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 I

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!

Some Progress on the House with Potential

A couple of years ago we downsized to a smaller fixer-upper

and my daughter suggested I chronicle our work on this

House with Potential.

Quite a bit got done that first year, but then we got a little

  sidetracked for a while with work and family.

 Things are finally starting to get going again, so let's 

look at some of the progress!

 This is what the house looked like when we moved in.

I was nonplussed with the faux Spanish arches and blah color.

 We had never had a stucco house before, 

 so we were a little unprepared for how much work 

it would be to take down those arches!

 But a lot of blood, sweat and tears later,

 we finally have pretty white posts!

And I love the turquoise door with the new grey color!

I Love Fall!

Fall is my favorite season!
I love the colors, the falling leaves, the chill in the air,
and the anticipation of the coming holidays!