tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27943681508908691562024-03-13T17:54:14.997-04:00A Soliloquy by BethanyMy life is a song...here are the lyrics.Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.comBlogger198125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-73280516351884829012023-09-17T23:24:00.001-04:002023-09-18T09:29:55.865-04:00When Your Favorite Colors Are Yellow and Rainbows, You Will Never Wake Up Sad<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Hello again my lovelies! </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, we did it. We blinked and another Summer break has come and gone. Although the weather hasn't quite gotten the memo yet, pretty soon the air will become crisp and the leaves will turn those gorgeous shades of red and yellow that absolutely light my soul each season. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another person who is looking forward to the leaves turning yellow is the smaller man of the house; Mr. Harrison. Since the day he could declare it, yellow has been his favorite color. Literally, any time something yellow passes his gaze, he immediately lights up and shouts "Hey! Yellow! That's my favorite color!" </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So when "finishing Harrison's room" made it to the top of our Summer to-do list, you can guess what was on the tip of his tongue when we began discussing paint colors. Not only was yellow his main request, but he also wanted rainbows. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yellow and rainbows. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Rainbows and yellow. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now. I'd like to say I'm one of those moms who put their child's happiness first and foremost, but a direction of "Yellow and Rainbows" was going to test me. Even though I had my doubts about how reasonable an artistic collaboration with a four-year-old would be, I was determined to find a design solution we were both happy with.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And while we did weather the storm on a few occasions (see the disappointing <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CufYpOlRcYy/?img_index=4" target="_blank">"dot wall"</a>) as they say, without rain, there would be no rainbows. 🌈</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFaHQghAjIRM1J3oBHT-NS2tioA2N7uWhLTaztAddxZWL5k15SY2fcf3LyMZr6RDhkRzkoUnlgs7QoPbJxtEA3vJ7utlV_OFi2YZ8nu2LZedUmvMxJa6pPBxkDuPSN1UhCMXyuf5n88MavpJ4ffiXfOZ3Mh2X4sNmwcMz4kWdLl5qYnFaBBHzTYiA7ys/s4032/ACS_1699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFaHQghAjIRM1J3oBHT-NS2tioA2N7uWhLTaztAddxZWL5k15SY2fcf3LyMZr6RDhkRzkoUnlgs7QoPbJxtEA3vJ7utlV_OFi2YZ8nu2LZedUmvMxJa6pPBxkDuPSN1UhCMXyuf5n88MavpJ4ffiXfOZ3Mh2X4sNmwcMz4kWdLl5qYnFaBBHzTYiA7ys/w640-h480/ACS_1699.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Harrison's room makeover was way overdue. It's been almost three years that we've lived in this house, and besides some basic decorating and upgrading his crib to a twin bed, no major progress has been made. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So we started from scratch. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_zK5oFMZHCuBm5ZlDhFBFh4EZhei4XrsneFCnhE_JGpAZu1RKv5wr5ZQPI8q0J7IHQIUtLLDCWROLmASEJjYubXIJf0k8-M8tr3dQB9Fq8WG8O6Pr8ygOBrd6vged7WzAYFZMTnmASGBfC2p4xIFxccHtUSJqCLXRyfonhi5R31yFhwOdnRm2XD_yTg/s4032/IMG_2448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1_zK5oFMZHCuBm5ZlDhFBFh4EZhei4XrsneFCnhE_JGpAZu1RKv5wr5ZQPI8q0J7IHQIUtLLDCWROLmASEJjYubXIJf0k8-M8tr3dQB9Fq8WG8O6Pr8ygOBrd6vged7WzAYFZMTnmASGBfC2p4xIFxccHtUSJqCLXRyfonhi5R31yFhwOdnRm2XD_yTg/w640-h480/IMG_2448.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">He knew he wanted yellow, and while my gut wasn't completely on board with an entire yellow room, something I could see working (and truthfully got me SUPER excited) was a yellow ceiling. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Iwid3CkomH9Es9Dk9q4zED9qOKIBlR8-BM53M3QyakHJS0csND-V7zbp6aFBhNgAfvR028p8IXoBMjKkKxCAV65AZhCrkTJLBVRGIzWufGcSG1BZfJSbWpMU-hvW5wZwkrTaMpaYs0zdTe6dc3AZb9iiMpKr7hBuOuS9dIN09UyGCUZCVz2vh9I_1w/s3024/combo_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg99Iwid3CkomH9Es9Dk9q4zED9qOKIBlR8-BM53M3QyakHJS0csND-V7zbp6aFBhNgAfvR028p8IXoBMjKkKxCAV65AZhCrkTJLBVRGIzWufGcSG1BZfJSbWpMU-hvW5wZwkrTaMpaYs0zdTe6dc3AZb9iiMpKr7hBuOuS9dIN09UyGCUZCVz2vh9I_1w/w640-h416/combo_2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We landed on <a href="https://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/PPU6-6" target="_blank">Honey Locust by Behr</a>, which gave the sense of a true yellow, but not SO yellow that screamed creepy smiley faces or fast food restaurants. The rest of the walls were given a fresh coat of white, which really let the ceiling be the shining star. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LkAZJ4OkXLHUX1FAkz9i5NlmtGKfkBp72QZikSoulJLrViN1SZhRFhdJRzMr_49Yc2EOz2PzMRFAYgHB2tVsh-pB3YioOYDD7NMwCPp-kPufNW15SOBoMLx9O8PIkl0WL1Gja610nP4rA4dIpxu6wnCZR4--LNW5pcIMxgodYau52nrg5mR7dnUvVFg/s4032/IMG_2468.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LkAZJ4OkXLHUX1FAkz9i5NlmtGKfkBp72QZikSoulJLrViN1SZhRFhdJRzMr_49Yc2EOz2PzMRFAYgHB2tVsh-pB3YioOYDD7NMwCPp-kPufNW15SOBoMLx9O8PIkl0WL1Gja610nP4rA4dIpxu6wnCZR4--LNW5pcIMxgodYau52nrg5mR7dnUvVFg/w640-h480/IMG_2468.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jdjqvze-mF_CG5fn8E4Iyg2fT6quTBuEvWCOGh5hQRAYilOMBkpQ0JSyCjPE8YZsBEthGv6gtVz7oWwBIGcvrjQTWm2vo1SOh6tNkhH2SLjT9AtpwEJrDh6JmYgiULUVVWb74Ny6Gzuo263u0PDt9vzJAsTWQDdiE139JaIi9lHZEmV5WiBQb2Abc6U/s3024/combo_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jdjqvze-mF_CG5fn8E4Iyg2fT6quTBuEvWCOGh5hQRAYilOMBkpQ0JSyCjPE8YZsBEthGv6gtVz7oWwBIGcvrjQTWm2vo1SOh6tNkhH2SLjT9AtpwEJrDh6JmYgiULUVVWb74Ny6Gzuo263u0PDt9vzJAsTWQDdiE139JaIi9lHZEmV5WiBQb2Abc6U/w640-h416/combo_3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Like the rest of the rooms in our house, as we painted we also replaced all of the thin wooden trim with something taller, white, and more colonial. Replacing trim is something Eric has become kind of a pro at, so while we were going to be doing the work for Harrison's room, he figured it just made sense to stay in the world of trim and knock out the entire upstairs hallway at the same time. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, this meant I had to VERY quickly choose a wall color. Lucky for me, there were a few shades I was still in love with from when we decided to paint our <a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2022/07/traditional-meets-tropical-dining-room.html#.YuCXvXbMJ3g" target="_blank">dining room</a>. <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/products/SW6079-diverse-beige" target="_blank">Diverse Beige</a> by Sherwin Williams jumped to the front of my mind as the perfect in-between/pull-all-the-colors-together hallway choice. I also knew I'd like it because it was what we painted the bench and cubbies in our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2022/07/our-new-mudroom-which-i-forbid-mud-to.html#.YtoJBnbMJ3g" target="_blank">mudroom</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't think I ever shared photos from when we initially painted all of the upstairs doors white, so please enjoy this epic before and after featuring some thick and glorious trim transformation!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7y6OEU9Gaajtr_H9JieTqr7kbokOU7rqngGdi0mjQB5ehcFVMxYWQ8Sp7jqv118cAfmWpG4B8yUqv_66tXGDumEMwovI1sCWYgnTn8HHPurJ2c_Uf8P60G2JLsdpKTYg0j9C_wlMhSdapG-OI869Er3rrJ1yC3mFUVsBEeC-lJbRysdBGeoxcQ5UgKs/s3024/combo_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="3024" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7y6OEU9Gaajtr_H9JieTqr7kbokOU7rqngGdi0mjQB5ehcFVMxYWQ8Sp7jqv118cAfmWpG4B8yUqv_66tXGDumEMwovI1sCWYgnTn8HHPurJ2c_Uf8P60G2JLsdpKTYg0j9C_wlMhSdapG-OI869Er3rrJ1yC3mFUVsBEeC-lJbRysdBGeoxcQ5UgKs/w640-h280/combo_11.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While Eric conquered the hallway, it was up to the kids and me to take on the accents. First up, giving Harrison a yellow bed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Was it the most straightforward process handing my two small children a brush and a roller, hoping for the best? No. Did they actually get the job done? Also no. But they did do about 80% of it and Harrison was totally up for the task. I'd call it a win. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0ryrBVYQMyA2twy22slQpukTjj3Zu0foVuht957sR6ExvONX8EIhnPODmwYMNljezw1iF7L21jFUPjhrxz48UTTWl5MVId4f4QBE_-4q2zq-5abLvknyHgujp0HZC1lsyHlRg7dxkGjoUvQlh2OsT2cWbFKSIuhzHHjjuLQVPmt9Get6HyG8livpank/s3024/combo_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0ryrBVYQMyA2twy22slQpukTjj3Zu0foVuht957sR6ExvONX8EIhnPODmwYMNljezw1iF7L21jFUPjhrxz48UTTWl5MVId4f4QBE_-4q2zq-5abLvknyHgujp0HZC1lsyHlRg7dxkGjoUvQlh2OsT2cWbFKSIuhzHHjjuLQVPmt9Get6HyG8livpank/w640-h416/combo_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The second accent I wanted to focus on was a "fun wall". Something to satisfy the desire for rainbows while maybe not actually having a million small arches all over his room. I scoured the web for inspiration and landed on a terrazzo pattern in a muted pallette that was close to a rainbow while also not being too feminine. The process was simple enough and I completed the whole thing in a matter of hours. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh9MmqsfKLkoEM8MGfpQuXlNaOfdJR1OT2R2F4aK4SeL63PaXW58nx1BkFqJtH3z_LQaWIQkrHQKKLCDjzrgVzMESWshfCOzHqgBBmUfuxzWILo7OvbN2SZqSCe2sr-QTrK2q8dNrIefW7OWi3yZrBbcD-bZlpupZsezuAqC8y_eLMW9QBoiwAJNWc18/s3024/combo_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhh9MmqsfKLkoEM8MGfpQuXlNaOfdJR1OT2R2F4aK4SeL63PaXW58nx1BkFqJtH3z_LQaWIQkrHQKKLCDjzrgVzMESWshfCOzHqgBBmUfuxzWILo7OvbN2SZqSCe2sr-QTrK2q8dNrIefW7OWi3yZrBbcD-bZlpupZsezuAqC8y_eLMW9QBoiwAJNWc18/w640-h416/combo_4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkY7D7G-YoU2GOXbZDPHPVq5feTqAYh2w0kxUKF9HyLkyK38fiTceQQD9YXWifk66iRxSayTqSBAYmIWj2Nij4ycdpXsFQqLaCBSz_Z-F94qkSkcuG58MbJDgmj4G0ytfKuD8Fv5R6WjwGuDi4omi5LKKGdaQB67Srp1qoZz11WSSOxLsOLrBwMmz9xk/s4032/IMG_2514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkY7D7G-YoU2GOXbZDPHPVq5feTqAYh2w0kxUKF9HyLkyK38fiTceQQD9YXWifk66iRxSayTqSBAYmIWj2Nij4ycdpXsFQqLaCBSz_Z-F94qkSkcuG58MbJDgmj4G0ytfKuD8Fv5R6WjwGuDi4omi5LKKGdaQB67Srp1qoZz11WSSOxLsOLrBwMmz9xk/w640-h480/IMG_2514.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The end result was adorable on so many levels, but when I revealed to Harrison his new wall, he was...<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CufYpOlRcYy/?img_index=4" target="_blank">unenthused to say the least</a>.👎 </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">They say the client is always right, and my client wanted rainbows. But my client is also four, and I'm his mom, and I did not want an entire room filled with rainbows like overdone boho wallpaper. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So we came to an agreement; one big rainbow. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To achieve this I simply chose my location and marked the widest points on the left and right as well as the tallest point. Then using chalk I freehanded my first arch, taking a step back to check my work every once in a while to confirm I liked the shape I was creating. Once satisfied, I measured 8 inches below, and using my first arch as a guide made a bunch of dashes on the wall to tell me where to draw my second arch. After repeating that process six more times I had my rainbow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Taping everything off seemed insanely tedious, so I just went nice and slow while using an angled brush. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJHn0MMn1AQhEU-cBW-gQcpUn_f6GlWAIFfSC2KoXqducZRRMW9V4xleyuVB7Eglsb2HPI0BCZ0yHp_tMrIwAeC1r_JtH2KNw03OJMUjdKoZl--2wMkXtxWgKoWcE-mhUUSRpMxJ2vSjdW5Q286n2Knx1sJgFZaF-nJ_cW_HHn7XRbDhW0h8uSuGenls/s3024/combo_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJHn0MMn1AQhEU-cBW-gQcpUn_f6GlWAIFfSC2KoXqducZRRMW9V4xleyuVB7Eglsb2HPI0BCZ0yHp_tMrIwAeC1r_JtH2KNw03OJMUjdKoZl--2wMkXtxWgKoWcE-mhUUSRpMxJ2vSjdW5Q286n2Knx1sJgFZaF-nJ_cW_HHn7XRbDhW0h8uSuGenls/w640-h416/combo_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk0EWV5Fae_-tCXHMl2S12_jgGdYm1kJtGMkvK4H8E7mCub0d1SgYqr_Gw3vxVNCEzoK-cXcj6Z8KRpTkWBX6n2HPSZJZilWpx1nLuu9PVspQ5DM4nrQL2-HdWxZCydzrrW4vMXIr8-Yg8WsTE7zub-uItfdZXC726pG7BywSc6uitXAA9UtK2UsGwAk/s3024/combo_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRk0EWV5Fae_-tCXHMl2S12_jgGdYm1kJtGMkvK4H8E7mCub0d1SgYqr_Gw3vxVNCEzoK-cXcj6Z8KRpTkWBX6n2HPSZJZilWpx1nLuu9PVspQ5DM4nrQL2-HdWxZCydzrrW4vMXIr8-Yg8WsTE7zub-uItfdZXC726pG7BywSc6uitXAA9UtK2UsGwAk/w640-h416/combo_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW_-_EwlZTZVzwI_b9Uf093p1Oh6F7xKd2FqeAttKiDTAgspSkZsUt3HB_3CxOThrlY-DK_Vf0BIr4hmnuh6qQFI6zdXzZBXtMeAmd-Qa6aZ3n4Z2aw2wKBar0qkZHX_I_i476z3cWKrfIsrYqqA2Z6BrXa4qQKzd7PPU6_tADTiVe-em_vnsqMu3dwU/s3904/rainbow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2648" data-original-width="3904" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW_-_EwlZTZVzwI_b9Uf093p1Oh6F7xKd2FqeAttKiDTAgspSkZsUt3HB_3CxOThrlY-DK_Vf0BIr4hmnuh6qQFI6zdXzZBXtMeAmd-Qa6aZ3n4Z2aw2wKBar0qkZHX_I_i476z3cWKrfIsrYqqA2Z6BrXa4qQKzd7PPU6_tADTiVe-em_vnsqMu3dwU/w640-h434/rainbow.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I wish I had a video of Harrison's reaction after seeing just the chalk outline, he was STOKED. The kid knew what he wanted, and he wanted a legit rainbow. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It took us a bit longer than expected, but we finally hung up his art, signs, and shelves which brought this update to an official close. I'd love to bring in more of the rainbow colors as well as additional pops of yellow here and there. Just like Harrison, this room will continue to grow as time passes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGxp2NWDdlS2FVHwAsSY2vx4iZ45sV_bsPsEleVa4WkJLLGnqIxGcdsC28bwebQmSxSYccMDOzZPzq1X7lzU-W1xEt6L7KfBVeQhIKj5GWEPp4t9-VxvI2iaMveMJ2n1A3q2WoSalQA2f-pX_uIVPOn2GJb7gaM2JKHj39YF9joyQqb5uGZdayZ9wJg8/s4032/ACS_1695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGxp2NWDdlS2FVHwAsSY2vx4iZ45sV_bsPsEleVa4WkJLLGnqIxGcdsC28bwebQmSxSYccMDOzZPzq1X7lzU-W1xEt6L7KfBVeQhIKj5GWEPp4t9-VxvI2iaMveMJ2n1A3q2WoSalQA2f-pX_uIVPOn2GJb7gaM2JKHj39YF9joyQqb5uGZdayZ9wJg8/w480-h640/ACS_1695.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QOdYNvjygjfu0A4bsMeTTzUEgM5d25BVqLRdvMf6qLcIB_VLgjQhUn5p1_RF2QmBtIKb2TZnaMkjPMcWPeJSyUmgOc38XSzTsyvqhesbJE3B4gXp6q1EOtDVEkFO92TvsdQoG-L5fI9RKRAoKdA_rICdphUokhX2CTlvBfIL2xx3VIkYplfJGONexE/s3024/combo_9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw0QOdYNvjygjfu0A4bsMeTTzUEgM5d25BVqLRdvMf6qLcIB_VLgjQhUn5p1_RF2QmBtIKb2TZnaMkjPMcWPeJSyUmgOc38XSzTsyvqhesbJE3B4gXp6q1EOtDVEkFO92TvsdQoG-L5fI9RKRAoKdA_rICdphUokhX2CTlvBfIL2xx3VIkYplfJGONexE/w640-h417/combo_9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_doLQQrC_B5FJyEs9c_yIhehdU2cqWGRsCg7n31cb3JKzeQM_ET4Hbbq8Jbc9psAyPpI_lw-bRRo8WZRj5VyNuJcoRBMluu4SLfAQcOqE5nlpT417yA69KxvJitMTuk6a7y19c0a0WF2aYCtYdF0bnIbWIPVns6e_dBuuk3S5Fzz3HFMEseLDtNzl_g/s4032/ACS_1702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO_doLQQrC_B5FJyEs9c_yIhehdU2cqWGRsCg7n31cb3JKzeQM_ET4Hbbq8Jbc9psAyPpI_lw-bRRo8WZRj5VyNuJcoRBMluu4SLfAQcOqE5nlpT417yA69KxvJitMTuk6a7y19c0a0WF2aYCtYdF0bnIbWIPVns6e_dBuuk3S5Fzz3HFMEseLDtNzl_g/w640-h480/ACS_1702.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BP4q0EuLESNIN5gh1WUp3VPPTmOAGWYT2CVQHZNv-38tpe-HqBn_8hsfZNsQHVBWWkyiQJ9i6vcNVsC5CYztn_kIaHVZJYDmPjehjIVfpBUH5jri1WS5uGKU_hFoNl7FP0vd3_-QEENPT74PBcMsPsDbt5piiR4w1ntmE6dRiPgtA4q2FWbFVYh14V0/s3024/combo_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="3024" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BP4q0EuLESNIN5gh1WUp3VPPTmOAGWYT2CVQHZNv-38tpe-HqBn_8hsfZNsQHVBWWkyiQJ9i6vcNVsC5CYztn_kIaHVZJYDmPjehjIVfpBUH5jri1WS5uGKU_hFoNl7FP0vd3_-QEENPT74PBcMsPsDbt5piiR4w1ntmE6dRiPgtA4q2FWbFVYh14V0/w640-h416/combo_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HbwHPQnSeR5EVvNAv-46fh0X4UbAv_tjP2Lm5779JfhiiBVJw2goFDK9r_nnsUkwRzVUtfRz0Fn1SpUHUPYkp120blYBuzjHNzo4JpdoEpP5Rf1Zk1ZaIP2XgEcGd4QIiNKR-OY779H4SagyA_Pk2ju8IO2WGoz7aZzOxUYM8CPv_phj-eEfFnpHDSA/s4032/ACS_1704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HbwHPQnSeR5EVvNAv-46fh0X4UbAv_tjP2Lm5779JfhiiBVJw2goFDK9r_nnsUkwRzVUtfRz0Fn1SpUHUPYkp120blYBuzjHNzo4JpdoEpP5Rf1Zk1ZaIP2XgEcGd4QIiNKR-OY779H4SagyA_Pk2ju8IO2WGoz7aZzOxUYM8CPv_phj-eEfFnpHDSA/w640-h480/ACS_1704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyone who's followed this blog through the years knows I have strong opinions about how I want my space to look. Design matters to me. It brings me joy, and I want it to touch all areas of our home including the rooms of our kids. Finding that balance of applying what they're currently obsessed with but in a beautiful way, is a challenge I'm more than happy to take on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>As for my yellow and rainbow-obsessed child, I'm aware it's unrealistic to think Harrison's tastes are going to stay the same for a long period of time. Tomorrow he could declare that he doesn't like yellow or rainbows and he wants a new room with robots and superheroes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And if that happens, I'll look into that adorable little boy's bright blue eyes, give him a big hug and say; "Well, that's too <strike>damn</strike> darn bad. Now go play in your yellow room." </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARVsz_pHHU6bsAPKI7JAv2G0WGIRURB_L0p-wGd0bPPqXzze0JXracdJGABFqncVwm3iqsXO8sZSTAGy7_lj1gR-qZScPGo4ihWw_wR2513kJ1grSWAIJvOP_RzOa1Bvj6Xj0KZq3xBuq3K4OZ6ley1pO3-94oCi4PFyxb4qNqcfQIYB1H2MpdFWHoqY/s4032/IMG_2448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARVsz_pHHU6bsAPKI7JAv2G0WGIRURB_L0p-wGd0bPPqXzze0JXracdJGABFqncVwm3iqsXO8sZSTAGy7_lj1gR-qZScPGo4ihWw_wR2513kJ1grSWAIJvOP_RzOa1Bvj6Xj0KZq3xBuq3K4OZ6ley1pO3-94oCi4PFyxb4qNqcfQIYB1H2MpdFWHoqY/w640-h480/IMG_2448.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ4tpy5SlZj7NHxzBjs77XuQdOfQt6Xwr4ITVkmGh8DEbZ8sX9A6wj0EY3aXCf-xGd29Vkr0QZxexUu_k0nsBHLMohz9fR2liFvoZgMw321odQ7UjBnuVd7Qn0E1RZ8-SGzjkDaZOUlQfNPtBUoSh1vxNDUYUT2peCiO__8TkrgtogZCoVCb2AGhkEFI/s4032/ACS_1699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ4tpy5SlZj7NHxzBjs77XuQdOfQt6Xwr4ITVkmGh8DEbZ8sX9A6wj0EY3aXCf-xGd29Vkr0QZxexUu_k0nsBHLMohz9fR2liFvoZgMw321odQ7UjBnuVd7Qn0E1RZ8-SGzjkDaZOUlQfNPtBUoSh1vxNDUYUT2peCiO__8TkrgtogZCoVCb2AGhkEFI/w640-h480/ACS_1699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-3943885960380338792023-05-27T21:26:00.004-04:002023-05-27T21:42:05.109-04:00Why Paint Neutral Walls? Because the Rug Will Be Everything!<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello hello hello my friends!!!! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So it's been a hot minute since we've shared anything substantial in the home decor department. After finishing our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2023/01/turning-our-builder-grade-kitchen-into.html#.ZG7JWHbMJ3g" target="_blank">kitchen redesign</a> earlier in the year, we took a beat, which was nice. But now the weather is getting warmer, school has officially ended, and we're looking at everything we could squeeze into the extra free time that comes with Summer vacation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One thing that's been on our mind (ok, mostly my mind) is our living room. Since the beginning, I've had this vision of a black fireplace surrounded by white built-ins. With the bolder look of our kitchen, and how it's one open room in combination with the living room I thought lighter might be better on the walls, and color would be amazing everywhere else. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To confirm this thought, we of course created a MOOD BOARD! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfviMfepzC4wIMo0_RaNvgITc4vN-VB3jFWpjzm9DaaM0Nbn2Pl_eScFoXC3EiHn8WoOoLDln8Z-jUGd1Gdz3NftExNRc-VkG4gBEXIFqvpdcBUYcDSK7rnyK2b8qb0fVyw_glkCkuZJJz6zO_uCdus2dr0u4fqm9EOV1y-IBzVjHn7NVFPBzCkC03/s2035/Screenshot%202023-05-24%20164328.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="2035" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfviMfepzC4wIMo0_RaNvgITc4vN-VB3jFWpjzm9DaaM0Nbn2Pl_eScFoXC3EiHn8WoOoLDln8Z-jUGd1Gdz3NftExNRc-VkG4gBEXIFqvpdcBUYcDSK7rnyK2b8qb0fVyw_glkCkuZJJz6zO_uCdus2dr0u4fqm9EOV1y-IBzVjHn7NVFPBzCkC03/w640-h362/Screenshot%202023-05-24%20164328.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After feeling very confident that this was the direction to go, I began implementing pieces of the design bit by bit. I first painted the fireplace black, which immediately made it feel SUPER chic and was a massive improvement. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD-vo8wsUADFgDsVvdbog5TZ3xrUuZeyC71pajdSYhZ7aRgS065S1tOz4I4snzSVZmicgpGGQYLkEOLKVizXtyZs1sK6KGlMuSUIQN4wlE00LHpA2gSFbWzf6x_MSaaApoVRZM4q7cj_-9xhOLGBSSjxp2IMjZkEr00RKbqV8Y8_akRimqIxkRZAx/s1408/Combo-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1408" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZD-vo8wsUADFgDsVvdbog5TZ3xrUuZeyC71pajdSYhZ7aRgS065S1tOz4I4snzSVZmicgpGGQYLkEOLKVizXtyZs1sK6KGlMuSUIQN4wlE00LHpA2gSFbWzf6x_MSaaApoVRZM4q7cj_-9xhOLGBSSjxp2IMjZkEr00RKbqV8Y8_akRimqIxkRZAx/w640-h314/Combo-2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi_C2WYDCgH6oyLotCVz5_R03xDwEQ70YceSR3XklRvPYQ4KR530Y_gXzP9FnfR6ZNOP9r605-ldhOiRot0v5N3vp0rAuqRQutauOI-tbTW0hJ-Q9NzcK4daPROFlkkAWLZIzFe0CQphN8kaT_jhf-BlLGyWwzNQHmom3dbngCgdauNl1v-8vxBP7/s4032/ACS_1582.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi_C2WYDCgH6oyLotCVz5_R03xDwEQ70YceSR3XklRvPYQ4KR530Y_gXzP9FnfR6ZNOP9r605-ldhOiRot0v5N3vp0rAuqRQutauOI-tbTW0hJ-Q9NzcK4daPROFlkkAWLZIzFe0CQphN8kaT_jhf-BlLGyWwzNQHmom3dbngCgdauNl1v-8vxBP7/w640-h480/ACS_1582.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The power of paint is real honey! </div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>What cracked me up the most about painting our fireplace was the number of comments I received on the blue wall. That wasn't even the thing that changed and everyone was "ooohing" and "aaahing" over it. 😑 </span><span style="font-family: arial;">It's a nice shade of blue, don't get me wrong, but every time I looked at it the only thing I could think about was what color to change it to. Eric couldn't understand this unrelenting urge to paint. Why do the work to paint something we're just going to repaint and build cabinets over??? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Because I wanted it to be MINE! Gah! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's why at 3:00pm on a random Sunday, I got on my tiptoes, looked Eric in the eye, and said "I'm going to paint this wall black and white. We already have everything here, Harrison said he'd help, so stand back!" </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnM4EIrUPQRzCU4PR_cQ-DDPoyo-r7wakbuE_3oj8rpUgXj5MlkDMwJZrRpKk72eWjOCeAgl1BiPZIsu6mvhrL1qwTuJe_jRTkAh9K9A_UY8WFG1133aDb74hUuRiLwF21hqfbwWKDzR4-IcmKFxLdbSSESUjRjcS9v2JP50DqDgQu_IHXVpFmlEW/s4032/ACS_1583.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqnM4EIrUPQRzCU4PR_cQ-DDPoyo-r7wakbuE_3oj8rpUgXj5MlkDMwJZrRpKk72eWjOCeAgl1BiPZIsu6mvhrL1qwTuJe_jRTkAh9K9A_UY8WFG1133aDb74hUuRiLwF21hqfbwWKDzR4-IcmKFxLdbSSESUjRjcS9v2JP50DqDgQu_IHXVpFmlEW/w480-h640/ACS_1583.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDGQZyZarwmSx6VeRsPrMb5kHk4jowBhjpUTZooYs2TvyQeYbwO_Xqbrq6v8mQk9YVPIFcMuOnCc8JW2S55dJ-xUGftJnShcscKhLYphpOvUhhqyvKlHxOSu-bYFP7IiC-DGwrM3P7vGnVQvfm_hG-jEBlAsWtN43n5IzltkWuOT_kc01Lgnwg79w/s3652/ACS_1584.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2301" data-original-width="3652" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDGQZyZarwmSx6VeRsPrMb5kHk4jowBhjpUTZooYs2TvyQeYbwO_Xqbrq6v8mQk9YVPIFcMuOnCc8JW2S55dJ-xUGftJnShcscKhLYphpOvUhhqyvKlHxOSu-bYFP7IiC-DGwrM3P7vGnVQvfm_hG-jEBlAsWtN43n5IzltkWuOT_kc01Lgnwg79w/w640-h404/ACS_1584.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once my little assistant and I got started it went pretty fast. The pace really picked up though when said helper got distracted by watching "Sing 2". Kids are the most okay-ist helpers ever. 😂</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By the time we went to bed the whole project was complete, and this is what greeted me in the morning! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmut7J3FPaFbiKSybka2v4DZ69DyrF8-mWbwlMwcskAn434OnePUXgeZ4yEd4VxdmPTBy_WEw3S3lZ9DRYs1VgxhNzf2sa3lkPpJH0nKsNuFobP8XiRr-Igzj9DeQbqc8DfzA_07g8Z8A2nuYHa8Givx0qDT8tEb5YBq4PUmlwYL1tjIbz7-fWWVuG/s4032/ACS_1585.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmut7J3FPaFbiKSybka2v4DZ69DyrF8-mWbwlMwcskAn434OnePUXgeZ4yEd4VxdmPTBy_WEw3S3lZ9DRYs1VgxhNzf2sa3lkPpJH0nKsNuFobP8XiRr-Igzj9DeQbqc8DfzA_07g8Z8A2nuYHa8Givx0qDT8tEb5YBq4PUmlwYL1tjIbz7-fWWVuG/w640-h480/ACS_1585.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVErzKDd4ImzqA3LJZo4mQ0aCTO1ZDt4HUhohdZUchkzuxxFU9i1G2tyYh8STwdZnDmT7GvmWC-eTJztWeTNVGbhydaoUVnjX2Mg-NE3UfvDG0Rg891R4RhgN-BE1V_haQwQu6Hvp6rZQo1AhWdbySDi8O-2N8M9k_GrAAWpbzXe8zxlMuxT7eC2U/s4032/ACS_1588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVVErzKDd4ImzqA3LJZo4mQ0aCTO1ZDt4HUhohdZUchkzuxxFU9i1G2tyYh8STwdZnDmT7GvmWC-eTJztWeTNVGbhydaoUVnjX2Mg-NE3UfvDG0Rg891R4RhgN-BE1V_haQwQu6Hvp6rZQo1AhWdbySDi8O-2N8M9k_GrAAWpbzXe8zxlMuxT7eC2U/w640-h480/ACS_1588.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With everything back in place, immediately I was blown away by how much LARGER the room looked by switching the blue for white! The perspective totally changed once that singular wall wasn't being pulled by the dark shade. Adding black behind the fireplace created a fabulous bold moment while also serving as a simple trick to camouflage the TV. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyPHE9NEMVvdVan9H59OzRrafHmHia8pBE9okQSc2vmI9zQv5Ebgzvr_G55-AXockAm4pTRqJFHHCP7eSptNs8Pv0gDLCnvPMTYZOwfbLXNaXzZQ9your29aUpmCtiH6W4zq5zN0oaB46VjAdKvqehZWeMBXip90zCis4yuKSvzhRpQdNKu8kZyzr/s4032/ACS_1587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyPHE9NEMVvdVan9H59OzRrafHmHia8pBE9okQSc2vmI9zQv5Ebgzvr_G55-AXockAm4pTRqJFHHCP7eSptNs8Pv0gDLCnvPMTYZOwfbLXNaXzZQ9your29aUpmCtiH6W4zq5zN0oaB46VjAdKvqehZWeMBXip90zCis4yuKSvzhRpQdNKu8kZyzr/w640-h480/ACS_1587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWnOXMus60fHMtfUy5tYlUYY5WwFkudXO3gTMiliY9pbpr--v3hVzXkzEpGfyQ3Bu6ysgdWFDmz6i9eificEXOHekI53KywVY5wVE0v-yAb1FVtoOQ8CwlxcP3arOkMuWJh9IFjSpRRXR2EPD5hIvlSiRXJiUAvhdSAi0t0Tn_in6_lpvEtCBgfg7/s4032/ACS_1586.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWnOXMus60fHMtfUy5tYlUYY5WwFkudXO3gTMiliY9pbpr--v3hVzXkzEpGfyQ3Bu6ysgdWFDmz6i9eificEXOHekI53KywVY5wVE0v-yAb1FVtoOQ8CwlxcP3arOkMuWJh9IFjSpRRXR2EPD5hIvlSiRXJiUAvhdSAi0t0Tn_in6_lpvEtCBgfg7/w640-h480/ACS_1586.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div>The sunshine just bounces around, filling the whole room with light airy goodness. And don't get me started on those <a href="https://www.target.com/p/1pc-light-filtering-velvet-macrame-trim-window-curtain-panel-opalhouse-designed-with-jungalow/-/A-82553727?preselect=82325507#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">gold velvet macrame curtains</a>. Obsessed. </div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>With the paint done, the next item I wanted to tackle was the rug. I had been on the hunt for the perfect rug for MOOOOONTHS. Months and months of scrolling, thinking, checking sizes, and swapping this for that in my mood board to see what would look the best. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But by having the new color on the wall (or lack thereof), I was able to zone in for one more deep dive into the world of rugs. A few clicks later and <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/rugs/pdp/bungalow-rose-peru-cotton-fuchsia-area-rug-bgls7018.html?piid=33151162&utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">this beauty</a> stopped me in my tracks. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi88ztpJmmt0_EOeIjmJNvSi_rvx8cQbMAo9RWsrDaFtEnmQaplftqw8pXX4yDwCQJSxQuUba5BNyX4h6kT5Ulj350cDkgt6O9I4YTsvX3MJjHnO49hJg4gItXh38iAO3WksPu7H5bQrZ56WIPh7JCoR_n1t1EPugpbbqPPxob5EGY_wBNVEGxbGr/s2910/Combo-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1929" data-original-width="2910" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWi88ztpJmmt0_EOeIjmJNvSi_rvx8cQbMAo9RWsrDaFtEnmQaplftqw8pXX4yDwCQJSxQuUba5BNyX4h6kT5Ulj350cDkgt6O9I4YTsvX3MJjHnO49hJg4gItXh38iAO3WksPu7H5bQrZ56WIPh7JCoR_n1t1EPugpbbqPPxob5EGY_wBNVEGxbGr/w640-h424/Combo-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">She's big, she's bold, she's FUCHSIA, and I fell so hard. 💜 Because if I'm going to have white on my walls, you better believe the floors will be popping. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So here we are gang! The end of our little living room journey and where she stands today! </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_nUG9ETT2j8AY-wwGMuMdYeqVD-Dm_2r2XVw_SUTGbHH28BjJlayEHyBVqIDf_96_gSfU9yA9dorTwJjPiQO24oyhv6Xsf4YIYoPb8reNRAwq3g0rLoPBow1e_wxK4F1_OoV-cIJJm3m8FhF9NL2yTHq4YaSQK1ec2-qPmA4_bdKm_MPkJi4vBHK/s4032/IMG_2046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy_nUG9ETT2j8AY-wwGMuMdYeqVD-Dm_2r2XVw_SUTGbHH28BjJlayEHyBVqIDf_96_gSfU9yA9dorTwJjPiQO24oyhv6Xsf4YIYoPb8reNRAwq3g0rLoPBow1e_wxK4F1_OoV-cIJJm3m8FhF9NL2yTHq4YaSQK1ec2-qPmA4_bdKm_MPkJi4vBHK/w640-h480/IMG_2046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjO8Q0iqEiMUhMRD2vQrmQslQPs9pjS0_Y09l0ISnHrzj1qC5sc8727hKOYRrswXmKZ8Fez0UK4-gtQvBPGAf0U74G8kSARLtF-AyAq4bXxJC9ULPU_e7QVfPb2Wnt9XKPZc7834YIweIeVfSVm8beqfzQeqxrre3VoiuxAGpIgTfZemCykcXetu9/s4032/IMG_2045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjO8Q0iqEiMUhMRD2vQrmQslQPs9pjS0_Y09l0ISnHrzj1qC5sc8727hKOYRrswXmKZ8Fez0UK4-gtQvBPGAf0U74G8kSARLtF-AyAq4bXxJC9ULPU_e7QVfPb2Wnt9XKPZc7834YIweIeVfSVm8beqfzQeqxrre3VoiuxAGpIgTfZemCykcXetu9/w640-h480/IMG_2045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXkdt-O87-gbNGL7trYNjOzEbEh5d9L9BY1wjGI_x4KsA4nl0nvvGZfw6UFrvII-zp7h0k4atQ8jVjBpyhCuVKd9LN59K94DBxJMMbi3JQsNv0lrZt_s2xnlU-wQL1msbQlB_2ZV5yRp8zBt3XKrcHbXGTiYrRAg4edPiJoc4xW4zKNVgMxv-jYVr/s4032/IMG_2050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXkdt-O87-gbNGL7trYNjOzEbEh5d9L9BY1wjGI_x4KsA4nl0nvvGZfw6UFrvII-zp7h0k4atQ8jVjBpyhCuVKd9LN59K94DBxJMMbi3JQsNv0lrZt_s2xnlU-wQL1msbQlB_2ZV5yRp8zBt3XKrcHbXGTiYrRAg4edPiJoc4xW4zKNVgMxv-jYVr/w480-h640/IMG_2050.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg12-l2YefC-71oqftnxgAEGGVQKxV1r0THRvIPkXz97mUHu1KhvgK39hRA2m4z2WvK11B9ZIHNQrdn3OtIp30Ya_RALHC8ZG3cC0Bm9HtAjl4Py2TFOZJWZZBfcgMNz0YbRPS6ilEVRPcSvwUOsAMGJJqQf0v6R6cw4sxQ4Bvpbv3aj9Dw2BLExC/s4032/IMG_2049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibg12-l2YefC-71oqftnxgAEGGVQKxV1r0THRvIPkXz97mUHu1KhvgK39hRA2m4z2WvK11B9ZIHNQrdn3OtIp30Ya_RALHC8ZG3cC0Bm9HtAjl4Py2TFOZJWZZBfcgMNz0YbRPS6ilEVRPcSvwUOsAMGJJqQf0v6R6cw4sxQ4Bvpbv3aj9Dw2BLExC/w640-h480/IMG_2049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9I-FdcKutmTLU-hf61vcumTIwznwoBXbBb4-U2NjaK0xLn0w8U642_wt76REVJhcg6fNa_WImAYiQBefJVpxPeDrGiEV216VXA0m23pgUeN3yuW4Q0vYauD0_YFeTGnDJvvsxcyfTrm2K-Ex7s32gFXNx5mAJydIzBFnxUULAIER77P7UPlOIZgI/s4032/IMG_2042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9I-FdcKutmTLU-hf61vcumTIwznwoBXbBb4-U2NjaK0xLn0w8U642_wt76REVJhcg6fNa_WImAYiQBefJVpxPeDrGiEV216VXA0m23pgUeN3yuW4Q0vYauD0_YFeTGnDJvvsxcyfTrm2K-Ex7s32gFXNx5mAJydIzBFnxUULAIER77P7UPlOIZgI/w640-h480/IMG_2042.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A semi-traditional but slightly bohemian purple rug may seem like an odd choice, but I've been gushing over the play of color and pattern since the moment we laid her down. Plus the 10'x14' size adds another layer to make the room appear larger compared to our old 8'x10'. Choosing the proper size rug for a space can make all the difference.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you for coming with me on this journey. 😄Here is a fun little throwback to when we first moved in. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_6T4RouwgmyeiQYd86srISkLme36dmWUxLcReIvQe0Yqi-PLZkau1_jkT0z4xoXhn1NlD-cBouaYLxiil9Q221fV_uYYumTfAWvVHYEMBCEAEOKmU3SeMtj-Vy6yQqsnDV7SBLwW25HXIxvAQ5vQ-rSwjIXBiJoJFwW2F8O5sRhNdLNLWxyw1-5y/s4032/ACS_0817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_6T4RouwgmyeiQYd86srISkLme36dmWUxLcReIvQe0Yqi-PLZkau1_jkT0z4xoXhn1NlD-cBouaYLxiil9Q221fV_uYYumTfAWvVHYEMBCEAEOKmU3SeMtj-Vy6yQqsnDV7SBLwW25HXIxvAQ5vQ-rSwjIXBiJoJFwW2F8O5sRhNdLNLWxyw1-5y/w640-h480/ACS_0817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLSxUz_TjJMNZ6uNw4SyE6XO_S3e_ULzMHnsgimeiTejLExCjC80npY1hedfBpmG3y4Us8U-dDA7IqxcF8ptAVJi04NZz18aigQJEZEYV1T5gf6XJ0junCVEX3GTcE7h_Up5eAwVt90E2-YSnqlSIElmwO3PwmwivxvSUhg8W4QPA72bINU3Rg5sf/s3876/IMG_2047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="3876" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYLSxUz_TjJMNZ6uNw4SyE6XO_S3e_ULzMHnsgimeiTejLExCjC80npY1hedfBpmG3y4Us8U-dDA7IqxcF8ptAVJi04NZz18aigQJEZEYV1T5gf6XJ0junCVEX3GTcE7h_Up5eAwVt90E2-YSnqlSIElmwO3PwmwivxvSUhg8W4QPA72bINU3Rg5sf/w640-h476/IMG_2047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">My heart flutters a little every time we pull a room together. Eric and I have talked about taking on the built-ins over the summer, and I'd like to freshly paint the rest of the space while also replacing the trim...but we'll see. So even though it's not "complete", our living room now feels cozy, colorful, a little cooky, and well...us. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-60429042145118306602023-01-25T18:00:00.001-05:002023-01-26T08:33:30.616-05:00Turning our Builder-Grade Kitchen into a Beautiful Blue Dream<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Good day everyone! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you've been following along on Instagram, you couldn't help but notice that we officially wrapped up our kitchen update last week. From the teal backsplash to the sunburst brackets I am OBSESSED with every nook and cranny. I actually find myself sitting on the couch, glancing over at our completed space, just smiling because I am so proud of what we accomplished. Like a crazy kitchen goof...I know.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-qYBZzglT8R0sdsRegOoP1EG2yTl8scaFZiSrzwfGqdvfmf6tq2rfzKp8iPvPWTHJL5WKrIsizQtEyBpWeS_18Np7o1Bho28JJhn9iHD9koxyZA-1dpVCYaBgHpGjpHJajF-qsUzQeYjkgfYxBPAVt41VIP78oZ9XPAfECTeCt3UHZzWFdTgPAPO/s4032/Kitchen%20(58).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-qYBZzglT8R0sdsRegOoP1EG2yTl8scaFZiSrzwfGqdvfmf6tq2rfzKp8iPvPWTHJL5WKrIsizQtEyBpWeS_18Np7o1Bho28JJhn9iHD9koxyZA-1dpVCYaBgHpGjpHJajF-qsUzQeYjkgfYxBPAVt41VIP78oZ9XPAfECTeCt3UHZzWFdTgPAPO/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(58).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">A few of the to-do's we crossed off the list to achieve our dream kitchen included:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>raising the upper cabinets</li><li>removing a cabinet</li><li>painting cabinets </li><li>adding a backsplash </li><li>hanging shelves</li><li>adding hardware</li><li>trimming out the window </li></ul><div>Everything on the list was pretty straightforward...except for the backsplash. We had never tiled anything before yet alone almost an entire wall. But more on that later. </div><div><br /></div><div>For reference, here is a shot of when we first moved in. It was a pretty standard builder-grade kitchen, with ample room above the cabinets and not much underneath. I have never been one to decorate on top of cabinets especially when the ceilings aren't particularly high. Adding stuff up there just makes the whole room look even smaller and everything gets covered in dust and grime. So to create the elusion of height, my plan included creating a modified "to the ceiling" look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf-mMesnMRELtdEljWJP7t4X9bKug-KYDOsPhb__1gbsq8vG2etPOSuKgel_Td5SeQ0AVLFKr_uEuoh5QeDpN9hsF_Y8FnJIKQE9JbxRbaE0rk5GL80BNFIIOMv9btB4HcB8RSctqB_nKwCS5615uTv--VUqFHj1MLRg8GyiVjngVtkFqEL0Llpfl/s725/Kitchen%20(34).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuf-mMesnMRELtdEljWJP7t4X9bKug-KYDOsPhb__1gbsq8vG2etPOSuKgel_Td5SeQ0AVLFKr_uEuoh5QeDpN9hsF_Y8FnJIKQE9JbxRbaE0rk5GL80BNFIIOMv9btB4HcB8RSctqB_nKwCS5615uTv--VUqFHj1MLRg8GyiVjngVtkFqEL0Llpfl/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(34).jpg" width="640" /></a></div>First up, raise the upper cabinets. To determine how high to raise them, we thought about what would still be functional for me (short-er person) as well as what would look natural to the space. We landed on 4 inches<span style="color: #ff00fe;">. </span>Enough to give us more room underneath and make a difference while working on the countertops, but not too high so it would be difficult for me to use. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeWE1HyAKNv1a-Pt4tpUb_nBmmYo-oR1Nxtka5J8BW72Nh-sBHelBBaGooLVDIWoMrI1Xew1yTmah7ONrHK6hwKVqc2Oj985MWgEZ2RiNi_GBrXOFlt3E3Moq8_oyB1xEAINXhmJ44HYbzYQsHm_F0BpcujUgvtcRPCA64xMqMyllLAI5u36JeDyW/s4032/Kitchen%20(36-b).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1919" data-original-width="4032" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVeWE1HyAKNv1a-Pt4tpUb_nBmmYo-oR1Nxtka5J8BW72Nh-sBHelBBaGooLVDIWoMrI1Xew1yTmah7ONrHK6hwKVqc2Oj985MWgEZ2RiNi_GBrXOFlt3E3Moq8_oyB1xEAINXhmJ44HYbzYQsHm_F0BpcujUgvtcRPCA64xMqMyllLAI5u36JeDyW/w640-h304/Kitchen%20(36-b).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is where our kitchen progress halted for a few months. It wasn't until we took time off for the holidays that Eric and his dad spent a day "bridging the gap". By that, I mean adding plywood and crown molding to the top of the cabinets to create that to-the-ceiling look. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavzHse_L55cefPUY46V-wpKmKsno7PDyCwO8i8AA_MgW-M6-2yzo53apCfagDlkONfzht4ipQd1_6qt6xsde92IYufI3-R4LisDNL0QLrhaMDAc7bS5ZtTOx_DhhyUFmJUkU3GIvwonMnXJYT6tEJ-B7ZRBcS7n1885fgSypc_7PjMc2LT4MWxJ92/s4032/Kitchen%20(37).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavzHse_L55cefPUY46V-wpKmKsno7PDyCwO8i8AA_MgW-M6-2yzo53apCfagDlkONfzht4ipQd1_6qt6xsde92IYufI3-R4LisDNL0QLrhaMDAc7bS5ZtTOx_DhhyUFmJUkU3GIvwonMnXJYT6tEJ-B7ZRBcS7n1885fgSypc_7PjMc2LT4MWxJ92/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(37).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Eric first installed 2x4s to the ceiling joists to create anchors, then attached the plywood and crown molding. Lots and LOTS of wood filler was used to hide the seams, as well as quite a bit of sanding. But this prep work was key to achieving a smooth look after painting. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lOT9rX8JZgxC4P34nPC5Nke02ZgGj8azUygHlIjE1mlvSbk07HuiDlWjV6TlNV0hm5gLNkdV_maQtmCpjYzPu0qcN1tdO1vLtSexVeynQz91yh1wJ1aIkJFLrPDre0UgMJQ88YiImQGZTqELjF-JqMBCmtRMjYg78t1ybQtz5j8ouOIfqM2tywKp/s4032/Kitchen%20(39).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lOT9rX8JZgxC4P34nPC5Nke02ZgGj8azUygHlIjE1mlvSbk07HuiDlWjV6TlNV0hm5gLNkdV_maQtmCpjYzPu0qcN1tdO1vLtSexVeynQz91yh1wJ1aIkJFLrPDre0UgMJQ88YiImQGZTqELjF-JqMBCmtRMjYg78t1ybQtz5j8ouOIfqM2tywKp/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(39).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XQ4ZfAa1m1ai_lOyoGvh9jxRG-F8tS_sI82-oolZNrcvrLyP6Jqb2CEbBA1UjYzvlV0Nv5bvcq6si4hT7Ry1YRyiGH4fjWVH1xa2sAETm1OEFeHzZEW6hIKK0Q3VeeF-lLyBZsOmOE2ip5z9NJXseDJoLCA6bBC5xweCSkcKSBxwsSDRfzEmiisV/s4032/Kitchen%20(43).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3XQ4ZfAa1m1ai_lOyoGvh9jxRG-F8tS_sI82-oolZNrcvrLyP6Jqb2CEbBA1UjYzvlV0Nv5bvcq6si4hT7Ry1YRyiGH4fjWVH1xa2sAETm1OEFeHzZEW6hIKK0Q3VeeF-lLyBZsOmOE2ip5z9NJXseDJoLCA6bBC5xweCSkcKSBxwsSDRfzEmiisV/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(43).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">And speaking of paint, we had the best helpers. They don't particularly have an eye for detail, but they make up for it with enthusiasm. 💜</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfKEScnTYbNf6hzhPpTmVs8a8ZUxz2d1WsRvCpRca0YtQ_emN4a549ix9RBxaNyO-rDMuU6wdghPzfYAsZl--6ap4yweZDWmb83VPOte3ZBOl7_wqIw73PEjE5_LNfTe4SwRbeRV6Mef71Odn8LN-NU87rqMw5uAo3Cd06XhwRQiRcUp4QHNUEXe9/s7750/Kitchen%20(47-b).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3321" data-original-width="7750" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfKEScnTYbNf6hzhPpTmVs8a8ZUxz2d1WsRvCpRca0YtQ_emN4a549ix9RBxaNyO-rDMuU6wdghPzfYAsZl--6ap4yweZDWmb83VPOte3ZBOl7_wqIw73PEjE5_LNfTe4SwRbeRV6Mef71Odn8LN-NU87rqMw5uAo3Cd06XhwRQiRcUp4QHNUEXe9/w640-h274/Kitchen%20(47-b).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The color we chose was white, but not just any white, <a href="https://vintagerevivals.com/my-secret-formula-for-the-best-white-paint-color/" target="_blank">the perfect white paint</a> I have been using ever since reading about it on <a href="http://VintageRevival.com">VintageRevival.com</a>. The people behind the paint counter may give you an odd look when you ask to add "more white" to your already white base, but trust me. It's beautiful. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After a day of prep, painting, and removing the loner cabinet to the right of our window, we ended the day kind of in a mess. But as chaotic as our kitchen looked, that was how pumped we were about the next day. Because that, my friends, was the first day of our adventure into the world of BACKSPLASH TILING! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWNgXwq-Cz1l2fd8QcPlTKIyJjdNcD8QLK-Kckap-YLBhquhTxqWMtmpjw1Vyoj4Va20Iy0ReHMABTVmYVdIkOUUc7ZF-POPQAJWq_VvurmlovA1SrP8YCZvBH895EgzXpBqImzYrgdNBaK2siaMDpSeIJfp0jv-CUURJutTjIIshvve4BvfnAjaK/s3024/Kitchen%20(45).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2120" data-original-width="3024" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWNgXwq-Cz1l2fd8QcPlTKIyJjdNcD8QLK-Kckap-YLBhquhTxqWMtmpjw1Vyoj4Va20Iy0ReHMABTVmYVdIkOUUc7ZF-POPQAJWq_VvurmlovA1SrP8YCZvBH895EgzXpBqImzYrgdNBaK2siaMDpSeIJfp0jv-CUURJutTjIIshvve4BvfnAjaK/w640-h448/Kitchen%20(45).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">From the moment I began dreaming about reworking our kitchen, I knew I wanted a bold backsplash. My first vision included a black and white pattern with teal lower cabinets and white uppers. But after Eric made the request, "pleeeeeeease don't make me paint all of those cabinets." I pivoted and came up with a design that incorporated our current wood tones by bringing in a teal backsplash. After mocking it up, I was in love. <br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk47Hacw_q9LDS3_MbkfMCbDxHXi-MCZNiEiH_tdWptL2iSV1c35wg7PNSOtQm9x7xTkwFZTpd1HZ0dMkxVtvK4V1YcjPASaUg0icxXoKfRsAYw5lMqQ4zBIn1FJHVQLcCLlJ4u7zdGw4uaNY8RmCaAbLohgLrkDwqVcPUMkJEeSMTClOe6tE2TTb/s1846/Kitchen%20(1).PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1846" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXk47Hacw_q9LDS3_MbkfMCbDxHXi-MCZNiEiH_tdWptL2iSV1c35wg7PNSOtQm9x7xTkwFZTpd1HZ0dMkxVtvK4V1YcjPASaUg0icxXoKfRsAYw5lMqQ4zBIn1FJHVQLcCLlJ4u7zdGw4uaNY8RmCaAbLohgLrkDwqVcPUMkJEeSMTClOe6tE2TTb/w640-h430/Kitchen%20(1).PNG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">To find the perfect tile I ordered approximately 10 samples from various sources, but in the end, decided on <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/home-improvement/pdp/ivy-hill-tile-moze-3-x-12-ceramic-brick-look-subway-tile-sost2097.html?utm_source=pinterest&utm_medium=social&piid=36946596" target="_blank">Moze 3" x 12" Ceramic Brick Look Subway Tile</a> in blue. I liked the irregularity of the coloring, price, and size, plus the high-gloss made for a great "easy to clean" kitchen choice. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVm32hqTdz4O0kvcYPgfemauq-bpTC1ba7YZScc4OR0HOl4EhMI8dTmFhliDXfBRkm_WT8gdOOY_nmC2rotH8A7cCeX6xKhZ7TXjyfqrgQVOOUrEdQToToi6up72eGEHP9cz1c6bkkZ1-8ODOOZxlOGcbEqsv04JaIlrKqBzxpcyRCim6GFZiNePz/s3600/Kitchen%20(41-b).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2380" data-original-width="3600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVm32hqTdz4O0kvcYPgfemauq-bpTC1ba7YZScc4OR0HOl4EhMI8dTmFhliDXfBRkm_WT8gdOOY_nmC2rotH8A7cCeX6xKhZ7TXjyfqrgQVOOUrEdQToToi6up72eGEHP9cz1c6bkkZ1-8ODOOZxlOGcbEqsv04JaIlrKqBzxpcyRCim6GFZiNePz/w640-h424/Kitchen%20(41-b).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After measuring the amount of space we wanted to cover, 8 boxes was what the site recommended we buy which included extra for waste and reserve. We decided on a classic 1/2 offset pattern (hoping that wouldn't be too difficult), consulted a few friends, and watched a handful of tutorial videos before getting to work. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Once we got started, the process really wasn't too intense. Slather on your <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Custom-Building-Products-AcrylPro-3-5-Gal-Ceramic-Tile-Adhesive-ARL40003/100112798" target="_blank">adhesive</a>, use the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-1-4-in-x-1-4-in-x-1-4-in-Comfort-Grip-Stainless-Steel-Square-Notch-Flooring-Trowel-49915/310849252" target="_blank">trowel</a> to scrape away excess so there's even coverage, place your tile, add <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-LASH-Flat-Floor-and-Wall-Tile-Leveling-System-Clips-Part-A-100-Pack-99730/311182432" target="_blank">spacers</a>, and repeat. Set your bottom rows first, measure twice and cut once, and don't get too far ahead with the adhesive because you only have about 15 minutes to work before it begins to set. Since our tiles were kind of long, we also used these <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/QEP-LASH-Tile-Leveling-System-Wedges-Part-B-300-Pack-99727/311182551" target="_blank">wedges</a> in combination with the spacers to keep tiles from shifting. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">When it came to cutting tiles to size, we borrowed a friend's tile cutter (<a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rubi-36-in-Speed-Plus-Tile-Cutter-14970/304525122" target="_blank">example here</a>) which worked great for straight lines and was extremely satisfying to use. It was like my scrapbook paper trimmer on steroids. For any cut more elaborate (window corners, outlets) Eric used a special blade he purchased for his circular saw. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NaGws21bSoWmDlv5IIOznPBQQtiMTTkHkt90a-8Tyh4aCQkqkA0rStEkVhauieGCwxegsAd24dWNm3xdsAXoM05bFXQgSypYRT1TZIyT63epEuqhJwfKIwSzQvsRav5xXo6BfO1pqeOG7EPdLjDJE0GKSZUHy3WJlcQLMRYuyqL10b3DW1PAGwVI/s4032/69403791733__B7BD73E9-96E8-4659-8DFE-C2350C82BC30.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NaGws21bSoWmDlv5IIOznPBQQtiMTTkHkt90a-8Tyh4aCQkqkA0rStEkVhauieGCwxegsAd24dWNm3xdsAXoM05bFXQgSypYRT1TZIyT63epEuqhJwfKIwSzQvsRav5xXo6BfO1pqeOG7EPdLjDJE0GKSZUHy3WJlcQLMRYuyqL10b3DW1PAGwVI/w640-h480/69403791733__B7BD73E9-96E8-4659-8DFE-C2350C82BC30.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX6nQUqUGwPhBZZ6ZjhJKxjfedySU5Ukn7UVek7ZMay5P9mlQ4xcGeTDNPJ98zq3lXlEMap1J2N4J2Vz3C_s-6nByYEiT-JiQuIA5OvaGLdpn1GoSk_ct9HYwXlcgV_QzgJAiKH3B5j6CFU6CbU6W3WSEsJ1igbTCiYiLnUzkY8UvRSC-AkBwIOrm/s4032/Kitchen%20(48).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpX6nQUqUGwPhBZZ6ZjhJKxjfedySU5Ukn7UVek7ZMay5P9mlQ4xcGeTDNPJ98zq3lXlEMap1J2N4J2Vz3C_s-6nByYEiT-JiQuIA5OvaGLdpn1GoSk_ct9HYwXlcgV_QzgJAiKH3B5j6CFU6CbU6W3WSEsJ1igbTCiYiLnUzkY8UvRSC-AkBwIOrm/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(48).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Even with the right tools, we definitely still broke our fair share of tiles. Broken tiles though are all just part of the process, that and making a huge mess. Thank goodness we planned on sending the kids to daycare a few days that week so we actually had time to work uninterrupted. No offense to our children, but their "helping" is kind of anything but. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">After those two full days of childless labor, plus a few extra nights post-bedtime, we officially completed the "put up the tile" part of our project. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutytvys2mJVkkgC0i7LJoQuA8SHe6rMRNNlL6vHC2oyksQd30pplW8VsyAL_EyvGqBCxiJcZS3me6EfwrlsFcNm1kt_ypjDfb2mwUm2f-Vqgtde3NswBtWI29tAp9Bi966oo3LFqXu7-sv73c-LBtVT9Y64le7-ph1VYnyT0MLOwrG2YflTjARHJ2/s4032/Kitchen%20(49).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiutytvys2mJVkkgC0i7LJoQuA8SHe6rMRNNlL6vHC2oyksQd30pplW8VsyAL_EyvGqBCxiJcZS3me6EfwrlsFcNm1kt_ypjDfb2mwUm2f-Vqgtde3NswBtWI29tAp9Bi966oo3LFqXu7-sv73c-LBtVT9Y64le7-ph1VYnyT0MLOwrG2YflTjARHJ2/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(49).JPG" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwb5uKtwk6CdR-CjizWlNU1BAiAz2kbkwnMZ5IIkL_eKVie3nDypZ0AiNQhU2cjgMnJBN3OjyHwZMn2ZoGj5X-GJvUDkrmO2Vp4upDIaD_AInlIyILSE-A5GhGP2kk1PwhyNY38I3EWmrZnPmt4_zhNVQUlZTJwn9sMUsF0PgrFKwVpVfrzMxZEWs/s4032/IMG_0031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwb5uKtwk6CdR-CjizWlNU1BAiAz2kbkwnMZ5IIkL_eKVie3nDypZ0AiNQhU2cjgMnJBN3OjyHwZMn2ZoGj5X-GJvUDkrmO2Vp4upDIaD_AInlIyILSE-A5GhGP2kk1PwhyNY38I3EWmrZnPmt4_zhNVQUlZTJwn9sMUsF0PgrFKwVpVfrzMxZEWs/w640-h480/IMG_0031.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next came the grout. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With our backsplash, I wanted the minimal amount of grout showing as possible. The size of our spacers helped with this, but when it came to choosing a grout color, I knew it couldn't be anything bright. It had to blend in with the tile. That is why I decided to go with dark charcoal. Was it messy and ruined more than one of my dishrags? 100%. Am I confident it was the right choice? 10000000000000000%. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISPWZ7GmmlLPqnTpoanb59AKTkTyWqdhUkEbVTN3xH5YQOclYBTi9Uf0ohTwIDAgfo-T3W9AaRP52uOleHOf5YyL0ycGG93ucHQF2SUdHBOLS_XGsLHFCgq18vHL7zf7XpvXznmZWuR-eAFXahmKvNnGqhkRosplv-F6lm73AWjFv60TbUCkPmXqk/s3024/IMG_0036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3024" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISPWZ7GmmlLPqnTpoanb59AKTkTyWqdhUkEbVTN3xH5YQOclYBTi9Uf0ohTwIDAgfo-T3W9AaRP52uOleHOf5YyL0ycGG93ucHQF2SUdHBOLS_XGsLHFCgq18vHL7zf7XpvXznmZWuR-eAFXahmKvNnGqhkRosplv-F6lm73AWjFv60TbUCkPmXqk/w640-h466/IMG_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloj25tkvTGND6ozENz9g3lNBaKa9NHMGlZVoFuSikTHf94bk_pQtJzmrrrr-UhSROvkjfAmMdW93SQKxCbYsSOuKKa2nbdobj1IEZeSSA_hbmnUrUWFuP7i6S_PTvePj5YoQXXaNemLJs6pzjk9LXKJrMTWJ2ieeRvb05T1MO9b-hdMYrwduVmGuG/s4032/Kitchen%20(51).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloj25tkvTGND6ozENz9g3lNBaKa9NHMGlZVoFuSikTHf94bk_pQtJzmrrrr-UhSROvkjfAmMdW93SQKxCbYsSOuKKa2nbdobj1IEZeSSA_hbmnUrUWFuP7i6S_PTvePj5YoQXXaNemLJs6pzjk9LXKJrMTWJ2ieeRvb05T1MO9b-hdMYrwduVmGuG/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(51).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Like installing the tile, once we got into a groove of slathering on the grout, working it into the cracks, and wiping away the excess, we were able to move pretty quickly. The more time-consuming part came after, which included cleaning away the "haze" of grout dirt so those beautiful tiles could really shine and applying an extra coat of sealant. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But with those final steps came the VERY satisfying moment of crossing "install tile backsplash" off of our to-do list and adding another skill to our ever-growing resume. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And what do you do with a brand-spanking new tiled wall? Drill into it to hang shelves of course! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbTWkVjogvBJc_Kk8zTFKlXqYklAMWnZyMb0Rbmpwl4GHteV6lQ3LcLeEr8_WgVffT0_TBZMJ8moPkpKOq1lWGzg4l8txXzxhk07DrOURN9ldnlaJ_1Kbf8gmtFYGi2K9CwJqCRjquA8mH_JYusZxPPOS-73-ZcEfKUHVvw3-N1gtC3U3SxPD2hnL/s4032/Kitchen%20(52).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbTWkVjogvBJc_Kk8zTFKlXqYklAMWnZyMb0Rbmpwl4GHteV6lQ3LcLeEr8_WgVffT0_TBZMJ8moPkpKOq1lWGzg4l8txXzxhk07DrOURN9ldnlaJ_1Kbf8gmtFYGi2K9CwJqCRjquA8mH_JYusZxPPOS-73-ZcEfKUHVvw3-N1gtC3U3SxPD2hnL/w480-h640/Kitchen%20(52).JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">And can we talk about those<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JT3R5LP?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1" target="_blank"> brackets</a>??? 😍 I can't take full credit though, I first saw <a href="https://lizmorrowstudios.com/" target="_blank">Liz Morrow</a> use them in her own kitchen renovation but immediately knew they were what I had been searching for. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">OK, logistics on the shelves. Three brackets per shelf may seem a little overkill to some, but hear me out. In that area of our kitchen, the studs were in odd places. We needed at least ONE of the brackets to be on a stud, and in this situation, it was the center one. The left and right have additional anchors to make them strong enough while only being drilled into the drywall. Using a bracket at the very end of each shelf also gave the edges a clean finish. Plus when I planned on using them for glasses, dishes, and books...the extra support was a bonus. <br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With the shelves hung, final touches were all that remained. Hang the cabinet doors, reinstall <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GN496CQ/ref=cm_sw_r_pi_api_glt_fabc_7VNR6JAY6SQ7Z88WXRAM?th=1" target="_blank">hardware</a>, touch up paint, install new outlet covers, clean, and STYLE! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsc7W7rIUwojM7mpyraFDOm7R95BSQYq71pbZ973kEfOimDepgcmUjL0jUHouStW-VniitW_Z0iZy_rV_3SlPJbtDJC24HAZRhsmHmdLvMIKoK3125BJLQvkWjzarlLYVPMM9MY3T2bcwO7A3eoN_y9N6WqbOwzGH_oe_VVp3DtfEannoD_DrvUFG/s4032/Kitchen%20(54).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinsc7W7rIUwojM7mpyraFDOm7R95BSQYq71pbZ973kEfOimDepgcmUjL0jUHouStW-VniitW_Z0iZy_rV_3SlPJbtDJC24HAZRhsmHmdLvMIKoK3125BJLQvkWjzarlLYVPMM9MY3T2bcwO7A3eoN_y9N6WqbOwzGH_oe_VVp3DtfEannoD_DrvUFG/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(54).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RYdtOav8cVKM7l_pnVKck7Zf9KzK-ECk47XpF_ViIuLwQnKbehO-KAUPsniDSFWPttGlGeL__MlvgmgfgEdRWUirZ56Od69fhi2IGwO7bwksLIARbWaL4Pqpyxbl7jyNmPi7HbSgfCzN1QrYWAUUm3t0hJZnjoaun7xBo1I43WYMDWqTpeEUN8q4/s4032/Kitchen%20(59).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9RYdtOav8cVKM7l_pnVKck7Zf9KzK-ECk47XpF_ViIuLwQnKbehO-KAUPsniDSFWPttGlGeL__MlvgmgfgEdRWUirZ56Od69fhi2IGwO7bwksLIARbWaL4Pqpyxbl7jyNmPi7HbSgfCzN1QrYWAUUm3t0hJZnjoaun7xBo1I43WYMDWqTpeEUN8q4/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(59).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWulWOdQnABJ3YpG2SGJ4Qlv2E8T1mFm5YY3I31_ZQs7K2QjR6S7At3abXxaUuT2WSa8tWrzHhb0AsqqFoiPdztuQ1ndHtOwAN7H_gW6qRRvG6UDnyJUGNhuTxoqjv50Yz714k8ZgETVUEketGGP_ofMZBVTvcAuGedJ1e6Elzkes2_Q6zsK6e2Wc/s4032/Kitchen%20(57).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDWulWOdQnABJ3YpG2SGJ4Qlv2E8T1mFm5YY3I31_ZQs7K2QjR6S7At3abXxaUuT2WSa8tWrzHhb0AsqqFoiPdztuQ1ndHtOwAN7H_gW6qRRvG6UDnyJUGNhuTxoqjv50Yz714k8ZgETVUEketGGP_ofMZBVTvcAuGedJ1e6Elzkes2_Q6zsK6e2Wc/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(57).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpMWSCSFZO7pcmKbLiFpcMxu8KFzwk84MEfEvW9xf2j2rzKPMO-bcmI_5Qhm9PHj6T8YlYD5iExFpTQSaq7kPVc0HtHRifc93zHzlswmKAUdK_wbzxHHVW3UagYJetfDQqnbcw1HInmRo__xxDFV2bBWKVkRdu3gpD64LCnnH9GiAHsgugLcX9WGN/s4032/Kitchen%20(61).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpMWSCSFZO7pcmKbLiFpcMxu8KFzwk84MEfEvW9xf2j2rzKPMO-bcmI_5Qhm9PHj6T8YlYD5iExFpTQSaq7kPVc0HtHRifc93zHzlswmKAUdK_wbzxHHVW3UagYJetfDQqnbcw1HInmRo__xxDFV2bBWKVkRdu3gpD64LCnnH9GiAHsgugLcX9WGN/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(61).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77oT6SpbnZ_hYqX8yddsgrps9P4Q6nPDTaZyVKSMRYr3kR2FaHyyauqRrKCmahc0BuKe_yMsZUxkX15XQq4y9hRXgW-GCGZeqEQdlI1RrXZ9SZonyujWF08Mopmr9yDioqzBizf353jhHQW4z9ysuXS8XYBSzvbBSSlC9galDDNdvdYTrV3kWYNNb/s5776/Kitchen%20(53-b).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="5776" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77oT6SpbnZ_hYqX8yddsgrps9P4Q6nPDTaZyVKSMRYr3kR2FaHyyauqRrKCmahc0BuKe_yMsZUxkX15XQq4y9hRXgW-GCGZeqEQdlI1RrXZ9SZonyujWF08Mopmr9yDioqzBizf353jhHQW4z9ysuXS8XYBSzvbBSSlC9galDDNdvdYTrV3kWYNNb/w640-h446/Kitchen%20(53-b).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNGqcoJV0ZFdH-jLPrjIEOxyrPS0Cy4hGbfYf3MHFbOPBzpIzl8OHdO83MQddvSs6ENC-J08IF2ozsoRxsevPGlBxf7xOwI_YmgsYP9314m08M8LQuMVBNFztOxOcXyUZuYw3MJt1-7CBw8v6EBvY02MeV-wyEQ6__IMmY0D7iTWOwKbziMqnfylw/s4032/Kitchen%20(60).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJNGqcoJV0ZFdH-jLPrjIEOxyrPS0Cy4hGbfYf3MHFbOPBzpIzl8OHdO83MQddvSs6ENC-J08IF2ozsoRxsevPGlBxf7xOwI_YmgsYP9314m08M8LQuMVBNFztOxOcXyUZuYw3MJt1-7CBw8v6EBvY02MeV-wyEQ6__IMmY0D7iTWOwKbziMqnfylw/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(60).jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So what do you think!? I think I'm in love. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I also think that having crisp white cabinets has convinced me that white <i>could</i> be the winning color for the remaining kitchen walls as well as for our living room. I never thought I'd see the day when I became a "white wall" girl, but guess that'll make hanging bold colorful art all the easier. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">There are still a few details left to tackle; like the black accent details behind the large counter and the entire area around and above our fridge. For now, I'm dubbing it complete. Seeing this vision come to life from concept to creation has been a lovely start to 2023. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I wonder what the rest of the year will hold? 😊</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqo04H7d5p-ZRqRZGjcUrd4BtU5KCfSNMl2rfDfNavTrImYSoRueKgEydMNkIT9V560CiHVgUgIqJyRNaGHtwnkMusZ1YTxq4gPKQhA89gyzwBQQQcaMiDnc6QRq3ZADZUxBKyUvkhXNEBJ4daF0x6_zhhg5XuX7-8OMKzgS_D8X-6QByKgal_fUu/s5776/Kitchen%20(62).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="5776" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDqo04H7d5p-ZRqRZGjcUrd4BtU5KCfSNMl2rfDfNavTrImYSoRueKgEydMNkIT9V560CiHVgUgIqJyRNaGHtwnkMusZ1YTxq4gPKQhA89gyzwBQQQcaMiDnc6QRq3ZADZUxBKyUvkhXNEBJ4daF0x6_zhhg5XuX7-8OMKzgS_D8X-6QByKgal_fUu/w640-h212/Kitchen%20(62).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOo1PFkg6LYgMaLrD16zC0lPlL72sIPu_YI8-euvBvlPg_LNq4a-GOZkAus9SU4iPvY5E7G8o54hqRiS3taUA0OeBiG2vxt1MmHSLzDyxCw6TRy8A__5E-R8JTplkbWkJ_In4lUob8myEn_0qmhT8p-gDsrVN0diocSJO4HpRVNemddx3jNjQtB9i/s4032/Kitchen%20(58).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOo1PFkg6LYgMaLrD16zC0lPlL72sIPu_YI8-euvBvlPg_LNq4a-GOZkAus9SU4iPvY5E7G8o54hqRiS3taUA0OeBiG2vxt1MmHSLzDyxCw6TRy8A__5E-R8JTplkbWkJ_In4lUob8myEn_0qmhT8p-gDsrVN0diocSJO4HpRVNemddx3jNjQtB9i/w640-h480/Kitchen%20(58).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div><p></p></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-51882065893104365952022-07-26T21:39:00.000-04:002022-07-26T21:39:00.246-04:00Traditional Meets Tropical Dining Room Reveal! <p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello hello hello!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It's me. AGAIN! Can you believe it!? 😄</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Who remembers the last time there's been multiple blog posts within a two-week period? Anyone? Because this girl can barely remember herself. My guess is it would've been somewhere between 2013-2015. Simpler times, when <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/09/a-lamp-overhaul-thats-elefun.html#.YuB9_HbMJ3g" target="_blank">spray painting a lamp</a> or writing about some <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/10/as-seen-on-craigslist-pink-tufted-side.html#.YuB-THbMJ3g" target="_blank">random thing I found on Craigslist</a> was enough content for a sufficient post. (I would STILL buy those pink chairs btw). Nowadays unless you're completely overhauling an entire room, it barely seems worth the time when you could watch about the same thing in a 60 second Instagram Reel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, lucky for you dear reader, this post IS about an entire room overhaul. May I present to you our traditional meets tropical dining room! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNXd2IoYS5eZLQcCtoljRZI3JJCGnWKNr7YoMbXNEAeD4_g5vmzxNaVQX8iMyHmu5N8-Nb83PmS_lGQoLFByxi4JfmT-86YQnjAQu0oDGm0RWFUTKs7euLPPQvb0fnEPoNWmeSiF599Eba1SMzhgTDAYFH1-t6n77zRnrkVoHh16Omc_2UYE0TlFn/s4032/DiningRm%20(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNXd2IoYS5eZLQcCtoljRZI3JJCGnWKNr7YoMbXNEAeD4_g5vmzxNaVQX8iMyHmu5N8-Nb83PmS_lGQoLFByxi4JfmT-86YQnjAQu0oDGm0RWFUTKs7euLPPQvb0fnEPoNWmeSiF599Eba1SMzhgTDAYFH1-t6n77zRnrkVoHh16Omc_2UYE0TlFn/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(25).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This room was CRANKED OUT. I don't think we've ever completed anything from start to finish so fast. We cleared the decor on a Friday evening, went full speed ahead with the help of our in-laws over the weekend, then that following Saturday I wrapped up putting everything back again. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For a little perspective, below is what the room looked like when the house was listed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrbuFbTYhoWHtSFxZfIcWw3xocimoGq1Xlv95uk0ST2W8NCBKeYkPyFi0JbNAOvidosbS7ZmjPNpCsxIV6YB-PQRYxcNsn6m7zOfOVL2bM9Zr22NXNalJ2X764tC7dLl0TLzqoi4HiCWvndUQXDbExHtmLuL12Zi_04ZWR0x6Y6J6UEf5M_fVrWRl/s1242/B4_DiningRm%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1242" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinrbuFbTYhoWHtSFxZfIcWw3xocimoGq1Xlv95uk0ST2W8NCBKeYkPyFi0JbNAOvidosbS7ZmjPNpCsxIV6YB-PQRYxcNsn6m7zOfOVL2bM9Zr22NXNalJ2X764tC7dLl0TLzqoi4HiCWvndUQXDbExHtmLuL12Zi_04ZWR0x6Y6J6UEf5M_fVrWRl/w640-h426/B4_DiningRm%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here it is after we were living in it for a year. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJwRIAJaE6N_71323D6zVD27hx7UaEjeL13BlLp-uMdtfW8p6DiA-OZJFlre-4l9f_pTmKkTWATyoMn-5GicU2-JzhNhLhrqQf6x9kCRBiBPEOK1B31ovRmfxNE9ausJuuNmZNfFvKZEcmTvhYasdjNGGgPZdNeoPXnyWNWfDkfHlNw3dUgJL8ykq/s4032/B4_DiningRm%20(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJwRIAJaE6N_71323D6zVD27hx7UaEjeL13BlLp-uMdtfW8p6DiA-OZJFlre-4l9f_pTmKkTWATyoMn-5GicU2-JzhNhLhrqQf6x9kCRBiBPEOK1B31ovRmfxNE9ausJuuNmZNfFvKZEcmTvhYasdjNGGgPZdNeoPXnyWNWfDkfHlNw3dUgJL8ykq/w640-h480/B4_DiningRm%20(6).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzSdKj7hxKuPwocqMdgJrZCDxhLvLM1RV8xCDKIwABQUOHjkZocCEj14UAqXTNOEjfcBAml0aGs5uQiWok5YxEyQF68K3xWDVeb3ArgzezX3y2dyhAe7A4zsxI7VQucNhXJzXOWxv58t5GBOE-5wCPPs18kkJN9CJhdKXex4LKYVw6HKP2rQQhx5e/s4032/B4_DiningRm%20(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOzSdKj7hxKuPwocqMdgJrZCDxhLvLM1RV8xCDKIwABQUOHjkZocCEj14UAqXTNOEjfcBAml0aGs5uQiWok5YxEyQF68K3xWDVeb3ArgzezX3y2dyhAe7A4zsxI7VQucNhXJzXOWxv58t5GBOE-5wCPPs18kkJN9CJhdKXex4LKYVw6HKP2rQQhx5e/w640-h480/B4_DiningRm%20(7).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And here we are a few moments before putting up the first strip of wallpaper. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc-L0xw7x4rKydE4RhmGKubI8wldcwcOK2QQZLWpHg9p6lrNckoLlP8rnW8chLhXGBKmFj-qPv7_shTwlQ88CDHq5wfeqYxQIqw2rOGcigWkT6P-hotA83HSQchWVK9FAo6sE9G8ujG0X16J_8Ia7CLVjOtq3c82qaNH0ADsClmpewKW8fPRP5Ewq/s4032/DiningRm%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsc-L0xw7x4rKydE4RhmGKubI8wldcwcOK2QQZLWpHg9p6lrNckoLlP8rnW8chLhXGBKmFj-qPv7_shTwlQ88CDHq5wfeqYxQIqw2rOGcigWkT6P-hotA83HSQchWVK9FAo6sE9G8ujG0X16J_8Ia7CLVjOtq3c82qaNH0ADsClmpewKW8fPRP5Ewq/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">That's right, wallpaper. But not just any kind of wallpaper, REMOVABLE wallpaper. Which I am convinced is proof that there is a higher power because for the amount of traditional wallpaper I've stripped, ripped, and cursed at over the years I honestly NEVER thought I would be one to put it ON my walls. But you guys, this stuff is amazing. Removable, non-damaging, forgiving, peel-and-stick wallpaper is SUCH an easy way to bring pattern and texture into your home it's going to become your new best friend.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For this project I found the perfect pattern at <a href="https://tempaper.com/products/toucan-black-white-bird-removable-wallpaper">Tempaper.com</a>. They have tons of beautiful designs to choose from but this one caught my eye immediately. The tropical vibe was exactly what I was looking for and the color palette not too crazy to turn Eric off. Plus the toucans were just "tou" cute (see what I did there?). </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-dDHrx_nZOxe2NgEyCHY6Rdo5RZcllHs4D_6pBA9uONhe2E5JNxsYfsdAXcYH0vBuM9pV4MQXqlpcWynOBVSDnXQL0tayeTtxbPjEt3flJ3sESP7Hb6kyJHe1nqYGMp2QMJElOPZsvEGfTgplrtnvr-t-5PqSIV9X0VKF5iN7tkQtwop8rDPIasE/s2148/Combo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2148" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-dDHrx_nZOxe2NgEyCHY6Rdo5RZcllHs4D_6pBA9uONhe2E5JNxsYfsdAXcYH0vBuM9pV4MQXqlpcWynOBVSDnXQL0tayeTtxbPjEt3flJ3sESP7Hb6kyJHe1nqYGMp2QMJElOPZsvEGfTgplrtnvr-t-5PqSIV9X0VKF5iN7tkQtwop8rDPIasE/w640-h334/Combo_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Pure joy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">But if you notice, we didn't wallpaper all the way to the floor. That's because the bottom third of the wall we decided to install board and batten. Board and batten describes a type of interior paneling that has alternating wide boards and narrow wooden strips, called "battens."</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUvsIQLBJYmpQlh79MjMBxn6LQ2oqyDk6pQrgCfS5zqzzw0LIUz373OA8ZJrqOqw5D95G9uwDbF7JuE97yo7JOgdLLkL2NKhrhHPTOQ1DWsAhT0qejqOQYENFECjqUMPag2uhl-LxYgCPvvZC9z2jXvoWoHnnvdaRjPROTq1I0ZmzFdVL941536yQ/s3024/Combo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUvsIQLBJYmpQlh79MjMBxn6LQ2oqyDk6pQrgCfS5zqzzw0LIUz373OA8ZJrqOqw5D95G9uwDbF7JuE97yo7JOgdLLkL2NKhrhHPTOQ1DWsAhT0qejqOQYENFECjqUMPag2uhl-LxYgCPvvZC9z2jXvoWoHnnvdaRjPROTq1I0ZmzFdVL941536yQ/w640-h426/Combo_2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxU-nYD8rDl-E7Uu84n8c8ZHx9JRtmMIbJ8QpifDQJVimI05ZrNohZVafOmhtvEzczTi0y-OGIcHjQDTTaAX6RRfcFDdMmIQpJ9Xdpy-WNyIenK1vPqEqvKewgk2Altnp0IrBuvw-t2ffAzbHIsdy8D3-qjm6Ec1msRCHuB8DKXodOOG70Co4kVxp/s4032/DiningRm%20(4b).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxU-nYD8rDl-E7Uu84n8c8ZHx9JRtmMIbJ8QpifDQJVimI05ZrNohZVafOmhtvEzczTi0y-OGIcHjQDTTaAX6RRfcFDdMmIQpJ9Xdpy-WNyIenK1vPqEqvKewgk2Altnp0IrBuvw-t2ffAzbHIsdy8D3-qjm6Ec1msRCHuB8DKXodOOG70Co4kVxp/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(4b).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For both the vertical and horizontal boards we used 1''x4'' pine ripped down so each piece was only 3'' wide. The baseboard was a 1''x6'' trimmed down to 5.5'' to match the height of the new baseboards we've installed throughout the rest of the house. We went through a few different options while determining the distance there would be in between each vertical board, but in the end decided it would be easiest if we kept to where the studs were in the wall. That spaced each board approximately 16'' apart, give or take a few inches in the gaps around the corners and flanking the doorways. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2UvDU-xt1dJnakXl805ochINPvJghJVWHok7F7rdln5CcerAcqjGjHv_G-KdyTXpkyMf6ikFvXAJRxDUY8Cm4reL0pVDV-Nr2OUjJhWqeS010UgZBIhIonIg38tHOIqwzT7AUe2I8f3eBwpj7Ot2uUc9GkLayEbzoCBR7knhhXxQMh88CeN1saAz/s4032/DiningRm%20(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA2UvDU-xt1dJnakXl805ochINPvJghJVWHok7F7rdln5CcerAcqjGjHv_G-KdyTXpkyMf6ikFvXAJRxDUY8Cm4reL0pVDV-Nr2OUjJhWqeS010UgZBIhIonIg38tHOIqwzT7AUe2I8f3eBwpj7Ot2uUc9GkLayEbzoCBR7knhhXxQMh88CeN1saAz/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(6).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprPNelXy_bdO5W6LxXdUqBdxDPUZPdsJC8v34NPCqk564CYvItIVuSNJrx4dq-q5-yIEJb1DUkEbEhCJtL-I7C0r7Xa_-vOLI1Uc5k9qhUSWAWvV7QNvjnOy67hptApnRJgnRVuNam76J48nyLpdEGAVmJfgzGiQFA1DpmJvlcsNhzIBtdHHUjv5i/s4032/DiningRm%20(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjprPNelXy_bdO5W6LxXdUqBdxDPUZPdsJC8v34NPCqk564CYvItIVuSNJrx4dq-q5-yIEJb1DUkEbEhCJtL-I7C0r7Xa_-vOLI1Uc5k9qhUSWAWvV7QNvjnOy67hptApnRJgnRVuNam76J48nyLpdEGAVmJfgzGiQFA1DpmJvlcsNhzIBtdHHUjv5i/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(5).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And that was where we ended after a very busy weekend. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next few days were focused around priming, caulking the seams, covering nail holes, and ordering more wallpaper because apparently my math was wrong... go figure. 🤷</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bMsycDUwsQ8-SLbKXRz1XMkuQlOwDXcSWmXX1l68su-0XftoBSt2QX8rk30bDyyOMxoLbyzvYOGRfJVSGtn_-r3SWF3PxsSclMzFBWUxvNJhENeJrAj8DXE0ke18sHF2nvkNukiFUZ2uPfttwt5z0FxREQ_8tIZqQJ9-RSea_-6QOeeTT2fI7gMS/s3024/Combo_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0bMsycDUwsQ8-SLbKXRz1XMkuQlOwDXcSWmXX1l68su-0XftoBSt2QX8rk30bDyyOMxoLbyzvYOGRfJVSGtn_-r3SWF3PxsSclMzFBWUxvNJhENeJrAj8DXE0ke18sHF2nvkNukiFUZ2uPfttwt5z0FxREQ_8tIZqQJ9-RSea_-6QOeeTT2fI7gMS/w640-h426/Combo_3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dh9LquIfr7TEg2N4rmuKUSSPJn1EANsEunzvvYBU70F0gIVn7f8qfkUutj0ZCJRded3BXMZYrMJTPEJV_vEowd_EGW3mRLg7wCvv8Ll7ObQH5Kyc6OQCCVfYSGBgzY_mVu8qL2w4TGnyfeWFrz1K1771YP5JawalInKBfZo9LkHJ_Edk4BQxQDQd/s3024/Combo_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dh9LquIfr7TEg2N4rmuKUSSPJn1EANsEunzvvYBU70F0gIVn7f8qfkUutj0ZCJRded3BXMZYrMJTPEJV_vEowd_EGW3mRLg7wCvv8Ll7ObQH5Kyc6OQCCVfYSGBgzY_mVu8qL2w4TGnyfeWFrz1K1771YP5JawalInKBfZo9LkHJ_Edk4BQxQDQd/w640-h426/Combo_4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">While we waited for those last few rolls to arrive (and shout out to <a href="https://tempaper.com/">Tempaper</a> because it only took maybe four days even without expedited shipping) we picked up our brushes once more and continued painting the board and batten. Compared to the bright Alexandrite green of the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2022/07/our-new-mudroom-which-i-forbid-mud-to.html#.YuCNUnbMJ3g" target="_blank">mudroom</a>, here we went with a deep moody grey with purple undertones; <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW7082-stunning-shade" target="_blank">Stunning Shade</a> by Sherwin Williams. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqTR8anZQ6gErXonEt5F3WNJZ3LVzXlqPgMOhIsnQ9AuiiubcX93OwiMxrFSWi8TCPzNiNp1r4RBcjDWpfdBo7utjzV14k1cx_0_EpJHwPf3HmEE2bj_sHquYj6yi7o0FXQKppyzGBzszmyyA7Z8AEeAtOh-N33VFqGBzGq0nu4MytWKSaJhE54ty/s3024/Combo_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkqTR8anZQ6gErXonEt5F3WNJZ3LVzXlqPgMOhIsnQ9AuiiubcX93OwiMxrFSWi8TCPzNiNp1r4RBcjDWpfdBo7utjzV14k1cx_0_EpJHwPf3HmEE2bj_sHquYj6yi7o0FXQKppyzGBzszmyyA7Z8AEeAtOh-N33VFqGBzGq0nu4MytWKSaJhE54ty/w640-h426/Combo_5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeECMCH7dPJDt7rGHzIMTkbUKfl3v5RlpleiW1u6ucg-ds4Z_lA-xFS-HRhqdYS6AlNv7CqFoVYDq5xBtFJt1OinCAEs_WkCjOhbB2GZDIXrc2Q4d2g7YKDeCXmZjsIpMLiRtipYud1YZJW-dshCYbGs44a4zItRcvIQjwjwVhq1HhxLRDjYt8WBc/s3024/Combo_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeECMCH7dPJDt7rGHzIMTkbUKfl3v5RlpleiW1u6ucg-ds4Z_lA-xFS-HRhqdYS6AlNv7CqFoVYDq5xBtFJt1OinCAEs_WkCjOhbB2GZDIXrc2Q4d2g7YKDeCXmZjsIpMLiRtipYud1YZJW-dshCYbGs44a4zItRcvIQjwjwVhq1HhxLRDjYt8WBc/w640-h426/Combo_6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I LOVE how the color drastically changed the whole mood of the space. It's dark, but dark in a way that is calming. Plus pairing it with a lighter wallpaper really balanced everything out. After a second coat and any final touch-ups, the only thing left to do was install the top most piece of trim. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0348xn5N7Ycs9NMraVNqfcRPbqbAyuk-brWq47hF-bsRFSk2VxXM8vSxHfqDuCwwEGeHrIkzMIPk5eC-Rw0Fr6iIg_AlBXvYHcSpvt3Lyqh_dJrFd4C9g5sQJFttW-t7O2xssd9suUqWEz10ykuB2ixgQhB0MLK9L3nl_uFsnppo1dlz3KQKzex3/s4032/DiningRm%20(16).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI0348xn5N7Ycs9NMraVNqfcRPbqbAyuk-brWq47hF-bsRFSk2VxXM8vSxHfqDuCwwEGeHrIkzMIPk5eC-Rw0Fr6iIg_AlBXvYHcSpvt3Lyqh_dJrFd4C9g5sQJFttW-t7O2xssd9suUqWEz10ykuB2ixgQhB0MLK9L3nl_uFsnppo1dlz3KQKzex3/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(16).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtfHwWwn2P2pT3QJEd_Nxm2xDeAU73LKUGkt233PLQZCah_6UefYWwPVTEfFQy75NIs4PXFPzEQQ_7bbxsFLHs6V4wRr51QX2JkDNZfZMQd_6y_m5kBiLB1QIU35-wiGpZx2JAppu8LYd6L-YU2qMvR8f0sArnt8UmGf_xVFGbuLRFqSp4C33dyWT/s4032/DiningRm%20(17).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtfHwWwn2P2pT3QJEd_Nxm2xDeAU73LKUGkt233PLQZCah_6UefYWwPVTEfFQy75NIs4PXFPzEQQ_7bbxsFLHs6V4wRr51QX2JkDNZfZMQd_6y_m5kBiLB1QIU35-wiGpZx2JAppu8LYd6L-YU2qMvR8f0sArnt8UmGf_xVFGbuLRFqSp4C33dyWT/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(17).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">That, and break the room in with an impromptu art project. 😉</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ok, I'll stop talking, now pull up a seat at the table and enjoy these DELICOUS "after" photos! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38K8RSucnUziBd5XNOGqjE-1Ulp_SSiiBP2j3v0axCcSEjbqFhMzxJxGjyjyKMiENy9fv8eWlpSuQRLCOfpqwMX73Cw3R_Bv-zLR9zcnHfcUB81cprd1v2GvJpWtL6UWcmdN0BKxEqedU1Ia6F0hoA7oLmCpPRrEgCIsUOd5OxO0DK991Y4mkRbtv/s3024/Combo_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38K8RSucnUziBd5XNOGqjE-1Ulp_SSiiBP2j3v0axCcSEjbqFhMzxJxGjyjyKMiENy9fv8eWlpSuQRLCOfpqwMX73Cw3R_Bv-zLR9zcnHfcUB81cprd1v2GvJpWtL6UWcmdN0BKxEqedU1Ia6F0hoA7oLmCpPRrEgCIsUOd5OxO0DK991Y4mkRbtv/w640-h426/Combo_8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNXOL7OGaIbTv43mxXeUWT0ZTTlD7BnQKe6jbmYLfkCtC7hT0cQTyfFKCajND7SaYJUcjaXm6pSa2qAVekg-bAFI_0XYUwrBz9VvGzhU0HnkRBnJpOOV8SYmtyJCCatvkWJ2o1kpjsgPfE4kEH-3eBOCGA1YSYSJzCssiHglfhpZcZwiZofX3Cuc0/s4032/DiningRm%20(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNXOL7OGaIbTv43mxXeUWT0ZTTlD7BnQKe6jbmYLfkCtC7hT0cQTyfFKCajND7SaYJUcjaXm6pSa2qAVekg-bAFI_0XYUwrBz9VvGzhU0HnkRBnJpOOV8SYmtyJCCatvkWJ2o1kpjsgPfE4kEH-3eBOCGA1YSYSJzCssiHglfhpZcZwiZofX3Cuc0/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(25).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsaS4oRSwP_X6iSG_8OiZ-NeoH63SXu1bVSmqohmwx6UzlAQiQlLvwF7XW9o1e2bUuq4GX-T0Xad42R-ifwv-8HuxAUcMLy9aVyaKTnZiJeDxZM-x689Hiu-Vhwca3RfHHw4Fh04vNiON2T8pojoCBC0qO4nJudud0e3DM1crvVxGgtgJgz6Y1I8W/s3024/Combo_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="3024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsaS4oRSwP_X6iSG_8OiZ-NeoH63SXu1bVSmqohmwx6UzlAQiQlLvwF7XW9o1e2bUuq4GX-T0Xad42R-ifwv-8HuxAUcMLy9aVyaKTnZiJeDxZM-x689Hiu-Vhwca3RfHHw4Fh04vNiON2T8pojoCBC0qO4nJudud0e3DM1crvVxGgtgJgz6Y1I8W/w640-h426/Combo_7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmz36lTODAYAZJpc_QUeC0IJKsfFGtFLbjPVXxXj-1fXyQCZas027g2YttartyOURJEWQa5wVucItAni-rG3MfqUMpRfXy0rDKIArlPZ6AO2NJOo9-3O5GZuWEEsFJUyXAfzI3RtkuZoRyDtyLP36mgK9YxI3okPsG8TRtUxHXurGJjN7h5Sr8lUX/s4032/DiningRm%20(22).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOmz36lTODAYAZJpc_QUeC0IJKsfFGtFLbjPVXxXj-1fXyQCZas027g2YttartyOURJEWQa5wVucItAni-rG3MfqUMpRfXy0rDKIArlPZ6AO2NJOo9-3O5GZuWEEsFJUyXAfzI3RtkuZoRyDtyLP36mgK9YxI3okPsG8TRtUxHXurGJjN7h5Sr8lUX/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(22).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7TxahSaNkzsdQIjNaOH5LFl1wybkMvBhixevdQdDYWTlFSBAq5An1QDzf9EyydSPfCOJii8dDcfqcXvEDP3-zw_tz2ydM8C3fmQ4bet6Vbw3mLvHuWef_m_zSpL7O6Yp7MB3uUMDBM_lRWIpuGO5_yPLMZpBWrOKFOJG7cWljduBCiPahI_vH6KL/s4032/DiningRm%20(27).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7TxahSaNkzsdQIjNaOH5LFl1wybkMvBhixevdQdDYWTlFSBAq5An1QDzf9EyydSPfCOJii8dDcfqcXvEDP3-zw_tz2ydM8C3fmQ4bet6Vbw3mLvHuWef_m_zSpL7O6Yp7MB3uUMDBM_lRWIpuGO5_yPLMZpBWrOKFOJG7cWljduBCiPahI_vH6KL/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(27).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi_UaC1d9TubnRQHrBJAE08PzPfEMIigbHZ18gwwmcsDXA8nD8uql4LkAQc7-lAnSME6rC4XoPcujXtrmb-7j7uog0oGUVLS2fx9Jf82pkGVKIq0mhGuuKBU6-eYHpnKm_T8lsgen2SXZ3qxW3mNW93HKpbrS3K3flwT3HfakVMqr0BY1Gqm96K7g/s4032/DiningRm%20(32).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyi_UaC1d9TubnRQHrBJAE08PzPfEMIigbHZ18gwwmcsDXA8nD8uql4LkAQc7-lAnSME6rC4XoPcujXtrmb-7j7uog0oGUVLS2fx9Jf82pkGVKIq0mhGuuKBU6-eYHpnKm_T8lsgen2SXZ3qxW3mNW93HKpbrS3K3flwT3HfakVMqr0BY1Gqm96K7g/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(32).jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">How a room evolves over the years is one of my favorite part of interior design. Great homes take two things; time and love. Dont rush the process, use those cherished items you hunted down and scored (like our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-year-new-nursery-and-new-table.html#.YuCSp3bMJ3h" target="_blank">dining room table</a>), DIY'd yourself (like our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2020/06/six-chairs-six-years-omg-we-finally.html#.YuCTJ3bMJ3g" target="_blank">chairs</a>), or were so excited to purchase because it was the first "new" thing in your home (like our <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/mercury-row-signorelli-10-light-unique-modern-linear-chandelier-w004929928.html?piid=1201727607" target="_blank">chandelier</a>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't fret over how long (or short in this case) a room comes together. Do what brings you joy, and remember to TAKE PICTURES. Nothing makes the journey more worth while than seeing just how far you've come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuVpYF8nSpOSLuUqXt4nxKzqEAdOfI54hnFdAl8hxI7WcQ9_PExCkoyBtO7ERGPqfcdD_OpKE4VPAJ6yzsWeRpFGewVJ1oHpJ2M6uGtmWwJD9wIrSXxisajjjyzx92Kh1syp_nTmqIL005AW72_q4OVoeikYzj0lYnHWXWaY-VDcii7rZ7jP0QpOD/s1141/Combo_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="1141" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuVpYF8nSpOSLuUqXt4nxKzqEAdOfI54hnFdAl8hxI7WcQ9_PExCkoyBtO7ERGPqfcdD_OpKE4VPAJ6yzsWeRpFGewVJ1oHpJ2M6uGtmWwJD9wIrSXxisajjjyzx92Kh1syp_nTmqIL005AW72_q4OVoeikYzj0lYnHWXWaY-VDcii7rZ7jP0QpOD/w640-h236/Combo_9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlLY94A7ojm6WowhIAlrDfn7x88u2ECCiFC7zhAU3iPhbjLcfFHve1Cpp-Jz9eqkflD_9eILzPoNCx18o_0tjqT_gC6X0zqCgaTTi_KaDo21RYoJ0i85m6PuIQ91uR53CHyAhtkFjH74KWsBkmJTzx2nRRDGzQ06vSxdyvmvKJ7gWMtX6AXyLxXrs/s4032/DiningRm%20(25).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlLY94A7ojm6WowhIAlrDfn7x88u2ECCiFC7zhAU3iPhbjLcfFHve1Cpp-Jz9eqkflD_9eILzPoNCx18o_0tjqT_gC6X0zqCgaTTi_KaDo21RYoJ0i85m6PuIQ91uR53CHyAhtkFjH74KWsBkmJTzx2nRRDGzQ06vSxdyvmvKJ7gWMtX6AXyLxXrs/w640-h480/DiningRm%20(25).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div></div></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-49996123654385146262022-07-21T22:17:00.003-04:002022-07-21T22:23:39.270-04:00Our New Mudroom! Which I Forbid Mud To Ever Enter<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello beautiful people! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I hope you are all having the BEST July and soaking up as much fantastic Summer fun as humanly possible. We were able to take a long week to vacation with both of our families this year and had an absolute blast. 💜But now that we're back, things have been moving around the house and we are getting down to business!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That's why I'm so excited to share with you today our completed Mudroom!!! We worked on this space for approximately two months, and the transformation was 100% worth it. The function and layout work so much better for our lifestyle and the amount of storage has tripled. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO5QPu55LL-4tDzuswcxVWHk8ZWhvJY_8P2gFy_n3AWD1ixcCWmZgiJKcnq28idsTjJipHduIe99S334i_nsnC_O-hS6ta3oY6I7S9KNeOgbPcRk92EbARTa1SEbsfHPdyfuSa0U8Cu9YT_g2_yQVgbOtHBupJQtB_ZdkBtJc8Ti9SAiI6487hpW2/s4032/IMG_8036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO5QPu55LL-4tDzuswcxVWHk8ZWhvJY_8P2gFy_n3AWD1ixcCWmZgiJKcnq28idsTjJipHduIe99S334i_nsnC_O-hS6ta3oY6I7S9KNeOgbPcRk92EbARTa1SEbsfHPdyfuSa0U8Cu9YT_g2_yQVgbOtHBupJQtB_ZdkBtJc8Ti9SAiI6487hpW2/w480-h640/IMG_8036.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So this is what we started with when we first moved in. Nothing to brag about - a cute-sized room - but our shoes piled up, there was nowhere to put anything extra, we didn't have enough hooks for our coats, and it brought me NO joy walking in every day. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTgyyb5NFhjgMpEwC_siOv2b3c_cN-deatZ6G2CarGlWyCgE5GXPK-CpP0e2gIcKxc1y8gyTlQ5m7FaIwQQEuQwwAgleVtJFoVnch4Q9SeqcLlmsLddotGMhzfPqn_5qmyEXwP9jiuSGxhGEw9sMjO1zavPv02_1STeAk75BPstL9vlwq6SCOLAKw/s1242/01_Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1242" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTgyyb5NFhjgMpEwC_siOv2b3c_cN-deatZ6G2CarGlWyCgE5GXPK-CpP0e2gIcKxc1y8gyTlQ5m7FaIwQQEuQwwAgleVtJFoVnch4Q9SeqcLlmsLddotGMhzfPqn_5qmyEXwP9jiuSGxhGEw9sMjO1zavPv02_1STeAk75BPstL9vlwq6SCOLAKw/w640-h426/01_Before.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7hzOAilAub5lI8rYLrnGRhv244RnJWiDiEXuG7ox8QqkuibwtI8tqtnzjVVUUeuSWZtg3oS_gOCelpXQ5GcTpq-6ACWQt_P6iEu_j_hd4j0hKcu4f_gDkRZi0KfhLIpNmZoo81KfT_dxEwnrRSZKwuml8z37G2mjrAh0g8Aqz11syyvVCACfBbQe/s1242/02_Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1242" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7hzOAilAub5lI8rYLrnGRhv244RnJWiDiEXuG7ox8QqkuibwtI8tqtnzjVVUUeuSWZtg3oS_gOCelpXQ5GcTpq-6ACWQt_P6iEu_j_hd4j0hKcu4f_gDkRZi0KfhLIpNmZoo81KfT_dxEwnrRSZKwuml8z37G2mjrAh0g8Aqz11syyvVCACfBbQe/w640-h426/02_Before.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To really utilize the space we decided to create a whole built-in moment. I knew from the beginning I wanted lots of shoe cubbies, lots of hooks, a bench, and a large shelf on top to put decorative baskets for even more storage. As we started to build things out, we decided to add four additional shelves to the right as well. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BLool4XXXxdkZTxZ_WM4wkdl2Opp2WWzPiLNXKQIUOeDCljLxJ6HuJxweoGBTuvoIZJj80UPA_P9IPFesJ4XfGOjqgVjd1tG-rq7Ll_PNr7fV6E-TZ9eKl8ghiN3eeP9XQMigBVZv3XnX-z3OAOlEo67guDoNd-VT9WtggX01uvGLvQuM0FVuX_K/s5445/Combo_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5445" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BLool4XXXxdkZTxZ_WM4wkdl2Opp2WWzPiLNXKQIUOeDCljLxJ6HuJxweoGBTuvoIZJj80UPA_P9IPFesJ4XfGOjqgVjd1tG-rq7Ll_PNr7fV6E-TZ9eKl8ghiN3eeP9XQMigBVZv3XnX-z3OAOlEo67guDoNd-VT9WtggX01uvGLvQuM0FVuX_K/w640-h278/Combo_3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, and it was going to be a KILLER color. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This killer color is <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW0060-alexandrite">Alexandrite</a> by Sherwin Williams. It was the March 2021 color of the month and as soon as I saw it I fell in love. Bold colors are the best. If you're timid about adding them to your home, smaller spaces like mudrooms, bathrooms, pantries, or closets are great places to dip your toes into the paint! <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAZ8CBx0YjkNmBix4sA6RJceMvf5vTxglpM50Jf93_fUrhFMM5U6V5X2F1wX8DAMqAaz37fRzBJwIsdwYTXr6yOPU1nqWj3O3fg_iSjK_lmImWBmoTq_YDddSSUv1Sj-mO2PaWjL5rboQV7a7YL14w720oJsTARqkJ99znPS8KHCTwOBHiuiFUhZs/s5377/Combo_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAZ8CBx0YjkNmBix4sA6RJceMvf5vTxglpM50Jf93_fUrhFMM5U6V5X2F1wX8DAMqAaz37fRzBJwIsdwYTXr6yOPU1nqWj3O3fg_iSjK_lmImWBmoTq_YDddSSUv1Sj-mO2PaWjL5rboQV7a7YL14w720oJsTARqkJ99znPS8KHCTwOBHiuiFUhZs/w640-h282/Combo_4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2kwMbDVSYKqm_NDAL7CIAAgSNulNlpLKU_j4RslkaPTDp1yTdTpGTFF4Rsys0REfemm669ovIRhtWH7DN_6agDw__P4JbdWWFHiNBco6LLn8ehJKHJK97kIsgemKP1BVvD1L3Vfir7MEuoM3-KPh5pr9L_YY7-oGHnGXpj6gNCQkuAqQlTexSUm6/s5377/Combo_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm2kwMbDVSYKqm_NDAL7CIAAgSNulNlpLKU_j4RslkaPTDp1yTdTpGTFF4Rsys0REfemm669ovIRhtWH7DN_6agDw__P4JbdWWFHiNBco6LLn8ehJKHJK97kIsgemKP1BVvD1L3Vfir7MEuoM3-KPh5pr9L_YY7-oGHnGXpj6gNCQkuAqQlTexSUm6/w640-h282/Combo_6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">With this room I also made the call to paint the ceiling. I wanted to give the sense of "coziness", have color completely surround you when you entered and bring it's energy over your entire being. That, and painting the ceiling is a whole mood. A mood I am here for! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also knew it was the right call when we hung the light. Something just wasn't doing it for me when I saw green walls, a white ceiling, and a blue chandelier. One of those elements had to give, and it was NOT going to be my new light fixture. Can we just take a moment to appreciate her??? She's glorious. And an absolute STEAL since a reverse image search led me to discover her OG price was over $450, and I snagged her for $60. Eric had to do a little mechanical magic to make her compatible with the ceiling height, but man was it worth it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07BPRMBJMNbdA63WRq1o-Ph1_f9ZSdKk9g-hFHrLrQKfmCdUyKuiGrf5UHgJPPoToQsZtWfgg6IWcQb_NC3JjtWFHzcJVegJvF9gUF7YsOdKVzqQMEWiY-Gcz-PyMpHzSWDWz3P2CruMOpK8DLEk2g4PYPp07nxLlCYbvMhydJ5GX__olnA1COG4d/s5377/Combo_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07BPRMBJMNbdA63WRq1o-Ph1_f9ZSdKk9g-hFHrLrQKfmCdUyKuiGrf5UHgJPPoToQsZtWfgg6IWcQb_NC3JjtWFHzcJVegJvF9gUF7YsOdKVzqQMEWiY-Gcz-PyMpHzSWDWz3P2CruMOpK8DLEk2g4PYPp07nxLlCYbvMhydJ5GX__olnA1COG4d/w640-h282/Combo_5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the light hung, the painting complete, and the bench assembled, it was finally time for accessories! I headed to At Home one evening and found these baskets (<a href="https://www.athome.com/round-banana-strp-bskt-l/124299978.html?nav=search">brown</a> / <a href="https://www.athome.com/ty-pennington-white-natural-seagrass-storage-basket-large/124351047.html?nav=search">white</a>) which fit great along the top. The <a href="https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Safavieh-Handmade-Novelty-Novelty-Ivory-Blue-Wool-Rug-6-X-6-Round/22559531/product.html?epik=dj0yJnU9X0xjRVZMNEFvcVduOHdHdGVaRjZ3TE1zcWRFb3d6bE0mcD0wJm49Z3U2bGM3aDVBSTYwMk4xb0J5WFVDdyZ0PUFBQUFBR0xVME5v&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest">rug</a> is from Overstock, and the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K7K11Y7?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">shelf baskets</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S3YL838?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details">hooks</a> are both from Amazon. </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LiFdwe0lowGR0-80XMhgms-qoQ_Gyhc-fCAQ4Ci042yl9BZhGkWi6qCUtGL1RfkqKl7UAXpfdUFLTgnVxeWwwi03R8NZcj97GIt80N__OunXaU18c6BhC3fQZ0XCtkwCRs3-Bo3cNWk5uON-NYqRS4zCLXHuw4Xmr3_knZlxYgTicIDyJFHKozzk/s5377/Combo_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LiFdwe0lowGR0-80XMhgms-qoQ_Gyhc-fCAQ4Ci042yl9BZhGkWi6qCUtGL1RfkqKl7UAXpfdUFLTgnVxeWwwi03R8NZcj97GIt80N__OunXaU18c6BhC3fQZ0XCtkwCRs3-Bo3cNWk5uON-NYqRS4zCLXHuw4Xmr3_knZlxYgTicIDyJFHKozzk/w640-h282/Combo_7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Things are looking pretty good right!? </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Could it get any better? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFXcUp2eoGVueQyVsQvFJGSo0ssEovNwRhCV22DPGdAvq1Do-EIyeAMJQ1GWVKuPtcmNRR_9ZwiCuiYeIfColBW4AkovKoGzIo6ZX7yyWgg3GBpnYsEvfcL1p-EltjXSQwNZ2AzF3Pgs2mEkPO9izsLIiWInufIRO_5GopvLaHMMF0xL6TtV2XeOX/s5377/Combo_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFXcUp2eoGVueQyVsQvFJGSo0ssEovNwRhCV22DPGdAvq1Do-EIyeAMJQ1GWVKuPtcmNRR_9ZwiCuiYeIfColBW4AkovKoGzIo6ZX7yyWgg3GBpnYsEvfcL1p-EltjXSQwNZ2AzF3Pgs2mEkPO9izsLIiWInufIRO_5GopvLaHMMF0xL6TtV2XeOX/w640-h282/Combo_8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;">You betcha because there is still TRIM to be had! And if you whip around to the back wall, we did a little self-assembly and used two of these <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/nysjoen-high-cabinet-white-20470815/" target="_blank">IKEA cabinets</a> to create storage for all of our cleaning supplies. It's narrow depth was perfect for against the wall, and of course I couldn't leave well enough alone, and had to add my <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GRWB4R5?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details" target="_blank">favorite hardware</a>. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lMjiqsNAK59npUKpQHxJhnl-qMDMSrU-jg6fJ8XoB_xAk3SX_bLes3gwbdj_fCKh3pkc1HXgU11VJ82n0dTVokKxsxBHl0u8pSo6V7ly8QiAoawHbDdPhUU_ENFhlWDWoxmKz7PWCghdHTqtIzmw4y-xWi91KuvoGscbcb_kSHSIsWX5xxxC9oKB/s4829/Combo_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="4829" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lMjiqsNAK59npUKpQHxJhnl-qMDMSrU-jg6fJ8XoB_xAk3SX_bLes3gwbdj_fCKh3pkc1HXgU11VJ82n0dTVokKxsxBHl0u8pSo6V7ly8QiAoawHbDdPhUU_ENFhlWDWoxmKz7PWCghdHTqtIzmw4y-xWi91KuvoGscbcb_kSHSIsWX5xxxC9oKB/w640-h314/Combo_12.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cAlZ5i81cNrblOpzDATZF2frUPY9TaiofFX_ITui9dK5Y28Hh_zjzQaz15iywil4EzkKmbdnhw7v4WsM0-wZ3GFf5JddPlQJHT-d79Q4aBQ_Kt_uJxfLLO4Jc6IpdHvlsQL2S6ccO6VhD2a093e9MxKdgWN4T9RsfzNlanzRy5_f4y6VjKdnMQ6F/s4032/E29C6EF4-D0C8-45B8-BC88-5D942A4E1A23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cAlZ5i81cNrblOpzDATZF2frUPY9TaiofFX_ITui9dK5Y28Hh_zjzQaz15iywil4EzkKmbdnhw7v4WsM0-wZ3GFf5JddPlQJHT-d79Q4aBQ_Kt_uJxfLLO4Jc6IpdHvlsQL2S6ccO6VhD2a093e9MxKdgWN4T9RsfzNlanzRy5_f4y6VjKdnMQ6F/w640-h480/E29C6EF4-D0C8-45B8-BC88-5D942A4E1A23.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The rest of the decor came together via DIY art and pieces we've had for years. As I was laying things out, I contemplated trying to move the Dyson, but ended up just incorporating it into the gallery wall design. I think it works! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX0i6mcl_IgcRUVfeG7erN4LtPSiKYflZU9EJ3hHTq2DN7JP3jB5iXTp6B4cuWbwGW2l1Qt8Q-V2nJTUYfwm-nufpXifOap8z5qwEVWKGBVH17-mcaZHSzSTd4IaCIUDl8rms3PS42GL3DzOmdn84DtXuOdqmtKvt_IHM5kqXIh-haeHUfqjlmGdl/s6000/Z_DSC_%20(15).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuX0i6mcl_IgcRUVfeG7erN4LtPSiKYflZU9EJ3hHTq2DN7JP3jB5iXTp6B4cuWbwGW2l1Qt8Q-V2nJTUYfwm-nufpXifOap8z5qwEVWKGBVH17-mcaZHSzSTd4IaCIUDl8rms3PS42GL3DzOmdn84DtXuOdqmtKvt_IHM5kqXIh-haeHUfqjlmGdl/w640-h426/Z_DSC_%20(15).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT2lAjThReA0MXQaC7zjAMK46m4gR_Y1GqMsL4N5lkYautz_Ddl3FCYGhXcUZeoFPP1OlGCrLOyXfxLEPvZ33joc4wXljuyWMuqZwQuK5dKsKZYX6UwPYZT33Bk8SJtkVcP5RVfd3AwvBfH2SEPajmAF5DP3HLgLeRXuxpixP2uBFCD5hQvyuz8km/s5229/Combo_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5229" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT2lAjThReA0MXQaC7zjAMK46m4gR_Y1GqMsL4N5lkYautz_Ddl3FCYGhXcUZeoFPP1OlGCrLOyXfxLEPvZ33joc4wXljuyWMuqZwQuK5dKsKZYX6UwPYZT33Bk8SJtkVcP5RVfd3AwvBfH2SEPajmAF5DP3HLgLeRXuxpixP2uBFCD5hQvyuz8km/w640-h290/Combo_11.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The<a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RNJ1K7W?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details" target="_blank"> black basket tags</a> were the last thing I picked up before delcaring the room complete. There's just something about "slapping a label on it" that gives that feeling of satisfaction and done-ness like nothing else, you know? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrYRnorzACuOcCaO6n4R1IzmNZagJc5TDYB7eytlXZ_I0RAXQsotVUUwYi2GXJKfSNb2Cs28gas6nklPvQ6FncS6mnCUroDNa5FMeL9WdWJtp_LmSiOT_K2kU83J7q6oY5uSZDorFDLm7CNmKOtl5Qb-GOQgTexvIOs9n47uQ9r7W_9t3TjQ7i85S/s5760/Z_DSC_%20(20).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="5760" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrYRnorzACuOcCaO6n4R1IzmNZagJc5TDYB7eytlXZ_I0RAXQsotVUUwYi2GXJKfSNb2Cs28gas6nklPvQ6FncS6mnCUroDNa5FMeL9WdWJtp_LmSiOT_K2kU83J7q6oY5uSZDorFDLm7CNmKOtl5Qb-GOQgTexvIOs9n47uQ9r7W_9t3TjQ7i85S/w640-h444/Z_DSC_%20(20).JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhero26nCqe-4tmzj6tvtZdx41gPiChqhxFFh-9qNafgboq6vG05ZFdX5k_jqDQZCP7utv9ox8ctbw1mXZcDuGvMncH3JnyNAceXESNiprV_llDAn82JKnHE-4xM_qH10UIpOw_dMbjABDSvkeNx7fFw9ZyAkidspaXShAu2v-ITYcUu1axaa2PdUvg/s5377/Combo_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhero26nCqe-4tmzj6tvtZdx41gPiChqhxFFh-9qNafgboq6vG05ZFdX5k_jqDQZCP7utv9ox8ctbw1mXZcDuGvMncH3JnyNAceXESNiprV_llDAn82JKnHE-4xM_qH10UIpOw_dMbjABDSvkeNx7fFw9ZyAkidspaXShAu2v-ITYcUu1axaa2PdUvg/w640-h282/Combo_9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpBloVHuSXp_CkILw1-0DfyfgoCs5VlTnU4GJbGlpJ6_cKDsdL8PWTHcL2d2CTMhNi4rSkl9npne6Y3RTR3HDuFo0YYysWm-i0t5oHz1huNTIxRigh4icUI2SdIP4EfUesSUEWrrsnAeomvxjqOXon2Ufu9LHIZis4nvPy6afnZy98MP7I4Kd2Sdx/s5377/Combo_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2369" data-original-width="5377" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpBloVHuSXp_CkILw1-0DfyfgoCs5VlTnU4GJbGlpJ6_cKDsdL8PWTHcL2d2CTMhNi4rSkl9npne6Y3RTR3HDuFo0YYysWm-i0t5oHz1huNTIxRigh4icUI2SdIP4EfUesSUEWrrsnAeomvxjqOXon2Ufu9LHIZis4nvPy6afnZy98MP7I4Kd2Sdx/w640-h282/Combo_10.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nDhxCeBVCh4VB97HFV6VJBq7-yiw57Bvp7HxCsIc3AkUjGrG2EURKTY3Kgd6BBxvkhmzKgfP5AliyynqvW9LOaH7qJRRQRzM0TtHlU8uC95n1K-e7Uj3SNcfF9Xaq78Sm7n3g0yVdJxJKQDz_Jf1Bzj6cnQ6zFn4wkO_kNY98dE0ERjWZFPZKPQF/s4032/IMG_8035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nDhxCeBVCh4VB97HFV6VJBq7-yiw57Bvp7HxCsIc3AkUjGrG2EURKTY3Kgd6BBxvkhmzKgfP5AliyynqvW9LOaH7qJRRQRzM0TtHlU8uC95n1K-e7Uj3SNcfF9Xaq78Sm7n3g0yVdJxJKQDz_Jf1Bzj6cnQ6zFn4wkO_kNY98dE0ERjWZFPZKPQF/w480-h640/IMG_8035.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq-LFCOSH_ol1ECeneZIRpomhrjWmdZ9emEiENxULRvcEtKeNilsG_5KRjK_CnCZ1xHhcSrc0HaqRFXGNPdFSLtYLa_giL1NXFXFXhm6Lz-asCqAslydWn1uH-SjHEoaSBl_xceYh1ZAfzXYuf06_0seiIoxVyQAo5PxuP4XaG2A8JvK-nzIBpnbZ/s4032/IMG_8036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEq-LFCOSH_ol1ECeneZIRpomhrjWmdZ9emEiENxULRvcEtKeNilsG_5KRjK_CnCZ1xHhcSrc0HaqRFXGNPdFSLtYLa_giL1NXFXFXhm6Lz-asCqAslydWn1uH-SjHEoaSBl_xceYh1ZAfzXYuf06_0seiIoxVyQAo5PxuP4XaG2A8JvK-nzIBpnbZ/w480-h640/IMG_8036.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The fact that our house even has a mudroom is such a blessing. We went from our first place (that didn't have any sort of "landing" space at all) to a full size room right off the garage (which we ALSO didn't have before). </span><span style="font-family: arial;">There's a place for our shoes, a place for our stuff, a mirror to check yourself out, and hooks on hooks on hooks! T</span><span style="font-family: arial;">op it all off with it's brand new look </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and you have here one happy lady. 😊</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloamGKOmUEtaZbL10T4oRiOaf8Z7tqIWISGYLiyDBfvb7_sk3WJ809vfBvfwWbAixn1L6EkePQYOtqWgss_S3GetrwAsfntSR8xsgiokldlpDhtnGwJsbn3MTrg_PNj57xlBUomo4Ul-JKrfqHndfq5TwDw_yr9U0mml4msShtvwSnJWclcMsuRxh/s5440/Combo_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5440" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloamGKOmUEtaZbL10T4oRiOaf8Z7tqIWISGYLiyDBfvb7_sk3WJ809vfBvfwWbAixn1L6EkePQYOtqWgss_S3GetrwAsfntSR8xsgiokldlpDhtnGwJsbn3MTrg_PNj57xlBUomo4Ul-JKrfqHndfq5TwDw_yr9U0mml4msShtvwSnJWclcMsuRxh/w640-h344/Combo_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKYWgLYV96YPKSpBbz_6_XMgEj5o2ouY2tejcXsq4QgifRF7-nNbFIuNVDEPynfhcqgDUyzTQ7h_Vg62AQQHt0MLp1zYQjYRyliUiAO_bXAqFlONX81yl3E2et4cvSTjCTSUtdtn4yfGNX16OB4vFqN-1B4M-5WM0uLn4wcUj0Z0vYsqGJJtoutwY/s5440/Combo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="5440" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKYWgLYV96YPKSpBbz_6_XMgEj5o2ouY2tejcXsq4QgifRF7-nNbFIuNVDEPynfhcqgDUyzTQ7h_Vg62AQQHt0MLp1zYQjYRyliUiAO_bXAqFlONX81yl3E2et4cvSTjCTSUtdtn4yfGNX16OB4vFqN-1B4M-5WM0uLn4wcUj0Z0vYsqGJJtoutwY/w640-h344/Combo_2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What would some "must haves" be in your mudroom? Have you ever painted your ceilings? Do you have somewhere just begging to be a bold color? Share your thoughts below! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-50931310710953916802022-06-11T21:38:00.000-04:002022-06-11T21:38:10.575-04:00Light It Up! Creating Stylish Lighting On The Cheap<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy first few weeks of Summer friends! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We've been spending our time enjoying the sunshine, our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2021/05/why-dont-you-swing-on-by.html#.YqPqhXbMJ3g" target="_blank">backyard swingset</a>, exploring the local parks, and having lots of "water days'. So far, so good. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Lucky for us, long days of playing outside mean early bedtime for the kiddos. And as any parent knows, the most productive hours of the day typically happen after the sun has gone down and your "helpers" are away in dreamland. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Among larger projects like <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2022/01/after-christmas-trimming.html#.YqUwfXbMJ3g" target="_blank">updating the trim</a> and finishing the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17968968244609134/" target="_blank">mudroom makeover</a>, I've been slowly working my way through the house addressing our light fixture situation. Our "fixuation" if you will. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From the moment I saw the listing pictures, immediatly I thought to myself, "Well these have to go" to pretty much every single light in the house. Nothing about them brought me joy. Their color, their shape, their resemblance to a certain part of the female anatomy, nothing. In fact, right in the middle of move-in day, my mother-in-law accidently stood up under one of the chandeliers and busted the glass dome into a million pieces. Thank goodness she was unharmed, but in the middle of her endless appologies I finally had to hold my hands up and shout "I HATE ALL OF THESE LIGHTS! It is MORE than OK that you just broke one!"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But replacing all of your light fixtures can be a pricy task, so I didn't want to try and purchase everything at once. So the first item of business came up during Black Friday, we pulled the trigger on<a href="https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/mercury-row-signorelli-10-light-unique-modern-linear-chandelier-w004929928.html?piid=1201727607" target="_blank"> this brass chandelier from Wayfair</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBcpuHeTemgfNdWKZPLUf2kQRwR0yPUlYiledTguT8uJ6IJPbsBTe8Y2Dw8aWFd8zP-39SPBHDGJW1iAxLa2XYgNWO98FxKQXsBv4EXBJVMDA0kokfA0JrBjzhHTa6AlO-gz-jDoytXtztDnykRhETXc0875H-b4pGkllhTEvskPxdP4xMEMIJZOL/s3486/IMG_5029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2094" data-original-width="3486" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBcpuHeTemgfNdWKZPLUf2kQRwR0yPUlYiledTguT8uJ6IJPbsBTe8Y2Dw8aWFd8zP-39SPBHDGJW1iAxLa2XYgNWO98FxKQXsBv4EXBJVMDA0kokfA0JrBjzhHTa6AlO-gz-jDoytXtztDnykRhETXc0875H-b4pGkllhTEvskPxdP4xMEMIJZOL/w640-h384/IMG_5029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGwrw_3A0w61_yYQN7o20U0n0LdBDiDSPCwMM2N298jwwa5s75i1qMRmK1QciJyuz2r_Dsu-Y1BZ9VOauzCzhRnoh7cjHzCtP_APaFrgEjSdN-cnko40JMfdeY9BzuF4WJkWQyz71NLkMdF7RuGc1jYJloqrrbUkYV0EIi2zJ8J9wxKj6nTpHlG4b/s3883/combo_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="3883" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGwrw_3A0w61_yYQN7o20U0n0LdBDiDSPCwMM2N298jwwa5s75i1qMRmK1QciJyuz2r_Dsu-Y1BZ9VOauzCzhRnoh7cjHzCtP_APaFrgEjSdN-cnko40JMfdeY9BzuF4WJkWQyz71NLkMdF7RuGc1jYJloqrrbUkYV0EIi2zJ8J9wxKj6nTpHlG4b/w640-h422/combo_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I love the crazy arms and how you can adjust the height and orientation of them. The brass coloring wasn't quite what I envisioned though, so one day a light bulb went off (ha) and I bought myself some Rub 'n Buff to add more brassy-ness to it's finish. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was after that moment that things really took off. Rub 'n Buff is SUCH an easy way to bring that warm antique gold to almost any surface. So instead of purchasing new lights for our kitchen, toy room, and hallway, I just buffed the current semi-flush ones we had, and honestly, I really love how they turned out! The old style that turned me off so much before, suddenly had my heart fluttering. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjXlA4LzZcTShEbIU21BCKYpzP3YNBidkduqQmOPSWT9_xcVjyExFhGyQgCiU0ozQpMSy_F1g6yhyDd1yvGva3IiLAompKmt4C2VT59MF0RICSbPvGA1dl2ZJ8sbM0gu-hb8RwKhmcm4zfn8LYzv3CVQKPVsJPJQsisGoDfulbeDy7avzg8h-hYzZ/s3896/combo_9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="3896" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWjXlA4LzZcTShEbIU21BCKYpzP3YNBidkduqQmOPSWT9_xcVjyExFhGyQgCiU0ozQpMSy_F1g6yhyDd1yvGva3IiLAompKmt4C2VT59MF0RICSbPvGA1dl2ZJ8sbM0gu-hb8RwKhmcm4zfn8LYzv3CVQKPVsJPJQsisGoDfulbeDy7avzg8h-hYzZ/w640-h420/combo_9.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Funny story, so remember how my MIL head-butted one light? Well her son took out another. Poor Eric was doing dishes one evening and crashed into the hanging light above the sink, shattering the (ugly) shade. Which gave me the perfect excuse to swap it for somethig more modern. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE-68gVp5wT85jIyksnBem8FGTqhtzOHNMnVL3cUsh2CHU8e4gDzsCxU6y7ZwKpUS98qfZ8guZBaFOD0egwi9e0RHIwnlFPNpgQfJmnipaTxn-c-uTAXyzJruYx6AC3lCbUo7Xjqpy9jcshnf_6VSP0QpuBGgDAfkkM64MuuUWLue8fiy_jmShof-/s5798/combo_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="5798" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKE-68gVp5wT85jIyksnBem8FGTqhtzOHNMnVL3cUsh2CHU8e4gDzsCxU6y7ZwKpUS98qfZ8guZBaFOD0egwi9e0RHIwnlFPNpgQfJmnipaTxn-c-uTAXyzJruYx6AC3lCbUo7Xjqpy9jcshnf_6VSP0QpuBGgDAfkkM64MuuUWLue8fiy_jmShof-/w640-h282/combo_7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">And most recently, the many boob-lights that were upstairs in our hallway and closet are now brassy and classy! Those were just $23 flush lights from <a href="https://www.costco.com/energetic-lighting-14%22-led-flush-mount.product.100568811.html" target="_blank">Costco</a>, major save from the <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/Hampton-Bay-Flaxmere-14-in-Brushed-Gold-Dimmable-LED-Flush-Mount-Ceiling-Light-with-Frosted-White-Glass-Shade-HB3687-338/317839504?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US">similar designs</a> you'll find for $70 or more. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lbi3FXxM_XejdTgBI-6IELHw4QB-OjNFOc3FZ8i9sym9n17LAaHGl8V4_ygT-in2igaBU9h2DtcwFgAOe0Tvt1XSdqXJTmGNrJAbQ8FIGms678BsHR9-1xMFYZNi7d_97IZfOo0FRmkygGr5edbUYihxbhw37IWFNxlmEWM-dASNxXTQ0Uk6eyMf/s5798/combo_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="5798" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lbi3FXxM_XejdTgBI-6IELHw4QB-OjNFOc3FZ8i9sym9n17LAaHGl8V4_ygT-in2igaBU9h2DtcwFgAOe0Tvt1XSdqXJTmGNrJAbQ8FIGms678BsHR9-1xMFYZNi7d_97IZfOo0FRmkygGr5edbUYihxbhw37IWFNxlmEWM-dASNxXTQ0Uk6eyMf/w640-h282/combo_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">If you follow me on Instagram, you'll for sure have seen the adventure of this beaded beauty. She's a Facebook Marketplace find for $60 and right now is on <a href="https://www.overstock.ca/Lighting-Ceiling-Fans/2-Tier-Draped-Wood-Bead-Chandelier-Grey/34794159/product.html?refccid=WGFHLRQT6BAC7CSTIXFPNFPLSU&searchidx=6&option=66243144" target="_blank">Overstock</a> for over $480! She is sooooo pretty, and I was overjoyed when Eric figured out how to remove the chains and make her work for our mudroom. </div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NXs3EGZZQ8s4UkklDRl7gy7zV8vyoR08MtCO4EnPUmOqDyllIq5o5-RA_xhNBZuVrjHuDAJ9UwKj-SnWr4MGa6GLd0_FOL5C7IZurprjwSNUtFH9Buk02KX56ohjGvkif-QPTXGCYWFOSoa0mZFeDp5-Z24KTSuWmLXD35uCNWuMY8cy5ej1lpby/s5798/combo_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="5798" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5NXs3EGZZQ8s4UkklDRl7gy7zV8vyoR08MtCO4EnPUmOqDyllIq5o5-RA_xhNBZuVrjHuDAJ9UwKj-SnWr4MGa6GLd0_FOL5C7IZurprjwSNUtFH9Buk02KX56ohjGvkif-QPTXGCYWFOSoa0mZFeDp5-Z24KTSuWmLXD35uCNWuMY8cy5ej1lpby/w640-h282/combo_6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidmUouI2iUNYGHf-YUBDXwmKvxWUndF7c-MsdfSm69xTE1h0x0CgLNXMfLfoL4gZAZrUDW7pyF-UDdnHutBQCtfZzLVtpRkHXtJ3jzuFX9978shVPap3VddWz0PMIgRZ4FZHGHfDvl41-n6qb3vDj0YTfX-QCJKU2n1zYTsWLOdAo16O9pC0ji6Xz/s3500/C1F2AF05-F471-4846-9D47-953157CFE9B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="3024" height="742" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidmUouI2iUNYGHf-YUBDXwmKvxWUndF7c-MsdfSm69xTE1h0x0CgLNXMfLfoL4gZAZrUDW7pyF-UDdnHutBQCtfZzLVtpRkHXtJ3jzuFX9978shVPap3VddWz0PMIgRZ4FZHGHfDvl41-n6qb3vDj0YTfX-QCJKU2n1zYTsWLOdAo16O9pC0ji6Xz/w640-h742/C1F2AF05-F471-4846-9D47-953157CFE9B5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So that's where we are right now! A few purchases, but overall we really just utilized what we had by jazzing things up a bit. There's still our bathrooms and laundry room to do, as well as upgrading all bedrooms with ceiling fans. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But you know, one bulb at a time.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To turn the light off on this topic, I'll leave you with some pretty satisfying before and afters. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguR0iXmzefChDoLVBaMx-msrwPoD7Wh_pWntRH4htKaqKagBf844mLTHCj5Y-6_uFuCYl1ULt0aJpqNcdYUdpamGWf8or-QNTpf0FkeBh6LLisKtA3YaX91Bo6mCYFL90zN9bns0IuCgx5DF-92GlxLudKE2yJaXJQp0JuP3nVQqU89Vrcnc14kzwQ/s5568/combo_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3256" data-original-width="5568" height="374" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguR0iXmzefChDoLVBaMx-msrwPoD7Wh_pWntRH4htKaqKagBf844mLTHCj5Y-6_uFuCYl1ULt0aJpqNcdYUdpamGWf8or-QNTpf0FkeBh6LLisKtA3YaX91Bo6mCYFL90zN9bns0IuCgx5DF-92GlxLudKE2yJaXJQp0JuP3nVQqU89Vrcnc14kzwQ/w640-h374/combo_4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgpB3LTnnMMyg-kMIj2Emursy95AU1Tlfx59YwRqztyngSKDGtjhrp9QFSm0A93fUrrbQUHQKQAJ211Lr3zex6hZDVmEoSP37G3mgZygiVDfc9jmSl9JjbohTTojnGJoAxDjuOF2hnTK1VpBijRAOSZ7sQ_mTzerVTiDWC--q9PsM1wEGNxUj7zZj/s4127/combo_3B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="4127" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgpB3LTnnMMyg-kMIj2Emursy95AU1Tlfx59YwRqztyngSKDGtjhrp9QFSm0A93fUrrbQUHQKQAJ211Lr3zex6hZDVmEoSP37G3mgZygiVDfc9jmSl9JjbohTTojnGJoAxDjuOF2hnTK1VpBijRAOSZ7sQ_mTzerVTiDWC--q9PsM1wEGNxUj7zZj/w640-h396/combo_3B.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m7C8yRLfNQ1l8UkbATgBMNSoarIbheiUl4XqZr2u5dsHxVnfTv85o2xOZasCJcFtDeTYfZJ0T5hLj6qAW1OQJ353FvjQkLMN2xXWlviSXxiKmIwKcz-YLgAw0XZD1pekcsXz_8i_TruYq9gPCnNDJwlBEAxRdfupf3aqnkQX6S7GQHO7yds8ERJL/s4912/combo_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2557" data-original-width="4912" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1m7C8yRLfNQ1l8UkbATgBMNSoarIbheiUl4XqZr2u5dsHxVnfTv85o2xOZasCJcFtDeTYfZJ0T5hLj6qAW1OQJ353FvjQkLMN2xXWlviSXxiKmIwKcz-YLgAw0XZD1pekcsXz_8i_TruYq9gPCnNDJwlBEAxRdfupf3aqnkQX6S7GQHO7yds8ERJL/w640-h334/combo_1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYmR4yk1jhSdeq283yujP0vssYYQz8k17X6yMnO_yhZ0Y_DTnsONh2hk3JFc62QNFr9qPYylvywFiVL8suuspQfcSGV-fDJIMhS-eAU2sem4YPLlUF4lQV-_H2ThUi--NPwpt5cBdJWC6AQqTHhiD90YbHv3OKLp9dz65GuP1MYz_GyG8WrD6-8tx/s4912/combo_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3256" data-original-width="4912" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYmR4yk1jhSdeq283yujP0vssYYQz8k17X6yMnO_yhZ0Y_DTnsONh2hk3JFc62QNFr9qPYylvywFiVL8suuspQfcSGV-fDJIMhS-eAU2sem4YPLlUF4lQV-_H2ThUi--NPwpt5cBdJWC6AQqTHhiD90YbHv3OKLp9dz65GuP1MYz_GyG8WrD6-8tx/w640-h424/combo_2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Have you ever used Rub 'n Buff? What other tips and tricks do you know for updating light fixtures? How many boob lights are in YOUR house? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></div><br />Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-81951712653590616952022-01-24T22:40:00.001-05:002022-01-24T22:40:38.953-05:00After Christmas Trimming<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Anyone else
make a huge "Christmas Break To-Do" list? All of those things you've
been putting off pre-holidays, hoping you'll find time to be productive after
the reindeer stampede passes and the tinsel settles?</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We sure did, and boy was it over ambitious. HA! </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After finishing </span><a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2021/03/eleanors-tropical-bohemian-nursery.html#.Ye4O3f7MI2x" style="font-family: arial;" target="_blank">Eleanor's Nursery</a><span style="font-family: arial;">, we hadn't made any additional progress on our goal of replacing the trim throughout the house. So we decided THAT would be our project; update the trim in our bedroom, the toy room, and maybe get started on the dining room. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once we returned home from the holidays (with a week until either of us went back to work) we cleared our schedules, sent the kids to daycare for a few days, and got down to business! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD0Ssv26k4GMjxtchWBInlAWH_EyE46mm_kv81ddbzsOjhkNB4rR-tWVxjYCZ2TFb1iFQ8J7-pbAZv8UMK_msRbQ7WSs0ZlPNqFjnxCChxCD6eP6IVNSv0Yh4jC4Cpppcct4HKwMkVU1roYbfJyPu6vcJ-M5GRIKBONmW5ieu_1F3tBuSczG-RzMq7=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD0Ssv26k4GMjxtchWBInlAWH_EyE46mm_kv81ddbzsOjhkNB4rR-tWVxjYCZ2TFb1iFQ8J7-pbAZv8UMK_msRbQ7WSs0ZlPNqFjnxCChxCD6eP6IVNSv0Yh4jC4Cpppcct4HKwMkVU1roYbfJyPu6vcJ-M5GRIKBONmW5ieu_1F3tBuSczG-RzMq7=w640-h480" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Fast forward to Friday, and we found ourselves about 85% complete...with one room...and that's it. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Overall, I was still pretty impressed by how much we got done with only two kid-less days. Was it everything we set out to accomplish? No. Did we still feel pretty great since most of the time was spent juggling a caulking gun in one hand and an 11-month-old in the other? You betcha. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The entire process went decently smooth too. We used a crowbar to pry off the old trim, picked up all of the new from Home Depot, prepped, painted, then cut each piece down to size. Mr. Harrison even got to help. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCrS_XszLYGY9fhgdN6C6cD3wubi5en3_qIj7c8jrYqkTWNPxDrWnwDugKo3bfiSYyS4zX7b-ClJd4M1Hb1erWXguB-4WQmTNoySDrZTrRrwvE4mmSEAeOPQ_1IfDiNjEDLlVqhj5mDvpwuBW2vvehWB3M8XDsNK0RpOy5IDEs1pTZamgHf_TvSw6B=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1939" data-original-width="4032" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCrS_XszLYGY9fhgdN6C6cD3wubi5en3_qIj7c8jrYqkTWNPxDrWnwDugKo3bfiSYyS4zX7b-ClJd4M1Hb1erWXguB-4WQmTNoySDrZTrRrwvE4mmSEAeOPQ_1IfDiNjEDLlVqhj5mDvpwuBW2vvehWB3M8XDsNK0RpOy5IDEs1pTZamgHf_TvSw6B=w640-h308" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Eric used his swanky new nail gun hooked up to the air compressor to make quick work of tacking the pieces into place. Then my job was to follow with putty filling in the nail holes and sweeping...lots and lots of sweeping. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfAOHlavs1AO9bxFSEz9H5xtOx_eGHfyEtDi7ymdXLgQXUEQRyO8wjhOJ8Ofhaii_EHCWVn4sHdWf7EPuIxdTBjHc_xQa8A_R_tRh3ZNnGAhKEmC0GIqAB9poxyLuDK-DoXTmzka2YKnCNPmanpgKoXAj-NKFuqaKLAPZy-PzZzK6WOOnzMrw5Abij=s7200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="7200" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfAOHlavs1AO9bxFSEz9H5xtOx_eGHfyEtDi7ymdXLgQXUEQRyO8wjhOJ8Ofhaii_EHCWVn4sHdWf7EPuIxdTBjHc_xQa8A_R_tRh3ZNnGAhKEmC0GIqAB9poxyLuDK-DoXTmzka2YKnCNPmanpgKoXAj-NKFuqaKLAPZy-PzZzK6WOOnzMrw5Abij=w640-h274" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, we sanded, caulked around everything to fill the gaps, and lastly touched up any white or purple paint that needed love. We used caulk in Eleanor's room too, it created a nice seamless finish, so we wanted to do the same here. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2p-RaKto5his4XaO8b_M-uCyCeDGnG-FMd5pMyMRUCi8KhXC8KUECAousaXTdVX-NM-2d8PlM5Z_aEx4OVaeHgBioQnNAuE_8BE_HDvfNuvkaE_rS1wsmZTHd3EhRGw3FKmNMcN0zed6napLVyifbMkgw2PjZ7b2Xxvl5fmEZm1wGSq8V8NPYyTIn=s7200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3294" data-original-width="7200" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2p-RaKto5his4XaO8b_M-uCyCeDGnG-FMd5pMyMRUCi8KhXC8KUECAousaXTdVX-NM-2d8PlM5Z_aEx4OVaeHgBioQnNAuE_8BE_HDvfNuvkaE_rS1wsmZTHd3EhRGw3FKmNMcN0zed6napLVyifbMkgw2PjZ7b2Xxvl5fmEZm1wGSq8V8NPYyTIn=w640-h292" width="640" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">I'm obsessed with the high contrast between the dark walls and the white trim, plus the thicker size and colonial detail around the doors brings in so much extra character. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">It's taken a little over a year, but this room is finally shaping up! For some reason our home improvement and decorating pace has slowed the more offspring we add. Figures. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7XsnDQIw28wP-BJAlc4HG7jJ_M83f9Zmnx5B1subDjqFMXGcA_uxd36N95S2CKMZ-miE4vHAuXYH652eb7RZBx3et4q2PULEu2joJB5yQhKLk7H0vrUhevauPpnOebU6FNtggzOxsrDrYPdbQOKrVtVDDO8LFd1feEmQ-8FhtN0nFkTtO0fR9EsjP=s1491" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1491" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7XsnDQIw28wP-BJAlc4HG7jJ_M83f9Zmnx5B1subDjqFMXGcA_uxd36N95S2CKMZ-miE4vHAuXYH652eb7RZBx3et4q2PULEu2joJB5yQhKLk7H0vrUhevauPpnOebU6FNtggzOxsrDrYPdbQOKrVtVDDO8LFd1feEmQ-8FhtN0nFkTtO0fR9EsjP=w640-h464" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbZRljr5tbl7AdkQNiJMXPduHh0Xkg9uYQbvhuQkbpzDUOHA9GO9OEbnOVV4kmZpWyNUKDNnJMa8-A0YmCs0PNwQTofDFsHk5ugBh5dWEriT97uQT3aGh03mhysRlwBDGMJ1SblSb7jYhO8zuD4HBn4g03FMlDnZYRPbUV1hTvQWCfI5EQOLzmEehY=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbZRljr5tbl7AdkQNiJMXPduHh0Xkg9uYQbvhuQkbpzDUOHA9GO9OEbnOVV4kmZpWyNUKDNnJMa8-A0YmCs0PNwQTofDFsHk5ugBh5dWEriT97uQT3aGh03mhysRlwBDGMJ1SblSb7jYhO8zuD4HBn4g03FMlDnZYRPbUV1hTvQWCfI5EQOLzmEehY=w640-h426" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQP1RvLeqrpqNFmbLtCIQRkBj6L3V3vyJg_cpcYB__MvDvYFLrdK23MNrkcJ7Ryd9TgI_j60KmbdMl8gD9cXPo_g6fLOKO8ea4X-kwoHmqvJEoK2cL8zQb_QxahvfvtTR3GgiWvMV4Fa5YCT_hKJQOUWsrAwEJzSPLueVCyepvbUS5zVXXGfIS5-Le=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQP1RvLeqrpqNFmbLtCIQRkBj6L3V3vyJg_cpcYB__MvDvYFLrdK23MNrkcJ7Ryd9TgI_j60KmbdMl8gD9cXPo_g6fLOKO8ea4X-kwoHmqvJEoK2cL8zQb_QxahvfvtTR3GgiWvMV4Fa5YCT_hKJQOUWsrAwEJzSPLueVCyepvbUS5zVXXGfIS5-Le=w640-h426" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The last big update I'd like to make in this space is painting all the doors. I'm toying with the idea of black for the interiors, and then white for the closets and bathroom. Or maybe just white for everything, I haven't quite made up my mind yet. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">How our room is coming together brings me so much joy.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> The </span><span style="font-family: arial;">dark and moody <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6272-plum-brown" target="_blank">Plum Brown </a>color is such a change from anything we've done in the past. I can't wait to bring in more art, plants, some furniture, and soon hang two more curtains on those bare windows. Of course, that will just give Harrison another prime hiding spot for his new favorite game; hide-and-go-seek. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Your bedroom should give you all the good feels, and considering every time I walk into ours I look at the trim and do a little happy dance, I'd say we're succeeding. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2B-q6QVsdR_LwEqLGVWRyH9rzKJCpFHf8NfsHjDeljUXprQ27ueNTpJO_qq1ZFqOnB4vh1_xBgXBGOLqCrAODnPqHhyaJLLval--iJwBc8OpdnRHDpRVCo9VSJ-d1FUqMxe6EwGQyqZd5_6Da4MYScRrtPIuZok3No0uWOhd1BptmEeRTN8cZlx7z=s4657" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="4657" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2B-q6QVsdR_LwEqLGVWRyH9rzKJCpFHf8NfsHjDeljUXprQ27ueNTpJO_qq1ZFqOnB4vh1_xBgXBGOLqCrAODnPqHhyaJLLval--iJwBc8OpdnRHDpRVCo9VSJ-d1FUqMxe6EwGQyqZd5_6Da4MYScRrtPIuZok3No0uWOhd1BptmEeRTN8cZlx7z=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZIzn4jrfB9Nz1kxAc6O3-cdszuMHh6cyNU1BSjDgU0KUJKZTV2AdGX_PvKgBIaB7FHRM-ZhUeg1d3qxKoqGuDF5CEoH6_n9O80GwCNhONB7jVhmqAzRLsudq_fLSeVul1O7dYTnwlm_UOXbR1gTt_SvZymHZH_puHcoUKGLsMxEEZSZK6Xk-KM3Kr=s725" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZIzn4jrfB9Nz1kxAc6O3-cdszuMHh6cyNU1BSjDgU0KUJKZTV2AdGX_PvKgBIaB7FHRM-ZhUeg1d3qxKoqGuDF5CEoH6_n9O80GwCNhONB7jVhmqAzRLsudq_fLSeVul1O7dYTnwlm_UOXbR1gTt_SvZymHZH_puHcoUKGLsMxEEZSZK6Xk-KM3Kr=w640-h480" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFE97NI5u0qwcBw6yrXojtICHCv8kLvBKufYWr7YUCldz2M6jqhDY6oP39xH-ci6CfK0DVhed3iTasnIvEIPbqnRFTUF41bWFVvH_Kw2l5ad7JGiLuwHjFRJMF3pSlLGaPbzGcdzND08AcPlalUhvfQZVdvwrIwCHQ16EoqH63BcVYbq0cL4nFgK9w=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFE97NI5u0qwcBw6yrXojtICHCv8kLvBKufYWr7YUCldz2M6jqhDY6oP39xH-ci6CfK0DVhed3iTasnIvEIPbqnRFTUF41bWFVvH_Kw2l5ad7JGiLuwHjFRJMF3pSlLGaPbzGcdzND08AcPlalUhvfQZVdvwrIwCHQ16EoqH63BcVYbq0cL4nFgK9w=w640-h426" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div></div></div></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-25262673373322328142021-05-26T08:05:00.000-04:002021-05-26T08:05:47.588-04:00Why Don't You Swing On By? <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Good day friends! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Before sitting down to write this post, I was actually having second thoughts. Is this topic interesting enough? Would anyone actually care? It's not a mind-blowing transformation with epic before and after shots like the thousand of other design and DIY blogs out there. Should I even write? </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In the world of Instagram, Reels, Snapchat, and TikTok, blog posts today feel like they have to be professional style magazine quality to stick out and seem "worth the read". Massive home makeovers that can't be anything short of an HGTV episode. So it's easy for small crafts and DIY's to seem unimportant, even if they were a lot of work and took a lot of time. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But then I stopped. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My husband just refinished, repainted, and rebuilt a BEAUTIFUL swingset for our children to enjoy and grow up with. THAT is currently the most exciting project in our life, THAT is extremely impressive to me, and THAT should be the only reason I need to open my computer and write a fun little blog post.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So let's get into how we took an almost decade-old battered swingset and turned it into this beauty!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBAYg4E0Zsk/YKmsMWSmLjI/AAAAAAAAyCE/p9CJXCtHvAIGnEgfC7eQCQdTNu7LdUP1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/ACS_1013.jpg" width="640" /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we first moved in, we noticed the giant swing set right away because it was only a few houses down from ours. After getting to know the neighbors and finding out their kids were high school age and older, Eric asked me one day, "Do you think if I brought it up, they would be willing to give us their swing set since the kids don't use it anymore?". He was only partially joking, but for real, what harm could come from asking? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Time went by, and we kind of forgot about it. That and we had a baby, so our minds were a little occupied, but one day while on a walk we ran into those neighbors and got to talking. After a few minutes we somehow ended up on the topic of backyards, and without ANY prompting from us, they said, "Well do you want a swing set? We have one!". I kid you not. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We laughed and told them how we've had our eye on it for months. So one weekend we invited our friends over, the guys deconstructed, walked the pieces across two lawns, and dropped it into its new home. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I wish I took a picture of its original state, but although in decent condition, it definitely had seen some wear and tear. That's why Eric's first goal was to give it a proper bath and strip away some of the original finish with a power washer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7mg4b7UmE4/YKm1oDeBK5I/AAAAAAAAyCM/ijeNUrGGH3ss4uvmEFCenSe_JC9Xbi5LACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7mg4b7UmE4/YKm1oDeBK5I/AAAAAAAAyCM/ijeNUrGGH3ss4uvmEFCenSe_JC9Xbi5LACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2353.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmQayqHFDa8/YKmrw_F6gDI/AAAAAAAAyB4/XCCF6ab751Qjv6db8R8Hamb96CmxF3QLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Combo1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BmQayqHFDa8/YKmrw_F6gDI/AAAAAAAAyB4/XCCF6ab751Qjv6db8R8Hamb96CmxF3QLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h324/Combo1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once the job was inspected and approved by our resident swing set professional *cough* Harrison *cough*. Eric used a power sander and <a href="https://www.homedepot.com/p/BEHR-PREMIUM-1-gal-Wood-Stain-and-Finish-Stripper-06401N/202263937" target="_blank">wood stain and finish stripper</a> to remove any remaining color.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc0OvI-tIec/YK45T35eyII/AAAAAAAAyF0/V-4DAZoFis06pvXBkMJjLtBBSzm34Y2TACLcBGAsYHQ/s2667/Combo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="2667" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc0OvI-tIec/YK45T35eyII/AAAAAAAAyF0/V-4DAZoFis06pvXBkMJjLtBBSzm34Y2TACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h282/Combo2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once the wood was back to its original state, it was time to paint! All Eric needed was three consecutive dry days for everything to cure. This doesn't sound like a lot to ask for, but Springtime in Ohio can be pretty damp. Lucky for us though, it can serve up some incredible rainbows too. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DD-AFfVTyC0/YKnDguKxLGI/AAAAAAAAyCk/s84CHwkXlqsmg50Y5LVRaqJYQAA4ZD4SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2789.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DD-AFfVTyC0/YKnDguKxLGI/AAAAAAAAyCk/s84CHwkXlqsmg50Y5LVRaqJYQAA4ZD4SgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2789.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When the skies finally cleared, it was time to paint. We didn't use actual paint, but a full coverage wood stain. Our color choices were Red Mahogany for the main structure, and black for the roof. I thought this would give the treehouse portion a bit of sophistication...and match the new black roof we had put on the house. To make the job go even faster, Eric moved everything out on the lawn and used a paint sprayer. It took just a couple coats and a few hours for the whole job to be complete. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyDqLT5TuFg/YKnGDpxQbYI/AAAAAAAAyDA/rB1l-dgqmQMvI1DPiPxK89GLOPxORcO2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyDqLT5TuFg/YKnGDpxQbYI/AAAAAAAAyDA/rB1l-dgqmQMvI1DPiPxK89GLOPxORcO2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_2927.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After MUCH anticipation, it was time for the grand reveal! I don't know what we thought Harrison would do, but he wasn't quite sure what to think at first. I think Mom and Dad were way more hyped up than he was. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R021UzygKA/YKnDg14DSOI/AAAAAAAAyCo/09aWCLTQykYH0YjutpWw8zb67Xw-uH2FACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R021UzygKA/YKnDg14DSOI/AAAAAAAAyCo/09aWCLTQykYH0YjutpWw8zb67Xw-uH2FACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/IMG_2946.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggKjAiBDBic/YKnDgsXIcUI/AAAAAAAAyCg/u6uvrUKlwWsWtZL4hZ4Pv3dLnKDXMk7PgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2667/Combo4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="2667" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ggKjAiBDBic/YKnDgsXIcUI/AAAAAAAAyCg/u6uvrUKlwWsWtZL4hZ4Pv3dLnKDXMk7PgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h282/Combo4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After we showed him around and guided him up the ladder, he quickly figured things out and was up at the crow's nest in no time. And only a few days later he mastered climbing up the slide, all three swings, and how to maneuver the monkey bars (with our help of course). <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWrYy9CLyJk/YKnDgcHZ-NI/AAAAAAAAyCY/mYJNb_bqRZUj3l1yhXlc6oJ2jvXv7s2EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2667/Combo3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1179" data-original-width="2667" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWrYy9CLyJk/YKnDgcHZ-NI/AAAAAAAAyCY/mYJNb_bqRZUj3l1yhXlc6oJ2jvXv7s2EQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h282/Combo3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD0sS8_UMQM/YKnDgJckRCI/AAAAAAAAyCU/eH_9RAbAx_YDcgMMmzuMIYCWvCNNgC-4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ACS_1013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lD0sS8_UMQM/YKnDgJckRCI/AAAAAAAAyCU/eH_9RAbAx_YDcgMMmzuMIYCWvCNNgC-4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/ACS_1013.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">We used to spend hours swinging outside at our old house, so it's wonderful to have a place for Harrison to play again in our own backyard. You could tell how much our neighbors family adored this swingset, and by refinishing the entire piece, we hope this old girl can provide our kids a place to climb, swing, and let their imaginations run wild for years to come. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></span></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-75835610699943553522021-03-03T11:31:00.004-05:002021-03-03T11:31:40.045-05:00Eleanor's Tropical Bohemian Nursery <p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Hello my beautiful friends! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Can you believe it's already March? I personally can't wait for Spring, and on a whim bought 7 new houseplants to bring a little more greenery into our home. Have you ever ordered live plants over the internet? I purchased mine from Lowes, and was </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">pleasantly</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> surprised with how they were delivered! This may or may not be a good discovery. #plantmom</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Along with bringing in botanical life, we also recently brought home our newest family member! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLZrUZxgrpR/" target="_blank">Eleanor Kay Wellman</a> was born Tuesday, February 16th and she is practically perfect in every way. And even though she'll be sleeping in our room for the next month or so, we wanted her nursery to be the first room completed in the new house. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So let me introduce you to Elle's tropical bohemian bedroom! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG4kPkxMzM4/YD54O4jWcHI/AAAAAAAAvXM/UWpEmUb_FVQJoM5IT40rBCH8wpAGgka8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG4kPkxMzM4/YD54O4jWcHI/AAAAAAAAvXM/UWpEmUb_FVQJoM5IT40rBCH8wpAGgka8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1932.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You may recall in <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2021/01/creating-2021-moodboard.html#.YD6eOWhKg2x" target="_blank">this post</a>, I shared my inspiration for the nursery. I wanted bright colors to accent a soft pink, all tied together with wood textures, plants, and additional jewel tones. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYqEuQv7BVU/YD54s-3wMmI/AAAAAAAAvXc/FEcsqafnaLoUP2G5ZWgk6XZdBJEPiVtTACLcBGAsYHQ/s750/HouseMood-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="750" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tYqEuQv7BVU/YD54s-3wMmI/AAAAAAAAvXc/FEcsqafnaLoUP2G5ZWgk6XZdBJEPiVtTACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h344/HouseMood-04.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The final product ended up slightly different than the plan, but I am still overjoyed with the transformation of this little room! The pink is <a href="https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/color/find-and-explore-colors/paint-colors-by-family/SW6324-mellow-coral" target="_blank">Mellow Coral by Sherwin Williams</a> and it's perfect. Not too bright, not too "Pepto", just perfect. The accent wall was created with <a href="https://www.target.com/p/roommates-cat-coquillette-philodendron-peel-and-stick-wallpaper-orange-blue/-/A-78461903" target="_blank">removable wallpaper</a> from Target, and overall wasn't too difficult to install. For the price compared to actual wallpaper, I love the result. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sitA--RLNLE/YD52V1mfLmI/AAAAAAAAvWU/EQiPJrG55Sod851nwalVKar1jNZBn7bxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/combo%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="2048" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sitA--RLNLE/YD52V1mfLmI/AAAAAAAAvWU/EQiPJrG55Sod851nwalVKar1jNZBn7bxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h476/combo%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5D4gPU9VkM/YD5204vb28I/AAAAAAAAvWc/kcoM0zhK4WQw0djPlkpqepW449FLJVOkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/IMG_1926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J5D4gPU9VkM/YD5204vb28I/AAAAAAAAvWc/kcoM0zhK4WQw0djPlkpqepW449FLJVOkACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1926.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The dresser and crib were found on Facebook Marketplace, and the <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/baby-kids/pdp/latitude-run-isair-swivel-reclining-glider-rdbs6321.html" target="_blank">rocker</a> was a Wayfair purchase. After the countless nights of awkwardly bouncing on a bed with Harrison, I wanted a legit rocking chair for baby #2. No questions asked. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDSL-KAUcss/YD52_7Vn3sI/AAAAAAAAvWg/J9XQYaboNv04Ide-NpbM4EhFSl08u7-3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/combo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" height="432" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDSL-KAUcss/YD52_7Vn3sI/AAAAAAAAvWg/J9XQYaboNv04Ide-NpbM4EhFSl08u7-3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h432/combo%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWb7YPcAQyE/YD53ala91jI/AAAAAAAAvWw/etHE7qhj8C4V5wWcO595kfwstwEhJgyUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/IMG_1924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWb7YPcAQyE/YD53ala91jI/AAAAAAAAvWw/etHE7qhj8C4V5wWcO595kfwstwEhJgyUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1924.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQdsKVFLPLE/YD53gs5QT2I/AAAAAAAAvW4/Rz59T86p0AQAefQNKn3H381t8fpwZ5BMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/IMG_1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LQdsKVFLPLE/YD53gs5QT2I/AAAAAAAAvW4/Rz59T86p0AQAefQNKn3H381t8fpwZ5BMACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1922.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIv9XSTu8-w/YD7_7E10iLI/AAAAAAAAvYA/IB0hKUYaZkYmWcRSJLxZXcdT4bJ0bmiSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1446/IMG_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1446" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIv9XSTu8-w/YD7_7E10iLI/AAAAAAAAvYA/IB0hKUYaZkYmWcRSJLxZXcdT4bJ0bmiSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h478/IMG_1920.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The rest of the decor was </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">curated</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> from items we already had. Picture shelves last used in our bedroom, frames and paintings from the gallery wall, the mirror from our small bathroom, and the rattan plant stand previously used in the dining room. There are a few new things sprinkled throughout, like that gorgeous hand-stitched embroidery hoop from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CivilThreadsCo?ref=yr_purchases" target="_blank">CivilThreadsCo</a> (be sure to check her shop out!), that <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089KPH9MV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">macrame plant hanger</a> which is giving me total 70's vibes, and Elle's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014QE0NUC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">baby book</a>! Which I HIGHLY </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">recommend</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> to every mom, and Lucy Darling is my favorite since purchasing one for Harrison. They're beautifully designed and feature plenty of room for pictures and writing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also DIY'd Eleanor's name sign from a bunch of random supplies on hand. An old poster frame, butcher paper, watercolors, and some faux flowers that were lying around. For a days' worth of work, I'm overjoyed with the result. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFJFD6YuahY/YD53x76ocAI/AAAAAAAAvXE/sZBCHTJzXWE9Vhpn8C9qENKiKGbp534ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/IMG_1928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFJFD6YuahY/YD53x76ocAI/AAAAAAAAvXE/sZBCHTJzXWE9Vhpn8C9qENKiKGbp534ggCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1928.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuQzurUPJV4/YD8BCj58olI/AAAAAAAAvYM/NsYEgjYwqGwpQdBLIhNFYFw5gzqtNXdcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/IMG_1918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuQzurUPJV4/YD8BCj58olI/AAAAAAAAvYM/NsYEgjYwqGwpQdBLIhNFYFw5gzqtNXdcgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/IMG_1918.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The last major detail we changed was the baseboards and molding. Originally the plan was to remove the old, prime and paint it all white, then reinstall. But after Eric started analyzing how much work that would be...we pivoted. Especially since neither of us actually liked the builder-grade tim in the first place, it would be 100% worth tossing out the old and purchasing the thick beautiful style we wanted. So now our plan is to slowly update the trim in each room as we redecorate. </span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Something else I wanted was craftsman molding on top of the doors. That was a detail I absolutely adored about our old house, and jumped at the chance to recreate it here. Eric nailed the install, and the look and feel of the space has now been elevated to a whole new level. We are still finalizing the style we want around the windows, but once that's ready we can dress those poor naked sills! </span></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I could keep gushing about Eleanor's nursery for a while, but I'll wrap things up. Jumping back into decorating and creating a fresh space alongside Eric has felt fantastic! I can't wait for our kids to run the halls and grow up in rooms we personally touched and transformed. Not to mention the satisfaction of a classic "before" and "after" will never get old, and I hope you agree! Especially after laying eyes on the journey this room took from boring beige to beautiful bohemian! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2KxyJXsBSg/YD54hUU51iI/AAAAAAAAvXU/EYWB6I9dvZgtwB0BN7UnU-_50fWEIrmkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2KxyJXsBSg/YD54hUU51iI/AAAAAAAAvXU/EYWB6I9dvZgtwB0BN7UnU-_50fWEIrmkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1137.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLMHWaHJhSQ/YD54mPWf71I/AAAAAAAAvXY/2QGJdUxoNpkzsf3MaJXOc8HL6JiFT4GRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_1932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLMHWaHJhSQ/YD54mPWf71I/AAAAAAAAvXY/2QGJdUxoNpkzsf3MaJXOc8HL6JiFT4GRgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_1932.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</span></i></div><br /></div></div></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-62322689725390352272021-01-09T13:17:00.000-05:002021-01-09T13:17:05.231-05:00Creating The 2021 Mood...Board<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Cheers to a new year! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I could start this post by writing about how much of a dumpster fire I thought 2020 was. But literally, everyone and their cousin have already done that. So instead, I'm going to skip the negativity and actually acknowledge the accomplishments and shining moments that happened last year. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To name a few; we celebrated Eric's sister getting engaged, Harrison turned one and had the cutest little virtual birthday party ever, found out we were pregnant with Baby #2, sent love and happiness to a handful of friends and family members who got married, many babies were born, Harrison learned to say a dozen new words and now has countless tricks, both Eric and I discovered we can work remotely without missing a beat, sold our first house, moved into our new house, and lastly, had a quiet little Christmas that might be remembered as one of my favorites. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am thankful. Every. Single. Day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Your word creates your world. So let's begin creating 2021 as the year we count our blessings, care for others, and just be kind. You want this year to be better? Then speak it into existence! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So what am I creating for the year? Well for starters I'm creating an environment that is a reflection of myself and my family. Our new house is a blank canvas, and my goal is to transform it into a warm and beautiful space that's functional as well as a teensy bit funky. Planning the style for a whole house is a big task though, so I first took to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/blhosbach/new-house-inspo/" target="_blank">Pinterest </a>to help organize my thoughts. I created a "new house" board with sections for each room, and any color or decor inspiration that struck my fancy was sorted into its proper place. This was extremely helpful and let me look at everything as a whole.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After a while, I took all the photos I'd gathered and started getting in the mood. Mood BOARD that is! This is hands down my favorite part. Seeing a room come together piece by piece is like a gigantic design puzzle that technically has no "right" answer and a million different ways to solve it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first room I worked on was the kitchen. I've dreamed of deep teal cabinets for, like, YEARS. Teal cabinets with glam hardware and a bold backsplash. That's all I've ever wanted. And maybe it's because we've been married for almost 10 years and he's finally learned to trust my vision, or I've just worn him down, but Eric actually agreed with me when I showed him my idea. I want to remove a set of cabinets and swap for floating wooden shelves to bring in more tones from the floor, update the lighting, install hardware, and add a backsplash.</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Alay5EeOPD0/X_kNnZcPBMI/AAAAAAAAuFw/tcZTrGF2tP8V620XVAiYM3iF7_uSRU4jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/HouseMood-01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Alay5EeOPD0/X_kNnZcPBMI/AAAAAAAAuFw/tcZTrGF2tP8V620XVAiYM3iF7_uSRU4jQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HouseMood-01.jpg" /></span></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The white wall color will continue through the kitchen and into the living room since it's all an open space. As for paint, I'm following the professional opinion of Mandi from <a href="https://vintagerevivals.com/" target="_blank">Vintage Revivals</a> and giving her <a href="https://vintagerevivals.com/my-secret-formula-for-the-best-white-paint-color/" target="_blank">perfect white</a> a try. White walls may seem boring at first, but it really gives us a lot of freedom to bring color and texture everywhere else without being overpowering. To balance the pattern of the kitchen backsplash, I really want to paint our fireplace black and flank it with built-ins. This will also help hide our tv when it's turned off since the whole space above the fireplace will be black as well. More gold light fixtures, a huge rug, and of course plants will all help tie this room together. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1D7K7e-urpY/X_kkigRdtWI/AAAAAAAAuGY/6Fs75R_mAZgmRHLDHhWpAIo_32Rn6cyAACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/HouseMood-03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1D7K7e-urpY/X_kkigRdtWI/AAAAAAAAuGY/6Fs75R_mAZgmRHLDHhWpAIo_32Rn6cyAACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HouseMood-03.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In the opposite direction of the living room is the dining room, followed by the playroom. We've already purchased the <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/foundstone-everett-10-light-unique-modern-linear-chandelier-w001833900.html" target="_blank">gold chandelier</a> and are keeping our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-year-new-nursery-and-new-table.html#.X_koK9hKg2w" target="_blank">original table</a> and <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2020/06/six-chairs-six-years-omg-we-finally.html#.X_ko39hKg2x" target="_blank">chairs</a>. I would like to upgrade our little china cabinet for a larger piece and replace the red rug with something that has more color variations. For the walls, I'm really digging these inspo pics of a lower half painted white with a chair rail, and the upper half black...even the ceiling. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The playroom is where all of the kid's toys are currently located, so along with a soft rug, I'd like to create a lot of storage with bookcases or cubbies. I have this wild idea to put up chicken wire on the walls so we can clip their artwork up to display, but we'll see. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHt-IdqN3M0/X_kmT-T28ZI/AAAAAAAAuGk/8uCNLsLF6_AbP2nvmCV78Nr4aYTvop4sACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/HouseMood-02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHt-IdqN3M0/X_kmT-T28ZI/AAAAAAAAuGk/8uCNLsLF6_AbP2nvmCV78Nr4aYTvop4sACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HouseMood-02.jpg" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are a couple more spaces downstairs, but I don't have boards for those...yet. So let's move upstairs to the master bedroom! Here I really struggled. I had all of these images saved with beautiful dusty green walls and was convinced that was the direction I wanted to go. But as soon as I started putting color on the walls, I hated them. All of them. Nothing about the greens got me excited, and Eric literally said "I don't really want to wake up to any of these colors." Thumbs down. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znkE8NX_w7U/X_nrRSte-2I/AAAAAAAAuI8/c7asjbGEXUYd7-j5d5KkGnO6Lz6q-z_pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znkE8NX_w7U/X_nrRSte-2I/AAAAAAAAuI8/c7asjbGEXUYd7-j5d5KkGnO6Lz6q-z_pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1552.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">So like Ross on Friends, I pivoted, and <a href="https://www.rugsavings.com/products/safavieh-savannah-svh680b-area-rug?variant=12213335654477" target="_blank">bought a rug</a>! Figured that would be one of the more expensive purchases we make, and finding a color to pull from there would be WAY easier than randomly picking one from the deck. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZBji9oUWJE/X_nqdK_8XEI/AAAAAAAAuI0/CoypwYur3ZAGr7vJNtO7XQMLUUWsD4sYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Untitled-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZBji9oUWJE/X_nqdK_8XEI/AAAAAAAAuI0/CoypwYur3ZAGr7vJNtO7XQMLUUWsD4sYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Untitled-1.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span>Even with it still rolled up but laying near our tossed pile of pillows, it's STUNNING! W</span>hat was the lesson learned? Don't try to force something just because of a bright and shiny pic online. Trust your gut and go with what brings you joy! For me, that's jewel tones with mid-century modern accents. So as of now the wall color is yet to be determined, but we'll see if I can find those dressers I'm dreaming about. Someday! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MP7GX1o0UZM/X_ksmwzLv4I/AAAAAAAAuGw/jBVH2ZkjLlkOA8nYUnCOv98kSsPDKyFOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/HouseMood-05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MP7GX1o0UZM/X_ksmwzLv4I/AAAAAAAAuGw/jBVH2ZkjLlkOA8nYUnCOv98kSsPDKyFOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HouseMood-05.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The last few rooms I have pulled together are for the kiddos! Of course, I'm super stoked about the nursery. The mood I'm going for is tropical boho. Just think pink, gold, and ALL of the pineapple decorations. This will be my first experience with <a href="https://www.target.com/p/roommates-cat-coquillette-philodendron-peel-and-stick-wallpaper-orange-blue/-/A-78461903" target="_blank">removable wallpaper</a>, so if anyone has advice let me know! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiMrv5Puq-w/X_ktXV7gPyI/AAAAAAAAuG8/amoIMGk0h4sWm3BPWrseX62TD5Tsa2lnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/HouseMood-04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kiMrv5Puq-w/X_ktXV7gPyI/AAAAAAAAuG8/amoIMGk0h4sWm3BPWrseX62TD5Tsa2lnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HouseMood-04.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">For Mr. Harrison, I wanted to feature his current obsession with "vroom vrooms". Which translates to cars, trucks, trains, and pretty much anything with an engine. I still really love the dark blue color we used in his <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/04/oh-baby-its-wild-one-nursery-reveal.html#.X_kvm9hKg2x" target="_blank">nursery</a>, so that may come back, along with car decals, the red rug from the dining room, and an industrial light fixture to "man" it up a little more. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXult0ZWZmo/X_ktXdI6buI/AAAAAAAAuG4/vFHW5ZLAUy8wFbJsEFUi_ZV10c9p9iUKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/HouseMood-06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXult0ZWZmo/X_ktXdI6buI/AAAAAAAAuG4/vFHW5ZLAUy8wFbJsEFUi_ZV10c9p9iUKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HouseMood-06.jpg" /></a></span></div></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Seeing all of these rooms come together makes me so happy! Now we just need to get to work. Especially since we're down to 1 hand with the number of weeks until this baby is scheduled to arrive (eeeek!). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-59206151283941545222020-11-22T11:58:00.001-05:002020-11-22T11:58:11.404-05:00Our New (and still extremely unpacked) House Tour!<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello friends!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We have been in
our new house for just under a month, and so far, we are LOVING it. Harrison
has yet to get bored of running from room to room and pretty much refuses to
walk anywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I think he’s
enjoying the extra space just a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">And you KNOW
that Mom is enjoying the extra space. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> You guys, we have CLOSETS. Plural. As
in one in each bedroom as well as the hallway and in the basement. We’ve also
gained about twice as much square footage, 2 1/2 more bathrooms, and a GARAGE!
Eeeek! We have never had a garage before. They handed us the remote during the
closing and I could not stop smiling. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I adored our
<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2020/10/saying-goodbye-final-house-tour.html#.X7qVMM1Kg2x" target="_blank">old house</a>. It was the absolute perfect starter home, and last week when we did
our final walk through to make sure everything was set for the new owners, it
seemed twice as small as what I remembered. Makes me laugh now, considering our
new master bedroom, bath, and closet have a larger footprint than the entire
upstairs. I am beyond grateful for the life we spent there. It kept us humble.
We never needed a lot of space, and we were so so happy in those old walls,
with its creeks and cracks that a building of over 100 years will undoubtedly possess. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl-V5KaomNM/X7qU5Y1hYgI/AAAAAAAAszc/BfRwB8ZbtEMlxwDoXyT7L4vffAt5t04tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/ACS_0820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zl-V5KaomNM/X7qU5Y1hYgI/AAAAAAAAszc/BfRwB8ZbtEMlxwDoXyT7L4vffAt5t04tgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ACS_0820.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Makes being
thankful for what we’ve worked for and been blessed with extremely easy.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Ok, enough
sappy stuff. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😉</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif"> Let’s see some pictures! </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Now I warn you, this is a raw and authentic house tour. Boxes are everywhere, things are untidy, and that's because...well...we live here. But what a joy it will be to compare these crazy and cluttered BEFORE pics to the amazing and styled AFTERS! Won't that be fun?! Let's dive in! </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ig5kKK5K9-M/X7kyhMzFluI/AAAAAAAAsqg/GrgviVMmYZY2_laPkcPwIcf2c6cNUEkzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ig5kKK5K9-M/X7kyhMzFluI/AAAAAAAAsqg/GrgviVMmYZY2_laPkcPwIcf2c6cNUEkzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1103.jpg" /></a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our new
neighborhood is one of the more developed in the area, the trees are large, the
houses are similar but not in a creepy Stepford Wives way, and there are
sidewalks leading to quiet caul-de-sacs in every direction. That was a big
thing for me. We take tons of walks, so being able to do that safely was high
on my priority list.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQQQ7Csj00g/X7k2tRPsZHI/AAAAAAAAsrg/4mspLdyhWP4ZL9J9iskTl56ZRkKkYCYwACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nQQQ7Csj00g/X7k2tRPsZHI/AAAAAAAAsrg/4mspLdyhWP4ZL9J9iskTl56ZRkKkYCYwACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1104.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwFI7aAFZxI/X7k2tXAJZQI/AAAAAAAAsrk/Fjr07VMP_wg4UqWtVaBY-uJQJg0Efm93wCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwFI7aAFZxI/X7k2tXAJZQI/AAAAAAAAsrk/Fjr07VMP_wg4UqWtVaBY-uJQJg0Efm93wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1106.jpg" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><div style="text-align: left;">Starting in the
garage, everything is kind of a hot mess. Ironically, even though we finally
don’t have to park outside anymore, we’ve been doing just that. Until this week
that is! While I was away on a work trip, Eric called and said the CRV finally
fits! Woohoo! And even though this is “Eric’s territory” I’ve kind of been
sucked into garage organization methods via Pinterest. I’m obsessed. We’re
going to utilize ALL of the shelves.</div></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQomRxBIt_s/X7k3YLxGVZI/AAAAAAAAsrw/WYQuiSYltsQk0TMf_qajk7nrMhAx2TcRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQomRxBIt_s/X7k3YLxGVZI/AAAAAAAAsrw/WYQuiSYltsQk0TMf_qajk7nrMhAx2TcRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Combo-2.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Heading towards
the front entrance we have our porch! A bonus feature that I was super stoked
about. One of those “not a necessity…but would be awesome to have” type of
things. I’m picturing cutting the bushes down slightly so it’s not so hidden
and adding some adorable chairs to chill out on, maybe even another swing.
After you step into the house, you’ll find yourself in our foyer, the hallway
will lead you straight into the kitchen while the stairs will bring
you…well…upstairs.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbuDrv7jzy8/X7qXGIWEaFI/AAAAAAAAszo/mt6LbXl6ixo0dNcocO2rdthOJHL-YwFvACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbuDrv7jzy8/X7qXGIWEaFI/AAAAAAAAszo/mt6LbXl6ixo0dNcocO2rdthOJHL-YwFvACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1109.jpg" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tULMRhBa5s/X7k37yw3X2I/AAAAAAAAsr8/8Y6lq6JYJuoJYzRFurIOFbTf_B-mEdDQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6tULMRhBa5s/X7k37yw3X2I/AAAAAAAAsr8/8Y6lq6JYJuoJYzRFurIOFbTf_B-mEdDQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1110.jpg" /></a></span></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Directly to
your left is the playroom. I believe it was originally designed as a formal
living area, which we don’t really need, so for the time being it’s serving as
a catch-all for the boxes of décor as well as Harrison’s toys. It’s nice to
have somewhere to store his things besides the living room and
keeps them (more or less) out of the way. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVfU0-x9dck/X7k4bvYrSYI/AAAAAAAAssQ/X1VcZaMy1rUqB2JCjn90pMf81oTsT9GMACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVfU0-x9dck/X7k4bvYrSYI/AAAAAAAAssQ/X1VcZaMy1rUqB2JCjn90pMf81oTsT9GMACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1111.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AgvEwtb1qo/X7k4bkmqrYI/AAAAAAAAssM/m8WLTTr-jKQ08AIjZM_0ImABJZFvZYwdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AgvEwtb1qo/X7k4bkmqrYI/AAAAAAAAssM/m8WLTTr-jKQ08AIjZM_0ImABJZFvZYwdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1112.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">Through the
playroom is the dining room. I’m still not sure where I want our china cabinet
to stand, so nothing has really been done in here except pile the boxes up high
so everything fragile is out of the Harrison zone.</div></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">I would love to
swap out the light feature for something funkier (that goes for every light in
the whole house actually) and maybe try a dark and moody color for the walls.</span> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">From the dining
room, you have our kitchen which is also open to the living room. I'm seeing white upper cabinets, deep teal lowers, and beautiful gold hardware. Just you wait! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdsO8wrq4bQ/X7k4wHkngKI/AAAAAAAAssk/bxNaB21N_4wht5T0-JvBj24rWf24iqdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JdsO8wrq4bQ/X7k4wHkngKI/AAAAAAAAssk/bxNaB21N_4wht5T0-JvBj24rWf24iqdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1113.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVhEmCY7gh4/X7k4wELC4MI/AAAAAAAAssc/PU1ItFkQVKMOc3ogMMYLbM0gvzFtw9EbACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVhEmCY7gh4/X7k4wELC4MI/AAAAAAAAssc/PU1ItFkQVKMOc3ogMMYLbM0gvzFtw9EbACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1114.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reAxa_dyYI0/X7k4wBLLRJI/AAAAAAAAssg/cyS3ENU2Lr0RsLCk2STTYEuHClQbV8l2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-reAxa_dyYI0/X7k4wBLLRJI/AAAAAAAAssg/cyS3ENU2Lr0RsLCk2STTYEuHClQbV8l2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1115.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">Peaking through those sliding doors to the outside, you can see another reason why Eric and I fell in love with this house. For a planned neighborhood, the backyard is HUGE! </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn9U0iMWUgo/X7k5uSvBNII/AAAAAAAAss4/ZLkGRqdyNuUODzlQuFGA4t7H7dp_FTfoACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1116.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qn9U0iMWUgo/X7k5uSvBNII/AAAAAAAAss4/ZLkGRqdyNuUODzlQuFGA4t7H7dp_FTfoACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1116.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iic4VRDC7gI/X7k5uTkS-lI/AAAAAAAAssw/9e6UFdRj7cA1DPyAYdEBb-XAwkAw9gYrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iic4VRDC7gI/X7k5uTkS-lI/AAAAAAAAssw/9e6UFdRj7cA1DPyAYdEBb-XAwkAw9gYrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1117.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrm58hUKZto/X7k5uQ8RnhI/AAAAAAAAss0/GTuut-NlA0gcUMINsgYpCnAh4_DETJhogCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrm58hUKZto/X7k5uQ8RnhI/AAAAAAAAss0/GTuut-NlA0gcUMINsgYpCnAh4_DETJhogCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1118.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at it from an aerial view, I think it's one of the largest properties in the entire development. It just keeps going. Behind the treeline is a field, so there's a sense of "country living" while still being extremely close to everything we would need. Already we both have visions of gardens, another pergola, and of course a swing set for the kiddos. I'd also love to fence off the left portion as well as plant some fur trees for greenery and additional privacy. </div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Back inside, off of the living room, is the mudroom! This of course would lead you directly into the garage and is another amazing bonus I was tickled to discover. I have always wanted some sort of landing pad to drop your things before heading into the house. My dream is to have cubbies or cabinets, to keep shoes, coats, cleaning supplies, whatever! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QB-qAILKVDs/X7k73xhlVyI/AAAAAAAAstM/0-1WHNYYLfgjd7dG_5i7HRT_HrTbvYIZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QB-qAILKVDs/X7k73xhlVyI/AAAAAAAAstM/0-1WHNYYLfgjd7dG_5i7HRT_HrTbvYIZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Combo-6.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">Backing up slightly, another door off of the living room/kitchen space leads you down to our FINISHED basement! YES! We have made it to the world of a fully functioning 3rd floor! Woop woop! </div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are two main spaces in the basement, this large room features a bar and tiled floor area which Eric can use as his "man space", then heading toward the back there is another full bathroom, and a hallway leading to one more room which we're currently using for storage. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TGB5bpPF7g/X7k9pm90KUI/AAAAAAAAstc/ZwcdVwkGso0Tb7NBHpOBB78wwFjoJhzkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1TGB5bpPF7g/X7k9pm90KUI/AAAAAAAAstc/ZwcdVwkGso0Tb7NBHpOBB78wwFjoJhzkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1123.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdUY2QCFEU8/X7k9pu8lV-I/AAAAAAAAstY/eOFvoVfSWdA26xEoySNZEden1zlDKkuZACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdUY2QCFEU8/X7k9pu8lV-I/AAAAAAAAstY/eOFvoVfSWdA26xEoySNZEden1zlDKkuZACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1124.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS8wyTCNiAk/X7k9psqbw0I/AAAAAAAAstg/Vl94OU4tQTwiPTHOK4iN9pN5onu69j3WACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SS8wyTCNiAk/X7k9psqbw0I/AAAAAAAAstg/Vl94OU4tQTwiPTHOK4iN9pN5onu69j3WACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1127.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are two decently sized closets back here, and Eric has already drawn up plans to build shelves so we can use their vertical space to the fullest.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So that pretty much wraps up the main floor and lower level, so let's head upstairs! I'm currently debating if I want to recreate our gallery wall...or keep it simple since overall this staircase isn't as open compared to our last. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6zZ3OQPT6M/X7k_zsYFupI/AAAAAAAAst0/4nkkUzFYBlAaJsecnxfH7BTdyXhCL2W5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6zZ3OQPT6M/X7k_zsYFupI/AAAAAAAAst0/4nkkUzFYBlAaJsecnxfH7BTdyXhCL2W5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Combo-7.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">When you reach the top you'll find all four bedrooms, a bathroom, linen closet, and laundry room! You read that right, the laundry room is UPSTAIRS. As in where all the clothes are. As in I no longer will be hauling baskets up and down flights of stairs. </div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We can't actually utilize the laundry room yet because the previous owners took their washer and dryer, but below is a peek into this glorious ("glorious" based on it's potential...not actual appearance) space as well as the kid's bathroom which is the next room down the hallway. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbipbZzFCNs/X7lBdzWXByI/AAAAAAAAsuA/tXjRsGAx0jsz-r3jj2dG0R_iqr37Jvt9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo-8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TbipbZzFCNs/X7lBdzWXByI/AAAAAAAAsuA/tXjRsGAx0jsz-r3jj2dG0R_iqr37Jvt9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Combo-8.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: left;">Directly behind where the previous hallway pic was taken (or immediately to your right once you've reached the 2nd floor) is our master suite. This puppy is WAY more space than we'll ever need. I truly feel spoiled every time I set foot in it. Not only do we have a large area for our bed, but the bathroom is also a great size, we have our own little linen closet, and our walk-in closet is almost equivalent to Harrison's old nursery. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EiO9ALxYLA/X7lDbMiJW0I/AAAAAAAAsuM/SjA59IQ_tqweqOZqXP5feXTNKmvEEZIggCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2EiO9ALxYLA/X7lDbMiJW0I/AAAAAAAAsuM/SjA59IQ_tqweqOZqXP5feXTNKmvEEZIggCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1132.jpg" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Told you these are raw, our bedroom was a disaster when I snapped that pic. The only areas I feel 90% organized with are our bathroom, linen closet, and walk-in. I Home Edited the crap out of those spaces. We're talking categories, bins, labels, stations, dividers, the whole works. Eric even took notice and arranged his dress shirts in rainbow order. SO PROUD! </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSIaWPVD24g/X7qBw-bg4jI/AAAAAAAAsxo/P4yspU0KfekyMPzD7czPCYwviYf-BNs9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo-9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSIaWPVD24g/X7qBw-bg4jI/AAAAAAAAsxo/P4yspU0KfekyMPzD7czPCYwviYf-BNs9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Combo-9.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V2FkZ8qG4M/X7qBw40obII/AAAAAAAAsxs/7qGwKkRvmCcwljoUM5fjPzKo-miY52uKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo-10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3V2FkZ8qG4M/X7qBw40obII/AAAAAAAAsxs/7qGwKkRvmCcwljoUM5fjPzKo-miY52uKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Combo-10.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The remaining rooms upstairs include the office/guest bedroom, future nursery to a little lady coming in February, and of course Harrison's room.</span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGYVgcOnpnA/X7qCdCSbyPI/AAAAAAAAsx4/B7NSaO0BOo4zDyI0aUVcC_ANOWVqXhnWACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGYVgcOnpnA/X7qCdCSbyPI/AAAAAAAAsx4/B7NSaO0BOo4zDyI0aUVcC_ANOWVqXhnWACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1136.jpg" /></span></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWupgfX9hGE/X7qCdcGfVVI/AAAAAAAAsx8/-PIwNzthaassgHQ_RAkEoXBetZM7OV6rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_1137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWupgfX9hGE/X7qCdcGfVVI/AAAAAAAAsx8/-PIwNzthaassgHQ_RAkEoXBetZM7OV6rQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1137.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1Y9d-p2Izc/X7qNDYIS85I/AAAAAAAAszQ/kiqQ6HKNCNEYminm8IM4TDRX2Axu-ygUACLcBGAsYHQ/s750/IMG_1179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1Y9d-p2Izc/X7qNDYIS85I/AAAAAAAAszQ/kiqQ6HKNCNEYminm8IM4TDRX2Axu-ygUACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_1179.jpg" /></span></a></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm still not sure of the vibe I want for either of the kid's rooms. Harrison is super into trucks, cars, and really anything with a motor. But I don't want this to end up looking like a cliche man cave or dude garage. For the baby, I'm leaning towards mermaids, ocean waves, and bungalow beachiness.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Well, that pretty much wraps up the entire house! Thank you so much for giving me the space to share our home with you, and I can't wait to dive into the redesign. I've already begun hanging pictures everywhere, and Eric is tackling the idea of built-ins around the living room fireplace. Both of us have so many ideas we have to check-in every now and then to the reality it won't get done overnight. Ha! A girl can dream though. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></i></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-23514152678157320032020-10-03T22:59:00.001-04:002020-10-03T22:59:04.261-04:00Saying Goodbye - Final House Tour<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hello friends! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thank you all for your wonderful support since announcing our decision to sell, and take on the wild beast that is today's housing market. I'm happy to announce that we DID indeed find a new house, and as of today I already have <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/blhosbach/new-house-inspo/" target="_blank">13 Pinterest boards</a> dedicated to its design. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't judge. Focusing on the new space is helping me coup with the emotions of leaving this one. And there are PLENTY of emotions. I've been diving deep into the pics from when we first bought the place and comparing them to how our home currently looks all spick and span for the showings. Honestly, it's been insanely satisfying. We've done SO MUCH over the past seven years it really is impressive, even to me and I lived it! </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So to celebrate this next chapter of our lives, I'd like to present one final house tour (check out our<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/09/walk-right-in-sit-right-downhouse-tour.html#.X3jme2hKg2x" target="_blank"> first-ever tour here!</a>). Stuffed full of links to past posts, products, and sources to all my favorite thingamabobs and whatnots. I've also been posting these transformational Before and After pics on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/blynnwellman/" target="_blank"> Instagram</a>, so if you haven't already been following our journey there, just keep scrolling for a photo explosion! Let's begin!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Starting outside, our biggest and most recent update was removing the large burning bushes planted in front of the porch. I always felt like they looked too bulky, so when they randomly all died this past Summer (no I had nothing to do with it) Eric ripped them out and we replaced them with low flowering plants and two small trees flanking the stairs. I immediately loved how open and inviting it made our house look. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qiyuXkZFEw/X3iaw3KZAYI/AAAAAAAAro0/BfLlOIZl8nw6E-DhuZCWO3UTPhyDw6shgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qiyuXkZFEw/X3iaw3KZAYI/AAAAAAAAro0/BfLlOIZl8nw6E-DhuZCWO3UTPhyDw6shgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-1.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Other changes included <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-one-home-detail-you-should-always.html#.X3jjZmhKg2x" target="_blank">updating the house numbers</a>, painting our mailbox and hanging light black, as well as painting <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/09/shut-front-door.html#.X3jjKWhKg2x" target="_blank">the front door a spunky orange.</a> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKz2RQ92bPA/X3jkh8MUSWI/AAAAAAAArpc/oby6UfP6X2ABZ7XIPNCL-MMwIvOzi0_1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKz2RQ92bPA/X3jkh8MUSWI/AAAAAAAArpc/oby6UfP6X2ABZ7XIPNCL-MMwIvOzi0_1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-2.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Moving inside to our foyer and stairs, one of my top five favorite moments of the whole house. I've gushed at length about our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/08/gallery-walls-grownups-version-of.html#.X3jlU2hKg2x" target="_blank">gallery wall</a>, and looking back at how much it's grown is crazy fun. <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/06/suit-up-banister-goes-black-and-white.html#.X3jl72hKg2x" target="_blank">Our banister</a>, along with the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/02/staircase-makeover-finalish-reveal.html#.X3jmKGhKg2x" target="_blank">stair runner</a>, is another reason this space took on such a transformation. I don't think the black and white look will ever go out of style. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNy2t3I8xYo/X3jlDe6VPgI/AAAAAAAArqk/HVgyDAPsH9UlojqS4uWDWLsruXIwhzSXACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNy2t3I8xYo/X3jlDe6VPgI/AAAAAAAArqk/HVgyDAPsH9UlojqS4uWDWLsruXIwhzSXACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-3.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We used <a href="https://www.lowes.com/pd/Olympic-8-oz-Bristlecone-Interior-Satin-Paint-Sample/3325690" target="_blank">Bristlecone </a>by Olympic on the walls and Simply White <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/06/brown-trim-be-gone.html#.X3jm2GhKg2x" target="_blank">on all of the trim</a>. One of my other favorite projects (you're going to hear me say that a lot in this post) although not pictured, is our<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/09/wellman-weekend-warriors.html#.X3joOGhKg2x" target="_blank"> yellow upcycled chandelier</a>. What began as a basic thrift score, ended up being the perfect pop of color our entrance needed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To the left of the foyer is our living room. We used <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/150448443778218114/?nic_v2=1afVhF0yE" target="_blank">Gadget Grey</a> by Dutch Boy on the walls and luckily didn't have to paint the window trim because it was already white. We did have to tackle the<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/02/trim-transformation-living-room.html#.X3jp0mhKg2x" target="_blank"> doorway trim and baseboards</a> though. In the end, it was completely worth it to sit on the couch and see only white...instead of the three different trim finishes we had before. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFSVF9awDcQ/X3jo3qSge_I/AAAAAAAArq8/6pCXStiaX_QT5RPNHO5_aclEFLYnU9DlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFSVF9awDcQ/X3jo3qSge_I/AAAAAAAArq8/6pCXStiaX_QT5RPNHO5_aclEFLYnU9DlQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-4.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YN1ZJYN/ref=sbl_dpx_B07YN1ZJYN_0" target="_blank">coffee table</a> / <a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-expo-shag-xs02-diamond/White/200OZXS02A-406.html" target="_blank">rug</a> / <a href="https://www.athome.com/gc-41d-hamptongrey/124283766.html?rrec=true" target="_blank">clock</a> / <a href="https://www.athome.com/5.5x6.5-blue-ceramic-vase/124293273.html" target="_blank">vases (similar)</a> / <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/lomviken-frame-aluminum-20335851/" target="_blank">frames (similar)</a> / <a href="https://www.target.com/p/ellis-tripod-floor-lamp-brass-project-62-153/-/A-53321427?preselect=17299857#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">floor lamp</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Through the living room, you will find the dining room. We took the same Gadget Grey and used it on the top portion of this space, but painted the bottom <a href="https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/HC-144/palladian-blue?color=HC-144" target="_blank">Palladian Blue</a> by Benjamin Moore. The <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2ZSAAcgxVw/" target="_blank">china cabinet</a> was a Craigslist score, as was the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-year-new-nursery-and-new-table.html#.X3kbw2hKg2w" target="_blank">mirrored table</a>, and the chairs...which took about <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2020/06/six-chairs-six-years-omg-we-finally.html#.X3kcdWhKg2x">six years to actually complete.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlU7YshSI2c/X3kamX_cYlI/AAAAAAAArrQ/KuZ5xshYlk0hkB6oNXIxklj-UIxx7PjRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NlU7YshSI2c/X3kamX_cYlI/AAAAAAAArrQ/KuZ5xshYlk0hkB6oNXIxklj-UIxx7PjRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-5.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This room has the best light in the house, which is why it's also been dubbed "the jungle" since my pathos vine seems to have completely taken over. That's one of the characteristics I think I'm going to miss the most, the tall gorgeous windows. I also adore how the green from the plants and blue from the walls look with this <a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/oriental-weavers-550/Red/132550H2-P.html" target="_blank">bold red rug (similar)</a>, as well as the contrast between the white chairs and deep wood from the table.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The last room on the first floor is the kitchen. We painted <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/10/from-wood-to-white.html#.X3kfzWhKg2x" target="_blank">the cabinets</a>, <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/11/bar-stool-makeover-new-kitchen-color.html#.X3kfw2hKg2x" target="_blank">the walls</a> (<a href="https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/color-overview/find-your-color/color/710/kensington-green?color=710" target="_blank">Kensington Green</a> by BM), made <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-curtains-done.html#.X3kg82hKg2x" target="_blank">curtains</a> for the windows, and <a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2020/07/bringing-new-life-to-old-floors.html#.X3khG2hKg2x" target="_blank">refinished the floors</a>. We also replaced the appliances, <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/04/super-quick-boob-light-cover-up.html#.X3kht2hKg2x" target="_blank">covered the fan boob light</a> with a shade, and more recently I swapped the fabric on the barstools for the 2nd time. Through the door to the left of the back door is the<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/07/mab-update-magical-powers-of-paint.html#.X3kiqGhKg2x" target="_blank"> mini awkward bathroom</a>...which until yesterday also held our makeshift pantry. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji7RjfMqifA/X3kfUtGT64I/AAAAAAAArrc/5BD-DTm_wdgDER45D9VWC-Bx_iVSkzoCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji7RjfMqifA/X3kfUtGT64I/AAAAAAAArrc/5BD-DTm_wdgDER45D9VWC-Bx_iVSkzoCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-6.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">We spend a LOT of time in the kitchen, so what I'm looking forward to most in the new house (besides a pantry that ISN'T also a shower) is counter space!!! It's going to be SO GOOD! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">OK! First floor done! Heading up the stairs to the second floor you'll find our master bedroom. I can't stand bedroom furniture suites, everything too matchy matchy drives me nuts, so the furniture is a mix of IKEA, random pillows and blankets, plus Craigslist finds. We also updated the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/12/out-with-old-in-with-new-master-bedroom.html#.X3kkMGhKg2x" target="_blank">ceiling fan</a>, and one of my favorite projects (not pictured, unfortunately) is my <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/03/finding-homeand-place-for-my-jewelry.html#.X3kkqWhKg2x" target="_blank">jewelry organizer</a> made from an old crib mattress spring frame.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2XKzuPrY-Q/X3kjo-7Se4I/AAAAAAAArrs/tBMbR5xG4wQrUn3wFTvxI0bcd2UAPFsbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s967/ACS_0772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2XKzuPrY-Q/X3kjo-7Se4I/AAAAAAAArrs/tBMbR5xG4wQrUn3wFTvxI0bcd2UAPFsbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ACS_0772.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Across from the bedroom is our office. For the longest time, it stood as our "catch-all" space, but we finally kicked it into gear and cleared it out to create an area we actually use. It was amazing during my time working from home while in quarantine, so an office in the new house will be a must. To keep your eye from focusing on the sloped ceiling, we painted everything white except for the full wall and also <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2018/03/a-different-kind-of-march-madness.html#.X3kme2hKg2x" target="_blank">hung shelves</a>. I broke down our process for making the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-green-wall-and-gorgeous-rug.html#.X3kmDWhKg2x" target="_blank">desks in this post</a>, that beauty of a rug is from <a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/#" target="_blank">Rugs USA</a>, and the bookshelves (there are 2 matchings) came from <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/hemnes-bookcase-white-stain-90371765/" target="_blank">IKEA</a>. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM4pvPWja7M/X3kjo2TCWnI/AAAAAAAArro/uR8SpEpHMM42Oqia4vKCg6gq4fSf6c4bACLcBGAsYHQ/s967/ACS_0768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UM4pvPWja7M/X3kjo2TCWnI/AAAAAAAArro/uR8SpEpHMM42Oqia4vKCg6gq4fSf6c4bACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ACS_0768.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The last full room upstairs is <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/04/oh-baby-its-wild-one-nursery-reveal.html#.X3ko-2hKg2x" target="_blank">Harrison's bedroom</a>. I had a complete blast decorating his nursery, from the random thrift and antique store finds to the handmade sign above the bed, there are personal touches everywhere. Again, collecting pieces gradually like pillows and furniture from a variety of places beats a generic matching set every time. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkC65k7tBTs/X3kjozQXZ-I/AAAAAAAArrw/AGn3KyoW9_sWEp9Sb_A3IzT6kUTU3VJ0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s967/ACS_0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NkC65k7tBTs/X3kjozQXZ-I/AAAAAAAArrw/AGn3KyoW9_sWEp9Sb_A3IzT6kUTU3VJ0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ACS_0769.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Our bathroom is at the end of the hallway, and I'm proud to say I did the majority of the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/05/bathroom-makeover-part-2-reveal.html#.X3kq8WhKg2x" target="_blank">painting</a> myself in this room. The mirror came with the house so I just gave it a <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/05/bathroom-makeover-part-1.html#.X3kq1GhKg2y" target="_blank">quick coat of purple</a>, crafted a simple curtain from fabric and 2 tension rods, and more recently swapped the curvy dated light globes to a <a href="https://www.menards.com/main/lighting-ceiling-fans/replacement-glass-shades/patriot-lighting-reg-satin-white-replacement-glass-with-2-fitter/8115100/p-1444429534460-c-7509.htm?tid=-1&ipos=5" target="_blank">sleeker model</a>. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxio_opY-RA/X3kqhNhoulI/AAAAAAAArsM/0aPFbNI-je4c92a8zFLZe9kXgsfyewH3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxio_opY-RA/X3kqhNhoulI/AAAAAAAArsM/0aPFbNI-je4c92a8zFLZe9kXgsfyewH3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-7.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Phew. Inside COMPLETE! Let's head to the great outdoors! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Biggest improvement? Um YES! Hands down yes. A million times YES. We had THE BEST time planning our outdoor oasis. Eric and his dad built the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/08/pergola-pergola-pergola.html#.X3ks-mhKg2x" target="_blank">pergola</a> themselves, we had the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/07/project-pergola-backyard-update.html#.X3kuEGhKg2x" target="_blank">concrete poured and stamped</a>, and then Eric built the flowerbeds. <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-prettiest-table-that-you-ever-did.html#.X3kuc2hKg2x" target="_blank">The hand-painted party table </a>is still one of my obsessions, and you better believe it was put to use when we had the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/08/its-finally-finished-our-backyard-reveal.html#.X3kupWhKg2x" target="_blank">grand reveal</a>. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-in1UGXPrUBs/X3kswJlYaWI/AAAAAAAArsg/fUGqAYoEVNQFGXVx2U4Rcm_5MhLF20fNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/IMG_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-in1UGXPrUBs/X3kswJlYaWI/AAAAAAAArsg/fUGqAYoEVNQFGXVx2U4Rcm_5MhLF20fNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/IMG_0713.jpg" /></span></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVIMbEIaqqw/X3kspMvasTI/AAAAAAAArsc/_qIKUOAjQf8KVJBCRTNuFOhm7jJHZrP2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lVIMbEIaqqw/X3kspMvasTI/AAAAAAAArsc/_qIKUOAjQf8KVJBCRTNuFOhm7jJHZrP2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-8.jpg" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/breakwater-bay-arana-solid-wood-folding-adirondack-chair-w002840058.html?piid=282173068" target="_blank">adirondack chairs (similar)</a> / <a href="https://www.hayneedle.com/product/crosleyfurniturepalmharborallweatherwicker4pieceoutdoorconversationset.cfm" target="_blank">furniture (similar)</a> / <a href="https://www.target.com/p/afton-x-back-patio-dining-chair-threshold-153/-/A-52159560" target="_blank">table chairs</a> / <a href="https://www.menards.com/main/outdoors/outdoor-decor/tiki-torches-outdoor-lanterns/enchanted-garden-trade-60-glass-patio-torch-assorted-styles/14lg0124115/p-1444428032312-c-14310.htm?tid=-1&ipos=13" target="_blank">tiki torches (similar)</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The building at the back of our yard is the recreational space, aka <a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/04/tiny-little-man-meets-big-man-cave.html#.X3kyPGhKg2x" target="_blank">Man Cave</a>. If you haven't noticed by now, we don't have a garage. So this became where we did a lot of the projects that involved extensive painting and drying, assembly, or anything that needed to be stored and didn't fit inside the house. It really was the selling factor when we originally walked through the house all those years ago. And although I hate the term "man cave"...it is super sweet. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can't even begin to link everything that's in this space. A lot of Craigslist, garage sales, and antique mall trips helped deck out this space. The lights we found at <a href="https://www.shopopenboxoutlet.com/?fbclid=IwAR0BcyYjoiOQ8-VS8eauVOcKAu0t-6OiUSSWTtfPvAKdEeQRb3k-U-I7YEI" target="_blank">Open Box Outlet</a> and they were an incredible deal, and the barstools came from <a href="https://bargainsandbuyouts.com/" target="_blank">Bargains and Buyouts.</a> If you've never been to either of those places, do yourself a favor and head down there this weekend. Crazy fun. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WqrQDxMDn4/X3kxj9maT2I/AAAAAAAArs0/d5XAP1qd_Og_oNT809Gwxe0r1pKXCHZEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/combo-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WqrQDxMDn4/X3kxj9maT2I/AAAAAAAArs0/d5XAP1qd_Og_oNT809Gwxe0r1pKXCHZEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/combo-9.jpg" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s49j27eMKGY/X3kyBGtJMAI/AAAAAAAArtE/uswiibPm1qoDZXxhNQRzxFH-33IiWdScgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/ACS_0764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s49j27eMKGY/X3kyBGtJMAI/AAAAAAAArtE/uswiibPm1qoDZXxhNQRzxFH-33IiWdScgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/ACS_0764.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Everyone still with me? Good! Because we're finished! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Congratulations! You made it through our final, and probably most detailed, house tour!!! I hope you enjoyed this little peek into our home as much as we enjoyed living in and making it our own. SO MUCH LOVE went into each and every room. As we were searching for our next house, finding something that wasn't <i>too </i>finished was important. We really wanted a space we could put our own unique stamp on. Lucky for us the new place is literally a blank canvas! It's currently so boring, which is awesome, and I am ITCHING to start designing each room and start sharing my ideas with you all. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Until then, I'm going to leave you with a slew of oh-so-satisfying before and afters. Enjoy! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kykOQunKPCI/X3k1elshB7I/AAAAAAAArtQ/5xIdmz1ZWGoQDhe_5r4iuXucU8PDKSdPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kykOQunKPCI/X3k1elshB7I/AAAAAAAArtQ/5xIdmz1ZWGoQDhe_5r4iuXucU8PDKSdPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4GBd95fEe0/X3k1fVXl4WI/AAAAAAAArtg/PcDcryWeTEcv6ndCZEfxnMt4urwbkVVigCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4GBd95fEe0/X3k1fVXl4WI/AAAAAAAArtg/PcDcryWeTEcv6ndCZEfxnMt4urwbkVVigCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2zHghUYBxI/X3k1f-m1srI/AAAAAAAArtk/gJM2gxMTNso4nhU_f8YqfdW7lGYhFyEYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s763/BA3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2zHghUYBxI/X3k1f-m1srI/AAAAAAAArtk/gJM2gxMTNso4nhU_f8YqfdW7lGYhFyEYQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsPDl4SlSok/X3k1gUWtjhI/AAAAAAAArto/6lpaZ8P1eZkbhqziQ-rzbwkqsAmrbUq8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TsPDl4SlSok/X3k1gUWtjhI/AAAAAAAArto/6lpaZ8P1eZkbhqziQ-rzbwkqsAmrbUq8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlMV15tStS8/X3k1glhC33I/AAAAAAAArts/MH_4olSmfX4IlPPX3IgzkeYdGXTA-RgpACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XlMV15tStS8/X3k1glhC33I/AAAAAAAArts/MH_4olSmfX4IlPPX3IgzkeYdGXTA-RgpACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfdX0O_Awck/X3k1gxSnUpI/AAAAAAAArtw/p8XG9bQhUPoeq7UlHH9eHQ7dX2wsX8bkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tfdX0O_Awck/X3k1gxSnUpI/AAAAAAAArtw/p8XG9bQhUPoeq7UlHH9eHQ7dX2wsX8bkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA6.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf4JobJX63A/X3k1hK9oRGI/AAAAAAAArt0/JA8phAc9LcUwDGe_v1IgIqFzQG515LQmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pf4JobJX63A/X3k1hK9oRGI/AAAAAAAArt0/JA8phAc9LcUwDGe_v1IgIqFzQG515LQmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA7.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Jy1S7DX9Y/X3k1hdcECPI/AAAAAAAArt4/RPl3Npwxr8okoL0PStjxMBHBYhhQh410gCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a0Jy1S7DX9Y/X3k1hdcECPI/AAAAAAAArt4/RPl3Npwxr8okoL0PStjxMBHBYhhQh410gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXsC4pi8YiY/X3k1hxK00PI/AAAAAAAArt8/iWPol-aBQnU3XvsLsKP145ausoMB6wL9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jXsC4pi8YiY/X3k1hxK00PI/AAAAAAAArt8/iWPol-aBQnU3XvsLsKP145ausoMB6wL9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3kZPtZIttg/X3k1ejE5fdI/AAAAAAAArtU/RFlgXf34O68REeYPUjqWnwmO7UgFYquhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3kZPtZIttg/X3k1ejE5fdI/AAAAAAAArtU/RFlgXf34O68REeYPUjqWnwmO7UgFYquhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA10.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOOQYMOIky8/X3k1evY9UBI/AAAAAAAArtY/Ne6zDhS_PF0msCMCLt0SfVTgJFdQfxzLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BOOQYMOIky8/X3k1evY9UBI/AAAAAAAArtY/Ne6zDhS_PF0msCMCLt0SfVTgJFdQfxzLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opcscPB9Wic/X3k1fFE-NYI/AAAAAAAArtc/6PbFU2BwXR4_LklA-YtkyOdKTApDcZfrACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/BA12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="271" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-opcscPB9Wic/X3k1fFE-NYI/AAAAAAAArtc/6PbFU2BwXR4_LklA-YtkyOdKTApDcZfrACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/BA12.jpg" /></a></div><br /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span></div><p></p>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-49863700294411399432020-07-23T22:33:00.007-04:002020-07-23T23:03:38.566-04:00Bringing New Life to Old Floors<div><font face="arial">Hello dear friends! </font></div><div><font face="arial">Things have been busy at the Wellman house. What's new you ask? Well for starters, we've made the decision to SELL! </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Yes, you heard that right. Our adorable little home you've watched us paint, spackle, strip, and stain for the past seven years is going on the market. How does this make me feel? To be honest...ALL OF THE EMOTIONS! </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">For real. We have put so much love into every inch of this place, the idea of packing up and leaving it behind makes me want to cry a little. On the other hand, Harrison has become a pro at circling the four main rooms that make up the first floor and could really use a bit more space to roam. We always knew that this would be our "starter home", and didn't plan to live here much past the first kid. Time has come to move on. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">It really is perfect for a young couple who want to take that first step to own property, it's big enough, but not too big, has <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/08/its-finally-finished-our-backyard-reveal.html#.Xxo7H55Kg2w">a beautiful yard</a> and is in a very central location with easy access to both I-75 and I-71 (can you tell I've been working on my sales pitch?). </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Since making this bold choice to move into "phase 2" of homeownership, we made a shortlist of things to tackle before selling. First on that list? Refinish the floors. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEJSHJA7g8M/Xxo0FnNskZI/AAAAAAAAqMU/9h7ylLW-IYIAzRgse8otrQqt91DJjTx6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEJSHJA7g8M/Xxo0FnNskZI/AAAAAAAAqMU/9h7ylLW-IYIAzRgse8otrQqt91DJjTx6ACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_01.jpg" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Ever since our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/09/walk-right-in-sit-right-downhouse-tour.html#.Xxo8I55Kg2y">first walkthrough</a>, the mismatched foyer and kitchen tiles have bugged me. They're close...but not close enough. Since it wasn't an urgent issue, we pretty much just lived with it. But no more! After some investigation, Eric concluded that under those sticky tiles were original hardwoods. Let's bring 'em out and let them LIVE!!! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">A bit of elbow grease, a long nap from Harrison, the help from two FANTASTIC friends, and voila! We have wooden floors! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhDlb1MVSHA/XxozrMFAlAI/AAAAAAAAqLk/JY-AM1bZmokUiXdc0tIwOMg_T47DcCd7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhDlb1MVSHA/XxozrMFAlAI/AAAAAAAAqLk/JY-AM1bZmokUiXdc0tIwOMg_T47DcCd7ACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_02.jpg" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">The foyer was simply a click together vinyl and only took about 30 minutes to pull up. We could tell it had been finished at some point in time, but the kitchen was a different story. Three layers of linoleum (yes. THREE), one subfloor, and a GAZILLION STAPLES were attached to this poor poor original flooring. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Bit by bit Eric removed the staples, while I followed closely behind, broom in hand. Something about having rouge staples hanging around with a 1-year-old in the house didn't sound wise to me. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oG7cCNMnTJ4/XxozrLR1ZEI/AAAAAAAAqLg/sjz4kpllq2waQeUdJSUN81Wiv_J9aTxAACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oG7cCNMnTJ4/XxozrLR1ZEI/AAAAAAAAqLg/sjz4kpllq2waQeUdJSUN81Wiv_J9aTxAACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_03.jpg" /></font></a></div><font face="arial">Because of the incredible scope of this project, we decided to hire the professionals. We did NOT want to try and tackle this DIY style. Since the whole refinishing process would take about four days to complete, we packed up and planned to head to our parent's house for the week. Before leaving though, we had to decide on a stain color. A couple employees from the flooring company swung by the house and laid out our options. </font><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I wanted something dark, but not too dark, and also not too warm. Out of the four choices we were given (#1 being the lightest, #4 the darkest) #3 spoke to me. <br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCV-RcvvfXg/XxozrkICqoI/AAAAAAAAqLs/nU1UlFfVjYAPhrwckv1ky8Q8ZBJEyDkEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCV-RcvvfXg/XxozrkICqoI/AAAAAAAAqLs/nU1UlFfVjYAPhrwckv1ky8Q8ZBJEyDkEwCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_04.jpg" /></font></a></div><font face="arial">So after taking down all our fun decor and packing everything we wanted out of the way into the living room, we took one last look, kissed our old floors goodbye, and hit the road. <br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_xCmSsXi2o/Xxozr8b2mtI/AAAAAAAAqLw/2xpm1x18IqMBPI_i5Zv85QjKCxuBMIB1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_05.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_xCmSsXi2o/Xxozr8b2mtI/AAAAAAAAqLw/2xpm1x18IqMBPI_i5Zv85QjKCxuBMIB1ACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_05.jpg" /></font></a></div><font face="arial">One week later, we returned home to beautiful original hardwood floors brought back to their former glory! </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">SO PRETTY!!!! </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I couldn't wait to snap photos and Harrison couldn't wait to explore. And as much as I love tackling a good DIY, there's something magical about walking out the door knowing everything will be complete by the time you get back. <br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_Zb2M_0cC0/XxozsAE-OQI/AAAAAAAAqL0/FfC1BlgtP2QZPuN-A7Q9wAIvcnCBh_XgACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k_Zb2M_0cC0/XxozsAE-OQI/AAAAAAAAqL0/FfC1BlgtP2QZPuN-A7Q9wAIvcnCBh_XgACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_06.jpg" /></font></a></div><font face="arial">Can you believe these stunners were hiding under that horrible tile all these years????? I adore how much more warmth there seems to be in our home now. Especially in the kitchen, the contrast between the floors and white cabinets makes me absolutely giddy. <br /></font><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMSBj4dOgoo/XxozsX6izKI/AAAAAAAAqL4/e-kF_XHO2igCZ9S3VuXDmYWK-Wn3ebdSACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMSBj4dOgoo/XxozsX6izKI/AAAAAAAAqL4/e-kF_XHO2igCZ9S3VuXDmYWK-Wn3ebdSACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_07.jpg" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Coz0hoCjSwU/XxozsVVDaKI/AAAAAAAAqL8/n7hO1LIhwXUpgojsxjYDsWDZBFULhhDuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Coz0hoCjSwU/XxozsVVDaKI/AAAAAAAAqL8/n7hO1LIhwXUpgojsxjYDsWDZBFULhhDuwCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_08.jpg" /></font></a></div><div><font face="arial">Excuse the mess, things are still in a bit of disarray. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">BUT OMG just LOOK at these before and afters! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG3KZH3zHlQ/Xxo2EDUfwbI/AAAAAAAAqMo/oSVETTxJ6C8R7CNk-WeuM5pWV3SxtYjKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG3KZH3zHlQ/Xxo2EDUfwbI/AAAAAAAAqMo/oSVETTxJ6C8R7CNk-WeuM5pWV3SxtYjKgCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_09.jpg" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLKiqN8z1ZM/Xxo2ECa2svI/AAAAAAAAqMg/KqFsrM8tU9A9pkzsDFOKn2A1EgEuYlqiACLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLKiqN8z1ZM/Xxo2ECa2svI/AAAAAAAAqMg/KqFsrM8tU9A9pkzsDFOKn2A1EgEuYlqiACLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_10.jpg" /></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yS8ScFm0_e8/Xxo2EKgwZgI/AAAAAAAAqMk/gsS4CVEOb-Qen0xxLYwU_byeXCrFO-28QCLcBGAsYHQ/s725/Combo_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="arial"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yS8ScFm0_e8/Xxo2EKgwZgI/AAAAAAAAqMk/gsS4CVEOb-Qen0xxLYwU_byeXCrFO-28QCLcBGAsYHQ/d/Combo_11.jpg" /></font></a></div><div><font face="arial">I can't stop looking at them! With all of our projects, I've always prided ourselves on staying true to the character of our old home. The trim is big and bulky, the ceilings are high, and the floors are now absolutely glowing. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Makes me almost want to ditch the idea of moving and stay here for another seven years...</font><font face="arial"><i>*trips over Harrison's toys taking over the living room*</i>...</font><span style="font-family: arial;">almost. </span></div></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><font face="arial">Check out all of our home improvements and decor, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</font></i></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-50657549960081084122020-06-12T21:03:00.003-04:002020-06-12T21:07:19.308-04:00Six Chairs + Six Years = The Project We Really Had to Sit On<font face="arial">Hey hey hey! </font><div><font face="arial">It's been a WHILE, my friends! The last time we chatted I was decking the halls for Christmas, and now it's 90 degrees outside with Summer just a few short weeks away. Earth season 2020 has been quite the doozie. Quarantine lock-down, the world running out of toilet paper, working from home, murder hornets (which, btw what happened to them? I mean why introduce a character if they're not important to the plot) and face masks becoming the next fashion statement. Bonus! You can now get booze and ice cream delivered to your door, so there IS a silver lining. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Like most people who were going to be stuck inside their house for months on end, we made a to-do list. Quarantine? More like quarantime to be productive! Most were simple organization type tasks (clean up the office), while others were a bit more intense (fresh coat of paint on all the doors and trim). But one project was king of them all; finish the dining room chairs. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Yup. </font></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="arial"><a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/02/maybe-now-well-stop-eating-in-living.html#.XuQYXEVKg2x">Those dining room chairs</a>. The chairs we bought waaaaaaaay back in 2014 when I was convinced all we needed was a bit of warm weather to give them a complete makeover. Well. Flash forward 6 years, and we've FINALLY finished this DIY. Poor babies have officially set the record for longest project in Wellman history. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Let's take a look back memory lane, shall we? </font></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbrDmdJ1D1s/XuQZ0IqB2RI/AAAAAAAApEI/cNsLEpyG0skYHEO8e1MgERKe_WDkgel_ACK4BGAsYHg/s725/photo%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbrDmdJ1D1s/XuQZ0IqB2RI/AAAAAAAApEI/cNsLEpyG0skYHEO8e1MgERKe_WDkgel_ACK4BGAsYHg/d/photo%2B2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMMe4r2_n6g/XuQZ6xLqjGI/AAAAAAAApEU/RXRO5Qci1D4Jew9aKq5TKczsg8gAqx13wCK4BGAsYHg/s725/photo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMMe4r2_n6g/XuQZ6xLqjGI/AAAAAAAApEU/RXRO5Qci1D4Jew9aKq5TKczsg8gAqx13wCK4BGAsYHg/d/photo%2B3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">I still think the woven backs and detailing at the top are darling. And good things too. Because after literally sitting on this project for years on end, there was no room for changing our minds...we were committed. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">So how did we do it!? Overall it wasn't that complicated. We still had to wait for warmer weather and a dry spell too, because step one was sanding them down and giving each a quick coat of primer. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C693v371eFs/XuQa0RZDkSI/AAAAAAAApE4/kQJ_OYNqiKMx1hVyJFJR6mlCS6cJ1n5AgCK4BGAsYHg/s725/Combo_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C693v371eFs/XuQa0RZDkSI/AAAAAAAApE4/kQJ_OYNqiKMx1hVyJFJR6mlCS6cJ1n5AgCK4BGAsYHg/d/Combo_7.jpg" /></a></div><font face="arial">After primer came the paint. Menards had a great sale on Rust-oleum...sometime last year, I don't know when...so we stocked up. Figured about 2 cans per chair, and also figured no one is too young to learn the proper spraypainting technique. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXzi4M-9LAI/XuQcJ0WvEOI/AAAAAAAApFs/Hc1UZo19_Wgtn5i9-_-5HlhAHPOO6QBcACK4BGAsYHg/s725/Combo_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oXzi4M-9LAI/XuQcJ0WvEOI/AAAAAAAApFs/Hc1UZo19_Wgtn5i9-_-5HlhAHPOO6QBcACK4BGAsYHg/d/Combo_8.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XafAXWCbw8/XuQctnESTbI/AAAAAAAApGE/NcHcAVMK1QQrg6BlO5yzskkYLixokVWTwCK4BGAsYHg/s725/ACS_0708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XafAXWCbw8/XuQctnESTbI/AAAAAAAApGE/NcHcAVMK1QQrg6BlO5yzskkYLixokVWTwCK4BGAsYHg/d/ACS_0708.jpg" /></a></div><font face="arial">In the end, I'd guess they each received about 3 coats of paint, with plenty of drying time and some additional light sanding in-between each. </font><span style="font-family: arial;">Being in Ohio, the weather did set us back here and there. But eventually, we had another string of days with low humidity and plenty of sunshine to top each chair off with 2 coats of clear matte finishing spray. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As for the cushions, you can see a quick highlight of the reupholstering process <a href="https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17866592701693508/">HERE</a> on my Instagram page. I ended up using </span><span style="text-align: center;"><font face="arial"><a href="https://www.joann.com/nate-berkus-multi-purpose-decor-fabric-54-onyx-san-cristo-paramount/15355597.html#q=nate%2Bburk&start=1">Nate Berkus Multi-Purpose Decor Fabric - Onyx San Cristo Paramount from Joann Fabrics</a>, and love how the black and white jives seamlessly with all of the color and texture I already have in the space.</font></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> The trickiest part of said task was removing all of the staples with the old fabric and not losing them in our shag rug. Looking back, I probably should have done that bit in the kitchen where sweeping any messes up would've been a breeze. Instead of in the living room while watching </span><i style="font-family: arial;">Zoey's Ultimate Playlist</i><span style="font-family: arial;">, where I undoubtedly would lose a staple here and there, then later find it in the bottom of my foot. Ouch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">But all injuries aside, the final result DEFINITLY made any bloodshed worth it!</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLiSa6E4ahM/XuQhGu7MgcI/AAAAAAAApG0/Tj19695fbcIiSIz8Jb3515ZqT_0RMpQUQCK4BGAsYHg/s725/Combo_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLiSa6E4ahM/XuQhGu7MgcI/AAAAAAAApG0/Tj19695fbcIiSIz8Jb3515ZqT_0RMpQUQCK4BGAsYHg/d/Combo_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7avO9mFaPB0/XuQhHBE3rXI/AAAAAAAApG8/tBM1j_fFXs8KscdpK2Y_7UvrgQtYxKUmgCK4BGAsYHg/s725/IMG_9963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7avO9mFaPB0/XuQhHBE3rXI/AAAAAAAApG8/tBM1j_fFXs8KscdpK2Y_7UvrgQtYxKUmgCK4BGAsYHg/d/IMG_9963.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghnSvez6EpM/XuQhG333wdI/AAAAAAAApG4/8-VNIv0eIC4cAE5M5olE0x3dNnHr-OQ_ACK4BGAsYHg/s725/Combo_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ghnSvez6EpM/XuQhG333wdI/AAAAAAAApG4/8-VNIv0eIC4cAE5M5olE0x3dNnHr-OQ_ACK4BGAsYHg/d/Combo_3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Nothing beats a little side-by-side before and after. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRQudo-9TVg/XuQiyDcEQUI/AAAAAAAApHo/BSzXbjnSlT8Bv6Z56Iioqd9SsdHoPiyLQCK4BGAsYHg/s725/Combo_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BRQudo-9TVg/XuQiyDcEQUI/AAAAAAAApHo/BSzXbjnSlT8Bv6Z56Iioqd9SsdHoPiyLQCK4BGAsYHg/d/Combo_9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bi0oT4wN3R0/XuQkKD5nO2I/AAAAAAAApIE/YA1Z8BPBPS4Ldbp-OG3j5tLG_IDBqDrZgCK4BGAsYHg/s725/Combo_1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bi0oT4wN3R0/XuQkKD5nO2I/AAAAAAAApIE/YA1Z8BPBPS4Ldbp-OG3j5tLG_IDBqDrZgCK4BGAsYHg/d/Combo_1b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Some things really are just worth the wait. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It cracks me up thinking about how long we've had these chairs and the countless other DIY's that have been completed in the meantime. I say this over and over, decorating takes TIME. Nothing is accomplished overnight, especially when you want a space that's warm, inviting, and completely unique to you. If you can't find a piece that fits right away don't force it. Sleep on the idea (or in our case sit) and who knows, maybe six years later you too will find that perfect something that makes your house a home. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements and decor, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="arial"><br /></font></div></div></div>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-13626037348706234392019-12-09T09:09:00.002-05:002019-12-09T09:09:31.497-05:00Time to Spruce Things Up for Christmas <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello, my lovelies! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you one of those types who trim their tree just seconds after the last piece of Halloween candy is dropped into a bucket? Who moves immediately from pumpkins to sugar plums? Snowplowing directly past Thanksgiving all while blaring Mariah Carey and sporting their finest ugly sweater? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, me neither. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In fact, I have a hard "no Christmas until after Thanksgiving" rule. For some reason, I get very defensive on behalf of Turkey Day, maybe because it's so easily looked over nowadays and I feel bad. Or maybe because I think the month of November should be filled with Fall and not Fa-La-La-La-Las. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that being said, once it IS the proper time to celebrate the holiday season, I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT! </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4MgkZb0Xjc/Xe26kPU7IJI/AAAAAAAAj4E/7JdCK-rYi7kl5BOqILxz4NMz-mXJgL50QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4MgkZb0Xjc/Xe26kPU7IJI/AAAAAAAAj4E/7JdCK-rYi7kl5BOqILxz4NMz-mXJgL50QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0523.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I haven't bought new decorations in a loooong while. So since we'd be adding another stocking to the mantel, I jumped at the chance to "spruce" up (see what I did there?) the space above our fireplace to celebrate Harrison's first Christmas with new garland and trimmings! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I wanted bottle brush trees. I've had my eye on these cute little creations for some time, and just love how whimsical they are. You can find them almost anywhere, but the large white ones in the photo all came from <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby</a>. They have quite the variety, and with all holiday decor 50% off right now you can't go wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hob-Lob is also where I picked up the garland, lambs ear clips, owl pick (how CUTE is he??!!!), and gold tree picks. The red and green berry garland, lights, and "joy" sign I already had, and the small trees I ordered from<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FYK5RHP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank"> Amazon</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zca7qXRqcMs/Xe26kBsuvsI/AAAAAAAAj4A/rI3Vvyot8vQwrsxh8MZaI4Ek4Wfi90wMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zca7qXRqcMs/Xe26kBsuvsI/AAAAAAAAj4A/rI3Vvyot8vQwrsxh8MZaI4Ek4Wfi90wMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0524.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My process for assembly went like so; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. pour a cup of coffee</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. play Christmas songs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. start with the big stuff - garland, berries lights, sign</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. move to medium - white trees, lambs ears, gold trees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. finish with small - tiny trees</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">6. before ANY of this, drop the baby off at daycare and take a personal day from work so you can actually be productive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When adding picks and such to garland, think about clustering your decorations in groups of three. Mix various heights and textures for dimension, all while keeping visual weight in mind so the whole piece is balanced. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOtNgdxJIXs/Xe26kLMavtI/AAAAAAAAj38/4KLZxJvSG6kQt5mTFRfxTSl0ptUsJWtMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SOtNgdxJIXs/Xe26kLMavtI/AAAAAAAAj38/4KLZxJvSG6kQt5mTFRfxTSl0ptUsJWtMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0525.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holy holly berries that is FESTIVE! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Such an upgrade from the sad little strand of plastic green garland I used to throw up there behind my knick-knacks. And isn't Harrison's stocking fabulous!? I picked it up at a local boutique, and grabbed three extra in case I decide Eric and I need to match. Or we have 3 more kids...whichever comes first. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HSodDKb5L8/Xe26kWjDtsI/AAAAAAAAj4I/5Njvkcp24xYGxJYt4kDCmnAj3X1At4ANACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HSodDKb5L8/Xe26kWjDtsI/AAAAAAAAj4I/5Njvkcp24xYGxJYt4kDCmnAj3X1At4ANACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0526.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsM_2p_Ml0I/Xe26lHSaA0I/AAAAAAAAj4Q/Dx3bBOY-SZ0yOjzjX_nUw1ry5FUhpJAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="735" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsM_2p_Ml0I/Xe26lHSaA0I/AAAAAAAAj4Q/Dx3bBOY-SZ0yOjzjX_nUw1ry5FUhpJAbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0527.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't wait for Christmas morning. I dont' think Harry will have a clue what's going on, but if his excitement is anything like when he met the big man...I think we're in for a jolly ol' time. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLrJjaZ9TI4/Xe26mGm0QFI/AAAAAAAAj4U/mck6zxAzlq0c30YFlUv2PT34FTfIz8zcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mix-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fLrJjaZ9TI4/Xe26mGm0QFI/AAAAAAAAj4U/mck6zxAzlq0c30YFlUv2PT34FTfIz8zcgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Mix-2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements and decor, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i><br />
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<br />Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-81782145632458399162019-10-21T20:36:00.000-04:002019-10-21T20:38:05.810-04:00Falling Back in Love with Fall <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Greetings everyone! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a hot minute since we've last chatted. And I'm not referring to this post-Summer-but-still-not-Fall-because-it's-hotter-than-the-sun weather we've been having. My last post was shortly after Little Man was born, and he just turned SIX MONTHS OLD! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We're halfway through raising a human from baby to toddler, and it's still the coolest thing I've ever done in my entire life. Last night he started to really get the hang of leaning down to grab and pick up his toys, and I was SO </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">proud! The most basic moments of life have now become major causes for celebration in the </span>Wellman<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> house, and I'll tell you what, getting excited about eating sweet potatoes from a spoon really does put yo</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ur life in perspective. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People need to BE HAPPY about stupid things more often. It does the soul good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Speaking of being happy about stupid things. LOOK AT MY NEW DOOR MAT!!!! It brings me so much joy to kick the season off with a fresh place to wipe my kicks. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NTgccJGlX4/XZ0_6juvHBI/AAAAAAAAi5c/FSmssy3M21Ykcnv36hlBaE_e9qFVyQoxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ACS_0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--NTgccJGlX4/XZ0_6juvHBI/AAAAAAAAi5c/FSmssy3M21Ykcnv36hlBaE_e9qFVyQoxwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ACS_0475.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's pretty awesome when you don't have to actually say anything, and your doormat takes care of welcoming your guests for you. Basically, it's like an Alexa...for your feet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've recently become a big fan of buying my outdoor </span>underfoot accessories at Hobby Lobby. Last Spring I found they had a pretty great selection and were extremely affordable compared to other online sources. This particular week all rugs were 50% off too (find the above <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decor-Pillows/Rugs-Mats/Hi-Door-Mat/p/80877020" target="_blank">HERE</a> and <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Decor-Pillows/Rugs-Mats/Black-White-Diamond-Chindi-Rug---27-x-45/p/80828683" target="_blank">HERE</a>). That plus the 40% off one regular priced item code they always have and I was ready to rock! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've also joined the bandwagon of layering a mat over a rug. Yes, the rug gets dirty because it's outside and you walk all over it every day. But guess what, that's why the good Lord made washing machines. It gives your entryway a welcoming feeling of warmth, not to mention the addition of texture and spacial balance between the door and doormat.</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQiApM2xOBM/XZ1AvtmOsdI/AAAAAAAAi5o/wBw54XkX1C4gRen2bdAgOUCBuT4FwtSBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="714" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQiApM2xOBM/XZ1AvtmOsdI/AAAAAAAAi5o/wBw54XkX1C4gRen2bdAgOUCBuT4FwtSBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ACS_0476.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the last few seasons, I've been pretty skimpy with my Autumn decor. Mums can get expensive, and nothing ticks me off more than buying pumpkins and waking up to find they've been stolen or messed with by the high-schoolers who walk by our house every day. (Click <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/10/getting-festive-for-fall.html#.XZ8rnEZKjup" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the display I set up when we first moved in, and how much that stressed me out.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The winds of change must've been blowing because this year felt different. The new school opened up the hill so there hasn't been near the amount of foot traffic on our street, and the start of cooler days (finally) had me deep into those cozy Fall vibes. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nYyE2pR_ew/XZ0_hwWgQ2I/AAAAAAAAi5M/nmvms1wtNPcehqCkpoUYtzC0UcBsyHyagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Combo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6nYyE2pR_ew/XZ0_hwWgQ2I/AAAAAAAAi5M/nmvms1wtNPcehqCkpoUYtzC0UcBsyHyagCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Combo-2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since a couple of our annuals were still hanging in there, we kept them and swapped everything else out for mums and cabbage. Yes, CABBAGE! I am HERE for this vegetable and vow it will become a <span style="text-align: center;">staple in my Fall plant purchases. Look at that beautiful purple color!</span>! Also, can we have a moment of silence for those stunning yellow pumpkins that (for some lame reason) did NOT end up coming home with me??? I may accidentally go back to <a href="http://www.readingfeedandgarden.com/?fbclid=IwAR0wV23KqdBK0ZYXy-dLFTL84BCOBrtFFMCS0hB1b06P00Aw7i6_9a6e4UE" target="_blank">Reading Feed and Garden</a> and buy some on the way home from work today...accidentally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The rest of our stash included wonky guards that looked like they were tie-dyed bright orange and green, as well as fresh white pumpkins that match everything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eric: "Why do pumpkins have to match ANYTHING?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beth: "They just dooOMG LOOK AT THIS CRAZY ONE!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eric: "Ooook. I'm cutting you off."</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FhXFvpRFyc/XZ0-y99xw8I/AAAAAAAAi5E/5rZvs1O_S6YRksrWzJ9arstFGuVzj8bbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FhXFvpRFyc/XZ0-y99xw8I/AAAAAAAAi5E/5rZvs1O_S6YRksrWzJ9arstFGuVzj8bbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inside the house, I discovered these glittery pumpkins I picked up from Hob Lob on clearance last year. The orange color was "</span>meh<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">", so I grabbed some white acrylic paint and gave them a quick makeover. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6wIFPHmFCI/XZ6iUd9HqiI/AAAAAAAAi68/WT42mKAtZj0zh8hIiBMOAjfo-ipvYPn3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Combo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6wIFPHmFCI/XZ6iUd9HqiI/AAAAAAAAi68/WT42mKAtZj0zh8hIiBMOAjfo-ipvYPn3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Combo-4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oooh YAS much better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think I don't get as amped up to decorate for Fall as I do Spring and Summer because my general vibe doesn't typically include muted earthy tones. I'm more of a bright and bold kind of girl. So finding the balance between color, texture, and pattern this year really got my heart fluttering. I've also brought out and showcased any brass decor I had, which is always in style so win! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall am super satisfied with the results! Now all that's left to do is spend the rest of these perfectly crisp evenings with my two favorite gents. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34ugjsVG8nU/XZ6iUYhVraI/AAAAAAAAi60/0luhVDASVnsk-Z1tY-Xavdphl5IvRdG-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Combo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34ugjsVG8nU/XZ6iUYhVraI/AAAAAAAAi60/0luhVDASVnsk-Z1tY-Xavdphl5IvRdG-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Combo-3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements and decor, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-67949800791861206472019-04-30T11:38:00.003-04:002019-04-30T11:38:43.900-04:00Tiny Little Man Meets Big Man Cave<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been trying to begin writing this post for approximately 30 minutes now. Not because this topic is groundbreaking or earth-shattering in any way. But because there is now a tiny human quietly napping in his bouncy seat to my left, who grabs my attention with every little squeak that comes out of his adorable little mouth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jiminy cricket you guys, I'm a MOM. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2N159hDkNY/XMT3U3wwQ8I/AAAAAAAAedk/diz5llIp-BgcD5F-LEAenhNg8FhJ3mTkgCLcBGAs/s1600/ACS_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2N159hDkNY/XMT3U3wwQ8I/AAAAAAAAedk/diz5llIp-BgcD5F-LEAenhNg8FhJ3mTkgCLcBGAs/s1600/ACS_0301.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Harrison Edward was born Thursday, April 18th, and each day after has been a whirl. Every single aspect of his arrival was more incredible than anything I could have ever imagined. From being admitted to the hospital and realizing "Holy sh*t we're going to leave here with a baby" to the second they plopped him on my chest, covered in who knows what, I was happy. Like a DEEP happy. The kind that shows up as crying, nervousness, shaking, and a little swearing.</span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GACJ8SVjzjI/XMT2EHxxlTI/AAAAAAAAedU/FlyzUfDk5AkiKghSgwT87JKYL6b0ALAcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/combo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GACJ8SVjzjI/XMT2EHxxlTI/AAAAAAAAedU/FlyzUfDk5AkiKghSgwT87JKYL6b0ALAcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/combo-1.jpg" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric and I walked into the hospital as two, and left as a family of three. Our son wasn't the only one born that day, both of us transformed from husband and wife to Mom and Dad. A simple title change really, but one that is wrapped and bound by so much love it takes my breath away.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ_3h6yFmf4/XMT29qtWSwI/AAAAAAAAedg/v9E10Jk4ygQppu8uptv2vTFmJbCH2L8uQCEwYBhgL/s1600/combo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="236" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pQ_3h6yFmf4/XMT29qtWSwI/AAAAAAAAedg/v9E10Jk4ygQppu8uptv2vTFmJbCH2L8uQCEwYBhgL/s1600/combo-2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're just a tad obsessed with him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">OK, enough adorable baby pictures...for now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to back up a bit and share a project that was on the " Do Before Baby" list. While I was busy nesting inside the house, Eric was busy outside getting the Man Cave ready for the arrival of another little man. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This included; </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">removing the glitter texture on the two black walls, repainting all walls, painting the trim, removing and replacing all carpet and laminate flooring, updating the light fixtures, and giving the bar a complete makeover. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, no biggie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This entire process started approximately a year ago, but with a due date quickly approaching, he kicked it into high gear and was able to achieve practically everything he wanted to. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esAIKgxGRIw/XMT8QU_9HrI/AAAAAAAAed4/0-8vvlQgrFs9xLRZbelEknCw7pxtxT1BwCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-esAIKgxGRIw/XMT8QU_9HrI/AAAAAAAAed4/0-8vvlQgrFs9xLRZbelEknCw7pxtxT1BwCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old carpet and laminate out, new sub-floor in! </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsr5Toynrpg/XMc8QxNpuTI/AAAAAAAAeg0/4VDeab2MnlEaBrlkY6zrDxF3X0jF7d1IACLcBGAs/s1600/combo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fsr5Toynrpg/XMc8QxNpuTI/AAAAAAAAeg0/4VDeab2MnlEaBrlkY6zrDxF3X0jF7d1IACLcBGAs/s1600/combo-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric found the flooring on an auction site, and was able to get it at a fraction of the price compared to it's in-store value. I believe it is originally from Home Depot. Because of the quantity he received, Eric decided to change the layout slightly by making the carpeted area smaller, and bringing the hardwood deeper into the space. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_VdxzMuULQ/XMc97HcRTKI/AAAAAAAAehE/wBK2IP9bZJU8napsPmatclTskPOztyyMQCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H_VdxzMuULQ/XMc97HcRTKI/AAAAAAAAehE/wBK2IP9bZJU8napsPmatclTskPOztyyMQCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so impressed with how this room turned out. Eric installed everything himself, and besides asking my opinion every once in a while, made all of the design decisions on his own. I've never been so proud! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One element of this room is especially awesome; THE BAR. To refresh our memories, when I last talked about the Man Cave, the bar area looked like this; </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1k8OX-9jUL0/XMc-vZu4orI/AAAAAAAAehM/zrUfyS6nbRY1YlR0KzbjMpCwOAawM9p4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1k8OX-9jUL0/XMc-vZu4orI/AAAAAAAAehM/zrUfyS6nbRY1YlR0KzbjMpCwOAawM9p4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4505.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now take a look at this bad boy! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same bar, now completely tricked out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric removed the original front legs, built out the new sides at an angle, then took old wooden pallets and framed the whole thing to give it that cool industrial vibe. As for the top, he first painted it white, then created a unique pattern by laying out old 45 rpm vinyls. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hLypvkRtf0/XMhkq8r80II/AAAAAAAAeiI/dK6tiwqhEBoWilp7xVGkoo3f-ddu98bbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ACS_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2hLypvkRtf0/XMhkq8r80II/AAAAAAAAeiI/dK6tiwqhEBoWilp7xVGkoo3f-ddu98bbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ACS_0308.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each record is secured with double sided foam tape, so when he poured the clear epoxy resin over top nothing would float or move. Before pouring, he edged the whole thing with industrial tape to create a lip and keep the epoxy on the table. After a few layers, he removed the tape and let the next layer of epoxy drip freely off the side to naturally smooth the hard edge. This was done before the floors were finished, which made clean up a breeze. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Other updates include rehanging the long black shelves, but this time using <a href="https://www.menards.com/main/storage-organization/shelves-shelving-units/shelf-brackets-accessories/storage-organization/shelves-shelving-units/shelf-brackets-accessories/designers-image-trade-9-straight-pipe-shelf-bracket/49515/p-1510817284856-c-12645.htm?tid=-4053259126912015740&ipos=5" target="_blank">pipe brackets</a> to tie into the new light fixture. That we found at <a href="https://shopopenboxoutlet.com/?fbclid=IwAR1tl0GvvZOwDPffRYj8y16BJ-scz1jhiSvR5HNtFS4tYuScoBgoeBz3-CE" target="_blank">Cincinnati Open Box Outlet</a> for practically nothing, along with another light that ended up hanging over the poker table (pics of that to come later). The bar stools were from one of my favorite places; <a href="https://bargainsandbuyouts.com/?fbclid=IwAR0kbaf-bS5gWwyjHb6WGqNE6Isd_Y0JxOrwoLXDaFveS8T_EUX_evMMyp0" target="_blank">Bargains and Buyouts</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Piece by piece this space has completely transformed. I've lost count how many hours Eric has spent out here, and the only things left are small details like hanging pictures and covering electrical outlets. After all these years he still amazes me at what he's capable of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that our family is growing I'm foreseeing lots of nights spent in the Man Cave watching movies, playing games, and "play dates" where the kids run loose and the adults just chill. Of course our son will need to gain a little more head control before then, but still, it's fun to imagine. </span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></i>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-56849136432616052152019-04-14T19:05:00.000-04:002019-04-14T19:05:02.514-04:00"Oh Baby it's a Wild One" Nursery Reveal<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is happening my friends and followers!? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today marks 38 weeks of growing a tiny human of our own, and we are READY TO GO! Bags are packed, car seat is installed, clothes are washed, and the nursery is complete. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I said the nursery is DONE! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Too bad he won't get to lay his cute little noggin in there for some time. But even if it's only purpose is for me to walk in, look around, and just be happy, I consider it a success. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As talked about in a <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2019/01/new-year-new-nursery-and-new-table.html#.XLOiOuhKiUk" target="_blank">previous posts</a>, we decided to convert our guest bedroom into the nursery. Or really transform it into a coexisting space so we wouldn't completely lose the ability to have people spend the night. Overall I think it's really worked, we've had a few people stay the night since getting the daybed, and no one's complained yet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of the questions I was asked most while preparing Baby W's room was "What's the theme going to be!?" and I honestly didn't have one. The color remained dark blue from it's original paint job, and I just kept adding bright colors, bold prints, and plants. Top it off with a couple giraffes, and the vibe of <i>Wild</i> <i>Jungalow Safari</i> kind of just happened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not mad about it though. I'm beyond tickled with the final result. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that said I won't waste any more time gabbing, and instead get straight to the pictures. I know that's really the reason everyone is here anyhow.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Behold, Baby W's "Oh baby it's a wild one" jungle nursery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few notes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes there is a giant empty space above his crib. About three years ago I brought home an old green painted pallet from work, convinced I could make something cool out of it. Well the thing sat in our backyard for a looong while. Until I got the idea to build one of those adorable baby name signs out of it! Eric executed, and the final product was exactly what I envisioned. The problem? This sucker is HEAVY. Like, makes my heart flutter a little at the thought of it hanging over baby's crib heavy. Even though we bought the intense hardware, and Eric assures me it'll be fine if we find a stud to work with, I'm still not 100% convinced. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So right now it sits off to the side; because A) I think we'll end up swapping signs and putting it above the day bed, and B) we don't have his name picked out anyhow! Until that happens it's going to remain un-hung. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also can't end this post without talking about the rocking chair. This rocker is 184 years old, it was bought for Lusana Brinker in 1835, given to her granddaughter Edith Allen in 1980, given to her granddaughter Frances Allen in 1939, given to her granddaughters Anna McGraw in 2002 and myself in 2019. So if my family tree terminology is correct, it's original owner was my great-great-great-great-grandmother, has rocked numerous of my relatives to sleep, and now sits in the room beside me waiting the arrival of the next generation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Every time I look at it, the amount of history (as well as pressure to keep this incredible tradition alive) covers me like the blanket currently draped over it's back will soon cover my son. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only a few more weeks until little man is scheduled to enter the world! Bring it on baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bring. It. On.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SOURCES:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daybed with Trundle (similar) - <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/andover-mills-ione-daybed-with-trundle-w001502172.html?piid=1184061783" target="_blank">Wayfair</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faux Sheepskin Runner - <a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-soft-solid-faux-sheepskin/Ivory/200HJFL02A-P.html" target="_blank">Rugs USA</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Red and Blue Area Rug - TJMaxx </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crib - <a href="https://www.wayfair.com/baby-kids/pdp/little-seeds-rowan-valley-lark-standard-crib-w001157018.html" target="_blank">Wayfair</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Metal Brass Frames - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/metal-frame-brass-matted-photo-project-62-153/-/A-52850560?preselect=17318268#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Wellman Tools" Artwork - gift from a very talented friend</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Book Shelf Ledges - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/23-x-4-picture-ledge-shelf-white-threshold-153/-/A-15032867" target="_blank">Target</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Baby Camera - <a href="https://www.arlo.com/en-us/products/arlo-baby/default.aspx" target="_blank">Arlo</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blue Pillows (similar) - <a href="https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80352550/" target="_blank">IKEA</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blue Bed Sheets - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/microfiber-sheet-set-solids-room-essentials-153/-/A-13521110?preselect=50061673#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peacock Bed Sheets - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/printed-cotton-percale-sheet-set-opalhouse-153/-/A-53058339?preselect=54136423#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tropical Quilt - Bargains and Buyouts (original full set can be found on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lush-Decor-Piece-Tropical-Paradise/dp/B0792WDF1C/ref=sr_1_84?keywords=5+piece+bed+set+tropical+leaf&qid=1555282372&s=gateway&sr=8-84" target="_blank">Amazon</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faux Hanging Plant - Marshalls</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Changing Table / Dresser - <a href="https://www.target.com/p/davinci-jayden-6-drawer-double-dresser/-/A-17296095?preselect=15809361#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Target</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drawer Hardware - <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Knobs-Hardware/Knobs/Black-Cream-Flower-Knob/p/80794658" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mirror - Antique Mall (originally from Pier1)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gazelle Wall Decor - TJ Maxx </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wall Shelves - <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BQHZ3CR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Letterboard - <a href="https://www.hobbylobby.com/Home-Decor-Frames/Mirrors-Wall-Decor/Letter-Boards/White-Felt-Letterboard-With-Black-Letters---11-3-4%22-x-11-3-4%22/p/80841760" target="_blank">Hobby Lobby </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Brass Giraffe - Antique Mall </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Let me love you a little..." Artwork - <a href="https://www.alteredstylespaces.com/?fbclid=IwAR2-RP89LA-0hAdcaSuOaXPOwzAA2jPhllnp-6ykGnT-MfHp5flvgpCIJn0" target="_blank">Altered Style</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jungle Animal Blanket - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/designsbydiblankets/" target="_blank">Designs by Di Blankets </a></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i><br />
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<br />Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-5123686509847692982019-02-22T15:19:00.001-05:002019-02-22T16:37:33.922-05:00Nesting. Good for the house, good for the soul. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hello friends and family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are officially creeping up the 31 week mark of this pregnancy and Baby W is approximately the size of asparagus. Ironically we just finished eating asparagus for dinner, and I'm not entirely sure if that's adorable or a tiny bit morbid. Either way his heartbeat is strong, he's moving constantly, and watching my stomach dip and roll as he pushes and wiggles around in there is seriously one of the strangest sensations I've ever experienced.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Overall, being pregnant has been surprisingly wonderful. I love how I look with this swollen belly, and (sorry/not sorry for TMI) but probably am more comfortable walking around naked now than I was before. Don't hate me, but I've been fortunate enough to not have any nausea, and my energy level really never took that dive I read about in all the books and blogs. At first I thought something was wrong. I mean doesn't being pregnant automatically equal dreadful mornings, feeling disgusting, gaining weight so fast your head spins??? Apparently not always, and just as quickly as I came to this conclusion I shut my mouth and counted my blessings, praying that the entire journey would be this calm. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNe6f1oQrc8/XG86AwZxblI/AAAAAAAAdM8/R0ei83mnB_0qolRZWNQujbq-ax-lRybHwCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNe6f1oQrc8/XG86AwZxblI/AAAAAAAAdM8/R0ei83mnB_0qolRZWNQujbq-ax-lRybHwCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looking back at the time leading up to us finally conceiving, I think this "calm" is the universe's way of saying, "See! I told you it wouldn't be that bad. You were absolutely freaking out for NO flipping reason." *eye roll* </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple years ago the idea of getting pregnant would send me into a spin of dread, anxiety, doubt, just ALL those terrible emotions. Eric and I had been married for four years. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence to get asked "Why haven't you two had kids!?" in which I would bite back my instinct to reply, <i>"Because right now we're too busy enjoying our duel-income with nothing waking us up on the weekends except the urge to make a pot of coffee to drink while binging Netflix."</i> And although my actual response was much MUCH kinder, those thoughts were true. My brain was tuned far away from the channel of babies. I wanted to just BE with my husband, act selfishly, LIVE, create a home, and focus solely on each other. Other couples our age seemed to constantly be getting married, then like clockwork the baby announcement would arrive, typically following not long after a puppy purchase.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I do" + Dog = Diapers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But that's what they wanted. I, on the other hand, had a different plan. My plan involved five years. Let's be married five years, take a giant trip, and then we can talk about starting a family. That was the deal I proposed to Eric long before he ever proposed to me. And like the saint that he is, my patient and too-good-for-me husband agreed. He got that I needed time, understood that the idea of my body changing during pregnancy and maybe never going back to normal sent my brain into a hysteric meltdown. It took me a LONG time to feel confident, healthy, and strong in my skin. I wasn't going to give that up easily. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what changed? Well for one I was attending an all-female gym, and there seemed to always be someone pregnant at one point or another. And let me tell you what, nothing pushes you harder to lift heavy than watching a woman seven months along do the same. Just because they were having a baby, didn't mean they couldn't be active. "Lazy" was not in their vocabulary and if they exercised before, what was stopping them from doing it now? It was inspiring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another realization happened during my time in St. Louis while attending a personal development seminar called Landmark. One of the areas in my life I decided to focus on was this battle of becoming a mother. Was I ready? Capable enough? Maternal enough? Selfless enough? At the end of the weekend I could honestly say my point of view completely shifted. OF COURSE I'M NOT READY!!! What mother-to-be IS ready?? This isn't some dramatic sob story only happening to me, every woman has these doubts before leaving behind their old life and plunging into their new role of motherhood. But if I say I'm going to be a kick ass mom, then I'm going to be a KICK. ASS. MOM! I will create that future and it will be INCREDIBLE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Having a kick ass husband, who after hearing me talk this way about starting a family drove the five hours from Cincinnati to St. Louis to be there on my final night, didn't hurt either. You will never hear me utter the words, "I always knew I was put on this earth to be a mother." but I'm telling you now, Eric Wellman was put on this earth to be a father. Because of that man, I know we're going to be fine. He is a thousand times more maternal than me, and in any area I may fall short, he'll be there to pick up the slack 100%. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, maybe not with breastfeeding, but we won't hold that against him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the prego world there's a lot of talk about "nesting". That overwhelming desire to clean and organize your home before your new baby arrives. And while my Home Goods and TJ Maxx receipts will prove I've fully embraced this phase, it was the nesting I had to do in my mind long before becoming pregnant that has proven to be most valuable. Sorting through my thoughts, organizing priorities, and analyzing where Eric and I stood in our marriage and our purpose for life. Where were we? What form of love was missing that would make us feel happy and fulfilled? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The answer of course was obvious, but I had to get there in my own time. Creating little Baby W also took time, over a year of time, but we're still part of the lucky ones. There are so many couples out there who's journey to parenthood has been nothing but agonizing, and to them I send all the love and light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Nowadays my crazy Friday night plans consist of sorting diapers, and organizing the baby clothes we've started to accumulate in plastic bins. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The calender says we've only had 31 weeks to prepare, but the real preparation started countless weeks before. A</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">nd as our little man rolls and prods me in the side, I can't help but smile at how much I enjoy this feeling, and know it will all be worth it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Enjoy these random thoughts? Find more related post by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/everyday-life.html#.XHBYjehKhaQ" target="_blank">Everyday Life</a> page.</i> </span></div>
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Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-76138817453599117612019-01-06T18:44:00.000-05:002019-01-06T18:44:37.544-05:00New Year, New Nursery, and a New Table! <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HAPPY NEW YEAR! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is 2019 and I find that insane. Another year has yet again come and gone in no time at all. Maybe because I've been so focused on finishing our 2017 yearbook, everything that happened in 2018 hasn't really hit me yet. Or maybe it's because 2019 is the year this little monster makes his debut.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsFPUrj0pvo/XDKBTKGbATI/AAAAAAAAcyc/EeJOVwf2o7QYPfrb5AEl4O7mpTE8FObbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Combo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsFPUrj0pvo/XDKBTKGbATI/AAAAAAAAcyc/EeJOVwf2o7QYPfrb5AEl4O7mpTE8FObbQCLcBGAs/s1600/Combo1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For real though, isn't that face-front left pic some Harry Potter dark mark stuff? I mean he's my son and adorable, but c'mon, that's nuts. I about died during the ultrasound, then immediately started giggling uncontrollably.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hand-in-hand with the wonderful yet daunting task of bringing a human child into this world and being responsible for it's well being, comes the more exciting part of designing the nursery! We decided the room that would best suit our little bundle of joy would be the guest bedroom. It seemed like the most logical choice since we JUST finished the office and use it quite frequently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because it hasn't been that long since painting the space, I really wanted to make the dark blue work. (Click <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/05/guest-bedroom-upgrade.html#.VztS_PkrLmE" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read about the makeover and paint color). We got lucky with the baby being a boy, although I think there are some stunning navy + blush color schemes out there that a little girl would just adore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's definitely a work in progress, but as of this week we bid adieu to the original guest bedroom and welcomed Baby W's nursery! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_enQ3EZpDtk/XDKFGNnfQHI/AAAAAAAAcyo/Iz8oMwposnIbRGtmSYiye0XBWYmxOVTfgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_enQ3EZpDtk/XDKFGNnfQHI/AAAAAAAAcyo/Iz8oMwposnIbRGtmSYiye0XBWYmxOVTfgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0309.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVVvRbSx4jI/XDKFiRfx9UI/AAAAAAAAcyw/VX3JyDKkfVUl8FWlGi7N5jJPmpvqUex5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Combo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kVVvRbSx4jI/XDKFiRfx9UI/AAAAAAAAcyw/VX3JyDKkfVUl8FWlGi7N5jJPmpvqUex5ACLcBGAs/s1600/Combo2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're not writing off having visitors spend the night completely, because we actually have a decent amount of friends and family stay over, we just knew it wouldn't be nearly as often as us needing to use our computers at night. To keep it functional still for guests, our solution was to remove the giant queen bed and replace it with a twin sized trundle bed. I found<a href="https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/zipcode-design-timberwyck-daybed-with-trundle-zipc1657.html?piid=29327510%2C29327512" target="_blank"> this gold beauty on Wayfair</a> and knew it would be perfect. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2i-Bh6w1i7o/XDKGDgLYdLI/AAAAAAAAcy4/ZJc0AW8ob9okDzqVRU4DZT903LPsVkMPgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2i-Bh6w1i7o/XDKGDgLYdLI/AAAAAAAAcy4/ZJc0AW8ob9okDzqVRU4DZT903LPsVkMPgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0306.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That way we don't lose as much floor space but also have the option for two adults to sleep comfortably. We're still messing around with the final arrangement of furniture, plus hunting for a decent dresser/changing table since this room only has one tiny closet which is currently 85% filled. So yea, in need of more storage. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's coming along! Either way, Baby is going to adore it because he's my son and will be born with incredible taste in design...obviously. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In other news, we FINALLY upgraded our dining room table! WOOO!!!!! Our original table belonged to my grandmother, who gave it to us for free and I am forever grateful, BUT it just never worked in our space. The legs were at odd places so the chairs sat awkwardly far part, and since the two long ends folded down, you couldn't sit at the head of the table without a table leg stuck between your human legs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With it just the two of us, w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">e hardly ever ate in our dining room, so it never seemed worth dropping a lot of money to replace. That and Grandma told me it was made from a tree found in Valley Forge and if I ever got rid of it I'd need to donate it to " The Daughters of the Revolution"...or something like that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With a kid on the way though, I realized our living room eating habits would probably have to end, and the hunt for a more functional table to begin. Sorry Grandma, but it's for your great-grandbaby, and the table isn't leaving the family, just leaving that specific room. Miss you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So onto Craigslist we went! A few days went by with nothing spectacular to report, but our patience soon paid off and we stumbled upon a Pulaski Alekto Rectangular table with the asking price of $400. A quick google search told us that was a GREAT DEAL.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0A13lCngkI/XDKNPqGmhVI/AAAAAAAAczE/KHq8ZdKy2Bo5330Tv-a99z5AvXVEeYmRwCLcBGAs/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0A13lCngkI/XDKNPqGmhVI/AAAAAAAAczE/KHq8ZdKy2Bo5330Tv-a99z5AvXVEeYmRwCLcBGAs/s1600/Capture.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric was thrilled with the price, and I was thrilled with the mirrored detailing! It's heavy as all get out, easily sits six, comes with an expandable middle leaf to seat up to eight, and already loves its new home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Another project I've wanted to complete for a LONG time, is painting our chairs white and reupholstering them. Eric painted one over the summer and it looks AMAZING. It'll be so sharp having all white to go with the darker tones of the table. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, CRAZY happy with our purchase. Who wouldn't love a table you can also check your reflection in? Am I right?!? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-804393611378499832018-08-27T21:02:00.001-04:002018-08-27T21:02:42.106-04:00The Last Five Years - HOUSE TOUR! <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last week marked the first day of yet another school year of teaching for Eric, it also marked the anniversary of when we moved into our house...</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FIVE YEARS AGO! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Seems like yesterday though. Packing, hauling boxes, cleaning everything, countless trips back and forth from our tiny two-bedroom apartment to this "new"100-year-old house. Our Incredible family and friends helped the entire day, and I'll never forget the overwhelming sensation of looking around and seeing all of our possessions, and...well...crap, just thrown everywhere. For someone who thrives on organization, it still gives me a twinge of anxiety just thinking about it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But that crap was thrown everywhere in OUR house! WE bought a house! WE were homeowners and so beyond excited to start that next adventure. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Five years later and I am still filled with absolute joy by simply walking from room to room. There has been so much love brought into this space, and it truly has transformed from just a house to our home. Click the links to check out <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/09/walk-right-in-sit-right-downhouse-tour.html#.W4BGTehKiUm" target="_blank">how the house looked when we first moved in</a>, as well as <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/08/happy-one-year-as-homeowners-to-us.html#.W4A_NehKiUn" target="_blank">our one-year house tour</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But today we're talking FIVE YEARS. So let's take a little trip down memory lane, shall we? I've gathered up pictures from when we first moved in and set up a little before-and-after with pics from this morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cue <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOP6rNphvnY" target="_blank">"Let's See How Far We've Come"</a> </i>by Matchbox Twenty!<i> </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5cbP6-be9U/W4A9QK1KyVI/AAAAAAAAa28/OPEqKHbMNHMkE_JuFIzbTrjV7InFneiqACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J5cbP6-be9U/W4A9QK1KyVI/AAAAAAAAa28/OPEqKHbMNHMkE_JuFIzbTrjV7InFneiqACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXdhLTqhjWo/W4BI8tbr6FI/AAAAAAAAa9A/fjKN8yRcpDQrfII8s6SkS8jO2drV_zLSACLcBGAs/s1600/ACS_0150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DXdhLTqhjWo/W4BI8tbr6FI/AAAAAAAAa9A/fjKN8yRcpDQrfII8s6SkS8jO2drV_zLSACLcBGAs/s1600/ACS_0150.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The biggest updates we made to the general exterior of the house are </span><a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/09/shut-front-door.html#.W4BHvehKiUk" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">painting the front door</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/05/the-one-home-detail-you-should-always.html#.W4BIMuhKiUl" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">upgrading the address numbers</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, painting the light black, and getting a new roof. Filling the porch with potted flowers is one of my favorite things to do in the Summer. I can't get enough of how their color just spills down the steps. Unfortunately this year one of our big terracotta pots took a tumble, oh well, it's almost time for mums anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once you enter through the threshold, you'll find yourself in our charming little foyer. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpfkH225zxo/W4A9TGZC1ZI/AAAAAAAAa3I/8cz1VdWZltADe1eJIDtWDHjCHjYQiVoaACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YpfkH225zxo/W4A9TGZC1ZI/AAAAAAAAa3I/8cz1VdWZltADe1eJIDtWDHjCHjYQiVoaACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What was once dark and muddy is now bursting with color and personality! We <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/06/brown-trim-be-gone.html#.W4BLZOhKiUl" target="_blank">painted the walls, trim</a>, added a landing spot for keys and such, and even installed a <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/09/wellman-weekend-warriors.html#.W4BLOehKiUl" target="_blank">funky yellow light</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Moving through to the kitchen, we painted over yet another shade of brown and breathed fresh new life into the cabinets. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LX0LZScyj2A/W4A9UhF1toI/AAAAAAAAa3I/zkfqOC7gpM4rnn2S53x_T5z5iGmYqkXVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LX0LZScyj2A/W4A9UhF1toI/AAAAAAAAa3I/zkfqOC7gpM4rnn2S53x_T5z5iGmYqkXVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo7.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-JuCODG-s/W4A9VNezJeI/AAAAAAAAa3I/Jxqp3Q2M3wonE-A7DR1OJqZouX8Sti1BACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-JuCODG-s/W4A9VNezJeI/AAAAAAAAa3I/Jxqp3Q2M3wonE-A7DR1OJqZouX8Sti1BACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Dtm1r77PY/W4A9Xlfs2BI/AAAAAAAAa3I/fCFzd0BjCV0GB2nL2uGXu7alk8uRAh-hACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Dtm1r77PY/W4A9Xlfs2BI/AAAAAAAAa3I/fCFzd0BjCV0GB2nL2uGXu7alk8uRAh-hACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0235.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The order of transformation for the kitchen went as follows; <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/10/from-wood-to-white.html#.W4BMx-hKiUl" target="_blank">painting the cabinets,</a> <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/11/bar-stool-makeover-new-kitchen-color.html#.W4BMw-hKiUl" target="_blank">painting the walls</a>, <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-curtains-done.html#.W4BM-OhKiUl" target="_blank">hanging some DIY curtains</a>, and <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/04/super-quick-boob-light-cover-up.html#.W4BNouhKiUl" target="_blank">giving the fan a mini upgrade</a>. We also <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/01/updated-kitchen-shelfie-and-new-toy.html#.W4B0HuhKiUl" target="_blank">swapped the microwave stand for some metal Ikea shelves</a>, and <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/09/mini-awkward-bathroom-reveal.html#.W4BhZehKiUl" target="_blank">glammed up the mini awkward bathroom</a>. Future plans still include new appliances, cabinet hardware, and replacing the floors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Off of the kitchen is our dining room. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlURKAizTt4/W4A9XHZ6lYI/AAAAAAAAa3E/ncqhu-cLBMAVRxPD-TZPj0r6MonxfALCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlURKAizTt4/W4A9XHZ6lYI/AAAAAAAAa3E/ncqhu-cLBMAVRxPD-TZPj0r6MonxfALCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was one of the first rooms that really felt "complete". Of course, nothing is truly finished, and although we hardly ever actually dine in here it's still one of my favorite spaces. Because it gets the most sunlight, a majority of the plant babies live in here. </span><a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/07/whazzupthe-ceiling.html#.W4BitOhKiUl" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Painting the ceiling</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> had a major impact on how this room felt, and I love the addition of Eric's guitar and ukulele on the wall. We still want to paint the chairs white (you can see one in the background of the first pic) and reupholster the cushions. I've also been keeping my eye out for a sweet lighting option...but we'll see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only room left on the first floor is the living room! </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyVdfxmVdYM/W4A9TheqnUI/AAAAAAAAa28/gIhToR3S7DQ85Qv7FiscgM-FLrXOzMrDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyVdfxmVdYM/W4A9TheqnUI/AAAAAAAAa28/gIhToR3S7DQ85Qv7FiscgM-FLrXOzMrDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LWFslwY4PM/W4AochVipfI/AAAAAAAAa1U/rkWy9WuTRWURtVZe4Qg90N5Bh_7PiPMPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LWFslwY4PM/W4AochVipfI/AAAAAAAAa1U/rkWy9WuTRWURtVZe4Qg90N5Bh_7PiPMPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0183.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could NOT <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2013/09/labor-day-painting-party.html#.W4BlNOhKiUl" target="_blank">paint over that olive green fast enough</a>. And <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/02/trim-transformation-living-room.html#.W4BlHOhKiUl" target="_blank">painting all the trim white</a> was one of the best decisions we ever made. Notable things I adore include the big-kid furniture we gifted ourselves one Christmas, <a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/search?q=nesting+tables#.W4BoquhKiUk" target="_blank">Eric's old nesting tables I gave a facelift</a>, that <a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-expo-shag-xs02-diamond/White/200OZXS02A-406.html" target="_blank">colorful shag rug</a>, and <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/07/old2new-thrifted-sconce-shelves.html#.W4BpX-hKiUl" target="_blank">thrifted sconces</a> I scored for practically nothing. That <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sauder-Modern-Cocktail-Coffee-Walnut/dp/B00FZU69IW/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=02VJP70JVK0AHARPPZQD&th=1" target="_blank">coffee table</a> also wins best purchase for under $90. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our floor plan is basically a circle, so once you've mozied through the living room you'll find yourself back in the foyer face to face with our gallery wall. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTNrUP0RFXw/W4A9Wm1QuwI/AAAAAAAAa3E/wHgSFgvSvtUNLcs8lSkrXo-0J8HE7ReiACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTNrUP0RFXw/W4A9Wm1QuwI/AAAAAAAAa3E/wHgSFgvSvtUNLcs8lSkrXo-0J8HE7ReiACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0232.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walking into your home should fill you with all of the feels, and that is how I react every time I come home from work and look at all of our pictures, knickknacks, and random elephants. That gallery wall is a reflection of our life, and watching it grow through these years has been way too much fun. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So let's head upstairs! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right from day one, <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/06/suit-up-banister-goes-black-and-white.html#.W4BrIOhKiUl" target="_blank">I knew I wanted a black and white banister.</a> If you looked closely at the spindles, there was so much brown paint on them you could barely make out the curvature details and the handrail was anything but sexy. They needed some serious love, and we were ready for the job. And OMG what a job it was. The whole project took a lot of time, repetition, and yet again Eric showing off how incredible he is. He also tore off the brown carpet (are we sensing a color theme??) and<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/02/staircase-makeover-finalish-reveal.html#.W4BtJ-hKiUl" target="_blank"> replaced it with a beautiful geometric grey runner.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the reasons we bought this house is because it actually had a full second story. We were shown a lot of "cape cod" style homes where the second floor is one big room with slanted ceilings on both sides. Not so great when your husband is 6'8''. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More brown walls, more brown trim, more brown doors. UUUGGG! PAINT PAINT PAINT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, and <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/11/squeezing-in-some-small-stuff.html#.W4BuGOhKiUl" target="_blank">replace the light</a> with a lil something super cute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To the left, you'll find the master bedroom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9aDbRQaG-U/W4A9QDn9KlI/AAAAAAAAa3I/xdmmBKqrVDYTjQzW5Jbm3mAIODt21iX3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9aDbRQaG-U/W4A9QDn9KlI/AAAAAAAAa3I/xdmmBKqrVDYTjQzW5Jbm3mAIODt21iX3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo11.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZnurvIjXVE/W4A9QWRULRI/AAAAAAAAa3E/HU4iSWkUerQTZD0DcDi7QIggUFFD2q1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="255" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZnurvIjXVE/W4A9QWRULRI/AAAAAAAAa3E/HU4iSWkUerQTZD0DcDi7QIggUFFD2q1hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo12.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We chose to <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/03/bedroom-dreaming.html#.W4BvKehKiUl" target="_blank">paint the walls </a>the same grey as the living room, and once the doors and trim were painted white everything really brightened up. The<a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/12/out-with-old-in-with-new-master-bedroom.html#.W4BvWuhKiUl" target="_blank"> ceiling fan and headboard</a> were recent additions, and our bed frame was build custom by Eric's grandpa. I also created a <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/03/finding-homeand-place-for-my-jewelry.html#.W4Bv_ehKiUl" target="_blank">jewelry organizing out of an old mattress spring frame from a baby crib</a>. Someday I'd like to get a rug, or at least two smaller rugs for each side of the bed, and hang a few more things on the walls. For now, I'm very pleased with the cozy state of our bedroom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the end of the hall is our bathroom, or mermaid room as I've dubbed it. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaOfejwStYo/W4BxfKeakiI/AAAAAAAAa9w/sLrzqD-qBLEa-vHZ3ZupwPr8wSW9OEmmQCLcBGAs/s1600/Combo13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaOfejwStYo/W4BxfKeakiI/AAAAAAAAa9w/sLrzqD-qBLEa-vHZ3ZupwPr8wSW9OEmmQCLcBGAs/s1600/Combo13.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntu8-zOi-bw/W4AoVqMw56I/AAAAAAAAa1I/LiAO8onCWpcOP4HSzCtlLydUn2npiWOswCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntu8-zOi-bw/W4AoVqMw56I/AAAAAAAAa1I/LiAO8onCWpcOP4HSzCtlLydUn2npiWOswCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo14.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This room was pretty boring (tan, brown, darker brown) but I think the end result is just lovely. I actually did <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2014/05/bathroom-makeover-part-2-reveal.html#.W4BxoehKiUl" target="_blank">this makeover</a> 98% by myself, so go me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turning back down the hallway you'll find our two spare bedrooms. One of which we knew would need to be made for overnight guests. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl6LsZKuaMI/W4A9SsD5s_I/AAAAAAAAa24/jWPnRbAasMYsf5kZktSGNcpCMXCAy1_XwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kl6LsZKuaMI/W4A9SsD5s_I/AAAAAAAAa24/jWPnRbAasMYsf5kZktSGNcpCMXCAy1_XwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo19.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzif5xxoGcY/W4A9WLYIRZI/AAAAAAAAa3A/NysgWmt9hV0BhiG_HDC43EoicjAI_NDLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xzif5xxoGcY/W4A9WLYIRZI/AAAAAAAAa3A/NysgWmt9hV0BhiG_HDC43EoicjAI_NDLgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0230.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When deciding <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/05/guest-bedroom-upgrade.html#.W4BzL-hKiUl" target="_blank">how to design this room</a>, I knew I wanted to hide the sloping ceiling. That is why the color only goes halfway up the wall, not only is it bold (which I love) but it serves a legit purpose. Next steps for the guest room include an updated ceiling fan, more storage for guests to put their things, and more art on the walls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last but not least we have our office space. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX_XyTv4qOI/W4A9RP6yNnI/AAAAAAAAa3E/cNeajxVZPQokY_8RLywgD0NwXpIiAqdgACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX_XyTv4qOI/W4A9RP6yNnI/AAAAAAAAa3E/cNeajxVZPQokY_8RLywgD0NwXpIiAqdgACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo15.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YAzo8eQHD0/W4AoWrXv2jI/AAAAAAAAa1c/pcwbDY9eoakKZV_6QvLB33b9rOKXMfI1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4YAzo8eQHD0/W4AoWrXv2jI/AAAAAAAAa1c/pcwbDY9eoakKZV_6QvLB33b9rOKXMfI1wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo16.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our office has been the most recent room we've worked on. Again, to hide the sloped ceiling we <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-green-wall-and-gorgeous-rug.html#.W4B0TehKiUl" target="_blank">painted everything white except the one full wall</a>. And I tell you what. That beautiful emerald GIVES ME LIFE! It's almost comparable to the high I get while <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2018/03/a-different-kind-of-march-madness.html#.W4B0QuhKiUl" target="_blank">styling those shelves</a>. Having space to actually work and be productive at home has absolutely been a game changer. Plus sometimes I'm doing freelance, and Eric's working on school stuff, and we're like on a little computer date and IT'S SO CUTE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok, enough pictures from the inside, let's go out back! </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrlwcrVWtYQ/W4A9RgN-yVI/AAAAAAAAa3E/a8cQ7yEFFj4OovC8UIF63pJL4nrGb7AnACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrlwcrVWtYQ/W4A9RgN-yVI/AAAAAAAAa3E/a8cQ7yEFFj4OovC8UIF63pJL4nrGb7AnACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo17.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgTEz90P_FQ/W4Sbl-4qCHI/AAAAAAAAbBU/svwNWf3gtXYbq4eo-ezPs6IUeIaZdKNHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Combo18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="264" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HgTEz90P_FQ/W4Sbl-4qCHI/AAAAAAAAbBU/svwNWf3gtXYbq4eo-ezPs6IUeIaZdKNHQCLcBGAs/s1600/Combo18.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wlAgH1lUS0/W4Sbl94QM1I/AAAAAAAAbBY/tKbxP5q8bvMmwE6YkkiMeGA7J67QRSMvgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3wlAgH1lUS0/W4Sbl94QM1I/AAAAAAAAbBY/tKbxP5q8bvMmwE6YkkiMeGA7J67QRSMvgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">If you've read my blog for a while, you'll remember our </span><a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/08/its-finally-finished-our-backyard-reveal.html#.W4B1hehKiUl" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">GIANT backyard makeover</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> we completed last summer. It literally was a couple years worth of work, but DANG was it worth it. The whole thing started with <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/08/pergola-pergola-pergola.html#.W4Sb2OhKiUl" target="_blank">Eric and his dad building the pergola</a>. Then the project took a little bit of a stand-still for a while, before really taking off when we got <a href="https://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/07/project-pergola-backyard-update.html#.W4ScBOhKiUl" target="_blank">the concrete poured and the flower beds built</a>. My favorite thing out here though is hands down the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-prettiest-table-that-you-ever-did.html#.W4ScL-hKiUl" target="_blank">custom table Eric built and I painted</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Writing this post was an absolute blast. I had forgotten what each space looked like when we first moved in, and the change is incredible! I do find it funny how some areas have been completely revamped, and other little decorations and things haven't moved since I placed them down five years ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel the winds of change a blowing though. Maybe it's about time we consider crafting up another crazy DIY in the near future. <i>Hmmmm...</i></span><br />
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i></div>
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Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-36310656359754913782018-04-22T17:47:00.000-04:002018-04-22T17:47:51.737-04:00Instagram Story Recipes <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love to cook. Always have, always will. Probably because I love to eat, and the two hobbies tend to go hand-in-hand. And while I truly enjoy every minute spent in the kitchen, 90% of the time it's not until 7pm or later before I finally get home to start dinner. So when it comes food, I like my recipes how I like my gossip; <span style="background-color: white;">quick, to the point, and maybe a little spicy. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8OwVl1xPwY/WtuXXr9-OoI/AAAAAAAAX9s/JkdEMgaANKoC4HuDjfGL03u4S496nCr9QCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8OwVl1xPwY/WtuXXr9-OoI/AAAAAAAAX9s/JkdEMgaANKoC4HuDjfGL03u4S496nCr9QCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lately, I've been highlighting some of my favorite dinner ideas on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blynnwellman/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. (If you missed any, give me a follow and check out my story highlights!) I didn't think too much of it until people started continuously asking for the recipes, and commenting how much they enjoyed watching me make food. Then when another friend added, "You know, you should just write a blog post." well, it doesn't get any clearer than that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So let's DIG IN! Below are SIX of the past dinners enjoyed at the Wellman household and links to the original recipes. Give them a try, let me know what you think, and if you have any go-to favorites you want to share I'm all ears! </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZrKD79VTZY/WtuiFRJpk-I/AAAAAAAAX-I/6pvSZdQHsyYOCbtryl9ngD6DooqUbXMZgCLcBGAs/s1600/SpringtimeSoup-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZrKD79VTZY/WtuiFRJpk-I/AAAAAAAAX-I/6pvSZdQHsyYOCbtryl9ngD6DooqUbXMZgCLcBGAs/s1600/SpringtimeSoup-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What you need: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 cups chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2/3 cup uncooked orzo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup shredded carrots </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups uncooked asparagus, snapped to bite size pieces </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cups frozen broccoli </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 medium scallions, cut into small pieces</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tbs lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What to do:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Bring broth to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Add orzo and carrots; boil 7 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Add asparagus and frozen broccoli; boil until orzo and vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Remove from heat, stir in scallions, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/recipe/spring-vegetable-soup-orzo-1/5626a63ca6d5b39610701a6f" target="_blank">Click here for the original recipe!</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8fT8IRteN8/Wtulilvh2mI/AAAAAAAAX-U/V-1BaHcVZfsYySlxUAb89Tuhv1dDl5TTACLcBGAs/s1600/FruitSalsa-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A8fT8IRteN8/Wtulilvh2mI/AAAAAAAAX-U/V-1BaHcVZfsYySlxUAb89Tuhv1dDl5TTACLcBGAs/s1600/FruitSalsa-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What you need: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 golden delicious apples, cored and diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 kiwi, peeled and diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 8 oz raspberries, roughly chopped or smashed </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 16 oz strawberries, diced </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2-3 tbs fruit preserves, any flavor </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dash of brown sugar </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What to do: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chop, dice, and slice your fruits. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, and fruit preserves. If you think it needs a little more sweetness, sprinkle brown sugar in and mix well. I think it's served best with cinnamon and sugar pita chips! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.the-girl-who-ate-everything.com/fruit-salsa-with-baked-cinnamon-chips/" target="_blank">Click here for the original recipe!</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkZ-QRb2bMY/WtuoF66WI1I/AAAAAAAAX-g/CmvmcnT9gGQMmm0cQtNQGdpIAUvZgmsEACLcBGAs/s1600/SweetPotatoBurritoBowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkZ-QRb2bMY/WtuoF66WI1I/AAAAAAAAX-g/CmvmcnT9gGQMmm0cQtNQGdpIAUvZgmsEACLcBGAs/s1600/SweetPotatoBurritoBowl.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What you need: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 sweet potatoes, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 tbs olive oil, divided</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup bell peppers, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup uncooked rice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup frozen corn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 tsp minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 tsp chili powder </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tsp cumin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cups vegetable or chicken broth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 tbs lime juice (optional)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, sour cream, scallions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What to do: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. In a large skillet over med-high heat, combine 2 tbs olive oil with all the sweet potatoes, and saute for about 6-8 minutes until tender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Add remaining oil, peppers, and rice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Cook, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes. Then add tomatoes, black beans, corn, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and broth. Give everything a good stir, bring to a boil. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for 10-15 min, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is cooked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Remove from heat, stir in lime juice, top with cheese so it gets nice and melty. Top with whatever you want and enjoy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.chelseasmessyapron.com/one-skillet-sweet-potato-burrito-bowls/" target="_blank">Click here for the original recipe!</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHQVwi1Ucqc/WtuyzWBMZ8I/AAAAAAAAX-w/PKlhw__Fp-wGJD1DbUQybG-IuYZwCdlAACLcBGAs/s1600/CheesyChickenBroccoliQuinoa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tHQVwi1Ucqc/WtuyzWBMZ8I/AAAAAAAAX-w/PKlhw__Fp-wGJD1DbUQybG-IuYZwCdlAACLcBGAs/s1600/CheesyChickenBroccoliQuinoa.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What you need: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3/4 cup chopped yellow onion </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tbs olive oil </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cloves garlic, minced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">salt and pepper </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 3/4 cup chicken broth </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup dry quinoa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/4 tsp dry thyme</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 1/2 cups chopped broccoli florets </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup shredded sharp cheddar </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What to do: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over med-high heat. Once hot, add onion and saute 2 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Add chicken and cook 2 1/2 min stirring occasionally.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Add garlic and saute 1 min longer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Add broth, quinoa, and thyme and season with salt and pepper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Bring to a full boil then cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook 12 min. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Lift the lid, sprinkle broccoli over top, recover and simmer about 8 min longer until quinoa and broccoli have cooked through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. Sprinkle cheese over top, cover and let melt 1-2 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.cookingclassy.com/one-pan-cheesy-chicken-broccoli-and-quinoa/" target="_blank">Click here for the original recipe!</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnCw1wvCiLk/Wtu0xUryOJI/AAAAAAAAX-8/_tU6wB2zmKgys-eHzUXDXiNg1WUa75_5gCLcBGAs/s1600/TomatoSoup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DnCw1wvCiLk/Wtu0xUryOJI/AAAAAAAAX-8/_tU6wB2zmKgys-eHzUXDXiNg1WUa75_5gCLcBGAs/s1600/TomatoSoup1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What you need: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 tbs olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3 cups yellow onions, chopped</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 tbs minced garlic</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4 cups chicken stock</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Large pinch of saffron</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Salt and pepper </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup uncooked orzo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1/2 cup heavy cream </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What to do:</b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. In a large pot or dutch oven heat the olive oil over medium heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Add onions and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Stir in chicken stock, orzo, tomatoes, saffron, 1 tbs salt and 1 tsp pepper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Bring to boil then lower heat and simmer for 15 minutes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Stir in the cream, and let soup continue to simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/easy-tomato-soup-grilled-cheese-croutons-recipe-2109038#lightbox-recipe-image" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click here for the original recipe!</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pyws6Oo984/Wtu2qHsLR4I/AAAAAAAAX_I/7DEXTrLdRw8TtN8SBYE-ldue2DbaWaqHgCLcBGAs/s1600/StuffedPeppers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pyws6Oo984/Wtu2qHsLR4I/AAAAAAAAX_I/7DEXTrLdRw8TtN8SBYE-ldue2DbaWaqHgCLcBGAs/s1600/StuffedPeppers1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What you need: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6 red, orange, or yellow bell peppers </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2 cans of chicken chunks in water (or 2 cooked chicken breasts) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 cup cooked quinoa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1 6.25 oz jar of pesto </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What to do: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Turn on broiler to high. Place bell peppers under broiler and broil for 5 minutes on each side until skin blisters and begins to turn black. (This step is completely optional. Just a lil something extra!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Remove peppers from oven, set aside. Preheat oven to 350. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. In a medium-size mixing bowl combine chicken, 1 cup of cheese, pesto and quinoa. Toss to coat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Once peppers are cool enough to handle, cut in half and remove insides and seeds. Add 1/4 cup of chicken mixture to each pepper and top with cheese. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Bake 10 minutes, then serve. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.layersofhappiness.com/5-ingredient-pesto-chicken-stuffed-peppers/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Click here for the original recipe!</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's something about taking simple ingredients and creating a delicious and comforting meal that I adore.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not a brilliant chef, nor do I make anything mind-blowing, but I can follow a recipe and have been known to whip up some pretty great dinners with whatever happens to be on hand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So stay tuned! I'm sure they'll be even more mouth-watering recipes to share in the near future. </span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Still hungry? There's more to dig into on the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/food.html#.Wtv-IIjwaUk" target="_blank">FOOD - RECIPES</a> page.</i></div>
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Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-78302320752045905612018-03-23T20:52:00.002-04:002018-03-23T20:52:06.774-04:00A Different Kind of March Madness Bracket <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband is amazing. At this very moment he's downstairs praying to the March Madness Gods that Purdue will pull off another victory, and his bracket won't be completely destroyed. I on the other hand am here, typing away, and praying to Mama Nature that the storm predicted to hit tonight won't actually be the </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Springtime </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Snowpocalypse</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">" it's hyped up to be. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And although he TOLD me to write how amazing he is, it's not a lie. He is pretty fantastic. Keeping with the current basketball theme, his most recent endeavour for brownie points also occurred in the form of a bracket...or six. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In the </span><a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2018/02/a-green-wall-and-gorgeous-rug.html#.WrK0cojwZaQ" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">previous post</a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> about our new (to me) home office, we finally set up our workspace and threw a brand spanking new rug on the floor. Bit by bit this room is coming together, and over the weekend we were able to cross yet another EXCITING organizational detail off the list.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hk5s0sM1aUc/WrPzMRIbuZI/AAAAAAAAXNo/LpvfK9FrIHMB2iUAPBlBe9Jh92z_BnBlgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2470B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hk5s0sM1aUc/WrPzMRIbuZI/AAAAAAAAXNo/LpvfK9FrIHMB2iUAPBlBe9Jh92z_BnBlgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2470B.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">MORE PLACES TO PUT ALL THE THINGS! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The gloriously emerald wall above our computers, although a stunner, was still very blank. And since I couldn't commit to hanging giant art, I figured the next best thing would be a setup where I could swap out the knick-knacks for whatever I want, whenever I want.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThEZ-uixijM/WrP0biIty6I/AAAAAAAAXN0/QFTFwVXTwVo7OjEFDvVAuceRaoKcWl2DwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThEZ-uixijM/WrP0biIty6I/AAAAAAAAXN0/QFTFwVXTwVo7OjEFDvVAuceRaoKcWl2DwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2470.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">Honestly, it wasn't even "over the weekend". This literally took one day. I think we finished so fast because </span><a href="https://www.menards.com/main/home.html" target="_blank">Menards</a><span style="text-align: left;"> was rocking their 11% rebate sale, and that never fails to lure my husband in like a mythological temptress. Speaking of sirens, we swung by Starbucks after and I tried their new Blond Espresso, pretty tasty! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTNgYv6xV3I/WrFu2vQnUwI/AAAAAAAAXK4/91DnQiEbgWA9yUXB2UK48lCrT2BnJ42nACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cTNgYv6xV3I/WrFu2vQnUwI/AAAAAAAAXK4/91DnQiEbgWA9yUXB2UK48lCrT2BnJ42nACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2471.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To keep things simple we used </span><a href="https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/lumber-boards/boards/1-2-x-7-1-4-x-8-prefinished-board/714pfboard1049927/p-1444428238999.htm" target="_blank">these prefinished boards</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, that way no painting was required....or so I thought. When I started to look at everything together, I didn't want the green wall to be broken up by the white. Solution? Paint the edges of the shelves the same color! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTnJEdlxZ3k/WrFu3SUG5AI/AAAAAAAAXK8/7kE94blL8mwCofjZGh7xKDSCPVVlTbckACEwYBhgL/s1600/combo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTnJEdlxZ3k/WrFu3SUG5AI/AAAAAAAAXK8/7kE94blL8mwCofjZGh7xKDSCPVVlTbckACEwYBhgL/s1600/combo-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We staggered the height for variation and marked all the studs to be sure the brackets <a href="https://www.menards.com/main/storage-organization/closet-organizers/shelving-hardware-accessories/manchester-designer-series-white-shelf-bracket/200m-wh-8/p-1444436950201-c-12645.htm?tid=6861247751699123407&ipos=32" target="_blank">(we opted for these)</a> were as secure as possible. Our walls did provide a few surprises during this process, apparently the studs aren't all equally spaced, and forget about them being completely even. #oldhomelove</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZHsI9fpWTQ/WrFu2pqRPTI/AAAAAAAAXK0/wdn6_vnuGaw-3cfNjcBDb3cy-ev4sdu_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mZHsI9fpWTQ/WrFu2pqRPTI/AAAAAAAAXK0/wdn6_vnuGaw-3cfNjcBDb3cy-ev4sdu_QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2488.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkVY04y-z9c/WrFu3Jxat2I/AAAAAAAAXLA/jAIBdmUm3JgE6O1Ie6YZUKxWAkHEeqJJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BkVY04y-z9c/WrFu3Jxat2I/AAAAAAAAXLA/jAIBdmUm3JgE6O1Ie6YZUKxWAkHEeqJJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_2489.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is where Eric dubbed them "his and her" shelves. Since the bottom one ended up exactly at my eye-level, we of course hung the top one at his. Which would be super adorable...except every time I set something up there, Eric's response is "Why is your stuff on MY SHELF!". Honey. Stawp. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next was the fun part, STYLING!!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OayOhevOb8c/WrVUQoJEnyI/AAAAAAAAXSI/-OtNn78eqEAKB0Hbcqi-PPCAJIP2zqLOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OayOhevOb8c/WrVUQoJEnyI/AAAAAAAAXSI/-OtNn78eqEAKB0Hbcqi-PPCAJIP2zqLOwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2527.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6dLXa841Us/WrVUQNx2TlI/AAAAAAAAXR8/ITwmoe348W4Xkv_PYr2KXNsPnOkadd4rwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h6dLXa841Us/WrVUQNx2TlI/AAAAAAAAXR8/ITwmoe348W4Xkv_PYr2KXNsPnOkadd4rwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2522.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dp6tpug_so/WrVUQQlMtBI/AAAAAAAAXSE/KB1K3avlrt4nFxhDMzSsZluJpGeolnEvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Dp6tpug_so/WrVUQQlMtBI/AAAAAAAAXSE/KB1K3avlrt4nFxhDMzSsZluJpGeolnEvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2523.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoL14y9GAy8/WrVURL_B7iI/AAAAAAAAXSM/a7sywvXLs1Y-aSobpcSVnDnhNLWPRKbYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SoL14y9GAy8/WrVURL_B7iI/AAAAAAAAXSM/a7sywvXLs1Y-aSobpcSVnDnhNLWPRKbYwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2528.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDzIdqM4mUI/WrVURSg00UI/AAAAAAAAXSQ/Wv4Vv23sLp8JXMvyiA6KOmcF6dXmpAAoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDzIdqM4mUI/WrVURSg00UI/AAAAAAAAXSQ/Wv4Vv23sLp8JXMvyiA6KOmcF6dXmpAAoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2529.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been meaning to get that "Periodic Table of Typefaces" poster framed for almost five years. Not super proud of that, but hey, better late than never. This would be the perfect time for an element joke, but all of the good ones <i>argon</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hehe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It'll take a little time and curating (helloooo giant gap stage right) to get everything looking just perfect, but I consider that half the fun. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6P_03B82sE/WrVUSV4qKzI/AAAAAAAAXSU/DkxO1-pIV5oE3k7d65fOBQWQcOLynyraQCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_6P_03B82sE/WrVUSV4qKzI/AAAAAAAAXSU/DkxO1-pIV5oE3k7d65fOBQWQcOLynyraQCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GjMhbvfB2II/WrVUQVLW3rI/AAAAAAAAXSA/15zbKCpGOF8CxNew_Y4NgRKUA9rcIuUaACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GjMhbvfB2II/WrVUQVLW3rI/AAAAAAAAXSA/15zbKCpGOF8CxNew_Y4NgRKUA9rcIuUaACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2520.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Although it may seem like we're constantly working on our home, there are typically huge gaps of time between projects. After so long, I can't take it anymore, and I get this CRAZY urge to do home improvement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This absolutely satisfied my craving.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; text-align: start;"></span><i style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i></span></div>
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Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-38871129889123501062018-02-10T18:02:00.002-05:002018-02-10T18:15:36.614-05:00A Green Wall and a Gorgeous Rug<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Currently it is Saturday. I'm sitting at my desk sipping a mimosa, and while it isn't quite 5:00, it will be when I'm done writing this post so I'm counting it as an acceptable drinking time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Confession, this is my second mimosa, but I'm an adult and really just wanted an excuse to use my fancy YETI wine-glass thing. Plus the champagne was already open so why go through the whole "get the cork-screw out" ordeal when pouring a glass of prosecco was WAY easier! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I digress. The detail I actually want you to focus on in the above rant is this; I'M SITTING AT MY DESK. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That's right. Who has two thumbs and finally her own space to work at home from? THIS GIRL! WOOP! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Listen, it has been a JOURNEY. Since move-in day, we always considered the 3rd room upstairs as "the office". Although for the longest time 90% of it's use was for storage. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjuWo4o7iHI/Wn9mhBtUMhI/AAAAAAAAWKQ/RtKTW189UZI1k_iQQ6xz5mRemikNk-RoQCLcBGAs/s1600/both.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WjuWo4o7iHI/Wn9mhBtUMhI/AAAAAAAAWKQ/RtKTW189UZI1k_iQQ6xz5mRemikNk-RoQCLcBGAs/s1600/both.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not so pretty. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But with time, and some general organization, it served its purpose and overall wasn't "that bad" of a space. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tnTHsmnmLk/Wn9nfDPIm3I/AAAAAAAAWK4/P7SIsPaoDI4dv6tsHTA6RBC207fFc8OAwCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1tnTHsmnmLk/Wn9nfDPIm3I/AAAAAAAAWK4/P7SIsPaoDI4dv6tsHTA6RBC207fFc8OAwCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Until I just couldn't take it anymore. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every once in a while, in those rare moments of us having no set plans or commitments, Eric will turn to me and ask "So what would you like to get done this weekend?" and that's when I pounce. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Clear it out, clean it up, and for the love of God get rid of that horrible brown/tan/EW paint color. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we did! </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6_Rm2otqc8/Wn9pfAinK0I/AAAAAAAAWL0/EGl89_hns50Es4efQXZAGWhOIoKhobgugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="725" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y6_Rm2otqc8/Wn9pfAinK0I/AAAAAAAAWL0/EGl89_hns50Es4efQXZAGWhOIoKhobgugCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7290.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This room has the same sloped ceiling as our <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2016/05/guest-bedroom-upgrade.html#.Wn9ql6inGUl" target="_blank">guest bedroom</a>, so I wanted to keep your eye away from the shorter wall, and create the sense of unity between the two sides. While painting only halfway up the walls helped in the guest bedroom, I didn't want to use the same method in here. The solution? Keep everything white, except for the one full-sized wall. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrY1AxUTYCQ/Wn9rlVKGoVI/AAAAAAAAWMA/KmOInkyLPKAoD4aYdpzgTIb6sG_pxMUbACLcBGAs/s1600/combo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrY1AxUTYCQ/Wn9rlVKGoVI/AAAAAAAAWMA/KmOInkyLPKAoD4aYdpzgTIb6sG_pxMUbACLcBGAs/s1600/combo-2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VVCuVPBmJc/Wn9rlajdH6I/AAAAAAAAWME/guNVlmxTX101WWIauIl9uHvWCYVfV9n8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_VVCuVPBmJc/Wn9rlajdH6I/AAAAAAAAWME/guNVlmxTX101WWIauIl9uHvWCYVfV9n8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7295.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5_4h8MDNME/Wn9r1za6C9I/AAAAAAAAWMI/1ERWiK23w0cLMQ588zK0eL53noWpr569wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E5_4h8MDNME/Wn9r1za6C9I/AAAAAAAAWMI/1ERWiK23w0cLMQ588zK0eL53noWpr569wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7296.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Emerald like my favorite city, Judy Garland would be proud. <i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Did you know she died of a drug overdoes? (_)<<</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></i> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Paint? Check. Up next? A place to work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now call me a hopeless romantic, but I always envisioned Eric and I being able to type side by side at our own matching desks. Like brushing your teeth at his-and-her bathroom sinks, only nerdier. So one night we went out to a romantic dinner at our favorite little spot, ate Swedish meatballs, and picked out office furniture. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IKEA. We ate dinner at IKEA. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2<a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20251139/" target="_blank"> Linnmon Table Tops</a> + 2 <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80130776/" target="_blank">Lerberg Trestles</a> + 2 <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60353763/" target="_blank">Klimpen Drawer Units</a> (similar, ours our white) = custom desks that fit PERFECTLY against our new green wall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Of course we couldn't settle for the boring drawer pulls, and promptly swapped them out for something with a bit more style.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUpDXK1SsJg/Wn9yZyEFYOI/AAAAAAAAWMo/gO0CyOn-lVIKZ-wRZ9JfOT47ctIaaPb3QCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUpDXK1SsJg/Wn9yZyEFYOI/AAAAAAAAWMo/gO0CyOn-lVIKZ-wRZ9JfOT47ctIaaPb3QCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This makes me want to DO ALL THE THINGS! Be productive, file papers, organize our books, make labels, EVERYTHING! But like any project under the Wellman roof, nothing is 100% complete. I have big dreams of beautiful shelves above and stylish reading lights on either side of the computers. Maybe a floor lamp too! </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVi5yVyAe9A/Wn90bOxyLcI/AAAAAAAAWM0/osZdcPv73E01dYkiMaITsJSFBmDXngitgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DVi5yVyAe9A/Wn90bOxyLcI/AAAAAAAAWM0/osZdcPv73E01dYkiMaITsJSFBmDXngitgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1897.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVj8xQnBqoA/Wn90cb0MpeI/AAAAAAAAWM4/EaKLu0pdeDEJIV53pM8O9s9KOdO8wT64gCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVj8xQnBqoA/Wn90cb0MpeI/AAAAAAAAWM4/EaKLu0pdeDEJIV53pM8O9s9KOdO8wT64gCLcBGAs/s1600/combo-4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWseZaGNcIo/Wn91fXtJz3I/AAAAAAAAWNI/Jn-594MV3GUG1HiCUvqqIsUXhfYHgtC5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JWseZaGNcIo/Wn91fXtJz3I/AAAAAAAAWNI/Jn-594MV3GUG1HiCUvqqIsUXhfYHgtC5gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1904.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I DO need a place to sit though. Even our adorableness reaches its limit at "sharing the same desk chair". Well if I don't get a chair, I can at least sprawl out on the floor with our new rug! </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k27beY8Gk5w/Wn92c_dgsYI/AAAAAAAAWNY/MsAqJSiaV8kH5bPd_FgK5mB6FDXpTux1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k27beY8Gk5w/Wn92c_dgsYI/AAAAAAAAWNY/MsAqJSiaV8kH5bPd_FgK5mB6FDXpTux1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2017.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Isn't she gorgeous!? <a href="https://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/rugs#" target="_blank">Rugs USA</a> wins again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This room is embracing 2018 head-on. It took a while, but things are finally starting to make sense. Gone are the days of closing the door and ignoring the complete chaos behind it, instead it feels like I've gained an entirely new area of the house! With my big-girl computer, I actually USE the office. I look forward to taking on extra freelance projects because I have SOMEWHERE TO WORK ON THEM!!! </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3CtaAIIdmI/Wn99CgeHzTI/AAAAAAAAWNo/Fdrt2R3dZN8juCNyccFIzLSXk-TzvxcFACLcBGAs/s1600/before-after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3CtaAIIdmI/Wn99CgeHzTI/AAAAAAAAWNo/Fdrt2R3dZN8juCNyccFIzLSXk-TzvxcFACLcBGAs/s1600/before-after.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Life changing. Truly the perfect way to kick off a new year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <i style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Check out all of our home improvements, by visiting the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/p/our-nest.html#.WEg_7LIrLmE" style="color: #d83c4d; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">OUR NEST</a> page.</i><br />
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Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794368150890869156.post-10736251576193627322017-12-02T12:04:00.001-05:002017-12-02T12:04:30.480-05:00All That Glitters...Will Go On My Dinning Room Table <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanksgiving is over, and that means it's officially legal to decorate for Christmas! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TIS THE FREAK'N SEASON BABY! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, it's been like THREE MONTHS since I've blogged about anything...and well...it's about time. After the <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2017/08/its-finally-finished-our-backyard-reveal.html" target="_blank">completion of our backyard</a>, we've been taking things pretty easy. A lil something fun though...big shout out to <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/" target="_blank">Apartment Therapy</a> for featuring us as a Before and After!!!! I'm a HUGE fan of that site, so seeing my own home as I scroll up it's pages feels AWESOME! You can read the <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/before-and-after-a-big-blank-backyard-gets-decked-out-with-a-deck-and-much-more-249445?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=tracking&utm_campaign=article-share" target="_blank">whole article here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But back to decking those halls! This year's theme? Mystical Christmas Mermaid.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Glitter? Pink? Sparkles? Mermaid! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've always had a fascination with those oriental looking ginger jars. I love the contrast of blue and white, so every time I spot one at the thrift store or antique mall I scoop it up. While normally my little collection sits on top of the stairs, when that space is needed for the Penguin Tree (we have lots of Christmas themes in this house), they get pushed to the side.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sad day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So imagine my delight when I FINALLY figured out a way to incorporate them into the decorations. It was time to switch things up anyhow. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftw4tsMm9uA/WiIk1-hyrGI/AAAAAAAAUFU/-mqghLZjgQ0weFXhc_DsrfhuHCKLcPXQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ftw4tsMm9uA/WiIk1-hyrGI/AAAAAAAAUFU/-mqghLZjgQ0weFXhc_DsrfhuHCKLcPXQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1218.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eric's response to my creation? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"So. How exactly does this say <i>mermaid</i>?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pssh. Men. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpAFSPmi0uU/WiImfgeQtmI/AAAAAAAAUF0/xnLSaVGKVeQSh1bqavzzM1upWtDt5eamACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="725" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qpAFSPmi0uU/WiImfgeQtmI/AAAAAAAAUF0/xnLSaVGKVeQSh1bqavzzM1upWtDt5eamACEwYBhgL/s1600/Combo-2.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nontraditional colors of pink, green, and blue are really bringing me some happy vibes. I was given two GIANT tubs of these ornaments <a href="http://soliloquybybethany.blogspot.com/2015/12/our-home-for-holidays.html#.WiIu2SMrK1s" target="_blank">a few years back,</a> and decided to bring them out again for funzies. I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> snagged the gold sequin table cloth from a friend who was selling her wedding decorations. It's huge, sparkly, and 100% worth it. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5Lg5MjxSaY/WiImtmPsuyI/AAAAAAAAUF4/Xu5u2ln6tLg6hdZGKzJ_lenVODjDwgamACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="725" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5Lg5MjxSaY/WiImtmPsuyI/AAAAAAAAUF4/Xu5u2ln6tLg6hdZGKzJ_lenVODjDwgamACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1204.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the best part? There's a certain time of day when the sunlight hits the table juuuust right, and BAM! The whole room is covered in beautiful sunny disco ball polka dots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the next time someone says "Ummm mermaids aren't really Christmas-y", blow some bubbles in their face and swim away, because nobody needs that negativity in their life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! </span></div>
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Bethany Wellmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15998395651834855742noreply@blogger.com0