a year in review

well, well, well. i know i am a little late to the party, but happy new year! 2013 was such a GREAT year, that i couldn't help but review some major events.

of course, the highlight of 2013 was the construction of our new house. after renting for 5 years, it was such a welcome treat to be able to design and build our home. there were some days when i was certain that we would not be able to pull it off, but i am so grateful that things worked out!

here is a look back at some of the highlights of 2013.

january:

our house was framed, and the windows were getting installed.
we had the worst winter in 50 years. i don't think i will ever, EVER forget how much snow, ice, fog and general coldness there was.

 i finally settled on interior doors with 5 panels. still very happy with that decision!

 i found this sink console for grady's bathroom on clearance at restoration hardware.

february:

i shared some of my ebay triumphs, including this kohler purist faucet, which i found for 70% less than retail.

our stone was getting installed on the lower portion of the house.

 the sheet rock went up.

we spent a lot of time at the house doing whatever needed to get done!

my kitchen was designed.

the exterior siding got installed.

and i chose the perfect white for the outside.

 march:

 i decided on white cabinets for the kitchen, walnut in the master bath, and a deep blue for the girls vanity.

 allen and i installed hardwood floors on the entire main floor. my back and knees hurt just thinking about it.

 my poor kiddos spent a lot of time sitting in these dusty folding chairs.

my kitchen cabinets and striped island was installed!


april:

 i chose dark walnut for the floor stain.

 the floor tile was laid in the upstairs bathrooms,

and the master bathroom.

 the stair railings were installed.

 the vanities were installed.

 the floors were sanded and stained.

work continued on the exterior retaining walls.

may:

the carpet was installed. (yay! carpet angels!)

the driveway, sidewalks and front steps were formed and poured.

the appliances (minus the range) were installed.

work continued on the front retaining wall

the drawers for under the sink were intsalled.

we moved, and i shared a first look at my kitchen and dining room.

june:

the tub for the master bathroom was installed.

stone was laid under the front steps.

july:

i shared a first look at the upstairs of my house.

my new range arrived!

yay! we finally got doorknobs.

we laid our sod. ourselves. alone.

i made some mirror changes to the design plan for grady's bathroom and started making progress.

my giant lights were installed, and i am still in love with them.

we spent a weekend in park city before school started.

august:

i found the perfect mirror for grady's bathroom for $30 at home goods.

and settled on  "cumulus cloud" for the walls.

september:

i posted about my first experience with stencils, and my closet makeover.

we finally installed the hardware in the girls bathroom.

and installed our diy budget closets.

october:

allen and i took a trip to washington DC.

i revealed gradys bathroom makeover.

and did a tutorial for  a quick frame makeover...

 and a fun bathroom sign.

november:

i threw a halloweenish party for charlottes birthday.

and painted my front door.

our desktop died. boo-hoo!

and we took a family trip to the southeast--tennessee, alabama and south carolina.

december:

i shared an easy nativity project,

and took you on a tour of my christmas decor.

and showed you how to make these fun ornaments!

thank you SO much for joining me on this little trip down memory lane. in 2014, i will be sharing some fabulous projects as i continue to *FINALLY decorate my new home. i am actually starting the "dreaded" wallpaper project for the teeny-tiny vestibule today! it is already going better than i expected, and i am excited to share the results with you!

happy new year!!