Friday, January 23, 2015

Bathroom Remodel- First Photos

It's been 4 months since we began our downstairs bathroom remodeling.(Pretty much a complete make-over, since it looks to me like it hadn't been touched since the 70s or 80s) I have been taking pictures of the process, now and then, and was waiting to show you the slow, but great transformation we are making to this room. Since we have done everything ourselves, it has been a long process...

Removing the old shower
 Cutting out the the wall.
Taking doors off of old dark sink fronts to get ready to strip and paint.
 What the area looked like, after the shower was removed.
Re-doing all the electrical required tearing open the ceiling and taking out the old medicine cabinet/mirror. Ken also added water-proofing black plastic around the new tub/shower walls.
During all this time, the new jacuzzi tub sat in our living room for over a month, taunting me. :(
Finally, the tub is installed. Also new wood ceiling, light/fan, and cement board in tub area. :)
New sink top (we got double sinks, instead of single, which I'm totally loving!). 
 Behind the old medicine cabinet was this old pattern on wallboard (not wall paper). I think it dates back to the 1950's.
 A storage cabinet was added to the wall above the toilet, to the left below. Also, storage will be added to the area to the right of the new bathtub.
New flooring was added, after removing the old wall-to-wall carpeting...yuck! Cabinets were milk-painted white and new handles put on.

Installing the new tub/shower surround, using 2x4's to put pressure on the drying sides.
That's all for now.
We are putting in the finishing touches and will hopefully soon have a completed bathroom!

More pictures to come....so stop back in soon!

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb

Linking over to these blog parties:
Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple  
Make it Pretty Monday @ The Dedicated House
Sunday Showcase Party @ By Stephanie Lynn
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
Frugal Friday @ Shabby Nest
Flaunt It Friday @ Chic on a Shoestring Decorating
Creativity Unleashed Link Party @ One Project Closer/The Better Half
Junkin Joe @ The Cottage Market
Catch as Catch Can @ My Repurposed Life
Creative Collection Link Party @ Classy Clutter, and Blooming Homestead

Monday, January 19, 2015

My First Mood Board: Comfy Chairs for those Gloomy Days

"A picture is worth a thousand words."(editor Arthur Brisbane)

Sometimes, there is only one way to express my mood... and that's through photos.

The other day I was just browsing through some blogs and I came across something new to me...."Mood Boards". 
Believe it or not, that was the first one I had ever seen... and immediately I wanted to make my very own Mood Boards! There are all kinds of different apps and templates out there to create a mood board, but I decided that since I already had developed my own Pinterest and Polyvore pages, why not just combine them to make my Mood Boards? 
So, that's just what I did....and I am so happy to share my very first board below...
My Mood Board
"Comfy Chairs for those Gloomy Days "
"Mood Board - January 19, 2015" by apop1234 on Polyvore
This depicts my mood today quite well....I love big, soft, comfy chairs...especially when I'm feeling gloomy. And I am.
What would you have in your mood board today?
(To see how I created this board, left-click your mouse on it or just click on Polyvore to take you to my page, that is full of all kinds of cute sets...including clothing ensembles, as well.)


Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb

Linking over to these blog parties:

Saturday, January 10, 2015

BUNDLE UP! My Favorite Subzero Winter Attire

Winter has hit our area, full-force! This time of year, I'm always reminded that, especially in the below 0 Fahrenheit temps, we need to bundle up, with extra layers!!
 I love this article on dressing for winter! 
(Click here to read it.)

With the suggestions made in the article, I want to share what I love to wear in this freezing winter weather:
1. A thick coat
A good coat is the most important thing any(one) can own. . Additionally, a hood on the coat is beneficial when trying to stay warm.
On the coldest days, my outdoor attire - A fur-lined suede coat(it must weigh over 10lbs!!), Sherpa-lined boots, corduroy leggings, leg-warmers, fur-lined gloves, and knit scarf/hat. I also own a pair of snow(ski) pants, if I need to ever walk through the foot-high snow drifts!

2. A scarf (I love to wear in a variety of ways)
Scarves do not just have to be fashion accessories — a scarf is a good way to cover up exposed necks and stay snug during the colder months.
8 ways to wear your scarf via WitandDelight
3. Gloves 
Sometimes, it’s necessary to carry things in the cold and pockets will do no good. To keep hands from turning into popsicles, invest in a good pair of gloves. 
My gloves and combination scarf/hat.

4. Ear muffs/winter hat 
For people with coats that lack hoods, ear muffs or a winter hat are necessary to keep ears warm. Winter hats, ear muffs and even thick headbands come in a vast variety of styles that are sure to satisfy anyone’s tastes.
5. Winter boots
A pair of boots with a warm lining can go a long way in keeping feet toasty. Additionally, it is better to have a pair of boots when sloshing through wet snow compared to any other type of shoe.
I have an assortment of snow-proof, lined, winter boots for different occasions.!

6. Thick socks(and leggings with leg-warmers)
Having a thick pair of socks goes hand-in-hand with wearing warm boots. A good option are wool socks, although it is imperative to make sure they are not so thick that they don’t fit in the boot.
I love long, thick winter socks!(I even wear them around the house.)
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/266134659205648495/
Additionally, I love leg-warmers! Below are my ankle boots, worn with leg-warmers over the top.

7. (Bulky)Sweaters/layers
Even if somebody has all of the above, it is essential to have sweaters and layers on hand to actively combat the cold weather. These layers could come in the form of thermal shirts, leggings or long underwear.
 These are a few of my favorite warm, cozy sweaters!
8. Hand warmers(Hmm...I don't have any, but great idea)
Hand warmers are air-activated heat packs that can fit inside pockets. For anyone who spends a significant amount of time outside, these are a great way of having a safe and concentrated heat source.


My own added faves:

9.  Vests
My favorite warm, fuzzy vest!
(This thermal shirt has extra long sleeves with thumb holes in the cuff.)


I also shared a black and gray vest in my last "What's in My Closet" post. It is lined with fur, as well! I wear it often.


10. The Blanket/Poncho  - I love these, and I will be sharing my 'blanket' outfits in a future post.
Outfits | Rose & Fig

BLANKET SCARF THREE WAYS




/
all blanket photos found on my Pinterest page
 For everyone who also has been experiencing this polar weather, stay warm!! 
And dress appropriately, when you go out and brave the cold.

Ann
“Better joy in a cottage than sorrow in a palace” 
Spanish Proverb

Linking up at these parties: