Merry Belated Christmas!

So, what prompted me to write this holiday post now that the holidays have officially passed? Well, the fact that A) We didn't do a holiday post and B) We'll be taking down the decorations this weekend and I wanted to selfishly share how fabulous everything looked.

After using the red and aqua color combination for the wedding, we figured we'd put all that left over ribbon to good use. The results is a lovely, vintage-like feel perfect for our mid-century ranch.


What a score at Target! Wrapping paper that matched. Coooooooooool!


Anyhoo, it was a great holiday for us. Hope yours was, as well.

Jacqui and Craig

The After Pictures

Now that the wedding is FINALLY behind us, we can focus on finishing up the little things that still need to get done around the house.

Long-awaited "after" pictures will be posted after the holidays, though we might post some pictures of our holiday-decked house.

So, thanks for your patience and interest in our insane renovation!

Jacqui and Craig

Design Rant #5: Diamond Mirror

BEGIN RANT

Okay... I'm as vain as the next gal. Or metrosexual. I will readily admit to spending oodles of time poking at the signs of middle-ageness that are slowly creeping onto my reflection.

That being said, I think you'd have to be out of your ever-loving mind to spend $3,500 on a mirror. Yes... $3,500.

What do you get for the money? Besides a hand polished mirror? Well, the Diamond Mirror, by Piet Houtenbos, promises an exceptionally clear reflection. Um... As opposed to the "muddy" reflection we seem to all be victims of?

Sorry, but I don't get it. $3,500? I mean... do you KNOW how much Botox that can buy?

Thanks, but no thanks. At that price, I'd better be getting that swank, chatty mirror Snow White's stepmother had. And you better be damn right I'd be the "fairest of the all."

END RANT

So, where are we?

Okay, okay...

We did rather abandon this blog, but for very good reason: We were abducted by aliens.

Now safely back on on Earth, we can resume this lovely blog and post where we are in the whole house renovation thing.

So, where are we? Well, technically we're in the "finishing stages." We're finishing painting, we're finishing the electrical, we're finishing the little things. Of course, anyone who has ever done a complete gut/rehab knows that enough "little things" can eclipse one whole "big thing."

Such has been the case with us.

Truth be told, there were SEVERAL weekends when we didn't do a damn thing in the house, which I think both Craig and I needed. Now, though, we're back on track and desperate to "finish" the house, aka Phase 1. Phase 2, which refers to the exterior/landscaping, is looming on the distance like an unwelcome guest you KNOW you have to answer the door for.

So, in a nutshell, we still have to:

• Touch up painting here and there, especially in the family room
• Finalize the surround sound wiring, which is good seeing as we used our stimulus check wisely and splurged on a 52" HDTV
• Finish the wine rack in the kitchen
• Replace two sets of regular cabinet hinges with 270º hinges
• Purchase and install wire baskets for pantry
• Finish misc. stuff in the guest bathroom
• Re-polish kitchen floor (it's gotten really scuffed up in the last few months)
• Stain/seal our master closet doors and refinish the door that leads to the AC closet
• Fix the hallway light, which seems to be possessed (We think we have a faulty switch.)
• Get the final electrical inspection. (Yes... we still have an open permit, God help us.)

So, that's what's up and what's happening. All in time for our—snicker–House Warming Party that will be held virtually 2 years after we purchased the house. If you're in town on August 30th, stop by and take a tour. Which reminds me that I have to put together a "dazzling" iMovie showing everything that we've done to the house for the party. It will save Craig and I the hassle/joy of repeating ourselves. Beyond that, I think I'll like see the "wholly crap" reactions to what we've done in the two years we've been in this house.

Anyhoo, look for the long overdue "After" pictures once we clean up the house and get it picture perfect.

And... thanks for your patience while we were away with, you know, the aliens. (Oh, yeah: Elvis says, "Hi.")

Thank you... Thank you very much...
Jacqui and Craig

Design Rant #4: Low Trunk Tables

BEGIN RANT

Above, the set of Bleu Nature's "Low Trunk Tables." Now, while some may describe them as nothing more than stumps topped a with rounded piece of laminate, according to vivre.com, they'd be wrong.

Here's what they actually are:

"Driftwood spread across the shore is the impetus behind this unique design. The ultimate in modern nature, these low tables are fully functional, as they are fastened with metal and enamel tops. An inspired way to redefine and re-use earth's creations. Natural. From 7¾" to 15¾"."

An inspired way to redefine and re-use earth's creations? Really? Inspired? There are a lot of words I'd used to describe these, but "inspired" would not at all be one of them.

The cost for "the ultimate in modern nature?" A hefty $1,750.00

All I can say is, "I'm grabbing a chain saw and heading to Lowe's."

Ugh...

END RANT.

Design Rant #3: Tevere Chair

BEGIN RANT

Okay... this is more of a "disappointment" than a rant, but I just can't help myself. For days now I've been thinking about the Tevere Chair by legendary designer Enzo Mari. (Remember the print of that big, graphic red apple from '63? That's him.)

Anyhoo, beyond the fact that I seriously dislike the chair, thinking that it looks more like a shop project than a "designer" chair. What I dislike most is the price tag: $940.00. With taxes (if applicable) and shipping you're looking at a grand.

I'm sure some will love this chair. I'm sure some won't mind the $940.00 price tag. As for me, with all due respect to Mr. Mari, no on both counts.

END RANT

Love Is In the Lair.

I love our house.

And, to be honest, since September '06, when we began our remodel, I haven't really loved it much. Appreciated it, yes. Love? No. At times, I've actually disliked our house very much. (Please keep that between us. It's very sensitive.)

Granted, while we still have little things to do-freshen up paint, pass the final electrical, and stain a couple doors-we're finally at a point where I'm not wincing every time I walk into the kitchen, or the family room, or the guest bedroom, or the studio, etc.

So, hopefully soon a bunch of pictures will be posted that will absolutely astonish you.

Hopefully.

Of course, now we have to get started planning the exterior of the house, which will include new gutters, a new irrigation system, new well pump, new French drain, and landscaping, as well as tree trimming, tree removal, grading, etc. A shed and outdoor office is also in the works and need to be planned out before anything else can be started.

Yeah... home ownership. Gotta love it.