July 2013 – Page 3

Deck Dynasty

Published on July 8, 2013July 8, 2013 by Our Humble Abode14 Comments

Hey everyone! Welcome to Monday. Did you have a nice holiday weekend? Let me just say, four-day weekends are awesome. We got some work done and still had time to relax. Much of our weekend work took place outside. Landscaping. Adding more rock in preparation for next spring’s plants. Before finishing up the back landscape work, we had to cut the uneven ends off the back deck. Because this is a safety issue.

Ben borrowed a neat beam cutting blade from a contractor friend to get through the thick wood. We snapped a chalk line and set up our cut guide. Straight two by fours raised the blade from the ground and Ben cruised along, cutting the excess off while I used the shop vac to blow away the dust.

Now we’ve got clean ends.

And a safe, straight-edged deck.

Hopefully weather will coöperate (not too hot and no rain) with us to finish it completely. A finish sanding, pressure wash, dry time, and protective coat are all necessary before we can start using this space.

Because the back yard is a dirty dust bowl, we need to cover the dirt before our finish coat on the deck. Dirt settling in our new deck coat is not the goal here. So, yesterday, we added limestone chips.

Before spreading the chips, Ben dug a small trench for a future gas line for the fire pit to be. Hence the bucket covering the tubes. We’re so excited for this space. A little more rock to spread, fire pit to install, deck to seal, and plants and we’ll be done.

I’m thinking flowers along the large rocks. Maybe salvia? It grows really well here and the purple would look so nice against the rock.

Here’s the slight cantilever detail, too. The deck is about eight inches above the rock, which is a perfect step height.

There’s one disappointing deviation from plans. This is the only pergola you’ll see back here.

After a lot of measuring, we’ve nixed the idea. Wop, wop. Everything will block the view of our back yard, one of our favorite features of this house. But all is not lost. We’re discussing a front deck pergola to give much-needed shade.

What did you do this weekend? In addition to landscape work, we had a relaxing Friday lunch, watched fireworks from our back yard, and had a barbeque.

Gimme a Giveaway: Vol. 25

Published on July 5, 2013August 2, 2013 by Our Humble Abode151 Comments

This giveaway is closed. Thanks for entering! See who won here.

Happy Friday, all! Hope your day is great so far. I’m super excited for today’s giveaway from Vol. 25.

If you’re on the internet at all, I’m sure you’ve seen Jessica’s beautiful work somewhere. Her charming prints are fun and quirky. And her new Vintage Inspired Science Posters are to die for. Seriously, look at these:

Poppy Study Vol. 1:

Lepidoptera Vol. 2:

Feather Patterns Vol. 3:

Antler Study Moose Vol. 1:

Emberiza Vol. 1:

But perhaps my favorite, Minerals & Gems Vol. 1:

Aren’t those gorgeous?! The answer: absolutely. So, here’s how you can get your hands on one for your home.

The Goods: One 17 inch by 28 inch Vintage Inspired Science Poster from Vol. 25.

To Enter: Leave a comment, which can (but doesn’t have to) include our Just for Fun question.

Just for Fun: Tell us your favorite school subject. Were you a science junkie? A mathlete? Or an art and history lover like I was?

For additional entries:

1. Follow Vol. 25 blog, then leave another comment.

2. Like Vol. 25 on Facebook, leaving a separate comment.

3. Like Our Humble Abode on Facebook, and comment again to increase your chances of winning.

Contest Closes: Thursday, July 25th, 2013.

Number of Winners: One lucky lady or gent.

Ships: Globally, so you international folks, comment away!

Other Info: We will select the winners using random.org and announce on Friday, July 26th. And that’s the way it is July fifth.

Busted Bathroom

Published on July 3, 2013July 3, 2013 by Our Humble Abode15 Comments

Let’s talk about our master bathroom, shall we? What to say about this space. Well, it’s dated. The 70’s called, it wants our bathroom back. Orangey oak cabinets aren’t the worst offenders, but they’re not doing anything to help, either. And because of the sink placement, only one top drawer opens.

But the cabinets aren’t the real problem. Oh no, the tile is. Not only in the looks department, but the shape they’re in. At the base of the shower, the tiles are separating from the wall.

Which means…water leakage. We all know that’s a bad situation. Of course we could fix just the problem areas, but where’s the fun in that? I mean, the whole bathroom needs an update. Super hot weather means we’re better off working indoors. So, tackling the master bathroom has been bumped up our to do list. Shower, get ready for a makeover.

Walls, prepare for a facelift.

And vanity mirror, you’ve gotta go. And finally we’ll get some paint around the light fixture.

Most exciting to me is adding the old clawfoot tub from the main bathroom below the window.

To accommodate the tub, we’ll shorten the vanity to one sink (two is unnecessary for us). And convert the swinging door to a pocket door.

We’re still in the early planning stages, but we’re discussing changing the layout of the shower. In my ideal world, we’d make this a full glass wall:

But it’s not realistic; where would we put our switches? And I’ve heard full glass showers are a pain in the arse to clean. Not to mention, spendy. We’re excitedly discussing plans and looking for materials.

What prompts you to start a remodel? Damage that needs fixing? Just sick of using/looking at a space? If you could choose one feature for your bathroom, what would it be? I’m most excited for a separate tub and shower. Especially because that tub is a clawfoot.

And to all US residents, Happy Independence Day! Hope you enjoy your long weekend!

Boy Bedroom Mood Board

Published on July 1, 2013July 1, 2013 by Our Humble Abode17 Comments

Scraping the popcorn off the boys’ bedroom ceiling started a whole room revamp. Well, revamp implies we did something in there before. Which we didn’t. Other than hanging curtains and adding furniture, this room was untouched. And super boring. Now we’re working on making it a fun and happy place for our two rowdy boys.

1. Anjou Pear: Surprise, I’ve already painted the walls. And the color is brighter than the swatch looks.

2. Drexel Dresser: This dresser just makes me happy. Perfect for now and can easily transition to adult furniture.

3. Gray and White Stripe Curtains: Add a fun large pattern and the neutral colors keep the bold walls in check.

4. Magical Thinking Triangle Chain Rug: Another fun pattern in neutrals to balance the walls.

5. Fjellse Bed: Not having an Ikea near by means we won’t actually have these beds, but they’re the inspiration for a DIY version.

6. Fun fabric found on clearance at least a year ago: For another pop of color, I’m pulling this fabric out storage. The green-yellow is nearly identical to the walls.

7. Microfleece Blanket: For sophisticated color, I’m using navy accents, blanket. Actually, not this blanket because I found super soft throws at Costco for $9.99 each.

8. Threshold Down Alternative blanket: Ivory quilts are a soft backdrop for any bedding we want to use. I’m thinking of it as a blank canvas to add splashes of color and pattern on.

9. Gray Grid sheets: Apparently extra long twin sheets are rare. Target saves the day with their dorm bedding.

10. Modern Kids Movie Posters: Though it’s tough to decide. This Batman one is awesome and Ev is obsessed with Batman. Modern movie posters seem like a happy middle ground. Favorite movies and characters of the boys’, modern to seem less commercial.

11. Constellation Embroidery: Another navy accent. Bonus, it’s educational.