Post-Remodel To Do List

It's been almost four months since we've shared our Home's To-Do List, so now that we're all finished up with our Master Suite Remodel, let's run through that list again and see where we're at.

Master Bedroom
Almost done!

Buy or Make:
     Two Nightstands
     Bench for the end of bed
     End table for book nook
     New mattress
      Headboard
      1-2 dressers
      Curtains
      Chandelier
Take down sheetrock and re-insulate whole floor
 Close in the room; build a wall
      Hang a sliding door 
      Sheetrock walls & ceiling
      Mud & sand walls
      Rewire electrical
      Fix floors so they don't creak
Build built-in shelf for shoes or books
Built two built-in dressers  

Build new closet system  

Install bathroom door
Install new trim
Install new craftsman style window trim
Prime & paint trim, doors, built-ins and closet system
Re-install Carpet that we rolled up and stored during the remodel
   

NEW Master Bathroom
Done!!

Frame, Insulate, Sheetrock, Mud and Sand walls
Tile Shower Walls & Shower Floor
Tile Tub Surround
Tile Floor
Install Trim & Window Trim
Install Door
Primer Walls, Door & Trim
Paint Walls
Install Vanity/Sink, Toilet and Tub
Install Shower Fixtures (Shower Head & Handle)
Install Glass Shower Walls

Stairwell
Almost done.

Update stairs from master bedroom to first floor (remove carpet and finish stairs)
      Install stair runner
Update trim
Paint
Install lighting fixture
Get downstairs carpet cleaned


Living Room

 

Install board & batten or chair rail
Install hooks next to front door for a make-shift "mud room"
Paint interior of front door to match with color palette
Update trim
Crown molding?
Tear down walls for one, big living/dining space
      Fix flooring
      Sheetrock connecting walls
      Rewire electrical
      Move heating vents
Fix storage closet door so it stays on the track
Paint the roomone color
Paint lamp to match color palette
Paint frames & artwork to match color palette
Make/paint the big letter J for above TV
Sand & re-stain entertainment center to match color palette
Paint leather entertainment boxes to match color palette
Buy or Make:
      Couch
      Coffee Table
      End Table
      Area Rug
      Curtains
      1-2 Side Chairs
      Sofa Table, Console Table or "Built-in Bookshelf" behind the couch.


Dining Room

Replace sheetrock (+ mud and paint) dining room wall that was taken down during the Master Suite remodel
Painting?
Install board & batten or chair rail
Update trim
Crown molding?
Dining Room chair covers? Replace chairs?
Replace light fixture or paint current one
Paint frames & artwork to match color palette


Kitchen

 

Fix terrible pipes/plumbing under sink
Fix broken and loose cabinet door handles
Fix sheetrock in uneven spot
Tile backsplash
Fix broken door in fridge
Paint/Replace track lighting above stove
Make/paint EAT letters for above stove
Buy or Make:
      New Fridge (since the renters broke the door...) Fixed! 
      Curtains for window
      Rug & rug liner


Laundry/Half Bath

 

Fix/Buy new TP holder, reaffix to wall
Fix/Clean faucet so it doesn't spray
Fix toilet handle
New sink & vanity?
New mirror?
Paint
Install shelf just above the washer/dryer?


Downstairs Full Bathroom

Replace ceiling sheetrock removed during the Master Suite remodel
Frame out mirror
Fix/Buy new TP holder, reaffix to wall
Buy replacement sink plug
Fix door on cabinet (won't stay closed)
Un-mildew-ify the ceiling
Replace overhead fan with a stronger one
Paint ceiling with mildew resistant paint
Paint walls with mildew resistant paint
Buy rug liner to hold floor mats in place 
Clean out grout on tile floor
Replace sheetrock (current is really bumpy & weird, bubbles from the past owners showering too soon after painting?
Replace water faucet


Guest Bedroom/Office

 

Clean carpet
Remove door, replace with sliding door for space?
Determine style & color scheme. Freshen up decor & bedding.
Paint
Set up room as a guest room; bed, dresser, etc
Set up corner of the room as an office, hang shelves, etc
Buy (or re-purpose) all furniture
Stop using as storage! Move junk out to the garage.


Dogs Room/Storage

Take a more recent photo.

Carpet Clean
Fix handle on closet door
Make built-ins in that odd corner
Add "Doggy door" so dogs can hang out there while we're at work
Buy or Make:
      Room-sized desk & shelving
      Sofa bed or daybed


Entire House
Replace all the burnt out light bulbs - there's a lot! 
Paint or replace all brass handles with bronze ones
Hire electrician to rewire basement & new master suite (or whole house?)
Get our scary-old electrical panel replaced
Install AC


Front Yard

Pull out the tree growing in the front yard (right next to the house)
Landscape - hire a consultant?
Aerate, level and seed the yard (it's SO uneven it's painful to even mow the lawn)
Replace house numbers
Replace screen/storm door
Paint front door
Paint shutters?
New dormat
Upgrade lighting
Paint fence around flower garden
Add/Upgrade flower pots (and actually use them!)
Create a sitting space on the front porch area (chairs & table?)


Back Yard

Fix or replace the broken back door
Replace tile in the back entrance
Paint walls in the back entrance
Landscape - hire a consultant?
      Add more privacy plantings - bushes, plants & flowers
New sidewalk to garage
Add a patio
Aerate, level and seed the yard (it's SO uneven it's painful to even mow the lawn!)
Fix-up or rebuild garage
      New garage door?
Set up a screen/projector for outdoor movies
Buy or Make:
      Patio Furniture
      Outdoor rug
      Grill
      Lawn Mower with bag
      Outdoor storage bin/bench
      Flower pots
      Umbrella
    
You guys, 1/4 of the house is done! It feels so nice to see all of those things crossed off our list. We're taking a break over summer and instead focusing on soaking up the sun, relaxing (a little) and starting up our furniture business, so chances are this to-do list isn't going to change much in the foreseeable future. But since we have our Master Suite exactly how we want it, we're happy campers.

What big projects are you working on this summer? Is your to-do list as long (or longer) than ours?

Linking up to:  Motivate Me Monday,  Monday Funday, That DIY Party, Tuesdays at Our Home, Remodelaholic, Time to Sparkle,  Work It Wednesday, Sunday Best, Inspire Me Please Creativity Unleashed, The Humble Brag, Friday Flash Blog, Lovely Ladies Linky,  Wow Us Wednesday, Making Monday, Before and Afters, Wow Me Wednesday,  Inspiration Gallery,  Feathered Nest Friday,  The Party Bunch, Link it or Lump it,  Frugal Crafty Home Party, It's a Party, Worthwhile Wednesday's, The Makers, Do Tell Tuesdays, Thursday Style, Link'n Blogs,  

cherry candies

A vintage milk bottle glass makes the perfect accessory to a party. (I found some at HomeSense!) But do you want to see what makes it even cuter?

 Adding candy cherries! 

Just slice the cherries ever so slightly so that there is a slit between the two cherries, and place them on the rim of the glass. Wouldn't these be ridiculously cute at a party? That's all. Just some fun for you to start the week.

xo Linds

Sunday pic

J'aime beaucoup les couleurs dans cette photo que la talentueuse Line Thit Klein a photographié pour le magazine Cereal.

 J'espère que vous passez un bon dimanche!

I love the colours in this photo that the talented Line Thit Klein has shot for Cereal magazine. 

Hope your enjoying your Sunday!

Photo Line Thit Klein

... et psst, n'oubliez pas les soldes dans la boutique, de -30% à -60%!

... and psst, don't forget the sales in the shop, from 30% to 60% off!

bits + pieces

Oscar is at a daycare provider for the day, so I can dive into responding to e-mails that have been piling up this week. (If you're waiting for an e-mail I am SO sorry) Above are just some shots from the last week - furniture being repainted (oh, how I love doing this!) adding new hardware (gold! gold! gold!) picking Peonies from the garden, trips to the Beach with Oscar. Thank you for the lovely comments on the magazine rack makeover, your entries into the contest and just for being pretty amazing people. I do love reading your comments and a goal is to respond to your notes faster. Anyhow, here are some links for you to end the week.

• Sign up for unique customized newsletters from the blog - It will be likely sent monthly, it will have a roundup of the best posts, links to other recommended posts and special offers just for subscribers.
  
• I'm looking for a chandelier for our kitchen, but I'm having the hardest time finding something suitable, so we're thinking of going with pot lights instead. But this stunner caught my eye while I was shopping. I need a beach house that I can decorate.
  
• I'm writing some blog posts for the folks at Whirlpool which has been ridiculously fun as I get to think about decorating other rooms and get all creative with mood boards. Wheeee! Here's my post on Inspirational Laundry Rooms and "Beyond Stainless" in the Kitchen. If you're so inclined you can see my official looking photograph. I look all smart and lawyer like. ;)

Have a lovely weekend! xo Linds

Friday DIY Features

Welcome back to Friday DIY Features! Thank you thank you thank you to everyone that's submitted projects to be featured. I'm loving seeing what everyone is working on, getting some great inspiration and sharing some blog love.

Keep the submissions coming!! I have a couple of openings for next week. Details for submissions is at the bottom of the post.

Here are three awesome projects out in the blogosphere this week. Everyone give them some love!

Emily and Husband from Table and Hearth shared how they DIY'ed this beautiful backyard pergola. I love it so much, I'm currently trying to convince them to come to Minneapolis and build us one.

Madeline from Create Bake Celebrate answers some popular questions on how to install penny tile as part of their bathroom updates. I love how the tile turned out, and the addition of the wooden shelf!

And RaChil from The Cwafty Blog shares how to grow your own crystal necklace. What a great project to do with kids!

Want to be featured? Submit your latest project to be featured on Friday Favorites via email with Friday Favorites in the subject line (klacowsky@gmail.com) or over Instagram by tagging me @klacowsky.

And don't forget, I'll be pinning all Friday Favorites to one of two Pinterest group boards I pin to, so be sure to follow along and help spread the love!

Linking up to:  Motivate Me Monday,  Monday Funday, That DIY Party, Tuesdays at Our Home, Remodelaholic, Time to Sparkle,  Work It Wednesday, Sunday Best, Inspire Me Please Creativity Unleashed, The Humble Brag, Friday Flash Blog, Lovely Ladies Linky,  Wow Us Wednesday, Making Monday, Before and Afters, Wow Me Wednesday,  Inspiration Gallery,  Feathered Nest Friday,  The Party Bunch, Link it or Lump it,  Frugal Crafty Home Party, It's a Party, Worthwhile Wednesday's, The Makers, Do Tell Tuesdays, Thursday Style, Link'n Blogs,  

vacation in your own city

Two nights ago Aubrey and I packed our bags and checked into the Fairmont Royal York for a night off in our own city. I did a similar "vacation" with my Mom close to a year ago - the two of us checked into our own rooms, and just relaxed at the hotel (I had meant to blog about it but totally forgot) Anyhow, with Oscar sleeping over with his Uncle Pete and my Mom, Aubrey and I just hung out together like we used to do pre-parenthood.  We walked up to the Eaton Centre and popped into Chapter's and I picked up two books I had been interested in, and we walked back to the hotel and sat in the Gold Floor lounge and read our books uninterrupted and ate appetizers all night. No shows. No major event. Just quiet, sitting across from each other in a beautiful lounge. It was the best night ever.  The Gold Floor gives you access to private check in, and a lounge that serves coffee, tea, appetizers and desserts - and in the morning, a beautiful buffet of breakfast. All I wanted to do was to sit in the lounge all night and read a book. And that is just what we did. Aubrey and I slept in until 9:30 in the morning. Heaven. When we were going to pick up Oscar from my Mom's house later on that afternoon we remarked how it was crazy how we felt like we had been away on a vacation - but we were in our own city. I can't recommend this kind of vacation enough. Just pick a hotel that has amenities that makes it feel luxurious for a night - I'm sure lots of hotels in the city are divine and perhaps we'll explore others in years to come. But I adore this hotel and really do recommend buying a new book, sitting in the lounge and doing absolutely nothing.

30 things about this 30-year-old

Today is my 30th birthday, friends. I've been nervous about this day for the last five years, but also a little bit excited. I hear 30's are the new 20's - amiright? So in honor of this momentous occasion, I've put together a list of 30 things about me that you may not know.

Since this is a home blog, and our main focus is our home and DIY projects, we don't share a whole lot about ourselves. You've seen tons of pictures of Justin building things, but since I'm behind the camera, you don't see a whole lot of me. So today I aim to change that and give you a peek behind the camera.

30 Things about this 30 Year Old

1. I can't start or end my day without updating my to-do list. So this 30 things list is right up my alley.

2. I've ran at least one half or full marathon a year, for the last six years.

3. I'm (for real) addicted to sugar. If I try to cut cookies, donuts or cupcakes out of my diet, I'll have dreams about them until I eat some.

4. I eat desert before my meal so I always know I'll have room.

5. I don't drink coffee or caffeine of any kind.

6. I don't watch movies, but am obsessed with TV shows and watch them so much it's like the characters become a part of my family.  GoT, True Blood, Homeland, Dexter, Grey's and HIMYM are some of my favorites.

7. The only movies I do watch are Christmas movies like Home Alone and Santa Clause.

8. I love baseball.

9. Justin & I have been on a co-ed kickball team for the last 3 years

10. I've never owned a vehicle.

11. I pride myself in riding my bike to work a few days a week, 24 miles round trip.

12. I've lived in 3 states and have visited 36 states, mainly through road trips and my job.

13. I'm an adrenaline junkie. I've skydived, scuba dived, sailed a boat, white water rafted, surfed, snowboarded, rappelled down a mountain - as well as a cenote, hiked mountains, cliff jumped, zip lined, and went parasailing.

14. Justin and I have been together for 11 years, and married for 7.

15. I'm the anti-1950's housewife. I don't cook. I only do my own laundry. I suck at cleaning. And I will not be the stay-at-home parent when/if that time comes.

16. I don't know how to cook (at all). If Justin isn't home, my go-to meal is a bowl of cereal and a glass of wine.

17. I could eat pizza or pancakes every day for the rest of my life. Oh...and Sonic. Don't forget Sonic.

18. I read 2-3 books a month. Any recommendations??

19. I have a phobia of metal. I'm deathly grossed out and afraid of touching it. Especially jewelry, keys and change. Other things like utensils and doorknobs don't bother me (as much).

20. Buzzfeed thinks Cory Matthews is my Boy Meets World Soul Mate.

21. Buzzfeed also thinks I should live in California (and sometimes, so do I).

22. We've owned our house for 7 years, but only lived in it for 4.

23. I have a bold, minimalist style, but can't get rid of enough of my shit to truly be a minimalist.

24. I have a black thumb. I've killed just about every plant I've gotten my hands on.

25. I work a full-time job. Blogging is one of my hobbies, and DIY'ing is my creative outlet.

26. I have two dogs. Even though I'd never thought I'd ever be an animal person, they're my babies.

27. My drink of choice is a local brew, no matter where I am.

28. I still watch MTV religiously.

29. I love to travel and have been to 6 other countries. We're slowly working to add more to our list.

30. I'm equal parts excited and sad to leave my 20's behind and rock my 30's socks off.


Anything surprise you? Or anything you can relate to?

Our remodel in an infographic

As our last roundup for our Master Suite remodel, Justin & I put together this sweet info graphic. Throughout the seven months of backbreaking work (more on Justin's side than my own) I roughly kept track of some steps of the process. Most importantly, how much beer we drank just to pull us through the long hours.

So let's take a trip down memory lane.

So all that said, we're SO happy we remodeled our second floor to a Master Suite. It really is amazing to have a bathroom on the same floor as our bedroom now. I'm getting spoiled already!

We've invited a realtor out to help us estimate how much we increased our home value in a few weeks, and we can't wait to hear what she has to say. Ahhhh the anticipation is killing us! We'll definitely let you all know what she says.

Check out all of our remodel projects and progress updates, or our Remodel Recap from earlier this week with all of the After photos!

Linking up to:  Motivate Me Monday,  Monday Funday, That DIY Party, Tuesdays at Our Home, Remodelaholic, Time to Sparkle,  Work It Wednesday, Sunday Best, Inspire Me Please Creativity Unleashed, The Humble Brag, Friday Flash Blog, Lovely Ladies Linky,  Wow Us Wednesday, Making Monday, Before and Afters, Wow Me Wednesday,  Inspiration Gallery,  Feathered Nest Friday,  The Party Bunch, Link it or Lump it,  Frugal Crafty Home Party, It's a Party, Worthwhile Wednesday's, The Makers, Do Tell Tuesdays, Thursday Style, Link'n Blogs, 

Gift Card Giveaway to spend at The Penny Paper Co. / contest closed

As a thank you to all of you for reading my little blog, commenting, e-mailing and just giving overall support, I wanted to do a giveaway from me to you. I know that the opportunities that come across my desk wouldn't be happening without your readership, and for that I'm extremely grateful. You've all also supported my shop by purchasing prints, accessories and stationery over the years. I hope it comes across that I have so much fun writing this blog, and it's really an honour to have people visit it on a daily basis. Anyhow - as a thank you I am giving away two $100.00 gift cards to my shop. All you have to do is comment in this post, and that enters you to win. Wheee! So exciting.

How to Enter: Visit my shop (www.PennyPaperCo.com) and come back and tell me what you think you'd spend your $100 gift card on - it goes a long way, so you don't have to mention every single thing. But one thing that you may buy with that free money would be fun for me to hear! Comment a third and fourth time to tell me if you follow me on Instagram and Facebook. (Not necessary, but get's you those bonus comments that up your chances of winning)

Open to: Canadian and US Readers. Disclaimer: Gift card has no cash value. Contest ends July 2nd.

CONTEST IS CLOSED

Soldes d'été / Summer sales

C'est parti pour les soldes d'été dans le shop! De -30% à -60% sur une grande sélection d'articles!

Summer sales are on in the shop! From 30% to 60% off a large selection of articles!

The DIY'ers #6

Welcome back to the NEW and Improved DIY'ers Link Party! These three awesome co-hosts and I are here to bring you the hippest partay in town, comin atcha every Tuesday.

Your new co-hosts are three lovely ladies that I know will be an awesome addition to my favorite party time of the week. Give 'em some love!

Ashley @ Bigger Than the Three of Us

Jennifer @ Brave New Home

Stephanie @ Simply Dream & Create

Each week, one of your hosts will choose their three favorite projects from the previous week to feature. This week, I got the honor of choosing the Top Three projects, and here are my favorites!

Angela from Blue I Style had the genius idea to use belts as drawer pulls on this dresser upgrade

Megan from Homemade Ginger DIY'ed this beautiful owl lamp that was a West Elm knockoff  

Katie from Upcycled Treasures is on a roll! Her latest DIY Tree Stand is amazing. 

All featured projects will be pinned to The DIY'ers Pinterest board - so don't forget to follow. Or, follow along with all of my Pinterest boards here!


 


And if you're looking for a new way to be featured, I just introduced a series called Friday Features. Each Friday I'll be sharing the blog love with three other bloggers out there. All you have to do is submit your latest & greatest projects to be featured! Details here.



Now onto the party!

Grab My Button!

<a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers#.U3pbatzmF8M" target="_blank" title="TheDIYers"><img src="<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/14223801354" title="The DIY'ers Button by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14223801354_411a43dd24_o.png" width="311" height="297" alt="The DIY'ers Button"></a>" /></a>

The Rules? They're simple!

1. Follow each host somehow; any way is fine! 
2. Take a picture of your DIY and link it up below. 
3. Text link back to one of our hosts or pick up The DIY'ers button from the left sidebar and include it in your post so others can get involved in The DIY party. 
4. Please do not promote giveaways, other link parties, or items for sale
5. By entering a link, you're giving us permission to feature and image on our blogs 

magazine rack makeover

I often see vintage magazine holders while thrifting and I often think that I should bring one home for my magazines but I very quickly talk myself out of it because I stash my magazines in a basket - and it works. (I don't really love seeing a lot of "stuff' around) But when I saw this knobbily magazine holder I couldn't resist. However ....instead of using it for magazines as it was intended, I painted it blue and put it in Oscar's room for some of his books.

I love, love it. So the next time you see a vintage magazine rack, think of it for your little one's room or maybe even your room. It adds a great pop of colour without a major commitment or, expense. :)

HOW TO: I used Behr's "Observatory" - I walked into Home Depot, bought a sample pot ($5.00) and was on my way. The sample pot program is my go to source for when I want to try something creative with a small piece. It's such a small investment and it allows me to feel confortable trying other colours than my staples. Anyhow, just some inspiration of how to add some pops of colour to your home without major investments / commitments. xo Lindsay

Our Master Suite Remodel Recap

Now that we've shared 99.9% of our Master Suite Remodel projects and our final inspection was approved (yay!), we figured it was about time for a couple of round-ups.

Our first roundup is to help visualize the space. When sharing photos with coworkers and out-of-state friends, it's can be hard for them to visualize where everything is in relation to each other. My shoe shelf, for example, is in a nook off of the bedroom, not in the master closet to best optimize space.

So using our plans to help visualize, here's a recap of what the entire Master Suite looks like post-remodel.

And for any newcomers to the Home Coming gang, here's the before & after of our remodel plans. 99% of the remodel happened on upstairs, were we closed in the room (it used to be one big loft), put up a few walls and created a new bathroom and a more optimal closet. 

And for anyone that wants to check out all of the details behind each of the room remodels, from DIY projects, to sources to paint colors, click on any of the links below to check it alllll out.

Master Bedroom Remodel

Built-In Shoe Shelf and Book Nook

Sliding Door and Hidden Built-In Dresser with TV Drawer

Custom Closet Remodel

Master Bathroom Remodel

Refinished Stairwell

And if you want some pretty stellar before photos, check out our Renovation Plans post from back in August 2013 with all that good stuff. It's been quite a change.

We've got one more piece of blue painters tape to pull, then it's time for champagne! 

Linking up to:  Motivate Me Monday,  Monday Funday, That DIY Party, Tuesdays at Our Home, Remodelaholic, Time to Sparkle,  Work It Wednesday, Sunday Best, Inspire Me Please Creativity Unleashed, The Humble Brag, Friday Flash Blog, Lovely Ladies Linky,  Wow Us Wednesday, Making Monday, Before and Afters, Wow Me Wednesday,  Inspiration Gallery,  Feathered Nest Friday,  The Party Bunch, Link it or Lump it,  Frugal Crafty Home Party, It's a Party, Worthwhile Wednesday's, The Makers, Do Tell Tuesdays, Thursday Style, Link'n Blogs,