Renovating on a Miniature Scale... Welcome to the 59th Metamorphosis Monday!

Metamorphosis Monday:
I know you're going to be shocked, but I've been thinking about moving. Yes, you read that right...your eyes have not deceived you. You see, I found this old house...you know how I love old homes. It's a great house...just a bit smaller than my current home. Problem is, it's a real fixer-upper...we're talking fodder for Met Monday posts from here to Christmas.

I've taken some "Before" pics of the house to share--don't have any "Afters," just yet, since it will be a work in progress for quite a while. Come on in and I'll show you all the work that needs to be done.

Starting here at the front door...take a look here at this hole. Not sure what used to be there...maybe a doorbell? A welcome sign?



Here's the living room...I will definitely need to do a little caulking in some areas.



The hardwoods floors will need work...they are popping up in places.




There's a piece of window trim missing off a window--now, how does that happen?  Ummm...




Not sure what this wall surface is.  I might leave it since it reminds me a little of grass cloth. But that baseboard trim has got to be fixed.




You can see it was around Christmas when I took pics in the house. This is the kitchen.  I like the window seat in the bay window.




The parquet flooring in the kitchen is definitely outdated, but it gives the house a bit of a vintage feel. I think I may leave it.




Kitchen wallpaper definitely has to go.  You can see it's damaged.




I think the whole kitchen will need to be renovated.  I'm picturing a sunny kitchen with white cabinetry.




Let's head upstairs and I'll show you around the bedrooms. Looks like the crown molding is coming down in the Master Bedroom.  You know how these older homes can be. They left the curtains behind in this room. I'll probably leave them for now.  I can always change them out later.




I like the wainscotting.  That will definitely be staying.




Wallpaper is kind of cute--yellow irises and butterflies. I've sort of missed having a bedroom with wallpaper in my current home, so I'd probably leave it if it were in better condition. Unfortunately, it's stained, so it will need to go.




They left the curtain rods. Not sure I'll keep them, though.




Let's take a look in another bedroom. The pink gingham curtains make me think this room may have been a nursery. More hardwood floor issues to fix.



It has an attic.



And, the attic has two really cute dormer windows with plantation shutters. Well, as you can see it's definitely a fixer-upper. Oh,  I forgot to show you the exterior of the home.




Here it is! As you can see, it's the only house around for miles, so, it's a really quiet neighborhood.  I'll keep you posted on the renovations. ;-)




Looking forward to your "Before and Afters!"



Metamorphosis Monday is an opportunity to show a "Before and After" project in your home. It can be as elaborate as a whole new room addition or as simple as re-doing your decor with the changing of the seasons. Maybe you have a "trash to treasure" project to share...we'd love to see it! If you don't have a "Before" pic to share, describe as best you can what the room or item looked like prior to the renovation.

If you are participating in Metamorphosis Monday, please be sure to add your permalink below, and not your general blog address. If you aren't sure how to obtain your permalink or have any questions about using Mr. Linky for this post, just click HERE for detailed instructions.

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Please do not add your link below until your Met Monday post is actually published to your blog.

Fabulous "Before and Afters" await your visit:

Baking with Mark Ballard

Something tasty for your Sunday...Mark Ballard has a fun video posted at Macon.com. He's making a yummy Strawberry Cake. (Sorry about this teeny pic...it really distorted badly when I tried to enlarge it.)



Did you know about Swans Down Cake Flour? I do now...and I will definitely be using it for my next cake! Thanks, Mark!

Mark shares a lot of great tips about which hand mixer he prefers to use, how to flour your cake pans for the best results...he even shows us how to pipe icing for a pretty cake. I always love Mark's cooking videos at Macon.com because not only do you learn a few new tricks to use the next time you're baking, but you come away feeling like you just had a nice visit with a good friend. :-) Oh, and you're gonna love the Lazy Susan idea!

Mark, if you see this...how much confectioner's sugar do we use in the icing? I don't remember seeing that part in the video. If anyone else catches it, please let me know...I'd love to try this recipe sometime.

Click HERE to watch Mark make a delicious Strawberry Cake, Southern style...no cheating with a box mix allowed. ;-)

If you'd like to keep up with Mark, you can follow him on Facebook, HERE.

I've previously posted links to Mark's website and some of his other videos...you will find those, HERE, as well as pics of Mark's beautifully decorated home.

BTW, I loved reading the results of your "Color Career" tests from yesterday. It seems most of us felt the test was pretty accurate. :-)

See you tonight for Met Monday!

What Should I Be When I Grow Up? Take this Quick Color Test to See!

Recently, my friend, Mary, sent me a link to a Color Career Test...thanks, Mary! It only takes about a minute to take, and I was pretty surprised at how well it nailed my interests. It also picked up on an ongoing struggle I have...the immense joy I feel when I'm being creative and the comfortable safety net I seek in being organized, systematic and practical. Do you have any little battles raging inside of you? :-)

I've posted my results below. If you'd like to take the test, click HERE . Oh, when it asks for your e-mail, you don't have to give it. Also, just click "no thanks" to scoot pass the ad that pops up.

If you take the test, please leave a comment letting me know if you think the results were accurate for you. :-) Here are my results...

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR

Keywords
Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional
These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.
Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.


2nd Best Occupational Category
You're an ORGANIZER

Keywords:
Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate
These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

The Never-Ending Sublet Search!

The days are dragging on and it's almost March. Time for me to start my super-hard-head-hunting... well... sublet hunting! I didn't mind living at NYU last year but I'd rather not pay $1,100 a month to share a tiny room and then a tiny suite with 4 other people. Not to mention a tiny single was $1,400. I've had a couple potential leads on Craigslist but its a bit early for that seeing as these are listed already. But Keep your fingers crossed for me!

In the same regard, does anyone know of any sublet opportunities for mid-may until August 1st? Better yet, does anyone need a roommate? Or is anyone looking for a sublet/apartment in NYC this summer? dates are flexible... and if I get the BME internship, It'll be more like the first week of June until August 1st. Regardless, I will be go-go-go!

I hope I can break out of my shell just a bit this summer. I was good about it last year but I think it'll be easier if I'm not thrown into a living situation with someone I've never met, etc. :)

I'd prefer to live in lower Manhattan (in/around Union Square or south) or somewhere in Brooklyn.. but preferably no more than a 20 minute train ride to Union Sq!

In totally unrelated news, I spoke to my ex-best friend-of-6-years last night for the first time in 7 months. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thrilled. Sometimes as humans we have to swallow our pride and focus on what really matters. He even called randomly at 4am and we're still texting now. It's a blessed thing to be able to call someone your best friend for so long.

On the subject of friends... Have you ever had a friend that you totally adored, but he/she started to morph into someone you didn't recognize? Slightly more cold-hearted, distant, and just totally NOT the same person? How about when you've got 2 of those... at the same time... dating each other? The past few weeks have marked a very strange turning point for me in regards to a couple friendships. Part of me thinks "it must be me" merely because I'm the common denominator... but after thoroughly assessing the situation, I can say that without a doubt, it isnt. My friend Caitlin said it best when she said "some people can be so great on their own... but when you put a certain two people together, its like a lethal combination"... okay so maybe that wasn't verbatim but its close! And I think these 2, as much as I love them, are a toxic combo... I want to bring it up to them but I don't even know how to address it. I have a feeling they'll get defensive and try to justify everything they've done. Part of me just wants to be done with people like that but I'm not one to just throw valuable friendships away. Advice?

GalaDarling was more than gracious enough to give me a little shoutout on her weekly carousel regarding the BME intern contest. Such a giddy little delight to see! Thank you, Gala! In case you missed out, I'm a finalist for 1 of the 4 lucky spots on the BME World Tour and your vote would mean the world to me! (But vote for who YOU think deserves it!) Head on over to the ModBlog, check out the stiff competition, and vote! But make it count! You only get to vote once! CLICK HERE to see the finalists!

I need to start getting ready for work! Oh My!

xo

ps; i JUST opened the mail to find a lovely package from my dear penpal Ashley! eep! She always has such cute paper and wrapping and tape! She wrote me a lovely little letter (and has fabulous handwriting!), adorable lined paper and cute green envelope, oh and sent me a gorgeous Anna Sui coinpurse that matches my new favorite dress, too! This makes me so happy! What a wonderful surprise! Thank you Ashley! Expect something in the mail soon! xo

Those Boots and Rodarte ♥

I know that this is last seasons' fashion, but I fell in LOVE with those boots that Rodarte has his models wearing down the isle.

[here]
Also, I found a super cute dress by Rodarte at Target. I was fortunate enough to find my size and it is a really cute accessory to add to any closet!

[here]

I hope you love it as much as I do! ♥

TiLT 2: Interiors

and my most favorite of all:

♥ (all images via tumblr) ♥

ps; I'm on tumblr. I rarely post (well, i've started once more) but mostly reblogs and such. Just a place to try and clear my harddrive some! follow me if you'd like. click HERE to go to my tumblr. leave your links and i'll follow back! xo

Thinkin' Summer...

Get ready for the summer by going out and buying a new Vespa! Cruise around town in a cute outfit with all of your cutest handmade accessories, and you'll be well on your way to a fantastic summer evening.

Be sure to get a cute new pair of Toms to make the outfit complete and enjoy the summer air!

xoxo

Things I Love Thursday!

A short, visual installment of the weekly TiLT posts! (Prepare yourselves... I'm making ANOTHER one tonight... focused merely on home decor/interior design).

1. Monique Luhllier. She's such a brilliant designer. She can concoct the most elegant and feminine gowns around. Draped dresses, Fitted dresses. The organza, lace, and tulle. Everything feels perfect about her dresses. I remember the cover of a bridal magazine when I was 16 years old... I was with my then-boyfriend, Jamie, and I saw that dress and swore that I'd be married in it or I'd be buried in it. It was from her 2005 Bridal collection and it was jaw dropping. Beautiful silhouette and the most gorgeous sage green satin sash! I still have a photo of it somewhere. My tastes are relatively the same now, but I'd probably opt for much more lace!

2. Paper Shark. Clever origami! I took an origami "enrichment" class in high school (you met like 30 minutes a day, 2 or 3 days a week). I can't remember how to fold a darn thing but this is awesome!

3. Dreamy children's rooms. I, myself, had a FANTASTIC bed when I was younger. It was like a little cottage house with a white picket fence, etc. The facade of the house was "headboard" and even the awning and such hung over the bed. Little windows opened for a small bookshelf and the bed was the "yard"... the picket fence was around it. It was very sturdy and I'd always crawl up and hide on the roof during hide & seek. It was baby pink, lavender, and white. Dreamy! But how about these?!? Talk about feeling like a princess from birth! That carriage crib is somethin that I definitely need to be happening in my nursery.

4. Neck tattoos. And this one in particular. Something about it just... fits.

5. Clever words. I feel like this could apply in more places than one right now.

6. Adorable little houses! Especially quaint little houses with such amazing paint schemes! And look at that amazing car in the driveway!

7. Outer Space meets Beyonce. Need I say more? And Single Ladies will always be one of my favorite anthems.

8. THIS COAT! Does anyone know the designer?

9. Clever Graphic Design. 1. I love the color brown. 2. I love the color peach. 3. HOW FREAKING COOL ARE THESE?!?! I'd use them over and over and over! They remain beautiful out of context, but in context they're hilarious! Balding with age!

xo

What are some things you're loving this week?