Today is a super exciting day for me – I was featured on my favorite blog.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The other side
I love the built-ins Brent and I did for the man cave. But it was looking a little sad on the other side of the stairs.
So, during our "rush week," Brent and I added that task to the list and had this project finished in no time.
Our biggest obstacle was the vent, since we didn't want to block it. The solution: just letting the vent be.
The "end" result:
I still need to find something for the bottom. I was thinking some sort of basket for storage. As for the top, Brent's wanting to get a second TV.
So, during our "rush week," Brent and I added that task to the list and had this project finished in no time.
Our biggest obstacle was the vent, since we didn't want to block it. The solution: just letting the vent be.
The "end" result:
I still need to find something for the bottom. I was thinking some sort of basket for storage. As for the top, Brent's wanting to get a second TV.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Curb Appeal (day 8 and done!)
After today, the forecast is rain, rain, rain until my mom's party. So, today was the day to finish up the front yard; and after 8 hours braving the humidity – it's done!
Last summer:
Now:
I'm really happy with how it turned out. I can't believe this project can be crossed off the list. This is something Brent and I have wanted to do ever since we moved in, but kept putting it off because of time and financial fears. Thankfully, both concerns turned out to be a non-issue.
Time
I did this project in 8 days, and only had help for half of them. The project would have been done even sooner, but surprises like a gas lamp pole and a bed of rocks underneath the dirt – held me up.
The financial breakdown:
- Ripping out the bushes: free (DIY)
- Retaining wall stones: $80.85 (55 stones during Home Depot's spring Black Friday sale at $1.47, normally $1.69)
- Retaining wall toppers: $33.80 (20 toppers at $1.69 each)
- Landscape block glue: $9.60 (2 bottles)
- Shrubs and perennials: $113.66
- Mulch: $14 (7 bags during Home Depot's spring Black Friday sale)
Pre-tax Total: $251.91
Not bad at all.
Last summer:
Now:
I'm really happy with how it turned out. I can't believe this project can be crossed off the list. This is something Brent and I have wanted to do ever since we moved in, but kept putting it off because of time and financial fears. Thankfully, both concerns turned out to be a non-issue.
Time
I did this project in 8 days, and only had help for half of them. The project would have been done even sooner, but surprises like a gas lamp pole and a bed of rocks underneath the dirt – held me up.
The financial breakdown:
- Ripping out the bushes: free (DIY)
- Retaining wall stones: $80.85 (55 stones during Home Depot's spring Black Friday sale at $1.47, normally $1.69)
- Retaining wall toppers: $33.80 (20 toppers at $1.69 each)
- Landscape block glue: $9.60 (2 bottles)
- Shrubs and perennials: $113.66
- Mulch: $14 (7 bags during Home Depot's spring Black Friday sale)
Pre-tax Total: $251.91
Not bad at all.
Busy bee
Between my new job and my best friend's wedding, it's been a busy week.
Brent and I had been waiting a long time for this wedding. When Brent and I walked down the aisle on June 16, 2007 – we paired up our 2 great (and then single) friends as bridesmaid and groomsman. Being at their wedding yesterday, was an amazing full-circle experience.
As you can tell, Brent had a terrible time:
And with me hosting my mom's 60th birthday wine-tasting party next weekend, things won't be slowing down anytime soon.
Brent and I had been waiting a long time for this wedding. When Brent and I walked down the aisle on June 16, 2007 – we paired up our 2 great (and then single) friends as bridesmaid and groomsman. Being at their wedding yesterday, was an amazing full-circle experience.
As you can tell, Brent had a terrible time:
And with me hosting my mom's 60th birthday wine-tasting party next weekend, things won't be slowing down anytime soon.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Curb Appeal (days 6 & 7)
When I bought the toppers for the retaining wall, I pictured them all just fitting and looking amazing. Somehow I didn't process that the toppers are rectangular and the retaining wall is curved.
So, while I pictured perfection - my reality was:
My reality from the front door was even more obvious:
So, I handed off this project to Brent, who conquered it like a champ.
While there are several ways to cut stones, he used a circular saw with masonry blades. (Please note the plural on that – there's a reason those blades are only $2.50 each. He went through 7 blades with this project).
While Brent was cutting the toppers, he reminded me of Pig Pen from Charlie Brown, because of all the dust flying around him:
Once the toppers were cut, the view from the front door was much better:
After everything was laid out how we wanted it, we used landscape block adhesive to make sure the toppers stayed on.
All the hard work definitely paid off:
Now it's on to the fun part – figuring out what to plant.
In other rush week news: The leaves have been picked up and the man cave ceiling is done!
So, while I pictured perfection - my reality was:
My reality from the front door was even more obvious:
So, I handed off this project to Brent, who conquered it like a champ.
While there are several ways to cut stones, he used a circular saw with masonry blades. (Please note the plural on that – there's a reason those blades are only $2.50 each. He went through 7 blades with this project).
While Brent was cutting the toppers, he reminded me of Pig Pen from Charlie Brown, because of all the dust flying around him:
Once the toppers were cut, the view from the front door was much better:
After everything was laid out how we wanted it, we used landscape block adhesive to make sure the toppers stayed on.
All the hard work definitely paid off:
Now it's on to the fun part – figuring out what to plant.
In other rush week news: The leaves have been picked up and the man cave ceiling is done!
Friday, May 13, 2011
This post was supposed to be awesome
Today's post was supposed to look like this:
Now it's more:
The sectional we were supposed to have delivered today is a no go.
The guys at the furniture store we are working with have been amazing (Brent and them basically talk daily). They even special ordered us the perfect sectional (meaning it would fit in the landing and turn a sharp corner), but the manufacturer's Web site had the wrong measurements. So, we're back to square one.
We've considered the modular sectionals, but I think the basic sofa and loveseat is the winner. We're headed back to the store on Sunday, and hopefully we'll fall in love. Again.
Now it's more:
The sectional we were supposed to have delivered today is a no go.
The guys at the furniture store we are working with have been amazing (Brent and them basically talk daily). They even special ordered us the perfect sectional (meaning it would fit in the landing and turn a sharp corner), but the manufacturer's Web site had the wrong measurements. So, we're back to square one.
We've considered the modular sectionals, but I think the basic sofa and loveseat is the winner. We're headed back to the store on Sunday, and hopefully we'll fall in love. Again.
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