Update...

Sorry it has taken me a ridiculously long time to update, but progress is SLOW! You never realize how long it is going to take to get stuff the way you like it! There is still SO much more to be done, but here are a few updates for the rooms.


Our Bedroom... I'm working on something to go over the top of the bed!





"Artwork" in our guest bathroom. I put some black and white wrapping paper that I had into frames that were unused :-).

Office... Work in progress. The desk was originally wood, but I painted it myself!

Picking out colors for the office/guest room... We haven't found one we love yet.

Hercules, Hercules...

I have decided that houses that need a little TLC are for patient people. I think we bought the wrong house. Everyone knows that I'm the type A in our relationship, and would like everything done 10 minutes ago. That's just not happening, so I think I am going to have look at the small things as victories. Victory number 1... I (as in ME) fixed the dishwasher. Yep, just a quick turn of the wrist, and miraculously the dishwasher is running. I guess water is an important part of the cleaning process. Victory number 2... Jay got the garbage disposal to work. It still smells like, well we won't go there. Anyhow, these small victories are the things wars are won by. Today, we will charge onto finding a washer/dryer...

Things we've learned...

We officially signed the 99 papers it takes to buy a home, and we're homeowners... So EXCITING, right?!? HAHAHAHA
Here's what we've learned in T minus 3 days:
* Never believe a Mortgage company.
* Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.
* Call before you dig.
* Paint only goes half as far as you think it will.
* A home depot down the street is crucial.
* Check the timer on the irrigation system.
* Double the time you "think" it will take to complete any given task.
* Just because a dishwasher runs, doesn't mean it works.

That's it for my sage wisdom now. Will post more updates and before after pictures later.

And the countdown is on...

So, we are in the final days. Packing is finally underway, and we have SO much to do. I think maybe it was not the best idea to push the move date up, but I think in the end it will be worth it. We picked out some colors for the master bedroom and bathroom. And after testing several different shades we finally found one.

I loved the nightingale color from Benjamin Moore, but we had Home Depot match it up, and it will save us about 60 bucks... Holla!!


Here's a picture of Jay being all handy and trying to figure out EXACTLY how much paint we need... We will not waste a drop...


Here's a picture of us, literally waiting for the paint to dry.

Also, have some ideas to spruce up the oh so sexy chandelier... If you have any ideas, input is valued!

The glass pieces can be removed, along with the stand they hang from. I am thinking of spray painting the main piece and adding some lamp covers to make due until we can fit something nicer in our budget.

Free to a good home... I do not think there is enough TLC in the world to update this joker...

Luxury Items...

I am so excited that we are getting a pool this year. We both had agreed that it is a long term goal to have a pool. Growing up in a beach town, I need something to fill my need to hang out in the (alligator free) water. As an alternative to the in-ground pool costs, I proposed a short term fix, and here are the options:

Option 1: The smaller, but mor economical option. Still stylish and functional, but obviously does not offer the punch of color of the second option.



Option 2: The more luxurious of the options, and obviously double the costs. However, I do think it will be worth it.

BiG Ideas

So, I ran across an article talking about the size of photos, and how bigger is better: http://amyrophotography.com/blog/bigger-really-is-better-providence-photography/
In the article the photographer shared a picture of her home. She has the most simple idea, but for some reason it had not yet occured to me. Pictures over the couch! So, BIG pictures it will be. The house is so dated, that "we" are trying to update it with a contemporary style. I am really struggling on keeping my ideas contemporary, but still look lived in and "homey". Picking the pictures could be an issue since, well half our frames still have the fake families in them. Anddd, of course Jay immediately says "sounds expensive" when I tell him my idea of canvas prints. Here is the picture, and maybe the fact that she has a cute kid makes a difference in the final product :-). If you're ever in RI and need photos, give her a shout!

The Packing Begins...

So, despite being "down" with our friend Dave (Ramsey)... We're not independently wealthy yet. This means we have to move ourselves. Two words: Moving Sucks! You really never realize how much crap you have, until it's time to move. If I had ANY idea we were going to be moving, I'm pretty sure I would have never unpacked all of our beautiful wedding gifts. At least I would have had a head start. But, we weren't that smart... We decided on a whim to look on a Sunday, and sign a contract at 11 on a Tuesday, the night before we left for Vegas to get married. After all, we're getting married and that's what married people do... buy houses. The good news is we were smart enough to do it 9 days before the tax credit expired... Thank you lil baby J! Here are some pics of our progress.

Mills helping out, and guarding the most important box of all... The booze!

Guest Bedroom... pretty sure someone threw-up packing materials.


The thing I dread packing up the most... Yes, they are in alphabetical order. On the upside, I think we'll get a second shelf after we move so they're no longer overflowing to the sides.

"Dress" it up :)

I'm a huge fan of this dresser from k.f.d designs out of Atlanta (http://kfddesigns.blogspot.com/). I am thinking I might do greys to tie the rooms in the house together, and this may be something I look into doing down the road in the guest room.

Starter House...

So, here are the long awaited pictures of what we will be working with... As you can see, there is no where but up to go! Jay and I are so excited to get to work and make it a home. Tons of potential, just needs a little TLC.

This tree is begging for a tire swing...

Eeekkkk... All I can say is thank goodness we got a crockpot as a wedding gift.

Sexy Burlapesque Panels...

Linoleum... Nuff said.

So excited about the wet and wild shower shows Jay will be putting on while I'm taking a bath!

No, you cannot have our vintage 80's Chandelier.

Backyard, and deck... Miller is going to be SO happy.

A picture from the back. It's not quite so sad looking in person...

Day Dreaming...

So, I was thinking of how we can decorate the house to make it look more updated without having to put a boatload of money into it right upfront. After MONTHS of searching, I finally found the an idea for the master bedroom. We're going to do green, white, and grey. Sounds like an odd combination, but I think it's going to be fab. It's the first duvet cover I've brought home and Jay hasn't cringed! I cannot wait to pull everything together. Here are a few pictures of my "inspiration" and of our new duvet set. Gotta love West Elm!

The Honeymoon is Over

The wedding is over **sigh** and as soon as we get home, it's back to reality. We hit the ground running, and were set to go on the inspection for the house. Things are looking pretty good with a few things here and there that luckily the seller is willing to take care of! With this comes a whole new stage of planning (just when I thought it was over)... The house is definitely a starter house, but has serious potential and is in a fantastic neighborhood. If all goes well, I see backyard BBQs in our immediate future.