This time last year (part 2)...

More specifically, part 2a.

We bought a house. And we got it for a song.

Post-Closing

The house was very rundown, as most foreclosures are--but we couldn't pass up the deal! And there was just something about the space...we had fallen in love with it. So, Dan and I re-framed "rundown," and instead started saying it had "lots of potential." And we got to work. 

Room by room we tackled the beast of a house and made it into our own. One year later, despite lots of bumps along the way, and with hard work and the help of friends, workers (i.e. we hired help for lots of the projects :)) and family, we are so glad we jumped in and feel excited about the progress. 

Here are some before and after shots of in the first floor interior (stay tuned for second floor interior--part 2B, and exterior--part 2C):

Before, Living room

After, Living Room

Before, Living Room

After, Living Room

Before, Dining Room

After, Dining Room

Before, Downstairs Hall

After, Hallway

After, Hallway

Before, Study

After, Study

Before, Study

After, Study

Unfortunately, I can't find any before shots of the kitchen, family room, or powder room--though we did lots of work in these spaces too.  Here are some "After" shots though: 

After, Kitchen

After, Family Room

After, Family Room

Semi-After (still work to be done here), Powder Room

 Of course, with and old house like this there are always projects to keep working on. But that's the fun part, right?!

Stay tuned for parts 2b, 2c.

This time last year (part 1),

...I was getting ready for a home show at my cousins Barrett and Erica Carlson's home. They have a lovely modern space with vintage, eclectic, and mid-century touches. We had collaborated on a show there once before and it was a hit--their space is gorgeous and seems perfect for showcasing art and helps a person understand the art in the context of a home.  This time was no different--lots of interesting people and dear friends came through, I used every piece I had on hand and sold nine of them! It was a big push but so very rewarding.

Thank you Carlson's for hosting and thank you to everyone who came out!

Loc-Alert / Mid-Century Modern

The Vintage Loft.

This little gem is tucked away in Wheaton and I am not sure how anyone would find it on their own! And, to make things trickier, it is only open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 6. Somehow my sister stumbled upon it and am so I glad she did. Now, it's not for everyone--but if you love vintage home goods, or the mid-century aesthetic, you must go. I wanted to buy half of the store! The prices are what you would expect, with some highs and lows mixed in. You really could make any space special with a few one-of-a-kind pieces from this shop. Go! 

Maybe I will see you there.

Remember when...

I told you I was looking for a pair of every day studs? I found them:

Aren't they great? I feel like they will go with everything. I found them at DearGolden (one of my very favorite etsy shops. You need to check it out if you're not familiar with it / like vintage wear). 

(I also snuck these into my cart.)

And,

Remember when I told you I was thinking about trying bangs or ombre hair color? Well:

Not the best lighting but you get the idea.  The ombre is pretty subtle--but I like that it looks natural.  And the bangs...well, they will take some getting used to but are fun! The last time I had bangs I was a major tomboy.

I am glad for a change.

Family Fun and Fall Festivities

This weekend we drove to Bengtson's Farm. It felt very midwestern of us and was very fun:

 There was a pig race.

 And we cheered from the bleachers.

We took a ride in a train and talked about Thomas the whole way.

I was glad Daniel was there to do the "spinny rides." Looks like he was glad too.

 Levi rode his first pony (if you don't count Luther).

We fed lots of cute animals a healthy snack of carrots.

 Levi made friends with a goat and they stared off in the distance together.

I saw my favorite animal. This camel was particularly cute...

...with his extra long neck.

 Levi tried riding pumpkins, which wasn't as fun as riding ponies...

 ...until Daddy joined in.

With two adorable boys its hard to remember to take pictures of the two of us. 

We remembered this time.

Silas really was a part of the fun...he just slept through most of it. And when he finally was awake I captured some amazing pictures with out adjusting the camera. Whoopsies. Biggest let down of the day. 

This would have been a great shot.

We all had so much fun!