living room floor plans.

We have been in desperate need of living room furniture.  We have been sitting on a tiny love seat and two chairs that were given to me when an elderly family member passed away.  

What we have right now is way too small for the space... and so far away from our taste it's laughable.  I have to excuse the furniture anytime someone new comes to our home.  It is time for an upgrade.

 We have been saving up for the last few months and I'm so pleased to announce that we finally ordered our very first sofa!

We decided on the Pottery Barn "Pearce" 3 piece sectional sofa.  We have seen it in the stores and I think it's going to be perfect.  We have a very odd foot pattern in our living room, so we had to do a lot of measuring and taping on the carpets to be sure the flow would still work.  I also scored a 10% and 15% off code so I feel pretty good about the grand total.  

(Although this is the most we've ever spent on furniture.  But on second thought, the only other piece of furniture we actually purchased was that tv stand for about $400... ha!  I love a good hand-me-down.)

Here is a photo of the space (as of right now) - meaning I didn't clean up at all. 

The "holes" in the wall directly under this writing are the two windows you see in the photo.

 And here is a photo of the sectional (via google).  It doesn't appear large... but I'm so glad I got the dimensions from the website and put painters tape on the carpet to gauge the actual size.  The Husband and I will both fit on this couch without being on top of each other.  I cannot wait!

The "swing" of our couch will be facing the opposite direction, as you can see from my fancy pants floor plan below (/sarcasm).  You can see that we will keep one of the fugly chairs and matching ottoman for the right side of the room.  Eventually it will be reupholstered, as it's very comfortable (much to my dismay).  The second fugly chair will go into the playroom, as it's a rocker and I anticipate it being handy with little ones someday.  I'm just too practical to toss them.  

...And then eventually we will add to this plan.

I'm looking for a large leather ottoman (opposed to a coffee table).

I also hope to get a console table to cover the back of the couch from the view from the kitchen.  

And last but not least... an armless chair next to the tv stand.  This idea boggles The Husbands mind because "WHO would sit in a chair that didn't face the television?????".  yeah.  

 The delivery date for the couch has been set for two weeks from today.  I think the change is going to be dramatic and I cannot wait!

... p.s.  if I were to post that love seat on craigslist - how much $ would you ask for?  It's a down couch and I'm pretty sure it's custom and was (at some point) a very expensive couch.  It's in great condition but the fabric is just not easy on the eyes.  How about helping me gauge what to list it for??

mmmmhhmmm. Look at those legs

ohhhhhhhh. and that back side. 

and what she's workin' with up top...

Oh hey there!

We got our very first grown-up dining room table.  Exciting stuff!!

(Yes, we have lived in this house for 9 months and the dining room was completely empty for all (approx) two hundred and seventy days.)

A dining room table never seemed like a priority when we didn't have a full sized couch, kwim?  Furnishing a new house (that it twice the size of where you moved from) is a very, very slow process. 

My grandfather recently offered to pass down his table to us (in addition to that beautiful cobalt blue glass).  My parents loaded this set into a u-haul and delivered it this weekend.  And I just love it.

It's nothing I would have ever picked - but I'm really falling for it.  It's much more formal than I would ever choose - but really... If you can't be formal in the formal dining room... where can you?  

I imagine the white (white... where you eat... insanity) seats will be need to be reupholstered the day after our first formal dining experience... but I'm going to enjoy them while they're here, and still white.

Pulled back view from the entry way

It came with an extra leaf, so it easily seats 6 (the extra chairs are on either side of the window).  We initially had the extra leaf in the table, with it running front to back opposed to our current side to side setup) and there was plenty of room.  However, I preferred the side to side look, so we hid the extra leaf under a table... and when we need to feed six people at a time I will just turn the table 90 degrees to accommodate everyone.  

With the dining room furnished (not even close to styled, or complete) I can focus on the big changes that will be happening very soon in our living room!  

Eventually I hope to get a buffet, or large china hutch on the far wall.  In addition some art and color will really help this room feel more finished.  Sooooome daaaaaaay ooooooover the raaaaaainnnnbowww.  

the perfect shade of blue.

  My grandmother loved cobalt blue glass.  I'm not sure where she acquired it from, but it was always displayed in her guest bathroom.  As a child, I remember being mesmerized by this glass because (obviously) I was only allowed to look... not touch.  I thought it was the the most fancy glass I had ever seen, with such a beautiful color.

When my grandmother passed, that was the only thing I knew wanted from her house.  My grandfather, eight years later, is now ready to start letting go of a few in their home.  I was practically giddy when he remembered how much I loved the blue glass.  He asked my parents to pack it up and bring it to me the next time they visited.   

Once I had an opportunity to unpack the glass (and give it a good wash), I set up the blue glass in my own bathroom.  It only seems fitting that it belongs there.  I had the perfect empty shelf that needed this blue glass.   Years later, I am still mesmerized by the beauty and the memories this glass collection holds.  

The perfect shelf:

And they are so perfect to photograph.

A fancy glass shoe.  It "says" my grandmother so perfectly.

The only damaged piece is a vase with  a small crack. The glass is so thin, it makes me wonder how old it could be. 

Aren't the lines on this vase just perfect?

This little vase might be my favorite.  It has such personality.

My grandmother loved glass baskets.  She had many though her house.  I'm so glad there was one in cobalt blue.  

Another shot of the sassy glass shoe. 

Since this collection is living in my bathroom... I thought I would give a few of them bathroom "duties". Enter q-tips and cotton balls.  

This photo is from the husband's vantage point when he's standing in front of his sink.  Not too shabby. 

(and yes, we plan on eventually hanging something on that huge, blank wall.  eventually.  I guess I was subconsciously waiting for the cobalt blue to inspire me.)

I plan on adding to this cobalt collection.  I will be keeping my eyes peeled for estate sales and antique shops that have this beautiful shade of blue.  

If I'm lucky, when I'm long gone, someone will remember the fancy glass in my bathroom... and it will hold equally wonderful memories.  I can only hope.  

getting to first base was never this easy.

I am (oddly) fascinated by the way people choose to organize their cabinets.  I took a lot of time when we first moved in to find the best location for every item.  I thought about how I would unload the dishwasher, where I would do the most food preparation, where The Husband could easily grab the plates and bowls when setting the table that wouldn't interfere with food preparation.  I probably spent FAR too much time mapping it out.

However, it's perfect.

So I thought.

My sister visited for the first time a few weeks ago.  She was in the kitchen and I heard her yell "I can't find anything in your kitchen!  You put stuff in the strangest places!"

hrumph.

So I took pictures.  And now I'm showing you what's underneath my cabinet doors.

This is the cabinet to the high right of the sink.  It's also directly to the left of the fridge.  (Yes, my kitchen is a mess.  Welcome to my real life)

 It holds glasses, cups, etc.  I think it's easy with the fridge being right there to fill 'er up.  

The glassware I don't use much is on the top shelf because I'm so short.  To reach those I must hike one leg onto the counter top and climb my way up.

Directly below that is the low cabinets that holds bake ware.  It's messy... but real.  this is where I store cookie sheets, casserole dishes, etc.  Also, cutting boards because I use those very often.  

And just for the sake of keepin' it real... under the sink.  A disaster.  

On the opposite side of the kitchen...

The left cabinet is pretty small and holds useless things that I don't want to find another place for:

a fake pumpkin, lunch boxes, a knife box, and a food scale.

Next to it is all my dishes.  I looooove my Crate and Barrel dishes.  Crisp and white.

Top shelf is a few 'display' plates and the white box is blades for my food processor.

From left to right (middle shelf):  Medium sized plates, small bread plates, cereal bowls.
From left to right (bottom shelf):  dinner plates, bistro bowls, more cereal bowls.

Directly below the cabinets above are these lower cabinets.  This area is open through all three doors which makes storage much easier.  From left to right:  On the shelf a hand held mixer that I have never used, and below are some awesome serving plates, gravy bowls, etc that all match and I bought on clearance at Pier One after the Holidays.  With a gift card.  Score.

To the right is a total mess of pots, pans ad lids.  I haven't figured out a better way to store these... but I'm sure there is a way.  The pipe sticking out of the wall is the gas control.  So if there was a leak and I would need to climb over the pots and pans to turn it off at the wall.  

Back up high (to the right of the plates, and over the microwave) is a practically unusable cabinet.  The vent outside takes up a lot of square footage and makes it awkward to put anything up there.  For right now my great grandmother's antique cookie jar lives there (Crrrrrrrreeeeppy) and crystal champagne flutes we received from our wedding, and used once over our honeymoon.  

To the right once again...

The counter space under these cabinets I use the most for preparation.  It's also directly to the right of the stove top/oven so it's pretty convenient for all things cooking related.  From left to right, top to bottom:

waffle maker, excess of water bottles, orange bowl of candy that I keep too high for me to reach

handheld stick mixer (never used), nesting class bowls (about 8 of them), food prep/processor (that little gadget gets a work out in my kitchen for things like garlic chopping... love it), and you can barely see the stand to my blender.  In the cabinet over that is a disaster of Tupperware.

Bottom shelf is three mixing bowls times two, and then vitamins on the right to remind me to take them.  

As I said, this is a pretty busy area for me and this is the photo of what is below.

The spot with nothing in it usually holds a toaster oven - but it was being used.  To the right is a mini grill/sand which press (rarely used) and stacks of muffin pans and cooling racks on top of it.
Below is a cheese grader, crock pot, toaster, potato ricer (awesome at making delicious mashed potatoes), and a strainer with The Husbands water jug inside of it.  You can't see to much further, but there is also a turkey pan/rack in there somewhere...

So there you have it.  My kitchen took you to first base,  and showed off her goodies.  

And while you're still here... do any of you know of a better way to store those pots/pans that would take up less cabinet space?

3 years. 1 day.

Yesterday The Husband and I celebrated our three year wedding anniversary.  Much to my pleasure, it fell on a Tuesday so there wasn't much fanfare.  As we cuddled on the couch we talked about how different things are, compared to January of 2009.  When we first married The Husband was still in graduate school and I was barely able to make ends meet, myself.  Since then, The Husband finished school and (7 months later) found a great job, I was promoted, we've gone on a few vacations, built a home, and really established ourselves in a lot of different ways.  Compared to three years ago, our lives seem easier now... but I look back and can really appreciate the simplicity when we first married.  We were so happy, so broke, and so very in love.  

all photos by Melissa Glynn - 2009

Happy three years to us.

I'm so in love with The Husband, and I am looking forward to see what the next three years (and counting!) have in store.

eager eyes.

I'm going to save you from yet another 2011 month-by-month recap in your google reader.

You're welcome.

However, I will say that unlike 85% of the American population, 2011 was pretty good to us.  We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary, kept our jobs and both received raises, celebrated our 27th and 29th birthdays, built our first home, spent a small fortune on decorating said home and some other pretty great stuff.  There was some incredibly difficult moments too... but I've moved on from those, and with eager eyes I cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store for my family.  

I have plans.

The Husband has plans.

...and then there will be what actually happens while we are busy planning.

My only resolution goal for 2012 is to try my best to not miss those things.  I don't want to miss those little moments that are happening right in front of me, that I missed in the past, only because I was too busy making plans.  

It's been so long.

Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year my blogging has taken a big hit.  I just haven't been able to sit down and dedicate time to this little hobby of mine.  Several things have changed around our casa before we rang in 2012.  I planned on multiple small posts, but I just need to regurgitate all that has happened and start fresh in this new year.

A quick run-down of the changes:

• 8 of our window 'shams' had to be replaced (thank yooooou home warranty!).  When we would open our windows, they were pretty loose in the frame (at the top) so we had each of them custom measured and re-fit into the window frame.  They are much tighter and overall, we are very happy with the warranty work from our builder.  Don't forget, we also had the bathroom tub and tile re-done last month.  

• Hung art work in our extended entry way:

 Believe it or not, there is something at Anthropologie that sells for less than $100.  It is this colorful striped paper that I purchased (for $12!).   A girl can never have enough pretty paper, and I took that opportunity to prove to the Husband that I COULD go into that store and not come out in debt.

 Eventually, Aaron's Brothers had a big sale where I purchased three frames and mats, then got to hanging.  Note that is is all one (large) piece of paper.  I just turned the paper upside down on the far right, and turned it vertical in the center.  It's not a Monet - but it fills the space nicely.  

 Eventually, I hope to get a piece of furniture to place under this to hold shoes.  Right now, shoes just live on the floor - but I have my eye on this beauty:

It's tall, dark and oh so functional.  I foresee this to be a great landing place for my purse, keys, etc (oh, and shoes).  The Husband and I both hate shoes on in the house - and I hate clutter... so this is a great way to disguise my stinky Toms and the Husbands sweaty sneakers.  Also, the ceilings are 14 feet high in this entry way, so getting tall (and shallow) piece of furniture will work well.

• Hung all of our University of Texas "art" in the playroom:

These pictures are from official UT programs from the 1940s and 1950s.  They were all in a calendar we received as a gift (back in 2010).  The pictures were perforated and perfect for an 11"x14" frame.  Again, the Aaron's Brothers "buy one, get one for a penny" deal to the rescue!  We purchased the Texas star at a local grocery store, and the license plate art was a gift as well.  I'm still missing one frame on the left, as there was a screw issue.  It will be up soon.  I hope to eventually place a couch/furniture on this wall, so I purposely hung them high.  The playroom is still 100% empty - but we have big plans for it in 2012.

• Hung more shit in the extended entry way

Our entry long.  Very long.  See here:

See all that empty space between the front door and the arch?  I haven't even gotten there yet.  I'm still trying to fill up the space post-arch.  

I purchased these door hangers at Aaron's Brothers when I bought the frame.  

I adore that they are keys.  And it really goes perfectly with the Pottery Barn keys I hung in the entrance from the garage into this extended entry way (lots of entries happening there, huh?)

Ah.  Cohesiveness.  It's rare in this big, empty house.  But moments like this make me feel like it's possible.  

Please note the new paper art and the coat hangers on the right.  The wedding photo gallery that I hung almost immediately upon move in is on the left.  Oh, and all the shoes on the floor.  

The random picture on the floor is the UT poster that I still have yet to hang. 

Sadly, we are 6 months into living in this home... and I still think it feels very "new construction" and not home-y.  I know we will get there eventually but it is going to require more time, and a lot more furniture.   Hanging things on the walls certainly helps while we save up the cash for real pieces of furniture.  

Anyone have an idea for the wall at the end of our bowling ally entry way?  (in the photo above it's the wall with the thermostat).  It's the first wall you clearly see when you walk in and it needs SOMETHING.