The ____ Room: The Room With All Sorts Of Names!

The loo, the rain closet, the shit house, the office the standers & sitters room. It's got all sorts of great names. Call it what you want. That's why I left a blank spot in the title just for you. If you've got any other names for it, we're happy to hear them. We find those sorts of things to be quite funny. We, on the other hand, just call ours the bathroom. It's simple, it's not even funny, and to be honest, it's pretty lame. That may need to change.

I've decided that if you spend part of your life in the bathroom, it only makes sense to make it a comfy spot to be in. They don't call it the throne for nothing, right? So why not decorate it, make it feel comfy, and give it a fresh feeling (as fresh as a bathroom could ever feel, right?) Feel me? Finding humor in it all was a must...when you've got a bowel disease, part of your family has various bowel diseases, and you happen to be a nurse, you start to have a sick humor. It happens. Appreciate the humor in some of the decor or don't. I won't care either way. If nothing else, they've made for great conversation pieces.

Scroll down to see how we've begun to make a small-medium sized 1940s bathroom work for us...
our style. our humor. best ways to organize. and it's character.

Our Bathroom:

part redone, part not at all redone. I've decided it's a nice combo. In fact, I like to chalk it up by using the phrase "it gives it character." When in fact, we are nowhere near the ability (time & financially) to redo what's not updated. For all we know, those cabinets were from the 1940s when the house was built. Like I said...Character. Thank goodness for a can of paint to spiff them up real quick...

Baskets:

World Market-$12.99. Walmart-$5.99-$8.99 (size dependent).

I'll let you decide where you want to shop. You can probably guess which one I went with.

Top left basket is for my daily necessities, bottom left basket is for the rare days I ever do my hair, bottom right basket are hair items I use frequently for the days I never do my hair, and 

top right is Ty's side. I figured I should give him a little spot in the bathroom for a few of his things.

How nice of me, right?

Disregard the lovely looking paper on the shelves. Again, it's the home's "character".

One day, some day these will disappear and we will find something more appealing to fix it up with.

Whoever came up with baskets for a cute way to store things was a genious. 

I praise you for that.

If your baskets don't fit in your cabinets, take off the handles. For our large baskets I had to

do this. It's not rocket science, you can figure it out.

Shelves:

Ty's craftiness and homemade ability with a little assistance from his Dad to get them on the wall.

Don't ask how he made them. I saw the beginning of them, then the end of them.

They are due to be stained one day some day by this gal...whenever it is I get around to it.

The Antique Razor & Brush:

this was given to Ty as a gift. It's easy access for Ty when he wants to use it. Otherwise it gets

to sit pretty on the shelf. It fits perfect in its spot on this shelf.

The Pot & Plant:

Ikea. I think everybody has this pot and a succulent from them.

let's get real. I'm pretty sure this pot and plant doesn't fit the theme we've got going. However,

before we got all the decor up and going this was the first thing in the bathroom. Hence

the reason it's still here and will be here until I decide otherwise.

The Urinal:

I wish you were all at the antique store when I found this. You'd think I found gold. And most of you know I'm not kidding. If this doesn't get you, you may die when you find out what else came with this lovely decor piece...a bed pan. A freaking, Metal. Bedpan. Tell me you didn't really die now that I've told you. You better believe I bought both items. They were suppose to go together on the shelf but the bedpan was too big. Trust me, I'll find another purpose for it...like planting flowers in it or something ;-)

Chalkboard Frame:

our wedding. Used at two other weddings.

It just so happened we were playing around with what would go on the shelves and this was thrown up there as a chalkboard frame that would be used. Well it was never updated. Once we thought about what it said and where it was located (in the bathroom)...we decided it needed to stay there in that form. Maybe we'll change it one day. Maybe we won't. Until then, we will laugh at the fact it by chance ended up in here next to the Poopourri.

Poopourri:

St. Vincent Hospital if you want a large selection. Bed Bath & Beyond if you want two option.

All all fabulous and hilarious all in one bottle. Get one, I dare you. 

Basket:

Walmart.

Apothecary Lotion & Bath Salts:

World Market.

I overpaid for these stupid things. I knew I was overpaying when I was overpaying, if that even makes sense. I also knew they were the only things I've found that had the similar style of the bathroom, 

that didn't make me feel sick when I smelled them, and fit well together in the basket. I'm pretty sure I paid more for these things than I paid for everything else combined in the bathroom. Not exactly my

shining moment or the best deal, but apparently I caved into it anyway.

Chalkboard Sign:

Craft Warehouse

I'm a nurse. I hate when patients wipe themselves and don't think to wash their hands afterwards. Or the moment they pass their hands through the running water then dry them off immediately (as though it "counts" as washing). It doesn't count, it never counts. More often than not, they decline which you can guarantee I make my "grossed out" face in my mind. So if you plan on coming to my house and you happen to use the bathroom, plan on washing your hands. If you don't, plan on this sign haunting you the rest of the time you're at my house. 

Fair enough?

The Rock:
found on an adventure in Colorado.
Chris & Courtney, you will always be thought of in our bathroom! ;-)

The Pot & Plant:
Ikea. Duh.
Again, another one of those first items in the bathroom. It may stay, it may go.
I'm kinda feelin' this one so it just may stay put in it's spot.
No judging my combo of antique and succulent decor.

As always, we still have work to do to finish it all up. I apparently like to give updates along the way if you couldn't tell from the rest of the house posts. Why save it to it's completed state when 

you can see how we truly live in it for the time being. You can just live through the posts so you don't have to actually live through the uncompleted process with us. We'll spare you that much!

Here's to partly completed bathrooms, bathrooms with humor, and never ending house projects. 

♥T&C

The Papa Joe Table: Making Memories on Memories

There's nothing like receiving a gift that once served a purpose in someone else's home, especially after that person has passed away (and can you all believe, it's been nearly a year since he's passed?!). Papa Joe's picnic table served a purpose of family gatherings during holidays and even more so, all our birthdays. Lots of memories, lots of wear and tear, and then it settled into my parent's backyard once Grandma and Grandpa found a new table. After Papa Joe died, my dad left that picnic table in their backyard. Unsure what he'd use it for, he tucked it away for a "one day, some day" type of use. Well, that "one day, some day" came over and spotted that gem hiding in the backyard....that someone? It was me. Duh. And although my parents offered to buy a brand new backyard furniture set, I chose this beauty....because there were many more memories to be had with this old guy!

How To Repurpose Moderate Sized Wood Furniture

Supplies

1 electric sander

5 pieces sandpaper (120; for sanding)

4 pieces sandpaper (220; for finishing after the major sanding)

1 can stain

3 packs cheese cloth

1 oil paint brush

Step 1: 

sand your wood furniture with 120 grit sandpaper

Keep sanding...

That's right...keep sanding til you get everything off that you need or until desires smoothness

Step 2:

Once you feel like you've sanded enough, use your 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out 

everything you've just done.

Step 3:

Use you cheese cloth on your entire piece of furniture to get all the gunk off.

Step 4: 

apply your first coat of stain

*tip: dip your paint brush into the stain, skim off one side against the side of the can,

and when applying the stain to your furniture be sure to use the same motion each time

(that's what the guy at Home Depot told me...he said the dummies go back and forth, back

and forth. I didn't want to be a dummy so I did one motion...most of the time ;-) )

all the different textures and colors bring the table so much more character...

one of my favorite things!

I loved the texture and different color it initially turned out with just one coat that I almost considered leaving it this way. However, my mind was absolutely set on having a stained black table...

which brings me to step 5.

Step 5: 

apply your second coat of stain once the first coat is dry

tip: do not do in the heat of the day!

Thanks to my dad for the gift, Papa Joe for the memories, and cheers to the repurposed Papa Joe

picnic table we look forward to using and making more memories with!

♥Cori Lou

Making A Backyard Come Together On A Dime (+ some)

Nobody can make a fire pit area on a dime. Let's get real. And if you can, please let me know how you did it. I'd be amazed by your abilities. The only way we were able to get away with making our backyard what it is today is via a few freebies, repurposed items, sale items, and gifts. 

Curious how we did it? Check it out below!

(PS-things aren't officially complete back here. However, we figured we'd share our tips on how to
get an inexpensive DIY backyard gathering area)

Welcome to the Stanley backyard!

The Fire Pit Area

"The Lounger"

-made of 6 pallets, given to us free by Ty's Dad

-old wood to cover the pallets from Ty's childhood home's fence (again, free)

-1 ikea twin mattress pad ($79)

-8 various sized ikea pillows (2.99-6.99)

-fabric from Joanns (used 50% coupons, various prices depending size of pillow) made by Ty's Mom

-casters from Home Depot (8.99 each)

The lounger is in full use, but it still needs to be stained...

it will happen sometime. When...who knows?!

Display the wood in a fun basket. You can always change the color with spray paint

or in this case, I left it like this to bring in some more color around the fire pit!

-giant basket: Home Goods ($35)

S'mores Table!

-ikea table ($15)

-mason jar with flowers (free from our wedding)

-Solar powered mason jar light (free, housewarming gift)

-milk bucket (Home Goods, $15)

-fire pit sticks (free, a wedding gift package from my parents)

-s'mores basket, not shown (free, was a gift package)

Fire Pit

-the "pit" and cover (free, part of the wedding gift from my parents)

-stones from Lowe's (free, used 15% coupon and gift card given to us from a housewarming gift)

Fire Pit Seating

-tree stumps (free)

The story behind these is that they are called Trees To Heaven, a tree that originates from

an Asian country. Ty was driving through the neighborhood and saw all these stumps in our

neighbor's driveway. He knew we'd eventually get around to finding some stump seats to place around the fire pit, but God decided to place this lovely gift right in front of us! Ty knocked on our neighbors door and asked what they planned on using them for and their plan consisted of nothing...so guess

who got some free, neat, old tree stumps!

And for the kids...

-adirondack chairs (6.99 from Ace Hardware), then spray painted black

The Deck/Eating Area

This whole area still has some updates to come...things such as eventually getting around to

making or finding neat old stools for the table, staining the deck, getting a new umbrella for the

table, and the list seems to continue on. It has served it's great purpose is providing an outdoor

eating area for us so I suppose we're in good enough shape for the time being.

One day, some day we'll show you how it turns out once it's complete. 

Until then...here's the DIY deck and eating area!

This is the upper level area of the deck. One step below is another part of the deck (where I'm standing)

where we like to utilize the space for our beverage area for gatherings...

-umbrella (gift from a few years ago; someday we'll get a new one to go with the table)

-potted flowers (gift from my mom; she found them, pots and all, on sale at Fred Meyers for only $20!)

-table (see below)

"The Table"

-this table once belonged to Papa Joe. My dad had stored it in their backyard for quite some time,

unsure what he had planned on using it for. Well he found it's purpose and a great new home.

-needless to say, it was a free, wonderful gift to be given as we will cherish it and 

the memories from it!

-it was partly painted and need a little fixing up, but you can see that DIY blog post another day!

-bench (free/repurposed)

-this bench was once the "bar" to the hot tub cover the previous owners had on the side

of the house. We had no intentions in getting a hot tub, so we've repurposed all the wood and

it's frame for other things...one of them being a bench for the deck. More seating = bigger parties!

The Beverage Deck

-ikea beverage cart ($89)...great for a lemonade bar, a mixed drinks bar, or serving cart

-large tin ($20, Home Goods)...great for keeping beverages cold as a giant ice bucket!

And a sneak peek to our "one day, some day" chicken coop...

-wood frame, eventually our chicken coop (free; repurposed from the old hot tub cover)

We've covered two spaces. One large fire pit area and two parts to our deck. The grand total was approximately $375, which I must say isn't too bad. Sure, it's not dimes and nickels but I like to think of it in a bigger picture...some people buy really nice outdoor table furniture anywhere from $200-$500 and that's not including the fire pit, additional seating, and serving/catering pieces. A big thanks to all those who provided a way in making our backyard on a budget!

Hopefully you not only got a little insight on what our backyard gathering area looks like, but maybe a few extra ideas on how to pinch pennies to get your backyard ready on a budget! 

♡T&C

Bringing Life To The Spare Room

We have too many bedrooms for two people who sleep in the same room. Someday we plan to fill them with children, but not yet. In fact, not for a while (hopefully that answers some of your questions ;-) ). So in the meantime, what do you do with those extra rooms in the house? As most people do, we made one of our rooms into a spare bedroom for our guests or mostly people who housesit for us like my brother and cousin. Well they don't share the bed by any means, but one of the two use it while they're here. I'm sure you knew what I meant.

I also decided to take over the room for myself as well. The closet is nearly a walk-in closet for me since I can fit myself in there. It just wasn't meant to be a true walk-in closet. Who said you can't make believe? And did I mention the previous owners put in an ikea-like set up in there? I don't care what any of you say about Ikea, I'm in love with the organization of this closet. In. Love. That's right. Plus it was only fair that I got the biggest closet in the house though, wouldn't you agree? 

That's what I thought too.

Here's the mini tour of what we've got started in the spare room. Mind you, all the pieces were either given to us, fixed up by Ty, or made by me.

That bed...a gift from my Mom & Dad. 

Best spare bed for those nights too hot to sleep upstairs.

The lamp....ikea special.

That old chair you wonder about...a chair from Papa Joe's study 

(given to us years ago from the two of them)

The basket...a birthday gift that came with various sizes to match.

That dresser...a freebie that Ty sanded and stained.

That bird cage...a gift from a good friend, Kari.

That crystal piece...a gift from Ty's grandparents. It is fabulous when it's all lit up!

And that wall art...my nature walk stick find, a ball of yarn, and some wood beads all came together (idea from Kelli Murray's blog). For some of you, you may remember a picture I posted many weeks ago...that one with a stick and a piece of yarn? Well that eventually became this guy. It's currently hanging on the wall for now, but one of these days I'll finish painting the last detail that belongs to it. One day. Just not today and probably not tomorrow.

I'm taking a minimalist approach to the decor if you couldn't tell. It makes the room look clean and spacious with the fewer amount of things taking up the space. And yes, there's barely any color. I know. Once I find the right fabric to cover the small pillow and a neat blanket, the color will make a pop to the room. And if I never find what I'm looking for, then I'm still ok with this look.

Of course, there is still a few things needed to finish off this space such as night stand(s), bed frame, & a few books...that being said, if any of you happen to spot wire night stands and a few Native American books holler at me. And by holler, I mean send me a message, text me, scream at me if you spot me around town. Any of the above works. Thanks in advance!

Looking forward to sharing updates with you whenever it is I get around to finding those long lost items that belong in this room. Until then, hope you enjoyed the beginnings to the spare room!

♡C. Lou

That Growin' Garden

Why is it that every time I go out and about, I find myself in the store's bathroom? Why did I go to the antique store 5 minutes from our house, stop in for maybe 15 minutes, and couldn't wait til I got home? Apparently I love bathrooms. Seriously, message me if you're in trouble and you need that emergency bathroom...I know who's open when, what ones are clean, and which have great decor. And it's been confirmed my gut is good after that EGD, so I can't blame the celiac disease. Instead, I blame metabolism. Or was it all the junk I had for dinner the night before (that cookie and Kind bar)??
That's all besides the point and you most likely didn't care whatsoever.
But tough luck, you got it anyway.

Anyway, you remember that garden I once exposed you to, but never got around to giving the details? Apparently I was a bit too tired working 4 out of the last 5 days with a 16 hour day thrown in amongst those. Not that you cared anyway because I'm sure you were busy doing more important things than reading the blog...like enjoying the beautiful weather! But that garden of ours, it's going nuts. And sometimes nuts is a good thing. Check it out, gets some ideas for your garden, some thought on 

DIY projects, and maybe even find your green thumb!

Welcome to The Growin' Garden

Letters: Michaels

Paint: already had at home (can find at any craft store)

Wall hooks (on the back of the letters): Ace hardware

*The Decor*

Old rusted rim: antique store

Window: garage sale

Chairs: IKEA

(the chairs do have a matching table that is super cute)

The table: garage sale find by my mother-in-law; ready to be repurposed!

The plates: repurposed (from our wedding)

The plate hangers: Joanns fabric & craft store

The ladder: antique store

The flower & super cute plastic pot: Lowe's

*The Produce*

Raspberries: 

given to me by Kari's grandpa and some purchased from a lovely older man

at the farmer's market...even planted a golden raspberry bush!

Lime tree: Home Depot

Large Pot: Lowes

Dwarf meyer lemon bush/shrub: Lowes

Medium Pot: Lowes

Raised beds: Shurway

(to have them pre-made it only cost approximately 6 more dollars...no brainer!)

The salad gardens fill 2 of 4 raised beds...

lots of lettuce, peppers, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, & cucumbers!

Google "free 4x4 garden plans" or "square foot gardens" to find more ideas.

Ladder garden: made by my brother many years ago!

Google "ladder gardens" or "vertical gardens" for some ideas.

Our garden doesn't have to be a place where we only water, grow, and pick. Why not make it a little place to have your coffee or tea in the morning or have a place to sit just to admire all your hard work in producing a lush garden! Find a table and chairs, throw up some decor, and make it the place to be!

And lots of thanks to each person who carried many of those items into the garden area, who shoveled the soil, who helped me with the decor, and to the mini drip system that helps me water half

of the produce back here. I appreciate every one of you!

♡Cori