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Sunday, March 27, 2011
Still shabby
Help Rachel Ashwell or Mr. Holmes:
I tend to be getting no where fast. Clutter, clutter, clutter, Could someone please bring me one of those huge dumpsters. I've got bits and pieces of what I want, and lots of what I don't want. They say Feng Shui lets energy flow through your home, My goodness it is blocked solid. I can't wait for Spring to just escape to the backyard for a change.
I did pick up some nifty Brass lamps with a very sweet design, and some Baby Pink shades with beading. for the new office. As well, I hit up Kijiji for a round Pedestal Dining table $25.00 with four chairs, that is now covered in stuff until things get situated. When?? a good question. A few more pieces of furniture need to be switched up, from upstairs to down, but this can't be down until the "rooster" border is torn down. Not my favourite job. Ode to self, "I will not put up borders, EVER again". The French Patio doors need a coat of paint, but warmer weather must arrive first.
The desk is now White, as well as the the two $5.00 End tables. They need the edges sanded and then distressed. Add that to the list. Maybe add myself to destress.
Now for a back track. The lovely little shelf unit created where we had to tear out the kitchen wall due to the flooding from the upstairs bathrooml did not take well to the primed paint purchased, Re sand, and re paint.
The swap out of Kitchen dishes are pretty well all Vintage White with small flower detailing on some, or just Embossed edges.
Most plastic cups are gone to work for water cups for painting replaced with a mix of glassware. So far so good, not a broken glass yet, well at least nobody has told me of the mishap. I guess the little ones are growing up. Problem is the youngest tends to take the biggest cup, fill it, drink half and leave it.
Changed passwords on computers, as it seems this addiction to facebook, has taken my youngest way off track from her bedroom as well. She seems to have claimed my laptop.
Then there is shift work. Over to afternoons for the next few weeks. Perhaps the daylight hours will assist in getting some things done. It seems weekend hours are sucked up taking kids to volleyball tournaments the next four weeks.
As for the eldest, still hasn't decided about college choice. The latest---"wouldn't it be cool to live in North Bay with my cousin, she could do Nippising, I could do Canadore". Such a big choice for them at such a young age.
As I take a peek out the French Doors into the garden, I give a second thought to escaping to the garden, as I see the hot tub cover needs replaced, the drainage from when we first moved in, is still in disrepair,
So, Rachel, Mr. Holmes, could you please bring a concrete drain specialist, a hot tub technician, as the pump is gone in the hot tub, as well as a representative from Better Homes and Gardens. I will leave for a well deserved vacation, and come home to a completed, home. Isn't a home for relaxing at some point?
You gotta wonder,
Yours in reno's...
I tend to be getting no where fast. Clutter, clutter, clutter, Could someone please bring me one of those huge dumpsters. I've got bits and pieces of what I want, and lots of what I don't want. They say Feng Shui lets energy flow through your home, My goodness it is blocked solid. I can't wait for Spring to just escape to the backyard for a change.
I did pick up some nifty Brass lamps with a very sweet design, and some Baby Pink shades with beading. for the new office. As well, I hit up Kijiji for a round Pedestal Dining table $25.00 with four chairs, that is now covered in stuff until things get situated. When?? a good question. A few more pieces of furniture need to be switched up, from upstairs to down, but this can't be down until the "rooster" border is torn down. Not my favourite job. Ode to self, "I will not put up borders, EVER again". The French Patio doors need a coat of paint, but warmer weather must arrive first.
The desk is now White, as well as the the two $5.00 End tables. They need the edges sanded and then distressed. Add that to the list. Maybe add myself to destress.
Now for a back track. The lovely little shelf unit created where we had to tear out the kitchen wall due to the flooding from the upstairs bathrooml did not take well to the primed paint purchased, Re sand, and re paint.
The swap out of Kitchen dishes are pretty well all Vintage White with small flower detailing on some, or just Embossed edges.
Most plastic cups are gone to work for water cups for painting replaced with a mix of glassware. So far so good, not a broken glass yet, well at least nobody has told me of the mishap. I guess the little ones are growing up. Problem is the youngest tends to take the biggest cup, fill it, drink half and leave it.
Changed passwords on computers, as it seems this addiction to facebook, has taken my youngest way off track from her bedroom as well. She seems to have claimed my laptop.
Then there is shift work. Over to afternoons for the next few weeks. Perhaps the daylight hours will assist in getting some things done. It seems weekend hours are sucked up taking kids to volleyball tournaments the next four weeks.
As for the eldest, still hasn't decided about college choice. The latest---"wouldn't it be cool to live in North Bay with my cousin, she could do Nippising, I could do Canadore". Such a big choice for them at such a young age.
As I take a peek out the French Doors into the garden, I give a second thought to escaping to the garden, as I see the hot tub cover needs replaced, the drainage from when we first moved in, is still in disrepair,
So, Rachel, Mr. Holmes, could you please bring a concrete drain specialist, a hot tub technician, as the pump is gone in the hot tub, as well as a representative from Better Homes and Gardens. I will leave for a well deserved vacation, and come home to a completed, home. Isn't a home for relaxing at some point?
You gotta wonder,
Yours in reno's...
Monday, March 7, 2011
Shabby, not so chic
Kitchen is coming along nicely, (will post a few photos soon) once Randy figured out that the crown moulding goes on the top, and the square side goes along the top. (ruined the first one, but managed to salvage the majority of it). I then thought the shelf/pantry we modified would look absolutely fabulous Shabby Chic, (kind of a washout barnboard) I purchased a Creamy White paint with primer in it, thinking this should do the job. Hmmm, shabby, not so chic. But I like it anyway.
The bookcase/pantry shelf purchased from Canadian Tire, one of those Veneer jobs, didn't take too kindly to being shabbified. I got a feeling, it won't be long before we have to sand that shiny painted veneer off, and redo, as the paint likely won't last, but until then.......it will do. It is really very charming with my two daughters photos, one on each shelf accompanied by some sweet little birds and a few Springlike items. Even better, counter top space has reappeared.
Randy is getting quite worn out with all the reno's, dare I tell him he really hasn't finished....the upstairs bathroom, hiding all the cords from that HUGE television he just had to have, and to try to make the laundry room that I just cleaned walkable again, and tidy up the mess in the dirt floor basement where he quickly piled things to get to the plumbing disaster. Aww, the joys of a 'reno' home. We'll take a break now, though, as I don't get paid for a little bit. Lots' of year end stuff impending at work. Seems everywhere I work, year end is in March.
The bookcase/pantry shelf purchased from Canadian Tire, one of those Veneer jobs, didn't take too kindly to being shabbified. I got a feeling, it won't be long before we have to sand that shiny painted veneer off, and redo, as the paint likely won't last, but until then.......it will do. It is really very charming with my two daughters photos, one on each shelf accompanied by some sweet little birds and a few Springlike items. Even better, counter top space has reappeared.
Randy is getting quite worn out with all the reno's, dare I tell him he really hasn't finished....the upstairs bathroom, hiding all the cords from that HUGE television he just had to have, and to try to make the laundry room that I just cleaned walkable again, and tidy up the mess in the dirt floor basement where he quickly piled things to get to the plumbing disaster. Aww, the joys of a 'reno' home. We'll take a break now, though, as I don't get paid for a little bit. Lots' of year end stuff impending at work. Seems everywhere I work, year end is in March.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
House That Jack Built
Life goes on. Another five days roll by, weekend is here again, Saturday morning rolls around, and I should be getting this place together, ........more. but, Saturdays are for relaxing.
These are the morning you just want to sit in bed with a Timmies coffee, check out your favourite blogs, all of which are Shabby Chic reno ideas, and squander away this rainy, soon to be, fingers crossed Spring Day.
This week in "the house that Jack built" ever so crookedly, we exposed the bottom half of the chimney in the kitchen, that leans a little to the right. It doesn't lean as far right as the upstairs portion of course. Now to fix the hole in the wall from the last shower that poured down into my kitchen from the plumbing issues upstairs. Let's see how do we attempt that one.
Canadian Tire had Sauder book cases on sale last week. They had 24" shelves. That was a little large for the opening created from cutting through cast iron pipes, so all had to be trimmed back to 17" lengths. Done, and now to just plop it into the space for a set in pantry. On to the framing.
Here is where the blog ideas come in. I'm falling in love with the Creamy White colour. We have decided to leave the chimney exposed and frame around the pantry and chimney. Cheap pine bead board painted the fantastic colour, framed with some pretty moulding, good mould this time....
and, while we are at it, Creamy white Crown moulding to seal the deal. Randy thought I was buying floor board, and couldn't figure out why we needed some wide trim on the top of the walls. Tried to explain that a crown is worn on top of your head, hence Crown goes on the top of a wall. We all know who the Queen is around this house that Jack built.
My painting is done, but think I'll also repaint a few walls, in the kitchen, Creamy White. Jack is now gone to start the framing. (I thought, the bugger went to the other computer, and is delving into his favourite hobby photography, I guess it is framing, but not the framing he left the room to do) The problem is he knows all the tips, but hasn't got the balls to ask those he is shooting to actually "move" to make a better photo.
The real framing should take him about six hours for a one hour job, but he'll get it done. Luckily Jack doesn't charge by the hour.
I'll give him a little while, finish my "Tim's", and try to understand and enforce Oprah's motto, "if you don't absolutely love it, get rid of it". The garage sale that was supposed to happen last Fall, has to happen this Spring,
....have a great weekend,
Queen Darlene
These are the morning you just want to sit in bed with a Timmies coffee, check out your favourite blogs, all of which are Shabby Chic reno ideas, and squander away this rainy, soon to be, fingers crossed Spring Day.
This week in "the house that Jack built" ever so crookedly, we exposed the bottom half of the chimney in the kitchen, that leans a little to the right. It doesn't lean as far right as the upstairs portion of course. Now to fix the hole in the wall from the last shower that poured down into my kitchen from the plumbing issues upstairs. Let's see how do we attempt that one.
Canadian Tire had Sauder book cases on sale last week. They had 24" shelves. That was a little large for the opening created from cutting through cast iron pipes, so all had to be trimmed back to 17" lengths. Done, and now to just plop it into the space for a set in pantry. On to the framing.
Here is where the blog ideas come in. I'm falling in love with the Creamy White colour. We have decided to leave the chimney exposed and frame around the pantry and chimney. Cheap pine bead board painted the fantastic colour, framed with some pretty moulding, good mould this time....
and, while we are at it, Creamy white Crown moulding to seal the deal. Randy thought I was buying floor board, and couldn't figure out why we needed some wide trim on the top of the walls. Tried to explain that a crown is worn on top of your head, hence Crown goes on the top of a wall. We all know who the Queen is around this house that Jack built.
My painting is done, but think I'll also repaint a few walls, in the kitchen, Creamy White. Jack is now gone to start the framing. (I thought, the bugger went to the other computer, and is delving into his favourite hobby photography, I guess it is framing, but not the framing he left the room to do) The problem is he knows all the tips, but hasn't got the balls to ask those he is shooting to actually "move" to make a better photo.
The real framing should take him about six hours for a one hour job, but he'll get it done. Luckily Jack doesn't charge by the hour.
I'll give him a little while, finish my "Tim's", and try to understand and enforce Oprah's motto, "if you don't absolutely love it, get rid of it". The garage sale that was supposed to happen last Fall, has to happen this Spring,
....have a great weekend,
Queen Darlene
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Promise to self to spend more time in Garden this year.
......and for those of you who have Spring Fever, let me remind you not to go anywhere need HomeSense this time of the year. Your bank account will drain drastically.
Spring is absolutely my favourite time of the year to visit Home Sense. I simply cannot avoid the cascading colours of pinks, blues, light green, mauves, bird houses, lanterns, etc.
Yesterday, I found the most wonderful Solar lanterns, they are huge, of course I had to get them. When you see others putting two of them in a cart as quickly as possible without even thinking twice about it, we say to ourselves, "that must be the thing that everyone is going with this year", and promptly drop two into our own cart as well. They are fabulous. Oh, and I just must have that mauve bird cage for the garden too, a great companion for the Ivory one I already own. I could have gone over the top, as I fell in love with 80% of the store.
Ah, the colours of Spring. I adore the Shabby Chic look, and the time worn look. This would be the look I'd love to capture in my humble Abode. So far, I have the Shabby and time worn mastered. It is the Chic part that is missing. Note to self, if you bring something new into the home, you must get rid of something old. Definitely a hard lesson to learn, remembering that old is part of what makes a Shabby Chic decorator.
Now on to Winners, not only decorative, but fashion to boot. I had to hold the reins here a little tighter, and ended up walking out with two clearance sweaters, ten bucks for the two of them. Now that is a steal.
Next stop, Michaels Craft Store. They have the sweetest little Spring collection called Ashland. Once again, pinks, blues and greens, with birds, flowers, and the Shabby Chic feel. Gotta haves.... Hmmm, the Valentine section is reduced 90%, they are giving them away. Funky little red glass, and clear vinegar bottles with vintage labels adorned with tiny roses. They would make the prettiest little fresh flower holders. .33 cents a piece. Being that its March, the calendars are now .15 cents. They would be wonderful for scrapbooking, and look this one even comes with frames. For you avid scrapbookers, Tim Holtz inks are 40% off today, suppose I should add a few colours to my collection that I never use.
Now, I must run.
Remember that nightmare bathroom, it still isn't done. Off to purchase 2x4's and some bead board at Home Depot, or was it Rona? Seems like ages ago when we started the reno. Shabby yes, chic, not yet.
Eight more weeks, Spring will blossom in Ontario, I hang my lanterns, wait for the birds, and maybe even sit on the crapper in the updated Shabby Chic bathroom, without the tub.
.........and what are you planning for your Spring Garden reno's?
Spring is absolutely my favourite time of the year to visit Home Sense. I simply cannot avoid the cascading colours of pinks, blues, light green, mauves, bird houses, lanterns, etc.
Yesterday, I found the most wonderful Solar lanterns, they are huge, of course I had to get them. When you see others putting two of them in a cart as quickly as possible without even thinking twice about it, we say to ourselves, "that must be the thing that everyone is going with this year", and promptly drop two into our own cart as well. They are fabulous. Oh, and I just must have that mauve bird cage for the garden too, a great companion for the Ivory one I already own. I could have gone over the top, as I fell in love with 80% of the store.
Ah, the colours of Spring. I adore the Shabby Chic look, and the time worn look. This would be the look I'd love to capture in my humble Abode. So far, I have the Shabby and time worn mastered. It is the Chic part that is missing. Note to self, if you bring something new into the home, you must get rid of something old. Definitely a hard lesson to learn, remembering that old is part of what makes a Shabby Chic decorator.
Now on to Winners, not only decorative, but fashion to boot. I had to hold the reins here a little tighter, and ended up walking out with two clearance sweaters, ten bucks for the two of them. Now that is a steal.
Next stop, Michaels Craft Store. They have the sweetest little Spring collection called Ashland. Once again, pinks, blues and greens, with birds, flowers, and the Shabby Chic feel. Gotta haves.... Hmmm, the Valentine section is reduced 90%, they are giving them away. Funky little red glass, and clear vinegar bottles with vintage labels adorned with tiny roses. They would make the prettiest little fresh flower holders. .33 cents a piece. Being that its March, the calendars are now .15 cents. They would be wonderful for scrapbooking, and look this one even comes with frames. For you avid scrapbookers, Tim Holtz inks are 40% off today, suppose I should add a few colours to my collection that I never use.
Now, I must run.
Remember that nightmare bathroom, it still isn't done. Off to purchase 2x4's and some bead board at Home Depot, or was it Rona? Seems like ages ago when we started the reno. Shabby yes, chic, not yet.
Eight more weeks, Spring will blossom in Ontario, I hang my lanterns, wait for the birds, and maybe even sit on the crapper in the updated Shabby Chic bathroom, without the tub.
.........and what are you planning for your Spring Garden reno's?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Reality Hits
Reality Hits
Check your email, check your mail box, check the Ontario College Site. A few steps closer to losing your baby girl. I'm not really liking this whole process.
She only applied last week, I'm not ready for acceptance. Slow down this train just a little, 'cause it is running at a rampant speed, way too fast for me, and I'm not even sure my daughter is aboard yet....
Too young. Too Innocent. Too confused. Too Naive. The latter of which scares me most, my goodness she can barely boil water. How do you teach a girl that you have to actually stay within sight of a stove when you are cooking anything. You can't play Wii, text, listen to an Ipod, facebook, and answer the phone while cooking.
Three out of five colleges have accepted her, too bad I can't accept her leaving. Part of life I suppose.
Definitely meal plan material, residence. North Bay, Peterborough, Orillia, Oshawa, or the Big TO.
Some how since applying, the hours tick by quicker and quicker.
The question, Mom can I sleep somewhere tonight, at a girlfriends?" No, you have got to spend time here, with me, our days together are numbered.
I can feel many road trips in my not so distant future. I can pray that my younger daughter competes in Volleyball in a district close to where she will be living, where I used to dread those long distant trips.
Come on Mom, get a grip, she isn't going half way across the world..................yet.
Is this hitting home with anyone else?
She only applied last week, I'm not ready for acceptance. Slow down this train just a little, 'cause it is running at a rampant speed, way too fast for me, and I'm not even sure my daughter is aboard yet....
Too young. Too Innocent. Too confused. Too Naive. The latter of which scares me most, my goodness she can barely boil water. How do you teach a girl that you have to actually stay within sight of a stove when you are cooking anything. You can't play Wii, text, listen to an Ipod, facebook, and answer the phone while cooking.
Three out of five colleges have accepted her, too bad I can't accept her leaving. Part of life I suppose.
Definitely meal plan material, residence. North Bay, Peterborough, Orillia, Oshawa, or the Big TO.
Some how since applying, the hours tick by quicker and quicker.
The question, Mom can I sleep somewhere tonight, at a girlfriends?" No, you have got to spend time here, with me, our days together are numbered.
I can feel many road trips in my not so distant future. I can pray that my younger daughter competes in Volleyball in a district close to where she will be living, where I used to dread those long distant trips.
Come on Mom, get a grip, she isn't going half way across the world..................yet.
Is this hitting home with anyone else?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Overwhelming Decisions
Due Date, February 1st, cut off time for college application.
Why or why do kids leave things until the last minute.
Applying to College/University, at the same time as Grade Twelve exams is likely enough to give a kid a nervous breakdown. On top of this, a job presently that isn't even giving her enough hours to pay for her link to life, the Blackberry, and, finally concluding that there is not enough days left for her to get her driver's license before attending College, if she is even accepted.
It is mind boggling for them to try to figure out what they will do with the rest of their lives. Parents can try to give them some coaching, but ultimately, it is their choice, their life.
All she really knows for sure is, "I want to work with people", not just children, although she would enjoy counselling children who are going through divorce.
I try really hard to not push my ideas upon her, and just give her options.
She did visit her favorite Coach/Guidance Counselor today for a little advice, and some words of wisdom to assure her that ever teenager her age, is going through the same thing, and came away with a more positive outlook. She soon realized that Guidance Counselors are also available in Colleges/Universities.
Questions, shall I go to college close by?, Shall I live in residence? Will I meet friends? Will I be happy? Have I chose the right course? Will I be accepted? Did I wait too late? Where do I get the money? Can I work part-time? When will I now get my license now that I know I can't possibly get it by September? Where are my friends going? Where can I find a better job to make more money soon? Should I date my ex again? The trials and tribulations of teenagers.
As adults with somewhat clearer minds, at least we think so, we can take all this step by step, setting goals. Teenagers with disorganized brains tend to have an "I will get to it" attitude.
After meeting with her counselor, she came home more anxious to explore her options, jumped on the internet excited at the prospect of new opportunity. She is leaning towards Social Service Worker, a two year program with the option of continuing toward her Bachelor of Social Work. Now wouldn't that be something to be proud of? I'm proud already, two wonderfully beautiful, kind girls. If they are not ready to leave the nest quite yet, Momma's cradle will hold her a little longer, and when they do, home will always be the place they can come back to, where they feel loved with no questions asked.
Is she ready for such big choices? Are we ever ready? Big choices continue throughout our life. Most people have five careers over their life time. Don't fret it girlie, take one day at a time. Momma loves and will always be here to catch you when you fall.
Why or why do kids leave things until the last minute.
Applying to College/University, at the same time as Grade Twelve exams is likely enough to give a kid a nervous breakdown. On top of this, a job presently that isn't even giving her enough hours to pay for her link to life, the Blackberry, and, finally concluding that there is not enough days left for her to get her driver's license before attending College, if she is even accepted.
It is mind boggling for them to try to figure out what they will do with the rest of their lives. Parents can try to give them some coaching, but ultimately, it is their choice, their life.
All she really knows for sure is, "I want to work with people", not just children, although she would enjoy counselling children who are going through divorce.
I try really hard to not push my ideas upon her, and just give her options.
She did visit her favorite Coach/Guidance Counselor today for a little advice, and some words of wisdom to assure her that ever teenager her age, is going through the same thing, and came away with a more positive outlook. She soon realized that Guidance Counselors are also available in Colleges/Universities.
Questions, shall I go to college close by?, Shall I live in residence? Will I meet friends? Will I be happy? Have I chose the right course? Will I be accepted? Did I wait too late? Where do I get the money? Can I work part-time? When will I now get my license now that I know I can't possibly get it by September? Where are my friends going? Where can I find a better job to make more money soon? Should I date my ex again? The trials and tribulations of teenagers.
As adults with somewhat clearer minds, at least we think so, we can take all this step by step, setting goals. Teenagers with disorganized brains tend to have an "I will get to it" attitude.
After meeting with her counselor, she came home more anxious to explore her options, jumped on the internet excited at the prospect of new opportunity. She is leaning towards Social Service Worker, a two year program with the option of continuing toward her Bachelor of Social Work. Now wouldn't that be something to be proud of? I'm proud already, two wonderfully beautiful, kind girls. If they are not ready to leave the nest quite yet, Momma's cradle will hold her a little longer, and when they do, home will always be the place they can come back to, where they feel loved with no questions asked.
Is she ready for such big choices? Are we ever ready? Big choices continue throughout our life. Most people have five careers over their life time. Don't fret it girlie, take one day at a time. Momma loves and will always be here to catch you when you fall.
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