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Who I Haven't Forgotten...
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You, dear readers. Though I'm sure you may have thought that I had.
For those that have followed my blog for years or have blogs of your own, you know that sometimes this happens - this business of going for weeks without a single update.
In my excitement over my studio room redo and my just knowing that at least this project would be quick and painless and over with in no time flat, I failed to remember that it would take an act of the Almighty for us to work through any remodeling plans in a timely manner and without a hitch. Can I just say that hubs and I have had many serious "discussions" over the s l o w progress of our cottage in the making. We seem to have two different views, many times, of how quickly a project should move along. Between real work and life, the reality is that maybe in a months time, five to eight hours may be dedicated to a project. So this is my reality and it has been since we've moved here. I think had I known this is the way it would be, I would have been content to live in our regular 70's made ranch just the way it was. But who knows...maybe when we are finally finished, I'll be glad that we struggled through each and every project, large and small. Maybe I'll say..."It was all worth it." Maybe I'll say that it was ok that we lived with a gutted bathroom for five years because once we finally finished, it was all that I could have ever wished for. Maybe I'll be glad that we lived for years without any real flooring as our beautiful hardwood sat untouched in the garage while we finished up the "dirty work" inside. Just know that right now I am extremely envious of all of you who are able to complete remodeling project from start to finish in a reasonable amount of time. You have my undying admiration! We, however, are not one of those types of people.
So in my disappointment and discouragement, I couldn't bear to write and update my blog. I hope that you have been there or at least understand. We had to paint the studio three times, of course. I ended up using a custom robin's egg blue that I created myself even before I had painted the swatches you saw in my last post. My color had a bit more green in it and a little less blue - which is what I wanted. We painted the whole room out and needed just one more coat but ran out of paint. But when we had another custom gallon mixed and on the walls, it wasn't the same color as what hubs had already cut in in the corners and along the trim. Soooo....we had to buy another gallon and paint the entire room again. Much better! A couple of weekends hub was out of town, so no real work in the studio took place because I cannot for the life of me paint trim without getting it on the walls. Hubs put the second coat of white trim paint on last weekend, thinking the painting would finally be *done*, but it still needs another coat. Though the steps and stoop have been primed, I'm going to hold off painting them until last because I don't won't hubs work boots marring them up. The fan and lights have been painted for weeks now and I've been dying to have them installed, but I guess I'm going to have to practice patience for a bit longer. I don't want to take photos of the studio so far until they are up and the last of the trim paint is done, but it has turned out nice so far. If you look at one of the photos of the kitchen below, you can get a sneak peak of the studio walls if you look through the french door to the right. Who knew red and robin's egg blue could work so well together?! I'm not going to make predictions on when we'll start building the work stations as hubs has another trip coming up. I just hold my breath and hope that we can begin sometime this month maybe. My plans to officially start my business this year have once again been foiled. Hubs says I should "create product" anyway, but that's not how I work when supplies and stuff are strewn everywhere because they don't have a home and proper organization - and it looks like all my "spare" time needs to be spent on trying to help him work on the room.
I do, however, have photos to share. Just little vignettes I photographed today and recently. I have a new found love of robin's egg blue and have begun collecting and making accessories to use throughout the cottage. Also, I've completed two Wilton cake decorating courses and wanted to share with you the last cake I made for class. I'm making a similar one today for hubs grandmother:)
I made these spools well over a year ago. I love words and old-fashioned style paper, so this was a nice way to bring the two elements together.
I painted the birds with my custom color but the creamer I found at Goodwill - it is my exact blue!
I thought about shooing this moth away before I took this shot, but she was frantically flying about the kitchen lights last night when I was baking some cookies...I was glad to see that she had found a peaceful, safe spot to rest so I left her:)
(This is the photo from which you can see the robin's egg blue studio walls...)
We worked on our cakes in class. We learned the basket weave technique and promptly applied it to our cakes. Mine leaves a lot to be desired, lol! My frosting softened too much as I held the decorating bag in my warm hands, but thank goodness for lots of flowers to cover it up!
Thanks for continuing to stop in and for all the emails and nudges I've received:) Thanks so much!
27 comments:
I found your blog today and would like to say even if you are discouraged, I find it very inspirational! We too live in a 70's ranch and are slowly updating it. It has been a slow battle but I am proud of our little home most of the time. However, we have now run into the delima that it is too little and are adding an addition so more work. Anyway, I just want to say that I hope you keep posting cause I really do love your blog and think your home is beautiful!
You are not alone, Kim! I am very glad to see you have any time to post at all! It's not like we can just slap something up on our blog! After all, a well presented blog takes time, and a well presented blog is enjoyable to read. Thank you for keeping the excellence level high at yours!
I love the color!!! You'll have to post the ingredient label, so we all can enjoy it in our homes!
"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word- excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it." ~Pearl S. Buck
Happy Autumn!
Ambrea
I know we completely understand and sympathize with you Kim! It can get very frustrating when things don't go as quickly as we think they should. Sometimes its just so hard to find the time for our projects.
I love the robin egg blue you have been collecting and adding with the white/off white...thats very pretty and fresh - yet sooo classy!
Your cake looks fabulous too!
Well we have been enjoying all the progress you have been making. Your kitchen has been very inspiring in itself! So we look forward to seeing what you do with your Studio workspace. And we too can be patient right there with you hehe =)
The cake is wonderful!
Almost as wonderful as those thread spools!!
The cake looks fantastic! Your house is coming along so well. It only takes time and money to finish a project, but unfortunately - those are the most limited items! I feel your pain!
Your cake is absolutely lovely! You have a real talent for this. Hang in there, Kim. Rembember, you have made tremendous progress in your renovations, and the most important thing is that you have created a warm and happy environment for your family. Don't worry. Everything will fall into place. Once you have your studio finished, you will get another "charge," and I am sure you will forge ahead with another project. Before you know it, you will look up and the lion's share of your renovations will be complete.
I was wondering about the blog as I had just found it a 2 months ago and was admiring your kitchen.
Hubby and I plan to farmhouse/country our house and we spend more time disagreeing about the time table then getting around to doing anything. I so need a million ideas on how to go about this. Feel free to help me find others doing the same type home.
Blog on!
I think your home is lovely. I think all you are doing will be worth it. Maybe I'll be inspired to tackle a few (even one!) of the many home projects I'd like to do. Glad all is well.
I've painted my master bedroom that color. I found it under the title Milky Jade. I love it. Can't wait to see your studio revealed.
As for, "be glad that we struggled through each and every project" -- you WILL be!! Trust me. Hang in there!
We painted our main spaces (living room and hallways) a color called "Patriotic White" (Ben Moore) which is a subtle robin's egg blue and we lovvveee it. Changes with the light at different times of day.
Your cake looks amazing so I hope you pursue! Keep us updated...we heart you. :-)
I too have to practice patience around my house. Hubs schedule is never the same as the one I have laid out in my head!
Love the blue interspersed throughout.
Also, holy cow, the flowers on that cake are amazing!
Wow, don't get discouraged, your home is so beautiful. It is worth every extra minute you have spent in the renovations! It is truly inspirational to me.
I've been checking and checking for some kind of update and I was so happy to see this. i know the studio isn't moving at the pace you'd like, but I know once it's finished it will be wonderful. That little sneak peek is such a tease! The vignettes are quite lovely and I adore cake. Yours looks to good to eat..mouth watering!
Happy bday to your hubs gmother.
Hugs!
I totally understand. The pace of projects around here is the many disagreement between hubby and me. We are now working on the 21 first year in our house and still working on some of the original stuff. I love, love my house, but if I had to do over I would buy a smaller house with less to fix up. Recently in my blog I had a post about this very issue.
That said, you home is turning out so beautiful and I know you will be glad you did it in the end.
Those cakes are AWESOME.
Your cake is beautiful. I love all the lovely different colored flowers.
Is that your kitchen in the one photo? If it is, it would be great to see more photos.
Tea Cup Lady
Welcome back Kim, if just for now. Love everything you've done so far. That cake is beautiful! I think you did a fine job on the basketweave and the other decorations make it spectacular! Thanks for sharing. xxoo
I've missed you, Kim! So glad to hear you're well. I think you made a beautiful cake- it looks like it's straight out of a bakery.
I have just fallen in love with your kitchen island- it's gorgeous!! I'm so jealous.
~Rachel
Kim I don't know anyone who has had a renovation project go exactly as they had planned, especially in relation to its timeframe. Renovating is such a big commitment and you definitely have that. It's also evident that you have extraordinary patience and perseverance - you leave most of us to shame. Don't be deterred. Just think of the finished product.
Ann
I LOVE your kitchen island...its amazing...It looks like you are doing a great job on the house!
Kim,
I know how painful it is to get these projects done...but look how great your house looks!!! Too bad we don't all live in an HGTV world where projects only take about an hour from start to finish :)
Everything is looking great, kim!
xoxox,
martha from Elizabeth Hill (whose kitchen is half done.)
I love your blog, even if sometimes the entries are few and far between. Life happens! Would you give us a quick comment on those spools? I have saved wooden spools from my mother -- a great seamstress -- and this looks like a wonderful thing to do with them.
lucia
I have been checking on you from time to time. I'm glad that you are back. Your home is looking so beautiful. I have been working on mine also. It takes time...and money. I know that I get discouraged because it all seems so overwelming at times. I try to stay focused on one thing at a time. However, I have so many things started and now the holidays are coming up! That is why I haven't posted many photos of my cottage yet. I need to stick to one room and finish it before moving on to something else. You have inspired me to do just that. Your kitchen is beautiful. Also I love your cake! The flowers are too pretty to eat!
I love your style! I have that same little creamer and love it. Our home is 20 yrs. old and we too have been slowly but surely renovating. It is definitely a process that requires lots of patience. Hang in there, hun! You're doing an amazing job!
I have been reading your blog for the past year and love it! Your house is amazing and remember perfection takes time!!!
I do have one question, all your photos are perfect quality and look like they are from a magazine, what kind of camera are you using? Do you have special photography flash's you are using?
Thanks!
Kristine
Bristol,CT
My goodness I'm glad you're back . You were one of the first blogs I found and am so glad I did. I love the look of your home and enjoy hearing all that you are doing. Love the robin's egg blue.When it come to remodeling remember this too shall pass.You are blessed with a willing husband, give him cake .
Sandy
Your photographs are so lovely, and that cake is just fabulous! I'm going into a sugar coma just looking at it. :-)
Blessings
~*~
I love your cakes and your decorating style. You have made
me very hungry for cake now ;)
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