Wednesday, February 27, 2013

DIY/Decorating Bucket List

Matt and I have recently been adding to our personal bucket list, and it’s got me thinking about a DIY/decorating bucket list.  Although some of these may be pie-in-the-sky dreams, as well as expensive, extravagant, and a loooong way off, I find that writing down my goals motivates me, so for what it’s worth, here’s the list (in no particular order), along with some eye candy. 

Board and batten

full length board & batten (mud room)

Chandelier in a bedroom

stained bed + white accent furniture

Built-ins

cozy room - small space that is functional due to built-ins & exterior doors

Logs in a fireplace (although I think I’d prefer a working fireplace, if given the choice)

Dark window panes

sliding black glass doors

Mudroom

Stairway runner

jute runner

World wall map

neutral world map

Bedroom wall sconces

exposed walls, task lighting and art placement

Plank wall

Lovely bedroom from House of Turquoise

Pergola

pergola

Outdoor string lights

love the mood lighting and vine-like pergola ceiling

Stain cement

Stained Cement Design, Pictures, Remodel, Decor and Ideas - page 3 -- SO thinking about finishing our kitchen floor this way!!

Wallpaper

wallpaper, basket under table - nice for a small entryway

Crown molding

Awesome Little Boy Room! - I love the grasscloth wall paper with blue crown molding!  Could I just paint the crown molding and leave the remaining molding white???

Finally, I would love to create a room using only second-hand items.  While I don’t have an extra space to decorate at the moment, I plan to do this at some point in the future.  It would basically involve scouring thrift stores, Craigslist, yard sales, and even our own basement storage.  I would be restricted to used items, but I’d be able to update them with paint.  Look at my rule-setting self.  : )  I’ve even wondered if it would be possible to sell this type of creation as a “set” on Craigslist, but I have a feeling that it wouldn’t work well, since Craigslisters tend to be looking for cheapo stuff.  Do you think it could work? 

Darling thrifted craft room, cute, but if i did it would look like the thrift store

I realized once I started writing this list that there are a bazillion more projects that I could add on both a big and small level, but I think this is a good place to start, as these things tend to ebb and flow.  I really don’t expect all of these to happen, but I’d be happy to work them into our living space, a friend’s, or even a house staging.  Or perhaps just a blog post.  : ) 

So what about you?  What are your DIY dreams and schemes? 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Fresh Blooms

My brother and sister-in-law are great at bragging on one another, and they’re always encouraging others to do the same.  So, consider this post a little brag on my boyfriend. 

On Valentine’s Day morning, Matt work up extra early and whipped up waffles, served with a homemade caramel syrup, before work.  Yum! 

He also snuck these lovely tulips (my favorite) into the house! 

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While we tend to be pretty low-key around holidays, his sweet gestures kept me warm inside all day.  : )  By the way, have I mentioned that he’s been planning the menu, buying groceries, and making meals since Liam was born?  How many gold stars is that worth?! 

Love you, hubbie! 

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Snow Day Extravaganza

Snow has finally returned to Colorado—along with several other states—and I am soaking it in!  I awoke to our kind neighbor across the street shoveling snow from our sidewalk and stoop, as he does every.single.snow.  It’s amazing.  And even more amazing is that he does this for all five houses surrounding his, and it’s always finished before I walk out of the house.  Oh, and he often comes back during the day to clean up any additional snow fall.  Can we say neighbor of the year?  Century?  I’m thinking some homemade chocolate chip cookies are in order soon…

After happily hearing that school was cancelled for the day, I decided Liam needed a bit more introduction to the white fluffy stuff, so after a hearty lunch (he mowed down pineapple, white potato, carrots, and oatmeal after nursing), I bundled him up and dragged him around the yard on a cookie sheet.  *My mom and I found this fleece suit for a few bucks at a local thrift store this fall.  I didn’t think Liam would it into it for at least another year, but even though it’s still big on him, it worked great!  Thanks, Gma Mimsie!*

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He liked it for about five minutes, but the wind was pretty fierce.  Then I made the mistake of moving him off the cookie sheet and onto the actual snow.  You know—so he could really experience it.  : )

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Apparently he wasn’t a fan of having a cold bum, but it was fun while it lasted.  I have determined that even if it takes us twice as long to get ready as it does to enjoy the experience, it’s still totally worth it. 

Well, Liam is snoozing away and I’m off to enjoy some chai and the end of A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle—which I last read in fifth grade, but am really enjoying as an adult.  I hope you’re cozying up on this blustery day, and if you’re somewhere else—say, Costa Rica—say hello to the beach for me!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Mastering Mobility

Independence + excitement over newfound skills + parental terror = baby mobility.

Yes, my friends, it has arrived.  I sense we are on the brink of a very different season in the world of parenting.  Check out Liam’s various modes of transport during this past month.  

Bundled up for a winter stroll. 

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Hitching a ride on Dad’s back on a hike through Red Rocks Open Space—enjoying the view from up high!

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Paddling his pint-sized squishy canoe on a play date at Whit’s End.

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Hanging out with Mom and Dad on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

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Doing the worm!

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Any words of wisdom for this new stage?  : )