I've Been a Very Busy Woman...

...these past few days designing my own office/studio space. After speaking with Mr. Sister it was decided that I will take over half the bonus room. Up until now, this room had been our catch all room. Munchie Boy's computer is there, my sewing table, a futon for overnight guests, a TV center, along with a gym of sorts to include a treadmill, free weights, and a "total body" system. It was also where I home schooled the kids for several years. So carving out a unique, personal space was difficult at best.

The first thing I did was to move Munch's computer desk perpendicular to the wall in order to segregate his space and the gym area from the rest of the room. Both the treadmill and the home gym fold up for easy storage. There is plenty of storage space for the free weights in the nooks created by the dormer windows.

 

I then rearranged other furniture in so many different variations until I achieved a workable space. After which I had the best time digging through my treasures to give the room personality and a cozy feel. Let me share with you the result of this undertaking.

First, we shall walk past Master Munch and turn the corner into the entryway of the new space.

See the dresser? I purchased it at a Habitat for Humanity auction. The dresser is from the "Empire" era of the mid 1800's. It is solid mahogany. I spent next to nothing on it and am using it to store my fabrics and art supplies. 

The sunflower pillow on the rocking chair is called "Poet's Song" and is a gift from 4th Sister. The pottery is my own piece when I was into my "clay phase". And I took an antique frog and added some silk flowers I found when I was cleaning out a closet. 

This next photo is of my office/computer/writing corner. I put up art work that makes me happy. The banner is another gift from 4th Sister and is titled "Raven's Song". I adore the sunflowers and the ravens remind me of a particularly poignant dream I had this past spring. 

Moving along the wall you will find my sewing table and the entertainment center. I used another antique frog to hold the Gerbera daisies in place within the pretty blue vase. 

Looking back at Munchie's computer station, I notice that I need to add fabric panels, to the back of his computer desk, for more privacy. Hi Munch...I see you peeking at me!

This is the fabric I plan to use, thanks to the generous donation from 2nd Sister.

I still have lots of work left to do. Eventually I'd like to paint the walls from a "builder's white" to a soft sage, buttery yellow, or toasty brown. 

It feels good to finally have a space of my own. I am tired, sore, and bruised. I think I shall now soak in some epsom salts and call it a night. 

I hope that this new space will give me the boost I need to get back into my writing and art. 

Good night!

The Completed Deck and Garden Update

I just realized that I never posted a completed deck/screen porch photo! I still have a few things that need to be finished (staining the door which was only recently installed, stain a few panels that needed replacing due to warping and cleaning/clearing up the corner where the hoses are presently parked.) All in all we are quite pleased.

News flash: The garden is growing! That's saying a lot since, other than herbs in containers, we have never gardened before. The tomato plants have little flowering buds on them. The corn is coming up quite nicely and the carrots have started to make their presence known. I don't think the cucumbers, zucchini, watermelon and honey dew will fare well but I could be wrong. Should I be "staking" them, too, I wonder? We will have an overabundance of peppers I do believe (3 each of green, yellow, red, jalapeno and banana). Mr. Sister added the "fence" to keep critters at bay. So far so good!

To my followers who also happen to be gardeners, any and all advice is welcome by this novice!

Tile Work Complete!

I'm pleased to be able to report that the tile work, on my porch, is now complete!

Next week, the screen goes up!

The Tiling of the Porch!

Update: It's looking good! I can hardly wait.

What do you all think of the design we came up with?

Diagonal with a border!

Thin strips will be going in the space you see that remains open.

'Tres chic', don't you think?

Grouting will be completed tomorrow.

I finally decided on "Sandstone".

I hope it will be the right decision.

Coming next...the screen!

Let the Tiling Begin!

The durarock is down and the tile layout has begun!

Now the hard part....Choosing the grout!

HELP!

Before and After the Painters

Ah, the painters. They were here for 3 days. My drywall, in the hall and kitchen, was patched and repaired. My new front door was painted, inside and out. My shutters received a new coat of paint, as well, to match my new front door. I, naturally, took this opportunity to update the wall color in my kitchen. Here are a couple of Before/After photos:

Before: Brick #4/After: Hubbard Squash

Before: Mushroom/After: Raisin

Deck Update

The staining has begun!










The ceiling fans have been installed!







The tile will be installed next month.

As I was taking photos I began to have the eerie feeling of being watched.




Oh, hello friend.

To Tile? Two Tiles.

After 2 hours of shopping, these are the 2 tile samples I brought home with me (for the flooring of our screened porch). The one on above is called Mediterranean Noce. It is neutral and comes in 20x20 inch square. The tile below is Romeo Sienna. It is a bit richer in color with green and red undertones. It comes as an 18x18 square. Both photos were taken outside with the tiles place in the middle of the porch. The colors of both "washed out" in the outdoor light. I had been leaning towards the neutral pattern but now am thinking the richer color would be best. I'm going to see how they look at night, under our lighting before I make a final decision.

By the way, nice butt! I can say that because that is my dear hubby saving money by staining the deck himself.