Stairs...bridging the gap between old and new

So...when we first moved in, we had dreams of building stairs so that we could turn the first floor into living space. I gave up hope for a little while, but now our dream is a reality. (well the start of it anyway). Seeing as there is a BIG hole in our floor right now, I have been a nervous wreck with the dogs, scared they will jump the gates I put up and fall into the hole. Fingers crossed, so far so good...

Before...

During...



After...(for now)

The BIG projects begin!

So we are VERY lucky to have my in-laws in town this week to help us with some MAJOR projects! First up was filling in our two garage doors and installing our new beautiful windows! It is astonishing the before and afters and I can't wait to move in down there, seeing as these two windows will be in our new master bedroom :)

Before...

After...

Rainbow

After every storm comes the rainbow...:)

Lita Chases a Bear...

Yes, that title is correct. Last week I woke up and saw a bear in the front yard. I yelled to get the dogs in. All came back except Lita. She took it upon herself to chase after the bear. I thought she could have been a goner, but the bear was so afraid of her he jumped into the canal and swam to the other side. I guess the "beware of dog" sign is true...:)
Bear Print...

Trail from the bear in the canal...

It must be true...

It's funny that I call her my Lita Bear...

My Greatest Love...

My life.

Crafts...

I visited my two BFFs (Michael & Joann) and picked up some wonderful supplies for some crafts! One of my favorite hobbies is creating decorating crafts for around the house. Here are some of the ones I have finished...
First on the list, wordle art. Wordle is a GREAT website I have used many times in the past, but I figured I'd try it with decorating...






New Front Door...



Curb Appeal...:)



Pillows...



Pom Poms...




Door Tags...




Wine Rack...

Build it...

Mr. Nelson was wonderful and built in a new pantry, added a window bench, and made a computer/desk built in....
(Did I mention he is wonderful?)


Before...and during...




After...

My bestest friends..

I always have these five to keep me company...they are my world..

First Floor Phase One...

Ok, so when we first moved in we had hopes of changing our first floor garages and storage into living space by building interior stairs. It only took three years (and many trips to the permitting department) but we are finally at the beginning stages of doubling our square footage. Two more bathrooms will be added as well as a mudroom (I've always wanted one of those!). We will be adding a couple more misc living spaces down there, but I could not be more EXCITED!!!! Here are some sneak peeks...

Kitchen...Our Biggest Obstacle...

Our kitchen seemed like the most daunting project we had when we first moved in. Not only did we have HANDPAINTED butterfly tiles (I love butterflies, but no) but we had to repaint the cabinets too.

I always wanted an island in the kitchen. I thought it was hopeless with this house because of the layout, but my love made it happen. He is so wonderful....

Before...


After...

Room Updates: Master Bedroom & Bath

Our master was the last thing on our list before we tackle our first floor. We debated not even finishing it, but this is most likely to be the most used guest room once we move into our new master bedroom downstairs. We wanted a bright yellow and added wainscot like the living room and hallways...

Before...I can't seem to find one right now...

After...

Guest Room #2 Changes

I was thinking that this room need something more. I got out my trusty Cricut to make some wall art and then found a very cool project making pom poms that hang from the ceiling. Not overly beachy, but I like the way they look. I also found some lights to hang around the shell sign, and added a game table to the two chairs...I love the final result!!! :)

Room Updates: Guest Room #2

This was the fairy room when we moved in. Mr. Nelson and I joked that the place was so classy when we moved it, it even came with special lighting (AKA a blue light bulb). This room changed from pink to beige before we painted it a soft green color. We got the pier one bunk bed from craigslist for a steal and even have a trundle bed with this set too. We are gearing up for some visitors...:)

Before...





After...