Happy Holidays at Home

As corny as it sounds, I had wished for a white Christmas with this being the first Christmas in our home and it looks like my wish has come true! It snowed a few days ago, but temperatures have been cold enough to keep it around for a while! Lovely!

Now that the major crunch time is finished for me, I will hopefully be updating more frequently! I am planning on updating in the upcoming days, if not tomorrow! As I looked through the blog, I was disappointed on my part that I hadn't updated it with some of the most exciting updates! From our guest bedroom to our kitchen to dining room to the upstairs bedroom... lots has been done! I can't wait to update you all with these things!

In the meantime, happy holidays to each of you and your loved ones! However you choose to spend the next few days, I hope you do things that fill you with happiness! I'm certainly looking forward to a quiet and peaceful day in our home especially since it's the first one in our home!

-E

P.S. - As I was admiring my friend, Michelle's blog this evening, I noticed that she added this blog to her faves for home interiors. She's too sweet. She's an outstanding blogger, fashionista, illustrator and friend. If you haven't already checked out Creature Type, do so this holiday season!

Life Lately!

Long time no see, blog! So many fun things to share. Unfortunately (and fortunately in ways) the last week and this next  week are MAJOR crunch time for me! I am anxiously trying to finish up lesson plans for the next two weeks prior to Winter Break (done!) and preparing to submit my final homework assignments for graduate school! After that, it should *hopefully* slow down a bit with time off from school, graduation, and trying to plan some time back in the Lou. (Side note for those who are reading this.... Thinking I will come in town in January, too.... Stay tuned.) 

Needless to say, I need to update. But, in the meantime, here's what our house looks like this year with lights. Simply simple! Next year I'm sure we will do more. But, for now, I anxiously anticipate snow to come! 

Fall into Fall

Where has time gone? In the matter of days, Fall has been arriving quickly! The cool winds, smell of fireplaces, and the changing of leaves. It's beautiful! 

We have had SO many acorns falling in our backyard lately! An entire bucket filled! I've been getting ideas on Pinterest of what to do. This weekend may be a craft day with all of these acorns!

I've been busy with school and school. Z has been busy at work, too. However, he found time to build an awesome fence! We plan to do more of our yard - to block a nearby street - and have it match on the other side. We have been enjoying the beginning fall days with outside projects and the pumpkin patch! Our lower living room is so cozy. Perfect place to unwind after a long day.

Between outside projects to kitty friends to pumpkin patches to work, we have been busy! Take a peek at what we've been up to...

Too Anxious!

I was so anxious to share what we did the last few days (and mainly tonight) to not post! I couldn't wait until morning, so I snapped a few photos. 

We have been working on the back yard a bit more. I'll post a more detailed post (with better pictures) soon of the backyard and what we have done in the last few days. 

In the meantime, take a peek at the photos!

This was the FIRST weekend I didn't bring home any school work. Could have, should have, but didn't. Not going to lie -  it's been awesome. Hope you're enjoying your weekend, too!

-E

P.S.- If you're in the market for a nice house with friendly neighbors and an overly friendly dachshund and silly cat, I know of a place.... :)

Really a Recap

In this post before Labor Day, I had briefly listed the projects that we had been working on throughout the house. Unfortunately, with school (being the teacher) and school (being the student), our projects are becoming more limited to the weekends. Did I mention, I do a lot of school?! Selfish self promotion.... check out my portfolio as it develops...  In the first weeks of school, we were able to get a few things marked off our list. While the list continues to grow and the ideas run wild, here's a little update on what we have accomplished.

This is what I wanted to touch base on during that initial post:

1. backyard updates
2. front door / stoop paint
3. guest bedroom update
4. gardening this year

And, this is what this post has evolved to since that ambitious post:

1. backyard updates *include some gardening*
2. front door / stoop paint
3. guest bedroom update
4. gardening this year  happenings aside from the house

Backyard Update
The backyard was supposed to have been a work in progress next year. However, we couldn't resist and started a few projects. Better to start now because in a few months, projects will be limited to indoors.

Prepping the back door (1 of 2)

Door taped & prepped ready to go! 

After two thick coats of Valspar's Outdoor Spray Paint in brown.

Sod placed between the metal edging and mulch around tree. We removed bricks to create a more consistent feel from the tree to the patio.

Z made this table! 

Daylight view of backyard / patio area

Night view of backyard / patio area. (Looks awesome at night!)

Fountain we picked up on clearance at Lowe's!

Front Door / Stoop Paint
It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can and will do to a place. 

Sanded and ready to be painted! (What is at the front of the stoop was how it was before we started.)

Ready to paint!

Left from the previous home owner. Apparently pineapples are good luck. We'll take it!

Two coats of later!

View from our driveway looking up to the freshly painted doorway. 

Guest Bedroom Update

I have a confession. I love estate sales, garage sales, First Friday sales. Love them all. You never know what you'll find and what price you'll find it at. The excitement of possibility lurks around every corner.  One morning in the last few months that Z was driving to work and out of our neighborhood, he noticed there was an estate sale on a neighboring street to us. He called me to tell me about it, so I decided to check it out. I walked out with a nice dresser from this sale. It was painted a whimsical/shabby pea green color. Within seconds of setting eyes on it, I was picturing it in a rich coral color and in our guest bedroom. Fast forward months to where it is now; completed and in our guest bedroom. Here's a quick insight into it. I am saving a fully dedicated guest bedroom post until the room is officially complete, cleaned, and things finished up a bit more.

Z skillfully found a way to hang the drawer pulls that I was spray painting. 

Spray painted in a silver metallic. (MUCH cheaper than purchasing new knobs and pulls for the whole piece!)

Knobs painted and installed on dresser.  

Drawer pulls painted and installed. 

Happenings Outside of Home Projects

Z and I went apple picking! YUM!

Irish Fest

Estate Sale / First Friday exploring & finds! 

Home away from home. My classroom and beloved SMART Board.

And, again, some selfish promotion for my graduate school portfolio.

Well, that is a glimpse into a few of the things that we have been working on! Once the guest bedroom is cleaned and finished, I will be posting photos of it! Very excited to share them! In the upcoming months, I'm really looking forward to Fall (boots, chiminea fires, pumpkins...), trying to plan a trip to STL for a weekend in the upcoming months, and starting new traditions in our home. What are you looking forward to in the upcoming Fall months?