6.30.2011

A few weeks ago, Tea very kindly gave us a gift card to pick out a few things for Kicky and EZ E. I already adore Tea, so I didn't need my arm twisted. Everything arrived in the mail last week and holy cute! Here's Kicky at the park rocking the Maritime stripe dress. Adorable. I also picked out this, this, this and I'm kicking myself for not getting this. We've ordered from Tea before and I really can't say enough about the quality of their clothing. I've already washed this dress several times (Kicky keeps picking it out) and it's holding up like a champion. Plus, it's all super cute. Thank you, Tea! We love you.

Oh, and here's Kicky going incognito...and destroying our friend Amy's sunglasses. Thanks, Ame! We love you.

6.29.2011

Goodbye, confusion...

A little bird told me that there was some house confusion going on, so I thought I'd take a minute to clear things up. :) Next month we will be moving from this little house to this farmhouse. We expect to close next week and will literally start renovations on that day. I'm sure the confusion came from the fact that we've been working on the farmhouse before we took ownership, but the appraiser required a new roof, a pest inspection, a structural inspection by a licensed engineer, and new flooring in the kitchen before close. Because the seller lives out of state, and we really want the house, we offered to complete any required projects at our expense (she did pay for part of the roof). The only projects we were able to complete were projects directly related to the appraisal. So, what's left to do before we move in at the end of July? I get an ulcer just thinking about it, but here's our list:

Demo faux brick wall, mirrored tiles, downstairs bathroom floor, upstairs carpeting, wood kitchen valance
replace downstairs bathroom sink
demo mudroom interior
replace mudroom interior
clean cabinet hardware
clean cabinets and prep for paint
paint cabinets
clean radiators
replace wall in kitchen
prep all walls for paint
prep upstairs floors for paint
paint upstairs floors
paint all walls
paint trim
downstairs floors prepped for sanding
sand downstairs floors
stain downstairs floors
purchase and install a mailbox
install dishwasher
clean everything

Phew! What am I forgetting? Oh, that's right...

try to maintain sanity

It seemed more realistic when we thought we'd close in May. So, why the rush to complete everything? Unfortunately, this whole process has taken way longer than we expected and we committed to moving out of our current house by August 1st. I have a feeling that July is going to be full of late nights, my friends. Keep your fingers crossed for us, okay?

A bad plan...

Last weekend, PRH and I loaded up my old navy blue wagon with bags and bags of stuff for the thrift store. I was so proud of myself! So very proud of myself...until Kicky, EZ E and I decided to take a *quick look* around the thrift store when we were dropping off said bags and bags of stuff. Bad plan! Isn't it always those days when you know you really shouldn't be thrifting that you find the best stuff ever?! Um, yeah. Case in point, a flipping Kaj Franck enamel bowl with hearts for $1.50. What?! Hang on, I just died for a minute.

OK, I'm back. We also found an adorable vintage metal lunch box...

and a wood clock. Be still my minimalist heart...

Kicky found a vintage Fisher Price dog that she wouldn't let go long enough to photograph and EZ E came home with a 25 cent Garfield book from the 1980's. I'm getting them started young. We spent less than $5 for everything, so don't worry...guilt isn't going to kill me at any moment. Let's change the subject, shall we? While I was packing my studio, I found these gigantic paper birds that PRH and the kiddos gave me for mother's day. I don't think I ever shared them and they're too lovely not to share, right?

Have you bought anything lately that you shouldn't have? Spill it!

6.28.2011

To do...

This photo of my desk yesterday pretty much sums up the next few months. All that's missing is a dust mask.

2. spray paint

3. multiple field guides to birds and trees

4. coffee cup (oddly empty in this photo)

5. pile of unwritten thank you cards (handmade...for now)

6.27.2011

Packed...

All of our books are packed and so is Bill. If you remember this post, then you know why it took all weekend. After over ten years together, I've lost count of how many times PRH and I have moved. It's ridiculous! I'm hoping this is the last time though. We're going to be so busy with the renovation over the next four weeks that we won't really have time to pack and I wanted to get ahead of the game. Here are a few quick photos from our weekend. I always seem to write weird things on all of the boxes...

My small vinyl toy collection from Hero. I miss that place.

Nature mixed with faux nature...

The Schleich animals that I love more than the kids do...

When our friend Rachael moves, the first thing she does is unpack her bedding and make the bed. That way she has a comfortable place to sleep at the end of a busy day. What are your moving tips?

6.24.2011

This weekend...

Any good plans this weekend? I'll probably spend part of it pretending we have an awesome car...while clearing out the garage. I also need to clean out the embarrassing piles of junk in our metal cabinet. A thrilling weekend. Have a great one and I'll see you on Monday!

Happiness is...

...finger painting with pudding. We used neon food coloring to get the crazy colors. I wish I would've taken photos of them when they were done and covered in pudding from head to toe.

6.23.2011

For the birds...

Every day brings something new at the farmhouse. We were wandering around the orchard (there are fruit trees all over the property) and found this handmade bird house. It's nailed to a tall piece of wood that's rather cleverly (or oddly) strapped to a telephone pole using a bungee cord...

These metal numbers are on the back of the telephone pole. I want to take them down and squirrel them away somewhere, but all I can imagine is being arrested for stealing 6 metal numbers off a telephone pole in our yard. Yeah, I know...I'm such a chicken.

In other news, I'm feeling much better today. Thank you all for your well-wishes. I know that so many of you spend a lot of time doing the same thing...burn the candle at both ends. I think yesterday was my body's way of saying, "Slow it down, lady!". EZ E's sweet little BFF is in town from Florida, so we spent a few hours with our dear friends last night and I feel recharged. Sometimes I spend so much time planning and working that I forget to settle down and enjoy what (and whom) I'm really working for. Do you ever do that?

6.22.2011

Blech...

Just checking in to say that I'm taking a bloggy sick day today. Burning the candle at both ends has finally caught up with this mama. See you tomorrow!

6.21.2011

Final inspections...

The week that the appraiser came through to inspect the farmhouse, it rained like crazy around here. The Susquehanna River was flooded, sump pumps were working overtime, and everyone's basement was damp...including the basement of the farmhouse. The house itself was built in 1880 and has a dry laid stone foundation, so moisture getting into the basement isn't really a shocker. It's also waaaayyyyyyy up on a hill, far away from the river. The appraiser, however, thought it was a big deal and required us to hire a licensed structural engineer to inspect the house and determine whether or not it's structurally sound. Argh! Yesterday the structural engineer and the appraiser came at the same time for final inspections. I'm happy to report that our farmhouse passed with flying colors. That baby is sturdy! So, after 4 long months, we should close within the next week or so.

First thing on the agenda after close? This little room on the back of the house needs to be completely gutted and that weirdo cinderblock chimney is coming down. Do you hear that, chimney?! You're toast. That other ugly chimney better not get too comfortable either (that one's only getting painted). What I really want to do is change around those flower beds and that fieldstone patio, but since I've already threatened the chimneys...

********************************************************************************

Thanks to tiny prints for sponsoring this post.

Interested in sponsoring a farmhouse post/project? Rates start as low as $20. Email me at hownowdesign [at] yahoo [dot] com

6.20.2011

In the Wilds...

Princeton Architectural Press sent over a copy of In the Wilds by Nigel Peake and I am madly in love with it. Here's what they have to say about it:

In the Wilds is a collection of artist Nigel Peake's hand-drawn observations of rural life. From the trees, fields, lakes, and rolling hills that define the country landscape, to the farm houses, tractors, fences, and telegraph poles that build it, Peake's obsessively detailed pencil and ink drawings and beautifully muted watercolors capture the slow moving rhythm of his surroundings. In a time when everyone seems to be seeking relief from the fast pace of everyday life, In the Wilds offers an escape to a countryside as timeless as it is idyllic.

I've posted Nigel Peake's work before. His book, Sheds, is still one of my all-time favorites, and I was happy to see In the Wilds earn a spot right next to it. The drawings are beautiful and, considering the fact that we're spending most of our days planning our escape to the countryside, the book came at the perfect time. You can pick up a copy here. I highly recommend that you do.

6.17.2011

This weekend...

There's nothing like a dirty little wooden rodent to wish one of your best friends a happy birthday, right? The best part of this weekend is that it's Kris's birthday! Have a fabulous weekend and I'll see you all on Monday!

Crafty Crow...

I adore The Crafty Crow. It's one of my go-to blogs when I'm stumped for kiddo craft ideas, so I was pretty thrilled when Cassi asked if I'd be interested in contributing a project for A Book & A Craft. Miroslav Sasek's This is books are favorites in our house, so my book choice was an easy one. Plus, I'll take any opportunity to make miniature Queen's Guards. Ha! To see the complete tutorial, head over to The Crafty Crow. Thanks, Cassi!

Roofing machine...

My brother is a roofing machine. 3 days, people...he finished an entire roof in 3 days and I think it looks beautiful! The man is a talent. Truly. Take a look at this gorgeous roof...

Here are a few before photos. The ugliness is a bit masked in this one (you're too busy looking at our Honda, right?)...

kind of ugly here...

Bam! Check out the close-up, grub-fest going on here...

Oh, and let's not forget the behemoth antenna (used, I suspect, for watching television from distant planets)...

and AFTER, sans behemoth antenna...

I love you, pretty architectural black onyx shingles. No really, I *lurve* you. Of course, none of this (zero) would've been possible without the assistance of my brother's two roofing experts. Here they are in action...

They may wear their t-shirts inside out and accept payment in the form of gummy bears and gladiator sandals, but they're good. Well...when they're not being bad. Here's my goal: close by June 28th + move in by July 28th. Game on. I'm dying to take a power washer to this beast.

UPDATE: I've been getting a lot of questions about how we were able to work on the house before close. Here's the answer: the appraiser required a new roof and, since my brother is a contractor, he offered to put it on for the seller at a deeply discounted rate as a favor for us (ie. he didn't charge labor and was able to purchase materials at a contractor rate). The seller lives out of state, so we offered to complete any other required projects at our expense (new floors in kitchen, pest inspection, clean mold, etc). The only projects we were able to complete were projects directly related to the appraisal. Now that those are complete, we have to wait until close to work on the house again.

********************************************************************************

Thanks to kitsch café for sponsoring this post.

Want to sponsor a farmhouse project/post? Email me at hownowdesign [at] yahoo [dot] com

6.16.2011

Exploring...

We took lunch to my brother yesterday at the farm and, while we were chatting, EZ E and Kicky spent some time exploring the gardens. The peonies have finally bloomed and they're the prettiest shade of pink.

The antique lightning rods came down from the roof completely intact. Each rod has a blue milk glass globe in a moon and stars pattern. Isn't this lovely? We aren't planning to put them back on the roof...I have no clue what to do with them. Any ideas?

This clematis vine on the side of the house has the biggest flowers I've ever seen.

The roof will be finished today, so we should close within 2 weeks or so. Then the hard work really starts. Demolition, cleaning, painting, floor refinishing, more cleaning, etc. We can't wait!

6.15.2011

Now and then...

At some point this summer we'll be moving and I've been thinking a lot about furniture placement in the farmhouse. I've been comparing photos from our apartment in Buffalo to photos of our current house and it was kind of interesting to see how we live with things now. Before we left Buffalo, we sold a ton of furniture. Well, here we are again with another ton! I'm pretty sure all of these pieces will make the cut when we move to the farmhouse though. The bubble car bed will not.

my favorite cabinet now...