Overhauling the house... CSN preview review

You'd think that the closer we get to KLM's arrival the less we'd be thinking about the house.  It seems like it's just the opposite.  The closer we get, the more we want to do with the house.  Part of it has to do with being home for so long.  Right now, all I can think about is remodeling our bathroom and backyard.  We have this vanity that just doesn't cut it for us.  It's modern but not very compatible for two people.  Then the shower toilet area, uggh... way to small.  After sitting down and starting to crunch time and numbers, we decided that this was going to be a job for 2011 for us and for now, try to do our best with it and focus on the backyard more.

  When CSN Stores contacted me to do a review, I had the opportunity to do another review from one of their 200+ stores.  This time I decided we'd get something for the backyard.  Something that would help us utilize our space and have fun at the same time.  We decided that we wanted to get a game set like this one:

Link

  It seems like it would fit perfectly on our small lawn and something really fun when we have guests over.  Something we'll be having a lot of when KLM finally decides to come around.  I can't wait to test it out!  I know the hubby will be excited to try it too!

Finallly...done...

The side patio that is.

What did we do, other than do the concrete? We added four hanging baskets filled with ivy that hopefully in time will look amazing. We also added three pots of plants to add more texture and create a more tranquil enviroment. The four light figures we got are battery operated so we can turn them on when we please.  For the three big bushes on the left side, we added white marble rocks to offset all red flooring.  I still need to tile the step but that's for when I'm on leave.  I need something to do, right? :)

Here is a photo of our outdoor living space at night (taken with my iphone hence the poor quality).

What do you think?

The Patio redesign...

  So now that the hubby has finally gotten the stain on the concrete, we are THIS CLOSE to when I get to finally do something.  Tonight he has to seal it to give it a shine.  HOORAY!  Before I had these ideas of colors and styles but it's changed.  I finally found some photos of the patio before we even moved in.  Yes, they are screenshots of a video I took during our house inspection so they aren't the best but it's better than nothing. 

  By the photos, you can tell it's a long space.  We're moving the basketball game (it's one of those due shot games you have to make as many baskets before the timer runs out) to run parallel to the end wall.  Things we are adding... Two lounge chairs from Ikea.  One will run along the wall of the house and act as a couch with lots of pillows to lean on.  the other will run perpendicular to make it look L-shaped.

Then we bought two of these chairs, again, Ikea.  These will just fill our the space to make it more of a seating area. We bought two end tables that will be used in the middle as a coffee table, easy to move and clean.  We have one planter but I think we might need a few more to spruce up the space and not make it look so empty.

  We also have a bookcase that we used to use for our wine until we got actual wine shelves.  We are going to use these outside and for now put our weights and when KLM gets bigger, we will use it as storage for her outdoor toys.  You know me, things must have their place.  It will also be nice to have a space to put my laundry basket while I hook clothes up the the line (which is out here too but that will have to be another post on how we did it without taking up more space).  I'm not one for too many things but I think it needs more.  I still want to make more cozy so I'm on the hunt for more inspiration. 

Wednesday Ramblings... just a day late

• The time change really kicked my butt. I'm trying my best to go to bed and wake up early but at the moment I'm not winning the battle.


• I finally finished my portion of touch ups in KLM's room and the hallway. Now all that's left is the ceiling. I have a feeling I might be doing that part too.


• I want to learn how to make a swaddle blanket. I found a site online to buy organic fabric for it. Now it's a matter of getting a hold of a pattern. Hopefully my mom can fix my sewing machine (AGAIN) so I can attempt making it.


• I already raised my share for the Ronald McDonald Walk I signed up for. Thank you Apryl, Robyn and Frank for donating! I'm still accepting donations! :)


• At the moment, I'm really enjoying work. I know all I do is play with data and it's utterly geeky but for some reason it's so much fun! Shhh, don't tell my boss I'm having fun at work!


• We finally put in the garden. I have the sun burn to prove it. Now all I have to do is write about it on Learning to Sow.


• We have the sofa people coming out to clean our new sofa. Apparently one of the puppies had an accident on it. Well, we tried to clean it but didn't work. Now it's time for the professionals to do it. Fingers crossed they do a good job and get rid of the problem.


• I went to my first prenatal yoga class this week. Can you say killer? It was soo good that I even felt sore after! YEA!!!


• I need to start walking more.


• I can't wait to BBQ this weekend. I keep going back and forth what the first meal will be outside. Must be a big one since we have family coming over. Off to surf the nets for ideas!

Yet another excuse to decorate...

So, you know us, when one project is on the verge of being done, I'm always thinking up what is next. Well, the next one is our sorry excuse for a side patio. It can be a lovely area with tons of prospect but, it's fallen to the wayside.

What made us really want to do something in here was the floor. There is ugly "carpet" was from the previous owners. I think they were covering up their horrible paint job that was here. AND IT'S PEELING!!! UGGH! Not something I want my kids picking up and eating. They can eat dirt and bugs, just not chips. :) Anywho, we decided it was time to take care of this so are going to redo this area. We want to keep this place a casual play area, so the basketball game, bar table and stools will stay, but it just needs more. Here is our color palate we're using:



The house is already painted, and the white accent color is actually really refreshing in this shaded area. The dark concrete color is what the hubby will be staining the floor and the dark green will be pillows or other accents. Now, planning all this, it's kinda hard to see think of what else it needs. This is what we are feeling like doing:



Let's go over this... The white rocks on top will fill go on top of the dirt area where the shrubs come from. Chairs, because we need two chairs, some type of artwork, baskets to put outdoor toys in, small shelf unit (darker wood preferably) to put baskets and weights, side table for chairs, and maybe a outdoor plant to liven it up.

The goal is do all the decorating and staying within 100$ budget. I think it's possible but it's going to take some work on my part. We'll reuse things we have, others I'll just have to hunt down. I'm really excited about this project. It's going to be fun!

The Baby Wipe Challenge

If you've been following us here you would know we try our best to keep our waste down. Now with KLM on her way, we sat down and went through all the things we know would just build up in the landfill and would sit there for years to come. We scribbled a list of alternatives that would not only be reusable but also have a nice side effect of saving some cash.

From regular diapers to reusable ones to what we'll feed our child when it's time. We went through everything and while some suggestions we wrote down just were way out there, others were within reach. One of the things we decided was the diapers, we found them, we started to order them (a few here and there). When they came, we realized we just couldn't do the whole disposable wipe. You know me, I read all the benefits of them as well as cloth ones and honestly, just couldn't do it. So, comes the challenge. Yes, I could buy a grip of them but seriously, we're talking about wipes here, not something you are going to go show the world. The goal of my challenge is to make 100 wipes. Two ply, sewn together (if you follow me on twitter, you know my heartache on this part).

Last night I started the challenge and made two before I once again broke my machine. (I think all sewing machines hate me) Now I need a date end of this project. Hmmm... how bout the beginning of my third trimester? March 27, 2010. I will try to post here and there but am going to add a counter to keep track of my progress. Basically that's 3ish a day. I can do that... right?

Project 12 - February update #2

So far, I have to say this has been so much fun. Not just working on KLM's room, but just finishing projects that have been lurking in the background.

Get up to date on all our travel albums. (we make one album for every trip we take) Currently behind on 2-3.
Done... except for NYC/Philly Trip (will do this week)

Finish our daughter's room (paint side table and her initials for her room)
Done

Create a height chart to keep her measurements that we'll be able to take with us if we ever move. Done. What I like about this is that we'll be able to measure her when she's still little and can't stand. We can just put the chart on the floor and measure that way. Simple and gets the job done.

Figure out a backing to mini table to hide nasty cords in the living room. YUCK! Done. This was way to easy.

Before (please excuse the cobwebs)


After (All we used was a piece of black cardboard (that kids use for the science fair) and just cut a piece. Luckily I cut it very snug so it just fit perfectly without moving)




I think since there are a few days left, I might tackle one more project... but this one might need some help from LMP's momma. I can sew, but just can't work a sewing machine. Does that make sense? It's the whole thread thing that just throws me for a loop. But today I will be googling some "how to thread a sewing machine" and hopefully I can figure out this whole bobbin situation I have going or what I like to call it: Bobbin-Gate.

Project 12 - February update #1

All in all, I've been really good on staying on top of this month's theme. I even felt a little guilty for not much for last month's so the next two weeks, I've already made the week dinner menu and did the prep work for all of them.

Get up to date on all our travel albums. (we make one album for every trip we take) Currently behind on 2-3.
Finally tackled our Cruise album, Costa Rica, and Hawaii. Only one left is the NYC/Philly trip we just got back from.

Finish our daughter's room (pain side table and her initials for her room)Finished her ititial's for her door:



Here is the side table:

Create a height chart to keep her measurements that we'll be able to take with us if we ever move. Currently working on now

Figure out a backing to mini table to hide nasty cords in the living room. YUCK! Haven't touched this one yet.

Overall, I'm pretty happy with this month and have really enjoyed it. Do any craft projects lately?

Little Miss Planner's Farm...update #8.1

Because of the amount of photos I took and the ugly timeouts I'm getting from Nikon Picture Town, I'll have to do this in two posts. Bare with me... lots of photos to follow!!!
I love spring time!


This is the mystery garden section. I am slowly figuring out what is what!


The first portion of the garden we did is sooo big now!


The Herb Garden


Peppers, tomatoes and squash!


The left row is Garlic and the right row is Asparagus


Even the flowers are blooming around the garden







You know how I mentioned we built a second bench? Well, we also stained it and here it is! We are going to make a top for the fire pit to act like a ottoman when not in use. That will be June DIY craft project. I love sitting out here in the evening with the tiki torches lit. It's very calm and serene!

Little Miss Planner's Farm...update #8.2

Getting bigger by the day!

Artichokes on the left, Spaghetti Squash on the right


Asparagus


Grapes


Raspberries


Corn (tallest one is around 4ft)


Corn


In the back Snow Peas, left front is the last of the lettuce (harvested 4lbs so far) and onions are on the verge of being ready


I think these are radishes


Swiss Chard


Things are blooming!!!!

Tons of Cherry Tomatoes


Cucumber blossoms


Strawberries


Squash


Peas! YUM!

Little Miss Planner's Farm...update #7

I think the hubby thinks I've completely lost it. I race home now to water the plants and make sure the puppies didn't do their own gardening. A few days ago I planted the garlic and can't wait for it to pop out. I finally got to the top tier and planted strawberries. On the new section we built a few weeks ago, the seedlings are barely coming up. We ended up just tilling it and planting again with more organic soil.

This past weekend's mini-farm to-do list went as follows:

• Plant asparagus


• Finish weeding... for the most part


• Plant another LONG row of garlic


• Plant new hydrangea plants and raspberry plant


• Create irrigation system for asparagus, garlic, hydrangeas, raspberries and grapes (it's further away from the rest of the garden


• Fertilize! Fertilize! Fertilize!


• Start drawing up plans on irragation system for the entire area
M

This is the new area. We still have some maintenance to do (i.e. build a new gate to hide the spa equipment, buy metal sheets and paint black where the sheets of wood are, do more weeding and clearing) but for the most part, I'm really ecstatic we figured out how to use this area. You see, it's been sectioned off because there is a big dog in our neighbor's yard up there. Our dogs would barked like mad and we figured we'd just section off this side so they couldn't get up there anymore. Because of that, we never cared about this area and it always looked so ratty. Now, nice clean lines and hopefully it will produce garlic and asparagus, raspberries and grapes! (grapes coming soon)

Our final and major project will extend the wall we made. We are waiting on more recycled railroad tiers. Once they comes in, we'll build it and plant like mad!

So has anything produced? YES! We harvested lots of lettuce! It tastes unbelievable! I never thought lettuce had a flavor! In the words of the hubby: "TASTY!" We also measured to get an idea of how much we area we are using. Since we don't go to the top of the hill, we just measured to the top of the strawberries. Right now we are using 462 square ft of land for our garden. Once we put in the new tier, we will add an additional 136 sq ft making our garden 600 sq feet. This is amusing to me since my last apt was 600 sq ft! Glad we figured out how to use this wasted space. Photos will have to wait till we get some better light to show the new area!

On a non garden front, last weekend we built the second bench, this weekend we sanded and stained it. :) I LOVE how it all turned out!!!

Little Miss Planner's Farm Update #6

You know how I mentioned before about planting in a new area? Well, this is the area I spoke of:

This tree/schrub/bush overtook the area and I got out my trusty saw and clippers and cleaned up the place. After about a 4 hours worth of cleaning it looked pretty good.

The middle teir has two types of peppers, another tomato bush and two squash vines. The bottom teir is the new home for the herb garden. Yes, I moved it because, it was bothering me having them with the veggies and I like uniform things. :) The top tier, well, not sure what i'll plant there but I'm thinking about that, not to worry, where there is dirt I will plant! :)

The other thing I did was put in a path to walk up without slipping down the dirt. I am terrified of falling so this was a must.

We used recycled brick we bought at Home Depot and rocks from the hill. I think I might have to make them bigger but for now, they work perfectly!

Admission...

I'm Little Miss Planner and I'm addicted to all things dirt. I can officially say that I've truly lost it. On Saturday morning, the hubby took me to the garden center so i could get the rake I've been jabbering on about all week long. Unfortunately we left with a trunk full of plants, dirt and other random things that I apparently "needed." Once I got home I changed and proceeded to spent 4 hours weeding and planting and watering and just plain old getting dirty. After I was all dusty and dirty, I walked into the house and gave the hubby a great big hug and told him what I wanted for my birthday (let me remind you it is over 6 months away). This:


Source

You see, I put all my fun tools on the side of the house but as much as I put stuff in some order, it just doesn't sit well with me. I feel uneasy when things aren't in their "place" and my tools need a home. (read: little miss planner has OCD tendencies) I just need a little outdoor closet/shed to keep things tidy.

So there you have it. Today's admission of insanity. Oh, and yes I tried to skim over the fact I planted more... I found this area that looked very unkept on the hill. So I cleaned it out and planted more... 2 types of peppers, more tomatoes and squash. Funny (or sad) part is I DON'T eat peppers or regular tomatoes. My justification... well, i know a lot of people do so we'll give them away! :)

Garden Envy!

I'm SOOOO adding onto our garden next year. If you love gardening, you HAVE to take a look at The Dervaes Family. I first saw this post over at Oh Happy Day! Go here to watch the 1 minute clip on Oprah.




You can Follow their journal here! I just added them to my Google reader!

Oh, here's another clip!

Little Miss Planner's Farm Update # 5

Beware: image heavy post.

Update...

So you know that hard work I griped about last Monday? This is what the garden looked liked before:


The garden's grown alot:


and now we added onto the wall:


Last night we planted more artichokes on the top as well as spaghetti squash. On the bottom, we have spinach, more lettuce, more carrots, cauliflower, and an area for the pumpkins. The pumpkin vine will be moved outward and up the hill once that grows, much like the cucumber vine.

So updates on everything:


Peas


lettuce


carrots


herbs


cucumbers


cherry tomato bush


corn