A Lawnmower to Cheer About.

Chris woke up early to go pick up our Bountiful Basket (more on that from Chris later).  He is really excited to talk about it and I am anxious to partake.   We all had breakfast.  Greta had her usual--scrambled eggs and toast, except it was a biscuit this morning instead of toast because Chris made biscuits and gravy.  A-maz-zing.  Then, we headed out to Home Depot.  It was the highlight of our day.  I think every new homeowner (or maybe it is just us) dreams of getting their first lawnmower.  We also dream of gardening and pergolas and Cherry blossom trees, but today it was all about the lawnmower.  

After some research and advice from friends, we went with the "Toro 22 in. Gas Variable Speed Self-Propelled Walk-Behind Mower."  What a mouth-full.  I was only wanting to spend $150 on a lawn mower.  Not because I researched, or thought this was the average--but I just thought that is what a lawn mower should cost.  This one--$279.  But, it's a Toro and although I doubt Chris is gonna let me nickname it Torrance (because it is his toy), I couldn't help but break out in a cheer:

The good news is, I had a 10% of coupon and because Home Depot messed up on our carpet order, they gave us $100 credit that we also put toward our purchase, which didn't only include a lawn mower.  We also got a trimmer, Oil, two little samples of paint, felt for under our dining chairs, 2.5 gallon gas can, Liquid nails, and some oil-rubbed bronze spray paint.  Our grand total:  $244.60!  $33 LESS than the actual lawn mower.  We scored.  Big time.  And I'm not the only one cheering. 

Tarred, Tired and Troubled

I was out my friend's door in Florida yesterday morning at 4:45 am (2:45 am MST) to catch my plane back home to Utah.  I had a 2+ hour delay in Atlanta and landed in Salt Lake around 12:30pm.  My bag must have been napping in Atlanta because in that whole two hours it had to change planes, it didn't make it.  The baggage claim's office was helpful and said that they would deliver my bag to my house by the end of the day.  Fair enough.  We had several stops to make before we made it home around 4:15 pm and I could already feel my eyes getting heavy, but we had lots to do and we didn't waste any time.  Apparently, our little town had a huge windstorm while we were gone.  A fence around the corner is blown down and debris lines the streets.  A few of our shingles had blown off and scattered our yard.  Chris got right to work in his duties and climbed on the roof to replace the shingles before the next storm hit us last night.  When he finished, he was sweaty and covered in tar--and feeling quite manly and accomplished....until he couldn't get the tar off.  I took a break from cleaning out the fridge of stuff we REALLY should have tossed before we left for 10 days and applied paint thinner to his hands with cotton balls until they were clean and tar-free.  

Greta went to bed right away and I was jealous of her.  I was really struggling to keep my eyes open, but the carpet installer was due to come today and we had to get Greta's old carpet and pad out of the room--something I couldn't do alone.  It only took us about 30 minutes to get everything cleared out (or stored on the windowsill and closet shelf).  

The plan was to take tonight and tomorrow to get the furniture moved into Greta's new room and pictures and curtains hung and have her sleep in her completed room by Saturday night.  But last night, we were both exhausted and patted ourselves on the backs and cuddled up in bed.  I was asleep before I hit my pillow, but interruptions came throughout the night.  Greta around 1:30 am; having a bad dream.  And then the guy that was supposed to deliver my bag "before the end of the day" called at 2:30 am and told me he just dropped it off.  .... .... Thanks dude.  

I woke up this morning anxious to get the carpet in and finally see the room come together.  I was even more excited when the installer called and said a job he had in Payson got postponed and he could be here two hours earlier.  I shouted "AWESOME!" and was grateful we prepped the room last night.  In twenty minutes, an old guy with two upper teeth (no joke) knocked at my door and I brought him upstairs to survey the room and then he had me go double-check the carpet.  Can you guess what happened next?  WRONG carpet.  

Martha Stewart's Wilderstein (the one on the left) was staring me in the face and the one on the right with the luxe diamond pattern is Martha Stewart's Winterthur---the one we actually ordered.  I had JJ, the installer, come look at the picture of the one we were expecting just to make sure I wasn't going nuts.  He agreed that it was definitely the wrong carpet.  He made a call to his boss who was going to call Home Depot for us and he was on his way.  I couldn't help but cry.  Maybe I'm still tired and it is making me emotional, or maybe it is the fact that we have been waiting two weeks for this carpet to come in.  I wasn't happy.  At all.  Luckily, Home Depot has been great about it.  Apologizing and putting the new order on rush and refunding us $100--all before Chris finished writing his strongly worded e-mail about how much of a hassle it has been.  Lucky them.

Unfortunately, I won't have any finished pictures of the room for you tomorrow--but after my 10 day break, I am diving right back in to the paint buckets and picture frames.  There is gonna be PLENTY to show and tell. 

In her shoes.

And they'd be Rainbow flip flops slipped onto feet with coral-painted toenails.  My friend is a rock star, I knew that much--but I learned so much more on my blink-of-an-eye trip to Tallahassee, Florida.  It's hot there.  And humid.  I felt right at home in the climate, almost as if I had time traveled back to my 18 years spent in Pittsburgh--except Florida's April is like Pittsburgh's August.  We talked for 48 hours straight.  So fast, we were interrupting each other.  I think we both had the fact that we only had 2 days and an evening together lurking over us the whole time and we had a lot of catch up to do.  We chatted and laughed and listened to one another's stories while changing diapers, warming up bottles, and chasing one toddler and 2 babies around from 7 am to 5 pm daily.  My best friend usually tackles the nanny task by herself--but I was there to help her.  Even though, I feel like she ended up helping me.  I picked up tips on how to help Greta use a spoon and how to be patient when life gets hard.  I didn't know I could stay up until 12:30.  Honest. I learned that there is life after babies go to bed.  I learned I could cook more.  And love more.  And laugh harder.  And cry more freely.  I learned that some pregnant women wear heels their entire pregnancy (okay, we learned that one from Bravo.)  I could and should get dressed every day, for me and for Chris.  I learned that as much as I feel like I do--I could do more for--for my family, for other people, for myself.   Because, my friend TOTALLY does double (or more) what I do in a day.

 Friends share burgers and salads and havarti topped flat bread

Of course I missed Chris and Greta.  And that was so good for me.  Every mother deserves an out-of-routine experience.  Maybe it is across the country.  Someplace warm.  With an acquaintance turned friend turned bff turned kindred spirit.  Go.  I promise you.  You need this, whoever you are.

More details about Meagan and I, and our days spent together here.

Florida bound.

I am sitting in the airport waiting to board a plane to see Meagan.  EEEeeee!!!!  I am so anxious and excited to get to sunny, hot and humid Florida.  I already have my flip flops on and I can barely wait to  see my bff--but I have already called Chris 3 times this morning to check in.  What can I say?  I am hooked on these two.

(Photos by Andi of Doublclik)

Picture Party.

My parents had a bad case of the classic picture sconces.  In this case, Jesus sconces.  Right when you walk in their front door.  Not only did they have small pictures on either side of a huge one, but a weird thermostat and off-centered art all together.  To their credit, they did center the art on the wall--but, general rule, center things over the couch.  Good thing I came to the rescue.  

I immediately spotted a slew of family pictures.  Really spaced out....and....

eeevvveerrryyyywwwhhhheeeerrreeee.

I took all those family pictures and picked up a few different kinds of frames at the thrift store to add some interest to the bunch.  And with a little ivory spray paint, things were looking up. 

No more Jesus sconces.  No more off-centered art.  And, that thermostat practically blends in, huh!?

And since, my parents love America (you should see how big their flagpole in the front yard is)--I found a perfect spot for that gorgeous, vintage-looking flag print.

....so, maybe we can all say the pledge before we eat.  And, literally two minutes after I got everything hung, the rest of my sisters arrived and the party began.  Last night consisted of a dance party, enchiladas and a photoshoot with Josh Peterson from innov8.  He is an amazing photographer and so. freakin'. fun. to work with.  We had a blast.  He sent us a little teaser photo last night and we can barely wait to see the rest. 

Here's my dad and all 5 of his daughters.

A Photoshoot Parody.

   Andi and Julie on a rainy Idaho afternoon. 

We made it.

Greta and I made it all the way to Idaho.  She didn't nap the whole drive.  (!!)  After about 2 1/2 hours of talk radio and reaching back and tickling her feet for entertainment, I realized she wasn't even looking tired.  My heart was sinking--I guess the Benedryl I gave her for her runny nose wasn't making her drowsy because I had to mix it with juice for her to actually take it.  Dang.  I pulled over and put The Prince of Egypt on for her.  Harrison (our Acura) has a dvd player.  We rarely use it, but for this kind of occasion, I was so grateful we had it.  She watched the entire movie without making a sound and that got us all the way to Rigby.  I let the menu screen replay for 15 minutes and we were there.

Nothing is baby proofed.  Piano music and books and purses and whatever else is within Greta's reach is getting moved around, but she is being gentle, and I am going 2 miles a minutes trying to keep up with her and making sure everything gets back to where it was.  Meanwhile, everything in my reach is getting moved around, too.  I am not tackling any paint projects (we'll save that for a summer trip when I have more time), but the pictures in the house are being moved all over.  I'll be sure to snap some pics and share, because I am sure someone has a home that could be improved with a few flips of some frames. Stay tuned for that.

A special treat before all my sisters get into town?  Seeing one of my old companions from my mission,  Laura.  This is gonna be a great trip. 

Car-setting and Jet-setting.

It's pretty typical for Greta to get sick or be sick on vacation, but she threw us a fastball and got sick BEFORE we leave tomorrow morning.  Gah!  I am not sure if it is a full-blown cold or allergies, but either way, being up all night isn't gonna fly.  Where are we headed?  Well, all of the Bradley girls are reuniting in good ol' Rexburg for the week(end).  Victoria is flying in from Pittsburgh, Andi from Mexico, I am driving up from Utah and Patty and Krissy are congregating from their homes in Idaho Falls and Arco.  It's gonna be a party.  It always is.

Clockwise from front left: Julie, Andi, Patty, Krissy, Vicky

From left: Kris, Vick, Pat, Jules, And

From left: Andrea, Julia, Patricia, Victoria, Kristina
(we go by lots of different versions of our real names)

I'll be sure to keep things updated on what projects I take on at my parent's house (I know she's been piling things up for me) as well as who wins Monopoly and who looks the best in our photoshoot scheduled for Friday evening.  Us Bradley girls can't get together without coordinating outfits and a camera snapping at some point.  Chris will be joining me in Rexburg on Friday for the weekend and then I'll be leaving him and Greta behind to head to Florida to be with my dear friend, Meagan, until Thursday.

I should probably get busy packing or something. Yeesh.  But that would entail doing laundry first...I'd rather paint the entire kitchen than do laundry--hmm, not a bad ideaaaaaaa.

Perfect Weekend.

The ottomans got a makeover.  

And Chris cleaned out the whole garage and both cars.  

And I finally got all of our clothes hung and Greta's temporary room in order. 

And then Greta started joining us at the table for meals.

Eating her first hot dog with ketchup

And then our friends came over for spaghetti and meatballs. 

And Chris's djembe found its home and was played frequently.  

And we hung some familiar curtains.

and some familiar art.

And Chris made some more amazing food.

Marinated and grilled (to pefection) chicken tacos with cabbage slaw

And we were a happy family.  The whole weekend.

A Techie Nerd Moment, Brought To You By Chris

I'm a total sucker for new toys.

In Progress, but we're making progress

We were the family that had to wait at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning.  My dad would take his time down there making sure the presents were sprawled to perfection and Mannheim Steamroller was playing as mood music.  He'd turn on some lamps and then take a nap.  Okay, probably not take a nap, but from the perspective of a little girl waiting to open Christmas presents, a short prep on my dad's part felt a lot longer.  This morning, the Christmas magic was alive in our house as I walked down the stairs.  Granted, Chris and I put the living room this way before we went to bed, but seeing it in daylight gave me goosebumps.  There are still lots of details that need added and some in place that need tweaking, but this house is slowly evolving into our home.  OUR home.  Let's take a look at where we are at this morning.  

We picked up three things from Ikea last night; the couch, the art and some fabric.  We need to stretch the canvas on the art a little more to eliminate some of those ripples and add some lighting above it for some more illumination after the sun goes down.  Right now, all we have is our table lamp to light this room.  Not.  Enough. 

Speaking of our table lamp, it's in mid-costume change right now.  The blue and brown swirls weren't jiving with this room, so I picked up a half yard of this black and white fabric last night and will  hopefully get it fitted and presentable today.  I'll just use this tutorial of yore to get 'er done.  Something else of note is that green throw that is lounging over the chair.  It was a wedding gift from Chris's grandma.  She MADE it and I jumped at the chance to feature it in this room.  It's beautiful and soft and personal--all things a home should be made of.

We need to hang curtains on that big window, but we think we'll skip the blinds for now.  We love the light pouring in and the clean window lines.  And if we change our mind, the curtains will be there for a crutch, if needed.  Also, the ottomans will be dressed in mustard fabric before the weekend is through--finger's crossed.  More mirrors and art to hang, yada yada.  All that will come in time.  Right now, this room doesn't really belong in this house with the other rooms in their current state, (you can check out more rooms in the house tour) but it is serving as a great entry room for all those folks that drop in.  Basically, we are tricking them into thinking that we are superhuman and our whole house is revamped.   Ha!  I guess that will only last as long as it takes to look past the living room into the adjacent dining room.  Wop wop.

Going Un-Green.

In an evening and a half, we got all of the green covered.  Woot!  I mentioned that from our front door you can see a slew of green, yellow, white and dark beige paint.  Well, we got one out of four covered, and since green was definitely the majority--we are patting ourselves on the back.  We started on Monday night and removed all of the screws, nails, curtain rods, and shelves that were left behind and patched the walls.  Then Chris attached our Swiffer duster to the end of our long painting rod and dusted all of those vaulted ceilings.  There was a lot of gagging when our fresh duster returned a saturated dark, dusty gray.  Our living room is really difficult for me to photograph for a few reasons:  1.  I am not a photographer (I leave that to my sister, Andi).  2.  I don't have one of those fancy cameras.  We use our Bloggie (which we LOVE) for all of our pictures and videos.  3.  There is so much light pouring through the windows.  We'll just say that is the main reason.  Here are some before pictures of the living room.  

Pretty typical before pictures, huh?  Leave everything messy and don't even try to make it look nice.  If they were taken at night that would have been even MORE amusing.  Monday evening, after Greta went to bed, I took on the duties of edge work, which I actually really like, and Chris rolled paint like there was no tomorrow with his new extender rod.  

Tuesday we went ottoman hunting and took the night off and snuggled and watched Modern Family and House.  And last night, we finished the job.   This morning, before the sun came full force through the windows, I snapped some pictures. 

See the thermostat?  No?  It was a disgusting almond yellow and
I painted it the same color as the wall so it would blend.

There is a completely different vibe in the room now.  It is really calming and as soon as we warm it up with art on the walls and a couch and curtains, we hope it will be just as cozy as we have been imagining it in our minds this whole time.  As for paint colors, that luxe purple accent wall is Behr's Violet Evening and the warm gray-beige is Benjamin Moore's Cape Hatteras Sand, color matched to Valspar.  We found it at Lowes in the mis-tinted section.  5 gallons marked down from $121 to $25.  I died. 

Let the decorating fun begin.   Meagan, cover your ears eyes, we're going to Ikea tonight.  

Ottoman Udaman

I am one of the biggest fans of online classifieds and thrift stores and as-is sections.  You know this.  Chris knows this.  We ALL know this.  I love getting the best deal possible and I feel like I can give these maybe otherwise worn out things, a new life and purpose with a little Jules tlc.

We I (Chris is so supportive driving me everywhere) have been on the scout out for two ottomans for our living room.  Smaller, round or cubes, preferrably with storage so we can stuff Greta's toys in there at the last minute when company is coming over.  I fell in love with this one from Target:

How could I not.  And it was on sale.  For $255.  Wah waahhhhhh--I didn't know they sold stuff that expensive, right?  So, it was absolutely out of the question.  That's when I started hunting for other solutions.  I didn't want to spend more than $50, and if they were small--I would need two.  Also, I wanted it to look like the one above.  I hunted Ross, Hobby Lobby, and then my go-to classifieds for something I could reupholster with a similar sunny yellow and white fabric.  After many hours, I found my treasure on KSL (the Craigslist of Utah).  

Score!  Two for $30!?  Yes, please.  Do they need a new life?  Oh yeah.  It all got too perfect when Chris mentioned he needed to go to Salt Lake for business this morning.  Greta and I tagged along for the two-hour round trip because I needed to make sure for myself that they would work (and I knew it would mean lunch-date with my Chris-baby).  They were pretty beat up, but I knew I was going to reupholster them so I smiled and handed over the cash and packed up our new ottomans in the car.  Before we left, the guy told me he was currently unemployed and thanked me for buying them.  So besides getting the best deal and the freedom to upcycle and repurpose things, buying from others means helping others.  Why hadn't I thought of that perk?  Maybe I am just ignorant, but it made me feel really good today. 

Now I just need to find the perfect fabric and learn how to reupholster.  Details on how it gets done when I figure that out.   For now, someone is enjoying them in their current state.

Take a risk.

At Home Depot this morning picking up paint:


Honey, I am nervous.  
Babe, what are you nervous about??  
Is this gonna be too dark?  Too much? 
Nah.  It will look great.  
I don't know.  I'm so nervous. 

We were gonna buy the paint right then and there without even taping it up to see how it looks and I was sweatin' over the thought.  Chris assured me it was just paint and reminded me I wanted this.  He stayed with me until the paint was mixed (just to make sure I didn't back out, I think) and I went home, put Greta down for her nap, and painted that wall.  And to me, it is beautiful.  I keep going in that room and just looking at it and smiling.   I think it's my new favoring color.

Behr Violet Evening

So here's a reminder a little reminder note for future Jules (and maybe you, too).  Don't be afraid to take design and color risks with this home.  You'll be so much happier you did.  Even those times when it doesn't turn out, you will learn and be grateful you tried.  Don't hold back.  Don't worry what other people might think.  Do what you love and you and your family will be smiling in this home for years to come.

Psst, you may notice the other wall isn't green anymore either, full details on the entire paint job to come. Promise!  For now, I'd love to know if you have taken any risks that have paid off or taught you something lately.

Also, some girls said some nice things about me over here today.  Seriously, I'm blushing. 

Today.

-I started P90x lean program again.  If you want to join in with me, I'll keep my schedule to the right.  I realized I need to do something for me.  To empower me and to give me more energy.  This exercise program is always the answer to that.

-I am finishing up painting all the trim and doors in Greta's room.  Or, my fourth coat of crisp, white, semi-gloss paint.  It's already worth it.  Can't wait to share it with you.

-Ordering carpet for Greta's room.  

-Starting the huge project of painting over the yellow, white, green and beige paint on the first floor.  Yes, it is ALL visible from the front door.  Most all the walls will be Benjamin Moore's Cape Hatteras Sand, but there will be an accent wall this plum color in the living room:

Benjamin Moore's Nightfall

and this painting (the one that I've been waiting to have) hanging on that wall

With this couch sitting underneath the painting. 

(Yeah, it's white.  Yeah, it's slipcovered and completely washable.)

With two happy yellow ottoman's on our shaggy rug. 

And this was just the sneak peak.  I am getting all giddy about the living room already.  Also, I can't wait to have A (that's a long "a" sound) couch.  For more of where my brain meets my heart (aka my inspiration storage)--check out my Pinterest...I love this bandwagon I jumped on.