Our Extreme Home Makeover experience

Stairway project - Part 2, hardwood goes in

2009-10-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report, the stair rail and hardwood components are now in place! And boy are they gorgeous.

And here we have on the left, installer extraordinaire Ken. It was an absolute pleasure to have him around to banter with and watch him work his magic. And then there's head slappin' owner John. I know John, I can relate. I'm sorry it's over so soon too. As they say in paradise... "Wish you were here!"

And no project goes unturned without Vic's friendly influence. I owe ya some gas in that ride of yours, my friend!

So, back in December 2008, we were at this stage. The hardwood components needed some tough love.

First, I gave the pieces a slight beating to remove the perfectness.

Many a night was spent staining and varnishing the pieces. I gave them two coats of stain to deepen the tone and between 4-6 coats of varnish until you could no longer feel the woodgrain with light sanding in between coats. This was a long and labourous task but well worth it. The end result is gorgeous.

Next, came the spindles. Not desiring what the stores carried, because I was after a more industrial feel, I fabricated my own out of 5/8" steel rods trimmed to size on Dan's chop saw. Then a grinder was used to knock off the sharp edges.

The exsisting steps were then notched out to allow for the stair edging placements. ALOT of work!

Here, Ken drills the holes for my custom fabricated spindles. I had to add that part in because I'm so spittin' proud that I had a part in this project!

MY spindles get installed! Weeeeeee!!!!!! Oh and they turned out exactly as I imagined. Abit of rust, black and steel shine through. The warmth of the wood against the cold steel is a very cool illusion.

The incredible handrail goes in next. Ken braces things up for a flawless install. Having been without handrails for nearly 2 years, I can't tell you how much I adore these simplistic things most would take for granted. I don't think I ever will.

Gasp....gorgeous!!!!

Such beautiful edges!

This was one very tricky corner to cut. Ken is my newest hero.

And this is where things stand today. Incredible! All that's left is the carpet running down the center and they are done! Once the carpet is installed, I'll do a before and after on this project.

This was the last major thing left on the house to complete! I honestly think I'm dreaming here.

It's been great having the guys over to make some noise again. I so appreciate this beautiful newest addition. Just more stories and memories to add to the ever growing list around here. Thanks again, all!

Stairway project - Part 1, the spindles

2009-09-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

I am estatic to report, the stairway project is commencing!

Meet Ken, stairway installer extraordinaire. And he isn't allowed out of 'rustic metal spindle' jail until he's done. Ah, just kidding Ken. You can go home to eat and stuff.

And you know those spindles I just mentioned? I fabricated them. Simply because, the look I wanted wasn't available in stores anywhere. I wanted rustic metal steel rods to tie in with the rest of the metal influences I have going on. So that step came first.

So off I went to my favorite local workshop. (Dan's place) He showed me what to do and left the room. For the most part anyway. Care to see what transpired?

How do you like THOSE fireworks? I had the MOST fun ever on that day. Not only cutting my own steel rods, but filming it too, as a tutorial for my decorating blog. So, here's the noisy version of the building of the spindles. Welcome to my favorite kind of playground. EVER. :) Thanks Dan!!

To view the film in You Tube, simply select the logo on the far lower right.

Next, stair case woodwork, by Ken! Stay tuned!

NEW trim colour goes on!

2009-09-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well now, with this gorgeous black metal roof intact, it was high time to do some trim work! Here's a peek at the new colour. Black coffee!

Here's a few before's. Yikes.

Yup. The burgundy had to go. The current cranberry trim made the rest of the house look pink.

Ahhhh.... the paint looks just like the hot fudge served up at Dairy Queen. If your paint looks good enough to eat, how can one go wrong?!?

The more paint that went on, the calmer and richer the house slowly appeared. Cool!

Yes. I think this is going to work out very nicely!

And a special thanks goes out to our kitty cat, Teddy Bear. She was my main inspiration. Weird? Perhaps, but she was perfect. She is the most amazing blackish brown colour EVER. You know what they say about you can't go wrong using the colours of nature. Thanks kitten!

I can't wait to do the front door this wonderfully rich warm colour! All the doors! Will do the trim around the door, windows and garage door something different. Some kind of in between colour of the main part of the house and the trim. This is where it gets tricky. The house colour has rose undertones and I don't want the new shade anywhere near pink. Wish me luck!

Next up: finish the trim painting, and we're now discussing getting the stairway completed. The stained and varnished wood is waiting for install day.

More to come very very soon!

A roof is born.

2009-08-22T14:08:00.001-07:00

Good mornin' to ya Vic! Most folks are woken up by an alarm clock. But not here. I'm greeted with a friendly team of folks that bang on my house. Sat Aug 22, 2009. The day the roof will be complete. This is a BIG day.

Wednesday, Vic, Ralph, Jake and Rudy placed the majority of the roofing into place. And stayed well until dark to complete as much as possible.

It was an incredibly warm and humid evening. But the team did not give up. They never cease to amaze me.

If I wasn't so chicken of heights, I would have gone on up there to take better pics. My zoom from across the road was the best I could pull off.

Back to this fine Saturday Aug 22 AM. Rudy and Jake start the lower roof.

Howdy back atcha Zach! Birds, do not be confused. There is indeed a roof party happening today.

Jake and Vic pulling out some Nova-Seal. Premium Roofing Under... bah! Can't read the paper. I was trying to sound real smart for a moment.

BLACK METAL! Isn't it gorgeous?!?!?!?!?!? I love black and I love metal. They go hand in hand. And it resides on my roof!!!!

Thanks Janette, for the light as cloud homemade butterhorns with icing! They accompanied the rest of our lunch. And Bonnie biked over to join us.

It is complete. It's beautiful. And it will keep us safe from the elements and protect our most precious investment to date.

Cody and I have a brand spankin' new roof. A treasured gift from the help of our incredible friends.

Vic, Ralph, Rudy, Ben, Jake, Micah, Pete, Paul, Zach, Janette, and Bonnie, thank you so very very much for offering your gift of time over and over again for the roof project. And to the Yarrow MB church donators and roof sponsors for the materials.

And most importantly, thank-you God. He after all, started the whole thing, didn't He?

The roofing material arrives

2009-08-11T23:15:00.001-07:00

First thing this fine AM, a big noisy but incredibly welcome truck pulled in. With our roofing!

Vic quickly worked on some strapping while things were gearing up.

See that there pile of black on that truck?!? That's black metal! Black plus metal = the most beautiful combo of words ever!

It was quite interesting to see how the truck was stabilized on both sides to allow for the weight shift to come.

Isn't that cool how that arm is folded many times over? Can you tell this is a girl reporting live? I do not know what the arm is called, but it was a good invention I must say.

This is where it got a little exciting. Especially when sitting at the window and watching that big box of roofing swing towards you.

Yikes. This is about when I scooted my son and myself outa the house.

Good excuse for another photo op anyway.

This is my favorite picture. Look at those clouds on the mountain behind the house. Doesn't it give the picture an intense serious eerie kinda feel? We ARE talking serious roofing after all!

Later in the day, Vic and Jake worked for abit with a shower vent, then Ben showed up later to get things started.

A bigger team comes Wednesday, weather permitting, to get this new toy in place!

Wish for those intense serious eerie clouds to diminish for Wednesday please. My neighbours across the street from me are also working on their roof with half their shingles off. No rain for Wed! Cuz it's Roofing Wednesday in these parts!

Thanks again for today, guys. I cannot WAIT to see my pretty black metal! It'll match my kitchen island you know...

The roofing begins!

2009-08-09T23:16:00.001-07:00

While most everything major is completed in the house renovation, that only leaves the roofing. Here we go!

Vic starts the gang off with a demo on what a well dressed roofer ought to be wearing in 2009.

Pete, Paul, Rudy and Erna completely awestruck or razzing? I'll let you decide...

Wasting no time, Rudy and Paul are up high where only birds ought to be.

Vic and Ben are planning the placement of all the strappings to go down.

Activity around here once more!

Pete assists Ben while the strappings are created.

Wonder if I should just get the guys to hang my Christmas lights up early while they're up there... just kidding! Trim painting comes first. KIDDING! (sorda)

Jake showed up today to continue screwing in more strappings to beat the deadline. Roofing materials are slated to be dropped off Tuesday, leaving Wednesday as the big install day. How exciting!!!

Thanks to my very generous and wonderful friends! You can't begin to know what your time and expertise means to me right now. To know our home will be safe from our wet cold winters? Man... just no words.

More updates to follow shortly!

Front entry - complete!

2009-07-26T10:57:00.001-07:00

I am so pleased to report, the front entry is complete! It's bright, functional and even abit unique.

The improved before.

The coat rack is an original horse gate given to me from a neighbour that had planned to burn it. The bench is a re purposed piece of truck apparatus that fit the space perfectly. All doors and woodwork received a fresh new coat of sparkling white paint.

The improved before.

The dresser is a hot $5 find from a garage sale that stores tons of mitts, hats, etc. The lines on it are so pretty. The finishes on the bench and dresser are lightly distressed so extra marks and dings simply enhance the finish more so.

Thanks to Vic's quick thinking, the frames are old barn windows from a recent demolition. I LOVE them! The letters inside are CNC routered samples I painted up from a few of Dan's router workshops I helped with. Art is individual and should speak to us. There's nothing but good thoughts and memories when I look at this wall.

AND the floor. Wow, the floor. It took me AGES. (mainly from pure procrastination) However I'm so pleased to report it turned out awesome! This has been my wildest pattern designed and implemented to date. And I hope it's my last but I highly doubt it somehow..

This was just last night. The grout is finally ready to go on. The dog clung to me pretty tight as there was a thunderstorm going on. And she was such a good girl not running through the muck.

And the floor comes to life!

The stairs and moldings still need to be placed in this room. And the inside of the closet and around the back corner still needs the floor finished. However for today, we are happy to have a beautiful, bright and functional front entryway!

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This post is shared with Thrifty Decor Chick's Before & After Sept 6 2009 party! Many more befores and afters are there for your viewing pleasure!

Entryway tile progresses!

2009-07-15T21:19:00.000-07:00

Woaaaa... it's been awhile since I've updated this blog. So a little remember when is in order for the entryway.

Waaaay back in the olden days (2008), we started with a few very stubborn strips of ancient tile that needed removing. Vic was my hero big time that day.

I had tiled the laundry room area first, with the tile going on the bias to avoid obvious crooked walls. And then I had this big brainstorm to do a pattern in the entryway.

It sat like this for quite awhile. Grout in my option is totally overrated. I quite enjoyed sweeping without requiring a dustpan...

However, nothing lasts forever it seems. So it was time to get rid of my built in dustpan and get that bias tile wrapped around the center pattern.

I'm glad I did the pattern. It really looks cool and all, however, did I ever give myself a bunch of extra work. Hence, the veeeeery long procrastination.

So this is where it sits as of tonite. Here's a shot of one corner as there was just too much stuff in the way to get a picture of the entire floor anyway. Some of the bias tile is mortared down, and some is sitting loose. I like cutting tile to size one day and mortaring on another day to speed things up some. The main part of the room is now cut at least!

I made up a few rookie tile install tips I've posted on the Funky Junk Interiors blog. Click HERE if you enjoy collecting rookie tips! (Pros, keep the laughter to a low decimal)

So what else is going on here? I've been busy decorating and collecting stuff from here and there. And improving the great outdoors as well now that summer has arrived. As rooms become complete, I'll post the finished results.

Next up: mortaring the cut tiles in the entry, and then finally grouting!

(I feel a grout procrastination party coming up shortly...)

Front Entry - Part One - progress!!

2009-05-30T22:51:00.000-07:00

I have not left the planet earth! I have finally done something on the house worth reporting in for!!

I have a new concept. One room at a time. That way I'm not dapping or painting for 8 weeks straight. So, the front entry it is.

This is not an intentional two-tone fancy dancy effect. This is how yellow the door was and how badly it required a fresh coat of white.

The closet door was just as bad. Isn't it lovely now? I also painted that bench to prepare for the decorating. I realize this is a little backwards with the floor not done quite yet. But progress is progress I say.

What's especially nice about not having the floor done yet is, the cement sections are wonderful for those painting projects. I have NO idea how I'll handle all the floors complete. (but I think I can get use to it if I put my mind to it) The front door and mouldings got a blast of white too. I'm tellin' ya, I'm going to town here! Above that very long white bench, I have a unique idea for hanging up coats in a jiffy. But you'll have to wait for Front Entry Part 2 for that one.

See this sad little dresser? I scooped it up from a garage sale a couple weeks ago for a whopping $5.. But it needed a slight tweaking.

Ahhhh! It's all about white in this entry. Much better! The dresser will come in mighty handy for a key catch all/letter drop off, as well as wonderful storage for mitts and hats etc.

I guess after this paint is cured, it's time to work on that (gasp) floor. I don't think I can stall it any longer. Tile cutter got tweaked to perfection today (thanks Dan!) so I guess the neighbourhood will be hearing a lotta screeching over the next while.

Thanks for tuning in and not giving up on me here! I've been ever so busy having fun over at Funky Junk Interiors and working outside while the weather has cooperated. For a peek of the outdoor improvements..

Character Building Part One

Character Building Part Two

The Birdhouse Garden

Next up.. getting that coat idea on the go, setting up the rest of the room and then the completion of the tile floor. I know. A little backwards, but I have to have some fun before the real hard work takes over. (have you bought that?)

One year recap and some questions answered.

2009-04-21T00:41:00.000-07:00

One year ago, I recieved a call from my neighbour Janette, asking me to come over so she could give me some wonderful news.

I still have the original bulletin from the Yarrow MB Church. The bulletin that opened the option wide open requesting nominations for an Extreme Home Makeover - Yarrow Edition. The very bulletin that Janette took the time to respond to on our behalf.

So much has transpired in the last year. The proof is in the pictures. Generous professionals and DIY's came forth to help us tear down walls, install windows, replace broken things, all in a grand effort to get this house functional AND beautiful.

Today, I'm proud to say, we've all achieved our goals.

The house continues to need abit of tweaking here and there. In some cases, we are waiting for trades to become available and in other areas I've delayed the progress for areas I'm responsible for. However, this is an easy wait. Most living areas are pristine and beautiful to live in.

The decorating has also begun! That is the icing on the cake. When you can really make your home uniquely yours with the finishing touches.

Abit of a recap... basically this house has had every square inch of it touched in some way. Some walls had been stripped to the studs in some areas. The floors were plywood. Alot of wiring was exposed. Massive chunks of drywall were cut away to allow for new updated wiring. A major wall was completely removed. Plumbing was dealt with. Windows were replaced. Old tiles were smashed in order to remove their existence for new ones. No stone was left unturned. This house took alot of hard work by some very good people.

Over the last year, I've been asked alot of questions about the project. Here are some of them.

*Were you living in the house while it was being renovated?
- Big yes! Depending where the current mess was, stuff was simply shoved from one room to another to allow work to continue. It was messy and confusing, especially when the kitchen came down, but we managed with flying colours! The trick is to just not take things too seriously. So what if your socks won't come clean ever again? Get new ones, ya know?

*There comes a time when you 'lose it' when things get really crazy. Did you reach that point?"
- Of course. I'm only human. However I can truly say, I didn't allow whatever that was to stick around for too long. I pushed through the tougher moments and took off camping here and there last summer when I needed a break. That worked out awesome!

*How did Cody cope?
- Cody is my hero. I distinctly remember one day while riff raff was floating through the air and we no longer could keep anything we wore clean, I asked Cody, "So, how do you feel about living in this messy house for right now?" His reply was, "I don't care Mom. I'm hungry. Can we eat soon?" Gotta love it!

I think he coped alot better than I did. One day I was on the grumpier side when Cody piped up, "Mom, I know you're just upset that everything is dirty." He amazed me. He didn't take my pouting personally. He's my rock star.

*Do you notice a big difference with new windows?
- I noticed RIGHT away that the house was quieter! And it's a pleasure to actually stand in front of a window when it's windy out. I avoided going near the windows before due to cold drafts. And the sun just doesn't glare in like it use to. Yes, they've made a massive difference in not only functionality, but beauty as well! I LOVE these windows!

*Are you getting curtains?
- LOL one day. I'm working on it! I actually have some new blinds I had fitted into some of the old windows and they just need to be recut to size. Now I just have to do it.

*Have you done your front entry tile yet?
- LOL can I skip this question? I'll be honest. I don't love to tile. I have to force myself to just do it, and then the groove kicks in after. Sometimes the groove doesn't kick in at all. Other times, I'm going full speed ahead but then I get sidetracked. Whatever. Pick an excuse and that's why. Honestly, I'm waiting for a rainy weekend with no kidlet to ask me to cook for him in order to continue on. Tiling requires numbers for me. And numbers require thinking. I need quiet to think THAT hard. :)

*Are you going to have tile in your shower surround?
- See the above excu... er, reasons. The tub is in full usage mode as is, which is somewhat unfortunate, because I'm not very inspired to just do it, ya know?

*Have you found lights for the kitchen yet?
- Sure, but they're outa my price range. So I'm looking for something unique and price efficient at the same time. I'll find it eventually. I actively look all the time.

*Do you like your wood floors?
- The hardwood flooring was from Costco and it is to DIE for! I love it! It cleans up very easily! You can indeed see some dust and wet dog foot prints at times, however the colour is medium so it's easier to keep clean than a very dark wood. I love it!!

*What about the dog?
- We do have a dog and I'm careful with not getting her too wound up so she doesn't scratch the floors. I clip her nails and then take sandpaper to them as much as I remember to. For the most part, she's a calm dog and doesn't razz too much. Some scratches do show but they aren't totally stare at them obvious.

*Is everything the way you thought it would be?
- Most things are BETTER! I do have a fairly good internal visual so I can see things quite accurately before they're done. Some cosmetic decorating things I may change in the future here and there, but for the most part, I'm loving how everything is coming together.

*What are your favorite things?
- I have many! But I'd have to say the layout of the kitchen turned out awesome. I LOVE the open floor plan and the three windows and double french doors. And a pleasant surprise was getting rid of the ugly massive vanity in the main bath and replacing it with a small pedestal. That right there was such an outstanding difference for such a small thing! The room feels twice the size now. Just say no to big honkin' vanities, folks! Oh, and my new office. I adore that pine ceiling and all those gorgeous white shiny mouldings and that ugly fire pit thing gone! And the way the wood floors turned out. Perfection! And I love that you can sit on both sides of the kitchen island. And the white mouldings galore. And the covered brick on the fireplace. And the new toilets that WORK. I don't know where to stop. I love it all.

*Are you nearly done with the house?
- I'd have to say the end is in sight. Now if I'd just keep it up... lots of dap and moulding painting, the staircase, tile work, drywall repair downstairs, repainting downstairs... minor stuff in all honesty compared to what has already been accomplished.

*How do you like your new gas top stove?
- melt... I adore that thing! It is fun to cook with an open flame. The cooking is fast and accurate, things tend to be moister. Love it all.

*Advice for any other renovators?
- Sure. Lots. How long do you have? I love telling people what to do. Ok.. seriously, the best advice I could offer up is, try to pack up as much as you can and move it OUT of the house into a storage of some sort. It was really tricky trying to work on the house when you had no where else to push stuff because every square inch was pretty much being worked on all at the same time. My friend Dan offered his trailer and I didn't take him up on the offer. Had I known then what I know now, I would have asked how soon could he tow it over here. And, purge purge purge. Get rid of stuff. I hit the poor local MCC more times than I care to admit.

Did I miss anything? Probably. So if you have anything you'd like to know or ask, feel free to comment here and I'll come back and answer. I won't comment on monetary things or about sponsors who wish to remain private, however I'll try and answer all I can.

Anyway, I want to thank so many of you that continue to follow the progress. We aren't done yet and I'll still be adding as we go along. I've also started up a new blog called Funky Junk Interiors where it pertains to all things decorating, so I'll continue to share the finishing touches in that area.

Coming soon too will be a list of all the sponsors that have generously donated for this project. They deserve some recognition big time!

Thanks again to all those involved in the project to date. Cody and I are thoroughly enjoying all the massive efforts made, and not a day goes by I don't look somewhere and remember a fond memory that has me cracking a smile once again. So many great memories are embedded in this home!

Our lives continue to grow and just improve with time! Makes you wonder what else is just around the corner...

Next up: sigh... that entry tile. Yeah yeah I know...

Dining room progress ~ hardwood floors now complete!

2009-03-28T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is my girl Jenna. And she has something to show you that transpired today. And she should know. She watched the whole thing.

The day started with the dining room floor in plywood mode. Jenna's nose is to the far right.

Awesome Volunteer Floor Guy Ron came today to put the finishing touches on that very room. Just... awesome! He's fast, meticulous, appreciates and drinks good coffee (but just not today) and is just a really nice guy. Ever Present Jenna thinks so too.

Tadaaaaa! My stuff can go back! I can eat over top a real floor now!

The place mats I like to use are actually glass cutting boards.

This next picture is for those of you wishing you had gorgeous hardwood floors. Folks, I worked hard for them. What you'll see next is simply a picture of reality.

And just for fun.. today my mantle was ivory~chicken themed. The mini lights cast the most awesome candle lit glow in the evenings. Truth be told, I leave these on all day. They just bring warmth to the fireplace and room in general.

Oops. You did NOT see a cat on any kitchen island in this house. This is a figment of your imagination. Totally.

Anyway, the room has many finishing touches to come. Curtains, mouldings, area carpets, lights... The upstairs is now open floor plan and still appears abit cold without all the finishing touches in place but they will come soon! Cody's braces are first and I also need a lawn mower. Neither not so pretty but once again, just a little bit of reality.

For today, I am in love with ALL the flooring warming up this place! Thanks Ron, BIG!

Next up: I'm still working on the tile in the front entry. One day I may even finish it or something.

Front entry tiling commences.. when along came some food!

2009-03-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

I have this loyal internet follower friend named Melissa. Girl, you got your wish! I worked on my entry tile AND have pictures to prove it! Whew... she's keeping me on my toes. (I think I need her on me more than she realizes)

And I went for the gusto and did a pattern around the square partition. Everytime I do a new floor, I seem to throw in one extra curve ball to jazz things up. Getting braver or crazier, I've yet to figure out. I suppose it keeps me from feeling like I'm doing the same 'ol. I just really like designing with tile.

Here's a dry run of the pattern. The center squares are already mortared. The little black tiles were cut from a sheet. And I hand measured and cut the longer strips utilizing the big tiles I was already using. The tile from the ajoining laundry room is on the bias and will continue and circle around this square partition.

Here's a closer shot of installing that pattern. The file shown is to give the freshly cut edges a light scuff so you don't catch a sharp ridge on top of the tile with your bare feet. Because we do a lotta bare feet in this house during the summer months.

Ahhhh...my critters! It took until the end of the night to get my furry little critter company. They were either getting lonely or their food bowls were empty. I think they simply desired my company. The dog only walked through the wet mortar once, so that's not bad. Beethoven is lounging on my saddle blanket I use for my knees while tiling.

And here comes the best part. Janette paid me a short visit to see what in blazes I was up to now. We joked about how she'd rather bake and I'd rather tile and as she left, I yelled out to her to bring over something with sugar and icing on it like, anytime, ok? So she did! I squealed as I dug in. But I didn't scare her too bad because she stuck around for a quick picture, because I'm my own paparazzi as well, here at Extreme Home Renos. Anyone that steps foot on this property, beware.. it's a camera zone. And I will put your name in lights right along side me!

Because honestly, I just love to share what's happening here, and others that keep me company and help in special ways such as Janette did tonight, make a big impact on me and they deserve a little recognition too.

Renovating is hard work. But it's also extremely gratifying and fun, when you take the time to morph it into such. And yeah, Janette's visit would be fun without the cake too. But I'm soooooo glad she brought it over anyway! Thanks girlie!

And thanks Melissa, for keeping me on track here!

Next up... not sure about doing more tile for the rest of this week. It's my mom's birthday Wednesday and then Cody returns home so it may morph back into family zone for a few. But you can be pretty sure I'll be reporting (bragging) when something is being done.

Tiling the front entry has finally begun

2009-03-17T00:53:00.000-07:00

I sure procrastinated with this one. And I know exactly why.

I LOVE tile. I love it's workhorse functionality, it's rustic beauty and just everything about it. There's simply nothing to dislike about it!

Except for laying it I suppose. I might be tempted to slot tiling right up there alongside my joy for dapping. Tiling, when done right is outright gorgeous. But doing it right is the key. And doing it right takes time for those that don't do it everyday.

'Nuff excuses. The tiling has begun. And I'm doing something different again. I'm coming into the entryway from the laundry room on the bias, however in the center of the entryway, the tile will be squared off, so the bias tile will wrap around the squared off tile. And I might get slightly daring and do abit of a border trim around the square part.

But egads, that takes time. I know it'll so be worth the effort when I walk on it many times over during the course of every single day. It's just that it's so much more 'fun' to paint and arrange and decorate stuff, ya know?

I will persevere Tuesday again and will even throw in a picture as proof. Really. I will. I have to now because I said I would. So I will. Sigh..

March update - upcoming changes!

2009-03-09T23:15:00.000-07:00

I've taken a short hiatus from working on the house due to my work keeping me busy. Plus, just being careful fund wise. But there's been some good about this slumping economy in a round about way.

Not being able to buy shiny new things has forced me to be creative, attempting to flip thrift store finds into wonderful new creations. And I have had some luck!

Playroom - I've been looking for a captain's bed forever. The playroom has a twin bed and I've wished for drawer storage underneath. The bed is used as a daybed for Nintendo play. And I landed one for $30 last weekend! I'm excited to get it painted up and then that room will be ready for pictures.

Kitchen - I've needed a light above the island but couldn't afford the dream lights I saw in a catalogue. So I became much more open minded and started to look for interesting eclectic things, knowing full well paint can be magical. I'm excited to report, I've found a $10 something that will get a shot of paint this weekend!

Also found was a really cool headboard for $7.50 that has a square center area. I see a bulletin board or chalkboard, or simply using the headboard as is for the back of a bench. It was just so cute and quaint and affordable to boot!

Bookshelf - my neighbour had a garage sale 2 weeks ago and I scooped up a large bookshelf. I mentally have it placed in many areas but no doubt it will land in the office downstairs. That room is also due for pics.

Once these items are placed in the desired rooms all nice and cleaned up, I'll be posting befores and afters. And next week, more ought to get done as the kids are on spring break so I'll be home too.

Old news...

The stair woodwork is still nicely out gassing in the garage. And that tile entryway floor is still tiles in a box. And the woodwork is still pretty yellow where it ought to be white. I know I know... My work is never done it seems.

Hopefully I'll be hit with massive inspiration when I work on those new things to help set up the house! The weekend is fast approaching. Yipeeee!

March 2 update - more talk than work

2009-03-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

A thousand pardons to those checking in, and mostly to myself, for not doing more on the house. BUT, it's being thought of. Constantly.

On the weekend, I got some sanding and painting of the hallway woodwork done. Some of it was so yellowed so it looks just stunning now. And as much as I didn't enjoy the dapping prep, I did a pretty good job! (someone has to say it...)

Some other cool ideas are in the works too. Dan is coming up with some price efficient clever ideas for the front outside of the house to minimize the squareness of everything that screams BC Box. It's my guess that the person who designed these things just really liked geometric shapes, ya think?

In the spring, I have dreams of painting the outside of the house, hand carving some stone out of concrete to cover the brick, and rearrange some of the front yard gardening abit. Nice stuff out there, but it's getting big and, like the house shape, planted squarish. Time to get some natural curvy lines going.

This reno business is incredibly contagious. Once one thing is nice, the ugly beside it just has to go. As the rooms get completed, it sure is fun setting them up, but that takes time too, finding just the right things you desire, and the budget to do it. But that just inspires me to be more creative with what I have and what I find.

Today during my morning walk, I yet again walked past this house that had some old furniture on their veranda. I finally stopped in today and asked if they were wanting to get rid of it. Foiled again. No.. she had plans to fix it up and bring it into her house and make some unique pieces out of it. Heh.. sounds awfully familiar there, doesn't it?

So, one day at a time. I did lay out some tile (no mortar on the back btw) on the downstairs entry floor on the weekend, but that's as far as it got. Perhaps I should NOT plan to do the tile so it gets done or something. Does reverse psychology work on oneself? I'll let you know.

Another week of work and then it's playtime on the house again. And (ahem), I'm NOT doing the entry way tile this Saturday. Nope, not gonna happen...

NEW blog! Introducing Funky Junk Interiors

2009-02-28T11:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, call me crazy, but I have to go with this one. Because the mere idea is sending me to the moon.

For many years, I've been an avid antique shopper. The FIND is just electrifying (in a good way) as the implement. I love to find junk and create exitement in a home in unique and surprising ways.

Before Cody was born, I've long loved to go to auctions, flea markets, garage sales, you name it. The tiniest unique cup can become a wonderful conversation piece in the right placement. The once kitchen table, now a coffee table, becomes the most amazing and productive feature you can imagine. The once old beat up sign in someone's scrap yard has become my headboard that I adore and makes me smile every time I walk into my bedroom.

This stuff triggers me. It's abit like playing hide and seek and place with special finds.

With this house well under way of becoming a gorgeous backdrop, my crazy fanatical musings and head boggling images are bursting at the seams. I can't stop. And I don't want to. Imagine being an extreme decorator and having to shut that down for 4 LONG years. Hello to me... I just woke up. And you have NO idea how fast my head is spinning.

I'll continue to enter all the continued renos online with great pictures and immense thanks to those that are continuing to help me through this hump. But at the same time, I have to also share what's sparking me back into life again.

So for you decorator types that are curious as to what's going to continue to happen again and again in this house, and perhaps others, check out...

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

I'm going to share my finds and what I do with them. I'll show you amazing inspirational footage from other blogs that will having you absolutely drooling to find that old barn wood or old door.

You simply haven't seen nothin' yet.

There's a special plan for all my creative energy. I know it. The house had to materialize to become my backdrop for what's to become. If we are patient, The Plan is implemented in all due time. We just have to chose to take the action and fly with it.

So, I hope you're curious enough to wander over to that 'funky' blog. This reno blog will now resume to regularly scheduled programming, and that's to do with the house finishing. The decorating fun will be at the other.

FUN! Who doesn't like fun?!? I hope you are as intriqued as I am inspired. And get ready to shake your head at a few ideas I have to share... they just might inspire you to be brave with your own decorating... or perhaps need me to help you... either way, I hope you enjoy the ride!

Main bedroom before and after - IT'S RED!

2009-02-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

It's about to get a lot more colourful in the bedroom... and Teddy approves!

Over at Nesting Place, they're having a link party with a theme of spending 10 minutes on any given room to improve it. I just want to thank Nester for having this little festival because it really made me motor to further the bedroom! I was no where near 10 minutes. Turning that into 10 hours would be more accurate, but nevertheless, I'm thrilled so far!

Check out this link if you wish to visit the link party Nester is having. You can view many other befores and afters.

http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2009/02/10-minutes-to-room-you-love-finale.html

This post was geared to cater to The Nester viewing. If you wish for abit more info on the how-to of what's to follow, you can view it at:

http://ourextremehomemakeoverexperience.blogspot.com/search/label/main%20bedroom

Ok, here we go! Way back when I moved in, the bedroom was a dingy yellow with threadbare off white/yellowed carpet. Nasty. I was too embarrassed to take a before pic, silly me.

Next, was painting the bedroom to simply clean it up with brand new hardwood flooring and mouldings. It was feeling like the ritz already.

Next, I scooped up this cool old sign for a headboard and simply had it screwed right to the wall. The wall behind it begged to be RED, doncha think?

Next, the wall went RED. Isn't it awesome?

See all those pillows? I went to two thrift stores today after work and gathered up my treasures for $10.00. Pillows and pillow cases in all the colours I desired. My kinda shopping! All the rest of the following items in the room I already had.

I thought this stool with a checkerboard placed on top was just temporary as I had my eye on a neat tallish nightstand with drawers at Homesense, but after jazzing it up, I like it!

The antique jars really lend a lovely hue of colour during daylight hours. My clock radio is hidden behind the left side of the curtain, which actually works well! Some ugly necessity is hidden anyway. My bed is big enough to simply reach over to the window to turn it on/off.

The biggest frame has no mirror in it. It's empty. All the other frames hold mirrors. You'd never know! The front thing is a little woodsy tray that matched the pickled pine furniture. This display probably won't stay for long. I change this area alot.

All the brass on the handles of the furniture will morph into black soon.

Forgive me for having that honkin' big tv on that teeny weeny little nightstand! But it's all I have to work with right now. We were suppose to shop within our homes for this little project so I did just that.

My friends Dan and Janis graciously gave me the two coke signs. When Dan spotted what I had done with my headboard online, he told me these would also look great in the room. He was right!

This is a shot of the ensuite viewing from the bed. The metal hook holding the towel is MASSIVE and just really cool. Sorry it didn't show up well here.

Here's a couple shots not really worthy of taking, however just to give you an overall of what I had to work with. The furniture is 20 years old or so and in as new shape still. Wouldn't that armoire look great in black?!? But for now, the light bedding ties in the furniture ok.

A few things still need to be done such as getting my bed skirt on the bed again. (did you notice that it hadn't been done?!?) The king sized mattress is just too heavy for me to lug on my own and it's late. But in all, I'm pretty happy with how the room turned out. It's fresh, fun to look at, and so very me to a T.

I'll say this. The room is most definately kitten approved. The cats rarely wander to this room and now that I change things for the better, they have to try it out. It must be cozy if a cat approves... NEXT!

What IS next? Hmmm.. I delayed the stair wooden components install due to continued out gassing of the varnish fuming up my garage, so I may tile my entryway floor next weekend.

Thanks for the visit!

On decorating ~ The 'mom zone' overrules once again

2009-02-17T23:40:00.000-08:00

Remember this room?

I had to do it. While running around town today I picked up a litre of red paint and painted the sign wall RED. And it's awesome... sorry, no updated pic quite yet. I was a little busy.

I then struggled to figure out what to do with the bedding and no current budget for new. So I shopped inside my own house, pulling out this and that and tucking things here and there. So I'm in full bed mode.

You creative types know what I speak of. It's that zone you get in when you're on a mission and there's just no stopping you. You don't know what time it is, what day it is or which way is up. Or that you have starving children even. (ok, that was a bit much, but you get the idea) It just doesn't matter when you're in the zone.

I was piling stuff onto the bed musing about what was working, what wasn't, and how neat something looked. I knew Cody was in the room (somewhere) and was sort of waiting for me to do something that I can't even remember. I heard the odd sigh and something or other in the background, but my mind had this beam of light highlighting the bed at the current time and that beam gives you natural ear plugs and blinders towards off topic stuff doncha know.

For some reason, I caught, "Fine mom. I don't want to go to bed anyway." Huh? Oh. That.

I really resisted leaving that room and all my splendor I had piled high on the bed, but I did anyway. It was time to yank the decorator hat off and put the mom hat on again.

I don't often realm in that zone for too long when Cody is around because of time limitations. When you're in the zone, it's so awesome to carry a project through to finalization. But here I went and morphed into there on a (egads!) school night!

Well, I had abit of a deadline of sorts to work with. One of my fav decorator blogs is having a little blog party on how to transcend a room into a haven in 10 minutes. Hopefully I make the deadline and join in her link party by Thursday.

http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2009/02/10-minutes-to-room-youll-love-part-4.html

It's by no means happening in 10 minutes by the rate I work, but no matter. I'm 10 minutes closer to my goal nevertheless. And Cody still got to bed on time with all his homework completed.

What can I say. I guess I can mother and decorate on the same night. Who knew?

Next: stay tuned for the red wall reveal. Soon! Hopefully...

Weekend project - new headboard for the bedroom

2009-02-14T18:46:00.000-08:00

A little surprise project happened this weekend, much to my delight!

My workday changed on Friday to a home day, so I made a quick escape to the local Home and Garden show, hoping for a little fresh inspiration for the house. Then dashed home, left with wondering what to do. The homeshow did nothing for my urge to do something to my bedroom. But I had an idea.

I had been attempting to dream up a unique idea for a headboard for the main bedroom forever. And I had thought of this idea many times, but just never carried it through. So I walked up to this old sign I had in the garage.

The sign has a history in my hometown. Those that see it wonder how on earth it got into my garage. Honestly? I walked up to the owner and asked if I could have it. It was leaning against his building. He laughed and said, "If you wana clean up my yard for me, go at'ter! And thanks!"

No, thank YOU my friend!

So I decided it's now or never. I'm going to try my idea that's lived in my head for awhile, and if it doesn't work, I'll just heave the sign.

First I scrubbed down the sign and removed all the green gunge and dirt. The once red lettering was badly faded to this orange tone which isn't my thang. So I found some red paint leftover from the playroom decorating, grabbed a good brush, and stroked inside of all the red hand lettered areas, careful not to go over the edge.

Now the sign looked too new for my liking. So I went over it and washed it out with some wall paint from the bedroom. I couldn't lose that peach background, so I rubbed on some wood stain I had left over. The background turned more into a mustardy yellow, which was better than the peach.

Janette had paid me a quick visit while I had been painting so she knew I needed muscle to help me get it up the stairs. Magically, the next morning Jake and Ralph knocked on the door wanting to know if I was ready. LOL Gotta love that! I still wasn't 100% on the idea but I led the way regardless. When two strong guys show up on your doorstep, you do NOT turn them down I say!

Up the sign went. Cool! But only the paint colour in the bedroom was kinda too pink for the sign. Ech...

So I got out some Bamboo Beach once again and painted right up against the sign. Ohhh, that's better! And then kept going. Within 2 hours, my entire bedroom was beached out. The picture picks up the paint in an odd tone. It's tauper than it looks.

Tadaaa! This is in rough mode. I have no new cool bedding yet but you get the idea.

I've always been one to like a small element of surprise in a room. Something unique perhaps no one else has. Ya think I hit the nail on the head with my goal?!?

On renos and pets

2009-02-12T23:16:00.000-08:00

Many weekends I'm hacking away at something or other on the house on my own. Or am I really alone?

It's totally not out of the ordinary around here to be working away late into the evening when I find one of the critters watching me with interest. You have to wonder what they think of us, all dirty and sweating over some wall or floor or such nonsense. They eventually yawn and saunter off back to some strange place for a snooze.

This cat is alive and well and this happens to be his most favorite place to snooze. Beethoven's head is inside the heat register hole that I've yet to get a cover for. That's just odd. Is this a cat's version of a warm tropical breeze?!?

But have you noticed how great that cat looks in this renovated house and accessories? Just lookit those colour combos there. Does he know how to pick out a great floor mat to lay on or what.

I know. Another odd sighting. But it made me laugh. I mean, could he find any place smaller to squeeze on to? And he's not even enjoying the view outdoors. What's the point of a window seat if you don't utilize the window I ask. Ah, I'm sure he's just enjoying our beautiful new home instead.

And those pets of ours seem to just suit wherever they go. Even a crappy old floor loaded with graffiti looks pretty comfy here to some. Artistic dog maybe? I can relate to that.

Is my dog a good match for me or what? She's HAPPY to be sitting beside a wet paint roller too.

I'm not sure where my passion for pets derived from. When growing up, mom always wanted the barn cats left outside. But we kids attempted a few sneak ins on occasion anyway. You know, to test mom to see if she changed her mind. She answered that test with the end of a gentle broom to scooch the cats out again.

And in a newly renovated home, yeah, pets make a little more housework. But for the amount of stress my critters help me relieve, they are worth every hair I have to swiffer up.

As you can see by this post, I haven't worked on the house this week yet. But the good news is, the varnishing of all that woodwork is now 100% complete! That feels very very good.

I had hoped to start on the tile entryway this weekend but I think I'll have to hold off on that one. Cody wants to do puzzles on Saturday. Works for me!

I know. I sound like a cat now, don't I?

Dapping the hallway - and missing Dave

2009-02-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Folks? This is Dave. My current hero of today. You'll soon figure out why.

And this is one of the things that Dave does really really well. And this is one of many things I DON'T do really really well.

I looked down the hallway Saturday night and decided I HAD to pick up the Dap and just do it. The mouldings look ok in the picture, however, on closer inspection, the old meeting the new is currently in struggle mode. The old is very chipped up and needs sanding and painting BAD. The new requires Dap up and down and left and right and all over. And oh my goodness... this is only but one small area in the entire house that needs Dap!

I've shared my terror on this one in small increments to those unfortunate enough to hear my mumblings. I'm not good at Dap, therefore it's not nice to me. And yeah, it's a total state of mind and a practice thing. I get that. But until I practice more (ok, starting Saturday night I guess), I'm not GOING to get good at this and I will struggle and pout wishing Dave were here. So practice began again.

I started in the hallway. Such a now pretty hallway deserves Dap! Each line I Dapped begged for extreme help though. And needed extreme measures to correct. And being the perfectionist that I am cursed with, I put in so so so much time on each one of those lines.

Because I had to deal with alot of this. I've never seen Dave's Dap leak like this. What's up with that?!? For each line, I made a mad dash to 'The Cardboard.' The Cardboard saved my life on many occasions. I like The Cardboard, but I don't like The Dap.

"Eh, get over it already and just do it!," I encourage myself. So then I'm left with this. Again.

"DAAAAAVE... I MIIIISSSSS YOUUUUUUU", I sing to myself. Singing is good and puts me in a better frame of mind. And I needed all the ammunition I could muster up.

Dave is amazing. When he Daps, he gets lost in a Dap world of sorts. He sings to himself, he doesn't hear you when you talk and then says on occaision, "I shouldn't put Dap in my hands when I need to go home because I'll never stop! I just love doing this because it makes things look soooooo much better!"

I love Dave and for his gift of Dap. And he has shown me the professional way to do it. Cutting the tip just right in two slices on an angle, not making the hole too big. Using a wet finger to glide over the silicone. And following up with a small putty knife to remove excess and a wet rag to wipe away the remainder. All the facts are stored in my mental card file. Check! But for some reason, he didn't include complaining in that list. I think he just forgot to.

So, let's list the positives to get my head in the right place..
.
"Dave says Dap is good because it makes the woodwork look soooo much better."
"If I do this one line, I won't have to do it again."
"Wow, I can paint this if I Dap it first! Weeeee!"
"I like Dave."
"Dap Dap Dap I love Dap (not)"
"Dave's hands don't get this dirty..."
"Whoops..."
"Hey, I am LUCKY to have all this gorgeous woodwork to Dap! LUCKY I say!"
"I miss Dave."
"I miss Dave."
"I envy Dave."
"I envy anyone not Dapping." x 1 billion.

And that's sort of the way it went.

But I told myself, I WILL finish the hallway. Everytime I haggle with Dap, I will do a designated area so if I need a Dap break (imagine...) I can paint! Yeah, I like that!

So I got the hallway done. I was proud of me. I then got somewhat brave and went into the ensuite and started abit, muttering to myself. My confused cats laying in that room weren't use to all the extra conversation (that would be my muttering) during their intended slumber. I decided in order to please my cats, I'd not do the ensuite. YES! Saved again!

But then felt like a loser. So I went into the bathroom out of sheer guilt. Wow, some was already done! I have no idea if I or Dave did it previously (memory becomes an issue after 46 it seems) but I was pleased as punch all the same I didn't have to do much there. So I finished the main bathroom! I can paint there too! Wow, so much painting now... no time to Dap for a good long time... right?

So folks, there are indeed heavy positives in getting some Dapping done. (should Dap have an uppercase D? No idea. I'll forget about it in an hour anyway) The positives, now I have an excuse to not Dap for that good long time because of ALL THE PAINTING I created! I like painting, so that isn't really too much of a chore for me.

And Dave? You were just really missed today for some particular reason. Strange but true...

I treated myself to a movie later. And forgot about the Dap world rather quickly. But honestly? I slept better than I have in a long time that night. For I had started to conquor Dap.

Be very afraid Dap. I'm coming back again sooner than we both care to admit!

Remembering

2009-02-07T09:01:00.000-08:00

Here I sit on a Saturday morning with my first coffee, waiting for my morning fog to clear.

It's quiet. I have an incredible view on the day ahead. As there are no window coverings in the house yet, I have a clear wide window (literally) of the new frost blanketing the surrounding lawns. The sky is clear and promises to be a bright and wonderful day. Perhaps that's why I couldn't sleep in. I just woke up and needed to be, well, up
.
The work on the house was fairly constant for awhile, especially when we executed a kitchen install date. I remember rescheduling my work on delay mode for around a month's time so I could keep up with the pace needed to get things done
.
And now that we're sort of at the tail end of the renos, it's quiet. Abit too quiet.

I was going through some older reno pictures a couple days ago, and I flat out laughed while viewing some and sniffed when I saw others. I go through them frequently. Because it's so quiet now.

Many mornings over the past 10 months I was up early on weekends to welcome in a group of eager working folks. I'd race around ensuring they had tools and lunch and drinks. It was like a reno party with many attendees. If you're going to have a party, the ultimate is the kind where you wear dirty clothes and test each other who'll get dirtier quicker! No good hair required! Oh gotta love that!!

Other mornings, such as this one, start out quiet and once I finish breakfast, I put on my workclothes and start to hack on a project I can accomplish on my own. And for company, I have my dog and cats and the radio as Cody is at his Dad's for the weekend. It's not quite the same, but once I find my zone after I force myself to pick up that brush or tool, it just happens. And I do enjoy it. And yeah, it's still quiet.

I suppose this was the ultimate hope for all. To get this house in a good place so Cody and I could simply live in it and enjoy it's beauty and functionality. And boy do we ever! We're following the plan by enjoying it immensly! I just didn't realize how much I'd miss my friends when that day finally came.

I go to these sign meets at Dan's to help out a couple times a year or so. The place is filled to the brim with design type folks like myself so we have much in common. It's a busy happy place with lots of laughter, and shared passion for something we love to do. In quiet Yarrow, this workshop becomes quite a big deal for my little circle. And when it's ultimately time to shut the doors and go home, it gets quiet again.

That's sort of what the end of the major renos feels like. Dan warned me I'd feel the 'letdown' after my reno friends went home too. And he was right.

But luckily, there's the magic of emails and phone. There ARE things that still need doing where my friend/s will wander back to polk around with. Just not at the pace it once was. I'm glad they're back home living the lives they need to, spending it with their own families. Right where they should be.

I'm proud of each one of them. I've bonded with many and have made true friendships this past year. Living in Yarrow has a fresh new meaning to me. It appears the more seeds you sow, the more roots take place. And I love that.

This renovation has really made me feel like a part of this community. Being only 3-4 years new in this funky little town, I'm finally now feeling like I belong. When I drive Cody to school, I wave umpteen times at folks I pass. When I drive through the town with one 3 way stop, I spot a few walkers I know. It's a good feeling!

So, I know there's no need to feel blue about where things are at. Having no sig other at home and being somewhat of a social person, I venture out if things get abit too quiet. I know where they're all at and I know how to do it.

And that leads me back to my Saturday today. I've gotta get my breakfast done so I can get to my varnishing so I one day have TIME to visit my friends again! Time to get going.

Thanks folks, for the wonderful laughs and adventures we shared! I'll be thinking of you today while I yet again varnish my wood for a bazillionth time and laugh at my silly old self. Alongside my radio and pets of course... sigh...

Sat Feb 1 update - more varnishing, woodwork painting.. and truck light

2009-02-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, the stair woodwork got another coat of varnish. And I have discovered something that fine sands better than steel wool. I went to Lordco and came across these thin sponges with EXTRA fine sandpaper on them. Much easier to use than the steel wool as it doesn't come apart from movement and does a wonderful job! I'm thinking the woodwork may need one more coat as the more coverage is on the wood, the less you feel the wood grain. I'll keep at it!

So while the varnish was drying, I moved upstairs and coated the inside of the upstairs old vanity. The ensuite houses a new toilet and tap/counter but the old wood part of the vanity remained as I felt it was in good condition.

Then I moved over to the kitchen to finally coat out the beautiful woodwork around the three windows. I adore newly painted woodwork! The look simply can't get any crisper!

And then I ran out of time. Next up was real life in picking Cody up from his Dad's, and starting dinner, and getting ready for a school/work week.

Abit more got done on the weekend, but it wasn't reno related. I've finally settled into a routine for housecleaning once again, so the house gets hit top to bottom on Saturdays once more. I had done this on ugly floors before the reno but is it ever alot more fun cleaning pretty!

Also, a headlight on my truck needed replacing. Others I had talked to told me I could do it myself NO PROBLEM. So I was encouraged to try. I had picked up the light at Lordco and then Saturday, popped up the hood to look at a thick mass of wires. Eh.... I walked next door to Jake and beckoned for his advice and he suggested I crack open the manual. Turned out to be very good advice. You don't pop the hood at all to touch this light. You have to own this minuscule of an allen wrench thing, the kind that is so tiny you can barely hold onto it and turn one tiny hidden screw. Sounds easy right? It wasn't. Our allen wrenches between the two of us weren't working. So I called up guy #2 Dan.

His allen wrenched worked but on the wrong screw. The screw we WANTED to unscrew wasn't cooperating so we called on guy#3 Gord and guy #4 Gord's son. With me encouraging (ok, laughing) while they did all the work, we (they) figured it out, but many drills and what not were used. This didn't turn out to be so easy after all like 'they' told me. I sure appreciate my friends!

It was a good productive weekend with abit of good natured friendly razzing thrown in.

Next up? Finish the stair woodwork already which is priority! Then perhaps the vanity again and paint out some more white woodwork. But that can change pretty quick so who knows.

just edited to add:

Cody just SLID ( I said slid!!!!) this box across the hardwood floors. I quickly suggested he

PICK

UP.

His comment? "You're so worried about the house now."

Yeah well..

Ensuite in! And tips on some fav things.

2009-01-29T22:22:00.000-08:00

My ensuite now functions!

The new toilet is in and is awesome. And the sink I've had for awhile now (which I've stalled due to no tap set) is as of today fully functional with a beautiful new tap set, thanks to Splashes in Abbotsford! Go see Laurie, she knows her stuff big time.

My all time favorite installer Vic came just as soon as he stepped foot into town again. And to our delight, he brought along Bonnie. While I assisted Vic with the installs, Bonnie helped Cody get through his homework. Woa.. is there anything these two can't do? Bonnie later joined us for some 'manual reading.' Imagine.. two women reading a manual in stereo to one guy. Lucky Vic!

So what's my favorite thing to do today? Going for a walk to my ensuite to just look. It's like Christmas morning all over again. :) It's a very small but very pretty ensuite with all those new sparkly things inside. I'll take pics when I get my camera back home. I've left (forgotten) it at a work place I frequent. (again)

Nothing else has been worked on this week as I've been taking care of work-work. For the time being, renos will be for weekends. And one is upcoming so I'll get productive again come Saturday.

I'm now going to share a few of my very favorite things I'm finding invaluable lately.

Steel wool for sanding

I have been sanding the wood stair pieces with fine sand paper and extra fine steel wool, followed by a tack cloth, in small time increments when possible. I sure like how that wood feels once the steel wool does its thing. It's time consuming, but well worth the effort when you feel a before and after.

Swiffer for hardwood floors

http://www.swiffer.com/swiffer/en_US/home.do?utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=Swiffer%2B&utm_campaign=swiffer_evergreen

One thing I am LOVING since having floors in is the dry swiffer. I'm speaking of the model that you put disposable dry wipe things on. I have pretty much traded in my broom for this new fangled gadget. The wipes have a magnetic type of pickup and are fabulous for pet hair! I've never been a big fan of anything disposable, so I make the wipes last for much longer than originally planned for. The head of the swiffer is very shallow and handle long, so you can get every nook and cranny under any sofa or bed with no issues. They were designed really well!

For shiny stainless steel sinks, the best cleaner is...

Bar Keepers Friend.

http://barkeepersfriend.com/products.htm

I admit, I started with a brand new sink so how hard can it be to keep up a new shine? But the shine fades if you don't keep at it with a good product. My honest first choice is BonAmi which you can no longer get in Canada. That stuff was amazing in that it put an actual film on your stainless so water repelled it much like rain to a freshly waxed car. Bar Keepers Friend is similar. You do get that intense deep shine back and you don't need very much. Les and Fiona got this stuff for me (I think from Home Outfitters or Linens and Things, can't remember now) awhile back and I've been putting it to excellent use keeping up my gorgeous sink.

Best sink for washing paint brushes...

I know. How odd of a tip is this one. BUT, when you lose your icky old stainless paint sink and you refuse to destroy your new one with paint splotches, you go to your next available sink, which would be my poor porcelain pedestal. Oh my gosh, can that thing clean up nicely! It's way easier to clean than the stainless is. Comes back like brand new every time!

To warm up a cold bedroom...

This isn't really reno related, but there's a reason I always love walking into my bedroom at the end of the day. It's warm and cozy. And that's due to the little oil heater I keep on low in there. You see, my bedroom is situated on top of the garage AND is on the edge of the house, so it isn't the coziest room going. The oil heater is very efficient and is silent when it's heating so it's the perfect little gadget I would never do without in my bedroom. We've had some incredibly frigid temps this winter and I have adored my little heater this winter!

When you have a cold or ache, drink...

Homemade ginger tea!

I really just had to add this. I was sick with something or other not long ago, and Janette brought me some of her infamous homemade ginger tea. And to boot told me how she made it! She grated a fresh ginger root into a bowl, then added boiling water and let it steep. You grate the skin of the root as well for extra antioxidants. Once steeped, pour through a sifter, add honey to taste and you have a wonderfully healthy hot drink! She warned me it didn't taste all that great but I loved it! And just google ginger. Wow. She was dead on about this stuff being great for colds and such. It's also very good for arthritic conditions. So, ginger tea will always have a place in this home! I mean, just look what this stuff does!

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm

Anyway, here's hoping you'll find some of my very favorite little things useful in your own homes.

I'm off to get my sleep so I have some major reno power for this weekend! Two more sleeps! Whoohooooo!

Next: completion of varnished stair pieces

Varnishing the stair case components

2009-01-24T23:18:00.000-08:00

I was a good girl and did my homework this weekend. Varnishing the wood stair components that is.

And I'll admit, I just wasn't sure how well this varnish deal would fly. I was told to use a 100% bristle brush as the varnish was oil based, but with my luck with bristle brushes, (abit coarse for my personal liking), I bought it anyway. The outcome? Brush strokes in the varnish. Yech! I must be learning something if I can for tell the future of things to go wrong.

I also had picked up a cheapo sponge brush. Paint Store Guy said it would melt in the varnish, but for a buck, it was worth the chance. And it worked fabulous! No brush strokes and the finish went on very light.

Just look at these pieces! They are beautiful!

The whole lot in one evening took me approx 4.5 hrs to varnish up one coat. It's my guess with how fussy I can be, I'll want at least 2 more coats but I'll spec out #2 when it's done first.

This was a BIG job. It was hard to ventilate the room tonite as it was sooooo cold outside with the wind howling, but it got to the point of feeling light headed so I opened the front door up WIDE open and dealt with it. Cranked up the radio some, and forgot about the cold.

I'm so happy I'm getting this done! And equally pleased with how it's turning out. Tomorrow I'll seek out some steel wool to help me fine sand the varnish before another coat.

I've shocked myself. I think I'm going to be happy with my work! Why did I procrastinate this job again?!?

Update for Sunday Jan 25

This little addition wasn't worth a whole new post, but I finally painted the stairway. It's so light and bright and pretty! Bamboo Beach wins the day again. I was abit disappointed that the only sponge brush I had was toast and I didn't have steel wool on hand for the woodwork. Will check out the local hardware store Monday.

One big bonus on painting your whole house one colour? You can walk into every room with the can and brush and touch up. Lots of that and well overdue.

Next up: more varnish on the woodwork, painting the vanity and white woodwork touch up in the ensuite bathroom before the new toilet gets installed.

It's been a long while now that there's been no toilet in that bathroom. I hope I remember to use it when it suddenly appears again!

Kitchen before and after

2009-01-23T00:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a little memory lane of the kitchen for your viewing pleasure! And yes you guessed right. I haven't done more on the house this week yet so I was hoping to distract and entertain all in one. How am I doing so far?

It's the year 2005. This is 3 months after I moved into this house. I quickly took this shot before I went too far. The walls already got some new paint in some areas. Note the old peachy tone on the headers touching the ceiling, and burgundy lower portion of the walls. My new colour was the taupe. These cabinets were flat out tired. The luxurious marble counter tops were oh so dated. I knew I had to live with it for awhile so....

... I got busy with a paintbrush. Over the 3 years I'd been in the house, it was all about buying time with the miracle of paint until I could do things right. This picture was taken right before the 2008 reno. This was about my 3rd colour on the counter tops as I loved to change them... had white, black and then finally mocha. The cabinets got a coat of deep mocha melamine with black distressed accents. Paint saved my life! I learned alot about what did and didn't work and never had the fear to try in this house, because no matter WHAT I did, it was always an improvement.

Time to shake this place up abit and get rid of this wall I've stared at for way too long. Oh did that wall use to bug me. It was like holding a board in front of my face no matter where I walked. I so longed to just have it gone. See those plywood floors?!? Had'em for 3 years.

Ohhhh yeah! I remember this day. I squealed when that wall came tumbling down! I loved the wide open spaces! The upstairs felt massive in size without walls haulting your visual. One neighbourhood kiddo paid a visit and she exclaimed in horror, "WHAT DID YOU DO TO YOUR HOUSE?!?" And I happily shared, "Yeah, isn't it GREAT?" Perhaps I'm easily pleased...

And naturally things have to get abit worse before they get better. It was somewhat challenging cooking at this point. But we managed absolutely fine! I remember adoring those new lights installed in the ceiling. I couldn't believe how bright it was as the kitchen was so dimly lit before. It was just about too bright for awhile, until darker objects arrived in the room soaking up the glare. And just check out those windows!! See that table on an angle? That was my pretend future island, already in place. LOL

This was like the Trump Tower at this point. FLOORS!!!!! Walls! It was relatively clean! Ok, well, until I sanded again. And again. And .. ah, you get it.

Here's after the paint went on the walls. Cabinet day was especially exciting. I don't think I stopped talking or pacing all day long. I kept leaving the room so I wouldn't intimidate the guys working but I HAD to keep coming back out to peek! That white coroplast was laying on the floor for the longest time. I couldn't WAIT to lift it to reveal the incredible floor! And that dear 'ol stove is still hangin' out. But not for long.

Cabinets, appliances and counter tops in all in one week!!!!!!! I thought I was gonna die from kitchen love. No working stove for awhile until gas was hooked up and all that jazz. Still waiting for that coroplast to be gone. And no island top yet. But I did load the cupboards up! It was so nice not to have to search for box after box for a fork. I remember this day vividly. The sun had broken out and I couldn't believe how gorgeous and bright this open floor plan was that day.

YEAH.

This is what you see today. And we are thrilled! Appliances are awesome. Lighting intensity is perfect! Windows glorious. Open floor plan nice and airy. Island and topper funky and practical and happily overused. Cabinets gorgeous and awesome quality. Sink and taps outstanding! Floors smooth and to die for. I need to take a good picture without all the glare and to cover the room from the angle view one day.

And the best part? Look ma! No coroplast!

The team and I worked incredibly hard to get this kitchen in before Christmas. When Christmas did arrive, we had a snow storm. Can you imagine how awesome it was being snowed in and having to stay in this kitchen?!? Well, if you can't, let me tell you.

Imagine having so much disfunction for so long that you can't even see your way up. You muddle through, you tell yourself all is fine, but you know it isn't. But you go through the motions anyway.

Then you are so busy implementing all your dreams that you barely have time to poke your head up beyond the dust to enjoy what's transpiring around you.

Finally, one day the dust settles, and all is wonderfully silent and beautiful. It's all there. It took me awhile to adjust to the beauty and reality of this kitchen. It's only a room, I know. But when you've dreamt for so long and it's finally here, you don't know what to do with all that emotion. So I did the only thing I could. I enjoyed it.

Cody loves to come in this room. He putters around in the easily-big-enough-for-2-cooks-now kitchen and pipes up, "We have a nice house now don't we?"

"We sure do buddy. Thanks to our wonderful friends for helping us get there."

You all know who you are.

Very unique way to shop for a toilet!

2009-01-19T18:13:00.001-08:00

So I go into a place of work today to stripe and letter up a firetruck. I take note of the nice toilets they have there. Strange but true. Yes, I'm in the market for one so I examine what works for others. I love the one I got for my main bathroom, but it's over budget for me in secondary bathrooms, so I've been shopping around. I wanted a water saver, good flusher, good brand name, reasonable price. Not asking too much is it?!?

I go to the owner and ask him how much those nice toilets were and where from. He tries to call his plumber but there's no answer. So I happily go off to work in the bay area.

Next thing I know, he comes up to me, tells me the price (totally reasonable I might add) and tells me he's already loaded it in the back of my truck.

eeep..

Vic will be so so happy! He's been waiting for an eternity for me to get my act together to get a lousy toilet already. You're welcome Vic!

I wonder what else the firetruck manufacturer place also carries that I need...

Operation wood staining for staircase

2009-01-18T23:39:00.000-08:00

I sure know about procrastination. I've been procrastinating this little project for way too long.

Staining woodwork is new to me. When I was assigned the somewhat daunting task of staining all the stairway wooden components, I knew I could do it of course, but just how well I wasn't sure.

I waited until the 11th hour naturally before going to order up the stain I'd been told months ago to do. I was busy, you know, with the rest of the house. Yeah well.. So right when I was ready to actually start, the particular rub on oil based stain that was apparently perfect for this job was on back order. Oh... Ok, well, I'll just paint the staircase wall three times over while I wait! No problem. I seem to have a knack for filling in time just fine.

The day arrived when the stain was finally in. That meant I basically had no more excuses. Time to learn on the job.

I've had these wood stair pieces in my basement for nearly three weeks now. (and much much longer in the garage) This is my work office and it's currently a little hard to do my work in here, so the stain came in at a good time. Work is about to step up in pace so I need to move these guys on out!

I waited until I found a Saturday where I was alone so I could pull a 24/7 if need be. And I procrastinated that day too. For as long as I could. I found an excuse to clean the house top to bottom for it was sunny out and every spec of dust shouted at me, "Clean me, then you don't have to stain wood!" Then I noticed Rudy and Corinne home so I dashed over there for added wood inspiration. They had distressed their bedroom wood floors and I kinda liked that idea. Oh their floors were wonderful! That was the ticket right there. I was no longer afraid and actually somewhat eager.

I set about finding the tools to ruin/distress the perfect pieces. Just ever so slightly. I liked it! There were a few nicks and dents in the pieces from storing them for such a long time in a very busy garage, so I felt I may as well make it look like those knicks were meant to be there.

Next, came the wipe on oil based stain. Wheeewww.... when you're use to latex varieties, this one hits you right in the nose. Windows got opened wide, radio flicked on, off I went with my staining party.

The stain actually went on very nice. I quickly figured out what NOT to do but had practiced on the back of a piece. So making sure I was working with wet edges and long even strokes with wiping on and off, they turned out pretty good in this rookie's opinion.

So I visited my little wood village Sunday again to spec out my work. Some pieces looked ehhh.. needed more stain. So I ended up double coating some. Well, now they're darker than the rest. Can you see where this is heading?!? I just gave myself double the work. Nice going. Still debating if it was absolutely necessary, but I kinda think it was. The wood looks richer and not so faded. I tried a couple pieces with the clear coat which darkens them up abit too. Not sure I have the full swing of that part yet. Wishing I could do a spray finish, but I guess others manage to do it well with a brush, so I'll keep at it.

This is where all these lovely pieces will eventually be installed. This is a shot well beyond the initial before, but it's still a before nevertheless.

Next up: varnishing these guys. Then painting the stairwell wall once more.

Guess what... I'm going to have pretty stairs!!!

Plugs, lights and smashed up tiles

2009-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

So a few things have been transpiring the past few days. Back to work we've gone.

Vic and Pete came and installed this very cool outlet in the kitchen island. I LOVE it! I left the dust in tact for that true reno in action kinda experience. Honestly, it was pretty cool seeing abit of mess happen again.

AND... they finished the under the cabinet lights by hooking them all up. WOW. I kept the microwave light off on purpose to showcase their fine work. Isn't that sharp?

And last but not least, the ugliest job of all, perhaps even to date. There were a few rows of old tile that had to be removed before I could install the new tiles. About 8 rows or so. Hero Vic gave these old nasty things a good hammering, and I followed through with a fancy dancy tool bit loaned to me by Dan, a jackhammer kinda chisel run by my own air compressor. It worked really slick in removing all the old mortar and grout left. Boy was that one dusty job!

I know. He does look tired. I'm glad there weren't many to do because he wouldn't stop when I asked him to. Thanks God, for the incredible strength this man seems to grasp from nowhere. But we know you had a part in it...

I tried smashing tiles and the tool simply happily bounced right back at me without leaving a scratch. So let me tell you, strength and stamina x 1000 was definately required here.

Next? I'll be painting my staircase for ONLY the 3rd time ( first it was sage, then chocolate and now I want it beige. I saw that look...)

Then hopefully staining staircase wood.

And maybe even get ready to finish tiling my floor downstairs if any of the above is delayed.

If I don't repaint the staircase yet again that is.

Thanks Pete and Vic, for helping me with these tasks! They've all made such a tremendous difference.

Back to the grind

2009-01-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Oh my, Tuesday will be a day of work.

I've been spoiled. I took the entire Christmas school break off work to spend time with Cody and putter on the house. It's been fabulous.

And how could it not? Have you seen my house lately? (hardeeharhar) It's an amazing place to hang around in! So much room to move, a place for everything, easy to keep up and a pleasure to look at. Can't ask for more than that.

With all the snow days we've also had, wow. I'm sort of verging on the corner of cabin fever, but what a nice cabin to be stuck in.

So the timing will be good. Get back to making some income, pay attention to incoming bills again, just continue on with a routine of sorts.

And find time to tinker on the house too. Some of the tasks to continue, many I can continue with them on my own and don't require the team's help. It's so nice to be in that place of knowing I can handle things again! But I also made a vow to complete what was started. So I shall do that. It's tempting to keep stopping to admire and just live. But we aren't done quite yet.

So my big pie in the sky plan is, to accomplish at least one task a week. I'm so waiting on that stain for the woodwork, so that will be my first priority as soon as they call.

Other than that, there's plenty of other tasks that require my attention I can manage. I'll also try to work on them during the week as well if I complete my career work first. See? I've already given it much thought!

*stair and rail staining and varnishing - PRIORITY
caulk and paint mouldings
paint interior doors
replace all door hardware
remove old entry tile
lay new entry tile (I already own)
lay new shower tile (I already own)
put together and install new coat shelf at front door (I already own)
get a toilet for the ensuite
install of tap set for ensuite (I already own)
get lights for the kitchen
paint the laundry
paint the rest of the office
purge more junk from the basement
find more storage for the work junk in the basement
get a closet hanging system of some sort for the main bedroom
... and more I'm sure

And I have a shopping list of sorts. I'm on the lookout for (new, used or I make):

a twin bed base with drawers, headboard not important. It's used as a daybed in the playroom.
king headboard for the bedroom (make or buy??)
curtains
a vaccuum cleaner (nearly dead now)
a self propelled lawn mower (my current brand of lawnmower is called a Zach Toews)
(what have I started here?!?)
a couch I can sit on. One day I'll find one I can sit on.
a reclining chair that isn't ripped to shreds on the seat (or reclining sofa and chair or loveseat? dunno yet)

Lots. See? I got it covered.

Today, on the proposed first day of school, I was geared to work. But the schools were closed due to our snowfall last night! Wow! It was awesome. And playing that one extra day with Cody was equally so.

But life continues on. I've put away my mix master as cookie baking time is over. The tree is hidden until next December. And I brought up a few more home decor trinkets, washing off all the drywall dust so they can help make the house shine again.

Welcome 2009! And routine. And whatever else comes. We are well rested and ready to roll again!

Mantel decorating after Christmas

2009-01-02T21:58:00.000-08:00

It's after Christmas, so generally that means the Christmas tree comes down. I really wasn't ready as I had put it up abit late this year, but also knew it would be a good evening to do it. It's time to make dust again in the house, so it should come down.

So I made a promise to myself that I'd only take down the tree and mantel garland if I found something else to put on the mantel first. I'm suppose to be mortaring the rock on the fireplace, but I just can't do it... just can NOT leave that massive mantel bare. So I went in-house shopping.

And this is what I came up with.

Just a buncha old boxes with mini lights strung all over.

And just when you figure out one thing, you have to fix another. Now I have to find new places for ALL those items that came out of those boxes...

Happy after Christmas decorating! I'm not sure this post has anything to do with renos. Does this mean I need a home decor blog too?

The entry way fiasco

2009-01-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

I've attacked the entry way. Remember me mentioning the colour blocking of sage green and taupe???

I have never had sage green before. This entire house was some kinda green when I moved in but it wasn't sage. I love sage in other homes so I wanted a small taste of it in this one. So I bought a gallon of it confident it would just work because I'm a lot less picky now... (I heard that)

I was pretty excited with this new and improved sage for 2009! I ripped open the can and was smacking it on the wall to eagerly try it. I liked it! Different! So I smartened up and prepared things like I ought to, ripped out the old laminate floor, crack filled, and that tedious job of painting that boring white sealer. Prepping took a whole day. I'd have to wait one more day to do that wonderful sage.

So the next day I did my sage. Nice! I liked it! 2nd coat because I was just that confident and all. Then it was onto the taupe.

That's where things started to go wrong. After ALL the taupe was down first coat only, it looked pink. Gah... This was my first choice of taupe and it was nice in some rooms, but for the main upstairs, I switched it to Bamboo Beach to lose the pink undertone. Thinking I had to do the pink variation all downstairs because that's how I started down there, I got another can. But in the entry, it wasn't working for me.

It's New Year's Day so no paint stores open and I want it done today! So I scrounge around in my own stock and find two partial cans of Bamboo. The pink wasn't really wasted because it was a good base coat anyway I justified to myself. So I repainted. MUCH better!

Only, the sage wasn't speaking to me now. It was whispering. I wanted some major partying of colours here. That was suppose to be a feature wall and it was nearly transparent against the taupe.

I know what the issue was. The sage wasn't deep enough. The two tones together were too equal in value. Paint store lady suggested I go lighter but I went darker than she wanted me to. And it still wasn't strong enough.

But another issue was at play for me. I liked that sage and it was a beautiful sage. But for someone else. It just didn't feel like something I'd pick for me. What was I thinking...

So I went crazy, hoping no one would come over because of what I was about to do to my sage wall. I took all these colours and went mad on it. Wiped, dabbed, dry brushed, flicked, washed... and I stood back. Oh yeah, it was horrid. And then the doorbell rung. Doh!!!

After a little jibber jabber at the doorway, Gord did glance in quickly when I told him I was painting. He saw the nasty wall but didn't say anything. He may not have focused on it. But if he did, he musta thought, "She's painting all right, but what I don't know." Neither did I.

Gord left. I dashed back to my stock. I found a half gallon of chocolate. I smiled. Yeah, this is more me for sure. I didn't hesitate. Buh bye whatever that was I made on my wall.

There's something about colour on walls that doesn't work for me. I love the neutrals because they allow me to change my mind a hundred times over with accessory choices. I'd always have sage walls if that's the paint I used. I just like changing out stuff within my own stuff around the house to make things look different. I've always done that and don't see that stopping anytime soon. If I want blue stuff one day, I start painting some wood stuff I have, well, blue. And go from there. To me that is fun and easy and challenging and free!

Now I had to imagine the tile floor in but for now, the floor is a lovely cold cement tone (cuz it's cement). I revamped my stuff to make it work. Ah the magic of paint I tell ya. I took a little table I had upstairs and painted/distressed it up just so to make it work. Then touched up another thing, and another. Dragged out my decorating junk and put this here and that there. All the while, paint cans and brushes flying. I was down there all day and all night. Again.

But I like it! It's eclectic but efficient for the way we live at the same time. When I get this shelf thing hung to hang coats up (that I have still in a box in the garage from about a year ago), I'll try some pics. Because when that goes up, I may have to change stuff around anyway.

Next?

Shelf thing up and some tile removal from entry way.
Staining and varnishing staircase components
Digging out the laundry room to paint in there
Dapping and painting woodwork and doors...

I think I'll stop the list. Nothing like making your own job jar too overwhelming.

I just hope I don't add changing my chocolate wall to tomorrow's list...

The kitchen island is magnificent!

2008-12-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

This is what I got myself for Christmas. 4 gorgeous stools I found at Sandy's Furniture 2 years ago. About twice a year I'd go see if they still had them and I still liked them and if they were on sale. Yes each time! So once my island top was done, it was time to run and get my stools!

This is the coolest island topper ever. Fabricated by Dan, it's made out of metal and supported on the metal legs. The works can simply be lifted off if desired. I designed it so you could sit at both ends of it.

We do everything at this thing! So my stools are being put to the best use ever! All Christmas it had Lego, boardgames and food on it. FUN!

The metal is unique to the fact that you can't destroy, burn, wreck it. I was using an exacto blade right on it the other day, proving what a workhorse this thing is! It is the perfect addition to our artsy, productive, busy household. If desired, you can grind the top for a complete stainless look. I like the natural mottled black and stainless myself.

Ta da! We so enjoyed Christmas this year in our lovely upstairs!

Next... Cody is now at his Dad's so it's time to pull a 24/7 and work on the entryway over the next couple days. Woodwork stain for stair components is on backorder until the first week in Jan, so painting the entryway it shall be! Colour blocking with taupe and sage green. Stay tuned!

My 2008 Lesson

2008-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

I was asked on another bb on the net what I learned in 2008. This was my reply.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This year has been about allowing others to help me. My extreme reno project started in April and is still going on but we can now see the end.

I was in a very dark place emotionally in April. My house was trumping me. Things were going wrong faster than I could fix them. I didn't have the funds to make my place attractive. I spent all I had fixing. I wasn't keeping up. My moral was on its way down.

Today, with the house safer and attractive, I feel so different. In control of my situation would put it best. Rather than buried.

But I recieved so much more than a sound house. I learned to accept and say thank-you. I learned not all favors come as a loan. I learned to allow more people into my life. I learned to allow folks to help me simply because they wanted to.

Giving is easy and I love doing it. Accepting is a massive thing to learn when you are tremendously independent, extremely sensitive and don't want to burden anyone. And maybe just a little stubborn as well...

I always saw allowing others to help was a sign of the givers being taken advantage of. I suppose that can be true and I know a few that fit that description. I disliked what I saw and fought to never go there. But for those with truely good hearts and intents, it's not like that. Now I get it.

My lesson for 2008? We are worth caring about. ALL of us. Let someone care about and help you if they desire. You'll benefit in ways you can't imagine.

And, God does answer prayer. Count on it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, what did you learn in 2008? I'd love you to share if you're up to it!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

May your holiday season be as cozy and wonderful as this picture is. Happy holidays!

Merry Christmas post

2008-12-22T23:18:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling pretty grateful these days. If my budget was there, everyone on the team would be recieving lovely Christmas gifts. I feel frustrated that I can't do that. But I have been reminded a few times over, to simply enjoy what has transpired.

So I'm writing this Christmas post about all the things I am enjoying and appreciating.

Many of you may overlook certain things in your own home that I've listed. For me they are massive, and daily, I'm delighted with function as well as beauty around here!

Windows.
We've had some very low temps outdoors for the last little while. I know for a fact these new windows are keeping this house toasty warm. What reminds me daily is when I walk past my front door void of weather stripping. (oops, forgot about it!) I dash past that breezy door and run towards the nearest window instead! I wouldn't have said that last winter! I adore these windows and smile when I glance at them daily. Have you thanked your windows today for doing such a fine job lately? And how about a round of applause for the many hands installing them? Ben, Vic, Jake, Micha, Ralph, Jeremy, Zach, Janette... I know I'm missing more but it's midnight. I'm doing better than I thought I would.

Range.
Folks, I have GOOD news! There IS hope for my baking and cooking after all! I've yet to burn one thing with my lovely new range! I now cook with 4 burners instead of 2! WOW! And gas top cooking, it is flat out fun! I love adjusting the heat according to what the flame looks like. It's my newest hobby and I'm hooked. And the oven, oh my. The convection feature is new to me and things come out so evenly! I love cookies that are white on the bottom and this oven cooperates! I'm thinking of Rod my gas guy, as well as Dan, Peter, Phoenix and Bec for lugging the appliances in the house. And for Dan picking them up to start with! Oy... the gratefulness goes waaaay back.

Fridge.
This one's for Cody. He is totally addicted to the ice/water feature. And I will admit, although I wanted that feature for myself as well, it was the ultimate choice for both of us. There wasn't anything wrong with the old fridge, and I happily gave it to a friend that was in need. Thanks Gord, for taking it off my hands, AND for towing my old dishwasher and stove to the dump for me! Vic and Pete got to figure this contraption out as well.

Microwave
Not much time to play with this one as yet. But already I'm loving the location and size of it! The original arrived freight damaged so I just got the new one Saturday. And naturally Vic and Bonnie came Sunday to install it! It's awesomely much bigger than my $20 special that still sits on the other side of the house. Oh, to have a full size microwave IN the kitchen in a proper place?!? Priceless.

Island top
Ohohohohoh... it is everything I knew it would be! Over the holidays I'll shoot some new pics. But trust me, this island top made by Dan is outstandingly so serviceable and cool to look at! The metal top has slightly curvy ends in the front and back like a soft hourglass shape, and is supported by exposed metal legs. We live on this thing! Today it was laptop, meals, crafts, a game played with Cody while cooking, just, everything! Getting the right stools was so the ticket. That is my Christmas gift to me. It was hard sitting on one stool too high and one too low.

Dishwasher
Thanks to Vic and Pete, I have my dishwasher back!! Oh how I've missed it! This thing is so quiet you barely know it's running. I love that!

Kitchen sink
Betcha most of you take your sinks for granted. After washing hunched over a bathtub (where the gears are the scalding free type so you can't get the water hot enough), I am swooning over this sink! And the coolest part are the grates inside. They just came with it but now I get it. I've put my dish drainer away. My sink will now do it. With the grates, you can put clean dishes on the other side, yet still dump nearby because the dishes aren't sitting in the muck. Brilliant! I also really love the big and little sinks. I use it differently for different needs all day long. It's like changing your mind a hundred times a day and it's ok! Loving the new tap too! Thanks Laurie at Splashes! She knew her stuff and was extremely helpful. And a massive appreciation extends to Vic, Pete, Paul and Ken for all this plumbing biz!

Oh what else have I been in love with lately... the floors! Oh man, the floors! Real floors underfoot! I am now spoiled! Cody lays on them. Just lays down because they're so nice! Ron, Ralph, Jake, Vic, Cody, Rich, Pete, (remember the trenches?) you are my flooring heros.

French doors
I love these crazy things! All summer I had them wide wide open! This winter they just allow so much light in. I love how you have such a nice wide width for moving stuff in and out. Just, love them! Thanks Magnum Windows, and my brilliant installers! (same as windows)

My kitchen dream windows!
Those triplets are no doubt what make this kitchen sing! I won't forget ya, Ben! I love the wide open view of the backyard they provide. I love the openess of working in front of them. They so work here!

Fireplace.
This fireplace makes the house feel like a cozy log cabin. Yarrow Building Supplies, I'm just so enjoying this thing! Dan, Peter and Phoenix, the look is just something out of a magazine. I couldn't imagine this house feeling the same without it. Thanks for the smiles I continue to throw in it's direction daily!

Countertops!
Columbia Countertops, outstanding product AND install! Not only are they gorgeous, they are so so functional! I've lived with painted countertops for a very long time. (and even no countertops for awhile too if you wana get technical) I painted my old ones to hide the ugly and buy some time. What a treat to have the real deal finally in place!

Main bathroom
I'm still in dreamland that the bathroom was worked on. I love that room and everything in it. The deep bathtub, the pedistal sink Vic had in his barn, the new toilet with soft closing lid, the tile, it's all just so lovely! From floor repair, ripping out the tub and tile, installations of toilet tub and sink, and install of tile (hey, thanks me!) I think everyone attacked this room.

Mouldings
Dave, you da man! This guy cuts moulding like we cut butter. Outstanding quality workmanship.Thanks Vic for carting the wood around for Dave too. The mouldings are breathtaking!

God
He answered my prayers, many times over. He brought the entire team to my doorstep to help with things I couldn't do myself. I am SO blessed.

I think you guys get the picture. There's so much more. But more importantly, I want all of you to know, I'm so happy and so enjoying my surroundings! Cody is delighted to see things just so nice. I keep stopping and staring when I realize I'm suppose to be doing stuff. And stuff I will do. My plan is to stain and varnish the stair woodwork during the holiday season.

But for now, it's Christmas time. I wish for all of you the most wonderful holiday season with family and friends. May this season bring you extra special memories in some small way as it will indeed do for Cody and I in a BIG way.

Just know, we couldn't be enjoying this house more! Thank-you, Merry Christmas, and God bless you all.

Cody cooks in the new kitchen

2008-12-13T10:33:00.000-08:00

For the last three years, we've been functioning with a kitchen too cramped for two cooks. I always felt ansy with another in such close proximity when attemping to quickly cook up a meal. I talked often about Cody helping cook when we finally had some room to move.
Now that the kitchen is finally functional, there's no further reason to delay! Cody's now older and more responsible. It's time.

Today he wanted breakfast. I was still in my morning fog and in no rush to go go go this fine Saturday morning.

"I'm hungry mom."
"Cool. (yawn, sip of coffee) You know where everything is."
"OH yeah! I can cook!"

So off he went. I oversaw the gas stove part and he passed with flying colours. All of it. He wanted me to take a picture of him cooking but was too lazy to get dressed properly for the pic, so this round we went without.

I love this kitchen! It's beautiful AND functional! I started adding my own touches to warm it up, make it familiar but have to keep things minimal as more work is being done next week. But it's starting to feel alot more like home every day.

In some ways, I miss the old country bumpkin-ish feel of the old kitchen. But only because the familiarity is comforting. I've talked to my friend Dawn about her new home and she went through the same thing. This new gorgeous shiney eliteness grows on me daily. Today I have taken the time to sit at this laptop midday (when I should be doing something, anything really) to enjoy my surroundings. I love this place!

Life with my new kitchen? Amazing. Isn't it gorgeous?!?

Christmas decorating - check!

2008-12-10T21:42:00.000-08:00

Cody was getting ansy for the Christmas tree to go up.

Most know we've been in high gear for renos of late, and there's still dust kicking around, so I hesitated as to when a good time to decorate would be
.
What finally motivated me? The Chilliwack Christmas parade. No, we didn't go. It was raining that night so I threw Cody an option. Go to the parade in the rain for stay home and finally decorate for Christmas. No brainer!! LOL

So I made this promise but the livingroom was in no shape to accomodate more stuff. So I got busy and got rid of some. That took a long time, longer than I anticipated, so I cut a deal to throw on the tv for Cody instead so we'd be ready to roll Sunday if I kept at my task. The deal was made.

As promised, when Cody woke up Sunday, we had floor space! So we got to work.

I had been playing with the idea of a real tree this year, but when I priced out a nice tree stand that spun, plus the price of a cut tree, plus attempting to haul the thing up the stairs myself, Cody and I both agreed that our fake tree would do just fine again. Maybe next year...

So up the tree went, along with decorating the massive new mantle on the fireplace. It's oversized, so I took 6-7 garlands I had and twisted them all together to puff it out. Ahhh, that was the perfect scale! Any less would have been too weak. Threw in some lights, ribbon, raffia, bird houses and a woodsy wreath and it was done!

I got the idea of a beefy garland from one of my favorite home decor blogs, Nesting Place. You must check this link out!

http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-11-20T07%3A59%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=4

So today, new countertops went in the kitchen. I was on dust patrol high alert so I quickly found the nearest sheet and draped it over the tree. All went well!

I'm glad Cody coaxed me into decorating for Christmas. We've had our beautiful fireplace lit nightly since decorating. There is simply nothing more beautiful than enjoying a real crackling fire amid the glow of enchanting Christmas lights.

I can NOT wait for my stove to be hooked up now. It's time to bake Christmas cookies! Cody, you have just created a Christmas (cookie) monster!

Cody's dream fridge

2008-12-06T20:01:00.000-08:00

For about a week, Cody has been badly pining for the install of the new fridge. I foolishly thought it was because of all the food that it would hold, but no. I was corrected promptly. It was about the water and ice maker. If the new fridge entices him to drink more water, that certainly works for me! I'm finding just HOW to do it makes a world of difference for your floors though. We have some training in progress.

Here's Cody with his new best friend. A massive thanks to Vic and Pete for getting it set up today! No more up and down stairs for food!

It's gorgeous, and we love it!

The appliances are here!

2008-12-05T00:24:00.001-08:00

What's this you ask? Noooo, this isn't a new fangled landscaping feature. Why, it's a sign that a dollie has been hard at work!

Dan graciously hooked up his trailer and we head out to pick up the appliances this AM! The appliance place I shopped at didn't offer delivery service so I was very grateful when Dan offered his help.

Now, riding alongside Dan is always a bit of an adventure. The height of this story would have to be when the fridge didn't fit into the trailer so it rode towering like about 80 feet straight up in the back of the pickup. If you've never driven with an object taller than your vehicle, DO NOT START NOW. Dan immensely enjoyed watching my blood pressure rise with the smallest bump we hit or curve we took. I got him back for I had him driving in no time like those slow movin' RV folks in the summertime.

Peter and Phoenix and Bec joined in to lug these things into the house.

Note: no silly dollies for these guys. Woa... looks a little heavy there...

Ah. Could this be why? No worries, I was gracious enough to cover any and all physio appointments. Bulk discount rate perhaps?

The appliances are gorgeous! I called Vic to let him know of our newst addition to the project and I'd guess he was here in about 5 minutes specing installation needs out. Pete joined him abit later. Rudy came and peeked in too.

Cody was most anxious for the fridge to be in full working mode upon his return home from school. I figured it was for food reasons, however he explained in his own way that it was high time to get some modern water and ice access into this house! (that may have something to do with no sink currently in the kitchen and the fridge downstairs)

No matter, in a few days we ought to be fully operationable in the newest kitchen in Yarrow! (Corinne and Rudy are a close second, but then again The Amazing House Race isn't quite over yet)

Thanks to all that helped make this day a reality! Now for some intense reading of manuals... I haven't found the chapter on how to boil water yet. Think I'm in for some fun?!?

The cupboards arrive!

2008-12-04T23:22:00.000-08:00

I am well on the way to having a real kitchen!

The cupboards arrived a couple days ago and things got put together pretty fast. I didn't catch the delivery guy's names but Frank was the installer and WOW doesn't cut it. What a fabulous product, meticulous delivery AND install! Thanks Progressive!

I was attempting not to get in Frank's way, but it was awfully hard to stay put elsewhere. I kept peeking to take in the beauty that was MY kitchen.

A couple of features I love about these cupboards are the soft closures to the doors and drawers (it's like a quiet hush when you close something up, no bams and slams!) and full drawer extentions, allowing you to pull out the drawers ALL the way.

Aside from the features and top notch install, the look is flat out gorgeous for this house!

As soon as Frank left the second day, I dropped my work and started packing those lovely drawers and cupboards up. It was so so so nice to remove some disfunction and regain some order and sence to this place again!

And then the sun came out. What a lovely open space this kitchen turned out to be, and so bright when the sun peeked in. Just a great day to bond with my new surroundings.

Dan stopped by later to help with some ceiling panels and got Cody to give him a hand. Cody's always thrilled when there's a guy plus a power tool!

This last picture shows the kitchen at the end of day one. Day two, Frank added crown moulding and hardware, which you'll see in the post about the appliances.

Yes, appliances next! Whadda week... thanks guys!

A new appreciation for mudders

2008-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Vic hung this lovely new drywall up in my kitchen for me to mud. No problem, I've tackled lots of areas in the house and they appeared to turn out just fine. What's one wall, in a nice straight line no less?!?

Not having used tape before, I felt it must be the right way... I think anyway. So I go about my business getting it done.

The next day, it does not look so hot. Puckery like. So I load it with more mud. And the next day, ok, just a little more. Tape puckers more after it dries. I rip the tape out and load it on. Whadda mess. This might work though.

The next day, I think it's ok. So I proceed to coat it with sealer.

And then the next day, I paint.

Well, the next day, although the lovely paint in my kitchen had me saying, "Oh my... it's high end in this house!", the mudding part was not.

Let's just say, I'm outa time. But yesterday, I bought a massive tub of mud and an 8" thing to apply it. I have one last chance to make this right!

I'm a perfectionist at heart, but as I'm getting less anal about all things affiliated with this house every day, I have to give this one last shot.

I don't think I like mudding. At all. But I know that's because I haven't mastered it. Becoming proficient at all things reno takes alot of time and patience. Guess I need a mudding book to join forces with my plumbing and wiring books.

I hope my wall turns out. But if it doesn't, I may be tiling to cover it up sooner than later, always a way out! Plus I have plenty of opportunity to practice downstairs yet. Oy.

Professional mudders or whatever your formal title is called, I salute you!

Striping a simple firetruck is just way way easier... try it sometime! :)

A cool ceiling and dinner!

2008-11-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

A couple cool things transpired today.

In the kitchen, I needed to come up with a plan to cover up missing ceiling stucco from removed valances. I approached Dan with some funky panels of some sort but I hadn't completely solved the mystery. He grabbed my drawing paper and with a few flicks of his wrist, came up with some MDF fabricated 'rusty' panels complete with rivets. Cool... these will attach along two ceiling walls, against the windows and cupboards.

So for the past two days we have been creating some pretty unique touches for the kitchen. It was a must as this needed to be installed before the cupboards arrive Tues. Dan fitted them in place today while I added rivets (wooden plugs) and a special paint that goes on black but once you add acid, it rusts. Not done with it all yet, but should be tomorrow.

This kinda stuff makes me tick! Thanks Dan, for the added funk that makes me smile everytime I look up!

The 2nd cool thing is how dinner arrived on my doorstep tonite. Allowing renos to take over lately is abit of an understatement so as you can imagine, not a whole lotta home cooking is being accomplished. Elizabeth wanted to help in some way and invited Cody and I for dinner, however when she got a taste of our crazy schedule of late, she brought over a wonderful casserole for us to enjoy! I am telling you, that is the way to renovate! Stay dirty and get served in grand style! It was so delicious! Thanks Elizabeth!!!

It was a productive and very cool day. I'm off to slumberland so I can do it all again tomorrow!

'Rover' approves!

2008-11-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

Someone approves of our new kitchen drywall and floor. And here's proof. Today after the floor in the kitchen was put down, Jenna promptly took advantage of it.

Fancy dancy diagonal floor in the kitchen! Drywall on the kitchen wall! We are getting there!

The 12 foot drywall was tucked into place. Ralph and Ron gave Vic a helping hand. These sheets were BIG and heavy! Awesome outcome! And ready for me to mud up and paint.

Vic continues to display many talents during this reno phase. Today he moved and refitted the furnace vent in the kitchen floor in mere minutes just like the big shots do on HGTV. (he was moving way too fast for pics) Little do those outside of Yarrow realize I temporarily have one of those do it all handymen right in my own home, but believe me, I sure know it. And appreciate it. BIG.

Ron worked hard on this crazy floor getting the angle and cuts just so. And the finished product is exquisite! I keep looking back at the floor, just shake my head in bewilderment and repeat, "I LOVE this floor!" every few minutes. This stuff is from Costco and it is incredibly beautiful and ohhhh so nice on the feet! (compared to rough plywood especially) But I really do have to emphasise, the quality cutting and fitting is perfect, and I mean dead on. If anyone requires a good hardwood floor layer, I know thee guy to get.

I think it's safe to say that we as a group are getting tired. When a deadline looms ahead, it really does take a team to dot all the i's and cross all the t's. With less than a week for the kitchen to arrive, there's still important details to tend to every day. And I say this with a great deal of pride, that I am immensely proud of all these fine folks and their skills and for also offering their friendship as a bonus. I am seeing the house improve by the hour now and we are sooo close to being near the end! And what better way to go about all this than by the company of friends.

Time for some shuteye. Tomorrow morning will come very shortly again. I can't wait to see tomorrow's transformation. Everyday is like Christmas morning lately.

Thanks again all!

We are officially 'Open for PLAY business!"

2008-11-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

I knew I had to sand drywall today, but I also felt a need to set up Cody's playroom. And with the painting, floors and moulding complete, it was finally time!

But not just for aesthetic reasons.

I've been working so much on the house lately that it's been really nice having friends over for Cody to hang with. But lately with so much ripped apart and piled up high, the last week it just wasn't feasible. There was no room left to play.

And Cody missed it. And I felt bad. So today it was time to find his toys again and get them set up.

The mantra I've tried to instill with his toy collection is, he can keep it if it fits in the bins. If the bins overflow, something has to go.

And honestly, I'm the problem. If I'd gut half his toys when he was at school, he'd never notice. But note I said when he's IN SCHOOL. He can't stand to see something of his go even if he hasn't seen the fantastical object in a year. (sounds familiar...)

But I want the new playroom functional AND attractive, so I was good and accumulated a pretty good sized pile to take to the local thrift.

While emptying and washing out storage toy bins, I had to stop when I went through Cody's Thomas the Tank set. No he doesn't touch it these days. But I remember buying the glorious wooden set with all the trains and cool tracks and how he played with them for nearly 2 years straight without ever just putting them away. We'd attach the tracks creating long long railways linking different rooms together. (yes, we had that much, no-name additional tracks were the way to go!) And the trains Cody actually earned while being potty trained. I admit, it thrilled me when I saw a new train come out and I made an excuse for him to get it! (so I could play with it)

When my mom moved from the farm after dad passed on, it was house gutting time. And that's when we found all the toys we use to play with when kids. Mom hung onto cherished items we loved. Chrissy, Clackers, Footsie, Gumby and Poky, barbies and their country camper, my mint green Easy Bake oven, original Lite Brite, my Disney yellow bus metal lunch kit, and more. It was neat to go through and now it's put away in my house. There is a quiet comfort in holding on to some cherished items from your past.

There were other toys of Cody's that sent me back in time as well, but they didn't hold the memories the Thomas set did. I plan to eventually put Thomas up and out of the way in the attic and just hold on to a little bit of Cody's childhood. One day he'll be thrilled to hold them again, possibly with his own kids. But for now, Thomas is still accessible for any visiting kids just wanting to have some fun.

Aside from my side trip down memory lane, I am proud to say, the playroom looks wonderful! One wall is lined floor to ceiling with pine Ikea storage filled with transparent bins of Lego, cars, etc. The wall unit also houses a TV for Nintendo opportunities. On the opposite wall a twin bed is there waiting to be used for comfy Nintendo play as well as sleepover opportunities. The walls are soft taupe with a nice deep red behind the storage wall only, making the pine pop. Line the floors with hardwood as well as nice thick white moulding, and you have the makings of a room that is really attractive and fun, plus can morph into an office or, well, anything. I'll take pics as soon as the bed is set up right. (truth be told, morelike when I find my camera. Again) I'm on the hunt for a drawer storage of sorts for the mattresses to sit on. Can't waste that valuable under the bed storage!

To the many hands that joined forces touching his room, we sure appreciate you helping to change what was one of the most unattractive rooms in the house (pepto bismal pink walls, yellowed ceiling, with a very worn blue carpet) to one of the most beautiful rooms ever!

I go in that room a zillion times a day just because it's pretty! And Cody suits pretty rooms. I'm glad I can finally give that to him.

Not only is it a cool room, it's time to invite friends over once again! And we BOTH really thank you for that! Zach was over tonite and tried it out and he fully approved so looks like we are once again, open for play biz!

The fireplace story

2008-11-20T23:03:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time my fireplace looked like this.

Dan came through the house one day to spec out the progress with the renos in the beginning. He asked me what I felt the focal point was in the house. I figured it was the fireplace. So together we discussed what we could do to really enhance the feature. We were going to cover the brick with cultured stone reaching the ceiling and enhance it with a beefy rustic woodsy mantle.

After several months, it was finally time to flip our dreams into reality for the floors were about to go in the house. A deadline was set and we went to work.

First the mantel was worked on. Dan routered and handcarved the woodgrain effect. I followed with the drill and wirebrush. Bec and I painted 4 layers of paint to achieve a beautiful warm rich woodgrain to tie in with my new kitchen cabinets and hardwood flooring.

Next, Dan and Peter came to deliver the freshly painted mantel and spec out for supports.

The mantel proved to be alot beefier than the last wimpy one, so in order to properly support it, massive unique metal brackets were styled to suit the size of the mantel. Suddenly the mantel was no longer just massive. It looked awesome and to perfect scale with the room!

They also fabricated Dan's signature riveted style enclosure to soften the square opening. This panel is removable at a later date to accomodate upgrading from real wood to gas if desired. Isn't it cool already?!?

Then the real work began. The next day, Dan, Peter and Phoenix started working with the cultured stone to achieve the desired style. First came the fabrication of the framework to hold the rock in place above the mantel.

Once the stone was in place, Phoenix hand carved the base from fiberglass reinforced concrete to simulate a solid rock. It's incredible.

Phoenix then applied an acid treatment to the concrete to achieve a realistic rock replica. He followed it up by lightly airbrushing the colour of the stone on top, allowing the base to remain abit darker to ground the look. It is dead on!

This is what now graces my livingroom. It's a showpiece that everyone stops and stares at. Many go up to the mantle and squint trying to figure out what's this, how's that done... the questions follow and I happily fill them in on the details to this story. (this picture was taken at night so the colours don't pop like they do in daylight.)

I'm incredibly proud to say my friends, the Sawatzky team, created this project. It offers the room such warmth. You truely gravitate towards the fireplace, wanting to sit down and just gaze at it. See? It was used today for just that! Ron the floorlayer helps to portray the scale of the fireplace.

When I look at the new fireplace, my first thought is it's magestic. It's got such a presence in the room and is truely a magnificent focal point. I love the Sawatzky touches to it and the strength the materials and colours portray. It's no cute girly look. It's a funky eclectic bold look that's just flat out awesome! It's the right scale to this house and looks perfect against my rustic decorating tastes.

Many thanks guys, Janis and Bec, and Yarrow Building Supplies for this incredible project I get to enjoy every moment I'm home!

Thurs Nov 20 update

2008-11-20T22:24:00.000-08:00

MY.

The floors are to die for. Ron worked past suppertime to complete the last bedroom and living room. The quality workmanship alone is incredible. And throw in some gorgeous oak hardwood flooring and you have the makings of one awesome floor.

'Poor tired' Dave was punching up new mouldings as fast as Ron was laying floor. Vic was in and out and doing everything from shopping, to drywall repair, to moving furniture and wood around. I was carrying wood up and scraping the old kitchen floor off the plywood. Cody was trying a little of everything. There was alot of ptchoo ptchooing from two compressors going at the same time, dust kicking up, hammering, scraping, shop vac blaring, Cody taking pictures of (eek) mom... (I'm so brave to post this)

However there's always some time for coffee, silly pics, the dog...

And for those interested, my current kitchen decor is below. It's called EarlyReno. Note the unique bulletin board windows. This simplistic version does it all on one Costco fold out table. (sink is located in the bathtub) Do you like the all modern colour blocking on that one strip of drywall left? Note two garbage cans. The one with the lid is for food scraps so the dog can't get at it. (lesson learned the hard way)

Is everyone else as tired AND having as much fun as I am?!?

Floors have begun! Fireplace is in!

2008-11-16T12:17:00.000-08:00

I'm busy collecting my bearings today. Finding my kitchen that resides in boxes only. Hanging up clothes that for a few days have been laying in heaping piles on the couch. Figuring out how to save steps as my sink for the kitchen is now in the bathroom, fridge downstairs and my 'boxes of kitchen' are on the other side of the room from my working tables (counters for now).

This isn't a complaint. It's coming to grips what just transpired yesterday and over the last week. Saturday was a long hard work in progress for everyone that was here. Ron and Jake on the floors (complete in hallway and my bedroom!!), Vic and Ralph on gyproc (and more), Janette on the stairs, a few visitors, Ben on dropping off construction needs, Bonnie offering a delicious lunch for everyone, and dinner for Cody and I on Janette. My apology if I missed anyone.

Cody hasn't been around for much of the reno weekends and yesterday he was. And he loved all the activity and chance to socialize and help with any and all around him. Janette said it perfectly, Cody was like a content cat, fitting in any little corner and being completely happy. I was the filler girl, running for tools, carrying up and unpackaging wood flooring, and whatever else needed doing. Everyone was very busy and pushed to their limits.

Friday, Dan, Phoenix and Peter were here and finished the fireplace and it is DEAD LY AWE SOME! Same day that Ralph and Jake removed the kitchen cupboards as soon as I had them gutted. Wow.

I have a ton of new pics to share. I'll save that for later. Cody needs food (again) and as the kitchen isn't exactly situated in that 'workable triangle' we all strive for, I best get on it before it turns into dinnertime.

Thanks to everyone involved for the amazing transformation you helped create this week. I look around awestruck. Just awestruck. Every one of my aching muscles thank you! I would have been in much worse shape without those many hands helping out to create something beautiful to enjoy.

On marathon painting, and fireplace progress!

2008-11-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday and today, Cody has been paying me very fine compliments on my painting. Not sure what's up there but I imagine it had something to do with finally reaching two rooms that mean everything to HIM, his bedroom and playroom. I've been coating out his furniture in black and when he saw it, he just went, "OH WOW mom! I love my table like that! You're a really good painter!" Later today while painting his playroom and he came in and said again, "Mom, you're a good painter. Can I help?" Woa... magic words there. You better believe my boy had a roller in his hands in 3 seconds flat! Be careful what you wish for around here these days.

Yes, painting has been my middle name lately. Every square inch of this house is being touched in some way and that's a whole lotta inches to cover. But wow.. I'm really starting to see things come together. So clean, fresh, bright... this place will truly resemble a new house.

Funny thing happens though when you paint closets. You have to put your clothes somewhere else. Right now they are ALL happily heaped up high under a sheet on top of the couch. Eh.. no time to sit anyway.

Oh, and the playroom. The colour inspiration for my playroom is this picture. I'm tired so I don't remember what I've posted last, but I started painting the playroom the same taupe as the rest of the house, and immediately I could see the fun diminishing. So I picked out some fun today.

I groaned for too long over paint chips and decided that's that and out the door I flew. Don't you love it when the paint store person hands you back your new can of highly desired paint colour and says, "It's only that bright when it's wet." Then as I drove home, I tested the paint dot on the lid against the chip and gulp. So I get it home and realize it's yeah, pretty bright going on wet. Then again anything would be against an all taupe house. I was wanting a brick red. Not orange, not burgundy, just red but not red red. A quiet red. So I decided only on one wall this colour would go, behind the floor to ceiling Ikea toy storage. Yep, that proved to be enough. I'm getting use to it. Cody loves it of course because 'I'm a good painter.'

Dan and son Peter came today and started on the fireplace project. The mantel is in place with funky metal brackets and framework around the opening and it is so cooooool.... here's a glimpse of what was accomplished today. Much more to come tomorrow!

As of now, the living room is not full of cushy chairs and tasteful arrangement of furniture configurations beside a cozy crackling fire. Oh no. It's full of buckets of sand, tools, mixer, bags of mortar, glue and cultured stone. Beside one of the coolest most original emerging fireplaces on earth. Yep, I'm liking my living room fine just the way it is! Cody was so thrilled with the new mantle he wanted to do his homework beside it. (true story!)

Lots going on tomorrow. Dan and Peter will be back on the fireplace again. I'll be gutting the kitchen cabinets as they will start to be dismantled Friday night, and also assisting with fireplace needs where I can. Floors are starting Saturday (eeee!!! I've waited so long for real floors!) so I need to have all the stuff upstairs going down.

Jake was here in the PM for a moment and asked me what I'll do when all the renos are over. My response was, "Sleep."

I think I'll take my own advice and do just that right now. Nighty night!

The 'last two rooms upstairs' dash!

2008-11-11T22:27:00.000-08:00

I have been busy.

With the floors potentially going in starting this Saturday, I needed to gut the last two rooms upstairs. That meant emptying, removing carpet and painting.

Removing carpet in this house doesn't generally go easy. No problem cutting the carpet in small sections and roll. No problem in removing all the boards with nails. No problem in rolling up the underlay. The fun is where you have to SCRAPE off the underlay. It's so old and deteriorated, most remains. But this isn't new to me. Every carpet so far in this house has required the same treatment of removal. Let's just say, I'm glad I did the rest of the house 3 years ago because doing two rooms in two days was quite enough.

When I removed the carpet in the main living area awhile back, my jaw dropped. I didn't know what to make out of what was stuck to the plywood. I thought it was mold, so I recovered the works and called in specialized guys that know all about the wonderful world of mold. Luckily they didn't think it was that at all, and told me to go ahead and scrape it off. So I did. And I remember it being oily and greasy. Just like the last two days.

With me being so so busy in those two rooms over this weekend, Cody has been happily playing alot with his buddy Alex. Cody goes there one day, then Alex comes here on another. I'm very grateful that Cody has such a good friend to spend time with.

But I did get Cody to help me with one bedroom yesterday. Apparently the rotten underlay 'made him feel sick', so I got him to drill in the screws into the plywood floors to prep for the hardwood. (I couldn't find my camera) He thought that was fun! But apparently that was very hard work and he needed a break after only a few minutes. Yeah... well... don't we all. I coached him on how everyone is working very hard on this house and his help was needed and appreciated too, so he finished his section. And did a very good job I might add!

When we knew Alex was coming for a visit today, I took a large piece of carpet I had just removed and rolled up, and laid it down in the living room for a cozier cleaner place for the boys to play. (still couldn't find my camera) Cody came in the room and squealed, "It's MY carpet mom! I love it!" and promptly showed his appreciation by dumping his toys in a huge pile right in the middle of it and the two happily played. All that happy from a chunk of old crappy carpet?!? I'll have to remember that happy little tip for future purposes.

So while they played, I tackled Cody's bedroom. He had a hodgepodge of three different furniture pieces in different colours. I painted them all black to match his headboard, so that should make his room come together abit nicer. And NOW is the time. Paint right in the room as is before new floors arrive so I don't have to move the furniture. Doesn't get much easier than that. And I also touched up his walls here and there. Looking good!

The third bedroom is Cody's playroom. This is the room where Ikea is present, with floor to ceiling toy storage in shelves and bins. I called this room the Pepto Bismal room for it's thick deep pink tone when we moved in. The walls will now reveal the same warm fresh shade of taupe as throughout the rest of the house. I may do some colour blocking or funky treatment at a later date, but for now, it's deadline time. And I am delighted to report, painting the ceiling was easy in this room for it use to wear a nasty shade of 'yellowed teeth beige.' White sure looks white! Much better!

There was only one incident today worth reporting. I'm still shaking my head in wonderment on this one. The playroom closet is temporarily holding all my clothes. And naturally, the bifold doors were removed to prepare for the new floors. And here I am painting a ceiling right above the exposed clothes. Honestly, the setup sounds most obvious, but I didn't think of it at the time. I was beating the clock, trying to be ultra productive in between hungry boy requests, so I went about my way.

This massive shelving structure took up the entire width of the room and was pushed in the center so I could paint the walls, so I had to walk WAAAAYYY around it on either end to get to the other side of the room. I loaded my roller to continue the ceiling while walking past the closet and SPLAT. I laughed at first because, well, most of my clothes are paint clothes anyway so what's the diff... until I viewed what was hit.

I don't buy clothes, don't really enjoy the search and find so what I have is kinda valuable as I don't want to have to go to the mall of all places just to do something I don't enjoy. But what got hit, I was already planning a shopping day. It was the only dress I owned. And I had only worn it twice. My sleeveless little black dress that can be worn anywhere, funeral, wedding, meaning, I don't have to shop! But now I do...

Thinking fast, I yanked the dress off the hanger and hightailed it into the kitchen and washed the paint down with warm water thinking, what's the point! What's done is done. I was sloppy and this is the cost. And then I looked down. I couldn't believe it. This fabric was WEIRD. Water was repelling off the dress and the paint was GONE. In seconds. Woa. GONE!

What a picture I was, covered in head to toe paint, and this perfectly pitch black dress I shouldn't have been closer than 10 miles away from didn't have a spot on it. Anywhere. Ok, so I am now in love with 100% polyester and Cloverdale's gel ceiling paint. They do not stick together apparently. Yet another useless tidbit of info I can share with the masses.

After all the painting was done, I found my camera but was too tired to care to report the efforts on film today. Perhaps tomorrow. When I find the batteries. Apparently Wii controls take alot of batteries and anything that housed that appropriate battery size got seized.

So it was a productive last few days with few mishaps luckily. Cody ended up happy which made me feel much less guilty being so busy. The bedrooms will be ready for the weekend. I found my camera and I saved my dress! And Cody and I even escaped to see Madagascar 2. We also went to Dan's to continue the mantel. It was a great weekend!

And the very best outcome of all? I still don't have to go to the mall anytime soon. YES!!

The completed bathroom story

2008-11-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to report, I'm along enough in this bathroom to do a story on it. First of all, bad looking spacing prevails throughout this writeup. This is a very finicky blog to get it right on and I don't have several hours to tweek today. So here goes my story...

The main bathroom was the only room I had NOT touched one bit since moving in. Anywhere else I've used paint to mask out major ugly, a means of buying time until things could be done right. Not so with this room. It was just so bad, it became a joke of sorts to leave it as is, just how I moved into this house

You could clean this room to death and it would still look this bad. The lino was yellowed beyond original recognition.

The tub had no finish left on the surface. So you couldn't even make it shine any longer. Disheartening when you've scrubbed and scrubbed and nothing shone back in order to thank you for your hard work!

This is no faux finish. The blue is the missing enamel. Mould, untouchable.

The door handle had always been finicky at best. One day it simply fell off and locked me into the bathroom! No one was home to help from the otherside. Luckily I had my cell phone with me at the time and was ready to call for help if need be. But then my cell battery started beeping... not liking to bother others when not absolutely necessary, I started jabbing at the knob all the while my cell phone reminded me this project was a time bomb of sorts. I finally found some makeup gaget that helped me escape my prision. From then on, I left the handle off and taped up anything imaginable over the hole for privacy. Below is an instruction booklet that fell off the door too. LOL This bathroom was simply not cooperating with me here.

I've never liked this room because of the lack of visual space. It housed a massive vanity. I had envisioned pushing out walls at one point when designing this room in my head, but always drove into a dead end of sorts. That is why I left the room for last. I was stumped. I always thought I needed that big vanity back in again, but a nice shiney new one. Boy was I wrong, but I'll get to that in a moment.

Snowball fight anyone? Wonder why no one picked this little gem up by my roadside pile? Very retro, doncha know...

Long and skinny and ugly and I loathed it. The tub is located behind the door on the left.

Before renos started, I was trying to achieve the perfect taupe tone for the room. Ugh.. it was difficult! The room was small and not well lit so everything resembled a cave. I wanted light and airy yet warm. So on I practiced.

The bathroom had a toilet ready to go through a floor, so it did need help. But I honestly thought we wouldn't touch it during this particular renoation phase as there was just so much other stuff to do. One day the Extreme Team lifted up the toilet and fixed the floor and covered the lino with plywood. Then they gutted the tile around the tub and eventually removed the tub. And on it went. It was happening!

So I went tile shopping and started laying tile. This was my first attempt at a pattern and I love it! The tiles are warm rustic tones of taupes and the little black squares will enhance my planned black accents later.

The day my deep deep soaker tub went in was such an exciting day! Cody immediately felt a need to try it out Cody style, so here he is. Perfect fit!

The room took on a life of it's own as time went on. I didn't have the funds for that big ol vanity I thought I rquired so I just resolved to do without for now with no sink. Vic, one of the renovators, had a pedistal sink sitting in his barn. Thinking it would be temporary, once it was put in place, I fell in LOVE with the room! The pedistal is what did the visual trick for me. As I have a large closet in the room already, this is the perfect solution for this room! Add to that a new one piece super flush efficient toilet with one of those seats that lower slowly on it's own, I am in LOVE with this room!

I'm a country girl at heart and love my quirky rustic touches, so tada! A ton of hooks house the opposite wall evolving the room into the perfect changing room as well. Instead of that temporary stool, I now have a taller corner cabinet with shelving in place to place our 'stuff' while getting ready for the day.

Yet to be finished is the tile around the tub. It's full speed ahead for the rest of the house right now but I'll be tackling that one day soon.

The room turned out better than I even imagined. Thanks team, for simply ripping stuff out so I had to follow through with this! And for any and all contributions to create this room I adore. I love by bathroom!

Next up: mantel continues and kitchen cupboard gutting

2008-11-07T21:17:00.001-08:00

As my painting upstairs is caught up, now I can move on to..

Gutting the old kitchen cupboards! I was in the middle of packing, labeling and heaving when I stood up to finally take notice of what I just created around me.

More mess.

Ah, no big deal. It's only temporary. As my mom would say, this is a CLEAN mess.

In between all the kitchen excitement, I'll be working daily on the mantel until it's complete. The plan is to get the mantle and cultured stone in before the floors are installed, so on we push!

This is going to be a faux finish to recreate whatever toned wood grain is preferred. First the base coat goes on. Then many tones, getting darker as I go along will be added and rubbed off until the desired look is achieved. Bec, who's the most fabulous faux finisher I know, is guiding me with the colours and Dan is giving me pointers on the finishing work. It's pretty accurate to say, I'm in pretty good hands!

Vic snuck in to mud up the new wall that went in yesterday too.

Did I mention lately how much fun I'm actually having too??? This is gonna be an awesome weekend!

Fireplace mantel and updates

2008-11-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

When this reno project started, my friend Dan did a walk through upstairs to view the exciting changes. Then he asked me what the focal point in the room was. I figured it was the old brick fireplace. Then the artsy dreams started spinning. Dan's part in this reno is to help me tweak the fireplace into something I only dreamed about!

The idea is to take some cultured stone and cover the brick and carry it up to the ceiling in old world form. No straight lines per say, but gently curve it up, adding a gentle curve to the opening overhead as well.

Also, a new mantle would be in order! Dan created this rustic chunky dreamy mantle by means of his router on precision board with added hand carving detail. It is exquisite, whimsical and very original!

I stopped in there knowing the fireplace may be installed before the floors go in. It was time to continue with the mantle. I was delighted to find, it needed more than paint, which is all I had planned to do. It needed tooling as well!

This is a wire brush attachment that fits on a cordless screwdriver. I roughed up the 'wood grain' so the various colours of paint will imbed, adding wonderful realistic wooded detail. Those that know me know how much I LOVE power tools so I was only too happy to kick up major dust (I was covered head to toe in snow). Stay tuned for the mantel continuation! And thanks Dan and Janis, for this extremely cool addition to a house I'm going to LOVE very shortly!

Updates:

Vic and Jeremy worked on insulation and drywall yesterday. They brought it right up to the cupboards in the kitchen. I've been staring at bare wall studs for quite awhile now with plenty of ventilation so this made a huge impact on comfort and visual! It looks so clean!

Vic also helped me paint where I couldn't reach via that tall wall where the stairs are. So for those interested, Vic also paints! This guy really does it all.

Many thanks you two!

And I finished painting upstairs! This weekend I hope to box up the kitchen and other stuff and move it downstairs so I'll take a picture when the junk is out of the way.

Thursday proved to be a short school day as the kids got out at 11:30. So Cody had the opportunity to go to Alex's house for the day and then both boys came here at 3pm. I'm so amazed how when you give these two some felts and a dry erase board, they draw for hours! I was concerned where they could possibly play in this mess of a house but they magically stayed put in Cody's clean bedroom and had a blast. I was so pleased for them.

Go go go! On we go!!!! This is just way too much fun!

Do not try this at home, kids!

2008-11-04T17:47:00.000-08:00

What a fantastic day we've all had today!

I was by my lonesome painting the house all day and got my first coat on. I LOVE it!! This is THEE colour to go alongside hardwood floors. It's called Bamboo Beach, at Cloverdale Paints. I had just given up with my choices and went in there on the weekend and said to my girl there,

"What goes good with this wood?"

"What have you tried that you don't like?"

"I don't want to influence your decision and I don't want to mess you up. I wana start fresh. What would you choose? Cuz that's what I'm bringing home today. The end."

The colour is light, yet warm, and has the perfect slightly golden undertone to it. I didn't like it going on wet. In fact I had a stomach ache while the wall filled up with this this... I don't know. Peach I first thought. I was so use to seeing my rosy taupes. When dry and on all walls, it's no where near peach. It's wonderful. It's perfect! I am so so so so so ecstatic. And onto my 2nd coat later in the week.

Now back to fun stuff. Cody had his school friend Alex over after school today and noticed the drawing I had done on the kitchen floor. So they asked if they could also draw on the floor.

Trust me when I say, I let them know this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to EVER draw on a kitchen floor ever.

And then said ok....

They were delirious with excitement. I was painting while I heard them talking over how funny it was to draw on a floor of all things! They 'started' in this one area...

Just how cute are these two...

And then the artwork started getting really fancy where there was more room. I was in for some highly unique floor details.

Jenna sits here enjoying the incredible new addition to our ever growing renovation process. As I walk around the kitchen, I keep thinking I'm stepping on stuff I shouldn't be, it's very odd to get use to. But every time I make myself walk around an image, I have to smile.

The renos have made a couple of grade 4 boys smile as well today. I'm glad they have a memory that no doubt will last a very long time in their minds. And in mine too!

Thanks for the fabulous new artwork on my kitchen floor, boys! A+!!

Pete and Vic visit The White House

2008-11-03T22:29:00.000-08:00

So check out the pristine white look! It's sealer of course. Very white, very cold, very odd and lifeless. I always wondered what it would be like to have an all white house and now I know. And that's all I need to know. Time for some colour tomorrow!

Pete and Vic were both here today tinkering with the electrical while I had to dash off to work in Abby. In addition to all the work they did today with hordes of plugs and switches, they surprised me with a new outlet behind my 'one day in my dreams' flatscreen for my bedroom!!!! I'm so excited about that plug and cable outlet. (You're right, I don't get out much) This house is true 2008 now!! Thanks so so so much guys!

I'm still trying to figure out how the plug was done. (yes, I take up part of my valuable day to figure those kinds of things out) I see abit of sawdust but don't see any new holes anywhere. I was in the bathroom picking up a towel after Cody's bath and said, "Code, where did you have this?!? It's full of sawdust!" "Mom, I didn't do it! The guys that came did! See, look at the floor all over!" LOL You 'guys' are so busted cuz Cody said.

And I can't wait to try out my new fancy GFCGFI whatever plug in for my blowdryer. To not have it click off randomly when it just feels like it will be such a major treat!!! Last few days I've been blowdrying my hair in Cody's room, sitting on the floor. I won't know what to do with myself when this place is actually fully functional.

So, just a quick update to show off more progress today. Signing off until, well, probably tomorrow. Things are happening daily right now so there's lots to report!

I'm just feeling really blessed today. Pete, thanks so much for spending your valuable day off at this place. Vic, thanks again, over and over.

Now I just wish I could get you guys to eat something...

How unfussy can a floor get?

2008-11-03T19:48:00.000-08:00

Plywood and crappy lino floors are fun!

I've lived with my patchwork quilt flooring now for approx 4 years, the plywood for 3. And knowing they are about to make an exit from this place in mere weeks, I'm starting to have fun with them!

I mean, where else can you...

...leave fun notes for friends...

... slop paint on them and smile after...

and laugh at the indestructable stucco patch you can't remove without a grinder on most given surfaces.

It's been fun not being anal clean with these floors over the last while. And they've stayed amazingly clean for not washing the plywood sections. We were a non shoes kinda home before the renos started. I think I'll be able to retrain us just fine when the need arrives. But for the time being with currently only a couple floors to really wipe up and take proper care of, I'm going to continue to enjoy how unfussy this house currently is.

Just think, in a matter of weeks, I'll have 5x the amount of floors to actually wash!

I 'think' I like that idea...

Messy means progress!

2008-11-01T23:31:00.000-07:00

The house was especially ugly today. And that's mainly because I've been too busy working on it to clean and organize it. Got a paper from school? Throw it on the ever growing piles. Where's the stucco patch stuff? Dunno. Broom? Buried. A clean spot to eat? Sit it on your lap while your lap is clean at the moment. Clean socks? Not applicable.

Things have currently been pushed towards the center of the room so I can get at all the walls, for it's ceiling and wall painting time! So there are a series of mazes throughout the main living area. It's a little tricky living in the same spot you are renovating in. Imagine how the poor workers feel working in this as well.

The above is our upstairs toolbox. Who needs sides I say. Just let things spread sideways so stuff is easier to find.

Here Cody has found like about 2 feet to sit on to watch a little TV. I'm so amazed he's such a good sport. I ask him from time to time... "Code, do you find it hard to live in the house with so much mess?" "No mom. Can I have lunch now?" I love my kid.

Vic yanked off this lovely railing for me today so I could paint the walls with ease. I couldn't fire them out the door fast enough.

And Jake came over in the AM to add screws to the floors in preparation for the hardwood flooring. Thanks to both of you!

Currently, it's a painting marathon in the house for myself. I've now completed the upstairs ceiling, and it's walls next. First a coat of sealer, then the paint. (I picked out ANOTHER colour just yesterday.. needed a bit less pink in the taupe in the main area. I think this is it. (this colour stuff is getting old)

Tonight I put down the paint cans to attend and donate to a fundraiser for a family in need. Their 12 year old son Cole was nearly fatally hurt in a quad accident and may never walk again and is spending up to a year in Children's Hospital. He is currently strapped to a bed. I can't even imagine. The fundraiser was held in a massive barn with silent auctions, live auctions, dinner and music. Amazing.. for every dollar I contributed, I came home with donated gifts! I purchased home baking, 'won' video games for Cody, and just generally was able to be a part of and witness such a giving group of folks. Really puts things in better perspective when you see someone else's story. It's times like these you wish you could do so much more in a financial sense, for that's really what they need.

Anyway, back to the renos, I've started a new slide show from October 2008 and on with new photos. Be sure to check it out often! Photos will be added as we quickly progress. With less than a month to go before the floors are in and the kitchen arrives, it's going to get pretty exciting!

So while we continue to mess up the house some, things are more importantly getting completed. That right there is worth every spec of dust.

Me gyproc queen!

2008-10-28T23:16:00.000-07:00

Well, don't believe everything you read. Yes, I'm patching up some gyproc but following Vic's lead is no easy feat. He makes it look pretty easy.

Actually, my official title this week is Stucco Girl. I'm to fix up the ceiling patches where stucco went missing when the old valances located above the windows were taken down.

Vic was Cable Guy and Bonnie was his assistant today. They relocated my exsisting cable line to another wall so I could stop tripping over the ever annoying cord. Digging into still exsisting plywood floors proved to be a very cool way to do just that!

Jeremy even snuck in for a few to check on Vic.

Lots of dust kicked up today. That may be because I got tired of hand sanding my crappy gyproc patching so I plugged in my hand sander thing instead. Yikes... snow inside a house. Interesting concept. I'll be eating that stuff forever I think. Let me put it this way. I was in front of the picture window sanding a patch of ceiling and cody was in front of the tv mere feet away from me and I lost sight of him. Once the swirling fog somewhat cleared, he slowly reappeared with his hands all over his face. Can't figure out why...

But we are moving along! After the ceilings, then it's onto painting all the upstairs walls! Already!! I love this stuff. I wish I could take a few months off work and just play on the house. That would be crazy delirious kinda fun.

It seems like it takes me forever to get something started on the house. So many things pulling me away at the same time. But once I'm plugged in, try and stop me!

There have been a series of shorter evening visits by Pete, Vic, and Rich, all in an effort to get things done. I sure appreciate how everyone working together is making such a big difference. Today I glanced at my new wall switch plates and had to smile. Something so 'normal' is so so beautiful!

Thanks everyone, for making everything come together, a day at a time.

Cool finds using your imagination

2008-10-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

I bought a lamp today.

This unique lamp was sitting in Yarrow's MCC yesterday. I eyed it up and knew I loved the lines and pictured it in antiqued black. But the finials were wrong on it. So I left it there.

Today I had to go get it for I had a plan of action. I picked it up and dropped by Dan's for a quick fix it project. He showed me how to dremel the finials off that I didn't care for. Right before my eyes, my lamp started to become what I had envisioned. For a whoppin' $20!

When black, it'll have a twisted hollow wrought iron look. It is cool.

This is the kind of stuff that makes me tick. Flipping something normal I find into something extraordinary. And totally unique!

For the longest time, I've refused to buy stuff and accessorize my tired old house because what was the point. When the background isn't right, the object won't look right. Things are starting to look right!

And like most anyone, I love to waltz through Homesense and try to find the perfect little something or other for a corner, but by far, walking into a thrift or garage sale is where it's at for me. It's the search AND creative process to the finished product that get me up in the morning. It is FUN to create and imagine!

I wish I had a camera to take a picture of the lamp, but I dropped it and now it won't go click. Cameras dislike meeting floors at a fast pace it seems. So I'll get those loose ends tied up one day soon.

Until then, you get to live abit of my current world over the past three years. Imagination is a wonderful quality to have!

When speaking from the heart works best

2008-10-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Today was the day. The Yarrow MB Church was to have their morning service with a Thanksgiving lunch to follow. During dessert, it was time to talk about the reno project and watch a slideshow on the events taking place. It was speech time for me.

I knew this was upcoming quite awhile ago. Many times I found myself muttering to myself on how I'd start, finish, add, not say. I haven't had alot of practice public speaking, but knew this was one I wanted to make.

It was important to me to show the others what their kindness and generosity had been doing for me. This was very big for me indeed.

I invited my Mom to join me and picked her up Saturday night. Sunday Am was abit of a blur as it was all about getting up and ready rather quickly. But I was rattled. I mean, very. I had been relatively calm for days before. Even the night before, but today felt different. I felt unprepared.

So 15 minutes before we were to dash out the door, I sat and wrote out my speech. Putting it all down clarified the points I wanted to make. I was feeling 'abit' better...

As we were dashing out the door, I started to read what I wrote. Problem with following notes is, you must read it word for word or you forget stuff. So I tried that to myself, but it sounded like I was reading a book. Hmmmm... not liking that either.

Thanksgiving lunch was nice! But those that sat around me knew my mind was drifting off. In mere minutes, I was to get up and deliver my most heartfelt message I could. And I didn't want to miss anything, yet I didn't want to sound like a book either. I knew it was time to wing it once again.

Pastor Eldon stood beside me and knew what to do if I stumbled. So I talked about the project. The good folks that are in my life. My story on how I got this far.

Many that know me laugh at the way I misplace my glasses. Honestly, I'm not sure if they were on my head or in my hands. There was no podium in front of me to place things down, so I clutched my kleenex (in case) and notes and just spoke from the heart.

As I looked into the faces of so many good folks that have helped me along the way, I felt intense pride. I was proud of them and all they have been offering my way. I'm so glad I was able to use this opportunity to express what they meant to me and how they've touched on my life.

Then the slideshow began. Three songs long and the project wasn't even complete yet! Pastor Eldon did a wonderful job combining song to pictures, one of which I chose, Amanda Marshall's If I Didn't Have You. That song represents my early struggles of trying to do things on my own, when suddenly you are there. Many special faces flash through my mind whenever that song is played. The other two songs were “My Friend” – Groove Armada and “Anyway” – Martina McBride. Perfectly chosen and said!

While I watched the slideshow, the memories were brought back right to the beginning. I sat and just marvelled at what a wonderful story this really was and life isn't even finished yet. How when you're at the bottom, the only way back is up. And with the help of many wonderful folks working through God, just how amazing it can transform your life.

Afterwards, many came to me to introduce themselves, say job well done, just thank me for my story. I felt very cared for yet again.

For anyone who's guided me in the early days on how to fix things, right down to installing my new toilet or sorting seeds at the Church, I sincerely thank YOU for enhancing Cody's and my story. The story of a girl that lost her way for a short awhile, but had been given the chance to grab the roadmap that will take her to where she needs to go and grow and enhance other's lives the way hers was touched.

I was proud to have my Mom by my side. She was able to witness a very big step in my life once again. And hopefully quell her fears. She worries about me. But today she got to meet so many wonderful people that oversee her daughter's wellbeing. I know it made an impact on her and she now has a wonderful story to share with others.

Thank-you for the opportunity to allow me to speak to all of you from the heart today. Without cue cards. :)

Bedroom painting marathon

2008-10-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

My buddy Vic stopped in Saturday and guided me in the right direction on what to tackle next. The hardwood floors may be laid down in some areas before the entire floor is placed, so next up was painting the main bedroom and ensuite.

I ran into town to grab some paint and had to just stop and peek at Chwk New and Used. My creative brain had to see if I could find a magical kitchen island to save $ or any other cool trinket.

Oh, lots of cool price efficient trinkets. I love unique oddities and morph them into something they originally weren't. (a big passion of mine) There were some really cool smaller porcelain sinks, stainless steel tables, old doors... but nothing came home with me. I'm trying to create a headboard for my bedroom for my honkin' massively high king sized bed but nothing quite hit me right that run. I'll keep looking. And it's a very good (or bad?) thing I don't have a 100 foot trailer because I would have come home with the most unique metal clad siding ever. It was rusted to many different shades (cream, rust, dark brown) with metal still showing. It was like a painter's canvas. It would have made an incredible feature wall somewhere... well, I might have to go back for it if it won't 'leave me alone'. LOL (you shoppers know what I speak of!)

Nope, I was good and got in my truck and went home to paint. And oh my... some parts of this house I can actually say look 'pretty.' I'm delighted with the results!

So it was a paint into the night marathon. I treat myself to a wonderful Yarrow Pizza house special when I pull off one of those. Cranked up the radio, and watched the house transform.

Many nights just like this are upcoming. And I couldn't be happier!

I have time for the house!

2008-10-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

I am so excited. Really. I woke up by my internal clock at 7:20 AM today raring to chip away at this monstrous house project. While the coffee was brewing, I went back to my bed to try and brainwash some sense into my head. I can sleep in today! But I couldn't do it. As soon as the coffee maker beckoned me into the kitchen with it's friendly little beeps, off I went.

My most used quote lately is, "I LOVE this bathroom!" That bathroom being nearly done totally motivates me to do more more more of the same. It's so pretty in there. Cody even commented last time, "Mom, I LIKE this floor! It's so soft.." Not sure what that meant as it's cold hard tile but I'll take it as a massive compliment all the same.

So I have this task before me. Actually, many. Just not sure which fork in the road to chose. Shall I gut my bedroom and paint the ceiling and prep the walls to the ensuite? Or should I tile around the shower? Or start boxing my spare room up which holds ALL of the upstairs contents...(where's Vic when I need him for advice?!?)

I need to do all that and more, so it doesn't much matter I guess. As long as I, well, do it!

And just for you advice kinda folks, I'm stressing over the island and need advice. I wanted a simple island with an overhang towards the living room. But we love to sit on the kitchen side of it so I'm thinking I need an overhang on that side too. What will this contraption look like with all these overhangs?!? I'm thinking overdone. But oh so functional. Why form vs. function don't relate well I'll never get. So which way do I go? Two overhangs? Overhangs on three sides but not in the kitchen? I thought my cool idea of a gliding top to overhang however I wish to use it at that given time would be perfect but got voted down by the cabinet place. Drat.

Anyway, time to get off this computer, quit talkin' about what's to be done and actually do it.

I love weekends that start like this. Nothing on the calendar to TELL me what to do. Just, wing it. Cody is with his Dad so I don't even have to stop and cook every 30 minutes. It's all about hacking!

And a happy hacking weekend to all of you!

Kitchen ordered... FINALLY!

2008-10-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY ordered the kitchen cabinets and island! Finally!

This one was a huge decision. I had originally chosen antique white and black hardware and it would have been lovely. I worked hard to find the right tone of wall paint, the whole works. But I couldn't commit to the cabinets. I was having a hard time making them right for this house and our kind of stuff. And then the light came on when I came across a pic in a magazine of a more rustic warm woodsy kitchen. THAT was me and this house to a T. Thank goodness I pay attention to my gut instinct from time to time.

So the cabinets are a medium/light tone of stain on alder, which picked up the stain colour in a more rustic random manner. The colour is warm and just light enough to be stunning against black accents. For that eclectic variation, the island is distressed black. The laminate counter tops will have a mix of black and taupe. I'm debating on a wood plank distressed topper stained like the cabinets for the island instead of using laminate for the works... thinking thinking... but it's all coming together!

And I think I'm actually ok with a wall paint colour I have. (I actually have stock at this point) I can't use the one I would have used with the antique white cupboards (trust me, it's perfect and I put in a good month of time to achieve it) but I think the undertone I used in the office and bathroom is right on with the warmer cabinets and perhaps just needs a slight touch of depth in a bigger better lit area. I have a new wall kind of patchwork quilt look going on in the living room and kitchen once AGAIN.

The cabinets take 8 weeks to completion. That means I have to get in gear and do my homework! I need to gut closets, purge more junk, box things up, tile around the tub.. and as soon as gyproc is repaired, a whole lotta painting ahead.

And that means a lot of things ahead for the team as well. I felt guilty putting in my order for I know that with deadlines now looming, they will be very busy indeed.

I feel like such a weight lifted off my shoulders getting the kitchen decisions made. I know everything will look stunning in the end.

I can't wait for this new kitchen! What took me so long?!?

Sat Sept 27 ~ Newly functional kitchen potlights and main bathroom!

2008-09-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

Wow wow wow.

The team and I spent Saturday together banging on the house in a big way.

For Vic, Pete and Rich, it was an electrical day in the kitchen. They put in potlights and other lights and all sorts of wires climbing here and there and crawled around in the extremely hot and narrow attic for most of the day.

All for 6 lights. I'm always blown away by the enormous effort required to output what seems like a somewhat relatively moderate task. It never is though. It's always so much more for those that do the actual work. These guys are amazing together.

This had to be one of my favorite shots of The Ceiling Man. (Vic this time) It was fast hence blurry, but it gets the message across all too painfully well. There was a hole lotta time spent in that attic to get the job done.

The outcome? AMAZING. The kitchen is so well lit it feels like an outdoor stadium shining at night. I think I have to rethink that no curtain idea now... it's my bet folks driving the highway can see inside my kitchen at this point.

For myself, it was a tile the bathroom day. I was time to finally grout and gitter done once and for all.

Dave's day was all about trimming out the windows. As SOON as that grout was in (not even dry), he was banging up baseboards in place pronto. As SOON as that was accomplished, Vic and Jake installed the new fancy dancy toilet! I had an operationable bathroom at long last! Within just a few minutes of the floor being finished!

The day wasn't complete without a bit of mess to contend with here and there though.. but well worth it! Here's but a mere 36" x 36" patch of ick. This covered the entire kitchen. Some may think me crazy but I love these kinds of shots. It takes alot of fine workmanship to produce this.

And look what we created! When the team left, I couldn't even stand cleaning up the kitchen for one more moment for it was time to decorate a bathroom! I just had to go wash the newly completed bathroom floor and get it set up. I had it long planned out and had the hooks and ladder and mirror ready to finally be put in place. The pedistal sink Vic had stored in his barn (thanks too Gina!) so we put it to good use as well.

I LOVE this bathroom! It was one of the last remaining untouched rooms in the house. The transformation is breathtaking in every respect. It isn't quite done here and there but it's fully functional at this point. I'm thrilled to be using it!

Here's a little reminder what it use to look like. The huge vanity made the room feel twice as small as it removed so much visual space. Old uncleanable lino, cracked paint around the metal windows, and much more.

It is so fun to revisit that new bathroom again and again. When your surroundings are finally beautiful, I shake my head in wonderment. I can't wait to feel that way about the upcoming new kitchen... for now I'll enjoy all those beautiful bright lights.

The local firehall treated us to a hotdog/donut lunch which was just the ticket for the crew. They also indulged in cakes and such throughout the day.

It was a wonderful day, filled with extremely hard work, laughter and smiles. Renovating can't possibly get any better than that.

Thank-you everyone, for everything you do for this house and Cody and I. I can't WAIT to show off what was accomplished to Cody when he comes home tonite! And I'll have many new and wonderful stories at that to share with him. It was just a great day.

(more pics in the slideshow)

Reno, homework and baking chocolate cake (all at the same time)

2008-09-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

I so so so wanted to get some of my bathroom tiles done today. I had a goal to have it done BY Saturday, somehow someway, so once Cody got home from school and my workday was done, I got right to work.

I had it all planned out. Cody would quietly do his homework at the kitchen table while I was able to hack away at my project. I'll cut the tile before dinner, then mortar after dinner. Yep, that'll happen.

Actually, nope, not quite. It started that way. And then Cody found the two boxes of chocolate cake mix I rarely buy. (my crappy oven burns stuff, that's my story and I'm totally sticking to it.. I have burnt cake to prove it tonight!)

Anyway, once his eyes laid on the cake boxes, he had to have one made pronto. Thinking quick, I promised him he could bake one AFTER his homework!

Well, I heard about that cake every 5 minutes. "Now mom?" "No." "Noww?" "Nooo..." NOWWW???" "NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!" "WHEN?" "If you ask me again before your homework is done, never!" "Never ever?" eeeeeeee... (apparently when you 'homework', you require alot of verbal breaks when mom is within earshot)

Now bear in mind, I've got my head stuffed with measurements while trying to cut tile to size in crazy places. A small room with many nooks and crannies is not what I'd regard as my first choice to want to tile a floor in. But it's all a lesson just the same. And if I want it, I gotta do it.

Ok, so the boy needs a break. I send him off to the tv for a few so I can rest my mom ears, and set back to work. It was dinnertime and I wanted to just get it at least all cut at this point.

I hear a ruckus in the kitchen. Cody is getting ready to bake his cake. He's FOUND (that's hard to do in this house right now) the mixmaster, bowls and beaters, and they don't reside all together in one cupboard. I'm amazed. He really wants that cake.

I go inspect. I have hearing protection on my ears, covered in tile dust, carrying a ruler and pencil and (another broken) tile, and I glance around the kitchen and sigh... now I know why he found all that stuff. He emptied every cupboard and drawer in order to do so with all doors still wide open. This house is so not pretty.

I send him back to his homework for that was the deal. Work, then bake. I just want to get these tiles cut, I really really do! My hopes are starting to dash that I won't get to the mortar stage at this point tonite.

I was never so happy to cut that last tile! (it took me 5 tries for a little triangle to be perfect) That's the only part about tiling I do not care for. Aiming for perfection and not getting it first try. Something else funky was at play. The tiles were starting to break at the end of the cuts... a new issue. And here I am with one more tile to cut...

"Mom I'm hungry!"

...and I can't get it!

And then I do. Happy happy joy joy... it's done!

Oh, and I have a wonderful tiling tip I made up. If you have a really odd shape you have to cut, lay down post it notes where that tile is going, shaped exactly how the tile would sit. Then slowly lift and stick it on a tile to trace. Worked every time!

So we celebrated the tile cutting completion with burnt chocolate cake. ("It's ok Mom, just cut the burnt off and eat in the middle.") That's my non fussy boy!

Tomorrow is mortar day. Saturday is grout day. If all goes according to plan of course.

Vic stopped in to check out the status of it all and helped me saw up the bathroom door. How does he do that? Just know when I need an extra set of hands? (maybe that's because I ALWAYS need an extra set of hands.. nahhhh, he's just good, that's all )

And I found Jake in the back of my garage sawing something for a bifold door! Cool...

This place is starting to get the feel of Dan's shop. Everyone likes going to Dan's because it's just fun making stuff there. I had always wished my place had that draw to it, and in it's own peculiar way, that is exactly what it's starting to feel like. That makes me smile.

So, thanks to Vic and Jake for their help tonite, Cody for pushing me on that cake aspect (will try not to burn next time, I think the oven was just in shock), and Dan for the grand use of his wet tile saw once again. And me for finally getting that floor cut!

Oh and about Cody's homework.. he was to make a poster for school about him. In one section alongside a hand drawn picture, he wrote, "It is the life living with my Mom."

Must have been that burnt cake that did it!

No time to mope! Just replace it with hope!

2008-09-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, what's going on here?!? I'm so ready to work on my reno homework daily, but life isn't cooperating one little bit.

My work is pouring through the woodwork. Everyone seems to need things yesterday. I'm trying to balance it but it's getting tricky.

Cody came home from school sick yesterday. He's back today in an iffy sort of way (anyone that starts their day on the trampoline by 7am is good to go for school I say) but I think it's my turn for the 24 hr whatever he had. Where I'm going to schedule in 'Sick Project' I have no idea.

I ordered my appliances yesterday! YES! A to-do crossed off by a simple phonecall and committment. Know what inspired that one? Rod the gas outfitter guy came by to run my gas line into the kitchen. Talk about calling the appliance place pronto to ensure I till NEED the gas line... Thanks Rod! So great to cross that off the ever growing list! And thanks for the push/reminder!

I've done more purging from the closets for the local thrift store when I had a spare 10 min here or there in between real life. You know when women say, "I don't have a thing to wear?" I think I invented that slogan because it had to have been derived from a truth somewhere. There's a whole lotta empty hangers in my closet. Not to mention 90% of what I do have left are paint clothes. I know Janette, we shall go shopping one day. I'll schedule it in right now... heh heh not. I'm the type that starts in Winners with high hopes but as soon as I see something in HomeSence, I leave shoe skid marks on the floor towards the other direction.

I guess I'll keep chipping away at the mountain of hope. Why is it when you're ready for full speed ahead, your plans shift?!? I don't have the answer to that one yet. So I'll take each day as it comes.

The pro to this? Life is relatively 'exciting'. No time to mope. Just a whole lotta time for hope.

Disclaimer: This post was made in total tongue and cheek reference. I am very blessed to have lots of work. I don't own 'nice clothes' out of pure choice, it's just not my current hobby. I'm blessed to have a healthy child, a good sound home with huge pending potential that is actually moving forward, and the greatest friends to help me continue to achieve in life. We are blessed indeed! Thanks to all that touch our lives every day in some small way. We 'hope' you'll stick around for many years to come!

No more excuses... I'm READY!

2008-09-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

I fee like I've been in a deep sleep for awhile in regards to the home renos.

Work has been too steady for me to cheat and sneak some time into the house. The weather's been too nice to not have 'one last blast' at the campsite. We were busy attempting to maintain a new routine with school and sports back in full force.

Pick any excuse you wish for yes, they are indeed excuses. This past weekend wasn't even suppose to be nice and I went to the campsite anyway for the weekend instead of tiling the bathroom floor... what does that tell you?!?

Ok, I do have to sneak off to the campsite at least one more night to fully winterize the trailer. I'm relying on a friend there to help me out utilizing his compressor so I'll try and time my jaunt with his schedule if possible...

But 'nuff about that! My work is nearly caught up to the point of being able to 'cheat' during the day and giving the house my time again. School is running nicely, homework is getting done, sports are organized and scheduled... and yes, the weather is too lousy to camp in. LOL

This week I'll order my kitchen. I'll order my appliances. I'll hack away at my floor. (and Deadline Vic is back... gasp... I need to get to work!!)

I'm going to do all these things. It's time for this beautiful home to finally imerge.

This Saturday a group is to come by and get some to-do's crossed off the long tiring list. I really appreciate the company! It's alot more fun working alongside others, I indeed admit!

And I have this sneaking suspicion, when we get going, it'll be hard to stop this time...

Another blog on the go

2008-09-16T01:38:00.000-07:00

I soooo know the renos are about to start full force again soon! Summer holidays are history and slowly the dust will rise once again.

Until then, I found myself going off topic alot on this blog. So yessiree, those that just can't get enough of my ramblings can visit another divison of them for anything NOT reno related.

http://justanotherwonderfulday.blogspot.com/

I just downloaded lots of Harrison pics I've yet to write about. What an amazing time we have there.

And I'll be honest. As much as I love my leisure time with my Harrison neighbours, I'm starting to get charged for more upcoming new things happening at the homestead!

Stay tuned!

Cody's new hobby when camping, and sneaky workmen

2008-09-01T19:24:00.000-07:00

Our favourite campground has a slough running on 2 sides of it and a ton of canoes begging to be used.

Cody decided he wanted to go canoeing one day so off we went getting fitted for lifejackets. We two orange beings then waddled off to the dock (big lifejackets just make you feel like waddling) and watched John the owner get us set up. He was holding the canoe waiting for Cody to enter but for some reason Cody didn't listen to the instruction of STEP IN THE MIDDLE. It wasn't happening. The canoe tipped to the side and I exclaimed, "What's wrong?!?"

"A SPIDER IS IN THERE!"

Ah. Something I can fully relate to. Yeah, it was big and nasty looking and crawling towards Cody, excited for his company. That ended that. There was NO WAY I was going to enter a canoe with unstable emotions flying. Cody's last words.. "I'M NEVER GOING INTO A CANOE AGAIN!" lol...

Fast foward to this weekend. Norm, our awesome campground neighbour was shooting slingshots with the boys in the campground. A can shot into the swamp and Norm wanted to retrieve it via canoe and Cody wanted to go with him. I snickered when Cody informed me, "Mom, Nick's Dad is taking me in a canoe to get a can!" I'm thinkin', yeah.. whatever. Minutes later, this is what I spotted in the slough.

Of course overly proud mom had to dash for her camera! Word has it that Cody was overheard saying to Norm, "Is the canoe clean?" Thanks Norm! Major major move for Cody!

Next thing you know, Cody wants to go in the canoe again. With me. It's been years. Well, I don't even remember BEING in a canoe. So I was somewhat nervous with Cody's last spider adventure. I wanted to pass but Cody wouldn't have it. And honestly, I wanted to conqour my own fears and do something new anyway, so I hesitantly agreed to go for it.

So off we went. That particular day, Cody was somewhat a force to be reckoned with. His way or no way. And a canoe in the middle of a slough is no place to battle wits and go into timeouts and try to figure out how to move forward and not backward. So we made it to shore, but I told myself it would be quite awhile before I tried THAT again.

Well, seems Cody had a change of heart overnight and agreed to listen to some mom kinda common sense about rowing. After all, Nick's Dad couldn't be in charge if he wasn't in the boat... LOL (yes Norm, filling your shoes was a major move)

So we talked about how we could work together better. And no tempers allowed in the water! It went like an absolute dream. Dreamy enough for pics too! We went out a few times together and even the owner commented that we were really coming along with those paddle moves...

I can see canoeing to be a wonderful new adventure for us, watching wildlife, being inspired by the beauty around us, working together and succeeding our mission and doing it well. And, just doing it because it's something really cool to do!

What does this have to do with sneaky workmen you ask? We came home from camping today to a garage door wide open and electrical stuff all over. Rich, Vic and Pete smile as I drive in. Seems I have some new working plugs and lights! And a little humiliation. Poor Vic unloaded some of my kitchen cabinets and that is not a job I'd wish on anyone! Thanks guys! I had been thinking about the kitchen stuff the entire weekend and it was pretty cool to come home to something major completed.

Lessons learned today:

1. Row at the same time or you start to spin and argue.

2. Don't believe Rich when he pretends to call from Pete's house.

3. Vic will in time rename our dog for good, to Rover. Get over it Jenna, it works!

4. Smile and appreciate those around you that enhance your life. And thank them. Guys, and Cody, you men ROCK!

The bathroom floor

2008-08-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well, this week has been a rainy one, and when Cody was thrilled to play Wii with Zach for the afternoon, I asked Zach what I should do. "Zach, should I weed my garden or tile my bathroom floor?" Cody said, "Go outside." (I got that one..) Zach said, "Tile your floor!" I mulled it over for about 3 seconds. I knew the floor would prove the more difficult chore, but then again I really want that floor completed... so floor it was! After all, I have this new fangled toilet sitting in the garage begging to be installed. So this is the way to get that done!

Here's a reminder of the before. Lino was extremely yellowed and stained beyond cleaning.

Here's my idea of a cool bathroom floor...

This isn't my first self attempt a tiling a floor, but it's the first to add embelishments. I'm going for that discreet patterned look. Very subtle but will look stunning with black accents in the bathroom. I'm loving it! The walls are painted a warm taupe, nice and cheery yet offering warmth. It's the exact colour I was hoping for. (after only 4 other choices...)

Vic came by later sharing his latest crop pick from his garden (ohhhhh so awesome!) and I think was pleasantly surprised to see all my tile cutting riffraff littering the front driveway. Thanks Vic for the great eats and thumbs up!

And even Jeremy popped in to see the status of the drywall situation. I'm feelin' that dust soon to swirl in the air once again.. nothing like a cloudy cool day to bring in the troops to see what's up!

I'm watching the weather. It's suppose to get nice for the weekend, and if that's the case, Cody and I will dash up to the campsite for the last wekend before school starts. I'm still hoping we will do that!

However, I'm grateful for the cloudy day that hit yesterday. I'm happy with the continued progress of this floor! And for that future toilet we've missed!

Thanks Zach and Cody, for giving me a day to do my thing! And for a nice thick slice of Zach's first ever self baked chocolate cake. You gotta love when a neighbour brings scrumptious food along with him ...

The campsite

2008-08-25T23:26:00.000-07:00

Guilty as charged! I have not reno-ed (is that a word?) for some time now. We have been camping! (around my work of course)

We hit a very hot spell a week ago or so, and I was most grateful to have an air conditioner to run through. Yes, sometimes you have to have a few cushy things in life to get you by and this was one very much needed cushy thing at that time! Having got hit by abit of heat stroke one day, (Cody was fine), this was a good place to recoup.

Here's a shot of our old campsite.

Our view overlooked a large manicured play lawn and the front entrance to the campsite. We've been here for the last few years. Remember my post about redecorating the site? All the wooden tables/benches belong to the campsite. I had found the worst ones I could in their boneyard and white washed them in a matching rv tan/grey colour and in real life, they look like quality accessories for any lucky little campsite to enjoy...

As nice as this site has been for us, I snooped around and found a newly vacated very sought after river site that offered more privacy and sun. So we moved!

See that nice patio? I helped build that thing. I came home to rest after that weekend... but I now know how to lay 80 lb cement slabs onto gravel in the pouring rain for that yard ground level kinda fun of your dreams. (yeah, would be nice to have one at home too!) Jenna's pretty happy with the quieter surroundings and is often found napping beside me while I read. Between the trailer and the river is a nice bit of lawn for your favorite lounger. It's a very tranquil setting. There's always something to watch in the water, whether it be ducks or herons, spotted a beaver too. Haven't had a family of racoons or skunks as yet... but they're there. Just leave out your garbage by mistake and your site turns into a Disney movie, set in the deep woods where all the 'cute' night creatures find you.

I have a creature story to prove my point. A couple years ago I was reading outside by my propane campfire long after Cody had fallen asleep. I felt something brush up against my leg and without moving, glanced down to a long bushy black tail with a white stripe running down the middle... Stiffling a scream, I silently thought if I stayed calm, it wouldn't spray me and just wander away. Right?!?!?!? No idea. I'm new to skunks. So I stayed put barely breathing. The skunk wandered under my chair brushing up against my leg much like a cat would (shudder!!!!) and then turned around and wandered over to the trailer. I indeed left a bag of garbage outside my door I had forgotten about. So I got to watch how a skunk rifles through spaghetti leftovers and whatnot. It finally was on it's way and lemme tell you, once I knew the coast was clear, I ran into that trailer so fast I knocked my chair over, locked the door (like THAT would help keep skunk stink away) and shook for who knows how long. And no, it didn't spray. So there you go folks. How to foil a skunk, you read it here first!

This next picture is one of my alltime favorites. What an oxymoron this shot provides! These kind dudes (campsite neighbour Randy, and the owner of the campsite, John) were trying to figure out how to hook up online. Who says this isn't 'real' camping?!?

And the trailer is new to us this year. Last year I sold the 24 footer and purchased this 17 foot from my friends the Sawatzkys. The trailer came complete with towing lessons too! And the trailer, althought tighter in space, was an upgrade on many levels. It cleans up beautifully and is most certainly getting enjoyed on a regular basis. Thanks Dan and Janis , for our new summer home! Cody has finally admitted to LOVING it, (he gets somewhat attached to all things familiar and claimed to not want to camp this year because the other trailer was history) so that means all is most definately well now!

Anyway, so this is where we hide out when we aren't renoing. It's not a bad life...

Wow, school's back in next week! So as soon as it's suppose to stop raining this week, Cody and I are heading back for the last long weekend before school's in.

Now this isn't to say I haven't done SOME things on the homestead project. I'm still working like mad trying to nail down appliances I like AND can afford. Trying a new place tomorrow... AND, today I spotted the most exquisite unique hand made fireplace mantle Dan was working on that will soon be put to excellent use on my tired old fashioned fireplace. Dan is going to help me cover up the brick with cultured stone and carry it up to the ceiling! It will have a very old world feeling to it loaded with character!

Enjoy what's left of the summer folks! It's nearly time to get dusty again!

Time for summer!

2008-08-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

My apologizes folks! I'm being told to update my blog from a few of my friends! So I'll update even though there isn't much to report on my sorry behalf.

It's been a strange but exciting summer. From dashing to work, to the campsite, keeping my plants watered, helping my mom out here and there, keeping Cody happy when boredom strikes, chopping at the renos when I can... all in a days work. But now that summer is closing to an end, it's time to set an important priority. Time to play with my boy.

We've just changed our campsite to a more remote one beside water, so I'm excited to get back there and enjoy my riverside view! Cody is near more boy neighbours close to his age so it's been a great move for both of us.

We recently spent a week at the site to take advantage of a fabulous Kid's Club at Harrison Gospel. It was a great time for Cody and the week went really well, but I'll admit, the day we didn't have to be anywhere by that certain time, we both slept in till 10:00! I can't do that at home so that also tells me we just need to chill for abit.

But when I come home, I switch gears. Then I'm in reno land and don't want to camp. I want to gitter done! But so many things have been pulling me away from getting anything really done, hence, just making the decision to let something go. Cody having no daycare avail the last 2 weeks of Aug was a major cue to make the change too. So my partly tiled bathroom floor will wait! And why not.. it matches my plywood floors. A complete ensemble if you will...

Vic has been an absolute trooper lately coming to do bits and pieces as time allows. Thanks Vic! You have an open invite to come whenever you desire, as I know that's your form of leisure. Fact is, I like having you around overseeing us, not for the work per say. It's just a nice feeling. You're welcome any time! I'll leave that one up to you.

So, back at it. I'm going to wrap up my work for this weekend and head up to the campground for a couple nights with Cody. We'll stop at Agassiz's SuperValue for our favorite chocolate chunk brownies and git right up there and go play in the sun!

Happy summer folks! I'll be back hacking away at the house and posting about it daily before you know it!

When the Tooth Fairy image dies, and your boy runs away from home...

2008-07-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's been quite a last couple of days here. I can see signs that my 9 yr old is much more mature that I imagined him to be already. (wake up me!!)

Yesterday as I was laying beside Cody in his bed before bedtime, he asked me what the Tooth Fairy looked like and insisted knowing if she was real. I've always allowed him to believe in those magical childhood figures if he wished, even though I couldn't lie about it. But to cough out the truth so soon?!? I wasn't ready!

My fav answer, "What do you think?"

" NO MOM, THAT'S NOT WHAT I ASKED!"

"Ok, well, I come if she doesn't show.."

"NO MOM!"

Can't do it can't do it can't do it! Why now? Ohhh, I get it. Cody just lost a tooth yet again and isn't trusting the Forgetful Yarrow Tooth Fairy to arrive because she is abit of a scatter brain. The jig is up.

So I cough out the truth, fearing what exactly I don't know, but just feeling sooo uneasy about letting the childlike images disappear in the wind. And how does Cody respond? He sits up and cheers! Huh?!? Isn't he crushed?!?!?

"Mom, I know what the Toothfairy looks like. She looks just like YOU!"

Today I get bombarded with more questions. "Where are ALL MY TEETH Mom?" Yes, I did save each and every one in baggies with post it notes inside displaying the date and Cody's age and placed them in school scrapbooks. But I told him that under my breath hoping he wouldn't hear. I'm rattled that he knows! He knows!!

So here I am in a tither about my baby not so much a baby any longer and we get into a tiff about something totally unrelated. Still reeling from my tooth confession, I now quickly switch gears and attempt to drive this ship to port. But her anchor is mighty heavy and things aren't looking good on that horizon. Nope. Big BIG storm brews ahead and then hits with full force, sending us both over the brink head first.

Then the words I've been long wondering about finally arrive... "I'm running away from home!" (I don't think I've done too bad if he waited to tell me this at the ripe old age of 9)

So he's going. I'm in the kitchen smirking and I hear the loading of a totebag in motion. Dumping and grunting and shuffling. The runaway finally emerges out of the room with a VERY stuffed tote and Winnie the Pooh blanket under the other arm. (awww...) Cody makes some good eye contact with me on his way out as if to say, "See? I mean business! I'm outa here for good!" Yep, him and Winnie are a team!

I say nothing although I'm dieing to. He makes it downstairs and then states, "Mom, I not REALLY going to run away." But not really understanding what that meant, after the front door closes, I run downstairs grabbing my shoes so I can spy on him from a distance for safety's sake.

First I look out the front door window. I see his stuff on the sidewalk but not him. I open the door and he's scrunched against the house with his blanket. It's raining out and he wanted to stay dry. LOL I said nothing and left the door open and went to vaccum the house. Downstairs. By him.

I check on him every so often but pretend I'm cleaning. I was ready to run from tree to tree barefoot in the rain if I had to, but alas, things never quite got that far. The last time I peeked around the corner, he was cuddled in his Winnie blanket and had ripped open that long noodle soup stuff and was eating it crunchy and dry right outa the bag while reading a book. Here's how I found him...

Cody spots me watching him. I can barely contain myself as I'm busting up laughing inside but instead, throw him a smile full of love and he returns it. "Mom, can you sit with me and read me a book?"

LOL

I can't stand it a minute longer and glance into his tote. A tupperware tub of change, (mostly pennies) Ipod Dog thing, Nintendo DS, a TON of library books,(thatta boy!) underwear and socks, swim shorts (for those hot summer evenings while pounding pavement I'm sure) and a pen set that he knew was a keepsake from my Dad. (ok, that one touched me)

I'm amazed and had to say, "Why did you pack SO MANY books?"

"Because I wanted you to be happy."

Awww.... even when the boy runs away, he wishes his Mom good things!

And something tells me Cody will have full expectations that the Tooth Fairy continues to visit. After all, it's now easier to just yell from room to room,

"MOM, YOU FORGOT!"

The most sincere form of flattery hit today

2008-07-23T18:25:00.000-07:00

I want you to hear about my friend Dorothy. She's a long time friend that I met long ago when I had a storefront business. She was another biz's bookeeper that I shared rental space from and I had hired her to help me with my biz way back as well.

Over the years, she's continued to be my bookeeper, but much moreso, my friend. We have a great history together.

Dorothy is also virtually gutting her older home with the help of her family, so we are sharing some stories of late that are all too familiar and often hilarous.

I had often thought of Dorothy over the years and her patience in waiting for her home to be renovated some day. My thoughts always jumped to her when I'd see Extreme Home Makeover Home Edition on TV. I so was wishing that could be her. Her place was in the shape mine was if not worse off so it was long overdue. Dorothy is also a solo parent after quite a history of ups and downs, just one more thing in common.

Strangely enough, she started hacking away at her home just about the same time as mine started to progress with the help of the MB Church volunteers. So hearing about where she's at just makes me smile. She SOOOO deserves this!

Today I was lettering up a group of vans where she bookeeps so I got to spend some smalltalk with her today. Apparently the ONLY thing standing in her kitchen at the present moment is her stove. Right in the middle of the room. That's it. LOL

She told me about how all her cupboard contents were strewn through her livingroom (prepping me for the future no doubt!!) And not only was her house in total ciaos, her workplace is also preparing to move in two weeks! Boxes surrounded her desk, floor to ceiling.

I asked her, "So where do you go to unwind from all this reno stuff?"

"IN MY CAR!"

LOL

So today she peeks in the back of my truck over coffee break and glances at a can of paint I picked up today. Apparently she's also on the lookout for the perfect mocha colour and she was also having a tough time, running through a few gallons and inappropriate tones and such. I told her my little woeful story of this being my 5th colour and I was finally happy. She mentioned she liked it but it MAY be abit light for her... But anywhoo, they'd try to tint some cans already purchased, perhaps just a tad till it was perfect.

Fast forward 2 hours later. I get a call on my cell. I'm guessing the retinted mochas didn't fly and she says, "What was your paint colour? I want to order it and just paint!"

Her request made me smile my biggest smile. Dorothy knows what I'm like. An artistic mind thinks of all things no normal civilian would even bother to invent! I drive me crazy and I know it and she knows it too. So armed with faith that I've done my homework right, she wants MY colours.

I ever so happily divulged the info. I want her happy too! And to save her the frustration I travelled through to find what I finally liked. She just trusts me.

And she's done that on other occasions too. At times I shop for things and when I know it's a steal of a deal and I've changed my mind, I call her first before returning the item. She many times yells a big fat YES over the phone. One time I asked her, "How do you know you'll like it without seeing it?!?" She replied, "Because YOU don't do ANYTHING ugly!" I just love this girl. :)

I'm most curious as to what her home will look like with these colours. I can't to see it, for I know against her new dark cabinets, it'll look GORGEOUS.

Happy painting, Dorothy! And thanks for the flattering vote of confidence!

And should those paint colours NOT work for you for some reason or another, I'm your first customer in line for them so call me. LOL

First day of work in the office

2008-07-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

My face is tired. I've been smiling ear to ear all day long as I finally got a real work day in my new office!

Big open spaces, loads of table space for my work, there isn't anything else I could possibly desire! I actually looked around today and took a deep breath, as if there was finally enough fresh air in the room to enjoy.

And just flat out pretty! Soft tan walls against that gorgeous white pine ceiling, crown moulding , beefy window casing and beefier than ever baseboards.. gorgeous!!! The room just carries a very calm airy feeling.

Now comes the hard part. Putting away my stuff in such a manner where neatness prevails. Guess some storage solutions will be in order shortly.

But for now, I love it bare, empty, echoey if you will! I am simply enjoying ALL THE ROOM!

Thanks team, for making my workday a great one!

Now let's not quite talk about the storage-use-to-be-laundry-room where all my stuff is still sitting... :)

The game of find and seek what's different

2008-07-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

There's active little mice in my house... or so it seems.

I was gone for the weekend taking care of my newly injured 81 yr old mom. She fell on uneven pavement and broke her arm and nose so we (family members) are helping her cope with the use of one arm for now. (she's doing so well btw!!! I'm very proud of her!)

Anyway, when I returned, I noticed several things...

New sawdust in the kitchen. Cool... backsplash of counter had been cut and screwed back on to prep for electrical install. Made me want to help and just yank the rest of it out, now I'm feelin' it!

New electrical panel installed!

Blueberries in the fridge, and earlier in the week, blueberries AND raspberries left on the front doorstep. Being put to excellent use I might add! (thanks Vic!)

Some gardening done.

It's always abit of a game to see what's changed. I come home and race around glimpsing in rooms with a gameful smile on my face and feel victory when I spot the difference!

The game of find and seek continues to be an exciting one around here. Thanks folks!

The new office is born!

2008-07-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

AAAAAAAH! I'm in! After three long years, my office dream is finally here!

My day started off with typical work at home day with Dave whizzing to and fro in the background. I promised him after lunch I'd join in the fun for it sure looked alot more fun than paying bills and such...

So after lunch I ran to him and told him he was in charge and where did he want me.

Dave is organized and likes to see things done right, no ifs, ands or buts. I was more than happy to comply! So we focused on the pile of stuff in the office. It was high time we moved in Dave said, so we simply made today the day.

After Dave snapped up the last baseboard, the vaccum cleaner created the perfect platform for my desk. BUT first, came my Ikea trials and tribulations. I had picked up two small extentions for my current desk and oh lucky me, the manual was plenty fat and ready for me to take way too long to figure out. But eventually with abit of Dave's guidance (I moan and groan some when things get tough and he overheard me) it was done!

Next, dinosaur computer equipment. Yellowed components with Windows 98 no less but hey, it all works! Not anxious to unhook everything under the sun, I scootched it all bit by bit across the floor dragging wires galore with Dave's help.

Oops. Piano in the way. So Dave helped me finally put that thing all together (movers had dismantled some stuff)and he wanted it facing out, so our viewing public had a nicer view. Details I tell ya... oh, and we both played chopsticks together to make sure it still worked and all that.

Wow. Now I'll have to find a way to free up my memory card so I can start taking more pics! (that's why I stopped and my laptop burps when I ask it to burn a dvd.. whatever)

So, for you viewing public, I guess you'll just have to pay a visit!

I'm also planning a place for the 'signing wall.' For everyone that has helped on this project and wellwishers, I'd love them to sign a wall with a comment if they wish. I'd like to have done it sooner however nothing was painted and ready yet. So what wall do you think? The office? The bathroom wall would make for some interesting reading and be kinda funny... must ponder abit more...

Dave, thanks for a day full of laughs and some very intense exquisite work! I get to enjoy the memory of working with you every time I walk through my NEW OFFICE!

Moulding day!

2008-07-16T22:26:00.000-07:00

Dave and Vic worked on a whole lotta mouldings today. Amazing what a few well fitted pieces of board will do to a doorway or window. It's just starting to have a nice finished look in many areas now! These guys certainly know how to make pretty stuff!

Rich came by tonite and showed me how to plug in my computer once I move my office in the new area. Now I'm getting brave.. armed with abit of knowledge, I'm so ready to drag the desk in there and try it out!

Pete and Erna showed up tonite as well to check on the progress.

Some of my work got postponed so I was able to put it down and help with some renos today. We'll see what tomorrow holds. I'd imagine abit of everything. One day at a time. We're getting there...

On the balance of summer renos

2008-07-16T08:54:00.000-07:00

I'm back from a little campsite r&r. Rich had come in my absense to tinker around with the office electrical connections. Nearly ready to move in there! Thanks Rich!

I don't know about others, but for me it's hard to be indoors in summer. I mean, the good weather isn't quitting! Isn't it awesome for us rain country folk?!?

Before I escaped to my campsite last week, I finished painting the bathroom ceiling, walls and closet. It is complete! So complete it was hard to leave without hanging stuff up and making it pretty. I had also purchased a new toilet and tile and lights. So I have lots of homework and am eager to continue!

Balance. It's all about balance. Work, play and renos. Do abit of it all and it all keeps progressing slowly. Sun or no sun, I SHALL balance this juggling act out!

My 81 yr old mom got hurt last weekend by a bad fall (please pray for her recoup, broken shoulder) and I'm bringing her over to the 'reno house' this weekend to look after her as well as offer her a change of scenery. She hasn't seen what's been going on yet and there's lots to show her!

So being that I will be at home on the weekend, I just may get abit more done here and there... this could be a very good thing!

Ok, onto this glorious summer day of work, play and renos! I think I can I think I can I think I can... scratch that. I KNOW I will...

My first incredibly beautiful window!

2008-07-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Dave and Vic came Wednesday. Dave is our finishing carpenter extraordinare and I'm learning when Dave comes by, things get pretty really quick!

It's all about finishing the office downstairs. So that's the first window that was chosen. It's a large picture window. I was working at home in my office when I had to steal the odd glance up to see what the guys were up to. It was pretty exciting seeing all these long mouldings slip inside the house through the big window.

The crown moulding went up first against that beautiful pine ceiling. All I can say is WOW...

Then the window. I saw the guys building the frame outside for a moment, but I returned back to my own work again. Next thing I knew, I looked up and BAM! This drop dead gorgeous window casing, sills, frames what have you were in place. And what I saw was stunning!

Understand, I was use to seeing that bent up stained aluminum window with very ugly rough brown boards around it. To see the NEW window bright and white especially against the new paint job on the walls, incredible.

Rich also stopped by in the PM on his way through town to spec out what's been going on.

And tonite I wasn't home and when I arrived home at 10pm, (shopping for the house, what else?!?) a nice new hole was cut into the bathroom ceiling for my new ceiling fan! And my ceiling light was reinstalled in the office! (been a long while with no light in that room). AND...

Fresh delicious raspberries in my fridge!

There may be more surprises scattered around, and if so, I have yet to discover them. It's time to get some shuteye. I plan to hack away at the house Friday, finishing up some painting.

Thanks to the mystery guest tonite! (I'm guessing Pete and maybe even Vic) and to Dave and Vic for yesterday. Some days it doesn't seem like much transpires as the prep is harder to accomplish than finishing. But then one day it's simply finally done AND looks fantastic!

Just, really really cool. Renos are hard work, but through the enormous effort put forth, you are rewarded with something so beautiful in the end. Amazing what you can do with nails, boards and paint in the right hands. I am so fortunate!

Sigh...

2008-06-30T11:11:00.000-07:00

So we are in ultimate vacation land. (campsite) Weather is perfect, my flowering baskets are glorious, smores around the firepit last night exquisite... And what am I feeling?!?

I miss my new bathroom. I have ONE room looking kinda cool and I end up mourning leaving it. What will I feel when the entire house starts looking nice?!?

I clearly haven't morphed into the leisure mode yet after being so busy. Either that or I have much bigger issues to deal with... LOL

Lessons in paint colours and surprise bathroom outcome

2008-06-29T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have had my trials with paint colours lately. My ultimate goal was to run one shade of the perfect taupe throught the entire house. I've only done that once before and loved the blending factor of how the house just pulled together, plus for touchups, it was a breeze, one roller, one brush and you could go to any room!

Well, the trouble with that theory is, the darker rooms, especially facing north with only one window, tended to appear cavelike while other rooms with lots of light washed out. But naturally there was ONE room in there that was always perfect...

After 5 colours, I've figured out my pallet. (crazy, I know, I don't begin for anyone to understand what my eye sees...) It's one undertone, but will be three different intensities throughout the house. I just have to remember what I painted where. (btw, all the crazy colours I've tried and failed with are undercoats so not all is wasted)

This is the email I shot off to Vic this fine AM:

_________________________________________

Good morning Vic

Just to let you know, the office downstairs is now complete and ready for the finishing carpenter.

The bathroom has one coat of paint on both ceiling and walls, and I'll finish it upon my return. (ran out of paint for both) It looks amazing.

I LOVE the pedistal sink upstairs! You will see what I mean when you see it. I'm incredibly pleased to report I have no desire for a large vanity in there! Thank-you for helping me save hundreds of dollars.

Once a room I dreaded, I now love. I'm so grateful to all of you.

Have a wonderful vacation! And please thank Gina for the lovely sink.

Donna

_________________________________________

I can barely stand it! That ruins room has turned out to be better and different than what I even anticipated.

Vic has been coming daily lately to tinker with the tub taps and gyproc to get it done. Yesterday he brought over a pedistal sink he had stored in his barn. He doesn't like to see me going without and was concerned about me not having a vanity upstairs for some time so he brought the sink over for a temporary substitute. I had never considered a pedistal before, so my mind started working.

The bathroom is on the smaller side and I've never liked the long skinny profile. And I knew the exsisting vanity was an issue as it sucked up most every square inch of the room space. But it was there, came with the house and it stored lots of stuff. So I just assumed I needed another just like it one day.

Once the vanity was torn out, I was stunned how the room transformed. And I had made up my mind to not purchase a new one right away because of funds and not knowing what my gut was saying on the whole big vanity issue. So it was easier to just decide not yet.

After painting the room last night, I had to try the pedistal sink in the bathroom. I propped it into place. And couldn't stop there. I grabbed an oval black mirror I had purchased for the ensuite and placed it over the sink. Next was the old antique distressed black and taupe ladder to hold towels. Then a long area carpet.

I smile whenever I walk past my favourite room. I don't have to flick on the light because the colour isn't dark, yet it's warm and inviting. The visual space in the bathroom with the pedistal makes the room look amazingly much larger than it was. I am so pleased with the results!

And it's unique. My most favorite passion is creating something new out of odds and sods. The room works and I incorporated my unusual antique finds to boot! It's casual, yet elegant. It's perfect. And the tiling isn't even done yet! (that and a new toilet is next)

And yesterday while shopping for (ahem) PAINT, I came across a patio set at an amazing price. As the set came with 6 chairs, I could take two chairs to the campsite and still have four at home! And the umbrella could go on my campsite picnic table! So when I came home, I had Sonny my neighbour help me remove the boxes out of my truck. Jake then wandered over and viewed my latest find. But I had plans to paint, so in the house I went, leaving the box outside for me to get to later. While painting, I heard Jake and Zack outside, peeked around the corner and saw them pulling lawn chair components out of the boxes. Oh my goodness... I was so grateful! And the set looks amazing on the newly covered patio. Wowwowwow.

It's like Christmas morning everyday in this house. I can barely get use to the changes before other ones are before me. It's overwhelming and very exciting! Oh.. look at the time! I have to go now to make an excuse to walk through my pedistal sink bathroom. Again. :)

Thanks to the paint store lady for her incredible patience with me (and for finally giving me a contractor's discount due to sheer quantity!) and to Vic (his daily help) and Gina (for her sink) for helping me create a bathroom I adore. And to Jake and Zach for helping create a wonderful place to sit and rest from all the daily work that goes on here!

It's getting hard to stop now...

Kitchen decisions made! Finally!

2008-06-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

The kitchen has been one long stretch. First cabinet choices, but that one was fairly easy as spotted what I loved right away. Appliances tricky, alot out there and you have to become a pro in a short timeframe. The hardwood floor was chosen and bought 2 years ago being stored in my basement all this time. Paint colour has been my biggest hurdle. I like taupes but they have to be the right undertone. I make it hard on me simply because I see more than what others may. Let's just say, when you start correcting the paint gal at the store, you're in DEEP. It's hard to be me at times.

But it's working!

Cabinets - check!
Countertops - check!
Island size - confirming and still tweeking to suit
Appliances - I have choices to work with but I haven't purchased yet, will wait closer to fall when the kitchen would be installed. I have a wonderful contact that will notify me when my favs go on sale.

Cody and I will be camping all next week so I'm going to work hard and get that office painted before we leave!

Vic showed up last night to check on things. I've slowed the progress down some due to my stall in painting. So it was nice to see Vic.

And tonite Pete and Erna stopped in. Then they suggested I tour their place so Cody and I jumped in the truck (as Cody exclaims, 'But mom, it's bedtime!' Since when did he care so much?!?) It was alot of fun to see how they set up their kitchen and gave me a few more ideas to mull over.

I have just made some of the best friends over the last couple of months. It doesn't get much better than this.

Ok, well, maybe ABIT better once the kitchen is beautiful and complete! I have soooo much to look forward to! And be thankful for!

My campground getaway.. leisure or work?

2008-06-22T10:56:00.001-07:00

So I escaped to the campground this weekend.

This season is playing out very different from other years. Cody is with his dad on most weekends so that leaves me with some total solitude. It's different, but still nice. As always. I love being here.

My trailer is smaller this year too as I downgraded my 24' to a 17'. But it's newer and nicer inside so the tradeoff has been a good one. I'm happy to report, I'm starting to bond with my new 2nd home.

And how does this translate into work you ask? Trust me, I find something to work on.

Most others have personalized their spaces by now. I haven't spent enough time up here to do that as yet. But after visiting my neighbours and seeing their beautiful setups, plants and such, I walked into my spot and stood on my bare little cement blocked patio and decided it was time.

I did my homework. I walked the entire site peeking in on other's setups. Some had gorgeous wooden patios (not in my budget by any means) and others, beautiful gardens. (wow..) So my first stop was the campground boneyard.

I LOVE boneyards! For those not familiar with the term, it's a collection of unused crap. And if you're a flea market queen such as I, you love to go through it and create new and wonderful stuff out of special finds.

I found some cool stuff. I found two longish small benches that I set on the left and right side of my cement patio. I found a picnic table top only (no benches attached) that I placed to the right side of the patio for the table top bbq and campstove. And to the left, I found the perfect stripped picnic table (took alot of searching!) with no stain left on it that a campground friend helped me lug over.

And I started scrubbing. Lots of green on this lovely wooden stuff. Once the green was off, it revealed a really nice weathered putty colour stain, that matched my trailer! SCORE!

So I visited the campsite owner and inquired if they had the same colour leftover paint. She laughed at me and explained this was 20 yr old paint I was talking about! But she was curious as to what I was up to so I showed her my new setup. She then led me into the boneyard paintshop. We found the can! And it wasn't dry!

So I started whitewashing the wooden stuff, piece by piece. This wasn't work. This was cool. Where you forget to eat kinda cool.

I looked at the time. I HAD to dash out and look for a couple of flowering plants. I found a place in Agassiz that had stuff on for a fraction of what it's worth due to the time of year and got two flowering baskets, one for each bench top. Came back, tried it out, perfect! Continued with painting.

Jenna was NOT very impressed with my long day at the site, for she was missing out on her beach walk. Ok ok... I reluctantly put down the brushes and rags, whipped up some dinner (a baby steak, corn on the cob and Vic's delicious baked potates) and then we did our beach walk.

Then it became dark so I visited some campsite neighbours instead, borrowed a movie to watch, and forced myself to wait until today to continue.

My 'new look' isn't quite complete yet but it's turning out awesome! And very personalized and best of all, FREE! With a little creativity... So much so I'm curious if they'd release some of that boneyard stuff so I could do a set of something or other for my renovated home too. Like I don't have enough to do at home already...

My thoughts have most definately been on the house and what I ought to be doing there. But I'll be there soon enough so I'm trying not to immerse myself in it. Chill out, diversion is the survival technique for me it seems.

I'll post pics of my little hideaway when it's complete. As for now, time to get back to wor... leisure!

Thurs June 19 - moving forward

2008-06-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

It's been waaaay too long since I've updated. I've been working, missing some of the action done at the house so I'm not always up to date on what's transpired. But looking around, there are new touches. EVERYWHERE.

Let's see how I do from total memory here...

Stucco pro Chris has now finished the stucco work! It's fabulous.

Dave did a demo and started me off with caulking around the outside of the windows. No excuses now for me! He also covered up some not so pretty support beam by the stairs. What a difference!

Vic has been coming by to finish up around the tub area with gyproc and is fiddling with the taps. He also installed some gorgeous heavy duty shelving in the office downstairs.

Jake installed the last bathroom door. It's a gorgeous door and the install is perfect!

Janette and Ralph finished up the outdoor siding around the windows! I'm in the company of alot of pros here.

Vic was generous enough to come and pick up a whole lotta garbage.

Someone's been tinkering in the garden. It's really growing!

Josh finished up the mudding in the office, so I primed it the next day. It's beautiful, Josh! I can't believe that's the same room...

Ralph has finished painting ALL the trim mouldings, casings, baseboards and window sill boards (whatever they're called). It's quite a sight stacked in the garage! They look awesome!

Pete picked up a fuse box thing in preparation for the electrical continuing.

I've bugged Gina here and there for some quick awesome decorating advice.

I apologize if I missed anyone and their tasks they accomplished. My memory isn't quite what it use to be.

K, so for some comedy relief, here's what I've personally been going through... note how it's abit fiasco-ish when it comes to me in charge of something...

I started crackfilling in the upstairs main bathroom when the paint 'much too easily' started peeling away while I attempted a corner with a putty knife. So I kept on going. Some places stick, others don't. Ugh.. what have I done... I've created a look alike old historic building with cracked plaster showing. May suit Italy but in here... well...

I have a lovely tub and toilet ensemble sitting on my driveway with a story to go with it. Vic has been asking me if I wanted that toilet out by the road. I didn't really give him an answer so we left it in the bathroom. Well, Cody forgot that it wasn't functionable... so you get the idea. I was working away in the bathroom when the 'fragrance' hit me and continued to grow. In a frenzie, I looked EVERYWHERE. I mean, new plywood, new tub, no dirty laundry, WHERE on earth is that smell coming from?!? I then froze and slowly lifted the lid to the toilet. Sigh... did what I had to do but couldn't quite reach the trap I guess because things only improved for a short while. That night late, I called Jake to help me get that toilet to the roadside PRONTO.

Still on the search for the perfect lights that I can simply say, "I love it!" to. Didn't realize just how picky I was. Oy, I'm picky. I'm getting tired of myself. So are the stores and security cameras. I go open boxes, can't put them back together and I leave. At times I've had stuff in buggies and have LEFT the store, only to return 2 hours later and there the buggy still waits for me. I buy, hold it up and bring it back. I need a fulltime decorator/bookeeper/shopper here.

Today I picked up some paint and have been running room to room experimenting with colour. Lookin' just like a patchwork quilt I say. I'm working with a sample board from the kitchen place. Have I chosen well? I'll wait till daylight. I'm going to remain somewhat optimistic till then. If I messed up, I just purchased basecoat for my final coat, right?!?

Samples of rock for the fireplace are all over the living room. Working with paint, cabinets, floors... you know how it goes. Why not trip over that stuff along with everything else just to make things interesting?

For a sanity saver, I've left for Harrison the odd Saturday after renos for the day are over. It's been a nice break and leaves me refreshed to get back at it again come Monday. One weekend all I did was read about renos and felt like I never left the house. Big mistake. Last weekend I read lah lah land stuff and enjoyed the sunshine and going for walks. That really did the trick!

Anyway, I'm really enjoying the process as things progress. I sure appreciate everyone's help but feel for them. I will miss them when the project is complete but at the same time I want them home with their own families. Just know, I feel so very very blessed. Thank-you all! I feel like I have a family taking care of me. And that's just a very nice feeling to have.