Thank You Joanna Gaines for bringing us Beautiful Shiplap!!

And now for the afters.. Shiplap everywhere..  Well maybe not everywhere, but on the majority of the first floor.  If it was up to me, I would put the beautiful, crisp, clean, shiplap on every wall, nook and cranny.  IT.IS.THAT.BEAUTIFUL. Who would have thought?  Well my DIY Dream Maker Dad and Doubting Hubby questioned my sanity but after everything was said and done- they truly trusted the decision.. I mean who doubts a Joanna Gaines wanna-be?  So now the process and a little afters. I hope you enjoy.

 To save a little money we took down our old oak crown molding and baseboards- I sanded, primed and painted them white.  SO much nicer.

 Prepping Poplar Wood for our window and door casings.  Excuse the mess behind the wood, but I was trying to get stuff ready for a football banquet for our son, plus finish some scrapbooking stuff, oh and some miscellaneous craft/home decor projects.  Did I mention I have a little ADD when it comes to home projects?

Picture of our base and door frames.  Get ready for a whole lotta puddy-ing, and then some white painting.  IT IS WORTH IT.  Keep in mind the floor, because that will be changing too.

 Faux planking with little wood spacers my DIY Dream Maker Dad made.  Nickels would work perfect too, but he likes to save his change so there was no way he would part with his coins.  

New wall color that I love.. It allows us t by some time before we start on phase 2 of our kitchen remodel.. The gray wall color, in my opinion, doesn't make the orange-y/gold cabinets look too bad.  The red wall color brought out the wrong color.

Take a look at the difference in the wood crown now painted a beautiful clean white.

Side by Side comparison of the white vs oak

Adding the crown-molding back up to where it belongs.  Its the finishing accessory to a room, like putting on a beautiful necklace to a trendy outfit.

Funny how I forgot to mention that the family room, hallways and bathrooms all were updated with paint on the first floor.  Remember that Decorating ADD I mentioned earlier, well I can't just do one thing/room etc. 

Took the planking into the family room to carry the decor through the rest of our house.

This planking will make a clean backdrop for our television.  Now, I'm not a big fan of a TV on the mantel, but my Handsome Hubby needs to have some say in the decor of our home.  It's called meeting half-way and certainly makes a marriage go smoother.  

I get asked the questions: was this difficult, would I do this again and was it worth it?  Well, it depends on who your ask.  If you ask me, Yes/Yes/Yes.  It looks so beautiful and clean.  I feel it makes my house look "clean" even when its in disarray.  You know the disarray I am talking about- clutter, sports equipment, school papers, craft projects, football paperwork plays, items that need to be put away etc. No, wait, thats just me- You all have beautifully, clean homes??? I think its the brightness of the white wood that makes the "junk" look not so bad.  Oh, and do you remember the orangey/honey colored woodwork and cabinets?  Well, with the white woodwork, shiplap and new paint I don't mind it as much.  Those cabinets and kitchen are on the dream list to re-do but we are saving for this project.  If you ask my DDM Dad, the answer is maybe.  If you don't mind pulling your hair out, and sanding your the skin off of your fingers

The one thought on the shiplap, and let me preface this by saying- this is not true shiplap.  That would be expensive for this DIY loving girl.  But, my shiplap is faux.  It is actually a plywood sheet ripped down to 5 1/2 inch planks.  The price of plywood varies but for us here at my favorite DIY Box Store- HomeDepot it ran $21 a sheet.  #HomeDepot is my jam!

and for the finished look in our kitchen.. Picture Overload..  And to finish accessorizing..

Thanks for sticking with me.. Let me know if you have questions..  Love Your Guts! Lori

Links will be listed below.


Helpful Links:

plywood

Dap Putty for nail holes

Straight off the shelf white paint

Some really nasty before's.. Pre-Shiplap Craze

Hey all!  I thought I would share my post about installing Shiplap in my kitchen, and hallway and ....
Let me just tell you with this being my first DIY major project, it is not for the faint of heart.  But don't let me discourage you from shiplapping, because it is crazy beautiful but maybe start with a smaller area/room.  Once its up and the prettiness is admired daily, I can't stop wanting to shiplap my whole house..  I think my husband would kill me, not to mention my trusty DIY partner-Hey Dad!!  I think my dad is still having flashbacks.. Is it possible to have too much Shiplap?  I think NOT!

In order to appreciate the after pictures, you need to see and understand the before.. I admit I am not the best before picture taker.  It stems from that our house was built as a "starter home"- 18 years ago!!  Our house was built by my Dad (love ya), my uncle and his brothers, my husband even helped and any other person who drove past our house, picked up hammers, nail guns etc.  It was a labor of love, made very quickly and cheaply.  We were supposed to stay a few years, then sell it for a profit and move into our forever home.  That being said, the finishes, cabinets, flooring etc. were not what I would have picked out but it worked for us when we were first married.  We are slowly changing our house to our taste and style because we are not moving.. We love the lot, backyard and now love all the changes we are making..   Let me warn you the following pictures are cringe worthy.  You can only appreciate a good after by wading through some good before's!

Country decor at its finest.  Hard to tell but the wallpaper under the chair rail is red checked plaid.

Don't you just love the 80's honey/orange colored oak?

Close up of the Red Walls, Birdhouse Wallpaper Boarder and Plaid Curtains. 

 I can't believe I actually picked the colors and decor out so many years ago.  What was I thinking?  I was newly married and had no idea what my style was.  I blame it on the fact that there was no Pinterest back then, and no amazing home decor blogs.

 Its better with the birdhouses gone, don't you think?  We ended up priming the entire walls because we were afraid that the red wall color would show through between the wood planks.  

All the wallpaper is removed, walls primed, a little hint of the new wall color.

 Of course you can't just do the shiplap, but you also need to change out the honey/orange colored wood trim in the entire 1st floor, because you have the paint, wood and man-power.  It is killing my Oak Loving Dad, but trust me, the new woodwork will be AH-Mazing..    Stay tuned my Friends..  Love YO Guts, Lori

My Cute little dad/DIY Dream Maker.

WORLD MARKET CRAZE

Are you kidding me??  This just happened and I am in total disbelief..  Someone please pinch me, well maybe not, because that would hurt.. But really, just in total LOVE.  I have always big-puffy heart- LOVED World Market but to have them seek little ole me out and ask for my opinion that = Priceless!

World Market to me is a plethora of beautiful eye candy.  Whether it is rustic/farmhouse/tribal/modern decor, unique foods/drinks, On POINT wine selection (thank you to my teenage sons-not about the wine but the funky word), awe-inspiring furniture, unique gifts/clothes/jewelry and many other crazy 

amaz-balls items.  World Market makes you step outside your comfort zone while feeling like you are surrounded by your most favorite comfy sweats, you know= familiarity.  Like who knew that a zebra print would fit so well with my modern farmhouse decor??  Try World Market out, I bet you will find something crazy cool..

Love your guts, 

Lori

My Word of the Year for 2018- INTENTIONAL

As I look back on 2017 (and 2016 for that matter), I often wonder how we survived.  It is strictly through the grace of God that we persevered.  I share this with you not for pity, or for your charity      but to show you that God is Mighty and is in control of all things.  So grab a cup of your favorite beverage and read on to hopefully inspire you or at least to show you that there is beauty, compassion, kindness and to most importantly live an INTENTIONAL life. 

December 30, 2016:  We experienced the death of a wonderful man/father/husband and friend.  His illness started back at the age of  26 with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  You never knew he was in pain, because he never complained but always was kind, humble and generous in his own quiet way. He listened without judging, he was your biggest cheerleader but most importantly you felt his love because it was intentional and direct- without clause.  He was on heavy medications, endured terrible pain/flareups as this disease destroyed his joints. He underwent multiple neck and back surgeries to keep the arthritis at bay but in the end, he went home to be with the Lord surrounded by his family.

Webster's Dictionary Defines INTENTIONAL-in'ten(t)SH n al:  an aim or plan, a person's designs, the healing of a wound.

I feel like- "we wear our busyness as a badge of honor, as though being busy, by itself, was an accomplishment or sign of superior life"- Dieter F. Uchtdorf... 

Are you kidding me?  This is ME, RIGHT NOW, ALL.THE.TIME.  The busyness in our lives right is completely Un-intentional but this quote hit me like a ton of bricks.. WOW..  Our kids are involved in 3 sports, my husband coaches football, we both work full time out of the house, etc. etc. etc.  How can I lead an intentional life when basically I can't see past the next hour because our schedules are so jammed packed.  I'm sure others feel the same way but we need to stop the busyness,  for the sake of our families, our selves and our world.  The cliché "take the time to smell the roses" is in the back of my mind.  Slow down, look at the world around you, take time to listen/see/smell/taste/feel before you look back and wonder where did the time go.  There will be no badge, trophy or someone saying "atta girl/boy" when your schedule is busy, jammed packed, and you are rushing from place to place/event to event.  The accomplishments that busyness has to offer are poor health, ineffective productivity, miserable relationships and a lonely life.  So my friends, Live Life INTENTIONALLY, with purpose and we will all benefit.  I know I am going to try.. 

Love your guts,
Lori

My Stitch Fix Report

My fix arrived on 1/3/18 the exact day it was scheduled to arrive-even despite the busy holiday season.

The packaging was better than a Christmas present.  So pretty and girly. I loved everything they sent.  Incidentally, the one beautiful shirt they sent was IN.MY.CART.AT.NORDSTROM.ONLINE!   Unfortunately, both shirts they sent were too big.   A pair of pants fit perfectly, but I had a similar one and the black puffer vest again, I already had one that was pretty much the same.  Returning the items couldn't have been easier. I just folded them up and put them in the self-addressed stamped bag that comes with every order, and gave it to my husband to drop off at the post office.  Definitely easy for me! :)  

When you receive your order and determine that you don't want to keep an item, you log back into your stitch fix account and tell them why its being returned- simply by checking a box.  Was the item too big, too small, too expensive or it wasn't your style.  I also left a note to my stylist stating that "I am generally between sizes.  If an item is boxy/straight/runs big I would need a medium, if its form fitting/tight, I would need a large.  Hopefully, providing more information to my stylist helps them to send me items that I love and fit well.  I will keep you posted.

Sports Mom Uniform

My stylist really listened to the type of clothes I was looking for.  Most of my time is spent on a baseball/football/lacrosse fields and in basketball courts.  She sent me clothes that were casual yet stylish, comfy and easy to move around in.  Normally, I would wear jeans and a sweatshirt/long sleeve t-shirt in our school logo/colors that we buy to support the teams.

SO was the the Stitch Fix a success? ABSOLUTELY. 110%.  There are so many reasons it was successful for me.  First, the stitch fix box was just for me.  As a busy, full time working, sports-o-rama mom, I find that my time is spent on my kids, my husband, and my job as a nurse, so very rarely do I have time for myself.  And that's ok, at this juncture in my life, but it was nice to have someone to put a little focus on me.  Secondly, it helped me look outside my comfort zone. Instead of my "mom uniform", I had a cute shirt that I styled to take my look to the next level.  The shirt was so cute, and it gave me the confidence to pull different pants together for different looks with the same top.   They also sent cards with outfit ideas using the items they sent, so you can pair with what you already own.

Outfit Cards

 

My Cowl Neck Top with items I had in my closet.

 So thanks "Andrea", my Stitch Fix Stylist, I can't wait to see what you send the next time.

Let me know if I can answer questions, and use my referral code to wave your first $20 styling fee.
Stitch Fix

Love your guts!
Lori

It's a Stitch Fix Christmas

It's a Stitch Fix Christmas

I have a little story to share. I have known about Stitch Fix for a very long time.  I have filled out many profiles, and have stalked their sites on many occasions.  They truly have drool worthy styles for all shapes, sizes, genders and even maternity (not that this will ever be needed at this point of my life) but what I'm saying is that they have a little something for everyone.  Sadly, I have never pulled the trigger and signed up for a fix. I always thought it would be too expensive, I wouldn't like the styles (hello!! please see my statements above about something for everyone, but I was trying to justify not signing up) & lastly, my husband would not go for it because of the financial aspect.  

Insert happy, surprised and totally blown-a-way face!!! I opened a present from my husband, and low and behold, he gave me a subscription to a quarterly Stitch Fix!!  I know what your thinking, how does he know about Stitch Fix?  Well working with a bunch of ladies, does have a few benefits (He is a Middle School Teacher in a female dominated profession).. This has to be my favorite gift of 2017 because my hubby knows how much I:

1. Like to dress nice, but often am hesitant to trust my instincts on what looks good.
2. Spend the majority of my time involved in sporting events for our boys and husband leaving little time to shop for myself.
3. Like to have a little "girly stuff"in my life.

This is what makes this gift so perfect. In a nutshell, STITCH FIX is an "online styling service that delivers a truly personalized shopping experience, just for you. Fill out your Style Profile and a personal stylist will hand pick pieces to fit your tastes, needs and budget—and mail them directly to your door. Each box contains five items of clothing, shoes and accessories for you to try on at home. Keep what you love, send the rest back in a prepaid USPS envelope. Shipping and returns are free—"even for exchanges!

I will keep you posted upon delivery of my fix

-due January 3, 2018

SIGN UP FOR STITCH FIX

Do you want beautiful fashions hand-picked just for you and delivered direct to your door? Sign up for Stitch Fix! This online shopping service has completely transformed my wardrobe. It’s the perfect shopping solution for busy women. If you aren’t already a Stitch Fix customer, please consider signing up using My Referral Info. I receive a small commission from your sign up that is the only reason I can stay well-dressed.  Learn more about the service and complete up your FREE style profile.

You can thank me later when your FIX is delivered!!  

Love your guts,  Lori

Merry 14 days to CHRISTMAS...  Whew can you believe it?? I am pretty excited to have the Holidays here.. Why you ask?  I really enjoy the decorations, the buying of gifts, baking cookies, the cold and snowy weather and just taking time to BE with friends and family.  As you get older, (its true- I promise, since my 46th birthday is in 4 days) I really enjoy just being home and turning the Christmas tree lights on with a mug of hot coffee/tea or a chilled bottle, er glass of wine..  It's something so peaceful, calm and relaxing to me.. I find I need this time to recharge and fill my heart up with peace..  I hope you find this magical time as comforting and cozy as a warm blanket and fuzzy socks..  I hope to post my Christmas Home Tour soon..  Love your guts!! Lori

Whew... It's been awhile!!

Did you ever have the feeling that life just gets in the way of.... well.... life?  As a wife, mom, daughter, friend, full time nurse, sports mom and any other hat I can wear- sometimes the business of life takes precedence. I'm not complaining by any means, but taking care of my people is hard work and leaves little time for creativity.  I love to decorate, work with my hands and use Pinterest to create new things.  Whether the decoration is for my house, or a friends house, it really helps me to de-stress and become a better person.  It took me along time to figure this out.. I tried to please everyone, and tried to make everyone happy but in the end, I ran myself ragged and had no energy for my precious family.  The goal of this blog is to provide a creative outlet for me and to make some beautiful things for some amazing people.  This blog is about craftiness, fun, family life, with a little DIY home decor thrown in.  That being said, I hope you enjoy what I post and show a little love with your comments... But if you don't, thats ok too because I can't please everyone.  

"IT" will be worth it

Wow!! This holds true to my heart.  Every year brings CHANGES, good and bad, right and wrong, but changes non the less.     I'm not going to get all sentimental but I'm just throwing it out there.  I'm tired of the changes I'm seeing= wrinkles, weight gain, gray hairs.  I know this is the natural, normal part of aging and in sure beats the alternative if you know what I mean, but I never really thought it was going to happen to me.  I hope to make positive changes but I gotta work harder, I gotta do more if I truly want to see the results.  Keeping on keeping on is not going to cut it any more.  Are you ready to reach your goals, I KNOW I AM so lets BRING IT because I am worth it and so are YOU!!

LOVE YA,

LORI

Happy New Year Peeps!!

Happy 2013 to all.  I have many thoughts and emotions running through my head as I type.  As you can see I only update this little ole' blog every New Year, where does time go and why do I share my thoughts only on New Years?  I have many goals and aspirations that I want to accomplish and looking back on my posts- I'm still striving for the same goals.  Does that mean that I'm a failure since I didn't accomplish much?  No- It just means that I'm still living day by day, still striving, still achieving, and still believing that the New Year holds more than years past.  

I'm hoping that by slowing down, keeping my priorities straight, keeping my eyes on God, and spending time with purpose I will accomplish that inner peace, joy and seeing the beauty in life that we all strive for.  What better way to set the priorities for the year then to focus on the hope and freshness the start of a new year brings. Here's my positive spin on my 2013 New Years Goals:

• Less Worrying- More Peace
• Less Spending- More Saving (my hubby LOVES this one)
• Less Sugar and carbs- More Water and Veggies
• Less Worrying- More Peace (yes I know I already wrote this, but this is HUGE for me)
• Less Coffee- More Green Tea
• Less Fear- More trust in God's Plan
• Less Creamer- More all natural (this will be a hard one for me)
• Less time focusing on what others think of me- More time loving myself
• Less Anxiety- More Peace
• Less Quantity- More Quality
• Less Me- More God
• Less quick to anger- More patience
• Less rushing, business- More enjoyment of family& friends
• Less controlled chaos- more determined decisions
• Less wishing to decorate/craft- More time decorating/crafting 
• To be continued.....

May you all have a beautiful, focused, and loving year...

Peace, Hope and Love, 

LORI

New Years Eve

I can't believe 2012 is almost here but in four short hours 2012 will be here. Where has the time gone? This past year has been a year of crazy awesomeness. My husband is now the assistant coach for a boys high school basketball team, my boys are in basketball leagues and my oldest is in a travel league as well. I am getting "Bleacher Butt" but I wouldn't change it for the world. I have big plans (as I do every year) for my little blog, which includes posting more, completing more projects (crafting and home decor) so that I can keep my sanity. Maybe sanity is overrated but I am striving to take care of myself first, so that I can take care of my family and the people I see on a daily basis. Wishing all my loyal readers (all 2 of you) a Happiest and Healthiest of New Years. God Bless you all. Peace,love and happiness. Lori