tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82298738799916254482024-03-19T04:23:37.001-07:00JP Home & GardenJennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-65816656929905167672012-04-02T11:53:00.000-07:002012-04-02T11:54:48.042-07:00Shadel House: Den, Bathroom, Laundry RoomThe rest of the main level. . .<br />
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Den BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936010551/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Den Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Den Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6936010551_4e0f5b24ca_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Den AFTER:</div>
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Den BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6789894032/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Den Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Den Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6789894032_747705ccdd_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Den AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014320945/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0017.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0017.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6039/7014320945_1ffcb40974_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Looking up stairs from den BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936035545/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Stairs Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Stairs Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6936035545_08d8c7afa5_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Looking up stairs from den AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014332549/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0029.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0029.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6104/7014332549_47c2f22641_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Bathroom (Main Level) BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6790014550/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Downstairs Bathroom Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Downstairs Bathroom Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/6790014550_1388ab31ff_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Bathroom (Main Level) AFTER:<br />
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All we did was paint, tile the floor and replace the light bar and some of the hardware. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868215220/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0025.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0025.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6094/6868215220_5e859dd2d4_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868268812/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0067.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0067.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6048/6868268812_9297f859b7_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014326413/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0026.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0026.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/7014326413_a39aa15d73_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868218426/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="IMG_0027.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"></a><a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6223/6868218426_62dee33e07_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_0027.jpg" border="0" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6223/6868218426_62dee33e07_b.jpg" width="600" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014249715/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9959.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9959.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7014249715_908e735b3b_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Laundry Room BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6789909460/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Laundry Room Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Laundry Room Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6789909460_a592c0fef5_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Laundry Room AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014284121/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9985.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9985.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7014284121_9a7aef744f_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Paint, tile, removed shelf, added hooks, changed light, exposed plank ceiling.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6789902896/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Laundry Room Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Laundry Room Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6789902896_d0cddd47dc_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014281035/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9981.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9981.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7014281035_0a4bb3c2b9_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014282901/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9982.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9982.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6047/7014282901_4c5e6c9210_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Now I wouldn't mind doing laundry in that room! <br />
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That completes the tour of the main level. Two bedrooms and a bath upstairs will wrap up the upstairs.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-51112284950490508502012-03-29T10:38:00.001-07:002012-03-29T10:40:11.013-07:00Shadel House: Master Bedroom & Sunroom<br />
I have to say, I love how the kitchen turned out, and I love the upstairs bathroom (which we created out of a closet), but I love, love, LOVE the sunroom. I love sunrooms in general. They get sun. I don't really get sun in my house. Plus, this sunroom has a view of the river (which I didn't take a picture of!). AND it's right off the master bedroom. So it's really a win win win!<br />
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You enter the master off the living room through a french door.<br />
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Master Entrance BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936040587/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Entry Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Entry Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6936040587_fca1e63cf6_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Master Entrance AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014315401/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0013.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0013.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6239/7014315401_436b6938cd_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></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="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014373761/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0061.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0061.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6050/7014373761_fc15cbfb56_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I probably shouldn't show this close up. . .some of the brown paint on the glass was a bugger to get off, not to menion the less than superb cleaning job done on that glass! </td></tr>
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Master - Looking back at the door BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936027385/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Master Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Master Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6936027385_815e55046b_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Master: Looking back at the door AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014313627/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0011.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0011.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6092/7014313627_a9d0a66a0e_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868202408/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0010.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0010.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6236/6868202408_c19611e612_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Master - looking back at the door and toward the sunroom BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936026113/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Master Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Master Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6936026113_f5a3d644fc_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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I didn't take an after picture of the last angle, so here is a picture of the opposite wall with a hint of sunroom to the left there AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014299423/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9997.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9997.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6240/7014299423_c61731407f_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Looking into sunroom BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6936031213_69e13c1016_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunroom Before" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6936031213_69e13c1016_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Looking into the sunroom AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868285364/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0080.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0080.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6868285364_aa58929fcf_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Sunroom BEFORE:<br />
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6936029973_07851c6d4d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunroom Before" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6936029973_07851c6d4d_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Sunroom AFTER:</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868192824/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0003.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0003.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6042/6868192824_f05c8edff3_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014304023/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0004.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0004.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6214/7014304023_db8622eb34_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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There was originally a door off the front porch that entered the sunroom. We took it out and created a closet there since the master closet was quite small. . .at least that was our intent. Before we added the rod and shelf inside our new renter asked us not to because she wants to put a bookshelf in that space and create a reading nook in the sunroom.</div>
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<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6790017568_ddf2d72bbb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sunroom Before" border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6790017568_ddf2d72bbb_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868195936/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0006.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0006.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6096/6868195936_0b5598350c_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Sunroom, other side AFTER:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868197498/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0008.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0008.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6109/6868197498_e3c3fd9ed5_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868200604/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0009.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0009.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6868200604_cc443ac87d_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Doesn't it just make you want to get a good book and curl up in all that glorious sunshine?! Lucky girl. . .</div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-8733915150042688082012-03-25T18:37:00.000-07:002012-03-25T18:37:40.481-07:00Shadel House: Living Room & Dining RoomWe first looked at this house last year, but ended up buying a different house then. But this house dropped significantly in price and one of our renters mentioned that if we were thinking of buying another house she had a renter for us. So we bought this one. Some of the pictures are from the first time we looked at the house when the previous owners were still living there and attempting to renovate it at the same time. The rest are after we closed on the house last month. <br />
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Living Room Before - Standing at the front door looking in:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6790019246/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Living into Dining Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Living into Dining Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6790019246_09ecaab1fb_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Living Room After - you can see some of the new front door in this picture (it will be painted when the exterior gets painted. . .as soon as the rain stops for more than a day!):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014384201/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0073.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0073.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6106/7014384201_6aa5938995_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Looking into the dining room (before), master bedroom door at left:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936039747/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Living to Dining Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Living to Dining Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6936039747_414562aacf_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Living Room After - looking into dining room:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014292953/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9992.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9992.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6232/7014292953_5ea4019a4a_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Living Room Before - looking back at old front door and master bedroom french door:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936040587/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Entry Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Entry Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6936040587_fca1e63cf6_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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After:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/7014315401/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0013.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0013.jpg" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6239/7014315401_436b6938cd_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Living Room Before - looking back at front of house:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6936135349/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Living Room Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Living Room Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6936135349_2e123627cd_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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After:<br />
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Dining Room Before - living room to right, kitchen to left:<br />
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I apparently took no after picture from this angle. . . :( The new renter's son was trying to move his stuff in and I was rushing to finish pictures (you can see his foot on the stairs in the next after picture!)<br />
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Dining Room Before - with a hint of stairs:<br />
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Dining Room Before - looking at stairs and back toward front door:<br />
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After (showing master door and a hint of the den to the right):<br />
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Dining Room - looking back at stairs and den:<br />
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And a peak into the kitchen from the dining room (den to the left of picture):<br />
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Looking back from living room:<br />
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Dining Room After - looking back toward living room and front door (with all the crap we pitched out at the end still sitting on the front porch!)<br />
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The fact that we were finished AND it was super sunny with enough warmth to leave doors and windows open made me giddy. <br />
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For paint colors <a href="http://www.quixoticaesthetic.blogspot.com/2012/03/shadel-house-kitchen-reno.html">go here</a> (and scroll to bottom).<br />
Drum Shade Light - Ballard Designs<br />
Front Door - LowesJennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-11777220124261567012012-03-25T10:24:00.001-07:002012-03-25T10:24:24.592-07:00Shadel House: Kitchen Reno<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6789928262/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Exterior Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Exterior Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6789928262_cedb26f2f8_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadel House: before picture (after pictures of exterior to come)<br /><br /><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
We finally finished the interior renovation of our 16th street rental house. We call it the Shadel House because that's what is stamped in the concrete under the front gate. It is a Craftsman Bungalow and was built in 1914. Our new renter is already planning on throwing it a 100th birthday party in two years!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6790027104/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Front Walk by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Front Walk" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6790027104_558f4c45f5_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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This house is my favorite, and I think it turned out so cute. Of course I took a bajillion pictures, so I am going to start with one of the rooms that saw the biggest change (though frankly, the whole house looks entirely different!)<br />
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Before:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6789900328/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kitchen Before by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Kitchen Before" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6789900328_3d13e676f6_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought the original cabinets were cute and originally wanted to try and save them, but not only were they not making the kitchen function well, they had been sorely compromised when a previous owner hacked a hole in them to add the dishwasher. Also, the cabinet doors were all missing.</td></tr>
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During:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6789930462/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kitchen Demo by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="Kitchen Demo" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6789930462_04ea7b8f9d_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All walls were opened up to accommodate new electrical and relocate the plumbing. Lovely lathe and plaster disaster! We found some fun artifacts though: a 1937 cream separator in the original box, 1950's entire newspapers, a few dozen tupperware lids, a very old yard stick. . .</td></tr>
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After:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6868155052/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9968.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9968.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/6868155052_6f00612e94_b.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Aaaannd a few more after shots for your viewing pleasure :)<br />
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More room reno pictures to come!</span></div>
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General info:</div>
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Wall color - Sherwin Williams Sedate Gray</div>
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Door color - Sherwin Williams Unusual Gray</div>
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Trim Color - Sherwin Williams Alabaster</div>
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Green Glass Subway Tile - Waterworks "Harvest Gold"</div>
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Lights from Lowes</div>
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<br /></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-21348246505969659962012-03-20T15:06:00.000-07:002012-03-20T15:07:08.162-07:00Bring in the Spring<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6982900915/" title="IMG_9940.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9940.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6982900915_8ce7f6f8f0_b.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy First Day of Spring!</span></div>
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It may not look very springy outside right now, but we did get a sneak peak a couple weeks ago.<br />
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For my birthday this year I asked the weather to bring sunshine and daffodils. She obliged. For the entire week of my birthday the weather was sunny and my spirits were too. <br />
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It was lovely.<br />
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Last week AND this week it snowed. Apparently I have to pay for my pleasure! But I defy the weather. I am bringing spring inside. My tulips might not be up yet (and the deer will eat them once they are), but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy a little springtime cheer anyway. When I have to leave the house I simply ignore the gray wetness and appreciated the flowering plum trees that are beginning to bloom all over town.<br />
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On another note. One day soon I might actually get back to posting fun things. Though since months and months have passed since I posted I am sure they will please mostly myself! Coming up: bedroom/ bathroom remodel (purchases have been made), and an entire 1914 craftsman bungalow remodel (Plus, it has a name - "Shadel House". We purchased another rental property. Too bad I have to stop with paint and tile and light fixtures (which my budget hinders considerably) and can't go on to decorate the whole house too!<br />
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But that is were my own room redo will come into play :)<br />
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I can't wait!Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-71555777302132150682011-11-14T22:26:00.001-08:002011-11-15T08:51:38.848-08:00I'm Dreaming of a White Beach House. . .As a girl highly influenced by the changing of the season, I tend to want to redecorate when the weather changes. Whichever season is setting in is my favorite. In the summer I want nothing more than to run away to a the beach, spending my days with my feet in the sand, sun on my face, and my nights nestled in a cedar shake clad beach cottage with windows flung open to let the breeze drift through. Pale shades of creamy white with accent shades of sky blue and sea glass turquoise would fill the interior. I picture myself reading a book on a cozy window seat while light, gauzy, sheer curtains waft in the breeze and an icy drink in a mason jar sits close at hand with beads of moisture condensing on the glass and a straw propped jauntily on the rim. Ahhhh, summer. <br />
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Then autumn sets in and I'm filled with giddiness as the leaves turns a thousand brilliant shades and the comforting scent of wood smoke mixes with the crisp fresh air. I bundle up in sweaters and scarves and dream of cable knit throw blankets and crackling fires and hot cocoa. Chocolate browns and pumpkin orange and aged cream. . .<br />
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But fall, my true favorite, never lasts long enough. And winter rain sets in, only broken by the festive cheeriness of holiday cheer; white and red and silver and glass and evergreen fill my home. And of course the whispering of anticipation, cheerfulness and good will, and the secret hope for snow.<br />
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Finally, spring arrives in bursts of color; white and pink and yellow. . . bursts of happiness and unbidden smiles and peeks of sunshine. I want to throw open my window and fill turquoise mason jars with pink flowering plum blossoms and full, white peonies and pale, fragrant lilacs. . .<br />
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Every season is distinct. <br />
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So you see, it was a little strange to find myself headed for the coast on a gray and misty autumn morning, driving past fields of spent corn and forests of fiery autumn splendor, listening to Christmas music. . . on my way to tour a few beach houses. <br />
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It was all mixed up. <br />
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But somehow we'd strung together the best of all the seasons, and once at the beach the sun was peeking through. And no matter how you slice it, the first house we saw screamed summer. It was enough to make me giddy, no matter the season. . .<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6345035825/" title="IMG_7445.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7445.jpg" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6345035825_091cedc8e0_b.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6345039179/" title="IMG_7451.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7451.jpg" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6223/6345039179_3b922db2dc_b.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenpears/6345061033/" title="IMG_7470.jpg by jenpears, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7470.jpg" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6345061033_00eefd362b_b.jpg" width="600" /></a>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0Cannon Beach, OR, USA45.8917738 -123.961527445.8696703 -124.0010094 45.9138773 -123.92204539999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-76066535178243000992011-08-17T18:31:00.000-07:002011-08-17T18:32:11.267-07:00A Million Ways to Spend Your Money. . .<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_4032/web.jpg?ver=12977115780001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_4032/web.jpg?ver=12977115780001" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house, the day we first looked at it in '07</td></tr>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Have you ever noticed that there are infinite ways to spend your money? And often we find ourselves spending on things we need instead of want. If we are really lucky, we get things we need AND want. Like our decision this year to hire a yard guy. The final push occurred when Rob and I were sitting on the rockers on our front porch, just back from a run, enjoying the breeze in early spring, when some of our neighbors strolled past. They clearly did not see us on the porch and went about pointing out particularly shabby sections of our yard and whispering about our lack of maintenance. I didn't really hold it against them. It was a shabby eyesore. And I LIKE yard work. But despite our hard work in other areas of our lives, the ones that were showing didn't speak well of us. Because there are also only so many hours in a day to spend, and the yard was suffering from low priority. So we hired a yard guy for a surprisingly small amount of money. Now our lawn stays mowed, our shrubs stay trimmed, and our weeds--well, what weeds?! Well worth the money.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But I had higher hopes for the yard this year than merely being mowed and edged (though it is a VAST improvement already--I am sure the neighbors will agree!). I planned to add a archway to the side lane for the kids to use when running to the neighbors, replace a few dead shrubs, and plant a cutting garden in my barren side yard. If I allowed myself to dream a little, I contemplated putting in a stone patio under the pergola off the back porch. It looked lovely. . . if only in my mind's eye. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2681/web.jpg?ver=13136273880001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2681/web.jpg?ver=13136273880001" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look past the stained paint, you can see the grassy area under the pergola section, of which I speak.</td></tr>
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As summer got under way, however, it became apparent that our house was in need of a paint job. The trim paint was thin and peeling in a few places, and the lovely buttery cream body paint was stained and tired. Dreams of my lovely landscaping dwindled and died. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">After contemplating painting it ourselves, we decided to leave it to the pros and hire someone--and while this may sound like a growing trend. . . well it has been. We, the-do-it-ALL-yourself-family, have discovered that we can get a lot more done if we <i>occasionally</i> hire some of the work out. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">*gasp*</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">(I even hired a housekeeper. . .once. I realized it took me a day of cleaning to get ready for the house keeper. Weird.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We learned day one of pressure washing that while paint may trump flowers and arbors, roof trumps all. Apparently pretty flowers and fresh paint don't mean a lot if your roof is leaking. And we were in dire need of a new roof. So the paint got scratched. And the next week of sun turned into a tear off and re-roof fiasco which included three hours of rain in the less than 24 hour period when the roof was completely torn off. Awesome. Having the pitter patter of rain tease you awake is annoying enough in July--it is particularly irksome when you are indecently exposed overhead. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2675/web.jpg?ver=13136274490001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2675/web.jpg?ver=13136274490001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2685/web.jpg?ver=13136273160001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2685/web.jpg?ver=13136273160001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And despite "hiring" someone, we still managed to be a large part of the tear off process--Rob even found himself on the roof a couple days. See little Rob up there, helping paper after the rain cleared?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">But now that it is done, we couldn't be more pleased with the outcome. Our green shutters have gone black and our brown roof has gone charcoal. I like it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2956_2/web.jpg?ver=13136273930001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2956_2/web.jpg?ver=13136273930001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2961_2/web.jpg?ver=13136272960001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2961_2/web.jpg?ver=13136272960001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Maybe next year I will get to landscape. . . or paint my house. . . or maybe something else will crop up and take the cake. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For now I am just going to sit back and enjoy the fruits of "our" labors.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2967/web.jpg?ver=13136272760001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100897/IMG_2967/web.jpg?ver=13136272760001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just ignore the gap in the wayward front "hedge" I am attempting to grow in front of the porch--that dead bush will be replaced soon--maybe even this year! Or maybe all the free cash we can scratch up will clothe the girls for school. . .</div></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-13747054817620783212011-05-02T16:28:00.000-07:002011-05-02T16:28:19.234-07:00On the Road to BetterIt is often said that things get worse before they get better. . . I think that applies to the progress at the rental. Of course, things <i>actually are</i> better, but you can't really see that. The whole house has new electrical and some leaks and drywall issues and the basement have all been improved upon. But the random passerby might not appreciate how far this house has come in the last three weeks. They might think the new owners are crazy. They might be right! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_0234/web.jpg?ver=13043778340001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_0234/web.jpg?ver=13043778340001" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During (we got a little farther than this on the paint)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_0246/web.jpg?ver=13043778760001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_0246/web.jpg?ver=13043778760001" width="600" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During (after tile, before refinishing)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helper #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helper #2</td></tr>
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Of course, we are not nearly done yet. Things will indeed look better soon. Just as soon as the paint scheme comes together, among other things--like new carpet and light fixtures. <br />
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But no one can argue that the yard has improved. Too bad I didn't take a before and after of the back yard. It was pushing three feet in spots! Of course, <i>that</i> is an after that will have to happen every week. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">To be continued. . .</div></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-56730202368024798872011-03-30T09:22:00.000-07:002011-03-30T09:22:59.697-07:00Take Two<div>It seems this little home and garden blog has been a bit hijacked by my House of White blog. And now this space is getting lonely while all my projects get their moment of glory <i>over there</i>. But with spring finally starting to make an appearance around here, I have yard and garden projects that will be getting their reveal right here. And if all goes according to plan, in another month or so, construction on my new shop/garden shed will commence (I can't wait!). </div><div><br />
</div><div>PLUS, in case the last reno wasn't enough, we have closed on another rental property. This one is super cute with lots of potential, though we probably won't do as much work on it as the last one. I have a few ideas though, so we shall see. Here she is:</div><div><br />
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</div><div>She needs a little help in the paint department. It isn't in bad shape, but I'm not digging the color combo--at least not the darker blue trim.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Let's step into the large airy living room. . .</div><div><br />
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</div><div>The green tile will be removed, or at least covered with some molding. I am loving all those windows!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9498/web.jpg?ver=13015008400001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9498/web.jpg?ver=13015008400001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Under all the carpet are hardwoods--this bedroom floor is painted blue instead of carpeted, and though I would love to rip all the carpet out and refinish the floors, or even paint all of them, we will likely just carpet it all up. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9492/web.jpg?ver=13015008580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9492/web.jpg?ver=13015008580001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>The bathroom is large and bright, though the pink will go--and perhaps some white tile and bead board will make an appearance. </div><div><br />
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</div><div>The kitchen doesn't need as much work as the last one, and the yellow paint make it so cheerful. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9484/web.jpg?ver=13015008670001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9484/web.jpg?ver=13015008670001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>I love all the charm this place has, even down to the glass door knobs. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I also love the flowering plum trees and camellia bush in the front yard. And the park at the end of the street. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9502/web.jpg?ver=13015008450001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9502/web.jpg?ver=13015008450001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9482/web.jpg?ver=13015008350001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9482/web.jpg?ver=13015008350001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Over the next month we will whip this little lady in to shape and show you what we can make of her. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9477/web.jpg?ver=13015008250001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/101076/IMG_9477/web.jpg?ver=13015008250001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-60589567984831035462010-12-15T22:43:00.000-08:002011-03-30T09:41:39.997-07:00Why Renovate the House I Live In. . .. . . when I can renovate the house someone else gets to live in?<br />
<br />
My biggest complaint about our house renovation is the very s l o o o o w progress. No room ever gets done all in one shot, let alone the entire house. I have a hard time finishing even small projects, like the slip covers for my dining room chairs I started LAST November. I got one done. Now I have a whole new table and set of chairs! Luckily they need slipcovers so we will try again. I also have a half done laundry room, a living room with no furniture and a list of things to do a mile long. <br />
<br />
But I have been steadily checking things off <a href="http://penofjenn.blogspot.com/2008/08/20-things.html">another list</a> I made a while back. And I can sort of check #15 off that list: Own and restore a historic home. It isn't what I had in mind, and I don't even get to live in it. And even though it was built in 1941, it isn't on the historic registry, and it doesn't have a name. <i>But</i> it has come a long way and I am rather proud of it.<br />
<br />
So with that stellar introduction, meet our first little rental house:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/IS15xrqppb9zt0j/web.jpg?ver=12923929370001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/IS15xrqppb9zt0j/web.jpg?ver=12923929370001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was dark when I took the after pictures so I will have to go back in the daylight for the exterior "after" picture. But here is a "during picture". The exterior had been painted, but the trim wasn't finished and the fence hadn't been fixed and the shutters and house numbers aren't up, but it's still cuter:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_7552/web.jpg?ver=12924790260001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_7552/web.jpg?ver=12924790260001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">UPDATE: Finished exterior</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8273/web.jpg?ver=12938268530001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8273/web.jpg?ver=12938268530001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></div><br />
<br />
When we purchased the home two months ago, we were fairly enthusiastic, and my husband ripped right into the place before I had a chance to even take before pictures, so I nabbed the pictures from the listing. Let me take you on a little tour, room by room.<br />
<br />
Welcome to the living room I walked into that first day back in May (it was a VERY long process):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-2/web.jpg?ver=12923929560001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-2/web.jpg?ver=12923929560001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And welcome in today:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8219/web.jpg?ver=12923929670001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8219/web.jpg?ver=12923929670001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Let's look around the living room:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-3/web.jpg?ver=12923929700001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-3/web.jpg?ver=12923929700001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8220/web.jpg?ver=12923929730001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8220/web.jpg?ver=12923929730001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/IMG00131/web.jpg?ver=12923933800001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/IMG00131/web.jpg?ver=12923933800001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8221/web.jpg?ver=12923929380001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8221/web.jpg?ver=12923929380001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8226/web.jpg?ver=12923929520001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8226/web.jpg?ver=12923929520001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8223/web.jpg?ver=12923930050001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8223/web.jpg?ver=12923930050001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Let us enter the Kitchen, shall we? Here is the before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/IS15xrqpld7rp2b/web.jpg?ver=12923929700001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/IS15xrqpld7rp2b/web.jpg?ver=12923929700001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And the after. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8229/web.jpg?ver=12923929630001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8229/web.jpg?ver=12923929630001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8231/web.jpg?ver=12923930210001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8231/web.jpg?ver=12923930210001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Let's pivot around the room:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-6/web.jpg?ver=12923929420001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-6/web.jpg?ver=12923929420001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8237/web.jpg?ver=12923929790001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8237/web.jpg?ver=12923929790001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/ISs4x9svnw0asj/web.jpg?ver=12923929850001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/ISs4x9svnw0asj/web.jpg?ver=12923929850001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8235/web.jpg?ver=12923929930001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8235/web.jpg?ver=12923929930001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8236/web.jpg?ver=12923929490001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8236/web.jpg?ver=12923929490001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Moving on to the dining room--prepare yourself:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-8/web.jpg?ver=12923929360001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-8/web.jpg?ver=12923929360001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Ahhhh, much better. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8239/web.jpg?ver=12923929590001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8239/web.jpg?ver=12923929590001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8187/web.jpg?ver=12923930130001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8187/web.jpg?ver=12923930130001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
Laundry room/mudroom--a short step down from the dining room. . . before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-9/web.jpg?ver=12923929650001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-9/web.jpg?ver=12923929650001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
After. What else can I say? Except, that at some point it will probably be sporting bead board and a shelf in the future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8183/web.jpg?ver=12923929430001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8183/web.jpg?ver=12923929430001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8180/web.jpg?ver=12923929660001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8180/web.jpg?ver=12923929660001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
The master bedroom (which used to be a one car garage--complete with maroon painted cement floor):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-10/web.jpg?ver=12923929570001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-10/web.jpg?ver=12923929570001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
After. This was the one room where all the things on the list didn't happen due to time restraints--our renter wanted to move in, little things like that. . . Plus it wouldn't really be OUR project if we actually finished <i>everything</i>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8176/web.jpg?ver=12923930100001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8176/web.jpg?ver=12923930100001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Let's walk back through the laundry room. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8179/web.jpg?ver=12923929680001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8179/web.jpg?ver=12923929680001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
and up through the dining room. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8182/web.jpg?ver=12923930220001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8182/web.jpg?ver=12923930220001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
and back through the kitchen--do you see the peek of the bathroom? Wait for it. . . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8233/web.jpg?ver=12923929540001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8233/web.jpg?ver=12923929540001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
The crown jewel of the remodel: the bathroom (the one and only). But first, the before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-7/web.jpg?ver=12923929450001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/10007588-7/web.jpg?ver=12923929450001" width="600" /></a></div>This picture doesn't begin to convey the gross, dirty, leaky, ewwy, smelling mess that was this bathroom.<br />
<br />
Annnnnd. . . AFTER:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8191/web.jpg?ver=12923929910001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8191/web.jpg?ver=12923929910001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I spent hours and days and days and hours and massive amounts of arm strength on tiling very nearly every inch of this bathroom. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8189/web.jpg?ver=12923930040001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8189/web.jpg?ver=12923930040001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Subway tile. . . <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8200/web.jpg?ver=12923929500001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8200/web.jpg?ver=12923929500001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
How I love thee. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8209/web.jpg?ver=12923929550001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8209/web.jpg?ver=12923929550001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
despite the pain you caused me. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8199/web.jpg?ver=12923929310001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8199/web.jpg?ver=12923929310001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
This faucet was actually very inexpensive, but I want to put it in my girls' bathroom when we renovate it (with hundreds of subway tiles). <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8196/web.jpg?ver=12923930000001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8196/web.jpg?ver=12923930000001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I seriously love the way it turned out--can you tell. . . by the sheer number of pictures of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8194/web.jpg?ver=12923930190001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8194/web.jpg?ver=12923930190001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
It was hard to get it all in a picture with such little space to work with. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8242/web.jpg?ver=12923929390001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8242/web.jpg?ver=12923929390001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Okay, I am leaving the bathroom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8213/web.jpg?ver=12923930180001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8213/web.jpg?ver=12923930180001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
With only a couple backward glances. . .<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8214/web.jpg?ver=12923929900001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8214/web.jpg?ver=12923929900001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And on to the two bedrooms. Bedroom one before (there wasn't a before picture I could steal from the listing--perhaps because they didn't think we could handle that much design style--and the day I took this I had only a 50mm prime lens. But I assure you, this flag covered one entire wall, and the rest was worse):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_7401/web.jpg?ver=12923933550001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_7401/web.jpg?ver=12923933550001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Loads of primer later. . .<br />
<br />
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The second bedroom was all girl before:<br />
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But now it's all soothing, crispy clean:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8216/web.jpg?ver=12923929880001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8216/web.jpg?ver=12923929880001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8217/web.jpg?ver=12923930020001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8217/web.jpg?ver=12923930020001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8218/web.jpg?ver=12923929760001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8218/web.jpg?ver=12923929760001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I love the old door hardware and those old doors (even though I had to sand and plane EVERY door to get them to close).<br />
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Then back to the living room and glancing back down the hall:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8222/web.jpg?ver=12923929440001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100881/_MG_8222/web.jpg?ver=12923929440001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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I might just have to put some of the trim paint in my house. The walls, on the other hand are darn close to the color on my own house. Together they are perfection. <br />
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What do you think--would you rent this little blue bungalow?Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-10435763162175524682010-09-07T18:26:00.000-07:002010-09-07T18:26:42.446-07:00In Case Four Blogs Weren't Enough. . .It has been a bit of a joke around here that I haven't got a lot of focus. This collection of blogs is sort of the proof of that. I have a lot of interests. And my latest venture may not prove otherwise! For years it has been my goal to become a published author, and I while I haven't given up on that goal, I have certainly set it aside to pursue something else. <br />
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This section of my blog represents my love of projects and home decor, as well as gardening. But it might have a little competition in my new blog. . .<br />
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I have taken one of my hobbies and have turned it into a little business venture with the aid of my good friend Lisa. It is small now, but we have big hopes for our little company. Feel free to follow our blog, <a href="http://houseofwhiteinteriors.blogspot.com/">House of White</a>, as we document our adventures into the wide world of employment.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-83987197002765356372010-08-27T06:00:00.000-07:002010-08-27T06:00:12.518-07:00Paper Pleasures<div>I have never been a big scrapbooker. I have, in fact, completed three scrapbook pages ever. <i>But</i>, I do like paper crafts on occasion. It really is amazing what you can do with paper. For instance, have you seen the things in the gallery at Anthropologie.com lately? My aspiration are much lower.</div><div><br />
</div><div>It really started when I bought a <a href="http://quixoticaesthetic.blogspot.com/2010/03/its-new-to-me.html">paper wreath</a> at an antique store on my birthday. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Then I saw a picture of a wreath like the one in my last post and I decided to make it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Yesterday I attempted to recreate the one I bought. It didn't really turn out the same. . .</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4829/web.jpg?ver=12828341820001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4829/web.jpg?ver=12828341820001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div><br />
</div><div>But I sort of like mine better!</div><div><br />
</div><div>I started with a foam wreath again.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4814/web.jpg?ver=12828341360001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4814/web.jpg?ver=12828341360001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>Then I rolled pages out of an old yellowed dictionary.</div><div><br />
</div><div>First one row all lined up around the ring, attached at the back.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>Then two more rows glued down over the top.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4817/web.jpg?ver=12828341470001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4817/web.jpg?ver=12828341470001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Then I felt like it really needed something. So I added some tissue paper rosettes. Just like the fabric ones I made for Hannah's friend's birthday<a href="http://quixoticaesthetic.blogspot.com/2010/06/sew-much-fun.html"> necklace</a>. It's all a matter of twisting and twirling and periodic/strategic gluing. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4821/web.jpg?ver=12828341590001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4821/web.jpg?ver=12828341590001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>I have to say I quite like it. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4820/web.jpg?ver=12828341550001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_4820/web.jpg?ver=12828341550001" width="600" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div>Who knew books were so much fun without actually reading them!</div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-47190031420498835412010-08-26T08:16:00.000-07:002010-08-26T08:16:29.882-07:00Incremental Decorating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4859/web.jpg?ver=12828339760001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4859/web.jpg?ver=12828339760001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
You know those home decor blogs that constantly post pictures of makeovers--room makeovers, furniture makeovers etc., <i>all in one post.</i> . . this isn't one of those. My makeovers take eons to complete and if I waited to show pictures until the projects were complete I would still not have posted anything on this blog. <br />
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But I can give details as they come. Last year (or was it the year before? I loose track during the process of project hopping!) we started Hannah's room makeover. I had intended to do something fun above her bed other than hang a picture, but it took me forever to get around to it. Well, it is finally complete:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4854/web.jpg?ver=12828338270001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4854/web.jpg?ver=12828338270001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I actually started this wreath months ago and then put it in a cupboard and forgot about it.<br />
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I pulled it out last week and made Hannah finish it! It was for her room, after all.<br />
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I even took pictures of the process. . . of course those pictures where numbered among the poor deceased thousands that weren't backed up when my hard drive died (Though I am still holding out hope that some will be miraculously retrieved here soon). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4835/web.jpg?ver=12828337960001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4835/web.jpg?ver=12828337960001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
So all you get is the lovely after.<br />
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I bought the frame at the Goodwill, painted it white and distressed it a little.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4832/web.jpg?ver=12828337900001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4832/web.jpg?ver=12828337900001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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The wreath is made with a foam wreath bought at Joann's. The brown part is a gagillion paper sacks punched out with a scalloped circle punch--2", I think is what I used. I would have preferred a 3" but there wasn't one at the store I was shopping at.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4840/web.jpg?ver=12828338050001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4840/web.jpg?ver=12828338050001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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Remember in grade school when you made tissue paper wreaths by taking a square of tissue paper and folding it over a pencil eraser and then gluing it to a wreath? That's how you make it, only you use hot glue.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4842/web.jpg?ver=12828338160001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4842/web.jpg?ver=12828338160001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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The butterflies are cut out of various blue scrap papers and pages from an old dictionary. I found a butterfly shape online and used it as a template in three sizes to cut them out. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4856/web.jpg?ver=12828338350001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100306/_MG_4856/web.jpg?ver=12828338350001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Easy peasy and only like four months to make! But I think it was worth the wait.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-50114104054544533792010-07-27T10:19:00.000-07:002010-07-27T10:20:44.014-07:00The Fruits of My Labor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4049/web.jpg?ver=12802498970001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4049/web.jpg?ver=12802498970001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I am a firm believer in working for one's rewards. Fruit does taste better after you have worked and weeded, watered and sweat over the plants that produce them. Nothing is sweeter than waking up on a cool summer morning, strolling out the garden and picking breakfast. The only thing that beat me to the berries this morning was a bunny--trying to snatch a few blueberries from under the netting. He quickly fled upon my arrival.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4068/web.jpg?ver=12802498740001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4068/web.jpg?ver=12802498740001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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This is not the first year I have grown strawberries, but it is the first year I have gotten more than an handful of little berries for my efforts. But this year my efforts are indeed being rewarded. I may have had to build raised beds to contain them, transplant them and weed them--and most importantly, construct a protective net covering for them to keep out the birds, bunnies, and deer--but it is all paying off.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4066/web.jpg?ver=12802498690001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4066/web.jpg?ver=12802498690001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Added to a little Greek style yogurt with a handful of granola, the fruits of my labor are indeed <i>very</i> sweet!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4060/web.jpg?ver=12802498890001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_4060/web.jpg?ver=12802498890001" width="600" /></a></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-79706081897114068422010-06-21T22:45:00.000-07:002010-06-21T22:45:10.386-07:00Sew Much FunWhen school let out I had an uncontrollable urge to be crafty. This translated in large part into a sewing frenzy which hasn't entirely abated. I try to take advantage of the urge to sew and whip out as many projects on my to do list as possible before the urge passes, because once it dies down, nothing can induce me to sew, even if I happen to stop mid project. Ask my daughter, I still have a half sewn apron from the last go round. <br />
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Here are few things I have been working on in the last few weeks:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Aprons</i></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
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</i></span></span></span><br />
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These started a couple years ago when I saw a super cute apron on someone else's blog and thought "I can SOO make that." So I did, then I made a dozen more! I gave them to my family and friends and kids and a lot of them to the graduating senior girls from church--sort of a "Congratulations on graduating and growing up--good luck cooking for yourself. But hey, look cute while you do it!"<br />
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Plus they are reversible.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_0947/web.jpg?ver=12764065100001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_0947/web.jpg?ver=12764065100001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_0949/web.jpg?ver=12764064610001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_0949/web.jpg?ver=12764064610001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
Here are a few I have made:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/Untitled-1/web.jpg?ver=12771794900001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/Untitled-1/web.jpg?ver=12771794900001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><i>Head Bands</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
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I first made a couple of these for a friend of Hannah's for her birthday. Along with a fun rosette necklace that I have yet to make more of. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100544/_MG_9215/web.jpg?ver=12735417030001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100544/_MG_9215/web.jpg?ver=12735417030001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100544/_MG_9217/web.jpg?ver=12735416770001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100544/_MG_9217/web.jpg?ver=12735416770001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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These are pretty easy and super cute.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1415/web.jpg?ver=12767486160001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1415/web.jpg?ver=12767486160001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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The flower is actually made of satin ribbon and is a pin, so it can be removed and pinned other places--like on a sweater. . .OR a . . .<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;"><i>Purse</i></span></span><br />
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I decided that in my old age carrying a purse is quite handy. It holds LOTS of stuff. <br />
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I like being able have lots of stuff and still have my hands free. But mostly, I like being able to take my camera (and an extra lens or two) with me without looking like a tourist.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1522/web.jpg?ver=12767209590001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1522/web.jpg?ver=12767209590001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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So I whipped up this little number one day and I LOVE it. I even gave it a magnet snap and interior pockets. I may make another. . .<br />
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This next one was really out of necessity, though I have been wanting to make one for while. Every Sunday when my kids drag out their coloring books and crayons in church and the inevitable CRASH of the spilled crayon bin makes me cringe I think, "I really should make that. . . ."<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Crayon Roll</i></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1533/web.jpg?ver=12767486150001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1533/web.jpg?ver=12767486150001" width="600" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i><br />
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It is super easy and so neat and quiet in the car and at church and anywhere we go. Plus it tucks into my purse or church bag real slick. Plus I made one for each girl so no fighting!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1532/web.jpg?ver=12767486130001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_1532/web.jpg?ver=12767486130001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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I still have loads of things to sew on my list. Like the chair covers I started last <i>October</i>! I got ONE done.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_7894/web.jpg?ver=12771850580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_7894/web.jpg?ver=12771850580001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_7895/web.jpg?ver=12771850570001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_7895/web.jpg?ver=12771850570001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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Unfortunately, this chair has seven siblings I must cover.<br />
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But it sure is cute with the pillow I bought off Etsy:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_7900/web.jpg?ver=12771850600001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100631/_MG_7900/web.jpg?ver=12771850600001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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Add to that a bench cushion for a friend, a skirt for my daughter, some curtains for my daughter, and a new cover for a foot stool for my other daughter. . . the list goes on. I hope the urge to sew lasts as long as the list--I have a feeling it won't, particularly since the list keeps growing! <br />
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I shouldn't ask (for the sake of keeping my list short), but :<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What have you sewn lately? Or at least, what have you wanted to sew lately?</span></i>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-89461161970722103032010-06-07T08:59:00.000-07:002010-06-07T08:59:08.432-07:00Forward Thinking Sedum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0602/web.jpg?ver=12759239380001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0602/web.jpg?ver=12759239380001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I have always been under the impression that sedum was a lover of heat and dry locations. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0609/web.jpg?ver=12759239420001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0609/web.jpg?ver=12759239420001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
They are acclaimed for their drought tolerance. . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0599/web.jpg?ver=12759239360001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0599/web.jpg?ver=12759239360001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I took that to mean that they would not do well in very wet weather. . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0593/web.jpg?ver=12759239340001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0593/web.jpg?ver=12759239340001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I live in wet and cloudy Washington.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0605/web.jpg?ver=12759239290001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0605/web.jpg?ver=12759239290001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
So when I made these <a href="http://quixoticaesthetic.blogspot.com/2009/06/hypertufa-pots.html">hypertufa pots</a> last year and planted sedum in them I thought they might drown over the winter. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0603/web.jpg?ver=12759239330001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0603/web.jpg?ver=12759239330001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Last month we got 200% of our average rainfall for the month.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0606/web.jpg?ver=12759239310001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_0606/web.jpg?ver=12759239310001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Apparently these plants are storing up for the future.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-86724555385900670232010-06-01T23:04:00.000-07:002010-06-01T23:09:47.822-07:00Sidetracked. . . As Usual<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Necessity is the mother of invention. . . or rather, of construction in our case. At least that's what I call it when a washing machine goes out and it spurs a laundry room makeover. A deadline helps to. Of course, <i>that</i> deadline has passed, as has the over zealous gusto with which we started the project.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<i>"We have three days to make over the room before the new washer and dryer get here." </i>got us really going on the project. . . then reality set in and we made sure the floor was done so the washer and dryer would have something to sit on. Here is where the dilemma of the walls (and the sink/cabinets/shelf) brought this project to a screeching halt. In typical fashion, we abandoned the project midstream. Or at least set it aside, missing baseboards and all, while we figured out what to do with it and got on with life.<br />
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And by got on with life, I mean we jumped ship onto another project, of course. I am having flashbacks of working on the garden, deciding the west side yard needed done, which is tied to the east lane gate area project (trust me on that one) so we worked on that area for, oh about an hour, before changing gears and focusing on the<a href="http://penofjenn.blogspot.com/2010/04/friday-family-fun-night.html"> tree house</a> for the entire weekend. <br />
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Clearly we have issues.<br />
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And one of them happened to be an overflowing non-functional under-the-stairs-closet-catchall-black-whole-where-winter-coats-go-in-but-don't-come-out. . . among other things (a couple sewing machines, a couple tubs of fabric, several jackets and backpacks--oh, and the vacuum. . . and carpet cleaner). I bet you didn't realize a four by four space could hold so much. My argument was that it really could be holding so much more--if we did something about making the space a little more vertical. I <i>was</i> thrilled to find my daughter's coat we all took for lost last December. Though it is less urgent now that it is June. . . or at least it would be if the weather would remember that it IS June.<br />
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And since we dove into this project with very little forethought, I have no actual before picture. So just picture this room without the partially installed shelving and with the aforementioned crap stacked half way up and making a fairly successful attempt to spew out into the hallway. . . or don't, because that probably says something about me as a person.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0096/web.jpg?ver=12754540190001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0096/web.jpg?ver=12754540190001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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We installed four 12" shelves, painted the room the same color as the hallway, and the shelves white.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0136/web.jpg?ver=12754540060001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0136/web.jpg?ver=12754540060001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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We attempted to move the hooks off the door and onto the wall inside the closet, but of course we only succeeded in making several holes I will now have to repair.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0140/web.jpg?ver=12754540330001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0140/web.jpg?ver=12754540330001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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In the meantime, we ran to The Container Store and stocked up on divided organizable storage totes that would fit our shelves and I began sorting. I started with the sewing stuff, but will likely add some other craft supplies which are currently in my office. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0142/web.jpg?ver=12754540080001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0142/web.jpg?ver=12754540080001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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I may need more space. . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0147/web.jpg?ver=12754540310001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100609/_MG_0147/web.jpg?ver=12754540310001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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But in the end it looks so much neater. . . and I actually know what is in there.<br />
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Plus, as a bonus, I no longer have to shove the door hard and fast to keep the vacuum from bursting back out from lack of floor space. <br />
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Now the question is, will our next project be the rest of the laundry room?Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-80486305938190155302010-05-14T14:24:00.000-07:002010-05-14T14:25:45.986-07:00Sunshine in My Soul. . . And My Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9357/web.jpg?ver=12738715470001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9357/web.jpg?ver=12738715470001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I couldn't ask for a more beautiful day. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, my house is clean and quiet and my windows are open. My dog is even snoring softly in the other room. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9320/web.jpg?ver=12738715740001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9320/web.jpg?ver=12738715740001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
So I wandered outside to bask in the sunshine and discovered my flowers were basking as well. It makes my insides smile see such loveliness. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9324/web.jpg?ver=12738715660001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9324/web.jpg?ver=12738715660001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Something about the patterns made by the arbor and the ethereal pinkness of the rhodies next to the spring green of my chocolate vine makes me a little giddy. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9327/web.jpg?ver=12738715490001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9327/web.jpg?ver=12738715490001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I could spend hours out here on days like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9332/web.jpg?ver=12738715570001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9332/web.jpg?ver=12738715570001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I just need some great loungy furniture to lie upon and while away the hours. . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9346/web.jpg?ver=12738715440001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9346/web.jpg?ver=12738715440001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Well, it was a nice fantasy and a few moments of pure relaxation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9352/web.jpg?ver=12738715510001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9352/web.jpg?ver=12738715510001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Now I am off to my graduation rehearsal. Funny how life seems so much calmer now that school is over. I am finding time to sit back and enjoy the roses, er rhodies. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9365/web.jpg?ver=12738715420001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100552/_MG_9365/web.jpg?ver=12738715420001" width="600" /></a></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-61440495691194117942010-04-19T08:46:00.000-07:002010-04-19T08:46:31.666-07:00Sowing and SawingIn typical ADD fashion, we started the weekend with one project in mind, which we started, only to get sidetracked by another project or two. But really, those other two projects were things we needed to wrap up. The first was the never ending treehouse project, which we almost got done. I will post about that once it is entirely finished (Or read about our weekend working on it <a href="http://penofjenn.blogspot.com/2010/04/friday-family-fun-night.html">here</a>). <br />
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After spending all day Friday working on the treehouse we decided to quickly plant the garden--after all, we had bought the plants and had some we'd been growing from seed all ready to be planted. So as the sun was setting we ran around our now neat and tidy garden boxes tilling up the earth and planting lettuce and broccoli, spinach and cauliflower, tomatoes and peppers, basil and pumpkins--to add to the other herbs, potatoes, onions, strawberries and blueberries already planted. <br />
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There was only one thing left to plant, but it required a little construction.<br />
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So Saturday we woke up bright and early and started building the second tuteur (the first of which we built two weeks ago). Here's a quick snap shot procession of the process:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8895/web.jpg?ver=12716912100001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8895/web.jpg?ver=12716912100001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8896/web.jpg?ver=12716911900001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8896/web.jpg?ver=12716911900001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8897/web.jpg?ver=12716911940001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8897/web.jpg?ver=12716911940001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8900/web.jpg?ver=12716912080001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8900/web.jpg?ver=12716912080001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8901/web.jpg?ver=12716912060001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8901/web.jpg?ver=12716912060001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8902/web.jpg?ver=12716911880001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8902/web.jpg?ver=12716911880001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8905/web.jpg?ver=12716912040001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8905/web.jpg?ver=12716912040001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8907/web.jpg?ver=12716911960001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8907/web.jpg?ver=12716911960001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8908/web.jpg?ver=12716911770001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8908/web.jpg?ver=12716911770001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8910/web.jpg?ver=12716912050001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8910/web.jpg?ver=12716912050001" width="600" /></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8914/web.jpg?ver=12716911920001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8914/web.jpg?ver=12716911920001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I had planned on planting beans on one and snap peas on the other but the family asked for just snap peas. I obliged, but I kind of wish I had done beans on one. Fresh beans from the garden are yummy--but I planted bush beans last year and they didn't eat them well (of course, I didn't often remember to pick them before they were too big!). <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8922/web.jpg?ver=12716912000001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8922/web.jpg?ver=12716912000001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8922/web.jpg?ver=12716912000001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8919/web.jpg?ver=12716911870001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8919/web.jpg?ver=12716911870001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8919/web.jpg?ver=12716911870001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8917/web.jpg?ver=12716911830001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8917/web.jpg?ver=12716911830001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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I can't wait for all those lovely vegies to grow in. I am particularly excited to see the vines creeping up the tuteurs. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8925/web.jpg?ver=12716911790001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100466/_MG_8925/web.jpg?ver=12716911790001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>What are you planting in your garden this year?</i></span>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-10913761746682278012010-03-24T09:31:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:36:23.066-07:00The Garden Project: UpdateThis spring marks the third year of our efforts to turn our raised bed garden into a. . . raised bed garden.<br />
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Why all the time and effort to make something we already had? you might ask. Because we are making it <i>better</i>, I tell you. Here is a reminder of our progress (this is as much for my benefit as for yours--we take so long to get things done that I sometimes forget where we started!)<br />
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When we moved in the side yard had three raised beds with roses and a few other various bulbs and bushes, and a tall fir tree that was sort of sickly. This picture is the only picture I took with it in it. . .<br />
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And yes, it's there. See that line along the left side of the picture? Not the best, I know. I took this picture the day we looked at the house back in August of 2007. We moved in a couple months later and before the end of the year the tree was gone. (We took out a tree in the back yard that had put a hole in our roof and decided to take this one out too since the neighbors had expressed concern about the possibility of it coming down their direction). <br />
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Of course it fell on the only raised box that wasn't rotten. . . and smashed all the roses ( though I planted their remains elsewhere and they have since recovered). So the following summer we had to start from scratch. Here is a montage of our progress the first year:<br />
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And then we did nothing but let the weeds grow in. We plunked a couple tomato plants amidst the weeds and called it a day, er year.<br />
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The following year required a lot of reclaiming efforts. And we also had the stump ground out--and discovered a massive network of narly roots, including one the size of a tree trunk. Our well equipped neighbor brought his truck and chains over to drag it out. Then we swore our way through five of the boxes before calling it good for a year. We grew some from seed (most of which perished) and some from little plants we bought at the nursery. Mostly it was a year of discovering what we would eat and what was fun to plant but which no one was interested in eating--oh, and we learned never to buy pumpkin plants called "trickster". Unless of course you want 23 pumpkins that will fit in the palm of your hand!<br />
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AND, never wait too long to put your tomatoes in cages. When they didn't have any at the first store I went to I put it off and had mass mountains of tomato plants. Not good, I tell you. But the end of the season left me with a freezer full of tomato pepper soup and basil pesto and a cupboard full of dried herbs--YUM. <br />
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This year we got started early thanks to some very welcome early spring weather. And I like to think our procrastination was actually brilliant planning on our part, because this year the roots were all decayed and pulled out like a dream. The soil was all nice and rich and we whipped those last three boxes out in a couple weekends. Of course, since the bed was mounded up in the middle it required us to dig down a foot to make the boxes level--which was surprisingly easy. Then we covered the pathways with gravel to make it cleaner and help with weed prevention. I even got started planting already. So far the potatoes and onions are in, and my strawberries are all transplanted to their own little box. Can't wait to plant more and to get my bean tuteurs up (they will go on each end of the row along the garage). Maybe Saturday. <br />
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Now you are all up to speed. Hopefully this year my garden will be prolific AND beautiful. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><i>What are your garden plans this year?</i></span>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-60978394279992425402010-03-17T15:40:00.000-07:002010-03-17T17:38:29.135-07:00Spring MantelI have issues with my mantel. It has been barren for some time now. Just four lonely mirrors to reflect the empty room. Well, maybe not empty, but since the puppy's arrival when we had to rescue the rug from potential desecration, at its perpetual lack of any occasional tables, it feels pretty empty. <br />
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And due to my impossibly slow decorating technique, things don't change quickly. . . until today. Here is what I had this morning. . .<br />
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A few months ago I added the finial on the left. . . then on my birthday eight days ago I bought the little dove and put it next to the finial, and the wreath, which I hung on the nail still there from my Christmas wreath. . . then a few days after that I decided the other side looked empty so I added a pitcher. It didn't really help. But I knew I just needed to think up more stuff to add that didn't look like I was just adding stuff.<br />
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Then the other day I was at the Good Will looking for more pitchers and some frames I could make over for another project--and I scored the second pitcher (the one on the inside left). It is Ironstone. . . and I got it for $3. Yea! (Signe is demonstrating my joy with a twirl--decked out in St. Patrick's Day green.)<br />
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Then I spent part of my day painting and lightly distressing the frames (I will show you what for tomorrow). But when I got done I suddenly got an idea. . .<br />
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And I went crazy on my mantel.<br />
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I "borrowed" the frame I had just painted and found another in a storage closet that I WAS going to paint white, but I kind of like it not white in this case. <br />
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And then I nabbed three of my herb pots from my kitchen window--making that little arrangement of five pots in various height glass pedestals look a little thin :). <br />
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Does it work? Is it too busy, or just ugly?<br />
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I mentioned to Rob the other day I was contemplating layering some frames on the mantel and he looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Why would you mess with the mirrors? They look good." <br />
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And they did--not that he is partial, seeing as how he made me those mirrors six or seven years ago. Besides, they STILL look good. And the combination of black, white and tan fits the aesthetic that the room has going already--only with green accents instead of the blue (which is fitting since it is St. Patrick's Day!).<br />
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It will probably change again soon. I had another idea in mind that included some of the blue I have used as an accent in the family room and kitchen. Plus the frames are going to be serving another purpose tomorrow. . . and the herbs might need to go back to the kitchen window. But I kind of like it. <br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What do you think?</span></i></b>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-65519122319468271542010-03-10T17:08:00.000-08:002010-03-17T15:58:39.871-07:00It's New to MeFor a change, this year on my birthday I decided to forgo the annual trip to Banana Republic. The BR trip started a few years back as a retaliation tactic that became a tradition. My wonderful husband had this habit of taking business trips on my birthday. Apparently he still does. In the 12 years we have been married he has only been home for four or so birthdays. So one year I got fed up and decided to go to BR and buy myself a VERY generous birthday present. . . or ten. <br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Only he didn't really object. Which proves he was guilty, right? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyway, it became expected that he would go out of town and I would go shop--and then even when he was in town I would go shop, he would just come with me. But after maybe eight years of birthday shopping sprees I decided to change things up (Plus I was having a hard time finding much I wanted to buy at BR--I hate when that happens). </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">So I decided to feed another passion. My house. It needed accessories more than I did anyway.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I called a friend and made plans to hit the antique district in Portland. With the kids in school and 30 antique shops on a single street in a matter of a few blocks I sensed fun in my future. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I was right. Though I honestly thought I'd buy more. I might have to work up to the big purchases. Because there were plenty of great things to be purchased. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">None-the-less, I returned from my maiden antique shopping excursion with a few fun items.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This cute chippy dove that is sitting on my mantle.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7523/web.jpg?ver=12688645530001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7523/web.jpg?ver=12688645530001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">A fun and fabulous paper wreath made out of an antique shorthand book.<br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I love the way the light plays off the rolled paper. . .<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7504/web.jpg?ver=12688645720001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7504/web.jpg?ver=12688645720001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">and how it reflects in the mirrors that hang above my mantle (try not to notice the dust on the mirror. Jeez you'd think I don't dust. . .hmmm, when <i>was</i> the last time I dusted those mirrors. . .?)<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7515/web.jpg?ver=12688645580001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7515/web.jpg?ver=12688645580001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Can't you just picture this chamber pot filled with peonies, or hydrangeas? I can.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7528/web.jpg?ver=12688645440001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7528/web.jpg?ver=12688645440001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">And this crate gave me visions of summer barbecues. I have plans to purchase a soda making machine and thought it would be fun to buy bottles to put the homemade soda in and then serve them in this crate. Want to come? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7531/web.jpg?ver=12688645540001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7531/web.jpg?ver=12688645540001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I may not have bought much, but there is always fun in the hunt. My biggest purchase I actually found a couple days ago at the Good Will. . .<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7538/web.jpg?ver=12688645820001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100450/_MG_7538/web.jpg?ver=12688645820001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When I get done with this dresser it will be lovely. I plan to paint it antique white and buy it some shiny new glass knobs. It's new home is my guest room, whose transformation has been slow and minutely incremental. Isn't that always the way? Always a work in progress.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>What projects are you working on?</b></div>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-84139857214049659772010-02-22T09:58:00.000-08:002010-02-22T09:58:02.639-08:00Moon Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100354/IMG_3213/web.jpg?ver=12668608140001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100354/IMG_3213/web.jpg?ver=12668608140001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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I'm dreaming of spring. In my dream there are lots of flowers. . . white flowers. I love white--white dishes, white decor, white tipped toe nails, white clothes, white sheets, and white flowers. <br />
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I have an area of dirt on the side of my house that is screaming for attention. I have ignored it for the past two years because I had it in the back of my mind that we were going to put an addition there. Maybe, maybe not. Not soon by any means. So I am making a plan. A plan for a moon garden. <br />
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I did not know that is what all white gardens were called until I started googling white flowers. I have a few in mind: Hydrangeas, ranunculus, peonies, sweet woodruff, lily of the valley, delphinium, camellias, crocuses. . . all in white. Great profusions of white. I want enough that I can cut some and fill my house with white flowers in white pitchers. <br />
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And in my side garden I want a white picket fence with a little white gate that beckons to the back yard.<br />
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Doesn't that sound lovely.Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-30835431947734220102010-02-03T20:07:00.000-08:002010-02-03T20:07:41.831-08:00Bathroom Sneak PeakDid your mother ever tell you "Slow and steady wins the race."? I like to think it's true.<br />
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It gives me an excuse for the dreadfully long time each of my projects takes.<br />
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Take my master bath for instance. . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6503/web.jpg?ver=12652545790001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6503/web.jpg?ver=12652545790001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
I have been painting my room and bathroom (I believe I first bought paint last November). It's still not done. I ran out of paint. . . twice. I clearly don't plan well. Actually, I ended up painting the laundry room and powder bath the same color so I needed more paint than I thought. But somehow the master bath ended up getting painted last, so I still need to finish up the main area of the bathroom--just as soon as I get a couple unclaimed hours (and another bucket of paint). . . whenever <i>that</i> might be. <br />
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But since the little toilet and shower room got finished I decided to update it a little. (Rob's ADD is rubbing off on me). Ultimately the whole room will get remodeled (new tub, shower, vanity, lights and mirrors, and tile floor), but in the meantime I did an inexpensive little touch up. Because it makes the morning more fun.<br />
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We put up new hardware.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6512/web.jpg?ver=12652545740001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6512/web.jpg?ver=12652545740001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
And one of those hotel towel racks I love.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6511/web.jpg?ver=12652545760001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6511/web.jpg?ver=12652545760001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
And I printed some flower pictures I took last spring.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6529/web.jpg?ver=12652545830001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6529/web.jpg?ver=12652545830001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
And put them in silver frames.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6526_2/web.jpg?ver=12652560420001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100386/_MG_6526_2/web.jpg?ver=12652560420001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
One day the whole room will be as fresh as those flowers.<br />
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For now I will just close the pocket door and pretend it already is. . .Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229873879991625448.post-20310237616512569412010-01-28T15:39:00.000-08:002010-01-28T20:53:29.548-08:00A Place to Play<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My girls are lucky enough to get a whole room just for playing in. And over time it has become quite filled with toys. When it is clean all the toys fit nicely into three tubs, the barbie house, and stow away in the dress up chest. . . but they usually aren't stowed away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They usually seem to multiply like rabbits and mysteriously clutter up the place. How do you suppose that happens? No one is ever willing to fess up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6394/web.jpg?ver=12647121900001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6394/web.jpg?ver=12647121900001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I need a better system.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One that includes a shelf for all their books. . .</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6448/web.jpg?ver=12647122460001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6448/web.jpg?ver=12647122460001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Too many toys go "hiding" in the house when it's time to pick up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6405/web.jpg?ver=12647122360001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6407/web.jpg?ver=12647122490001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6407/web.jpg?ver=12647122490001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the dress up chest wears as much fancy finery as it stores.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6428/web.jpg?ver=12647122020001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6438/web.jpg?ver=12647121990001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6438/web.jpg?ver=12647121990001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Maybe the barbies are doing it. . . all 36 of them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6438/web.jpg?ver=12647121990001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6428/web.jpg?ver=12647122020001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6428/web.jpg?ver=12647122020001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Certainly not these two. They don't seem to notice the mess and chaos. They get really excited to play in the room when it is clean, but they certainly don't like to clean it. I don't really blame them. Things need a place to go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6443/web.jpg?ver=12647122240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6444/web.jpg?ver=12647122350001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6444/web.jpg?ver=12647122350001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Letting go is a bit of an issue. . . For Christmas Santa brought Signe a new barbie house--one more compact, that would sit against a wall and take up less space. . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6411/web.jpg?ver=12647122510001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6411/web.jpg?ver=12647122510001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Apparently as parents we were thinking crazy to suggest they part with the old house. I mean really, where did we expect the 36 barbies to live? They need BOTH houses, of course! Nevermind the dilapidated state of the old one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6441/web.jpg?ver=12647121700001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6441/web.jpg?ver=12647121700001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It doesn't help when we throw a never used weight set into the mix (you want a weight set? It is on the ax list. Maybe I can sell it to help fund the "fix up the playroom" project.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6441/web.jpg?ver=12647121700001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6443/web.jpg?ver=12647122240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6443/web.jpg?ver=12647122240001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Cause all this stuff has got to go somewhere, and I prefer it not all over the floor. . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6443/web.jpg?ver=12647122240001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6437/web.jpg?ver=12647121790001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6437/web.jpg?ver=12647121790001" width="600" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it is quite clear the oh-so-attractive bin system isn't working out all that great.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6444/web.jpg?ver=12647122350001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6445/web.jpg?ver=12647122170001" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://gallery.me.com/jpearson78/100378/_MG_6445/web.jpg?ver=12647122170001" width="600" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I definitely need a plan. . . or less toys. And I am open for suggestions. . .</div><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 11px;"><br />
</span></span>Jennihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06193560597039721606noreply@blogger.com0