When in doubt...rip it out

The first item on the To-Do list on Saturday was to vacuum the steps to the basement.  Between boxes and paint cans and various items for the trash, the carpet was a bit dirty and needed some tender loving care.  As I balanced the vacuum on the second step and started working on removing the dust, dirt and grime I realized that this was a wasted effort.  From the moment I saw the steps on one of my original visits, I knew the carpet was not staying.  It was old, red and strangely patterned and its removal was firmly imprinted on the "Future To-Do" list in the back of my mind.  I had to make a split decision about whether to continue kicking up dust or just rip out the carpet.  I chose option number two and couldn't be happier with my decision.  A semi-quick vacuum job turned into a morning of ripping out carpet and removing carpet tacks and staples.  Certainly not what either my mother or I had in mind for a relaxing Saturday morning, but I think we both will tell you that it was worth the effort.  I have to open the door when I walk past just to see the beautiful stairs.  The sanding and finishing will take place a little later (once I buy my own sander), but at least the carpet is gone.

Before

Moments after the decision was made to remove the carpet

Cleaning with a little Murphy's oil soap

After - for now

Settling in...one room at a time

For the past five days, my mother and I have been working non-stop to get things in order in the house.  Our hard work has definitely paid off!  I am absolutely in love with the rooms that we have finished.  While there is still more work to do, I am well on my way to feeling completely settled.  On the way home from dinner this evening, my mom suggested a quick stop at a local furniture store to look for a dining room table to replace the table that originally sat in my kitchen when I was a baby.  While that table will move outside to the porch eventually, my new table should arrive next week :)  More pictures of the other rooms, including the kitchen and dining room will be available soon.

A special thanks to all who have sent cards, gifts and well wishes!  I could not have done this without so much support and the help of some really wonderful friends.

I cannot figure out how to get the slide show working, so just quick on the link below to see photos.

Settling in...one room at a time

Before and after

My mom and I have been working our butts off these past few days.  Between her cleaning and sewing and my organizing and unpacking, the place is really coming together.  Today's before and after...the "master" bedroom and the living room.  Enjoy!

The living room prior to the closing (1.20.12)

The living room with furniture and a few personal items (2.22.12)

The master bedroom prior to the closing (1.20.12)

The master bedroom with new bedding, my childhood furniture and one of the roman shades that my Mom is sewing (2.22.12)

Finishing touches...round 1

My mother and I have been working hard the past two days trying to clean, unpack and arrange items in the house.  So many people have come and gone in the past three days that my head is still spinning.  Five great friends helped with the furniture move on Sunday, the cable was installed yesterday, my energy audit and new mattress delivery happened today.  I have been trying to squeeze running and bootcamp into the mix of cleaning/unpacking/organizing/shopping, needless to say, I am EXHAUSTED.  So, forgive me for not posting pictures tonight, but after my bedroom is arranged tomorrow, I will sit down an upload some photos and tell you some tales.  Until then here is a look at the before in the living room and kitchen.  I hear my mother busy with the shop vacuum again, so I better get back to work :)

Painted to perfection

Mother nature decided not to send large amounts of snow our way, so five of my wonderful friends showed up to help out with the painting and other odds and ends.  In just over four hours, the living room, dining room, hallway and bedroom were painted.  I will work on a second coat tomorrow and the trim during the week, but even without the finishing touches the house looks amazing.  Next weekend - the big move!

The living room all prepped for paint

Bedroom prepped for paint

The before and after....Benjamin Moore Philadelphia Cream

Dan, Kate and Amanda earning their lunch - meatball subs

Mike installing my new fancy door lock

Living room after (lighting is poor)

Bedroom - first coat

Bedroom - first coat

Mother nature hates me

Painting weekend has arrived at 64 Holmes Ave.  I spent this evening painting the ceilings in the living room, hallway and my bedroom.  Some really great friends are coming tomorrow to help with the walls in those three areas, as long as mother nature keeps the snow to a reasonable amount.  I guess it will be a good day to paint since it will not be a good day to be outside.  Pictures soon...

Home is where...

the heart is.  I was at the house today moving in the last of the non-essentials and doing little things like changing door knobs, painting samples onto the wall and installing a shower curtain rod.  I have also been adding a few touches to make my new place feel like my new home.

My new BFF...

I am pretty sure that my wash machine and I are going to be life long friends :)

Phase 1 complete

For the past three days three men have been spending quality time in my new house - to refinish the floors.  Very soon after I decided to purchase my house, I decided that I would refinish the floors before I moved a single personal belonging.  I scheduled the floor crew to arrive the morning after the closing and they arrived right on time at 7am.  Each day after work I opened the basement door to sneak a peak at the progress.  Today, I arrived as the crew was placing the last coat of polyurethane on the floor.  I was amazed at how beautiful the floors looked!  Now that phase 1 is complete I am gearing up for phase 2 (and phases 3,4,5, etc) - painting.

The floors moments after the last coat of polyurethane was applied.  I can't wait to see them in full daylight.