Color Chic

Renovation... an Update!

There is a sense that I'm a bit behind on updating our very big project, but there is a very good explanation for that. No, I'm not making excuses... but each time I think I'm ready to share photos of everything we have accomplished, I find the remnants of paint/hardware/tools everywhere!

Take this kitchen photo for instance... do you see either side of the counter top? Of course not! Each side is piled with hardware and cleaning supplies! But don't you just love the Marmoleum floor along with cabinets, hardware and fixtures! Remember how it used to look?                

And how do you like the wallpaper in the powder bath? Well that's all you get to see because in all the excitement of getting started, I cut the first roll and half without taking into account there would be a drop (not the first time I've done that either)... My tools are sitting on the toilet ready for me to finish this little project!

Loving the carpet in the Master Bedroom! I would show you photos of the other side of the room but the intercom is hanging off the wall... Not a good look!

OK... Here it is the Master Bath! and I've got to say I love it! I'm still debating whether or not to put shower doors on, as no water hits the floor.  My concern is to keep the heat in while showering. I do love the way the light from the big windows make it all the way over to the vanity. And the tub... just as I envisioned!

The wood floors are amazing! What you don't see in this room is the sheetrock leaned up against the other wall, it was used for the den ceiling. Now, I just need the sheet rock guys to remove the stuff they didn't use!

So here's a question for you: Do you want to see all the clutter and mess that goes along with renovation? or Do you like to see the perfect finished project?

Be warned... The clutter and mess isn't pretty : )!

Coming Tomorrow... The awesome landscape!

Kitchen... Progress

It wasn't that long ago when the kitchen looked like this. The wall on the left seperated it from the "breakfast room".
This space was painted a high gloss yellow. We took down the wall you see on the left, but kept the built in cabinets on the back wall. That tall skinny cabinet was for the leaves for the dining table and the small cabinet above is the laundry shoot.
These are the cabinets we removed.

We longed for a modern open kitchen, but still wanted to keep a few of the original elements. The cabinets on the back wall were for ironing board and icebox; we'll use it for spices and pantry.

Here you see the plumbers  working thier magic; replacing the old plumbing.
Sheetrock replaced some of the lathe and plaster and all walls were retextured.
We let the professionals paint... I love how they cover every thing so perfectly before they spray. It takes a bit of time to cover, but then just minutes to spray the trim.
So this is what it's looking like...
I love the open feel...
The walls get painted Tuesday and cabinets start going in Wednesday! Yippee!

A Big Project...

Back in December we started a REALLY BIG project.  While I've been wanting to get these photos up I didn't know where to start. So here it is March and you've just had a glimps of what we are working on. My honey took the photos and most of them are still on his computer so I'm going to start with the outside since that is where one starts before they come in the door.

Looking back I forget how beautiful fall can be. As you can see the place needs a lot of love...  I will let the photos speak for themselves, but should you have any questions, just ask.

 

 

You can see progress on here and here...

I'll bring you inside tomorrow!

I See a Big Soaking Tub....

NW Natural just outside the house...

New sewer line...


And a soaking tub right in front of those beautiful doors...

I'm taking Amber's Challenge to Blog with minimal words this month...
Are you up to the challenge?

Before & After...

The color is gorgeous!

I'm taking Amber's Challenge to Blog with minimal words this month...
Are you up to the challenge?

Progress...

Not the most exciting part of the project... But a new sewer line means we will have water to house very soon!

I'm taking Amber's Challenge to Blog with minimal words this month...
Are you up to the challenge?

 

Apple Pie Filling

It tried sewing all seven days of the KCWC Challenge but Friday came and life just got crazy! Too many things going on!

We have an apple tree out back loaded with five varieties of apples. Begging to be picked!

I decided to make some Apple Pie Filling for later in the year. While some apples have a few blemishes and protein, they are easily cut out!

Keeping a bucket nearby for the peels was handy, they would later go into the compost!

After treating the sliced apples I moved on to the recipe...

I didn't have apple cider so just used additional water and it was plenty sweet!

Lots of smaller jars were made for those evenings when we just need "a little" sweet treat!

What's keeping you busy this season?

Loving Really Bright Color... and Pillow!

I'm really loving all the bright colors available this season, especially this pillow; but I'll get back to that!

The flowers I planted this season in the window box brighten my day when I look out the window!

And these shoes... Well they really put a spring in my step ; )!

But back to this pillow...

I decided to go with the neutral back over the green. Although this has really bright ribbon, the versitility of the fabric will make it suitable for most any room.  While you know I love Ric-Rac, I decided to go with the other seamstress staples; Herringbone and Grosgrain (I also used some really bright Trimming Braid). These bold colors really make a statement when placed together!

After cutting the ribbon in lenghts to fit my pillow, I played around with the pieces. For a 18" pillow I cut the fabric and ribbon 19"; this gives me a 1/2" seam allowance. Because a yard of ribbon is 36" I get at least 2 yards of the desired ribbon so I have plenty to work with. This will give me 3 pieces of each color and I love working with odd #'s!

While it appears the pieces are sewn at random, a lot of thought truly goes into each pillow or project I make. Some colors just look better next to each other.

So here's a little plug for the notions I use most often;  Mark B Gone Marking Pen and Wondertape!

It's impossible to get the ribbon on straight without marking where you want it sewn down.  I use the blue marker on lighter fabric and the white marker on darker fabric.  The idea is to cover the mark with your ribbon, but if that doesn't happen it washes right out.

Wondertape is perfect for placing the ribbon and then sewing it down.  I can get the pieces perfectly placed and then stitch them in place.  I takes a bit of time (sort of like masking before painting) but the process goes so much faster once the ribbon is in place. Sometimes I will use the same colored thread on all pieces, but when I want to change color I'm able to sew all red, then blue, etc. 

Seriously... the way this bright herringbone, grosgrain and trimming braid play with the fabric is perfect!

Don't you just love the bright colors this season?

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I'll be sharing this on:

Seamingly Smitten

Cherished Bliss

Polka Dots on Parade

Sew Modern Monday

Sew Chatty

The Girl Creative

a little more Thanksgiving Prep.....

So that I didn't feel to guilty about watching the morning shows I decided to do a bit more Thanksgiving day prep... The vegetables... Let's start with Brussel Sprouts...

I never really understood this vegetable and do not get the appeal. I suppose it's kind of a cute little green... but how do you prepare it to bring out the fabulous flavor it's supposed to have? I welcome any recipes you want to send!

Next Green Beans....

Not really the season for fresh, but we've always had these on the table so they are washed and ready to go!

Onions and Mushrooms...

These are sauteed and ready to go into the stuffing. I did a little extra to top the pizza for tonights dinner.

Celery...

This will go into the stuffing too, but I wanted to keep it seperate.

Now off to Work... !

How's the Thanksgiving prep going at your house?

 

Thanksgiving Day Prep...

Fresh & Cooked Cranberry Sauce.... Check!

Pumpkin cooked for pies... Check!

Table set... Check!

And this Turkey has a LONG way to go before it's thawed!!!

Off to Yoga to keep the balance!

How are your Thanksgiving day plans going?