Back to Basics- Why I Started This Blog in the First Place: Before and After Curb Appeal

The last couple of years have been a little hectic (okay, crazy) around here.

You probably noticed that my posts have dwindled to practically nothing

(sorry about that).

But now I am going to get Back to Basics and return to the original

purpose for this blog: documenting the remodel of this House with Potential,

turning it from a Rundown Ranch into a Cute and Cozy Cottage.

So, let's start at the beginning: Curb Appeal

 This house had none.   Zero.
But it did have a nice neighborhood,

a workable floorplan, a big yard and a low price.

 It's not any better from far away.

 I hated those arches from Day 1.
I just thought, "We'll take those downright away".

Trouble was, we had never worked on a stucco house before

and had no idea just how hard it would be.

We tried various tools and methods, but in the end, it was

sheer brute strength with a sledge hammer that took them down.

It actually took a couple years to complete this project and

started to feel sorry for the neighbors!

But it was worth all the hard work!

We built up the columns and painted
all the trim a beautiful bright white,


to compliment the newly painted grey of the house,

and the pop of turquoise on the front door.

Add some cottage charm with a turquoise milk can, weather vanes

and crocks, even a turquoise beach cruiser,

a white fence and lots of cottage flowers,

like lavender, roses and geraniums.

From far away,

or close up,

This house now screams Cozy Cottage!

Making Peace With an Ugly Structure

When we bought this House with Potential,

there was an ugly metal shed in the backyard.

Not in a corner or out of the way place,

but right in the middle of my view out the

kitchen window.

Just look past the cute kids to that metal shed with the brown trim.

Not what I wanted to see every morning!

My first thought was to move it, far to the end of the property

where I wouldn't have to look at it.

But, then I would have to schlep all the way out there

to get the Christmas decorations or the camping gear,

or whatever else I might need.

So, I took Husband's advice and began a camouflage strategy.

First up, I mixed some outdoor paint to a pretty green color and

painted over the brown metal trim. Instant improvement!

I wasn't sure it would last, painting regular paint on metal,

but it's been 2 years and doing just fine.

Next, we built a white picket fence and began

planting lots of flowers.

I moved the potting bench we built to the middle

of the shed and added pots and ladders and other

things to distract the eye.

It was beginning to work!

I painted some leftover pickets and added them

to the front of the shed with a flag I

painted on a piece of plywood.

Of course, when you're outside, the giant pergola
and fire pit help distract from the shed, too!

This is now what I see from the kitchen window!

And the flowers have really grown this year, filling out

over the fence, so it's even better!

Happy Birthday America!

I know I have been terrible at posting lately,

but at least I make the holidays!

And what's better than celebrating 241 years of our country's freedom!

 I started with Memorial Day, framing my old (48 stars) flag

and adding it to my spring mantel, along with a banner.

 But I wanted more for the 4th of July.

I have been going through old boxes and found these

1980s crafts: Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam,

and Lady Liberty.

I knew I'd use these again some day!

Add some patriotic pillows and quilts and the room is complete.

 Even my Amish goose is celebrating!

 Flags add patriotic pizzazz to the dining table

along with the red and white runner.

And what's more American and summer

than a bowl full of baseballs?

Happy 4th, Everyone!!

Memorial Day Mantel

I seem to be a week late on everything these days!

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!!

Large Crates Upcycling

We recently finished up our local vintage market, Roses and Rust.

 I asked Husband to take a look around the shed and yard

and see what he could come up with, using only what we had,

and this is his masterpiece!

 It's technically a potting bench, but nice enough

to be dressed up, either inside or out.

This is what he started with, a large tile crate.

He turned it on its side and framed out the front.

Then he added some strips of wood to the shelves

and I stained them and washed grey and blue paint on some.

Looking for a top, we found this old twin headboard in the pile,

took out the center, painted it white and added chicken wire.

The front frame I painted white also,

but I decided to dry brush the sides.

It made a great centerpiece to the market booth

and was gone before I knew it!

Spring Mantel and Filling an Empty Space!

Just finished up another fun market, Roses and Rust!

 I decided to bring my antique camel-back sofa

and see what happened.

 Well, it sold!

Which is a good thing (though I will miss it!),

but it left a big hole in my living room.

I am now on the lookout for a new sofa, but in

the meantime, I had to fill that space!

  So I reshuffled the chairs and tables.

It feels much less cramped and also shows off that

cute little table between the chairs!

While I was doing this, I noticed my cow mantel was still there!

A little past time for a Spring mantel, I would say!

 A quick look around for some springy items,

 and this is what I came up with!

Pickets, garden sign and flowers, all say Spring!

Hello Spring!

 Yesterday was the first day of Spring,

 and even though I'm knee deep in projects

for the spring market in two weeks,

 I took a little break

 to put out a few spring decorations,

and look forward to this new season!