Sunday, July 13, 2014

Tour Through Blogland

I have to start this off with a huge apology -
( and it seems like that's all I do lately - in bloglandia and in my other life )

I had completely forgotten about this - until Katie from Let's Add Sprinkles mentioned on her tour that I was up next - panicville.............utter panic - I scrambled around trying to find someone to participate with me
( at the last minute ) and sadly I've come up empty handed - everyone had either already been asked by bloggers who are actually on top of things - or they were just too busy - so you're left with my boring tour - and then......................nothing.

In fact - I may write this up and then shut the computer down - that's how embarrassed I am by all of this.
I'll just go hide under a rock or something until you've all forgotten about it ( how long do you think that would take ? )
Sheesh - it's getting really bad when I can't even commit to a blog tour, isn't it?

Ok - I have 4 questions to answer about myself - let's do this !!!

# 1 - WHAT AM I WORKING ON?  

Well I'm currently drowning in a home renovation - as most of you know we bought a DUMP and are diligently working to make it a home.  We've had more disasters happen then reno's to be honest with you and it seems like every waking moment is spent fixing them..............We've been here 6 months or so -
To date our bedroom is done

Seller's Photo


How it looks now


The guest room is done

Seller's photo



How it looks now


I've given the landing a makeover


THIS DRESSER IS STILL ONE OF MY FAVORITE MAKEOVERS

The Living Room

Seller's photo


How it looks now


The entrance way


How it looks now


The Kitchen -



The ( walk in )  Linen Closet


The upstairs bathroom

Seller's photo


Now


and we've put a LOT of work in the back yard -


The kitchen area is facing the pool


I'm working on a dining area too but not quite finished




And that's what I'm working on now ..................it's been the most exhausting time of my life to be honest with you - and there's still 5 rooms that haven't been touched !
I must have been out of my mind !

#2  HOW DOES MY WORK DIFFER FROM OTHERS OF ITS GENRE?

Here's the secret -
It doesn't.................all DIY blogs pretty much do what I do - we all paint ( almost first and foremost )
we all recycle - reuse - we all love to decorate - and we're all - bar none - just a little insane..............
Where my blog is slightly different - where I've found my " niche " I guess you could say, is that I incorporate the ( very real ) conversations that take place with my better half.  He's hilarious in a very serious way - and I love sharing :)
My blog is also peppered with life experiences - rants - humor - and observations - so it's not really only a DIY site.  You never know what I'll be writing about from day to day.

#3  WHY DO I WRITE/CREATE WHAT I DO?

I've had 2 passions from my earliest memories on - writing and decorating.
I started writing poetry before i started school - and now that I think of it I started decorating before I went to school too - I know there's a book in all of us - but mine has been screaming to come out for a very long time so a blog about DIY and Decor just seemed to be such a perfect fit.  At the end of the day - when all the insanity is over with - I come upstairs and start pouring my heart out - it truly has been my saving grace through all of this.

#4  HOW DOES MY WRITING/CREATING PROCESS WORK?

I'm completely stumped by this question because I'm not really sure HOW it works - I just know that I can never quite turn it off.

My brain works in such a way that when I see this


 I'm really seeing this


or that this


really was meant to look like this ( custom job done smack in the middle of renovations )




It can be a curse - because I have no limits or boundaries and end up taking on things that are much bigger than I   ( e.g. this house )
I wasn't born with a barometer that stops me....................I just keep going and going and going until
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Have I put you to sleep yet?
I've put myself to sleep I think................

It's funny - I never run out of things to say - until someone asks me to say them - and then I think to myself
" why would anyone want to know about me? "

Thanks so much Tammy from One More Time Events -
Have a wonderful day everyone
Much love,
The Bad Blogger
( but you CAN see that I haven't stopped, right? LOL )


I'll be attending these fabulous parties this week!
Coastal Charm                                 My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia                Stone Gable
A Stroll Thru Life                             An Extraordinary Day                                 Kathe with an E
My Turn for Us                                My Romantic Home                                   The Shabby Nest
Miss Mustard Seed                          Simple Nature Decor                                 Chic California
The Charm of Home                        French Country Cottage                             My 1929 Charmer
That's what Che said                        DIY Showoff


53 comments:

  1. I love your answers and I was so excited to see the entire house as it is coming together.

    You and John have done an amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Suzan,

    You have worked so diligently on your biggest and most challenging project to date: the DUMP, as you call it, is turning into a DOLLHOUSE!! And, it didn't do it by itself!

    xo
    Poppy
    P.S. Don't feel too bad about being a 'bad' blogger, after all, you are a 'good' wife, mother and friend, I'm sure. You just don't write about it!:))

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your home is just beautiful Suzan, and that hasn't happened without a lot of thought and hard work. And only five rooms left...it's taken me a month to get a guest bedroom painted, lol! Hope you'll hop over and share at Amaze Me Monday...
    Blessings,
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love this post, Susan! I can't believe, oh yes I can, all that you've done. It's so beautiful and creatively unbelievable . . . the amount of renovations you've accomplished. I am in awe!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your bedroom is dreamy and gorgeous! Love all the white and vintage pieces. Would love for you to share at this week's Fridays Unfolded!
    sets-for-your-bedroom

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think you did really great on this post Suzan. I don't think I could have answered the questions at all as my blog isn't that exciting as yours. I always enjoy your posts and especially your decorating and makeovers. Enjoy the week. Hugs, Pam

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your bedroom. You have a sense of great style.

    ReplyDelete
  8. you must have such a sense of satisfaction, you have accomplished soooo much, can you imagine what it would have cost to have someone do all this FOR you! YOU did this, its an amazing accomplishment, proud you should be, I believe in this wold there are the people who DO and those who DO not, you are a do'er! And do it well!

    ReplyDelete
  9. You may feel like you're drowning in your renovation but we are completely amazed at what you've accomplished in 6 months. My farmhouse is a lot smaller - all I did was paint but I didn't see the outdoors the first 6 months. I can't begin to imagine what it would be like to completely gut each space and redo them. I was worn out so you must be beyond that! But each space is beautiful and I know the rest will be too! Thank you for sharing the journey and all the behind the scene conversations with John. I look forward to each post and can't wait to read all about it!
    Hugs
    Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  10. To see all you've done, put together in one post really shows the brilliance of what you've done. I bow to you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Love it and you've done such a huge transformation on that house already!!!! I love every space.

    xox

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's amazing to see all you've accomplished THIS YEAR! Love the pretty soft color in the guest room! Are you ready to take a vacation? (pop over and visit Alice in Wonderland) Give yourself a break my friend! Hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
  13. Absolutely amazing job done, and in such little time! First time reader on your blog, and really enjoyed it :)

    Seher @ Simply in Control
    http://simply-in-control.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Seher - welcome to my insanity lol !!!
      xox

      Delete
  14. You did good for someone who forgot! Enjoyed the tour of the incredible changes you've made to that house in a short six months. Thanks for taking us along for the ride :)
    Marie@The Interior Frugalista

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Marie - I can't remember my own name with everything that's going on !
      Have a great night!
      ( who are you again ? LMHO !!! ) JOKE everyone!

      Delete
  15. Only 5 rooms left....does that mean you will soon be looking for a new house??? ;) Seriously...c'est manifique...every room flows into the next! I've learned so much from what you've done. Now...off I go to re-fold EVERY item in my linen closet. I so dislike when your photos inspire me like that...ugh!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It might mean just that !!!
      And thanks so much for the kudos - not sure if they're justified LOL - now get in that
      damn closet and straighten it up LMHO
      xoxo

      Delete
  16. You really have done so much with your home in such a short time. I commend you on all of your hard work! It all looks so great!

    Gigi @ Old World Patina

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Gigi - it HAS been exhausting !
      xoxo

      Delete
  17. Suzan you have done an amazing job on this home. It is so gorgeous with your decor style. You have done so much in such a short time to relove this house into a home. Still coming with my float! I am telling you one morning you will wake up and see me floating in that fabulous pool. I'll take my breakfast by the pool thank you!!!!!
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  18. Slow and steady wins the race.......no matter how irritating that might be! Everything looks beautiful. And let's not forgot that you are not only paint and decorating the rooms but the furniture too!

    I think you should take the rest of the summer easy and enjoy that pool! The season is short and there's plenty of time from September on.

    ReplyDelete
  19. After you put this post together you should have such a huge sense of accomplishment! Look at what you did! It's pretty amazing.
    xo, T.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great post, Suzanne. And I think you captured it for so many of us when you said that most DIY blogs are basically the same with our own spin. I love your real conversations, BTW.
    I have another question for you.....recently you talked about a drapery company you used (50% off?). What was it's name?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Heather !
      The site I bought my curtains from is called HALF PRICE DRAPES - google it exactly like that ( warning - it's addictive )
      XOXO

      Delete
  21. Please don't beat yourself up over this - EVERYONE FORGETS!!! This was a wonderful post. I love your blog first and foremost because of your honesty & sincerity. Renovation is difficult and at times simply horrific, and it is so refreshing to read about yours because you do not sugarcoat everything. You have accomplished some amazing renos in this house, inside & out - feel proud - very very proud!! Now go jump in that gorgeous pool and RELAX!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. ((((applause)))). You did very well for the short notice. Patty

    ReplyDelete
  23. Suzan, look at all of the progress you have made! I think your blog is fabulous and for me, it's because you speak from the heart girl!

    ReplyDelete
  24. This was perfect, Suzan! And why wouldn't we want to know about you? Love all of your before and afters...wow, you've come a long way!

    ReplyDelete
  25. You've done such an amazing job with your house so far Suzan, and I know the rest will be just fabulous too. I love all your furniture makeovers, but that last one is a fave. Just beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  26. If this is what you come up with when you FORGOT about your turn...
    Seriously, you did a great job on this post, Suzan! I participated in this tour also, and it isn't easy to get others to commit when everyone is so busy- you shouldn't worry about that part at all.
    I know you are probably pretty focused on what you have left to do on your home {because you are living in it, of course!} but from this side of the screen, I am completely blown away by all you've accomplished! I love that you are real about the process, and I've always appreciated your style and humor. Great tour!

    Jeanette

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love your post. Do not feel bad about forgetting. I think this tour spread like crazy through blogland. Everyone is so busy right now.
    Keep doing what you are doing. I hadn't seen your living room or the closet floor. Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I love reading your posts, they make me smile! I know the exhaustion that goes into a "fixer upper" for sure, but we turned down another fixer upper for a new build and guess what?!? We are constantly working on it, finishing off the basement, building a pantry, or a bathrooms my husband wanted a new house so we didn't spend weekends working on a house......Ha! It's never done:) your hard work has paid off, you are doing an amazing job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Rhonda - I know that no matter what I bought - it would never stop - but some projects are slightly more " fun " than others LOL ( like not having to wade through 40 years of filth.................) I had no idea - absolutely none - that it would be this overwhelming - and I've done this before - just not to this degree!
      xoxo

      Delete
  29. Wow...what an awesome job you have done on your beautiful home. Love seeing the before and after photos.
    ~Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great job for not being prepared. And often that is how it works sometimes. I follow you and love the back and forth conversation 's with your husband. I read them to my hunny bunny. He smirks because it sounds like our house.
    Your blog is great and I love your style. My goal is to write a blog one day and use yours as an example.
    Barbara Ann
    Www.etsy.com/shop/barbaraannscreations

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much BarbaraAnn - I think our conversations are quite universal really lol
      Hugs,
      Suzan

      Delete
  31. I have to say that the front entry and kitchen in your new home were butt ugly but not anymore! That's a lot to accomplish in a very short time. Stop being embarrassed about not keeping the pace up and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well now you\re just being polite Maureen - the ENTIRE house was butt ugly - now only half is LOL
      XOXOXO

      Delete
  32. Suzan, there are not many blogs I read diligently every day, but yours is definitely at the top of the list. I can identify with you about the exhaustion of owning a dump. You should feel so proud of yourself for all that you've accomplished in such a short time, as well as having a furniture business!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Suzan! Of course being new around here, I don't even know what you did wrong. What is the tour you speak of, how does one get a buddy and those questions are ones I'd love to answer. So, that said, fabulous job you are doing with the house!! I too see the finish product rather than a piece or room or table setting as it currently exists. Your before and after photos are a joy to look at and your home is lovely, welcoming and warm. Great job (even if you are a bad blogger?)...

    Lory
    Designthusiasm.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I feel almost guilty, sitting by your pool all day, drinking those yummy cocktails your pool boy serves me, while your running around putting this fantastic post together......and then I wake up.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Gorgeous!!! Truly amazing and inspirational. I need to get my act together. It's been 7 months since we moved in and half of our house is still a total blank canvas. And I totally agree with you. Paint and recycling decor changes everything. :) Definitely following your and your blog's journey now.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I cannot believe all you have accomplished in such a short amount of time. Especially since you're not just putting purchased furniture in a room, you're redoing the room and doing DIY makeovers as well. You're a rock star DIYer Suzan!

    Thanks so much for sharing your story with us at Project Inspire{d}!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Just a comment on your lovely blue dresser with the door on the top right hand side.
    Years ago I had a similar dresser and was told by the antique dealer that the space was for
    for hats.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No kidding - thanks so much for letting me know that !!!
      xoxo

      Delete
  38. I've been scarce in blogland for a while, so it's great to see the photos of what you've finished since I last saw. It's coming along beautifully, Suzan, I love every room!
    Debbie :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Goodness gracious, Susan! This is so fabulous! You have worked your little heart out to make this house simply stunning. I like that dresser too!! :)
    xox, Crystelle
    CrystelleBoutique

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hi Suzan, you have nada to apologize for if you ask me. Putting up with all that you are doing and still painting those beautiful pieces and( sorta handling it all) is quite the accomplishment, I would say. Your home is so charming and comfortable and no matter what, I don't think anyone of us has lost interest in you. We just want you to keep going and going and going. etc..Happy Thursday..Judy

    ReplyDelete
  41. Wow, I'm totally speechless! Amazing job you did!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Suzan,
    I'm so blown away by all you have done. It's truly amazing and beautiful.
    Have a great week.
    Debi @ adorned From Above

    ReplyDelete
  43. I totally enjoyed seeing all of your fabulous transformations! Your house is truly a labor of love, and it shows! Great post :)
    Susan

    ReplyDelete

Due to a large amount of spam ( that I'm tired of going back to posts and deleting ) I'll be using comment moderation from now on !!!
Can I beat these spammers at their own game? Probably not - but I'm going
to try my damnedest !!!
xoxo