Author Archives: sarah

three’s no crowd

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Summers have always been special months for both Paul and I! We’re summer babies and love all the summer festivities: grilling, warm air, weddings, yard sales, and country music (Tim McGraw’s ~ My Next Thirty Years has been playing a lot in our household). Fitting, no? Late August brings the joys of buying school supplies (I love that stuff), the start of football, and hints of sweater season.  This year we got to add one more event to that list of summer loves: the purchase of our home! I cannot believe we’ve been here for a month, but it’s been a fabulous adventure already!  I love coming home to a loved house with history, old trees, that if they could talk, I’m sure would have lots to tell, and a neighborhood full of people that look after each other.  We have a 90-year-old (a multiple of 30!) neighbor that brought us over her special morning muffins and two cornbread muffins for dinner. If we like them, she offered to pass along the recipe. of course.  The previous owners said not to worry, if there’s anything suspicious going on, she will always call you before she calls the police.  We have another neighbor who has an uncanny ability to show up whenever we have workers in the house… “you know, I just passed by, and saw…” I love it.  Our neighborhood is a great mix of young and old, dogs and cats and one coyote. Good neighbors is something you can’t count on when purchasing a home.

We’ve been celebrating all month long in the Snitker household.

They actually took our offer!

Celebrating thirty days in our new house!

I turned thirty!

Paul turned the big 3-0!

And we had three rooms de-wallpapered and painted!

Master Bathroom

before

during

progress

Benjamin Moore Natura boothbay gray HC-165 in Eggshell.

Entryway

before

during

progress

Benjamin Moore Natura stone harbor 2111-50 in Eggshell.

Kitchen

before

during

See the water damage on the left.  I’m praying it hasn’t gone into the cabinets.

progress

Benjamin Moore Natura yarmouth blue HC-150 in Eggshell.

I have to admit, I think the kitchen is a vast improvement over what we had, but I’m still not all-in with the blue paint. It always looks so good in photos but maybe I’m stretching my palette a little too much? In the master bedroom and kitchen, I’m still not sure.  I may change it down the road. We’ll see.

We’re pretty pleased with the results.  Besides the water logged wall in the kitchen, that is. But I consider ourselves lucky we moved forward with having the wallpaper removed so early in our renovations, as we may be able to salvage more than had we waited.  And if all else fails we’ll save up our pennies and remodel the kitchen a little sooner than expected.  Sorry, wood floors you might have to wait. Here’s to the positive!    

I’ll leave you with a picture of a man starving. As I was taking the last progress pictures in the kitchen, this little man hadn’t had dinner and judging from his wrinkles, he’s really worried everyone forgot!   (We didn’t).

I hope everyone has a fabulous-relaxing-long weekend!

  

star wars

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Did you ever have those little glow-in-the-dark stars that you promised your parents you would only put up on your ceiling, and then of course ended up on fan blades, walls, and anywhere else they would stick? Well I did, and I loved them. I think mine even incorporated designs, including the number of the soccer player I liked in junior high. Fast forward 15 years – hello, Karma. I took (what felt like millions) of those little stars off all the ceilings, walls, doors, and fan blades of our various bedrooms. I took down “Yo” from a door, several different hearts, designer brand emblems and much more.  And, of course, the only way to see all of them is to have the room pitch black. Needless to say, star wars, episode: dallas was well underway. While this took a lot of patience (and balance, it turns out), I couldn’t help but smile about my teenage years and the stars that are still on the ceiling of my childhood room at my parent’s house. Two nights later, it turns out the “force” was strong with me, and I was able to withstand the dark side and remove most of the stars, but there are still a couple lingering throughout the house that were picked up by some innocent and maybe unfortunate bystanders…

Bystander 1: If you look closely, you can see stars on his chest. He was not pleased!

So what did I learn from this exercise?  I will never allow my children to put stickers in their rooms nor put anything up that would need anchors or poster/sticky adhesive… those too, had to be dismantled from the walls. We’ll be simply hanging things the old-fashioned way, with nails. I spent Friday taking down stars, and putty/adhesive from the walls, while Paul removed metal anchors from our walls. Firing a 77 with the blisters and cuts on his hands from removing those anchors apparently gained him street cred from the white-collared country club goers. Adda boy.

My first weekend goal was to get a fresh coat of paint in the office.

Office - The family photos with all that adhesive.

Office - door view

I used goo gone on the adhesive wall, and it worked like a charm. I applied a little amount to a rag and rubbed; then, I let it sit for a couple minutes before removal. The smell was horrible!! You know it’s bad when you’re looking forward to the application of oil-based primer to mask the smell of orange scented goo gone.

Goo Gone in action!

Prime Time

I let the primer sit overnight, so I could have a fresh start the next morning… I started with the roller first. You can see my coffee cup on the desk! I start my day out right!

I must say I really like the mustard-y/tan outcome of this room.  I had Paul pick the colors for this room, and he did a great job! (Benjamin Moore Natura Wilmington Tan HC-34 in eggshell)

Oh sweet progress!  On my list of to do’s for this room:

  • new fan
  • sew a cushion for the window bench
  • paint bookshelves
  • organize the shelves
  • put up diplomas and artwork
We also had a very excited Friday with the insulation people!  They blew in more insulation, put in two additional wind turbines and weather stripped the house.  Well worth it!  I can hear our air conditioner (and the electric company) thanking us now!

Attic Insulation

Two Wind Turbines

But wait, there’s more! I still cranked out a family room reveal as well!  I was crazy-ambitious this weekend.  I guess I’m really excited to start decorating, but I really need/want to paint all the walls first before I start buying and rearranging furnishings!

Sorry, I didn’t orientate the photos the same in the family room.  I’ll have to remember to look at the originals before I get started… this blog thing is a little new.

And then I started the process again! Roller, check!

We were really looking for a warm and inviting color for our family room, and I think we nailed it. We went with Truffle AF-130 Benjamin Moore Natura in eggshell. It was a great choice for this space. I can picture us cozying up next to the fireplace watching a football game.

Family Room To Do List:

  • Paint fireplace
  • Art on walls
  • Interesting/Unique lamp light
  • Mount TV
  • New face on fireplace door
  • New window treatments
  • New light fixtures – can lights??

We ended our weekend with a couple glasses of wine (milk too!) and a household favorite:  Venison Spaghetti.  It was a wonderful, productive weekend at home. Here’s to another work week! I need to get some shut-eye because I’m going to start heading out before work to walk/run.  I love to run and it’s starting to cool down in Dallas to start back up!

paint therapy

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This is the first weekend Paul and I spent in the house… alone!  The first week Paul’s parents were in town, and the second comprised of surprise birthday festivities; so this weekend we look around our brand new space in ah of all we have left to accomplish.  It’s sort of the feeling (or at least I imagine) when empty nesters have their children back for the holidays.  Oh the excitement and happiness of the moment, having everyone around … but then there is the cleanup afterwards. Maybe that’s why my mother-in-law Swiffers constantly while we’re all still there, so she doesn’t have the same overwhelmed feeling I did on Friday.  My two goals this weekend were to make some order of our bedroom situation, and yes, paint the guest room (we call it guest room two)… all else will have to wait for next weekend.

So I rolled up my sleeves… and started painting the guest room, which looked like this:  (Nope, I didn’t get to keep the egyptian art.) 

Guest Bedroom #2 (door angle) Before

Guest Bedroom #2 Before

I usually do all the big roller stuff first… I’m sorry I didn’t take both angles.

Then I start on the trim… which was double time because I have the great chair rail in the middle… but I must say, I’m very pleased with the results. Benjamin Moore Natura Pashmina AF-100 in eggshell.

Now, I know I still have A LOT of work to do in this space… the fan, the mirrored closet doors, a headboard, lights, fun framed stuff… but I’m happy it’s painted!

I must give a shout out to my friends at Benjamin Moore.

Benjamin Moore Natura

I think this is where I have to say – no, Benjamin Moore did not pay me to say this (I wish), but I tried their Natura line and was so pleased with the results.  It’s claim to fame is that it’s more environmentally friendly, meaning it has zero-VOC’s, and well, sorry crazy high-schoolers no huffing here.  It was wonderful, Paul and I walked through the house, and I honestly wouldn’t know someone had painted, well that is, until I looked down at my fingers!  It’s a little more pricey, but if you can forgo a relatively inexpensive Chipotle dinner for a deli sandwiches at home, you will be much happier, digesting your food and sleeping more soundly, when you’re able to breathe “fresher” air.  Just sayin’. AND – because no one really reads the words if I don’t have photos, I added the paint can. Contrary to popular belief, it comes in every color Mr. B.M. has to offer! 

Otherwise, I spent the latter part of the weekend picking up and organizing the master bedroom and bath. But first I painted!

Master Bedroom (door view)

First, we had to paint over a weird stain on the wall… let me tell you, it made for a pretty interesting conversation at the paint store… so I got this stain (above) in the master bedroom.

Sorry, this picture is a little off color-wise.

What I’m about to reveal is a little shocking in the color palette-o-sarah, but I kinda like it… and as Paul said it after he said he REALLY liked the guest bedroom color even better than the master.  He goes “No, No, I mean… I like the blue, it’s kinda beach-y.” Ha. I love him. Benjamin Moore Aura Palladian blue HC-144

I still have a duvet and pillows to pick out and pictures on the wall, but all is good!

Oh, and one more major reveal!!  I know Paul would be at least a little bummed if I didn’t add in his accomplishments this weekend, too… (not pictured, but also great: a wireless printer install, thank you, Paul!)

And sometimes he plays along!

Two cars in the garage! Say it ain't so!!

And that’s a weekend with the Snitkers! Have a fabulous week!

just stay

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Since graduating high school, I’ve been on the move.

It started with undergrad in Moorhead, Minnesota. Then Minneapolis. Then back again to Moorhead, Minnesota. After graduation, St. Paul, Minnesota and Chicago, Illinois. I moved to Phillipi, West Virginia to start my masters and Marion, Ohio to finish. Then I moved to St. Louis, Missouri to finally live with my love and encourage him while he got his masters. Two years later, we moved again. Dallas bound for new jobs, experiences, and a completely new adventure.

Sorry the picture is so grainy! It was taken from my phone.

Collectively I’ve moved every two years, sometime less than two years, since I was seventeen. I have enjoyed the time in all these places.  It gave me new experiences, friends, and stories, but it also made me realize how much I miss those friends I’ve met who are now hundreds of miles away. I would give anything to have a few of my best friends in one city.  With that, I finally feel it’s time to stay in one place.  We made this official a couple of weeks ago and closed on our first home!  It’s a 1962 classic vintage style which in these few short weeks (two), we have really grown to love and call home.

Our first night! New house, new mattress, new chapter…. Yes, I’m already thinking about colors!

During our move, Paul’s parents came down to lend a hand.  His mom unpacked most of the kitchen, while he and his detail-oriented dad worked on the electrical and some structural issues in the attic!  It was 110 degrees outside, mind you!  I don’t know how Paul’s dad does it!  He was working before I went to work and sometimes after I went to bed on… big electrical engineering things (GFI receptacles, can light installations in the attic, running new circuits from the main panel, so Paul could have some grounded circuits) and discovering holes in our attic!  Oh, the thrill of being a homeowner.

Last friday, I had friends from across the world… okay states, surprise me for my big 3-0 birthday!  I felt overwhelmed but so happy they were here!!  It was so nice to see some of my besties, who encouraged me to get started making our new house (new to us, anyway) our home.

Andrea & Wilyna

Out for Dinner

We even had a pinata!

Boston even got into the action!

…and then we had cake!

Despite the surprise birthday festivities, I was able to start on the master bedroom. I believe you need to work on the master first. Yes, all the people that come over really don’t get to see the master quarters, but I think everyone deserves a safe haven to call home from the chaos of the day, even their house, or a non-running-in-need-of-an-ignition-switch-and-battery-vehicle.  Don’t ask.

Master bedroom post to come! :)

work with yourself

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I will never be 5’2″.

Somedays, I accept that I’m 5’10” and somedays I have a “why me” moment.  Why am I not (insert anything) etc?  I probably will never have crazy curls, 6″ heels, or be an amazing dancer. But that’s okay. Somedays.

This reminds me of a motto that came about during college.

Work with yourself. Be Sarah.

It’s simple, but I try to remind myself when I see a super tiny amazing dancer. Damn you, Elton John! Work with what you’ve got. I remind myself to be proud that I can sport the skinny jeans, play sports, help elderly/shorter individuals get things down from the taller shelves, AND I can successfully gain (and lose) 10 pounds without most people’s knowledge.

This idea can also correlate to home design. I was reminded of this the other day by my spouse.   There I was at an estate sale with my husband; I was deliberating between two amazing vintage glass milk jars.

Which one do you like best, Paul?

I don’t know? Get them both. (pause) Mrs. Contemporary.

He’s referring to the fact that I had indeed emphasized a few weeks back the need for my design schemes to be more contemporary.

Clean lines. Swanky modern furniture. You know.

But my heart and spirit always lead me to an old person’s estate sale!  Paul, look at this Pyrex from the 1950’s. I’m in love.

I need to work with what I like. I am vintage-y. I like old vintage pieces and add some new, more modern pieces as sprinkles, but rarely as the main ingredient.

Work with yourself… in life, your personal style, and home decor.

And if you’re wondering, yes, I bought them both. Thank you.

Two Vintage Milk Glasses

no white walls

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Recently, I’ve realized (with some help of a best friend) one of my passions… It took almost 30 years to realize, but looking back I almost want to say “duh” to myself.

Like most little girls growing up, I had Barbies, My Little Ponies, and Polly Pockets. But when other girls were selecting Barbie’s attire to the office or her beach getaway, I was more concerned with what her Manhattan apartment looked like. (she had the cutest convertible bed just like My Two Dad’s, I might add)  Her beach bungalow had an impressive set of Hawaiian accent pieces, and her office supplies were positioned not only for function but style.  But don’t worry, she always had an amazing set of footwear.

Barbie's 1982 Office

This progressed to junior high, where I tried my best to explain to my mother, I had a vision of a aqua bedroom… not too green, not too blue. Aqua. During high school, I would cut out multiple magazine photos imagining my lush studio apartment/warehouse in college.

It turns out I never got that studio apartment in college, but I was able to paint the walls of many of my bedroom and living spaces throughout my college career.  I could not understand how people could live in a home with white walls… what torture.

Continuing my journey into adulthood and now marriage, I’ve been blessed with a spouse who understands my desire to design.  He understands that at each place we rent, we won’t lose our deposit money for incidentals, but instead for the mandates to return the walls to their original blank colors.

This leads me to why I created this website… a reason to blog, if you will… to continue my journey of design as we renovate our new (our first!) home, my biggest project to date!  As I work on projects, I will document and share with you my design techniques, my successes, and yes, my failures.  My intention is to share with you some ideas and hopefully some ways to save money turning your house into your HOME.

I’m so excited to get started.