Why Yes, We Are Still Remodeling...Why Do You Ask?

I will look back fondly on the Summer of 2012 and refer to it as The Summer of Neverending Projects. To be fair to myself, however, I've taken a week here and there just to regain my sanity, but it does feel somewhat like I've been on the perpetual hamster wheel of "Re-do." I think I've mentioned once or twice that "we're getting close to being finished..." Lies! All lies. We will never be finished. As soon as this room is completed I'll have to take a sledgehammer to the bathroom tile. You know I will.

So, here's this week's update:

Fireplace Room, with newly cleaned brick floors

Painted the back of the bookshelf blue to match the kitchen

Fireplace freshly painted with Kilz (yay! no smoke stains)

and the screen painted black

I am LOVING the redo on this chair I've had forever 

(original location: Nanny's barn).

It's just waiting for the right pillow to be located and nestled in the seat.

Shoutout to Teresa Lynn for recovering it for me. Whoot!!

 Completed bookshelves: I've removed all extraneous books and dust collectors and only kept the things I really love and want to focus on. I highly recommend this method to anyone. I made $25 at Half Price books just by doing this!

Left to complete? Trimwork on walls and baseboards, a fresh coat of paint on the walls (same color) and throw pillows on the couch. Pillows are currently on the way from Target. I hope to "finish" this room by the end of the week. Wish me luck!

Just Pure Excitement Around Here

Pure excitement, I tell you...but not really. I was browsing blogs this morning and realized I hadn't posted in awhile. So, I went back through my photos to see what I've done this summer. Well, it's bad folks. Real bad. I've done nothing of any great importance except meander here and there and take a few photos with my cell phone. Oh yeah...and we're still painting. Just wanted to share some of that excitement with all of you.  I found these on my cell phone.

It might just be me, but I don't think someone learned to read.

Cuties!

Who knew getting keys made could be so exciting?

Preview of the fabric I'm going to be putting on my ottoman and chair next week. I had to send this photo to my decorator for approval of color choices.

Here's another preview - the new fireplace color. Will post photos soon of the project.

Couldn't resist sending this photo of broccoli pillows to Katherine, my little broccoli lover. I don't understand why she doesn't want one for her new apartment!!

So, how's your summer going? I hope it involves more than paint, fabric and broccoli pillows.

Cupcakes, They Are My Life

Well, they're not REALLY my life...much. Some people think so since I am baking about once a week these days. This week had two celebrations, hence the need for two cupcakes.

Cherry Limeade Cupcakes for my 4th of July party

Some of the younger kids were trying to "drink" the cupcakes through the straws!

Katherine's boyfriend, Michael, had a birthday this week. She's delivering these yummy ones to him today. Dark Chocolate Fudge with Peanut Butter Frosting and Mini Chocolate Chips. I almost had a sugar high just licking my fingers on this frosting. SOOOO GOOD!

Photo of the Day: Bonus Edition

I'm combining two photos for today's post. The first was taken yesterday in my car. Seconds before I snapped the picture it was registering 110 degrees! (And it's not even July)

Have no fear of the heat outside, because INSIDE on a COMFY PILLOW you can lay your head and rest in COOL, COOL comfort.

Brodie, our honored guest

Photo of the Day

Fresh Berries from Central Market,

a nice addition to our summertime lunch

Lots of Cupcakery Going On

I enjoyed lots of baking over the past week. I've been experimenting with new recipes. And, if I didn't mention it in a previous post, I love the new cupcake stand Rebecca gave me for Mother's Day. It's the perfect place to photograph one cupcake at a time. 

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

Key Lime with Cream Cheese

Devil's Food with Chocolate Buttercream and

a Chocolate Hazelnut Pirouette Cookie

Devil's Food with Cream Cheese and Clear Sanding Sugar

Photo of the Day

Ahhhhh.....summer...

Summer Reading List

I realized a few days ago that I have yet to finalize my summer reading list and here it is already a month into our summer vacation. To be honest, I don't feel like we've slowed down yet! Between kitchen remodeling and a couple trips for the girls, we have been one busy household. I am specifically looking for light-read, fiction titles to add to this list. I still have a beach trip coming up and will definitely need more books then.

I've already finished this book. I highly recommend it. Funny, meaningful, thought-provoking. Hard to find those qualities all in one book sometimes.

I've heard this book makes "religion" stand on its head. Looking forward to it!

This book has been in my queue for sometime now and I just haven't managed to pick it up. Soon...

I've read Lynn Austin before and this one promises to be just as good as her others.

I know,  I know! Everyone read this last summer! And, before you ask, I haven't seen the movie either.

Please respond with your FICTION choices to add to this list. I've got my Kindle fired up and ready to go! Or, I can do it old school and go to the library.   : )

At Last!

With the exception of a few paint touchups and cleaning/sealing the floor, the kitchen is complete.

BEFORE

AFTERS

What a difference a couple months makes...

Granite at Last

I believe the pictures speak for themselves. Come back tomorrow for the final kitchen remodel results.

The granite is gorgeous and has a little sparkle in it. I'll try to get an up close photo of that. Overall -- LOVE!