My room

I finally have the motivation to show the progress in my bedroom. First, here's a before (and please take note of the hole in the wall next to the window - another gift left to me by hoodlums.):

I initially wanted a red bedroom. Why? Because I could. Because it was my decision. Because it was my way of expressing my independence and the new chapter in my life. Then, after a few months of the blood-red walls, I realized that my color choice may have been a little hasty.

Enter Behr's "Prelude." I love the blue-gray color. I think it made my room double in size. I know my pictures are not of professional-quality, but you get the point.

And the cute "canopy" above my bed, that took nearly an hour to install, plus the hour of figuring out how to make the curtains stay without sewing, was found here, via my new BFF - Pinterest.

One more time for fun:

Shades of gray

The playroom/guestroom was the first room that was completely finished in the house. Like everything complete. Curtains and all.

First, let me start with some before pictures.





Nice, right? I thought the darker color on the walls was just a poor paint job by a lazy previous homeowner, but actually, it was covering graffiti.

Now, let me share my inspiration for the room, which is from here. I loved the neutral wall color, crisp white accents and splashes of color (and the $20 price tag on the cute Ikea rug!).



I thought since Piper's toys were so colorful, the grey walls would be a great backdrop. My dad and I painted the walls, refinished the floors, filled the room with all of Piper's toys, and bought some pillows and a sofa bed from Ikea. And this is what it looks like now:



This little couch turns into a bed. You know, in case I ever have any visitors.



Whacha think?

Update

Here is a quick update of what has been going on in my little world:

Piper - Two words: POTTY TRAINED! Woot!! I was beginning to feel pressure from society that she was three years old and not potty-trained. On the other hand, I had very wise parents telling me that she will learn in her own time. And she did. Piper has been through a lot of change in the last year. We have moved twice and her parents got a divorce. I didn't force potty training, and with the help of the village that raises her, she got it. And it is so exciting.

I still can't believe she's three years old. I look at her and I watch as she learns and grows and thinks, and I get tears every time. She is growing up so fast, and I just want to hold onto her as long as I can. I savor every single hug from her, and I am constantly thanking the Good Lord for blessing me with such an amazing child.

The House - Still under construction, but we are getting there. Let me refer to the title of my blog - How do you eat an elephant? Answer - One bite at a time. I get overwhelmed at times, and I have to remember to breath and take one project at a time. I will post pictures and updates soon, I promise.

Oops...

I finally learned to use a drill. Score one for me. However, today, I got a little drill-happy... I had this plan to put a belt rack inside my closet door, and I did...

But, I drilled right through the door:

Thankfully, I have a handy-man extrodianare as a father, and this problem will be quickly solved, but it was a good laugh.

Sneak peek

I closed on my house more than three weeks ago, and I just opened my 12th gallon of paint today. TWELVE GALLONS!! It's been three weeks of hard work, lots of paint and a few injuries, but well worth it. I wanted to be able to show the final before-and-after product of my house, but it's not quite ready. But, here is a sneak peek. This is my living room, before and after. My dad refinished the floors himself, don't they look A-MAZING!?
More to come!

Individual

I recently made a big purchase - A house. It's been two months of chaos and stress, but I did it. I bought a house. On my own.

I was sent an amendment to my original contract to correct my name and classifying me as an individual.

Yes, I should be proud, excited, overjoyed about this major life purchase for me and my daughter. But, seeing the word individual staring back at me broke my spirit a little bit.

Why are we so often defined by our relationship status? And, does it make me less capable to own a house since I'm not married anymore? Anyone who knew me and my ex when we were married can testify that I am more than capable of taking care of a home by myself - as an individual.

Men and Houses

I am currently looking to become a homeowner again. I'm not rushing into something, because I'm fine where I'm at, but I would like a bigger place. Anyhow, yesterday I thought about how finding a house is like finding a man:

I have a "dream house" in mind. There's certain criteria I want it to meet. Some people want a "fixer-upper", some want it to be "move-in" ready. As for me, I'll know "the one" when I see it. Buying a house is risky, takes work and upkeep and requires commitment. When you find one that you think might be "the one", you take a chance and put a bid on it, hoping that it is acceptable and someone else doesn't get it before you do. You might have to go through a few rejected offers before you finally find the perfect one. But when you finally land that perfect house, it is a great, great feeling!

Maybe I can find a house with a man - like a 2fer deal!!