Izzy and I at the Paint Store

I have not given up on my blog, I've just been a little off track. We all know how this goes. I think I became so overwhelmed by the amount of work that still has to be done I decided to take a small break. There also have been personal issues which have affected me and drained all my creative spirit. I think I am back, or at least I hope so.

Today Izzy and I visited our local Ace Hardware to be color matched. I have to say she was very lady like about the whole ordeal. Perry, my paint man could not hide his amusement at my choice of an item to paint match. Izzy stood very still while they scanned a few places on her back and then layed down on the floor while the paint was being mixed. She even stood while the guys took her picture because one of the guys girlfriend could not believe they were matching paint to a dog. In their defense it was their first dog paint match.

Well Izzy and I got home with our new 3 (different shades of same color) colors of paint, and if you are wondering why there are 3 it is because I am annal. I have to have everything match through the house. I really wish that I had a cute cottage to decorate like most of the blogs I follow, or at least a new house that was just perfect, but I don't. I have a 28 year old ranch style home that wouldn't look right with that complete cottage look so I have to be careful what I do and not overdo. I love to decorate with the same tones with splashes of color and sparkle and texture to each room. That way I can always switch accessories between rooms, yeah.

Well now back to paint, we are going to have to head back to the store. Once the colors were on the wall they kinda had a purple tint and that will not work. Only one worked with the stone fireplace and will have to have 2 more made from that so I am making progress.

Now on a more personal note, for the past two weekends I've had people I know lose their spouse very unexpectedly, this has really touched me in a way that I did not expect. I think we all need to take the time each and every day to tell our spouse or loved one how much we appreciate, respect and love them for who they are and what they add to our lives. I know that I am trying to do better. God Bless you all and thanks for visiting.

Nothing Going On - UGH!!!

Well the remodeling project has come to a halt. The painter I had in mind to paint the interior is no longer available, so now the hunt begins. I am ready to get started being that I am impatient and it is a holiday weekend, there is no one who wants to talk to you on a holiday weekend.

I have finally decided on a paint color. Yeah me. I have been looking at paint swatches for months and the color has been right in front of me all the time. The inspiration is the one thing that keeps me calm and she is always beside me. My Izzy, my beautiful 9 year old weimme, I am going to use various shades of the color of her coat. Now the trouble is I wonder if I can just take her into my local Ace Hardware so that they may match her with some beautiful Benjamin Moore paint? Well they know me there and are used to my crazy ideas so I guess we will see, I will let you know how this goes.

By the way this is my Izzy the inspiration for my new paint color. Isn't she beautiful?

Have a wonderful 4th of July and be safe.

Hugs to all!

Robin

Busy Sunday afternoon.

Well I got the front doors finished, they are now glazed perfectly the way I wanted. The threshold is now stained and all is complete outside. I still have to re-do the inside. I used Ralph Lauren Tobacco glaze on the inside and I thought it looked fine until I finished and stood back and decided it just looked dirty. So when I started glazing the outside I used Ralph Lauren Tea Stain and it was perfect. So back to Kilz and re-painting and glazing one more time. I guess your figured out I am a perfectionist. Oooops my secret is out. I think the new lights and doors look great together. Of course I love my lights. I hope you agree.

I used Oil -rubbed bronze handles.

Close up of my lights. Love these!

Can you tell I glazed these? I now need wreaths and 

a double welcome mat. 

The Need of New Windows & Siding

This overgrown Yew is now gone to be able to see the front of the house.

The pile of materials finally is going down.

The bay window is coming out. The new doors are freshly painted and drying.

Bye, bye back deck and sliding door. Hello window.

New Mailbox, brick not stone with hooks for holiday and special 

occasions hanging made into the brick. My idea.

Finally ugly gable air vent gone, new one to come.

First post- let's see how this goes. . . 

Ok, Gina from one of my fav blogs The Shabby Chic Cottage (who I happened to have met yesterday in Nashville) inspired me and told me how easy it was to do this. Well Gina this is for you! By the way check out her blog and her etsy store she is fab. I bought two beautiful ruffle hand towels  (photos to come) in Nashville at the Artsy Chicks show.
The whole idea of my blog is to keep me inspired to continue to with not only finishing my home improvements but to give you a glimpse of my journey. I do have some before shots of the big outside project which is almost complete. We had to install all new windows and siding. Well those that know me know I can't do it the normal way I have to tear our old bay window and sliding doors (UGH!) and replace with windows. So needless to say we have some painting on the inside to do now. I am happy with the results. Now if I can get the balance of my shutters and the hardware and have them installed I will be finished with the installation. YEAH!
I have decided that I am going to have to call a professional painter to come in and paint since there is so much to paint, that is my first phone call tomorrow. I will be doing the accessories and finishing touches. I will be posting pics and instructions if you are interested in any of my projects.
I am hoping that you will enjoy my blog and that you can help and hold me accountable to get this house in order and call me out when you feel I am going off course. That happens alot when you have 3 dogs, 2 cats, a 20 year old son home for the summer and a husband that is not helpful at all.  I am woman I can do all. . . LOL!