tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37241649308802264322024-03-14T01:52:12.540-04:00Kicking it in the SuburbsNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-55588044993303963232011-02-04T15:21:00.000-05:002011-02-04T15:21:46.367-05:00It's a Girl.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TUxfMX9YelI/AAAAAAAAAp8/YY58gKu4epk/s1600/EGN_113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TUxfMX9YelI/AAAAAAAAAp8/YY58gKu4epk/s320/EGN_113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I apologize for yet another long absence, but entering the world of mommyhood doesn't leave much time for blogland. At any rate, I wanted to share that we had a little girl born on November 29, 2010. Elizabeth Grace was born at 2:48 pm, and weighed in at 7 pounds 9 ounces and 21.5 inches long. Mommy and baby are doing well. I can't believe we just celebrated her 2 month birthday. Elizabeth is finally starting to get into a bit of a routine so I am hopeful to be able to start writing posts again. I still have lots of fun projects to update you on. I am hopeful to post her nursery pics very soon. <br />
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Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope you enjoy the coming projects I have cooking.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-77626658043537154092010-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:002010-12-02T08:00:13.351-05:00Full Guest Bathroom Before<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our full guest bathroom upstairs has been in desperate need of some updates. However, it had been low on the priority list because we never use it, and we have guests only a handful of times throughout the year. All that changed when we found out we were expecting. This bathroom become more of a priority since our little one would be using this bathroom in the near future, and our more frequent guests would be too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below are some pictures of what we were working with...... A combo of brass Hollywood lighting, and polished silver faucets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmKpZy_dI/AAAAAAAAAoc/8fn6MJgQXWg/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmKpZy_dI/AAAAAAAAAoc/8fn6MJgQXWg/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmcqylxwI/AAAAAAAAAog/Xl2uZ--SRq8/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmcqylxwI/AAAAAAAAAog/Xl2uZ--SRq8/s400/012.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmhFG3wuI/AAAAAAAAAok/Kw4OJd7IEXQ/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmhFG3wuI/AAAAAAAAAok/Kw4OJd7IEXQ/s400/013.JPG" width="265" /></a></div> The flooring in this bathroom left a lot to be desired. I do not know who in their right mind would like carpeting in their bathroom, but the people that bought our house gave us the best of both worlds when it came to flooring.... Half carpet/Half tile.... Awesome, right????? Not so much.... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmkKHk6_I/AAAAAAAAAoo/945nU4qx1x0/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrmkKHk6_I/AAAAAAAAAoo/945nU4qx1x0/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We decided that we wanted to make some big changes in this room, but we wanted to be very cost sensitive since this bathroom would soon be a kid bathroom (and we all know how hard they are on everything as they grow up). We decided we wanted to avoid anything too kiddie since this bathroom would also be used by guests too.<br />
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Therefore, we decided to invest in new lighting, new tile flooring, new paint, and possibly some new accessories. My next post will showcase the transformation, but here is a teaser picture...... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrpwe5lMfI/AAAAAAAAAos/67--GeIw0Dk/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrpwe5lMfI/AAAAAAAAAos/67--GeIw0Dk/s400/015.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-27318757062298264912010-11-27T13:00:00.000-05:002010-11-27T13:00:02.594-05:00Backdoor Secured......So our backdoor leading to the garage has been a bit of a problem for awhile now. You see the metal thingy that clicks the lock into the frame fell off, and all the screws I bought for it would not hold it in the frame..... Therefore, I had my handyman help me correct this problem. You see, I wanted to be able to lock the garage door just in case a robber broke into our garage..... I had a more genius thought too..... Since I had an extra deadbolt from our front entry door project, I decided to have the handyman install this said extra deadbolt to the door leading to the garage.... This way, I will be doubley secured..... <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Before (Inside View)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlpm11HtRI/AAAAAAAAAn8/Xmlh3DGyEpY/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlpm11HtRI/AAAAAAAAAn8/Xmlh3DGyEpY/s400/018.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Before (Garage View)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlptCfPJGI/AAAAAAAAAoA/khHAkd4a24c/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlptCfPJGI/AAAAAAAAAoA/khHAkd4a24c/s320/019.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> After (Inside View)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlpyfpGCxI/AAAAAAAAAoE/DU-ZuzRim_o/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlpyfpGCxI/AAAAAAAAAoE/DU-ZuzRim_o/s320/009.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> After (Garage View)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlp0xAbkaI/AAAAAAAAAoI/ELITCOrdb7U/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlp0xAbkaI/AAAAAAAAAoI/ELITCOrdb7U/s320/010.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>View from the Laundry Room</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlp3_A3kqI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Dwf53fHK128/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlp3_A3kqI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Dwf53fHK128/s400/008.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>It took the handyman about 30 minutes to cut the hole in the door, and do the additional work on the door frame for the deadbolt. It looked rather easy if you knew what you were doing. I am very happy I farmed this project out since I was really worry about screwing up the garage door, and then having to replace it because I cut the whole in the wrong spot or something.<br />
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Therefore, this future mommy is very pleased to have her backdoor all secured from any potential robbers that may lurk. I think I will add painting this door to my list of future spring/summer projects too.... I am really liking the black doors that everyone is posting in blog world especially since this door is so hard to keep clean......Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-60307697622165138902010-11-23T10:00:00.001-05:002010-11-23T10:00:02.522-05:00Display Your Family ProudlyFor some time, I have wanted to display some of our family pictures in our home. However, as you know, I have had a bit of a lack of courage when it comes to pounding holes into the walls. You see, we have freshly painted walls finally, and I didn't want to gunk them up with extra nail holes.<br />
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At any rate, with my courage flowing, I got my hammer on. The wall below is located directly across from the main floor bathroom, and is the pass through hallway from our foyer to our Great room. This angle is from the foyer.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S32vfZbCQKI/AAAAAAAAAU0/Y1otzjmOwIo/s1600-h/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S32vfZbCQKI/AAAAAAAAAU0/Y1otzjmOwIo/s400/012.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This angle is from the Great room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S32vhiyz-pI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Qgdsqq1svto/s1600-h/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S32vhiyz-pI/AAAAAAAAAU8/Qgdsqq1svto/s400/013.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Here is the wall in a "in progress" shot. The post-it notes display a description of what picture goes into what frame since I hadn't printed all the photos I wanted to display when I started placing the frames on the wall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S32vlUwAlMI/AAAAAAAAAVE/YN4XgG4-A1g/s1600-h/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S32vlUwAlMI/AAAAAAAAAVE/YN4XgG4-A1g/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the Ribba frames from IKEA in various sizes. I like these frames because they look great, but are much less expensive than comparable options at Pottery Barn. My hope is that this wall with grow with us as our family grows. I wanted a balanced look, and I think I achieved the look I wanted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Angle 1</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOripgvZTXI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7ajYc66h1T0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOripgvZTXI/AAAAAAAAAoU/7ajYc66h1T0/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>Angle 2</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrit4d2fQI/AAAAAAAAAoY/vVwCgg6tOpk/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOrit4d2fQI/AAAAAAAAAoY/vVwCgg6tOpk/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what do you think? I have been debating adding some stripes to this wall too to add a little more drama, but I have held off since I am in my third trimester. </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-66625781327295780922010-11-21T13:41:00.001-05:002010-11-21T17:57:59.119-05:00Front Door Gets Some New Bling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our front door has needed a facelift for some time. As many of you out there, we are still struggling through the transition from brass hardware to satin nickel. The other struggle our door has endured is having two holes where the former owners had their custom door knocker. For two years, I have struggled to find a door knocker that would fit the two predrilled holes, and for two years, I have failed at every attempt until now...... See the sad holes..... Since winter is fast approaching, I wanted to get these holes filled..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOldRjM98YI/AAAAAAAAAng/C6XXhM5BVas/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOldRjM98YI/AAAAAAAAAng/C6XXhM5BVas/s400/001.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While browsing through Restoration Hardware's catalog, I found this beauty: The Ring Door Knocker. What I loved about this door knocker is that the top and bottom part of the door knocker is two pieces. This rocked my world because I had been struggling to find a door knocker that would fit my custom predrilled holes. I had to have it on the spot.... At $50, I thought it was reasonable enough for a door knocker. Of course, I went to purchase it at the store to find out it was not available in the store, but luckily I was able to order it and avoid shipping charges.... Yeah, but had to wait for a week for it's arrival... Boo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOleRloAsuI/AAAAAAAAAnk/go4qfN5-_WM/s1600/door+knocker..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOleRloAsuI/AAAAAAAAAnk/go4qfN5-_WM/s320/door+knocker..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It took no time to get up. I did have to widen the predrilled holes a little more to get my hardware to sink into the door, but after about 15 minutes, the door knocker was up. See below...... </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlctgTjtBI/AAAAAAAAAnY/F-wVNcjb8IM/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlctgTjtBI/AAAAAAAAAnY/F-wVNcjb8IM/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> Once I got the new door knocker, I new it was time to update the brass lock and kickplate. I had been contemplating this for two years as well, but I wanted to keep my finish options open just in case the perfect door knocker fell into my lap (a girl can hope).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlc0tQ7HFI/AAAAAAAAAnc/C9IrWe14CCE/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlc0tQ7HFI/AAAAAAAAAnc/C9IrWe14CCE/s320/016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>For awhile I have been really interested in upgrading our lock system to a keyless entry option. With the new baby on the way, we will have a lot of guests coming in, and since most of our guests will be coming from out of state, there is always the chance they arrive when we are caught at an errand or something. A keypad entry therefore would be ideal for us. I did a bit of research, and decided to move forward with a Schlage keypad deadbolt. I liked the flexibility this offered to us. You can program the lock to hold 19 codes (not sure why you would want that many), but the more attractive option is that you can delete the codes very easily. Therefore, no need to leave house keys for guests or contractors outside of your home. Just give them a code, and delete it once their visit is complete. The programming seemed to be easy enough, and the lock runs off a battery that supposedly will last for three years (we will see) so no reason to worry about the door not opening during an electricity outage. There is also the back-up key option that can be used if the battery dies...... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOliZtxXhoI/AAAAAAAAAno/2nDOYW_xOjA/s1600/keypad.frontdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOliZtxXhoI/AAAAAAAAAno/2nDOYW_xOjA/s1600/keypad.frontdoor.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Therefore, I moved forward with purchasing the keypad deadbolt. What I found once I reached the store is that the keypad deadbolt is sold separately, and you need to buy the bottom half handset to go with the deadbolt. At Lowe's the customer needs to purchase the bottom half handset without a deadbolt by special order. The interesting part about this option is that the bottom half handset that is sold separate (without a deadbolt) cost more special order from Lowe's than the whole front door handle set (which leaves you with an extra deadbolt). I probably could have shopped around online and found a deal, but I am impatient, and just wanted to get this project complete. Therefore, I went ahead and bought the keypad deadbolt, and the whole front door handle set.<br />
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The guy at Lowe's told me installation would be easy, but I decided to have a handyman come over and install it for me (worry-free). Since I am 39 weeks pregnant, I could go into labor at any time so it is really important that my front door be able to lock at a moments notice.... Therefore, I just wasn't comfortable with the stress of possibly screwing up this project, and then having to try to put the old lock back on....... I am sure I could do it, but I had him help me with another project I will share in my next post.... It took the handyman about 45 minutes to install, and he said everything installed very easily..... :)<br />
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So without further adieu, here is our brand new door with it's new door knocker, lock, and kickplate..... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlk5soVulI/AAAAAAAAAns/yUmtCFO5gxc/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlk5soVulI/AAAAAAAAAns/yUmtCFO5gxc/s320/003.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Lock and handle set up close</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlk-Ia4ydI/AAAAAAAAAnw/nZRZ1ci1yjo/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOlk-Ia4ydI/AAAAAAAAAnw/nZRZ1ci1yjo/s320/004.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Keypad even closer</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOllEf-2lPI/AAAAAAAAAn0/CPUwOv5Ec8I/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOllEf-2lPI/AAAAAAAAAn0/CPUwOv5Ec8I/s320/005.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Close-up of Door Knocker with Winter Wreath</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOllKIzSMmI/AAAAAAAAAn4/d20UzM7-GvY/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOllKIzSMmI/AAAAAAAAAn4/d20UzM7-GvY/s320/007.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>I am just tickled with the transformation. It just took me over 2 years to get the right items to get it done. Of course, I still need to get a new wreath hanger because I did not realize until I looked at my picture that it is still brass (shame on me)...... In the spring, I would like to give the door a new coat of paint too, but that can wait until after the baby..... <br />
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As far as the keypad goes, it took me less than 5 minutes to remove the two factory codes, and replace it with two individual codes my husband and I picked. I love the flexibility this will offer us, and can't wait to use it.<br />
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Linking up to......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TOmjzxFZjhI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/ZvibkIULNAk/s200/project_diaries3.png" width="178" /><a href="http://www.storiesofahouse.com/">http://www.storiesofahouse.com/</a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-40889815406572000902010-11-02T20:49:00.000-04:002010-11-02T20:49:17.862-04:00Nursery.... Mirror Revamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love mirrors. I love how they make rooms appear more expansive. Babies love mirrors too, and that is why I have had my eye on a round chunky framed mirror for months for the nursery. I was really hopeful to find a mirror on Craigslist, or Goodwill, but it just didn't happen for me. Therefore, I spent a little more than I wanted to at TJ Maxx, and found this beauty below. Of course the color wasn't exactly what I wanted, but with a little bit of spray paint, I was able to transform this mirror. So I spent quite a bit of time taping the mirror off preparing it for primer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TNCumk_W44I/AAAAAAAAAnM/BN3Gr3MkJcU/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TNCumk_W44I/AAAAAAAAAnM/BN3Gr3MkJcU/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once I got the mirror all taped off, I took my respirator and primer into the garage and coated the mirror with three light coats of primer. I let each coat dry about 1-1.5 hours between applications. After my final coat, I let the primer sit for 24 hours before I hit it with the final color. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TNCupRIIQTI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/VsEv7GdCRdA/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TNCupRIIQTI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/VsEv7GdCRdA/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I chose to go with a glossy blue hue. I have used mainly primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) with touches of green throughout the room. I thought the room needed a little more blue, and that is why I went with this color. I am so happy with the end results...... The mirror looks perfect in the room.... Now, I just need to get it on the wall, but I will leave that for another day. Enjoy the sneak peek of the room's progress from the reflection in the room. Finally reveal coming in a week or so..... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TNCutaBEeaI/AAAAAAAAAnU/haqXXt6-7Fk/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TNCutaBEeaI/AAAAAAAAAnU/haqXXt6-7Fk/s400/001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-78425374187034354372010-10-31T19:29:00.000-04:002010-10-31T19:29:36.295-04:00Nursery Update: Bin There Done That Book Bin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The countdown is on..... My due date is less than 30 days away, and we have been working hard completing our nursery projects. All the baby clothes have been washed, and almost everything is organized and put away. Our last remaining items are the decor. For awhile, I have been debating how I wanted to display several of my old Dr. Seuss books from when I was a child on the wall by our changing table/dresser. I wanted whatever I chose to serve a purpose, but also be attractive. Enter the "Bin There Done That Book Bin" from The Land of Nod (see below).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM34d7oT3VI/AAAAAAAAAnE/Wze_GsS-sok/s1600/WallBookBin_WH_0710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM34d7oT3VI/AAAAAAAAAnE/Wze_GsS-sok/s400/WallBookBin_WH_0710.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my opinion, it fit what I wanted and needed. It would allow me to display several different Dr. Seuss books in an attractive way. At $49 a piece, I thought they were reasonable enough to purchase two which would allow me to display twice as many books. I figured they had great potential, and would grow with our future child with future room updates.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u>Before</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM33ME8YaTI/AAAAAAAAAm0/X6FsslI-bvg/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM33ME8YaTI/AAAAAAAAAm0/X6FsslI-bvg/s400/003.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>This was my first purchase from Land of Nod, and I was a bit disappointed that the bins did not come with a wall template to hang the bins up with on the wall. After a bit of measuring, and double checking, I was able to get the bins up with only putting two extra holes in the wall (a small success in my mind). Of course, the final product was well worth the extra hassle in my opinion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM367u21rrI/AAAAAAAAAnI/HM5RnuF9UBY/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM367u21rrI/AAAAAAAAAnI/HM5RnuF9UBY/s400/011.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u> Close up View</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM33SdeYGsI/AAAAAAAAAm8/GAd73jEZH1w/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TM33SdeYGsI/AAAAAAAAAm8/GAd73jEZH1w/s320/012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Slowly, but surely, the room is coming together. As you can see, I chose to go with red blackout curtains from Pottery Barn. More about that, and other decor updates coming later this week. Stay tuned..... </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-64458442595791311192010-10-25T12:58:00.000-04:002010-10-25T12:58:14.230-04:00Draping the Master Bedroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our master bedroom has been a work in progress. What I mean by that, is that we really haven't spent much time or energy on this room. Although I have spent a lot of time updating and decorating other rooms in our home, I have chosen to leave this room alone. Part of the reason for this is due to the bonus room that is attached to this room. Our master is more of a suite, and I just don't know what to do with the bonus room. Which room should actually hold our bed? Should I make the other room a sitting room? Because the possibilities are endless, I just haven't had a lot of confidence to do any sort of painting or purchasing extra furniture until I am sure of what I want to do with the space. I definitely want to purchase a headboard soon, but I am just not sure what I want..... So I have just sort of waited... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, now that I am getting ready for baby number one, the one thing I needed to accomplish was creating more darkness during the day in this room and possibly have properties that eliminate noise. Because I know that soon I will be trying to sleep whenever my little one is sleeping. Therefore, I decided to hang black-out drapes. Initially I had a hard time deciding what color to go with since I know that in the coming months, most likely I will start decorating this room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u>Before #1</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWyvvNyRaI/AAAAAAAAAmw/iriF9nQuFK0/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWyvvNyRaI/AAAAAAAAAmw/iriF9nQuFK0/s400/001.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u>Before #2</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWwxQWjp5I/AAAAAAAAAmk/3kX802oAIQM/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWwxQWjp5I/AAAAAAAAAmk/3kX802oAIQM/s400/004.JPG" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Initially I had a hard time deciding what color to go with since I know that in the coming months, most likely I will start decorating this room. I wanted to make an investment in something I could hopefully use in the room down the road. Therefore, I went with an ivory/blushy blackout silk option from Bed Bath & Beyond. It goes with our bedding as of today, and I think it will work with whatever we choose in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><u> After</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWw0xwrxNI/AAAAAAAAAmo/sDnWvvA_QZc/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWw0xwrxNI/AAAAAAAAAmo/sDnWvvA_QZc/s400/008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWw54Y_zAI/AAAAAAAAAms/-teVwt_fkIQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TMWw54Y_zAI/AAAAAAAAAms/-teVwt_fkIQ/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Overall, I am extremely happy with my additions. I am most pleased that the room is extremely dark regardless of the time of the day. I am hopeful this will help be get some extra sleep in the coming weeks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-12043823532776852142010-10-17T20:14:00.000-04:002010-10-17T20:14:06.398-04:00Alarmed.....Most of you are most likely aware that October is National Fire Prevention Month. Many of the home improvement stores have fire alarms on sale to help homeowners better protect themselves. One thing I did not know, is that most fire alarms need to be replaced after 10 years. This fact was important to me as our home was built in 1997, and with it being 2010, that meant that most likely most of our fire alarms in our home were overdue for replacement. Also, I am in my third trimester of pregnancy, and my nesting instincts have really kicked in. Therefore, my husband and I checked all our fire alarms, and found that most of them did indeed need to be replaced. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Before</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLuNNjWEZKI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/MYOm1YKGjkc/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLuNNjWEZKI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/MYOm1YKGjkc/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Once we determined we needed to replace our smoke alarms, we decided to do a bit of research as to what type of alarm to install. We quickly learned there are two type of alarms: photoelectric and ionization. So what is the difference you may ask? Ionization sensors may respond slightly faster to flaming fires, whereas photoelectric sensors may respond slightly faster to smouldering fires. Both meet federal and state safety guidelines, and the verdict is still out as to which one is better (from my research). Therefore, it is recommended to enhance your fire safety prevent, that you install both type of alarms as you can not predict what sort of fire you may have. We decided to go one step further, and choose some dual purpose fire alarms that also have carbon monoxide detectors. Therefore, we installed six new fire alarms. Four are battery powered, and two are hard wired to the house electrical system. We added additional fire alarms to each of our bedrooms in the interior of the room as none of our bedrooms had fire alarms inside of the room. It is recommended that you have alarms in your hallway, and then in the inside of the bedroom if you sleep with your doors closed (which we do). <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>After (Hallway)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLuQhtlzpfI/AAAAAAAAAmc/DrOoFBLlI0c/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLuQhtlzpfI/AAAAAAAAAmc/DrOoFBLlI0c/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <strong>After (Nursery)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLuNWumNAFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/pp4ahWO3r6o/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLuNWumNAFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/pp4ahWO3r6o/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All and all, the replacement units and install of new alarms took a little over a hour. It was easy work, and I am very pleased to have this knocked off our list. It is reassuring to know that all the alarms are functional, and will alert us if the need arises. </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-76773228957255335842010-10-11T18:05:00.000-04:002010-10-11T18:05:41.714-04:00Falling for Fall.....The Midwest has been experiencing temperatures that are more inline with summer than fall. In Indiana, we haven't had rain in weeks. Most people's grass is burnt, and most plants have given up, and are just dormant. However, the fall foilage is starting to fall, and it brings about my favorite time of year: fall. To get into the fall spirit, I planted some mums in pots for our porch. I thought I took some pics as I completed the process, but that wasn't the case. Therefore, all I have to share are a before and after.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Before</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOI9a8CDCI/AAAAAAAAAl4/hOIn-JX2qDY/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOI9a8CDCI/AAAAAAAAAl4/hOIn-JX2qDY/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJWTCOdNI/AAAAAAAAAl8/_ypLB_jUGpc/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJWTCOdNI/AAAAAAAAAl8/_ypLB_jUGpc/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Close-up of Mums... Yummy Yellow color</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJX3dWU3I/AAAAAAAAAmA/0MZ63J6gtMc/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJX3dWU3I/AAAAAAAAAmA/0MZ63J6gtMc/s320/007.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Just beautiful Peachy Flowers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJZW2pGFI/AAAAAAAAAmE/tElnyaD_yc4/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJZW2pGFI/AAAAAAAAAmE/tElnyaD_yc4/s320/008.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJarElq-I/AAAAAAAAAmI/RTpcuw1c4hM/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJarElq-I/AAAAAAAAAmI/RTpcuw1c4hM/s320/009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Beautiful Tree in front of our Home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJcGNXO4I/AAAAAAAAAmM/KbJjLJAmSz0/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TLOJcGNXO4I/AAAAAAAAAmM/KbJjLJAmSz0/s320/010.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully the temps will start to drop in the coming days. Today's high was 87 degrees which set another record. I am looking forward to some 50 degree weather.... Cross your fingers we will get it.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-27536956684963946272010-09-12T09:00:00.000-04:002010-09-12T09:00:01.079-04:00Rose of Sharon Update.....Since we are nearing the end of summer, I wanted to share a quick update on my Rose of Sharon bushes I planted last year. You may remember them from this post <a href="http://kickingitinthesuburbs.blogspot.com/2009/10/rose-of-privacy-or-rose-of-sharon.html">Rose of Sharon Post</a>. I got them on major clearance at Lowe's and I planted them in the hopes of stopping teenagers from walking through our yard last October, and I must say it worked.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfjw3PPllI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/HpJ5XvgczfU/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfjw3PPllI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/HpJ5XvgczfU/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bushes have really grown in this summer despite the drought Indiana has been suffering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfkPGlpjUI/AAAAAAAAAlY/4WZtrw_BCpo/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfkPGlpjUI/AAAAAAAAAlY/4WZtrw_BCpo/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Close-Up</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfky1j9N2I/AAAAAAAAAlg/QJ5gOzytwX0/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfky1j9N2I/AAAAAAAAAlg/QJ5gOzytwX0/s400/020.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's amazing how many blooms the bushes have had the last few weeks. The bushes are looking a bit leggy, and I will trim them up in a few weeks once the blooms are done. I am so happy they have grown in so well. </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-74152265755742513682010-09-10T05:00:00.001-04:002010-09-10T05:00:05.847-04:00Nursery Update: The CribThe crib is in. Well, sort of.... You see, the furniture store misordered the crib we ordered. Somehow, this mistake was not caught until the crib arrived the other day. Man, I was not happy. I waited 14 weeks for this crib, and was very displeased that it is not right. The crib they brought is beautiful, it just isn't "my" crib. After some discussion with the store manager, the store manager decided that we could keep the wrong crib until "our" crib arrives. The manager is expecting our crib to arrive by the end of September, but I am not holding my breath since we were suppose to get our first crib within 6 weeks. Without further adio, here is the crib for now..... So here sits the Young America Built to Grow 2600 Panel/Spindle Crib.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfnFJ3EZyI/AAAAAAAAAlo/yBpib7pLnew/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfnFJ3EZyI/AAAAAAAAAlo/yBpib7pLnew/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Luckily, the dimesions of the above crib are exactly the same as "my" crib the Built to Grow 2000 Slat crib (see below- my version is the cotton finish). Therefore, I will be able to set-up the room around this crib, and will be able to switch out "my" crib when it arrives in the coming weeks. I am not freaking out as much about this mix up now that a few days have passed. Baby N is not due until the end of November so we should have the right crib by then, and if we do not, Baby N will be sleeping in a bassinet for a few weeks anyway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfoK3EHWUI/AAAAAAAAAlw/sGGq-uEnGvA/s400/BTG+2000+Slat+Crib.jpg" width="332" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Therefore, I must day dream what "my" crib will look like for now. I am hopeful it comes sooner or later, but at this point it is out of my hands. More updates on the nursery to come... I am currently working on figuring out some artwork options for the space.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-23080133846392870742010-09-08T15:21:00.000-04:002010-09-08T15:21:28.347-04:00Outdoor Lighting Update.....Let's face it.... Our outdoor lighting had seen better days. After 13 years of 365 days out in the elements, the brass fixtures had begun to wear away. In some places, the finish on the lights were blackened. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Close-up Before</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIffI5fD6NI/AAAAAAAAAkY/pWs2QYiSHrM/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIffI5fD6NI/AAAAAAAAAkY/pWs2QYiSHrM/s320/055.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Side of Garage Before</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIffSg5ARcI/AAAAAAAAAkg/sEsHkK4RdIo/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIffSg5ARcI/AAAAAAAAAkg/sEsHkK4RdIo/s400/053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Therefore, last weekend, the time came to update the jewelry on the house. It took some time to find a replacement. We wanted to find an option that would allow for the lightbulbs to be easily changed. The old brass model were a bit difficult becasue there was a piece you had to unscrew two screws before you could access the lightbulbs. Also, because I have a height disadvantage, I always need a chair or ladder to access. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfgVvQN_AI/AAAAAAAAAko/RwBlva-8Ki0/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfgVvQN_AI/AAAAAAAAAko/RwBlva-8Ki0/s400/057.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a trip to Menard's, we found the above option. The look was right on, and the lightbulb access was through the bottom of the light. They were also a decent price at about $35 a piece (this was important since we needed four for the garage, and one for our front porch). Luckily, we were able to find the five lights we needed: Score!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once we got home, my husband got to installing them under the direction of our neighbor. This was my husband's first go around with installing lights, and he completed like a champ. After about 2.5 hours, all the lights were up. They are now ready for their close-ups.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfha_xPD1I/AAAAAAAAAkw/kw-ldKFPNO4/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfha_xPD1I/AAAAAAAAAkw/kw-ldKFPNO4/s400/009.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfhq4hnW0I/AAAAAAAAAk4/SKo9d8XxOgI/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfhq4hnW0I/AAAAAAAAAk4/SKo9d8XxOgI/s400/017.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfhyvMBgMI/AAAAAAAAAlA/ad1nW_3sKhU/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIfhyvMBgMI/AAAAAAAAAlA/ad1nW_3sKhU/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now, that is so much better. Instant update.... It is so refreshing to pull into the garage now, and this wonderful bling hanging from the house.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-10471876783128223992010-09-05T22:13:00.000-04:002010-09-05T22:13:02.269-04:00Master Bath Reno: Part 8- Towel Bar Progress....Let's just say, I was hopeful to have more to update you on this week than towel bars, but let's just say I am starting to slow down now that I have entered my third trimester of pregnancy. At any rate, I don't want to rush through finishing the space so it may take a little longer to accessorize than I thought..... As I weed through figuring out how to complete my space, let me remind you of the desperate towel bars we once had in our bath.... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRJSY6bJbI/AAAAAAAAAjo/hkN3X-35bE4/s1600/036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRJSY6bJbI/AAAAAAAAAjo/hkN3X-35bE4/s400/036.JPG" width="266" /></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://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRJVZbiDxI/AAAAAAAAAjw/UVMnq5vwU70/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRJVZbiDxI/AAAAAAAAAjw/UVMnq5vwU70/s400/037.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is a bit embarassing to admit this, but these towel bars have been hanging out of the wall for at least nine months. Because I knew I would be replacing them in the future with brushed nickel updates, I just couldn't bring myself to fix them.... Therefore, they just sort literally hung around..... Until now.... I spent about a hour replacing them, and let me just say I am so excited to have towel bars that are brushed nickel that do not hang out of the wall...I went with the Moen Glenshire towel bar line. They were on sale for 20% off at Menards last week resulting in a bit of savings. The template that comes with these towel bars is wonderful. It makes installing the hardware a cinch.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Before</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRLEEyUuhI/AAAAAAAAAj4/Hieuff7IBxo/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRLEEyUuhI/AAAAAAAAAj4/Hieuff7IBxo/s400/042.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>After</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRLM6vHVdI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QyUUv7CcXyg/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRLM6vHVdI/AAAAAAAAAkA/QyUUv7CcXyg/s400/047.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>The towel ring took less than 10 minutes to put up... Easy Peasy, and boy is it conventient to have a place to hang your towel again.<br />
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Installing the towel bars by the shower took a bit more time. I needed a place to hang three towels. Of course I require two towels myself, and my husband needs a place for his. Before, we used to have a towel bar on our glass shower door, but we went for a more seamless option without a bar. Therefore, the Moen Glenshire double towel bar and single towel bar fit perfectly (well almost perfectly). You see, the double towel bar comes in a 24 inch length, but my wall space would not allow for this which meant I needed to cut the bars down to size. I went with the 18 inch length as the single towel bar was already this size, and the template that came with bars would be perfect for this (no customization needed). Therefore, I marked my rods for 18 inches, got the hack saw out, and cut them to size. I must admit, the cutting took a bit more time than I thought it would, but I think I got both rods cut in about 20 minutes or so. Once I got the rods cut, then it was time to get the templates on the wall.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRM8QRq58I/AAAAAAAAAkI/0G0yD6wzrPo/s1600/039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRM8QRq58I/AAAAAAAAAkI/0G0yD6wzrPo/s400/039.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After drilling a few holes in the wall, I was able to get the hardware up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRNguOdVqI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/sWR9XLzbhVQ/s1600/041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TIRNguOdVqI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/sWR9XLzbhVQ/s400/041.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I am just over the moon with the completion of this project. Before the update, we only have one towel bar on this wall, and the other one was across the room. It is so nice and convenient to have our towels an arm length away. Makes showering that much easier...Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-78774085986493631122010-08-29T17:34:00.002-04:002010-08-30T08:59:41.555-04:00Master Bath Reno: Part 7-Paint SelectionThe master bath is really coming together this week. Great advancements were made with selecting our new paint color, and painting the room. I chose to move forward with Benjamin Moore's Wedgewood Gray HC-146. I wanted a moody blue gray with a bit of depth to it so that the room would not be washed out by all the white cabinets, white doors, white molding, white cermanic tile, and then now the newly installed creamy/tannish marble flooring. I went with an eggshell finish in the Eco-Spec line as this is their no VOC paint. The ceiling is painted Benjamin Moore Decorator's White in eggshell (Eco-Spec), and the molding is Benjamin Moore Decorator's White in semi-gloss (Regal line).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THjzox9UAMI/AAAAAAAAAiY/rBGm55s2t44/s1600/Wedgewood+Gray-BM+HC+146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THjzox9UAMI/AAAAAAAAAiY/rBGm55s2t44/s320/Wedgewood+Gray-BM+HC+146.jpg" /></a></div>Before we could get the paint on the wall, the walls needed quite a bit of work. The previous owners had painted this room themselves, and let's just say they did not give the TLC it needed. Dried paint drips were plentiful as well as brush marks. Therefore, we spent lots of time sanding and prepping the walls. There were also the huge holes in the walls where the old brass Hollywood lights were located. So after about four hours of prepping the walls, we were able to paint. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>Before</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrQD4CPf_I/AAAAAAAAAjI/Sdie5yWyKb8/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrQD4CPf_I/AAAAAAAAAjI/Sdie5yWyKb8/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>After</u></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrQgahXaZI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/OF-6MmZqgC4/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrQgahXaZI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/OF-6MmZqgC4/s640/043.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrQwlYmhSI/AAAAAAAAAjY/SzW1PepTmxY/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrQwlYmhSI/AAAAAAAAAjY/SzW1PepTmxY/s640/050.JPG" width="425" /></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://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrReRUZr-I/AAAAAAAAAjg/RlCD_jRDiFk/s1600/037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THrReRUZr-I/AAAAAAAAAjg/RlCD_jRDiFk/s640/037.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>I hope the above photos curb your enthusiasm for the final reveal coming in the next week. I am just so excited to finally be able to use this bathroom again. It has been about two weeks of showering in the basement bathroom which isn't all bad, but that extra flight a stairs when you are pregnant can be a bit annoying at times.<br />
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<strong>Paint Colors:</strong> Wall- Benjamin Moore- Wedgewood Gray eggshell finish-Eco Spec; Ceiling- Benjamin Moore- Decorator's White eggshell finish- Eco Spec; Molding- Benjamin Moore- Decorator's White semi-gloss- Regal line.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-81278660756005638092010-08-28T08:01:00.000-04:002010-08-28T08:01:57.110-04:00Master Bath Reno- Part 6- Light SelectionGood bye Hollywood...... Hello engery star lighting! I am so excited to say sahari to the old brass Hollywood lights that just about everyone has in at least one of their bathrooms. Hollywood served it's purpose, but everything has a shelf life, and it's life has come to a close. Before<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj2jhK7lEI/AAAAAAAAAig/nNJrOo21I38/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj2jhK7lEI/AAAAAAAAAig/nNJrOo21I38/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Close-up</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj2naS6g8I/AAAAAAAAAio/n7CKMvj1m5k/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj2naS6g8I/AAAAAAAAAio/n7CKMvj1m5k/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Choosing a replacement lighting option was a bit more challenging than I thought it was going to be. I searched all the local hardware stores, and your usual suspects online. I wanted to choose something that had an Energy Star rating with straight lines that was well priced. Luckily, after about my third week of shopping, I stumbled upon the below option at Lowe's. It is one of their new options on the floor, and I was excited to find two available for purchase.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj2rQhzqaI/AAAAAAAAAiw/EjWg7Is1r5M/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj2rQhzqaI/AAAAAAAAAiw/EjWg7Is1r5M/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Installing the lights were relatively easy once we were able to center the lights on the wall. The challenge part came in when we needed to repair the giant holes in the walls left by where Hollywood had left it's mark. Lots of spackling and sanding involved, but it was well worth it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj5-exyoyI/AAAAAAAAAi4/N-3cY3jP7zc/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THj5-exyoyI/AAAAAAAAAi4/N-3cY3jP7zc/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The bathroom project is coming together quickly.... Look for an update on paint this weekend. :)Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-12081071234855033642010-08-22T21:35:00.000-04:002010-08-22T21:35:40.345-04:00Master Bath Reno- Part 5- Marble FlooringWe made great progress with our master bath this week. The awful carpet is a thing of the past, and the gross tile in the toilet room is out. Yeah! Below is the how we got the job complete..... <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Before</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHNX-mJSLI/AAAAAAAAAh4/zAvY8E3NlvM/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHNX-mJSLI/AAAAAAAAAh4/zAvY8E3NlvM/s640/009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>After (with Durock down)</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHIfko5q3I/AAAAAAAAAhA/shw2mA9uV30/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHIfko5q3I/AAAAAAAAAhA/shw2mA9uV30/s640/008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>We selected Turkish marble in a 16 in x 24 in size for our master bathroom. In the spirit of working with some of the existing items in the bath, we needed to go with a pattern/color combo that was neutral that would work with our off-white fiber glass shower bottom, but would also work with our more white with gray specks countertops. Of course, there was all the white tile to consider that surrounded the shower and bath tub. Our bath is about 135 square feet, but there are a lot of crazy angles in the bathroom. There were very few tiles that did not need to be cut to size. <br />
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The Turkish marble color scheme is a milky cream color with grays and tans swirled throughout. It is not polished which makes for great traction which is very important in a room where it is inevitable that water will be splashed on the floor from time to time.<br />
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We did hire our for the installation for this project since the bath is anything, but a standard size. Below you will see a picture of the marble in, but not grouted. It took our contractor one day to get the marble laid. We choose to have the marble laid in a brick pattern. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHJP2nLKTI/AAAAAAAAAhI/XOxCOc9JDW0/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHJP2nLKTI/AAAAAAAAAhI/XOxCOc9JDW0/s640/019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is another angle without the grout.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHJyv29EgI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/fjtLlp9aG4E/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHJyv29EgI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/fjtLlp9aG4E/s640/020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our particular marble tile needed to be sealed before the floor was grouted. The contractor used Aqua Mix Sealers Choice Gold. This product claims to be low VOC, but it left quite an odor behind once applied for a low VOC product. After airing the space out for a few hours, the flumes were gone, but we were quite disappointed with the stench it left behind for those few first hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the Master Bedroom with birch grout</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHKBOnBrkI/AAAAAAAAAhY/lseWQfFD-MI/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHKBOnBrkI/AAAAAAAAAhY/lseWQfFD-MI/s640/021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another view from the Master Bedroom (grouted)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHLkOSSt7I/AAAAAAAAAhw/mpqZUPKb87A/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHLkOSSt7I/AAAAAAAAAhw/mpqZUPKb87A/s640/029.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Closer look at the Marble Brick Pattern</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHKHWFGTYI/AAAAAAAAAhg/bUoEpomlD2g/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHKHWFGTYI/AAAAAAAAAhg/bUoEpomlD2g/s640/022.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Angle from our Master Closet</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHKPJLmEMI/AAAAAAAAAho/b5Q70hIhz6U/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHKPJLmEMI/AAAAAAAAAho/b5Q70hIhz6U/s640/023.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it, after 2 plus years, the nasty carpet is gone, and we could not be happier with our marble selection. Next on tap is paint..... Stay tuned!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am linking up to the following parties..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHPXxqXTvI/AAAAAAAAAiA/C0_LAfBXXOQ/s1600/butterfly-09-t-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHPXxqXTvI/AAAAAAAAAiA/C0_LAfBXXOQ/s200/butterfly-09-t-1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHP-zM5KQI/AAAAAAAAAiI/ynGPdL_S0pk/s1600/itssiveryCREATIVE125-W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHP-zM5KQI/AAAAAAAAAiI/ynGPdL_S0pk/s320/itssiveryCREATIVE125-W.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHQXv25LBI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/pWPvBR2QcZE/s1600/iheartnaptimebuttonsundayscoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/THHQXv25LBI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/pWPvBR2QcZE/s320/iheartnaptimebuttonsundayscoop.jpg" /></a></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-91651239477172437032010-08-21T07:31:00.001-04:002010-08-21T07:33:02.278-04:00Master Bath InspirationI thought it was about time that I share with you my inspiration for our master bath. As you know, this has been a project long in the making. Since the day we moved into our house, our master bath needed some work. However, I was indimated by all that needed to be done so I focused on some of the "easier" transformations on the first floor. Well, the time has come, and the master bath is getting addressed. <br />
So far I have shared with you our new shower door transformation, and the hardware choices we have made. Although the picture below has polished chrome, I went with brushed nickel. What I love about this inspiration photos is that it feels so spa-like, and relaxing to me. Just what you want for a master bath.... A little piece of heaven to relax in.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TG-2lvmROoI/AAAAAAAAAg4/fzZUYuEtTzc/s1600/potterybarn.bath.inspiration.wideshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TG-2lvmROoI/AAAAAAAAAg4/fzZUYuEtTzc/s400/potterybarn.bath.inspiration.wideshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Future posts I will share with you the hardware installation, tile installation, lighting installation, paint, and finally the accessories. I am really liking the art that Pottery Barn has showcased here. I am thinking of trying a little "diy" project to see if I can get this look.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-91032751420689869292010-08-15T09:08:00.000-04:002010-08-15T09:08:55.178-04:00Nursery Update- PaintWe made one giant step in our progress in the nuresry. It is now painted. I had difficultities selecting the right color of yellow which delayed the process for a about two weeks. I finally decided upon Hawthrone Yellow by Benjamin Moore. I had entertained using Lotus Yellow too, but it seemed a bit too bright, and I also considered using Yellow Lilies, but at times this seems like it might be too pale. Therefore, Hawthorne Yellow was just right. We used Benjamin Moore's Eco-Spec paint as we did not want to pollute the air with any VOCs. All the moldings in the room were painted Decorator's White in semi-gloss by Benjamin Moore, and the closet was painted Decorator's white, but in an eggshell finish. I went with an eggshell finish with the Hawthrone Yellow too since this will be a child's room. As for the ceiling, we went with 1/4 of the recipe for Glass Slipper by Benjamin Moore.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Before</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGfk0ceSlVI/AAAAAAAAAgM/A8fAv2y2i2M/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGfk0ceSlVI/AAAAAAAAAgM/A8fAv2y2i2M/s640/014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>After</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGfk7mFT4YI/AAAAAAAAAgU/bn0oG8I5tUc/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGfk7mFT4YI/AAAAAAAAAgU/bn0oG8I5tUc/s640/032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lighting is not great since it has been a bit cloudy, and we do not have traditional lighting in here right now. Better pictures to come in future updates!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGflOEOFdRI/AAAAAAAAAgc/EE_9Wyd2JvI/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGflOEOFdRI/AAAAAAAAAgc/EE_9Wyd2JvI/s640/031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It maybe hard to see in the picture, but the ceiling has a small tint of blue to it. I am considering adding crown molding for a higher impact.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGflV3JXNQI/AAAAAAAAAgk/sJfE4qgBDsQ/s1600/034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" ox="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGflV3JXNQI/AAAAAAAAAgk/sJfE4qgBDsQ/s640/034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I am hopeful the crib will be arriving in the next week or two. I am considering adding some red stripes to the wall behind where the crib will be, but since we do not have the furniture placed in it's final resting place, it is hard to commit. Also, I am not sure if the stripes would be too much. <br />
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I am also wrestling with what type of window treatments to add. I am considering installing Roman shades in red, but I am thinking long term it might be better to add 2 inch white faux wood blinds, and then pairing these with gigham curtains in red. Any advice would be appreciated.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-70655606990586309722010-08-10T19:48:00.001-04:002010-08-10T19:50:14.977-04:00Nursery InspirationAs many of you are aware, my husband and I are expecting our first little one at the end of Thanksgiving. We decided to keep the gender a surprise until the big delivery day so we needed to go with gender neutral decor. This was not a hard decision for me as I have had my eye on the Dr. Seuss nursery bedding from Pottery Barn for some time. Pottery Barn has had me at hello with these pieces. I just think everything is adorable.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGHdwZCcUzI/AAAAAAAAAf0/rNlRJ5yHqso/s1600/dr.seuss.nursery.inspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="563" mx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGHdwZCcUzI/AAAAAAAAAf0/rNlRJ5yHqso/s640/dr.seuss.nursery.inspiration.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a close up of the bedding:</div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGHdzHx68PI/AAAAAAAAAf8/xXsxg3vPp9I/s1600/dr.seuss.nursery.inspiration.bedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="563" mx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGHdzHx68PI/AAAAAAAAAf8/xXsxg3vPp9I/s640/dr.seuss.nursery.inspiration.bedding.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Here is the PB toddler inspired room........<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGHd2f9XAuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/a7DZRKq5DqI/s1600/dr.seuss.nursery.inspiration..toddler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="563" mx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TGHd2f9XAuI/AAAAAAAAAgE/a7DZRKq5DqI/s640/dr.seuss.nursery.inspiration..toddler.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So there you have it...... A Dr. Seuss nursery coming right up. We did purchase some of the items that are displayed in the Pottery Barn photos, but I decided against the bumpers as there is still a lot of debate whether bumpers are safe or not for your little one due to SIDs. I will write further posts about the items I picked, and why I picked them.... Until them, enjoy the above eye candy. :)</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-26412505025298062682010-08-01T09:05:00.000-04:002010-08-01T09:05:09.445-04:00Nursery- Part 1: The CleanupAs I announced a few weeks ago on the blog, I am expecting a little one at the end of November (Thanksgiving to be exact). Therefore, that means we need to designate a bedroom in our home for the little one. We have three to choose from (in my mind two since I did not want to convert our newly finished guest room) in the home. We chose the room closest to our bedroom as I thought this would lessen the steps needed for late night feedings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Once the room was selected, we needed to get it organized/cleaned out. This room had been the place everything that did not have a spot went to die. It also functioned as my over flow space for my clothes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVpVH7OtRI/AAAAAAAAAe8/n8DkENEcOTE/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVpVH7OtRI/AAAAAAAAAe8/n8DkENEcOTE/s400/014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>It is a bit embarrassing sharing with you just how bad I let this room get, but because I know everyone likes to see pics of other people's messy homes, here are a few more....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVpXuFYKSI/AAAAAAAAAfE/YA0ncrU8kD8/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVpXuFYKSI/AAAAAAAAAfE/YA0ncrU8kD8/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVpajXWOLI/AAAAAAAAAfM/RBITwZhjJw4/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVpajXWOLI/AAAAAAAAAfM/RBITwZhjJw4/s400/016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Now you have a good idea exactly what we were working with to start this project. We got started by finding new homes for everything that was in the room that was not going to stay in a nursery (which was pretty much everything). We did a lot of pitching, and a run to goodwill to get rid of some items. I also returned many items that were in holding for other people. After a few hours, here is what the room looks like.....<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">This is the view from the door</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVu4ZoRxkI/AAAAAAAAAfU/gtK8xB0Ehpc/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVu4ZoRxkI/AAAAAAAAAfU/gtK8xB0Ehpc/s400/017.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">View from the corner where the dresser is</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVu6zNm8VI/AAAAAAAAAfc/e9UfYungTSI/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVu6zNm8VI/AAAAAAAAAfc/e9UfYungTSI/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking towards the door</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVu_KpO4VI/AAAAAAAAAfk/nYCuJj_H09c/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVu_KpO4VI/AAAAAAAAAfk/nYCuJj_H09c/s400/019.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Opposite corner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVvCJ6OoNI/AAAAAAAAAfs/yVMwmy6nCwg/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TFVvCJ6OoNI/AAAAAAAAAfs/yVMwmy6nCwg/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a few items that still need to find new homes, but overall, it is stripped of the clutter that once remained. The black piece of furniture needs to be moved downstairs to the basement, but we need to wait until someone is able to assist with moving the piece since lifting furniture is a pregnancy no-no. The dresser and white book shelf are staying. I am undecided whether the mirror to the dresser will stay. Decisions, decisions.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stay tuned for my inspiration post for the nursery...... Many, many more nursery related posts to come.... :)</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-89591389265522914342010-07-29T10:00:00.001-04:002010-07-29T10:00:05.755-04:00Master Bath Reno: Part 4- Hardware SelectionOur bathroom was in desperate need of updated shower and roman tub trim. We still had the builder grade versions of both, and the roman tub trim has been flaking it's brassy metal pieces all over the place for a few months. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyeODaS21I/AAAAAAAAAek/mISraFSDhB8/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyeODaS21I/AAAAAAAAAek/mISraFSDhB8/s400/031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The shower trim was funtional, but just did not look great especially once the beautiful brushed nickel shower door was in place.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyeY-kO3lI/AAAAAAAAAes/C6uTrU4Ureg/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyeY-kO3lI/AAAAAAAAAes/C6uTrU4Ureg/s400/032.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Therefore, I have been on the lookout for some replacement pieces. I had consulted with our favorite plumber since my husband and I are not well versed in plumbing. Our plumber advised us to stay with Delta pieces as we were replacing Delta pieces, and I guess this would ensure that everything would fit correctly. I am not sure if this is 100% accurate, but since we ended up special ordering the pieces, I went with his advice.<br />
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I searched Delta's website for some time. I wanted to select replacement pieces that were functional, and not fussy. Initially I was planning on selecting the Windemere collection (see pic below) as we already had these faucets at our sinks in brushed nickel, but I just did not like the the handle on these sinks. They were okay enough, but they just were not my style (see below), and I wanted something I loved for my master bath. The Delta gods helped me along as they do not offer all of the pieces I needed in the brushed nickel finish I required. Therefore, I had a big decision: 1) replace the shower and trim pieces with a different collection than the faucets or 2) start anew......<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyel6hI3gI/AAAAAAAAAe0/4HwiesO-hY0/s1600/035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyel6hI3gI/AAAAAAAAAe0/4HwiesO-hY0/s400/035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After thoughtful consideration, I decided to start anew, and get new faucets too. My decision was highly influenced by the Two-Handle Widespread Lavatory Faucet option in the Orleans Collection. I just loved it, and kept coming back to it. I had contemplated purchasing the Orleans shower and roman tub trim, and leaving the faucets as is, but I knew this would drive me nuts. I just love the lines, and think it will be perfect in our bath. I choose the Brillance Stainless which is indestructable (the finish flaking off with be a thing of the past).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEwqS2DHFqI/AAAAAAAAAds/O1Rejybak5w/s1600/Mini.Spread.OrleansLavatoryFaucet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEwqS2DHFqI/AAAAAAAAAds/O1Rejybak5w/s400/Mini.Spread.OrleansLavatoryFaucet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here is the corresponding Orleans Roman tub trim:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEwv20tEGLI/AAAAAAAAAd0/3k-YmpGENzc/s1600/Orleans.RomanTub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEwv20tEGLI/AAAAAAAAAd0/3k-YmpGENzc/s400/Orleans.RomanTub.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Here is the corresponding Orleans shower trim:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEwwOgwqodI/AAAAAAAAAd8/pPHpVy3eSPc/s1600/Orleans.ShowerTrim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEwwOgwqodI/AAAAAAAAAd8/pPHpVy3eSPc/s400/Orleans.ShowerTrim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As I mentioned above, we needed to special order our pieces as they were not available in stock in our area. It will take about a week to a week and a half before they arrive resulting in me daydreaming on what the final product will look like in my bath. I am just tickled with my selections. <br />
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Stay tuned for after pictures......Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-60644891119392238472010-07-25T16:24:00.000-04:002010-07-25T16:24:30.213-04:00Master Bath Reno- Part 3- New Glass Shower Door<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Here is the before shot:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEw7OXvP0OI/AAAAAAAAAeE/GMKq7MiaMlc/s1600/029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEw7OXvP0OI/AAAAAAAAAeE/GMKq7MiaMlc/s320/029.JPG" /></a></div>Here is the in progress shot:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEw7iSSCEvI/AAAAAAAAAeM/OipQr_C_6hw/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEw7iSSCEvI/AAAAAAAAAeM/OipQr_C_6hw/s400/038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Once we had the tile fixed in the shower, it was time to select the door for our shower. Initally we checked out the big box stores, but we quickly learned that our door needs were as custom as shower enclosures come, and we needed to go with a professional.<br />
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We also learned that we were limited to a semi-frameless option or a framed door option because we had a fiberglass shower pan (the frameless options were too heavy for our pan). We had contemplated gutting the shower upon learning this, and starting anew, but we did not want to invest the money in this option. Outside of the one broken tile that needed to be replaced, the surrounding tile was holding up, and we just were not ready to make that sort of investment. Therefore, it was a no brainer for us....Work with what we have and save the money on this part of the project.<br />
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We decided to go the semi-frameless route because it gave us a more high-end look (although it was a bit pricier). We debated between a chrome and brushed nickel finish, but in the end, we went with the brushed nickel finish because we thought it looked more upscale than the chrome option (this added a bit of cost, but surprisingly, not much). From here, we decided to go with a door that opened into the bathroom rather than have two sliding glass doors like we had with our brass option. Since the previous doors ended up coming off the track all the time, this was a wonderful improvement. Also, our shower door area was a bit narrow where the doors are allowing only 40 inches for the doors. If we went with a two door option, the door opening would be narrow (our previous ones allowed for an 18 inch clearance) which was not comfortable for my broad shoulder husband that needed to enter the shower at an angle to avoid banging his shoulders against the frame. When all was said and done, we ended up selecting to have our shower door be 34 inches wide which allows for plenty of room to get in and out of the shower.<br />
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The other big consideration we contemplated was the height of the shower door frame. The brass frame was low at about 68 inches. This was too low for our needs as my husband is a six footer which meant he had to duck to get into the shower door or risk hitting his head on the frame. We selected to go with an 80 inch door height, and we are very happy with this choice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyclYzSrzI/AAAAAAAAAeU/qmgItTnRwa4/s1600/026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEyclYzSrzI/AAAAAAAAAeU/qmgItTnRwa4/s400/026.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Angle 2</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEycv_bOeXI/AAAAAAAAAec/n9cf0RtgGYA/s1600/028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TEycv_bOeXI/AAAAAAAAAec/n9cf0RtgGYA/s400/028.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>We are very pleased with our new shower enclosure. Showering in our home is no longer a life threatening event...... <br />
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Next up on the bathroom reno project: hardware fixture selection..... Stay tuned.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-55430119244095390582010-07-22T15:00:00.002-04:002010-07-22T15:00:02.489-04:00Happy to be Flush!You might be noticing a theme with the blog the last week.... Offending fans and lights are being replaced. <br />
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Here is another case that has been corrected. You see, the orginally fan in our kitchen prodded over 18 inches from the ceiling. It always made me feel like it was caving in on me. I know this sounds silly especially since I am a on the shorter side of life, but it has always bothered me. Case in point below....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-qtZVntEI/AAAAAAAAAc8/1EgOHWkKlcA/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-qtZVntEI/AAAAAAAAAc8/1EgOHWkKlcA/s400/015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I also was not a "fan" of the leaf design on the fan blades. I like streamlined unadorned items, and this just wasn't my style.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rr-Co6EI/AAAAAAAAAdc/p42pgj5TYhI/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rr-Co6EI/AAAAAAAAAdc/p42pgj5TYhI/s320/014.JPG" /></a></div>I needed to keep a ceiling fan in this room because it is practical for this space. You see, this room gets very steamy when the evening sun streams in, and the fan is a great option to cool things down. <br />
I hit up Lumens.com for my new fan replacement. I have been obessing over the Concept II Flush 52 Ceiling Fan with Optional Light. I have been in love with this fan for some months now, but the rub is that it did not come in the black finish I wanted. It is avialble in ORB (oil rubbed bronze) with taupe, but upon speaking with the customer service reps at Lumens (they are fab) I realized that the ORB was much more medium brown than the dark brown/black I was seeking. The price tag was a bit steep at about $300 to not get what I wanted. Therefore, I keep shopping since the ORB was not an option, and I did not want the brushed nickel finish because we have so much stainless steel appliances. However, I kept coming back to the Concept II fan. It was the look I wanted exactly. Then I did something unexpected, I changed my mind. I ordered the fan in the brushed nickel finish, and I am so happy I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rCgvdArI/AAAAAAAAAdE/E5s48yHRHd8/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rCgvdArI/AAAAAAAAAdE/E5s48yHRHd8/s400/020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It looks perfect!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rLmvhNiI/AAAAAAAAAdM/HlIiPGG8w0o/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rLmvhNiI/AAAAAAAAAdM/HlIiPGG8w0o/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Here is a view of the kitchen with all the appliances with it. I think the finish of the fan is a nice compliment, and is not an over use of the stainless steel/ brushed nickel finish. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rezIU26I/AAAAAAAAAdU/4N8dGI22yjQ/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" hw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/TD-rezIU26I/AAAAAAAAAdU/4N8dGI22yjQ/s400/018.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>I am so happy to be flush! No longer is the fan caving in on me! I am also pleased to report that I was able to sell the white beauty on Craigslist too! Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3724164930880226432.post-40993513014652655142010-07-20T20:00:00.000-04:002010-07-20T20:00:06.741-04:00Hardware Switch...Instant UpdateWe love our kitchen cabinents, but we were not a huge fan of the birdcage hardware that it was finished with when we purchased it. It drove me nuts that the hardware often was not straight (illustrated below on the left, just slightly crooked). All the doors, and drawers had the birdcage knobs on them. The drawers offered a whole different problem for us. They were at just the right height that our pant pockets would get stuck on them if we got close enough to the hardware. After ripping several pairs of lounge pants, I decided we needed a change. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S4x0f6sgGHI/AAAAAAAAAY8/7iKh7qema14/s1600-h/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S4x0f6sgGHI/AAAAAAAAAY8/7iKh7qema14/s400/DSC_0068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you know I forgot to take lots of the "before" shots.... This below pic was taken when I was painting the kitchen as evidenced by the paint can on the left. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S4x0mfEiWmI/AAAAAAAAAZE/7HBXGqAGW4Y/s1600-h/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S4x0mfEiWmI/AAAAAAAAAZE/7HBXGqAGW4Y/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Initially we were going to go with a knob and bin pull option, but laziness set in (fear really). All the drawers already had the hardware holes drilled in them (perfect and centered). I bought one of those hardware guides, but I could not find one that would allow us to drill holes at the same level the existing holes were (ie the guide was about 3 inches above where we needed the holes to be). I knew we could have made our own, but I was really nervous about screwing up the cabinent drawers since they would be expensive to replace. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Therefore, we decided it would be easier to just change everything out to the same knob option. All our appliances in the kitchen are stainless steel so I wanted to go with something different to avoid that matchy, matchy thing. We have lots of black accents in the kitchen. I browsed all the hardware stores around us, and found the below beauty online at The Great Indoors. It's called Hickory Hardware Period Brass Solid Brass Knob 1 1/4"- black nickel. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S50MfXl10BI/AAAAAAAAAac/ksb2WQ5egLQ/s1600-h/hickoryhardware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S50MfXl10BI/AAAAAAAAAac/ksb2WQ5egLQ/s320/hickoryhardware.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It took less than an hour to swap out the hardware, and was pretty painless. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S50Kbu0gFvI/AAAAAAAAAaU/xIwevuWl8pU/s1600-h/040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_904MNJOdLZw/S50Kbu0gFvI/AAAAAAAAAaU/xIwevuWl8pU/s400/040.JPG" vt="true" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just love the new look. No more crooked hardware, and our pants no longer have to be fearful of the kitchen.</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09667038945288793459noreply@blogger.com0