And now we have cabinetry! This is a picture of the work in progress. My hubby and a dear friend hung them and it went well. We really do like the bead board look, so we are sure about keeping them, although the company offered to send the ones we originally ordered if we want them to. 

It was a little nerve wracking to drill in the new cabinets to add the knobs and cups! I was holding my breath a lot during that process. I am really enjoying have an almost fully functioning kitchen. The countertop is on order and as soon as it arrives, I will be doing a happy dance! Getting a countertop means I will finally get my sink back!

For the small drawers, I chose to use reproduction green glass knobs from Look In The Attic to add a bit of glam. Love glass knobs!

In the upper corner cupboard, I ordered two lazy susans by Rev a Shelf from Kitchen Source  to help make the cabinet more easily assessable. Now things won't get lost in the back. 

The peninsula lights got hung up today. =)

What we have left to is the back splash, the crown molding and toe kicks to install. 

We are so close to being done! 

And now we have cabinetry! This is a picture of the work in progress. My hubby and a dear friend hung them and it went well. We really do like the bead board look, so we are sure about keeping them, although the company offered to send the ones we originally ordered if we want them to. 

It was a little nerve wracking to drill in the new cabinets to add the knobs and cups! I was holding my breath a lot during that process. I am really enjoying have an almost fully functioning kitchen. The countertop is on order and as soon as it arrives, I will be doing a happy dance! Getting a countertop means I will finally get my sink back!

For the small drawers, I chose to use reproduction green glass knobs from Look In The Attic to add a bit of glam. Love glass knobs!

In the upper corner cupboard, I ordered two lazy susans by Rev a Shelf from Kitchen Source  to help make the cabinet more easily assessable. Now things won't get lost in the back. 

The peninsula lights got hung up today. =)

What we have left to is the back splash, the crown molding and toe kicks to install. 

We are so close to being done! 

After sleeping on it and having my sister in law come over to see what we have, we have decided to keep the cabinets we received. The drawers are flat faced and nothing will be up against a wall with bead board, so we think it will work just fine and not be too much. She said she liked them better than what we originally picked out. Getting too many opinions can be an issue and the bottom line, we have to like it, right? Russ likes it better, now that he got over the shock of not getting what we expected. 

Thank you all for the helpful comments. =) 

Time to get some samples for the counter so we can make that decision!

After sleeping on it and having my sister in law come over to see what we have, we have decided to keep the cabinets we received. The drawers are flat faced and nothing will be up against a wall with bead board, so we think it will work just fine and not be too much. She said she liked them better than what we originally picked out. Getting too many opinions can be an issue and the bottom line, we have to like it, right? Russ likes it better, now that he got over the shock of not getting what we expected. 

Thank you all for the helpful comments. =) 

Time to get some samples for the counter so we can make that decision!

We got the cabinets today (yay!)

But wait... they sent the wrong ones!! 

As you can see, its a perfectly lovely cabinet, except we ordered mission style, not bead board. =(

Our kitchen walls have bead board, so having cabinetry with bead board would be bead board overload!! We didn't discover the mix up until after the store we ordered them from were closed, so we wait until tomorrow to see what the next step is to get this fixed. I am so hoping that we won't have to wait another 4 - 5 weeks for the right ones to be sent. On a positive note, it gives us time to make a final decision on the counter top. We changed our mind the other day about using the marble laminate and going with a mostly black counter instead. Looks like I have time to order samples! 

Some good news, the school house light I ordered from Barn Electric arrived and it is perfection! This will be hung above the sink, when I get one, that is. 

Here's to hoping the cabinet snafu gets solved quickly and without too long of a delay! Maybe I can start a quilting project now!  =)

I hope you are all having a good week! 

We got the cabinets today (yay!)

But wait... they sent the wrong ones!! 

As you can see, its a perfectly lovely cabinet, except we ordered mission style, not bead board. =(

Our kitchen walls have bead board, so having cabinetry with bead board would be bead board overload!! We didn't discover the mix up until after the store we ordered them from were closed, so we wait until tomorrow to see what the next step is to get this fixed. I am so hoping that we won't have to wait another 4 - 5 weeks for the right ones to be sent. On a positive note, it gives us time to make a final decision on the counter top. We changed our mind the other day about using the marble laminate and going with a mostly black counter instead. Looks like I have time to order samples! 

Some good news, the school house light I ordered from Barn Electric arrived and it is perfection! This will be hung above the sink, when I get one, that is. 

Here's to hoping the cabinet snafu gets solved quickly and without too long of a delay! Maybe I can start a quilting project now!  =)

I hope you are all having a good week! 

Work has slowed down a lot! We are now cabinet ready, so we wait until they arrive when the busyness will pick up once again. 

Walls are patched...

New ceiling fan...The pendant lights will be hung after the cabinets are installed. They would be in the way of the cabinet install if we hung them up now. We are trying to make things as easy on ourselves as possible!

The stove and dishwasher were delivered last night. I haven't tried out the range yet. The dishwasher is still in the box waiting to be installed when the cabinets come. 

Bigger view of the room with fresh paint on the walls. It's a lovely shade of yellow green called Fresh Willow. =) I don't know what I am going to do with my IKEA island. I love it, but there really isn't a place for it in our home...yet!

The basement door and trim have a fresh coat of paint,

as well as the half bathroom door and trim. Eventually, the trim in the whole house will be painted. It's in terrible shape and it's not special wood in any way, so I don't feel guilty painting it. It looks so much better!

We decided to not replace the whole kitchen door and just replace the window instead. This was a much cheaper and easier option. When the cabinets are moved in and installed, the trim around the kitchen door and the door itself will get a fresh coat of paint. No sense painting it now and have it get banged up when we move things into the house. 

I will be so glad when this project is finished!! The good news is the end is in sight! =D 

Work has slowed down a lot! We are now cabinet ready, so we wait until they arrive when the busyness will pick up once again. 

Walls are patched...

New ceiling fan...The pendant lights will be hung after the cabinets are installed. They would be in the way of the cabinet install if we hung them up now. We are trying to make things as easy on ourselves as possible!

The stove and dishwasher were delivered last night. I haven't tried out the range yet. The dishwasher is still in the box waiting to be installed when the cabinets come. 

Bigger view of the room with fresh paint on the walls. It's a lovely shade of yellow green called Fresh Willow. =) I don't know what I am going to do with my IKEA island. I love it, but there really isn't a place for it in our home...yet!

The basement door and trim have a fresh coat of paint,

as well as the half bathroom door and trim. Eventually, the trim in the whole house will be painted. It's in terrible shape and it's not special wood in any way, so I don't feel guilty painting it. It looks so much better!

We decided to not replace the whole kitchen door and just replace the window instead. This was a much cheaper and easier option. When the cabinets are moved in and installed, the trim around the kitchen door and the door itself will get a fresh coat of paint. No sense painting it now and have it get banged up when we move things into the house. 

I will be so glad when this project is finished!! The good news is the end is in sight! =D 

We are making a lot of progress! Upper cabinets are gone, the electrical is done, gas is piped in for the new gas range and walls as well as the door frames are prepped for painting. I had to sand the white bead board to knock off the gloss for the new paint. Truly, most of the hard work is done, its just a matter of getting to it. We are exhausted and ready to be done. I am thankful that we haven't run into any surprises during the remodel like many do. 

The lighting and new ceiling fan are all ordered. The cabinet hardware is here and the cabinets should be here in just a couple of more weeks. Next week, the new gas range and dishwasher will arrive. Soon we can get the countertop ordered. All the final decisions have been made, which is huge! I have fretted over every decision. I have been so anxious about making the "right" decision and keeping in budget.

We do need to order a new door. The kitchen door is in terrible shape! The black stuff is the sealant from the window that leaks. I clean it off and then it comes back. All the dirt and grime sticks to it. So gross! I estimate that the door is over 25 years old. We discussed replacing the window and painting the door, but there were more issues that just the window, so replacing it just seems easier and wiser. 

This is the layout of the kitchen, except we chose to remove the cabinet above the sink area and we will put in a shelf there instead. Also, we decided against a farm sink. Too pricey and losing space under the sink was an issue for us. My big splurge was the 5 little drawers next to the sink. I love them!! 

I found this picture of a kitchen that has the same cabinets and laminate we are going to install. It has helped me to visualize what we are trying to get the kitchen to look like. 

transitional kitchen countertops

Our goal is to have it done by the end of August. I am ready to have a sink back! Doing dishes in the living room with basins is getting old fast! 

Did I mention how much I miss my sewing room?? Soon I will be back to playing with my pretty fabric. =) 

Have a happy Wednesday, everyone!!

We are making a lot of progress! Upper cabinets are gone, the electrical is done, gas is piped in for the new gas range and walls as well as the door frames are prepped for painting. I had to sand the white bead board to knock off the gloss for the new paint. Truly, most of the hard work is done, its just a matter of getting to it. We are exhausted and ready to be done. I am thankful that we haven't run into any surprises during the remodel like many do. 

The lighting and new ceiling fan are all ordered. The cabinet hardware is here and the cabinets should be here in just a couple of more weeks. Next week, the new gas range and dishwasher will arrive. Soon we can get the countertop ordered. All the final decisions have been made, which is huge! I have fretted over every decision. I have been so anxious about making the "right" decision and keeping in budget.

We do need to order a new door. The kitchen door is in terrible shape! The black stuff is the sealant from the window that leaks. I clean it off and then it comes back. All the dirt and grime sticks to it. So gross! I estimate that the door is over 25 years old. We discussed replacing the window and painting the door, but there were more issues that just the window, so replacing it just seems easier and wiser. 

This is the layout of the kitchen, except we chose to remove the cabinet above the sink area and we will put in a shelf there instead. Also, we decided against a farm sink. Too pricey and losing space under the sink was an issue for us. My big splurge was the 5 little drawers next to the sink. I love them!! 

I found this picture of a kitchen that has the same cabinets and laminate we are going to install. It has helped me to visualize what we are trying to get the kitchen to look like. 

transitional kitchen countertops

Our goal is to have it done by the end of August. I am ready to have a sink back! Doing dishes in the living room with basins is getting old fast! 

Did I mention how much I miss my sewing room?? Soon I will be back to playing with my pretty fabric. =) 

Have a happy Wednesday, everyone!!

We have been very busy getting things done on the kitchen remodel. So far it has gone very smoothly! Here I am cutting the base cabinet with the saws-all. Great tool!

All the lower base cabinets are gone and the wall cabinets have all been stripped of their doors. Our home was built in 1956. It was updated in 1987 when the previous owners refaced the cabinets. I would say it was time for another update. =)

The floor is now finished!

We did the grouting this morning. We used Snapstone tiles, which is a floating tile. We really like this product!  The area with no tile, we will fill in with plywood to level the floor. 

We are steadily getting things checked off the list and decisions made. We got the cabinetry ordered and picked out the paint color for the walls. =) 

Next up, electrical! We are adding lighting above where the peninsula will be and a new light for above the kitchen sink. Lighting has been the hardest decision to make so far!! We are getting it narrowed down, but no final decision yet. 

Morning comes early, so off to bed I go!! 

Have a happy weekend, everyone!! 

We have been very busy getting things done on the kitchen remodel. So far it has gone very smoothly! Here I am cutting the base cabinet with the saws-all. Great tool!

All the lower base cabinets are gone and the wall cabinets have all been stripped of their doors. Our home was built in 1956. It was updated in 1987 when the previous owners refaced the cabinets. I would say it was time for another update. =)

The floor is now finished!

We did the grouting this morning. We used Snapstone tiles, which is a floating tile. We really like this product!  The area with no tile, we will fill in with plywood to level the floor. 

We are steadily getting things checked off the list and decisions made. We got the cabinetry ordered and picked out the paint color for the walls. =) 

Next up, electrical! We are adding lighting above where the peninsula will be and a new light for above the kitchen sink. Lighting has been the hardest decision to make so far!! We are getting it narrowed down, but no final decision yet. 

Morning comes early, so off to bed I go!! 

Have a happy weekend, everyone!! 

I made this quilt in October 2014 and I finally got brave enough to quilt it, which is why it sat around for so long. I normally don't allow myself to let a flimsy sit unfinished for this length of time. For now, it's on display at Cotton Creek Mill and then it will ago to live with my friend Terri. She has been very patient with me. =) The pattern is Pineapple and Fig by Fig Tree and Company. I added prairie points to dress it up a bit more (and to use up more of the fabric scraps). 

No other major projects in the sewing room are on the horizon. Why? Because we have decided to do a complete remodel of our kitchen!! If you recall, last December we redid the kitchen floor. We had decided at that time to not remodel the whole kitchen and make do. After months of going back and forth and trying to decide on what new countertop to put in, we decided putting a new counter on cupboards that really have not worked for us....ever...it was a wise decision to update the whole thing.   One thing that means for me is I will finally have a dishwasher! I have never had one. 

The first step in the remodel is to finish the floor. When we replaced the floor, we stopped where the linoleum stopped and left the hardwood floor intact. Since were will be adding a few more cabinets, the floor really needs to extend the whole way to look right. The new cabinets will go where the IKEA island is. That needs a new home! It's a bit painful to cover the hardwood floor, but it is the right thing to do.

We had to remove a few of the shorter pieces on one side, the rest of them will be covered with the new cabinetry and then we can level the floor and begin to tile. 

I will post updates as we go, but now, I need to get to work to help pay for my new kitchen! =D

Have a happy Thursday!! 

I made this quilt in October 2014 and I finally got brave enough to quilt it, which is why it sat around for so long. I normally don't allow myself to let a flimsy sit unfinished for this length of time. For now, it's on display at Cotton Creek Mill and then it will ago to live with my friend Terri. She has been very patient with me. =) The pattern is Pineapple and Fig by Fig Tree and Company. I added prairie points to dress it up a bit more (and to use up more of the fabric scraps). 

No other major projects in the sewing room are on the horizon. Why? Because we have decided to do a complete remodel of our kitchen!! If you recall, last December we redid the kitchen floor. We had decided at that time to not remodel the whole kitchen and make do. After months of going back and forth and trying to decide on what new countertop to put in, we decided putting a new counter on cupboards that really have not worked for us....ever...it was a wise decision to update the whole thing.   One thing that means for me is I will finally have a dishwasher! I have never had one. 

The first step in the remodel is to finish the floor. When we replaced the floor, we stopped where the linoleum stopped and left the hardwood floor intact. Since were will be adding a few more cabinets, the floor really needs to extend the whole way to look right. The new cabinets will go where the IKEA island is. That needs a new home! It's a bit painful to cover the hardwood floor, but it is the right thing to do.

We had to remove a few of the shorter pieces on one side, the rest of them will be covered with the new cabinetry and then we can level the floor and begin to tile. 

I will post updates as we go, but now, I need to get to work to help pay for my new kitchen! =D

Have a happy Thursday!! 

Friday morning, we took off on the bike to head to our favorite riding destination, Wisconsin. We love it there so much! Especially the south west side, which is called the Driftless Area. Because the glaciers didn't travel this area during the last glacial period, the area is full of high bluffs and deep valleys. It is beautiful! 

This time, we stayed in La Crosse. We rode up to the top of Grandad Bluff, which is a 600-ft high bluff that overlooks the city. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Pictures can never do the view justice. It was breathtakingly beautiful! It was the perfect setting to do our morning devotions as we gazed upon God's creation. 

Our next stop was to one of my most favorite quilt shops, Olive Juice Quilts in Onalaska. I have no pictures and I will explain why...

When we walked in to the shop (there are more than one entrances), I quickly realized a class was going on. I apologized and asked if they would rather I go in the other entrance. I was quickly assured that I was fine! Then, I looked in the center of the room and there she stood....Anna Graham aka: Noodlehead. Anna is very well known for her bag patterns and clothing patterns. Perhaps you have heard of the Open Wide Zippered Pouch? Or of her 241 Tote? Does the Divided Basket sound familiar? Trust me, you need to check out her website. 

So, here is where I made a total fool out of myself...I blurted out, totally interrupting the class (in my defense, people were sewing and she was observing, so I didn't interrupt her)

"Are YOU, Noodlehead?!" 

Open up floor and drop me in, please...NOW!

She was gracious and grinned at me calling her by her website name and not Anna and allowed me to shake her hand and gush over how much I loved her bags and what an inspiration she was. 

I was totally star stuck. 

I felt so foolish...But it was super cool, none the less. After that, I was very careful to not draw attention to myself as I grabbed up bolts of fabric from the room to take to the cutting table. Russ kept trying to get me to have my picture taken with her, but I refused. I was in my Harley tank shirt with major helmet hair. No way was I going to have my picture taken!!

Here are the goodies I brought home with me. Had to get me some Little Ruby and cotton linen blend yardage. 

Next up, at the recommendation of Judy @ Cranberry Morning, we traveled to Westby to eat at Borgen's Cafe. Judy is correct, the burgers are awesome! 

Riding + eating good food + quilt shops = a fun weekend! 

Have a happy week, everyone!

Friday morning, we took off on the bike to head to our favorite riding destination, Wisconsin. We love it there so much! Especially the south west side, which is called the Driftless Area. Because the glaciers didn't travel this area during the last glacial period, the area is full of high bluffs and deep valleys. It is beautiful! 

This time, we stayed in La Crosse. We rode up to the top of Grandad Bluff, which is a 600-ft high bluff that overlooks the city. The view of the Mississippi River Valley includes the three states of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. Pictures can never do the view justice. It was breathtakingly beautiful! It was the perfect setting to do our morning devotions as we gazed upon God's creation. 

Our next stop was to one of my most favorite quilt shops, Olive Juice Quilts in Onalaska. I have no pictures and I will explain why...

When we walked in to the shop (there are more than one entrances), I quickly realized a class was going on. I apologized and asked if they would rather I go in the other entrance. I was quickly assured that I was fine! Then, I looked in the center of the room and there she stood....Anna Graham aka: Noodlehead. Anna is very well known for her bag patterns and clothing patterns. Perhaps you have heard of the Open Wide Zippered Pouch? Or of her 241 Tote? Does the Divided Basket sound familiar? Trust me, you need to check out her website. 

So, here is where I made a total fool out of myself...I blurted out, totally interrupting the class (in my defense, people were sewing and she was observing, so I didn't interrupt her)

"Are YOU, Noodlehead?!" 

Open up floor and drop me in, please...NOW!

She was gracious and grinned at me calling her by her website name and not Anna and allowed me to shake her hand and gush over how much I loved her bags and what an inspiration she was. 

I was totally star stuck. 

I felt so foolish...But it was super cool, none the less. After that, I was very careful to not draw attention to myself as I grabbed up bolts of fabric from the room to take to the cutting table. Russ kept trying to get me to have my picture taken with her, but I refused. I was in my Harley tank shirt with major helmet hair. No way was I going to have my picture taken!!

Here are the goodies I brought home with me. Had to get me some Little Ruby and cotton linen blend yardage. 

Next up, at the recommendation of Judy @ Cranberry Morning, we traveled to Westby to eat at Borgen's Cafe. Judy is correct, the burgers are awesome! 

Riding + eating good food + quilt shops = a fun weekend! 

Have a happy week, everyone!