Friday Update ~ 09/18/2015

It's Friday!  This was the quickest, long week ever.  Things were super busy, I worked hard every day,  my body made me go to bed by 9:30 most nights (8:30 last night) and now it is Friday already.

FURNITURE

My shop is filled to the max.  I finished up my mom's dressers, worked on a desk, stool, and  sofa table for a client, plus had another client dropped off a vanity.  Earlier this week I shared our master bedroom bed side tables.  Love them!  Read about that makeover here.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

MASTER BATHROOM

If you follow me on Instagram you know that we have made tons of progress over the last few weeks.  The goal for the weekend is to have all the water lines and plumbing hooked up!

PAVER PATIO

Apparently I don't feel busy enough so we started the side yard/paver patio makeover.  Really, the bathroom is taking longer than expected since I took time off of the project to focus on furniture work and here we are in September already.  We want the side yard ready for fall and oyster season.  There is a plan for a smoker, fire pit, setting up a grill area, outdoor furniture and much more.  After lots of discussion we decided to hire out most of the prep work.  

One of the biggest struggles we have as DIYers is knowing we can do it.  Blittle and I did a paver patio at our first home.  There is no part of the project beyond our ability.  The problem is time....and energy.  We decided investing the money for someone else to do the heavy work was worth it.  And I am not going to lie, writing those checks have been painful but the work has been done in hours, not days.

First step was to tear out all the grass and frame the patio.  This work was done late last week then Brian and I framed the space over the weekend.  Today, the crushed concrete will be brought in and leveled.  That leaves us (we will actually DIY this part) laying the pavers and building the fire pit.

Blittle started the paver walkway to the dock last weekend.  The house originally had a concrete walkway that was putting pressure on the bulkhead and was broken.  It was the very first thing we tore out.  Seriously, our first weekend at the house we rented a jack hammer and tore it out making tons of noise that I have no doubt the entire neighborhood could hear.  Two years later we are putting in a new path to the dock.  We decided to do a simple paver walkway.  The grass will be removed and each paver will sit flush with the grass.  

And that's what I did this week.  This weekend will be busy with hunting, furniture delivery, birthday party and bathroom work.

Have a great weekend everyone!  To see what we are up to this weekend, follow me on Instagram.

Our Waterfront Cottage ~ 2 Years Later

What a crazy adventure the past two years have been!  On June 24, 2013 we closed on our 1980s waterfront cottage and on June 27th we rented a jack hammer to start work.  It has been non stop projects ever since.  Our house has transformed into a beautiful home and I can't wait to get it finished!


To read a detailed list of what we did the first year in the house read my post from last year.  Here are a few before and after pictures.

DIY Kitchen Makeover

Photo Credit: After picture taken my Ever & Anon

Friday Update ~ 06/19/2015

It is Friday.  I hope every one has a great weekend planned.  This girl will be working to make up for the weather delays that happened.


MISC

We had our first tropical storm experience at this house. But we kind of didn't.  Tropical storm Bill was on his way then stalled, then turned.  There was an influx in the tide on Tuesday (I am cautious to use the phrase storm surge since it was only a foot or so higher than normal) and we had some rain on Wednesday but thankfully, it was pretty much a non event.   We did spend the day at home in case the water started rising again and finished installing the floor in the bathroom.

Here is our dock at a normal tide.

The DIY Dock ~ One Year Later

Hey, hey.  I can't believe its been a year since we finished the dock and installed the boat lift.  We absolutely love the space and use it as much as we can.  Our house is East facing so in the late afternoon,  the dock is mostly shaded with a cool breeze coming off the gulf.  Even those hot, Texas summer evenings can be comfortable (as long as there are is some breeze and no mosquitoes.)

There have been a few additions over the year.  I built the DIY adirondack chairs, I moved the door coffee table from the deck to the dock, Blittle built a fish cleaning station using the sink from my parent's old cook house, and we installed the destination sign.  The only major chore left is running electricity and installing the lights.  Also, I still don't have an umbrella holder (I have a plan, just need to make it happen), it needs a few plants/greenery and we need a ladder.  Going up the doggie ramp isn't as easy as a ladder when we swim and at low tide, it is hard for our boater friends to step up that high.

Friday Update ~05/08/2015

This is the last Friday Update for a few weeks.  I will be out of town starting next week and I am going to take a break from the blog while I am gone.  I'll try to post some pictures and updates on my Facebook page but if you want to be sure to see pictures, follow me on Instagram!

FURNITURE

That large bedroom set I showed you last week are in the paint booth now.  All the tops were stripped, sanded and stained.  Yesterday, I started the clear coats for the tops.  The bodies have been sanded and painting will start today.  There is still a lot to do but I am hopeful that they will get done before I leave.

MASTER BATHROOM

The mirror came in this week and sadly, it has a few bumps and bruises.  I decided to go with the large Kensington Mirror from Pottery Barn and I am on the fence about sending it back or dealing with the few imperfections.

I originally wanted to go with medicine cabinets because I HATE things being on the counter.  Toothbrushes, tooth paste, etc need to be hidden.  Once the sink was purchased, I started to lean towards one regular mirror instead of two small medicine cabinets.  The sink is not huge and the medicine cabinets would be really close together and I think it might look weird.  I love the style of the Kinsington and the size is just right for out sink.

The vanity got one coat of paint!  Yesterday, I sat on the floor in the bathroom for a while just staring.   I put down a few flooring samples and the countertop sample to see everything together.  Sometimes things look great on paper and in sample size but once you start putting it all together, it doesn't feel right.  So far, things are looking good...or at least I think so.

MISC

After a few weeks thinking about it, I have decided to sale the buffet and china cabinet I found.  They are gorgeous pieces and I wish I had room for them.  Our house is small and they just aren't going to work for us.  I do not have measurements yet but if you are interested in them let me know.  I'll try to get measurements posted today.  There is also a matching dining table with 6 chairs.  I do not have pictures of it but will post them soon as well.

All 3 pieces are a set from a New Orleans store, Max Barnett Furniture Company.  Again, I'll post more pictures, measurements, and prices soon on my SHOP page.

Sorry for the bad pictures...the storage unit was dark.

These two are in good enough shape to be stained and not painted.  All the handles are solid brass and can be polished to a gorgeous bright brass.

Email me (fishermanswifefurniture@yahoo.com) if you are interested in any of these pieces.  I am booked through mid-July so let me know ASAP to get on the schedule.  

Have a great weekend!

Friday Update ~ 04/24/2015

Y'all.  Its Friday!

I know I missed last week.  The post was even typed up and ready, I just forgot to take pictures and get it finished.  Sorry.


FURNITURE

Right now I am working on a dining set.  It was painted by the client's friend.  She wasn't loving the result so she tried to fix it.  Now I am doing damage control times two.  The final look will be stained so I have been stripping and sanding off all the paint and furniture wax that was put on it.  It has stained beautifully and should be done this weekend.

Here is what they looked like before.

How to Remove Pressure Gauges from Shower Fixtures

Hey, hey, everyone!  Great news.  We fixed the hot water issue and have been using the shower!  LOVE. IT.  Obviously, we still have a lot of work to finish the entire bathroom but other than the glass door being installed, the shower is done!

Today, I want to share with you how I removed the pressure gauges from our new shower fixtures.

Friday Update ~ 3/27/2015

Hi all.  Last Friday, I talked about installing our fixtures and actually being able to shower in the shower.  We got the fixtures installed...but we are not using the shower.

First let's start with the fixtures.

They are installed and we have fixed any leaks that we could find.  I am working on tutorials for taking the pressure control gauge out of the fixture and tips & tricks for installation.  Look for them next week.  Here is what the bathroom looks like now.  (No my walls are not curved.  I used a wide angle lens so there is some curving in the picture....and sorry for the bad lighting)

Friday Update ~ 03/20/2015

So I fell off the Friday Update band wagon for a few weeks.  Sorry, guys.  It happens.  If you follow me on Instagram (you should if you don't!), you know the past few weeks have been filled with nights at the rodeo, updating the blog (y'all know technology hates me), and working on projects other than the bathroom.  Plus, I took several days off to be with my mom while she was visiting from Germany and spend some time with my best friend while her kids were on spring break.

MASTER BATHROOM

We have stalled a little in the bathroom.  My goal for this project is to stay on budget and to not stress out too much.  Since we have another bathroom in the house, having this one all messed up isn't that big of a deal.  Other things have taken up my time and energy so the bathroom has been on the back burner for the last few weeks.  Tonight we plan on installing the rest of the fixtures and hopefully we can use the new shower this weekend!

Tile and grout done.

Friday Update - 02/27/2015

Super short update.

Y'all.  Praise him, I am done tiling.  About 2, 948 lbs have been lifted off my shoulders.  If I wasn't such a freak about details and perfection, it would have gone much faster but I am type A all the way.  (I think that could be a shirt.)  At one point this week, there was a mountain of clean clothes laying in the hallway for days.  My floors were filthy (Those of you who know me personally know I can't stand dirty floors).  We ate out more in the past two weeks than we have in two months.  I was a bit of a mess BUT in the grand scheme, it is worth it and temporary.

Master Bath - Shower Prep

Hi, everyone!  Today I want to share how we prepped the shower for tile.  There are a gazillion tutorials out there on how to waterproof, hang backer board and prep so I am not going to do a step by step tutorial.  This is more of an overview of what worked for us and at the end of this post, I included a few of my favorite videos and blog posts about bathroom updates.


Planning is extremely important!  There is a lot to think about when you are prepping a shower space and when the space is stripped down, you have to be sure to do all needed changes BEFORE the backboard goes up get done.

Friday Update - 02/20/2015

And it is Friday again.  This week was extremely productive and I am looking forward to doing my tile work today!

FURNITURE:

The baby furniture is done and will go home tomorrow.  I really like the color the client chose for their baby boy nursery.  The big bedroom set has a few pieces prepped for paint and will be put in the paint booth when the nursery furniture is picked up.

Friday Update - 02/13/2015

Happy Friday the 13th!  I almost forgot about this post.  Oopsy.  It is 5:38 am, Friday morning and I am just now typing.  :)

FURNITURE:

I finished up the dining room table and it went home this week.  It is so pretty!  When the owners get it in the house and set up (it was broken down so it was easier to transport and refinish) I'll have them take pictures for me to share with all of y'all.

Friday Update - 01/30/15

Happy Friday.  Did everyone have a good week?

The weather has been AMAZING here.  For those of you dealing with all that snow, I am so sorry.  We were sunny and 75 (I love that song) everyday this week until today.  I am depressed that the high will only be 60 today and the wind is out of control.  The beautiful weather made me want to be outside and I made lots progress on my projects.

Country Living Magazine Feature

Let me just say, I will never, and I repeat, NEVER get used to seeing my name and my home on other people's websites or in magazines.  Never.

The surprise and shock is always genuine and it usually takes a while for reality to set in.  Anyone that takes the time, effort and money to design a space in their home then update it, loves the result most of the time.  When we bought our outdated, waterfront cottage 18 months ago, our goal was to create a space that represents our personal style, that is comfortable and cozy, and is what we feel is beautiful.

Master Bath Demo Weekend

Demolition weekend was a success!  Blittle commented Sunday afternoon how smooth things went and I had to agree with him.  Things went great.  I am sure there will be a few bumps in the road as the renovation progresses, but so far, so good.

Friday afternoon, I pulled the carpet out and cleaned up the floor.  We knew there was a bit of water damage where the wall met the corner of the tub but it wasn't as bad I thought it would be.

I also cut a few holes in the shower wall to see where the water lines were.  I told y'all in the last post that the air conditioner had been sucking air from the shop into the house from the hole under the tub.  When I sawed the hole into the shower wall, the AC was on and it immediately sucked my hair into the hole!  So I filmed it.






The thought of living in this house for the last 18+ months with dirty air makes me feel gross and I possibly lost years off my life because of it.  Ew!

Saturday morning, we capped off the water lines and sawed the tub/shower unit into sections to make it easier to carry downstairs and to the road.  Everything went well.  Even the concrete base came up easily in one whole piece.

Remember the hole in the ceiling of the shop?

Well here is the view from the bathroom where the tub used to be.  

And the picture of the back of my tub/shower unit from my AC intake...

This is the view of the air intake from the bathroom.  To be to code and have more efficient AC/heating, we need to seal this off.

We cleaned up our mess and assessed the situation with the AC intake.

After some discussion we decided to just go to the home improvement store and see what our options were.  We bought insulation board (actually, a thermal sheathing meant for attics and walls but it got the job done) and metal duct tape.   The installation boards were easy to cut with a sharp razor blade which made things move fast.  After measuring and cutting, we screwed in boards to cover everything but the shared wall with the bathroom.

Then I had to block myself in!  The boards on the shared wall went on and I had to crawl through the 20"x 25" air intake hole to get in and out of the space.  It was a tight fit.

This is the only standing space I had after carefully crawling through.

It is now sealed all the way to the top!

This is the view in the bathroom.  

While at the store we priced getting a new AC intake grill (not even sure if that is what they are called) and decided to get a new one.  The old one had a broken lock and the air filter didn't fit well.  I had to bend and force them into the cubby and it shouldn't be that way.  It was worth the $36.  The new one is so clean and pretty compared to the old one.

Now, when the air turns on, it can not suck air from any place but the air intake so only indoor, filtered air is blowing through our house now.  Hopefully, it will help with our energy bill a little.

One more thing I did this weekend, ordered our shower base.

Once the tub was out and I could take better measurements, I found that the 36" x 60" base will fit.  Two inches wider than I previously thought and six inches wider than the original tub.


I have some furniture projects to work on this week so other than meeting with the plumber, I don't plan on doing too much in the bathroom until the base gets in.  This project is going to be done in stages.  The vanity, toilet area, flooring and paint will not be changed until the shower is finished.  One thing at a time.

Have a great Monday!



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