Progress...

Where have I been...you might be asking?

 I can't believe almost a month has gone by since I posted last!  I am having some guilt for not posting sooner and keeping you all updated on what is happening here.  As much as I have wanted to be on the computer... I just have not been able to.  The month of November seemed to have flown by and yet...we are still in re-modeling dust!  Re-modeling never seems to go just as you wanted.  Things that should be done quickly can sometimes be the most daunting and time consuming.  Even with all that said...I really do see we are making some progress! :) 

Along with all the re-modeling going on here...my computer's hardrive decided to quit on me!  It is only 2 years old! Grrr...frustration.  I am needing many of my before pictures that are only on my hardrive and yes, I have not been very diligent about backing up my computer as well.  A hard lesson that hopefully won't cost a lot to fix and crossing my fingers I will still be able to retrieve most of my important files...like my pictures!

 I now am having to share the kid's computer while we are trying to get it fixed...let me just say, it is hard to come between my children and their computer time.  I not only have to get very bossy and put on my angry eyes when they want to complain about it...I also have to find a moment when they are not down in the family room so I have silence to think!  So...I better make sure I get this post typed fast and published before one of them call me that name...you know what I am talking about...the most called name everywhere, usually has a little whine behind it...MOM! 

 Progress...that is definitely happening here!  I am loving it!  Every time we get done with one more detail...my stomach gets butterflies.  I love nothing more than having a vision in my head come out in real life and be even better than I have imagined!  Of course...one project leads to the next.  We still have yet to get the flooring down on the main level...because...well...I keep seeing another detail we can add. I know eventually it will all come together...hopefully the main floor will be done before...Christmas. 

Here is just some of the work we have done...

*Click to enlarge and see the detail.

We love our new fireplace and mantel!

This was the "before"...it make's such a difference!

Now, it is the focal point in the room.

The popcorn ceiling is gone and we have

painted the walls a pale blue-gray. 

We still have to add the wainscotting.

Again, before...

I did the tile for the fireplace, while

Mr. Wonderful layed the tile in the powder room.

The grate used to be black and brass...

a little high temp. paint in chocolate

brown made all the difference!

The travertine with the variations

 in color turned out so pretty!

We first painted the mantel and wood surround

a creamy white, I then used a mocha glaze to antique it.

Here is where I don't have my pictures of the "before" to show you all.  There is a powder room on the main floor and it is just that...a very small space!  It had been painted a brown/rust color and seemed very dark. It had basic builder fixtures. We pulled out the wood floor to add tile...it already had some water damage.  There was a pedastal sink that was too low, it seemed more for a child than an adult.  I did want to put a taller pedastal back in, but everything we tried seemed to big for the space.  Finally found a beautiful vanity with darker wood, marble top and added "oil rubbed bronze" faucet.  It looks so good!  Still on the search for the perfect mirror and accessories to finish. 

Loving our new bathroom now...

Used the rest of the beadboard from my

 daughter's room...it look's great in here!

Found a beautiful ceramic tile at Lowe's

called "rialto white" made in Italy.

We layed the tile in a brick pattern.

The contrast of the pale blue walls, crisp
white trim and dark finishings look amazing!

Next big project to do...the kitchen! Lot's of ideas waiting to come to reality.  The work is not ending anytime soon...just hoping to at least be done with some of the main projects to have our floors in. If that isn't enough...I can't seem to stay away from adding more.  I found some great finds on Craigslist and eventually will get to those as well.

I only paid $50 for this antique carved sofa! 

Will be re-painted and upholstered...

Photo:Better Homes and Gardens

Here's my inspiration.

Another great deal for $55...

an antique dresser and mirror! 

Will be refinishing this and using it

as a vanity in our master bath.

Even bought this window pane for $5...

it is going to look great in it's new home!

Can't wait to show more...still lots more work ahead!  I had hoped to have posted before Thanksgiving and didn't get to...I just want you all to know how grateful I am for each and everyone of you who read my blog!  I have so much to be thankful for and feel very blessed for the Gospel, my Family, and great Friends!!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!  I will post when I can...hang in there with me, it will get much better as more gets done.  Have a great week!


I have linked this post with Kimba@SoftPlacetoLand DIY day and Thrifty Decor Chick: Before and After Party stop by and see all the creative projects that are there!

Hugs and love friends,