Friday, June 7, 2013

Long time no post :(

Life has been keeping me in the fast lane lately so I've not been posting any updates, mainly because progress on my projects has been slow, more like stalled.

The bathroom project is still my priority, although it doesn't seem to be getting my full attention: tiling the tub surround, to be followed by new light fixtures, painting, window, door and baseboard trim, and building shelves over the toilet.  I'm much to easily distracted!  The biggest stumbling block has been how to finish off around the small niche that I put in the wall opposite the shower head.  Because of the tile I am using (white subway tile) and the niche having four inside and four outside corners, and my not thinking the project through thoroughly before starting, solutions have been slow in coming.  I'm glad to report that the inside went together nicely but the outside corners have been the bane of my existance.  The bottom two outside corners finished nicely but the top two had me stymied until I found an outside corner quarter round tile piece that I could order through Home Depot.  I now have them in hand and will soon have this part of the tile project finished.  Then comes grout!

This is where I started - Pepto anyone?

Now, just this teeny, tiny bit to finish tiling.

Even in this state, it's a 100%  improvement over the pink!

What's your motivation to keep at a project that is moving at the speed of molasses?


Friday, December 7, 2012

I am a blogger???

I am a Michigan native who lived in Indiana for the past 19 years.  In 2011, I took advantage of an early retirement opportunity.  In July 2012 I purchased a home that I hope will see me through my retirement years.  As it is, it's functionally in OK shape but hasn't seen a lot of love in quite a while so is in need of some cosmetic updating, or so I thought.  I've discovered lovely hardwood floors under nasty carpet, layers and layers of paint covering unimaginative woodwork, and the pink (!) bathroom - tub, sink, toilet, tile, walls, even the ceiling! - was a bit much to live with.  So I jumped in, pulling up carpet, pulling off window trim, and soon found myself overwhelmed......where to start, what to do next?   I also found that, although functional, some of the electrical and plumbing needed attention if they are to see me through the long haul.  And I need a plan, with a list of details that I can check off as they are done so that I can have some sense of accomplishment. And I also need to be careful with my budget, making efforts to be thrifty in order to achieve my goals.  I avidly watch DIY television and am nearly addicted to Pinterest, in my search for low cost ways to renovate and furnish my home. So my adventure has begun and I hope to record my progress - or lack thereof - for the enjoyment of others who might be undertaking the same, or those who have "been there, done that" and are willing to share their experiences.  I'm a "do-it-myself" kind of gal, and what I don't know how to do, I learn how.  I'm smart enough not to tackle those tasks best left to professionals but want to make sure I know what's being done and how.  

This blog is as much of an adventure as my home renovation is and will be a work in progress as well.  So join me on my venture, let me know what you think, and let's see where I go!!