mowing

The other day I was getting ready for work and I started hearing a mower. Not unusual, it's spring [**SPRRRRRRRING** trill that r!] and everyone's been mowing around me. I haven't been mowing, but it's on my To Do list for this week.

Then I looked out my window and SOMEONE WAS MOWING MY LAWN.

Turns out that someone is my neighbor.

At this point I'm fresh from a shower and getting ready for work, so I finish getting ready anticipating Socially Awkward Amy at her finest because how do you approach someone you've never met who's doing something kind for you?

I step out my side door and terrify him.

"OH my gosh you scared me."

"I'm sorry, I can't believe you're mowing my lawn!  Thank you?" [ever so slight lilt because uh, what are the expectations here?] "I'm Amy."

"I'm Neighbor. Yeah, I wasn't sure anyone was living here. When did you move in?"

BURN.

*awkward heh* "Yup, I've been here since November. I have hermit-like tendencies."

"I was talking to Gabe [former homeowner] and he asked if I'd met you, but I told him no. I guess I did see you the other day in your kitchen when I pulled in."

Wait. So you saw me. You've talked to the previous homeowners who know I'm living here. I HAVE THE CUTEST FRONT PORCH EVER. AND you said 'I wasn't sure anyone was living there'?

At this point I'm totally embarrassed...but don't worry, it gets better.

"Yup, I'm around. I live on a backwards schedule, so unless you're up in the middle of the night maybe you won't see much of me?" ALSO, let me take this moment to say I have NEVER seen this guy before either. I hang out on my front porch. I've been working in my backyard. NEVER SEEN THIS MAN BEFORE. I thought there were college students living in that house. "Well, thank you so much for mowing my lawn, you really didn't have to do it. I was planning on mowing Thursday when I'm off." [I'm in my scrubs, it's obvious I'm headed to work.]

"Oh, it's no problem. I mowed my lawn the other day and noticed yours was getting a little long. Honestly, it just started driving me nuts, so I just decided to mow it."

BURN. Cue increased mortification. I am a terrible grown-up, home-owner, neighbor.

"I can do the backyard too."

"NO!" *moment of silence* "I'm definitely going to to mow the backyard when I'm off. I want to do it. Don't worry about it."

"OK."

*more awkward half-laughs* "Uh. OK. Well, thanks for mowing for me, Neighbor."

And just so I'm not the absolute worst, I DID mow my own lawn [with the ancient LawnBoy that came with the house--Gabe inherited it when they purchased in 2006 and it was old then]. My shoulder is still sore from starting it.

Pretty sure he's just nice. I'm not sure if the burns were intentional or I'm overly sensitive. [I mean, I am sensitive.] He did offer to let me use his lawnmower and get in his garage to get it, so that's good, right?

front porch - update

An update on the cutest front porch I've ever had.

It's also the only one I've ever had, but details.

A blank canvas.

Our nights in Indiana have still been cold, so my plants get a personal trip in and out when it's warm enough for them to have a little sunshine. The other night I was out and rushed home because I was worried about them getting too cold. I think I've crossed over into the crazy plant lady realm. 

I have a few more details to add and finish, but I'm excited about the progress so far! 

A quick craft project! I made myself this little entry rug out of the SINDAL at IKEA ($4.99), a little acrylic paint, and a dab of fabric medium. I just free-hand painted in the corner and let it dry.

floors!

Let me preface this post by saying, I know NOTHING about refinishing floors.

OK. It's more than nothing: I know it's a lot of work. It's all in the sanding and dusting. It takes patience to get the most beautiful, smooth finish.

So, I left it to the professionals. A coworker recommended Dusty and he came over and worked his floor magic. And by "magic" I mean hard work.

BEFORE

My floors weren't in terrible shape except around the fireplace where there had been some water damage. In that area they were kind of warped and wonky. The poly/stain/lacquer that had been put on the floors had lots of orangey-yellow undertones. When Dusty and I first talked he asked what color stain I wanted and I really didn't want any stain. He was definitely not trying to up-sell me and was totally on board with my simple floors. My goals were clean and bright. I wasn't sure what kind of wood I had, but the house was built in 1920. She's going to show some of her age.

Side note: oak in the living room/dining room and pine in the hallway/bedrooms, which is why it looks different even though everything was done the same way. 

I don't have a lot of good pictures because I made videos to send to my family [this is what you do when you're a single person making grand life changes and your family lives hundreds of miles away, but still want to know things]. My videography skills are TERRIBLE. I'm not exaggerating. I always think I'll be artsy and it will be silent and then I snort or can't control my constant chatter and they go on and they're long and no one not related to me wants to see that. TRUST ME.

DURING

sanded - one coat of poly on oak - one coat of poly on pine

This was a tiny moment of panic for me...ARE MY FLOORS GOING TO BE TOO LIGHT? WILL THEY BE SHINY? WILL THEY BE BEAUTIFUL? And what do I do if they're not?!? [besides cry of course] I just spent all my savings on the down payment for this house and the rest of it on this version of the floors.

AFTER

You should feel these babies. They're smooth and luxurious and divine. It took about 2 days for the floors to get finished and then patience for them to cure for another 3 days.

My closet is my favorite before/after. I'm pretty sure this remodeled at some point because it seems like there used to be a wall running through the middle, right? When I bought the house it had carpet, so I pulled it all up and discovered this hot mess, but look at how good it looks now!

If you're in the Indianapolis area, I totally, 100% recommend contacting Dusty if you need to get your floors done.

front porch

It's been in the high 60s here and I AM SO EXCITED TO PUT TOGETHER MY FRONT PORCH! EEEEEEeeeeeeee!

I made this fab illustration showing my excitement. Please try to contain your awe at my skills.

Then this morning snow fell from the sky and the temperature dropped about 40 degrees. So...I'm making a mood board [it's my first!] and dreaming of reading on my porch.

1. My exterior house colors are the green and cream and then a terra cotta color on the windows that's pretty hard to see in pictures. I definitely wanted to incorporate more of that color in the porch, so I started with a rug. I picked up a 4x6 indoor/outdoor rug from overstock. EXACT

2. I got my outdoor furniture when someone was getting rid of their old stuff...so mine isn't in great shape, but I have this entire Martha Steward set from Home Depot [it comes with one more side chair, but I think I only want one on my front porch]. 

Did I mention I got it for FREE? WOO WOO! EXACT

3. This wicker chair isn't available anymore, but it's from one of the Target displays they do 4-6 times a year. I picked it up for half off knowing I'd want to put it on my front porch. SIMILAR

4. I grabbed a set of 8 napkins when I was at The Pioneer Woman Mercantile to make into pillows. It worked perfectly! My pillows are so cute and they're floral. *swoon* I don't know if they're discontinuing the napkins, but I've seen them in store and you can't get them online. They're super affordable at $8-10 for 8 cloth napkins. 

5. Are paper lanterns still cool? Am I trying to make 2007 happen again? I don't care. I enjoy them and in my cozy space that's all that matters, right? I've got three from IKEA that will hang from the ceiling. EXACT OVAL EXACT ELLIPSE

6. STAR LIGHTS?! This is another project I'm working on from some clearance Fourth of July decorations I picked up. We shall see if it works out! SIMILAR

7. Lanterns are part of the coffee table decor [and maybe side table if I get one or two]. I have three that have been in storage for years that are finally making their debut! Getting out all the things I've been collecting is so much fun! It makes all my bargain shopping worth it! [At least that's what I'm telling myself to justify all the things.] SIMILAR SIMILAR

8. In my IKEA run last week, I grabbed these lacy tea light holders. I love how feminine and delicate they are. I'm sure they'll be hanging out on my mantle sometimes too. EXACT

Now, there aren't any plants in this mood board, but I'm hoping it's like a jungle out there. GOALS. 

Want to come over for a cup of coffee? 

xoxo

house tour

I've been in Kansas visiting my family for the past week and a half, what better time to give you a short house tour than when I'm missing my house? It seems so strange to miss a house, but I do. I'm also aware of all the projects I have, and I get ants in my pants to do them when I have more than one day off.

A lot of these pictures are from when I initially bought the house--before I starting adding all my things that make it feel cozy and warm and welcoming.

You can see an exterior picture in the last post, but you walk into the living room and can see straight through the dining room to the kitchen.

*PICTURE OF SMALLER BEDROOM #1 HERE*

Initial projects:

• Refinish those floors. I did this before I moved in. [I'll share pics and details soon, promise.]
• I'd like to paint everything just to help it be bright and clean. Plus that lime green in the second bedroom, mustard in the dining room, and orange in the kitchen are not jiving with my style.
• Get an exterior light at the back door. 

Next projects:

• Figure out how the heck to even-up/smooth out/make the trim look good up close WITHOUT painting it. I don't actually want to paint it white [which basically goes against everything pinterest] I like my dark trim.
• Get the countertops redone. I don't hate the aesthetic of the tiles, but they don't work with rolling any kind of pastry crust or cookie. I have priorities, people. 
• GUT THE BATHROOM. Peter and I discussed this while Sarah was laboring. He's going to help me figure out all the details and I'd like to have the time to gather elements so I can a) get some bargains and b) not drop several grand in one fell swoop if I can spread it out a little. 
• Do something with the back entry-way. Currently, it's this atrocious carpet that's stained and not sticking to the ancient cement. [Atrocious and ancient are totally the adjectives for this space, don't you want to visit?] I'd also like some kind of hand-rail with the steps, but I can't conceptualize it yet. 

Of course there are all kinds of other projects/ways to drop a lot of money between here and there, but I'll bring you along on the journey. (-:

I don't know that I have a specific "style" but I love bright and airy spaces with some pops of color. I mostly want to create a place that's both bright and warm, a space where you want to gather, rooms where you walk in and feel like you can tuck your feet under you and hug a mug of coffee and stay for awhile. 

Bright. Warm. Welcoming. Cozy.

the house

Ohmahgosh, I bought a house! It's the cutest little craftsman bungalow.

See?

I was driving to look at some other houses and came to the stop sign by this gem. My realtor was behind me and saw me stop and point. By the time we pulled up to the house we were scheduled to see, we had an appointment to head back to this one.

It's not huge. It's not fancy. It's not perfect. And, I fell in love.

I went through all the steps to make it mine. [And it actually worked out which feels a bit like a miracle because there are a lot of steps involved.] The former homeowners were so kind when we met at closing and wrote me a letter about how they loved the house and they hope I have a great experience living there as well.

I think I will.

So, now I have a house--a whole house!

That means many things:
1. I get to decorate all the things the way I want to do it.
2. MONEY. Why does everything cost all the dollars?
3. I HAVE A REAL KITCHEN. Holy cow, what will I even do with myself?
4. Laundry...I don't even have to put quarters in the washer and dryer!
5. A yard to take care of. Hold me I'm scared.
6. Neighbors, perhaps I'll be social. Maybe?
7. A KITCHEN!! eep.
8. Room for company and guests and fun.
9. This is going to become somewhat of a home blog...maybe? Will I blog more?
10. KITCHEN KITCHEN KITCHEN!

First, I'm getting my old hardwood floors refinished, so I've got to get some rugs. Why is it so hard to decide?

Give me all your opinions, yo.

[one] [two] [three] [four]

[five] [six] [seven] [eight]

I'm so excited to be at this part of my life where I'm putting down some roots. [It's also terrifying, but that's another story. (-;]

'sup hank?

When my mom found out I was coming home for spring break she arranged it so my brother would bring Hank out to stay with us.

You may imagine our joyus reunion: he hears my voice, we spot each other from across the room, we run toward each other, and he jumps into my arms! 

Well, keep imagining. He's still a cat after all. 

It took him two days to come out of hiding and find me.

I will say, the nephew is pretty terrifying. 

Look at that face. Too much toddler could scare any creature. (-:

When they had to go back to school he spent most of his time hanging out. Gazing out windows. Running away from Daisy [back when Daisy stayed at my brother's it was Hank who tortured her]. Teasing the dogs by staying inside the screen door and then running away as soon as they barked.

I miss you Hankity-pankity-pants!

love you people,

the crazy-for-one-cat lady

a walk around the farm

I arrived in McPherson last Friday night. It rained all day Saturday. We were on the edge of a blizzard warning on Sunday. By the following Friday, it was 82.

BOOM. Spring has spring. 

Well, for the day. 

The wheat is growing bright and green; the weeds are brown and dry.

Mice and rodents and pests are just part of farm life. In one of the fields my dad showed me row after row that didn't get planted with wheat because a dead mouse was blocking the opening. That's life.

My mom has been talking about the owl that hangs out around the silo for months, so my reason for this walk was simple: spot the owl and take its picture. I'm pretty sure it flew away as soon as I opened the back door, but I maintained hope that it would return to the silo.

As I looked up the rungs for the silo I saw something sticking out near the top. A NEST?!?! WITH BABIES!?!? I got really excited.

I was totally going to make my mother's day. WE HAVE BABY OWLS!!!! [Yes, this does require that much punctuation.]

Then the nest moved.

And crawled up the silo.

Could someone please tell me how a raccoon got up there? The first rung is about three and a half feet off the ground. As I child, I remember having difficulty getting to the first area to climb up. What was this raccoon doing?

Then I thought about it potentially falling on my head and I got the heck out of dodge.

I love sunshine.



love you people.
xo