500679137754401702012-11-30T13:00:00.001-08:002012-11-30T13:00:20.890-08:00Christmas DecoratingChristmas decorations! They're up! Well, some of them;)...I usually am not done decorating for Christmas until Christmas day. I am always adding stuff or moving it around. Here are some photos of what has been done so far...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1873.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1873.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1874.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1874.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1875.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1875.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1876.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1876.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1877.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1877.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1878.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1878.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1879.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1879.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1880.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1880.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1881.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1881.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1882.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1882.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1883.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1883.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1884.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1884.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And at night...(oops, missing my tree skirt and the star in this one...oh well;))...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1885.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1885.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And here is the stockingless mantle...I am attempting to make my own this year so stay tuned for the updated mantle...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1886.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1886.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Oh yes, and you can't miss Thomas the train ;)...<br /><br />Well, more pictures to come as I add more decor and move more stuff around (and hopefully make my stockings). Do you guys decorate your house the same way every year or do you change it up from Christmas to Christmas? My decor changes every year...I like the new challenge each Christmas of making it look better than the year before:). I reuse the same decorations, just move them around a bit. I am always looking for an excuse to decorate ;). <br /><br />Anyway, I'll leave you with some instagram photos...I know they come out a bit blurry but I still love me some instagram effects! <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1887.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1887.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1888.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1888.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/30/1889.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/30/s_1889.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-10348989102180682742012-11-06T06:14:00.001-08:002012-11-06T06:14:04.662-08:00Dining Room After AftersWell, hopefully you have had a chance to read about our new playroom. If not, don't forget to check it out <a target="_blank" href="http://abbieontheinside.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-playroom-under-stairs.html">HERE</a>. Well, since putting in the playroom, we had to shuffle some things around in the dining room so I thought I would give you some updated after pictures of this room. <br /><br />Just to recap, here are the after pictures I had shown you before putting in the playroom:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/591.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_591.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/592.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_592.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/593.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_593.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/594.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_594.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And here are the dining room afters, after the playroom (the after afters;)):<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/595.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_595.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/596.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_596.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/597.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_597.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/598.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_598.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And just for fun, an instagram photo....I LOVE my old window and was so excited to finally have a place to display it! (Caleb bought me two of these last Christmas)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/11/06/599.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/11/06/s_599.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />There you have it folks, the after afters! Believe it or not, the dining room has already changed AGAIN, but I will save the after after afters for another day ;-)!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-37484537839177145322012-10-29T18:53:00.001-07:002012-10-29T18:53:35.591-07:00The Playroom Under the StairsSo, it's time to talk..I mean, write..about the most talked about room in our house...the playroom under the stairs! It gets a lot of attention from people that come over to our house...especially kids!<br />It all started out as a simple discussion between Caleb and I...we were talking about our last house. In our previous house, we had a closet underneath our stairs that we used as Sydnie's room (don't worry, Sydnie is just our dog) and it was a great use of otherwise wasted space. Our pantry is partly under the stairs in this house, but we wondered about the rest of the staircase. What was under the landing of the stairs? Was it open under there? Was there wasted space just waiting to be used? So, what better way to find out than to take a look (which, yes, means cutting a hole in the wall)!<br /><br />Here is a before picture (when there was no playroom in existence): <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2563.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2563.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Here is the hole...this is what happens when your curiosity gets the best of you;):<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2564.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2564.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />This is what we found...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2565.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2565.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lots of space!!!! (and Carter was eager to climb in) <br />So the hole turned into a doorway...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2566.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2566.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Caleb put up some drywall...(Cole helped, of course)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2567.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2567.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And he did some electrical work so we could have an outlet and a light...(don't worry, Caleb did the electrical work, not Cole)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2568.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2568.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />We added a little bit of paint and some carpet...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2569.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2569.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And our "extra space" turned into a playroom for the boys!!!! And because I have the greatest hubby in the world, he went one step further and gave me a sliding barn door!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2570.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2570.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />I'm smitten...isn't it beautiful? I told him what I liked and "my vision" and he built it! And it turned out even better than I could've imagined!!! Told you, he's the best.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2571.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2571.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And here it is now, painted and with the sliding door hardware installed:<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2572.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2572.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2573.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2573.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2574.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2574.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2575.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2575.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2576.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2576.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2577.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2577.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2578.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2578.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2579.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2579.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Lots of work still to be done. I would love to make some bean bag chairs or some oversized pillows and put some kid friendly stuff on the walls. As the kids get older, it can grow into a reading nook or can eventually become a closet. We've also talked about putting a small tv in there in the future. <br />Oh, and as a bonus, it's also a great place to stash those unsightly toys when people come over and you don't want those toys to ruin your decor. <br /><br />Exhibit A...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/10/29/2580.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/10/29/s_2580.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='187' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />So, what do you think? The boys are definitely enjoying the playroom, especially Cole because he is the only person that can fully stand up in this room. He loves that he can reach the light and turn it off and on whenever he wants! But do you know who is enjoying it most of all? Sydnie! ;)<br /><br />Feel free to ask any questions! Goodnight.<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-54982688997222716902012-09-21T13:14:00.000-07:002012-09-23T19:53:37.093-07:00Thrifting UpdateCan you believe I am already back for another blog post? Three posts in less than two weeks...a record for me (sad record, I know). Hey, while I am on a roll, I am going to get as many posts in as I can. As a mom of little ones, I don't get "on a roll" very often so I will take advantage (yes, I consider this to be on a roll;)). Now, if only I could get on a roll with cleaning, organizing and exercising, etc. ;-)<br /><br />A few months ago, I showed you guys some of my thrift store purchases and I told you to "check back in" for an update on how I changed those items and where they ended up in my home. After months of moving things around and moving them around again, I think I found "the right spot" for each piece (at least for now;)). Accessorizing is always "trial and error" for me. I start by putting an accessory in a place I think it will look good...sometimes I know right away it's wrong...sometimes I know right away that it's right...and sometimes I have to just leave it there for a few days (or weeks) to decide if I like it or not. Anyway, for these accessories, after all their shuffling, I think I am finally happy with how each of them turned out and where each of them ended up! Let's start with looking back at <a href="http://abbieontheinside.blogspot.com/2012/02/thrifting.html" target="_blank">THIS POST</a> to see what these pieces looked when I brought them home in their original (ugly) state.<br /><br />Here are each of the items now:<br /><br />First up is the small glass thingamajig (have no idea what to call it...it's terrarium meets cake stand). I spray painted the base white and filled it with faux "moss rocks". It is currently in the kitchen, on top of my stove. Here is how it turned out...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyETPKBn9MfYdRUwM5cQvH0IDSZzQ_QKy-nYoKAWtPrvwTn6H8XyrG_-kVQ6bXveY9ELjoe-cQ1mrkU1An7jrp_TrCW6kA8szx7FyIk2N6PSZvJJ9riycXf4_XGP00xNc6UWwPLfL7SHK/s1600/DSC_0165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgyETPKBn9MfYdRUwM5cQvH0IDSZzQ_QKy-nYoKAWtPrvwTn6H8XyrG_-kVQ6bXveY9ELjoe-cQ1mrkU1An7jrp_TrCW6kA8szx7FyIk2N6PSZvJJ9riycXf4_XGP00xNc6UWwPLfL7SHK/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lq3flDWvEIvYFhOtal099SkUEfhHoT6z2mGgj2pLmVZnuTVWOWOj_4ZWxU35vCVREBO-uTpZ0nKYZw6BcponzTJyqkPkdnBxb-L0jLld-OIvn_iJ7evYB7P1q_fx65uQ6SOQCpTZVlAb/s1600/DSC_0164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lq3flDWvEIvYFhOtal099SkUEfhHoT6z2mGgj2pLmVZnuTVWOWOj_4ZWxU35vCVREBO-uTpZ0nKYZw6BcponzTJyqkPkdnBxb-L0jLld-OIvn_iJ7evYB7P1q_fx65uQ6SOQCpTZVlAb/s320/DSC_0164.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br /><br />Next is the large wooden frame. I removed the lion painting (what? how could you? ;-)) and gave the frame a facelift by painting (dry brushing) it white. It is hanging as an open frame in my entryway on my new chalkboard wall. I am definitely going to redo the arrangement of the house rules but I will update you on that in a later post.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcGjqtL_PSAVAu8lrckS-y1QeRJMeVZLiDTQBENI5HyIWPSUNnVjhJiMSe7JDrzM7yRonOhmfjfi-UNymbVXyLkkPo5SCHHJwZZJ5RfG5lH9lR9z_kswetVespZ523dpia8KZXmjya5ei/s1600/DSC_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcGjqtL_PSAVAu8lrckS-y1QeRJMeVZLiDTQBENI5HyIWPSUNnVjhJiMSe7JDrzM7yRonOhmfjfi-UNymbVXyLkkPo5SCHHJwZZJ5RfG5lH9lR9z_kswetVespZ523dpia8KZXmjya5ei/s320/DSC_0163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here is a closer look at the dry brushing...it has more of a distressed look with this technique.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3789.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3789.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Next are the two wooden candle holders that used to be painted gold...look at the two outside candle sticks with the round candles wrapped with twine. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3790.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3790.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Up close...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3791.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3791.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3792.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3792.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3793.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3793.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Below is the former brass candle stick...this one I spray painted white and also rubbed a little distressed ink to make it look older (hard to tell in the pictures)...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3794.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3794.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3795.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3795.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3796.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3796.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And lastly, the brass tin...I spray painted it -you'll never guess---white ;) on the outside and I left the inside unpainted.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=12/09/23/3797.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/12/09/23/s_3797.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />So, which one is your favorite? Which do you think was the biggest transformation from before to after? Can anyone tell I that like white ;)? When in doubt, paint it white! Hope you like my new and improved (and white;)) thrift store pieces. Goodnight. <br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-8908170204603997782012-09-18T13:35:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:24:23.750-07:00Before and After : Half BathHappy Tuesday! I am back to continue my (slower-than-molasses) house tour, with before and after pictures of our half bath downstairs and the hallway leading to the bathroom. Like the other pictures I have shown you, the before pictures were taken before we moved in when my realtor was showing us the house for the first time.<br />
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Hallway before:<br />
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Hallway after:<br />
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Much warmer and more inviting, don't you think? I always love a good gallery wall! I got these frames for free from my wonderful in-laws when they were in the process of moving (and purging). I spray painted them all one color (rust-oleum's eden) then added the vases (syrup jars), photos, wreath and, of course, the letter H (I have previously mentioned that I have a slight obsession with using our initial throughout the house:)). <br />
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Bathroom before:<br />
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Bathroom after:<br />
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Doesn't it feel more open without the vanity? Because we lost storage by taking the vanity out, we added the over-the-toilet cabinet to keep cleaning supplies and toilet paper. We kept the existing light (although I still would like to replace it someday) but we (and by "we" I mean Caleb) spray painted it black to better match the oil rubbed bronze faucet and towel holder. Oh spray paint...it covers a multitude of sins! Hope you like the new hallway and bathroom!<br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAbbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-15290297252970416332012-09-14T20:30:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:23:52.290-07:00Flea Market FindI love flea markets! Can I get an amen? Flea markets are certainly not for everyone (Caleb would consider them some form of torture)...I guess you either love them or you hate them. I love them (as I already said;)). Last weekend, I had the great pleasure of getting to have a "girl's day out" (thank you, Caleb!) with one of my closest friends, Lyndsie. (I just can't bring myself to use the phrase "one of my besties"...I know that's what the kids are saying these days, but I am just not that cool. Hey, I own a pair of Tom's, that's enough 'cool' for me;)). Anyway, Lyndsie and I decided to hit up a nearby flea market. We had so much fun browsing and so much fun buying! In the midst of our browsing and buying, we stumbled upon a full size bed that was priced at 5$. Neither of us was needing a bed, and the bed was in need of a serious makeover, but for 5$? We couldn't pass it up. Our plan was simple: buy it, paint and distress it, and resale it on craigslist for more money. So that's what we did (we are still in the process of selling it, so cross your fingers;)).<br />
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Here is our little labor of love:<br />
(unfortunately, I forgot to take pics of her before her little makeover....it was a honey stained bed that someone had attempted to paint black, but it just had one coat of paint so it was very streaky and uneven)<br />
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The after...<br />
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Our process---<br />
1. Sanded all surfaces with an electric sander<br />
2. Painted two coats of latex paint (crystal aqua by valspar) using paint brushes<br />
3. Waited for the paint to dry (mostly...we are both impatient;))<br />
4. Distressed the corners and edges and curves by sanding until we achieved our desired look (we also used an electric sander for this step). <br />
5. Wiped on a homemade glaze (brown craft paint mixed with water) with a rag<br />
6. Wiped off the excess glaze with a damp rag (once again, wiped it until we achieved our desired look)<br />
And DONE!<br />
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Well, what do you think? Wouldn't it be so cute in a little girl's room? If you are wondering about our awesome backdrop for the bed in the pictures, the pictures were taken in one of the rooms in Lyndsie's house. The room has an old fence wood wall treatment done by Lynds and her hubby, Cory. It is as awesome in person as it looks in the photo! Oh, and in case you were also wondering, the rest of our girl's day consisted of eating and more shopping. Lots of shopping (flea market, thrift shop, local boutique, Goodwill, estate sale, Garden Ridge Pottery, Hancock Fabrics and Home Depot)....our husbands' worst nightmare! <br />
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Night night!<br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPadAbbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-57391186674654422092012-07-03T19:55:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:23:31.127-07:00Distressed DresserIt is definitely (long overdue) time for another blog post! Let's just ignore the fact that I completely skipped May and June;). I have so many projects to share with you that I don't even know where to start! I guess I will start with a project from a while ago...it is one of my favorites. So, let the recap begin.<br />
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It was probably about a year ago that I acquired this old dresser:<br />
(I forgot to take before pictures so these are the only pics I could find...sorry that they are so up close) <br />
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I got it from my sweet cousin who didn't have a use for it anymore. It looks a little rough but it is big, sturdy, and old...and the best part, it was my mormor's. I was delighted to get the dresser but knew it needed some work! <br />
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---Quick Swedish lesson...cause I am half Swedish (and proud of it!)...<br />
Mormor means "mother's mother" in swedish so that is what we used to call my grandmother. Morfar means " mother's father" but we didn't call my grandfather that...he was just Grandpa...especially since my other cousins would've called him FarFar (father's father)...um, yeah, doesn't have a good ring to it ;). Oh how i miss MorMor and Grandpa!<br />
And, by the way, if you have ever heard the saying, " you can always tell a swede, but you can't tell 'em much," it is true ;-). Okay, Swedish lesson (tangent) over...back to the project.---<br />
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So, I got right to work on distressing this piece (okay, it was a couple months later). I was delighted to find a couple of layers of paint underneath...apparently my mormor also liked refinishing things! I wish I had taken process pics but I did not. Mind you, there was not a real process involved...pretty random actually. I started by sanding on it a little and started to see the other layers...first white, then blue, then the original wood. At this point I decided to do "chippy" distressing. Basically, I just started scraping in random places with random tools (paint can opener, screwdriver, razor blade)(shall we call it the random method?) and finished it off with LOTS and LOTS of sanding! Oh, and because I was dealing with old paint, I sprayed the dresser with a matte finish just to seal it. <br />
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Here is how she turned out:<br />
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I love the way it turned out. As you can see, I also replaced the old knobs with these pull knobs that we had leftover from the dresser in Carter's room. Here are a few detailed photos so you can see all the different paint layers. The above pics do not do it justice!<br />
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So, what do you think? I am loving that my mormor's creativity in refinishing this piece is what inspired my creativity to make this piece what it is now. I am also loving that this project was free! Just a little tlc and some elbow grease! I hope you enjoyed this project (and of course, my short Swedish lesson;)). Goodnight. Talk to you again soon (but don't hold your breath;))!<br />
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Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />
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Location:<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Distressing,%20before%20and%20after,%20refinishing%20&z=10">Distressing, before and after, refinishing </a></div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-53175569165787368992012-04-26T21:19:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:22:12.766-07:00Outdoor table-DIYI am so excited to share my new outdoor table with you guys! We were in dire need of a new outdoor table (seriously, our old wood table started growing things with all the rain and had basically been rotting away). Why not build our own? I had a vision for a farmhouse-type table but it needed be built on the cheap. My dad had some old treated wood (used to be school bleachers) that I knew would work perfectly for the top of the table (free!). The hubs went out and bought some treated 4x4's and 2x4's for the legs and the frame (around 15$). And the table begins to form!<br />
Daddy's little helper (testing out the sturdiness of the legs...ha!).<br />
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Building the frame...<br />
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Adding the legs...<br />
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Adding support boards...<br />
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Adding the top (this is where I took over)...<br />
and when I took over, I forgot to take process pics...<br />
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Looks awesome, right? Don't you love how it turned out? Maroon and gold, gooo lions! SACS pride baby (my old high school). Okay, I do love my old high school, but this was not the vision! This table still needed some work, a lot of work! <br />
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My next step was to sand the top...and sand the dickens out of it! I used a belt sander so it would strip most of the paint off, then I used a palm sander to smooth it out (and used palm sander on the frame and legs). More pics...<br />
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I LOVE the old bolt holes and splits in the wood! The more beat up, the better!<br />
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You get the idea, right? This was definitely the time consuming part of the project. Might I mention that Caleb finished his part of the project (building frame and legs) in 20 minutes...seriously? He's a machine! I won't even tell you how long my part of the project took me! Anyway, after I got the boards looking the way I wanted them, I gently smoothed them out with the palm sander and lightly sanded the rest of the table so it would be ready to paint. Next up, painting the legs white and polyurethaning the top. <br />
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Here is the difference that the poly makes (looks good and makes the surface wipeable)...<br />
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And here is the top after two coats of poly:<br />
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I used satin polyurethane and only did two coats because I did not want the table to look shiny, I just wanted to enhance the color and make it a wipeable surface. One coat was not enough because most of it absorbed into the wood. It depends on the type of wood and personal preference!<br />
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The last step of the project was distressing the legs a bit by sanding along the edges and corners. <br />
Here it is all finished (in all its glory:))...<br />
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Okay, now that I have set some sort of record for the most pictures posted in one blog entry, I will call it good. What do you think of my new (old) table? I love, love, love it! Now, if only it were cool enough outside to enjoy our new table (I mean, maybe I'll sit out there at 6 am before we hit 90 degrees...got to love Texas!). Has anyone noticed how much I love to use parentheses (love them!)? Haha. Goodnight.<br />
<br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-14668209521642510532012-04-26T05:54:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:20:24.550-07:00Pinterest Success!Hello again blog world! Miss me? My absence is expected by now:). I am not very consistent (well, I am consistently sporadic:)). Today I want to share a pinterest project that I recently completed. It is easy to go crazy "pinning" things I like on pinterest, but it is much harder to actually produce the items that I have gone crazy pinning. This project however, was cheap and easy once I decided to make a little bit of time for it! <br />
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I have four baskets in my entryway that house various items like shoes, Sydnie's collar and leashes (dont worry, sydnie is my dog, not one of my kids!), etc...and I wanted labels for each basket. I had previously made some chalkboard labels out of foam board (I was majorly improvising with this one) and had tied them onto the baskets like gift tags using some twine. These, although I kept them like that for a year, did not work well at all. They would always flip over to the back which I had lazily left white. Plus, they were just not sturdy. Here are the old labels:<br />
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One day when perusing pinterest I saw this pin:<br />
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<a br="br" href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/10/chalkboard-labels-be-still-my-heart.html?m=1" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com/2010/10/chalkboard-labels-be-still-my-heart.html?m=1" target="_blank">Less than perfect life of bliss blog.</a><br /><br /><br />Genius! Not long after, I bought some wall plates (98 cents each), used some chalkboard spray paint that I already had from other projects, and presto- new basket labels (or should I say, new and improved basket labels)! Here are my baskets now:<br /><br /><br />
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<br /><br />So much better! Here is a close up of my baskets without labels:<br /><br /><br /><center>
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<br /><br />The only challenge to this project was getting the twine through the weave of the basket. Here is how I solved that problem...<br /><br /><br /><center>
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<br /><br />Once both ends of the twine were threaded through, I simply tied a knot to secure it in place. <br /><br /><br /><center>
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<br /><br />So, that was easy enough! One pinterest project down, 30 to go;). What do think? Do you like the old labels or new? Done any pinterest projects lately? Check back in soon because I will be showing you guys our new outdoor table we built ourselves for under 15$! <br />Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br /><br />Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-5723029363574772112012-03-16T18:48:00.001-07:002012-09-21T12:24:44.126-07:00Entry RoomMore before and after pictures coming your way! Today will be the entry room. Much like the dining room, this space is way under used! However, since the couch is a pull-out couch, this area does act as our guest room when visitors come from out of town. Not ideal I know, but we really don't have out of town guests very often so it is sufficient. Otherwise, this room is just here to look purty. Okay, we do use it some, but not as much as I would like.<br />
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Here she is before: (wishing I had taken more pictures that day!)<br />
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Here she is now:<br />
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My coffee table was made by my dad...it is probably the sturdiest piece of furniture we own (which is helpful with a toddler that stands/jumps/rolls around on it when mom isn't looking:))! It is also one of my favorites! I will give more details about it when I do my room-by-room break down (which at this rate will be 5 years from now).<br />
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This secretary is another antique from Caleb's side of the family. Love me some antiques!!!<br />
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The secretary is actually part of both the entry room and the dining room which you will see in another picture.<br />
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The above table is right next to the front door...you can slightly see that it is between the windows and the front door. Eventually, I want to do some hooks etc. for sort of a mud room effect.<br />
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That angle you can see into the dining room...hopefully that kind of helps with understanding the layout.<br />
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And the last one was just for good measure! <br />
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Well, I hope you are enjoying my home so far. You will start to see that I do have a specific style (what would you call it?), but each room has a different "feel" from the others. This one I consider to be sort of "beachy". Would you agree?Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-50941946236856935662012-02-27T19:54:00.001-08:002012-02-27T19:54:42.044-08:00Sew SewGuess what I got for Valentine's Day....a new sewing machine! Thanks to my sweet hubby! My mom's old machine has served me well for the last few years and I am grateful for getting to use it. I may have finally pushed ol' bessy to her limit though. So, time for a new one. I LOVE my new machine. I am already spoiled with it. Here is my new beauty:<br />
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I have already broken it in a bit by completing a few items on my "need to sew" project list (the list is a long one!). I finally got around to sewing little pillows for both of the boys. I made Carter a pillow a couple years ago that he takes with him everywhere and sleeps with every night...it is his "comfort thing". I made it with polyfill though and it is just not holding up very well. So, time to make a new and improved pillow. As I suspected though, he wants nothing to do with his new pillow, he just wants what we now call "old pillow" (I would like to call it "old, disgusting, used to be but is no longer white, pillow"). I am hoping "new pillow" will grow on him. This is Carter's new pillow:<br />
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I also made one for Cole. He likes to play with Carter's pillow whenever he can which does not go over well with big brother..."NNNOOO baby Cole!"....so I decided he needed one of his own. It is still much more fun, however, to take brother's than play with his own:). Here is Cole's pillow:<br />
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So two new pillows, neither of which get used! Oh well, at least they are cute "accents":). They are very comfortable pillows if I may say so myself. I used an old down pillow to make them. I cut the old down pillow in two and sewed each end shut (it looked like it was snowing outside when I cut it because of all of the small feathers blowing around). Then I made a pillow case for each and I was done.<br />
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My latest project was a ruffled scarf for my mother-in-law. I have made several ruffled scarves before but I experimented with a new technique this time. In the past, I have used elastic thread to create the ruffles. This time I did a loose stitch down the middle, pulled the thread through to make my own ruffles and then stitched them in place. I am not sure which method I like better yet. Here is how the scarf turned out:<br />
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Now to complete the other 739 sewing projects...some day:)! Maybe on the next project I will be on the ball enough to actually take step-by-step pictures.Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-89164503309368823712012-02-27T19:54:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:24:59.084-07:00Carter's RoomWell, I have given you a taste of my style with different (random) parts of my home...I thought it was about time to show you a bedroom. I will start with my favorite bedroom in the house, Carter's room. When we first moved in, I was pregnant with Carter so we prepared one room as the nursery and the other room we just set up as a guest room. So when Carter was born, he moved straight into the nursery (he seriously only slept in our room for like 3 days...which was still 3 days more than Cole did:)) and that was his room up until about 4-5 months before we had Cole. When Caleb and I knew we were having another baby, we thought it would be a lot easier for the nursery to stay the nursery (it is gender neutral) and make the guest room Carter's big boy room.<br />
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Since we didn't want Carter to feel like he was getting kicked out of his room, we made a really big deal out of his new room and kept him very involved in the process of transforming the room. We also made sure to make the move to the new room long before little brother was born so there would not be too much change at one time. Praise the Lord, the switch went wonderfully and Carter has loved his new room from day 1! <br />
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Here is what Carter's room looked like before we moved in (previous owner's furniture etc.):<br />
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Pretty drab right? Wish I had gotten more pictures but you can see there was nothing special about this room. <br />
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Here are some progress pictures from when we were installing the board and batten on the walls:<br />
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Here is Carter's room now (be prepared for LOTS of pictures)...the color is the same as the progress pictures but it looks different in these pictures...<br />
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What do you think? It is always a challenge making kids' rooms cute and not too cluttered with toys! We have most of his big toys in the closet and the small ones are in the various baskets you see around the room. I also tried not to make his room too " themey" with airplanes galore because I didn't want him (or me) to get tired of it or feel like he would outgrow it too fast. So, I tried to keep a balance with just airplane accents (hanging airplane, framed airplanes pics, propeller on the shelf, flight instructing sign, instruments on his nightstand and dresser etc.). It still looks like a colorful, fun kid's room...just not over the top. At least that's my opinion:). Hope you enjoyed Carter's room!Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-73336077317125719392012-02-17T21:40:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:25:18.479-07:00Master BathroomWow, could it be that I am posting two days in a row!?! You are impressed, aren't you. Don't get too used to it though:). I wanted to take a little break from the downstairs and show you an upstairs room. I have to switch things up just to make it more interesting (at least for me). This evening I am going to show you before and after pictures of our master bathroom. Let me just tell you, when we moved in, there was nothing special about this bathroom at all. It probably looked exactly like all the other bathrooms in the other houses in our neighborhood. It even had carpet throughout the ENTIRE room. GROSS. How can that possibly be sanitary? GROSS. Sorry, I said that already. Anyway, I loved that our bathroom was nice and spacious, but I wanted to take the "standard" look and replace it with a "custom" look...cheap custom that doesn't look cheap...you know? I must say "you know" a lot because after almost everything Carter tells me, he says "you know, Mommy?" Okay, off topic, sorry. Here is what the bathroom used to look like:<br />
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Yep, feel free to comment on the cute pregnant girl in the reflection of the mirror! Ha! Actually, the first pic is my mom and she is cute! As for me, not my finest moment:). I have since learned to angle myself out of the pictures with mirrors (course, in my defense, I was taking these pictures just to show Caleb the house before we bought it, not necessarily to publish on a blog post!). Alright, and here are just a couple pictures of what it looks like now:</div>
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Sorry, I thought I had more than two pictures...all the other ones were basically the same as these so I will have to post more when I post my master bathroom "details" later. I had to strongly resist the urge to use the term "deets" instead of "details". I have decided to act my age:). Actually, I just don't want to embarrass my husband! Clearly, it is getting too late so I will say goodnight. Hope you enjoyed our bathroom. Stay tuned for pictures of...hmmm...what room shall I do next???</div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-79316745775721943522012-02-16T18:50:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:25:47.498-07:00Stairway PicturesSo, it has been a while...life has been crazy lately! Who am I kidding? Life is always a bit crazy with a toddler and a baby:). On top of our normal craziness, my hubby just changed jobs, so we are all adjusting to his new schedule. Anyway, the important thing is that I am back to post more before and after pictures! These are the before and after pictures of our stairway (if you couldn't tell by the title:)). The stairs are actually one of our most current renovations in our house (most of the other improvements were done the first couple weeks after moving in). I do not miss that nasty carpet!<br />
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Here is what it looked like before:<br />
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And here is what it looks like after:<br />
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So, what do you think? I personally love my new stairway! What I am struggling with however, is my photography skills...or lack there of! We have a nice camera that I have no idea how to use. I am sure I could have adjusted my shutter speed or some other function so my pictures wouldn't have looked so dark. I might need to do some googling on that soon:). I hope you enjoyed them anyway. Have a wonderful evening friends! </div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-28074611626208619272012-02-03T08:06:00.000-08:002012-02-17T20:18:45.760-08:00Thrifting!I LOVE to go thrift store shopping! Anybody with me? There is just something fun and challenging about finding that perfect ugly item that has the potential to be beautiful! So many of the things that I love in my house started out as ugly thrift store items:). Well this past weekend, I hit the thrift stores. I did have a specific piece in mind when I went shopping. I was looking for a terrarium of sorts for a small fake plant I that got from the 99 cent store a few months back. I know, I know, I have quite expensive taste with my 99 cent store and thrift store crazes. I did find something I thought would work for my plant (turned out to be too small), but I also came home with a few other treasures. Take a look:<br />
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What do you guys think? For all my fellow San Antonio Christian School friends out there, were you thinking "go Lions!" with that large painting? Ha! Lots of gold going on, right?! Lots of ugly going on too! But it's nothing a can of spray paint can't fix! I will be sharing what I did to each item once they are completed.Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-39588715917525061502012-02-02T11:58:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:26:08.621-07:00Dining RoomOkay, so when I said I was going to get pictures posted "tomorrow" on my previous post, I really meant "next week":). I had great intentions, but life got in the way...you guys know how that is, right? The important thing is that I am ready to share some dining room pictures today. As always, I will start with the before pictures....<br />
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Hmm...what can I say about that wall color?...I guess since I have nothing nice to say, I won't say anything at all! Now here is my dining room after:<br />
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Well, I do love my dining room even though we never use it! I guess the advantage to never using it is that it actually stays clean!!! I know I have lots of questions to address, like where everything is from, paint color, etc., but I am going to go back through each room after all the before and afters and do the "break down" with all the details! The entry room pictures are coming soon (I better not say tomorrow:) just in case it is another week)!Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-77980815255481062952012-01-26T12:20:00.000-08:002012-02-17T20:19:35.231-08:00Decorating ThemesHappy Thursday! I had hoped to get pictures posted today of my dining room, but all the pictures I took yesterday did not turn out well. It was a bit dreary out when I tried to take the photos so my house felt a bit gloomy when looking at the pictures. I will try again today since the sun is out...hopefully it will make for better lighting. Maybe by tomorrow I can get some more before and afters posted. In the meantime, I thought I would prepare you for a few decorating themes that you will start to see throughout the rest of my house. <br />
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Theme 1- LAYERING<br />
I love to layer things, mostly frames. It is almost obsessive. I sometimes feel like if something is not layered, then it is not complete! <br />
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Theme 2- H<br />
I love the letter "H" (for Hasler, of course). It is all over my house. It is like I don't want people to forget whose house it is! My husband even commented on it one time...something like "you're not going to put another H there, are you?" Hmmm, I am sure I did put another H there:). <br />
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Theme 3- BOOKS<br />
You will see that I add a stack of books to most spaces. I LOVE using books to decorate! Old books are ideal, but otherwise, I just take the cover off one of our hardback books and voila, decoration! Usually, I'll top it off with either a vase or a candle to add a bit of height.<br />
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Theme 4- THREES<br />
One final theme...I like things in "threes". Three books, three vases, three frames, three candles, or whatever else I am decorating with! Is there some kind of "rule of odds" when decorating? Not sure, but in my house it is the "rule of threes" (not to be confused with the rule of thirds:)). I have actually gotten a bit better about this one (it is much cheaper when you don't have to buy three of everything you like). Don't worry though, you will still see plenty of this theme running throughout my house.<br />
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Can't leave you without a picture, so here is a picture of one my favorite pieces of furniture in our house. It is an antique from Caleb's side of the family. That, however, is not why I am showing you this picture. Once you have marveled at the beautiful antique:), notice the accessorizing...three vases, a stack of books with a vase, the letter "h", and some layering action...TOLD YOU! <br />
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There is much more where that came from! Check back in soon!Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-64094613440371801792012-01-25T05:45:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:26:32.054-07:00Breakfast Nook Before/AfterI hope you enjoyed the first glimpse of my house with the before and after pictures of the kitchen. If you missed it, just go check out my older posts! Today's pictures probably belonged with the kitchen posts, but I didn't want to overload the kitchen posts with too many pictures. These pictures are the before and after pictures of my breakfast nook...we'll start with the befores.<br />
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That was before...and this is after:</div>
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What do you think? So much brighter, right?! Let me tell you, that red accent wall was a booger to paint over (at least according to my hubby:))! And what about my mason jar light? Don't you love it? Thanks to my sweet husband for making it for me! More pictures coming soon.</div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-46686052553194788452012-01-21T11:00:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:26:58.017-07:00Kitchen AftersHappy Saturday! I am back with the after pictures of my kitchen! This whole "taking photos of the house" thing seemed so simple at first. Then I realized that in order to take pictures of my house, I probably should clean it a bit. I mean, I need to at least pretend to be a really neat person with a really clean house:). Also, I noticed that I have a lot of "kid stuff" that is not very aesthetically pleasing...you know like door knob covers, high chairs, bottles etc. Don't worry though, I managed to conquer these obstacles, along with lighting issues, and get pictures of the room!<br />
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Wow, I really made that out to seem like some impossible feat. I am not as dramatic as I sound, I promise!<br />
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Here are the "afters"...<br />
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Well, if you look close enough in the background, you can see I forgot to pick up some toys in the living room not realizing they would be making an appearance in my photos. Wait, why am I telling you that? If you hadn't noticed before, you will certainly notice now. Oh well, all you moms out there will understand:)!<br />
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You also got a glimpse of my new mason jar light in the last two pics that my honey made me for Christmas. Love it! Stay tuned for more on that! And as I mentioned earlier in my first post, I intend to break down each room by detail...projects, paint colors, accessories...at a later time. Hope you enjoyed the new and improved kitchen! I love, love, love this room!Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-38549031493359758602012-01-20T18:18:00.000-08:002012-09-21T12:27:21.775-07:00Kitchen BeforeWell, I have my kitchen pictures all ready to post...but for you to truly appreciate my kitchen now, you need to see how far the kitchen has come! These pictures are from when my mom and I came to look at the house for the first time with my realtor. I immediately called Caleb and told him, "I found our house!" I preceded to tell him that it just needed "few" updates. Ha! Luckily, when he came to look at it, he saw the same potential that I saw. I am obviously starting by just showing you the kitchen.<br />
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So, here are the "befores"...<br />
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It was certainly a nice kitchen but definitely not my style. Do you see the potential here? Would you have left the kitchen like it was? I know that for some of you, the surprise will come with the after pictures. However, many of you that have been to my house, will be more surprised by the before pictures because you have not seen what it looked like when we first moved in! Tomorrow will be the after pictures. Goodnight and God bless!</div>
Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-23485500740484883692012-01-19T13:55:00.000-08:002012-02-17T20:24:02.152-08:00My Decorating ObessionWelcome back! Since my first post was so short (and sweet, of course), I thought I would tell you guys a little bit more about why I decided to start blogging and what this is all about. In short, I love decorating! I am sometimes obsessed with decorating. I am constantly changing things up at my house and starting (often times, not finishing) new projects and, all the while, probably driving my husband crazy:). He is actually very patient with the whole thing and probably does more on my silly projects than I do (because he loves me). What an amazing man I have! Anyway, I just wanted to start sharing this passion with others and hopefully give ideas and inspiration to anyone who reads this.<br />
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</div><div>My love for decorating started when my husband and I bought our first house. It was a foreclosure and it was ugly!!! But we saw so much potential. I am sure some people thought we were crazy for buying that house. You should have seen the paint colors in this house! They even painted the garage lime green. Together, and with the help of friends and family, we transformed that house! (I will have to show before and after pics of that house too). </div><div><br />
</div><div>Then, when found out we were pregnant with Carter, we sold that house and bought our current house for more space. The people that lived here before us had a completely different style than ours. The house was nice but it wasn't "us"...so we transformed this one too. It looks NOTHING like it did when we moved in! We are talking new floors, new paint, new lighting, etc. and the hardest part of all...accessorizing. All of this on a tight budget, mind you. You will eventually get to see where we started and where we have come but I will keep you waiting for that. I will soon be posting some kitchen pictures! Get excited:). </div>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-296174359707676205.post-35059084947130039542012-01-15T06:12:00.000-08:002012-02-17T20:23:36.099-08:00First Entry<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%;">Hello! Welcome to my first post! I know, I know...you are so impressed by my creative title for this post:). Alright, so I have some work to do on my creativity, but I will have plenty of practice with plenty of post titles. If you haven't checked it out already, look at my profile to see what this blog is all about.</span><br />
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span">As I think about how to begin, this is my vision for starting this blog. I will start by showing you guys pictures of my house so you can get the overall idea of my decorating style. Then I will break it down into a room by room description so you can see all of my projects and all the details on what I did to make my house a home. Now I need to go take some pictures so I can post </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">them soon. Stay tuned!</span></span></div></div>Abbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09963191129707419740noreply@blogger.com2