Slow Progress.

This weekend we've set our eyes on the prize. We're hoping to take out our 2nd floor apartment kitchen and living room to combine the empty spaces into a master bedroom.

Our downstairs is complete as far as wall removal is concerned. Now we're focused on the odds and ends.  Taking our a radiator that is just floating in the middle of the room. Getting new furniture, cleaning, decorating, etc.

Here are some before and afters. The afters aren't really "afters" I guess..more "in progress" pictures.

Anywho, take a peak...

Before: First Floor Bedroom



 

In Progress: New Living Room

 

 
Before: 1st Floor Living Room

 

 

In Progress:  1st Floor Dining Room

With Faux Fireplace:

 

 

 

Before:  1st Floor Dining Room



 In Progress Baby M's playroom

 

 

Trying out the new Playroom

 

 

Now on to the 2nd floor!

 



My Faux Fireplace

I still kick myself for having bought a home without a fireplace. Where do you hang your stockings at Christmas time? Where do you put all your photos and seasonal decor? * Slaps forehead*. When we buy our next house- I WILL have a fireplace.

In the meantime- I decide to make my own. It seems to be a popular DIY Trend right now anyway. If you want- take a look at my pinterest board "My Fake Fireplace" for inspiration. http://pinterest.com/eprybs/my-fake-fireplace/

Mine didn't go exactly how I'm planned but I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

I started by searching craigslist and junk stores for a mantle in decent shape. I found one for $75.00 in oak. I sanded it down and put a white semi-gloss paint on it using a foam roller for a smooth finish.

Then I rummaged through my father-in-law's garage to find some plywood and with the help of my FIL, we cut a piece to fit across the back ( the side that goes against the wall) and a piece to fit inside the front. I painted the back piece black to look like the inside of a fireplace- A mirror would also look nice if you wanted to fill it with candles.

To get the tiled look on the front piece, I used STICKERS! YES...STICKERS! I purchased Smart Tiles from my local lowes (this product) in the tile section. All you need is a box cutter and steady hands.

Finally, I found a remnant piece of marble for the base- You can see I need to get it cut a little smaller to actually fit inside the fireplace- I hope to do that soon.

And of course- the final product!

This Blog Is Under Construction!

Construction work has started, don't mind the dust please! 

Baby M's First Birthday

We had a wonderful first Birthday Party for Baby M, it really couldn't have gone any better. This first year has been such a special one and as a mom, I've had such mixed emotions about it all. One moment I'm holding my child close and wishing for time to slow down so I can enjoy my baby just a little longer and the next moment I'm cheering her on as she takes her first steps or attempts something new. 

So this is what motherhood is all about.

~~~~~~~

Okay, enough of the mushy stuff, on to the PARTY!

The poster above was made by a friend of mine as a gift for her first birthday. 

Sticking with the Peter Rabbit theme we served BLT sandwiches, berries, veggies and dip,

 and veggie potato chips. 

Our mini-smash cake and carrot cake cupcakes.

The party favors were coloring books and bunny ears.

To keep the little ones occupied, we filled a swimming pool with ball pit balls and brought in a little tunnel from Ikea. The pool was a big hit! Baby M dove right in:

Baby M with her Great Grandmother

And here with daddy:

Helping herself to the guests' food

Little G. jumping in!  

 Cousin practicing her funny faces!

  

  Happy Birthday Baby M, I can't wait to celebrate

 many more with you my beautiful  little girl!