Painting

As I've gotten older and as a homeowner, I have a greater appreciation for the DIY projects my parents always did around the house when I was growing up. I can't remember a time that my Dad mowed the lawn himself ;) BUT they always did the painting, wallpaper and/or small electrical and plumbing things themselves. I wont dare attempt any minor plumbing or electrical things myself, and Brian - no way, but painting, you betcha!

Like my parents, I find it sort of relaxing and nothing beats the (instant) gratification of the finished product! My most recent project was our "master" bath, which I shared here. I have to admit since we've been living in it and using it, I really love how it came together (insert - pat on my back). So, fresh off that high, and after helping my sister at her new house over the weekend, I came home and started on another project I'd been contemplating! (cant.stop.wont.stop)

Our downstairs bath is a smallish 3-piece-bath. Neutral tile floor, and white walls, with a blah grey tile surround and tub. The small vanity and mirror were an oak, and in bad shape. I knew making them white would significantly improve the look of the room. Since painting the other vanity was a success, I had no hesitations do this one. The only thing I didn't expect, was how badly I'd feel the need to paint the walls once it was done. Aside from the grey, the space felt very sterile. So off to pinterest I went :) 

BEFORE

MID Project - vanity painted.... now what on the walls?!

And... AFTER:

Painting a dark color is no joke. I took my time and spread it out over a few nights and I'm pretty excited about the result. It's the first time in any home, I've done a dark color on the wall. Right before I started Brian said "mark my word, I am against this, I do not want navy." I said sorry, and got to painting. Sometimes, you just have to stick to your gut :) I need things on the wall and I'm debating adding a valance but I smile when I walk by my latest update. Now..... what's next?!

TGIF - all good vibes for a wonderful weekend! 

XO

Agida

I have agida. The urban dictionary defines as - Italian-American slang for heartburn but it can also mean mental aggravation. The word is Italian-American slang derived from the Italian "agitare" meaning "to agitate.  I don't know if this would be classified as impatience or what, but not having our house decorated, things on the walls or windows is giving me serious agida. It feels undone (because it is) and not quite homey (to me). Yet, my mom and mother-in-law recently commented on how much we've done since we moved in. HAHA! I'm not sure if its a criticism or compliment, although from my mom its followed up with a "you need to slow down, stop trying to do so much." But the blank walls and empty windows are almost at the point of making me lose sleep. Are you getting a kick out of how crazy I am?! So you know what I'm talking about, look at the big blank walls in these photos (AHHH!). No paint AND nothing hanging on them - double whammy.

Part of my hold up is that I need design help on what should go where, the other might be the budget (all new stuff = $$$$$), and the last - probably the time and energy to do the hanging late at night. The really interesting thing, is that I'm not that organized. I'm not even sure I know where the kids birth certificates and our passports are. There are toys everywhere, bills have  4 different "spots" that they get placed, so its nothing short of a miracle that we pay them all on time and have amazing credit. That said, blank walls and not being fully decorated, are enough to throw me over the edge. Go figure, right?? So, there is my confession and I hope you don't have a lot of mental aggravation, but if you do - use the word agida, it's more fun :) 

Here a few pictures of walls in our house that DO have something on them, and as you can imagine, make me very, very happy each time I'm near them :)