Weekend Wrap-Up

Disclaimer: This guy gave me his head cold this weekend and I have been hopped up on cold medicine for approximately 24 hours -- I am a little loopy, and take no responsibility for any typos and bad jokes that may ensue. 

This weekend, Jeff brought out the big guns:

We began the ominous task of hanging a new chair rail and assembling our own wainscoting in the dining room on Saturday, and I have to admit -- we felt pretty legit.

Jeff got a miter saw for Christmas, and this was the first time he has used it. It even has a laser.

And yes, I am pretty sure we broke every rule that I ever learned in wood shop by putting this saw in the middle of the room with no eye protection, and me running around barefoot... but we're learning. Jeff is still working on this project, but here's a sneak peek:

I also started painting the trim work in the dining room, and finished taping off in the formal living room and the foyer. I know that doesn't sound like a major accomplishment, but I went through three roles of Frog Tape and it took me all weekend; so, I apologize for needing a moment of recognition.

I am pretty sure that I will be able to paint trim in my sleep by the time we finish this house. And you should get used to seeing photos of the process here, because it will likely be my only project for the next 2-3 weekends. 

In other news, I didn't quite get around to cooking a new recipe this week (like I mentioned here) -- so, one night I poured my butternut squash soup into the crock pot to make myself feel like I had tried something new, and I put my sandwich on a frying pan to heat up. In my book, that is cooking.

School started back on Monday [after a two-month-long winter break] so my system is in shock and slightly resistant to the idea of class and projects and studying; so, bare with me over the next few days as I adjust -- there may be more posts about what I'm eating than about remodeling projects, but I'll try to stay focused, I promised.

Here is a bit of iPhoneography from this week to put this cold-meds-induced post out of its misery:

A heavenly moment after Jeff set up the miter saw:

Jeff being asked to hang work at the pin-up show we went to last night:

The beginnings of my first project this quarter:

 Our date night on Thursday night to see Django Unchained:

 And Toby, on one of our walks this week:

Happy weekend, all.

Here's to hot tea ... and cold meds.

Love,

Ryan

Cabinet Fever

Before we had even closed on this house, Jeff and I purchased the above mid-century modern china cabinet off of Craigslist. I saw it, fell in love, and convinced Dad to drive us to the absolute-middle-of-no-where-Georgia to pick it up. She has been my remodeling-muse ever since.

Here she is on the day we moved in -- back right corner:

And for the last three months, that is where she has stayed; stuck in a corner, alone and empty -- sans china in those lovely cabinets.

I am happy to report, however, that we finally have movement.

Here she is from the back:

Ignore the ivory trim work as it will all be painted white (see window) this weekend. And yes, that is the current state of the formal living room -- a product of the painting party I mentioned here. 

Here is the wall that the beloved china cabinet will live on for the rest of her days:

Note: the dining room is currently awaiting wainscoting, white trim, clean floors, etc. Everyone should actually just pretend that they never saw this post as I plan to do a major before/after post once the rooms are finished. I suppose I'm ruining the surprise, but I'm pretty much dying for this particular shade of gray. Pun intended.

So, who wants to come over and clean that chandelier one crystal at a time?

In other Craigslist news, look what we bought for the foyer:

Apologies for the poor iphoneography, but this piece is currently disassembled in the family room. The top piece of the buffet is a liquor cabinet ... with a light feature. The 1950s were just so damn cool.  

Oh, and you want to see a peek into the current state of said foyer?

To quote my beautiful Mom on this one, "the color really is not as bad as it looks in photographs".

Here's to mid-century design, liquor cabinets with swag, and turquoise mermaid harbor walls.

Ryan

Recipe-schmecipe

One of my resolutions for 2013 is to cook at least once a week. I know that sounds like a wimpy resolution, but for someone who can barely manage to heat up a can of soup in the microwave without burning it, spilling it, splattering it, etc., this is a lofty [and perhaps, unattainable] goal.

With that being said, I am happy to report that I managed to make a decent meal last week, thanks to Giada De Laurentiis and the Food and Wine Annual Cookbook 2012. For those of you who don't know, the fact that I even pulled out a cookbook is a big deal - as 95% of the time, I find them insulting and bossy. I hate being told what to do, and I also hate math. So, it's pretty much a lose-lose from the start.

I set out to make Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce and a Snack Mix for dessert. Sounds good, right? Well, I had the best intentions, I did -- and I bought almost all of the necessary ingredients. (Sure, I omitted a couple of unnecessary grains and spices, and added a few things that I thought might improve upon the culinary outcome -- but essentially, I felt as though I was on track.)

This may or may not come as a surprise to you, but I ended up with two dishes that held zero resemblance to either of the original recipes.

Naturally, I have decided to rename them -- Ground Turkey and Publix Brand Marinara Sauce Lasagna with Tomato Penne and Gooey Sunflower Pretzel Melt. You can use your imagination as to where I went wrong.

It still tasted good; which, apparently, is all that matters.  (Note: this is what they tell people who don't know how to follow a recipe. I've heard it a million time, and it never makes me feel better.)

Here's to learning to follow directions, and investing in better measuring utensils.

All of my culinary love,

Ryan

Prep Work

This weekend we hosted a painting party --  and made some substantial progress in the formal living room, dining room, and foyer. While I am anxious to show you some "progress" shots from the party, I thought I'd first share some moments leading up to the big day.

 

I'll be back soon with some before and after shots from the party, but in the mean time -- here is a sneak peek to keep you a'comin' back for more. 

Happy Monday, all.

Ryan

A new year, a new list.

I promised that I would post a monthly update on our [ever growing and constantly changing] to-do list. Well, here we are -- one month later, and what better way to start off the new year than by keeping a promise.

Our list has certainly evolved since I posted about it last month; and in retrospect, most of the things we accomplished over the last four weeks were never on the to-do list to begin with; for instance, the louvered doors, wall prep, holiday festivities, etc., etc.. However, here's the list as it stands today:

Kitchen
Strip remaining wallpaper
Paint
Re-finish cabinets
New hardware for cabinets
Back splash
Window treatments
Light fixtures
Install new dishwasher
Electrical
Air vents
Refinish floors

Mud Room
New layout 
New shelving units
Finish wainscoting
Flooring solution
New washer/dryer (being delivered on Saturday!)
Organize / Clean
Paint
Electrical
Air vents

Breakfast Room
Paint
Window treatments
Hang new light fixtures
Rug
Electrical
Air vents
Table and chairs

Dining Room
Strip wallpaper -- almost finished
Paint -- this weekend
Wainscoting
Window treatments -- purchased
New dining room table
Rug
Clean chandelier
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Formal Living Room
Paint -- this weekend!
Window treatments -- this weekend
Book shelves
Rug
Lighting
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Foyer
Paint -- this weekend
Rug
Floor runner
Clean Chandelier
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Family Room
Window treatments
TV
Clean carpet
Electrical
Air vents

Hallway
Clean floors
Finish stripping wallpaper -- this weekend
Floor runners
Paint -- this weekend
Wainscoting
Electrical -- this weekend
Air vents -- this weekend

Master Bedroom
Clean floors
Rug
Molding
Window treatments
Hang fan
Fix holes around fan
Repaint ceiling
Finish painting trim work
Electrical
Air vents

Master Bath
Strip wallpaper
Flooring solution
Paint
Storage
Window treatments
Electrical
Air vents

Guest Bath
Strip wallpaper
Paint
Window treatments
Electrical
Air vents

Guest Bedroom

Fix crossbars on bed

Paint closet
Window Treatments -- this weekend

Electrical
Air vents

Man Cave
Remove old furniture -- this weekend
Electrical
Air vents
Desk for Jeff
Decorate (shhh... don't tell Jeff)

Office
Paint closet

Quarter Round

Rug

Front Yard 
Summer 2013

Back Yard / Pool / Shed
Summer 2013

___________________

Did you notice that we have a lot on the agenda for this coming weekend? Well, it's because - ummm -  I decided to throw a painting party.

We invited a handful of our [most kind and generous] friends to the house on Sunday to help us tackle what would otherwise take us an entire month. I am a little nervous about getting all of the prep work finished; however, I think it will be worth it.

I will be back in class on Monday, so this coming weekend will be our final push on the house before I crawl into a hole for ten weeks. Our primary goal for the month of January is to have the front rooms functional. (By "front rooms" I mean the foyer, the formal living room, and the dining room.)

In case you're curious, Jeff and I also have normal-people-resolutions for the New Year. I resolve to (1) devote every ounce of creative energy I have to school, (2) take Toby on a long walk at least three times a week, and (3) I want to slowly cut wheat out of my diet. Jeff resolves to (1) to save and track each of his receipts, and (2) go to the gym at least three times a week.

I think we can do it.

Good riddance 2012 -- here's to never seeing you again!

Ryan and Jeff