Family and Powder Room Updates

Finally uploaded some photos that have been sitting in the camera forever.

First, I know that I showed the process of adding the wainscoting to the 1st floor powder room.  I wasn't too sure about it, but I am happy that it is done.  And I really like my Ikea mirror-

 

The other small update is a new rug in the family room.  I had mentioned that I was trying to salvage the rugs from our previous home, but it just wasn't working.  So, we went to pick some new ones, and my 6-year old chose this one-

Cute, fun, and the colors work much better.  Hoping to replace that Fisher-Price side table soon :)

bedroom theme

I just deserted Darling out in the 90 something degree heat with all 4 kids.  He'll be ok....Anyway.  I need to run back out and take a few photos of our landscaping progress over the weekend, but my mind has been concentrating on the master bedroom.  I am very much a neutral gal, but i have been debating painting the bedroom  "barely jade" because i think it would be so much more fun than "natural linen," the paint I already bought. Hmmm.  I don't know, I was browsing for new bedding sets which would be a whole new wrench.  I've kinda liked that whole pale blue/green/gray shades for bedrooms for a few years now.  I was ready to purchase a JCP comforter on the spot online today, but it was "unavailable" so now i am rethinking.....

but, but, but....

but i actually posted.  and took the time to add lots of pics :(  why did blogger erase everyone's posts from the last 2 days?????

Deck and patio progress

We left off here-

And it took a few (or 6) weeks because of the non stop rain, but we have made progress!

Fingers crossed that I will have the final pics soon!

A mantel accessorized

Even before I had 4 kids, I wasn't very into accessories, and it's only gotten worse in the last 6 years.  It has to be a special occasion for me to put on a necklace!  I realized that was true of my house as well.  I just don't have time to wander a store and find a little something here and there to decorate with.

I convinced Darling to build a mantle....

all in the name of Christmas decorations....

but once those came down, I didn't have anything to replace it with.  So I tossed a few things I had lying around up there to show that i had the intention of decorating it...someday.

Then one day, Darling made me mad, and I decided I would feel better if I went shopping and bought myself $100 worth of accessories.  Here is some of what I bought-

The little squares (that Darling says are weird, and maybe they are) are made from a fabric I loved and didn't know what to do with, so I covered 2 old canvas' with the damask.  The hammered silver vases are from Target.  The dark vases are from Michael's and are holding monkey grass from Walmart (BHG).  Those are test strands, I have since filled them in a bit more.  And the owl is a super cute Kindergarten art class project made by my super cute Kindergartener!  I need a tiny plate holder for it still, it is precariously perched there....
So, that is my before and after.  Sorry I don't have close-ups.  Maybe I can add those another day, I'm out of time today.  This was a thrown together at the last second post.  I wasn't sure how well I'd keep up with a blog, but I made myself promise to participate each month in...

The Outside

In addition to having 101 projects left to do inside, we have about 99 to do outside as well.  First up was this very necessary addition.

Unfortunately, our brand new 3-car garage was a freaking disaster from day one.  And I blame you, Darling.  Sorry, but you could have cleaned 50 tons of garbage out of the old garage rather that moving it all to the new garage.  Anyway, the garage has a mouse issue now, so that is lighting a fire under the situation, and now that the shed has arrived, we might finally get control of what should be a reasonably spacious garage.  Hope to have some pictures of that soon.

Next up, this!

Judy

Two posts in one day...I may not be back for months after this!   An artist friend of ours came across this piece and asked if we wanted it her.  She came to be called Judy (funny story).  Judy is larger in person than she appeared in this photo that was snapped and emailed to me when I accepted her.

We have a large vaulted wall in our master bedroom that I thought would work for her.

But now that she is in the room (on the floor, not hung up) she is quite heavy looking.  Touring around blogland made me think to spray paint her and lighten up the heavy black frame.  So, I've been spending some time tonight thinking about what color.  The plan is to paint the room "natural linen" beige with white board and batten.  Sooo...white?  cream?  apple green??  If anyone stumbles by this, leave a comment.  I'll be so shocked I promise to take your color suggestion!