Friday, September 25, 2009

A couple of changes ...

I'm a Gemini. I like change.

First change ... my banner. I like ranunculus but I'm not so much a fan of pink. The pink bothered me. I made the new banner from a vintage print. I also changed a few things in my sidebar. It was too busy and I tried to simplify it some. One day, I'll add a picture of myself to the profile section. ;-)

Second change ... my mantel is here! Here it is when I bought it in early August. Chippy, but not in a good way. All the details were obscured by coats and coats of paint.

Here it is now. It probably doesn't look much different in the picture, but it looks so much better. It looks brand new and you can see all the details now. My dad worked so hard to strip and paint it. We had to cut the bottom to shorten it and the opening to widen it for the insert. It was quite a comedy with myself, and my parents trying to manipulate this huge piece onto this small tablesaw, but we got it done.


Now, the work of getting it installed will begin. At the moment, the only thing holding it in place is the little shim on the right. I'll share better pictures once we have it installed.


Last change ... I replaced my sofa. I loved my white slipcovered sofa, but the sofa underneath was a mess. That wasn't a problem, but the cushions on the sofa were NOT slipcovered and had been pretty abused by the kids. They were getting a little gross and I couldn't take it anymore I'm going to donate it (if they will take it).

While my older girl was at preschool, my little one and I took a trip to Ikea. My Ikea Ektorp will be delivered this afternoon!


I'm leaving very early tomorrow morning for Delaware to see my parents. Alone! I'm having a mommy day. The plan is to go have a lunchtime tea with my mom at a place I've wanted to go to since we first visited the area called The Victorian Lady. After that, we'll be antiquing and I hope to have a nice dinner out. Sunday morning, I'll be having breakfast at a new diner before heading home. I haven't had a whole day to myself since before I had my girls 3 1/2 years ago. I can't wait!

17 comments:

  1. That's the couch I have and I love it! I also love that they have a variety of slipcovers and they're not expensive. The fireplace mantel looks great!

    Manuela

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  2. I love the mantel! We need a fireplace makeover and I don't know where to start.
    Teresa

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  3. I think the fireplace mantel will be a great addition to your family room fireplace. The brightness and detail will help make your fireplace a focal point on that off center all brick wall. Looking forward to seeing it decorated. Have a fun and safe journey.

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  4. Your mantel is just gorgeous. I love it. Your new sofa will be wonderful. I really do want one also, but alas, not right now. Maybe by summer. Hope you have a great trip. Enjoy. Hugs, Marty

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  5. Can't wait to see the mantel all ready and decorated! You have yourself one heck of a good time now!
    Brenda

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  6. Very good job on the mantel.
    Have a great weekend..enjoy!

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  7. love your new header, More in line with White, and love love love your 'new' room!

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  8. the mantel looks so good. I want that Ikea sofa too!

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  9. We love our ektorp! We have the black and white floral patterned cover, it's so comfy and great to be able to wash it.

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  10. The mantel looks great. Can't wait to see how you decorate it.
    I am a Ektorp owner also. Love it!! I have tan on now and will be switching to red soon. Can't wait

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  11. My neighbor just got white Ektorp sofas in her coastal-cottagey house and they look great! I can't wait until my sofa finally bites the dust so I can get one too. (It won't be long!) My kids totally proved me wrong that a more expensive sofa would hold up to 4 kids better than an IKEA one.

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  12. The mantle looks great. Nice couch! I would love white, but I just dont know.

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  13. VERY nice!!!! Love the mantel! I'm trying to decide on if I should buy an antique piece or not....decisions, decisions (posted about it on my blog).
    Cheers!
    Julie

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  14. LOVE all the NEW...and hope your special day with your mom was just that!...Special.. xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings..

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  15. Melanie, I love your mantle. It will be lovely in your room and your dad is such a nice guy to help you out!

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  16. I like your blog!!! I also have that Ikea sofa and I LOVE it so much! I have four kids and it's been washed numerous times in hot water and bleached and it's still holding up wonderful two years later!!! gotta love Ikea!

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Comments? I love comments!