tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80234944213925520982024-02-22T14:56:24.249-05:00Foreclosure 2 FabulousA whole house renovation, one weekend at a time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-11553939755947053682014-11-29T12:54:00.000-05:002014-11-29T12:54:23.087-05:00Updating the Entryway - Pukey Peach BE GONE!It's often hard to appreciate how far your house has come when the first impression you get when you walk in is "ugh...what OOPs shelf did they pick THIS color up from?" Or maybe they just mixed the leftovers of other paint to get what I affectionately refer to as "Pukey Peach." It has a nice ring to it right? <br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TB2-cRKjMQA/Shq32R2AQoI/AAAAAAAAPAU/xEEZPLJFJNk/s400/Entry%2520Up.JPG"></img><br />
If the 15+ stairs walking up to our house were not enough, about about 7 more?</center><br />
There was also this nice peel and stick vinyl flooring at the bottom of the entryway. I had diluted myself into thinking that it was actual cool mid century hex tiles, but sadly no. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IkyvFH2skGA/Shq32OL5dOI/AAAAAAAAL1M/ZK2tbIHVTtg/s400/Entry%2520Down.JPG"><br />
Also some nice painted (multiple drippy layers) metal louvered doors.</center><br />
This entry way was not even really on our radar for renovation as are working on several other areas of the house. However, as the kitchen pass-throughs started to take shape...<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-foABHJvPpeo/VCi8z59oDVI/AAAAAAAAPzk/6FmBnNTo5Vs/s400/IMG_1189.JPG"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkTjifuHcQGAEoliQAo192xqZGGQssFAJH08TrPwS8z5XNe1NxKViK4QDu-yH3Qnh-90mqg2mLJ6WHqMrR1R7Zs2taDuk_e4pcL65hmvXTlloPBKCdMjPdZHZxiAWkFtvPIV1OvxzNWYU/s400/IMG_1191.JPG"></img></center><br />
...and Micheal did this one day<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5aue0aYWBAM/VCi8jLFzXZI/AAAAAAAAPyE/uFJVHCWr1B4/s400/IMG_1174.JPG"> <br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uuxOl4AEr9w/VCi8hfchpiI/AAAAAAAAPxs/BXF3inbjyr8/s400/IMG_1171.JPG"> <br />
But check out those hardwood floors underneath! Some water damage we'll need to address, but yippee!!</center><br />
It just morphed into a full entryway project. And I'm truly very excited about it. The difference even from Pukey Peach to primer is amazing. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-d73YsYb8erE/VCi8jk2kf8I/AAAAAAAAPyM/yDvUf5YzLeM/s400/IMG_1176.JPG"> <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NLnjixYx9bY/VHoF6TgWgBI/AAAAAAAAQDQ/6lgVkXlSvkM/s400/IMG_1237.JPG"></center><br />
You can see a little sneak preview of the paint scheme on the corner. We're planning to do the entry in a medium gray and the living room/hallway in a light gray.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! We're trying to capitalize on the long weekend, so I'd better get back to doing some work rather than sitting on my butt on the sofa talking to you all!<br />
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OH! Also, if you haven't followed us on instagram yet, we started a F2F account to try and motivate us to document our progress more. Follow us at foreclosure2fabulous - enjoy!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-62374451528392960882014-08-29T08:37:00.001-04:002014-08-29T08:37:27.486-04:00What We Learned Last Weekend 8.23Hey hey hey! We're movin' and shakin' over here :) so I thought I'd share a few things...<br />
<br />
What we learned:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Our entire entryway (below) used to be<b> a very bright shade of pink.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t4LjybbTnOE/U_sZNVzG7yI/AAAAAAAAPmo/X_RXgz6eH_M/s400/IMG_1164-001.JPG" /></center>
<center>
<br /><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gfGqLH6zP1s/U_sZMCyB0TI/AAAAAAAAPmc/gXuJJF6P63k/s400/IMG_1162-001.JPG" /><br />Whoa, that was a lot of pink.<br /></center>
<center>
<br /></center>
<center>
<b>These cookies are TASTY!!</b><ol>
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XyCQhZi1IeY/U_sZFL5AaWI/AAAAAAAAPlI/3DF8viCLrEs/s400/IMG_1152-001.JPG" />
</ol>
<ol><br /></ol>
</center>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I love my garden</b>, but my tomato to...pretty much everything else ratio has been a bit unbalanced. Anyone need a few cherry tomatoes?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dwsU1vEFDuM/U_sZHy7FnJI/AAAAAAAAPlg/xRjhGllL0R4/s400/IMG_1155-001.JPG" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Remember that entryway from before? So, someplace you might forget to <b>regularly clean</b> (or ever clean...) could be the top of the trim in a vaulted area. Ack.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RMA61GnhmLM/U_sZNgTvjcI/AAAAAAAAPmw/Lf9CJ5cqTPI/s400/IMG_1165-001.JPG?" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You really do have to <b>"count"</b> when crocheting. And I hate that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Au05ar680kk/U_sZIiXwM3I/AAAAAAAAPls/B1tIIKVURUM/s400/IMG_1156-001.JPG" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I'm counting so everything from the yellow up should be pretty even, but the purple and the yellow...are a little wonky on the edges. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-76099583712543068762014-07-28T14:48:00.000-04:002014-07-28T14:48:42.784-04:00The Best Silver/Chrome Spray PaintA ways back I typed into my BFF google "what is the best gold spray paint" and came across a great article on the blog <a href="http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/">Chris Loves Julia</a> titled <a href="http://www.chrislovesjulia.com/2013/02/answering-which-gold-spray-paint-is-best.html">"Which Gold Spray Paint is Best?"</a>. They do a great job with side-by-side comparison of different brands of spray paint and we ultimately went with their recommendation of Design Master and were AMAZED at how far metallic spray paint has come over the past 5-10 years. We've used it on a starburst clock my grandmother gave me and a globe Micheal picked up at a sale.<br />
<br />
Micheal had tried to paint a free lamp we picked up with "chrome" spray paint that he picked up from Home Depot and was horribly disappointed with the results. It didn't look remotely metallic. A second attempt with a different brand looked a little more like satin nickel and we stuck with that because, well, it was a free lamp from craigslist that we used for lighting construction areas. :) No need to go overboard.<br />
<br />
But now we're making decisions about what color to paint our Sputnik Light so we can replace the awful lamp in the entryway. To refresh your memory...<br />
<br />
<center>
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DXfwBi1s2Js/TkiSPLKTd6I/AAAAAAAAJVk/CNlCRGWMMb4/s640/DSC05154.JPG" /></center>
<br />
The finish is pretty corroded in some areas so it would be difficult to restore it back to it's original luster (which we would of course prefer) so spray paint is the next option. <br />
<br />
We are deciding between doing a silver/chrome finish or stay with the original look of gold. So we did our own experiment using some of the different silver options on the market to see which one looked best/most metallic.<br />
<br />
Here are the four contenders:<br />
<center>
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9M7iZF32hcM/U80IhrCiawI/AAAAAAAAPFw/K9d3iACr8vk/s400/IMG_1035.JPG" /></center>
<br />
Design Master Premium Metals, Super Silver - Purchased at Michaels for 7.49<br />
Krylon Metallic, Chrome - Purchased at Michael's for 6.49<br />
Rustoleum Universal Metallic Titanium Silver - Probably purchased at Home Depot... (it was in our stock of spray paints)<br />
Design Master Brilliant Silver - Purchased at Michael's for 6.49<br />
<br />
We chose to use some Christmas Ornaments that came in a box at an estate sale that I didn't love. Micheal set me up a nice little painting station.<br />
<br />
<center>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ms8vn6Kqets/U80IhLeFAjI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/wmLP34D6dSg/s400/IMG_1032.JPG" /></center>
<br />
Then I began painting.<br />
<br />
<b>Design Master Premium Metals, Super Silver</b><br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jTdannQBszI/U80Ii_lzzyI/AAAAAAAAPGA/fiRTyPNvEyQ/s400/IMG_1039.JPG" /><br />
<ul>
<li>Good coverage, boasts "one coat" and you could probably get away with it<br />
</li>
<li>Dries quickly<br />
</li>
<li>Best "reflective" quality<br />
</li>
<li>Painted metal looked like metal - Good definition<br />
</li>
<li>No running/streaking</li>
</ul>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Krylon Metallic, Chrome</b><br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XWS3EnZjFpA/U80Iiv8U8VI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/8aI8SJ2FSjo/s400/IMG_1038.JPG" /> <br />
<ul>
<li>Good coverage<br />
</li>
<li>Dries quickly<br />
</li>
<li>More of a satin finish than a reflective/chrome finish<br />
</li>
<li>No running</li>
</ul>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Rustoleum</b><br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aJ5m_2ycDY0/U80IikgQBiI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/bzqkL_8QdT8/s400/IMG_1037.JPG" /> <br />
<ul>
<li> Poor coverage<br />
</li>
<li>Lots of overspray<br />
</li>
<li>Lots of running/dripping<br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nNAmmbFGBqY/U80IovYocNI/AAAAAAAAPJQ/H5DEr7qqySI/s400/IMG_1054.JPG" width="300" /><br />
</li>
<li>Very sparkly, not metallic looking<br />
</li>
<li>Comfortable handle</li>
</ul>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Design Master, Brilliant Silver</b> <br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XWS3EnZjFpA/U80Iiv8U8VI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/8aI8SJ2FSjo/s400/IMG_1038.JPG" /> <br />
<ul>
<li>Good coverage<br />
</li>
<li>Not much overspray<br />
</li>
<li>Good "brushed nickel/satin" look<br />
</li>
<li>Dries quickly<br />
</li>
<li>No running</li>
</ul>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>Some side-by-side comparisons:</b></center>
<center>
<b><br /></b><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fLZR2PgxLeo/U9aSs7fN0JI/AAAAAAAAPKs/g5piuBfi0Pc/s400/Design%2520Master.jpg" /><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h6cgTglAphU/U9aY5um5fZI/AAAAAAAAPK8/Rkx-46zqTCk/s400/Silver%25232jpg.jpg.jpg" /><br />
<br /></center>
The Design Master Super Silver was the <b>CLEAR</b> winner in terms of reflectiveness and silver/chrome look. Brilliant Silver and Krylon Metallic were pretty close, but in my opinion the Brilliant Silver just barely edges it out. The Rustoleum was a dud, hard to work with, and looked very fake. <br />
<br />
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<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-30018018243802731832014-07-18T12:37:00.000-04:002014-07-18T12:51:23.078-04:00Metro Steals - Mid Century Craigslist Finds for under $151Yeah, we don't post often enough. We want to, we talk about it, and then we don't. So think about our blog posts like the cherries in a fruit cup. There aren't very many of them, but you value the one or two in your cup! :) (Or at least I hope you do.)<br />
<br />
I swore off craigslist for a while because we had (and still have) way too much stuff. But something got me started again recently and that old itch is back. So this is how I cope with it. Post things for someone ELSE to buy so I don't buy them myself.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/atq/4526236271.html">Pair of Mersman Side Tables $150</a><br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ovHA1onu4s0/U8lAKBURFGI/AAAAAAAAPEg/LIJbHK_rdjU/s400/Mersman%2520Table.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
Sexy Legs!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/4556089508.html">Lane Coffee Table (Broken Glass) - $20</a><br />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fWLwjvjcC38/U8lAJ8J0QfI/AAAAAAAAPEk/-9BfJOCnsKA/s400/Lane%2520Coffee%2520Table.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
Micheal and I actually considered buying this as it would not be too expensive to replace the glass and it would be a very pretty table!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/atq/4527886608.html">Starburst Clock - $65</a><br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1SpJ7aeXFYk/U8lAKtkb0hI/AAAAAAAAPEU/8-oo0mSegPE/s400/Starburst%2520Clock.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
Very atomic and you can replace the plugin clock movement with a battery operated one pretty easily so no ugly cords running down the wall.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/4573610605.html">Bentwood Nesting Tables - $60</a><br />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-r62VbL9HflA/U8lAKV4ODwI/AAAAAAAAPEY/UsBUx2XDKj8/s400/Nesting%2520Tables.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
These would look FAB-O stained a darker color (not a fan of blonde)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/atq/4558950836.html">Pair of Mid Century Lamps - $20</a><br />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ya2D5MqtEM0/U8lAJbTeH8I/AAAAAAAAPEE/mrBWO4wtLKM/s800/Lamps.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
This is a GREAT deal for this pair of lamps. I actually emailed about them but they're all the way down in Mt. Vernon. Blah too far. But someone on the southern part of the beltway could get a nice deal!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/atq/4569017473.html">Retro Mid Century Lamps - $50</a><br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KGgDQEeBkAY/U8lAI_-qbjI/AAAAAAAAPE0/B8pp0jFghwE/s400/Crazy%2520lamps.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
Holy wow are those bold. I don't actually like the lamps, but the shades appear to be in good condition and those tiered shades can be hard to come by!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/fod/4546978554.html">Vintage Light-Up Globe - $20</a><br />
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0fnIG4K7IVI/U8lAI7vxbVI/AAAAAAAAPEo/kPHeYOVduNw/s400/Globe.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
I'm actually nervous to post this...Micheal might try to buy it. Someone else buy it quick!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/fuo/4531380149.html">White Mid Century Lamp - $30</a> <br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Pghnqs33Ge8/U8lAK-C3GhI/AAAAAAAAPEc/_dTosP0X2es/s400/White%2520lamp.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
I'm surprised this is still available (going by the "updated" date craigslist now has at the bottom of it's listings.) I think it's really pretty!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/hsh/4571509722.html"> Capiz Shelling Hanging Light - $30</a><br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A2b4Xbll0_g/U8lAI5qyW6I/AAAAAAAAPEs/iFkgfxCMUws/s400/Capiz%2520Shell%2520Light.jpg" target="_blank"><br />
This is a STEAL and I really like it. Must...not...buy...more...lights...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-74887602962555101222014-04-07T20:53:00.000-04:002014-04-07T20:53:21.225-04:00What's up buttercup?So I FINALLY started back to work. It's been a long dramatic process but I've now officially been employed for a two weeks! So now we're trying to balance getting stuff done with two full time working individuals and not pass out on the couch after work. Cuz right now, that's all I want to do!<br />
<br />
I thought I'd share a few of our new additions we've picked up!<br />
<br />
Micheal was like a kid in a candy store when he visited <a href="http://rivermarketantiquemall.com/">River Market Antiques</a> in Kansas City. Limited by luggage requirements he was only able to pick up a few small items, but the "want" list was long!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1lwPj6l6svU/Uz-KLg8VisI/AAAAAAAAOpw/ELbCoNuaBsw/s400/IMG_0930.JPG"><br />
I love these salt and pepper shakers, seriously, love. We'll buff them up a bit to take care of the few scuffs. <br />
<br />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WZTsbG5ad_w/Uz-KSdDQP-I/AAAAAAAAOrE/O0WYwo_XS2w/s400/IMG_0941.JPG"><br />
Also found at River Market Antiques, this marquee S is a lovely addition to our bedroom!</center><br />
We hit up a family run estate sale a few Sundays back. A very spry and funny gentleman who was moving closer to his family out of state. He was a hoot. :)<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UexJAEI7d3M/U0HYV3SB1eI/AAAAAAAAOrY/O0W_6BLGSMI/s400/IMG_0942.JPG"> <br />
This is what we're going to use for the built-in in the guest bedroom. It's perfect because behind the door...<br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OFApg5eB6vE/U0HYWo3U4CI/AAAAAAAAOrc/YosnA2qKU-A/s400/IMG_0943.JPG"><br />
A hanging rack! Paid: $27<br />
<br />
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WTVpiHqNYAs/Uz-KP0iLEAI/AAAAAAAAOqk/PLHAACKRmco/s400/IMG_0937.JPG"
Daisy/Dandelion Divided Pyrex Dish - so cute. Paid: $5</center><br />
<br />
Micheal's obsession with old mirrors struck again...<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2qKLBJ4Sm4M/Uz9jENfTJiI/AAAAAAAAOr4/lUGL4c0Q8r8/s400/IMG_0853.JPG"></center><br />
We also added this lovely Ponytail Palm to our household! <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wmYtTLvOv_Q/Uz-KN43HxUI/AAAAAAAAOqM/b3k-lILwdDk/s400/IMG_0934.JPG"></center>What's that around it you ask? The only way we can have a plant and this punk...<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rJs7KJsJNBc/UmAkOacOG3I/AAAAAAAANI8/-eJwm0oSobQ/s400/IMG_0621.JPG"><br />
He has already managed to "trim" the edges for us, thankfully it's non-toxic to cats.</center><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-4247599504766117352014-04-04T23:36:00.001-04:002014-04-04T23:36:24.423-04:00Free Trees? Yes Please!Okay, so I totally didn't mean for that to rhyme. But I'll take it! So generally we despise Pepco, our electric provider - for several reasons. For one, when we first moved here our power went out if someone sneezed too hard in a 5 mile radius. This is better now though, so thanks Pepco. Second and more importantly - they BUTCHER our trees. Like seriously they massacre them to keep them from touching the power lines.<br />
<br />
However, at least for today Pepco gets some kudos from F2F because they're providing 2,000 free trees to people in their coverage area!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1JdJSzWKTIs/Uz9kI5-hsyI/AAAAAAAAOoE/EWugrh467h4/s640/Free%2520trees%2520%25282%2529.jpg"></center><br />
Go to this link: <a href="http://energysavingtrees.arborday.org/?partnerCode=06903#Home" target="_blank">Free Pepco Trees</a> and reserve yours today! There were 1,661 left when I reserved our two redbud trees! Thanks Pepco!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-48751994570451440542014-02-26T11:53:00.003-05:002014-02-26T11:53:51.862-05:00What We (have) Learned this Weekend Recently(ish)I always enjoyed doing WWL so I thought I'd try to get that going again. And since I haven't done it in foreva I get to include things beyond this weekend. So...WWL sometime over the past 6 months or so :)<br />
<br />
<ol><li>We could both totally win the lottery and be happy not working. Being a stay at home wife is pretty awesome. (Official start date is 3/3/14, the fun comes to an end.)<br />
<li>The Germans are 2 for 2 so far in my book - My husband and <a href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/2014/02/refinishing-floors-osmo-polyx-oil.html" target="_blank">OSMO</a><br />
<li>Home Depot buckets are not the best step stools <br />
<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q6RDdy-e9fU/UwJ2O-NQleI/AAAAAAAAONE/IHgSwCbwIdA/s400/IMG_0991.JPG"></center><li>Some of the most popular posts on our blog are the Mid-Century background descriptions of the different items we have purchased and DIY floating shelves!<br />
<li>ADULT SNOW DAYS ROCK! <br />
<li>Even after taking two years off, I am still the craigslist Queen<br />
<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcMrjITZ34OaRKQnDGrlYWhdBvlE5Uqwmarpxb_eUrE3PSzLRqPiKbEGiM7ZpP94jf1CpI0YcIL7Yb7d11HdwYg1R2Re9V8UWZmtOPDSPpySPJ-g1eHfCV_TxlACsLaJSRzyJ-qOQ0gJc/s400/IMG_0736.JPG"></center><li>If you say the word drywall around me my right eye starts to twitch. <br />
<li>My father-in-law has excellent taste in ladies KU apparel! I pretty much live in the KU shirt he picked out for Christmas and the KU fleece he picked out for my birthday. For a man who is an MU fan this is high praise. :) Thanks Joe!</ol><br />
Alrighty, back to work. Much to do before Monday!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-54569376070204323902014-02-18T11:41:00.000-05:002014-02-18T12:09:15.981-05:00Modern Door Hardware - Simplicity by Nova HardwareI truly hate shopping for "modern" hardware of any kind. Seriously. It is so hard to find something simple, good looking and affordable. We had the same issues with picking out kitchen cabinet hardware so it took us <i>foreva</i> to pick something out! That was just for the kitchen, now we're committing to more expensive hardware for the ENTIRE house! <br />
<br />
Last weekend we were going through the options and I defeatedly said something like this to Micheal:<br />
<br />
"I guess I see us going with something like this. I don't really like it, but I think it's probably going to be what we get." <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KL9VAX8qCHM/UwI3BRwFLLI/AAAAAAAAOMI/8DDfywucj50/s244/Boring%2520Satin%2520Knob.jpg"></center><br />
Quite the ringing endorsement eh? :) So we kept looking and I happened across a line of modern door knobs by a newer company named <a href="http://novahardware.com/" target="_blank">Nova Hardware</a>. According to their website, it's a small company founded in 2006 that has a line of 9 products consisting of 8 door handles and 1 door stopper. They offer a <a href="http://novahardware.com/warranty/" target="_blank">Limited Lifetime Warranty</a> and the prices are very reasonable. <br />
<br />
We decided on the "Simplicity" style handle. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xVcNO-7MUMQ/UwI6uvHTJCI/AAAAAAAAOMw/vJuSS8OHL24/s400/simplicity-door-knob-630x250.jpg"><br />
Photo from <a href="novahardware.com" target="_blank"> Nova Hardware</a></center><br />
Here is the description from the Nova Hardware Website:<br />
<br />
"You’ll fall fast and hard for the simple design of this Simplicity door lever. It is made from beautifully durable stainless steel that will stand up to years and years of active use while retaining its good looks and providing you with optimal performance. It is design to fit all standard home and office doors, and its unique look will blend seamlessly into any decor. It is guaranteed by the manufacturer for life, and can be installed as a right-handed or left-handed lever. It has concealed screws and hardware, so it installs with a seamless look that is svelte and contemporary.<br />
<br />
Reversible left or right handed<br />
Concealed screws<br />
2 3/4 inch rosette<br />
Fits doors 1 1/4 inch to 1 3/4 inch"<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wpi2_UPm7fg/UwI4gqluwoI/AAAAAAAAOMc/WzymHI70xNY/s400/Amazon.com%2520Simplicity%2520By%2520Nova%2520Door%2520Lever%252C%2520Door%2520Handle%2520Privacy%2520%2520Passage%252C%2520Universal%252C%2520Non%2520Handed%2520Lever%2520Set%252CLifetime%2520Warranty%2520%2528Dummy%2520%2528Non-Functional%2529%2529%2520Home%2520Improvement%2520-%2520Google%2520Chrome%25202172014%2520112732%2520AM.bmp.jpg"></center><br />
We ended up ordering from Amazon because they were available with Prime shipping (WOOHOO!) and the option of easy returns to Amazon for the reasonable price of $29.99. It was a bit of a risk as they are a newer company and there was not much on the web about people's experiences having purchased these handles, but given the limited options we were willing to take the risk. <br />
<br />
I was like a little kid on Christmas morning when the UPS guy knocked on our door just two short days later! LOVE AMAZON PRIME!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ndxAQtbRybc/UvqHcte0ktI/AAAAAAAAOKA/Y6l0QkIsOfI/s400/IMG_0985.JPG"><br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-StYNP7gGLMc/UvqHdJxg0jI/AAAAAAAAOKI/e74ceU9llQo/s400/IMG_0986.JPG"></center><br />
It was very nicely packed and included all of the possible accessories you could ask for. <br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rvaIkDDgiRU/UvqHey7JZxI/AAAAAAAAOMo/9s89kK1cCNM/s400/IMG_0989.JPG"></center><br />
So far it appears to be a very sturdy handle. A nice satin nickel finish and very sleek/simple look. Micheal is working on installing it as I type! Yay!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-23133350952550545392014-02-17T11:04:00.001-05:002014-02-17T11:47:29.942-05:00Refinishing Hardwood Floors: OSMO Polyx Oil Of all the projects we have done thus far to our house, this might be my absolute favorite. It's all the more sweet because refinishing our floors was so far down on the list of things we <i>needed</i> to do I didn't see it happening anytime in the near future. I'm not gonna lie, I've done several happy dances and Micheal and I can be seen just wandering by the room and admiring the floor.<br />
<br />
We also love the OSMO products. Once we got a method down both the Wood Wax and the Polyx Oil (the finishing coat) were pretty easy to use. I think I'll have Micheal do a separate post on OSMO, what it is and why we used it.<br />
<br />
If you haven't seen the other posts in this series make sure to check out: <br />
<br />
<a href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/2014/01/sanding-hardwoods-with-square-sander.html" target="_blank">Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Sanding with a Square Sander</a><br />
<a href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/2014/01/refinishing-floors-osmo-wood-wax-finish.html" target="_blank">Refinishing Hardwood Floors: OSMO Wood Wax Finish</a><br />
<br />
This final product is your finishing and protecting coat. Here is the official <a href="http://www.osmona.com/pdfs/install/osmo_polyx_application_instructions.pdf" target="_blank">application instructions</a> from the OSMO website. We purchased the Polyx Oil in a gallon can, again runs about $100. <br />
<br />
And the video from their website:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/vgHkzaMcOhY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
The only thing we did differently than the instructions and the video was we wiped the excess off with a clean cloth after we brushed it in. We chose to do this because we kept reading that the biggest mistake people made was leaving too much product on the wood and then it drying to a sticky finish. <br />
<br />
Our method:<br />
<br />
We cleaned the applicator brush the night before with <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Klean-Strip-1-Qt-Green-Odorless-Mineral-Spirits-QKGO75001/100677235?N=5yc1vZc5bq" target="_blank">odorless mineral spirits</a> and rinsed it out with water and then let it dry overnight. <br />
<br />
We started in the back of the room and again applied to about 4-5 rows of flooring at a time. This was actually pretty tough to keep track of because you really cannot see exactly where you stopped, particularly after you have wiped off the excess!<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-05Lt0RibMhI/UuCYn_hvofI/AAAAAAAAOAo/7_6QjzDx4F4/s640/IMG_0916.JPG"></center><br />
We tried to mark our progress by putting a little piece of tape on the trim to denote where we stopped.<br />
<br />
So...just brush it on...and then wipe off the excess. We didn't really allow it to sit.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xiMHGkq6hPQ/UuiD67IVwxI/AAAAAAAAOFY/mssQY2z_JVg/s640/IMG_0922-001.JPG"></center><br />
Now, the trick to this is to make sure you get it all and that you don't leave any smudgies. This can very easily happen when using a rag. It generally happens at the end of your "wipe" as it were. Micheal and I each looked at each section from multiple vantage points before we moved onto the next section. Even with this, after the first coat we had a few shiny spots from these smudgies. But the best part?!?! All we had to do was use a Scotch Brite pad with some of the wax and scrub it in and...the shiny spot was GONE!! That was IT! Oh, the wonders. So we let it set over night (10-12 hours) and did the same thing again the next morning.<br />
<br />
It was actually ridiculously hard to photograph to accurately represent the look of the floors! Here's my best shot. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WMiYxaPDXW8/UuCaHCpc_qI/AAAAAAAAOB8/8-CbjOvad6c/s400/IMG_0931.JPG"></center><br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lA_d4X0E4Lc/UvqRVMQhC5I/AAAAAAAAOL0/LsBb739eBYc/s640/Floor%2520Collage.jpg"></center><br />
Here is my attempt at a comparison photo to show you the difference in the finish. The far wood is the bedroom and the near wood is the poly finish in the hallway. With the OSMO it is definitely a satin finish, not shiny at all like poly. Which I prefer - I think it enhances the beauty of the wood, but it might not be for everyone. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OAHKQZ_xSik/UvqI7vZteDI/AAAAAAAAOK8/bpuuv4-avgg/s400/Floor%2520comparison.jpg" title="OSMO Floors"></center><br />
We'll keep you updated on how it wears!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-30028268928867353462014-01-27T16:28:00.001-05:002014-02-17T11:05:16.078-05:00Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Osmo Wood Wax Finish ApplicationLast time we spoke we had just <a _blank="" href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/2014/01/sanding-hardwoods-with-square-sander.html">sanded the floors</a> in the guest bedroom. The improvement was pretty amazing.<br />
<br />
For the application of OSMO flooring products you can either just apply the Polyx Oil for a natural finish or you can apply the colored OSMO Wood Wax first to work as a stain. We did two coats of the Wood Wax and then two coats of the Polyx Oil (which ultimately was probably overkill.)<br />
<br />
We used the Pine color for the Wood Wax<br />
<center><a _blank="" href="http://www.osmona.com/interior/wwf.shtml"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XMKhHm30EPg/UuadZFNDSZI/AAAAAAAAOEI/a5VAKI-b4L0/s640/Wood%2520Wax%2520Pine.jpg" /></a><br />
Image Source <a _blank="" href="https://www.blogger.com/www.osmona.com">OSMOna.com</a></center><br />
Here is a link to the <a _blank="" href="http://www.osmona.com/pdfs/install/WWF_Application_Instructions.pdf">official OSMO instructions</a> for applying the Wood Wax Finish. We purchased a gallon of the product for about $100 (which will likely do most of the house) and an <a _blank="" href="http://www.amazon.com/OSMO-OSFB200-Floor-Brush-220mm/dp/B003QQPLSG">220mm OSMO applicator brush</a> for about $44. We purchased all of our supplies from the <a _blank="" href="http://www.amicusgreen.com/">Amicus Green Building Center</a> in Kensington, MD.<br />
<br />
The brush did not come with a handle and it is not a "screw in" model - rather it requires a wood handle that you then use a little screw to secure it. We had a broken rake so we just took the wood handle off of that - gotta work with what you've got!<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ikZ5pFu4yq8/Utv5MWbHiZI/AAAAAAAAN3k/b0qS1NZChV4/s640/IMG_0853.JPG" /><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ypFb4phKWxc/Utv5NFW7eEI/AAAAAAAAN3s/SWxyTuDtmGs/s640/IMG_0854.JPG" /></center><br />
Then we opened up our can and stirred well!<br />
<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJCeCDntjIRRS6ek3axJDgvOe-QwOWec8lTaK0ESND7b6HwdD_C3dSwHagyfke6s5FnymUfjd12ETkgwNS90Fx3RXwoZgkyQtEjSirK3q80_0ZesiM-fkrZlyW88yf4yHp-qyVYZ8FQo/s640/IMG_0861.JPG" /></center><br />
Poured the Wood Wax Finish into a clean paint try<br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CDGaKvin4m8/Utv5WTNsqlI/AAAAAAAAN48/itg-U1tiGhw/s640/IMG_0864.JPG" /></center><br />
Put up a "kitty gate" to keep out the furry hellions.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kmhjWeopR4g/Utv5TY_VSzI/AAAAAAAAN4s/UQc6xA1r6IQ/s400/IMG_0862.JPG" /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDX04pXBZP1acoFwe9uGVmETwarWaTrqUNq3aRpQHsyUSZD9O-Js_q4WMp5I2TsR3YlEUZmrYeGAmKYmGUCSe9IhXzDS3mcxkhV7xSn35R9yhq1sRBIzDx8Al4D-l79FZvp13VhosOpFM/s400/IMG_0868.JPG" /></center><br />
And began applying - to apply we dipped the brush in the wax and STRONGLY brushed it onto about 6 lines of flooring at a time. The idea is that you're brushing it into the wood, so really bear down. Then we used scotch pads to scrub those 6 boards (getting any last wax into the wood we could) and then wiped those down with a clean white cloth. In the picture below you can see that the back part of the floor (that is lighter) has all of these steps done. The closest part only has the first step done.<br />
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Apply Wood Wax Finish to floor. We let it set for about 5 minutes.<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tU1p_ILg_D8/Uuap6cNc67I/AAAAAAAAOFI/e9lDEvEpBWc/s400/IMG_0875-001.JPG" /><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qm9y2wGytLA/UuCYiqtZvvI/AAAAAAAAN_g/bFDygYStdY0/s640/IMG_0907.JPG" /></center><br />
Scrub with Scotch Brite Pad<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H7UALDbIvUw/UuCYmGT-oyI/AAAAAAAAOEU/jirP_4Sifus/s400/IMG_0913.JPG" /></center><br />
Then wipe ALL excess off with a clean cloth<br />
<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GHnvoleYX6A/UuCaCCBdsOI/AAAAAAAAOBM/5MtCJg4tdOY/s400/IMG_0924.JPG" /></center><br />
Make sure to tilt your head at all funny angles to see if there are any shiny spots which would indicate wax left on top of the wood. <br />
<br />
Then let it set for 8-12 hours before applying a second coat if you choose to do one. We think it darkened a <i>little</i> after doing a second coat. But not much. <br />
<br />
We are SO excited about how this has been turning out. <br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-df2ngt3ad9U/UuanVqYa5-I/AAAAAAAAOE0/etKID9MLAdI/s640/Wood%2520Wax%2520Finish%2520B%2520and%2520A.jpg" /></center><br />
Also, a fun part is that while it just has wax it's super slippery so you can go all "Risky Business" if you want! <br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-85436879290063490502014-01-18T12:56:00.000-05:002014-02-17T11:05:05.490-05:00Refinishing Hardwood Floors: Sanding with a Square SanderWe initially reserved a drum sander but when we got to the rental shop the guy kinda sized us up as being DIYers and after we told him our floors were generally in good condition he said "maybe you should go with the square sander, those drum sanders can really mess us your floor if you haven't used them before." The terrified look on his face told us what we needed to know, we should go with the square sander. So we loaded her up along with:<br />
<ul><li>5 sheets of 80 grit sandpaper(13 x 9 inches) <br />
</li>
<li>5 sheets of 100 grit sand paper (13 x 9 inches)<br />
</li>
<li>Sanding Pad<br />
</li>
<li> Should have also gotten:<br />
</li>
<li>5 sheets of 60 grit - I had to go back for these</li>
</ul><br />
Final Cost: 24 hour rental + Sandpaper + Pad = $81<br />
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<br />
<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4qZWd8CAWvMsFy4zwkZUthOZUqCmUXrYWUOUnYB-As-85cbNxytiBOY0hMZEDule6J3Z7k73GvYqigpUxUDeBBcRiYTINJ0L8ulTLFbWPN8EvUBZM9sQX-b-0nALgCYTdX4aCqcXcVo/s640/IMG_0802.JPG" /><br />
Here Micheal is putting on the weights that come with it. We used all the weights which likely made it a little easier to manage albeit heavy!<br />
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<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gVBip_5-uAc/UtBcrfSWOHI/AAAAAAAANuQ/Ix93TT9cllI/s640/IMG_0807.JPG" /><br />
Here is Kali inspecting the materials</center><br />
First you put your sheet of sand paper on the floor and then place your sanding pad (the white thing in these pictures) on top of the sand paper. Then gently place the sander down on top of the sanding pad - make sure to get it nice and lined up!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ij5pEW-pqJ0/UtX--T6773I/AAAAAAAAN04/Xj6ijJWYYPw/s640/Sander.jpg" /></center><br />
<br />
The sander has little velcro like nubs on the bottom which are what grab onto your sanding pad. Then, take a deep breath, brace yourself, and squeeze the little handles to turn it on. This gives you an idea of what the intensity of ours was:<br />
<br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/AQZGjTzxXR8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></center><br />
<br />
It didn't jump away from us like the buffer sanders they show on TV but it did take some muscle to keep it going in the desired direction. As you can see you don't need to go with the grain, this is because the sander constantly oscillates in different directions similar to a hand sander so it does not mar your wood.<br />
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We were able to get pretty close to the walls with it which is an advantage of the square sander over it's round or drum cousins.<br />
<br />
<center><img altid="Square Floor Sander" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CsXrO_CYy7E/UtBc0YD3ltI/AAAAAAAANvw/IK8e46kkvz8/s640/IMG_0822.JPG" title="Square Floor Sander" /></center><br />
<br />
<br />
Then start going systematically through your area, you'll see a difference pretty quickly.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-44M981secoM/UtBcwbPyvtI/AAAAAAAANvI/hMkzOSDN_zw/s640/IMG_0815.JPG" /></center><br />
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It's important to vacuum and wipe down occasionally as you go because with the dust on top it'll look like you've gotten all the poly. However, there are likely areas that are uneven that may have been missed.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sNNYKpbQhDg/Utqa-ssik2I/AAAAAAAAN20/H1xgzymV-ao/s640/Missed%2520Spots.jpg" /></center><br />
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You can go over these areas again or you might need to sand them by hand - just make sure you get ALL the poly off!!<br />
<br />
We went over the entire room with a 60 grit (used three pieces of sand paper) and then went over it again with 80. We opted not to go over it again with 100, although in hindsight we would have done one pass with the 100 grit sand paper. You do want to change your sand paper out occasionally as the grit will start to wear down. <br />
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This is what it looked like when it was done!!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XeAF23JfoVU/UtMX7AKSmQI/AAAAAAAAN0I/Dw3Z-GlwunE/s640/IMG_0849.JPG" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NsXk0rwdJaQ/UtMX7oKIBmI/AAAAAAAAN0Q/QuJjWGhOH9Q/s640/IMG_0850.JPG" /><br />
<br />
<br />
Before and after of the closet<br />
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<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-70PbHByp974/UtqeWrzsdBI/AAAAAAAAN3M/EWI56mlbWZ8/s640/Floor%2520BandA.jpg" /></center><br />
As you can see, we were able to make some pretty significant improvements in the wood. Lastly, wipe down your floor with a wet rag as this will highlight any possible imperfections, scratches or whirl marks possibly left by your sander that you can touch up by hand. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-80352892078480293132014-01-15T10:47:00.000-05:002014-01-15T10:47:55.888-05:00Refinish the Floors? Sure, why not. I was really hoping I could post a picture of a done guest bedroom prior to returning to work; however, in our usual style we decided to add a major project to the mix which totally disrupted that timeline.<br />
<br />
One of my real desires for this room was for it to be truly DONE when we stopped. We have lots of 80% done things but nothing that is 100% done. The floor was going to be the issue in this room as refinishing all our 1200 square feet of hardwood was on the "we'll do that later list." And if you're going to refinish later putting down finishing aspects like quarter round is a little silly since you'll just have to pull it out later. So that would leave it looking like this for the foreseeable future.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dhy2wbnGdgc/UtX-9rQn0nI/AAAAAAAAN1A/vdLOhwM3ZnY/s640/Trim.jpg"></center><br />
Now, if you were sitting next to me and looking at that picture you might say:<br />
<br />
"You: It's not bad, don't you think it's pretty?<br />
Me: No, it's a full-on Monet.<br />
You: What's a monet?<br />
Me: It's like a painting, see? From far away, it's OK, but up close, it's a big old mess."<br />
<br />
Okay so maybe it's not a "big old mess" but it definitely doesn't look finished. My desire for completeness lead me to research alternatives to floor refinishing which brought me to this article:<br />
<br />
<a href=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/27/AR2007072701112.html>Hardwood, Not Hard Work</a> in the Washington Post. This article blew our mind! This company refinishes turn of the century floors in the District using old world techniques and non-poly options. They discuss the functional drawbacks to poly and it's poor longevity. A product that the article suggests that has evidently been used on floors in Europe for decades (always behind the times...) is OSMO Polyx Oil. <br />
<br />
<center><img src="http://www.osmona.com/images/Polyx_Oil.jpg"><br />
Picture Source osmona.com</center><br />
The great benefits include no stinky chemicals, natural product, easy application (theoretically) and it's not as "permanent" as polyurethane in so much that if there is a scratch or wear pattern in the finish you can just reapply the material TO THAT SPOT!! That's right, no need to strip the entire floor and start over or live with damage until it's time to refinish again. Also, because it doesn't dry in a hard finish we can do each room one at a time.<br />
<br />
We were sold. We have the material now and are just waiting for the applicator brush to arrive which we got the call that it did today! Floors next weekend, woo hoo!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-21366823487540011052014-01-10T16:55:00.000-05:002014-01-10T16:56:44.170-05:00I've Got Sunshine...On my walls! Which will help with those cloudy days. ;) I hope everyone is having a wonderful Friday - any big plans for the weekend? Micheal and I started our weekend today as he took the day off and we rented a floor sander! Exciting things are happening around here folks! However, this post is about painting and yellow and stripes, check it off the list baby, they're done.<br />
<br />
It was quite the process - not easy by any stretch of the imagination. As you saw <a href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/2013/12/color-inspiration.html">here</a> I started with this:<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cv4-VTGTfvE/Up__KePTTcI/AAAAAAAANX8/QJz50PStJNM/s640/IMG_0714.JPG"><br />
Inspiration</center><br />
I was originally going to four graduated color stripes with no white in between. However, once I got the first stripe up and measured they were going to be <i>really</i> big stripes and I didn't think I would like the way it looked.<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DwQrcG1A6a4/Uq5nsr-8Z-I/AAAAAAAANaw/jg4VuOFx6Yc/s640/IMG_0717.JPG"></center><br />
So back to the drawing board, I mocked up this "wall" in Word and sent it to Micheal.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xk3RrcvXXfE/UtBgVB7GZiI/AAAAAAAANxI/CXrRnD6gCbQ/s640/wall%2520setup.jpg"></center><br />
Now if you know Micheal personally, you might have thought that the asymmetry of the white and yellow lines would have bothered him, but turns out he loved it! He was secretly not so excited about the graduated color pattern with no white separating lines but was being a good husband and letting me run with my idea so this change was a good one.<br />
<br />
So...if you were a more planful person and a not quite so impulsive person you might measure the wall...mark out where you want your lines, etc before you start painting. But I'm not so good at that - and I already had one stripe up right? So I dove in and just started eyeballing it. Generally worked out okay and I ended up doing some planning for the final stripes to make sure everything came out okay. And hey, I used a level to make all PERFECTLY straight tape lines even over a lumpy wall. Micheal has commented several times how impressed he is with my lines which is a HUGE compliment coming from him!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RnA_zso52W0/UtBo4gwxd1I/AAAAAAAANxk/dK7sEHTf-qc/s640/Yellow%2520Stripe%2520Wall.jpg" title=Yellow Stripe Wall altid=Yellow Stripe Wall></center><br />
I really love it and I look forward to hanging the starburst clock my grandparents dug out of their basement for me right smack dab in the middle of the wall. I'll do some tips and tutorial type stuff lata as I did learn some things about painting strips that I could share.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-20052762817865306322014-01-03T00:37:00.001-05:002014-01-03T00:37:43.761-05:00Living in a Retro ParadiseI was struck by the contents of my table tonight as I prepared for our chili dinner by grabbing the vintage Premium Saltines tin...<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iewa691hCPI/UsZLknm--dI/AAAAAAAANoQ/tsSBrKNt9fk/s640/Retro%2520Living.jpg"></center><br />
Most of the things in the picture are older than me. Including the table. :) #retroparadise Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-55775861919233407202013-12-27T15:08:00.000-05:002013-12-27T15:08:55.099-05:00Paint Lines: Blue Tape vs Frog Tape ...and the winner is???<center><img src="http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/1000/b2/b21272b8-75dc-49ab-88bf-3ae50de0f4bd_1000.jpg" height="300" width="300"><br />
Picture Source: <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Duck-1-88-in-x-180-ft-Yellow-Multi-surface-Delicate-Masking-Tape-280222/203081283#">Home Depot</a></center><br />
Frog Tape!!! Without a doubt. I had seen blog posts claiming it's greatness but had never gotten it because it was not available at Home Depot and that is the closest store to our house. However, when in HD the other day I saw that they had started carrying it and they had the "delicate" version (pictured above) which I wanted given the issues we've had with peeling paint. So even though it was a bit more expensive I tried it and am SO glad I did. I unfortunately learned this lesson AFTER going back to the blue tape so I have some paint bleed to fix.<br />
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<center><img src=https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-J_de4a5-Q-c/Ur3WzuskCRI/AAAAAAAANmg/xNCm_RIYx_c/s640/Frog%2520Tape%25201.jpg"><br />
Nice Clean Paint Line<br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-dbFp037smXc/Ur3X0eMX0FI/AAAAAAAANm4/yJbH-UVcfgU/s640/Blue%2520Tape%2520Collage.jpg"><br />
Paint Bleed</center><br />
Both were the "delicate" versions of the tape. Wider tape definitely worked better for ease of creating straight tape lines. As for "gentleness," neither peeled off any paint so I was VERY happy about that. <br />
<br />
I am honestly amazed at the difference. This post was in no way sponsored by Frog Tape (yeah we're not that cool) - we were just really happy with it so we thought we'd share. Off to buy some more!<br />
<br />
Oh yeah :) Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SGJhZ-qkDHg/Ur3d79KfdoI/AAAAAAAANnI/DXiSshVLNpc/s640/Christmas.jpg"></center><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-14408672956354271692013-12-16T21:40:00.000-05:002013-12-16T21:40:14.421-05:00A Christmas Miracle! Our Preway Fireplace!<br />
Back in February 2011 I posted this <a href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/search?q=malm">"wish"</a> for a Mid Century Fireplace. The most popular are made by Preway or Malm companies. They are pretty tough to come by and are generally pretty expensive ranging from $400-$900 on craigslist and getting up into $1000+ range on ebay. We both occasionally go on a spurt of searching for one, however it is generally fruitless. <br />
<br />
On Sunday I found one listed in Annapolis, in mint condition, 26 days ago, for $200. WHAT?! Well of course in my mind there is no way it's still available but I send an email anyway saying just that - "I'm sure it's no longer available but..." To my surprise he responds that someone is supposed to come get it tomorrow but if they no-show he'll call. We're in the running!! And with the high flake rate for craigslist buyers I felt like we at least had a 50/50 shot.<br />
<br />
Turns out the person who was supposed to buy it was theoretically coming from Georgia and kept pushing back the date and the couple was tired of waiting so they said, if you can come get it today it's YOURS! After the necessary dancing we loaded up in the car, drove the 35 minutes to Annapolis and she did not disappoint. <br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mSKBuKBVvCc/Uq-zwYafzLI/AAAAAAAANhs/NsMWM5uEABQ/s400/Preway%2520Fireplace.jpg" title="Mid Century Preway Fireplace"><br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xS97w2aVwlA/Uq-0W77UcVI/AAAAAAAANh0/ZNNKSRnutCc/s400/Preway%2520Logo.jpg" title="Preway Fireplace Logo"></center><br />
We are literally giddy with Mid-Century nerd joy. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-87922206266561505622013-12-15T22:12:00.000-05:002013-12-16T09:34:34.728-05:00Mid Century Christmas<br />
Since I was gone the last two years, we did not really decorate for Christmas. I love Christmas and more importantly, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas decorations. I have great memories of picking Christmas trees, unpacking the decorations and meticulously putting everything together. It made me sad not to do it the past few years, but it didn't make much sense. But I'm home now so bring on the decor!!<br />
<br />
At an estate sale that we went to when my mom was in town we found some really neat vintage ornaments in really good condition.<br />
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<center>
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_A8kIo_wDF8/Uq5qAcNql3I/AAAAAAAANcY/f5cgmcOfS44/s640/Vintage%2520Christmas%2520Ornaments.jpg" /></center>
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They are now my favorite ornaments and look amazing on our tree. I will be looking for more!!<br />
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<center>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nArbpLn9t5k/Uq5reU6vuFI/AAAAAAAANck/m8F9YxDR7zs/s640/Vintage%2520Ornament%2520Red.Green.jpg" /><br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--hX9fpVJ6Ko/Uq5snZRiZdI/AAAAAAAANcw/2n3G4f38pH0/s640/Vintage%2520Ornaments%2520Three.jpg" /></center>
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Cathrineholms also got in on the fun :)<br />
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<center>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gz4-aaWOLEY/Uq5usbiHilI/AAAAAAAANew/UZPIu0Sclyg/s640/Catherine%2520Holm%2520Christmas.jpg" /></center>
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Hope you're having as much fun celebrating the holidays as we are!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-32159336203001303562013-12-04T23:44:00.001-05:002013-12-04T23:44:44.951-05:00Color Inspiration<br />
Things are going much better since the "set it on fire" post a few days ago. I actually took the joint compound and spackle DOWNSTAIRS!! It's pretty much been living in the guest bedroom as there was no point in taking it too far given the seemingly endless need for it. So it was exciting to evict it from the space.<br />
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I wanted to share the color plan with you since I have started painting - Wahoo!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MH3pn8DwjC4/Up__JcDdBvI/AAAAAAAANXw/C0dH5YCLEuQ/s400/IMG_0712.JPG"></center><br />
We're painting three walls Polished Silver by Valspar and doing and a graduated accent wall in these four yellows. There are so many accent colors that can go with this pairing, I'm really excited about the possibilities. These aren't colors that I would have normally put together but I was inspired by, of all things, one of my favorite purses!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xhH0I0Hn4eI/Up__LQrcymI/AAAAAAAANYI/aQeJjFPlXF4/s400/IMG_0716.JPG"></center><br />
This was one of those moments in Marshalls when I looked at Micheal and said "I have to have it." Fortunately for us it was only about $20. But it never fails, every time I use this purse I get compliments and people ask where I got it - so clearly the color combo works!<br />
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Hope everyone is having a great day!<br />
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Keywords: Guest bedroom, grey and yellow inspirationUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-33438238771298618182013-12-01T18:10:00.000-05:002013-12-01T18:10:29.963-05:00Bonfire Anyone?<br />
I have found over the past month that it is really hard to blog about your progress when on a daily basis you vacillate setting fire to your project or taking a sledge hammer to it. Especially when you selected said project because it was supposed to be "quick" and "easy" and was supposed to "give you a win." Not incite fury, irritation and several coping naps. <br />
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Progress has been stuck in neutral on the guest bedroom, even though we have worked on it every day. It's so frustrating to feel like you have done so much work for it to still look the same. <br />
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<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOx87RMTgpv8By-VOCbwU74BFnMpmHCvN_4vShpacwCFwMJyB4vrvi-s0H1dSU1SXFq6thUbFEgQzDoMC3a48h-ZE6VX3OuuEIsFodtXl9OznKHbnMU8wU5Ef9zH7dLlfZj97nsz7B9g/s400/IMG_0700.JPG"><br />
This is how it looks today</center><br />
The light is actually new - we did get something done!<br />
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The issue we have been having relates to repairing the walls using USG's Dust Control Joint Compound. I'm going to do a separate post on it, but the ultimate conclusion is that it was defective. USG sent a representative to our house, refunded our money and took the product for "testing."<br />
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This corner has been the major area in which I have wanted to start a fire. <br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-k9Vg8PAxPw8/Upu-D3OZf-I/AAAAAAAANWc/_L_NL356IZs/s400/Corner%2520on%2520fire.jpg"></center><br />
After we opened up the closet we redid the corner and it has been downhill since then. Our options are to either sand EVERYTHING back down to the sheetrock, remove the corner bead and start over (which we have already done once) or patch using new spackle/joint compound. The second option has mostly worked, although every time we try to do that "final" sand something small peels, pops, gouges, etc. So we're at the point where we're going to actually paint everything and then use the new compound to fix any remaining issues.<br />
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I know this is kind of a rant/downer of a post, but I think it's important to share the bad with the good. It can sometimes be daunting to read blogs that just show perfect before and afters with the instructions (which probably took multiple attempts to get perfect) and then you go to do the project yourself and it doesn't go together as perfectly as said blog promised. Nothing goes perfectly with our house, no matter what the "after" picture looks like. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-80948731762659096012013-10-28T13:49:00.000-04:002013-10-28T13:49:51.561-04:00Curb Alert!<br />
Picked up this guy off the side of the road!! Hello gorgeous! Well, except the yellow vinyl, stinkiness and the weird stain job. However, it should be a quick and easy clean-up and flip!<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCYxSGIj5oc/UlwcdvCUTkI/AAAAAAAANHs/qnPV2HiI9MU/s400/IMG_0616.JPG"> <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l76zea6XLMM/UlwceZn6d3I/AAAAAAAANH0/VKnyOlO-tpY/s400/IMG_0617.JPG"></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-26243703779971697492013-10-20T12:29:00.001-04:002013-10-20T12:29:24.803-04:00How to Strip (Woo woo!!!) Oh wait....Not clothes, Floor Trim.<br />
I know, I know. Bad joke. But come on, when writing a blog post about stripping paint, there has to be a few pauses for dramatic effect. :) Oh and if you reached this post by typing in "how to strip" my apologies, unless you are also doing home renovations!<br />
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So we're hanging out in the guest bedroom right now trying to get it all fixed up so those that do come out to visit us do not have to hang out in a pink room with yucky old wallpaper. Take a jaunt back to <a href="http://foreclosure2fabulous.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-did-we-do.html">2009</a> when we tried to clean it up a little for my brother and sister-in-law to stay in for their 10th wedding anniversary. Can't believe that was FOUR years ago! <br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bq4GUoGuwH8/SslQAR8BNMI/AAAAAAAAC5Y/YQkDHaV0Hq0/s400/DSC01990.JPG"></center><br />
After we removed the wallpaper we had to decide what to do with the trim. Sand? Strip? Replace? I was going to try options 1 and 2 before going with replacing because...well I'm cheap for one, and replacing and cutting trim is a PITA. Seriously.<br />
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I tried a stripper first and it worked great!! It's a nasty nasty job, but I stuck with it and all of the trim is cleaned and ready to paint, no replacing needed!<br />
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To strip what is likely multiple layers of paint off your trim (if there is only one layer I suggest sanding) you'll need:<br />
<br />
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BtKxwk6f7d0/UlwcRctFEpI/AAAAAAAANFE/Ix-zPVorVXg/s400/IMG_0595.JPG"></center><ul><li>Heavy gloves<br />
<li>Stripper (there are many options including some that are a little less toxic but not as effective such as "Citristrip")<br />
<li>Cheap CHEAP paint brush<br />
<li>Metal container for stripper<br />
<li>Metal scraper (not pictured)<br />
<li>Wide painters tape (not pictured)</ul>
<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_ki-Mg6yblE/UlwcSbX9-RI/AAAAAAAANFY/S5HTIaNgSO8/s400/IMG_0597.JPG"></center><ol><li>First OPEN A WINDOW AND GET A FAN!! You need to do this in a well ventilated area. Next, protect your floor! Because our flooring is hardwood that will need to be refinished I was careful and put down painters tape, but I didn't have to be TOO careful. If you have nice flooring or carpet you'll need to do more than this. Like taping down a plastic painter's tarp or putting down some butcher paper. <br />
<br />
<li>Next, put on your gloves, pour the stripper into the metal canister and use your CHEAP brush to start applying the stripper to the trim. You should start seeing immediate results like this:<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JUpajjhoXoQ/UlwcUUnbjAI/AAAAAAAANFs/O7PWxoqhDBU/s400/IMG_0600.JPG"></center><br />
The instructions on the stripper say to spread on in one direction. I would make one change to that and say "glop on" in one direction. The more you apply the better it works. I did one wall at a time, doing the entire room would be too much at one time.<br />
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<li>Let set for at least 15 minutes. REALLY LEAVE IT!! The longer you can wait the better. When you go back it should be looking like this:<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-WCXuCbJKuy8/UlwcYOwcdRI/AAAAAAAANGk/z5IuuEla3wY/s400/IMG_0607.JPG"><br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzlmX1GKgovUHrpRjs-GIvTDBw_3Ad6N70Bh5fQzY-Zdqth9k9J9Dhfm9necjCr3vQJ5snPv-fWBs_egl8o4cUZXB3AXupbjRvqpkfV5kO18n4jTRG1e_P2qcyluHOujsGrPFTOJkzm4/s400/IMG_0614.JPG"></center><br />
If you go in and there are spots that haven't bubbled or crinkled like this:<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jhWea3NFUK8/UlwcZWPyTGI/AAAAAAAANG0/tlwuGCUYA3k/s400/IMG_0609.JPG"></center>Go ahead and reapply some stripper to that spot and wait a few more minutes.<br />
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<li>Now comes the messy part, scraping. The stripper essentially liquifies the paint again so it will get all over you and everything if you're not careful. I used a paper bag to put the scrapings into. Put your gloves back on, grab your metal scraper and start at one edge. Hold your scraper at about a 45 degree angle and push with medium strength.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xdma5rEckao/UlwcZxmyKjI/AAAAAAAANG8/olo56rpOV_c/s400/IMG_0610.JPG"><br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EbvpTn0Hrb0/UlwcbEpDpKI/AAAAAAAANHM/NIfwb3-y3O8/s400/IMG_0612.JPG"><br />
(I realize I'm not wearing gloves in these pictures, I learned my lesson running out yelling "it burns!!" when some a stripper/paint glob fell on my hand. WEAR GLOVES!)</center><br />
<li>Lather, rinse, repeat. Unless you are planning on staining the wood, DO NOT try and get down to bare wood. This will end up in injuries and gouges to your wood. Aim for the first layer of paint and plan on doing more than one pass at the stripping. Nicole Curtis on HGTV said once to plan on doing a layer of stripper for every layer of paint. I didn't have to do quite that much, but it made me feel better about doing two passes and not getting it all on the first try.</ol>
<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJFBorZX4fw409b_JXwmjFz3oPar87Irs0XQiRJ6MWOD3kukzdb5uAnOSrXP7FzkKUBOOzU4yGhI6QZKUCqT6ro7mDu_7fykl6Q0zB5ZJLy8RYnKu_s_vnWYaAA0jqJdHt_4pc-z3NF_g/s400/IMG_0613.JPG"></center><br />
The trim on the right has been stripped and scraped twice and on the left once. After you've gotten most of the paint off let it dry for a day and then sand down the paint that is left to make it smooth for repainting. You cannot do it the same day because the paint that is left is still kind of soft thus it will clog up your sandpaper and not get smooth.<br />
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I cannot emphasize that this is a yucky job and tedious job. I did it over a course of 3 or 4 days because it was just too much to do it all in one day. But now that it's done I'm super happy that we saved the trim!<br />
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Happy Sunday!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-46405149088407083852013-10-14T13:07:00.000-04:002013-10-14T13:07:34.182-04:00How to Remove Wallpaper Paste/Contact Cement (The Guest Bedroom)<br />
Happy Thursday everyone! I hope this blog post finds you well. :) Quick update about the sale we went to last weekend - was not quite as exciting as other clear out sales/giveaways we have been two but we nabbed a few things! Picked up a cement planter and a really unique frame.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NkA40lliaP4/UlwcfyV5JEI/AAAAAAAANIA/qyZi51bxtnM/s400/IMG_0619.JPG"><br />
This was Micheal's choice, I want to paint it but he vetoed that, boo!<br />
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<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-FbMgffWUn5Y/UlcLIXRn9zI/AAAAAAAANDs/czCUOA-pMM8/s400/IMG_0588.JPG"><br />
This was my pick; I thought it was pretty unique when looking at vintage frames. I'm thinking of painting and hoping it'll go with one of the vintage posters we have found. </center><br />
Now to the fun stuff! Removing wallpaper! Oh wait, that's not fun. First, let me say if you happened across this page by searching "how to remove wallpaper"... I'm so sorry. It is such an awful task, particularly wallpaper that has been up for decades. <br />
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Wallpaper can be applied a few different ways including putting wallpaper paste on the back of wallpaper or for thicker wallpaper they used to use contact cement on the wall (applied with a roller) and then put up the wallpaper. I was hoping to do a true "how to remove wallpaper" post with all the wetting, peeling, and scraping that is usually involved. However, my wallpaper literally pulled RIGHT off the wall. I was initially all "boo-yah in your face wallpaper!!" Until I realized there was a very thick layer of contact cement left on the wall with no nice paper attached to it. Well crap.<br />
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Here's where we started:<br />
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<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Bfu74weLypx1K8Blsnxl4c0p3wnOTTI7KkwJSzE8uS8QUZcisbBrjv7naQIBPCIgwngE7UIq2CKI_fUAUZz7UrzskuaoOpkAvFvX-kI6XiO42I3qR46nTWCprub0mgG3lZX2zdHeH8/s400/IMG_0558.JPG"><br />
Lovely thatch wallpaper as an accent wall.</center><br />
Before I started the whole "wet and peel" process I wanted to see what happened when you pulled since I was worried that the wallpaper was actually kinda waterproof. And this is what happened...<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vYwFSGRVsyE/UlGJftvDtpI/AAAAAAAANBc/RW4_5WlkCTw/s400/IMG_0571.JPG"> <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5cSiz5wFkbc/UlGJYZA7uzI/AAAAAAAAM_4/lF-zkKtY7wc/s400/IMG_0559.JPG"><br />
So left with hardened 40-50 year old glue. Awesome. Enter lots of scraping and elbow grease.</center><br />
So if you are trying to remove old contact cement or wallpaper glue from a wall grab your spray bottle, a sponge, a bucket, a scraper of some sort, and a LOT of paper towels.<br />
<br />
<ol><li>Wet the glue and let it sit for about 5 minutes.</li>
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-54GXoZ1qNBU/UlGJdUWR1tI/AAAAAAAANA8/OvuVMN0yOLQ/s400/IMG_0567.JPG"></center>
<li>After your 5 minute wait, begin scraping. It's a wet and nasty job. Sorry. <br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QMDZCbB3IiU/UlGJedhunWI/AAAAAAAANBI/BkUAzp9uQ2c/s400/IMG_0569.JPG"></center><br />
<li>Once you get a space scraped off take your sponge and bucket of water and wipe off the remaining residue.<br />
<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sXnXowbiCYY/UlGJczHwT4I/AAAAAAAANAw/TQPNfrtsVUs/s400/IMG_0566.JPG"> <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dZlBcz_b29c/UlGJgMGGUPI/AAAAAAAANBk/0lDph9frWZ4/s400/IMG_0572.JPG"></center><br />
<li><strike>Wash</strike> Scrape, rinse, and repeat! Until you get a glue free wall.<br />
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ejlKkK3DALw/UlGJhPN2_zI/AAAAAAAANBw/xYWQiPiI-m0/s400/IMG_0574.JPG"></center></ol>
We also had another one of those "what were they thinking" moments when we took out the "patch" where the door had made a hole in the wall.
<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qPdDcDaNg0g/UlGJaWoBm1I/AAAAAAAANAU/Mg3egZIM3DM/s400/IMG_0562.JPG"> <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5Xb5958OafQ/UlGJa9-LCjI/AAAAAAAANAY/qb1M0Iknw8g/s400/IMG_0563.JPG"></center><p>The hole goes all the way through... and they used a CUP and PAPER TOWELS to serve as the base to patch the hole. Hmm, I wonder why it didn't work??
<p><center><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FV-iOWJveUw/UlGJb6FOmwI/AAAAAAAANAo/8V2mn2Grbx4/s640/IMG_0565.JPG"> Really??</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-32641632128514773422013-10-06T12:09:00.001-04:002013-10-14T13:08:20.886-04:00We're Going Picking! <br />
Hey all! We received an email yesterday from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/orionsattic">Orion's Attic</a> - an estate sale company in the DC area - for a last minute house clean out request they received. It's an unadvertised sale that they opened up for their subscribed clients essentially as a way of getting this clean out done by tonight.<br />
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So we're packing up our gloves and face masks and heading over to Falls Church to go picking!<br />
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We have also been able to finally start working on the house a month after I've been home. Settling back in has been more work than I thought! We decided to start on the guest bedroom because it will be easy to FINISH and have a "done" room. We need a win. :) <br />
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Here is the "To-Do" list:<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XOKHJ1uAYA4/UlGJl_1rc7I/AAAAAAAANC8/OwdYILNNfm0/s400/IMG_0584.JPG"></center><br />
So far we have cleaned out the room and removed the wallpaper - here's a preview!<br />
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<center><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0Bfu74weLypx1K8Blsnxl4c0p3wnOTTI7KkwJSzE8uS8QUZcisbBrjv7naQIBPCIgwngE7UIq2CKI_fUAUZz7UrzskuaoOpkAvFvX-kI6XiO42I3qR46nTWCprub0mgG3lZX2zdHeH8/s400/IMG_0558.JPG"> <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sCYBNNrfeME/UlGJZrEJCOI/AAAAAAAANAI/ISiww6GIEHQ/s400/IMG_0561.JPG"></center><br />
Look at all that naaaaasty glue! Stupid contact cement.<br />
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More to come this week! I promise!<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-78347152895928682832013-09-11T16:16:00.000-04:002013-09-11T16:16:29.454-04:00Adventures in Freestyling <br />
I know I've posted about this before, but I truly believe that if you have a truck and even a modicum of ingenuity you could furnish an entire house for free in the greater DC area. We've had two "free" adventures that I wanted to share. <br />
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One night, a few months back I was perusing craigslist (shocker I know) and noticed a curb alert that had been posted about an hour ago that had some mid century and retro looking furniture. It was about...8pm or something like that and I was just sure it would all be gone, but we decided to be adventurous and ran over to look. A funny thing that happens when you're trying to get something free that is a curb alert, you get all paranoid and assume everyone in front of you is also going there or that trucks going the other way have gotten all of the good stuff. So you tend to drive a bit too fast.<br />
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Pretty much everything was still there! It took a bit of maneuvering to get it all in the back of the Mazda, but my husband is the king of figuring out how to get too much stuff into a small space.<br />
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<center><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0vSUqfr4aHM/UjDJhQt_saI/AAAAAAAAMv8/WlgyGktTOcA/s400/IMG_0453.JPG"><br />
Cute mid-century side table with wood veneer - there was a coffee table too that we left behind because of water damage :(<br />
<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-apHwsJ47kpA/UjDJiySacrI/AAAAAAAAMvw/2iYJEOzJq4Q/s400/IMG_0455.JPG"><br />
Mid-century chair - easy to freshen up and put with a desk<br />
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Bf-17HeRec4/UjDJcW5TmsI/AAAAAAAAMus/VczjVCxirTE/s400/IMG_0445.JPG"><br />
You know you want these retro-licious chairs!! Micheal was hesitant at first, but I think they're growing on him. Very loungey. </center><br />
Then, just yesterday I went to an "estate cleanout" which was essentially the leftovers of an estate sale that a realtor ran for the family and she was now responsible for clearing out the house by the end of the week. It was a very old house that had been in the same family for generations and they had accumulated A LOT of stuff! There were clearly some folks there that had second hand shops as they were just grabbing anything they could get their hands on, but I tried to be a little more judicious since our storage space is dwindling quickly. I suggested a 1 in 1 out policy to Micheal and I thought he might pass out. It's not good when both of you have no will power for stuff like this...<br />
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<center><img src=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC1lL__pPtPUwzZJ4M-QuijZlBqeZH5GsIAsXBn3OQCZP8Od430qq3LX7mu03j0RgZF_Nszn5ZXcRCqr7Mk-OFRiOPvs_AMNJgVNqdRR-2-1xlh9E1Z_v5QE0E1wL_uvVvn2cpykWeC4/s400/IMG_0434.JPG"> <br />
Some books on tape to keep me entertained<br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iTN_YXHFDT8/UjDJVH-5kiI/AAAAAAAAMtY/NkEMCGPgG44/s400/IMG_0435.JPG"><br />
Cute vintage baking dish, no chips or anything and two cool matching vintage glasses<br />
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<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0q-dYe5-DL8/UjDJV1Rwh2I/AAAAAAAAMtg/btVKTSOhEug/s400/IMG_0436.JPG"><br />
I'm pretty sure I knocked someone over getting to this...I couldn't imagine how it was still here!<br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bzq2nBjccJo/UjDJWUfdbfI/AAAAAAAAMto/C5S9wMzdT8g/s400/IMG_0437.JPG"><br />
Okay, well that's why, but I can totally fix that and change up the colors<br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mFTW9lhMVKo/UjDJcz4yhOI/AAAAAAAAMuw/UvfwnrY-QAo/s400/IMG_0446.JPG"><br />
Beautiful 1920s mirror - burled wood veneer<br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-soTr9C2qoLo/UjDJdrVkQcI/AAAAAAAAMu4/kRcN8RhCwQk/s400/IMG_0447.JPG"><br />
Desk chair in excellent condition, not a single crack or tear in the vinyl!<br />
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1A9kOOQn1Wg/UjDJeoXMiaI/AAAAAAAAMvI/5bWELPBn_OA/s400/IMG_0449.JPG"> <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jiDhuwYBa5s/UjDJgMpytcI/AAAAAAAAMvY/2GHqAqZO-j4/s400/IMG_0451.JPG"><br />
Well worn folding table with a quirky cutout - any one know what this might have been for?<br />
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<img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R7I5wbdIn6A/UjDJigRP_4I/AAAAAAAAMvs/KjLtjEe6Vbw/s400/IMG_0454.JPG"><br />
Put a little cushion on top and take out the old mesh - how cute would that be?<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Mdw7IQ4C4RtilirCXOx92osglD7cPFMgMN-zyiHcIJiMjd9uW09z3q93SR72b7nWHAzxsq72aWYvp24Hu4D0yVi1xsqSIGvXXKhsTCG3p4XcYpfQii3G_XTcvX-0iSDDLqM4KMkCoY/s400/IMG_0456.JPG"><br />
Vintage milk crates - pretty cool too </center><br />
I spent some time chatting up the realtor, she was very nice. This can also be beneficial because she began showing me "cool things" like that gorgeous mirror that was on top of the mantle that no one had picked up yet!<br />
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Free in DC is so dangerous. Seriously. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8023494421392552098.post-19371153007536375552013-09-09T17:15:00.001-04:002013-09-09T17:15:48.028-04:00Homecoming!<br />
Wow folks - it's hard to believe I'm back home after two long years. I'm not sure Micheal believes it yet, still kind of feels like an extended vacation. But I'm not going anywhere, so it should settle in soon! Right now we're going through the daunting process of reintegrating two households again. Pretty sure we're going to have to have a garage sale this fall or perhaps rent a space at the Arlington Flea! (I bet you know which gets my vote!)<br />
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I spent the last week sleeping, slowly putting things away, cooking, sleeping, and watching bad TV. Post post-doc I am still on the hunt for the perfect job, so right now I'm a housewife! Which means lots of fun posts coming up! <br />
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And here is the first...<br />
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Yesterday the evil Pepco people came out to trim the trees around our house and when we went out to make a shopping run Micheal noticed a baby squirrel on the ground. He had not even opened his eyes yet! I ran to grab a box and look up where to take abandoned or injured wildlife. The Pepco guy said he had seen them and he thought there were three. We scoured the yard and found one other one who was a little more alert so we're hoping either he counted wrong or the other guy was a little more developed and had scurried off.<br />
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Aren't they adorable!! I was very lucky to find <a href="http://www.scwc.org/index.html">Second Chance Wildlife Center</a> up in Gaithersburg, MD who takes in and rehabilitates wildlife and then releases them back into the wild. It was a bit out of the way but worth it knowing these babes were going to be well taken care of. Check out their website, there are some pretty cool stories of animal rescues!<br />
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More soon! - KUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0