Fireplace wall update

My first big project of the year is about done!  Which is NOT any easy thing to accomplish between momming, wifing, working and co-running Craftshop.  Some days I can barely make it into my bed before I am already falling asleep.  So why bother doing any house projects?  Well, why does anyone do anything?  Because they want/like to do it.  I love making my house comfortable and pretty!  And I actually do enjoy the whole process, from the idea phase to the planning phase to the implementing phase to the finishing and enjoying phase.  Now, many of my "projects" don't make it past the ideas or planning phases but I still enjoy that as well.  But every once in a while, it is nice to have someone else step in and help get the project done faster.  I thought I would be doing this wall myself but help came in the form of my dad, and the hubs and son jumped in to assist and before I knew it, it was done and I just had to do the painting!  

Here is what it looked like before...

 And here is what it looks like now...

 Makes a difference, right?  Here are some pics from the construction phase.  I gave my dad a drawing with measurements and he cut all the wood and brought it to my house to construct.

Putting together the frame with lots of "helpers";)

My dad cut the trim where the frame was going to go so the frame would be flat against the wall.  I then had to take the lights down.

And the frame was placed on the wall and screwed in.

Then the planks were nailed in.

 #putthementowork

And then the edge trim was nailed on and I applied 2 coats of paint.  I still may add some trim/moulding at the top but that is for another day.

I also added a set of shelves to the other side of my buffet because I loved the ones on the right so much.

Seriously the easiest project ever and adds so much to the room.

New year, new projects

I have all kinds of plans swimming through my head for our house.  Some are small and fairly inexpensive and some we need to win the lottery to execute.  Many of my smaller scale, don't need to win the lottery to accomplish projects will take place in our kitchen/dining room.  

For as long as I can remember as a kid, I have been obsessed with window benches/seats.  I dreamed of lounging/reading/eating in a window seat.  I don't think I even knew anyone that had one which must have made them all the more coveted.  Fast forward to me at 26 years old, buying a house with a perfect place for a window seat and the idea didn't even dawn on me until 10 years later!  I can't believe it took me so long to see what was right in front of me, the perfect place for a window seat! 

Sure, it looks just fine like this but isn't it just screaming for a built-in window seat?!?  Yes?  No?  Well, I think so and I will build some storage in it too.

Moving on.  I have some more ideas for enhancing the fireplace wall following the most genius furniture move of 2014.  Here is what it looks like in its current state...

Looks fine now but wouldn't it look more purposeful with some architectural detail in the form of a "wall" that is planked and is wider than the fireplace and goes up to the ceiling with some trim and crown molding?  

And wouldn't it be even better if those hideous cords could be hidden?  Yes?  Are you still with me?  Well this project should be done in the next few weeks and you can see if you like it after the reveal.

Finally, the project that is most involved and requires some custom work by my dad is my kitchen island makeover.

It is perfectly functional and does the job right now but don't you think it would be nice to have some storage and a beverage fridge under it and have it a bit longer with a nice butcher block counter top??  Yes?  Can you envision it?

Of course, this will lead to a lighting change in this area but I am up to the challenge.

So I am hoping to get these projects done before June.  And will this be the year that I give in and paint my trim white already???

Stay tuned for reveals!

Christmas Review

I am not going to lie, I am still exhausted from putting on Christmas.  It is a big job.  From the tree to the baking to the decorating to the activities.  It is my favorite time of year and so many great memories were make this year.  Here are a few pics.  "Rock n' Roll!"

Sully: "I want spy gear and Star Wars legos and a big crane with candy."  Syd refused to sit on Santa's lap:(

Sully and I can pump out Christmas cutouts like nobody's business.  We are a well-oiled cutout making machine.   No lie.

Christmas morning:

Later Christmas day:

 Darth Vader Yule log.

Day after Christmas in Mosinee:

 And that was Christmas.  Hope yours was just has full:)