home project catch-up.

As my friend Brittany put it: "I feel like the things you buy there are already broken".  EXACTLY.  That's why it's excellent.  For example: We found a nice broom (the bottom screws off and has a handle to be used as a "hand sweeper"... multipurpose) for $5.00.  Then, we notice on the packaging it mentions a "dust pan combination".  NO DUSTPAN IN SIGHT, and it was the last one left.  What did we do?  Mentioned the issue at check-out and BAM... awesome broom for $2.00.  (I hate dustpans and vacuum up the pile of remaining dirt/crumbs anyways)

We also found a chair... an AWESOME rolling chair (Kyle insisted it roll) for him to use for studying.  It's PERFECT for our desk and we love it.  I was looking on KSL for some Herman-Miller vintage desk chairs... but this is EVEN BETTER.  It was $68.00 but when they went to check the stock... NO LUCK.  YAY for us, because it was in perfect condition and we got it for an extra 20% off.  Side Note: we also got Lola some awesome dog toys for $1.00 each.  Green squeaky chicken = most annoying sound EVER but she absolutely LOVES it.

 

So, same friend Brittany (the couch story) ended up having some other furniture left over from the room she's re-doing.  We scored this super adorable desk at a great little price of $40.00.

We love it because it fits perfectly in our little nook.  (Yes, the weird awkward space I had NO idea what to do with)  We moved the shelves around, nailed up some cork I brought from ATL, and installed an IKEA rail for easy-access-storage purposes.  There is work to be done here, obviously in terms of lighting, wall decor, organization of shelves (below), etc.  BUT... last time I checked, Kyle loved his little study area.

Awkward space... SOLVED.  We've worked on a few other projects here-and-there as well... 

Bedroom Organization-- We have NO CLOSET.  Well, we do have a closet but, we might as well say we don't.  Kyle and I have a good bit of shoes, accessories, and shirts... among other things.  Our ebay account has helped us narrow down and get rid of some, but our wall space has helped EVEN MORE.

The most difficult part of this project was finding the studs in the ceiling.  After that, we were golden.  Went to Lowe's and bought chain, pvc, hooks, and a few other things under $12.00.  It's working perfectly.  Pros: our shirts are aired out and not in a stuffy closet, so they smell nice when we wear them. We don't have to come up with artwork for that wall.  Cons: I have this compulsive need to iron/steam all the shirts and color code them since they can be seen all the time.  (I haven't done this yet but when I finish the room, it will be done)  We didn't consider the weight of the clothes, so we have to even them out or the rod will bow down in the middle.

We actually REALLY love this and are planning on making more because we love our shoes and don't mind showing them off.  Cheap way to add color to our room while getting our shoes off the floor.  Another trip to Lowe's-- had them cut the board down to 12" pieces for us (just 10" wide), painted them,  and used corner brackets to secure them to the wall.  This project cost approximately $23.00 but it was well worth it.

More Ikea rods ($1.99 each) for our ties/scarves/belts... not sure what we're going to put in the spaces to the left and right.  I was thinking artwork originally but now I need some way to deal with my jewelry... SO... i'm leaning towards a mirror and more organization.  We'll see.

Problem: Kyle's bike was drug into the living room and leaned against the nook every day.  He didn't want it rained on and he didn't want it stolen, and keeping it in the car with the front wheel removed took too long to put back together when he was running late for class.  

Solution: had to climb up to the attic to find the studs BUT... we now have a bike hanging from our dining room ceiling.  I LOVE that it's not in the floor taking up space.  (I already had the curtains form ATL.  I think it's kind of funny that they match)

Also in the dining room.... 

My beloved plate collection.  When I go into any store that sells home goods and there is a plate on sale... if I love it, I buy it.  These are the ones that made the cut to pack and bring out to Utah, and I'm sure this collection will grow over the next year.  If you find any cute plates you want me to put on this wall... send them my way.

**We made it up to our attic with plywood for flooring and now have TONS of storage for the things we don't need on a regular basis (it is NOT a fun trip up there and there are NOT stairs... just our step ladder and upper-body strength).  I've enjoyed hiding the boxes and luggage full of our winter clothes.**

** This has been in my drafts for a week, I just realized and had to publish.  Sorry for the delay!