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 ~ 06/05/2015

Hey, guys.  I am trying my best to get back on some kind of blogging schedule but I will admit, I forgot to write this update until this morning.  Haha.  At least I remembered last minute.  The past month has be really rough.  The last update I posted about Blittle and Jaxson was in my New Railing Inspiration post.

Blittle had surgery on the 15th.  The 10 days following were not easy for either of us.  Lots of sitting around and watching the non stop rain and flood coverage on TV.  Lots of sickness, tiredness, and moodiness from the meds.  Lots of waiting on him constantly since he couldn't walk.  We were both ready for him to get better.  He was finally able to go back to work on the 28th but still wasn't walking on his own and moving slow.  Over that following weekend, he was able to start putting weight on his foot and has been quickly getting better.  No more crutches!  He is able to walk as much as he wants with his orthotic boot on.  The stitches should come out next week and hopefully he will be able to start wearing a normal shoe again and be back to 100% soon.

How to Cut a Screw

After several years of furniture and home updates, I have finally taken the time to learn how to cut a screw.  I have tons of them.  They come with original hardware and new hardware packages usually have two screw sizes included.  I have kept most of the screws I come across, new and old.  Problem is making them the length I need them.  Until now.

New Railing Inspiration

The past few weeks have been rough.  Things could definitely be much worse but overall, they have been the most stressful in a really long time.

Friday a week ago, while I was at a friend's house down the street, Blittle called and said Jaxson jumped from the top steps into the yard.  My heart stopped.  That is about a ten foot drop.  Jaxson is 10 years old and has arthritis problems.  I knew he wasn't going to be okay.  Blittle said he was hurt and to get home.  My friend drove me home and as soon as I was in the yard, he hobbled over and put his head into my chest.  I knew he was hurting.

Crate & Barrel Inspired Dining Table and Chairs

Hi all!  Today, I have a pretty dining room table and chairs transformation to show you.

This table has been through some stuff.  It was purchased years ago with a stain finish.  The owner decided she wanted something different and the table was painted.  She wasn't loving the painted look so she tried to fix it.  That's where I come in.  The table and chairs came to me like this.

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 ~ 05/01/2015

How is it May already?  Seriously.  I have no idea where April went!  On a positive note, the weather has been amazing this week and I can feel summer creeping in.   I love this time of year!  :)  I'd rather be hot, sweaty and on the verge of heat stroke than be cold.


FURNITURE

The dining room table and 4 chairs went home this week.  This project was challenging but I am so happy with the results.  It was my first time to do this finish.  I'll share all the before & after pictures plus details on that project next week.  Here is what it looked like when it was dropped off.