tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2836005247014325672024-03-05T14:36:23.005-05:00Seven Town WayWhere busy lifestyle and design combine.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-34678787066827443332014-09-18T10:41:00.000-04:002014-09-18T10:57:57.370-04:00Beginning a New Project: Basement Home OfficeWe've officially been in our "new" home for 7 months now. Wow, time flies, eh?<br />
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When we hit our 6 month anniversary, I had planned to get a "6 months in" progress review written. The plan was that I would take current pictures of all the rooms in the house and do a before/after comparison. However, that would mean cleaning my house from top to bottom in order to get those photos. And unless we're having company over, that's a near impossible task these days.<br />
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So...in order to procrastinate further on the progress review, we're going to make strides in the actual progress department. This post kicks off the beginning of the basement home office project. Yay!<br />
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I'm hoping that this is one space that we can stick to until completion. I know I've mentioned in that past that we are completely ADD do-it-yourselfers. We still have yet to finish the girls room, make additional improvements to our bedroom, finish the half bath, finish the entryway makeover, and now we're throwing the basement office space into the mix too. There is also no doubt that we will start on the boys shared bedroom sooner than later, too. If I were to give advice to anyone, I'd say, "pick one space and focus
on that until it's done." But I can't follow that advice myself, so here
we are!<br />
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Considering that my commute is often taking me an average of two hours just one way lately, I'm going to try to work at home more often. It's amazing how much more productive you can be when you pull 4 hours of driving out of your schedule. With that in mind, we decided to make the "home office" a little more inviting.<br />
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This space previously consisted of my craft desk and a whole bunch of clutter stuffed into the back corner of the basement. It was totally overrun by toys and just plain stuff that hasn't found a home since our move. (Yea, 7 months and we're still working on unpacking. Oi.)<br />
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I wanted to take a good "before" picture of the space so that you could see this whole wall that would eventually become the wall-to-wall desk. But instead, I captured my husband's annoyed, "just take the picture already" look.<br />
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A few years ago, Justin made me this Ikea Expedit Hack Craft Desk. We took two Expedits, affixed a top to it with 3 10x1 boards, and applied a little paint.<br />
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It got a lot of use when I used to have more time to sew. Now, it just hold my two monitors and some other <i>stuff</i>.<br />
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We are huge fans of reusing stuff where we can, so we came up with this plan:<br />
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This "plan" includes a wall to wall desk using a few boards from the old craft desk, and floating shelves for storage.<br />
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If you follow on Facebook, you saw our "teaser" the other weekend as we were working on staining the desk top.<br />
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What we've done so far to the space has been really easy. We stained the boards with Minwax American Walnut, and used a Kreg Jig in order to piece all of the boards together seamlessly. For now, the boards are sitting on top of the two Expedit shelves.<br />
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We will eventually push the Expedit cubes fully to each side (right and left) and build a cabinet in the middle. By placing a cabinet right in the middle, it will provide the desk top with additional stability and help to define two separate work stations; one for computer work, and one for sewing/crafts.<br />
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Next though, we need to sand some walls and get painting!<br />
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I have picked out Valspar's "Sparkling Lake" and love the way it looks against the stained wood!<br />
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That's all I have for today. I hope to have another update for you on this space next week. No promises though. We <i>may</i> or may not have already started demoing our master bath too...<br />
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I can't be the only one out there with a million projects going, right?!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-20240441966353132312014-09-05T12:01:00.002-04:002014-09-05T12:01:52.381-04:00White Ektorp Slipcover Debacle: An Ikea Slipcover TradegyMy white Ikea Ektorp slipcover. I bought it, I loved it, and then I washed it....<br />
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A while ago, I wrote <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/05/minor-living-room-updates.html" target="_blank">this post</a> about how it was wearing and swore to post an update after it's first wash.Well, here we go!<br />
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After we moved into this house, I knew immediately that I wanted a white slipcover for our couch. In fact, even when we lived in our old house in Annapolis, I put this mood board together hoping to convince my husband that we should get the white slipcover for our Ikea Extorp sectional. No dice.<br />
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But when we moved into this place, we got a gift card at closing from our bank. I guess when you plan to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan in interest alone, the bank decides to give you $200 back as a "thank you" gift. So I took that as an opportunity to spend $99 of it on my coveted slipcover.<br />
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It has made it through its first wash and now looks like this:<br />
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I could cry. (And not because there are little feet injuring tiny toys sprinkled all over the floor. Darn My Little Pony jewels!) Despite following the washing directions, our white slipcover looks like someone attempted to tie-dye it yellow. What. In. The. World. Happened?!<br />
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I've tried bleaching it. No luck. I've tried washing it and putting it out to dry in the blinding sun. No luck. So, in short, my review is simple: I am NOT happy. I followed the washing instructions and my lovely white slipcover is ruined. Poop.<br />
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And now Justin says it is so ugly that we can't put it back on the couch. I'm stuck with Old Blue once again...<br />
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Many years ago, Old Blue once was part of a Pottery Barn wunnabe mood board, but it's a little past it's prime now. I don't like it as much in this room, and especially not with my new Ikat pillows and paint color.<br />
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Old Blue once looked like this in all its glory:<br />
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Old Blue even had this mood board created around it:<br />
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But Old Blue just looks too old and worn now, and it is just not cutting it.<br />
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Does anyone have any tricks up their sleeve in regards to saving my favorite white cover? Or should we just scrap the idea of ever having a white couch and dye the ruined white cover another color? Navy? Gray? Let me know what you think!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-73242370133636741592014-09-03T11:13:00.001-04:002014-09-03T11:13:40.389-04:00Grid Style Board and Batten Entryway and Drop Zone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In an effort to get ahead of the back to school clutter, we had to implement something other than our puny little coat rack in order to tame the mess. After a lot of Pinspiration (that's a thing, right?) I drew up a plan in my handy notebook that resulted in this:<br />
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Hear the angel's singing? It's beautiful. I swear, I should rename this blog "My Husband Made It", because he takes my crazy ideas and turns them into awesomeness like this.<br />
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Here is the progression of this little space.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF_QSemDrqHrXzOOuupGzWKrvJnTyaKagS-EZ_h9TatQ8SQzqJZI1eNaqM_9k-KyWa4EuUDnS7YlPwWp0h4hlN2pdyowQl5eL9C6GiNheg-78-bi-jW5qkjMQmRQIpA7G4PDeRoAU-uQ/s1600/Entryway+progression.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF_QSemDrqHrXzOOuupGzWKrvJnTyaKagS-EZ_h9TatQ8SQzqJZI1eNaqM_9k-KyWa4EuUDnS7YlPwWp0h4hlN2pdyowQl5eL9C6GiNheg-78-bi-jW5qkjMQmRQIpA7G4PDeRoAU-uQ/s1600/Entryway+progression.png" /></a></div>
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This was a totally bare space when we moved in. In fact, when we first toured this house, the tenants of the previous owner kept guinea pigs and cages in this corner. We have a little closet in the family room, but we knew that there was no way that this little corner wouldn't get cluttered up with coats, shoes and backpacks. With fours kids, I would spend my entire life hanging coats in the closet, and "ain't nobody got time for that."<br />
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We originally hung up a cute little coat hook that my father-in-law made. It's cute, but it just wasn't quite enough to tame the whirlwind of stuff that kept getting deposited here.<br />
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Next, we intend to build a long bench to go here to complete the space. Maybe we'll hang some key hooks on the short wall. I just can't wait to put another item on the "honey <strike>do</strike> build" list.<br />
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In order to build out our awesome grid style board and batten wall, we started by affixing furring strips horizontally to the wall.<br />
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The horizontal strips were screwed into the studs and vertical pieces were cut to size and affixed with liquid nails.<br />
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Once everything was up, we caulked...<br />
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puttied....<br />
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and sanded.<br />
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Here's where I have to note that if we were to do this project over again, we would have upgraded the wood to a true 1x3 pine or MDF. We spent a lot more money on a large quantity of wood putty and sand paper. Furring strips are really rough and therefore required a ton of patience and sanding in order to get smooth strips and seamless joints.<br />
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All in all, I am ecstatic with the results. And so far, it has helped to contain the clutter! The low placement of the hooks has provided an accessible way for the kids to take over picking up their own stuff. That makes one happy mamma!<br />
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Tell me, what kind of organization projects have you tackled in preparation for the new school year?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-62356531522708011452014-08-25T15:57:00.001-04:002014-08-25T16:32:07.884-04:00A Whole Lot of RandomMy, oh my! It sure has been busy around here...<br />
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Between the total craziness at my day job and getting the kids/house ready to go back to school, I feel like it's been pure chaos around here. There are just not enough hours in the day, or enough days in the week. Can we just make weekends a little bit longer? That would help out a ton!<br />
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I didn't get a post out last week due to all the chaos, so today's includes a number of random things we've been up to lately. And a lot of grainy iPhone pictures.<br />
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As I mentioned, we have been getting the kids and house ready for back to school. The kids are actually back in school as of today! And in an effort to get ahead of the clutter that's sure to come with the kids back in school, we have been tackling a few projects to prep for the mess. First on that list: Creating a pretty and functional drop zone wall in our entryway!<br />
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We finished the wall just in time. Although, this picture shows a work still in progress, I plan to "reveal" the space later this week. While this project was in the works, there was even MORE clutter than usual. Isn't that the way it usually goes? Tear one space apart until you finish your project and can manage to put it back together?<br />
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We have added some hooks to the wall in accessible heights for the littles. The plan is that this wall will provide a space in which they can hang up their own back packs and coats. Every little bit that the kiddos can contribute to a cleaner and more organized home is extremely helpful.<br />
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We're also in the progress of power washing the side of the house. I'm always amazed at the amount of grime that gets washed away by the power washer. Too bad we can only reach a certain height without a ladder. That might be something that we want to invest in sometime... In the meantime, you can see the point at which we just can't reach any higher!<br />
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In the meantime, we're also power-washing the fence. I'm trying to convince the hubs that we should also seal the fence with some sort of decking sealer. Have you ever tried to power-wash and seal your fence? I'm totally open to suggestions.<br />
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Also on the fence topic, we put up some galvanized steel wire to keep the dog in the fence. Sadie, the dog, thought that it was 100% acceptable to do her business in the neighbor's yard and then take a leisurely jaunt across the street to visit the other neighbors. No one was amused by this, accept Sadie, of course.<br />
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Last, but by no means least, we also celebrated a very special 6th birthday!<br />
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Our beautiful Skylar is now 6 and is now officially a first grader. Where does time go? It feels like no time at all has passed since she was a baby. We've really enjoyed watching her grow up to be such an adventurous little girl. If there's ever an activity that one of the kids is hesitant about trying, Skylar is always the first to jump right in. Riding bikes, racing down hills, you name it, she's a total daredevil. <br />
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With every spare moment we have had lately, we've tried to soak up every little last bit of summer.<br />
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With lots of bike riding.<br />
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Playing outside and walks to the park.<br />
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And even a trip to Knoebel's Amusement park with friends!<br />
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Summer vacation is officially over, but we had a blast! On to another new chapter of our lives :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-10626104313793188642014-08-08T10:19:00.001-04:002014-08-08T10:19:30.949-04:00Inspiring Shutter Project Round-UpRecently, Hometalk asked me to curate a board of shutter related projects. I had a blast browsing the site to find some inspirational projects. Having done our own <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/07/live-and-learn-lesson-painting-shutters.html" target="_blank">shutter makeovers</a>, I forgot that there are so many creative things that you can do with shutters, including making your own!<br />
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If you are not familiar with Hometalk, it is a site where you can browse home and garden projects, share your own, or even post questions to the community. It's a great place to find inspiration on a variety of things; home decor, home improvement, landscaping, you name it. If it's a topic related to your home, you'll find it there. But I warn you, it's a lot like Pinterest in the sense that it will suck you in. Before you know it, you'll find yourself having spent hours browsing.<br />
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Click on the graphic below to check out my roundup of adorable shutter related projects on Hometalk!<br />
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I just love the idea of using an old pair of wood shutters for a <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/1791844/shutter-headboard-tutorial" target="_blank">headboard</a>, or using a <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/586640/need-an-easy-fix-for-a-blank-wall-add-a-wall-of-shutters" target="_blank">whole wall</a> of them to add visual interest to a room. So. Many. Ideas.</div>
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Take a look and tell me which one is your favorite!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-7145214022387616762014-08-06T08:00:00.000-04:002014-08-08T14:43:10.131-04:00Kitchen Paint Color Selected: Kitchen PaintedI thank you all for your input into our kitchen color selection process. It turns out that Tranquility was the winner by popular vote! However, we picked Pirate Coast in the end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pGVnAAKhKjuRCEBT15Kj-9M5lZWTSJ_p4IKGlgMm0d9tcl5T94yFLN7ZRmUO5YyMqE3p-5ETwJb4ybEU8WqlRjsqsdjb27F7Smxgq0eefBRfgMEJwcbWQ4z_mHlWgnwp13wgiyyzXCk/s1600/valspar+tranquility+vs+pirate+coast+kitchen+paint+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pGVnAAKhKjuRCEBT15Kj-9M5lZWTSJ_p4IKGlgMm0d9tcl5T94yFLN7ZRmUO5YyMqE3p-5ETwJb4ybEU8WqlRjsqsdjb27F7Smxgq0eefBRfgMEJwcbWQ4z_mHlWgnwp13wgiyyzXCk/s1600/valspar+tranquility+vs+pirate+coast+kitchen+paint+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
This room probably gets the most light in the house, so we could have
gone with a slightly darker shade, but I wanted this room to be as
bright as possible.We might bring in some darker color down the road
if/when we decide to either repaint or refinish the cabinets.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyGCQT5tQFQlR1C2Hn3q4me1f6_iKsooRRkudiLne7CSSDX_FmJWspeDyUvKSr7C_MQVgtHhwBfUPBBKGqzCCBp02AQvisVciXud7nW5lCG_ZwbizPiZImOHj3MdVzrJaLQEwtk6u2Zc/s1600/Kitchen+Eat+In+Space+Before+and+After.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyGCQT5tQFQlR1C2Hn3q4me1f6_iKsooRRkudiLne7CSSDX_FmJWspeDyUvKSr7C_MQVgtHhwBfUPBBKGqzCCBp02AQvisVciXud7nW5lCG_ZwbizPiZImOHj3MdVzrJaLQEwtk6u2Zc/s1600/Kitchen+Eat+In+Space+Before+and+After.png" /></a></div>
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Isn't is lovely?<br />
<br />
Excuse the fact that the table and chairs are shifted slightly to the right of the rug and look like they are about to fall off the edge. Kids. I'll blame it on the kids. People should hire them to move furniture, because they do a great job! And I totally didn't catch the lopsidedness until now...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7BK09jhBXjIiW7rBJXRDaUEXaqnjIWyEp69NITjWNnp1pXSDg0j-BA_qTA7mSB-xqc9zrCQ_TToyGnY2ra5cvC0sbBJi_c8e8VvMB5iPw8_IFOCvb5CJm03WfUu0GXHTRaYE_ZTQEiA/s1600/new+kitchen+paint+with+light+colored+cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7BK09jhBXjIiW7rBJXRDaUEXaqnjIWyEp69NITjWNnp1pXSDg0j-BA_qTA7mSB-xqc9zrCQ_TToyGnY2ra5cvC0sbBJi_c8e8VvMB5iPw8_IFOCvb5CJm03WfUu0GXHTRaYE_ZTQEiA/s1600/new+kitchen+paint+with+light+colored+cabinets.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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<br />
I can't wait until we get around the stage in our kitchen re-do when we get to rip our the backsplash. And replace counters. And swap out appliances. And replace that microwave hood that no longer works, causing a "ceiling tan" on the drywall above the stove. Yum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw_-xqSB6fYYON7SmyiNIf_pgj7q7WEAmc8dWB15p7P9B959tAkN0urXSE62soOv40FS95j9XM3H04EpnvjqmQ7lK3r1jKGi9DXeuJ8jhUWxRkB_IzS7CCExwT0P20tjL5DeHvDrzvw8/s1600/diy+kitchen+island.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw_-xqSB6fYYON7SmyiNIf_pgj7q7WEAmc8dWB15p7P9B959tAkN0urXSE62soOv40FS95j9XM3H04EpnvjqmQ7lK3r1jKGi9DXeuJ8jhUWxRkB_IzS7CCExwT0P20tjL5DeHvDrzvw8/s1600/diy+kitchen+island.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
But look at that beautiful <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-island-creation.html" target="_blank">DIY island</a>!<br />
<br />
And for comparison sake, this was a picture of the kitchen on move in day. Excuse Oaken's big head and the blurry iPhone pic. Look at those dark green walls!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy7sg8iIfCFupuI8j5jIKw3yJbdjaZaOinyhkK_ykBwWVZGgGuW7dl2kzNt_5mOzyK8LYiF2eP9Ok8TU1B7dBjIjvzN4EulDxEYW65dBHUmSVIy6UR9sp5EaOZ__fIFMvNjURzF0CvI8/s1600/kitchen+before+picture+move+in+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAy7sg8iIfCFupuI8j5jIKw3yJbdjaZaOinyhkK_ykBwWVZGgGuW7dl2kzNt_5mOzyK8LYiF2eP9Ok8TU1B7dBjIjvzN4EulDxEYW65dBHUmSVIy6UR9sp5EaOZ__fIFMvNjURzF0CvI8/s1600/kitchen+before+picture+move+in+day.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
When
we first put the new paint on the walls, we kept thinking...It's white. Like
almost completely white. In comparison to the dark green, it felt
completely devoid of color. And, for a little while, I regretted our
decision. However, after a few coats of the new color, we decided we really
really liked it. It's amazing how much bigger the kitchen feels now!
It's a much happier color and so much more "us". Yay!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3gRGOGIrPTpxDYNG1CMPCMNn0rWG8uHt5W-CM0dXSsjQWAW3tvxnNwG9PWSvDf3XHLJlyKXJOeJ-eh8XPyRlfYCgt20ohY5YErg6ustqJ2JbEY95Tj0fdYL6wwk7jRShgJmH_NkDfBY/s1600/Kitchen+eat+in+area+pirate+coast+paint+ceiling+fan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ3gRGOGIrPTpxDYNG1CMPCMNn0rWG8uHt5W-CM0dXSsjQWAW3tvxnNwG9PWSvDf3XHLJlyKXJOeJ-eh8XPyRlfYCgt20ohY5YErg6ustqJ2JbEY95Tj0fdYL6wwk7jRShgJmH_NkDfBY/s1600/Kitchen+eat+in+area+pirate+coast+paint+ceiling+fan.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next
on the kitchen list is to do something with that big blank wall behind
the table. Plank wall? Big black and white photos? A banquette bench?
The wheels are churning!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-72209535869111448022014-07-30T14:47:00.000-04:002014-07-30T15:03:07.419-04:00supercalifragilistic-EXPEDIT-alidocious: Our plans for an Expedit Changing TableA crazy post name to accompany another "should have been super easy" type project!<br />
<br />
Okay, first of all... Whose GREAT idea was it to discontinue the Expedit? I get that Ikea is trying to reduce it's footprint with all of its wood consumption, blah, blah, blah, but c'mon. We all know it's a ploy to produce a cheaper, but similar product with the new Kallax series. (Here's the link to <a href="http://gizmodo.com/heres-why-ikea-is-discontinuing-everyones-favorite-sh-1527126312" target="_blank">Gizmodo's article</a> explaining the change.) I'm being a little dramatic, but I want the Expedit back! And by the way, Ikea, you might want to actually want to have the Kallax in stock before you completely sell out of the Expedit. Just a thought.<br />
<br />
I guess I should provide a little background here. A while ago, I explained that one of the items on my<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/04/ye-olde-to-do-list.html" target="_blank"> to-do list</a> was to create a changing station for baby Cullen. Because we cloth diaper, I wanted an area with quick access to the potty when he gets a little older. (You know, for diaper spraying and whatnot.) We're trying to make cloth diapering as easy on ourselves as possible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5uWjbZp4pattasgZG4NLeVYoZkneupLF4b8zK2GHevJILtnLBmBBElc0Tkv9PvMUCqcky2j9kfSoWwlm62ZDGqIx_vIusycjdNrDWlkrUKlh_aGVm5_thzqqG3PFLigm7a1fM-r4zEI/s1600/Cullen+Cloth+Diapers+Bum+Genius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5uWjbZp4pattasgZG4NLeVYoZkneupLF4b8zK2GHevJILtnLBmBBElc0Tkv9PvMUCqcky2j9kfSoWwlm62ZDGqIx_vIusycjdNrDWlkrUKlh_aGVm5_thzqqG3PFLigm7a1fM-r4zEI/s1600/Cullen+Cloth+Diapers+Bum+Genius.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cullen at 12 weeks old in his Albert print BumGenius Diaper</i></div>
<br />
Justin (hubs) and I though that we would incorporate a sturdy floating shelf in the corner of the bathroom to hold a changing pad with all of the additional paraphernalia below. We even went to Lowe's and purchased all of the supplies. After getting home to begin our little project, we discovered it was going to be at the perfect height for one of our little people to bump their heads on. We spend enough time at the doctor's office with boo boos, and we'd like to avoid any more opportunities for disaster.<br />
<br />
After realizing our initial plan was a complete failure, I remembered <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2014/02/changing-tables-and-our-minds/" target="_blank">this post from Young House Love</a>. (I totally wish we could be John and Sherry by the way!) Justin has to remind me constantly that we're not, and we can't do everything they do. Buuuuuut, in this case, we could totally steal a little page from their changing table book. We absolutely don't have the space for something as big as theirs, but I just happened to have the smaller 4-cube Expedit chillin in my closet. I threw all of the clothes out of it and lugged it downstairs. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhben3ehI-jzS5hfU-R7IwxVhyCxtCcVqelj5ErW-O_Zcb4PelGoa18rbJhDjpVdfma_nqySGnTomjJGA7Hi6_psVG8BocqHqAbibIWww84cTBp7j3vwFCDZUL2Wls_fes5aTmKfImIpwM/s1600/Expedit+Changing+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhben3ehI-jzS5hfU-R7IwxVhyCxtCcVqelj5ErW-O_Zcb4PelGoa18rbJhDjpVdfma_nqySGnTomjJGA7Hi6_psVG8BocqHqAbibIWww84cTBp7j3vwFCDZUL2Wls_fes5aTmKfImIpwM/s1600/Expedit+Changing+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It fits! It's perfect actually, except for the color...<br />
<br />
Which brings me back to my rant. The Expedit has been discontinued by Ikea, and I just so happened to grab the last white one at our College Park store. I should have known better. Not only was is damaged, but was lacking the hardware as well. I drove the hour back to Ikea, got a discount since it was the last one, and picked up a baggie of hardware. Once home, we realized that this hardware must be the stuff for the new Kallax series because the screws were absolutely not long enough.<br />
<br />
At this rate, I will never get my pretty white Expedit changing station. And in the meantime, my closet is a total mess with my clothes missing their nice organized home. Here's hoping we figure something out soon!<br />
<br />
Tell me, how many of you are heartbroken by the demise of the Expedit? And what kind of non-changing table, changing stations have you come up with?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-68472152590592026052014-07-23T08:52:00.000-04:002014-07-23T08:52:51.666-04:00Kitchen Color ChoicesFor some reason, the decision making process to pick a new color of paint in the kitchen has been a tough one. Like, ridiculously tough. Like, no one should ever spend so much stinking time blocking the aisle in front of the paint chips at Lowe's, tough. And with four kids, you KNOW we're blocking the entire aisle as I stand there thinking about paint.<br />
<br />
My husband has just about abandoned me at Lowe's for the amount of time that I spend deliberating over paint chips.<br />
<br />
Here's how almost every weekend morning begins in our house:<br />
<br />
Justin: "So, what do you want to do today?"<br />
<br />
Kira: "Oh, I don't know. Do you want to get some stuff done around the house?"<br />
<br />
Justin: "Yea, sure. What do you want to get done?"<br />
<br />
Kira: "Paint, maybe?"<br />
<br />
Justin: "Okay, let's get the kids ready and head to Lowe's. We also need XYZ from there to work on another project"<br />
<br />
Kids Groan. They know that they are about to loose 2 hours of their weekend playtime in a Lowe's shopping cart.<br />
<br />
When we get to Lowe's, we walk around the store, realize that our other plans to purchase xyz aren't quite in the budget at this time and swing by the paint department. I grab a handful of paint chips, ask Justin what he thinks, we don't agree on a color and we return home only with a handful of paint chips.<br />
<br />
This is a picture of the kitchen/dining space prior to move in: <br />
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<br />
And here's the other side of the kitchen with<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-island-creation.html" target="_blank"> the island that Justin built</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglL25xCVDHpG6YD3EjC_ECymvhQI5i92RuzSNfDvmYx0qo5knXeFxz4TwqALYIrFzViS1vqI0aQ89Ifa7uc5MqkggOsDSddLngI3WzNl-gLux5SjZQue3UAP5tHbz6-1eYspq56cQwvLI/s1600/Kitchen+Island+In+Progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglL25xCVDHpG6YD3EjC_ECymvhQI5i92RuzSNfDvmYx0qo5knXeFxz4TwqALYIrFzViS1vqI0aQ89Ifa7uc5MqkggOsDSddLngI3WzNl-gLux5SjZQue3UAP5tHbz6-1eYspq56cQwvLI/s1600/Kitchen+Island+In+Progress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Though we haven't managed to pick a color yet,we've identified these as possibilities. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Aa3Y3ehgFPVBZIS6i1f2CFScrEv3jpEUIgYq4NelZj9m7Zvh_SusAcowqC7-Y6cTiqEuii3TSdns-KzluhhEdZlGvOiBQghDVoBw7pHIl0CNGEJMwnpugbGTd8bLEwy5rCEnsCWdL8/s1600/Valspar+Paint+Possible+Kitchen+Colors+with+Light+cabinets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9Aa3Y3ehgFPVBZIS6i1f2CFScrEv3jpEUIgYq4NelZj9m7Zvh_SusAcowqC7-Y6cTiqEuii3TSdns-KzluhhEdZlGvOiBQghDVoBw7pHIl0CNGEJMwnpugbGTd8bLEwy5rCEnsCWdL8/s1600/Valspar+Paint+Possible+Kitchen+Colors+with+Light+cabinets.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Help us out and let us know in the comments section what you think! (Or feel free to add a write-in vote.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>**We received zero compensation to promote Valspar paint. It's just what we always used, and we love it. </i>**Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-17190534321910430182014-07-21T10:05:00.000-04:002014-07-21T10:05:06.610-04:00Live and Learn Lesson: Painting Shutters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have learned a lot of lessons playing this DIY game. Today's lesson: don't trust the paint color matcher at Lowe's, you might be seriously disappointed.<br />
<br />
But let's back up a step.<br />
<br />
Out initial plan of painting the shutters also included painting the exterior door trim.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYOhKlwOG4CPRxM8n7vX-N6sta6mHPOmxiVNIONp9REUL_hCHWHtaON20YqQ0kWeMcrRf1HgfRWdeyIby-AEuvR7sU1XEMXcfPNEewmx4tm5pF7UmpywBTpmRdcSjvm7enCtZ4TBHs38/s1600/curb+appeal+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYOhKlwOG4CPRxM8n7vX-N6sta6mHPOmxiVNIONp9REUL_hCHWHtaON20YqQ0kWeMcrRf1HgfRWdeyIby-AEuvR7sU1XEMXcfPNEewmx4tm5pF7UmpywBTpmRdcSjvm7enCtZ4TBHs38/s1600/curb+appeal+after.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
As you see I'm the above picture, the door trim and shutters are that
funky brown color that totally made the house feel dated. The house was
built in 87, but I swear that color made the house look older than it was. And nobody/no thing wants to look older that it is. So we decided to do a little painting.<br />
<br />
This is one of those projects that you think should be super easy, in
theory, and it ends up with you hanging out a window ready to jump.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVKEkzjIJq_kULDvawkG5mlVgz4QMoh2rdoOMmJ2Pf16gPWxsDAXEx5J_iI6xjd6r0mKh57RlRQzO9deQqu8j5t_2Q9fAmXKhPwhU_Sh79TP3rzZ-CrlzVJ0G7eHG1Vo__Hx9oukVYHI/s1600/removing+shutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCVKEkzjIJq_kULDvawkG5mlVgz4QMoh2rdoOMmJ2Pf16gPWxsDAXEx5J_iI6xjd6r0mKh57RlRQzO9deQqu8j5t_2Q9fAmXKhPwhU_Sh79TP3rzZ-CrlzVJ0G7eHG1Vo__Hx9oukVYHI/s1600/removing+shutters.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
J/K on the jumping part, but for real on hanging out the window. Removing the second story shutters without a decent ladder is no joke. Hubby to the rescue again!<br />
<br />
Anyways, we started with our usual trip to Lowes to pick out paint
colors for its project. We thought it would be super easy if we could
spray paint the shutters for an nice even coat. I headed to the paint
chip selection where I remembered seeing chips that said they were
available in spray paint. Except, they didn't actually match the spray paint can
selection. We picked out a spray paint we liked from the selection of cans instead and headed to
the paint counter to see if they could match the color. It was a record
quick trip. We left with 4 cans of navy spray paint and a 1/2 quart if
exterior satin paint in the "matching" navy color.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKiv9GE31HOUwxyXcdMnvPwGa59OQW_HZnWZz-sYSrQ4by-J-rD5CvW0IsDFtuTv1ddThvcw2NahNaGSD0zubn8RjSrpp82gIz_kdf2MSsZm5G05fsyRNuQ2AkUpNG96ALa-x5eUvMe0/s1600/valspar+navy+spray+paint+shutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKiv9GE31HOUwxyXcdMnvPwGa59OQW_HZnWZz-sYSrQ4by-J-rD5CvW0IsDFtuTv1ddThvcw2NahNaGSD0zubn8RjSrpp82gIz_kdf2MSsZm5G05fsyRNuQ2AkUpNG96ALa-x5eUvMe0/s1600/valspar+navy+spray+paint+shutters.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Valspar Oceanic Satin</i></div>
<br />
First, we spray painted the shutters. Though Justin had to hang out the window to unscrew them from the house, it wasn't too difficult of a project.<br />
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We finished the lower level shutters first, and screwed them back on.<br />
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I worked on painting the trim around the front door while Justin worked on the shutters. It was when the shutters went back up that we realized we had a probem... The shutters and the trim are totally different shades of blue. Womp, womp. Lowe's paint color matching fail. Our lesson was learned the hard way that you should probably paint something first, and if possible, bring in that item in order to have Lowe's color match your item. Relying on a peice of spray painted paper just doesn't work.<br />
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Reattaching the shutters was by far the worst part of all of this. We even considered renting a tall enough to reach that second story in order to complete our "easy" project. Justin managed successfully, though, to wield the heavy power drill and hold the shutters in the exact matching position that shutters had been in previously in order to reattach them.<br />
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Now, we just have to decide whether or not we gamble with another $16 to see if Lowe's can better color match the trim around the door. I thought at first that the slight color difference would drive me nuts, but the longer we live with it, the less noticeable it has become. Has anybody else had any similar experiences? What color matching guidance can you provide?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-72615012171029376992014-07-14T13:06:00.002-04:002014-07-16T12:44:09.883-04:00Project Curb Appeal: Removing Overgrown BushesIn our<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/07/project-curb-appeal-easy-mailbox.html" target="_blank"> last curb appeal post</a>, we completed a super easy mailbox makeover. Today's project required a lot more manual labor.<br />
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Yet again, the hubs took on this project all by himself. He's my hero. Seriously.<br />
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Here's what we were working with when we moved in:<br />
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Kind dreary in winter, huh?<br />
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It's a little less dreary in the summer. And definitely more lively with some adorable kids:<br />
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We just were not feeling those giant bushes. So, we decided to rip them out and replace them with some azaleas and other perennials.<br />
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The first step in this process was to remove the bushes. Justin took his sawzall to the bushes... <br />
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And yuck, things look pretty messy here. Then came digging out the roots which proved to be even more difficult. Justin spent almost a whole day digging those root balls out with a shovel.</div>
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But of course Justin got it done and planted new baby azaleas and begonias. We have a little bit of an adorable bunny issue in the neighborhood, so I did a little research and found that begonias are supposedly bunny resistant. We will see!</div>
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Awww, so pretty! Thank you to my wonderful husband for all of his hard work.</div>
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Now, to address those brown colored shutters and trim :) </div>
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Tell me, what recent curb appeal projects have you been up to? </div>
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I had all of these plans to be productive and get a lot done last week, including writing a few blog posts, but it just didn't happen. You know what they say about "best laid plans" and all... So here I am today with a project that my husband completed last week during our staycation!<br />
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As I <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/staycation-plans-learning-to-just-relax.html" target="_blank">outlined in this post</a>, I had hoped to tackle our Curb Appeal. We didn't get everything done that I had hoped to achieve, but we at least got a few outdoor projects checked off the to do list. The first of those projects to improve our home's curb appeal was to improve our mailbox.<br />
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It just looked kind of sad, and droopy, and worn.<br />
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Now, this will honestly be a short post, there's not much to this simple project. And it didn't cost much either.<br />
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First, we removed the post topper. Then, we simply painted the post with a white interior paint that we already had on hand. The mailbox got a quick spray with our favorite Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze spray paint...<br />
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Then the flag got hit with red spray paint.<br />
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Voila.<br />
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Beautiful!<br />
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Okay, so maybe it could use a few flowers or something planted around the base, but you have to admit it's quite an improvement! Tell me, what curb appeal projects have you been up to?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-58003691765980389922014-06-27T12:25:00.003-04:002014-06-27T12:25:44.676-04:00Staycation Plans: Learning to Just Relax at HomeI am currently counting down the hours until my vacation from work. I mean, let's be honest, no mom ever gets a <i>real</i> vacation, but few days off from commuting and office work I am definitely looking forward to. I have decided to take the whole week surrounding the Fourth of July off this year. And what are our plans you ask? Staycation!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sHckU_zCOz2ZlkaJCc0lA9TRbETZUO0blEtKbhL0Q-RU97rkuPBpqhdHON1sJb6JhMHeWrM-9zYlFoI-wDJ9qYB6_smWf8_DqPO6P2vuoZOlHlPqPiiGf8_mnRSmXKMw9quN-LLx57g/s1600/staycation+plans+learning+to+relax+at+home.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sHckU_zCOz2ZlkaJCc0lA9TRbETZUO0blEtKbhL0Q-RU97rkuPBpqhdHON1sJb6JhMHeWrM-9zYlFoI-wDJ9qYB6_smWf8_DqPO6P2vuoZOlHlPqPiiGf8_mnRSmXKMw9quN-LLx57g/s1600/staycation+plans+learning+to+relax+at+home.png" width="450" /></a></div>
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We'd like to take the time just to relax. We rarely get even a weekend where we aren't running around like crazy people prepping/cleaning for guests or traveling out of town. We finally just get to chill.<br />
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So, I got to thinking, what fun things can we plan to cross of our<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/family-summer-bucket-list.html" target="_blank"> Summer Bucket List</a>? Surely an outing to hike is in order. Easy peasy. What about a trip to the neighborhood pool for swimming. Maybe!<br />
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Then I got to thinking about all I could accomplish around the house in a week. Deep cleaning. Putting away clean laundry where it's <i>supposed</i> to go. Tackling more of the girls room. Improving our curb appeal. Organizing toys in the basement/playroom.<br />
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I asked my husband, Justin, what he wanted to accomplish next week and he just shrugged. "Go for a hike?" he said. I responded with, "How about we tackle a few projects around the house, too? Maybe paint Oaken's room and work on curb appeal? Those can be our two goals for the week."<br />
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And so, I started making a list, trying to determine the details of the aforementioned goals. Before I knew it, my list looked like this:<br />
<br />
<u>Curb Appeal</u><br />
- rip out bushes<br />
- paint shutters<br />
- power wash siding<br />
- paint trim<br />
- paint door inside and out<br />
- new light<br />
- new numbers<br />
- plant azaleas, hostas and perennials<br />
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<u>Oaken's Room</u><br />
- paint<br />
- Lego organization<br />
<br />
<u>Basement</u><br />
- organize sewing stuff<br />
- organize toys<br />
<br />
<u>Master</u><br />
- bed skirt and headboard<br />
- stripes or grid moulding?<br />
- window and closet trim<br />
- refinish nightstands?<br />
- paint closet?<br />
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<u>Kitchen</u><br />
- big b&w frames<br />
- banquette<br />
- build table<br />
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<u>Other</u><br />
- sew something<br />
- go hiking/camping<br />
- put away all clothes<br />
- post stuff to Craigslist<br />
- get Cullen's 12m clothes out<br />
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<u>Half Bath</u><br />
- ORB hinges<br />
- paint trim work<br />
- make artwork<br />
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I would have kept going too, wanting to renovate the upstairs bathrooms and laundry room. I mean, I included building a new dining room table on that list for Pete's sake. And that was me trying to be conservative! What happened to a relaxing week? <br />
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I love working on projects around the house. But I also need to remember the fact that this is supposed to be vacation. It might be a <i>staycation</i>, but it is still an opportunity to spend some quality time with my husband and kids.<br />
<br />
In an effort to actually relax, I'm going to try some of the following tips.<br />
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<b><u>Tips for enjoying your staycation:</u></b><br />
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1. <b>Spend some time cleaning. </b>It's vacation and I want to relax, why would I clean? If you are anything like me, a disorganized, dirty house can drive you nuts. Devote some time (a day? two hours?) to cleaning the house and getting organized. This can help you to actually relax and enjoy the rest of your staycation by creating a more restful environment. It's going to be your vacation lodging for the duration of your staycation, make it feel that way! Then try not to spend anymore time on chores than what you originally planned/allotted besides maybe just some general pick up, tidying or dishes.<br />
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2. <b>Get out of the house.</b> Just because this is a staycation doesn't
mean that you have to be stuck at home. Pick some activities that your
family will enjoy together like swimming, hiking, fishing, visiting a
museum, going to the movies, etc. Create an itinerary if you want, or just play it by ear. <br />
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3. <b>Set a reasonable project goal. </b>This applies to you DIYers. A staycation can provide a great opportunity to get some things checked off that <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/04/ye-olde-to-do-list.html" target="_blank">big ol' to do list</a> around the house, so set some resonable goals, and stick to them. Don't try to bite off more than you can chew. Maybe pick projects that the kids can help out with as well to keep them involved.<br />
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4. <b>Plan some down time. </b>No vacation is complete without some relaxation time. So, if you have to, schedule it. Grab a glass of wine, or a beer for yourself, make the kids sundaes and/or popcorn and have a movie night! <b><br /></b><br />
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5. <b>Have fun!</b> And don't over do it. Pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion can make everyone grumpy and that's no fun. Just remember, it's technically a vacation, and it's supposed to be enjoyable. Stop yourself if you get frustrated, tired or grumpy and switch gears. Be flexible and remind yourself to <i>have fun</i> if need be!<br />
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Tell me, how do you manage the work/home life balance? How do you ever turn off your brain from needing to get organized, clean the house, etc, and just relax? It's a constant battle for me and I would love to hear your advice!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-16704273095412692842014-06-26T14:27:00.000-04:002014-07-16T14:32:15.687-04:00Girls' Shared Bedroom: Progress Continues<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-girls-bedroom-is-painted.html" target="_blank">Painting the girls' bedroom</a> made the biggest impact in the space. I feel like everything from here on out is just a matter of adding the finishing touches.<br />
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In our initial <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/girls-room-revised-mood-board-options.html" target="_blank">mood board</a> post for this room, I mentioned that I had wanted to install a picture ledge around the room in order to divide the two wall paint colors. When I really got to thinking about it, I could just imagine the girls trying to hang off of it with their full body weight and managing to tear it off the wall. Bye, bye hard work. Then, I thought the simple color division would do just fine.<br />
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Until this happened...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_j9RlHjKAufQK7fAdboG7jNl3EaNEHsI5nF15YK1n3C5raEwQYkbTnrG2E6hnFxnhMtMtOs0kj_qlbbZFUovXDigrqjTdNrMOg1yJFXc0xxJTTruUFDquHp9BHOIA7Y8vMPlnbA4gj4/s1600/blue+chalk+line+two+tone+paint+girls+shared+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_j9RlHjKAufQK7fAdboG7jNl3EaNEHsI5nF15YK1n3C5raEwQYkbTnrG2E6hnFxnhMtMtOs0kj_qlbbZFUovXDigrqjTdNrMOg1yJFXc0xxJTTruUFDquHp9BHOIA7Y8vMPlnbA4gj4/s1600/blue+chalk+line+two+tone+paint+girls+shared+bedroom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Please excuse the flash orb...<br />
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Do you see the little blue line? I guess the paint was still a bit tacky when we blue chalk lined the room to help us tape straight lines for the two-toned paint effect.<br />
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So, we decided that we would go ahead and add a piece of moulding after all. We're still forgoing the picture ledge idea, though. I think it will add a subtle touch of architectural interest to the room. Maybe the blue line incident was meant to happen so that we'd be forced to take the easy fix route? (Easy for me, not so much for Justin who made the cuts and installed the moulding while home alone with 4 kids.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtaAH89kcP4TpHTIANbl3ENvMPRla-9NTQjL_GXIptbYVeP3fuZRIme2-l_3QsZmX-Zp51YOISRXnqykyjI0wfsseAAUIyDVhsd15wE0lF6qc9I0gobE1XbDt_LN5MF55v-BiZTpaSj8/s1600/wrap+around+moulding+trim+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtaAH89kcP4TpHTIANbl3ENvMPRla-9NTQjL_GXIptbYVeP3fuZRIme2-l_3QsZmX-Zp51YOISRXnqykyjI0wfsseAAUIyDVhsd15wE0lF6qc9I0gobE1XbDt_LN5MF55v-BiZTpaSj8/s1600/wrap+around+moulding+trim+bedroom.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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This is the stage we are at right now. The moulding still needs caulked and painted but least we're still making progress! Slowly but surely...<br />
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Tell me, what mistakes have you found just easier to cover up?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-86773684323264739392014-06-24T15:53:00.002-04:002014-07-16T14:28:38.462-04:00Family Summer Bucket ListIt's officially summer. It's hot and sticky and the Fourth of July is literally right around the corner. Wowzers.<br />
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Which brings us to the question of the [every] day: What to do with the kids?<br />
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Now, granted, my husband is the lucky one who watches the kids during the day while I'm at work. Sometimes, I think about how lucky is that he gets to spend all that time with them while they are awake. Sometimes, I think must be the most patient person in the world, because if I were at home with them all day, I would probably have no hair hair. You know, because I'd end up pulling it all out. Because kids can.make.you.go.crazy. I digress...<br />
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This is the first summer that Justin is home with four kids. Since baby Cullen was born in October, none of the kids have been home for more than a day or so without both parents home with them.<br />
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Our kids are 7 ,5 ,4, and 8 months; and more often than not, they need some sort of direction on what to do for entertainment. If it were up to Oaken (7), everyone would play Mario Kart on the Wii all day. Including the baby. We needed to come up with fun things for them to do this summer that we could do not only as a family, but things that my husband could easily do with them during the week as well. I recently read<a href="http://meplus3today.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-2014-bucket-list.html" target="_blank"> this post from Me Plus Three...Today</a>, and was inspired to come up with our own Summer Bucket List. In fact, Skylar even came home with her own list that she had made in school. Um, what better way to figure out what your kids would like to do then ask them?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-ZzdZWuMdD63fN6b0880UHcIyK0Ic17uA-vG6V6ztR-m4vwgB-KakdX3jh3Mro6tuckGIEVHm5iDW6fSZlNQBhc78Wxg-FntW_N8uwOEY-mjxw6nlkeo26oILCdEJqSc_Che58tz6f0/s1600/Kindergarten+Summer+Bucket+List.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-ZzdZWuMdD63fN6b0880UHcIyK0Ic17uA-vG6V6ztR-m4vwgB-KakdX3jh3Mro6tuckGIEVHm5iDW6fSZlNQBhc78Wxg-FntW_N8uwOEY-mjxw6nlkeo26oILCdEJqSc_Che58tz6f0/s1600/Kindergarten+Summer+Bucket+List.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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<i>Eat Fruit | Play Outside | Go Swimming | Go to Ocean City | Go Ride Bikes | Go to Beach | Make Fruit Salad | Drink Water</i></div>
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Don't five year olds say the cutest things? To follow Skylar's lead, each additional member of the family (except Cullen, sorry baby) tried to come up with at least 8 things that they wanted to do this summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDJyE6M1AHR_eyBNG2fz3aZc7cSO9z-TOjeDTuL5FMUTieIP-2XXGt7NvZSreOuaiXVXYB1gsbZABxSQIPh1OyvjJArRNqDnjXWdkOqV8T91mY1parfKyGLdRdW7iA0icakLzwpIQE60/s1600/family+bucket+list+by+person.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiDJyE6M1AHR_eyBNG2fz3aZc7cSO9z-TOjeDTuL5FMUTieIP-2XXGt7NvZSreOuaiXVXYB1gsbZABxSQIPh1OyvjJArRNqDnjXWdkOqV8T91mY1parfKyGLdRdW7iA0icakLzwpIQE60/s1600/family+bucket+list+by+person.png" /></a></div>
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I know, I know, my list is slightly ridiculous. Can you tell based on Clara's list that she loves her My Little Ponies?<br />
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But as a family, we came up with this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRvldfkdVUsDLBf0tXxk_kKA7713JWVKj_hZ_6PQKK8dqn09F7gHkSunrwRQi3hwgVjNIw1w6gHsb2YRspsurz1jrLaqYwr5nNRUOx8Hqh36WeJFT-vcY5XSw_x-TEjMJqtAk6o_mnoI/s1600/Family+Summer+Bucket+List+Final.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRvldfkdVUsDLBf0tXxk_kKA7713JWVKj_hZ_6PQKK8dqn09F7gHkSunrwRQi3hwgVjNIw1w6gHsb2YRspsurz1jrLaqYwr5nNRUOx8Hqh36WeJFT-vcY5XSw_x-TEjMJqtAk6o_mnoI/s1600/Family+Summer+Bucket+List+Final.png" width="500" /></a></div>
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There were definitely common threads among everyone's lists, so we will try to make those a priority. If we're able to get through these and need additional ideas, we will be sure to refer back to everyone's individual lists for activities.<br />
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Tell me, what are your summer plans? Has anyone else developed a Summer Bucket List? <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-72901862598752748272014-06-20T13:53:00.001-04:002014-08-06T14:36:27.809-04:00The Girls' Bedroom is Painted!New bedding. Check! Window/closet trimmed. Check! Room painted? Check!<br />
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Hallelujah, the girls' shared bedroom is finally painted, and it's been the most dramatic change yet. It never ceases to amaze me what a little paint can do to a room.<br />
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Without further ado...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE-PFO9DUUQoTGTjKeRGCzU6KkLO9whyphenhyphen_EIHw3PuAnhlCunNK18Dp75MJYEec0uPwo9u-u4g5woEmeaBLViezm3e-QJD_LrVs01BjA1mv1NfAkH0E8zb9Lbcug9zrapWhHUKWxTiQaSo/s1600/Girls+bedroom+gray+and+white+two+toned+paint+valspar+comet+dust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE-PFO9DUUQoTGTjKeRGCzU6KkLO9whyphenhyphen_EIHw3PuAnhlCunNK18Dp75MJYEec0uPwo9u-u4g5woEmeaBLViezm3e-QJD_LrVs01BjA1mv1NfAkH0E8zb9Lbcug9zrapWhHUKWxTiQaSo/s1600/Girls+bedroom+gray+and+white+two+toned+paint+valspar+comet+dust.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Do you see the very subtle two tone effect that we created on the wall? The top section is plain pure white, and the bottom is Valspar's Comet Dust.<br />
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I catch myself sometimes just peeking into this room because it's so light and bright and makes me happy. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYobw9KKZY29zPPulCTEaAUK5iNPfL2poAZvHOp76bx13agvhGs8b0KriRgPpVOR4e6WBok0QeqBBjYiT3hlHZkwTdGtaihBt4ndG5DumUP4-bSz_V29_9A2tVPJC7EfBkWIWmFm2lTb4/s1600/girls+bedroom+chevron+quilt+gray+and+white+walls+navy+nightstand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYobw9KKZY29zPPulCTEaAUK5iNPfL2poAZvHOp76bx13agvhGs8b0KriRgPpVOR4e6WBok0QeqBBjYiT3hlHZkwTdGtaihBt4ndG5DumUP4-bSz_V29_9A2tVPJC7EfBkWIWmFm2lTb4/s1600/girls+bedroom+chevron+quilt+gray+and+white+walls+navy+nightstand.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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We wrote <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/installing-window-trim-basic-how-we-did.html" target="_blank">this post</a> about trimming out the window, but we did the closet too.<br />
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Here's the closet before:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrWrEjoq3ODCQkd2e3V5kEGoqcSWYW8WzjV4fontN2xruVItQ0K6dUDZ4tTwfLCv4vNxiub3RWn6v43S-xE8wjrxwxOqcHfsjIC-d7wfZcEAYjcsLRADJAhLPEW-iWYqJBV7QhIhLGao/s1600/girls+room+closet+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrWrEjoq3ODCQkd2e3V5kEGoqcSWYW8WzjV4fontN2xruVItQ0K6dUDZ4tTwfLCv4vNxiub3RWn6v43S-xE8wjrxwxOqcHfsjIC-d7wfZcEAYjcsLRADJAhLPEW-iWYqJBV7QhIhLGao/s1600/girls+room+closet+before.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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And after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXkZmr2YJv-dEz2itTra2iyrbw968ST6vQWcFT_3Oc0ZlIGbRLNgXDq-nzs4AJVzeSVwTNmdIAmUGrGrgbxCbgIB6FRTyVBsi5JGMubU9a4_z-uNR2AgRmDir38NqU8NoQ34_ytDjpaw/s1600/girls+room+trimmed+closet+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXkZmr2YJv-dEz2itTra2iyrbw968ST6vQWcFT_3Oc0ZlIGbRLNgXDq-nzs4AJVzeSVwTNmdIAmUGrGrgbxCbgIB6FRTyVBsi5JGMubU9a4_z-uNR2AgRmDir38NqU8NoQ34_ytDjpaw/s1600/girls+room+trimmed+closet+door.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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And the whole room "side-by-side" before and after:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZEotmMN82c_P-gD5KzTyAb5bSYkbpQCpwLvXrlm5bVRabT0BtVuJQ4Vm-SJy52pRzHAk9xuBQQEuwqgQfFruQTBmykONEWlTwW_6wRPQG5R3qSTeyilSldXx-Ys_qjiWs7zI1okAsQ8/s1600/girls+shared+room+before+and+after+valspar+comet+dust+gray.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIZEotmMN82c_P-gD5KzTyAb5bSYkbpQCpwLvXrlm5bVRabT0BtVuJQ4Vm-SJy52pRzHAk9xuBQQEuwqgQfFruQTBmykONEWlTwW_6wRPQG5R3qSTeyilSldXx-Ys_qjiWs7zI1okAsQ8/s1600/girls+shared+room+before+and+after+valspar+comet+dust+gray.png" width="450" /> </a></div>
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Still on the to do list for this room:</div>
<ul>
<li> Molding to separate the two colors</li>
<li>Individual barn lights for reading</li>
<li>Hanging Art</li>
<li>Coral accent pillows</li>
<li>Additional accessorizing</li>
</ul>
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Now, who thinks I should paint the nightstand similar to the color in the <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/girls-room-revised-mood-board-options.html" target="_blank">mood board</a>? Should we leave it as is? Or are there other color suggestions out there?</div>
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Additional Girls Bedroom Posts:<br />
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<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/05/seeking-two-girly-adorable-and.html" target="_blank">Bedding Options</a><br />
<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/05/decision-made-bedding-set-purchased.html" target="_blank">Selected Bedding</a><br />
<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/girls-room-revised-mood-board-options.html" target="_blank">Girls Shared Bedroom Mood Board</a><br />
<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/installing-window-trim-basic-how-we-did.html" target="_blank">Installing Closet and Window Trim</a><br />
<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-girls-bedroom-is-painted.html" target="_blank">Girls Bedroom Gets Painted </a><br />
<a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/girls-shared-bedroom-progress-continues.html" target="_blank">Covering a Mistake</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-27113138111204094512014-06-18T20:27:00.001-04:002014-06-20T13:57:30.420-04:00End of an Era: 2013/2014 School Year Comes to a CloseFriday the 13th was the last day of school for our children. We're diving full on into summer and boy, oh boy, is it hot! Today we're expected to see a heat index of 105 degrees. I feel like it was just yesterday that we moved into our current house and there were several feet of snow on the ground...<br />
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This school year brought a lot of change for our children and I am so very proud of just how adaptable they have been.<br />
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<i>Clara's first day of pre-k.</i></div>
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Clara started the school year in preschool at just 3 years old. She was one of the youngest kids in her class and experienced some major separation anxiety on her first day. In fact, that lasted several weeks! We eventually struck a compromise with her teacher that allowed her to take her blankie to school with her. I was still working in DC as the kids were starting their first day in Pennsylvania and got a call from my husband saying that he didn't think that Clara was ready to go after all. He hung out at the school almost all day in fear that they would send her home. She made it through the day and over the next couple of weeks began to love visiting her "hundreds of friends" at school.<br />
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<i> Clara's after her second day of school.</i></div>
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After a while, she was even able to leave blankie in her backpack at school. Unfortunately, when we moved back to Maryland, she was no longer eligible to attend the pre-k program since she wasn't yet 4. However, she has loved every minute of staying home with her baby brother.<br />
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<i>Skylar's kindergarten orientation.</i></div>
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Skylar enjoyed every second of her first year of school in Kindergarten. She didn't get to attend preschool when we lived in Annapolis, so we were afraid that she would have a difficult time in school. her teachers have had nothing but wonderful things to say about her. We hated having to move the kids to a different school in the middle of the year, but Skylar continued to thrive at the new school. In fact, she made even more friends and enjoys walking to school instead of riding the bus. The trip to school when we lived in PA took over 40 minutes each way for the kids. They were grumpy and exhausted when they got home from school. She has made huge progress towards reading and writing this year.<br />
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<i>Bus stop picture one chilly fall morning.</i></div>
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I am particularly proud of Oaken for making all of the transitions that have been required of him this last year. He has been such a trooper and has excelled through it all. At the beginning of Kindergarten last year, we began an IEP with the school for speech therapy. He had such a difficult time communicating with adults that even his teacher relied on his friends to relay message to her throughout the day. He made wonderful progress while at that school in Annapolis. We also have Oaken to thank for helping US to make wonderful friends with his buddy Elaine's family. We miss them very much these days as it was so nice to have friends within walking distance!<br />
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<i>Skylar and Oaken on the first day of the 2013/2014 school year.</i></div>
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When we moved from Annapolis to PA, Oaken had only a few weeks left in school. Little did we know that the blue ribbon school that he attended in PA for two weeks would be merged with several other schools in the district the following year. This change required that attend yet another new school during the 2013/2014 year. He never once complained and always looked forward to making new friends. At the end of 1st grade this year, he no longer needs his IEP, or speech help, is reading at a 2nd grade level and brings home wonderful test scores in Math.<br />
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<i>Oaken and Skylar waiting for the bell to ring on a fall morning we drove them to school.</i></div>
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Through all of the moves, the kids gained a new sibling this year as well! They all adore Cullen more than words and are wonderful big siblings. I didn't think to include Cullen in the end of year sibling picture, but here's one of him now! (As compared to the one of him up above, you know, before he was born :) )<br />
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Cheers to summertime!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-7095341161093736442014-06-13T15:26:00.000-04:002014-06-13T15:26:53.919-04:00Installing Window Trim: A Basic How We Did It GuideAs mentioned in a previous post, our house has no window or door trim. Anywhere. And the windows and doors/closets look like they are missing some oomph. So to fix that, we installed some! Oh, what a difference it makes!!<br />
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In true DIY fashion, our first step in the process was to do a little Pinterest browsing. Naturally, right? We came across this pin and determined it is the exact style we wanted:<br />
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{<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/49961877088851849/" target="_blank">source</a>}</div>
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This is what we started with...</div>
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Unfortunately, I couldn't grab a good before picture of the whole window (too much light!), but this gives you an idea of what a blah mess surrounded the window before.<br />
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<u>Materials Used:</u><br />
- 1x3 pine to fit measurements<br />
- standard wood screws<br />
- paintable caulk<br />
- wood putty </div>
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<b>Step 1: Measure</b></div>
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Measure around the window. This is the portion of drywall around the window, in our case, that the trim would sit on. These are my fancy room and window measurements. Our window measures exactly 5ft x 40in.</div>
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<b>Step 2: Cut</b></div>
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Next, you will want to take the window measurements and determine at what length to cut your wood. The top and bottom pieces are easy. Just take the width of the window, and add on 2 times the width of your trim. (In our case, it was 40in + 3in + 3in, since we used 1x3 pieces for trim.)</div>
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The sill or "stool" piece is a little bit harder. we wanted this piece to stick out just a little bit farther than the outer trim to give it a little bit more of that craftsman style. We added an additional half inch to each side of the sill/stool to achieve that look. (46+ .5 + .5) <br />
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You will also want to measure the depth of the sill to help notch out the pieces you need on either side. Unfortunately, we didn't grab a picture of the shot, but you can see what I'm talking about here:<br />
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From the outside edge, you will want to measure in the width of your overhang and the width of the wood. (.5in + 3in) Use a square and mark out your cut. We used a jigsaw in order to cut this portion of the wood. (<a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,218130_150253,00.html" target="_blank">This Old House</a> does a pretty good job of explaining this process.)<br />
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Then measure the side pieces. This will sit on top of the sill piece, so it will measure the same as the height of your window, minus the depth of your wood. Even though we used 1x3in pieces, the true depth of the wood was only 3/4. (5ft - .75in = 4ft 11.25in)<br />
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<b>Step 3: Attaching Your Trim</b><br />
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For this step, we used standard 2in wood screws. Before screwing into the wood, we pre-drilled holes in our trim pieces prior to driving the screw. This helped to prevent from cracking/splintering the wood. I do believe though, since the trim on our windows is purely cosmetic that you could get away with using a product like Liquid Nails or other construction adhesive to simply attach the boards to the wall. This would eliminate the step of pre-drilling and any fear that you may have about damaging the window itself. (We're not experts, this is just what worked for us!)</div>
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<b>Step 4: Caulk, Wood Putty and Sand</b></div>
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Caulk the gaps and putty the screw holes. (You can find some good tips for caulking trim at <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2012/05/how-to-caulk-moldings/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>.) Once the putty dries, use a fine grit sandpaper to smooth out any inconsistencies. </div>
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<b>Step 5: Paint!</b></div>
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Paint your new trim! </div>
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We did a fairly sloppy job of painting our trim since the rest of the room will be painted soon. (Who wants to "color" inside the lines when you don't have to, am I right?) Actually, we had already started the process of painting the walls when this picture was snapped. </div>
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And here's a glimpse at the chaos that comes along with us painting...</div>
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Can you guess which <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/06/girls-room-revised-mood-board-options.html" target="_blank">Mood Board</a> we chose based on that picture? More on that to come next time!! </div>
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We're so happy with the way the trim turned out. There may not be many beautiful "pin-worthy" pictures in this post but at least we are making progress!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-33043228312645660602014-06-09T10:04:00.000-04:002014-06-09T10:04:00.913-04:00Girls Room: Revised Mood Board OptionsSince we bought the bedding for Skylar and Clara's room, it's been full steam ahead on making over their bedroom space.<br />
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Of course, the first thing that I had to do was come up with some more mood board options. Since my <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/05/seeking-two-girly-adorable-and.html" target="_blank">original mood boards</a> for this room just weren't going to work, I've drafted these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJA8qdjBAaSBwe4gmHQ1K_4OF2vqr8dx2lk7w58MHhhcQqjIqOX3yDq0_Ef59HlV87pHUV1-7LqSZw8DqTloTde8LNUFKSzD7-6mlHzU2YEGPkHwB5rhXFZzrXF7XiJJszX1y0DpVz0E/s1600/girls+shared+room+mood+board+teal+chevron+navy+accent+coral+barn+lights.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJA8qdjBAaSBwe4gmHQ1K_4OF2vqr8dx2lk7w58MHhhcQqjIqOX3yDq0_Ef59HlV87pHUV1-7LqSZw8DqTloTde8LNUFKSzD7-6mlHzU2YEGPkHwB5rhXFZzrXF7XiJJszX1y0DpVz0E/s1600/girls+shared+room+mood+board+teal+chevron+navy+accent+coral+barn+lights.png" /></a></div>
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Option 1 - This has a navy feature wall with the remaining walls painted in a light light gray. On the walls above the beds, picture ledges are hung for frames and other trinkets. We would also like to add individual lights on each wall so the girls can have their own reading lights. I absolutely adore the <a href="http://www.barnlightelectric.com/wall-sconce-lighting/barn-wall-sconces/barn-light-austin-sconce.html" target="_blank">barn style lights</a>! My concern here is that the accent wall will make this already very small room appear even smaller.<br />
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Option 2 - This option is a two toned room with light gray walls on the bottom and white on the top third of the wall. I would plan to keep the picture ledge to help divide the color transition. Pretty much every thing else stays the same! I've swapped out the barn lights for a different color option here.<br />
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Besides picking out paint color(s), we also knew that we would have to trim out the window in this room. None of the windows or closets in our home have trim around them and it makes them look extremely awkward, like you can just tell there is just something off. We have addressed the seemingly naked window issue and will talk more about it in the next post.<br />
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If you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SevenTownWay" target="_blank">follow on Facebook</a>, you might be able to guess the direction that we're headed, but please weigh in with your opinion! How do you feel about dark accent walls in little rooms?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-11009118538294028032014-06-05T15:04:00.001-04:002014-06-05T16:46:24.582-04:00My Photo Challenge: Sleep PicturesWhen Katie at <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/" target="_blank">Bower Power</a> mentioned that the latest <a href="http://www.bowerpowerblog.com/2014/05/sleep-picture-party/" target="_blank">Picture Party</a> theme was Sleep, I knew I'd have to practice some of my long gone photography skills and partake.<br />
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In fact, I would like to try to participate in the monthly Picture Party moving forward so that I can keep practicing and have a goal to strive for. I always feel like I'm missing so many moments of my children's lives by not taking enough pictures. I mean, can you really <i>ever</i> have enough pictures of your kids? There are so many tiny details to capture of every stage of their lives that you just might forget if you don't have that photographic evidence. At least, that's <i>my</i> excuse to continuously snap away. <br />
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I happened to remember the other night that it was time to post the sleeping pictures to the link party, but I hadn't taken any pictures yet. It was about 8:30 pm, there was still a tad of natural light out, so I grabbed the camera and ran upstairs. Oaken was the only one asleep...<br />
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My sweet 7 year old!<br />
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The girls were wide awake, but I was pretty confident that I could sneak in and grab an adorable sleeping baby picture of Cullen. Nope. He caught one glimpse of me sneaking around and cried for "mama". So that was that.<br />
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However, today is Thursday, so in the spirit of #ThrowBackThursday, I scrounged up these two pictures of sleeping Cullen that I absolutely adore.<br />
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Cullen was just 5 weeks old when I snapped these picture. My how time flies. And how quickly they grow. It makes my heart ache a little bit every day as he moves farther and farther away from this sweet infant stage.<br />
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I guess sleeping kiddos are pretty adorable no matter what their age which is why this picture party photo challenge really spoke to me. Has anyone else participated in the Picture Parties? I'd love to see what images you linked up to!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-58727912201093173442014-06-04T10:23:00.000-04:002014-06-04T10:36:57.132-04:00To Grandmother's House We Went: Memorial Day Weekend 2014Okay. So I might be a day late and a dollar short (or rather several days late) on finally writing this post, but I <i>had</i> to share some of the wonderful pictures that we able to capture during our latest holiday weekend.<br />
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Justin traveled to Ohio for his brother's wedding which the kids and I weren't able to attend due to scheduling conflicts. Since we were unable to join in on the fun, we headed to PA to visit Grammy.<br />
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And enjoyed a lovely view from the deck.<br />
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The day we arrived, I dressed the girls as twinsies in matching rompers :)<br />
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The kids and I enjoyed the gorgeous weather all weekend, spending lots of time playing outside.<br />
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(To be read as: mommy relaxed a read a book for the first time in 8 months while the kids played.)<br />
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While Cullen chilled in his play saucer.<br />
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A visit to the park was enjoyed.<br />
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We watched some beautiful sunsets.<br />
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And had fun relaxing inside too.<br />
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Oaken was so wiped out one evening, he slept like this<br />
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The kids missed daddy so much that we had to send a lot of selfies.<br />
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While the kids and I relaxed on Saturday night, Justin was getting ready for the wedding with the other groomsmen.I don't have any pictures of the actual wedding, since I wasn't there, but Justin texted me thisas the guys got ready for the big evening. That's my hubby there in the middle.<br />
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What can I say, they are a goofy bunch.<br />
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Since the kids and I had planned to go, but couldn't at the last second, we decided to get dressed up and have a little photo shoot of our own. (With grammy's help.) But the wind refused to cooperate for us. So, we got a lot of wind blown pictures.<br />
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I was able to snap at least a few decent pictures of the kids though.<br />
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At least we got a few decent shots in!<br />
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What did you do over Memorial Day weekend? Did anyone attend a wedding? Or perhaps dress up for a "photo shoot" just because?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-43172756586977901232014-05-27T15:28:00.000-04:002014-05-27T17:31:40.911-04:00This Entertainment Center's Got History: A story in Furniture RefinishingIn a recent post about <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/05/minor-living-room-updates.html" target="_blank">updating the living room</a>, you saw a glimpse of our little ol' entertainment center. This "entertainment center" has had a long history. <br />
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When my husband Justin and I were just married, we lived in a little "two bedroom" apartment. The second bedroom was just big enough for a crib, no more, no less, and we had about zero room for storage in the apartment. It was a cute little old house that had been segmented into three apartments. The washer and dryer were located in the middle of our bedroom and we had one tiny closet for the entrie apartment. Our [then dresser] was given to us by Justin's stepmother under the condition that we would treat it with love as it had been her mothers. We kept it in the hallway/entryway since it was the only place it would fit at the time. It eventually held both baby Oaken's and my clothes.<br />
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This picture was taken in that hallway in the mirror that hung above it then. A selfie, before selfie's were even cool!<br />
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Oaken was such a cutie patootie! <br />
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Unfortunately, I don't really have a good before picture of the dresser. However, I did snap a shot of one of the drawers so that you could see the finish prior to sanding.<br />
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This old dresser does have a plasticy laminate top, which I had concerns about painting over initially. However, we did a lot of research and read that lightly sanding the laminate would allow paint to adhere successfully.<br />
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So we lightly sanded the entire dresser....<br />
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And just for good measure, we applied <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8REMW6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00G8REMW6&linkCode=as2&tag=setowa-20&linkId=BIF2GLOX3TXVQ3NZ" target="_blank">Klean-Strip deglosser</a> to the entire piece following the directions on the bottle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8REMW6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00G8REMW6&linkCode=as2&tag=setowa-20&linkId=BIF2GLOX3TXVQ3NZ"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcRo3QDLI_QxvaQV63hQXuxeSgdauJAim8gszuevXeAsUih4UnBgLM978B48BdWMTEyRwrG0MEYi&usqp=CAE" width="320" /></a></div>
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After giving it ample time to dry, we painted the dresser with regular semi-gloss interior paint.<br />
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When we were done, the once dresser had new life as an entertainment center in our Annapolis home. This picture was taken about 3 years ago.<br />
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It took a slight beating in our latest move, so we're considering giving the entertainment center another mini makeover in the near future, but it has otherwise help up wall and still has a place of honor in our new home.<br />
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Once again, it's amazing what a little paint and elbow grease can do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyPg9i971qxvY00BxsTXhyphenhyphenwyy6wI6WOjxCk94htwI8w_FtIVVCH2z8MrtTQKnh_uPNAdQe0AUYrE2_ElV-JQBM5TA3ojjfIgRhZ-IBXbDDarn8FMiYcZJ7hn4bxJdiSabW9MgkYXXyhQ/s1600/before+and+after+entertainment+center+dresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyPg9i971qxvY00BxsTXhyphenhyphenwyy6wI6WOjxCk94htwI8w_FtIVVCH2z8MrtTQKnh_uPNAdQe0AUYrE2_ElV-JQBM5TA3ojjfIgRhZ-IBXbDDarn8FMiYcZJ7hn4bxJdiSabW9MgkYXXyhQ/s1600/before+and+after+entertainment+center+dresser.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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Is there a certain piece of furniture in your home that has undergone a makeover? What kind of history does it have?<br />
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<i>**This post contains an affiliate link, but we do absolutely swear by Klean-Strip Deglosser and have used in on many a project!</i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-4632321559572161752014-05-21T12:02:00.003-04:002014-05-21T12:05:01.123-04:00Decision Made - Bedding Sets PurchasedWe finally took the leap and made a decision on a duvet/quilt option for the girls. The winner? The teal chevron bed-in-a-bag from Target.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wyAd7DYoXamQiIXH0jPxBj_ofZfuQMSxDVwfiRbgW7bTyJUzsetM1UwjxvyacOZUJSF0NycnuCquSo8ghY842GkJ84ExGlK8uXvuBfzyU9cJ9RPoogoucwtvQTHVNK4NaSUrEAx55_U/s1600/chosen+duvet+options.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wyAd7DYoXamQiIXH0jPxBj_ofZfuQMSxDVwfiRbgW7bTyJUzsetM1UwjxvyacOZUJSF0NycnuCquSo8ghY842GkJ84ExGlK8uXvuBfzyU9cJ9RPoogoucwtvQTHVNK4NaSUrEAx55_U/s1600/chosen+duvet+options.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFG43P4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IFG43P4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=setowa-20&amp;linkId=7NB7XPWHGIJOTWBA" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/organic-ikat-diamond-duvet-cover-shams-b1265/?cm_src=AutoCatRel" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pottery-Barn-PB-Teen-Dorm-Mini-Fleur-Organic-Duvet-Cover-Twin-Single-Gray-Grey-/380901121161" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-hexagon-duvet-cover-set/-/A-14272242#prodSlot=medium_1_33&term=twin+duvet" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-chevron-duvet-cover-set/-/A-14292073#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=twin+duvet+chevron" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFFLVPK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IFFLVPK&linkCode=as2&tag=setowa-20&linkId=YFQB2WNVZNJDIVVT" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B6863RY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B6863RY&linkCode=as2&tag=setowa-20&linkId=W7DUYCAOWNBLAUHP" target="_blank">7</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-triangle-grid-quilt/-/A-14853670#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=gray+quilt" target="_blank">8</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-chevron-bed-in-a-bag/-/A-14852069#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=twin+chevron" target="_blank">9</a> </div>
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Skylar and Clara both agreed that they like the "zigzags", so they were able to narrow down our possible selections to just three choices. Late Saturday night, I noticed the bedding had actually gone on sale at Target and there was no better time to make a final decision. After a little discussion, hubby Justin and I decided that the bed in a bag sounded like a wonderful deal. We paid online to lock in the sale price, and picked them up at the store the next day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eZAwn1gfDaAuudyTh9pDzWtABWJRm_2QvDc7TxEBKLlt4j-01Hwva3HYEU88cBkVUKiRukGyFE1V0bku_wz8yGeQcrCHVAvyvVfLdXsgafL5DwYQgcIZjau9O1BnikUQt8s_iJau_qE/s1600/girls+chevron+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eZAwn1gfDaAuudyTh9pDzWtABWJRm_2QvDc7TxEBKLlt4j-01Hwva3HYEU88cBkVUKiRukGyFE1V0bku_wz8yGeQcrCHVAvyvVfLdXsgafL5DwYQgcIZjau9O1BnikUQt8s_iJau_qE/s1600/girls+chevron+bed.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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Though I would have loved to sew a bedskirt for each of the girls, the bed in the bag included one. And who doesn't love a time saver? Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy sewing, but I haven't had as much time lately tending to a clingy 7 month old. (Have I mentioned that Cullen and I are still not sleeping at night? I'm loosing my mind.)<br />
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I am super happy with how the new bedding looks!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJVW8lE0Yj-x_g13wQwbuZPhfDjvE_Xh6W_6X2Z31TxjcHxb1ynGRmG8KRTq1MLREQXEQJ1U6gZi5vMRLUPDvVxCoEttOrrf8Ol5k4hQX176bXQch9N6SEwRNIj6r5L7UfAmmAz0qj4o/s1600/girls+room+progress+chevron+comforter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJVW8lE0Yj-x_g13wQwbuZPhfDjvE_Xh6W_6X2Z31TxjcHxb1ynGRmG8KRTq1MLREQXEQJ1U6gZi5vMRLUPDvVxCoEttOrrf8Ol5k4hQX176bXQch9N6SEwRNIj6r5L7UfAmmAz0qj4o/s1600/girls+room+progress+chevron+comforter.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Remember what it looked like before?<br />
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The girls are super thrilled too. They insisted on having their pictures taken while they pretended to sleep.<br />
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I swapped out their blah off white curtains for a sheer white pair that I had in my first college apartment, and the room look a million times better already.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFx5DEG4W8_y00BaGa3EomDWx9fejqnW6BkOe70hD3Nt8kYOxy1lAOXJdvJLE6iMN-lPHdt57yIUJWZfTzY_JUqV8edmy1XY3urtwPzObgllGF3id2zW5c-LOZTtcXWbdU9Ql9_BeuKA/s1600/Skylar+Reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFx5DEG4W8_y00BaGa3EomDWx9fejqnW6BkOe70hD3Nt8kYOxy1lAOXJdvJLE6iMN-lPHdt57yIUJWZfTzY_JUqV8edmy1XY3urtwPzObgllGF3id2zW5c-LOZTtcXWbdU9Ql9_BeuKA/s1600/Skylar+Reading.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Their little lamp is something that we picked up at Ikea when we first moved in since there is no overhead lighting, and we "shopped" for this little silver owl in our Christmas decorations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rrGyKDJoaqsdQcsVGso8KBKcKUnOQOm96Zey9zMsWnhD8PGc3I7DNc9dzXkvQJbGiK36FFMnimYK2MWpFO-q7YljcyGMkU2zztka7D9CkTbO4db90_hS6VFYhuZEWoL0oABtoIuysXM/s1600/girls+room+progress+accessories.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rrGyKDJoaqsdQcsVGso8KBKcKUnOQOm96Zey9zMsWnhD8PGc3I7DNc9dzXkvQJbGiK36FFMnimYK2MWpFO-q7YljcyGMkU2zztka7D9CkTbO4db90_hS6VFYhuZEWoL0oABtoIuysXM/s1600/girls+room+progress+accessories.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Next, we just need to decide on a paint color, and then we can have some fun by pulling in some more accessories! (And figuring out exactly what to do with the blank expanse of wall above the beds.)<br />
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I'd love to add a pretty color as an accent to the wall with the window, but I'm afraid that will chop it up and make the room look smaller. What do you think? Accent wall or one cohesive color?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-55346877647960565232014-05-19T10:27:00.001-04:002014-05-19T10:27:36.047-04:00Minor Living Room Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We're still contemplating which <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/05/seeking-two-girly-adorable-and.html" target="_blank">duvet to select</a> for the girls room. (What can I say, I have a serious issue with commitment?) While we finalize that decision and determine what direction we would like to go, we've made just a few updates to our living room.<br />
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The last time we photographed the space, it looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2d44TnlzX-39SJsKTFwNW3XKGsijR4kbzFIQ2R8Pkht36souyNDqzHmv9-bRTvMlTwMGHPdlwR_iMVpPc53kupsFr-XcOX6vg7Rn0IE8lqLer3s4v-BwiSEpPstdCs4wK_2s2if0rmo/s1600/Living+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2d44TnlzX-39SJsKTFwNW3XKGsijR4kbzFIQ2R8Pkht36souyNDqzHmv9-bRTvMlTwMGHPdlwR_iMVpPc53kupsFr-XcOX6vg7Rn0IE8lqLer3s4v-BwiSEpPstdCs4wK_2s2if0rmo/s1600/Living+Room.jpg" /></a></div>
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The walls are now painted the same color as our bedroom (Valspar's Notre Dame) and the Ektorp sectional has a new white slipcover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCeVy_NN3Pm9PRyx8kKcs4BcQKcbA5mAtuQYn4-2ReAW1E9Bny9mab_zS1pQbHw1v6oaFrhyphenhyphenK6mS1z7vUi9dhTkBfaMmzXYEjlyBe86CySQ78aOlgUwwBiGIb9YFNQT-7m-n6EUBstsY/s1600/Living+Room+white+ektorp+notre+dame+valspar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaCeVy_NN3Pm9PRyx8kKcs4BcQKcbA5mAtuQYn4-2ReAW1E9Bny9mab_zS1pQbHw1v6oaFrhyphenhyphenK6mS1z7vUi9dhTkBfaMmzXYEjlyBe86CySQ78aOlgUwwBiGIb9YFNQT-7m-n6EUBstsY/s1600/Living+Room+white+ektorp+notre+dame+valspar.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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The room feels so much bigger after painting over the dark blue color and I also can't believe how much the white slipcover makes a difference. As soon as we put it on, the room instantly felt just a tad larger. Awesome! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfJyks9cavwnLWMHikYFH0U7yXxlAUyieg-EEMLPreKhTILqZ-5taJFz128OPOfWnsIXODiY3JQ66jkXoqNR3cphPkyz3vxU-VGSmSBQvxOfAdcmKMI2rfMUXVj53ULxx9qgdu3GypdI/s1600/Living+Room+and+Entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKfJyks9cavwnLWMHikYFH0U7yXxlAUyieg-EEMLPreKhTILqZ-5taJFz128OPOfWnsIXODiY3JQ66jkXoqNR3cphPkyz3vxU-VGSmSBQvxOfAdcmKMI2rfMUXVj53ULxx9qgdu3GypdI/s1600/Living+Room+and+Entry.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Now ask me how I feel about a white couch... So far, so good. I can't lie though, there have been a few incidents already with a pink highlighter, and a mystery spot that we attribute to a smooshed dandelion in someones pocket. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gxydoyr_Q7-KLgQPt5xhL8PbFL3VGznUlHF9lXdQvWnUBa9Y9TGFygzBKkUwt2VANBTyufrKfa3NbmNT1a0S6DMzeXbcGMezWh_OJl1Mhszg00zgroRlkresx1aiQYRJjV4jYKI4gR8/s1600/Living+Room+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gxydoyr_Q7-KLgQPt5xhL8PbFL3VGznUlHF9lXdQvWnUBa9Y9TGFygzBKkUwt2VANBTyufrKfa3NbmNT1a0S6DMzeXbcGMezWh_OJl1Mhszg00zgroRlkresx1aiQYRJjV4jYKI4gR8/s1600/Living+Room+picture.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Our carpet cleaner has an upholstery attachment that has been super handy for immediately treating accidents like melted chocolate, but honestly, we haven't treated this slipcover any differently than we have with past colors. (We have had both the Idemo Beige and Idemo Blue.) <br />
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The new white slipcover has yet to be washed, but I'm hoping that a little bleach will help to remove the lingering dandelion stain. It's about time to do so, but I'm hoping that we can wait until we get a new washer. We sold our front loaders during our move here and are now stuck with a pair of ancient top loaders. The washer has the agitator that takes up so much space and I'm afraid the cover won't wash evenly if I use bleach. Once I actually have the guts to wash this thing, I'll let you know if I still like it.<br />
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It still amazes me what a big difference simple changes like paint and a slip cover can make.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3VkAtF-Uwu9A7VzaV4_Fchs6AIwKNwyZGhAC38ksaddrKMTZY-wHW5v6nf2rIrHhJTowYUHhAmA4GxIY1Z24gk62m264XhlEDhWW1P21N22xdOQEYCNK6joZG-XfLbu3V_udKxqdG6U/s1600/before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3VkAtF-Uwu9A7VzaV4_Fchs6AIwKNwyZGhAC38ksaddrKMTZY-wHW5v6nf2rIrHhJTowYUHhAmA4GxIY1Z24gk62m264XhlEDhWW1P21N22xdOQEYCNK6joZG-XfLbu3V_udKxqdG6U/s1600/before+and+after.jpg" /></a></div>
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This room has a long way to go, but we think that the next big thing to happen in this room will be to address the entryway. Though it looks fairly tame (and boring) in the picture below, it tends to get out of control pretty quickly. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ8g53n4wciX9DXDvv9fkKJAgm-blEbPKKyjSTDEj20xaSRwGd0k2caR6ZWWTLRVv7g84Z8S9630GB8Lt3ELdTMsIX9n7lEWA7EaDMMQ5ZEsRwTNmtrwIVp1NUXcPIaqetmHR1WM9Wew/s1600/Entry+Way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ8g53n4wciX9DXDvv9fkKJAgm-blEbPKKyjSTDEj20xaSRwGd0k2caR6ZWWTLRVv7g84Z8S9630GB8Lt3ELdTMsIX9n7lEWA7EaDMMQ5ZEsRwTNmtrwIVp1NUXcPIaqetmHR1WM9Wew/s1600/Entry+Way.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />There is a fairly good space along the wall that could accommodate a mixture of something <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/97671885643433394/" target="_blank">like this</a>, and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/97671885639536289/" target="_blank">this</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YvcEr_cyPii1yOM0n2-c_q_iXSK71gFxctGKWtceiFPKx17P6shE7spB452pKm4oQhii2zJ57_Gly40vw-X3ogD9mcys168g57E4uX613VwZx9RrXvfmyelnebMiMOvENmpEleLdkxg/s1600/entryway+wall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6YvcEr_cyPii1yOM0n2-c_q_iXSK71gFxctGKWtceiFPKx17P6shE7spB452pKm4oQhii2zJ57_Gly40vw-X3ogD9mcys168g57E4uX613VwZx9RrXvfmyelnebMiMOvENmpEleLdkxg/s1600/entryway+wall.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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Another project that we're seriously considering attempting sooner than later is tackling the flooring. We had Stanley Steamer in to clean the carpets immediately after closing, but we're slowly seeing many spots return. It's looking a lotta bit grungy and gross at this point. The hubs, Justin, keeps mentioning how much it bothers him and I completely agree. I am 100% anti-wall-to-wall-carpeting. I keep expecting to walk in the door after work one day to find that the carpet has been ripped out in a fit of frustration. <br />
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We would love to pull up the carpet and simply paint the sub-floor <a href="http://plumberrypie.blogspot.com/2013/07/painted-floorshow-to-products-used.html" target="_blank">like this</a> until we can save up to put in all hardwoods on the main floor. (Including the kitchen, half bathroom, hallway and living room.)<br />
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Does anyone have any experience with painting subflooring? We're someone hesitant to find out what's lurking beneath that carpeting. What if the subfloor is in awful shape? What is it's uneven or really rough? We'd hate to go into this project thinking we'll spend under $100 for an easy fix and end up having to put in completely new flooring after all. We have a lot to think about...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-86497997447830915502014-05-09T16:32:00.000-04:002014-05-15T11:34:05.378-04:00Seeking: Two Girly, Adorable and Affordable Twin Duvets<i>Before we jump into today's scheduled post, I wanted to apologize for taking so long to get this out this week. (And for not posting last week either.) It's been a bit crazy around these parts lately. Last week I celebrated my 30th birthday and I am admittedly in denial. We partied by staying in and watching trashy tv. We're so exciting! In other news, our family has managed to pass around a nasty little stomach bug over the last 4 weeks. The latest victim: baby Cullen. My poor, poor baby! The pukes are so awful for babies so little.</i><br />
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I will preface today's post by saying: Why is it so hard to pick out a duvet?<br />
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Since we painted <a href="http://seventownway.blogspot.com/2014/04/current-state-of-master-bedroom-affairs.html" target="_blank">our room</a>, I've come to realize just how dingy our girls room looks.<br />
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Though the wall color is neutral beige, it actually looks dirty. Like, someone smeared dirt on the walls, dirty... I'm somewhat ashamed to admit that we are just now dealing with this. Okay, so it's not <i>that </i>bad. I'm sure that Justin would tend to agree that I might be a little dramatic at times. But hey, I need to be a little dramtic in order to get motivated. <br />
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To get the ball rolling on this room, I put together a little mood board (or two.)<br />
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So what's the hang up? Finding the desired cute duvet/quilt/fabric within our set bedding budget. All of my "designs" are somewhat reliant on finding the right bedding and I have been totally striking out. Making a duvet would be super easy but the fabrics I like are just outright crazy expensive. <br />
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As a result of the hunt for the perfect duvet/quilt, our children have grown to hate shopping with us. Just this past weekend we spent about 30 minutes in the bedding aisles at Target trying to convince ourselves that we liked one of the available duvet/quilt options. Our Target is currently under construction and inventory is disappointingly low. Rather than going home empty handed, we grabbed some Tostitos chips, a jar of queso, and called it a day. (Because it's blasphemy to leave Target empty handed. And I love me some Tostitos and queso.) <br />
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I've resorted to surfing the internet for options and it's up to <b>you</b> to help make the final decision.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3kVdLAw2a9WOAog_VQYV7JT3jchi2neNOYKZljZPl__TGb6wya8LZfEqrJ76fjYmfA96fe3JQL1Tlm8P84dx7p6kgTvLxK1JeT40fRFqEqlLJghdBhjwF37xCRT8Mjnb2nSXrWwCVU/s1600/Girls+Duvet+Cover+Options+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjb3kVdLAw2a9WOAog_VQYV7JT3jchi2neNOYKZljZPl__TGb6wya8LZfEqrJ76fjYmfA96fe3JQL1Tlm8P84dx7p6kgTvLxK1JeT40fRFqEqlLJghdBhjwF37xCRT8Mjnb2nSXrWwCVU/s1600/Girls+Duvet+Cover+Options+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFG43P4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B00IFG43P4&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=setowa-20&amp;linkId=7NB7XPWHGIJOTWBA" target="_blank">1</a> / <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/organic-ikat-diamond-duvet-cover-shams-b1265/?cm_src=AutoCatRel" target="_blank">2</a> / <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pottery-Barn-PB-Teen-Dorm-Mini-Fleur-Organic-Duvet-Cover-Twin-Single-Gray-Grey-/380901121161" target="_blank">3</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-hexagon-duvet-cover-set/-/A-14272242#prodSlot=medium_1_33&term=twin+duvet" target="_blank">4</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-chevron-duvet-cover-set/-/A-14292073#prodSlot=medium_1_2&term=twin+duvet+chevron" target="_blank">5</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IFFLVPK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00IFFLVPK&linkCode=as2&tag=setowa-20&linkId=YFQB2WNVZNJDIVVT" target="_blank">6</a> / <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B6863RY/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00B6863RY&linkCode=as2&tag=setowa-20&linkId=W7DUYCAOWNBLAUHP" target="_blank">7</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-triangle-grid-quilt/-/A-14853670#prodSlot=medium_1_3&term=gray+quilt" target="_blank">8</a> / <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-chevron-bed-in-a-bag/-/A-14852069#prodSlot=medium_1_4&term=twin+chevron" target="_blank">9</a> </div>
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We're giving you the chance to VOTE for your favorite!<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="370" scrolling="no" seamless="seamless" src="http://files.quizsnack.com/iframe/embed.html?hash=qdcs78s9&width=250&height=370&wmode=transparent&t=1399663765&width=250&height=370" width="250"></iframe><br />
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Once we make a decision, I'll be able to pick out a paint color for the room. Believe me, the girls room is in desperate need of a fresh coat of paint and I can't wait to get to that point! <br />
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Someone please tell me I'm not the only one to feel so paralyzed over a seemingly simple purchase? Who out there has experienced a similar commitment issue when it came to purchasing a home-good?<br />
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<i>**This post contains some Amazon affiliate links, however, we are seriously considering all of the above duvets/quilts as possible options! Also, we reserve the right to override the above vote based on our final vision and budget allowances. </i>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-283600524701432567.post-35484603358786824782014-04-24T14:34:00.001-04:002014-04-24T14:34:25.846-04:00Two and a Half BirthdaysWe recently celebrated two birthdays!<br />
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Clara turned 4 in March, and Oaken just turned 7. It sure is amazing how time flies, huh? I feel like just the other day my first baby boy was born and I became a mommy for the first time. I was honestly so terrified to even be left alone with the little guy the first couple of days and now he is an independent, wonderful big brother.<br />
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Because no birthday post would be complete without some throw back pics...<br />
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That's my boy! Oaken is the sweetest kid around and I'm so proud of they way he has grown up. Even his teachers comment on how well mannered and sweet he is in school. I am one proud mommy!<br />
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Everyone was feeling a little under the weather this year on his birthday, but we still managed to make him his requested Lego cakes!<br />
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The cakes were by no means perfect, or beautiful, but I tried my hardest with what we had and Oaken fully appreciated it. Oaken was bummed that his friends didn't get to come over to celebrate, but I bet their parents are grateful not to have received the flu as a party favor.<br />
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To celebrate Clara's birthday, we spent the weekend in Pennsylvania with my parents. Of course, Clara requested a special cake of her own as well.<br />
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Our girls are absolutely obsessed with Hello Kitty. Based on the fact that I did not plan this cake at all, I think it actually turned out fairly well. Sorry for the poor lighting, but I had remembered just before we dug into the cake that I should probably snap a quick iPhone picture.<br />
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And a collage for Clara....<br />
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Isn't she just so adorable? Clara is also such a sweet girl. How did we luck out and get such sweet kiddos? She is absolutely infatuated with her baby brother and does the best job of making him laugh! I can't believe how much she has grown.<br />
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Finally, in reference to the "Half Birthday": baby Cullen is now 6 months old!<br />
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Cullen is such a happy little guy and truly makes our family complete.
I'd have to say that Justin and I are some very proud parents!<br />
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He is still not sleeping through the night, and actually gets up at about every hour to nurse. Though I am absolutely exhausted in the morning, I can't complain about spending the extra time with my little man. Being gone 12+ hours a day for work is the pits and it's all to obvious that time just flies when kids are growing up. I will never, ever, ever wish away any stage of my children's childhood. I am thankful for every single minute that I get to spend with them.<br />
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This post seriously makes my heart ache. Their growing up is so bitter-sweet. I miss those itty bitty babies so much. It's been so much fun watching them grow over the years, but sometimes I wish I could just hop into a time machine back to those first few days after their births and soak up all of the newborn snuggles I can. Looking through all of their pictures just to pick out these few was so hard. If only I could slow down time,spend less time at work, and more time cuddling!<br />
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Tell me, what is the one thing that you miss most about your little ones? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15897134169695154481noreply@blogger.com0