House Projects

Back in March, during the lockdown, we created a list of home projects to tackle. As I was washing all the windows in the house, my husband started working on the back terrace. Like most projects, the back terrace morphed into something bigger…..yet better. To see that post of projects, click here.

The barbecue needed cleaning. That led to putting up new tile on the backsplash behind the grill. Of course, the tile requires a sealer to protect it. That spilled over into sealing the slate countertops. I shared that project a few weeks ago when the BBQ was completed. If you missed that post, please click here!

The Floors

Now that the countertops look so good, the floors paled in comparison.

But before sealing the floor, they need a good cleaning. Pressure washing the concrete/slate floors significantly helps to remove the dirt and stains. My husband did this one half of the terrace at a time. We own the Subaru pressure washer but you can easily rent one, too.

After the floors are clean and dry, sealer is applied to both the slate and the concrete. We tried a satin finish first and didn’t like it. So we decided on this Home Depot Behr Premium Wet-Look Sealer.

Using a long handled roller, the sealer spread easily on the floor.

Here is one section done and it is a vast improvement.

After half of the terrace was dry, we moved the furniture and began the process on the other half.

The Rugs

The outdoor rugs have never been washed so this is a great opportunity to vacuum them and pressure wash to remove several years of dirt. Purchased from Rug Studio several years ago, these two 8′ x 10′ rugs are SO affordable.

I just checked and they are still available online. Click here for the link. Prices are a bit higher, but not by much. I am so pleased with how these rugs are holding up outside in our hot summer heat.

Now the floors are now cleaned and sealed, the barbecue area is complete, and well, the upholstered furniture looks like the ugly sibling. Truly, we have used this furniture outside for years. The cushions however, other than spot cleaning, have not been deeply cleaned….ever.

The Furniture

This Bissell Little Green is one of our best purchases. This little spot and stain cleaner is great for both upholstery and carpeting. If you have pets or families who spill, this is the toy for you! Being small and light weight, it is so easy to haul around. It’s approximately $100.00 and can be ordered online through Amazon. Click here for link.

All furniture cushions and decorative pillows are Sunbrella fabric and clean easily with the Bissell.

All the outdoor (really indoor) furniture was purchased from Crate and Barrel many years ago. Since this terrace is covered and somewhat protected from the elements, the furniture has survived fairly well.

The Finished Product

Here is the finished terrace. It sparkles and even smells clean. The black cabinet on the right side of the photo is a new addition. This piece used to be in the family room but will now store placemats, candlesticks, vases and other outdoor entertaining items.

I will at some point need to refinish the mahogany dining and coffee table, but not until the weather cools down a bit. The chandelier over the table needs replacing too. If you have any suggestions, please share! Also, I am still debating whether the rugs clash with the tile. Unfortunately when I selected the tile, I didn’t even consider the rug design. Let me know what you think.

We are so pleased with how the floor turned out. Custom covers are made for all the outdoor pieces and we must cover all the furniture before our dreaded summer dust storms arrive.

It feels SO good to get these projects checked off the list. Extra kudos to my husband for doing all the work on this space. We can’t wait for cooler temperatures and no more COVID so we can entertain here again.

I hope everyone took some time off and enjoyed the July 4th holiday. Are you working on any home projects?

If you missed the blog post on Fall Entertaining on the back terrace, please click here.

To see the actual restoration/construction project of the back terrace, click here.

Sometimes in my posts, I provide links to the products. Sometimes I get a stipend at no cost to you. Other times I don’t get anything but want to share my resource.

stories

Happy July 4th to all of you! We are happily ensconced here in the mountains of Arizona enjoying the cooler temperatures. I love all the patriotism here as nearly every cabin is displaying flags and lots of red, white and blue.

Our mountain community is a combination of older, original cabins and of course, the newly built McMansions. I love walking in this area because I get to snoop at each and every house. Who doesn’t love looking at other people’s homes? My favorites are the original ones that are bursting with charm and character.

The Drive Up

The trip from our home in Phoenix is approximately 3.5 hours. I love the drive, because the minute you leave the metropolitan area you are winding up through the mountains and forest.

As you may or may not have heard, but we had a very large fire (Bush Fire) that started on June 13th and today is 99% contained. It was so big that NASA could see it from space. However, even though I heard about it, it wasn’t until I drove through it did I realize the extent of the damage.

Experiencing it first hand was shocking and heartbreaking. Here is my posting on Instagram.

Highway 87 runs right through the middle of the 194,000 acres that have burned. On both sides of the road, as far as the eye can see, was blackened earth covered in fire retardant spray. I drove for an hour and the view was the same.

For a 13 mile stretch, the road was reduced to one lane because the guard rail posts had burned and the actual guard rail looked like a melted ribbon. Apparently the fire was caused by a burning vehicle and high winds. Our firefighters are such heroes in battling what is now the 5th largest fire in our state’s history.

That was bad enough, but when I was driving on State Route 260, there was a driver traveling at very high speeds going the WRONG WAY. Thankfully I was in the right hand land and since we were moving up an incline, I didn’t see him/her until they blew by me. It was so fast I couldn’t tell you the make, model or color of the car. I pray no one was killed by this maniac.

Finally Here!

The rest of the way I drove like a little old lady. Naturally, after such an eventful trip, I am thrilled to be here.

Every time I arrive at the cabin, I start daydreaming about re-decorating it. Right now, it is a hodgepodge of furniture we’ve collected over time. I suppose if we spent more time here, it would make sense to redecorate. Here are some inspirational photos on what I’d love to do to the bedrooms.

Next 4 photos from Google.com

I love how they have displayed the quilt on the wall below.

To see more pictures of our cabin, click here.

Lack of Rain and a Surprise

As you may recall, we haul our several big pots of geraniums up to the cooler climate every year. There has been such little rain, and the plants are looking a bit stressed. While watering them, we found this sweet bird’s nest tucked inside the greenery.

Momma bird was startled by the garden hose and flew out, long enough for me to take this photo. Sorry it’s a bit blurred, but I didn’t want to disturb this protected setting. Momma is back on the nest happily protecting her eggs. To see all our geraniums journey, click here.

Sox, our Beagle Update

About 10 days ago, our beagle, Sox lost the control of his back legs. I found him laying in the driveway, overheated and exhausted. We rushed him to the vet and was told he has arthritis (he’s soon to be 13) and a disc issue with his spine.

Our instructions are to keep him crated as much as possible for at least the next few weeks and only take him out for bathroom runs. Well, if you’ve ever had a beagle, this is a very challenging task. This dog follows his nose and from the waist up, he’s very puppy-like. He’s on oral steroids, muscle relaxants and pain meds.

However, his legs are still working and he does get around fairly well on carpets or rugs. Hardwood floors are difficult for his balance. But it’s looking hopeful. Here is how we walk him around. The exercise band is perfect for supporting his hips and still allows him to do his business without obstruction.

Happy July 4th Weekend!

I am getting ready to have an Independence Day breakfast. Fresh berries, plain yogurt and my breakfast cookie accompanied by morning coffee. If you missed my breakfast cookie(s) recipe, click here.

In my last post, I stated that our July 4th parade is cancelled. However, some clever residents are creating a golf cart parade that will start at 10:00 a.m. So after I send this post out to you, I’ll be decorating Shrek, our green golf cart in July 4th attire!

Whatever you have planned for this holiday weekend, I hope you are with those you love, either in person or virtually. Being here in the cabin and around nature has already lowered my stress levels. Be happy, be kind and most of all, be safe.

travel

For all the fans of HGTV Fixer Upper, this post is for you! Last week I traveled to Waco, Texas for a social media seminar. The week was packed with presentations and I was blessed to meet some wonderful women, who are very successful influencers.

Green Door Lofts

Staying at the Green Door Lofts is a special experience. I really wish I had taken more pictures of our accommodations. Our room is very spacious with a full kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. The best part is that I was able to share this space with my two dear friends, Andrea from Design Morsels and Chas from Chas’ Crazy Creations.

Very bohemian in decor, the Green Door Lofts is the ideal place to stay if you are traveling with family or a small group

In addition to the seminar, some of the fun excursions during the week included touring 3 local vacation rental homes. Not only did we meet the owners/proprietors but also learned about the history, restorations and decor strategies of each.

The Morrow House

The first stop is the Morrow House. The 1886 Eastlake gem was weeks away from being demolished and was saved and restored (thankfully!). It has been featured in Cottage Style and Modern Farmhouse magazine. The owner, Kimberly, graciously provided hors d’nerves and cocktails during our tour.

This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home (sleeps 8) is beautifully appointed and much of the original details and architecture still exist.

For more information about The Morrow House, click here.

South Haven by HavenCraft

The second tour is a series of 3 homes owned by the same individual. Robin and her husband are investing in remodeling homes in Waco and turning them into vacation rentals. Robin and her sister, Bree, collaborate on design and decor. Each rental has its own “theme”. The first one, South Haven, is a sweet blue cottage with a Southern decor vibe.

This 4 bedroom, 3 bath sleeps 10. For more information on the South Haven house, click here.

Haven House

Next, we visited Haven House, also in Waco. Sorry for the different size images~some are mine and some are stock photos from their website.

Beautifully appointed full kitchen.

Lots of wainscoting!

For more information about this 3 bedroom, 3 bath home, click here.

The third property that Robin and Bree are renovating is not finished yet. However, it is a Sherwood Forest theme! These gals are very creative and you can tell that giving guests a special experience is very important to them.

Giveaway!

At the end of our tour, Robin presented all of us with a $100 Voucher off of any of their properties! So if you are planning on going to Waco in the future, and you are interested in the HavenCraft properties (Haven House, South Haven or the soon to be Glen Haven), please let me know. I would love to give this voucher away to someone who will use it! I only have one coupon and it’s good until August 2022.

Just leave a comment after this post and say you want the coupon. If I get more than one request, I will put names in a hat and someone will be the lucky winner!

Market at the Silos

On another day, we went to Magnolia Market at the Silos because you cannot go to Waco, Texas and not see what Chip and Joanna Gaines have contributed to the community. Many of the outdoor spaces are closed due to the virus and fortunately, there was no line to get in.

The store is beautifully merchandised and the selection of faux flowers is quite spectacular. I don’t think we have as many artificial flower suppliers as they do in Waco. You are given a Magnolia bag when you arrive, but we left with them unfilled.

With no crowds, it is easy to get through the store quickly. If you like the farmhouse style (shiplap, chippy paint, beaded chandeliers, signs with heartfelt messages), there are lots of choices here. It is not my jam so the few things that were of interest, I can order online.

Magnolia Bake Shop

The Magnolia Bake Shop had a small line but I am more interested in the lovely window boxes they had on the building, which were filled with succulents.

The weather this time of year in Waco is hot and HUMID. Something this Arizona resident is not used to! It is hard to determine whether you can fill a weekend here, because now many things were closed and tours cancelled.

I am happy I saw the town and met a few business owners who are trying to make a go of it in difficult times. Like most things, the Silos feel bigger on television and I was a bit underwhelmed. It appears that Chip and Joanna are still building new destinations in Waco, which some people like, and others not.

It is truly nice to be back home and sleeping in my own bed! If you missed yesterday’s post about airline travel in these trying times, click here. Have a happy Tuesday and thanks for checking in today.

Several vendors donated supplies and gifts to all participants in the conference. I would like to personally thank all of them for their generosity. If you are ever in Waco, please support these businesses. Many are online. It’s a tough time for so many people. Lending a helping hand may make a difference.

Food and packaged mixes by Sherri at Mad Dash Mixes

Signature Root Beer Float by Heritage Creamery

Popcorn: Waco Blend by Off the Cob

Cookies by Milk Bottle Cookies (which were to die for!)

Coffee by Thirst Coffee

I am not a fan of bulletin boards as they remind me of ones in public buildings where you look for advertisements for apartments or babysitters. But we all need a space to put those items that you don’t want to file, don’t want to lose, but are important and need to be easily accessible. And I am constantly trying to reduce piles of paperwork that so magically accumulate.

So I had this idea to create a non-intrusive looking board to put in an obscure place in the kitchen where I could collect topical papers.

In conversing with our HVAC person, I asked if he would be able to make me piece of sheet metal to a specific size. Since he uses sheet metal all the time, he happily agreed to do so.

The sheet metal didn’t need to be prepped or treated as I will paint it. Since sheet metal is sharp, he made sure the edges were properly folded.

This particular bulletin board will be hung behind the kitchen door. Since I want this to be somewhat disappear, I am painting it the same color as the kitchen wall. The bulletin board will not have a frame or border either as I don’t want to draw attention to it.

Notice the holes in each corner. Since we have plaster walls we will not be affixing the board to the wall with nails or screws, however, the holes are there for that option. The kitchen wall color paint is Dunn Edwards Cochise SP2560 eggshell.

In order to easily paint the sheet metal, I have it resting on a carpet end flat dolly.

Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Due to the summer heat this dried in a very short time. There is no need to paint the back of the sheet metal as this will be against the wall.

After carefully measuring and marking the location, we then applied the Command Picture Hanging Strips to the back of the board. These velcro strips are perfect if you do not want to put nail/screw holes in your walls.

Once affixed, you can barely see the magnetic board on the wall.

Adding headers for your paperwork helps with the organization. Here is where I hang prescriptions, lab work papers, trash pick-up schedules, Save the Date cards, and photos and memorabilia that makes me happy.

Use decorative magnets for fun.

I especially like that it feels nearly invisible and can be hidden by the kitchen door when we have company.

Here is the finished board. It doesn’t scream “BULLETIN BOARD”, but is a central place that the entire family can use to post important notices.

As items come in, they get added to the board. Once every few weeks, I remove the outdated material. Think of all the places you could hide a custom-sized magnetic board like this~~inside a cabinet door for example or the back of a bedroom door.

I am not a big DIY person, but every now and then I try to create a solution to a specific need. Where do you put items like this? My nearly invisible magnetic board is easy to make and keeps the clutter organized. If you have a system to help de-clutter and organize papers, please share.

Can you believe it is nearing the end of June already? Where is the time going? Have an enjoyable Wednesday!

To see the Master Closet organization project, click here.

To see the Butler’s Pantry organization, click here.

This post is shared with Hometalk.

Thank you for visiting today to read about the ongoing restoration story of our historical home. Chapters 5 is all about the well tower or water tower.

Before

Before purchasing this house, I really didn’t know anything about well towers. I have never seen one. We call ours a well tower but they are also known as water towers. The height of the tower provides the pressure for the water supply system, and it may be supplemented with a pump. The well tower and house were built in 1912. The original well operated with a rod and sucker pump system.

This is the earliest picture we have of the well tower. Assuming it was taken in the late 1950s to early 1960s, it appears as if the well tower is painted white. I recently spoke with the son of a previous owner who said the well tower was non-functional back then.

When we purchased the house, the well tower was significantly deteriorated. The pump was dry and the building had a collapsed roof. The pigeons moved in and it was ankle-deep in pigeon poop. There was a funky shed attached. Such a sad building.

I certainly didn’t want to tear this unique building down, despite its condition. However, it needed lots of work. Since the entire top was rotted, it was easy to make the decision to remove and redesign the upper structure.

During

Our desire is to make this building usable. At the top, the views to Piestawa Peak are beautiful. But with no floor space and no windows, that view was wasted.

The tacky shed was removed too and a new window was put in its place. Historic preservation approved our plans to restore/renovate this structure.

The renovations included: new redwood clapboard, more windows to add light, two more levels connected by circular staircases, plumbing for my potting area, a tub to bathe the dogs and a fireman’s pole for easy exiting.

In addition, we gained permission from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to drill a new well.

After

The entire top section has 360 degree views through new Marvin windows. The trim is painted that same as the main house and the redwood siding is naturally stained. The fireman’s pole is accessed from the 2nd level through a small door. It is a fun attraction for all ages!

I hope you agree the restoration is a big improvement! To see the interior of the well tower, click here.

This is one of my favorite moody, holiday photos of the well tower with Cooper. Photo by Adam Peter in 2016.

If you missed the post about the potting shed located inside of the well tower, please click here.

Today we are enjoying the water benefits of having our own well. The water is clean enough to drink, however, we use it for landscape watering only. The pump draws water into a holding tank underground. Water is such a precious resource here in Phoenix and we are grateful we had the money and foresight to re-institute the well many years ago.

Wishing everyone a terrific Tuesday! I hope you have enjoyed the latest chapter in The Restoration Chronicles. To see previous chapters, click on the links below.

The Restoration Chronicles, Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4.

This post shared with Between Naps on the Porch 599th Metamorphosis Mondays

Back in March we established the quarantine Honey Do list, which included deep cleaning the outdoor barbecue area. That led to the discussion, ” let’s tile the backsplash behind the grill”, which grew legs from there. To see more projects we are tackling, click here.

In search of tiles that aesthetically fit a 110 year old home, I discovered these Monteca Encaustic 9 3/4″ x 9 3/4″ tiles online at Home Depot. While waiting for the tiles to arrive and getting an appointment with my favorite tile man, we focused on the barbecue storage areas beneath the grill.

Using Rustoleum’s garage floor epoxy kit from Ace Hardware, my husband painted the floor of both storage areas. The two-part process involves spreading the epoxy on a clean, dust free surface and then sprinkling the decorative paint chips on top. This is a big improvement over the cobweb filled space and will protect the floor from any spills.

Here is the barbecue in March before we began working on it. Notice the bumpy plaster behind the grill and the plaster relief below the windows.

Rick, my tile man, determined it was best to cover the existing plaster with tile board.

We debated whether to keep the reliefs under the windows, but it would have been challenging to lay the tile in an orderly fashion over it.

Once the tiles were applied, I knew we had made the right decision.

So here is the finished product! The area looks so much bigger and will certainly be easier to clean. The Sahara beige grout was the right choice. Rick used Raggia slate for the new window sills and trim to match the existing countertop. It took 2 cases of tile to cover this area (around $214.00 in material).

Yesterday, I cleaned the slate countertop and sealed the stone. The grill is sparkling clean after degreasing all its parts. It feels good to pay attention to an area we had taken for granted and upgrade its look and use.

Are you marking things off your To Do list? There are a few more projects to tackle on the back terrace before I consider everything done, but I am so happy with the new barbecue area.

Have a happy Saturday and a wonderful weekend. Today, we are taking our son to the airport to go back to Washington, DC. His two week visit was really spectacular and of course, we are sad to see him go. My Dad used to cry every time I would visit him and leave. Now I completely understand why.

Teaming up with Tarah from Grandma’s House DIY, Kristin from White Arrows Home, Andrea from Design Morsels, & Chas from Chas Crazy Creations in our DIY Blog Hop this month with projects for our decks! Make sure and check out all of the deck projects below! 

This month Tarah is sharing a DIY inexpensive upgrade to her outdoor deck with cable rails.

Chas from ChasCrazyCreations is creating a solar chandelier.

Andrea from Design Morsels has great tips for easy porch planters.

Kristin from White Arrows Home has an easy DIY for an Outdoor Shower Curtain.

This post is also shared with:

Charming Homes & Gardens #11-hosted by Shiplap & Shells