The Big Reveal

I am so excited to finally reveal my new master bathroom! It has been a few long months, and several snags along the way, but it is finally finished!

I know it is a little difficult to tell height, but this vanity was right above Jay's knee. He is 6'2", so it was a long reach to brush his teeth. Beyond that, the home had been sitting empty for so long since it was a foreclosure, and the sink was leaking the entire time. The bottom of the vanity was rotting through. Not was I was looking for in a master bathroom. 

The lighting is bad here, but you can see the fabulous carpet that was in front of the vanity. The 80's are calling and they want their look back! I wasn't having any of it. I asked Jay if I could rip it out and start over, the next day, this was all gone!!

My dad found a guy in Atlanta (real sketchy side of town) who builds custom vanities for very little money. We had odd sizes in our master and guest room so thought it would be worth a shot. Home Depot was going to run about $1200 for just the vanity in our room, and about $850 for the guest room. On top of that, they would need filler strips to fill in the extra space on either side. We were able to have these custom made to size, no fillers, for about $900 for both. Definitely money saved. I just had to prime and paint them. If you are thinking that bead board is a look you like, rethink before you paint them yourself! Love the look, almost threw my paint brush at it in the process!

I hate to even mention my flooring, because Lowe's almost died over this. I bought Armstrong laminate, yes I said laminate, flooring from them. The guy in the flooring department guaranteed they would be there in 5 days, it ended up taking 13 days. The only reason I was upset is because I wast trying to finish this project before Jay's parents came into town. Also, the store manager couldn't have cared less after I called him. That's right, I am one of those people. I feel like after working so many years of retail you should do whatever it takes to take care of the customer. I still think I could have walked them from their distribution center in Valdosta quicker than that, but enough with my rant. After they went in I was so happy! I love them! But, in the guest room I am going to find and Armstrong distributor instead of going to Lowe's. I think it will be money well spent!

See what I mean about the floor? It's fabulous! I had already painted the walls by the time Stuart came to put the floors in. If you are in the Atlanta metro area and need a handyman who can do everything, email me I will give you Stuart's number. There is no one else I would trust to be in my home all day other than him, and he is so reasonable. He can seriously do anything!!! His wife came with him the day he had to put the vanity in because he couldn't move that beast by himself. She played with Haley all day, and Haley was a very satisfied customer as well!

Once the granite went in it seemed like this project was almost over! Love it! I also have a granite guy I could recommend. He is fairly priced and it seems like he can get to you and work around your schedule whenever you need to. 

TA DA!!! The finished project. I am in love. I know it looks like my mirrors are way off balance, but the light above my mirror is out. Even though I put a new bulb in...another project for another day I guess! All in all we did the entire project, including materials and labor for less than Home Depot was going to sell us just the vanities for. I am pretty impressed with myself. It looks great and I found bargains all along the way! Now this is the bathroom I was always hoping for!!

What can I tear out next? Jay...keep breathing, I'll wait until after Christmas ; )

A Day on the Plains

Jay and I were so excited that his parents, Beth and Gary, were able to come down and visit a couple of weekends ago. We were able to show off our new house, and take them down to Auburn for a football game. We had a blast! Jim and Rose Carey, some of Beth and Gary's long time Atlanta friends, came with us to the game and hung out for our tailgate.

I just couldn't wait to show them our new house. Of course my bathroom wasn't ready, even though I had the timing planned perfectly. By the way, it's still not finished! Jay was able to take a day off work and go play golf at the Country Club of Roswell with his dad, Jim, and my dad! Here are some pictures from our wonderful weekend.

The Williams Clan Tailgating!

Jay and I...10 am and breaking into the first cape codder of the day!

The Williams Clan again

What's that spell? AUBURN Who's gonna win? AUBURN WAR EAGLE!!

Jay, Beth and Rose

Love our pre-game

Let's get this party started!!

This...in a single picture...is how you know that God is truly an Auburn fan! Nothing beats a sunset like that on the Plains.

Love every picture I can get under Toomer's Corner. Sad that our kids may not have this same experience one day!

Everyone who knows me, knows that I bleed orange and blue. There is nothing more memorable to me than my time spent on the Plains. This is a magical school that enough good things can't be said about. I don't need any comments from Georgia or Bama fans on this, because at the end of the day it isn't family that surrounds your school. Auburn is all about family, everyone brings their kids there, and everyone is raised the Auburn way. So proud to be a part of this tradition!!

WAR EAGLE!

Pink Isn't Just a Color...It's an Attitude

During the car show I met this amazing woman named Bobbi Sevigney who just happens to be the pink tool lady. She sells pink tools called Tomboy Tools. It's absolutely amazing. I was skeptical at first, because it seems that when you find pink tools they are more built for looks than to actually be used. But these, these tools are made to be used. I have told everyone about them! She has all sorts of kits, for all sorts of projects. You can get a set for painting, gardening, basic stuff around the house, and even a kit to keep in your car. I personally want the kit that includes the pink tool belt and pink safety glasses. I'm going to add the pink hard hat so I am always ready to be on a job site at work. She is always having specials on these kits as well. $50 off when you spend $90, a build your own kit this month, and some amazing deals coming up for Christmas. The best part about it, is if you host a tool party, she can host a skills class while your friends are there. It's always nice to have a couple of pointers for little DIY projects, or just how to save some money by doing things around the house on your own. I am a firm believer that every woman should have her own tool kit. You always know everything is in good condition and know where to find it. Tomboy Tools allows you to do that, while having tools that are made for women. They aren't just cute, they are made for a woman's hand. I can personally say, after working in a construction based distributor, that there is nothing more empowering than being a woman who can handle herself on a job site, in the field, and in the office. The fact that you can do it with a pink tool kit is even better. Learning simple things like DIY projects has gotten me respect, not only in the office, but with the guys who work in the field as well. And let's be honest for a moment, these tools are adorable!! Definitely check Bobbi out on facebook or at Tomboy Tools.

The Garden Kit - Comes with a 2 gallon bucket with handle, transplanter, cultivator, garden snips, rubber grip gloves, and knee pads. $47...great gift for Christmas.

The basics kit - Magnetic hammer, multi-bit ratchet screwdriver, 16' measuring tape, and slip joint pliers. $40. There isn't a college student out there who doesn't need this!!

The Pink Diamond - Pink tool box, magnetic hammer, multi-bit rachet screwdriver, 25' measuring tape, utility knife, mini hacksaw, level, needle nose pliers, slip joint pliers, mini pry bar, rubber grip gloves, safety glasses, picture hanging set, pink suede tool belt, knee pads, carpenters pencil, and a sanding block. **Look in November for a special on this kit!!!**

Auto Kit - Canvas carrying bag, jumper cables, extendable screwdriver, LED flashlight, digital tire gauge and rubber grip gloves. $79. Again, think college students and new drivers...excellent for Christmas!

This is what I am DYING for!! Would love this on job sites! It's OSHA certified...only $24!!

The hammer has a magnet on the top that will hold your nail. You throw the hammer down, the nail sticks into whatever you are working on, and no pinched fingers or chipped fingernails. Who doesn't love that? Only $12!!!!

As you can see, I am officially a walking ad for Tomboy Tools...hint hint to my mother for Christmas! I'm the handy woman around our house, and would love these for my collection! 

Cars for Kids

This past weekend Grace Fellowship Church had their annual Car Show at their Snellville campus. I feel privileged to know Rus Mazza who orchestrates this show every year. The Men of Grace come together to raise money for our KidzLife program. Of course, it's not that tough to get the Men of Grace excited about muscle cars. I have volunteered for the past two years, and am amazed by the turn out each year. Being it's second year, we weren't sure how big it would actually be. There ended up being right north of 100 cars, and a handful of motorcycles as well. Mom, Dad, and I worked the registration tent with a wonderful woman named Linda. Her husband was in charge of the live auction. Someone donated a 1958 Volkswagon Beetle Vert (that's convertible for all of you non-VW folks out there!). We had close to 20 vendors selling their arts and crafts, tools, and different car related products from insurance to motor oil. The church also decided to have their Fall Festival the same day. There were tons of kids running around in their Halloween costumes all day, which made for a fun day all around. I know Rus, and the other men and women who volunteered their time, put a lot of thought into this weekend. You could tell. From sponsors, to food, to vendors, volunteers, tshirts, and more, all was handled perfectly. This is one of my favorite weekends in the fall. My dad and I have a 1969 Camaro SS that is our little project car. I love that car. We have done a lot to it since he got it, and we have made a lot of memories in the garage around this car. So glad we can share our love of cars with the kids at church, and the community surrounding Grace. 

Of course I had to put in a picture with my massive trophy! It's taller than my car!

Dad and I!

This is the bug that was donated to the church. It was auctioned off at the end of the day and sold for $19K. Very exciting for KidzLife!

The front of the church. In preparation for the show, the church displayed a new car on the front lawn every Sunday. It's so amazing to go to a church that is so supportive of it's members.

She's too cool for school!

Thank goodness for Kurt Farhy. He has been babysitting the vert ever since it belonged to the church. He was getting the radio cranked to entice all of the bidders at the auction.

The amazing Mr. and Mrs. Mayfield! They made sure all requests were prayed for and were there for anyone who needed them.

Mr Rus Mazza and Dad!

Cheryl Mazza was one of the amazing vendors who showed up on Saturday. She has the most amazing gifts, and I can't wait to get her online. She's nervous to start selling online, but I see Etsy in her future. Look for her on future posts. 

The adorable Halloween bucket she made me. Can't wait to put it out at the house this week.

The Barkers running registration. 

One of my favorite VW's at the show. So vintage! 

The color that Fords should be.

My absolute favorite car at the show...besides mine of course.

The car show was an absolute success. We raised close to $25,000 for KidzLife. So the next generation might know!

The Biggest Little-Day of Her Life

This weekend I was able to be a part of Dennis and Rachel's Wedding Festivities. They were married at the Braselton Stover House, in Braselton, GA. It was absolutely gorgeous. The perfect setting for a Southern Wedding. The weather was great, the flowers were gorgeous, and everyone could not have been happier for them. One of the coolest parts of the wedding ceremony was the song that Rachel walked down the aisle to. Everyone who knows her knows she was born to sing. Unbeknownst to anyone at the wedding, she sang and recorded her processional song. When the song started playing Dennis could not keep it together any longer. It was amazing, and there wasn't a dry eye out there. Rachel also included all of their family members that are no longer with us in the ceremony by lighting a memorial candle. The photographer took a ton of great pictures, which I will have to include later, but here are a few of my favorites.

The bridal party got their hair done at Karma Salon in Buford. If you are looking for a place for your bridesmaids, or just a new place to get your hair done, this Salon is definitely worth checking out. The girls are amazing, and the salon is so calming. They have it set up so you can get mani/pedi, airbrush tanning, or just a whole new style. They were great to us. We had mimosas and sat around laughing with each other all morning. 

Loved Rachel's hair piece. It wouldn't be Rachel without bling! It went perfectly with her dress!

Had to add the ceremonial veil placement. You aren't truly a bride until this has been added. This was also Rachel's something borrowed. She borrowed it from a family member. 

Like I said, not Rachel without bling! These shoes are bangin!!! The pop of color matched all of the wedding decor, but it also looked amazing under her dress. Most everything else at the wedding was pretty formal, these gave her dress the relaxation it needed.

Beautiful bridesmaids bouquets. All of the flowers for the wedding were done by a cousin. I love the pops of purple from the hydrangea and roses.

The deep purple was amazing in Rachel's bouquet. 

This was Rachel's something old. It was a pin that her uncle gave her grandmother, who has since passed. Hiding it under her dress was the easiest way of having her grandmother with her while she walked down the aisle.

Gorgeous dress! She found it at Formally Yours off of Highway 29 in Lilburn. I also got my dress there so I'm probably biased, but love this shop. Just decided what size you need and don't listen to their suggestions. They suggested Rachel get a size 2, and she had to have a zero taken in. They said I needed 3 extra inches of length added to the bottom of my bridesmaids dress, and there were 4 inches removed when it was hemmed. The other girls all had similar experiences. But, they have a great selection for a great price!

Centerpieces used in the reception area. It is hard to tell in this picture, but there was dark purple pops of fabric on all of the tables, and dark purple ties on the chairs. That, with the light colors of purple in the centerpieces, was an amazing combination.

Candi, Rachel's mother, threw an amazing wedding. They were obviously surrounded by loving family and friends. We should all be so luck as to have relationships like these in our lives.

Moving Day

Jay and I finally moved into our new house! YAY! I really thought this day would never come. If you have ever moved before, you know it can be a painful process. We are used to having to move in August when we go back to school, in the scorching heat. We were so lucky to have amazing weather in the 60's and 70's. All was going well until we moved the fridge and the stove in. Apparently the woman who lived in the house before us decided to put hardwood on top of laminate and tile on top of that, and tiling straight into the cabinets. This, of course, added 2" of height to the floors in the kitchen. When we moved the old stove out, we found out it was sitting in a whole that our new stove wouldn't fit into. Apparently, they tiled up to the stove as well. Ok, we will keep the new one in storage until we re-do the kitchen. No big deal. It was out of my parent's old house, and we weren't out any cash because of it. The fridge was an even bigger mess. Most refrigerators are standard height. We didn't think about measuring the space's height, because they are standard. Well, when there was a laminate floor in there, it was a standard height. On top of that, the fridge was too wide for the interior doors, and only one of the doors would come off. After a little redneck creativity, and a little touch-up paint, we had it in the kitchen! Even with all of the crazy appliances we had a pretty easy move. Everything is unpacked in the kitchen, we have a new king bed (thanks to Beth and Gary!!) in our master bedroom, and a list of projects I want to start around the house! Life is good!

Haley was so excited to go for a car ride to the new house! She was so nervous all morning when we were packing the UHaul. She wouldn't leave the side of the truck, keeping and eye to make sure she was coming with us!

I thought this was hysterical. Mom was one step up on the step ladder and could barely reach the light, Jay didn't even have to get on his tip toes!

Finally relaxing and watching the Auburn game! War Damn! Haley was exhausted after all of that heavy lifting! She had to carry two whole toys inside the house!

Stay tuned for more projects! I'm in the process of ripping out the vanity in our bathroom...should be fun!