Well, I survived the weekend…barely.  It was a tough war fought bravely by two warriors.  I won some battles and the walls won some battles but in the end, I won the war of the blue! 

What am I talking about?  Well, if you have been following my blog (please follow my blog!), you know that I am embarked on a painting odyssey.  This past weekend it was the battle of the Dutch Tile Blue! 

In this corner, an overly ambitious blonde with a keen eye for color and possibilities (boy does she need a reality check!).  In the other corner, two blank walls screaming out for accent color to start the whole personalization process.  The walls brought friends though that I had to take care of before I could tackle them (cheaters!) 

I had to do some major touch up painting from when I had the drywall peeps out to repair some seams that were coming apart.  So, here is the patch process…thankfully the homebuilders left me some of the existing paint (which I then color matched for even more.)

La, la, la…boring…still the same Santa Fe color that the house was painted with….

After that and a VERY large cup of coffee, I decided to move the furniture in my dining room so I could tackle the wall.  My extremely heavy dining table and 40 bottle wine frig (which sadly only has 3 bottles...hint hint…send me wine!).  You know something is heavy when you have to get down on the floor, wedge yourself in behind it and push with your legs at the bottom to get them moving.  So here is the room cleared out (don’t hate the messy, hate the mess people…I do but no one will come clean it up for me)

Hello test patch and table chaos...

Then I commenced with the taping process since I did not want paint EVERYWHERE.  I typically use the standard blue painters tape but decided to give the green Frogstape a try as I had been hearing good things about it.  On the positive note, it is nice and wide, sticks well to the wall without pulling of paint (or much…about that in a moment).  The bad, I seriously cannot lay down a straight line to save my life and tape bleed happens when you have textured walls (more on a solution to that in a moment).  And a painting we will go!  I started with cutting in around the tape with a 2 inch angled brush:

Please ignore the terrible builder light fixture that seems to pop up like a weed in all the pictures.  That is SO getting replaced!

And then used a ¾ inch wool roller which seemed to fill in quite nicely…at first.  Dude, textured walls totally suck to paint!  I had to go back over once all the paint dried and hit the patches where you could see the original color.  But in the end, I only needed to do one coat of paint! Total score on that!  I am digging the Sherwin Williams paint for this very reason

Mmm..suedey -  The paint is still in the drying stage.  After dry, it is a nice flat

So, Saturday was dedicated to the dining room wall.  After a nap, some well earned food, and a good night’s sleep, I was ready to tackle the BIG WALL.  The wall in the living room is 16 ft long by 9 ft high…that is 144 square feet ya’ll…big project for me but I had backup coming over after lunchtime. 

This time, after taping all the seams, I used some of the leftover wall paint to seal the edges of the tape so that I would not have bleed…I had seen instances of this but the thought of having to cut in the wall twice was not something I wanted to do in the dining room. So I shortcutted that room and am paying for it with an artist brush and wall paint. Dude.  Anyway, here is the wall taped and cut in with the tan color.

Using my brain this time!

For the outside edge on this wall, I was confounded as I had heard they were extremely difficult for an amateur to handle.  So I taped the wall but left the tape hanging over the edge:

Totally makes more sense with the pic doesn't it!

Then I cut in this section carefully just like I did with the rest of the wall.  Once leaving it to dry for an hour, I then started cutting in with the blue.  About this time, I had been taping and painting for close to three hours (including touch up paint here and there) so I was ready to pass out with hunger.  This is when Christie (thanks Christie even though you were not feeling well!) came over to help me out.  So the combined powers of the Two Chicks made blue paint magic and all it took was the sacrifice of one paint roller!  So that was the good part.  The bad part is when I pulled off the tape from the outside edge, it also pulled off some of the paint off the other wall...man!  Good news is that line is most excellent…bad news is more work for that artist brush.

Voila!  Wall painted!

But now I am second guessing my estimate of painting the entire master bedroom and bathroom next weekend.  That includes ceiling space and up to three colors total.  That is a lot and I know I am amazing and all but just thinking about it makes me want to hide under the couch…and that space is only like three inches tall….anyone want to help?

Lessons learned:

1.       Don’t do major workouts each morning you are going to spend the day painting.  I was physically exhausted when done.  I barely had the energy to change the channel on the remote control peeps so that is tired.

2.      I know I am wonder woman and all but even I have my limits.

3.      Painting is always more fun with wine. Always.

So here is the deal...neither room is complete so I do not have any of the pretty "after" photos.  That will have to wait until I get all the artwork matted and framed as well as the side table for the dining room found, purchased, and fancified. But that is a blog post to come at a later time.  At this point, the painting is complete in these two rooms and looks fab if I do say so myself!

Shelley

Paint Wars 2...Return of the Grays

Okay, so even though it is approximately the temperature of the sun outside currently (which makes sense as the Sun has thoroughly taken over my state), I still managed to go to Sherwin Williams for paint samples and try them out.

Good news?  The Dutch Tile Blue is FABULOUS!  It is moody and watery and will make a great addition to the living room and dining room space.  Even though you can only get the paint samples from Sherwin Williams in satin, this blue is going to be great as a wall accent in my space, no matter that they say blue is bad for appetite (or maybe that is a really good thing!)

Also good?  Black Magic is just the right amount of black with a hint of charcoal so that the wall does not scream at you when you walk in.  It is a bit hard to tell since this is also in satin and I will be painting the walls flat but I am going to go out on a limb here and say it is a winner.

What is not a winner?  Modern Gray.  Ewww…this color is reminiscent of the color of internal organs on all those autopsy shows on the television…so NOT what I was going after.  I mean, it is really offensive to look at.  It is a gray on the white spectrum so really light but also has a hint of yellow to it.  Seriously.  I thought at first that the current tan color of the walls was turning Modern Gray this color but no. This color has got to go…it is voted off my island.  I am now inviting Pewter Tankard (this name is way too long so I am now referring to it as PT) to the party!  PT will be the wall colors with a new gray, Agreeable Gray, for the ceilings...that way the transition between will not be so jarring.

So why am I sharing all of this?  Well, this weekend and next are now dedicated to painting.  Yep, even though it is as hot as the surface of the sun right now and it might magically cool down to, like, 103 this weekend, I am still going to get out the rollers and paint brushes and tackle the walls.  What I am not looking forward to is painting the ceilings in the Master bed and bath but having a tan ceiling and the rest of the space in either gray or black…well, that would just be silly!  Maybe I will leave those rooms for next weekend…Pics will follow once I get started...watch out for the mayhem!

Now if I could only find a unique shaped nightstand for serious cheapy dollars that I can spray bright white…then I would be set!

Shelley

P.S.  I am also TOOL SHOPPING this weekend and I cannot wait to post pics of all my new babies!

Paint Wars!

Dude, travel can suck the energy right out of you!  Anywhoo, So I was in Reno, NV this past weekend for a work event (though I did have fun!) and had the chance to see some of the fancy schmancy hotels and suites while I was there.  I will not go into all the details of the "Elvis" bathroom (especially since I do not currently have pictures) but it got me to thinking about all the painting projects I have around my house. 

Painting is not one of my favorite things to do but it has to get done.  When I moved in, the builders painted a nice tan color...everywhere. Ceilings? Check. Walls? Check. Every nook and cranny? Check.  The carpet is in the same shade of this tan color and it is like living inside a manila folder.  The color is not atrocious but the amount of it can be overwhelming. 

So, I have been thinking about the colors and when I am going to paint.  The colors are easy!  I have been dreaming about taking the color out of one of my throw pillows on the couch and translating it into an accent wall in my living room and dining room.  I love the Sherwin Williams App for my iphone where I can take pictures of stuff and match the color (and according to Color Snap, my skin is Swanky Gray so I gotta get some sun!)  For the wall behind my couch and the coordinating opposite wall in the dining room, I have chosen Dutch Tile Blue:
 
                                                

Dreamy!

I LOVE this color!  It goes well with my existing furniture and my dream of having incredibly crisp, white drapes on the wall of windows (and french doors) in my living room as well as the windows in my dining room.  It also translates well with the kitchen cabinets  in my kitchen and the existing tan color in my house. Two good coats in a flat paint and I am golden!


Next on the paint project is my master bedroom.  I have been dreaming about doing something that will match the statement of my headboard.  Those that know me and have been to my house know I took a headboard that I made previously and converted it to a padded and wrapped headboard.  The material I chose was a medium gray.  I am still waiting to use the silver nail head trim I want to use but thus far love the headboard.  I want to build the rest of the bed surround and wrap it as well as I think it will give a more finished look.  BUT there is not much of a statement with the head board on the tan wall so I am going dark...really dark:

Black Magic...love that name!  I think my headboard will scream fabulous against this dark color.  Also, that means I am going to take my nightstands (well, when I find the appropriate shape and size) and go high-gloss white with sparkly glass knobs.  Girly...yes, but I am a girl. 

My master also has three other walls and painting the entire room in Black Magic would make it look like I live in a cave and cave-chic is not what I am going for so I needed to pick another color for the rest of the walls and ceiling (since that is...wait for it...tan.) The ceiling I am pretty sure I am going to rock in white but for the rest of the walls, shazam:

Modern Gray!  It will go perfect with Black Magic and the gray of my headboard which is a bit darker tone.  It will also go with the fabric I have already bought for my window dressing so now I just have to find the perfect window seat fabric. Yes my master is going to look like a black and white photo but that is what I want people...leave me alone!

The final paint choice for this go-around is for my master bathroom.  All of the bath fixtures are white with chrome hardware.  The cabinets in the bathroom are in the same mocha color as the kitchen cabinets.  Also, the master bath opens up into the master bedroom...funny how that happens... so must "talk" to the bedroom colors.  So, what did I choose? Voila:

It is another gray but has more of a blue undertone to it and is darker than what I plan for the bedroom.  I have a really large frosted window in my master bath and the size of the space can carry the darker color.  Who knows though...I might just carry modern gray into the bathroom rather than this Unusual Gray.....


Now, Project House?  Well, I have shown you all photos of it before but here it is again:

Go, Speed Racer, Go!

I am pretty sure the red is settling in with Christie but I have to confess, the red - especially around the Faccia - looks like a giant red racing stripe to me...I don't know if it is the radical differences between the two colors or what but I am so itching to change something up here.  I would either paint out the red everywhere to a more complimentary color to the gray house paint or change up the gray to a color that works better with the red.  Besides, this is a 30's house so I am thinking more color combinations that they would have painted in the 30's.  What do you think readers?  Any suggestions for "Project House" paint colors?

As soon as some of these paint projects are completed, I will post up pics....no making fun of my painting abilities! (well, you can but I know where you live...I am that powerful)

Shelley

A Tale of Two Closets!

So Friday Fantasies was a washout this last week...but I have a job people and it kept me busy so look for friday fantasies this next week (hopefully since I will be in Reno for work)

So, one of the first things I wanted to tackle around my Suburbia-Standard house was my master closet.  I am a girl.  I like shoes. A lot. And purses. And clothes.  A lot.  What I don't like is having any of these things in my bedroom.  I mean, what are closets for if not all your clothes, shoes, and purses?  When I looked for my house, I really looked for a master closet that was large enough to store all my crap in.  No dressers for me...nosiree! 

So I lived with the builder-basic closet for last year but come the new year, I wanted to get the closet up and running.  I took my christmas cash (thanks mom and dad!), and headed off to the organization store of all organization stores...The Container Store.  See, me and Elfa are good friends.  Elfa and I have converted several closets and pantrys (my current pantry is sill in builder basic but on the project list) so I am very familiar on how to use this product.  You know you are more familiar with the product when you can sketch out your design in Excel (sorry, I don't have a CAD program on my laptop) and take it to the store with your cut list and they are impressed and showing it to each other...but I digress.  I got the hammer out and knocked the hell out of those crap shelves and went to town on installation...and now I have this!

Yes, those are lovely shelves for my shoes...and bags...and sweaters...and look at the magnificence! (Ignore the walls that need a coat of paint...a sister does what she has to in order to have a closet in a day!)

Right there on the left...

I even have space for my laundry cart!  And a stepladder because those shelves go ALL the way up and I am short.

And now just some fun shots...

Oooh, la, la!  Glamor shot...had to get some jewelry in this post!

Snickers, bored,
hiding in the closet wondering why mommy is taking pictures in here...



Next up for the closet is some better lighting.

So how is this story about two closets?  Well, when Christie moved into her house...it has a bonus space in the back.  Walking through the house (sorry about all the comments, Christie!  I know it is your house but I have ideas...aaaaammaaaazing ideas!), she mentioned that she would love to turn this unused space into a "Walk-In Closet".  And like Jeannie to Major Nelson, BAM!  Done! 

Hello photo from a camera phone...

What?  You say it is just one shelf and a really long hanging pole?  Hey!  We are working on a serious budget here.  One thing at a time! 

Besides, the Great A/C Debacle of 2011 happened so money was diverted (Yes, one of these days Christie is going to tell the WORLD about the GACD2011 as I am now referring to it).  Seriously, we live in Texas and you have to have AC around here in the Summer.

Anywhoo, while our closets vary greatly, at the end of the day they fit us both.  My closet is complicated and seemingly organized to the max( TRUTH: my room typically looks like my closet went on a bender and vomited clothes and shoes everywhere) while Christie's is simple with personality and an organization I envy...just like the two of us!

Shelley

A quick comment from the tragically messy...

Hi, my name is Shelley and I am a messaholic.  It has been a couple of hours since I was forced to rapi-clean* my house for strangers....

As if life is not chaotic enough right now, this week I have been visited by the AT&T service tech (stupid non-working modem...I hate you technology!) as well as the new bug vendor who arrived this morning to vanquish the spider and wasp population that had taken up residence in my house.  Those that know me well or have worked with me or stayed with me while on business trips (Hi Dena if you are reading this!) or just know me, know that I am tragically messy. 

It all started when I was a kid...I think it was because I hated the pumpkin orange of my carpet (um, who wouldn't?) and thus found a way to spread my clothes and belongings all over the floor.  This affliction began to take over all viable surfaces in my childhood bedroom as well.  Then, as my chore growing up was doing the dishes (and by doing I mean loading and unloading the dishwasher), I grew further and further away from wanting to do anything to keep my space clean. 

So now to this week where I have had a stranger in my house every other day...well, I could not have them thinking I was a hoarder so I did the mad dash around my house each morning hiding, ferreting, or throwing away everything in site (which is hard when the bug guys want to spray around all the plumbing pipes!)  And now I cannot find my checkbook, or stamps, or anything remotely essential.  THIS is why I don't clean up!  My mess has a system and I can find things so much easier when they are all out on the floors or surfaces in plain sight.

So now things are relatively straight around here and once again I make a promise to myself that I am going to keep things straight this time.  But like any messaholic, I will once again most likely fall back into bad habits next weekend when I return from a business trip and just drop my suitcase in the closest spot....that is how it always starts....

Shelley

*Rapi-clean:  The act of running furiously around your space and shoving all mess and clutter into convenient hiding places 

Pinky and the Brawn

Well, there she is...no not Snickers though she has decided to take over the renovation responsibilities here but my new Pink Tool Belt of "Two Chicks" fame!

I'm thinking lots of soft fluffy surfaces with minions to wait on me!

So the quick story about the toolbelt is while installing shelves in Christie's kitchen pantry (or what we are turning into the pantry...more on that later when we get more than a few shelves up), I mentioned that I was going to have to get me a toolbelt for just such occasions.  Now mind you this is while I am rolling around on the floor of the pantry space (a walk-in pantry with a window no less!  I am so jealous!) mounting shelf brackets so the yummy, yummy goodness would not crash to the floor while Christie slept.  Anyway, I pretty much forgot about the conversation until I was installing the shelf and hanging rod in Christie's "Walk-in Closet" (again, more on that later with a story about my closet) when it would have come in SUPER handy as I kept misplacing the stud finder and drill bits.  Again, I did not think much about it...

Lo and behold, I headed over to the "Red Renovation" which is my current favorite name for Christie's place on the 4th of July weekend just to hang out and maybe grab a drink on the town square and this thing of beauty :

Hello Beautiful!

Was in a festive gift bag!  A gift from a true friend who lets me come up with zany projects for her house...wild ideas that neither of us know how to do - YET - and cost oodles of cash.  I was so excited as what a great birthday present...when she asked me when my birthday was (evil smile). So if it was not for my birthday, then that means I get some thing else in a couple weeks!  YES!  I love presents! 

Now I just need to find tools that color coordinate with my snazzy new tool belt....

Shelley

Friday Fantasies...

So, as I sit on my couch in the blessedly cool air conditioning (hello and thank you to excellent insulation and a really strong A/C unit!), I thought I would share some of the upcoming projects we are fantasizing about for our respective houses...but when the temprature finally drops below the surface of the sun here in Texas!

For my house:

So this is the backyard - well the backyard when I bought the house (it is actually really green now thanks to my sprinkler system!)

BOOORRRING!  No outdoor space to play with the furry munchkin ( AKA Snickers) and NO SHADE!!!!  This has to be rectified!



First up, a deck - not attached to the house but standing a bit away from the house...I am thinking 15x15 at grade.  Something like this:

Well, something like this without the step and without the big-box store shade structure. 

Listen, I understand the draw of these structures.  They are homeowner DIY friendly, they contain all the parts and pieces you need (hopefully!  Don't ask Christie about the missing parts and pieces when we assembled her new desk!), and they look relatively good...at first.  The problem with these structures is they are almost always temporary and do not last more than one season.

Instead of a generic shade structure that will either blow away in some of the strong winds I get (thanks to all the fields surrounding my house), I want to do a shade structure something like this:

It is sturdy with the poles planted in the ground and made of steel, the covers are made to be outdoors for all seasons, and how fun are those!  


Oh, who am I kidding?  I REALLY want something like this from my friends locally at Varnado Construction: 


Who knew the dude scooping ice cream in high school would grow up to do this!



Wood, and lights, and fans and D.R.E.A.M.Y!!!!!!  Man, does he do good work. This however is not DIY friendly and I did not lately win the lottery so I am out of luck. 



For Christie's abode, we are starting out slow as if she were to give me my way, I would start ripping down walls and pulling up porch boards to replace...not to mention panting everything that does not move!  The girl does have some patience with me. 



We are talking about that spot WAY down there.



Anywhoo, I did already hang her flag so she is already all patriotic and stuff so how about for this corner of the porch:



THIS!  How cool and easy would this be.  I would modify it though with sides and a back as we tend to drink margaritas and mojitos and I can so forsee us falling off the back of this thing and if we kept going over the porch wall, it is a fairly long way down.  I am all into daybeds but not having to use a daybed because you have broken something falling off the porch...and of anyone, Christie and I would be the ones falling off. 

I would also LOVE to see this dressed with an old colorful quilt and some colorful coordinating throw pillows.  It would really add some character to the porch.

Anyway, what am I going to do this weekend?  Well since the thermometer is currently melting outside, I will be spending the weekend inside reorganizing my home office.  There is seriously a trees worth of paperwork everywhere and since I work from home, it is becoming a distraction (more posts on this crazy space later!).  I also am going to take copious breaks to go around the corner to one of the pools in my suburbia-subdivision and chill out. 

So have a great weekend readers!  For those of you - friends and foes alike - who are anywhere where the temperature is has not starting melting the roads and sidewalks and you are not outside enjoying summer, I hate you (or not...I may not even know you yet!)

Shelley