tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-268750072024-03-04T22:33:54.917-06:00Welcome HomeA blog about making my house the best home it can be using the most creativity I can muster and the least amount of money I can get away with.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-71919173800954069662012-01-19T22:04:00.000-06:002012-01-19T22:04:43.596-06:00That nasty 80's dresser is now an awesome media console!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6728075275_13102a03a0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6728075275_13102a03a0_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I looked for MONTHS for just the right piece of furniture to put our tv on. In the past, we used an armoire that we loved a lot (and that I was really proud of getting at a garage sale for only $40) that was a perfect fit for our thick old non-flat tv. But before we moved to Colorado, we gave away the tv knowing we would bite the bullet and buy our very first flat screen.<br />
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So bye bye armoire. You were too bulky for our sleek new tv. And you wouldn't fit in the moving trailer. Hello temporary small cabinet. When we moved, we went through a 7 month period of temporary living in a VERY small apartment. I didn't decorate, I didn't look for any new pieces. So when we moved into our current townhouse, I knew the first piece I wanted to find was a large, long 'something' to put the tv on, that had storage underneath.<br />
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I found many pieces that would work. Ikea has some nice things. So does Pottery Barn. But if you know me, you know that there's no way I'm spending money on something new when I could find something second hand that I can make perfect!<br />
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Enter the 1980s. This dresser was found at my local Goodwill. When I first saw it, I wasn't convinced that it was what I wanted. Plus, it wasn't on sale. Seriously. How cheap am I that I won't buy something from a thrift store if it isn't on sale. It's sad, really. Anywhoo, the next time I went back to the store, it was half off. I stood back and imagined it with a few tweaks and realized it was perfect! So for $15 (yes, $30 was too much to pay), I took it home. Let me tell you, this chunk of wood is HEAVY. I injured my neck trying to lift just one side of it. It was a job for strong men.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6727998959_2565284fc3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6727998959_2565284fc3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6728000383_1c54bcda21_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6728000383_1c54bcda21_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6728001311_047d74891f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6728001311_047d74891f_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When looking for a piece that you know you can paint and do minor alterations on, don't get distracted by the lipstick and eyeshadow. Meaning, surfaces can be changed. You can strip it. You can paint it. The important thing is if the piece is the right size, shape, style, and if it is well made.<br />
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Here's what I liked about the piece:<br />
1. It was exactly the right size.<br />
2. It had interesting hardware.<br />
3. It came with two mirrors that I could use elsewhere. <br />
4. It was sturdy and well made.<br />
5. It was a straight, clean-lined style.<br />
6. It had really good storage.<br />
7. It was dirt cheap.<br />
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I decided to jump on the <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/paints.html" target="_blank">chalk paint</a> bandwagon that I have read so much about in blogland. Of course, I made my own. Cheap, remember? I used <a href="http://www.knottooshabbyfurnishings.com/2011/11/homemade-chalk-paint-low-down.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a>, and it seemed to work just fine. I did fill in chips and lightly sand every part that was getting painted, but I did not prime, and I used wax instead of a poly coat. I have to say that I really like the feel of the finish and I will probably never do a poly coat again (unless it's kitchen cabinets).<br />
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The paint color is Benjamin Moore's Coventry Grey. I read somewhere that was the color closest to <a href="http://www.anniesloan.com/acatalog/United_Kingdom.html" target="_blank">A.S. Paris Grey</a>.<br />
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The top three drawers came out, and I painted the inside a mossy green that I already had. Maybe someday I'll repaint that part with peacock blue or something intense. Someday. I'm just happy that this piece is finished and in place. Oh, and <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2011/12/great-rental-mantel-slip-cover.html" target="_blank">one of the mirrors is hanging over our mantel</a>, horizontally.<br />
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The gallery wall behind the tv isn't finished (and after looking at this photo, apparently I don't know how to level), but still, it's much better than nothing on the wall. The tv blends in really well. I'd love to paint that wall a dark grey, but we're not allowed to paint in this place.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have since swapped out the end unit of our sectional for an armless version, <br />
so there is an unobstructed view of the console.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div>After almost a year of packing, moving, temporary living, moving again, and now settling in, it's nice to have our place looking more like a real adult house.<br />
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Now I need to turn my attention to the decidedly un-adult looking wasteland around my desk. I'll get there. Eventually!<br />
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Today I'm partying with <a href="http://missmustardseed.com/2012/01/furniture-feature-friday-favorites-a-link-party-3/" target="_blank">Miss Mustard Seed</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2012/01/frugal-friday_19.html" target="_blank">The Shabby Nest</a>. Head on over to both of these fantastic blogs to see what creative things others are doing!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-22282028731799282772012-01-03T12:32:00.000-06:002012-01-03T12:32:54.464-06:00I want this house. But I can't have it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For Sale: fairy tale cottage with mountain views </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I want this house. It's listed for sale in Denver. The listing says that it was built by P.T. Barnum and he lived in it after his mansion burned to the ground. The actual provenance is a mystery, but I don't care. I still want it. I wish I could take a tour and get better pictures (these are from the listing), but a sale is pending. Bummer.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRfHY1AxMnxquVMlDzL4qZN3QjZEfoLIOJm_EzPUZJl19GncnkQi4IGld7XaRPsWYXb6Yj3vj6kFv2aRvsj0AaUGcwfQNpT6Bz_FAXsaz3g7Dm_9Mk6II0NiLH6TR1WL0hQ8t94Q/s1600/1056569_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">legend says that this house started out life as a barn.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmYmBuBaIazzUpcNhYiIjSs0TMybp6ZzEtQT_iTVhHXh5zXb9ALIBvsBbERGQpNjb7CIWaoMlNgsf8pwwfz12DSulZ6V3HVGtGiiuFs70AWi8Q-zR2V8_3snEtIN6Fa5vgQVUng/s1600/1056569_20_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHmYmBuBaIazzUpcNhYiIjSs0TMybp6ZzEtQT_iTVhHXh5zXb9ALIBvsBbERGQpNjb7CIWaoMlNgsf8pwwfz12DSulZ6V3HVGtGiiuFs70AWi8Q-zR2V8_3snEtIN6Fa5vgQVUng/s1600/1056569_20_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;">Living room. The ceilings are low because the second floor was the hayloft (legend again). Love the coffers.</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GQtzX_TfVA7WkpQtZbnxTq3nvfzgzixgeMFk3UdlLO1SY-mrq_7o7XmAKPxzRVNwOcdPesNeeLtJDhNhsMnxoI4GogeLgIeG8_pMpZNiKmcGh4Wdglih_0QwGSQhoSFnBuh87g/s1600/1056569_22_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GQtzX_TfVA7WkpQtZbnxTq3nvfzgzixgeMFk3UdlLO1SY-mrq_7o7XmAKPxzRVNwOcdPesNeeLtJDhNhsMnxoI4GogeLgIeG8_pMpZNiKmcGh4Wdglih_0QwGSQhoSFnBuh87g/s1600/1056569_22_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entry way is visible on the other side of the fireplace.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynan8NPd5WLRrBxSaex0MUwmI2KVcexlGYhArflvWriuOX-yvPs1LLJwbk4D5FFd9v8mrfDwbPa5byxEYz7QhPfhFaDzA8fg1kH3grNgWOXQQCXvWoDqvRrBnRcvwu9eFcqvuoQ/s1600/1056569_1_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynan8NPd5WLRrBxSaex0MUwmI2KVcexlGYhArflvWriuOX-yvPs1LLJwbk4D5FFd9v8mrfDwbPa5byxEYz7QhPfhFaDzA8fg1kH3grNgWOXQQCXvWoDqvRrBnRcvwu9eFcqvuoQ/s1600/1056569_1_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's that room off of the living room?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmppwdOid7aFkxQvWTBE40_1WCQXAxuaD3KNhz3ktzUUSs5N1fRw6jfZqJj2TVP9KY1_LVTO9S1uHGnLi2uDpVPnEO7vPZHW9yN37nhCmeq5EhLzbUGCsdY-v7VPJ0ol3h2miGHA/s1600/1056569_2_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmppwdOid7aFkxQvWTBE40_1WCQXAxuaD3KNhz3ktzUUSs5N1fRw6jfZqJj2TVP9KY1_LVTO9S1uHGnLi2uDpVPnEO7vPZHW9yN37nhCmeq5EhLzbUGCsdY-v7VPJ0ol3h2miGHA/s1600/1056569_2_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's an amazing sun room! Until recently this room sported an original Tiffany stained glass window, sold for $25k. I'll have some of that coffee, thanks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGZUjNGzuXCTNS-BLkEAlDJRx03zv_5jImbOe9a11GLjy0eJZEwVxxNqJ71jPSZZ2SBH2Axz4fjDrk9B4YuHgktaJzhGrW0RCO9Aga4HEf2yjB2Oe-WMwNNw6wIl8a5Coj5qwNg/s1600/1056569_3_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGZUjNGzuXCTNS-BLkEAlDJRx03zv_5jImbOe9a11GLjy0eJZEwVxxNqJ71jPSZZ2SBH2Axz4fjDrk9B4YuHgktaJzhGrW0RCO9Aga4HEf2yjB2Oe-WMwNNw6wIl8a5Coj5qwNg/s1600/1056569_3_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained glass on the ceiling and intricate plaster work.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61xJhH89D47eH1fPvuNh5WsYSOm0itauzjcn6DGcQvycflgwu3iYL1f5eZJBJGQcvnxSbI8JU19qq9VJ1A6LcY9f_1SPFmEclvmD-XIO4Q6VAP1HB2-R4ZJ7ZtteswB1H6Dh-Lg/s1600/1056569_23_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi61xJhH89D47eH1fPvuNh5WsYSOm0itauzjcn6DGcQvycflgwu3iYL1f5eZJBJGQcvnxSbI8JU19qq9VJ1A6LcY9f_1SPFmEclvmD-XIO4Q6VAP1HB2-R4ZJ7ZtteswB1H6Dh-Lg/s1600/1056569_23_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have a round table ready to live in this room. It would go perfectly.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGrjJasLC6lvIZDFRA9WA9MRCbLMmLEPLpVhzNIFuJjq6rK7ytUZ8UC9dEwpP8URUZxuZEYgpUD9Om0kqfDhRbbUUEi0LfpVPa2a99sCFvtPSm8Z-F1Vgcglmk7lisTK8pXPuIg/s1600/1056569_4_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGrjJasLC6lvIZDFRA9WA9MRCbLMmLEPLpVhzNIFuJjq6rK7ytUZ8UC9dEwpP8URUZxuZEYgpUD9Om0kqfDhRbbUUEi0LfpVPa2a99sCFvtPSm8Z-F1Vgcglmk7lisTK8pXPuIg/s1600/1056569_4_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ah, the kitchen. Look past the floors, wallpaper and yellow counter tops. What you should look at is the dutch door. I've always wanted one!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGoI2dyYSsuC5dPGW8c039gXvuFlJEGi7sz9_YOfdSetn3mmrMk7GIqNhchB1IM64Y3ehNRzZzVtvgDhHXbiyuHBbhSjdpWhyphenhyphend9W4BCu6vd6zcdmAprP82_a63BXR31afs0KLBQ/s1600/1056569_10_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGoI2dyYSsuC5dPGW8c039gXvuFlJEGi7sz9_YOfdSetn3mmrMk7GIqNhchB1IM64Y3ehNRzZzVtvgDhHXbiyuHBbhSjdpWhyphenhyphend9W4BCu6vd6zcdmAprP82_a63BXR31afs0KLBQ/s1600/1056569_10_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It also comes with a funny little corner sink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxRiEVnAsnFLLxySmjxNZqEC_NKPCOvid1ACEK1o5l2ziN-Fk43_BqGcXyeErFNyDGU_Gw8xxLQD_jNN1kdsndVu9QNFa16rt-8ZiCBTx-k76Tkg3XoivfnnsNRwaiDeuAoGWzg/s1600/1056569_13_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxRiEVnAsnFLLxySmjxNZqEC_NKPCOvid1ACEK1o5l2ziN-Fk43_BqGcXyeErFNyDGU_Gw8xxLQD_jNN1kdsndVu9QNFa16rt-8ZiCBTx-k76Tkg3XoivfnnsNRwaiDeuAoGWzg/s1600/1056569_13_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a fancy range hood!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxovS3ES5KIfummFlcxaaKhLyW6e6rsWuyfpt_iqvqW60HT7dtURoapyxUh9dx6yhMDwhqXOXHwRW4h2O3rnpfnsGDwR7fmdZ8dd4FaT9m_PbT-N2_qOJAKWXqDXqUBwPosy9ww/s1600/1056569_5_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxovS3ES5KIfummFlcxaaKhLyW6e6rsWuyfpt_iqvqW60HT7dtURoapyxUh9dx6yhMDwhqXOXHwRW4h2O3rnpfnsGDwR7fmdZ8dd4FaT9m_PbT-N2_qOJAKWXqDXqUBwPosy9ww/s1600/1056569_5_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wish the sink was under the window, but you can't have everything.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaPWxs24IgD1B2y67vYHSN1srIQ_V9Hb8yTNwh9Y2_6RMg_7vv-6jL0O9vs8dIFdiC27nnuUtN1edcRinInSWHpRkDADTIdwmkRGcxGpwmHisthOzf45CFNBTNA7qkBFoZloGhQ/s1600/1056569_11_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaPWxs24IgD1B2y67vYHSN1srIQ_V9Hb8yTNwh9Y2_6RMg_7vv-6jL0O9vs8dIFdiC27nnuUtN1edcRinInSWHpRkDADTIdwmkRGcxGpwmHisthOzf45CFNBTNA7qkBFoZloGhQ/s1600/1056569_11_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It just gets better. A breakfast nook? Sweet. And you can't read it in this photo, but the label over that doorway says "SCULLERY". Seriously?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJe1NxrOjd4aF474R6qPPu9dF4a4v_zc4bJoyF7D0TZ6eQ01A8P30S0jSQIXptf4kI4QfwrW6u5MCVFYk7TMRm1UYre1ld-fUeUTgcN5Qo4ywxTht3DijAQAt-suJ7EMTYRXa4A/s1600/1056569_12_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJe1NxrOjd4aF474R6qPPu9dF4a4v_zc4bJoyF7D0TZ6eQ01A8P30S0jSQIXptf4kI4QfwrW6u5MCVFYk7TMRm1UYre1ld-fUeUTgcN5Qo4ywxTht3DijAQAt-suJ7EMTYRXa4A/s1600/1056569_12_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "scullery" must be where all the dishes are washed and kept. This room would actually make a great laundry room with under counter washer & dryer.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxahZxeu2s4IoCZ-fu3WivLqS97jzMu78CjaSYWai_ClKdIuLhg11kOdWGRL7yL-K_1_VNkrA4e6Ps511-hdvdAYJ1Wd_5xCKlkcP2h-_Sy-dHJFiXfjNAkDrjfuzFH7vCHOmlg/s1600/1056569_6_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxahZxeu2s4IoCZ-fu3WivLqS97jzMu78CjaSYWai_ClKdIuLhg11kOdWGRL7yL-K_1_VNkrA4e6Ps511-hdvdAYJ1Wd_5xCKlkcP2h-_Sy-dHJFiXfjNAkDrjfuzFH7vCHOmlg/s1600/1056569_6_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doors!! Now let's go upstairs...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrzOMB9nVb9ne7oe74DMSAhcX5ZB9C0uFtc49S-u6tRRdz-HR_y8VjhyEnHsAFNjJg9nEHsk72BjsG8NxsZIA11ZbQ4MJHd8ti51n547Fdc-iKWRSP2EdZS4JoGHzLujg0vzGpw/s1600/1056569_7_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrzOMB9nVb9ne7oe74DMSAhcX5ZB9C0uFtc49S-u6tRRdz-HR_y8VjhyEnHsAFNjJg9nEHsk72BjsG8NxsZIA11ZbQ4MJHd8ti51n547Fdc-iKWRSP2EdZS4JoGHzLujg0vzGpw/s1600/1056569_7_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Master bedroom. Love the iron stretchers on the ceiling.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDh3SPxiGSoxJapqEMa6BeQorCXC0JLZuFIvsAz4PGtKqPRK8razOs_qqw7LQloi85rgzfa12Y1Oq9sDptLZh8nGFbDD795nSzc_xcUZPDfrgmQusvZfQjoPTPGipWO1W9rAkxg/s1600/1056569_14_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDh3SPxiGSoxJapqEMa6BeQorCXC0JLZuFIvsAz4PGtKqPRK8razOs_qqw7LQloi85rgzfa12Y1Oq9sDptLZh8nGFbDD795nSzc_xcUZPDfrgmQusvZfQjoPTPGipWO1W9rAkxg/s1600/1056569_14_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It has an inglenook with a fireplace! And the little random doors are supposedly remnants of the hayloft.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-76dMMsOZfAMI-y26kyPL2wWLZx7tJ0_eMcwmVVXe8MjUJB7ze_rutScCehSPTm12dFSF3v1Ola6R92Y-Gq4vSo5Iq_zOyT6H7rpwcdyyjzLjpNODltAQfknotclCHY-NtGrHQ/s1600/1056569_15_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-76dMMsOZfAMI-y26kyPL2wWLZx7tJ0_eMcwmVVXe8MjUJB7ze_rutScCehSPTm12dFSF3v1Ola6R92Y-Gq4vSo5Iq_zOyT6H7rpwcdyyjzLjpNODltAQfknotclCHY-NtGrHQ/s1600/1056569_15_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would most likely paint something other than pink. :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEuNV2Z5-YACCOc9cYl4rGRKF_St7NPi-bM31Up3qYGuSSV628XwfeJfFhwn2w7FCU1u9sK1rhnE01xoA5rAyPKVeF8of7rqp4t7lDw3LgHtf6aujA7fNwMo53o8Z9Nvvr7EXOw/s1600/1056569_24_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEuNV2Z5-YACCOc9cYl4rGRKF_St7NPi-bM31Up3qYGuSSV628XwfeJfFhwn2w7FCU1u9sK1rhnE01xoA5rAyPKVeF8of7rqp4t7lDw3LgHtf6aujA7fNwMo53o8Z9Nvvr7EXOw/s1600/1056569_24_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second bedroom, a little nook that would be perfect for a kid. There are two other bedrooms - on on the main floor and one in the basement. Speaking of the basement....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9dEl7C_iROW43i3XTxuGs0nDe3FlUD4ynxLRKMrn_kE7K7pU17xaPAwUqwanmU_nZi5miOd45eqW1CRy-1by-gRJTu381pBWzxcdmULaHAgdghI_zQ0Vu-p9slIH1kMQ-BxC0g/s1600/1056569_19_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9dEl7C_iROW43i3XTxuGs0nDe3FlUD4ynxLRKMrn_kE7K7pU17xaPAwUqwanmU_nZi5miOd45eqW1CRy-1by-gRJTu381pBWzxcdmULaHAgdghI_zQ0Vu-p9slIH1kMQ-BxC0g/s1600/1056569_19_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basement! The built-ins and hardware in this house are amazing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiefM3g6JBP9j0_c0s4LMcFULNcbi8wdfN0yntg9fdoOBb5Wm5u9imEQQc4JlgO3bqw-q2-X3W86clYHYi27gdVRn3werBoki4Nx8ffQqu6XDM6Wx8LetnuQ2H6i3FKyhd8RiCg/s1600/1056569_8_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiefM3g6JBP9j0_c0s4LMcFULNcbi8wdfN0yntg9fdoOBb5Wm5u9imEQQc4JlgO3bqw-q2-X3W86clYHYi27gdVRn3werBoki4Nx8ffQqu6XDM6Wx8LetnuQ2H6i3FKyhd8RiCg/s1600/1056569_8_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main living area of the walk-out basement. See the square piano by the windows? I wonder if that comes with the house?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLuJpejxP2O4g1DloM_QkpEMpVvmWKjDSwp5SLh0jjaGyCg7YyyaI1d-xcMEcfkU0E94pc4uMksmoqRy42_ya1wq6NqAeQptlW-jnygWY0g4q9ZxqFzx6xC116RjuoCtAMwjTnw/s1600/1056569_17_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLuJpejxP2O4g1DloM_QkpEMpVvmWKjDSwp5SLh0jjaGyCg7YyyaI1d-xcMEcfkU0E94pc4uMksmoqRy42_ya1wq6NqAeQptlW-jnygWY0g4q9ZxqFzx6xC116RjuoCtAMwjTnw/s1600/1056569_17_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't understand what's going on here. Are these two fireplaces?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEuNV2Z5-YACCOc9cYl4rGRKF_St7NPi-bM31Up3qYGuSSV628XwfeJfFhwn2w7FCU1u9sK1rhnE01xoA5rAyPKVeF8of7rqp4t7lDw3LgHtf6aujA7fNwMo53o8Z9Nvvr7EXOw/s1600/1056569_24_0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXEuNV2Z5-YACCOc9cYl4rGRKF_St7NPi-bM31Up3qYGuSSV628XwfeJfFhwn2w7FCU1u9sK1rhnE01xoA5rAyPKVeF8of7rqp4t7lDw3LgHtf6aujA7fNwMo53o8Z9Nvvr7EXOw/s1600/1056569_24_0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6ZW_VoyG2itWtaLAcKn3MeCDaUDUbNyCIqCtq_pMrCzDb1VpISYQVEikNziP8iwYtD6Dbuen6miOTYWRiM1A2qyArZpQ8CdWPDzD0IiO-mnlDtWjrQQJ1kfzRPTypf-5Hy083A/s1600/1056569_16_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6ZW_VoyG2itWtaLAcKn3MeCDaUDUbNyCIqCtq_pMrCzDb1VpISYQVEikNziP8iwYtD6Dbuen6miOTYWRiM1A2qyArZpQ8CdWPDzD0IiO-mnlDtWjrQQJ1kfzRPTypf-5Hy083A/s1600/1056569_16_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This door (fairy tale cottage door!!) goes outside to the back patio.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguiefM3g6JBP9j0_c0s4LMcFULNcbi8wdfN0yntg9fdoOBb5Wm5u9imEQQc4JlgO3bqw-q2-X3W86clYHYi27gdVRn3werBoki4Nx8ffQqu6XDM6Wx8LetnuQ2H6i3FKyhd8RiCg/s1600/1056569_8_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcwbolId59WJIrrizBOU-wUy9Z4RoZqGAAYvhyphenhyphenxrpjLx67hn9L7yTmSbwxE3exyyeJ3SbCh2UMKT9XBWdpLAhEUHn-DUfC33jmTXHGfyuJRviafXhNNnEAZ97E0RGwtnRVXmiOA/s1600/1056569_18_0.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQcwbolId59WJIrrizBOU-wUy9Z4RoZqGAAYvhyphenhyphenxrpjLx67hn9L7yTmSbwxE3exyyeJ3SbCh2UMKT9XBWdpLAhEUHn-DUfC33jmTXHGfyuJRviafXhNNnEAZ97E0RGwtnRVXmiOA/s1600/1056569_18_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brick covered patio. I could hang out here. couldn't you? With some vintage patio furniture and plants in the planters?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn0-0OFdMOOU00RMRTeXM0P2-TB1o0C3EGqI9p5CcsgekcDdZQfQQpgCX8bQTW7dzjP-jauH9lAaVY-0KiYIR8qMT0-pzdtX-bE_y8GZhjmRFqgY9jJmy0AQ52OA9_9cj_UjZCg/s1600/1056569_9_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn0-0OFdMOOU00RMRTeXM0P2-TB1o0C3EGqI9p5CcsgekcDdZQfQQpgCX8bQTW7dzjP-jauH9lAaVY-0KiYIR8qMT0-pzdtX-bE_y8GZhjmRFqgY9jJmy0AQ52OA9_9cj_UjZCg/s1600/1056569_9_0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And last of all, a bevy of out-buildings! One is a playhouse, I think one is a chicken coop, and the larger one in the back is the garage, but I think there's a little living area attached to the garage. Guest cottage? Art studio?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Can you see why I want this house? It's so DIFFERENT. And different in a good way. You can't buy character like that new now. The house is 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, over 2,300 square feet. Too bad we 1. Recently signed a 1 year lease, 2. Didn't see this listing before a sale was pending, and more importantly, 3. Don't have the $$ to buy it. Oh, well. It's fun to look!!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-34591721727106121742011-12-21T15:09:00.000-06:002011-12-21T15:09:18.615-06:00Making a sweater stockingIt was time for new stockings! The ones we've been using don't match, plus one of them is red and green and I'm not so big on decorating for Christmas with those predictable colors. :)<br />
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So, you know me, there's no way I'm going to the store to buy new stockings. Not when I can make them for super cheap! Here's the lowdown:<br />
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I found this vintage sweater at the thrift store with this amazing pearl collar. It even has a label that says "The Denver" (where we live). I've never made a stocking before, but I have made pillows out of sweaters before, so how hard could it be?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6514435529_11c884d6c1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6514435529_11c884d6c1_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6514436665_2d073b9bac_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6514436665_2d073b9bac_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6514437203_0eb33f6ea5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6514437203_0eb33f6ea5_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I traced the outline of one of our old stockings onto the sweater turned inside out, making sure to position it so that the collar is at the top.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6514433479_c582c89b7d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6514433479_c582c89b7d_z.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6514434359_a91102f99b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6514434359_a91102f99b_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6514434931_40dd11f654_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6514434931_40dd11f654_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I also made a liner out of some scrap material, again using the old stocking as a guide.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6514439429_923a3dcaa4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6514439429_923a3dcaa4_z.jpg" /></a></div>I had to cut off a bit of the top of the liner so it wouldn't show on the finished product. I didn't really know what I was doing with this liner, so it looks a little funky. I pinned it onto the sweater, both inside out, and just sewed around the outline.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6514441125_17eb413497_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6514441125_17eb413497_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The first cut of the sweater:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6514441981_f04580171b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6514441981_f04580171b_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Almost done:<br />
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Done!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6514444097_13f9f6c47a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6514444097_13f9f6c47a_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Finishing touches: I cut some of the finished seam off of the extra sweater pieces to make a loop. Just hand sewed that on. Then I turned the stocking right side out and hung it on the mantel. Success! I love how the label is part of the design!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6514444531_4a891b09d8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6514444531_4a891b09d8_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The next day I made on for my man out of a more man-ish sweater. It's still a woman's sweater, but has a nice chunky cable knit and no beads. :) I used the same technique but didn't put in a liner and I used the waist band of the sweater as the top of the stocking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6514471851_3ff56c51b3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6514471851_3ff56c51b3_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks like I need to vacuum up those fabric scraps!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6550733997_1777049713_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6550733997_1777049713_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pay no attention to my hand. I couldn't get the stocking to hang the right way for the photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now we both have stockings that fit our style and our home's decor. If I decide so in the future, I can add decorative doo-da's, but for now, I'm happy. Now let's fill them with stuff!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-14932608502609555112011-12-16T12:00:00.000-06:002011-12-16T12:00:03.857-06:00The great rental mantel slip cover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are certain pros and cons to living in a rental. No yard work. That's a pro. Someone else pays for stuff to get fixed. Another pro. Dated 80's architecture. That is most definitely a con. Case in point, this lovely fireplace:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6521605767_950495c1ae_z.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now don't get me wrong - we love having a fireplace. A wood burning one, too. It's the placement (right by the front door), the tile (mottled brown & black), the diagonal wood surround, and that miniscule little rounded corner excuse for a mantel. Even our key bowl hangs over the edge a bit. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6521607127_3472f40b6b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6521607127_3472f40b6b_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So I got an idea in my head that my dad could build a slip cover for this thing that could be removed when we leave. You know how much I love the idea of a slipcover!<br />
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I emailed my dad a picture of the mantel then a photoshopped version of what I wanted. He likes a good problem to solve. He was a math teacher. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMHPdGMoPYUtK-9jivv9WLB8_mCw4gC_huCTrZ7cB5cIYT7FiZL53__XiviCXMGQ6jQtOApnJy_5J1Q7TlLTEN6cxTCoYbGDdOP8Hw11QpEgx6F0pF9_gdtahxRNGDFHUUhfTpg/s1600/barnwood+mantel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMHPdGMoPYUtK-9jivv9WLB8_mCw4gC_huCTrZ7cB5cIYT7FiZL53__XiviCXMGQ6jQtOApnJy_5J1Q7TlLTEN6cxTCoYbGDdOP8Hw11QpEgx6F0pF9_gdtahxRNGDFHUUhfTpg/s400/barnwood+mantel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
He had some barn wood laying around so he brought it with him when he and my mom came to bring a bunch of our stuff from storage (THANK YOU!!!).<br />
<br />
I should have taken during shots, but I didn't. My mom and I went thrifting. Anywhoo, the barn wood he brought was WAY better than I had expected. He let me choose between the weathered grey side or the weathered white painted side. WHITE PAINT. It is a super nice contrast with the stained wood surround. And here's the finished product:<br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6514443603_fa68972823_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6514443603_fa68972823_z.jpg" /></a><br />
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Isn't that SO much better? And it's removable! Now I can experiment with styling the thing. It's deeper, so more stuff fits on. He made it thick enough so that it just hits the top of the light switch by the door. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6514444097_13f9f6c47a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6514444097_13f9f6c47a_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I LOVE the weathered paint. This is the real stuff, no faux here.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6514428659_6b56e6ecd6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6514428659_6b56e6ecd6_z.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6514428229_00ce3a9f0d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6514428229_00ce3a9f0d_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6521605767_950495c1ae_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6521605767_950495c1ae_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And after:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6514443603_fa68972823_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6514443603_fa68972823_z.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
Much better! Oh, and pay no attention to the <strike>crap</strike> stuff reflected in the mirror. I'm still working on that area. And I plan to paint the mirror frame the same color I painted the <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2010/07/custom-bathroom-vanity-made-with.html" target="_blank">bathroom vanity</a> in our Nebraska house.<br />
<br />
More on that pearl embellished sweater stocking to come...<br />
<br />
Today I'm participating in this excellent party:<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Furniture Feature Fridays" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcvAQ0uI44kFPEqiyaY_D9pZSJXDS5J2oF-MjO-NcPsfj6g6Rqs4nMclhlnZo5qYmhwgreoKU-1lwuKK9ORE0mgtGn7Yh4yyOU56r9bNMiHijjuXI3JAZQDQqVok4HxLk2uGOJA/s1600/fffbutton2.jpg" /></a>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-75660694277069335262011-11-08T18:12:00.001-06:002011-11-11T10:13:57.753-06:00I got the headboard I wanted without forking over lots of $$.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the headboard (and base) I wanted:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6326704597_e3ce120777_z.jpg" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is what I had to work with:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4797134115_4636a55f2a_z.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4797131869_1ea0793f9e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4797131869_1ea0793f9e_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was labeled "room divider" at the local thrift. They were using it as a display for random doo-dads. The burlap-ish covered part is some sort of really hard foam or something that you can stick pins into. This piece was in a back room sitting under a roof leak. It smelled a wee bit musty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4797135641_52f13005c3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4797135641_52f13005c3_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4797765728_46d094b90a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4797765728_46d094b90a_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here's the deal. I really didn't want to spend buco bucks on the Pottery Barn version. I measured the room divider and found that it was EXACTLY the right size for a queen size bed. And I had a coupon for one purchase at the thrift store. How cheap am I??? I bought it for $12. Other materials for the project: a curtain, also from a thrift store, that I paid $10 for. I was not happy about that - I thought it was too much, but I had already talked them down from $12 since there was only one curtain. I didn't mention that I only needed one. :) Also, I used an old egg-crate twin mattress pad and an old blanket for padding. The paint I already had on hand. Tools: something to pry off the inside quarter-round, staple gun and hammer. Oh, I also bought a waterbed base on craigslist for $10 and painted it the same white. Wish I would have taken "during" pics, but you're all out of luck. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's the finished product:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5267509531_62bd184454_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5004/5267509531_62bd184454_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5267518247_f21d19c521_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5267518247_f21d19c521_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5267519733_5677fa7663_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5267519733_5677fa7663_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5135174412_e62ec276f3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5135174412_e62ec276f3_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5268118936_c98084e693_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5268118936_c98084e693_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/5135172588_ac1227e6e6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm pretty happy with the results. I hope to someday (soon) replace the base with <a href="http://ana-white.com/2009/11/queen-sized-storage-bed">this</a> plan from <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana White</a>. The waterbed base is one of the cheapest, most poorly made piece of furniture I have ever owned. I'm looking forward to replacing it with something more permanent and sturdy! But as long as we don't move the current base, it works. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These photos are all from our house in Nebraska. More in the future on fixing up the <strike>larger of two</strike> master bedroom at the townhouse in Colorado!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-3867904908267469882011-11-04T15:06:00.000-05:002011-11-04T15:06:42.281-05:00New (to me) home, new place to reinvent!I'm back. I've been in a funk lately. No motivation to blog, or read blogs even. But now I'm back. For six months we lived in a one bedroom, one bath apartment. All our cool stuff was in storage, and since we were there temporarily, I had NO desire to decorate. But now we're in a new place. New to us. It's a townhouse, which is one step closer an apartment to a house. We were planning on buying a house here in Denver, but we didn't sell our house in Nebraska (renting it out) so no cash for down payment. I expect we'll be renting for at least a couple of years. Which is just fine with me, because we are really done with moving for a while. Moving from Nebraska to this townhouse took a four part effort, spread out over 8 months. See why we're done? My parents are probably done, too. They helped with every part. I owe them a kidney or something. But back to the townhouse: it's two bedroom and two bath with a fireplace, upstairs laundry and a half-covered fenced in back patio. Oh, and a two car garage! It has more square footage than our house in Nebraska.<br />
<br />
SO...here's the new place. These photos are from the online listing, so they're pretty poor quality. Consider them the "before".<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6312600589_3f1c3f1cb9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6312600589_3f1c3f1cb9_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the front door - looks very mountain-ish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6312600709_21f4cfb1c7_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6312600709_21f4cfb1c7_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">living room and front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6313121034_aacbd62322_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6313121034_aacbd62322_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kitchen - the biggest we've ever had</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6313121176_1100638084_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6313121176_1100638084_o.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bedroom with amazing windows</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have ideas! And now that we have all of our stuff, I can get to work. Here are the parameters: We are allowed to paint the kitchen cabinets (I'll match the white that's already on them), but we are NOT allowed to paint the walls. The carpet and counter tops are new, but pretty much everything else looks like it's original to the 1980s when this place was built.</div><br />
Game on!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-87633601294436418552011-06-24T00:50:00.000-05:002011-06-24T00:50:16.168-05:00How do you make a boring apartment kitchen not boring?First, yesterday was my mom's birthday. We will be celebrating sometime next week when she & my dad come to Colorado! Yay! I've missed you both! Happy birthday, Mom!<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok. This is our kitchen.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/5865689368_868f89999e_o.jpg" width="400" /> </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, not literally our kitchen. I got this photo off of our apartment complex's website. I Photoshopped out some of the unnecessary frou frou that some "stylist" put on the counters for staging. I've got my own frou frou (my wooden kitchen angel I bought in Kenya, the "VINO" sign that sits next to her on the back of the stove), but my kitchen isn't camera ready right now. Just know that this is pretty much what it looks like. It's not the worst kitchen in the world, as apartment kitchens go. It's not a tiny galley kitchen. It's not closed off from the rest of the apartment. It's not hideous colors. So no complaints there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If this were my very own kitchen to do with as I please, I would paint the walls, paint the cabinets, replace the counters, replace the floors... But this is not my very own. And I'm not allowed to paint. At all. And as it turns out, we will not be selling our house in Nebraska that we've had on the market for a few months. We will be renting it, which means that we will continue renting an apartment here in Colorado until we can save a hefty down payment for a house. Thus the very average kitchen. And I don't think I'm average, when it comes to my home. For some reason, I always have to do something <i>different</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here is the challenge: make this space not boring in a way that is in no way permanent. My solution?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Contact paper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes, contact paper. But not the orange & yellow & avocado floral variety from the 70s. Not the typical "wood grain" variety, either. Have you heard that they're making the stuff in Chalkboard?? Chalkboard on a roll, with a sticky back! It comes 18 inches wide and 6 feet long. As long as it doesn't damage the walls (I've been researching in blogtown), I'm going for it.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But wait...did I forget to mention the stainless steel look contact paper? They make that, too! Oh, the possibilities. Both of them you can get all over. For sure on Amazon. I saw the stainless steel stuff at Home Depot today.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been kinda inspired by<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/kitchen/color-in-the-kitchen-lively-refrigerators-128919"> this post from apartmenttherapy.com</a> about fridge modifications. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took the liberty of mocking up several combinations of chalkboard/stainless steel looks in this kitchen. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr align="center"><td><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/5865689368_868f89999e_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">original - no modifications</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5865689830_89470607dd_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalkboard back splash ( added at utensil rail over the range. Can I do that??)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5865689952_83e0c9d75b_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5865689952_83e0c9d75b_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chalkboard back splash and cabinets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/5865689634_025007b36e_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/5865689634_025007b36e_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stainless steel back splash and chalkboard cabinets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/5865689484_5939617796_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3279/5865689484_5939617796_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stainless steel back splash and chalkboard fridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/5865137759_7eaa801916_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/5865137759_7eaa801916_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stainless steel and chalkboard back splash and chalkboard cabinets</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/5865690474_041841f183_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3107/5865690474_041841f183_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stainless steel and chalkboard back splash and chalkboard fridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/5865137901_5dfc62bd31_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3149/5865137901_5dfc62bd31_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much chalkboard!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5865690364_a4f5db68fb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5865690364_a4f5db68fb_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thought I'd try another style of contact paper...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
You know, I wouldn't necessarily have to attach the contact paper directly to the wall. I could use luan plywood or some other light-weight surface. Maybe I could attach that with sticky tack. Is that tacky? ??<br />
<br />
Or I could use <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00206261">these wall panels from Ikea</a>. They are supposed to go up with a rail system. Not sure if that would work in this kitchen, but I'll see - when Colorado's very first Ikea opens in July! I'm a little giddy about it.<br />
<br />
What do you think? Which one do you like best? Or should I scrap the idea all together? What are your ideas for non-permanent changes??Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-69285077692223227622011-06-11T14:40:00.000-05:002011-06-11T14:40:45.388-05:00Back to España<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5739087213_c0dee7e020_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5739087213_c0dee7e020_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Cervantes, Alcala de Henares</td></tr>
</tbody></table> No, we're not moving back to Spain. But I did get a chance to go back for 2 1/2 weeks. I went to teach a Photoshop workshop with the ministry we used to work with when we lived there before. It was like old times! I started this blog when we lived in Spain (from 2007-2009). You can go back to the beginning in the blog archives and read about it if you have a hankering. Good times.<br />
<br />
Although I was there for "work", I arrived a few days early so I could hang out with my good friend, Loida, and her family in Zaragoza (half way between Madrid & Barcelona). It was SO good to see them all again. It made me realize how much of my Spanish I have forgotten, not that I knew a whole lot to begin with. But Loida had mercy on me and spoke English or VERY slow, basic and enunciated Spanish. Thanks, Loida! :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/5739071049_4dc9d86d7f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3199/5739071049_4dc9d86d7f_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loida and her Spanish horchata (which is VERY different from Mexican horchata).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Her sister, Eli and her brother, Javi, also speak English very well, so I wasn't completely in the dark. But when Grandma or their parents spoke to me in fast Spanish, I did a lot of smiling and nodding. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5739053609_d2ed15e48f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5262/5739053609_d2ed15e48f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loida, her cousin Olga, and her grandma.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5739055897_9a156cf664_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5739055897_9a156cf664_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eli in her purple room.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Such a great family.<br />
<br />
I had missed so many things about Spain. Of course I missed our friends. But to be shallow, I REALLY missed the coffee.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/5739070213_e85b68b0e1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/5739070213_e85b68b0e1_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Spanish coffee on my trip back to Spain - one of MANY. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Loida also took me to an incredible gelato place. We can get gelato in Denver, but really, does it compare to actual European made gelato??<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/5739065049_59a4cf80f6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2265/5739065049_59a4cf80f6_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All natural gelato place in Zaragoza.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5739058171_ccc36591bc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5739058171_ccc36591bc_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really??? How am I supposed to choose??</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5739058943_0945cbfbf3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5186/5739058943_0945cbfbf3_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But I did choose. "Pistacchio Sublime" and Amaretto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/5739060547_09c6076bd2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2536/5739060547_09c6076bd2_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5739061357_770e721d5e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5229/5739061357_770e721d5e_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/5739062109_0be1b26acc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/5739062109_0be1b26acc_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loida during.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/5739062721_6a67f48b5f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/5739062721_6a67f48b5f_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Seriously, this place was over the top cool. The gelato was super delicious and the decor was something I wouldn't mind adapting for my own kitchen some day. Lots of natural wood and black accents. I probably wouldn't wear the cute puffy black chef hats the gals working there had on, but maybe...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/5739063747_a574391f5e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/5739063747_a574391f5e_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We walked back home that evening, so that we could work off a little of that gelato. I snapped this photo of the amazing cathedral of Zaragoza while standing on the bridge the spans the Ebro River. So beautiful.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/5739617178_ae6a0989f3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/5739617178_ae6a0989f3_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I left the next morning to go back to Alcala de Henares to start the "work" I came to Spain to do (it just doesn't seem like real work!). More about the rest of my trip later...<br />
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Hope you enjoyed!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-52627199188504464142011-04-28T18:11:00.000-05:002011-04-28T18:11:06.335-05:00Death of a Godly ManHave you ever read the book "The Cross and the Switchblade"? Or seen the movie? It was written by the Reverend David Wilkerson, and is about his ministry to gang members and drug dealers in New York City. His method of ministry: just to love people and speak truth to them. And trust God.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/David-Wilkerson-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.evangelicalsformitt.org/David-Wilkerson-1.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>Rev. Wilkinson was killed suddenly in a car accident yesterday. Here is what he wrote on his last day of life. It speaks for itself:<br />
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<b>WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL</b><br />
<span class="name_date">by David Wilkerson | April 27, 2011</span><br />
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<i>To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).</i><br />
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<i>Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed.</i><br />
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<i>Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means. A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening.</i><br />
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<i>That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”</i><br />
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<i>Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!”</i><br />
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<i>Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries. Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.</i><br />
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<i>To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”</i><br />
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<i>Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/node/13112#">You can find this devotional posted here.</a><i> </i>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-28462763451707687002011-04-15T17:18:00.000-05:002011-04-15T17:18:26.921-05:00Open HouseI don't even want to know how long it's been since I've blogged. We have moved from Nebraska to Colorado and have been in a small one bedroom apartment for a month and a half. It's not decorated very much - we brought a very limited amount of stuff. Our house is staged for selling, so most of our decor stuff is still in Nebraska. The rest of our stuff is in storage. I haven't felt much like blogging about decor or home stuff since I'm not doing any decorating or crafty things at the moment. We're in this apartment for 6 months, then hopefully by that time our house will have sold and we can buy a house here in Colorado. THEN I'll be motivated to blog blog blog!<br />
<br />
But in the interim, I really need to find a creative outlet, so I'm hoping I can do stuff in the little apartment that we can take with us, and, as always, doesn't cost much money.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/5135935630_13240c13ef_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/5135935630_13240c13ef_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
One of my goals in this time is to make at least half of the slipcovers for our 6-piece sectional. We have two of the armless pieces in our apartment, so I have those to use for my pattern. More on that later...<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The open house!</b><br />
<br />
This weekend we're having our very first open house. Our lovely realtor, <a href="http://marylemon.homerealestate.com/">Mary</a>, who also has a <a href="http://stagedright.blogspot.com/">home staging business</a>, will be hosting from 1-2pm. Here's a <a href="http://marylemon.homerealestate.com/NE/Seward/68434/homes-for-sale/924-N-6th-St-58457602">link to the listing</a>, for those of you in Nebraska who want to <strike>snoop around the place</strike> attend the open house!<br />
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Here are some of Mary's photos that show what the place looks like now. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_36.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
So I've heard a lot about staging your house to sell. I've seen the shows on HGTV and read blogs & stuff. And my own realtor is an expert herself.<br />
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This being our second house that we've staged for sale, I feel like I have a little bit of a grasp on what to do. I asked Mary her opinions and from that, HGTV and personal experience, here's what I know:<br />
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1. Clean. Clean like the wind. Clean like you've never cleaned before. Then clean it all again. If you have a grimy house, prospective buyers will assume you don't do other maintenance as well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_12.jpg" /></a><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_13.jpg" /></a><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>2. Remove all of your personal stuff. Put away photos of family & friends & yourself. Put away all of your bathroom stuff. Find some closed storage to put them in. Take all of that stuff off of the front of your fridge. All of it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_14.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. Don't declutter SO much that you take all of the personality out of the house. Leave tasteful decor items in logical places. I put some real looking hydrangeas in a vase on the dining room table. They won't die while we're gone, and they look nice. Also, use decor that enhances the architectural style of your house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_5.jpg" /></a><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_18.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. Remove all unnecessary furniture, baskets on the floor, etc. You want to show as much of your house as possible - people want to see the house, not your stuff. They want to be able to picture themselves living there. Mary suggested that we leave only two pieces of the sectional. I thought it would look really bare, but she was right! It makes the room look bigger, and you can see more of the nice wood floors we had refinished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_7.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_33.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_31.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_10.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. Don't expect your house to be perfect. Do to it what you need to do, but be satisfied with it when it's done. You can paint, clean & declutter. You can have things repaired. But there will always be imperfections - ESPECIALLY with an older home. You have to draw the line somewhere. Potential buyers know they are buying an older home with older home issues expected. Especially when they see that you still have the original windows. :) You don't need to put sticky notes labeling everything that bothers you about the house, but you also don't need to be deceptive about anything. People can see what they're getting. And hopefully they'll like what they see!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_25.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_39.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://listingimages.fnistools.com/Images/Listing/40001/Large/10087867_40.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are some of your secrets to staging? Do share!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry I've been away for so long. Hopefully soon I'll have an update on my slipcovers. I also hope to let y'all know that we've sold our house! </div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-30982091273176213242011-02-22T15:43:00.000-06:002011-02-22T15:43:27.916-06:00Our House is Listed!We've been busy. Really busy. I didn't realize how many projects we still had to do. I guess when you live with something long enough you don't see it anymore. :) It's an old house and will ALWAYS have projects, but for now, our projects are complete. Thank you so much to my sister-in-law, Doreen who came from Colorado to help us out and to my Mom & Dad who have put in many hours helping us with the house.<br />
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<a href="http://marylemon.homerealestate.com/NE/Seward/68434/homes-for-sale/924-N-6th-St-58457602">Here's the listing!</a><br />
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We move this weekend. I'm not freaking out. Yet.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-30747387820835693932011-01-26T21:04:00.000-06:002011-01-26T21:04:42.846-06:00We're moving! Again!I've been absent from my blog for a little bit. Wanna know why? Oh, you already read the title of the post? It's true! In a few weeks we will be moving to Denver. Denver! My fella landed a good job, so we're takin' off. So at the moment we are packing, fixing stuff on the house & getting it ready to put on the market.<br />
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Anyone out there want to buy a cute little cottage in Nebraska???<br />
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I hope to be posting off & on about the move. I might miss this little place, but I'm looking forward to the future...finding new restaurants & shops, a new church, new parks & places to run, new neighbors and a new (to us) place to fix up and make our own.<br />
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Are you ready to join us on that journey? Should be an interesting ride!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-35584782313137348442010-12-17T13:51:00.000-06:002010-12-17T13:51:18.169-06:00Christmas: Cramming it all into a TINY house<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was pretty excited to decorate for Christmas this year. Our decorations have been in storage for 4 years, since we sold our house, moved overseas, moved back and bought another house. This is the first year since 2006 that I've been able to break out this stuff!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My goal this year was to buy as little as possible and make use of what we already had. The only things I bought were 2 tiny bottle brush trees, 2 candle stands/holders for my bell jars and a small artificial tree for the front porch. All said, those items cost me LESS THAN $4. Sweet. Thank you, local thrift!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had one problem, though. I couldn't think of anywhere in our hobbit-sized house to put our full-sized Christmas tree. No worries. It is possible to decorate without one. :) Here's my solution: </span><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Living Room:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5267450817_1a99c5c46c_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5267450817_1a99c5c46c_z.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5267462383_ef3240cbc1_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5267462383_ef3240cbc1_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I appropriated this tree from my Mom. She usually sets it up in the kitchen. Afterward I felt a little guilty. I kind of strong-armed my way into getting it for the month. But not guilty enough to give it back. :) As you can see, though, the lights on the top half of the tree aren't working. They work maybe 30% of the time. That's what I get, I suppose. Anywhoo, as you can see, it's a pretty narrow tree, so it works to put it on the console thingy behind the sectional.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5049/5268053336_ee7d5c75f2_z.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Candles on the piano - I should probably put something under them. The frame usually lives on the piano, with a family photo in it. For the holidays, it holds a Christmas card someone sent us years ago. Free art. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5267447061_98559137c8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5267447061_98559137c8_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wrapping paper & ribbon I already had. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5268057342_54ef0ba7a1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5205/5268057342_54ef0ba7a1_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to the tree: It's decorated with my mercury glass ornaments that I LOVE. Also, it has the ornaments that my Mom gets for us every year. For several years she's been getting us sparkly, shiny ones with not a lot of color. I think they all look great showcased on the tiny tree! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5267450817_1a99c5c46c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5267452623_9a2192f298_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5267452623_9a2192f298_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5268062846_9edb2a16a8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5268062846_9edb2a16a8_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5267523051_dc1c795654_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5267523051_dc1c795654_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5268132476_4f7bc22df3_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5268132476_4f7bc22df3_z.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5268066454_c3fca2976f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5268066454_c3fca2976f_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No mantle for stockings, so this is where they go this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5268068402_f9b20cbb3f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5268068402_f9b20cbb3f_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think I need one more fake amaryllis. And I wish they were white instead of red. But I already had them and I still like them. The vintage village is also my mom's, but she gave it to me this year with some other old decorations. I remember this town from when I was a kid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5268097640_1f6821fa09_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5241/5268097640_1f6821fa09_z.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5267484993_f6ee082d0f_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5267483405_1704baa8b8_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5267483405_1704baa8b8_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5267486825_56ff848c2f_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5267486825_56ff848c2f_z.jpg" 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="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5267488205_c4ab49b48d_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5267488205_c4ab49b48d_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More of the village, and my vintage stamp holder. I really should figure out something cool to do with it other times of the year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5268099230_985d933232_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5268099230_985d933232_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Dining Room:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5268081284_7464eca7f5_z.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More village! This time under the bell jar my sister bought for me for me last year. I wish I had more surfaces for more bell jars. The one with the bottle brush tree under it isn't actually a bell jar. I'm pretty sure it's upside down & goes in a candle holder. Actually, that, and the white candle holder under it and the tree are all from the local thrift and cost less than $1. That makes me happy. :)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5268073810_db7acc22d5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5242/5268073810_db7acc22d5_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And those are the vintage glass Christmas balls that were damaged with water in poor packing. I think they look like bubbles. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5267468017_56fe4608d1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5267468017_56fe4608d1_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5268077786_a8cb3d6672_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5268077786_a8cb3d6672_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And my angel, who was also damaged. I really should glue her hand back on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5268086666_f8993c167c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5165/5268086666_f8993c167c_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5268088132_466c87ddb1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5268088132_466c87ddb1_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5267494773_31fa71b84f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5268089800_2f2328f955_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't have a stable for my nativity scene. That's ok. This year they are hanging out on a street somewhere in South America. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5267494773_31fa71b84f_z.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Complete with "flying" angel. This one is from Kenya and made of banana leaf and is the only surviving one of a whole choir of angels, again, from poor packing. Mice like banana leaf. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5268104460_f259b0dd82_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5268104460_f259b0dd82_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5268106116_5d4ee1ffd0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5268106116_5d4ee1ffd0_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Bathroom:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5268115788_bbfb935c78_z.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5268115788_bbfb935c78_z.jpg" /></a><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5268107906_3b20922b62_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5268107906_3b20922b62_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember taking these crocheted snowflake ornaments with me to Kenya 13 years ago, so I guess I've had them for a while. The pot was free from a pile of clay pots found in a barn. I like that the paint finish was already like that & I didn't have to be crafty or anything. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our other nativity, still with no stable. They don't seem to mind. I should put some sort of background behind them, though. Maybe next year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5268111426_f5e9a9c87a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5124/5268111426_f5e9a9c87a_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5267504897_e83ea82d0c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5281/5267504897_e83ea82d0c_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5268114328_1eb6d0940e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5043/5268114328_1eb6d0940e_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Front Porch:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the little tree I got at the thrift. Only $3! It's decorated with stuff Vino went out and bought one year. I think I like the decorations better on a small tree than a large one. They look more substantial! I raised the tree with one of my plethora of vintage suitcases (I have an addiction). The burlap "skirt" was a remnant I had leftover from a project. And the GIANT stars can have a light inside. Again, maybe next year. I'm all decorated out.</span><b> </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5267526145_58e6f6c4b7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5050/5267526145_58e6f6c4b7_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5267528137_6ec06b04c2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5267528137_6ec06b04c2_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(notice how I angled this picture so you only see the parts of the room I want you to see?? Except I really should put a shade on that bare bulb!)</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5267529839_1014dedc20_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5267529839_1014dedc20_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And there you have it. I had plans to go out out and cut fresh evergreen boughs so the house smelled Christmas-y (SOMEONE won't let us have a real tree!) but then it snowed and got really cold and I didn't know where I'd put them since I decorated first. NEXT YEAR.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this proves that you don't need a spacious place or a bunch of new, expensive stuff to make your home Christmas-y. Even if you just light a few more candles than usual, play Christmas music and simmer a pot of water with orange slices, cinnamon sticks & cloves. That's enough. You don't even need to go broke on gifts. Fragrance, warmth & twinkly lights can go a LONG way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Merry Christmas!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Erin</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-59904768393383185552010-11-19T12:21:00.000-06:002010-11-19T12:21:01.380-06:00Before & After: FREE Record Cabinet Saved from Dumpster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5093188133_73fd805d0c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5093188133_73fd805d0c_z.jpg" /></a></div>Out for a run one day, I saw this little gal sitting forlornly in front of a dumpster. I thought "How sad." Then I kept going.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/5093790892_cdc4f4c463_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/5093790892_cdc4f4c463_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I thought about her over the next two days. While it rained. I considered driving the truck over to see if she was still there, but I didn't know how badly she was wounded or what I would do with her when I got her home. But I finally decided to see if she had been picked up yet. I drove over, still in the rain, & there she was. A little worse for the wear. You see, this little record cabinet has a wood veneer. It does not play well with lots of water. I looked her over, looked around to see who else was looking, and when I saw that I was in the clear, I hefted her into the back of my truck. Sometimes I wonder if Vino sees me as the little kid who brings home injured birds & frogs in my pocket because they need "rescued". But he never complains. :) Here's what I did to this gal:<br />
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The veneer on the top was bubbled & peeling off. I peeled off the rest of it, and was glad for the rain that softened the glue. Underneath was the wood planks of the top.<br />
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</a></div>All it needed was a good sanding, then some stain & poly. The rest of the body needed a little more work.<br />
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The veneer on one side couldn't be saved, so I stripped that off, too. It was stuck on good on the rest of the body, so I just patched the chips with wood filler. A coat of primer & a couple coats of creamy white paint, and she's as good as new! She is missing her drawer, but for a temporary fix, I'm just using a tray that fits the spot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5135141970_74d9e0df15_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5135141970_74d9e0df15_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She is now living as a night stand in our guest room. Happy in her new home!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/5135144104_ff9234745c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1407/5135144104_ff9234745c_z.jpg" /></a><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/5134540789_af313a2440_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/5134540789_af313a2440_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
She & I are participating in some parties today. You should head over & check out the creative things that other bloggers are doing around their homes!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i866.photobucket.com/albums/ab229/remodelaholic/RemodelaholicPartyFriday.jpg" /></a></center><center> </center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.missmustardseed.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Furniture Feature Fridays" height="125" src="http://www.missmustardseed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/furniture-feature-friday-link.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-4577931379660573782010-11-15T10:10:00.000-06:002010-11-15T10:10:12.918-06:00The Extent of My Fall Decor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1088/5135089762_5db282e371_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1088/5135089762_5db282e371_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is it. Two fall-ish colored old books and a fake pumkin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/5134492267_149feb796d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1208/5134492267_149feb796d_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The dish filled with candy corn was my first variation. It was a bad idea. I had to eat some of the candy corn to get the lid to shut, but even with the lid on, I still knew they were there.<br />
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<i>(By the way, if you get just the right ratio of candy corn to peanuts, it tastes just like a Salted Nut Roll. That tidbit was free. You're welcome.)</i><br />
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They didn't last long. Thus, the fake pumpkin, which was not tasty in the least.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1391/5135086180_28e9cde6b4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1391/5135086180_28e9cde6b4_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Have I told you that vintage books are only $1 a piece at our local thrift? Thank you, church ladies. I could probably fill the built-ins with old books from there. I have to restrain myself from buying some every time I go in. I look for cover colors I like, catchy titles, illustrations and things stuck in the pages (personal notes, newspaper articles, leaves, etc.)<br />
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Back to the fall decor: I also threw in some bittersweet and a berry branch snagged from the neighbor's bush that grows over our fence.<br />
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I don't get into fall decorating so much. Now, I will decorate for Christmas. I'm looking forward to dragging out our Christmas stuff that's been in storage for...what? 4 years? Wow. I'm excited to use my mercury glass ornaments and put evergreen boughs on our built-ins and the piano. Still haven't figured out where a whole tree will fit in our little house.<br />
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But for now, this is it. And it's enough. :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-80121274297511243462010-11-05T10:16:00.000-05:002010-11-05T10:16:14.587-05:00What the...Pottery Barn???I know I already posted this morning. This is unheard of. Two posts in one day. But this will be short.<br />
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So I was tooling around Pottery Barn yesterday. Not to buy anything, mind you, because I'm cheap like that (as you all know by now), but to get ideas. Usually PB has great stuff to copy, even in their displays that have stuff they don't actually sell at the store.<br />
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But <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/pieced-stripe-bleached--pillow-covers/?pkey=cpatterned-striped-pillows">these pillows</a> really got me worked up. Seriously.<br />
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I touched them. They are BURLAP and UPHOLSTERY WEBBING. Why would you pay $29 for something that you could whip up in 10 minutes for less than $2?? Ok, I will admit that there was a zipper, which I haven't figured out how to do yet, but really. I mean, REALLY? (SNL Weekend Update reference!)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-63233317584211983692010-11-05T08:20:00.001-05:002010-11-05T08:36:01.551-05:00Project: Pillows from Discontinued Fabric SamplesGood morning! I'm sitting at a really fantastic little restaurant in Lincoln, NE called Bread & Cup, and the atmosphere seems like something you'd get in a big city. In honor of my sister Shelley's birthday today, here are some snaps I just took with my webcam. I wish you could be here to have breakfast with me! But happy birthday anyways, and I hope you get my package today. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofIPwBrfLjhLfCSFaepcfu-pHlU4y2NJZQ03Ipx33XN5-83OUdW0mOUOAOiO7ABwGfsEO4QTdAAj-7a6zb528iGAPUi5nGKG3_RqgTH67r38-oTm5yu7g8pNhUQ0jMSmTDwj1DA/s1600/Photo+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofIPwBrfLjhLfCSFaepcfu-pHlU4y2NJZQ03Ipx33XN5-83OUdW0mOUOAOiO7ABwGfsEO4QTdAAj-7a6zb528iGAPUi5nGKG3_RqgTH67r38-oTm5yu7g8pNhUQ0jMSmTDwj1DA/s400/Photo+107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMa3UQczTfeJjlfd_w5km5P2bvjsL9RyVns4S-BEt-fs3zWye0PmCrsT9OGrqhUd_K9F3t4CLRfOPxCcafHqWFTiXRhF_Ioc6-ABr6cEltpVKeHSyIeeT3xL-ik9OO9IxFWij_w/s1600/Photo+109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGMa3UQczTfeJjlfd_w5km5P2bvjsL9RyVns4S-BEt-fs3zWye0PmCrsT9OGrqhUd_K9F3t4CLRfOPxCcafHqWFTiXRhF_Ioc6-ABr6cEltpVKeHSyIeeT3xL-ik9OO9IxFWij_w/s400/Photo+109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
The oatmeal is delicious.<br />
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But I'm getting distracted...This is about pillows! Particularly, those pillows on my porch sofa:<br />
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So easy to do. The actual pillows came with the sofa (vintage mahogany cane-back sofa found at a garage sale on someone's porch covered in leaves, dirt & Big Wheels, not even for sale, but I bought it for a mere $25 - one of my favorite purchases!). The easy part was covering the pillows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/5135333575_38b88de442_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/5135333575_38b88de442_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You'll notice that each one is different - on the front & back, so they are reversible, even! Each piece of fabric was a $2 discontinued decorator fabric sample from Joann Fabrics. Have you, also, discovered Joann's discontinued fabric swatch rack? Love!<br />
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I looked for fabrics that fit my vision for the porch - beachy, stripes, cotton, canvas, texture, not a whole lot of shimmer. There are a couple of pieces that are more "fancy" silk-looking, but they fit in. I especially like the pale blue velvet one and the paler grey-ish striped one next to it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/5135367221_3e21f9d91d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/5135367221_3e21f9d91d_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So I'm not going to do a super detailed tutorial - how hard is it, really, to sew up 3 sides of 2 squares of fabric, stuff your pillow in, then hand sew the 4th side? And there you have it, the tutorial. If your pillows are less dense and fit better in your fabric squares than mine, you can get away with sewing up a little bit of each edge of the 4th side, but mine are SUPER dense. Not sure what's in them, but they could probably take out an intruder if used to whack him upside the head.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1391/5135369587_b550319acd_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1391/5135369587_b550319acd_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Oh, the gold tufted pillow in the middle isn't part of my home-made collection - it was thrifted years ago. I lurv it. One more thing, the ticking fabric on the seat cushions is really just a large remnant I got at the local thrift for $1, then I wrapped it around the 3 cushions. Done.<br />
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I'm quite happy with this porch room. It's almost exactly how I pictured it would be when we first toured the house. It's great for having coffee & doing my Bible Study in the mornings. I'll post on how I put it all together on another day, 'cause I gotta tell you about he turquoise table...and the pendant lamp...and the chairs...<br />
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<a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/"><img alt="freckled laundry" height="125" src="http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa176/JamiClune/PartyButton.jpg" width="125" /></a><br />
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Today I'm participating in the Air Your Laundry Friday party over at the <a href="http://www.freckledlaundry.com/">Freckled Laundry</a>. I hope you crash the party to see what other textile projects people are doing in blogland!<br />
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Have a great weekend!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-4382604756736347742010-11-01T15:43:00.000-05:002010-11-01T15:43:02.663-05:00House Tour, The AFTER (for now)Our old house will never be finished. But really, if it ever was, I would probably want to move on to another house that needed help. I have that sort of sickness. :)<br />
<br />
But for now, we are at a point in our fixin' up that I'm not embarrassed to have people over anymore. I still see the things that need done, but I can see so much more that has been finished. My mom's Bible study ladies came for a tour a week and a half ago, which prompted a flurry of projects & stuff to get the place ready. Thanks for coming, ladies! I had a great time showing off our second-hand home!<br />
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I gave y'all the <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2009/09/our-new-old-house.html">BEFORE tour here</a>. Take a look for a reminder of how bad it really was. You can also read about stuff we've done to the house if you click on the "<a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/search/label/house">house</a>" link under "Labels" on the right hand sidebar of the blog. Oh, and just a reminder, probably 95-98% of the stuff in our house is second hand or gifted to us. I'm cheap like that, too. :)<br />
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So, after over a year of "fixin'" here's our AFTER (for now):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b>The front porch: </b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1401/5135326743_2888b4bdc8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1401/5135326743_2888b4bdc8_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/5135929100_9c7e9f73d6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/5135929100_9c7e9f73d6_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/5135333575_38b88de442_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1212/5135333575_38b88de442_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5135374553_615fd91382_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5135374553_615fd91382_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/5135378917_847bc999dc_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/5135378917_847bc999dc_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(corner of shame on the front porch)</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Living Room</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/5135935630_13240c13ef_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/5135935630_13240c13ef_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/5135324185_a8a5068c84_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/5135324185_a8a5068c84_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/5135322009_8db286d263_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1184/5135322009_8db286d263_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1250/5135919830_390e153b69_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1250/5135919830_390e153b69_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/5135317677_e865df2f81_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/5135317677_e865df2f81_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/5135404993_ec30afde58_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1062/5135404993_ec30afde58_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Dining Room</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/5135381165_87be668329_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/5135381165_87be668329_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1147/5135987038_2d0b96d8bf_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1147/5135987038_2d0b96d8bf_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5135989586_3c1257dab2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1331/5135989586_3c1257dab2_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/5135991772_e82ccc19d3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/5135991772_e82ccc19d3_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/5135393093_a717c4b531_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/5135393093_a717c4b531_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/5135395643_c31d8af45d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/5135395643_c31d8af45d_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/5135999318_4f7204380a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1382/5135999318_4f7204380a_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/5135402769_152e48d53b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/5135402769_152e48d53b_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Kitchen:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1072/5136740717_bf40e17825_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1072/5136740717_bf40e17825_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1363/5137349484_6ea1019f16_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1363/5137349484_6ea1019f16_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/5137357150_c88ccdc962_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/5137357150_c88ccdc962_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Bathroom:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5135120444_c66806a43b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/5135120444_c66806a43b_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/5134522647_e8e05eeb69_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/5134522647_e8e05eeb69_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/5135124134_f28c6b8dfb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/5135124134_f28c6b8dfb_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/5135126126_f22b3c26c8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/5135126126_f22b3c26c8_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/5135129916_7253e3fb97_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/5135129916_7253e3fb97_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/5135131886_e383fa17a0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/5135131886_e383fa17a0_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Guest Room:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5134548845_c73b31e627_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5134548845_c73b31e627_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/5136123800_e74daf4e81_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/5136123800_e74daf4e81_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/5134535555_279f243069_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1254/5134535555_279f243069_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5135136738_5dd7f1ab5b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/5135136738_5dd7f1ab5b_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/5134540789_0b90bc805e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/5134540789_0b90bc805e_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/5134546725_6ec8e6cf09_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/5134546725_6ec8e6cf09_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(corner of shame in the guest room)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Our Bedroom:</b></span> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/5134558571_5153db3759_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1104/5134558571_5153db3759_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5135159630_54958430a6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5135159630_54958430a6_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5135525207_1ed1d8db01_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5135525207_1ed1d8db01_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/5135161338_ebf1d260b3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1353/5135161338_ebf1d260b3_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(and me...oops!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/5134564227_ffd85e5e08_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/5134564227_ffd85e5e08_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/5135165308_55b1a3510c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/5135165308_55b1a3510c_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it. I've posted a lot of photos of projects that I will be blogging about in the near future. So much to talk about! And my "corners of shame" are becoming fewer & smaller. That always makes me happy. Less shame, more show!!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-21550138007744382942010-10-14T15:55:00.000-05:002010-10-14T15:55:32.264-05:00Little things...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5038637673_f6f521a7a3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5038637673_f6f521a7a3_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Found these little shelves at the local thrift on 50% off day. EVERYTHING in the store was 50% off! So, $2 for the pair.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5039254804_1820d6d011_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5039254804_1820d6d011_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I didn't have to do anything to them except hang them on the wall.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5038639737_f0302866c1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5038639737_f0302866c1_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I also picked up the shabby bird on the same day. I believe she was 25¢. I thought about painting her white, but she was all the right colors already.<br />
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</a></div><br />
I'm not sure what I think about the canisters being there, but there they are. Happy thrifting!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-81308927277558124872010-09-30T11:09:00.001-05:002010-09-30T11:47:54.459-05:00The Hutch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5039220138_7060c0a744_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5039220138_7060c0a744_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So as I said in my last post, I was finally able to get my hutch open. It was the paint that had stuck together on the door & frame. Silly me! Here's a recap of <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2010/07/marrying-together-mismatched-furniture.html">the history of my hutch</a>:<br />
<ul><li>It started out as two pieces, starting with a buffet that Vino got for me second hand for my birthday. </li>
<li>I painted it black. </li>
<li>It sat in storage for almost 3 years while we were living overseas. </li>
<li>It came back out of storage and the doors didn't close anymore. </li>
<li>I looked high & low for a hutch to put on top because I had no place to display my good dishes.</li>
<li>I found the second piece, a hutch that was FREE.</li>
<li>It was not pretty.</li>
<li>I painted it white, using leftover paint from our trim. I painted the inside back aqua, using leftover paint from our porch ceiling (it's paper & not perfect, but it works for now).</li>
<li>Back to the buffet: I peeled off the poorly done paint job on the top only. I sanded, stained & sealed the top then painted the rest the same white as the hutch.</li>
<li>I put the hutch on top of the buffet in our dining room. Finally.</li>
<li>I couldn't open the hutch door. It sat that way for a couple of months.</li>
<li>My mom suggested that I use a saw to get the door open.</li>
</ul>Now that you're caught up, we move on to the present! I couldn't imagine using a saw to get the door open and not damaging the piece, until I found this pumpkin carving tool in storage:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5038626705_f7e3395b07_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5038626705_f7e3395b07_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It worked. And the only damage done was to the paint. I'm thinking about leaving it the way it is. It goes well with the rest of the distressing!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5038624353_cea0580957_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5038624353_cea0580957_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/5039241280_629bc0c915_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/5039241280_629bc0c915_z.jpg" /></a> </div><br />
Oh, I also used a couple of pieces of wood and some braces in the back to attach the hutch to the buffet. Our house is rather flexible (you may have noticed the shims under just one foot of the buffet) and moves when people walk heavily. I didn't want to worry about the hutch falling over filled with dishes. But that's boring so I'm not going to show pictures.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5039224366_295f7c5fe1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5039224366_295f7c5fe1_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5038607551_4dbe7535ed_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5038607551_4dbe7535ed_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And speaking of the dishes, these came from my Aunt Jean and Uncle Ken. Uncle Ken bought them for my grandmother when he was stationed in Korea and visited Japan. Aunt Jean gave them to me, and they came in the original boxes (including all the stamps!) that Ken shipped them in from Korea. I grew up eating Thanksgiving dinner on these dishes and I'm so thankful to be able to display them. They really are an heirloom for me!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5039231024_cb37acf0db_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5039231024_cb37acf0db_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5039232958_6b5a01635d_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5039232958_6b5a01635d_z.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5038616097_516cd476b3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5038616097_516cd476b3_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5039237318_40fef0d4a2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5039237318_40fef0d4a2_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I will add more stuff to the hutch over time - I have a set of good all white dishes that are still packed. Some of those will go in the hutch but the rest will be stored in the buffet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5038603349_46af717877_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5038603349_46af717877_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The buffet was $60, but I'm not sure I should include the price of that since we've had it for several years & it was a gift from the man. So I won't count it. The glass for the shelves in the hutch were $26. The stain, seal & paint I already had from other projects. The hutch was free. <br />
Total cost: $26<br />
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Things happen in our house gradually. After so many months of picturing our dining room like this in my head, I'm really thankful for one more thing completed! Well, mostly completed. Is anything really ever fully finished in an old house??Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-58614482298575438162010-09-19T23:24:00.000-05:002010-09-19T23:24:17.113-05:00I love a good road trip.So some of my friends have once again not so subtly reminded me that it's been a long time since I posted anything. I kind of get in a funk sometimes. I haven't even been reading blogs lately. No reason. But I started back up in the last couple of days.<br />
<br />
Here are some updates about the doin's at our house:<br />
<ul><li>I FINALLY <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2010/07/marrying-together-mismatched-furniture.html">got my hutch open</a>. My mom gave me a brilliant idea. She suggested that I saw through the paint that had sealed the door shut. At first I thought it would cause too much damage, but then I came across my pumpkin carving tools, which includes a very very small saw. It fit in the space at the top & bottom of the door, so I just sawed down through the paint & it opened LIKE MAGIC. Thanks Mom. So I should be posting next week about the hutch and it will be filled with DISHES!</li>
<li>We're getting an estimate on our roof soon. When the roof is done, then I can paint the outside of the house and it will no longer <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2009/09/our-new-old-house.html">look like it's abandoned</a>. I'd like to do a little more planting, too, and rip out those giant shrubs in the front.</li>
<li>I'm having a garage sale, so I'm in organizing mode. I'm tired of moving junk. And living in a small place, we really don't have a lot of room for stuff we don't use.</li>
</ul>But on to the subject of the post! We went to Dallas/Ft. Worth over Labor Day weekend to visit friends & pick up some of our stuff that we had left in Spain. We went to some great restaurants & saw some fun stuff on the drive. Here's a gallery of our weekend:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4995755431_7b39de7c6c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4995755431_7b39de7c6c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Our dear friends Christopher & Ragna</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4996380974_d1b403f300_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4996380974_d1b403f300_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">We had a great time in Dallas with our friend Jessica. She took us to this great restaurant called Park. I loved that turquoise fireplace with the stacked firewood and horizontal wood planks. This was outdoor seating.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4996383014_930fa4c7c5_z.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This restaurant had a California beachy 60s flea market feel to it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> <br />
<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4995841465_c0f37ed4c0_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4995841465_c0f37ed4c0_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This was inside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4996418692_437d32e702_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4996418692_437d32e702_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This was some of the yummiest pizza we've ever had: dried apricots, proscuitto, boursin cheese and basil.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4995860919_724147c2c8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4995860919_724147c2c8_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The counter at Pinkberry (super tasty yogurt place), view from our table outside.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4995848429_9e99999554_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4995848429_9e99999554_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More spying on Pinkberry patrons. This was Vino's yogurt: mango flavored with berries and fruity pebbles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So a big part of the whole road trip experience is stopping at funky places along the way. I'm glad Vino wants to do things like that.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4995928921_417e64cb56_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4127/4995928921_417e64cb56_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Saw this place in Oklahoma. We thought it was an icecream parlor. We thought wrong.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4996532084_0038c9ca66_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4996532084_0038c9ca66_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">What??</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4995930793_367709109f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4995930793_367709109f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Seriously. I think Vino wanted to take this one home.</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4996547398_789f54e8b2_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/4996547398_789f54e8b2_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Why would anyone think this place had ice cream?</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4996552648_57cb362cc3_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4996552648_57cb362cc3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I peeked in the window of that pink camper. It has cheetah print carpet!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I asked that green guy permission first. He didn't care.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4996557346_bd94c745ca_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/4996557346_bd94c745ca_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Of course there were singing metal frogs with GIT-tars.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4996572284_f7f720b84f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/4996572284_f7f720b84f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'll take one of each, please.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4995967687_1eaedae3b4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4995967687_1eaedae3b4_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">More than anything else at this store I wanted that soda bar arrow sign like nobody's business. Who cares that I have absolutely nowhere to put it right now. Lucky for me, it wasn't for sale. I really don't need a giant red arrow in my tiny house. But if I lived in a cool urban loft...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4996601898_736dfb64e1_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4996601898_736dfb64e1_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pretty jar of ribbon on spools.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4996607482_5fb87931ef_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/4996607482_5fb87931ef_z.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I was laughing at a shelf that had a giant head of the Burger King and one of Ronald McDonald on top.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It looks like I'm wearing a green chandelier hat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4996626638_ef0a87fe9e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4996626638_ef0a87fe9e_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pink bike fencing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4996641922_11a6520fa7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4996641922_11a6520fa7_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Creepy doll-head fencing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4996037903_ddc03024c7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4996037903_ddc03024c7_z.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Last stop on the way home. Breakfast at this "famous" cafe in Oklahoma.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4996659350_c2c8143397_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4090/4996659350_c2c8143397_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">They were really nice to us, even though I was wearing my Husker shirt. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It was the only clean thing I had left in my suitcase. :)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>This week I vow to return to the land-o-blog. I've missed it!</div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-38127595146462368252010-07-27T13:18:00.001-05:002010-07-27T13:27:38.634-05:00Painting the World Glossy White, One Tacky Accessory at a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bought these for a buck/pair at the local thrift:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4797104239_7a8ff7a124_z.jpg" /></div><br />
Not lovin' the 70s ceramic class look. Before I walked out the door, I picked up these, half off that day because they had a blue tag ($2.50):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4797107637_375945a246_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4797107637_375945a246_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Not my style, too traditional or something. Enter: glossy white spray paint.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4797737084_ccd19a2c1c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4797737084_ccd19a2c1c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Ahhh, much better. The guinea fowl are no longer foul (sorry, I had to go there - tacky accessories call for a tacky play on words).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4797114213_eccc428fdf_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4797114213_eccc428fdf_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And the magnolias are much better. More contemporary yet still fit into my urban cottage-ish wanna-be house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4797118393_ea81bc179c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4797118393_ea81bc179c_z.jpg" /></a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4797744404_b515ce6c72_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4797744404_b515ce6c72_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I don't think I've found the perfect place for the birds yet. Decorating is always a work in progress, though...isn't it?<br />
<br />
What do you think? Do you have stuff that could use a clean coat of solid white? Or black? Or turquoise? Whatever fits in your decor. It's good to see beyond what things are to what they could be.<br />
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Oh, and by the way, I was a featured guest on <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2010/07/buffet-with-hutch-guest-remodel.html">www.remodelaholic.com</a> for my buffet/hutch post. How cool is that??Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-65693049199659795372010-07-19T13:30:00.000-05:002010-07-19T13:30:21.027-05:00Don't Hate Me Because I Inherited Awesome Flour Sacks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4797769328_c6d7a80836_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4797769328_c6d7a80836_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Everyone seems to be looking for grain sacks - French with faded black French text, American with classic Americana images. Guess what I have? My dear grandma (my mom's mom) was one of those thrifty women back in the day who saved flour sacks & used them like fabric from the fabric store. My mom remembers in the 40s & early 50s that my grandma made all sorts of things with flour sacks - skirts, dresses, tea towels, aprons. She even made my mom a swimsuit from a flour sack. But these flour sacks had prints on them such as floral or geometric shapes. Not what I'm used to seeing in vintage flour sacks. I can imagine that she used all those styles of sacks for sewing that that's why she didn't have any in storage years later. But she did have these!<br />
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Lucky me. I was trying to decide between the rooster & the flamingo for my dining room wall.<br />
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The rooster definitely belongs in a kitchen or dining room and is probably more fitting for the midwest, but I love the colors in the flamingo better. And you know I don't like to do what's expected. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4797129779_75893c3df5_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4797129779_75893c3df5_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4797124275_b119ebaf60_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4797124275_b119ebaf60_z.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Of course I didn't go out and buy a new frame for the flour sack. I found this bulletin board at a local thrift shop for $2. It was just about the perfect size, and I didn't have to do anything to it. I like the black frame and the fabric.<br />
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All I did was iron the flour sack & pin it on with pearl pins. I used those because I already had them. I didn't want to drive all the way to Walmart just to look for other pins. Lazy or frugal? I don't really care. I like the pearls!<br />
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So this is now the new artwork for the blank wall in my dining room. What do you think? I'm saving the rooster for somewhere else, probably my next house since I'm just about out of wall space in this tiny little house. But as much as I'm about sharing, I'm not giving it up. Unless my sister wants it. She doesn't seem like the rooster type, though. She probably wants the flamingo. :)Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-21296820714428591862010-07-15T22:41:00.001-05:002010-07-15T22:47:40.391-05:00Marrying Together Mismatched Furniture: The Buffet & Hutch Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4768359749_f5e2e1027c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4768359749_f5e2e1027c.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have a buffet. It was a gift from the Mr. for my birthday several years ago - and it was second hand. Does he know how to make me happy, or what??<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2821101232_8d096c7cc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2821101232_8d096c7cc5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">There it is back there, in our old house.</span></div><br />
Back in the day, I painted it black. Loved it. I paired it with a large mirror hung vertically & two buffet lamps. It looked so very Pottery Barn-ish.<br />
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My tastes have changed a bit. No more buffet lamps. Too ornate. Sold them on craigslist for a little more than what I bought them for several years ago. No more mirror. It's in storage. I may or may not keep it. No more black. I'm all about painting EVERYTHING white. Well, a few things will end up aqua, but mostly white.<br />
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So I scraped the black paint off of the top of the buffet. Fortunately my previous paint job was pretty poorly executed and it came right off! A little sanding, a little cleaning, then I stained & sealed the top piece. I think it looks pretty good! I've never stained anything before. It always scared me. Not anymore!<br />
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I also primed & painted the rest of the buffet. I used leftover paint from the trim in our house. Since I'm not the best at painting, I decided that a nice distressed finish would be just the thing for covering up my mistakes. Something always peels when I paint furniture. A corner here, a leg there - but if it's distressed, it all blends in and looks intentional!<br />
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So after about 3 coats of paint, I fired up the palm sander & went to town on the corners & raised parts. Then a couple of coats of non-yellowing sealer. I love how it turned out!<br />
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I have decided that I want a place to display my china and the cherished china my Aunt Jean gave me (I'll save that story for another post). So I started looking for a hutch to put on top of my buffet (thus the reason for not using the mirror). I blogged a little bit about it <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2010/06/random-unfinished.html">here</a>.<br />
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Free hutch. Can't beat it. So this is what it looked like before I painted it. No wonder someone gave it away. Gross.<br />
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And this is what it looks like after. Nice!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4769008298_0e1788a63e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4769008298_0e1788a63e.jpg" /></a></div><br />
You'll notice, though, that it's not completely painted on the inside and the light at the top is still covered in newspaper. Silly me, I closed the door after the paint was dried. It was dried & cured. Really. But the hutch sat in a corner of our living room for a long time. Summer came, with all of it's humidity. Wood expands.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4768978942_48b2df474c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4768978942_48b2df474c.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">This is the embarrassing corner of the living room that never made it into <br />
photos until now. Thankfully it doesn't look like this anymore!</span></div><br />
SO....I can't get the door open. I don't know if it will ever open. It's wedged so tightly that I can't get a razor blade in between. I was hoping that once it was in place it would acclimate to the air conditioning & open again. That hasn't happened. Last resort will be to remove the back of the piece and work at it from that angle. I'm having a similar issue with the buffet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4769006424_9fc0356693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4769006424_9fc0356693.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The doors won't close. It was in a non-climate controlled place for three years, poor warped baby. I may need to do some tricky carpentry work on them. For now, picture it complete.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4797102351_50bc2f110a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4797102351_50bc2f110a.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Look for new artwork on that blank wall next week...</span></div><br />
The hutch with a pale aqua backing, glass in the shelves and white china displayed. It will be just what I imagined it to be. Or...still imagine it to be.<br />
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But for now it's in place, and that alone makes me happy.<br />
I can fill it with stuff later.<br />
Baby steps.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26875007.post-36748589353398454822010-07-06T23:48:00.001-05:002010-07-06T23:53:21.114-05:00Custom Bathroom Vanity Made with Salvage Pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4769033260_b187cbe867_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4769033260_b187cbe867_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I have a bathroom sink! It's taken a while, but I'm SO happy with the results. It's pretty much exactly what I wanted. And it's "green" because the sink and the table were salvage. <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2010/01/bathroom-vanity-sneak-peek.html">I blogged about the bathroom all the way back in January</a>, when the table had been in for a while, but no sink.<br />
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Remember my inspiration photo?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></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/AVvXsEhyFdDBRjA0GnyxKAI9DBHUkJNSWgFdeG06oF2CE5dLvJiez0igaudL84aR2cRsaIL3bOCbhGU8FPAilOwIKRR_Bq1_KQovWAWiLZdv9B1lxtZ7yiGjZ8Znve5xOyBgeXn21q4jTQ/s1600/bathroom+sink+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFdDBRjA0GnyxKAI9DBHUkJNSWgFdeG06oF2CE5dLvJiez0igaudL84aR2cRsaIL3bOCbhGU8FPAilOwIKRR_Bq1_KQovWAWiLZdv9B1lxtZ7yiGjZ8Znve5xOyBgeXn21q4jTQ/s400/bathroom+sink+table.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I think I actually like ours better, minus the staging. Here's how we put the whole thing together:<br />
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I bought the "rustic pine potting table" on craigslist. It looked like this:<br />
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You can read about the purchase and how my mom prayed I wouldn't buy it <a href="http://erinrodriguez.blogspot.com/2009/11/people-think-im-crazy.html">here</a>. After cleaning it and removing the rusted zinc top, I sanded & clear-coated the top, then dry-brushed the rest with a 50 cent can of mis-tinted paint (that I'm really in love with and might take with me to the store sometime to have more mixed!) to make it less "rustic".<br />
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The sink was from a local salvage place, <a href="http://www.antiquesbrickandstone.com/">Scherer's Architectural Antiques</a>. Thanks, Manuel! He has a great selection of old stuff - sinks, bathtubs, doors, windows, lighting, hardware, marble slabs, pediments...I could spend all day there digging through the cool stuff. If any of you are in the Midwest (particularly around Lincoln, NE) and in need of anything old & architectural, you should check it out.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4061980510_eae5c12956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2786/4061980510_eae5c12956.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
We replaced the faucets with a one-hole number. We had to buy it <i>new</i>, but sometimes one has to compromise. :)<br />
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I also added trim all around the bathroom to top off the tile. It's that stuff that's pretty much foam wanting to be wood. It's awesome. What I didn't cut with my little hand saw & miter box, I used scissors. And lots of caulk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4769046222_b90b7cd02e_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4769046222_b90b7cd02e_z.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
As I am easily contented, it makes me rather happy that not only the el-cheapo rug I bought matches the mis-tinted paint/original finish combo <i>perfectly</i>, but so does...the soap. Vino bought the soap. Good job!<br />
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Vino was also the one who did most of the work after I prepped the table. He (and our fine friend Scott) attached the table to the wall, cut the hole for the sink and did a lot more caulking. Vino did the plumbing part himself. So proud.<br />
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The final touches were adding a towel bar & toilet paper holder to the front. Love. It. I originally wanted to put a shelf underneath but it seems like it might be too much of a bother to cut out space for the plumbing, and I think it would look weird.<br />
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One more look at what the place looked like when we first bought it:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3843581380_c35b3d739b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3520/3843581380_c35b3d739b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">before</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4769030204_0eab318cc4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4769030204_0eab318cc4_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">after</span></div><br />
So there you have it. A finished project. :) And can I tell you, I feel so civilized...extravagant even...to be able to brush my teeth in the bathroom instead of the kitchen. Not to mention washing our hands....!Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17677237225886199399noreply@blogger.com37