Deck Demo & Re-construction

It was bad, folks. Really bad. When we purchased our house four years ago, we knew it needed a new deck "fairly soon." Fast forward through a couple major life events and suddenly we were living with a deck that was downright embarrassing and even dangerous. 
I've avoided this post for a few weeks because, the "before" pics are so embarrassing. But, I do think you need to see the "before" to fully appreciate the "after."


There was an outdoor rug duct taped to the deck. I don't really want to explain how we go to that point, but basically, it involved our Jesse's crazy Great Dane and us being away on vacation while a friend house-sat.

For months leading up to the construction, Jesse and I went back and forth on what size the new deck should be. Jesse was finally able to convince me that the fastest and easiest route would be to re-build the deck to it's original (gigantic) size and shape over the old steel columns. The huge size did up the materials cost, but since we did the work ourselves, we were still within budget.


Ta-da! The best spot in town for happy hour!I still can't believe this huge, beautiful space is ours, I am one lucky girl! I love to sit outside with a glass of wine and watch B play in the afternoons, it's heaven! 
Next on the to-do list - staining and preparing the deck for winter

Dining Room Part 1 - Getting Started

I am soooooo excited! This weekend we began updating our dining area. I started by finally, FINALLY ordering some imitation Eames Eiffel chairs. I have been absolutely lusting after these chairs for about a year now. I adore Herman Miller and Eames, but it's just too spendy for this workin' mom. Meh, no one except me (and you!) will know the difference!
Jesse also started constructing a sliding barn style door to separate the dining area and front hallway entry.
Here's the "before" pic...

I'm going for a gray, brown and white color scheme with a modern meets rustic-antique feel. If that makes any sense!
Here's my inspiration...

Sliding Barn Style Door - HouseBeautiful.com

Eiffel Chairs & Rustic Table - doorsixteen.com

My all time favorite home feature from MSL - marthastewart.com



So there's the plan for the dining area. I'm aiming to have "after" pics ready in two weeks. Now I'm off to wait for our FedEx guy to deliver my chairs!

Patio Furniture Revamp

I spotted this worn out meal patio set at an estate sale and fell in love with the mid-century feel of it. I knew it had potential, so I purchased it for about $50. This summer, I finally (yay!!) had a chance to update it with a coat of paint and new seat cushions. I think it turned out great, but I'm kinda disappointed I couldn't keep this project under a hundred bucks. Who knew it would take SO MUCH spray paint?! 

Feelin' Inspired? Here's the budget breakdown and resources:

• Patio Set - 50
• 8 (yep 8) cans of spray paint. I used 4 cans of primer & 4 cans of white satin indoor/outdoor - 40 
• 4 chair outdoor chair cushions and 2 outdoor fabric toss pillows. Mine are from Garden Ridge - 70 
• Project Total = 160 - still a bargain compared to a new patio set!

Wine Basket Wedding Gift

Jesse's cousin is getting married this weekend and the reception is at the aquarium (sweet!). Per usual, I procrastinated purchasing a gift until Monday and when I pulled up their registry, just about everything had been snapped up - lucky ducks! The only option left was a $200 floor cleaning thing-a-ma-jig which was a little outta my price range. There was also a gift card option, but, meh. They're kinda impersonal, aren't they?  

I noticed the couple had lots of wine accoutrements on their registry, so I thought a couple bottles would be a nice way to help them stock their wine cabinet. I wanted to jazz up the bottles and make them feel special so here's what I came up with. It's pretty darn cute if I do say so myself! 

For the labels, I wrapped black paper around the wine bottles and held them in place with clear tape. Then I used vinyl stickers to add "mr. & mrs." I stuffed some fabric into a basket I found at the goodwill and finished it off with ribbon and label. 

Feelin' inspired?! Here's the supply list:

• 3 bottles of wine - I used 2 red and 1 white 
• 2 pieces of black craft paper - cut in half 
• vinyl letter stickers 
• 1/4 yard of gray and white fabric - just guessing on this, mine was leftover from a project 
• 1 yard of black ribbon 
• hang-tag label 
• basket - the one I used is secondhand. I REFUSE to purchase new baskets; they are everywhere at thrift stores, estate sales, etc. I love the vintage look of this one and was "this close" to keeping to for myself!