tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90206145267170099952024-03-12T21:35:00.570-07:00Sagebrush RidgeIt all begins with homes that house a story...Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-63844654106847721482016-09-23T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-23T06:00:16.001-07:00Happy Fall<div style="text-align: center;">
Well hello strangers!</div>
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Sorry I have been absent for the last several days. I wasn't feeling well last week and this week life has simply caught up with us! </div>
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Miss K, our college sophomore, was just accepted and scholarshipped (is that even a word?, well, it is now) to do a summer exchange in London wit the business school. Six credits, 4 weeks, and we will probably extend it from there since we have family and friends of friends throughout Europe.</div>
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She always wanted to go abroad, and something tells me this is just the beginning. Proud momma right here :)</div>
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Miss H, our high school senior, finally landed herself a job. Employment under 18 is tough around here. So where will she be spending 15-20 hours a week?</div>
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Ha, World Market of all places. And Mom gets to use her discount. Fun shopping posts ahead, I am sure. </div>
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Well, its finally Fall and I have been slowly adding layers to our home, testing the furnace (and clearing out that <i>lovely</i> scent), and generally tending hearth and home.</div>
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No big fancy tours here, just insta snap shots :) </div>
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Hope you don't mind. Busy lives means cluttered homes.</div>
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I am so very thankful for it all...</div>
Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-68952954069621379482016-09-12T06:00:00.001-07:002016-09-12T06:00:10.518-07:00Decorating for the Season You Are In<div style="text-align: center;">
I am feeling a bit under the weather today. Which has lead me to sitting on the couch <i>thinking</i>. Reminiscing. And feeling a bit old. Am I the only one that gets sentimental when you are forced to sit still for a while?</div>
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Decorating for the season you are in...</div>
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I don't mean Fall, seasonal decorating is fun and an opportunity to let the creative juices flow. Its an excuse to change things up a bit, bring in, or take away, color, texture, and generally embrace what Mother Nature hands us. Not that many of us <i>need </i>an excuse :)</div>
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By season, I mean this moment in the timeline of our life, our personal, metaphorical tree. </div>
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The trunk - </div>
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When hubby and I were young and just starting out hand me downs, thrifted items, and road side finds filled our little studio. Paint and yard clippings were about all we could afford to make our space <i>ours</i>. </div>
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It spoke of our college years, and of joining two lives into one.</div>
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The first branches and leaves - </div>
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Then we bought our first house, furnished, and we made do with what was there, while blending in what we chose to keep from our college years. Tax returns were used for new sofas one year, and Pergo floors another. We balanced the very small "home" budget between home improvements and upgrading furniture. Very few of the things from that season of our life have survived my annual purges to today, but lots of memories were made. Our children were brought home to that little A-frame. First steps, first words, first days of school, and then first move. Lots of firsts. Lots of toys. Lots of love.</div>
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It spoke of our young family.</div>
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Growth and branching out -</div>
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The elementary school years were spent in a nearly new house in a new city, a new state... remodeling wasn't on our radar. We wanted to be able to give the girls our attention, make road trips with them, and concentrate on friends and family. But a funny thing happened. We didn't need to remodel, so we found ourselves decorating. This was the house where we found we could make it ours. We had the time, the energy, the funds. More than a decade later, we still have furniture, art, and accessories from that house. They survived the years, the moves, even the changes in design because we knew what we wanted and invested in it. </div>
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It spoke of us, our family's unique story.</div>
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Deeper roots - </div>
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The next ten years were spent setting deep roots in our community. The girls were involved in extra curricular activities, I was spending most of my time volunteering, hubby was building his career, we, the family, were building relationships, reputations, community. Our home reflected everything that meant. It was brand spanking new, a blank canvas ready to tell the story of us. It was ever changing because we were growing, evolving. We brought history with us, but a bright and exciting future too. The girls grew from late elementary school, through the awkward middle school years, and right into high school. The eldest graduated and said good bye to childhood in that house. The youngest found and over came adversity there. I rediscovered that I am a theater kid through and through, that my art didn't have to be relegated to just our home. Our home began its journey warm and cozy and was left to its next inhabitants light and bright. It evolved with us and served us well every step of the way. We loved that house and it loved us back.</div>
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It spoke of the past, the present, and the future.</div>
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Where does that leave us in this house? Saplings? Seed pods?</div>
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We downsized when we bought this house. We have one girl in college with a foot out the door and the other graduates high school this spring...also with a foot out the door. LOL We are on the brink of being empty nesters. <i>sigh</i></div>
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Our house journey has circled back to a house that needs remodeling, that needs a fresh lease on life. Which is kind of funny because we find ourselves looking forward in our timeline and not quite knowing where we go from here. Will we stay in this house for the next ten years? We are remodeling as if that were our plan. Or are we going to let the girls stay here to see them through their college and grad school years while we move on to build hubby's career in new cities? We chose a location close to the university that is conducive to exactly that. Or will this house become more of an investment property? Sell? Rent? We have kept the budget in line to turn a profit if that is the path we choose. We just don't know what the future holds. We are holding our collective breath.</div>
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In the mean time, we decorate for now. We kept nearly everything from our last, larger home. Its telling our story in a slightly new way. What we didn't keep was passed on to DD1's significant other for his first house. Ah, the circle of life. I think the hand me downs he got are better than ours way back when :) Some items, like our pine queen bed frame, were given to our daughters to use now and take with them when the time comes. I find myself holding on to things I would likely purge because I know DD1 is set to move out this winter and she will be able to use them. I don't <i>want </i>her to move out, but I relish the idea of creating a guest bedroom for the first time <i>ever</i>. I look forward to replacing a few chairs, maybe a sofa when they find themselves packed off into their new life.</div>
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It all speaks of change. And uncertainty. I feel like our home reflects that. The look isn't as cohesive as I would like, but neither is our life. Change is <i>hard</i>. </div>
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Thanks for listening to my sentimental banter. The photos are from our progress over the weekend in the dining room. Still so much more to do, but its good enough for now. My motto as of late.</div>
Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-34668950434110059362016-09-09T06:00:00.001-07:002016-09-09T06:00:01.584-07:00Dining Room Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
With the holidays just around the corner, the dining room is taking on a new focus. The entry is all set to warmly greet friends and family, but the dining room is anything but. It has a table and chairs in it, but we still need to add some storage to make up for the shortcomings that a smaller kitchen presents you with. Time to find some inspiration :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMplnuqaosSZ9f3B2FtTf0i9swpLAvf8_aXEUaUFRmH-bsjb-DlgMtckO0Ll6m5WGDwtwbpTEnGAbHJce4Wp_spB7y_EziKfkSaStVbJqdV-7MW6EM4quRACEnFbacDdW7zVEhGXGwSpWx/s1600/garland_3-nggid03257-ngg0dyn-800x460x100-00f0w010c010r110f110r010t010.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMplnuqaosSZ9f3B2FtTf0i9swpLAvf8_aXEUaUFRmH-bsjb-DlgMtckO0Ll6m5WGDwtwbpTEnGAbHJce4Wp_spB7y_EziKfkSaStVbJqdV-7MW6EM4quRACEnFbacDdW7zVEhGXGwSpWx/s640/garland_3-nggid03257-ngg0dyn-800x460x100-00f0w010c010r110f110r010t010.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
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Everything I wish this house could be. We have the floors and that's about it. Oh, and a fireplace :) There are some relevant take aways though. The french doors, the farmhouse table, the simple decor.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73GV4Hz42BYBqhlWzVl9jfqpvJCsEwbsvAwD5WozpVdvR6UQiglrX_5r6jwKtYPW3cXufxIF8DjqynK98ddA0NVhUz_qk6fDh4UaFnGTsCH2VSlRTaaSQQyaeXdc0FUxLdptPzj7uJqqT/s1600/BP_HFXUP208_Haire_dining-room_AFTER_1807_e_e.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg73GV4Hz42BYBqhlWzVl9jfqpvJCsEwbsvAwD5WozpVdvR6UQiglrX_5r6jwKtYPW3cXufxIF8DjqynK98ddA0NVhUz_qk6fDh4UaFnGTsCH2VSlRTaaSQQyaeXdc0FUxLdptPzj7uJqqT/s640/BP_HFXUP208_Haire_dining-room_AFTER_1807_e_e.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Our Fireplace looks almost exactly like this one, except we didn't paint the brick. It was a debate I lost :) Hubby doesn't feel too strongly about many house related things, except he wanted to keep the natural brick. So I let him have it. See, I am willing to compromise. :p<br />
We need to install a mantel and I like the simplicity of this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1ASlSTK5TlKfpLN9oc3mc7MviRtKYKvOkJ2j-3lHmYbDG_ZwH7nE4_vp96btgCZ-87EdPlXwqezBCFYrla4rBW-rPRdlnIcz712n81Q66KEElRajGt3w6NzPF_kK1PTmSTRmqp2pEhlc/s1600/d28991e1cabf7cf2913306a2be9e9cb9.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1ASlSTK5TlKfpLN9oc3mc7MviRtKYKvOkJ2j-3lHmYbDG_ZwH7nE4_vp96btgCZ-87EdPlXwqezBCFYrla4rBW-rPRdlnIcz712n81Q66KEElRajGt3w6NzPF_kK1PTmSTRmqp2pEhlc/s640/d28991e1cabf7cf2913306a2be9e9cb9.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Simplicity is good, but I LOVE these brackets. I <i>must</i> find a way to incorporate chunky metal into the fireplace mantel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbAXcdGOtTU8XofUGySO4F939_a_zOccwdaWKvyFcPG40pGWdGO8jP3P6PckSXmV-6MC92gft6YzkYdrpCyrtDxU4qhRMs_OXW3NtMO0pCQXaQFe-qptalvAIhxxhiOCLdmpM2Zqgq-zR/s1600/11b69931293e376aa2fb663a46f01a92.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbAXcdGOtTU8XofUGySO4F939_a_zOccwdaWKvyFcPG40pGWdGO8jP3P6PckSXmV-6MC92gft6YzkYdrpCyrtDxU4qhRMs_OXW3NtMO0pCQXaQFe-qptalvAIhxxhiOCLdmpM2Zqgq-zR/s640/11b69931293e376aa2fb663a46f01a92.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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This is awesome too. Oh, choices...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeek56QUmMQtoaq4rv8vhEUZGHirTBP4Ze_uOXuNGbK7XUAJl6tAjhy6_pi9CqDWUyE-egFSjjxX5XXh-Gex0YLVXt0a0WNxOquGnOZpDJf8aa95Mbvl0YMjwXCun_VueQsV8-_KNwJxap/s1600/5d409cde894873e6b62397bec461ec6f.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeek56QUmMQtoaq4rv8vhEUZGHirTBP4Ze_uOXuNGbK7XUAJl6tAjhy6_pi9CqDWUyE-egFSjjxX5XXh-Gex0YLVXt0a0WNxOquGnOZpDJf8aa95Mbvl0YMjwXCun_VueQsV8-_KNwJxap/s640/5d409cde894873e6b62397bec461ec6f.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Moving on...<br />
Tonal yumminess. Shiplap, farmhouse table with an industrial edge. French doors, and the chandy...<br />
All smiles here :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K2P33ZCzu4OIc4iunPxneeG11nw9ciOutpASLc6Wptmr-z4kA-7j_kbBV1y4GInwBVw6hyphenhyphenm_2XWdA3kRaxXPtdDugxk8gwRcqi3OY1B4uROKdWcFLramToNndORM4kijZzxFtlqvj3PA/s1600/6113f0cf196feee3a8fef266976b43a8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9K2P33ZCzu4OIc4iunPxneeG11nw9ciOutpASLc6Wptmr-z4kA-7j_kbBV1y4GInwBVw6hyphenhyphenm_2XWdA3kRaxXPtdDugxk8gwRcqi3OY1B4uROKdWcFLramToNndORM4kijZzxFtlqvj3PA/s640/6113f0cf196feee3a8fef266976b43a8.jpg" width="426" /></a><br />
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Now addressing the other side of the room.<br />
We need to add a storage solution since the kitchen is much smaller than we are used to and I refuse to have wall to wall, floor to ceiling cabinets. Although I love the look, shelves like this just won't work with the end of the wall being open to the central walkway. Not only do I see myself hitting my head, shoulder, knee, or whatever body part has the misfortune of being at the height of each of these shelves, but the beasts would take the bottom one or two out regularly.<br />
We don't baby proof, we DOG proof.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uXhqubCg2I7DHD3kPsUXVovH6zThj7nVRdgCRVFr-qDg9ccBIsgjvcSKw4kBk8jKZ_6JKK8YvSJo8GR2YQ_7F3efPiHEIS2mOz0AK4oiDZTdQo_6MWnL7OO9iyrUMZGdYhJteeyQrYY0/s1600/BP_HFXUP103H_70s-Redress_dining-area-detail-113143-278651_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uXhqubCg2I7DHD3kPsUXVovH6zThj7nVRdgCRVFr-qDg9ccBIsgjvcSKw4kBk8jKZ_6JKK8YvSJo8GR2YQ_7F3efPiHEIS2mOz0AK4oiDZTdQo_6MWnL7OO9iyrUMZGdYhJteeyQrYY0/s640/BP_HFXUP103H_70s-Redress_dining-area-detail-113143-278651_h.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This would work better.<br />
Lower cabinets would hide the majority of the not so pretty kitchen items, and the coffee bar idea is spot on. No need to keep the Keurig in the kitchen, less countertop clutter.<br />
Hmmm, I can see hot chocolate bars at Christmas, and tea service all winter. I have a collection of old gallon mason jars that my Mom gifted me years ago that would make a pretty amazing pantry display. Not to mention the hubby's collection of growlers and single release beer bottles from a few of our local micro breweries.<br />
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A lot of ideas to ponder, and of course, the budget looms over every project. The dining room is our next room to work on. It may not be completely done before the holidays, but it will find a point of good enough to see us through the end of the year.<br />
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Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-11329207108345035202016-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-07T06:00:09.168-07:00What is THAT for?<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cGQ2xyJA4T87fEFNXxIvF2Y3phkFgHNmYb41CcrkLAYeEXeT1DB6VRBxcWCBVwAvlOEh1yr4Z787fhH9kn7ESq1of7A9c-Ytrx-kEA_YiVvJZkTASNZlr6M8zykggGrnV4JWSvOXcYkQ/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3cGQ2xyJA4T87fEFNXxIvF2Y3phkFgHNmYb41CcrkLAYeEXeT1DB6VRBxcWCBVwAvlOEh1yr4Z787fhH9kn7ESq1of7A9c-Ytrx-kEA_YiVvJZkTASNZlr6M8zykggGrnV4JWSvOXcYkQ/s640/IMG_2693.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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See that nook at the end of the entry? Beyond the stairs, nestled in the side of the brick fireplace? Does anybody know what these were originally intended for? I'm stumped.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK2iVonuTxdRi1nZ66pQE2eHVTIspYCJ0MKcXUhFSrp67nIPSCEcjF1J6AtA6HJ3cBhY5VLN9BBbPkVTjiya5fEePBSc2oM7J0IWemtsd-VxZQx6daN8KJZtWo-xfaaO3cHamJNbQxSJY/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXK2iVonuTxdRi1nZ66pQE2eHVTIspYCJ0MKcXUhFSrp67nIPSCEcjF1J6AtA6HJ3cBhY5VLN9BBbPkVTjiya5fEePBSc2oM7J0IWemtsd-VxZQx6daN8KJZtWo-xfaaO3cHamJNbQxSJY/s640/IMG_2664.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Every man that has entered this house without exception has wanted to make a fire in there just to see if they could. Men...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88Z3XFG08fp8WQ1w9ry50x1q5qHZMm4iF8tUWJrVjajaVNIjZ65wlHwJsGBzHvZZ_pBQ_HV2T4YXG8x9cGXQQ4Vy35c7mS1rL7vK4wRVRgVoyQbvmUdsnGoP964Mf9Z_Aaon_HYw0IWon/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88Z3XFG08fp8WQ1w9ry50x1q5qHZMm4iF8tUWJrVjajaVNIjZ65wlHwJsGBzHvZZ_pBQ_HV2T4YXG8x9cGXQQ4Vy35c7mS1rL7vK4wRVRgVoyQbvmUdsnGoP964Mf9Z_Aaon_HYw0IWon/s640/IMG_2670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a slightly different use. Bar carts may be all the rage, but with 300 pounds of dog running around the house its not realistic to think something freestanding stocked with breakables is going to be a good idea. You know what I mean? So we turned an otherwise useless area into something fun. Its the perfect spot between the dining room and the kitchen. I think it adds to the charm of this central column of brick. What would you have done with this space? I would love to hear your ideas. Goodness knows this doesn't have to be a permanent solution. I am all ears :)</div>
Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-19906725958085644542016-09-05T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-06T09:24:39.499-07:00A Light and Bright Welcome<div style="text-align: center;">
Come on in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5ohJM2JmLaR0nrtMcexmlEZY6Te0VD7YqVrAvRJLtAAWAd3C2iGpjiIQh5m49Wvy1xSZFpAaqLl0mKfyu9j2WVmtD0-GPW3mN2wcqgqIkG1k5fglo3xgTCpiLeSDC_KwdvOatp9jB8KD/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5ohJM2JmLaR0nrtMcexmlEZY6Te0VD7YqVrAvRJLtAAWAd3C2iGpjiIQh5m49Wvy1xSZFpAaqLl0mKfyu9j2WVmtD0-GPW3mN2wcqgqIkG1k5fglo3xgTCpiLeSDC_KwdvOatp9jB8KD/s640/IMG_2678.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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You know when you have a vision, but you aren't quite sure if its all going to work out the way you hope? This was one of those projects. It was just such a horrible mess of a space when we started. Maybe even the ugliest part of the house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEua_jKVq7Eh0Yqvg_iNYRIxw9QDhnYskrHjq9KvyiSY-q1fxTXojOawE8cgsmnR8At0jCGeIK1LX8uucM6DrkG-L9E6lPq2rmuL_DMHVsFMSulJ0_aHREQbDhpnkybGsyWl-28Z9wx3B/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEua_jKVq7Eh0Yqvg_iNYRIxw9QDhnYskrHjq9KvyiSY-q1fxTXojOawE8cgsmnR8At0jCGeIK1LX8uucM6DrkG-L9E6lPq2rmuL_DMHVsFMSulJ0_aHREQbDhpnkybGsyWl-28Z9wx3B/s640/IMG_2223.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Ugh. I was so tired of looking at this. Obviously, we had already removed the closet and widened the pass through to the living room. It was even worse before that work was completed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADuzYJXUMKNnZD5RT2r18C2s2GY-6Qv6J4YsgTW66hpvLedK-S-62fbePhPb70vLRJ0LaL8M5K1bgubPt3NcyzEvSkNxJp43VFkUCnoXKMFwTHw73OKgtRDoy8nbWJDGbfJJ8gXXulxNL/s1600/IMG_2682.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADuzYJXUMKNnZD5RT2r18C2s2GY-6Qv6J4YsgTW66hpvLedK-S-62fbePhPb70vLRJ0LaL8M5K1bgubPt3NcyzEvSkNxJp43VFkUCnoXKMFwTHw73OKgtRDoy8nbWJDGbfJJ8gXXulxNL/s640/IMG_2682.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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Now? I am officially in love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucMLbiQuwCyVXZvmg1AoQ-Ck2dFZbpS0fWFfFvHFMcXW41meNUOzO8NmnMXf6ycrmL-sLybbYqhLpuLb8SHAXHa4GZ9L4cgcLupeUNQ7J1xn_cmkufu3ldBaTF-JB0g2gsyPXnpPDZOaZ/s1600/IMG_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucMLbiQuwCyVXZvmg1AoQ-Ck2dFZbpS0fWFfFvHFMcXW41meNUOzO8NmnMXf6ycrmL-sLybbYqhLpuLb8SHAXHa4GZ9L4cgcLupeUNQ7J1xn_cmkufu3ldBaTF-JB0g2gsyPXnpPDZOaZ/s640/IMG_2693.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Yay for husbands that do demo and floors and doors. Can I get a hip, hip, hooray for the floors? Such a drastic improvement throughout the house.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w1DvTN1bTFcYslwVTBxtZHLCkFUnXjdzEKLZdw2DphCdi0pNMNrh-z34slpuc1xQuvvdmoo1igrlTB9-IBrCSZ6z3x2elg7W7UJr8kxrctSrR1Pqp74_DTTFgEPdrJ2oLB8S83Y2Muno/s1600/IMG_2687.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3w1DvTN1bTFcYslwVTBxtZHLCkFUnXjdzEKLZdw2DphCdi0pNMNrh-z34slpuc1xQuvvdmoo1igrlTB9-IBrCSZ6z3x2elg7W7UJr8kxrctSrR1Pqp74_DTTFgEPdrJ2oLB8S83Y2Muno/s640/IMG_2687.JPG" width="480" /></a><br />
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And the additional natural light? Oh my.<br />
There were a few mishaps along the way. Aren't there always? But the end result?<br />
All so very well worth it. Can't wait to decorate this space in all of the season's to come.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek6douK_yrYwz4ZoLv8cKgTwiCLEx4wYgUE8ZClxMvWErJAzrx1vcDIuAuqlxpBSU0Ttn-u3K5LLW0uvUTc8hyphenhyphency3i7ak4dwRE7oL9aELqMNmi0V74e10stVibHFHuyjV0KdmkngPrDbd/s1600/IMG_2692.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgek6douK_yrYwz4ZoLv8cKgTwiCLEx4wYgUE8ZClxMvWErJAzrx1vcDIuAuqlxpBSU0Ttn-u3K5LLW0uvUTc8hyphenhyphency3i7ak4dwRE7oL9aELqMNmi0V74e10stVibHFHuyjV0KdmkngPrDbd/s640/IMG_2692.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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A spot for guests' jackets as the weather begins to turn in a few weeks. Crazy to think snow isn't really all that far off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcink0IxgbhPDyd-VkU42H1r-mcX0fWJ1IGgqvHJ3Mn9rM_y2fxaYRup-6nRhXeE9enXNEMUhQcpJU_iG2UJ-D5XgSILBcSLiZDCkMqrX6frICJjkHFedc1lkNbakioxS7yrs6bsUxCnR/s1600/IMG_2685.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcink0IxgbhPDyd-VkU42H1r-mcX0fWJ1IGgqvHJ3Mn9rM_y2fxaYRup-6nRhXeE9enXNEMUhQcpJU_iG2UJ-D5XgSILBcSLiZDCkMqrX6frICJjkHFedc1lkNbakioxS7yrs6bsUxCnR/s640/IMG_2685.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the view as you come down the stairs, which got a simple update of their own. I am happy to report the carpet in the before photo is GONE! Is there really anything worse than carpet on stairs?! We found solid wood underneath. Yay for small victories.</div>
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And so I leave you at the end of this long weekend with glimpses of a few other spaces in our home that are slowly coming together. I hope you enjoy your extra day!<br />
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Joining up<br />
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<a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="TDC Before and After"><img alt="TDC Before and After" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-82062982874621059742016-09-02T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-02T06:00:00.177-07:00Curb Appeal Begins at the Front Door<div style="text-align: center;">
The Entryway is coming along nicely. When I left you on Wednesday I told you that the new front doors were already in. That left a bit of a mess on the outside of the house. What an awesome opportunity to refresh the front door area. We aren't ready to tackle landscaping yet, nor are we ready to deal with residing this thing. In the mean time, we can help this little 45 year old house greet visitors and passerby with a bit of a warmer smile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4dNJjs9Fnt3-XKgWWGwMYZDbI43MGnYPFzhUWcl7DUH6sezmgggHfK_oxZC43q5vvO1kdHIVxSLuotc-xFe2IpRxmAjoKK0kawU7IqZWB5Ep2tZPBAyIBU_VkyKQz_lfZAkFt-KTH2ja/s1600/IShn1sq7ffn4so1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4dNJjs9Fnt3-XKgWWGwMYZDbI43MGnYPFzhUWcl7DUH6sezmgggHfK_oxZC43q5vvO1kdHIVxSLuotc-xFe2IpRxmAjoKK0kawU7IqZWB5Ep2tZPBAyIBU_VkyKQz_lfZAkFt-KTH2ja/s640/IShn1sq7ffn4so1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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BEFORE</div>
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Sigh, so much work to do. New concrete, new garage doors, new siding, refreshed landscaping, all of those things will have to wait. The front door was an aesthetic issue from the interior, so that area got a little love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEKng20D_H8n5XhCF9V26hbB2Gdj-NMV_zndMYf5vTgWLWaDBT89LHmkKPxh7rZokcDJWm1k-jtYrhfufTHFQ-7JqrdlWOXQoLXzniVHdS56XKMNpdJQ9DWcX9uoUlvRY4e_T2HshvIbu/s1600/IMG_2678.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEKng20D_H8n5XhCF9V26hbB2Gdj-NMV_zndMYf5vTgWLWaDBT89LHmkKPxh7rZokcDJWm1k-jtYrhfufTHFQ-7JqrdlWOXQoLXzniVHdS56XKMNpdJQ9DWcX9uoUlvRY4e_T2HshvIbu/s640/IMG_2678.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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AFTER</div>
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Welcome to our home. </div>
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New doors, new trim, new porch light, relocated house numbers.</div>
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SO much better. Cleaner, updated. As we roll into cooler weather I will add potted flowers for some color and life and someday there will be a porch across the front (that is when we will address the flashing below too), but for now, she greets everyone just a little bit nicer.</div>
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Happy Friday everybody. I will be back on Monday with a reveal on the otherside of that door.</div>
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<br />Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-21940931748062910692016-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-01T06:00:14.681-07:00August Wrap Up<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I the only one that feels like August was a complete whirlwind? As much as I am enjoying the waning days of summer, I can honestly say I am looking forward to the coming change in seasons. Fall is my absolute favorite time of the year :)</div>
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This last month was a big one over here, including my return to blogging after a few <i>years </i>hiatus.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf_X2h1djFB-iuMGFSlCZZAi0mMcp9PnLazShazpQt8fSQiDydsHerfdm4XDRQKjkDqhGG7tMbtqyjjCLUFUFTbF6sc8LqGI-WvJ6v4y2LwTGmJwLfddGGibXZpIqZXPhj3QsvQUdnx8l/s1600/IShn1sq7ffn4so1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf_X2h1djFB-iuMGFSlCZZAi0mMcp9PnLazShazpQt8fSQiDydsHerfdm4XDRQKjkDqhGG7tMbtqyjjCLUFUFTbF6sc8LqGI-WvJ6v4y2LwTGmJwLfddGGibXZpIqZXPhj3QsvQUdnx8l/s640/IShn1sq7ffn4so1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I shared the real estate photos of our new to us house.</div>
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<a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-few-years-later.html">Exterior</a>, <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-before-pictures.html">Downstairs</a>, <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-house-tour-continues-upstairs.html">Upstairs</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZjNHCJjcbMXaEpuHd8MFwifIGOor6ZcxLVmgDCt2gr13TGim2ig28rQv8npPxwPQHWkJB2lbNTRIfDMShgXzsGAyIb2ZYLOY6tByVD8LJ2geouNZuk3q1Vosa8UHv5tSupfOgPJRAyZ0/s1600/59b300e57d9374084ed61e01aba71c91.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZjNHCJjcbMXaEpuHd8MFwifIGOor6ZcxLVmgDCt2gr13TGim2ig28rQv8npPxwPQHWkJB2lbNTRIfDMShgXzsGAyIb2ZYLOY6tByVD8LJ2geouNZuk3q1Vosa8UHv5tSupfOgPJRAyZ0/s640/59b300e57d9374084ed61e01aba71c91.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
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Then I shared some <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/kitchen-inspiration.html">inspiration</a> for our kitchen remodel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4l25BADIH4s9OWHs9ETHJaszyu9Y6vJaoed2gkolqsmE__EGdotzZzk6rFCUfXouc-usJuWp-4oZou0KHSshUMlwyyofQ4eGSDb_bKsoaWq1CPYIml3GQLUC_7DjIxArp3mKW2E8yApc/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4l25BADIH4s9OWHs9ETHJaszyu9Y6vJaoed2gkolqsmE__EGdotzZzk6rFCUfXouc-usJuWp-4oZou0KHSshUMlwyyofQ4eGSDb_bKsoaWq1CPYIml3GQLUC_7DjIxArp3mKW2E8yApc/s640/IMG_2646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And some small reveals, like this industrial inspired <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/industrial-brick-wall.html">wal</a>l.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y9092-6tgEFlWmP0cx9B_Cp7eCzc5vZ5Y1j3HBAU1Y1NUIJfBZHRf9SEmHBdy-nWAqrQjZVB_1wg0MT3BbH4dyZGYgBoJDnABZOq40LfM0eLnVhe6aIM8OoKVCI6wVSzRcOFlqTRCVCX/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y9092-6tgEFlWmP0cx9B_Cp7eCzc5vZ5Y1j3HBAU1Y1NUIJfBZHRf9SEmHBdy-nWAqrQjZVB_1wg0MT3BbH4dyZGYgBoJDnABZOq40LfM0eLnVhe6aIM8OoKVCI6wVSzRcOFlqTRCVCX/s640/IMG_2647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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and the <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/shiplap-backsplash.html">shiplap backsplash</a> that had been a detour from what </div>
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we really should have been working on...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWERaU13kSzFqZQbP2lVV5C99FJv8fwb9ZroIzk4NR4XRtaEGFDdrKRowE4buTxMZCMl0KnNUS6mLDxBpQAgG831I5aHOPElzB6AY-ZPb5QnOmdFvWV03mVXZ1rfJHNJH1I_CKZbtHYVgT/s1600/IMG_2210.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWERaU13kSzFqZQbP2lVV5C99FJv8fwb9ZroIzk4NR4XRtaEGFDdrKRowE4buTxMZCMl0KnNUS6mLDxBpQAgG831I5aHOPElzB6AY-ZPb5QnOmdFvWV03mVXZ1rfJHNJH1I_CKZbtHYVgT/s640/IMG_2210.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/adventures-in-flooring.html">new floors</a>. Thank the heavens above for husbands. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Og3thKplIeSWJv5LK2ZuJhkP5hGfF9AZJI9xkF_bmZnjSQlH8PxznNjUXf9t2Qi3JoP4YgoX84kRXI9t__GPHL5Wpw2tZNBB8eHzZTHfK7LX78-IJEWjwFyh3DPxBEqhTlJN1imWLAwG/s1600/anissa+entry+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Og3thKplIeSWJv5LK2ZuJhkP5hGfF9AZJI9xkF_bmZnjSQlH8PxznNjUXf9t2Qi3JoP4YgoX84kRXI9t__GPHL5Wpw2tZNBB8eHzZTHfK7LX78-IJEWjwFyh3DPxBEqhTlJN1imWLAwG/s640/anissa+entry+rug.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, we said good bye to August with some eye candy that <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/entry-inspiration.html">inspired the entry makeover</a> :)</div>
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Can't wait to show you! Happy September. Now, I feel like I can break out some Fall decor.</div>
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Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-63173160538447724192016-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:002016-08-31T06:00:26.209-07:00Entry InspirationThe floors are done! Downstairs. Upstairs? That is a future project. The carpet is new and neutral enough to serve until we finalize our plans for the second level. Now we are moving on to the entryway. The first impression of our house is anything but appealing, inside or out. The entry way may be the only impression someone gets of the inside of your home. And its certainly first for everybody you allow past the front door :P I want our entry to give a sneak peak of the rest of the house, yet stand alone as a slightly more formal space. Time to seek some inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jW3w_-1EfFT-4ngXZJv7v-clXJ85CQEY2me6Qq_g7k6ZKztODCZnWmLpSn7UtdOWN6C7WPV9A0UC-6ETCCb_uGzHwpS0_1FhFf9CHabLeUJXpP2H2CDOujDpmzBA2tXzim6BE-DHvuTJ/s1600/West%252BBeach%252Bhouse%252B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jW3w_-1EfFT-4ngXZJv7v-clXJ85CQEY2me6Qq_g7k6ZKztODCZnWmLpSn7UtdOWN6C7WPV9A0UC-6ETCCb_uGzHwpS0_1FhFf9CHabLeUJXpP2H2CDOujDpmzBA2tXzim6BE-DHvuTJ/s640/West%252BBeach%252Bhouse%252B%25282%2529.jpg" width="497" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mollyfreydesign.com/#/west-street/">Molly Frey Design</a></div>
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I love just about everything in this entryway. The door allows so much light into the space, the crisp white woodwork keeps it fresh with just a touch of formality, and the light wood console table brings in some warmth. Realistic for our space?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI2cmZ8gn_b1nxOZ2K0p8S0BZIllmxD7EtILqnFEmlaTo2k33logWr-RQ3_tUefaQ4HVymqxVlY3SEKVaZhMaZ2qZp1mWd5fEVs_FEtKf-gqWY8YquOuuSVzsFaVyfeAhvP3T3cC_D7tG/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqI2cmZ8gn_b1nxOZ2K0p8S0BZIllmxD7EtILqnFEmlaTo2k33logWr-RQ3_tUefaQ4HVymqxVlY3SEKVaZhMaZ2qZp1mWd5fEVs_FEtKf-gqWY8YquOuuSVzsFaVyfeAhvP3T3cC_D7tG/s640/IMG_2223.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Probably not.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4gRWR9Kyn3T7iy23RXuG5q-PjsLCvH-OaYl_fo0KasTm90jA87KHWTGl6r_fs1_za2VVlPwzUfWwWXpOX9MWuMNcJm82WYd8gE0O85fO8gFwkbRP5GrevgbYIn8LauKzZ9YxvxwzqZvS/s1600/Jenn-Sue-After.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4gRWR9Kyn3T7iy23RXuG5q-PjsLCvH-OaYl_fo0KasTm90jA87KHWTGl6r_fs1_za2VVlPwzUfWwWXpOX9MWuMNcJm82WYd8gE0O85fO8gFwkbRP5GrevgbYIn8LauKzZ9YxvxwzqZvS/s640/Jenn-Sue-After.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2012/02/reader-redesign-welcome-home-makeover/">Young House Love</a></div>
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No we are talking :) Again, the windowed door allows for natural light, that we are clearly in desperate need of. The white board and batten lends just a touch of modern farmhouse to the mix. The grey walls add some contrast. A few hooks for storage... we might be in business. Now that the old coat closet is gone, we have room for a console table too. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSM3-BNKt2j5D7xHoPnRBHojsx6pb345mI0zQ6_M4Fc47FPZD6_tJXbrHA0qNkwA4fCgkr2-s-StRUv-vDUSgD4Eo-qVw5ncb53VMm6ywuqxHh0qeC19dBIwERNurTGJ7AFESnaMZOgKt/s1600/anissa+entry+rug.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSM3-BNKt2j5D7xHoPnRBHojsx6pb345mI0zQ6_M4Fc47FPZD6_tJXbrHA0qNkwA4fCgkr2-s-StRUv-vDUSgD4Eo-qVw5ncb53VMm6ywuqxHh0qeC19dBIwERNurTGJ7AFESnaMZOgKt/s640/anissa+entry+rug.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mysweetsavannahblog.com/2015/03/house-touranissa-from-house-seven.html">My Sweet Savannah</a></div>
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More like this. I also like the additional horizontal board and no top ledge to interfere with art. I have a large piece my grandmother painted before I was born that is destined for the wall above the console table. That painting is so very much a part of who I am and my story. I can't wait to give it a stage to show it to the world. My little slice of the world anyway.<br />
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That addresses the wall on the right, but we also have the widened entry into the family room that we need to liven up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9Ge6spvosrIWsyVkAVvcVcrCEocFC1wBcckgr-OEtZTu2wX1HxOKJ-h09xY32-Ee7-ivgnGJ5sOMdbcuIdr2Q7xboIdhFADrvKLDaoYEOeqp4ql6dpVFL6hKobOA_y7-ihRo9JVAAePa/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9Ge6spvosrIWsyVkAVvcVcrCEocFC1wBcckgr-OEtZTu2wX1HxOKJ-h09xY32-Ee7-ivgnGJ5sOMdbcuIdr2Q7xboIdhFADrvKLDaoYEOeqp4ql6dpVFL6hKobOA_y7-ihRo9JVAAePa/s640/IMG_2221.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The new floor covered the evidence at ground level, but the wall and ceiling aren't looking so great, even with the drywall patch job. I have plans to add sliding barn doors on the family room side of this opening. I have wanted to add them to our home long before they were popular...2005? And this house with its modern farmhouse meets industrial feel lends itself to it perfectly. Problem. No where to actually attach the hardware.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_t9RVWKcUE2ZOYrUuU8UFozX2qoqiIxYRlZ1TVNdwPwh1AVcQkx5uq_mYHIwCzsWlkYXlBs1U87yLZaTPhJN71mytnW8kndbceFC-WFKUz90tToOOclvVEo4cWW0UgQS8SOFW44qHCqx/s1600/fd85e96b19438883eda96f5dfb4b8a37.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis_t9RVWKcUE2ZOYrUuU8UFozX2qoqiIxYRlZ1TVNdwPwh1AVcQkx5uq_mYHIwCzsWlkYXlBs1U87yLZaTPhJN71mytnW8kndbceFC-WFKUz90tToOOclvVEo4cWW0UgQS8SOFW44qHCqx/s1600/fd85e96b19438883eda96f5dfb4b8a37.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thewhitebuffalostylingco.com/creating-faux-wood-beams/">The White Buffalo Styling Co.</a></div>
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Ah, a solution to our problem. Nothing like rustic wood yumminess to start adding some charm. So, french entry doors, white board and batten, rustic wood beams, and grey upper walls. A little rustic, a little refined. And lots of opportunity to introduce the overall feel that we want in this house, a place to begin telling our story.</div>
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In full disclosure, the board and batten is nearly done, the doors are in, just the faux wood beams to go. I think we all know how I am going to spending my next few days :) </div>
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Happy Hump Day!</div>
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Floors. I think they are the number one item that can make or break a house. If done well, they lay an awesome foundation to work from. If chosen poorly, well, you'll be fighting them every step of the way in your decorating journey. The original owners had quite the mishmash of flooring downstairs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5_KGDvFWmBp6tTyq_lXwv_OEZkIH3WXPNi9C7oK8FVCvI-XaZYnswp7Qmv-CggPSi6J0GEgi6xZ8sJzgxSXHw1w7GuyD73AfU7H2NV3pdgQhWuzXQtexIdpG4-VLNbbwIa32m29YWG9e/s1600/IS5moro4q2also1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5_KGDvFWmBp6tTyq_lXwv_OEZkIH3WXPNi9C7oK8FVCvI-XaZYnswp7Qmv-CggPSi6J0GEgi6xZ8sJzgxSXHw1w7GuyD73AfU7H2NV3pdgQhWuzXQtexIdpG4-VLNbbwIa32m29YWG9e/s640/IS5moro4q2also1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Inexpensive, red toned laminate in both rooms on either side of the kitchen.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7mhAEW4gJaqJZVcFkqnIaQcp_8zTJTUaNBBNS2NyIQ9cXHd-uOP7bDu-5B7ghi8ls3iv3ldzJ5UPeKtITVcwW0mfGjPxSlP5zjmrk9NvydDYKHflWBsUE4aoHJLLZOuoiSyFXOZnJ5jh/s1600/IS1bx3qu6z6aso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7mhAEW4gJaqJZVcFkqnIaQcp_8zTJTUaNBBNS2NyIQ9cXHd-uOP7bDu-5B7ghi8ls3iv3ldzJ5UPeKtITVcwW0mfGjPxSlP5zjmrk9NvydDYKHflWBsUE4aoHJLLZOuoiSyFXOZnJ5jh/s640/IS1bx3qu6z6aso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And slate<i>?</i> look alike vinyl in the kitchen and entry hall.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98lNqhkV2stOr6HdHYvq3A55hzpyt34Xf752QiXwS0CoX_0fGg-6kz-CppUpdRUahDsyd612Hwg-CX5YneVgG2FAN2POArYyXYur1FI9JQG5GSx2QWmJ9EcsjbMnP1caRg11rDOXToU7b/s1600/ISt4vr7o2rycso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98lNqhkV2stOr6HdHYvq3A55hzpyt34Xf752QiXwS0CoX_0fGg-6kz-CppUpdRUahDsyd612Hwg-CX5YneVgG2FAN2POArYyXYur1FI9JQG5GSx2QWmJ9EcsjbMnP1caRg11rDOXToU7b/s640/ISt4vr7o2rycso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To complete the mismatched theme, they finished the living room in something we affectionately called the duck sh*t brown carpet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAqSP_Z72eAIc-6Vi2IqOzxP3Og_Ge2w-9PurQWOcZEQrvCZGyPNfgzVeH3VFW0I5yv8UadEH3bOB2VvNQmP8oNYZwey7BHRcfbrTirITQY-nOU3VBqq1TEhw4dvDX3cdkuqAzoEkfRs0/s1600/IS5ytr5qq5kb2q1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAqSP_Z72eAIc-6Vi2IqOzxP3Og_Ge2w-9PurQWOcZEQrvCZGyPNfgzVeH3VFW0I5yv8UadEH3bOB2VvNQmP8oNYZwey7BHRcfbrTirITQY-nOU3VBqq1TEhw4dvDX3cdkuqAzoEkfRs0/s640/IS5ytr5qq5kb2q1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The quality was fine, but this room is dark enough. No need to make it worse with the carpet that was surprisingly close to Pantone's <a href="http://www.pantone.com/color-finder/448-C">Ugliest Color</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE4Mh9vnH8YrkgMO_Er7Z2Mg0XMRr9rWeAYUXv5b5vd2V_c1tTbnChddFIPkmlD6KB58qWvuXCyl_WcfdGp7UG5oNwSjfKQANBZULIUw-PJan9LLEJJAMDkN4uWbq95a0LfPTFLRJdox_/s1600/1464045784-syn-edc-1464022582-ugliest-color.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE4Mh9vnH8YrkgMO_Er7Z2Mg0XMRr9rWeAYUXv5b5vd2V_c1tTbnChddFIPkmlD6KB58qWvuXCyl_WcfdGp7UG5oNwSjfKQANBZULIUw-PJan9LLEJJAMDkN4uWbq95a0LfPTFLRJdox_/s320/1464045784-syn-edc-1464022582-ugliest-color.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I kid you not, in real life the carpet was THAT color!<br />
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It all felt discombobulated and we were fighting to find ways to work with it, even<br />
on a temporary basis. The brick fireplace might be the main focal point<br />
for this house's design, but the floors will set the overall tone.<br />
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See that narrow opening and closet to the left in the picture above? We needed to address that before we could put down the new floors.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5XvWeuezi0SyDt3Vumm1Z7kGfZAZ3378LFBceEhgSmdBp1YqSDuhnxpTZJ8l_ai6kuXR_XMPLwIa2ZOaEpERCB2qiWvJ-RAdJtYNnBHY4tjXoKLGmxV9Xh44Hf1bmOvVkUF29Hzk7BuU/s1600/IMG_2221.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5XvWeuezi0SyDt3Vumm1Z7kGfZAZ3378LFBceEhgSmdBp1YqSDuhnxpTZJ8l_ai6kuXR_XMPLwIa2ZOaEpERCB2qiWvJ-RAdJtYNnBHY4tjXoKLGmxV9Xh44Hf1bmOvVkUF29Hzk7BuU/s640/IMG_2221.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Ahh, the dark dungeon of an entry after we removed the closet and about thirty inches of wall. Now the opening is centered on the living room. I have dreams of barn doors here. I wanted barn doors long before they were an interior design thing. Our home in 2004 just begged for them between the living room and den. Alas, we sold it in 2007 having never made that upgrade, mostly because the hardware was all but impossible to find. Fast forward a decade or so and I may get them yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DMK9YLv18QlhoI3Ml-tqVd_2i1pqGwkkjVDxIgqT1vXotHMtMA3WHi1jrllFl8-rK_zwFqr73gncCdTlXqebpuio-hGy6CTiESEgYlw4zNJpZRBrjtQ3RxnTaNJLsTQv82G3rbM9qcTE/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DMK9YLv18QlhoI3Ml-tqVd_2i1pqGwkkjVDxIgqT1vXotHMtMA3WHi1jrllFl8-rK_zwFqr73gncCdTlXqebpuio-hGy6CTiESEgYlw4zNJpZRBrjtQ3RxnTaNJLsTQv82G3rbM9qcTE/s640/IMG_2222.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The work in progress view from the front door. This area started off almost claustrophobic. You practically ran into the hall closet as you walked in the front door.<br />
Nothing says Welcome to Our Humble Abode like running smack dab into a wall, shutting the door and feeling like you're locked in a closet!<br />
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Now we have some breathing room. And a lot of drywall work ahead of us. And a new door, please, somebody send me a new door!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2RhNsF_tV_Lx_6b7l9BEhU6Susww1dcXLAJ4LjQK4hpWmK5BJ8mt0TF6cB1eDYBm3bFdzctzcfC2XPjlCMRPXTbyDMQXNQBuHdxMFMZ0OlTYPDyxUTmemh-CjRdPNqtF5_7Dy1wUrtY0/s1600/IMG_2223.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2RhNsF_tV_Lx_6b7l9BEhU6Susww1dcXLAJ4LjQK4hpWmK5BJ8mt0TF6cB1eDYBm3bFdzctzcfC2XPjlCMRPXTbyDMQXNQBuHdxMFMZ0OlTYPDyxUTmemh-CjRdPNqtF5_7Dy1wUrtY0/s640/IMG_2223.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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We stripped the vinyl out and found what was probably the original linoleum from<br />
when the house was built in 1970. Its still a cave :(<br />
Notice the carpet on the stairs? That is what we have upstairs. Its not horrible,<br />
so we will live with it, for now.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1_h_1t9NmCTxf1u037pspMwLTuDw1nrJ56ke_rst8iSFCV-agS_BaA1yXwO5dUM4ruTmRi__5pb4YF9iiRmY_mW84O9mbYGU5i2CDfyhTsVGOicByIFQyHXqKQE3TtI2-5j2ZwlDMrtG/s1600/IMG_2210.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1_h_1t9NmCTxf1u037pspMwLTuDw1nrJ56ke_rst8iSFCV-agS_BaA1yXwO5dUM4ruTmRi__5pb4YF9iiRmY_mW84O9mbYGU5i2CDfyhTsVGOicByIFQyHXqKQE3TtI2-5j2ZwlDMrtG/s640/IMG_2210.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Hubby and the boys are getting it done! Our original plan was to put in the wood look tile, but our subfloors weren't nearly level enough. Plan B, a higher end, textured laminate. It is water resistant if installed correctly and nearly indestructible. Muddy paw prints are a thing in this house. No getting around it with nearly 300 pounds of doggy love.</div>
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Until next time...</div>
Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-61725749832285996462016-08-26T06:00:00.000-07:002016-08-26T06:00:23.080-07:00Shiplap Backsplash<div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Friday! I am so ready to go play this weekend! Kind of the last hoorah before Miss K heads back to college and Miss H starts her Senior year. My baby will be graduating in nine short months. WOW!<br />
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This is where we left off last time. I found some time to restyle these guys, keeping it functional, but pretty. The rest of the kitchen remodel will have to wait, because we have an entryway to widen, closets to remove, drywall to patch and then floors to install. </div>
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Remember? </div>
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Floors? ...</div>
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Squirrel!</div>
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Yeah, well, never mind. This happened instead. Bye, bye silly 6 inch granite black splash, hello shiplap. The original inspiration was subway tile. Once we really started seeing all the kitchen parts and pieces come together we had to make some decisions. One of those decisions involved the sink wall...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGxQkPpMofHUxwHY01_QujqtP_hs9PcFOo4flmT8lN6F4CKg_Z8qiyd6tJVLq7qSB3u2Mk5B-_f5DJbGqU38C5gNUu96xg5hArSaNluLq1LSG4hVilBe0nBQxFYZ9Va8qNUJfHNUsFxRi/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGxQkPpMofHUxwHY01_QujqtP_hs9PcFOo4flmT8lN6F4CKg_Z8qiyd6tJVLq7qSB3u2Mk5B-_f5DJbGqU38C5gNUu96xg5hArSaNluLq1LSG4hVilBe0nBQxFYZ9Va8qNUJfHNUsFxRi/s640/IMG_2119.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ahh, the before...</div>
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We need more natural light, plain and simple. The upper cabinets are gone, so a larger, pass thru window is on the agenda. I told you I had plans for that extra granite slab from the other side of the kitchen. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyLlpPPlRvSpSv1yRWZG-gF-NGgMiTx_NSeDvHJFtHXoprRepDCOG-gookO9k9G8nsnTH_mAwsXL-6VhRdKUghofG93PjW0zsMKqBWNOshNPCuFhPtcmiWbpcVNiv9G32iiQRft2m3Ujx/s1600/kitchen-pass-through-patio-fold-down-window-deck-with-built-in-bar.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyLlpPPlRvSpSv1yRWZG-gF-NGgMiTx_NSeDvHJFtHXoprRepDCOG-gookO9k9G8nsnTH_mAwsXL-6VhRdKUghofG93PjW0zsMKqBWNOshNPCuFhPtcmiWbpcVNiv9G32iiQRft2m3Ujx/s640/kitchen-pass-through-patio-fold-down-window-deck-with-built-in-bar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It won't be nearly as fancy, but you get the idea. The entire back wall of the house will have a deck, and this pass thru window concept will be part of our design. That project may not happen for another year or so. In the mean time, we needed to do something with the walls. The drywall is original to the house and while its structurally sound, it isn't pretty. Shiplap fit the bill perfectly. Cheap, easy to install (and rearrange later), and it continues our desire to add charm to the box.</div>
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Getting there, slowly but surely. The shiplap adds dimension to an otherwise boxy room. The whole area feels just a bit more expansive. I think the subway tile would have been too repetitive next to the brick wall. Don't you?</div>
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Back to the fridge wall, notice the original granite slab is now replaced with butcher block? That's the slab that will go outside when we get around to the window project. Waste not, want not, right?</div>
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But, we still have so much to do here. The upper cabinets need to be blocked in all the way to the ceiling and we have trim work to do at the bottom of the cabinets. I didn't want outlets cluttering up the shiplap, so I had hubby install electrical underneath, which meant we needed to cover the wiring. We decided to continue the ship lap up and under for a seamless look. Now it all needs trimmed, and then the cabinets can be painted too. This side will be the same white as the backsplash.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5r6bvBMEm-IS0SMUL3YoWh5ieiD2ohKfsoxQQrw8g0qy7nD5au1EsMtCYXIc-HmgYSR_bH7DX5M9T-9j2RoK8fcO74AErtuFOIy03OgXUuLY6BmgJkEmJvAWYsP1icDL48nGWwg-q2ja/s1600/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5r6bvBMEm-IS0SMUL3YoWh5ieiD2ohKfsoxQQrw8g0qy7nD5au1EsMtCYXIc-HmgYSR_bH7DX5M9T-9j2RoK8fcO74AErtuFOIy03OgXUuLY6BmgJkEmJvAWYsP1icDL48nGWwg-q2ja/s640/FullSizeRender+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And this side will be a grey tone from the stone. Have Mentioned how much I love the slide in stove with the new shiplap? It almost feels seamless. A few IKEA shelves to hold everyday cooking necessities help keep the clutter at bay. A note on using these IKEA brackets... Standard lumber doesn't fit, there is a gap, but stair treads fit perfectly. All you have to do is rip them to size on your table saw. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4YIYtvOJqpnJBuhGfFNc6PVLaLw4cMS4fhMV_RA02E36yUme4Qw-VD2ckZYrcbYR-UYr8D39EqFB9nHH_pLBYbr4fVFrGmd6uP9Ayg0arHiJYcpX13oHuGDceGtzgVcjhvQj7K2HVhFi/s1600/IMG_2647.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4YIYtvOJqpnJBuhGfFNc6PVLaLw4cMS4fhMV_RA02E36yUme4Qw-VD2ckZYrcbYR-UYr8D39EqFB9nHH_pLBYbr4fVFrGmd6uP9Ayg0arHiJYcpX13oHuGDceGtzgVcjhvQj7K2HVhFi/s640/IMG_2647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ahh, a better after :) </div>
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Reminder to self, do a post on your appliances because you really do love them!</div>
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So, this is where the kitchen is at, we really did move onto floors next. :)</div>
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Enjoy your weekend!</div>
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Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-25329747292593681392016-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:002016-09-09T10:27:27.155-07:00Industrial Brick Wall<div style="text-align: center;">
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The kitchen has always been the heart of our home. Its where we spend most evenings. When the girls were small, it was about after school cookie sessions. As they entered their teen years, the focus shifted. Friends and Food. We even have a sign :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB79x3um_DN1ZGQ_y_-4q_aG2A_EFkwC1K81C0K4DlY0GPyXsk7ZlFkpM3rCaVRSh6LKvWxGQL2dAHNpkrnKE9k1k3pPsM81fu54syhXsPsqg65SZ25S10vLpWudhpL0Jm0PmsvLRxme1N/s1600/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB79x3um_DN1ZGQ_y_-4q_aG2A_EFkwC1K81C0K4DlY0GPyXsk7ZlFkpM3rCaVRSh6LKvWxGQL2dAHNpkrnKE9k1k3pPsM81fu54syhXsPsqg65SZ25S10vLpWudhpL0Jm0PmsvLRxme1N/s640/FullSizeRender+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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New house, new kitchen. Its still the heart of our home. A smaller heart, but no less important. Its been a challenge to go from a rather large kitchen, with a huge central island, dining nook, and massive pantry to a 12 by 12 room surrounded in basic cabinetry. First world problems, I know. The flip side of smaller is that you have opportunities to tell your home's story more succinctly. This brick wall is the perfect example of that story telling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczbld74Ek14RXxMVAj9J5TdbXH1_dn-bMO6hRb6XojxJ6MAw-WhjcCEOtAHUJjKzWenWvV7NKO5RtPG9Ss11Dm2A4TBBT4zWwMB8WvBoB0OYqs-2Elzew4a8Twzxg9q4J6FN_2XF6iBon/s1600/IMG_2154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczbld74Ek14RXxMVAj9J5TdbXH1_dn-bMO6hRb6XojxJ6MAw-WhjcCEOtAHUJjKzWenWvV7NKO5RtPG9Ss11Dm2A4TBBT4zWwMB8WvBoB0OYqs-2Elzew4a8Twzxg9q4J6FN_2XF6iBon/s640/IMG_2154.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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When we first saw the house, hubby and I were both drawn to the real brick fireplace. Not just the fireplace itself, but the backside of it in the kitchen. It became a focal point to begin adding character to this otherwise 45 year old track home. Focal points are important.</div>
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A reminder of its location. All of these appliances are gone, upper cabinets too. Breathing room! But, we still need storage. And character :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNe42MECePpZDB0HSBwrVP3c2Khc1-Mn4plrJ7-69IYP4yDBsZoamxmDEvlGz6O2TkH7xkL00EqKZXU0cPqGqLGHTepZAkgbILaAAzq3rVxsxgIQ4Pnp3SdcqwD9oPQgh_WXuTprTNiFv/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNe42MECePpZDB0HSBwrVP3c2Khc1-Mn4plrJ7-69IYP4yDBsZoamxmDEvlGz6O2TkH7xkL00EqKZXU0cPqGqLGHTepZAkgbILaAAzq3rVxsxgIQ4Pnp3SdcqwD9oPQgh_WXuTprTNiFv/s640/IMG_2155.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, Hubby got to work. Drilling into 45 year old brick is no easy task. After this photo we decided that a diamond tipped drill bit was going to be the only way to go.</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKnFjpKkeBV0eZQTy8M6GsUQS706mt6CnF2GMK7usnikvgaWSF3Uerbyi4f5slt5LNCneYfQpJmBskgMXMNsv9e0FtKFTIgQg5Sgqf40k5LMENE1ist-lysrFvweJ7yPMcKqNn3AfBr7P/s320/d2f1595d-9dfd-4934-b413-fb74ec36411a_400.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1-4-in-Diamond-Plus-Mini-Hole-Saw-49-56-0505/204994400">Home Depot</a></div>
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About $20 later and we were in business!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wN_4ps-gERL4ziboBv57Cdz6YXfUj5sBfuJr0DCgPDxLgGPpUbnA7TzKJlzlhifRou_Zv-CpDHPTcVZ__kvgEh1EYk6nUJJMryKilth3EB_Xkh5zTFHUdHR2mGRwUb3SEcmDs2fXpMw7/s1600/IMG_2159.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wN_4ps-gERL4ziboBv57Cdz6YXfUj5sBfuJr0DCgPDxLgGPpUbnA7TzKJlzlhifRou_Zv-CpDHPTcVZ__kvgEh1EYk6nUJJMryKilth3EB_Xkh5zTFHUdHR2mGRwUb3SEcmDs2fXpMw7/s640/IMG_2159.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Its a dirty job. A spray bottle of water to help keep the bit cool was an absolute necessity, but man, did it make for a gunky, sloppy mess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo82w1kHef-63upa-72PNPDfnH6b3xe_o9PWBqX-i5XBq8uuo5p_f93-TECRnDF9uMOIRZye75qdl99nfudEXW4pVokzR6VzwmdVvbPc8cRVJSio1VnjyJ9_8_VQv9aqxZHxMCsrUeuaY9/s1600/IMG_2160.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo82w1kHef-63upa-72PNPDfnH6b3xe_o9PWBqX-i5XBq8uuo5p_f93-TECRnDF9uMOIRZye75qdl99nfudEXW4pVokzR6VzwmdVvbPc8cRVJSio1VnjyJ9_8_VQv9aqxZHxMCsrUeuaY9/s640/IMG_2160.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Progress. Ignore the beer, its the small things that keep him motivated :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdnFX4cmi3F8CgsBK1pOfgka44lf1R4o_gc2rYkDDH4G-kKBFMeNINP3IV45UTkLwuiLE8Uwyotx87XzD3-mQDTvrEWAV1C3OpOrR5xHrKj66DD6qA7dSCHuxKmvCRznYt-xLQE1IeeRr/s1600/IMG_2161.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdnFX4cmi3F8CgsBK1pOfgka44lf1R4o_gc2rYkDDH4G-kKBFMeNINP3IV45UTkLwuiLE8Uwyotx87XzD3-mQDTvrEWAV1C3OpOrR5xHrKj66DD6qA7dSCHuxKmvCRznYt-xLQE1IeeRr/s640/IMG_2161.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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By the end of the evening, this is what we had. The shelves still need stained and properly styled, but its progress. Amazing what a few plumbing/gas line pieces, some stock lumber, and an afternoon of work can create. One of these days, the entire kitchen will come together. For now, we are calling it good enough and moving on to opening up some walkways before laying the new floors. Fun times!</div>
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Update: All done! Can't wait to style these in the seasons to come :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fHALCDEj2cMQ8YAi2r5i7GUE5pM5UZc_cKDMckppJvqZ-hYBspMoRImv7mKCOx6ynHyM8DVlE0tfpGBVuKgXL0F0nX7KS36bGs5UePKxua4aZE-yxc47T4T00y60MW9q90jxT7TgZumH/s1600/IMG_2646.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2fHALCDEj2cMQ8YAi2r5i7GUE5pM5UZc_cKDMckppJvqZ-hYBspMoRImv7mKCOx6ynHyM8DVlE0tfpGBVuKgXL0F0nX7KS36bGs5UePKxua4aZE-yxc47T4T00y60MW9q90jxT7TgZumH/s640/IMG_2646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Sharing</div>
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Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-18467451599934355802016-08-22T06:00:00.000-07:002016-08-22T06:00:00.208-07:00Kitchen Redo In Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziB-sU3F4tJJjXeINWiUdsB4zo2xA6AG52QMl-hU7Tx3pAmFitwyIzO8EvzFvqGTv72V_8m4Hwj2BvX96A9Fzl2TA1Jw1-N9zT9D2jSV-tydQuxkV0KCOK9wl0EPpOLczwau1bHaOYI5v/s1600/IMG_2115+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjziB-sU3F4tJJjXeINWiUdsB4zo2xA6AG52QMl-hU7Tx3pAmFitwyIzO8EvzFvqGTv72V_8m4Hwj2BvX96A9Fzl2TA1Jw1-N9zT9D2jSV-tydQuxkV0KCOK9wl0EPpOLczwau1bHaOYI5v/s640/IMG_2115+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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A small celebration the evening we closed escrow. When we decided to purchase a new house, we didn't realize that the market was going to be so insanely hot. I can't tell you how many properties we looked at and before we could even make an offer, they were in escrow. It was crazy. Then we found the perfect fixer upper in an awesome neighborhood, not too close but not too far, at a fantastic price. Then the inspections came in. Fungus, carpenter ants, might have to rebuild the entire front wall of the house...yikes! The owner was unwilling to negotiate and we ran, scared that our budget couldn't handle fixing the necessary issues let alone make it into the home we wanted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmeN6Cphak_-l9p2w0eIbiOp9-su7hHzcJgSWJT89hLSDQKhmWPQOXVRIe3VPSerPyFkieqvWRyqjkRUqY8EdB3dVsL7UEj7KSnOTNQObK8nsq4UJNm2K104QwPHmvgqLx7rgxIajvHnE/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmeN6Cphak_-l9p2w0eIbiOp9-su7hHzcJgSWJT89hLSDQKhmWPQOXVRIe3VPSerPyFkieqvWRyqjkRUqY8EdB3dVsL7UEj7KSnOTNQObK8nsq4UJNm2K104QwPHmvgqLx7rgxIajvHnE/s640/IMG_2118.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back in the hunt. Grrrr...</div>
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Nothing else in that neighborhood was in our price range and fit our needs. We didn't really want to live in a different part of town. Sigh...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BaXEewy1RzqiVHYGR4uZyiN5VvBhVn_-PJ8h2Rnp5Au47eg8tMCs7ax4Bq3hToSUTbX9lOtmaYABChBF332aHuTvBHYj3ialq-XUg8dS-ElfAbRSFzWNxx578IdVVichCK4NtOucmkMX/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-BaXEewy1RzqiVHYGR4uZyiN5VvBhVn_-PJ8h2Rnp5Au47eg8tMCs7ax4Bq3hToSUTbX9lOtmaYABChBF332aHuTvBHYj3ialq-XUg8dS-ElfAbRSFzWNxx578IdVVichCK4NtOucmkMX/s640/IMG_2121.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We sat down as a family and had a heart to heart. Do we stop looking? or Do we reset our expectations? We decided to reset our expectations. We began looking closer to the University, where Miss K would be spending her next 4 to 5 years, and Miss H was likely to follow two years later (that is next year BTW!!!).</div>
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We refocused and stumbled across this little guy. 1878 square feet, three large bedrooms, big yard, mature trees, and just enough character that it piqued my imagination. So much potential to be such a cool little house during this stage of our lives. The photos I have been sharing are a day or two after we moved in. Please excuse the iPhone pics, its all I had available to me. At that point we were still split between the two houses and I was lucky to find anything except the bare essentials. </div>
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I despise moving, but we did finally start to settle in. </div>
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Settling in means projects :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NeMJU9_7m_Gz-3eCoWj7nt8V1LmOsvClpb3SBJXOlqLa_kFHmZhbQZVOPD-yT4BBwdZX-SpgMRcbITJrj9CN7SbBF3nmK-O0HFRX_xbS3tsvcqeF1hnIjtYGeais6WS2Z5wRtFfmGVtV/s1600/IMG_2149.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NeMJU9_7m_Gz-3eCoWj7nt8V1LmOsvClpb3SBJXOlqLa_kFHmZhbQZVOPD-yT4BBwdZX-SpgMRcbITJrj9CN7SbBF3nmK-O0HFRX_xbS3tsvcqeF1hnIjtYGeais6WS2Z5wRtFfmGVtV/s640/IMG_2149.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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New appliances were delivered and that meant we had to move cabinets to accommodate the new counter depth fridge. Which meant the granite on that side had to go. I have future plans for that slab. It is sitting in our garage waiting for its next job description.</div>
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And then this happened on the other side. I swear I didn't touch it. Come to find out, it was attached with two tiny little finishing nails :( </div>
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So...</div>
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Out it came along with all of the paper cabinets in that corner. Already, it was feeling so much more open.</div>
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Next up? A fun project for the brick wall. Pretty and functional, what more could a girl ask for?</div>
<br />Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-88501764332957650292016-08-19T06:00:00.000-07:002016-08-25T13:05:08.084-07:00Kitchen Inspiration <div style="text-align: center;">
Now that you have seen where we began we can begin to share where we are headed. While I certainly like to give a house a few months to speak to us, give us its opinion on who it wants to be as we fill it with our story, I also have this compulsive need for it to begin that journey immediately. I am not fond of living with it until I know exactly what we want. So, we made some pretty big decisions early on, like, before escrow even closed early on.</div>
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First up, the kitchen. A reminder of where we started at close of escrow.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXdcDRPS0hThv7cL4aNtRT4aGwBE6sq8EPsa3bANXf99szBbN7h4X9jjPqTYZeARjHVoy5m30elJek-HCNysaKl4Kb6k913zR3nT04w9c7nv4UZG4FdB-wjRFV5axmTwZ2CFRDaT8i9PR/s1600/ISt4vr7o2rycso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXdcDRPS0hThv7cL4aNtRT4aGwBE6sq8EPsa3bANXf99szBbN7h4X9jjPqTYZeARjHVoy5m30elJek-HCNysaKl4Kb6k913zR3nT04w9c7nv4UZG4FdB-wjRFV5axmTwZ2CFRDaT8i9PR/s640/ISt4vr7o2rycso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Its not <i>bad</i>, just not us. We knew we didn't want to completely gut it. The cabinets and the counters were practically new. The lighting and appliances had to go, as did the 6 inch backsplash. Its a much smaller space than we were used to so we knew we needed to open it up, but we couldn't move either wall and certainly not the brick fireplace. Off we went seeking inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUDzhLxPArzWuGI8lQbGcIkGsfPZroUIZPIlk1J2I4QGWosqardHckoFAuKBRtkY1GijZY68XLBYbfnPrhRwGPsym2X6aIQndiFAJNPyQj2sD2zvFEGS9RvltIUUdpD66bvv-YnFQROz1/s1600/kitchen-2-600x906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkUDzhLxPArzWuGI8lQbGcIkGsfPZroUIZPIlk1J2I4QGWosqardHckoFAuKBRtkY1GijZY68XLBYbfnPrhRwGPsym2X6aIQndiFAJNPyQj2sD2zvFEGS9RvltIUUdpD66bvv-YnFQROz1/s1600/kitchen-2-600x906.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.thenester.com/2016/05/our-ikea-kitchen-almost-3-years-in.html">The Nesting Place</a></div>
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Serious stove envy here! I also love that its an IKEA kitchen, but it doesn't feel like it because they took the time and effort to add custom details. Also, not a single upper cabinet in sight! Its functional and pretty. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmbfutM5Q8m2ofkVrXQ9X-oV_o4STGXiahN-gNykPol88HJq8eULhFxz-LYQTOpZFZiiT7BUr3jvXvYv7krsl0dRgErc5u_FhSvKxa4b3cpCDgg9c88DDfvM40_R8RCT_TI5JEoTPwqOc/s1600/5581f-img_2881.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmbfutM5Q8m2ofkVrXQ9X-oV_o4STGXiahN-gNykPol88HJq8eULhFxz-LYQTOpZFZiiT7BUr3jvXvYv7krsl0dRgErc5u_FhSvKxa4b3cpCDgg9c88DDfvM40_R8RCT_TI5JEoTPwqOc/s1600/5581f-img_2881.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.jennasuedesign.com/2014/04/kitchen-chronicles-the-reveal/">Jenna Sue Design</a></div>
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We love the two toned cabinets, the open shelves, and the backsplash all the way to the ceiling. On the other side of the room, she added texture and additional functionality.<br />
On the cheap, in a good way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA-Gf0EC8QrrQmLWjDi16_9X801dBmM7L5d11-nf6O_nr8bfweDFfOCkuveE441b8p71XLSHqCqbZtexc3elA33ZEwDZtj3enuHnDyk-TBvWmIIF5HsufQLM1j3FYLcHfL6ya1gQlJJx2/s1600/46833-img_2889.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghA-Gf0EC8QrrQmLWjDi16_9X801dBmM7L5d11-nf6O_nr8bfweDFfOCkuveE441b8p71XLSHqCqbZtexc3elA33ZEwDZtj3enuHnDyk-TBvWmIIF5HsufQLM1j3FYLcHfL6ya1gQlJJx2/s1600/46833-img_2889.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.jennasuedesign.com/2014/04/kitchen-chronicles-the-reveal/">Jenna Sue Design</a></div>
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Open shelves, simple cabinetry, and a rustic countertop all add up to pretty function with minimal expense.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yoBZQPr9pB_27vD9RIBK-hgGT5Q76esYecHypyegsST7cHJnisRsF6Aik-K8M8PymOxfNBEnaq8jeKfGcAjS1NOkJZBi1M2hzNWSXXedI9Z16ayCQTXmlsPv2UbBV_EBx95sFqMUot4w/s1600/59b300e57d9374084ed61e01aba71c91.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yoBZQPr9pB_27vD9RIBK-hgGT5Q76esYecHypyegsST7cHJnisRsF6Aik-K8M8PymOxfNBEnaq8jeKfGcAjS1NOkJZBi1M2hzNWSXXedI9Z16ayCQTXmlsPv2UbBV_EBx95sFqMUot4w/s1600/59b300e57d9374084ed61e01aba71c91.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here the brick gets center stage. And those windows...definitely need more light in our humble space.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihK0z7fSKQHkX1Su9JqT_Syvm2P0Ym87zyab6jcbj9fAkExaRfAI23tr33FEOdxVEoe5ugVWQNI31HKGrgqXmV5I_PwXiTgWEXkp0HeLTrJDSxW5JU0zW1FpsXB0ewpYWV-CN4NALqM7ao/s1600/81a4433e044b29e54bb0b9a5cafd6def.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihK0z7fSKQHkX1Su9JqT_Syvm2P0Ym87zyab6jcbj9fAkExaRfAI23tr33FEOdxVEoe5ugVWQNI31HKGrgqXmV5I_PwXiTgWEXkp0HeLTrJDSxW5JU0zW1FpsXB0ewpYWV-CN4NALqM7ao/s1600/81a4433e044b29e54bb0b9a5cafd6def.jpg" /></a></div>
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More brick goodness. There is a part of me that kind of wanted to paint the brick, but hubby very strongly said NO! He doesn't usually voice his opinions, so when he does I tend to accommodate. He loved this. A more industrial look it is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVZMExkdz98wBrMA8zFJdRx91PATySjDt9gK6oC0jhQysZN8nFCjLRe0EOLmOdwmbNC43i_5yqs5S0Wsp_5ZqVNqozWEdsge0YO38X1ZufY8gFoQM5XKVSJgAhPjubmNR4oGPyyUAoeu-/s1600/31e47eb3514db47b1cd7555b9a02cc6f.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVZMExkdz98wBrMA8zFJdRx91PATySjDt9gK6oC0jhQysZN8nFCjLRe0EOLmOdwmbNC43i_5yqs5S0Wsp_5ZqVNqozWEdsge0YO38X1ZufY8gFoQM5XKVSJgAhPjubmNR4oGPyyUAoeu-/s1600/31e47eb3514db47b1cd7555b9a02cc6f.jpg" /></a></div>
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And that lead us to this sort of look. No upper cabinetry over the main counter areas, lots of natural light, cool overhead light fixtures, exposed vent hood, two toned cabinetry, etc. We knew we were putting wood floors throughout the first floor, so that would warm things up a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFlx_IUa7WWvhssMVtiESLp1N7LVykau0CXMXhQpxdDmx3Ahl47RWZnf_8DtAYdrl1-DND6bOIlWyaeCZrIVqKUpvOIxAPitJlr_ANwuc-IsuiqIB24luqQuj_F7n_LYQIjoCQdMv5dAv/s1600/6af7a4662cbd6d71a65b6233cf772086-2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFlx_IUa7WWvhssMVtiESLp1N7LVykau0CXMXhQpxdDmx3Ahl47RWZnf_8DtAYdrl1-DND6bOIlWyaeCZrIVqKUpvOIxAPitJlr_ANwuc-IsuiqIB24luqQuj_F7n_LYQIjoCQdMv5dAv/s1600/6af7a4662cbd6d71a65b6233cf772086-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://thezhush.blogspot.com/2015/04/home-tour-west-village-townhouse.html">The Zhuzh</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaBEtxO5DkyOuu7iAFPByaz2iP0QEnA685LQQbPNJ7_d-TZ8BEF3fAP5CMXBZfU0fsu9b764naVZkdxDQ9_qLIQmis-e3ULt-4sZfuFrbOFKDauNHFy-tmz8crRzTVePh-p-x7aAIpJU9/s1600/eb0a677713d5247e7d17e44370f445f1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghaBEtxO5DkyOuu7iAFPByaz2iP0QEnA685LQQbPNJ7_d-TZ8BEF3fAP5CMXBZfU0fsu9b764naVZkdxDQ9_qLIQmis-e3ULt-4sZfuFrbOFKDauNHFy-tmz8crRzTVePh-p-x7aAIpJU9/s640/eb0a677713d5247e7d17e44370f445f1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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House Beautiful</div>
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But we also really liked the idea of bringing in some rustic wood tones a little higher. The forged iron brackets on the brick, yummy ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5boW6w6tWe-jXbNYycZArj7zvkYoruWrqqzb6k83Ch0PsngP3yF9o63Ol8O64nqiLP5otONyPo-wRGhScypdkljWGLDIhRhyphenhyphenvhSNJkrXkE7lZdwy_e2Vw6wm4MRXII6peiMvDEbHPYNh3/s1600/4f6619f36861a13c767b0f2bef6fb364.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5boW6w6tWe-jXbNYycZArj7zvkYoruWrqqzb6k83Ch0PsngP3yF9o63Ol8O64nqiLP5otONyPo-wRGhScypdkljWGLDIhRhyphenhyphenvhSNJkrXkE7lZdwy_e2Vw6wm4MRXII6peiMvDEbHPYNh3/s1600/4f6619f36861a13c767b0f2bef6fb364.jpg" /></a></div>
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We also have the issue of the other side of the kitchen. The granite counter isn't going to work when we move the fridge to the other end. IKEA to the rescue! The look is coming together. Implementation time!</div>
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That wraps it up for today. Happy Friday! See you next week :)</div>
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 71px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7759px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 71px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 7759px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-40673703508193973852016-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:002016-08-17T08:00:34.692-07:00The House Tour Continues UpstairsHappy Hump Day! Halfway to Friday :)<br />
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Here's the view that greets you at the top of the stairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CgYfw2Z60rImdAk7MVslJGSvWq4sH-zPu5w6JLHuLjcCVh3cToVEgWPxLhWGl_jHTwJQHPY-Df1QNIufcpRTYpZzMYhXYBNc2jPkUIUyZWbomvLiXjU5g2_AhW1Duxiv42sy9qp7srsZ/s1600/IShfnrm6ehvj2q1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CgYfw2Z60rImdAk7MVslJGSvWq4sH-zPu5w6JLHuLjcCVh3cToVEgWPxLhWGl_jHTwJQHPY-Df1QNIufcpRTYpZzMYhXYBNc2jPkUIUyZWbomvLiXjU5g2_AhW1Duxiv42sy9qp7srsZ/s640/IShfnrm6ehvj2q1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Inspiring huh? The linen closet already has a fun new washer/dryer combination machine in it and the stairs are mid makeover. The two doors lead to the girls' bedrooms. Their shared bathroom is to the right, and our Master Suite is directly behind the camera. Not much of a landing/hall, but it does its intended job.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ScAlI0OoS1MnnPB27FMD-Sm2u6BR0QAq3BUQOD279Gnxt10sPA3u60wp2TIfa-x9JVuorpjVDP-cyjzb0viCf-vrQOw09w66P0ig0Ce0zuMfEQsdVUh7IOAOXHL6aK841c3V0kU-dqJG/s1600/IS1rd3585y4zso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ScAlI0OoS1MnnPB27FMD-Sm2u6BR0QAq3BUQOD279Gnxt10sPA3u60wp2TIfa-x9JVuorpjVDP-cyjzb0viCf-vrQOw09w66P0ig0Ce0zuMfEQsdVUh7IOAOXHL6aK841c3V0kU-dqJG/s640/IS1rd3585y4zso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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First up, the bedroom on the left. Its a bit smaller than the other, but has a walk in closet. Miss K claimed this one as hers the first time we viewed the house. The picture doesn't do the size of the room justice. She has our old queen size bed in there, a full dresser, and a desk with some room to spare.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxohoeg5KWVhYJ0XjQIwwiCjo0sRv32WDOXdpuhoYZfYqohXEV6ZiKNbgiXOC3avzU_wKv1fOybMTUAGWemf1J7Pu_i77Cc-gEsABcKVlyPX5ITI84ybHi_62BdZkWpX46qBBuBlgECtB/s1600/IStkbrm11qw1to1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxxohoeg5KWVhYJ0XjQIwwiCjo0sRv32WDOXdpuhoYZfYqohXEV6ZiKNbgiXOC3avzU_wKv1fOybMTUAGWemf1J7Pu_i77Cc-gEsABcKVlyPX5ITI84ybHi_62BdZkWpX46qBBuBlgECtB/s640/IStkbrm11qw1to1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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To the right we have Miss H's room. No walking closets here, but tons of space! A queen bed, an L shaped desk, a couple of small dressers and our old TV armoire fill this space. Storage for this artist was paramount and she got it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ueYo1vCgp2HHxOB-r6EglX5GuncJTklWi9Iv6jNC_JsSiBKkATAlvmD74AavFzPc-KLUAInRjgXouklyFxswWFKWBF5UbOQBLZ7giN6VcmRW3kHYP9OMGP8DhpfCV5dNPp6Pn1myKcd-/s1600/ISle9f4vwho4to1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ueYo1vCgp2HHxOB-r6EglX5GuncJTklWi9Iv6jNC_JsSiBKkATAlvmD74AavFzPc-KLUAInRjgXouklyFxswWFKWBF5UbOQBLZ7giN6VcmRW3kHYP9OMGP8DhpfCV5dNPp6Pn1myKcd-/s640/ISle9f4vwho4to1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The bedrooms might be a nice size, but the bathroom seriously lacks. Its pretty enough, I guess. Pretty boring. Eventually this will be a walking shower and have double sinks, but for now a few fun accessories brought some personality to the space. Something else to be patient for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCrmbO1f0vlTr4SseRo9cVEdsG9PYmkYuuJUMvvaCNK7bucs7rwiEpbTw24anaViJyvODqOs3PIrljrQmJxbOCdIzyJZvrOuRU0d82LEk3A7E_rioh-6pmLjVTK7Ikn2G_81hByB5Ls2W/s1600/IS9xffne96dwso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCrmbO1f0vlTr4SseRo9cVEdsG9PYmkYuuJUMvvaCNK7bucs7rwiEpbTw24anaViJyvODqOs3PIrljrQmJxbOCdIzyJZvrOuRU0d82LEk3A7E_rioh-6pmLjVTK7Ikn2G_81hByB5Ls2W/s640/IS9xffne96dwso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Speaking of small bathrooms... This is the illustrious Master Bath. Its even smaller than the hall bath. Go ahead, ooh and ahh. I know you are green with envy. Again, not bad. Its certainly serviceable, but for a girl that had separate his and hers sinks, a walk in shower and a tub, well, its a bit of a bummer. But we have plans! Unlike the hall bath where the size is what it is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccQonnnqj1TJm-Xdfe2esDbEAnVYRU5VwoQy_rHaJMqpmEyaSURq5dyWlYIcMcr_cejY_IgoKmaPK_UUhyqWqofQWU97p3OF5f3t_TQsAOU6PaxWmdrNK_mrU-5luPvVlQTVA0McCP0xZ/s1600/ISp9k3orhmtqso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccQonnnqj1TJm-Xdfe2esDbEAnVYRU5VwoQy_rHaJMqpmEyaSURq5dyWlYIcMcr_cejY_IgoKmaPK_UUhyqWqofQWU97p3OF5f3t_TQsAOU6PaxWmdrNK_mrU-5luPvVlQTVA0McCP0xZ/s640/ISp9k3orhmtqso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The cubby hole that they call a closet is going to be our savior. Hello double vanity, walking shower, and soaking tub. Money and time, money and time...my two DIY nemesis.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5omGkXE9aLHFuXo9jCAEDbXRTwOtMioSDt4GWEeHi1UQhMYbTYuEG19-rvOsXMta-8ugPZrkd6D9B1te0rGrjTl0Vw6ZGnURwrb87wKjlgr04dWR6bjXIj6R2QBROrPSS-qoE5zRPlH0/s1600/ISxfmf6ylu1oso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5omGkXE9aLHFuXo9jCAEDbXRTwOtMioSDt4GWEeHi1UQhMYbTYuEG19-rvOsXMta-8ugPZrkd6D9B1te0rGrjTl0Vw6ZGnURwrb87wKjlgr04dWR6bjXIj6R2QBROrPSS-qoE5zRPlH0/s640/ISxfmf6ylu1oso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Through those doors is the best part of our Master Suite.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlls7vO3jatOWGtHDT-rNGez_HCJqkhplC4OcAauS2k157VfJQQsLaRdrIGhBENrSRMKkwTzjR1wDlYKLqt0WnPWjlaFSZgJGC7sfZiA1h8GVINNoQ2Dk40V_e2mMNYt9ecstqLU-rgYIP/s1600/ISh3ir5ldeltso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlls7vO3jatOWGtHDT-rNGez_HCJqkhplC4OcAauS2k157VfJQQsLaRdrIGhBENrSRMKkwTzjR1wDlYKLqt0WnPWjlaFSZgJGC7sfZiA1h8GVINNoQ2Dk40V_e2mMNYt9ecstqLU-rgYIP/s640/ISh3ir5ldeltso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Can't wait to make this the awesome outdoor space that I have envisioned. We are getting there. Other than the laundry area that we created at the top of the stairs, this is the only area we have really done anything to upstairs. The public rooms and the yard have been our priorities and probably will continue to be as we head into our second year in our new home. Oh the stories it can already tell :)<br />
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How long did you live in your home before it all started to come together?<br />
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<br />Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-13608889056244296322016-08-15T08:00:00.000-07:002016-08-15T08:09:04.274-07:00The Before PicturesNew houses...always full of so much hope. A blank page waiting for a new story. Friday, I shared the MLS photos of the <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2016/08/a-few-years-later.html">outside of our home</a>. Today its all about the inside. These spaces have been given the majority of our attention since we closed escrow in September 2015. Let's wander through shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xw20cmwqJIyYGn93x-xNzpap908dTQ6-GxKUgRg6b1pQXir568WemUuvmUoFb8Hq0t7ooL6GZpUWuCO5JyA1B0w5HlxqJxlBmTEmJITwc4TYq6HbjUxug43mmvS8C-cKMGXICjCZJNon/s1600/IS9hzf81b7f7so1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xw20cmwqJIyYGn93x-xNzpap908dTQ6-GxKUgRg6b1pQXir568WemUuvmUoFb8Hq0t7ooL6GZpUWuCO5JyA1B0w5HlxqJxlBmTEmJITwc4TYq6HbjUxug43mmvS8C-cKMGXICjCZJNon/s640/IS9hzf81b7f7so1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Welcome! This is our very own, very boring family room! The front door is just through that little space between the walls. In there is a pair of double doors that look like they belong to a boiler room, and a coat closet to match. I really wish I had a good before picture of how dark and cramped the space was. The after is amazing. Can't wait to share it with you!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqrgXUJKweBMvMIGgGK8p8EzpotoKcx7ph5WkXJZNz5Rhb3MeHFjVmMsRz0aNAjdG7hN0j8QNuE_K9-UyLBrCQ6fM5EP4qqk4nVaXwjqwWhXxwqX3dR-RQHUkh3OyK2aFCOyNVwlMbD1m/s1600/IS5ytr5qq5kb2q1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSqrgXUJKweBMvMIGgGK8p8EzpotoKcx7ph5WkXJZNz5Rhb3MeHFjVmMsRz0aNAjdG7hN0j8QNuE_K9-UyLBrCQ6fM5EP4qqk4nVaXwjqwWhXxwqX3dR-RQHUkh3OyK2aFCOyNVwlMbD1m/s640/IS5ytr5qq5kb2q1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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From this corner if the room you can just see the coat closet that is no more. And to the right is the dining room. If you remember our old house, the dining room always posed an issue for us. It just wasn't used, so we changed it over into a TV room that was used daily. Here, its exactly the opposite. That little room couldn't handle being a dining room. Evenings and meals are the only time we are pretty much guaranteed to see our girls and their significant others. That makes six for dinner plus a few friends most nights. Holidays? That was funny. Can you imagine ten of us in this little room?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09EDUjMwJymd1Dwx9-6JWWzjGQVn1ITmsgAhEXBRIce9uN0Ti_LxxWDqMCKw5ba9ky34otk8y9isgjFOyoKpl8HTsetnkiUASM2MBYUNVMpxmtMK2G0-DJ3p-2bY14j1dVK2rMqflpaDH/s1600/ISxrrfnjmxbe2q1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09EDUjMwJymd1Dwx9-6JWWzjGQVn1ITmsgAhEXBRIce9uN0Ti_LxxWDqMCKw5ba9ky34otk8y9isgjFOyoKpl8HTsetnkiUASM2MBYUNVMpxmtMK2G0-DJ3p-2bY14j1dVK2rMqflpaDH/s640/ISxrrfnjmxbe2q1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Me either, but we did it for Thanksgiving. By Christmas we had switched the dining room to the back living space on the other side of the kitchen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNet3pFa-tLuwuuWvoeGNRAH5yrnCplw3IfK1MQP2NID6BkuibMMA-xFLo5qSLNKffDvqWFNKhj6xtYPnzeSvbBnT7PXg3htcqWoI_KS6dLXHJmMtvOr1FKpXvo9YikyfeKZWjgJifFCPc/s1600/ISdsq37buaiiso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNet3pFa-tLuwuuWvoeGNRAH5yrnCplw3IfK1MQP2NID6BkuibMMA-xFLo5qSLNKffDvqWFNKhj6xtYPnzeSvbBnT7PXg3htcqWoI_KS6dLXHJmMtvOr1FKpXvo9YikyfeKZWjgJifFCPc/s640/ISdsq37buaiiso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This room began as a cozy sitting room, but by Christmas it was clear we needed a larger dining space. Room switcher time! Hubby was anything but sold on the idea. Any time he doesn't trust me I tend to jump in feet first and let him come home to the new arrangement. He almost always loves it. This time was no different. Time for some electrical work. There was no way that two 80's throw back boob lights were going to be the crowning glory in my dining room. Yeah, its still not complete. The boob lights are gone, and the chandelier is functional but not even close to the right placement. And don't get me started on the number of holes we now have in the drywall. I guess that plank ceiling will be a reality after all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXssQZ9LbkV40g7ktgUnqCiBn-15ALXJHtH5kVV0jT2ID7EBiBh_uU20c4izvjqyC7mQm7uP5SGCjpkdBVvU2Eqyyc0QZ2fbvTX_du5YIHP9ZDuwysJXL591ImTxVUtnrULMxJDXEHopwE/s1600/IS5moro4q2also1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXssQZ9LbkV40g7ktgUnqCiBn-15ALXJHtH5kVV0jT2ID7EBiBh_uU20c4izvjqyC7mQm7uP5SGCjpkdBVvU2Eqyyc0QZ2fbvTX_du5YIHP9ZDuwysJXL591ImTxVUtnrULMxJDXEHopwE/s640/IS5moro4q2also1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I really enjoy having the wood burning fireplace set the stage for our dining room. We were after character and we did;t get much, but that brick has become the focus of this house's story. It yelled pretty loud actually!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkJSL4x6jFMS7ugi2b3Ei7Wm7IPXjLEIzKY4ocIC0ZJ4oencEEt7PCKMw-gWlCADlauhKzgXI47gk5HE__sfUszQtyzFUYmzx7JgygNy0wZYTcjYzxF_2ZqYolpZHosXXWTX4122PLYVd/s1600/ISlysfphyiqfso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkJSL4x6jFMS7ugi2b3Ei7Wm7IPXjLEIzKY4ocIC0ZJ4oencEEt7PCKMw-gWlCADlauhKzgXI47gk5HE__sfUszQtyzFUYmzx7JgygNy0wZYTcjYzxF_2ZqYolpZHosXXWTX4122PLYVd/s640/ISlysfphyiqfso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is the view when you walk in the front door. Its straight ahead, no missing this guy. I guess it was a pizza oven? Or maybe a rotisserie/BBQ? And how on Earth did somebody get electrical in there?! It has an active flue. Granted, it will never be used for its original intended purpose, despite the fact that EVERY man that has walked into this house immediately wanted to build a fire in there and cook something. What is it with men and fire? I went a completely different route, because, you know, a roasting stuffed pig is not the first view I want my guests to have as they are welcomed into out humble abode.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfnFfaV-HhpR2g7AfFslVS4aUbPeNucuHHnneR0EgN3yMQRteV6I_lU6ix1ADtWcvvMGTmO49Oyu6yViPTA7gL_eOJxqjR2ZOgQrmjSQiGRaylLsak2yAJTck7x-GvGNDGlRTfNtE6sxk/s1600/ISt4vr7o2rycso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfnFfaV-HhpR2g7AfFslVS4aUbPeNucuHHnneR0EgN3yMQRteV6I_lU6ix1ADtWcvvMGTmO49Oyu6yViPTA7gL_eOJxqjR2ZOgQrmjSQiGRaylLsak2yAJTck7x-GvGNDGlRTfNtE6sxk/s640/ISt4vr7o2rycso1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Moving onto the kitchen, the heart of any home. Its certainly no different here. So much has already changed in here. This was the first room to get tackled. We salvaged the lower cabinets and the granite counters on this side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFcZ1jVnD9UXcq8zExh3olBWNRC0FyeNPwZcwoU3eK6jxUyR-Jyzl-F1OxtQIwlIzvznol3LAKS8AOC9sPvadr9DyXXrDvrLPluRI6BZFjBFf6WDp1tvJTSQyQYtCjnW-QaccPXUtrOcW/s1600/ISplp35dip3h2q1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFcZ1jVnD9UXcq8zExh3olBWNRC0FyeNPwZcwoU3eK6jxUyR-Jyzl-F1OxtQIwlIzvznol3LAKS8AOC9sPvadr9DyXXrDvrLPluRI6BZFjBFf6WDp1tvJTSQyQYtCjnW-QaccPXUtrOcW/s640/ISplp35dip3h2q1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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A counter depth refrigerator was moved down towards the camera, next to the pocket door that leads to the dining room that is no more. The cabinetry all slid down and a new butcher block counter was added. New backsplash all the way around, all new appliances, and a few other cool projects later and we had a kitchen that was pretty and functional. Such a change from the large kitchen we were used to in the old house. No huge central island or pantry, but its definitely us. We overcame a lot of its storage short comings when we moved the dining table into the fireplace room by adding a coffee bar in there as well. See that door at the end?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqVe3k5Rl4bpNRQuLZe-Mq6qkNORwOfIsbmILELECx8LNlI_gx4MyoK4E0d0hguDVgUDFLHDOFcC5SGk-jlQ_O19Kf8up8S2yW30IRI81f_aanNiJuMgocjuXKcKczZyX6OpvyhC2KaZd/s1600/IS525r3io18ato1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqVe3k5Rl4bpNRQuLZe-Mq6qkNORwOfIsbmILELECx8LNlI_gx4MyoK4E0d0hguDVgUDFLHDOFcC5SGk-jlQ_O19Kf8up8S2yW30IRI81f_aanNiJuMgocjuXKcKczZyX6OpvyhC2KaZd/s640/IS525r3io18ato1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is what is on the other side. Big plans for this space. I am a firm believer in having the laundry facilities where we actually make the majority of our laundry, upstairs. Clearly the laundry room on your way to the garage doesn't quite fit that bill. A mud room/office though? Now THAT is my idea of the perfect use of this space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxWTJJS9XJkRNYAlfnLhC9vtcNTLc2PFqIhntASLqEYWkXEgE6DIvLqix-3GS6y4KQXwqipE-wDzFYU7ZiJeZ5H6mdAoith-aWFsrwxj6wRxXwkZcD1j_QjTocyLFtl_yqWDvA0ff2_DT/s1600/ISd873mos9g7to1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoxWTJJS9XJkRNYAlfnLhC9vtcNTLc2PFqIhntASLqEYWkXEgE6DIvLqix-3GS6y4KQXwqipE-wDzFYU7ZiJeZ5H6mdAoith-aWFsrwxj6wRxXwkZcD1j_QjTocyLFtl_yqWDvA0ff2_DT/s640/ISd873mos9g7to1000000000.jpg" width="424" /></a><br />
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And this little guy is tucked back there too. It got a quick makeover already. The photo does not do justice to the blinding neon blue that they put on those walls.<br />
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We shall travel to the second story next time. See you then!<br />
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<br />Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-28304581355815090162016-08-12T15:59:00.000-07:002016-08-12T15:59:57.283-07:00A Few Years Later...<br />
Oh my goodness...<br />
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Time just passed right on by! We have a new house and it has a new story. We are blending its story with our own as we speak. Lots of fun remodeling, redecorating, relandscaping, and generally re-everything.<br />
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So, let's begin again. Welcome to Sagebrush Ridge. Its all about family and a house that is slowly becoming our home. I thought the listing photos would be the perfect place to start. They always manage to make it look better than it really is, don't you think?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOgKaQm7nwOkny0blLScxAJTsJXVJpJsTRjl4ZH3-g4zcHH5BQtwyPF9Y4-C3xdSDwcz2PuhmTRqTJ0iBaRJnSoZGg_t2bD8LLMjwf4MntIiG5eBIYUDYd583bGBj0hjD8wRDoVjhqNIs/s1600/IShjyqkybdjito1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VfWR4zEH99YgxnImAMEXaGncpGkmhWTl1W2U03DJ5x9lKYMusBXp_GC5I12HiCz8pVjDqZsXr6qr6IxFdD901UVQclaMSQ1R51OysgsDEpt0uHK6i-9bB2Zji_nyJqYabv2FmZMzf4zD/s1600/ISpp0335glrfto1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGcUbkToVocTX65Vz2Es-twtPoDSsOWzQZGE5ocTG0izzl8u66kG-VNmfGEnZlGzD2tVzoUCDBjp07mhNQggYgRblyguxNpaWCasPpQ4JCSZvqY-ObNLsRFtV4Sj95BLsPnPnUMcTGgbds/s1600/ISxv2flbktzcto1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4gdm2Fbxxh0Iz_N6GaxXYxCLAfXdTnCiBH6Ee-Ewi4AgY1cKBwKvBI1kRCF4dVe3BqDrpE0M6JIWKKYSZh2P61shtACPAilwwXUED68lA9pWucw9m3uabL8HYpHWcOlqmgJfjAi75JZa2/s1600/ISh3ir5ldeltso1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_em_ZRF5bzUD23LVkFym3BevVLj_vejLZXjhhtB7qGP5Vi8zFnUtiEgwut4_FGvvYRGsvU_FWYesCpastvLr-v2e1ULjWdB16tIG0afpcM5XY48xXOWXXYp6GgJI6y9A4GAaNNKdhJEM/s640/ISphqxpg0eh3aq1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We chose a house in a great older neighborhood, close to the University where Miss K, our oldest daughter attends school, and close to Downtown (note the city and mountain views in the back ground). Our previous home was out in suburbia. Five roundabouts out! It just got to be too much. As you can see, we have a lot of work ahead of us. I told you, re- everything. Not gonna lie, we are not looking forward to the siding and concrete work that we have ahead of us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpv2DzE-jX8ATd3xm3eJ6WnATqCIIGte7mBZaNsO4sRKJp30iGln2O5s7ehhXuKAJQWl5XmXe8rr-b9iqKnAI_lZVcozYpXMgUhro1Cg0MvluFYQS9RwYTn1FoMH5JVkQUnG1mmGjB77j/s1600/IShn1sq7ffn4so1000000000.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJpv2DzE-jX8ATd3xm3eJ6WnATqCIIGte7mBZaNsO4sRKJp30iGln2O5s7ehhXuKAJQWl5XmXe8rr-b9iqKnAI_lZVcozYpXMgUhro1Cg0MvluFYQS9RwYTn1FoMH5JVkQUnG1mmGjB77j/s640/IShn1sq7ffn4so1000000000.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here is a better view of the front. We have already made some changes. The front doors have been replaced, new trim, new mailbox, new porch light. That entry used to be so dark! French doors made all the difference. Next up, tackling the garage doors with a temporary makeover to tide us over until we are ready to do the siding and driveway. I have a vision, its just gonna require some patience, money, and time. Mostly patience while waiting for the money :) This is a cash deal guys!<br />
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Moving into the backyard. This is one of the main reasons we moved besides location. We needed a bigger yard. A Bernese Mountain Dog and a Landseer Newfoundland need more than a concrete courtyard and an unfenced grass strip. They love to be rough and tumble with each other, always the rambunctious boys! Now they have a place to be just that. But, we need a pretty and functional yard that has more than weeds growing for grass. Projects people, lots of them!<br />
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Cinderblock garden beds, round stepping stones... all gone. Mature trees, keeping as many of those bad boys as possible. We did lose the peach tree in the far right corner to some blight in the spring and the trees on the left have to be trimmed. They are blocking an other wise fantastic city view...<br />
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A city view that the realtors failed to capture except in the very first listing photo. This deck is off of the master suite. We already have a couple of adirondack chairs out here to enjoy morning coffee and evening wine. I call that a good start to sharing this new adventure!<br />
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Next up, the inside...<br />
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<br />Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-84105564438304543532012-05-30T13:28:00.000-07:002012-05-30T13:28:02.414-07:00Summer is just around the corner...<div style="text-align: center;">
And you know what that means!? The kids are home. They are all mine. Well, mostly, they still kinda like to hag out with their friends. But, no more homework, no more rehearsals, no more early mornings when all we want to do is sleep in! Yay!</div>
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Instead, we will spend time together in the garden, in the kitchen, and out in the big wide world that school seems to believe isn't as important as a classroom. Road trips, camping, the beach, days at the pool, and the library are all on the horizon.</div>
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I get to concentrate on being with them while they still want me around. So, I won't be around as much. I'll still post when I have something...</div>
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But Summer Vacation is in the house!</div>
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Enjoy your summer!</div>
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<br /></div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-68642271998738511782012-05-09T19:46:00.000-07:002012-05-09T19:46:00.273-07:00Disneyland Tips, Tricks and Secrets #4<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back to the fourth part of our series</div>
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As many of you know, we will be visiting the original home of the Mouse this week. I thought it might be insightful to see our plans outlined. Maybe it will help make the tips, tricks and secrets a bit more real as we continue on our journey through the labyrinth that has become a Disney Vacation. I have to remind everybody, this itinerary is for Disneyland Resort in California. Florida is a different beast and I am certainly no expert there!</div>
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Okey dokey. Here we go.</div>
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*Wed AM: Pack the roomiest, most comfortable vehicle we have access to. In our case, my in laws' mini van with dual recliners in the back and built in DVD screens. No children arguing over who is getting the best seat or Heaven Forbid being forced to share and complaining over who is taking up most of the room! They might be nearing 13 and 15 but they still argue like they are 2 and 4. Pack that vehicle with the following:.</div>
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Cooler - Both alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, breakfast, lunch and snack items. Ours will certainly have a bottle of wine, a six pack of beer, an assortment of juices and sodas, cheese, cold cuts, sliced chicken breast, cream cheese, and salsa. And whatever else looks good at the time. </div>
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Grocery box - Dry goods and paper products. Crackers, bagels, beef jerky, popcorn, assorted candies, granola, coffee, hot chocolate, tea, and paper picnic items. And a case of water bottles. You get the idea. </div>
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Luggage - For a spring, almost summer trip, we will have an assortment of shorts (or skirts), short sleeve Tshirts and blouses, a pair of jeans, a sweat shirt, a set of night clothes, a swim suit, a pair of comfy tennis shoes, a comfy pair of sandals and maybe a comfy pair of nicer shoes, plus the assorted necessity clothing. We pack for one day longer than our trip adding 3 more pair of socks and underwear than you think you will need. Sometimes fresh is nice after your nap! LOL We always include one nicer going out outfit for every member of the family. We don't always use it but its nice to have just in case. </div>
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Bathroom bag - with shower necessities (if your family can share it makes it easier), grooming supplies (again share as much as possible), and individual personal items. We keep makeup and jewelry to minimum. Don't forget the sunscreen! </div>
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Day use back pack - with bandaids, medications, sunscreen, New Skin and your important papers like medical cards, AAA card, Disney Tickets, hotel reservation info and your itinerary. I also put a phone charger in here along with my ID, one small limit credit card (that you are not using for your hotel and tickets), and some cash. </div>
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Electronics bag - I always bring a charger for each device including the laptop/ipad and a surge protector strip that they all can be plugged into. There are never enough outlets and its nice to know you items will be protected like they are at home form electrical surges. If you are bringing the camera, this is a good spot for it and its extras including spare batteries. </div>
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The Travel Box- Assorted DVDs to watch during the trip, snacks, drinks, pain meds, a couple of magazines, little book lights, maybe a joke book, or anything else that can be a fun time eater. The older the kids get the less I put in this box. They sleep or entertain themselves well enough. Get creative with little ones.</div>
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The Glove Box- Gets a copy of pretty much everything in the Day Use Pack, plus Hubby's wallet with the credit card we use for gas and misc purchases on the road. It also gets a map, a flashlight and some cash.</div>
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*Wednesday Afternoon- Pick up the kids from school and hit the road. I recommend wearing the most comfortable clothing you can be seen in public in if your drive is longer than 3 hours. </div>
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*Wednesday Evening- We are coming from Reno and usually stop for dinner in Sacramento before getting on I-5. Casual sit down or drive thru depends on everyone's mood. </div>
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*Wednesday Night - We've traveled along I-5 all evening, stopping for gas and bathroom breaks as needed but only at the large travel centers for safety reasons. Its now probably 11pm and we have arrived at our destination for the night an hour or so away from Disneyland. Off to bed!</div>
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*Thursday - DL open 9am to 10pm CA open 10am to 8pm. </div>
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Rise and shine early. Dress for your first day in Disney! Hit the road in time to be at Disneyland about two hours before the park officially opens. Its now 7am. Disneyland opens at 9am. Enjoy breakfast at Mimi's Cafe on Harbor Blvd next to our hotel.Its 8. Breakfast is done. Check in at hotel (we won't get our room keys until later in the day), park the car, secure valuable items in the hotel safe, lock the car, grab you day pack and walk to the parks. First up Star Tours! Grab a Fast Pass and then get in line to ride. Next, Space Mtn. We usually do the same. Fast Pass and Ride. Now you are holding two high priority Fast Passes for the evening. Maybe sneak a ride on Finding Nemo here. We will spend the morning collecting other Fast Passes and riding attractions that will likely have long lines later in the day that don't have the Fast Pass option. Because we had a big breakfast, we will probably grab a snack around 10:30 and continue to play, throwing in a show or two along the way. Around 2 we will leave the parks and eat lunch from Subway or some other quick serve place outside the parks.Then go back to the hotel to get our keys and settle in. Swim a little, maybe nap, grab a snack from the cooler and go back to the parks by 6pm. We will use those Fast Passes all evening long. We have reservations in DTD at The Jazz Kitchen at 9 with the rest of our party (nearly 20 of us!) to watch the Thursday Night live entertainment, The Dueling Pianos. Here we will have light appetizers and a night cap. Then off to the hotel for a good night's sleep.</div>
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*Friday - DL open 8am to 11pm CA open 10 am to 10pm</div>
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Have breakfast in the room and walk to Disneyland by 7:30. This morning we will concentrate on getting Fast Passes for the evening and riding more rides that gather long lines later in the day that don't have Fast Passes. Probably Fast Pass Indiana Jones and ride it, then get a Splash Mtn Fast Pass and ride Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise. We are saving Fantasyland for Saturday morning. At 9:45 walk to CA for its opening. First ride is Toy Story Midway Mania. Then begin gathering Fast Passes and riding other attractions. Because we had a light breakfast, we will want lunch early, around 11 am, from one of the in park counter service options. Maybe the wharf soups in bread bowls? Yummy. After lunch, we will continue with CA and use some of those Fast Passes up before going back to the hotel for a break around 3. After a swim/nap break and a light dinner poolside from the cooler, we will go back to DL by 7. Use the Fast Passes we gathered earlier in the day and watch the Fireworks and the second showing of Fantasmic. I will explain how we do this in my post next week. I promise. After Fantasmic we could either go back to the room and go to bed or close down the park riding rides. That will depend on everyone's energy level.</div>
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*Saturday - DL open 8am to 12 midnight CA open 10 am to 10pm MAGIC MORNING HOUR</div>
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We are choosing to use our Magic Morning on what should be the busiest day of our trip. So we want to be at the park by 6:30. This will probably keep us from staying out too late the night before. Breakfast is from the cooler again today. Fantasyland is first up. You will notice when you enter Fantasyland thru the Castle that there are 4 rides that are in the cute little buildings surrounding the space in front of you. You definitely want to do Peter Pan first, then Mr Toad's Wild Ride that way you can avoid the longest lines. Then you will want to do Dumbo, if you want to do it at all. The lines here get long quick too! Remember, there are no Fast Passes in this part of the park. Then back to Snow White and Pinocchio, followed by Alice in Wonderland and the Tea Cups and the Storybook Canal Boats. Round it out with Casey's Train and you've done Fantasyland. Probably before the park opens to regular guests. Now the rest of the park is open. Send a Fast Pass runner to get your highest priority Fast Pass. The off to ride Big Thunder Mtn RR. Toon Town will open at 9, so that would be next on our list. Get a Fast Pass for Roger Rabbit (its off the grid, so times of last Fast Pass don't matter) and then get in line to see Mickey. Its a long line but it winds thru Mickey's house and studio. There is lots to do and see while you wait to see Mickey in one of the best spots in the Parks. Finish touring Toon Town, there are lots of fun interactive things back here, grabbing a snack somewhere along the way. At 11:15 we need to check in at the Blue Bayou for our lunch reservations. Again, 20 of us crazy peeps! After a large (and pricey) lunch we are off to play some more. We will probably hop over to CA and gather Fast Passes for the evening as well as draw at Animation Academy and visit the people tank over at Turtle Talk with Crush. Both are must dos! Back to the hotel for a break around 2 or 3. Another dinner out of the cooler or order pizza to the room and back to the parks around 6 or 7. Play in CA until 8, when its time to line up for World Of Color. I will also discuss how best to strategize for this show in next week's post. After WOC we will hop over to DL and use our Fast Passes there until we can't go no more!</div>
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*Sunday - DL open 8am to 12 midnight CA open 10 am to 10pm Happy Mother's Day!</div>
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This is our last day to play and its only a half day. Boo! </div>
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We will probably sleep in this morning. It is a vacation after all. Breakfast in the room again, but at a slower pace. A leisurely morning to pack up the car and check out. Then head to the parks to revisit some of our favorite attractions or see a show we haven't seen yet this trip. Today is the day we usually buy any gifts for people back home and maybe a keepsake we have been coveting the entire trip. Back to the show thing. We have made it a tradition to go see Aladdin as our last thing each trip. Its a nice way to say goodbye. So, we will pick the last show before we want to leave and see Aladdin and Jasmine fall in love and let the Genie tell us his new one liners. What a wonderful way to say goodbye to The Happiest Place on Earth!<br />
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Time to get in the car and head home exhausted but happy. Wouldn't want it any other way!</div>
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See you all on the other side! </div>
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<br /></div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-40848466659652852072012-05-03T09:00:00.000-07:002012-05-03T09:00:06.942-07:00Master Closet Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really don't need a super fancy closet, just something that is neat and tidy, and remains that way because its functional. Is that so much to ask? Here's what we are starting with at Sagebrush Ridge. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-VkUeADEdfvGHtSkYB251Bi6z72ez7LhQYFZWb_nU2Etds5R7D2Jcpgkr9FI7HY8rUe3Jp4mNb1b3HLp-xI4RzEeyfqtchidlK5OdkOJx5MbGGKs118DYWi7AUC3H_MNBAfWUQ4gFD8A/s1600/IMG_20120326_143250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-VkUeADEdfvGHtSkYB251Bi6z72ez7LhQYFZWb_nU2Etds5R7D2Jcpgkr9FI7HY8rUe3Jp4mNb1b3HLp-xI4RzEeyfqtchidlK5OdkOJx5MbGGKs118DYWi7AUC3H_MNBAfWUQ4gFD8A/s400/IMG_20120326_143250.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHbYp9TF31NQZ487YboUwnS8pugnwgBsKiQ_XUWqvu6Cj7OOnRPPwQL9avi_j-L4H9CAbYekkfj2hrQTYaS4O3imPdaeAmDdEVLtMOR7obTO7S1IZI9D2oVdLE-FIehe2sPv7TRZIG2Y-/s1600/IMG_20120326_143257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHbYp9TF31NQZ487YboUwnS8pugnwgBsKiQ_XUWqvu6Cj7OOnRPPwQL9avi_j-L4H9CAbYekkfj2hrQTYaS4O3imPdaeAmDdEVLtMOR7obTO7S1IZI9D2oVdLE-FIehe2sPv7TRZIG2Y-/s400/IMG_20120326_143257.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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You can read more about it <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2012/05/dream-come-true-master-closet.html">here</a>. And my frustration with it all <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2012/04/walk-in-closet-woes.html">here</a>.</div>
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Its sad really. Its sorry state of affairs that I have such a large space at my disposal and it looks, and functions, so horribly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML0SqowPCKb9OQ7SlJlVlQiL3dI0S-oGl88LxnGhyk_OQpbc-rw8xcZgcrQC92L-EgUlVsFydyQGSjbVWJ5n8XoyilNOYRSVveRcohMMuj8EdwGo2d2z71YMgxhFYAjgDn4kPrBsXRTwj/s1600/Master+Closet+Current+Layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjML0SqowPCKb9OQ7SlJlVlQiL3dI0S-oGl88LxnGhyk_OQpbc-rw8xcZgcrQC92L-EgUlVsFydyQGSjbVWJ5n8XoyilNOYRSVveRcohMMuj8EdwGo2d2z71YMgxhFYAjgDn4kPrBsXRTwj/s320/Master+Closet+Current+Layout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is the basic layout as it currently exists, if it were empty of everything but the music equipment.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUjHiS__Zd77XT7GFH3yUrOEI5sgXMY-_37HclE1QrlUgYmgQQCqMoRVSWypgHW-8BtSAYcxJ29KH5Z_xeb9JOAPd6d9MhQipZA3IlQ3DsPv_JAXbYHy-rMq6JGVnM-7HEeW9E9T5VJoi/s1600/Master+Closet+NEW+Layout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUjHiS__Zd77XT7GFH3yUrOEI5sgXMY-_37HclE1QrlUgYmgQQCqMoRVSWypgHW-8BtSAYcxJ29KH5Z_xeb9JOAPd6d9MhQipZA3IlQ3DsPv_JAXbYHy-rMq6JGVnM-7HEeW9E9T5VJoi/s320/Master+Closet+NEW+Layout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And here is the basic plan I want to implement. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EQzKdEZcWkDaJb5c1LFGosCbpjzN5_e5iHOCw4VgbwcKCdgWGw5N4HGm8PJPf2UTvnr69k-KrudWxufjIGr820ovutwj8shuY1H8Dp6MNoIJIqqVxMUAnK42hyq-dGNQl3jyHWDyAH8f/s1600/dresser+in+closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EQzKdEZcWkDaJb5c1LFGosCbpjzN5_e5iHOCw4VgbwcKCdgWGw5N4HGm8PJPf2UTvnr69k-KrudWxufjIGr820ovutwj8shuY1H8Dp6MNoIJIqqVxMUAnK42hyq-dGNQl3jyHWDyAH8f/s400/dresser+in+closet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source:<a href="http://thecubaninmycoffee.blogspot.com/">http://thecubaninmycoffee.blogspot.com</a></td></tr>
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After purging some stuff, finding new homes for others, and generally cleaning up I want to add a long dresser with a ton of drawers for folded clothing and a dressing table, again with more drawers. Something like on the back wall of the pic above, but instead of the mirror it would be hanging space for shorter length clothing.</div>
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I can't say I will sit at the dressing table to do my hair or makeup, since there isn't a lick of natural light in here, nor a single electrical outlet. We have to deal with the two woefully under powered over head light fixtures. I'd like to replace the one on the pretty side of the closet, but we shall see. Either way, makeup isn't gonna happen in this space.</div>
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<a href="http://homeinteriordesigninfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/green-dressing-table-mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://homeinteriordesigninfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/green-dressing-table-mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source:<a href="http://homeinteriordesigninfo.com/">http://homeinteriordesigninfo.com</a></div>
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Then why a dressing table and chair, you ask? Well, its always nice to have a spot to sit and put your shoes on and the extra storage in the dressing table will be appreciated. Plus, a mirror will add a little much needed sparkle. I want to create a feeling of pampering in here to match our master bath. Make it feel like its all part of the suite. You know what I mean?</div>
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<a href="http://www.profimedia.si/photo/romantic-living-room-with-fabric-draped-walls/profimedia-0004978347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.profimedia.si/photo/romantic-living-room-with-fabric-draped-walls/profimedia-0004978347.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source:<a href="http://www.profimedia.si/">http://www.profimedia.si</a></div>
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The drape partition will go a long way in helping hide the ugly side of the room. The music equipment and various household storage that we couldn't relocate will all be hidden back here. I may even add a full length mirror suspended from the ceiling along here. Something like shown above, without the sofa, of coarse.And full length. Something to give this wall a little punch. I have the sneaking suspicion that <strike>setting up</strike> getting everything to fit in that side of the room may feel a bit like playing Tetris.</div>
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How have you guys made your closets work hard for you?</div>
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<br /></div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-51492136317062242562012-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:002012-05-02T08:00:07.680-07:00Disneyland Tips, Tricks and Secrets #3<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome back for another week of tips, tricks and secrets for a successful Disneyland vacation.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqSU4wNZRAP1AXDDm1MI_6qeiWTkJFJ4tn2kW45Oen6MBQ1rCzYkAt1SOlFJnP9YRmmm_fhvASLi2WX1UEwekRIP0tioXdayGxdaZtkq08usGrniajLNdj1gJRE_LIkTs-zkXbRKiRkUl/s1600/Untitled-2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqSU4wNZRAP1AXDDm1MI_6qeiWTkJFJ4tn2kW45Oen6MBQ1rCzYkAt1SOlFJnP9YRmmm_fhvASLi2WX1UEwekRIP0tioXdayGxdaZtkq08usGrniajLNdj1gJRE_LIkTs-zkXbRKiRkUl/s320/Untitled-2+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last week we discussed the all important fast pass system, how to use it, and a few tricks that aren't published Disney policy, but work none the less...for now of coarse. We also talked about how precious the morning hours are in the parks. I can't stress this enough. Showing up in the late morning will make the rest of your day much more hectic, especially if your primary goal is to ride attractions. </div>
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<a href="http://www.disneybymark.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/barker-bird1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://www.disneybymark.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/barker-bird1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Remember the early bird gets the worm!</div>
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In the first week's post we talked about when to visit, where to stay, and how long your trip should be. You can revisit all of that here.</div>
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<a href="http://cache.carlsonhotels.com/rad/images/hotels/CABUENA/DisneyCastle_450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://cache.carlsonhotels.com/rad/images/hotels/CABUENA/DisneyCastle_450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we are at that all important part of the day when everybody is hungry. There are so many dining choices within the Disney Parks, plus the hotels, Downtown Disney, and the surrounding areas. Before we dive into each of these and their pros and cons, I want to back up and discuss what you should have in your hotel room and what you should pack into the parks.</div>
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I always recommend stopping by a local grocery store on your way or during your first day for snacks, breakfast items, a bottle or two of wine, a case of water, and maybe some lunch type items. If you can't go to the store and didn't bring groceries with you, then you'll want to utilize one of the grocery stores that deliver. Its all worth the effort. One, you'll save a ton of money. Two, you'll save time. Three, you will save yourself from hearing the endless complaints of hunger from your own belly and those of your family.</div>
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Remember, you will be walking A LOT. And Disney is very good at entices all of your senses, including those that make you hungry. You will also find that at peak times (like when you want a dessert type snack) everyone wants to eat at the same time and the lines can be ridiculous. We have returned to the hotel many a nights looking for a short line, having never found one and raided the hotel pantry we set up. It saved us from going to bed hungry. In the morning, ideally you will eat breakfast in your room or carry it into the parks. And you will want to pack snacks into a back pack. I like to allow the kids to get one in park treat each day, but their other snacks must come from the pack. This way I know they are getting an array of healthy (or if not healthy at least cheap) options. I include things like sliced apples, snack sized candies, beef jerky, granola bars and water. Lots and lots of water, especially during the warmer months. </div>
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Ok, back to lunch and your choices. </div>
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We usually plan one sit down meal a day in order to take a load off. Lunch is a great choice because the same menu items tend to be a couple dollars cheaper at lunch time in Disney. During the summer we tend to eat lunch later at like 2 or 3 to avoid crowds and get a break from the heat. In cooler months we try to plan lunch for around 11 or 11:30, skipping the mid morning snack that we would have eaten in the summer to get us through. Either way we are avoiding eating at peak times when the restaurants are the busiest. If you want to have a full service sit down meal too, you should check out the menus <a href="http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm">here</a>. This web site also has the menus for counter service, but we will get to that in a second...</div>
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Full service restaurants within the Disney Parks, at the hotels and in DTD tend to get busy and usually require reservations. Sometimes you can get lucky and make ressies that day, but usually you want to do it before you leave home. Some, like the famous Blue Bayou Restaurant in Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction, require ressies to be made a month or more in advance during the busiest times of the year. For ressies, call <span style="font-family: inherit;">Disneyland Dining at 714-781-DINE (3463). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, back to your options. Next up is counter service. These quick service restaurants' menus can be seen at the link above too. They are throughout the parks and DTD (Downtown Disney). This is certainly a less expensive option, but not necessarily a time saver, unless you plan on eating at off times. The lines can get loooong. Finding a spot to sit can be tough too. If you choose one of the restaurants that are kind of cafeteria style, then you will have seating dedicated to the facility. If you choose a snack cart or walk up window, you'll have to find a table, bench or other spot to enjoy your meal. New Orleans Square is a great place to do this as is the area along Rivers of America, although here it may be more picnic style. Which is fun and leads me to another thing you should pack into your back pack...a plastic sheet that you can use to sit on the ground paving or the grass. Handy for night time shows and waiting for parades too.</span></div>
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If you want out of Disney for a while...you can eat at any of the many restaurants on Harbor Blvd. They are mixed in with all of those off property motels. There is everything from McDonalds to Subway to Quiznos to Tony Romas. Keep in mind these restaurants tend to be more expensive than they are at home and they get busy. I recommend this option for late lunches. I don't recommend the Quiznos or the CaptainKidds on Harbor Blvd. Trust me :). There is also the Gardenwalk Shopping Center within walking distance, although a bit of a long walk, that offers a ton of sit down restaurants that are good bets. PF Changs, The Cheesecake Factory and Bubba Gumps are all here. </div>
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The final option is to go back to the hotel. You can make lunch in the room or order delivery. Every hotel seems to have a bunch of delivery menus in the information folder. This is by far the most frugal option and great if you plan on taking a nap and/or swim break until later in the day. Which I highly recommend if you got to the parks early and plan to return for night time entertainment! Especially when you want to stay until park closes at midnight. </div>
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One other option is something special and a must do once, in my humble opinion. Character Meals are offered in each of the Disney Hotels and in both parks. We will discuss these next week along with the tips, tricks and secrets of the best spots to snag for evening entertainment!</div>
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<a href="http://aaronbarker.smugmug.com/Other/Disney/IMG6076/271850213_Vk9yf-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://aaronbarker.smugmug.com/Other/Disney/IMG6076/271850213_Vk9yf-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See you next week! </div>
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<br /></div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-16232846928343498842012-05-01T11:03:00.002-07:002012-05-01T11:03:21.507-07:00Dream Come True Master Closet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_le565tdAX01qzdiqvo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_le565tdAX01qzdiqvo1_500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Source unknown...forgive me</div>
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I thought the sign above the door was appropriate. The question is...can I make this dream come true? Can I make lemonade from this batch of lemons?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61-_b_UXrwtivMSHUfetcu-FvorRp-Dgliwwve81i4bhvJlO9kQBFMX1Mbkp_CA8T9rI8H_hMpy-E-7SgJiuYStzWlVRp4jlJ9cG4LnYQUCdjzw7jKbDPeYYv-EfLOAXUhx38LUPQ6JfK/s1600/IMG_20120326_143218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61-_b_UXrwtivMSHUfetcu-FvorRp-Dgliwwve81i4bhvJlO9kQBFMX1Mbkp_CA8T9rI8H_hMpy-E-7SgJiuYStzWlVRp4jlJ9cG4LnYQUCdjzw7jKbDPeYYv-EfLOAXUhx38LUPQ6JfK/s320/IMG_20120326_143218.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The sight that greet me every morning as I leave the master bath. This door marks the center of the walk in closet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOIcgKnDkFaZmaM9MelAYTPDboo6btgbAe9ujbFWgSQ56H0v6L7KlDfYp-oVhPshSc8nH_W45AIdnGQ4gqiGtkXyA1J22xQmuHHIM1O6CLeVyDOhFfFtyGt6aF8d9BUa7ZEXFsqFxLZ-D/s1600/IMG_20120326_143225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOIcgKnDkFaZmaM9MelAYTPDboo6btgbAe9ujbFWgSQ56H0v6L7KlDfYp-oVhPshSc8nH_W45AIdnGQ4gqiGtkXyA1J22xQmuHHIM1O6CLeVyDOhFfFtyGt6aF8d9BUa7ZEXFsqFxLZ-D/s320/IMG_20120326_143225.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The drums are on the right.</div>
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Yes, I have to accommodate the drums. Its the side effect of having a musician husband without a studio of his own. At least he does most of his creating on his ipad now. The Garage Band app has been the best $5 we have ever spent. If you have a musician in the family I highly recommend it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBCOCrjPa7LoeH21nIkSqzRJLR25WbEeAyIQbdzrAIvaTe2X2bsZDWQ3qdybF-r9eJssV49mdgkm_h2iq05lB_skZ6xXqPXoIT-7ppwP2N0tey2W6ZhxM5v61O0F5Bg-E64R6op22z8_1/s1600/IMG_20120326_143236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBCOCrjPa7LoeH21nIkSqzRJLR25WbEeAyIQbdzrAIvaTe2X2bsZDWQ3qdybF-r9eJssV49mdgkm_h2iq05lB_skZ6xXqPXoIT-7ppwP2N0tey2W6ZhxM5v61O0F5Bg-E64R6op22z8_1/s320/IMG_20120326_143236.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Our clothes and general storage are on the left. </div>
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The general disorder is at its worst in these photos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-VkUeADEdfvGHtSkYB251Bi6z72ez7LhQYFZWb_nU2Etds5R7D2Jcpgkr9FI7HY8rUe3Jp4mNb1b3HLp-xI4RzEeyfqtchidlK5OdkOJx5MbGGKs118DYWi7AUC3H_MNBAfWUQ4gFD8A/s1600/IMG_20120326_143250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-VkUeADEdfvGHtSkYB251Bi6z72ez7LhQYFZWb_nU2Etds5R7D2Jcpgkr9FI7HY8rUe3Jp4mNb1b3HLp-xI4RzEeyfqtchidlK5OdkOJx5MbGGKs118DYWi7AUC3H_MNBAfWUQ4gFD8A/s320/IMG_20120326_143250.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Extra artwork and closet doors from the girls' rooms...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHbYp9TF31NQZ487YboUwnS8pugnwgBsKiQ_XUWqvu6Cj7OOnRPPwQL9avi_j-L4H9CAbYekkfj2hrQTYaS4O3imPdaeAmDdEVLtMOR7obTO7S1IZI9D2oVdLE-FIehe2sPv7TRZIG2Y-/s1600/IMG_20120326_143257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMHbYp9TF31NQZ487YboUwnS8pugnwgBsKiQ_XUWqvu6Cj7OOnRPPwQL9avi_j-L4H9CAbYekkfj2hrQTYaS4O3imPdaeAmDdEVLtMOR7obTO7S1IZI9D2oVdLE-FIehe2sPv7TRZIG2Y-/s320/IMG_20120326_143257.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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More music paraphernalia...</div>
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As you can see, the mess has spilled over into our master bedroom too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXihK-XEDp6ohxDt4EFjN2_As3MM3yRnqkvErRmY9HQL0VDVkpvZdLTXCDLfMpejBLrZtT-Op9HWb7gdUUdEXMtvyM5ZMCvqk3oTskt8kELZjDhgpKjaPivzj0dTK0aYlXJq6nK4EYmqKG/s1600/IMG_20120326_143318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXihK-XEDp6ohxDt4EFjN2_As3MM3yRnqkvErRmY9HQL0VDVkpvZdLTXCDLfMpejBLrZtT-Op9HWb7gdUUdEXMtvyM5ZMCvqk3oTskt8kELZjDhgpKjaPivzj0dTK0aYlXJq6nK4EYmqKG/s320/IMG_20120326_143318.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The guest bed that never quite got put away was unceremoniously dumped in our room by Miss K when I told her to clean up <i>her</i> room. Do your kids do this too? Make their problem yours?</div>
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And the leftovers from reworking the Lighter and Brighter (and much more used I might add) <a href="http://sagebrushridge.blogspot.com/2012/04/lighter-and-brighter-den.html">Den</a>.</div>
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I need a plan of attack. That plan needs to include Craigslist and Goodwill, stat! That much I get. But the rest? Well, I'm at a loss. How do you make it all work? The doors have to be stored somewhere, I can't get rid of those. The drums have to stay. There are boxes of docs that can't just be tossed. The IRS would then decide to audit me, its Murphy's Law. Not gonna tempt that fate. The ski jackets have to live somewhere and I don't think the hall closet that houses the cat box is the best place. Do you? </div>
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I wish I had a better solution to keep the "Boys" out of the litter box, but the hall closet with the door in a fixed, partially open position has been a stroke of genius. I mean, I don't like scooping the box any more than the next person, but I prefer my dogs to not get to the kitty treats! That makes the little hall closet only useful for storing hard goods. Maybe my boxes of paperwork should go in there? </div>
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I wonder if the closet doors might fit in the attic? I know they can't go under the house, its just too damp. Would the crawl space above the house be dry enough?</div>
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And how to hide the drums? A curtain partition across that side of the closet?</div>
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First things first. Its time to purge. I have the rest of the house fairly well paired down to the essentials and some pretties. Time for the closet to get it too! How do you store all of your extras?</div>
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<br />Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-71804721801734627522012-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:002012-04-30T10:29:51.977-07:00Girls' Bathroom Redo<div style="text-align: center;">
This was one of the rooms that still lived in boring builder beige after living here for nearly 5 years. I have no excuse, except that the room had never spoken to me. Do you wait for your rooms to tell their story? Reveal their personalities? Well, I do. Wait, more like, I try to. Sometimes I force things just because I'm tired of looking at the same old thing. This room was probably left basically untouched because I'm rarely in the space. Unfortunately I didn't take any before photos. Bad girl!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d66rIbOLedY/T5WIFd1z-nI/AAAAAAAAAro/DoBY2BreXZE/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d66rIbOLedY/T5WIFd1z-nI/AAAAAAAAAro/DoBY2BreXZE/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165528.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This bathroom belongs to Miss K and Miss H. Its a great design, a Jack and Jill bath that opens into both of their rooms. You can see a slice of Miss H's room in the mirror. Her bed is even made. Small wonders! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wInSGOWHvA/T5WIFZJ3igI/AAAAAAAAArw/FGyE3HGLdeo/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6wInSGOWHvA/T5WIFZJ3igI/AAAAAAAAArw/FGyE3HGLdeo/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165547.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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Back to the layout... the shared space is nice when you have two teen aged girls that really don't care if somebody sees them running around in a towel. Daddy cares! Poor guy. Fortunately the shared bath pretty much keeps them corralled in their part of the house. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdz-9poKn-o/T5WIFIcnEqI/AAAAAAAAArs/LpDcmwraCy8/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gdz-9poKn-o/T5WIFIcnEqI/AAAAAAAAArs/LpDcmwraCy8/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165536.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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Anyway. The bathroom is split into two parts. The section I am sharing today is the sink area. There's a little alcove behind the door leading to the bedroom that we finally found a use for. Behind here, to the right, is the shower and toilet room. It has the added bonus of a small window. That is still a work in progress and requires Mr Shawn's attention. Carpentry...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo_tyB2psK0/T5WII-qVprI/AAAAAAAAAr4/pphHP2gsXug/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo_tyB2psK0/T5WII-qVprI/AAAAAAAAAr4/pphHP2gsXug/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165610.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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Speaking of carpentry, this alcove area features a piece of his handy work. A little pallet upcycle work that you might recognize from here.</div>
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Our advent calendar has a new purpose.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9t7yoPNnC8/T5WIKDTMlwI/AAAAAAAAAsA/CAUt_oZLnhc/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9t7yoPNnC8/T5WIKDTMlwI/AAAAAAAAAsA/CAUt_oZLnhc/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165635.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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Much needed jewelry storage. The buckets hold small items...earrings, small bracelets, chains and charms. A few or the dowels were kept free for larger beaded pieces, hoop earrings, and other items that won't fit in the buckets. The shabby pressed tin container holds bangle bracelets. I've had it for years and its served many purposes. Now it gets to keep the girls' 80's sparkle in order. The tea pot with matching cup and saucer was a gift from their grandmother from a little tea shop that is no longer in business in Auburn, CA. They have another one too. They make great little storage pieces. Pretty and functional. Perfect!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-uS-Eq0v6s/T5WIJH-wq_I/AAAAAAAAAr8/51YReHVxBzc/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-uS-Eq0v6s/T5WIJH-wq_I/AAAAAAAAAr8/51YReHVxBzc/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165622.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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Below are more storage pieces, towels, a couple of photos from when they were little and the all important garbage can. Can't have enough of those in a girl's bath. This guy is a clearance buy at TJ Maxx and has a twin in the shower/toilet space. The white canisters are recycled Wally World candle holders. They are now the proud home of hair ties, head bands and plastic clips. Much better than the former unorganized drawer storage method.</div>
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I'd still like to paint the shelves out in white. Maybe a chalk paint finish? And I want to add some quote art work, highlighting some of the saying relating to sisters. A room is never finished, is it?</div>
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Partying At:</div>
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<a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank"><img height="150" src="http://i817.photobucket.com/albums/zz94/iblarswaconia/GunnySackStuffed400x300-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzPdfImjyJ8/Ti3RiAl7TrI/AAAAAAAAbsk/EOZi_5qvP7o/s1600/One+on+sidebar.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center>
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<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" border="0" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://craftomaniac.blogspot.com/2012/04/craftomaniac-monday-link-party.html"><img src="http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f136/butterflygirlms/Request/CraftomaniacMondayButton.png" /></a>
</div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-58914929448710309732012-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:002012-04-25T08:00:07.173-07:00Disneyland Tips, Tricks and Secrets #2<div style="text-align: center;">
Last week we discussed planning a Disneyland vacation, the pros and cons of busy season vs slow season, the multitude of hotel choices, and how long one should go . For most people I highly recommend going when Disneyland is operating with everything open and all shows running, in other words when its busy (summer, Thanksgiving thru New Years or Spring Break weeks). And I highly recommend staying on property if your budget allows. If not, choose a Good Neighbor Hotel along Harbor Blvd that is within easy walking distance of Disneyland (like Howard Johnson Anahaim or Candy Cane Inn or Anaheim Plaza Inn if you are on a tighter budget). Unless you like sitting in stop and go traffic and having your first line that you wait in for the day be at the entrance to the parking garage. If that is the route you choose, I'm gonna apologize now. Just know that other families will already be in the park riding rides, taking pictures with Mickey, or eating breakfast while you are still attempting to find a parking spot and then waiting for the shuttle from the parking lot to the park. I also recommend going for more days rather than less. Its cheaper per day the longer you stay. You will get to see and do more, and you will feel more immersed in the Disney experience with all of its glorious details that are so easy to overlook. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can Anybody tell me where this hidden Mickey is located?</td></tr>
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Mornings are precious in Disneyland. They offer the quietest times in the park. Do everything you can during the planning stages of your vacation to insure you can get to Disneyland when it opens. Seriously, the early bird gets the worm!<br />
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Now that we have the dates, the hotel and the tickets taken care of, we can discuss your actual touring plan. This is when we talk about things like rope drop, fast passes, dining reservations, how to navigate the park, and when to go see shows. Not to mention where to sit and how to get those good seats.</div>
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Sounds a little over whelming, huh? That's why we're doing this. To make it easier and give you the knowledge that you need for a successful trip.<br />
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We are now in Disneyland nice and early. Technically you are in the park before its officially open.<br />
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I recommend that you arrive at the gates to Disneyland with your tickets in hand (did I mention its cheaper to purchase your tickets online before you arrive?) 30 minutes before the published opening time on the Disneyland Calendar. They usually open the turnstiles (where you get your tickets scanned for entrance) about 15 minutes before the park opens and let us all line up at the end of Main Street.<br />
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See where the blue stars meet the yellow stars above? That is where the rope will be. When its time to open the park there will be a fun countdown and the rope will be dropped allowing you to enter the rest of the park. If you have people in your group that don't like crowds, but do like characters, this is an awesome opportunity to visit with select characters in the circle that is labeled Main Street USA. Then you can enter the park a touch later. This is all about a pleasant trip. If you like the excitement of those anxiously awaiting a fun filled day in Disneyland then do the rope drop. If you don't like crowds, visit characters with minimal lines. Its a win win either way.</div>
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Why are mornings not busier? Remember me mentioning that Disneyland is different from Disney World? The type of visitors in Disneyland are a little different too. Most people who visit Disneyland on any given day live fairly close, within a couple of hours drive. They don't tend to get to the parks early. They aren't on vacation, its their day off from work so they sleep in. Add to that dynamic, the people who are on vacation, but choose to sleep in any way. (Don't do it, seriously, its worth it) or they go to a sit down breakfast before going to the park. Again, don't do it! Eat in your room, or as you walk to the park or in the park itself. Mornings are the best time in the park. I can't stress this enough.</div>
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So, you are in the park, what next?</div>
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Grab a fast pass! A what?</div>
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Ok, Fastpass. Select rides in Disneyland offer a special ticketing system. Anybody can use this system. All you need is the ticket you use to get into the park. It doesn't cost anything and it works with all tickets, one day, multi day and Annual Passes. </div>
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Disclaimer: The following info is valid as of April 2012. The Disneyland Resort Fast Pass system is ever changing. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disneyland rides with Fast Pass(FP):</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Space Mountain (SM)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Star Tours (ST)<br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Splash Mountain (Splash)</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Indiana Jones (Indy)</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (BTMRR)</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Autopia</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Roger Rabbit (RR) -- This is disconnected from the network. I will explain in a minute...</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Disney's California Adventure(DCA) rides with FP:</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Soarin' Over California (Soarin')</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tower of Terror (ToT)</span><br style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Grizzly River Run (GRR) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">California Screamin' (Screamn')</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These rides all have Fast Pass machines nearby (they are well marked) that you put your entrance ticket into (you get it back) and it gives you an appointment card for the ride. Only so many appointments are available for each time slot, so the later in the day you get a FP, the later the appointment will be for. To make life easier, send one person with the tickets from everybody in your group to go get the FP for everybody. We call this our FP Runner. Sounds important huh? Saves time and unnecessary walking. Its allowed, don't worry.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep in mind that you can get another FP for the same ride or a different one when the appointment is up or two hours later, whichever comes first.</span></span><br />
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This is an Indiana Jones Past Pass. See how it says your next FP is available at 9:40? In the morning it will almost always match the appointment time on the FP. Later in the day, it is likely to give you a time two hours after you get the FP. </div>
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Another neat thing with FP is that you don't have to return during that appointment window. This is a unique little loop hole that Disneyland currently allows. Its a silent policy, so to speak. But it may change as we head into the summer. Email me before your trip and I will let you know what the current policy is at that time. For now though, you can save that FP for after dinner when its busy, lines are long and you want to enjoy the park with less hassle. This is totally legit! For now...Keep in mind that the Disney employee(CM) in charge of checking these could technically turn you away after the end time of the appointment window, but I have never had it happen. NEVER.</div>
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So, with the knowledge that Disney doesn't enforce the end of the appointment window, you can now have your FP runner join you in line at the ride you are going to ride. </div>
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In Disneyland I recommend getting FP in this order...</div>
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Star Tours, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mtn RR, and Autopia. Autopia is the slowest FP line in the park and only worth getting a FP for if you are doing Disneyland in one day. Otherwise use the regular line during one of your mornings that you were smart enough to show up for rope drop for! Yeah early morning benefits!!!! You can get Roger Rabbit anytime since it isn't connected to the other rides and isn't effected by times relating to other FPs. Its also not a super busy ride most days, so it does not tend to run out of FPs during the day.</div>
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While we are discussing FPs , we need to touch on DCA too. The two parks' FP systems are not connected to each other. They don't talk. So you can hold FP from both parks at the same time. You can send a FP Runner to DCA to with everyone's tickets to begin collecting FP there. </div>
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In DCA I recommend this order...</div>
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Soarin' Over California, Screamin', Grizzly River Run, and Tower of Terror</div>
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Most day DCA opens at 10am. </div>
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This will all change when Carsland opens in June. More rides will have FP, Disney is likely to make changes to the silent rules of FP, DCA will open earlier, and it will generally be busier. I will do an update when we find out what they are going to do. Until then, we are gonna go with the above info!</div>
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Ok, you have your first FP, or sent a runner...what ride am I going to do?</div>
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This is a very personal choice. Each morning is different for us. One morning we dedicate to Fantasyland and the Matterhorn. Its just too busy (and no FP) during the day. One morning would go to Tomorrowland and Autopia. Yet another morning would be Finding Nemo (again no FP) and then over to DCA for their rope drop. If you have a Mickey fan I recommend using one morning to go to Toon Town when it opens (an hour after the rest of the park) and get in line for Mickey's House and pics with him in his studio. </div>
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As you put together your touring plan for your trip, try to keep in mind how the majority of visitors move through the park. Fantasyland always gets busy quickly. Families with small children descend in droves fairly early in the day. By lunch you want to be out of there unless you have little ones that will want to spend a huge part of their day there. Tomorrowland also gets busy fast. Two of the park's biggest attractions are here...Space Mtn and Star Tours. Plus its bordered by the Matterhorn and Finding Nemo, both of which get busy fairly early. These are also generally the first rides to run out of FPs. Next would be Adventureland with Indiana Jones. Then The New Orleans Square rides of Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion, followed by Splash Mtn in Critter Country and BTMRR in Frontierland.</div>
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This true EXCEPT when Haunted Mansion has its Nightmare Before Christmas clothes on from the end of September until after New Years. During that time HM offers FP and you will want to get to it early. That ride has a cult following amongst Disney fans and gets insane. Its worth the effort though!</div>
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Are you seeing why its so important to get there early in the morning. On a good day, when we are all up for it, we can ride all the major Fantasyland rides, the Matterhorn, Star Tours, Space Mtn, Indiana Jones, Pirates and Haunted Mansion before lunch. Plus have FPs for Star Tours, Space, and Indy for later in the day.</div>
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Ok, so now its lunch time. You weren't quite as gung ho as we are, but you did manage to ride a few rides and get a couple of FPs. Its okay, its not a competition. We are only crazy on one morning of each trip, usually we are much more laid back. </div>
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Next up? Lunch!</div>
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See you next week!</div>
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Finally, I have an update on the den redo. Project Lighter and Brighter continues around Sagebrush Ridge.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GThrwbjcRkY/T5V3H48UwhI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Zd4OqxnjbGM/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GThrwbjcRkY/T5V3H48UwhI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Zd4OqxnjbGM/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165341.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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This is another $7 gallon of oops paint. A warm light beige.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDcAcV_dLCQ/T5V3J6Fj-xI/AAAAAAAAAqY/_Jv7V4EAZqI/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UDcAcV_dLCQ/T5V3J6Fj-xI/AAAAAAAAAqY/_Jv7V4EAZqI/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165350.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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As you can see, there is still a lot to do in here. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-JcjfLh3Ho/T5V3Jt24cJI/AAAAAAAAAqc/jF2w_97AXy8/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b-JcjfLh3Ho/T5V3Jt24cJI/AAAAAAAAAqc/jF2w_97AXy8/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165402.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
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The wall above the sofa will eventually get three mirrored panels mounted above it. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiJnTUrovr8/T5V3LWeXAuI/AAAAAAAAAqk/7nblgylkYLE/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CiJnTUrovr8/T5V3LWeXAuI/AAAAAAAAAqk/7nblgylkYLE/s0-d/IMG_20120420_165448.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The coffee table is in need of refinishing, as are the desk under the television and the small table next to the sofa. I'm also seriously considering painting the armoire, but Mr Shawn isn't thrilled with the idea. We shall see. For now its good enough. It gets used regularly by the girls, especially after school. They can come in , drop their stuff, spread out projects, eat snacks and hook their tablets up to the tv...all without Mom complaining that they have taken over the entire living room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvidsOHUxCu0vziMlC13eXg_QLX8d-QHZ9Dtfae3nnMms30HYLMGQ8trX3wbQ-UWUG_rtsvgFqFKvkhyphenhyphenasHLC170wv29qEnxMtxkhqSA1KiJaOyqsuQeudaW_AwraKGTETNxfzJbxVoAbj/s1600/School+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvidsOHUxCu0vziMlC13eXg_QLX8d-QHZ9Dtfae3nnMms30HYLMGQ8trX3wbQ-UWUG_rtsvgFqFKvkhyphenhyphenasHLC170wv29qEnxMtxkhqSA1KiJaOyqsuQeudaW_AwraKGTETNxfzJbxVoAbj/s400/School+Room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the before. Dark, cave like little room with absolutely no windows. The dark colors on the walls certainly did not help. I like the new lighter and brighter look. So, any suggestions on the finishes for the tables? Should I just refinish the wood? Paint? Sand it down and go rustic? A combination? How about the armoire? Yay or Nay????</div>
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<center><a href="http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WzPdfImjyJ8/Ti3RiAl7TrI/AAAAAAAAbsk/EOZi_5qvP7o/s1600/One+on+sidebar.jpg" /></a></center><center><br /></center>
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<a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/search/label/Link%20Parties" target="_blank"><img alt="UndertheTableandDreaming" border="0" src="http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv298/theliebertfamily/party.png" /></a></div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9020614526717009995.post-31773951674273208952012-04-19T11:15:00.001-07:002012-04-19T11:15:27.608-07:00Bathroom Inspiration<div style="text-align: center;">
There are rooms at Sagebrush Ridge that are still living in builder beige. Its sad really. We have been here for almost five years. One would think I could have managed to paint all of the walls. A life lived does not always mean painted walls. Go figure. Honestly though, its beginning to bother me. Not because of the color, but because they did such a horrendous job! The paint is so thin in places, the moment you touch it with a sponge it wipes off the wall. Yikes! Not good for Spring cleaning motivation. What it has inspired is a bunch of room redos. The entry way, mudroom hallway and half bath are in progress. I need a little carpentry work done before it can be completed (which means a honey do project for hubby, and he has an amazing way of letting those sit far too long), so I have moved to the girls' Jack and Jill bathroom. It opens to both of their rooms, so it needs to be fairly neutral. Here's the inspiration so far.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image) Fairfield House NJ</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image) Just a Girl</td></tr>
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I love the subtle beachy/coastal nod. Relaxed, casual, easy to clean...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image) Home Stories A to Z</td></tr>
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There is a little alcove behind the door leading to Miss H's bedroom that is screaming for shelving. Goodness knows two teenaged girls need all of the storage they can get and Mom needs it to be pretty and easy to organize. I like the look of the above photo, but we will need to figure out a storage solution for all of their various jewelry to be incorporated in here too. Tossing it all into a box has NOT been a good solution.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/76913106105677809_BJailddw_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache6.pinterest.com/upload/76913106105677809_BJailddw_f.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image) Country Sampler</td></tr>
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I like the simple storage solutions in the above bathroom, not to mention the boarded wall treatment. The over sized crockery would be perfect for hair styling tools or extra towels, and the miscellaneous pumps make pretty containers for all of their various lotions and potions. This image reminds me so much of our first home when the girls were little. We had a claw foot tub upstairs, pine tongue and groove walls, and steep slanted ceilings that left little over head room. The low light and narrow mirror were solutions we had to utilize. We didn't have a choice. Here its just cute.</div>
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I'm thinking custom storage on the shelves like the above, but done with plastic bins for the Dollar Tree. How fun would that be mixed with crockery, clear glass canisters and various pump containers? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/255790453805345148_mwzfbJw0_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cache4.pinterest.com/upload/255790453805345148_mwzfbJw0_f.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image )Simple Daisy</td></tr>
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Add a few simple flowers...</div>
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And presto! A bathroom fit for two beauty queens.</div>
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<br /></div>Teresa Tomlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731404635288142550noreply@blogger.com0