Look out Mr. S.....someone is getting smooches tonight. I will be asking you to rewire a light first though.
February 14, 2013
If you think I'm sexy.....
Lots of these homemade memes out there, just throwing mine into the mix to remind my Prince Charming that he is my world.....and the fact that he has been working like a dog to get all my crazy little projects done around the house has not gone un-noticed. Nor did the roses delivered to my office :)
Look out Mr. S.....someone is getting smooches tonight. I will be asking you to rewire a light first though.
Look out Mr. S.....someone is getting smooches tonight. I will be asking you to rewire a light first though.
January 30, 2013
Dr. Dharma (Not Berman) - In the Kitchen
So.....remember that list? Yeah, that one. The one that was a mile long and wrapped up at about $2500 for the kitchen cosmetic redux? I have dragged My husband and I cheerily have wandered into a kitchen design centre, done a bit of online sleuthing and brought home countertop samples. Our quote will take place this Friday complete with installation measurements to be taken and the addition of a new undermount sink to be spec'd out.
Has anyone had more options put before them in their life than when they are shopping for countertops? Corian, Silestone, marble OH MY! Originally I said to myself "Self, you deserve stone." then that same chic said loudly "Not at $60-80 a square foot you do not!" So on this teensy budget what is a girl to do? This girl went to Pinterest and typed in laminate counters and found..... wait for it......
FORMICA 180FX
When did formica get sexy? It's like when that kid Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter movies got sexy. You're all "Wha????". Trouble is there is only one supplier of this product in my 200 km vicinity. I tracked down their 1-800 number and found a local supplier/ installer. Price for this magic? $26 a liner foot. Hello....lover!
WARNING to this local company - I will be reviewing your business, this product and your installer. Send the best looking one you got. LOL
For an extra cost they can even install an undermount sink (with a stone ring to make it last), further install the delta Touch H2O tapset I won last year and do a slab finish to further trick the eyeballs. I have chosen this stainless 18 gauge deeper sink by Wilsonart.
For the counters I originally thought the Calacatta marble knock off but the hubs is convinced it would make our kitchen look like a public restroom off the I-95...lol. So after bringing all our samples home we've settled on this:
Soapstone Sequoia
Backsplash.... I just want a strip to meet the wall where the counter slabs end. I do not want coving or any part of the counters on the wall. I think that will give the Formica away as quick as you can look at it. So off to Home Depot to check out options. I first liked the Fasade panels, they looked easy to install and a dude at the check out swore by them. I have a coworker who has used them and she is a happy camper. But then I saw the peel n' stick stainless Aspect tiles. They come in individual tiles sold in a pack or longer sheets by the foot. I say GROOVY! Check out the finished look, like I said I don't plan on these many tiles....but it is awesome :)
Now to find out Friday how much all this "extra" means in extra dollars....I'll keep you posted.
Has anyone had more options put before them in their life than when they are shopping for countertops? Corian, Silestone, marble OH MY! Originally I said to myself "Self, you deserve stone." then that same chic said loudly "Not at $60-80 a square foot you do not!" So on this teensy budget what is a girl to do? This girl went to Pinterest and typed in laminate counters and found..... wait for it......
FORMICA 180FX
When did formica get sexy? It's like when that kid Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter movies got sexy. You're all "Wha????". Trouble is there is only one supplier of this product in my 200 km vicinity. I tracked down their 1-800 number and found a local supplier/ installer. Price for this magic? $26 a liner foot. Hello....lover!
WARNING to this local company - I will be reviewing your business, this product and your installer. Send the best looking one you got. LOL
For an extra cost they can even install an undermount sink (with a stone ring to make it last), further install the delta Touch H2O tapset I won last year and do a slab finish to further trick the eyeballs. I have chosen this stainless 18 gauge deeper sink by Wilsonart.
For the counters I originally thought the Calacatta marble knock off but the hubs is convinced it would make our kitchen look like a public restroom off the I-95...lol. So after bringing all our samples home we've settled on this:
Soapstone Sequoia
Backsplash.... I just want a strip to meet the wall where the counter slabs end. I do not want coving or any part of the counters on the wall. I think that will give the Formica away as quick as you can look at it. So off to Home Depot to check out options. I first liked the Fasade panels, they looked easy to install and a dude at the check out swore by them. I have a coworker who has used them and she is a happy camper. But then I saw the peel n' stick stainless Aspect tiles. They come in individual tiles sold in a pack or longer sheets by the foot. I say GROOVY! Check out the finished look, like I said I don't plan on these many tiles....but it is awesome :)
Now to find out Friday how much all this "extra" means in extra dollars....I'll keep you posted.
January 24, 2013
It's time to get serious!
Obs I am not talking about blogging. I've been more absent than a 16 year old stoner in English Lit lately....but I am getting serious about a total refresh of the Mermaid Cave. Our home is now going on 11 years old and you can tell precisely by looking at the finishes done last by the builder when the owner ran out of $$$. So I have made a list, checked it 467,893 times and I am starting with a $5000 budget.
WOW! $5000 you say! Doesn't that sound like a lot of money? Nope. Try refreshing and fixing over 8 years of living-in-ness by a family of men in a total of 10 rooms (not counting what Mister has planned to overhaul the basement) on a measly $5000. It will be a challenge for sure and I had best wring out my shopping Keds and get cracking at Craigslist/ Kijiji and the Habitat store soon.
First up - the kitchen. You may remember I painted our counters. YES? Well, although they turned out pretty great, they have not stood up to my chef's expectations. Yes, I married a cook. Hate me.
Here is a listing of what is planned for the hub O ma home!!
KITCHEN
Remove drapery/rod over kitchen sink, paint Touch up paint/ mud
Replace with drapes from TVroom
Replace pendant light
Swap fridge door left to right
Apply film to Door Window & Pad doorknob
NEW garbage/ recycling containers
Replace vent cover
Install Screen door
Replace counters
Backsplash behind stove
Install OTR Microwave
Replace kitchen sink
Install tapset
Swap Kitchen Table & Chairs with Mom
Recover kitchen and bar chairs
SELL Kitchen Table & Leaf
Donate water cooler
TOTAL = $2,560.00 EST
Considering over 1/2 of my budget is already spent in the kitchen, you know I am going to be swapping, bartering, buying second hand and thrifting garage sales like a maniac this spring. I know some people spend $5000 on a sofa but I don't have that kind of scratch and I would be tearing anything more of a budget out of my husband's cold dead fingers :) Wish me luck, here is that before shot.....stay tuned yo!!
WOW! $5000 you say! Doesn't that sound like a lot of money? Nope. Try refreshing and fixing over 8 years of living-in-ness by a family of men in a total of 10 rooms (not counting what Mister has planned to overhaul the basement) on a measly $5000. It will be a challenge for sure and I had best wring out my shopping Keds and get cracking at Craigslist/ Kijiji and the Habitat store soon.
First up - the kitchen. You may remember I painted our counters. YES? Well, although they turned out pretty great, they have not stood up to my chef's expectations. Yes, I married a cook. Hate me.
Here is a listing of what is planned for the hub O ma home!!
KITCHEN
Remove drapery/rod over kitchen sink, paint Touch up paint/ mud
Replace with drapes from TVroom
Replace pendant light
Swap fridge door left to right
Apply film to Door Window & Pad doorknob
NEW garbage/ recycling containers
Replace vent cover
Install Screen door
Replace counters
Backsplash behind stove
Install OTR Microwave
Replace kitchen sink
Install tapset
Swap Kitchen Table & Chairs with Mom
Recover kitchen and bar chairs
SELL Kitchen Table & Leaf
Donate water cooler
TOTAL = $2,560.00 EST
Considering over 1/2 of my budget is already spent in the kitchen, you know I am going to be swapping, bartering, buying second hand and thrifting garage sales like a maniac this spring. I know some people spend $5000 on a sofa but I don't have that kind of scratch and I would be tearing anything more of a budget out of my husband's cold dead fingers :) Wish me luck, here is that before shot.....stay tuned yo!!
December 1, 2012
Are you ever done?
No seriously. For decor-addicts….that is the question on deck. Are you ever done? Is there ever a corner of your house you are not squinting at and thinking….. I can do better or do you catch yourself wondering if that new rug you bought for the kitchen wouldn’t look better over there…
Enter one of my favourite rooms to blog about, sweat over and redecorate again and again and again.The master bedroom. We have blown out walls, built closets, bought new and used furniture. I’ve painted and rehab’d pieces and have changed the drapes I think 4 times now. That being said, I think I’m done. No really. I think I may have finished.
Now, don’t get all excited and send me flowers just yet. I still have some linens to pick out for the bed and of course some accessories but you know, I think I AM DONE. Don’t tell my husband. I like him to live on the edge!!!!
So how did I get there finally? Believe it or not it was a stencil that pushed me over the cliff. I ordered an all over trellis stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils about 3 weeks ago. The shipping was quick and the product was great. I watched a few videos online at their site for tips and gathered my supplies. They say this is a ‘Beginner’ stencil and that’s pretty fair and accurate. It is easy to match the pattern and it goes up quickly. I used the trim paint to make sure it matched in the room.
Two words to the wise though….level + measure. A lot.
…and VOILA!
The other side of the room is jealous but I have some lovely accessorizing to do there etc. So he won’t be mad long
This room has had aqua, teal and now chocolate accents. It has been tie-dyed, floral, silky and strange. In the end it has turned out very neutral and I think very grown up. The colour story in this room is left to the wall colour (Cricket by Behr) and it does a nice job of keeping the room sophisticated. Like I said some linens and some art & accessories but ladies and germs….. I’m done.
Enter one of my favourite rooms to blog about, sweat over and redecorate again and again and again.The master bedroom. We have blown out walls, built closets, bought new and used furniture. I’ve painted and rehab’d pieces and have changed the drapes I think 4 times now. That being said, I think I’m done. No really. I think I may have finished.
Now, don’t get all excited and send me flowers just yet. I still have some linens to pick out for the bed and of course some accessories but you know, I think I AM DONE. Don’t tell my husband. I like him to live on the edge!!!!
So how did I get there finally? Believe it or not it was a stencil that pushed me over the cliff. I ordered an all over trellis stencil from Cutting Edge Stencils about 3 weeks ago. The shipping was quick and the product was great. I watched a few videos online at their site for tips and gathered my supplies. They say this is a ‘Beginner’ stencil and that’s pretty fair and accurate. It is easy to match the pattern and it goes up quickly. I used the trim paint to make sure it matched in the room.
Two words to the wise though….level + measure. A lot.
…and VOILA!
The other side of the room is jealous but I have some lovely accessorizing to do there etc. So he won’t be mad long
This room has had aqua, teal and now chocolate accents. It has been tie-dyed, floral, silky and strange. In the end it has turned out very neutral and I think very grown up. The colour story in this room is left to the wall colour (Cricket by Behr) and it does a nice job of keeping the room sophisticated. Like I said some linens and some art & accessories but ladies and germs….. I’m done.
November 25, 2012
So….from one crazy project to another!
I am closing in on the living room becoming the awesome Gamer’s Paradise I want it to be. I finally got my new rug from Overstock.com and it it great. Almost dog hair resistant. Almost.
The IKEA Poang chairs are awesome for gaming and I enjoy watching the guys pull them all over the house. NOT!
Started a new project tonight, but still playing with the details….more to come courtesy of Cutting Edge Stencils. I know, I know….I am never happy with the master bedroom
Had an early 43rd birthday night out with my girls this weekend. A nice snuggly Saturday with the menthings… ordering Chinese food instead of cooking and lazing around all day Sunday while starting the new painting project.
My ladies (partners in crime).
Next up….finish stencilling and start decorating for Christmas. OY VEY!
The IKEA Poang chairs are awesome for gaming and I enjoy watching the guys pull them all over the house. NOT!
Started a new project tonight, but still playing with the details….more to come courtesy of Cutting Edge Stencils. I know, I know….I am never happy with the master bedroom
Had an early 43rd birthday night out with my girls this weekend. A nice snuggly Saturday with the menthings… ordering Chinese food instead of cooking and lazing around all day Sunday while starting the new painting project.
My ladies (partners in crime).
Next up….finish stencilling and start decorating for Christmas. OY VEY!
November 2, 2012
A little too late and some dollars short...
I know I am the last human decorating blogger out there to acquire some chevron in their life.....so as usual I will be bringing up the rear again. Ordered this little baby today from O.com. I got the 5.6 x 7.6 to settle in front of the slipcovered couch. The rubber backing means it wont become a sled with the boys riding it across the room. I ordered it in the Light Blue as my livingroom is Woodlawn Blue by Benjamin Moore.
I had scored some awesome deals at IKEA with my gift card that I won on the IKEA "Pin It to Win" contest. I bought some gaming chairs for the boys, decided against the slip cover in houdstooth and went with a canvas coloured one. I still have the "gold records on the wall"....but am picking away slowly at the gaming/office/livingroom.
Slowly.
Kinda like how much I have blogged in the last month. OY.
Some of the other tidbits added to the room are all from IKEA. Yes, I went over the $100 gift card :)
Stockholm cushions
Poang armchairs
Lack tables
I am now stuck on an overhead light in the room to replace the weirdo chandelier. Just keep Pinning, Just keep Pinning.....LOL
September 13, 2012
Release the hounds....
....tooth.
See, I am unhappy with the general Gramma vibe going on in the front livingroom where my menthings have claimed said area for all things gaming and PC. I want this room to be fun with a big 'F'.
So I see some funk coming to a loveseat or sofa near me soon...
The green machine in the foreground needs a sweater.
I am thinking something along these lines.....on sale at Sears for $150. Cheaper than new furniture and washable. Have I mentioned I have sons? That they have lots of friends? That boys are sticky in general?
See, I am unhappy with the general Gramma vibe going on in the front livingroom where my menthings have claimed said area for all things gaming and PC. I want this room to be fun with a big 'F'.
So I see some funk coming to a loveseat or sofa near me soon...
The green machine in the foreground needs a sweater.
I am thinking something along these lines.....on sale at Sears for $150. Cheaper than new furniture and washable. Have I mentioned I have sons? That they have lots of friends? That boys are sticky in general?
What say the Divas of Design on this one?
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