Kitchen Update

A little over a year ago, my husband and I (and our 6-month son) purchased our "forever-home".
  An extreme fixer-upper that was stuck in the late 70's.  I mean everything bad from the 70's.
We have a 10-year to-do list including everything from minutiae details to a master-suite addition.    

We have done the major part of the kitchen renovation & are focusing on the little details 

Here are some before, during, and after shots:

Besides the curtains and light being beyond terrible, we though the peninsula really closed of the space and made it feel even smaller

So we removed the peninsula, and added a small island.

The kitchen couldn't handle a large one like I wanted, 

so we did the best we could with the space we have

This area is close to done, but not complete.

I want to add a window seat with a cushion and pillows,

as well as some kind of window treatment

Another shot of the terrible prep-are in my kitchen.

Could it be more square?

We added an island that has a space for pull-out trash cans,

and three large drawers for pots and pans

We took down the terrible fluorescent light and added can lights.

We also ripped up the yellow linoleum and replaced with wood floors to match

what was already in the dining room. (we will get to that room later)

We moved the dishwasher next to the sink -

because that just made more sense

This was a large, useless pantry that was full of wasted space

The unbelievably awkward corner.

You could barely access the cupboards with this arrangement.

So, we removed the refrigerator, corned the cabinets to soften the area,

and added more cupboards, drawers, and a lazy susan to utilize the corner space

We moved the refrigerator to where the large pantry was,

cut back the walls, and placed in a pantry with sliding drawers.

We still have a ways to go…

More to come with this ol' fixer-upper

Dipped in Love

I am loving this new "dipped" trend

Here are a few of my favorite things…

Dining Room Update

I'm giving our dining room a little update.  

I had custom drapes made a couple of years ago, and loved them.  Now, I'm not as crazy about the fabric as I once was. Unfortunately, I let my husband find out how much they cost, so they will be staying a little while longer.  It's a big print that I am having a hard time working around.  

I really wanted a buffet table to display food and keep drinks, I also really wanted to add lamps.  We have a large dining room table that belonged to my husband's great-grandmother.  It traveled from Germany in the 1800s.  Also, we have a large wood china cabinet that belonged to my grandmother.  They are both large, wood pieces.  So, I decided a fabric table would soften the room a bit, and add contrast to the heavy wood.  James pulled out his best carpentry skills to build a table with an added shelf for storage.  He did great, but thank goodness the table won't be visible!! 

Now, I'm off to find a fabric selection that coordinates with the window panels and the impulse purchases I just made for lamps and a statement mirror (pictured below).

Overstock 

One King's Lane 

I am giving myself a goal to have this done by the time of my daughter's baptism in June.

I am pretty terrible at procrastination, so I need an event in my home to light the fire

Saturday Shopping

It's Mother's Day weekend, and while I am sure my husband has something wonderful planned for tomorrow (haha), I think I'm going to treat myself to a little something.  I deserve it, right?

Since most of time is spent bent over chasing a 2 year old, picking up a trail of toys, or taking care of a baby, I need clothes that are cute and practical.  I made it a resolution to not wear "workout clothes" as much, like everyday as much.  Especially since I have not seen a gym in a year.  

My workout clothes were simply easy and comfy.  

So, I have taken a liking to maxi skirts and dresses.  They are so easy to put on, I don't have to worry about something showing when I bend over 1 million times, and most importantly , they are comfy.  

I also want them inexpensive as I am usually covered in paint and spit-up.

 Oh, the joys of a stay-at-home mom

These are my top picks for under $40.00 at Old Navy 

they are also an extra 20% off today

Shopping List for the Playroom

It is here… the room is almost done. Hip Hip Hooray!!

Now, to get busy buying inexpensive lovelies for the room

First thing's first, mommy needs a comfy place to sit and escape while the children play

And this red sofa from Ikea is the bee's knees!

Plenty of room for 2 adults to get comfy, slipcovered for easy wash and care, and under 600.00 -  Done & Done

While browsing Ikea online, I came across this way too cute button rug

For 39.99 - SOLD!!

Now, to make the plane old storage cubes look good, too.

I thought the stripes in these precious things from Land of Nod would compliment the circular pattern of the rug very well.

Now, I need to get my creative juices flowing and start working on the DIY projects

Party in the Playroom

Today, our favorite all-around handy man is coming to start plans on turning our walk-in attic into a playroom.  This mom is more than excited! I am beyond ready for the train-table to move out of my formal living room, the basketball goal to move out of my dining room, 

and every toy ever made to move out of my den. 

 I'm so ready for my house to start resembling more of a home and less of a day-care.

I burned the midnight flame searching Pinterest for inspiration for this project.  

I want a room that is fun, colorful, functional, and gender neutral.  

Here is what I am loving:

I love the tee-pee, the fun ceiling, and the chalkboard wall

I love the storage bins and the touch of black & white

I love the stripe rug with all the colors, the white walls, and the flag banner

Why Start Blogging?

This is a question I have asked myself many times… why start a blog? It usually ends with "why not?".   As a stay-at-home mom to two precious children, I find "me time" keeps dwindling.  I do however make the time to play on Instagram, check Facebook updates, keep up on Pinterest, and check out my favorite blogs daily.  It's like me creative outlet, and I love it.
A little over a year ago, my husband and I bought a fixer-upper.  Kind of the worst house on the best block type thing. We have BIG dreams of making it one of the best homes in the best neighborhood, but with a bank account not as big as our dreams, it will take a while! This home is the type of home that has "good bones" but bad taste.  Like, late 70s, never been updated kind of taste.  Like, what were they thinking when they decided to do this kind of taste.  With Spring's arrival, our second phase of the renovation is about to kick-off.  So, with the daunting list of things to-do, I thought it may be good for my spirits and my sanity to look back at how far we have come.
I am in high hopes that this blog will be a great place for me to share a little bit of my life!!