tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75419515094453896842024-03-08T06:41:43.572-08:00Growing A HouseWe decided to build our dream home in Arlington. Now it's done and we're making it our "forever home"...Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-50465621003538499412011-12-19T16:38:00.000-08:002011-12-19T16:39:24.801-08:00Christmas DecorI spent a lot of time decorating our home for our first holiday season here. We had a big party on the 10th and I wanted everything looking festive by then. So without further ado, here are some pictures of our holiday decor.
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Our Entryway:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467137133/" title="12 07_1688_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6467137133_e45e7303b0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="12 07_1688_edited-1"></a>
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The details: The red rosette wreath is from Smith & Hawken for Target. I tied that along with the two stars from JoAnn Fabrics with burlap, also purchased from JoAnn, and hung them from the staircase. I accented with the red rosette tree, also from Target and a mercury tree from Home Goods. I also threw in the little reindeer from Pottery Barn from a few years ago. I filled my apothecary jars (one from Crate & Barrel and two from Home Goods) with candy canes, hershey peppermint kisses and small ornaments from Michael's and Target:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467140127/" title="12 07_1703_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6467140127_e45e46a386.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="12 07_1703_edited-1"></a>
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Dining Room:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467138439/" title="12 07_1691_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6467138439_d9ef2d7d07.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="12 07_1691_edited-1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467138133/" title="12 07_1692_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6467138133_3bffa3ba53.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="12 07_1692_edited-1"></a>
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I kept it simple in the dining room, with a runner from Home Goods (I think it's Badgley Mishka) and a pedestal from Home Goods with a wreath from Home Depot and candle from Ikea. The girls made the gingerbread houses with my mom from Trader Joe's kits.
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Living Room:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467135283/" title="12 07_1680_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6467135283_edb762982a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="12 07_1680_edited-1"></a>
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Our mantle is decorated with our stockings for the whole family from Pottery Barn Kids that I bought several years ago. I used some berry garland from World Market from a couple of years ago, Nutcrackers (I think from World Market) and a little vase with some accessories from Michael's.
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I added a few details to the shelves in our living room:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467136541/" title="12 07_1686_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6467136541_300a5cda4e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="12 07_1686_edited-1"></a>
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Since the original larger pictures went on the staircase wall, I moved in a few new pictures and that ginormous clock from Home Goods. I had originally bought it for the entry way, but SOMEONE wasn't a big fan. But we compromised and put it there and it fills some space. The silver deer adds a little festive touch and we threw in the menorah for good measure..
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In the family room, I didn't do much. A little details just makes the room more festive. Oh and the Christmas Tree-I suppose I should take a picture of it!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6467134977/" title="12 07_1679_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6467134977_b85bc529a0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="12 07_1679_edited-1"></a>
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It feels very holiday in our house without being totally overwhelming (I think!). And now I have tons of items to decorate with next year and probably won't have to do much shopping next year. (Yeah right ;) )...<BR><BR>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-24420759333920466062011-12-01T10:49:00.001-08:002011-12-01T11:05:38.634-08:00Stairway TransformationWhen we were building the house, I loved the idea that the first and major thing you would see when you walked in our front door was our stairway. Not the messy living room or the cluttered kitchen. Not the dining table covered with mail and other junk. Nope..you'd see a stairway--something that inherently can't be THAT messy. What I didn't realize is how giant our entry wall would be. Sure, there's a small wall right in front of you, but behind it, there's a giant two story wall. <BR> <BR>
Like this. See?
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437508567/" title="around the house_07 23_2814_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6437508567_a27ec8d4fa.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="around the house_07 23_2814_edited-1"></a>
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Literally, this is exactly what you saw when you came in:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437508435/" title="around the house_07 23_2813_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6437508435_745871d8b0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="around the house_07 23_2813_edited-1"></a>
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So I started envisioning. I looked on Pinterest and imagined that I would cover the wall with frames from floor to ceiling..sort of a la <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/03/the-hallway-full-monty/">Young House Love</a>. The other half nixed that quickly-"too much clutter". Why the hell do they have to have opinions??
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So we decided together that some stair runner and some trim would help to make our case-help to cut up the space a little and make it more warm and inviting. I mentioned the stair runner a while ago. Well, this is what we picked:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437507443/" title="11 30_0942_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6437507443_5f7c0d0dd1.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="11 30_0942_edited-1"></a>
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And then we decided on some board and batten trim work on the wall to cut it up a bit:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437507605/" title="11 30_0943_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6437507605_6c9f184778.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="11 30_0943_edited-1"></a>
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Then, we compromised and did the photos on the wall. I got my different color frames and not all personal photos. And he got his "not all the way to the ceiling"...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437507325/" title="11 30_0936_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6437507325_3acfe16e5d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="11 30_0936_edited-1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437507217/" title="11 30_0934_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6437507217_f1f810b743.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="11 30_0934_edited-1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6437506929/" title="11 30_0932_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6437506929_c669c3605d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="11 30_0932_edited-1"></a>
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And you know what? I love it! The stairs make me happy-and how often can you say that!?!
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PS. I know you see our greenery in the last picture-but holiday decorating is a whole 'nother post!<BR> <BR>
Linking to <a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/">Transformation Thursday at Shabby Creek</a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-85488969325638230262011-11-20T21:00:00.001-08:002011-11-20T21:01:18.964-08:00Guess what we started.....I'll give you a clue...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6374505449/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6054/6374505449_8e9614a59a.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a>
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Full update and details to come...Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-55339970544077378032011-11-13T20:47:00.001-08:002011-11-13T20:55:17.070-08:00Make Your Own ArtHere's where I reveal the art I made for Zoe's room. <br><BR>
I couldn't find one last print for the space above her bed. No more owl prints or other cute things to be had at Home Goods. I thought about doing some unpaintings (fabric stretched over canvas) but couldn't find the right fabrics. So I just bought some canvases at Michael's and went to town.
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I bought three 16x20 canvases. First I painted them solid colors-2 pink and one purple:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6342519381/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6342519381_37bf9da14c.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a>
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Then I used a Martha Stewart stencil I found, also at Michael's:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6343268222/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6343268222_74ff2b824d.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a>
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What, you say? You think I should do something about the hair on my arms? Just kidding, that's the other half who lent me his thumbs for the final canvas. When all was said and done, they looked like this in my kitchen:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6342518287/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6342518287_9075d715c0.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a>
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And this is what they look like in Zoe's room...
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278423946/" title="RANDOM_10 24_0249_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6236/6278423946_517b0206da.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 24_0249_edited-1"></a>
<br><br> That's along with the last owl print I found at Home Goods. I may have stalked the woman who had the other one in the set for a little while in Home Goods to make sure she didn't decide against it. But then I chortled to myself that I actually got the cuter one and let her have the ugly one.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278424140/" title="RANDOM_10 24_0250_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6278424140_a87d8ab76b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 24_0250_edited-1"></a>
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And that's me, crafty lady, signing off.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-23949722808918610052011-11-06T18:45:00.000-08:002011-11-06T18:46:32.451-08:00Runner, Runner on the Stair.If I told you that we were getting a runner on our stairs for our 11 year old Golden Retriever, would you think I was crazy? You would. Well, it's a good thing that's not the case...
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We decided to get a runner for our stairs for several reasons. First of all (and these are in no particular order), the staircase just seems kind of cold and uninviting. So in my efforts to warm it up and make it more homey, I thought a runner would add a little color and texture. Secondly, the idea of kids running up and down hard wood stairs makes me nervous-especially with socks on. Thirdly, with the dark stain, I'll do anything to protect the wood..even if it means covering it. Lastly, there's the issue of the elderly Golden Retriever.
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I knew I didn't want some run of the mill boring colored carpet, so I set out to the carpet store with the idea of stripes in mind. Well, not so much to pick from. If I wanted a neutral khaki carpet, I would have been in luck. I also didn't want to break the bank on this idea, so I wasn't going to be going to the Design Center or going crazy with some custom carpet. I did manage to find something at our flooring place--it was the same place that the builder used for the carpet in our basement, so I knew the vendors and installers would do a quality job.
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I came home with three boards of carpet to consider. The other half and I looked at them long and hard and changed our minds several times. Then we had several people come the next day to take a look at the choices. Among the friends, the pick was unanimous. Since we were already leaning in that direction, we went with it. Here is a pic of the samples..do you think you know which it is?? The answer, and the installation revealed, later this week!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278436628/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0281_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6278436628_277342edae.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0281_edited-1"></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-5538549902829168022011-11-02T06:56:00.000-07:002011-11-02T06:57:57.514-07:00The one where I like the rug...When we were picking paint colors for this house, I knew one room would be pink. But I didn't want TWO of them. So I decided that for Zoe I would do purple. I was a little worried about the shade, but then I tried to pick a color that was more in the blue family-sort of like a hydrangea. I lucked out and picked a great color.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731622565/" title="05 18_2430_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5731622565_6aeb4cc5cd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2430_edited-1"></a>
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Of course, you can't really tell in that picture because of the light--but i swear it's pretty.
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Then I saw this picture and really loved the coloring of the room-and the walls we have are almost the exact same color...
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So I set about to give our room a similar feel. Problem: a lack of designer budget or patience. So I had to give. But with a lot of help from Home Goods and Pottery Barn Kids, this is where we ended up:
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278426620/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0262_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6278426620_cfa6f6a414.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0262_edited-1"></a>
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The lamp was an awesome find from Home Goods-I think I found it the weekend we moved into the house. Owl Prints? Home Goods, about a month ago. The chest of drawers is from Land of Nod--about 5 years old from Maya's original nursery. See that picture of the Golden Retriever? Peter painted that before Maya was born..cute, no?
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6277905045/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0260_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6099/6277905045_1543e4ef52.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0260_edited-1"></a>
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Had to have the same Pottery Barn Kids chandelier that Maya has..it's so adorable and I feel like it makes the room. The curtains, on the other hand, were a disappointment. Kind of like the rug in Maya's room-but they came from a place of necessity. If you have encountered a child who wakes up at the first crack of light in the morning, you know what I am talking about. Get me those black out shades ASAP in whatever you have in stock!
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The rug is from Pottery Barn kids and we bought it when we bought the big girl bed..about 2 months ago. This time, the child has less influence and Mommy got to choose. So. Much. Better!!
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278426814/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0263_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6278426814_4116c0dc5c.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0263_edited-1"></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6277905615/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0265_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6277905615_16ff4f0280.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0265_edited-1"></a>
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Found that cute picture at...yes, you guessed it..Home Goods. The chair was the original chair from Maya's nursery. On my list of things to do is to get a new slipcover for it..but given all the things we have to purchase for the house, it's really low on the totem pole. Or I might just sell the chair and get a new, less expensive one in a color I like.
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Wait, you want to see the bed? But then that would spoil the piece of DIY art that I made that I am saving for another post! So stay tuned ;)Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-82519553726141082872011-10-27T11:04:00.000-07:002011-10-27T17:12:32.656-07:00A rug can make all the difference...Warning. This is not one of those inspiring posts where I show you a drab room and then throw in a great rug and it makes all the difference and Voila! A perfect room. Nope, quite the opposite actually...<br /><br />This is the story of what happens when your husband takes your 4 year old to go pick out a rug as a "bonding activity" while you are taking your younger daughter to a gym class. This is what happens when your daughter picks the ugliest rug in Pottery Barn Kids and then gets totally attached to it, so when your husband says, "You can return it!", you know you really can't without being the horrible witch of a mother who would rather have a pretty room than a happy child. <br /><br />That being said, I finally finished putting together Maya's room. In a way, the rug freed me. I didn't have to obsess over every decorative accent-the room was never going to be one of this hip and stylish little girl's rooms you see on Pinterest. Nope, it was going to be your average 5 year old girl room. <br /><br />We painted the room the same color that she had in her room in the old house. Pink.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5699763739/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2146/5699763739_e019f869d8.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />Then we filled it with all of Maya's furniture, toys and treasures (ie. crap). How many doo dads and thingamagiggys can a 5 year old have? A LOT... So now it looks like this: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278426056/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0259_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6278426056_8499de4fd8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0259_edited-1"></a><br /><br />See the ugly rug??<br /><br />In Maya's old room, I filled the largest wall with a collection of picture frames of her and her friends and family. I wasn't sold on doing it again, so I figured I'd just get some girly prints--I scored big at Home Goods one day: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6277904625/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0257_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6277904625_f5cb447f92.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0257_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278425736/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0256_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6278425736_7693f5f70a.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0256_edited-1"></a><br /><br />I took the letters that were above Maya's bed in the old room and put them on their own wall, so they could be more featured:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278425368/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0254_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6278425368_524088720d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0254_edited-1"></a><br /><br />And then found some sticky mirror butterflies at Home Goods that were about $6..<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278425518/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0255_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6278425518_4b5765d77c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0255_edited-1"></a><br /><br />And that there is the girliest room you'll find. And you know what? She loves it. So I guess that's all that matters...right??Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-11321689127561919542011-10-25T10:50:00.000-07:002011-10-25T11:05:39.297-07:00Halloween DecorI can't say that in the past we've ever done that much Halloween decor, but after seeing our kid's fascination with our neighbor's big blow up pumpkin on their front yard, I decided to head to the store to do up our outside...<br /><br />First I went to Target. That was a BUST. Second week of October and almost all of the Halloween decorations were gone and they were making room for Christmas stuff. Say what?<br /><br />Next stop, Party City. MUCH better. I managed to score a ginormous spider, a bunch of webbing and some Halloween pumpkin lights. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6277849259/" title="10 25_0310_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6277849259_d2e9e66546.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="10 25_0310_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6280289775/" title="10 25_0306_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6109/6280289775_c323682924.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="10 25_0306_edited-1"></a><br /><br />But that wasn't enough-I needed some crows. Couldn't find any at AC Moore, but I did find a cute Trick or Treat sign--the candy corn sold me, since I have two big candy corn fans in the house. <br /><br />And finally, at Michael's, I found crows...and they had some sparkle, just to make them even more attractive. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278367906/" title="10 25_0303_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6278367906_fc44ab3bf2.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="10 25_0303_edited-1"></a><br /><br />Of course, Maya and Zoe couldn't resist the fun decorations at the bird store in the local shopping center, so we got one of those too:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278370906/" title="10 25_0312_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6278370906_b5b51ec82f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="10 25_0312_edited-1"></a><br /><br />How much dorkiness would I reveal if I said I was tempted to get one for every holiday? ;) <br /><br />So, here is the whole picture...I don't think we went overboard, do you?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278368614/" title="10 25_0306_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6278368614_67fe6ce2f1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="10 25_0306_edited-1"></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-77480296522419825132011-10-24T18:45:00.000-07:002011-10-24T19:07:32.555-07:00My first encounter with spray paint.Spray painting is all over the blogosphere. Amy spray painted this cool <a href="http://mysunshineshere.blogspot.com/2011/08/mirror-mirror-on-wall.html">mirror</a>. Sherry spray painted her <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/07/waste-not-want-not-2/">outdoor furniture</a>. And Melissa did a <a href="http://houseography.blogspot.com/2010/09/floor-lamp-revamp.html">lamp</a>. <br /><br />So I decided that I could do this. How hard can it be to yield a bottle of spray paint and transform something completely?? Well, it's not that hard. But I definitely lost more than a few brain cells. <br /><br />We bought some gorgeous mums when we went apple picking and I really wanted to decorate our front walk with them. However, the plastic planters that they came in just weren't cutting it. I looked around for some cool planters that had a modern twist but were simple, but couldn't find anything--October, as it turns out, is a hard time of year to look for outdoor decorating stuff!<br /><br />So I decided to tackle my first spray painting project. I picked up some of those basic terracotta planters you find in any gardening section-I got them at Home Depot. While at Home Depot, I picked up a bottle of spray paint--the color was called Oil Rubbed Bronze. I liked the fact that it had some metallic sheen to it. <br /><br />I decided that I wanted to do the project in our garage. Why, you might ask, did I decide to spray violently toxic fumes in an enclosed space? Oh, just figured I'd avoid the breeze outside. So I went to task:<br /><br />Before: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6270152852/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6270152852_81395c3239.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6270152194/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6270152194_5a33555e05.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />I sprayed the hell out of those mofos. And let me tell you, after about 5 minutes of spraying I got the stomach and head ache from HELL. I had NO idea why I felt like that, but I was almost doubled over. I sprayed the rest of them and walked out into the fresh air and started to feel better almost instantly..but they looked good!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6270151748/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6270151748_4a2846d14a.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6270150498/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6270150498_df6a69e7f3.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />I let them dry overnight and came back in the morning to replant the mums into them. Who knew that the mums were in a much wider planter than these? Not me...but I made it work. I put them up on our front walk and I think they look pretty nice, if I say so myself. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6278436048/" title="RANDOM_10 17_0276_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6278436048_7c7a66343e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="RANDOM_10 17_0276_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6277847049/" title="10 25_0304_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6277847049_7bcc3bc0db.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="10 25_0304_edited-1"></a><br /><br />So go on...go buy yourself a can of spray paint today!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-22521552262073262472011-10-09T05:53:00.000-07:002011-10-09T06:16:48.664-07:00Small Details.Well, maybe bathroom mirrors aren't small details. In fact, after living without a bathroom mirror for 4 months, I am pretty sure they aren't!<br /><br />We had a small glitch with bathroom mirrors. Originally, the builder had specified for one sconce above the mirror in the master bath--we have two matching vanities on opposite sides of the bathroom-quite possibly the best invention ever for a product hog (and by that, I mean my husband). In any case, we had our heart set on sconces that would go on each side of the mirror. Unfortunately, the builder had already installed the electrical for the single sconce. Not a real problem, he said, he would cap it off and install the new electrical and we could just get a mirror that was large enough to cover the cap. Well, that meant that we had to find a mirror with dimensions of 30"x40". That's a big mirror. <br /><br />We finally found one at Restoration Hardware. And it was backordered. And backordered some more. And finally, on September 20-something it arrived on our front step (or garage, but these are small details). We were ambitious and thought we could install them ourselves. No dice-these suckers are not only huge but ridiculously heavy and the last thing you want in a bathroom is no mirror AND a huge hole in your wall. So we enlisted the help of one of our builder's men. Thank goodness. And now for the big reveal...<br /><br />BEFORE: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6226357522/" title="33 - Trenton by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6226357522_35114e6878.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="33 - Trenton"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731620431/" title="Master Bath Vanity by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5731620431_010a124f60.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Master Bath Vanity"></a><br /><br />AFTER: <br />(Excuse the bad lighting)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6225811261/" title="Blog_10 08_0239_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6215/6225811261_d9c00e85cd.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Blog_10 08_0239_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6226331212/" title="Blog_10 08_0240_edited-2 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6226331212_216b49179f.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Blog_10 08_0240_edited-2"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6225811527/" title="Blog_10 08_0237_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6225811527_fa80ec8758.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Blog_10 08_0237_edited-1"></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-20845953080612718122011-09-14T07:28:00.001-07:002011-09-14T07:55:14.482-07:00Before & After: Beach HouseWell, hello there. The rest of the summer got away from me and before I knew it I was in the throws of first days of school, girl's trips and general stay at home business. I have been on a mission to clean and organize...and catch up. So that means, I am back!<br /><br />Before I get back to the grind of our house here, I wanted to share some before and after shots of my mom's house at the beach. She bought the house about 3.5 years ago and as soon as I saw the house I knew it was the one. My mom wasn't so sure (and you'll see why from the before pictures!). My mom is a fan of simple, clean design and doesn't like to do work to a house-she wants it move in ready. I however, fell in love with the layout--the house had been a small one floor cottage that a builder had expanded. So, the existing house remained and a large master suite was added onto the other side of the house, meaning that my kids, husband and I would have our own area of the house. Perfect for a little separation of chaos and tranquility ;) I also loved the single level openness of the house. The previous owners were traditional and had a love of wallpaper and window treatments. And color. <br /><br />Here are the before and after shots..I didn't bring my wide angle lens so I couldn't get the greatest shots: <br /><br />Before Dining Room: <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_10.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_10.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br />Dining Room After: <br /><br><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6147332992/" title="08 15_2901_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6147332992_aa025dce20.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="08 15_2901_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6146783711/" title="08 15_2902_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6146783711_3aab2484e6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="08 15_2902_edited-1"></a><br /><br><br />Den (our family room) Before: <br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_3.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br />Den After:<br /><br><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6147332686/" title="08 19_2870_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6147332686_83e5bb35b8.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="08 19_2870_edited-1"></a><br /><br><br />Nook off the Living Room before:<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_8.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_8.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br />Nook after:<br /><br><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6147333338/" title="08 15_2907_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6147333338_b5436963e0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="08 15_2907_edited-1"></a><br /><br><br />Entry before: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_6.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br /><br />Entry after:<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6146783443/" title="08 19_2874_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6146783443_403c4d53f7.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="08 19_2874_edited-1"></a><br /><br><br /><br />Ok..some of these pictures really aren't great. But trust me, it's a lot prettier now. It's amazing what some simplifying and white paint can do. Of course, there are some parts of the house that were fabulous and didn't need any changing. The bathrooms were all great-simple subway tiles, carrara, etc. My mom's master bath is gorgeous:<br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_11.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_11.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br />The kitchen is great too and I drew a lot of inspiration from her kitchen for ours: <br /><br><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/2464484753/" title="IMG_0664.JPG by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/2464484753_4669380a82.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_0664.JPG"></a><br /><br><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_12.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 416px; height: 312px;" src="http://www.1townandcountry.net/realtyeco/tnc/houseImg/expansionD/20109_12.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br><br />(The stools are gone now). <br /><br />Of course, in 3.5 years, the house isn't the only thing that has changed!<br /><br><br />Maya before: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/2465324406/" title="IMG_0673.JPG by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2465324406_e2e1326fcc.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_0673.JPG"></a><br /><br />Maya after: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6146834823/" title="08 19_2892_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6146834823_f8e756d212.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="08 19_2892_edited-1"></a><br /><br />Until next time!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-50490436070860377092011-08-10T11:32:00.000-07:002011-08-10T11:43:48.626-07:00This post is brought to you by...Hydrangeas. I am at a loss here, kids. I am away for a month at my mom's beach house, so I can't really blog about updates to our house. I have one in the works here that I can show you, and I'm thinking about doing a little house tour of some of the exteriors of the homes here...
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<br />But in the meantime, there are LOTS of hydrangeas here, in every color. So here are some purty pictures and a few maybe-new-to-you facts about these flowers...
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6027646966/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6027646966_abbb7874ea.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a>
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<br />While there are approximately 23 species of Hydrangea, only five are widely cultivated in the U.S. The most popular species is Hydrangea macrophylla, which is commonly known as bigleaf, French, garden or florist’s hydrangea. This Japanese native is rated as hardy to USDA cold-hardiness zone 6. It produces large inflorescences of white, pink or blue flowers in early summer.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6027093309/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/6027093309_ef28641600.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a>
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<br />Hydrangeas grow best in moist, well-drained soil. Most hydrangeas benefit from some shade, especially in hot climates. Bigleaf, oakleaf and smooth hydrangeas will usually perform well on the north side of a house or planted at the edge of a woodland (see image at right). As discussed earlier, growing hydrangeas in deep shade is not necessary and can greatly reduce flowering.
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<br />The amount of sun that hydrangeas can tolerate depends on species, climate and availability of water.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6027093505/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6027093505_43862aab5c.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a>
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<br />Flower color in H. macrophylla is dependent on cultivar and aluminum availability. Aluminum is necessary to produce the blue pigment for which bigleaf hydrangea is noted. Most garden soils have adequate aluminum, but the aluminum will not be available to the plant if the soil pH is high. For most bigleaf hydrangea cultivars, blue flowers will be produced in acidic soil (pH 5.5 and lower), whereas neutral to alkaline soils (pH 6.5 and higher) will usually produce pink flowers. Between pH 5.5 and pH 6.5, the flowers will be purple (see image at left) or a mixture of blue and pink flowers will be found on the same plant.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6027646672/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6027646672_641b38c328.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a>
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<br />Hydrangeas are moderately toxic if eaten, with all parts of the plant containing cyanogenic glycosides. Hydrangea paniculata is reportedly sometimes smoked as an intoxicant, despite the danger of illness and/or death due to the cyanide.
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<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/6027708538/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6027708538_6b8c057917.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a>
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<br />Sources:
<br /><a href="http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/hydrangeafaq2.html">http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/faqs/hydrangeafaq2.html</a>
<br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrangea">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrangea</a>
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-56390509614771232262011-07-28T11:14:00.000-07:002011-07-28T11:23:39.687-07:00Pretty Playroom Pictures...One of my many favorite things about the new house is that the girl's playrooms are now on the first floor, right off the family room and only about 20 feet from the kitchen. The girls were not going downstairs by themselves in the old house and it felt really secluded. Also, we had to create a small playroom area in the living room of the house, which just wasn't all that visually appealing...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5985384160/" title="images by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/5985384160_31328e0351.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="images"></a><br /><br />I love the new playroom, though I think it still needs some more decorative flair and some weeding out of toys...I mean, how many loose game pieces and McDonald's Strawberry Shortcake dolls can one really use?? <br /><br />What you see from the living room:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5985368846/" title="around the house_07 23_2815 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5985368846_963b778266.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="around the house_07 23_2815"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5984805893/" title="around the house_07 23_2816_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5984805893_8bb0d6e6d0.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="around the house_07 23_2816_edited-1"></a><br /><br />My favorite part of the room in this PennyPeople prints that I got on Etsy: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5985369172/" title="around the house_07 23_2819_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5985369172_defe594258.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="around the house_07 23_2819_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5984806369/" title="around the house_07 23_2821_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5984806369_98ebc0dc82.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="around the house_07 23_2821_edited-1"></a><br /><br />They came unframed, but they are made to fit perfectly in Ikea frames. Helloooo? So easy. <br /><br />I have grand plans for a big chalkboard/magnet wall for this side of the room: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5984806603/" title="around the house_07 23_2824_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5984806603_6944fdaa16.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="around the house_07 23_2824_edited-1"></a><br /><br />But, not enough time or motivation this month..so we'll see when that happens. I should have a lot of time in the fall!<br /><br />How do you guys keep your playrooms looking spiffy with all that kid's crap??Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-28927175526383206522011-07-25T12:39:00.001-07:002011-07-25T12:49:54.823-07:00The ongoing battle...with Clutter.Hi, my name is Kate. And I am a clutter-a-holic. Do you know how many bags of random things I have around the house? It's RIDONKULOUS. <br /><br />I have come to the conclusion though, that clutter is created because of a lack of space and place to put things away. How can you put things away if there is no where to put them? Therein laid the problem in our old house. It was beautiful and new, but had a total and complete lack of storage. One hall closet on the entire first floor. No linen closets. No shelves even. And because of all the big and beautiful windows, there were no walls along which to put shelves and closets. We had two junk drawers in the kitchen AND a corner that constantly got filled with junk. <br /><br />In this house, I have no excuses. We have so many closets and cabinets and shelves that I have no excuse to have clutter sitting out anywhere. I am proud to say that we have no junk drawer in this house. But, somehow we still managed to create a "junk corner" in the kitchen. It wasn't on purpose, I swear. It just happened. Some rogue mail, some unwanted bottles of bubbles, some discarded picture hanging supplies and next thing I knew...BAM!:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5975380714/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5975380714_c426025a44.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5974818761/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5974818761_9d9a5b01aa.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br /><br />It's awful isn't it? It's a good thing my friend Margaux doesn't read this blog-she'd have a heart attack, what with her OCD. <br /><br />Cue some dramatic music and in I went. I attacked that clutter pile like it was my job. I threw stuff away (don't tell Maya, but I may have thrown out all of her Tumbles art!), I put stuff in closets and pantries, I went out for lunch..oh wait, well, a girl's gotta eat, right? And then after just a little bit, it looked like this: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5975379376/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5975379376_875d6a62dd.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />It almost looks sad, it's so empty. I am tempted to go buy some pens and paper just to put on there. But man, it feels good! And it even looks cute with the tray Margaux got for me when she ordered a monogrammed cutting board...<br /><br />Until next time...Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-29328536843100627682011-07-21T11:49:00.000-07:002011-07-21T12:18:12.543-07:00A splash of this...When you build a house, there are going to be a few decisions you regret. Right? We had one that figured out pretty soon after we moved in. Actually, we hadn't even moved in yet. It was our kitchen backsplash. <br /><br />Originally, I just felt that a backsplash should only come up about 18 inches all around. You know, I had never even had a backsplash before! All of our previous kitchens had just been painted without tile. We added a little one to our house in Evanston behind the stove. <br /><br />In any case, I thought going all the way up the wall looked a little bizarre in the kitchen-very bathroom like. Plus, I liked the idea of saving money on tile. Our tile for the kitchen was about $25/sf and so by not doing the tile to the ceiling we saved a little money. And we needed that, since the tile was the one area where we blew our budget completely. <br /><br />So...the kitchen looked like this:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5961933132/" title="10 - Trenton by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5961933132_19d5a9b058.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="10 - Trenton"></a><br /><br />(That's a builder photo)<br /><br />Here's one of ours:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732171346/" title="05 18_2438_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5732171346_d2659875f4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2438_edited-1"></a><br /><br />And another:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732171960/" title="05 18_2439_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5732171960_9168e3aa98.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2439_edited-1"></a><br /><br />It just didn't look finished to us. Not to mention we couldn't find a paint color to put above the tile because we were afraid of clashing with the grey, so we went with plain white.<br /><br />I've come to the conclusion that I like the tile to the ceiling if it's ceramic. Glass looks a little too bathroomy. And also, the space has to be fairly small. If it's bigger, it makes much more of a statement. With our windows and sink the additional tile doesn't actually stand out that much. It just makes more sense. Here is after:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5940902314/" title="07 11_2771_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/5940902314_a0530cbbb0.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 11_2771_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5940902388/" title="07 11_2769_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5940902388_e4eb45cc64.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 11_2769_edited-1"></a><br /><br />What do you think??Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-74991608881821754882011-07-19T17:24:00.000-07:002011-07-19T17:39:02.365-07:00Is it still a sitting room if no one sits there?One of my dad's gripes about our old house was that we didn't have a sitting room. You know, a place without a tv where you can read a book quietly. I don't think we have an opportunity to read quietly that much-but it's not because of lack of a space. It's more because of the two munchkins that create a less than tranquil environment...<br /><br />In any case, we had the living room furniture from our house in Evanston, so we figured we throw a small formal living room in the front of the house, in the same place in the floorplan as it was in Evanston. You walk in the front door and you see the two least used spaces in the house (dining room and living room)-perfect!<br /><br />When we moved into the house about 2 months ago, I threw the living room furniture in it's place and promptly decided to forget about it. There were more pressing concerns-dining room, family room, kid's rooms. Pretty much anything else. <br /><br />Then last week I looked at the room and thought, "Wow. This room looks sad." But I realized that with just a little "ditzing" (as my Crate & Barrel design peeps used to say), that it could look so much better. <br /><br />Here is the room before: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5955774599/" title="07 11_2756_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5955774599_c83cd1925f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 11_2756_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5955774631/" title="07 11_2758_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5955774631_423c7c8f95.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 11_2758_edited-1"></a><br /><br />Here's the current state of the space after a little shopping and rearranging: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5955774709/" title="07 14_2715_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5955774709_9a6fdc7d03.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 14_2715_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5956335414/" title="07 14_2716_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5956335414_0b705df917.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="07 14_2716_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5955774783/" title="07 14_2714_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5955774783_891f78f5df.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 14_2714_edited-1"></a><br /><br />Here's what I did: I headed to West Elm and picked up a rug on sale for $199, a lamp and some silver figurines from Home Goods (total cost about $80) and hung the starburst mirror from the Evanston house. The mirror had never a found in our old Arlington house and I almost sold it, but am glad I didn't. It may not be in this place forever, but it's definitely a nice addition to the room for the time being. I also played around with the shelving to make it less "officey". I plan on filling them in a bit more, but for now I threw in some vases that I already had-the blue ones are Crate & Barrel and the little white one is a Jonathon Adler. <br /><br />The room feels much warmer and more finished now and I can leave it be for another 6 months until I have the time to go back to it.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-34194261442078996762011-07-15T11:37:00.000-07:002011-07-15T11:52:00.763-07:00Dining RoomWhen we were nearing completion of the new house, people kept asking us, "Are you going to have to buy a lot of new furniture?". My response was, "No, not really..." Thing is, we had almost everything we needed for the new house, with the exception of family room furniture. One thing we definitely didn't NEED was new dining room furniture. However, I did really WANT new dining room furniture. Our set felt matchy, matchy and very formal. Not to mention the glass top was a pain in the arse to keep clean all the time. <br /><br />Luckily, in the new house, the dining room serves a completely different function. In the new house we have a little dining nook in the kitchen where we eat our family meals. It's easy to grab stuff from the fridge or the stove and throw it on the table while we are eating-no lengthy commutes from the kitchen to the dining room. However, when we have guests, we eat in the dining room. The nook only sits 4 and the dining table seats....<br /><br />And therein laid the rationale for a new dining table. Our table sat 8 people-maybe 10 with kids. There was no extension leaf and no room for flexibility. "What if we have all of our family members for Thanksgiving?" I asked Peter. "We won't be able to seat them all." So the search began for a new, large and extendable dining room table. <br /><br />I had already fallen in love with a dining chair style a few months earlier (probably precipitating the urge for a new dining set). I didn't want the chairs and table to be too matchy and I wanted the table to have a more rustic, warm feel. <br /><br />So..here's the grand reveal. <br /><br />Before in the old house: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/2464633001/" title="Dining Room. by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2297/2464633001_0bbfc64201.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Dining Room."></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5693552639/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5693552639_744d57d084.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />And now, the new house:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5940902084/" title="07 11_2731_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5940902084_6a1c5701d9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 11_2731_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5940902156/" title="07 11_2729_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5940902156_3fe848e73b.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="07 11_2729_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5940342873/" title="07 11_2735_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5940342873_cfafb779d2.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="07 11_2735_edited-1"></a><br /><br />The details: <br />-The table is from Random Harvest in Arlington. It has two extension leaves so it can seat up to 14!<br />-The chairs are from Room & Board. I bought 8 of them. I plan on looking for a bench that can be used for seating in situations where we have more than 8 guests and extend the table. I am sure this will be a frantic search just days before this first meal occurs. <br />-The rug is from Pottery Barn. <br /><br />I plan to get a little bit of art up on the wall and perhaps some window treatments, but of course there is the small issue of the husband. His thing is that he likes everything "clean and uncluttered". I am learning that layering makes things more cohesive. These two theories are not really compatible. <br /><br />But for now, I am very happy with this before and after..Stay tuned!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-77666455622819665462011-07-07T16:11:00.000-07:002011-07-07T16:31:27.116-07:00Backyard...So it's been a while since we've had an update-we travelled for 2 weeks, so that's part of the excuse...but otherwise I just feel weird about posting half finished rooms..and that's what we have more of anything. I will get better about posting little updates-I swear! I see so many blogs where people do little updates that make drastic decorations or make things and I haven't been doing either. <br /><br />Our landscapers have been hard at work though. Our patio is basically complete. This is the first time we've ever had a patio and a backyard that has a real design. <br /><br />This is what the backyard looked like last fall, when the new house was still in place: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5176271466/" title="Backyard by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/5176271466_4f1f832c67.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Backyard"></a><br /><br />And here is what it looks like now:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5907199300/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/5907199300_dc92203d01.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5906642083/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5906642083_845b424530.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5906641251/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/5906641251_53024e1c60.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br /><br />I love the patio-Maya even asked to eat out there a couple of nights ago. We haven't eaten outside around here in years. We got the yard sprayed for mosquitos which makes it even usable!Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-84406872347171622172011-06-02T15:03:00.001-07:002011-06-02T15:03:32.407-07:00Small things make me happy..Peonies on my beautiful island counter (with Homemade Pizza Co-no mess!)...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/06/02/3395.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/06/02/s_3395.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Meal for three in our dining nook...<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/06/02/3397.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/06/02/s_3397.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Skipping the above meal to head out to Lyon Hall with the ladies!<br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br /><p class='blogpress_location'>Location:<a href='http://maps.google.com/maps?q=N%20Lorcom%20Ln,Arlington,United%20States%4038.901776%2C-77.113102&z=10'>N Lorcom Ln,Arlington,United States</a></p>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-52854115555964119082011-05-18T18:50:00.000-07:002011-05-18T19:25:12.086-07:00It's done!Drumroll please... Bam! It's done! I can't believe the day is here. Peter is loading up stuff in his car right now to take over there to make our official move day (Friday) easier. We walked through with Trent, the foreman, yesterday morning and created a punch list of things that still need to be done (things like paint, nicks, etc). Today, I met with Steve, got the keys and all the warranty paperwork (and gave them a check!) and the house is ours. <br /><br />Here are some pictures I took at the final walk through yesterday. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating, so they came out pretty dark-I swear, the house is not that dark!<br /><br />If you enter from the garage, you come into the mud room: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731629749/" title="05 18_2449_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/5731629749_73a58fd254.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2449_edited-1"></a><br /><br />You'd see the guest bathroom in the basement:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731630421/" title="05 18_2450_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/5731630421_f07e079fc7.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="05 18_2450_edited-1"></a><br /><br />Upstairs, there's the living room: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732174588/" title="05 18_2445_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2345/5732174588_16bf2a3c50.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2445_edited-1"></a><br /><br />And the dining room:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732166442/" title="Dining Room by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/5732166442_db2f8b0c40.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Dining Room"></a><br /><br />And then you'd head into the kitchen:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732171346/" title="05 18_2438_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5732171346_d2659875f4.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2438_edited-1"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731626681/" title="05 18_2442_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5731626681_0a9194db78.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2442_edited-1"></a><br /><br />(Disregard the lighting prop-some photographers were taking detailed pictures of the trim)<br /><br />And you might want to have a meal in our dining nook:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731626949/" title="05 18_2443_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/5731626949_2c5f021d8e.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="05 18_2443_edited-1"></a><br /><br />And off the family room, there's the kid's playroom:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732173950/" title="05 18_2444_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/5732173950_825f63cdc7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2444_edited-1"></a><br /><br />At the top of the stairs on the upper floor, there's a built in desk area for the kids down the road:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732169718/" title="05 18_2434_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/5732169718_e1165223bf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2434_edited-1"></a><br /><br />Zoe's room is at the top of the stairs:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731622565/" title="05 18_2430_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/5731622565_6aeb4cc5cd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2430_edited-1"></a><br /><br />You can head into the bathroom from Zoe's room:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732169398/" title="05 18_2431_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5732169398_729fb8d211.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="05 18_2431_edited-1"></a><br /><br />I don't have any pictures of the fabulous tile in the bath area...<br /><br />From the bathroom you can also go into Maya's room:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5732168758/" title="Maya's room by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5732168758_fa92d34802.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Maya's room"></a><br /><br />If you were really in the house, you could see our master bedroom next, but somehow I didn't take a picture of it..but from the bedroom you get a great view of the bathroom details: <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731621893/" title="Looking into master bath by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/5731621893_a32de27779.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Looking into master bath"></a><br /><br />And then you can see our vanities (well, one at a time, but they are the same and neither have mirrors yet):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731620431/" title="Master Bath Vanity by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5203/5731620431_010a124f60.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Master Bath Vanity"></a><br /><br />And the last room upstairs will be the study/overflow guest room:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731623585/" title="05 18_2435_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3393/5731623585_bc98af2703.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="05 18_2435_edited-1"></a><br /><br />With it's own en suite bath:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731623901/" title="05 18_2436_edited-1 by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/5731623901_170e4db275.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="05 18_2436_edited-1"></a><br /><br />And that concludes our tour for now..don't let the beautiful black painted door hit you on the way out:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5731619449/" title="Front Door by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5226/5731619449_cd521400e9.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="Front Door"></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-56334108960473918372011-05-09T13:15:00.000-07:002011-05-09T13:18:19.537-07:00A few interior highlights!The house is basically done. The sod has been laid in the front, and I think they are working on the back today. The front door has been painted. It will have to be repainted because we inadvertently painted it very dark purple instead of black. There are a few punch list items and then I think we'll be good to go! The inspections are happening this week and hopefully we'll have the Certificate of Occupancy sometime next week! SO EXCITING!<br /><br />We went through the house on Friday and snapped a few pictures...<br /><br />Dining Room:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5700327706/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/5700327706_69a59e288b.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a><br /><br />Kitchen:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5700327822/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5700327822_4174b481a1.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />Master Bath:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5700332828/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2313/5700332828_584c94f280.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />Living Room Fireplace:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5699765099/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/5699765099_1ce7aafbe8.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-5146458059506394132011-05-09T13:13:00.001-07:002011-05-09T13:14:30.361-07:00Sod<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5699749119/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/5699749119_55ac322939.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt=""></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-23877165605214715832011-04-30T19:43:00.000-07:002011-04-30T19:50:15.575-07:00Dark Floors!I snapped a little picture of the family room/kitchen the other day when I was in the backyard talking to a landscaper (that's a whole other story)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5674528216/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5029/5674528216_7d240d444b.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a><br /><br />You must be asking (all three readers ;) ), when will the house be done? Well, our tentative (but firm enough to have hired movers) date is May 20th. The builder said May 21st, but since that's a Saturday, I'm taking a little liberty here...Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-52323039460889000402011-04-26T08:50:00.001-07:002011-04-30T19:46:07.176-07:00Exterior!Finally, the exterior has been painted and we are no longer the most mismatched house on the block-I think it looks awesome. It's a little more blue than we were originally envisioning but it doesn't matter ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5662988788/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5662988788_9ed134a79e.jpg" width="500" height="373" alt=""></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/katek/5662989938/" title="Untitled by Kate&Maya, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5662989938_c5e18c9b3e.jpg" width="374" height="500" alt=""></a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7541951509445389684.post-46075428459576536862011-04-09T18:30:00.001-07:002011-04-09T18:30:14.138-07:00White outOr white party. We stopped by the house today to see progress and the painters had just finished a pass through of primer-apparently they just cover the place with plastic and spray the whole place down. Walking through was almost like walking through a blizzard..<br /><br />Kitchen: (Yup, that's all the cabinets, counters and appliances already installed)<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/09/3640.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/09/s_3640.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Family room:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/09/3641.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/09/s_3641.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Living room:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/09/3642.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/09/s_3642.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='299' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Stairway to upper floor:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/09/3643.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/09/s_3643.jpg' border='0' width='300' height='401' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Lastly, a shot of the exterior. I think they started on painting the trim. The color will come soon, hopefully! The deck, stonework, steps-everything is done, except for landscaping.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/show_photo.php?p=11/04/09/3644.jpg'><img src='http://photo.blogpressapp.com/photos/11/04/09/s_3644.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514331057714570455noreply@blogger.com0