Master Closet Progress

Today I had every intention of sharing our finished Master Bathroom, but unfortunately that's just not going to happen. Our plumbers disappointed us (again) and we aren't quite ready for the reveal. If you're a follower of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HomeComingBlog?ref=hl" target="_blank">Home Coming on facebook</a>, you've already heard my rant. So I'll keep that part to myself.<br /><br />So, instead of a beautiful Master Bathroom reveal, I'm here to share the progress we've made on our Master Closet. As a reminder, here's our Master Closet plan. It's a long, thin rectangular space, so we're doing our best to optimize the space with a ton of shelves, a dresser, and basically a place for everything.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/12794700855/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Closet Plans1 by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Closet Plans1" height="789" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/12794700855_f52d81b2e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And here's how those plans are coming to life. Justin built the built-ins, primed and painted them. Yet to be completed is building all of the individual shelves, the dresser drawers and drawer fronts, then priming and painting all of them too. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13601419255/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Master Closet Progress by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Master Closet Progress" height="906" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/13601419255_62308dfd8b_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13601786084/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Master Closet Organization by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Master Closet Organization" height="906" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/13601786084_5ca9d1e146_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13601441463/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Master Closet View from Back by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Master Closet View from Back" height="906" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/13601441463_7803295313_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />If you're looking for instructions on how we Justin built these custom closet built-ins, check out <a href="http://www.tealandlime.com/2014/01/how-to-build-adjustable-built-in-bookshelves-for-shoe-storage/" target="_blank">our post over on Teal & Lime for building built-ins</a>. It was the exact same process.<br /><br />I'm moving my clothes up into this closet later this week so hopefully soon I won't be moving through 3 rooms just to put together an outfit!<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><b><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>,  <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>,  <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">Creativity Unleashed</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>,  <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a>  <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Before and Afters,</a> <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Wow Me Wednesday,</a><a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery,</a>  <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday, </a> <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" target="_blank">The Party Bunch,</a> <a href="http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Link it or Lump it,</a>  <a href="http://www.thecasualcraftlete.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Party</a>, <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's a Party</a>, <a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wednesday's</a>, <a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/" target="_blank">The Makers</a>, <a href="http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/" target="_blank">Do Tell Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://lifeinvelvet.com/" target="_blank">Thursday Style</a>,  </b></b></b></b></span>

Master Closet Progress

Today I had every intention of sharing our finished Master Bathroom, but unfortunately that's just not going to happen. Our plumbers dis...

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pehr designs + giveaway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGduB371HHOweoBC846km8Ghp_Ey5zkJ_EqHqYqJEDbWKmJGKtjxgGPvxbku6Oh1EpKTNvq2TuumUo16U6qZDXIxqGefUnNl2OgBwwEskT1FSOOAXlprb33k_YEQ__UZQzQbyhznv_Ro/s1600/pehr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGduB371HHOweoBC846km8Ghp_Ey5zkJ_EqHqYqJEDbWKmJGKtjxgGPvxbku6Oh1EpKTNvq2TuumUo16U6qZDXIxqGefUnNl2OgBwwEskT1FSOOAXlprb33k_YEQ__UZQzQbyhznv_Ro/s1600/pehr.jpg" /></a></div><br />Can you have a crush on a brand? If it were possible, I'd add <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Pehr Designs</a> to my brand crushes. I'm sure you have seen their line- they are a pretty fabulous Canadian company and their products are always in the most fabulous homes, shot for the most fabulous magazines. But, if you are not aware of their collection, you are in for a treat.<br /><br />I fell for <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/hampers-and-bins/" target="_blank">their storage bins / hampers  in the awesome colours </a>and have watched their collection grow to include housewares like <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/placemats/" target="_blank">placemats</a>, <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/runners/" target="_blank">runners</a>, <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/tea-towels/" target="_blank">tea towels</a>, <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/napkins/" target="_blank">napkins</a>, <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/pillows/" target="_blank">pillows</a> and <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/petit/" target="_blank">baby decor</a>. Behind Pehr are some pretty talented people who know pattern and colours like no one else.  I'm dying to buy that yellow hamper shown above. I am so obsessed with yellow right now. And I think I need to buy those placemats and those napkins. I'm <i>so obsessed </i>with how they use colour and pattern together. (<a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/where-to-buy/" target="_blank">Links to where to buy are here!)</a><br /><br />Get this.....This post was going to simply be highlighting their awesome line but when I reached out for some photography to include in this post - the team at Pehr offered to host a giveaway. I'm insanely jealous of whoever wins this. So.....<br /><br />Enter to win a set of <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/napkins/" target="_blank">6 Napkins </a>and <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/products-type/hampers-and-bins/" target="_blank">1 Hamper</a> in <i>any design you'd like</i>, for a retail value of $150.00. CRAZY! So jealous!!! Where to buy: <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/where-to-buy/online/" target="_blank">Online</a>, <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/where-to-buy/canada/" target="_blank">Canada</a>, <a href="http://www.pehrdesigns.com/where-to-buy/usa/" target="_blank">USA</a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqlJ7zAR9E5aCrkTBrz4wH3ZgMg2JvHH7Tuaetem1KiqCaIxIoV9TKefX0d-TG6zPqSJJ8wX_ZqfqJZD6ruciVG_sRqVIBWaL85okJCUXdyOVyVxxR7Gi8DTarc5QTavviYHD3BOrp8w/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPqlJ7zAR9E5aCrkTBrz4wH3ZgMg2JvHH7Tuaetem1KiqCaIxIoV9TKefX0d-TG6zPqSJJ8wX_ZqfqJZD6ruciVG_sRqVIBWaL85okJCUXdyOVyVxxR7Gi8DTarc5QTavviYHD3BOrp8w/s1600/Untitled-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />Contest is closed. Winner has been notified,<br /><br /><i>(Ps., They also have some Easter Baskets that are gorgeous that I'm going to post in a Easter roundup next week.)</i>

pehr designs + giveaway

Can you have a crush on a brand? If it were possible, I'd add Pehr Designs  to my brand crushes. I'm sure you have seen their line- ...

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"House for mother"

Aujourd'hui j'ai eu un coup de coeur pour cette maison que j'ai vue sur <a href="http://facingnorthwithgracia.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">le blog d'Elena</a> ce matin. J'adore la simplicité des lieux, l'omniprésence du bois et la façon dont les architectes ont joué avec la lumière en laissant certaines parties brutes tandis que d'autres sont peintes en blanc.<br />"House for mother" est un projet de <a href="http://www.f-a-f.se/" target="_blank">Förstberg Arkitekt och Formgivning (FAF)</a>. La maison sera située à Linköping en Suède et fera partie de l'exposition habitat de 2017.<br /><br /><i>Today I fell in love with this house that I spotted on <a href="http://facingnorthwithgracia.blogspot.fr/" target="_blank">Elenas blog</a> this morning. I love the simplicity of the building, the presence of wood everywhere and the way the architects have played with the light by leaving some areas natural while others are painted white.</i><br /><i>"House for mother" is a project by <a href="http://www.f-a-f.se/" target="_blank">Förstberg Arkitekt och Formgivning (FAF</a>). The house will be located in Linköping, Sweden and be part of the 2017 housing exhibition.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QT90eYO2OAgF27QiDxD8ehvoF8SVjAUtc63FruO9KE_X-C07uUo229CbN1uesJwZwh0DqfMhA4BHcHwH-MagWMywSFZiNXFIUTxsG3VYTiMQyUyQOP9HDVxJYFXeZtSTK59LqBMFzDo/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QT90eYO2OAgF27QiDxD8ehvoF8SVjAUtc63FruO9KE_X-C07uUo229CbN1uesJwZwh0DqfMhA4BHcHwH-MagWMywSFZiNXFIUTxsG3VYTiMQyUyQOP9HDVxJYFXeZtSTK59LqBMFzDo/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnK8XCOM_46TVRnDa82LeGEEEaffF4pMW8JZAMhyphenhyphenZUwjvby9qHnGGf8Ja6sEPF8GSMcEF-i2fgg9Lx7ofK_qwDTF7xvs7Jfxnt3XZj79LDs8eUedMawOyfY5JJ0w0aioT8HLjBj5RYlI/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnK8XCOM_46TVRnDa82LeGEEEaffF4pMW8JZAMhyphenhyphenZUwjvby9qHnGGf8Ja6sEPF8GSMcEF-i2fgg9Lx7ofK_qwDTF7xvs7Jfxnt3XZj79LDs8eUedMawOyfY5JJ0w0aioT8HLjBj5RYlI/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-h__KqqHGjEPGPVNKCBEtT7BOPKUPVpFZy78inGTa-JuafVnQRDZ5miaJp5Krh7bmFr17N5O97PgRWr8bNL_iozZxKpWoQmz2yw4n6mb7CzIyKp9vueINvI-asKorDE8rtaNmx-bZSo/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-h__KqqHGjEPGPVNKCBEtT7BOPKUPVpFZy78inGTa-JuafVnQRDZ5miaJp5Krh7bmFr17N5O97PgRWr8bNL_iozZxKpWoQmz2yw4n6mb7CzIyKp9vueINvI-asKorDE8rtaNmx-bZSo/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZnfsdF_XifCKMne0-Lq_NLpg45bcW-bbM8x8fwP_eKqPck7nDIXGtiaatWUU8Zdu0GzYBk2ikpfLUbndlfzT3GOhzKWhw_0CdnEAU_ZOqcXbQinOxOIhXd4F4C3t04Pt_l50q1L5jL0/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZnfsdF_XifCKMne0-Lq_NLpg45bcW-bbM8x8fwP_eKqPck7nDIXGtiaatWUU8Zdu0GzYBk2ikpfLUbndlfzT3GOhzKWhw_0CdnEAU_ZOqcXbQinOxOIhXd4F4C3t04Pt_l50q1L5jL0/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QCtsEkor4rc7hW8uROWFK7ywlcCmJRK7jxveKGg-MHt4mgYQ8YduN4CE6elfPDNhJKkuwHq_6Dxp_C7kbJYFBnqx_nY6t804doy6zfJQW_yzpcin6dUTHf2D2yltuJwe7X39kaPAwn0/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QCtsEkor4rc7hW8uROWFK7ywlcCmJRK7jxveKGg-MHt4mgYQ8YduN4CE6elfPDNhJKkuwHq_6Dxp_C7kbJYFBnqx_nY6t804doy6zfJQW_yzpcin6dUTHf2D2yltuJwe7X39kaPAwn0/s1600/facing-north-with-gracia-house-for-a-mother-faf-sweden-5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnUynLul6KAhTK5XpOmjc9SIialMIE-3suSgKfw2PqFdih_1wnWbhWVYhsbtH-k0Vht-L4udg4Stvs6K14krSbbfrVzhSxwO0h5UeC0UTSsYF9DNPv-dWSXcPWp01_3Aic61k9YtR3mU/s1600/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9chargement+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnUynLul6KAhTK5XpOmjc9SIialMIE-3suSgKfw2PqFdih_1wnWbhWVYhsbtH-k0Vht-L4udg4Stvs6K14krSbbfrVzhSxwO0h5UeC0UTSsYF9DNPv-dWSXcPWp01_3Aic61k9YtR3mU/s1600/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9chargement+(1).jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlMeRvdgZ1UCKIoP5MqicTfmOs1H_8ptn_Gc5Lq_ydv3T7VcpMmGHc16UT8LeJhOjaKFBUrpNySM1EWCkj8OmtfCiNiWfs3_6KdSA7MvjMhJLScxJA0TB5gSaiYwUVsBjWwqxki19aK4/s1600/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9chargement+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWlMeRvdgZ1UCKIoP5MqicTfmOs1H_8ptn_Gc5Lq_ydv3T7VcpMmGHc16UT8LeJhOjaKFBUrpNySM1EWCkj8OmtfCiNiWfs3_6KdSA7MvjMhJLScxJA0TB5gSaiYwUVsBjWwqxki19aK4/s1600/t%C3%A9l%C3%A9chargement+(2).jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Source <a href="http://www.f-a-f.se/" target="_blank">Förstberg Arkitekt och Formgivning (FAF</a>)</i></div>

"House for mother"

Aujourd'hui j'ai eu un coup de coeur pour cette maison que j'ai vue sur le blog d'Elena ce matin. J'adore la simplicité...

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How to drill holes into marble tile

Today the plumbers are at the house to install our tub and complete the other finish plumbing work for our remodel. I'm SO excited to get this bathroom finished and the FIRST thing I'll be doing is taking a nice, relaxing bath.<br /><br />But until then, we had one last thing we had to prep before the plumbers could install the tub, and that's cutting holes in our tub base & tile for the faucet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580396894/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="How to drill into marble tile by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="How to drill into marble tile" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/13580396894_bc2ab33880_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bear with me on some awful night time photos, but as you can see our drop-in tub doesn't have the holes for the faucet. It will instead be on the tub surround that Justin built. So before the plumbers can install the faucet, they need three little holes cut to place it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580011985/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marble Tiled Tub Surround by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Marble Tiled Tub Surround" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/13580011985_07ac805969_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So today we're here to share how to drill holes into a marble tile.<br /><br /><b>Step 1: </b>Follow the instructions from your tub faucet on spacing of the holes for your faucet and make sure that the spout will be positioned close enough to the tub so the water makes it into the tub. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580064763/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tub Faucet by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Tub Faucet" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/13580064763_3aed110f51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 2: </b>After measuring and positioning where you'll be cutting the three holes (Justin marked the spots on blue painters tape so he could see his marks) start drilling your first hole with a Carbide-Grit Hole Saw attached to your drill.<br /><br />Make sure you keep the tile wet, just like you would when you're cutting the tile to lay. Justin used a bottle of water to wet the tile every couple of minutes. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580018795/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Drilling Holes through Tile by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Drilling Holes through Tile" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/13580018795_c056c37b82_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580019245/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Drilling Holes in Marble Tile for Tub by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Drilling Holes in Marble Tile for Tub" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/13580019245_17950e68e1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As you can see in the photo on the above right, a watery ooze will start to come out from the tile & hole saw. That's normal! This is from the cement board that you're cutting through below the tile.<br /><br />Continue to drill until you've made it through both the tile & cement board. Below is what ours looked like once we got through those two layers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580398694/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Holes drilled throuh Marble Tile by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Holes drilled throuh Marble Tile" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/13580398694_b9af7b2c01_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 3:</b> Depending on how your tub surround is built, you'll likely have some plywood that you need to drill through as well. To cut through this, Justin used a 1-1/4" spade bit (the same size as our carbied hole saw) on his drill.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580399794/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Drilling through Wood Frame by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Drilling through Wood Frame" height="428" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/13580399794_36844c690d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 4: </b>Lastly, take out the parts from your tub faucet just to make sure that they fit nicely into the three holes you've drilled. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580021405/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Checking Fixture Fit by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Checking Fixture Fit" height="906" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2904/13580021405_831a167ee9_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And there you have it. Three pretty little holes all ready for the plumbers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13580402624/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Completed Holes in Tile by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Completed Holes in Tile" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/13580402624_6bed999016_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> Now, who's as excited as I am to see the finished bathroom!?<br /><br />Want to see our other tile projects? Learn <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-to-round-tile-corners.html" target="_blank">how to round tile edges and corners</a> or check out all of <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/03/tile-o-rama.html" target="_blank">our tile progress in the Master Bathroom</a>.  <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><b><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>,  <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>,  <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">Creativity Unleashed</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>,  <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a>  <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Before and Afters,</a> <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Wow Me Wednesday,</a><a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery,</a>  <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday, </a> <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" target="_blank">The Party Bunch,</a> <a href="http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Link it or Lump it,</a>  <a href="http://www.thecasualcraftlete.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Party</a>, <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's a Party</a>, <a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wednesday's</a>, <a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/" target="_blank">The Makers</a>, <a href="http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/" target="_blank">Do Tell Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://lifeinvelvet.com/" target="_blank">Thursday Style</a>,  </b></b></b></b></span><br /><br /><br />

How to drill holes into marble tile

Today the plumbers are at the house to install our tub and complete the other finish plumbing work for our remodel. I'm SO excited to ge...

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business changes

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EEzMWpYhIirnt8ZwkVxRNKJHLlB0l12fVzaCWNA5twVS3rOKHL83XC9OBWc0nGu2OEo-nq0nFAW7HpEj0y0QhGlz89oGlLUnawl-R6_z7wz-IwpdCv-n14z2crK0t5ELIKsIot5zKhc/s1600/IMG_2327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EEzMWpYhIirnt8ZwkVxRNKJHLlB0l12fVzaCWNA5twVS3rOKHL83XC9OBWc0nGu2OEo-nq0nFAW7HpEj0y0QhGlz89oGlLUnawl-R6_z7wz-IwpdCv-n14z2crK0t5ELIKsIot5zKhc/s1600/IMG_2327.jpg" /></a></div><br />I occasionally write about my business musings that go on over here. I know it's likely a limited group of people that would find it interesting - but it's such a significant part of my life that it feels odd not to explore ideas and business developments on my blog. On the slim chance that some may find it helpful to be hear my inner dialogue about business, triggering inspiration or, contemplation of your own - I press "publish" with the hope it maybe be helpful to some. So here is what is happening --- Over the last three months some changes have been brewing. When you're a business owner, the time for change isn't always apparent - or welcomed. The feeling brews and makes you uncomfortable and you wonder silently what is wrong....<br /><br /><a name="more"></a><br />I felt the tides of change coming right after Christmas. It started with the feeling that I didn't want to work. I wasn't inspired. I was in a slump. I'm sure 90% of that was associated to finishing a busy Christmas season and never wanting to pack another order. But the uneasy feeling stuck around too long to be associated to pure seasonal overdrive. I talked with Aubrey about it. <i>Did I want to close my shop?</i> No. I loved running a business. So what was it? My shop felt too full - out of whack. <i>Something </i>was wrong.<br /><br />What was wrong wasn't clear to me. However the fact that I knew that I didn't want to close my shop was a place to start. So if I didn't want to stop working, what did I have to change about my work to make it more enjoyable? Something had to change, but I couldn't figure out what. I would work through scenarios in my head. Should to push my business into a new direction - get <i>bigger?</i> If I were to look 10-20 years down the line, what would that end goal be - what would be a great career?<br /><br />My business has a lot of components, too many I wondered, so I decided to look at each individually.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/stationery-custom-stamps" target="_blank">Stamps</a>. Should the growth of my business be in getting a warehouse and revving up my stamp production? Immediately I knew that my passion is <i>designing </i>stamps, not owning a stamp production warehouse. I'd leave the world domination of stamps to someone else. This part of my business makeup was fine "as is" and obviously not what was itching for change.<br /><br />I looked at my <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/accessories" target="_blank">accessories</a>. I debated if I wanted to get into growing my accessory line, build up my online business. I know I have a good eye, I know what sells. I have great relationships with vendors -  but storage for the stock is an issue and plus, it's a lot of money to <i>invest </i>in stock. You have to buy a lot of it upfront and so a lot of money is sitting in products in our home. That puts a financial strain on our family. It's a risk you do, when you want to grow a business but I don't want to move my business out of my home because I love being here for Oscar. Although I <i>love </i>accessories, I've decided to keep that "as is" and carry only a really "curated" collection of awesome things. So that area of my business wasn't requiring change either.<br /><br />Then, I debated <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/collections/all-stationery" target="_blank">stationery</a>. I got into stationery somewhat accidentally 10 years ago. The business was initially going to be art prints - but custom stationery quickly took over and became my primary focus. It was my bread and butter once. But now it didn't feel like it had a place in my shop.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnWNhKJMe2KxYEpXAePfYcV_8yctNmUpJhU2Xl3qjqz8FhHv9n14MGLoLhyg0DoKBBevrHhOvXOSxVZVPhOe0nTica-4NYQA8S1fshMcYXeniz-JdylYwa5dQhfgdE3c7pOYH2dMc3jQ/s1600/DSCN3165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnWNhKJMe2KxYEpXAePfYcV_8yctNmUpJhU2Xl3qjqz8FhHv9n14MGLoLhyg0DoKBBevrHhOvXOSxVZVPhOe0nTica-4NYQA8S1fshMcYXeniz-JdylYwa5dQhfgdE3c7pOYH2dMc3jQ/s1600/DSCN3165.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In 2004, The Penny People characters were the primary focus of my shop. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />Over the years the collection has changed, I dropped the cartoon characters from the line because once again,<i> I changed </i>and realized I didn't like drawing them anymore. And over the last year my stationery line has dwindled and, my passion for it has really shifted. Not only has my passion for making stationery changed, but I'm preferring buying other peoples stationery more than my own. I'm in love with Etsy sellers that are so creative, and companies like Rifle Paper Co.  That was a a big ah-ha moment for me.  I had never really thought about it. But when faced with looking at it long term, and in terms of growth - stationery wasn't something I wanted to be doing. That was a CRAZY realization. So that ah-ha moment was a big one - and the result is pretty surprising to me. <i>I'm phasing out stationery.</i> Coming to that conclusion lifted this weight from me. This was what was not sitting right.<br /><br />Then I was left with considering the final piece of the pie - my artwork. My art. Oh, my <i>art prints.</i> I adore them. I get excited coming up with new designs, seeing the art in kids rooms, family walls. Working with my art publisher. This area of my life is my <i>joy</i>. So that was another big realization - <b>my passion and love was in my art.</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtnx9Czi0jRoRkZcTk8gOU2djGdpYZRDmyDMCjFOBPDIx_gTMUCsOOPH7lxcqD9WKDjlelDY3HFnnV4lilx0_fv6ebiOzkmgQRspveuzjC5sCZH3RVFz6lMF0TMtuAzR209-8PZ6DJl4/s1600/IMG_2334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtnx9Czi0jRoRkZcTk8gOU2djGdpYZRDmyDMCjFOBPDIx_gTMUCsOOPH7lxcqD9WKDjlelDY3HFnnV4lilx0_fv6ebiOzkmgQRspveuzjC5sCZH3RVFz6lMF0TMtuAzR209-8PZ6DJl4/s1600/IMG_2334.jpg" /></a></div>And that was by big moment of realization. Something needed to be dropped from my life, in order to  grow something else. Stationery was going, and my art prints were growing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sometimes you need to think of the bigger picture - even if it may be unattainable, you have to think "what if". For me that was considering what would have to happen in order to grow areas of my business. The warehouse spaces and working outside of home just weren't what I wanted to be doing, and that was necessary in order to grow most of the pieces of my company.<br /><br />I appreciate this is a long winded post but I think it's important as business owners, even if we're running small, medium or large businesses, is to be <i>aware </i>of change - embrace it even if it is uncomfortable and not exactly what you thought it would be. Never in a million years did I think I would drop my stationery from my shop. But here I am, weaning it out because not only has my business changed but I've changed. I also never imagined my art in retail stores, or having <a href="http://lindsaystephenson.com/wholesale/" target="_blank">catalogs of designs</a>. I'm truly honored to have this as part of my life.<br /><br />I really appreciate all of the support many of you give, with my blog, my business, my art - it's terribly daunting to put things "out there" especially when they are explaining moments of insecurity or self doubt. I appreciate your readership, and kindness - so thank you.<br /><br />xo Linds<br /><br /><i>Ps., The picture is of one of my pieces of art found at HomeSense - a few pieces are coming into stores framed and look AMAZING. </i><br /><br /><br /><br />

business changes

I occasionally write about my business musings that go on over here. I know it's likely a limited group of people that would find it int...

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We're officially in our remodeled bedroom + our new rug!

We've been waiting SIX MONTHS for this day to finally arrive.....and it's finally here! We're back into our Master Bedroom after a long, grueling home remodel.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13560407304/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Master Bedroom by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="New Master Bedroom" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/13560407304_afebec741c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our house has been bursting at the seams with all four of us <i>(two humans, two dogs)</i> living in half of our 1,200 sq ft house during our remodel. Our living room has been covered in blankets to protect the furniture from dust, dirt, stain and paint. We haven't had guests to the house since October because we can't open our front door because of all the stuff. And the best part was that each morning, I ventured to <i>three</i> different rooms to find my clothes <i>(hanging shirts & sweaters in the living room, folded pants in the office closet and undergarments, socks & shoes in the guest bedroom)</i>, and boy was I over it.<br /><br />But WE MOVED IN!! As you saw yesterday, <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/03/let-there-be-light.html" target="_blank">our electrical work was finished</a>, our carpet was pulled out of storage and re-installed on Friday, and we moved back up to our fabulously remodeled Master Bedroom over the weekend. We're elated.<br /><br />And as our headline gives away, we got a new rug for the space! We're lucky enough to be reviewing a rug from <a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/" target="_blank">NaturalAreaRugs.com</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13560115803/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Our new Master Beroom Rug by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Our new Master Beroom Rug" height="906" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3666/13560115803_1c030ab5e3_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Back in <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/02/master-bedroom-rug-decisions.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, you helped us decide which rug we should choose for our new master bedroom. I knew I wanted something graphic for the room since we didn't go with a bold or patterned focal wall, but since there were so many great options to choose from, I had a hard time making a decision. I had four choices and thanks to all of your help, we made the decision.  It was a resounding response for <a href="http://www.naturalarearugs.com/custom-wool-rugs/pre-made-ariana.php?mm=114" target="_blank">this rug</a> - and y'all totally convinced me!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13560406424/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Natural Area Rug by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="New Natural Area Rug" height="906" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/13560406424_dd19f91cfe_c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13560118013/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Natural Area Rug by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Natural Area Rug" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/13560118013_b0d4767e99_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/13560405594/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Our new Natural Area Rugs rug by Home Coming, on Flickr"><img alt="Our new Natural Area Rugs rug" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3774/13560405594_e5e71fcbd0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't mind our wrinkly bed linens. Ha! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />I'm so stoked with the choice that we made! I love how modern and fresh it looks, and that pattern is killer. It's so popular right now, and I'm right on the bandwagon.  Justin says the pattern makes his eyes go all crazy, but he even likes the extra pop it brings to the room.  And the best part? The rug is a thick, rich quality that I know will hold the test of time with two crazy dogs running around the house.<br /><br />So what do you think? Do you love it as much as we do?<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2014/01/shop-room-master-bedroom.html" target="_blank">how the rest of our Master Bedroom came together here</a>.  <br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><b><b><b>Linking up to: <a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Make it Pretty Monday</a>, <a href="http://www.keepingitsimplecrafts.com/" target="_blank">Motivate Me Monday</a>,  <a href="http://www.creativelylivingblog.com/" target="_blank">Monday Funday</a>, <a href="http://diyshowoff.com/" target="_blank">That DIY Party</a>, <a href="http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Tuesdays at Our Home</a>, <a href="http://www.remodelaholic.com/2013/09/washi-tape-home-decor-ideas/" target="_blank">Remodelaholic</a>, <a href="http://www.thegunnysack.com/" target="_blank">Time to Sparkle</a>,  <a href="http://theturquoisehome.com/" target="_blank">Work It Wednesday</a>, <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/" target="_blank">Simply Create Thursdays</a>, <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a>, <a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Please</a> <a href="http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/2013/09/whats-shakin-link-party-77-share-your-creativity.html" target="_blank">Creativity Unleashed</a>, <a href="http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/thebetterhalf/" target="_blank">The Humble Brag</a>, <a href="http://www.thejennyevolution.com/" target="_blank">Friday Flash Blog</a>, <a href="http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/" target="_blank">Lovely Ladies Linky</a>,  <a href="http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/" target="_blank">Wow Us Wednesday,</a>  <a href="http://gracelangdon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Making Monday</a>, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Before and Afters,</a> <a href="http://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/" target="_blank">Wow Me Wednesday,</a><a href="http://www.livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"> </a> <a href="http://designdininganddiapers.com/" target="_blank">Inspiration Gallery,</a>  <a href="http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Feathered Nest Friday, </a> <a href="http://whipperberry.com/" target="_blank">The Party Bunch,</a> <a href="http://twoityourself.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Link it or Lump it,</a>  <a href="http://www.thecasualcraftlete.com/" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Party</a>, <a href="http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">It's a Party</a>, <a href="http://thecraftiestallie.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Worthwhile Wednesday's</a>, <a href="http://www.tinysidekick.com/" target="_blank">The Makers</a>, <a href="http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/" target="_blank">Do Tell Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://lifeinvelvet.com/" target="_blank">Thursday Style</a>,  </b></b></b></b></span>

We're officially in our remodeled bedroom + our new rug!

We've been waiting SIX MONTHS for this day to finally arrive.....and it's finally here! We're back into our Master Bedroom after...

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Tuesday Blues

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG_AQkLZ-cCQwgK3PZSNe1RqkFlfcsxTXbJNBj_MRKuXWCNPSrkz0zGhO-jTYMzUEieu7aASrOGGeWaPt3DUjadGoSsIO0PI1FFyEQsbUUWmw0hN_DVVMd6IHHIo5HYrhMkoe4yTW2b4/s1600/blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUG_AQkLZ-cCQwgK3PZSNe1RqkFlfcsxTXbJNBj_MRKuXWCNPSrkz0zGhO-jTYMzUEieu7aASrOGGeWaPt3DUjadGoSsIO0PI1FFyEQsbUUWmw0hN_DVVMd6IHHIo5HYrhMkoe4yTW2b4/s1600/blue.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Source 1. <a href="http://www.fantasticfrank.se/" target="_blank">Fantastic Frank</a>, 2. <a href="http://www.royalcopenhagen.com/en" target="_blank">Royal Copenhagen</a>, 3. <a href="http://msemmawallace.blogspot.fi/2011/02/denim-delight.html" target="_blank">Emma Wallace</a>, 4. <a href="http://www.boligliv.dk/" target="_blank">BoligLiv / Tia Borgsmidt</a>, 5. <a href="http://lineklein.com/" target="_blank">Line T. Klein</a>, 6. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/" target="_blank">IKEA</a></i></div>

Tuesday Blues

Source 1. Fantastic Frank , 2. Royal Copenhagen , 3. Emma Wallace , 4. BoligLiv / Tia Borgsmidt , 5. Line T. Klein , 6. IKEA

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