Just a little house update...For the last month or so we have been waiting for the shutters etc to finally be installed. Well, this week was the week. All the exterior items are now on the house! Happy Day!
This pictures is of the back of the house...before the shutters were installed.
There is the after
Shutters painted; pool-house by Sherwin Williams paints
plant- Lavender Trumpet Vine- blooms spring and late summer- purple
I had to cross over to the hill behind us to get this picture...tried to zoom in with my phone....so, not a great picture...but you get the ideas. (smile)
You can't tell in the picture...but over by the garage door is a shutter on half of the side...planned it that way (smile) to match the half shutter on the window on the left.
We have just one set of shutters on the front of the house. Just a little pop of color!
Sweet happy Day....all the exterior items are installed!
Kitchen/dinning room: still looking for just the right counter stool.
Today I wanted to fill my home with the smell of acorn squash soup, cinnamon apple spice simmering on the stove top...and maybe even have a fire going in the fireplace....
but no, not going to happen when it 100 outside.
Fall is here, at least that is what the calendar says....but Mother Nature has other ideas......I Miss you Fall.
The sad thing is, Fall may skip us all together....I think I need to do as I've done in years pass....go looking for Fall. I need a trip to the cabin. (smile)
In the mean time-
This is my one and only attempt at "Fall decorating" and until it cools down a bit, it will be my last.
(sorry, sounding a little threatening-)
Carlee and Lincoln
Having warm weather is not all bad....at least we can watch the kids soccer games without worry of rain or even wearing a coat...we just need a nice big shade tent to sit under!
Preston
Love watching Preston play...he runs super fast and stays focused & determined!
Go Preston!
(master-bath room)
We have been in this home since August. It has been a journey- to say the least! (hoping by this time next month, our home will have the finishing touches- arbor, shutters, beams)
For now we are just working to make this home reflect who we are and how we live.
The vintage doors (from The Farm House in Turlock) have finally been installed. Love that we could keep the original hinges and door stops on!
Friday- I think Friday is confused....Friday use to mean....Saturday was coming, a few chores in the morning then play. (now Friday hangs around all day on Saturday....maybe the question should be where did Saturday go?)
During this busy time...we are also trying to finish up odds and ends in our home. Much will have to wait until after "nut season" like most of the landscaping.....so I will be living with a dirt front and back yards for a while. (smile)
It has been fun for me....working around our home...things slowing coming together.
I've been rearranging furniture a bit...taking from one room adding to another....looking for the right combination.
I've also been sewing quite a lot...making pillows and cushions for the upstairs bedroom window seat/beds.
Parents room-
This is the before...still sewing. The bed also will be in a different area once the room is finished....we are waiting on the storage access doors to be finished before I move the bed in the right position. (smile)
Just sewing away....pillows, cushions, curtains.
Kids room-
I'm also working on this window seat. I have the cushions sewn ....just need to finish up a few things....and the hardware needs to be installed on the drawers.
This is the other side of that room- Still working on my "Tall ship Art Wall" it will be a work in progress for a time I believe.
In this room will be two twin beds and one full bed....and a little window seat (happy)
Just had to share...this little sweetie asked me to take her picture on the stairs. (cute)
I want to thank you all for encouraging me on this exciting journey of building our home, either through FB, IG or here on my blog. Thank you!
Many of you have been here since day one cheering me on...Thank you!
Many times throughout this build, I found myself feeling frustrated and overwhelmed; we are planning for this to be our "forever" home (I hope) I wanted it to have a timeless feel.
A Lot of my decisions were made with that in mind. Will I still like it when I'm 80?....will it need much updating in the future and will it serve us well.
I listed in a journal all my favorite things I like in a home that make me happy-
Vintage
soft
quirky
art
music
places to entertain
places to hide (down the road I will be sharing with you a very special place we have in our home....that is hidden...just for the grand-kids...that is....if you can keep a secret.=)
organized
bright
I then took that list and combined it with materials in our budget that gave me that feeling....hoping to create a "timeless" home just for us.
That is how you to can create a timeless home for you....because no matter what happens in trends etc....you will still love your home because it is what you love...hence....Timeless.
Now that our home is mostly finished.... I will be sharing different areas of our home. My hope is that you find something of valve that you could use in your decision making for your own home.
Happy Day.
First up- Kitchen Pantry. 5 x 6
Color- Milk and Cream- Walls- Swiss Coffee, Trim- polar bear
I gave it that name because while discussing the color I wanted for our home with the painter...I used the analogy of milk and cream. I'm a dairyman daughter and there were many nights I carried a bucket of milk home.....there is nothing better than scooping cream off the top of fresh milk.
I wanted that look for my walls.....hence Milk and Cream.
I wanted my pantry to be opened to the kitchen for three reasons-
if it had a door, I know I will junk it up....it's good to be honest with yourself when planning a home. (smile)
I wanted to make it feel more approachable for my family....more help yourself, than ask for permission...a door generally makes you think to ask to open.
I didn't want the microwave in the main body of the kitchen.
This part of the pantry I planned all around Danny- he loves to fix snacks throughout the day (hot-dogs)
and in all our other homes he would leave a trail. (sorry Danny)
I would be gone and come home and know exactly what he fixed for himself. Drawers left open, microwave tray hot-dog juicy (I say this with love...I 'm by no means perfect=)
Plus we could live in a house for years and he still has a hard time finding things....here is my solution.
top drawer flatware-
middle drawer- bread drawer
bottom drawer- cooking gift bags, gift bread pans; basically things that I can use to wrap up food and give as a gift.
self closing drawers....all he has to do it get it half way (smile) and the drawer will take over. I have actually wounded myself and past drawers because of their open state.
I think I could do a whole stand up comic set on why men leave doors and drawers open. Happy Day!
small plates and napkins close by....no reason to put that raw hot dog on the tray. (all with love)
peanut butter, butter, tooth picks (soon to be in the little mason jar)
the trash compactor is to the right....12 inches away (smile)
I planned this pantry around the way we live....
oh... as a note....as of yet I have not bought anything new for the pantry storage. All containers- just using what I had...hence the miss-matched jars and baskets....but I'm totally okay with that! Actually I like miss-matched.
On the wall that you see from the kitchen I used all my stash of glass containers, the wall to the right....my stash of rubber maid. (smile)
This little set up is right next to Dan's microwave/snack area....again...just a sweet little thought ....if you have something to chop...here is a really nice bread board for you to use. (Oh man....I really do love my guy, smile)
Because we were living out of a suit case for over 120 days....(thankful for children who let us stay with them and the cabin =)
organizing the pantry was pretty easy....I didn't have any food to add to it. (kind of the best way to do it, smile) Just adding items as the recipe calls for it. I did purchase a few pantry staples, flour, sugar, salt etc....but generally I'm just waiting until I need it.
the large class canister holds copper cookie cutters
large basket- for item that are a little "ugly" but needed. (smile)
Like I said earlier, just using what I already had...perhaps down the road I will change these out to glass to match the other side...but for now...I'm perfectly okay using what I have!
A lot has happen since my last blog post.... We are officially moved in. What a long process to get to this point!! Happy Day!
That doesn't mean though, that the house is completely finished. (sad face) A few things on the inside mostly cosmetic.... outside, Shutters, corbels and beams still need to be installed.
But we are rolling with it and enjoying having our own space again... Danny especially likes that we have a closet! Oh the things you miss when you are between homes. (better known as homeless)
We are also super excited that the copper accessories have been added to the roof- copper chimney pots and finials.
Kind of scary watching these guys climb all over the roof...like little spiders. (It is hard to picture but our roof is very steep.) Our home is a Jack Arnold design...with a few changes by us and the state of California....because Ca. is special that way.
We bought the copper accessories for the roof from Jack Arnold. Like I said we were super excited to see them on the roof, they have been in storage since last Sept.
We are enjoying the beautiful sunrise each morning. Such a blessing, and feeling a little spoiled.
Danny didn't waste any time , jumped right in and started planting. (Our busy season is right around the corner so he is trying to do a few things before our life is "Nuts")
Thankful for my boys....not only did they help move us in...but also helped Dan with some planting. That top tree weighted over 300 lbs. Love you Sam, Denver and Mason.
Planted so far-
Washington hawthorn
Live Oak
Strawberry tree- (pictured at the top) Arbutus Marina
Little Ollie
Icee Blue Yellow wood
Cousin Itt Acacia
Butterfly bush
Red David Austin climbing rose
hydrangea m. Pistachio
hydrangea pan. Pinky Winky
and 3 climbing vines
We planted this butterfly bush for the grand-kids to enjoy....and we are trying out "rain chains" for the first time.
In all the planters next to the house we are using large cobble stone for ground cover...it will keep the dirt off the house and it doesn't move around or have to be replace down the road....simple and clean.
Not much more of the landscaping will be done until after Nut season. Dan has it all raked and ready so it looks clean.
As for me, I've been working on the inside....finding a place for everything. We pretty much have all the furniture in place, now I'm just working on making our house feel like home.
Our dream is to have a place that is relaxed, inviting, homey and where family feel loved.
I once had someone ask me what was the number one design tool I would use to make a house look better....
My answer- Clean it, I've never seen a home I didn't like when it is clean.
As I move forward, I will be sharing the "design" part of creating a home....and do a few room tours. What do you think, would you like that?
Here is a few pictures to show you what I've been up too.
It hasn't all been about the house....I still have my Church calling, grand-kids, Danny, etc.
We have had a few things happen in Relief Society that I will share with you later.
Hello! This week the beams have/are being installed! What a difference that makes.... adds a dramatic difference in the space and finishes up the rooms.
With the beams going in I know we are getting closer to moving in....Nothing makes me happier than seeing progress in the works! Happy Day!
The hardware for the front door is installed! I found the doors at Farm House Turlock we took them to a door place to get them ready to fit our door opening. (vintage old doors from a San Francisco bank)
We also moved our first piece of furniture into our home- Happy Day! (I think we will get to move in sometime next week!)
I found this piece at Vintage Market years ago and finally get to use it. I planned all along to put this piece in the upstairs Jack and Jill guest bathroom. Can't wait to style this little girl! She will be used as the bathroom towel/linen storage.
Most all the knobs have been installed...just need to finish the upstairs.
We still have so much more to do and that stresses me out a bit, but it’s definitely going to be worth it in the end. We work on a few things in the yard each day, do a little clean up and run errands ....Sean the floor guy comes back on Monday to finish the floors....then I hope when he is finished, we will be moving in!
Everyday this month I have spent some time boxing up things to move to our new home... moving is a pain....not as bad as a zombie attack but close (smile).
The last second to the last room to be boxed up was the kitchen. (our bedroom will be the last) The kitchen has been competently boxed up since Tuesday...so yep we have been using paper plates for the last few days and eating out a lot....a bowl of cereal works good for dinner too.
While boxing up the kitchen I had plenty of time to think of the what , where and how to use things in the new kitchen....
Using ideas from Melissa's book I've marked "task Zones" in our new kitchen.
3 Steps to Reorganizing Your Kitchen by Task Zones
Brainstorm what zones you need most in your space 2. Start with a clean sweep of all the surfaces to remove clutter, papers, dishes, unnecessary accessories, toys, or other pileups. Wipe surfaces clean as you go. Look around and see how much more inviting your space is with clear surfaces! 3. Now put things back—but in their new zones. Focus on decluttering each zone as you set items in their new home. Get Organized Tip: If your kitchen doesn’t offer the space you need for every zone, set up creative organization destinations nearby or in an adjoining space, such as a freestanding cabinet or dining room. Start with pairing down what you have so you’ll have a better idea as to what you actually need.
Her book has been so helpful!
We have just a couple more days left before we move out....so looking forward to cooking in this kitchen! (it looks like it will be another month before we are in our home....getting close)
This past week I decided to try my hand at painting... wanting to add a little "metal" to my kitchen. I love a copper hood...but oh my the price tag- anywhere from $4,000 - and up. Decided to go the paint route for $80.00 (I figured whats the worst that could happen, if it looked terrible.... I would just paint it over)
Step One- prime- let set overnight
Step two- first cost copper paint
Steps-
Prime
paint over primer coat- with copper gleam from Lowes- using a nap roller. let dry 4 hours
Ralph Lauren copper Luster- using a sponge dab on then brush through quickly- make sure to work in small area and hand brush through quickly... ...dab, dab, dab...brush brush brush...repeat. (smile) Let dry to touch. (this step is all by eye...just do what looks good to you)
Brush through in random areas copper gleam using a painters hand brush....work it through...(like putting blush on your face)
repeat steps 3-4 if needed....to get the look you want.
Tip- when using the sponge start out with very little paint on it.
Finished project.....I'm surprisingly pleased...so all is well! (first time copper painter, kind of fun how it looks different depending on the time of day and how the light hits it.)
Oh and did I mention...the tile is going in! Happy Day!!!!
downstairs guest bathroom tile.
If you have been following along on my 5 week make room challenge hope it was a little helpful for you.....Oh, and Bree you are the winner of my little Make room challenge give away!... Happy Day.
One of the things I thought of long and hard as we were planning our home...places to put the everyday incoming- paper, keys, shoes, coats etc.
This was my solution- a mud room right off the kitchen next to the garage- a bench for Danny to sit on....there will be a basket under it for his shoes, a shelf for his wallet, keys etc. and out going mail.
I've also planned out what happens to the mail when it comes in...can't wait to share that with you....I had a special little office built for me....that fits under the stairs.
Here is a couple of my inspiration photos for that space.
I especially like this tip that Melissa gives-
Find a spot near your entry or office area where you’ll take all incoming mail. Put a shredder and recycling bin near this station so you’ll be able to immediately deal with papers you don’t want.
So going to do this!
We are in the mist of moving so everything in my home is getting boxed up or given away. One thing though, that is hard to figure out what to do with it....while we are waiting to get into our new home....is... where do I keep all the papers I need in the meantime?
Love this idea Melissa gave me-
Moving is always hard! I was determined to not bring recycling with me so anything I didn't need had to be dealt with before we moved if possible. For the papers that you'll need in the transition I used a small file box to carry them with me. Everything else was put in bank boxes!
I love how it feels, knowing that I will be entering our new home....with a lot less clutter and things I don't need.
Now for Poppy Hill update-
The garage doors have been installed all three of them. Two in the front and a pass through one in the back.
The hardware will be installed at a later date.
The painting is still happening and will probably go on for several more weeks.
It is hard to even walk through the house now...doors, drawers etc. everywhere....and you don't want to touch anything...wet paint!
I have finally come to a decision about the library bookcases.... I was thinking white, gray, driftwood and natural....the winner is Natural.
I just keep going back to my inspiration photo that I really like...so I'm sticking with it!
There you have the update for the week...now back to packing.
Happy Day
Don't forget if you are also doing the challenge leave a comment letting me know what you are doing....I have a fun little box of sweet things to give to one lucky winner. We are on week three right now.
The hood is in the Kitchen! Lots of exciting things are happening at Poppy Hill. Painting, rocking and trim!
The front doors have been installed....hardware will be installed later- hence the wood brace. I bought these doors at a local shop in Turlock- Farm House.
They are from an old bank in San Francisco. They weight a ton! Truly!
The porch and courtyard still need to be poured...there will be a large beam across the opening to the porch/ courtyard... The courtyard is located at the front of the house and will house a fountain, iron fence and shrubs.
All the stone work and brick are finished! (in this picture they have yet to clean up the brick)
All the doors are in...along with the trim. Happy Day. Can't wait to see the hardware.
The stone and brick are finished....yet, so much still needs to be done. All the white you see on the trim will be brown like the door....there will be shutters, a large beam on the porch....an enclosed courtyard, wall lanterns, a fountain and many, many corbels around the top. The roof still needs to be finished up and it also has several decorative pieces to add. (copper chimney pots and finials)
Our home has turned into a paint work shop....and I'm super okay with that.
Leaving our home building site....I just had to stop and take a picture of the cattle roaming the hills, quite often you can see them chasing each other up and down the hill. The real Happy Cows of California. (smile)
This world is overflowing with beauty....the last couple of weeks I have found myself surround by beautiful nature! What a blessing this world is.
Random thought- #1
Lately in the news; we are filled will sorrow from all the ugly that some people can do...how sad....
all this ugly has the effect of weakening the fabric of our society. Because of this, bad things happen and sometimes the righteous will suffer because of the transgressions of others...I believe the Lord goes to great lengths to protect and to spare...but man has his free will to choose good or to choose bad.... I believe as sin, be it public or private, weakens us and society, I also believe all that is wholesome and good reaches out to bless and even preserve it!
Let us be the good to preserve it! Let's keep the world beautiful.
Here is some good-
From a survivor of the resent terrorist bombing-
"I know that I've felt His love several times. I know that if I can feel His love sitting on a sidewalk next to a destroyed airport, God will talk to his other children, too. I know that He does listen to prayers, and that the prayers the people are (giving) now, they make a difference, because I've felt them." read full article here
Random thought- #2
Have you heard of
LIKEtoKNOW.it Whenever someone I follow on instagram posts anything from a cute pair of sandals to a fabulous rug, all I have to do is like the image and an email comes to my inbox with a link to the source (as long as that instagrammer uses LIKEtoKNOW.it). Signing up is easy here. You can even select how often you want to receive emails - asap, daily or weekly. I like to receive them asap! This is so much easier than asking someone where they found their pillow and waiting for a response and possibly forgetting to follow up.
Dan and I
My beautiful niece Brittney went through the Temple for the first time last week...So happy for her. There is beauty in the world.
Enjoying the beauty of Filoli There is beauty in the world.
The house is coming along...each day a little something is different ....Happy Day! Alene was my little helper for a day. There is beauty in the world.
My laundry room in the raw. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
The library bookcases also in the raw...above each bay will be a light /sconce.
mud room in the raw....can't wait to see paint and hardware!
The white wood will be painted a "wood" color.
But....happy day, the brick is going on!
Family dinner and egg hunt.
Mason and Jessica hosted our Easter Family dinner at their home...sorry Mason about the closed eye picture...
My Blog began in 2005- I write about "whatever" I am doing- about my husband (Danny) and our 5 grown children and grandchildren. I write about the things I love...from creating a new room to playing with my grand-kids...I share my blessings and my testimony about my Mormon Faith.{The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints} I love finding ways to be happy and enjoy the blessings I've been given....come what may.....Happy Day
