Extreme Home Makeover, Chez S-W Edition

We're nearing completion of the changes to the condo. It's our own little version of my Reality TV guilty pleasure. Below I've posted some pics of the before and after - I think we've made some great changes to the place and I hope it sells quickly and for our desired price! My fingers are crossed.

Kitchen - Before
This was previously my most used/least enjoyed room. It was cramped and very closed it. It took no time for the room to overheat and then no one wanted to hang with me. When we moved in the appliances were caked with some unknown brown gummy substance, left behind by the previous owners for our enjoyment. I used lots of elbow grease in cleaning it - but it never felt like mine.

View from the entrance:


View from the door:


Kitchen - After
Now this room I can't get enough of. I'd move the bed in here if it could fit a California King. We replaced the wall with a breakfast bar, installed new granite countertops, bought all new GE Stainless Steel Appliances anout the wall and removed a pocket door, replaceWe replaced the crappy counters with black granite, painted it a lovely green. The opened wall has completely changed the feel of the kitchen. No more overheating, and it now flows with the rest of the condo. I am typing this from the breakfast bar- which is a convenient place to work or eat all of my meals.

View from the breakfast bar:


View from the door (we're waiting for cabinet doors under the breakfast bar):


View of the Fridge/Oven:


And then the Master Bathroom...

Master Bath - Before:
This bathroom was the epitome of an "eye sore." The color was overwhelmingly bad. While it was original tile from the 50's...the salmon pink was just not cutting it. The vanity had been "updated" probably in the 70's...it didn't quite match the tile and was generally awful. Look for yourself...


The vanity was slightly newer than the tile, but probably more hideous.


Master Bath - After:
We love subway tile. So we replaced the 50's salmon pink with a cleaner look of white subway tile. We changed the vanity and updated the cabinets adding more storage space..and overall I am quite happy with how this bathroom turned out. Now we just need to get new towels.

View from the door:



New cabinets!


Lovely vanity with the apron front sink...



So there you have it people. We have redone our kitchen and bath. Now we need to box up a lot of crap we don't use, clean the condo and finally put it on the market. Keep your fingers crossed...I'll try to keep you posted on the progress.

merriment

HAPPY 2008!

It's been a fun winter season - with plenty of time at home and with family. We've had a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas party, a Drake alumni event, a Christmas in Chicago, a "tweener" weekend in Wisconsin and a very relaxed welcome to 2008. Looking back on the past month+ of activity - it feels like one big extended return to childhood. Ok, childhood with a few perks...but it has been a fun month. I'm sad to see it end as it has been a very happy time for me and the family.

Here are some pictures chronicling our adventures.

Our work "Holiday" Party. Ole!

Drake Alumni Event...Sara and Stephanie came in for the weekend
- and we enjoyed a really fun dinner and comedy event. However -
the best part of the weekend was seeing my Drake girls. (note: Sara left Des Moines to come to Chicago for a Drake alumni event...there was no end to jokes about that).





If this doesn't capture "laid back Christmas" (carhart's and a santa's hat)...I don't know what does.

Wisconsin...how we love you. In our trek up to Wisconsin, we were able got to see John's ma and pa, as well as spending time with John's cousin Jim, his sons Jeff & Carl, his lovely grandma Lorraine, the always engaging Uncle Bob and his incredible hostess of an aunt Ann. I wish there would have been more time for snowshoeing and snowshoes... but alas we have to return to the world of being an adult. One of the best experiences was having Tycho off leash and enjoying the big wide world, without leaving us too far behind.

Here is a shot of me in Natarajasana (Dancer pose). I can't explain how balanced, free and strong I feel in this pose - and I hope to carry this feeling with me throughout 2008. Balancing in snowshoes was pretty fun.

Here is little Tycho, pooped after so much snow and running.

And, while no photos were taken this morning, we had an awesome laugh-fest of a brunch with the lovely, charming and beautiful Chandra & Venus. Life is made so much richer having these wonderful women in our life.








So - again, I wish everyone a very happy 2008. May this new year be filled with love, life, strength and joy.