Great Discount on Paint and Stain

Got projects? Who doesn't?! Sherwin Williams is offering $10 off on a purchase of $50 or more! The only thing better than crossing a project off the list is doing it inexpensively.

Go here to print your coupon.

Evolution of a Master Bath

Our bathroom started out as a simple project to remove the Pergo and refinish the hardwoods. When we found water underneath the Pergo and evidence of a long-standing leak, we knew we'd have to rip just about everything out and start over. Our bathroom began life as a simple shower (no tub) and one sink. We decided if we were going to do this project, we were going to go big or go home. My former gen-con of a husband decided he wanted to try his hand at building a Roman spa.

So, he reinforced the floor with 2x6s, built the form and poured lots and lots of concrete:

This much concrete takes forever and a day to properly cure, especially in the Pacific Northwest. We were bathing in huge Rubbermaid tubs for a while...oh, and did I mention I was the teensiest bit pregnant during all this?

Then, he sealed the inside and began cutting and laying the tile, starting with the drain. He's a bit of a perfectionist, so each piece was individually dry fit.

Hint: do not step on a plastic tile spacer as you stumble into the bathroom at 4 am. It will hurt.

And added a bead board surround, which we painted white:

 Then, it was time to tackle the existing sink:

We wanted a really gorgeous double vanity, my Pottery Barn dream wasn't in the budget. So, we made one:

You can go here for the cost breakdown and the building process. We added lights above the-ahem- facilities and the spa. The spotlight over the toilet is a constant source of amusement for us...a friend commented that all he needed to complete the experience was a choir singing Hallelujah when he flushed:

Added two mirrors we found at Ross and spay painted to match:

And one more:

Thanks again to our good friends for all the help- could not have done it without you!

Linking with Kristi @ Addicted2Decorating!

And:

2012 Craftsman Home Goals

Well, in a nutshell, our goal is for 2012 to be the year we got completely DONE with the big stuff. The projects for a 1920 Craftsman are never ending, but here's my shortlist:

1. Finish the kitchen...in our defense, we didn't start the kitchen until Christmas Eve, but I'm still ready to be done with it! We moved into this (sorry for the picture quality):

And here's where we are now:

Cabinets and counter tops are in, but we still need to stain the cabinets, install the hardware, and replace the floor. Oh, and this pic is my husband with a slighty wet coffee grounds mishap on Christmas Day. And the stuff on the floor behind him is courtesy of our toddler. Just trying to keep it real :)

I really want it to look like the kitchen I found on Pinterest:

Source: Uploaded by user via Anaika on Pinterest

2. Stop using our dining room table as a catch-all/ dumping ground. Keep it looking like this all the time:

3. Plant a garden again. We used to at least plant a small herb garden, but that's fallen by the wayside in the past few years. I want our children to grow up with a love of gardening, so this year, we're at least going to grow a few varieties of lettuce, tomatoes, etc.

4. Last one- Start REALLY living here. My husband is military and for the last 2 years, we've been told to expect new orders any day. Expecting to sell, we've tailored our renovations to what will help sell the house, not what we personally want. There are no personal pictures out and the knickknacks from our last home are packed away in the basement. This is the year that it stops and we actually start living in our own home.

Linking with The Nester!

Free and Awesome Art Printables

Found the coolest thing on Thrifty Decor Chick's blog this morning...Free printable art AND it's actually good stuff! It's the New York Public Library's Digital Collection and you can print it absolutely free. My Dad collects military art and my husband and I have started, too. We are a bit of a military family :) We've been looking to expand our collection, though. We only have two pieces: an Italian swordsman and a lineup of Revolutionary soldiers. We've never hung them, because at their respective sizes, they really need to be part of a grouping and we have nothing to group them with. Check out what I found:

Love this one of a military parade:



Here's a very old school recruiter...doesn't he just look shifty?! Some things never change:



You get the idea. I'm also thinking these would make stellar inexpensive Christmas presents. My Dad has a particular fondness for Civil War era history. I think he'd flip over General Grant's horse:



Go here to check it out!