Venus Trapped in Mars Sports and Lifestyle Blog Dallas

07 July 2015

How About A Little Home Help?

One thing blogs are not usually used for is asking for help. We all use our blogs to give 7 tips about X, or 10 ways to improve X. It's weird to me that it isn't a reverse outlet as well. Some of my most commented posts have been those when I asked for help.... and voila, I get the answer! 

I'm not an expert on most things. Topics I feel I have a good handle on, or if I have some tip that I've figured out by sheer luck, I'll share it. Do you remember that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie starts writing for Vogue? Now shoes, shoes I know. That would be the way I feel about sports. Now sports, sports I know.  So many other topics, I simply have no clue.

Now this brings me to the point of this post. CB and I moved in together! Yayyyy! To go ahead and take the elephant out of the room, I'll answer the questions you are probably thinking, so that everything is out in the open. No we are not engaged. No, I did not purchase this house. Yes, I helped pick it out. Yes, I think it is cool as shit that I get to live with my best friend, 24/7. Yes, rent will be paid in actual dollars, not kisses. Yes, kisses are welcome but will not cut down on the cost of rent. Yes, Veenie and Gee will be paying in kisses, they are dogs therefore do not have a steady source of income, and we were aware of their complete lack of personal finances going into this agreement. 

I can't think of any other questions you might be thinking. My point here is that I am not dumb/clueless/unrealistic, nor is CB. Now let's get down to the fun stuff and talk about our new place. 




Man, I love everything about this house. Although it was built in the 40s, a developer took it down to the studs and flipped it. It was like CB and I were in the design meetings, because every last detail they chose, we love. 

Here is the deal, neither of us are organized people, nor are we exceptionally talented at interior design. So I'm here asking for your help. I am going to show y'all the different rooms, and list our dilemmas, and hope you guys might have some ideas or suggestions. 

|| Kitchen ||
Sorry I am incapable of  properly executing the pano setting on the iPhone
Hey look, it's CB's back. Kewl. 


:: Issues ::
 
There's nowhere designated for a microwave to go 
 y'all I can't live without Lean Cuisines

Anyone have any good blogs/pins/tips on organizing kitchen drawers? 

CB wants a kitchen island, or eat in kitchen somehow. 
Any suggestions? Know any good websites to find a small island or small table?


|| Dining Room // Living Room ||




:: Issues ::
  
They have this room designated as the dining room, but it makes a helluva lot more sense as a living room. We really don't have much use for a formal dining room. There is also another area in the front of the house (shown below) that they have intended to be a living room. 

Anyone have suggestions on two living rooms? 
Do you guys have an actual dining room in your homes? Do you use it? 
Thoughts/Ideas/Blogs/Pins/Websites? 





 
|| Guest Bathroom || 


:: Issues :: 
This is something we didn't catch at the walk through. That shower was clearly designed for a glass door, right? Water will spill everywhere if you showered in there with a shower curtain. 

Anyone have a standup shower like this? Any solutions? 
Also, any pins/websites with inspiration for glass shower doors that won't cost an absolute fortune?

|| Master Bathroom || 





:: Issues ::
As you can see, very little storage.  

Anyone have any great websites/blogs/pins with bathroom storage solutions? 

|| Sarah's Office || 
I have an office. With lots of windows. 
And a ceiling fan. I'm always a sweaty hot mess, this gives me pure joy. 
I'm so excited, I might just explode. 


 :: Issues ::

No issues. Insert too-many-teeth-showing emoji here. 
Also, all the issues.  Help a sister out with all your favorite office inspo. 

|| Deck || 





 :: Issues ::
The cost of patio furniture. 
Like, is that a joke?

Spill your outdoor decor secrets. 
Tell me you didn't pay $1,000+ for a love seat that stays OUTSIDE, in the rain, wind, heat, cold.
Tell me you didn't do that. Or tell me why you did, I'm good with that too. 


|| General's Question || 
Gee asked if I would share one of his issues. 
I said no problem, I'm sure y'all would be happy to help. 





 :: Issues ::

"How do you get the squirrels down from the tree?"
-- General.  
So that's what I've got for now! Please give me all of your organizational expertise, pin boards, blog suggestions, instagram accounts (the more the merrier), home furnishing stores and websites... we need it all! If anyone wants, I'd be happy to do a big compilation post of everyone's suggestions and recommendations too. 

YAY, time to cheat on fashion with furniture! By fashion I mean Forever 21 and by furniture I mean Ikea. Sorry, I'm cheap. 
 
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60 comments :

  1. love love, love love LOVE! I have to say I was a creeper and saw where this was located (in your location tag on insta, I didn't have to look THAT hard!) and I LOVE that area! We lived there before we bought our house.

    Of course I could dive in and help you answer most of your questions but my day today just doesn't allow for that! I'm happy to offer my design services if you're ever open to it. ;) I'm the queen of budgets!

    The only thing that sticks out to me is that I've seen a lot of cute/cheap outdoor furniture (mostly individual chairs) at Hobby Lobby, of all places. I also know that World Market has their adirondack chairs on sale right now for $100 each. I know that's not a steal, but it's hard to find a wood adirondack chair for anything cheaper than that. Also - wait until the end of the season to buy your outdoor stuff! It will go on major sale here pretty soon.

    ONE more thing...I used to work at Crate & Barrel and they have one mega sale in July and my favorite part is when they sell all of their floor models like rugs, furniture, accessories, etc for something crazy like 70-80% off. They are usually out of my budget but you can find some really great pieces (stuff you'll hold onto longer than an ikea couch) at that sale. I don't know the dates this year but I have a feeling it's either already going on or will start soon. Go to the one on Knox and usually they have everything piled up on the second floor. :)

    Good luck, can't wait to see more!!!

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  2. First, I am soooooo happy for you two!! And Veenie and G man because let's face it, they are going to take over that neighborhood.

    The house is possibly the most adorable thing ever and they did such a great job on the flip! We had a formal dining/sitting area in our home and turned it into one large living room. We don't have use for a formal dining either. I say choose the biggest between the two rooms to make your general living room and make the other one an office area or something to that effect. For bathroom storage, to save space for us with that issue, I (when I say "I", I mean, the husband) attached baskets to the bathroom wall and folded the towels, hand towels, washcloths, etc. in there. Storage and serves as decor. (http://beingbracco.blogspot.com/2014/05/bathroom-organizing-styling.html.) Dual purposes are always a bonus when thinking of ways to organize/decorate your home. It is a challenge and I learned very quickly to have every ounce of patience and don't rush into anything for the home until you're sure you want to look at it every day. (that and I hate hearing my better half gripe about patching holes or moving stuff). I will also use the cliche term of "less is more". Hope my rambling has helped some and just have fun with it! Such an exciting time!

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  3. i basically see no issues- it's just plain gorgeous! you did an amazing job (and you too CB!) for picking out this house. it's beautiful. i am so impressed! can't wait to crash here. I don't have a lot of suggestions bc I'm not good at this stuff but I think you'll figure it out. i am just so freaking happy for y'all.

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  4. Before I got to the end I was going to say to use the dining room as an office buuuttt........

    I like having a dining room. I grew up part of an "eat at the table" family and love it. Me and my husband eat at our table and it's a great time to just be around each other without distractions!

    For bathroom storage I'd recommend moving that towel rack and getting one of those over-the-toilet storage things. I used to think I'd never get one but they actually have nice/stylish ones at BB&B. Also saw something on pinterest about using a mounted wine rack to store towels? Like the towels were rolled up in to tubes, it looked good!

    Congrats on an awesome house!

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    1. Addendum: I don't consider our dining room to be "formal." It's just a plain dining room with a plain table and chairs that I reupholstered. When I think of a formal dining room, I think of it as an additional dining room. Like my in laws - they actually have two dining rooms which is ridiculous!

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    2. Addendum: I don't consider our dining room to be "formal." It's just a plain dining room with a plain table and chairs that I reupholstered. When I think of a formal dining room, I think of it as an additional dining room. Like my in laws - they actually have two dining rooms which is ridiculous!

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  5. Congrats! I love how fresh and crisp it all looks. Personally, I think a formal dining room isn't necessary unless you know you will use it often. For us, being only 2 people, we knew we never would so turned ours into more of a "sitting area" where we set up board games..really mature :)

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  6. Before I got to the end I was going to say to use the dining room as an office buuuttt........

    I like having a dining room. I grew up part of an "eat at the table" family and love it. Me and my husband eat at our table and it's a great time to just be around each other without distractions!

    For bathroom storage I'd recommend moving that towel rack and getting one of those over-the-toilet storage things. I used to think I'd never get one but they actually have nice/stylish ones at BB&B. Also saw something on pinterest about using a mounted wine rack to store towels? Like the towels were rolled up in to tubes, it looked good!

    Congrats on an awesome house!

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  7. Before I got to the end I was going to say to use the dining room as an office buuuttt........

    I like having a dining room. I grew up part of an "eat at the table" family and love it. Me and my husband eat at our table and it's a great time to just be around each other without distractions!

    For bathroom storage I'd recommend moving that towel rack and getting one of those over-the-toilet storage things. I used to think I'd never get one but they actually have nice/stylish ones at BB&B. Also saw something on pinterest about using a mounted wine rack to store towels? Like the towels were rolled up in to tubes, it looked good!

    Congrats on an awesome house!

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  8. I would recommend some floating shelves for above the toilet and then using baskets to put stuff in them.
    And girl, I feel you on the patio furniture. I'm still begging for a set of my own. For now, we have camp chairs and reused/left over tables.

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    1. Also....that house is gorgeous! The kitchen is so cute.

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  9. This house is gorgeous! Congrats! As for the microwave, kitchens that don't have the microwaves installed above the stove usually just have a plug in one anywhere near an outlet on the counter. So it would really look fine anywhere. Maybe plug it into the outlet that is to the left of the stove? If you don't need a formal dining space, I'd say just knitch that or at least for now. Two living rooms is completely acceptable. At the house I grew up in, we had a dining area but we also had a living room and what we called a "den" that was the room next to the living room. My dining room is actually the feeding room for my dogs lol. It has all of their harnesses, leashes, dog food, clothes, dog bowls, dog bowl stand, etc. So it is really their dining room. I'm not completely sure on the bathroom/ shower issue. It seems like it would need a glass door but for some odd reason I feel like I've seen them with just a shower curtain. Sooo I'm not positive. For the 2nd bathroom, I would use the wall space and above the toilet to install some type of storage. I've seen a lot of great ideas on bathroom storage using materials you wouldn't think to use on Pinterest. As of right now, I have no patio furniture except for two zero gravity chairs that I got on Amazon. I just rather spend money on other stuff first and put patio furniture last but that's just me. I basically just go to Pinterest for all house related ideas.

    http://dogmomchic.blogspot.com/

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  10. I posted last week showing off my screened in porch furniture. I spent $500 and got 2 chairs with ottomons, a mini table (it was a 5 piece set), a love seat, AND a coffee table. It was all from Kmart. Check them out for sure!

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  11. CONGRATS!!! That is so exciting, and living with the S.O. is the most fun thing ever. The house is beautiful and there's so much light! And whatever tiling/wood is in the master bathroom is awesome. I can offer zero advice on decorating (Pinterest apartments look thrift-store chic. Mine looks like an outdated frat room). Sorry for the no help, just wanted to say I'm happy for you all!

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  12. Yay congratulations on the new home! It's completely adorable! One area I have a suggestion for is the deck. Last year when we bought our house I really wanted new patio furniture but didn't want to spend a fortune. I waited until early August and found amazing wicker furniture for a fraction of the cost on sale at Lowes. You can order it online or find it in a store (I went with online) I got a wicker sofa, love seat and coffee table for our back patio for less than $400.

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  13. Cute house. For the kitchen you can get a microwave cart or put it on the container. I have a dinning room but only use it when people come over.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home

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  14. Totally with you on Ikea. Sorry I don't have any advice as I'm still an apartment dweller (unfortunately!) and our apartment is so tiny we don't have space for everything so it spills over everywhere and we look like we belong on an episode of Hoarders. BUT those pictures of General at the end are sooo cute and I just needed to tell you that. :)

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  15. Congratulations!!!!! Interior decorating is one of my favorite things to do although I don't have much experience with a lot of space/rooms! As far as the microwave thing, I know a ton of people who have bought cart like things- similar to bart carts, but more cabinet-looking, if that makes sense and put the microwave on that. If you make the island happen somehow, I'm sure you can incorporate the microwave. For the living rooms, you can make one of the rooms more of a sitting area and have the other one with the tv and such. Here's a post about suggestions for your first house and staying within a budget. I thought it was interesting and might be helpful. http://www.chroniclesoffrivolity.com/2015/07/from-house-to-home/

    Happy Pinning and Decorating!!! Can't wait to see the finished product.

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  16. I think having an actual space to eat your dinner is nice--but especially if you enjoy having guests over. We used what was supposed to be a 2nd living room as a dining room, and that's been perfect because we love having friends over for dinner/brunch/etc. You don't even have to cook, sometimes it's nice to have a place to just sit and drink and be social. For furniture and such, I would recommend checking Overstock.com and Wayfair. I also love Joss and Main and One Kings Lane, but they are usually a bit pricier. And don't forget about Home Goods/Marshalls/TJ Maxx. Lastly, don't let yourself get overwhelmed by it all--you're obvi not going to get it all done at once. We moved into our house two years ago and there are still some rooms that don't even have light fixtures! It's always going to be a work in progress---just prioritize what you need and go from there.

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  17. LOVE IT!!

    For inspiration use: http://www.houzz.com/ (it's an app too) basically you'll fall in love with everything and it's a great place to save images for ideas/inspiration and DIY (it's pinterest exclusively for home décor)

    We're in a similar boat with patio furniture. We're just gonna rough it on lawn chairs this summer and then jump on the sales in September. Seasonal furniture gets a HUGE price cut off season so I'm hoping to snag a good deal.

    I'd suggest an "over john" for your master bath. Looks cute and gives you more storage. I agree with not having a formal dining. Could you do a family room and then a living room? The family room could be more comfy and casual and the living room a little fancier? When you entertain sometimes its nice to have two spaces for people to mingle and have different conversations.

    Anyway, so excited for you!! it's a lot of work but so much fun!!

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  18. Ah! How exciting! Congrats on this big move! The house is so cute - I can't wait to see what you do with it. So much possibility.

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  19. Congratulations on the big move! That's very exciting! I wish you and CB nothing but the best!

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  20. That is such a cute house! That tile in the master bath shower is absolutely gorgeous. And I love shopping at Ikea myself, even though I can only buy things that will fit in the back of the car.

    I have a few suggestions. Our kitchen is huge, but it doesn't have a decent place to put a microwave either. We got a large open 5-shelf wood and metal rack (on sale, World Market) and put it at the end of the counter against the wall. It holds the microwave at the perfect height so I don't have to bend over too much to see inside, and the other shelves are great for holding bigger things like the electric skillet that won't fit well in a cupboard.

    I've had showers like the one in your guest bath and yes, you can use a shower curtain in that kind. Get a tension rod and adjust it low enough so that the liner (use a heavier liner, the kind that has magnets in the bottom) comes down just far enough to touch the shower floor inside the rim. It won't come out while you're showering unless you kick it, and even then the water mess on the floor won't be as much as you think.

    As far as patio furniture goes, we spent just a bit less than $1000 last year for a patio set that was on sale at Home Depot, but we're still using it in the house because it's too nice to put outside. ;) If you want something a little less precious to use on the porch for now, though, Wal-Mart was already putting some of their outdoor furniture on clearance when I was there last week, which means Target will be too and they have cuter stuff IMO.



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  21. Congratulations!! I am no expert on decorating so I shall direct you to my pinterest board for home decor and stuff. There's more in other boards if you like this one. (www.pinterest.com/jaellexo/kitchen/).

    As for patio furniture, i am a memeber of a group on facebook where people buy/sell/trade stuff and they have lots of good things for that cheap! And in good conditions. You just have to search your area on Facebook.

    You have a lovely little home. As for Gee's question, you simply become one with the tree and will bring thr squirrel to you. :D

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  22. Your house is seriously dreamy!! The lighting and the finishes are amazing! I honestly can't WAIT for the day when I can have an office to myself.

    Jen at I Heart Organizing (http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/) is amazing when it comes to DIYs and decoraing in practical ways to maximize storage. I swear I could spend hours on her site! Jenna Sue (http://blog.jennasuedesign.com/) just did a post on decorating on a budget too!

    I have the tiniest ensuite so storage is a huge issue for me. I added a cabinet drawer from bed bath & beyond and a lazy susan from solutions under the sink so I can get at everything and it was life changing. You're lucky to have lots of wall space so use it for vertical storage! Interiors/DIYs are probably my favourite things to pin, so just in case you want it I'm just going to leave this here...https://www.pinterest.com/tvibblog

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  23. LOVE it!! Congrats!! We have a stand up shower in our lake house that looks like the one in your guest bathroom. It must be something about the way it is constructed because we don't have an issue with the water running out the sides of the shower. We just have a normal shower bar and shower curtain that we use. Yours is probably constructed the same way. Also, patio furniture is ridiculous! We lived in our home for nearly two years before purchasing a patio set. We ended up finding a great set on sale at Lowe's earlier this summer. Now is the perfect time to check out Lowe's or Home Depot since the season is winding down. Do you have a Wold Market near you? They run great sales on the their outdoor furniture near the end of the season, so keep an eye out.

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  24. We have an eat-in kitchen but rarely use it. We just bought a house too so I've been pinning storage/organization/decor stuff like crazy! https://www.pinterest.com/pin/258182991115077313/

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  25. So many things. First of all, congratulations! SO VERY EXCITING! Second, IKEA is the best. People who judge haven't been there. Next, my parents' house has a dining room, a family room, and a living room and I'm here to tell you that we only EVER used the living room. Dining room was for Thanksgiving and that's it. Also, our old apartment didn't have a place for a microwave, either, so it went on the counter and took up space. Ugh.

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  26. I don't see any space to put table or island in the kitchen it just looks almost like a walk through. I grew up having 2 sitting/living room one just had a dinning tabe at one end. I now only have 1 sitting & no dinning room at all.

    Ok what exactly is a stand-up shower? all showers are stand up aren't they

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  27. oh yeah most flats/appartments over here (UK) don't have a set area for a microwave, it just sits on the counter

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  28. Your dog looks so happy! haha!
    Congrats on the new house! What an exciting time! And you're right, they did it just right on the renovation. It looks amazing! I especially love that master bath.
    I wish I had more advice, but the only things I could think of are the one's I'll answer. Get some floating shelves for the bathroom (white would look good, but this is the idea: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/107734616060953283/ or http://bit.ly/1KKzq7f) Also, I would find a couple of big comfy papisan chairs for that back porch and just chill! I lucked out on Craigslist and found two for $100 last year! Best purchase ever.

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  29. Your kitchen seems a little small and not a lot of storage. So I really would use the dining room with a table, but also for storage. Maybe a cute buffet, a bakers rack, or cabinets to make a pantry.

    My master bath has a stand up shower. And the "lip" of the stall is probably only 2-3" high. I use a fabric shower curtain (not even a plastic one) and the water stays in.

    For patio furniture, it should start to go on clearance towards the end of this month and into August. That's my advice for all home purchases...try to wait until it goes on sale. No need to buy a BBQ first thing in the spring when you can buy it on clearance in the late summer.

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  30. Super stoked for you! Houses are so fun and you have amazing sunlight and an amazing outdoor area! apartmenttherapy.com and designsponge.com will give you great ideas. Sergio and I converted the study in our home into a dining space and we use it a ton. We prefer having a spot to eat dinner not in front of the TV, though we spend time eating in front of the TV, too.

    I bought ALL of our patio stuff on Craiglist. Our patio set was black and rusted when I bought it, but I scrubbed it, sprayed it with primer, and then sprayed it with spray paint and we love it. You can check it out here, though I am terrible at snapping progress photos: http://casitaalfresco.blogspot.com/2015/03/patio-sets-recent-outdoor-obsession.html

    I have tours of our casita rooms here: http://casitaalfresco.blogspot.com/p/casita-nuev.html. Maybe they can help you get started? Most of my blog is home decor-type stuff now, so maybe you can peruse it for ideas?

    That said, I scour ohdeardrea and 66 Square Feet (Plus) along with Style by Emily Henderson for inspo.

    Good luck! You are so creative. Your home and outdoor areas will be beautiful!

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  31. Oh! And we have a shower similar to yours, but it has double shower heads. The typical "liner" and shower curtain work absolutely fine. No spillage outside the shower at all.

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  32. Congrats, I love your new home! That guest bathroom shower is very interesting, like what were they thinking?! Have you tried the shower curtain anyways just to see if maybe it would work? IKEA is definitely a good bet!

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  33. Congrats Sarah, I lovelovelove it!! And I love you for putting all that out there... because you know it's nobody's damn business but people are nosey anyways and I love you for keeping it real!!

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  34. Congrats. Your kitchen reminds me a lot of mine except wider (lucky girl). In my house we have a microwave that is above the stove and has the built in hood. To add the ability to eat more in the kitchen, I would get a bar height table and place it on the wall area on the sink side. NOw your living room situation, give it time you will be amazed at how once everything gets combined you suddenly have a purpose for it. Your deck....one word: hammock.

    Lastly and the most important puppie problem....how to get the squirrels. Have mom place a bird feeder just at puppie nose height. It shall lure the squirrels down. The key to catch the squirrels then is to slow enter the yard and then run like hell. Ha ha.

    Congrats and Enjoy your new home!!

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  35. What a cute little house. So jealous of your backyard! Looks like the dogs are going to love it.

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  36. For the kitchen, I would not suggest an island or adding anything else that will take up floor space. It seems like there isn't a lot of floor space to begin with, and I think you will regret it.

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  37. What kind of shower doesn't come with a door??? lol and I apologize if I'm repeating something (didn't read all the comments - guilty) but it definitely looks like there's enough room about the stove to replace the fan with a microwave/fan combo!

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  38. Congrats!! First off, in your dining room/living room is the exact lighting fixture I have in my dining room! I love it! I liked doing a lot of my shopping at Home Goods (like I got a lot there!), Ikea, Wayfair, and locally...even Craig's List. It takes time to find all the right pieces. I wrote about it on my blog a little here: http://www.lifelovelauren.com/2014/10/10-things-i-wish-id-known-about.html

    Just make sure you have a hand in decorating it, because guys do some funny stuff: http://www.lifelovelauren.com/2012/11/what-house-would-look-like-decorated-by.html

    Oh and for that shower, I think it would just look amazing if you were able to invest in the glass door. That would be sweet!!

    Oh and I have had kitchens where you just have to pick a spot to lose the counter space and place your microwave.

    And I wish I could help out on the outdoor furniture thing. I wish I had the large to drop for the decor outside.

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  39. I LOVE it!! I bought my house last August it was built in the 50's. I love so many of the features but so much needs to be updated that I don't know where to start. I am in serious lust over your master bath. What is it with dogs expecting to get off paying rent because they give kisses. My dogs expect the same thing. I think they need to be making me millions like that grumpy cat.

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  40. Congrats!! Try View Along the Way (http://www.viewalongtheway.com/) for amazing DIY home improvement, lots of tips, money saving ideas, flea market finds, etc. Really great site! Also, try Target for outdoor furniture, it holds up well and isn't too bad price wise. Best of luck!

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  41. So excited for you two. We have two living rooms and love it. One is more the "family room" and it has our sectional and its where we tend to hang out with the TV. The other is more a cozy reading place/more formal. Moving in with J before we got married was the best thing we did for our relationship so go for it.

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  42. Buy a microwave with hood vent and mount it over the stove you will not regret it and they are relatively cheap...good investment. Also wait until patio furniture goes on sale at the end of Summer.

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  43. I've never had a house, so I'm not much help, but oh my goodness this place is gorgeous! I'm so jealous!!!

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  44. Yayyyy! Congratulations! That house is so charming!

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  45. First of all, congratulations! That's so exciting.

    So I am the daughter of an interior designer and have therefor become very close to being one myself. I have many, MANY ideas to hopefully help. Or just be an annoying commenter. Whichever. Definitely check out Homegoods for island/table/all furniture help! It's the home store version of Marshall's/T.J. Maxx. If you don't have one in Dallas, then at least a couple of your Marshall's/T.J. Maxxes should have large home sections featuring Homegoods items. This furniture is usually a higher quality than Ikea, but it's cheap. They could actually hopefully help a lot of your furniture needs! That's where I got a lot of my stuff when I moved while living in Nashville because the closest Ikea was in Atlanta.

    Also, I have SO many Pinterest boards devoted to interior design. I blame my mother. www.pinterest.com/katealmostgreat

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  46. Congrats on the house, that looks like such a beautifully remodeled home. The nice thing is that it's basically a blank canvas where you can do just about anything your heart desires. The best and budget friendly places to get furniture, decor, etc would have to be Home Goods & T.J. Maxx, they have the cutest stuff at a fraction of the price anywhere else. Can't wait to see how you guys decorate and make this home yours!!

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  47. Congrats! From a girl who has lived with a boy (it was a total Rachel-Monica moment) and is still currently living with one without being engaged or married, DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY! I am so happy for you!

    Okay, you do not have the time to sit and listen to ALL my ideas for this house. It is kinda my thing, and I love it. David and I do house projects all the time and we decorate and make more trips to home depot than I would like to admit. So, my advice to you is.... GET ON PINTEREST. Stat! There are 156873+ ideas on there. You can follow mine .... https://www.pinterest.com/stacybelle9/ There are all sorts of money-saving DIY ideas on Pinterest. Check out my 'must do' and my 'backyard patio' boards. Also, Just want to say that house is adorable!! I LOVE the subway tile backsplash! Also, get yourself one of these.... http://www.target.com/p/threshold-enclosed-kitchen-island/-/A-16543978#prodSlot=medium_1_3&tempterm=kitchen+island+on+wheels Great for a microwave and you can move it out of your way when you parrtayy! ;) Good luck! Have fun! (I'm totally jealous)

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  48. Girlfriend, I am seriously excited for you! I love everything about this house as well. Ok, so I don't own a house but you asked for input so here's mine:

    Because of apt living, I used to keep my microwave on top of the fridge. I see you have cabinets there though. Perhaps take out the stove hood and add a microwave with an exhaust fan?

    I just love all the floors in this place, and the master bathroom - LOVE! As for storage, what's the closet situation look like? Ample closets I hope?

    TJ Maxx, Marshals, and Home Goods will be your new best friends for décor. They have the cutest stuff some times. And if it's clearance, even better!

    I like the room leading to the deck as the main living room. Or a "den" if you will. Maybe use the other room as a formal dining room just in case. Friends/family over for parties/holidays?

    To answer Gee's questions... bribe them with whole peanuts. They love those things.

    The only issue I'm having is that I'm wondering where MY room is?!

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  49. The only real thing I'm wondering is I can move in too? Seriously, you've got a stunner! XO

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  50. I wish rent could be paid in kisses....
    that house is PERFECT. like actually perfect. the white and light colors... perfect! congrats on moving in together!

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  51. Congrats on the house! As for the microwave in the kitchen, depending on the size of it you might could put it in a cabinet if you have a big enough space? Or maybe look into a microwave/vent-a-hood combo. I know that's more $ but would avoid putting it on the counter. I love the blog I Heart Organizing, Jennifer does a great job at finding a place for everything - & her designs are beautiful!! & we have a breakfast nook & dining room - love them both & use them both! Especially when we have parties! As for patio furniture we got a set at World Market for about $200. Love seat, 2 chairs & a table! They aren't anything big or super fancy but, they work for our smaller patio!

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  52. I'm a little late reading this post, and someone has probably already said this, but Craiglist was great for us when we bought our house. I know it can be sketchy, so be safe...don't meet someone alone, I'm sure you know the drill. We bought furniture for the inside and outside of our house from Craiglist. My favorite find was a cute set of two metal chairs and a little table for on our deck for $25! I saw a table just like it at Bed Bath and Beyond today, and the table alone was $20, so I feel like it was a great deal. And it's lasted 3 years already and still looks new! Good luck :)

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  53. Go read:

    Teal & Lime: www.tealandlime.com
    Centsational Girl: www.centsationalgirl.com
    IHeart Organizing: iheartorganizing.blogspot.com
    Clean Mama: www.cleanmama.net

    You can thank me later <3 lol

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  54. Gardenart furniture Company Ltd is the leadiing manufacturer of hgh-end outdoor space furniture.http://www.gardenarteu.com lt is located in the city center of Guangzhou, the garden furniture company south China and boasts of both nationwide and wordwide clientele base. pool outdoor furniture Since its establishment, it has been mainly concerned with developiing new designs. The corecompetence of this Company has been presentiing new and original designs each season. Their products have achieved great market acceptance. Gardenart furniture has been featured as affordable

    ReplyDelete

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