Dream Home DIY

49. Watch a Meteor Shower

2012-12-17T11:15:00.000-05:00

Oh why, HELLO Infinity List. How we've missed you so....

If you have no clue what we're talking about, click here

Last week, around 10:00pm, Justin and I piled into a car full of fuzzy blankets, loaded down with mason jars of hot chocolate, drove up to the Church, and camped out under the stars to partake in the Geminids Meteor shower. It was a magical night out together. The parking lot was virtually empty, as to be expected, with nothing but endless shadowy cornfields and wide open sky to take in.

Having never seen a shooting star before, to say I was a little excited would be an understatement. And lucky for us, this particular meteor shower was absolutely breathtaking; "dropping stars" at the perfect rate.

Of course, like all good things, our night eventually drew to a close and we packed up for home.

The encroaching sound of coyote howls might have had a bit to do with that hasty decision to leave....

Decisions, Decisions

2012-12-10T12:12:00.000-05:00

Some people find this a wee bit odd, but a stroll through our home will result in an approximate count of zero personal photos on display. Truth be told, I dont like them.

It's something Im working on.

So after the wedding, once we received our photographs, Justin and I decided to frame a set and place above the television in our living room. Nothing like diving in head first, right?

But here's the problem.... I cant decide which to choose. I'd like to keep the two "end cap" photographs the same as they are two of my very favorite from the day. But the darned middle photo is giving me all kinds of grief. Being the indecisive one in this marriage isn't helping my case any.

And that's where you come in my friends. Id really appreciate your help, feedback, thoughts....Which do you prefer?

OPTION 1 "The Classic":

Honestly, this is the trio most people have been drawn to. There's something special in Justin's gaze that just jumps out and grabs people.

OPTION 2 "My Favorite":

Funny enough, my personal favorite it the least liked by most others (although in all fairness, Justin doesn't really like ANY of them....making this post potentially moot). It's semi-candid. It's honest. It's just US.

OPTION 3 "The Great Divide":

The reasons I like this particular trio are the exact reasons that I dislike it as well. I kinda dig the fact that the center picture is visually smaller than the other two. Then again, I sorta hate that idea too.

Eeeekk! What would Blogland do?

Our Life According to Instagram

2012-12-05T09:23:00.002-05:00

Paint swatches, hot tea dates with girlfriends, chilly morning kitty snuggles, and finding the perfect Christmas tree.

Tis the season for fun and frivolity, which is a mantra we are embracing to the fullest. But it wouldn't really feel quite right if a few homey project weren't sprinkled in there as well. We DID make a promise to our house, after all.

You can follow out adventures on Instgram here if you don't have the phone app

Or @Dream_Home_DIY if you do.

The 12 Dates Of Christmas {Year 2}

2012-11-30T08:25:00.000-05:00

Wanna hear something kinda-crazy-kinda-cool? Last year's 12 Dates of Christmas post is our blogs most viewed entry EVER, garnering about 150,000 page views to date. Awesome, yes? We hope that means 150k people have a very romantic holiday season planned this year.

Which, of course, brings me to this year's 12 Dates of Christmas list {because we had a blast this year and decided to carry on the tradition}....

Last year's date ideas can be found here

Now go our and do something special with your sweetie!

That's a Christmas order.

Um....What Happened Here?

2012-11-28T10:44:00.002-05:00

You know that moment right before you start a new house project? Where your insides are filled with glee and sparkly butterflies of anticipation? You've thought through every possible and potential issue or concern. You've bought the right tools for the job. You've got your shiznit together, all decked out in the finest scrungies your closet can afford, and you're officially ready to ROLL.

Samples are tested. You fall in love.

Paint is purchased. You dance a smug little jig.

Priming begins. Your glee can hardly be contained.

Um.....what happened here? Im sorry, does this look like a pretty plumy pink to you? Me either. Cranberry sauce, yes. Salmon, maybe. Fuchsia, not on your life.

Most certainly not amused.

More Goodwill Scores

2012-11-27T08:35:00.000-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated with the high seas. And thus, with all things ocean related. Not the typical cottage, beach themed items one might initially think of {blech} but anything classically nautical steals my heart. Ironically, Im deathly afraid of fish and cannot stand the taste or smell of seafood.

So when I unearthed this oil painting from the depths of a Goodwill bin, I was beyond excited. It's painted directly onto black velvet and sported a $9.99 price tag. Of course I brought it home.

My initial reaction was, "Paint the frame. It NEEDS to be cream." But a part of me sorta loves the natural wood tones too. Maybe I'll hit it with some mineral oil and really make 'er shine.

Admittedly, this next item is a bit strange. But we like strange, so at least it'll fit into our home quite nicely. Plus, my mother hates it, so there's that. Kidding, mom. Not about her hating it; she really does.

Yes, that's a $5.99 wooden statue of a bull. And I desperately wish I could tell you the real reason I bought him. Alas, this is a PG-13 blog so stories of my father-in-law's nicknames would not be entirely appropriate. I'll leave you with this though....I turned the bull over (because one simply MUST when faced with burning questions) and he is most certainly anatomically correct.

And on a signifgantly less fun, but far more pratical note, I finally found a dog treat canister that didn't cost us $25. ($4.99 for inquiring minds)

Movin' On Out

2012-11-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

This single, grainy, cell phone picture is cause for much excitement around the Dream Home as of late. You see, it is a symbol of all that it good and holy....and actual photographic proof that we're slowy but surely making progress on emptying out the disaster zone of a second guest room/office/future kiddo room (dont get any crazy ideas though. Thinkin' loooooong term over here.)

As Justin and I have struggled to "find ourselves" while settling on a decor direction for our little home, this unused space became the junk catchall. Junk moved with us from the rental. Junk collected for rooms that never came to fruition. Just junk. And I've made it my personal mission to get the crap cleaned out for good. That invloves about a million trips to Goodwill, whole house purging in an effort to find homes for stashing the junk we're actually attempting to keep, and the removal of two huge pieces of furniture.....a computer desk and curio cabinet. God, it's no wonder we couldnt walk in there.

First out of the room, thanks to my hunky hubby and an ambushed friend, would be the curio cabinet full of Disney snowglobes and Michelle & Justin memorabilia. Final resting place? The living room. Sure it doesnt really "go" with anything. But we big puffy heart it, so there ya go.

Dressing the Living Room

2012-11-21T08:08:00.002-05:00

Say hello to my little friend,

Last Friday my brother, sister-in-law, and darling nephew were in from Minnesota visiting for a long weekend. Being that we rarely see each other, what with the multi-state expanse between us and all, I opted to take the entire day off from work, run some normal weekend errands on Friday and devote the rest of the weekend to gobbling up my nephew. Besides, any excuse for a three day weekend is fine by me. First stop, Goodwill. And as luck would have it, I'd be there when they opened their doors.

Have you ever been to Goodwill, on a Friday morning, during the holidays? It's like Black Friday. Mini-vans begin pouring into the parking lot about 20 minutes prior to doors open...circling the front of the building like piranhas on the hunt. It was during one of my own passes that I spotted the end table above. Those handles! Those scrolls!!

"It must be mine", I mentally chanted. "It WILL be mine"

About 10 minutes out, I began to notice women covertly sliding out from their cars, loitering around pieces of furniture I can only imagine they were physically laying claim to. Not one to be intimidated easily, I flew up like someone possessed and plopped my bootie atop that little dresser, much to the chagrin of a rather grumpy soccer mom.

VICOTORY! There's not much I wouldn't do for a $6.99 wood end table. Just sayin'.

Now for a bit of warm weather so I can paint it....

Pier 1, Meet Goodwill

2012-11-20T08:45:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you cross the ever fabulous Pier 1 Imports, a housewife on an apparent cleaning spree, and your local, fabulously remodeled Goodwill?

5 Navy blue and white beauties..... There's 5, I swear.

I have been lusting after these babies for years and years. But on a good day, if you happen to catch a sale, you may score one of their decorative spheres for around $5-$7. Needless to say, we parted ways more than once without them hitching a ride home in my basket.

So there I was, minding my own business, happily strolling through the aisles at Goodwill (a favorite pass time of mine) when a beacon of light shone down from above onto a cruddy old bowl full of the very spheres Id been pining for. I swear, it's true. Now, are you ready for the best part of all? They were 99 cents apiece.

Yep. 99 cents.

Into my cart they flew, right next to a $1.99 wooden tray I happened upon that very same day and home I went. After a quick coat or two of Krylon Navy for the tray (because spray paint makes everything better), and a wee bit of super glue to lock the spheres in place...

...They were ready to rumble atop our media console. Not too shabby for a $7 project 'eh?

Guess What We're Doing...Again?

2012-11-19T10:07:00.001-05:00

Because guessing games are oh-so-much fun (despite my utter lack of gaming abilities), I'll give you guys a clue or two. You know, instead of just blurting out the crazy news.

Out of the gate, clue number one:

{Source}

And some multiple choice answers for good measure:

a.) They loved it so much the first time around, they're getting married again

b) They're decided to give up their current occupations and take up dress and shoe design

c) Seriously, I need another clue folks

Clue numero two:

{Source}

Multiple choice answers

a.) They've taken up a new, zen lifestyle

b) Really guys, these clues couldn't get any worse.

SIDE NOTE - I have an overwhelming desire to work the phrase "Colonial Mustard in the Library with a Candle stick" into this Clue post somewhere. Apparently, that place is here.

Now for a little back story/stalling. For those old timers that have been around for the long haul, you'll remember the 12 different paint colors our poor living room cycled thrrough before we eventually fell in love with the Navy blue dream it's currently rockin. Here's the catch though. We (which most certainly always means "I" in this household) kinda sorta hate it with the current dining room color/stencil.

Oh you see it now, dont you? The answer is right there in front of you, huh?

That's where clue number one comes into the picture. Miraculously, I managed to convince Justin that painting our dining room/kitchen a pretty fuchsia would totally rock the socks off our Navy blue walls.

Enter clue number 2. We'll be redoing the entire thing in a rad new stencil pattern.

Probably sometime after the buzz of the holidays is behind us. And maybe, just maybe, we'll have finally settled on the PERFECT house colors.

Hootie's Got Some Hair

2012-11-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

You'll need feathers for this quick little "craft", and lots of them. Big, puffy, white feather balls from Michaels in our particular case. Because feathers are fun, after all...and we had loads of them leftover from my wedding bouquet. Besides, anytime we have a chance to recycle/re purpose something my heart dances a merry, frugal jig. Not to mention, incorporating wedding day items throughout the house is a constant reminder that I'm now officially a Mrs. Which pretty much rocks my socks on a daily basis....

While strolling through the clearance end caps at Target a few weeks back, Justin and I stumbled across a grumpy ol' ceramic owl planter. "Why so sad Mr. Owl? Oh, I know just what you need....A home, of course. With a new perch in our living room! And some hair, for sure!!"

Badda Bing, Badda Boom....Hootie's got some hair.

A Letter To Our Home

2012-11-07T09:17:00.000-05:00

Dearest Dream Home,

This letter is to inform you of our sincerest apologies for gross neglect over the past 365 days (give or take). Due to extenuating circumstances (ie Our glorious nuptials) you have been left alone, unattended, uncared for, and unfinished; a grievous error we are slowly attempting to rectify.

It is our deepest hope that you will learn, over time, to forgive us. As a peace offering of sorts, we are gifting you with completed projects. For too long you have sat patiently in silence......ashamed, exposed and half complete.

As a show of good faith, the living room's cornice boxes have been hung and primed. We know how you long to see a fresh coat of paint on them now; to call them complete We ask that you understand our delay though. It's a process you see...panel the ceiling first. Install crown moulding. Tape off the intended cornice box paint design. Paint.

We promise to finish painting the Navy blue trunk as well. And recover the pink wing back chairs. And install pretty new blinds.

This renovation has only just begun....

Engagement Pictures: Apple Orchard Love

2012-10-16T09:27:00.001-04:00

On October 13, 2012 I married my soul mate in front of 100 of our dearest friends and relatives. It was, to this point, the happiest day of my entire life... filled with smiles, tears, and so much emotion.

But two short weeks before that, Justin and I drove up through the scenic Virginia mountain scape on a Graves Mountain adventure to have our engagement pictures taken. As most of you probably know by now, Grave's holds a very special place in the hearts of both Justin and I. Each Fall we venture to the apple orchards on the hunt for perfect apple butter ingredients. It was the first place Justin took me camping and would become a long standing tradition for the two of us. So it seemed only fitting that these mountains be the backdrop for our engagements photos....

Photo Credits: Sheaulee Ng Photography

Halloween Project Roundup

2012-10-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

Can I get an "Amen, Hallelujah it's finally socially acceptable to bust out the Halloween decor". Anyone?

Truth be told, Im not sure there will be much in the way of Halloween crafting this year. Our goal is to knock out a least one new decor item (and I've got just the project in mind)....but with two solid weeks of prep time eaten away by all that goes into planning this crazy wedding, Im not so sure that will come to fruition. And against my better judgement (as well as some intense pleading from the mister) you better believe I'll be hoisting myself into that hot, steamy attic just as soon as I officially clock out, on a hunt for the buried boxes of Halloween crap. It IS the most wonderful time of the year after all, and the house should reflect that, right? Right.

So for now, how about a project round up from our last two Halloweens in Casa de Dream Home?

How To Make a Life Sized Mummy

Spooky Mummy Wreath

Skull Candelabra

Spider Sack How-To

Spooky Halloween Ornament Bulbs

Spray Painted Dollar Store Busts

Happy Haunting, Everyone!

Fall in Love Bucket List

2012-09-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

Ahhh....the sweet, sweet smell of Autumn is officially upon us. Maybe it's the crisp air, the yummy treats, the vibrant colors, or the fact that Pumpkin Spice Lattes are finally back at Starbucks, but Fall is my favorite time of year; filled to the brim with our most happiest memories together. Hmmm, I guess that's why we always knew we wanted an Autumn wedding.

Now each year, I try to come up with a little something special to help keep us happy in love...stuff like that's important after all these years, ya know? Last year we christened the 12 Date of Christmas tradition (and you better believe it'll be making an appearance again) and in the spirit of those wonderful memories we created an Autumn date/bucket list.

Looks pretty fun, right? We thought so too.

25 Days From Now

2012-09-18T15:25:00.001-04:00

In 25 days, 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 37 seconds (give or take the amount of time it takes me to actually write this) I'll be zipped up tight as a bug in my ivory dress, headed down the aisle towards my tuxedo clad mister-to-be.

And I couldn't possibly be any happier...

According To Pinterest

2012-09-10T08:40:00.000-04:00

There's going to be a lot of dating goin' on this Christmas! Hmmmm...me thinks that Justin and I created a new dating trend.

50. Visit a Farmers Market

2012-07-23T11:43:00.000-04:00

Number 50 on The Infinity List

Howdy friends! Am I still allowed to call you that after all this time?? I sure do hope so...because we miss ya'll like crazy. Alas, the wedding (and preparations) have officially taken over our lives and sapped up every last ounce of free time we currently have. But we're in the double digit countdown zone and I couldn't be more excited...82 days 5h hours, 54 minutes and 25 seconds to be exact.

Needless to say, our bad habit of starting a home project and revisiting its MONTHS later has gotten much worse. You forgive us though, right? We're wedding crazy.

Anyhoo, this past weekend I was dying to get out of the house. Stir-crazy ain't pretty on this chick-a-dee, I can assure you. In an effort to avoid total, mental breakdown (again...please tell me Im not the only bride that cries over the littlest things at this point) Justin whisked me away to Richmond where we spent the next hour or so exploring this little gem.

Fresh fruits, veggies and cheese sure do a soul some good dontcha think?

86 Degrees...Inside

2012-07-02T10:20:00.002-04:00

Hello friends! It's summer (and a historically hot one at that) which means it's time for our air conditioner to sputter out again. If you're keeping score, that's the third time in the two years we've lived here (not to mention the one time out heat died as well).

I fear it might be a doozy this time, with a possible blown compressor and the potential for a few thousand dollar fix. Not exactly what two kids planning a wedding were anxious to hear.

Our area of Virginia was hit pretty bad with the massive storms that passed through this weekend though, so we count our blessings that an AC unit fritz comprised the bulk of our "storm damage".

Fingers crossed Mr. AC Man can venture out to our neck of the woods today. Three days of 100+ degrees heat has left our upstairs at a balmy 86 degrees.

Anyone else with storm damage this weekend?

Installing Cornice Boxes - Part 1

2012-06-26T07:06:00.000-04:00

Apparently we have some pretty angry spirits floating around our living room, screaming terrible things about our unsuspecting, naked windows. It is true. Our windows have been sadly neglected since the Navy blue makeover and it was high time we addressed this little problem.

But, as I'm sure you're all aware of by this point in our budding relationships, rarely do we take the path most travelled. So the task of "Hanging Curtains" quickly morphed into "Cutting, hanging, spackling, priming and painting MDF cornice boxes". It's why you love us.... I think.

Start out by screwing 2x4s into the studs nearest where you'd like your curtains to hang. You'll notice in a few of the pictures below that the 2x4 configuration is a little different than what is pictured here. We ended up correcting them all to look like this. The more places to screw your MDF into the better. The number of these required will depend on the length of your window.

Hang your curtain rod hardware and your snazzy new curtains before putting up the cornice boxes. Trust us, it's much easier this way.

Take all of your measurements (twice....we screwed our cuts up the first time around) and starting cutting your MDF pieces. You'll need two "sides" and however many pieces for the front it takes to span the length of your window (two in our particular case).

Attach the "side" and "front panels" together with another 2x4 scrap and screw into place above the window and into the existing 2x4 blocks.

Spackle over the center seam, all screw holes, and the raw edges of the MDF. The center seam may require more than one application to ensure smoothness. Sand over everything with a sanding sponge.

And now that all of the prep work is complete, we're ready for primer and paint on this bad dude, and installation of another over the second set of windows in the living room...well, just as soon as we make another Home Depot/Lowes run.

Chalkboard Stairs

2012-06-25T08:44:00.003-04:00

You can see Part 1 of our stair transformation (where we sanded all of the treads) here. Yes, that post was almost a year ago. We often refer to ourselves as DIY Sloths.

One of the single most amazing feelings in the entire world is actually completely a task you've previously undertaken. And at our house, that alone constitutes a miracle. So for the last few weeks we've been attempting to make miracles happen; starting with the staircase.

Once you've sanded your treads down to the desired "worn-ness", you're ready to move onto the always fun painting portion.

Painting the risers turned out to be quite an undertaking. Silly me assumed that primer wouldn't be necessary seeing as how the risers themselves don't actually get that much in the way of foot traffic. BIG MISTAKE. Not only did it take three coats to cover over the existing stain, but it chips pretty easily as well.

Oh and peels. In tiger stripes. Upon removal of your painters tape.

Moral of the story? Prime first.

After a quick discussion on how to apply the numbers, Justin and I decided on the more permanent approach of paint versus chalk. You'll need a pack of stencils and sponge brushes. (Both of ours came from Hobby Lobby. $4.99 for the stencils and $.99 for a 6 pack of sponge brushes)

Tape your stencil in place on the riser.

Using your sponge brush, pick up a small amount of paint (we used Valspar Honemilk in Flat). Lightly dab off the excess on a spare piece of cardboard and *tap tap tap* against the stencil. Don't worry about being too perfect or filling everything in. You'll want it to look worn and a bit aged.

Remove the stencil and continue on to the next riser until you've finished them all.

To say "We're in love" would be a serious understatement. And I can't wait draw happy little holiday sketches up the stairs!

Really Stepped In It This Time

2012-06-22T10:35:00.003-04:00

Last night I stepped in a can of chalkboard paint while working on our staircase makeover.

I rocked that "gang green chic" like a badge of honor.

At the mister's decree, I was not permitted to wash said foot as evidence of the fact that I simply cannot paint without making an utter mess of myself.

I once painted the entire right side of my face (and part of my boob) dark brown after a rather unfortunate paint roller slippage.

Justin's got himself one helluva catch, wouldn't you say? One that shouldn't be allowed near paint cans barefoot.

He Totally Gets Me

2012-06-21T09:08:00.002-04:00

Alternate title - "Reason Number 1,479,628 Why Im Marrying This Guy"

A text conversation/ambush between me and the mister this AM:

Me: I loooooooove you. Do you looooooooooove me?
Justin: Of course!
Me: Like a "I love you so much and totally trust your decor ideas enough to let you run with a crazy one" kinda love? Or just a "I love you but there is NO WAY you are painting green chevrons on the guest bath ceiling" kinda love?
Justin: It's only paint
Me: That's my favorite kinda love <3

And thanks to a few Instagram updates via Emily Henderson, I've fallen head over heels for Valspar Four Leaf Clover

*le sigh*

DIY Dangers

2012-06-20T07:24:00.000-04:00

And a lesson in why you should always wear closed toed shoes while working on house projects. Even painting.

Wet hands + a full gallon of paint = One gnarly toe

It's completely possibly that my big toe grew to the size of a small plum shortly after this photo was snapped.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

2012-06-19T07:18:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I mentioned that, while digging through the disaster of collected junk in our "office", I'd stumbled across the perfect solution for a teeny weeny problem we've been attempting to address the last couple of years....

The gaping hole in our sole potty room downstairs. I apologize to any friends and family that have been unable to fix their hair and/or check out those pearly whites while visiting the powder room.

Now in our defense, do you see how close our dang pedestal sink sits to the adjacent wall? Finding a mirror that actually covers the beautiful hole and centers over the sink has been next to impossible. As witnessed by the "paint around the mirror" job the last folks tried. See all that extra white on the left side compared to the right? No thank you.

But just when we thought all hope was lost, I stubbed my toe on a mirror once used as part of our bedroom vanity. And the rest, as they say, was history.

Guess we really should start painting in here now...

What do you say? Grab a paint brush and meet us this weekend for a little manual labor. We'll order the pizzas.