Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Itching to Buy
I've got the itch and I've got it bad. I have my eyes on a house. It's a great house. I've mentally moved in. But the problem is that we won't be ready to buy until March 2012.
I keep telling myself, 10 months will go by quickly. But as I sit here listening to the 18 wheeler idling outside my window and realize that the fruit packing warehouse we moved next to is now in full swing and will probably be hopping nearly 24 hours a day from now until September, with way too many 18 wheelers to count sitting, literally 7 feet from my window, 10 months might just feel like an eternity.
So until then, I'm trying not to obsess about "The" house. But I'll share some designs that would work great in "The" house that I'm not obsessing over.
Like this kitchen:
I keep telling myself, 10 months will go by quickly. But as I sit here listening to the 18 wheeler idling outside my window and realize that the fruit packing warehouse we moved next to is now in full swing and will probably be hopping nearly 24 hours a day from now until September, with way too many 18 wheelers to count sitting, literally 7 feet from my window, 10 months might just feel like an eternity.
So until then, I'm trying not to obsess about "The" house. But I'll share some designs that would work great in "The" house that I'm not obsessing over.
Like this kitchen:
via houzz
Or this kitchen with that great floor!
via houzz
And this guest room. Perfect for my mother-in-law:
via the borrowed abode
This for the entry...
via Design*Sponge
with this blue door.
via pinterest
And raised garden beds for the one acre lot:
via houzz
And can't forget the pool. Because no one acre lot in Washington's wine country is complete without an inground pool.
via houzz
So as these 18 wheelers idle outside my window, I will not obsess about "The" house and just enjoy the fact that my kids are with 6 other kids on the block, screaming, playing in the water and making their own block party. That makes this temporary stay worthwhile.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Shopping Local
There is a darling shop here. I almost missed knowing about it. I had driven by many times but didn't stop. I assumed it would be stuffy and pricey. I was pleasantly surprised and completely delighted. I stopped in yesterday looking for dresses for an event I have this weekend. I found two contenders and could have bought more. I had looked at all of the big stores in town, Macy's, TJ Maxx, Old Navy. I found a few things but they were more than I wanted to spend or not very original.
So I stopped into this darling little place called Patina in the historic downtown area. They have unique clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares and best of all original art from local artists. A very brief bit of history; we used to have a shopping district downtown. There are reasons people believe it failed. I have my own theories. Stores went away. The mall closed and moved south into a small town bordering our town. It's not the same. It's not a great place to shop. There is nothing interesting,unique or fun about it. It's more of a chore to go there. So I'm thankful for shops like Patina that are off the beaten path and committed to quality, good prices and style. It makes me want to open up my own little shop to sell something, anything.
There are other local shops that I will be visiting this summer. I look forward to new discoveries.
Here are some photos of Patina. Can't you just see the coolness?
So I stopped into this darling little place called Patina in the historic downtown area. They have unique clothing, shoes, jewelry, housewares and best of all original art from local artists. A very brief bit of history; we used to have a shopping district downtown. There are reasons people believe it failed. I have my own theories. Stores went away. The mall closed and moved south into a small town bordering our town. It's not the same. It's not a great place to shop. There is nothing interesting,unique or fun about it. It's more of a chore to go there. So I'm thankful for shops like Patina that are off the beaten path and committed to quality, good prices and style. It makes me want to open up my own little shop to sell something, anything.
There are other local shops that I will be visiting this summer. I look forward to new discoveries.
Here are some photos of Patina. Can't you just see the coolness?
Monday, April 4, 2011
City to Country to City Again
Nearly two years ago, when we moved from Seattle to two acres in my former hometown we had some adjustments to make. Like not having any neighbors. Walking the garbage can what felt like a quarter mile down the driveway. Being able to hear a pin drop at night. Entertaining ourselves by talking to the cows and feeding the horses. Having to explain to the pizza driver for the umpteenth time how to get to our house since it wasn't right off the road.
We recently moved into a townhouse/duplex community. And there are new adjustments. Reminders of our Seattle days although this is no Seattle. New noises to get used to, like the apple packing plant right behind our unit that is sure to get busier and nosier as apple packing season picks up. Reminders that there will be parking space issues. Mail delivery issues. Note to self: next time we move do not choose a place right in front of the community mailbox. You just might get a nasty note from the mail carrier about your mother-in-law's car being parked too close to the mailbox no matter how far forward she pulls. Note to mail carrier: that thing you drive, it has reverse.
But the best adjustment. The one that makes my heart sing. Friends. Neighborhood friends. At this very moment the girls are playing with children they go to school with. Growing up my memories of playing with neighborhood friends, many that occured in this very same neighborhood, are my fondest memories. I'm so glad they have that again. But that's not good news for Stella the dog. She was their sole playmate, well other than the horse and the cow, since we brought her home last summer. She's heartbroken that they have left her in the house to play with their human friends. She'll adjust just as we all have.
We recently moved into a townhouse/duplex community. And there are new adjustments. Reminders of our Seattle days although this is no Seattle. New noises to get used to, like the apple packing plant right behind our unit that is sure to get busier and nosier as apple packing season picks up. Reminders that there will be parking space issues. Mail delivery issues. Note to self: next time we move do not choose a place right in front of the community mailbox. You just might get a nasty note from the mail carrier about your mother-in-law's car being parked too close to the mailbox no matter how far forward she pulls. Note to mail carrier: that thing you drive, it has reverse.
But the best adjustment. The one that makes my heart sing. Friends. Neighborhood friends. At this very moment the girls are playing with children they go to school with. Growing up my memories of playing with neighborhood friends, many that occured in this very same neighborhood, are my fondest memories. I'm so glad they have that again. But that's not good news for Stella the dog. She was their sole playmate, well other than the horse and the cow, since we brought her home last summer. She's heartbroken that they have left her in the house to play with their human friends. She'll adjust just as we all have.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Quick Couch Fix
I fell in love with a couch...online...on sale....had an online code for another 25% off.....AND figured out a way to get it here without paying shipping. I still couldn't justify it. We know we will be moving soon. We're not sure if we will be renting for another year or buying. So I just couldn't justify spending a dime of our down payment on a new couch. And I couldn't stand the thought of getting it on sale, with a discount and putting it on a credit card just to pay interest. That would kind of make the sale price null and void.
I was feeling sorry for myself and my tired couch. There were strings hanging out all over the cushions from Stella's claws and the fabric was looking a little dirty. I went to TJ Maxx to browse away the blues and found these darling paisley pillows:
I bought four. So for a mere $68, a good scrub with the shampooer and some time cutting all those annoying strings the couch went from this:
To this:
And the best part is, Stella still has her favorite sunning spot.
I started making an Ottoman slipcover with some old linen curtain panels I had. It's not working out like I had hoped. I might have to go with Plan B. And it's probably time to replace that lamp shade. Or go back to TJ Maxx and pick up the lamp that I had in my cart that I put back out of guilt. It really would have been perfect.
I was feeling sorry for myself and my tired couch. There were strings hanging out all over the cushions from Stella's claws and the fabric was looking a little dirty. I went to TJ Maxx to browse away the blues and found these darling paisley pillows:
I bought four. So for a mere $68, a good scrub with the shampooer and some time cutting all those annoying strings the couch went from this:
To this:
And the best part is, Stella still has her favorite sunning spot.
I started making an Ottoman slipcover with some old linen curtain panels I had. It's not working out like I had hoped. I might have to go with Plan B. And it's probably time to replace that lamp shade. Or go back to TJ Maxx and pick up the lamp that I had in my cart that I put back out of guilt. It really would have been perfect.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Designing for a Future, Unknown Home
Our house hunt has been put on hold. It doesn't mean that we won't be moving we just don't know the plan right now. It's complicated.
Until then, I will continue to collect design inspirations for whatever future home we have.
http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/mainmenu.php
And while we are on the topic of moving and designing a yet-to-be-determined home, I am definitely back to wanting a one level, spacious rambler/ranch home. In fact, there is one that was on the market for a long time, didn't sell, they rented it out for a while but the renter lost his/her job and so the owners moved back in. Here is hoping that they want to sell it when the time is right for us and we can get a killer deal. I'm a dreamer.
Until then, I will continue to collect design inspirations for whatever future home we have.
Hopefully we have a fireplace in need of some love so I can do this project by the Lettered Cottage
I love Amy Butler fabrics for color and pattern in the girls' rooms. Pinks and greens for curtains in Taylor's room, blues and purples for curtains in Kendall's room.
http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/mainmenu.phpWhat I know for sure is that we will need some new furniture. Our couch is too small and is showing its age. I couldn't believe it when I walked into Bi-Mart yesterday and saw this couch on sale for $244! Seriously, it's real leather, has great modern lines and contrasting stitching. I may just need to pick up two, even though I have no idea what our future living room will look like. I love the idea of matching couches facing each other in front of a fireplace. Symmetry brings me joy.
And while we are on the topic of moving and designing a yet-to-be-determined home, I am definitely back to wanting a one level, spacious rambler/ranch home. In fact, there is one that was on the market for a long time, didn't sell, they rented it out for a while but the renter lost his/her job and so the owners moved back in. Here is hoping that they want to sell it when the time is right for us and we can get a killer deal. I'm a dreamer.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Let the Fun Begin!
We have been pre-approved. Soon we can tell our landlord to take his 40% rent hike and shove it. Let the obsessive house hunting begin.
I've watched the market closely since we moved back over a year and a half ago and I'm pretty sure our future home isn't on the market yet. So until it is, I will be obsessing over Craigslist, stalking neighborhoods I like and checking email first thing each morning to see what new MLS alerts hit my inbox.
I've watched the market closely since we moved back over a year and a half ago and I'm pretty sure our future home isn't on the market yet. So until it is, I will be obsessing over Craigslist, stalking neighborhoods I like and checking email first thing each morning to see what new MLS alerts hit my inbox.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Couch Love
It looks like we will be moving sooner than we thought. We found out on Friday that the landlord is raising the rent....A LOT. Um, no thanks.
So since then I have been obsessing over houses and furniture. I'm getting excited about setting up a new place.
I LOVE this couch! His name is Blake and he is from West Elm.
I thought I wanted a sectional but not since I found Blake. I haven't decided if I want all 91" of Blake or two 81" Blakes face to face. I especially love that the bottom cushion is one piece. No annoying crack to sink down in and no annoying Cheerios underneath the cushions to vacuum up. Not that I do that. I probably should but I'm afraid to look.
So since then I have been obsessing over houses and furniture. I'm getting excited about setting up a new place.
I LOVE this couch! His name is Blake and he is from West Elm.
I thought I wanted a sectional but not since I found Blake. I haven't decided if I want all 91" of Blake or two 81" Blakes face to face. I especially love that the bottom cushion is one piece. No annoying crack to sink down in and no annoying Cheerios underneath the cushions to vacuum up. Not that I do that. I probably should but I'm afraid to look.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Chair re-do Take 2
I bought my dining set from an antique store. I refinished the table twice. I hated it the first time. I've refinished the chairs once and don't love them so I'm going to do it again and hope the second time is a charm too.
I found a fabric remnant on clearance for $3.50. And now decision time. What color should I paint the frame? The table is mahogany color. I can sand and refinish the wood or paint them cream, black or even go out on a limb and paint them a dark blue/teal like in the pattern in the fabric. I'm loving Martha Stewart's colors Plumage, Blue Suede and Gabardine. Looks like I'm not the only one loving these shades right now.
Check this out!
The other thing I need to decide is whether to put a fun, flirty little skirt on the chairs. Maybe something tailored or something more gathered and feminine.
Here are some pics of the chair before and the new fabric. Any thoughts on frame color? I would love your input.
Our dog Stella likes the new fabric.
I found a fabric remnant on clearance for $3.50. And now decision time. What color should I paint the frame? The table is mahogany color. I can sand and refinish the wood or paint them cream, black or even go out on a limb and paint them a dark blue/teal like in the pattern in the fabric. I'm loving Martha Stewart's colors Plumage, Blue Suede and Gabardine. Looks like I'm not the only one loving these shades right now.
Check this out!
The other thing I need to decide is whether to put a fun, flirty little skirt on the chairs. Maybe something tailored or something more gathered and feminine.
Here are some pics of the chair before and the new fabric. Any thoughts on frame color? I would love your input.
Our dog Stella likes the new fabric.
Only Here
Only on our local Craigslist will you find advertised a "Dusty rose, stained glass chandelier" priced at $150. $150! Dude. YOU should pay ME to take that away for you.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Not so deep roots
Just when I allowed myself to mentally stay put and decorate the house we are in now the owner sent me a message asking if we want to buy the place in a year. The problem is his price was way off of what we feel like we should pay based on a lot of things, especially the current market. I'm not sure where he came up with the number but now I'm back to being torn. Do we do some hard core negotiating or find a place listed for much less and look from some of the things that have been on our wish list for a while (like decent square footage on one level)?
I'm torn again between looking for a one-level ranch/rambler fixer or staying here in this Cape Cod style fixer. It's so tempting to not move again. But if we can spend tens of thousands less on a different house, that's tempting too.
I'm torn again between looking for a one-level ranch/rambler fixer or staying here in this Cape Cod style fixer. It's so tempting to not move again. But if we can spend tens of thousands less on a different house, that's tempting too.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Making Plans
Oh, where to start? We have rented this house for a year and a half and hope to buy it this summer. A year and a half of wondering if this was The place for us. A year and a half of thinking about all of the things we would change.
The house was built in the early 90's. So it has the typical dark oak wood everywhere, mini-blinds, carpeting, worn vinyl flooring, laminate counters and more country blue and mauve than you can shake a stick at.
So here is The List. Brace yourself. It's a long one. It's going to take some time. Okay, a lot of time.
Short Term Projects:
~Replace two exterior doors with divided light doors to let more natural light in.
~Install wide-plank wood floors. The sculptured mauve carpet has got to go.
~Paint all dark oak white
~Paint the walls in all of the rooms. The entire house is white because apparently it goes well with dark oak.
~Remove mini-blinds and install updated window coverings.
Longer Term Projects:
~Kitchen remodel: Tear out pantry. Reconfigure layout. Install additional cabinets and island. Replace appliances.
~Turn outbuilding into garage. Frame and insulate two bays now and the other two bays later when the girls start driving (Oh Lord help us).
~Turn current garage into family room.
~Tear down wall in hallway to open up between the kitchen and new family room.
~Turn current living room into dining room.
~Build covered pergola/porch off of dining room with French Doors.
Here are some before pictures:
The hallway between the garage (our future family room) and the kitchen. The doorway straight ahead will be taken out. The door at the end of the hallway to the left (not shown) will be replaced with a door with divided lights to let natural light in. The wall on the left is the pantry wall that will be gone. Right now it's very dark.
The pantry that I can't wait to take a sledge hammer to. I love the storage but this thing takes up way more space than it's worth.
Oak, oak and more oak. I can just hear the paint calling my name.
Did I mention there is a lot of oak in this house? The layout is funky too. There are some space-hogging design choices going on here.
The current living room that will someday be our formal dining room. Until then, we will pretty it up.
Our current garage/future family room. The door will be replaced with a wall of windows. The ceiling will be removed and replaced with a vaulted ceiling. A double-sided/indoor/outdoor fireplace will be added on the right side wall so that we can enjoy it from inside or outside on the patio.
A close up view just in case you need proof.
Our hall bathroom. I want to do some wide horizontal stripes, replace the vanity and replace the bone colored toilet with a more efficient model.
The house was built in the early 90's. So it has the typical dark oak wood everywhere, mini-blinds, carpeting, worn vinyl flooring, laminate counters and more country blue and mauve than you can shake a stick at.
So here is The List. Brace yourself. It's a long one. It's going to take some time. Okay, a lot of time.
Short Term Projects:
~Replace two exterior doors with divided light doors to let more natural light in.
~Install wide-plank wood floors. The sculptured mauve carpet has got to go.
~Paint all dark oak white
~Paint the walls in all of the rooms. The entire house is white because apparently it goes well with dark oak.
~Remove mini-blinds and install updated window coverings.
Longer Term Projects:
~Kitchen remodel: Tear out pantry. Reconfigure layout. Install additional cabinets and island. Replace appliances.
~Turn outbuilding into garage. Frame and insulate two bays now and the other two bays later when the girls start driving (Oh Lord help us).
~Turn current garage into family room.
~Tear down wall in hallway to open up between the kitchen and new family room.
~Turn current living room into dining room.
~Build covered pergola/porch off of dining room with French Doors.
Here are some before pictures:
The hallway between the garage (our future family room) and the kitchen. The doorway straight ahead will be taken out. The door at the end of the hallway to the left (not shown) will be replaced with a door with divided lights to let natural light in. The wall on the left is the pantry wall that will be gone. Right now it's very dark.
The pantry that I can't wait to take a sledge hammer to. I love the storage but this thing takes up way more space than it's worth.
Oak, oak and more oak. I can just hear the paint calling my name.
Did I mention there is a lot of oak in this house? The layout is funky too. There are some space-hogging design choices going on here.
The current living room that will someday be our formal dining room. Until then, we will pretty it up.
Our current garage/future family room. The door will be replaced with a wall of windows. The ceiling will be removed and replaced with a vaulted ceiling. A double-sided/indoor/outdoor fireplace will be added on the right side wall so that we can enjoy it from inside or outside on the patio.
Our bedroom with the lovely, mauve sculptured carpet. This will be our first project. Nobody should be forced to live with carpet like that. EVER.
A close up view just in case you need proof.
Our hall bathroom. I want to do some wide horizontal stripes, replace the vanity and replace the bone colored toilet with a more efficient model.
Trust me. As soon as we sign the papers, the paint brushes are coming out.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Dear Santa, Is it too late to add something to my list?
Okay, that's it! I am adding a nice camera to my must-have-wish-list. I have a point and shoot digital that just doesn't cut it. I'm ready for a Nikon or Canon so I can shoot in manual mode and get my creative on. Check out the blog below to see examples of different shots. All of the shots that they show in the 'auto with flash on mode' look like my pictures. Ick.
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/12/snap-even-more-photography-tips/
I'm not sure why I'm having trouble with the link above. You may just need to copy and paste it.
http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2010/12/snap-even-more-photography-tips/
I'm not sure why I'm having trouble with the link above. You may just need to copy and paste it.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Falling in Love Again
I'm not sure what happened last month. I was all settled and cozy in this house and then decided that when it came time to buy, I wanted something different. Well I'm back to feeling like this house is truly home and the best place for our family.
So I've officially written my 2011 goals and #1 is Buy This House. Which of course means that #2 is Save Down Payment.
So I'm back to my dream book of remodel ideas. Because, although this is a great place and feels like home, I'm dying to get my hands on some paint and new flooring.
So I've officially written my 2011 goals and #1 is Buy This House. Which of course means that #2 is Save Down Payment.
So I'm back to my dream book of remodel ideas. Because, although this is a great place and feels like home, I'm dying to get my hands on some paint and new flooring.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
My First Mood Board
I created my first mood board, a fun, energetic dining room. I LOVE this program!
Kendall's first mood board. So easy a 7 year old can do it.
Kendall's first mood board. So easy a 7 year old can do it.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Isn't it funny how the universe works? I had just posted my last post about wanting a ranch-style, one level house when I found a house that just went on the market. I really shouldn't be looking right now. But it was just listed and it's darling! We go to view it on Sunday. I'm trying to be realistic and not mentally move in. But at the same time if I just visualize us living in the house....well you just never know.
So I've been stalking the house. Is there such thing as a restraining order for stalking a house? Not only am I stalking the house, but I've been redecorating the inside, even though I haven't even seen it except in pictures.
At the risk of other people stalking "my" house here it is:
I do know that the exterior is darling and the interior needs some updating. I love a project, or two, or three.
This is what I'm loving recently:
This cozy, elegant dining room from this great designer. http://jentrified.blogspot.com/2010/07/dallas-palace-is-done.html (just copy and paste it into your browser. I can't get my links to work)
These great built-ins to make the best use of a small space found here
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/the-grand-tour/
This ultra-glam beaded wallpaper for a stunning powder room from here
http://wallpaperweekly.com/?tag=glass-bead-wallpaper
There is more, much more. Oh the possiblities.
So I've been stalking the house. Is there such thing as a restraining order for stalking a house? Not only am I stalking the house, but I've been redecorating the inside, even though I haven't even seen it except in pictures.
At the risk of other people stalking "my" house here it is:
I do know that the exterior is darling and the interior needs some updating. I love a project, or two, or three.
This is what I'm loving recently:
This cozy, elegant dining room from this great designer. http://jentrified.blogspot.com/2010/07/dallas-palace-is-done.html (just copy and paste it into your browser. I can't get my links to work)
These great built-ins to make the best use of a small space found here
http://ourhumbleabowed.wordpress.com/the-grand-tour/
This ultra-glam beaded wallpaper for a stunning powder room from here
http://wallpaperweekly.com/?tag=glass-bead-wallpaper
There is more, much more. Oh the possiblities.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Conflicted
The home we live in now is not ours, we rent. The owner would like us to buy it but we are conflicted. He hasn't told us the asking price but we do know he is a bit upside down in the house which is probably the biggest reason we hesitate to mentally buy this place. I've put a lot of thought into it and here are my pros and cons:
Staying Here:
~No moving expenses
~No moving hassle (isn't that worth like a million bucks?!)
~We feel comfortable here
~We know what we would do to update the home, we've (okay, I've) got it all mapped out in my head.
~Land and space so we aren't crowded.
Moving:
~Land. I'm not sure I want to be responsible for almost 3 acres. And I kind of like living in a neighborhood.
~Less expensive options. Maybe.
~Less updating. Maybe. Although, for some reason, I am usually attracted to the ugliest house on the block and have lots of great ideas. This drives Dylan crazy.
~One level. I've wanted a one level house for a long time. The last three homes we have lived in have been two levels. I would like a spacious rambler.
Something along the lines of this!
Right now we are in a house that looks like this:
The house needs a ton of updates; all new flooring, walls moved, kitchen redone, bathrooms redone, light fixtures redone, exterior lighting installed. I could go on.
I tend to obesses about things. I'm trying not to obsess and trying to allow things to happen as they are meant to.
Staying Here:
~No moving expenses
~No moving hassle (isn't that worth like a million bucks?!)
~We feel comfortable here
~We know what we would do to update the home, we've (okay, I've) got it all mapped out in my head.
~Land and space so we aren't crowded.
Moving:
~Land. I'm not sure I want to be responsible for almost 3 acres. And I kind of like living in a neighborhood.
~Less expensive options. Maybe.
~Less updating. Maybe. Although, for some reason, I am usually attracted to the ugliest house on the block and have lots of great ideas. This drives Dylan crazy.
~One level. I've wanted a one level house for a long time. The last three homes we have lived in have been two levels. I would like a spacious rambler.
Something along the lines of this!
Right now we are in a house that looks like this:
The house needs a ton of updates; all new flooring, walls moved, kitchen redone, bathrooms redone, light fixtures redone, exterior lighting installed. I could go on.
I tend to obesses about things. I'm trying not to obsess and trying to allow things to happen as they are meant to.
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