Awards already?

I've got exciting news! I've been voted the 2011 World's Worst Blogger! It took a lot of help to achieve this, and I wouldn't be here without the support, distraction, and necessity of my day job, freelance career, my gym routine, and the interwebs. Without these things, I would never have been able to blog as little and as lousily as I have thus far. I would also like to dedicate this honor to all of the brave men an women serving (read: blogging) overseas.

Okay, so perhaps I was the only person who voted, and perhaps I am not empirically qualified/quantified as the "World's Worst Blogger," but it certainly feels that way. PS: There IS a trophy for this sort of thing. It's basically a gold-plated remote control. Draw your own conclusions as to what that could be about.

Thankfully, E has been a good blogger - blogging about wantsies, closing, and early house demo. It's really happening, folks. Walls came down, cabinets came out, and lots of head-scratching and "what were they thinking"s followed. For a house that was touted as "move-in ready," we've been surprised (though never delighted) but the many architectural and decor odds-and-ends that we've encountered within it. I suppose "move-in ready," like everything else, is a relative term. (See: "The check is in the mail.")

What does this all mean, you ask? It means that we have spent the past week strategizing, brainstorming, pricing, spec'ing, comparing, questioning, and scouring the interwebs for all sorts of stuff to solve these unexpected challenges. And we're succeeding. I don't think there's a single instance where we've had to settle for something "less than," or scrap plans and start over on any of our projects. It's early, so knock e-wood, but I think we've found a good pace and method of operating.

Special shout-outs for the week go to K (E's other half), D (E's Padre), and S (E's Madre), who have spent more time working on house projects than E or myself. What was it Hillary said? It takes a village? She was talking about Makeoverhill, right?

Since a lot of the demo push has happened in my kitchen (well, E's kitchen, on the side of the place that I'll be renting), I feel like I am slightly obligated to give our reader(s? Are there more than one of you?) a tiny preview of some of the decor details that are planned for the space. Let's see if I can get the hang of posting a few pics...






































And, yes: these pictures are to scale and in proportion to each other. So lighting fixtures will be the same size as the kitchen cart. Can you imagine a 4' diam ceiling light? My kitchen is not the Paris Opera House. Yet.

Blog out.

P

The Door Frame

Of all of the Makeoverhill quirks and oddities, this one upsets my mother the most. She can not imagine why someone would create such a crazy door. It keeps her up at night. For serious.

It doesn't really bother me. I do share her desire to go back in time, interview former home owners and ask "Why?" about so many things. Perhaps they would have good reasons for everything. Like, "We needed that door because we were very wide people with square heads." Seems plausible.

~E

A Bathroom Preview

Hello Readers! (okay, reader)

I know you want to see more "before" pictures but I don't want to scare you. I'd rather show you unpleasant "before" pictures next to amazing "after" pictures. Plus, my friend borrowed my camera.

I will share this little diamond in the rough. Ignore the ridiculous wallpaper, look at that sink! I am in love with it. Also, I can't wait to scrub that hexagon tile until it shines.

Doesn't it look like the left medicine cabinet is missing a mirror? Don't fret, it is just a reflection of the ridiculous wallpaper. I too, thought it was papered to match. Oh, you didn't think that? Just me? Okay then.

~E

Owned

We did it! After signing more piles of paperwork, the house became ours Friday morning. In 2041, it should be all paid off. We spent the weekend getting to work. Well, husband, friends, and my parents got to work. I fretted about all of the work that needs to be done. I only cried once, though!

Now, I feel calm. There's a lot of work to do but I feel like we have a plan. I can't wait to share the progress here on Makeoverhill. For example, this wall? It doesn't exist anymore.

~E

Wednesday Wantsies

Although the closing date is rapidly approaching, we seem to be in a lull. No more papers to sign or houses to stalk, just a waiting game. We're excited to get in there, take measurements, and make it our own home.

We were able to get a few things done. We took advantage of Columbus Day appliance sales (two fridges and a stove at 15% off). When leaving Lowes, we made sure to take a detour through the paint sample aisle to find the perfect shade of gray.

Mostly, I've been daydreaming about the finished product and browsing for inspiration. Today, I'm in love with everything thomaspaul. From the bright textiles to the melamine plates, I want it all. It's the perfect balance of nautical whimsy. I especially love the horseshoe crab plate from the Sea Life collection.

~E