Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Painting floors ( and 2 tips )

Well I finished painting the second guest room's floor - And I thought I'd share the most important thing I've learned through the process of painting all the floors upstairs


It's not whether you use semi gloss - or high gloss or even matte - that's a personal preference


And it's not whether you decide to paint in on your hands and knees like I do - with a brush - or use a roller to make the job a little easier


And in the end it's not even which brand of paint you decide to use ( as long as it's floor paint )
I swear by BEHR's Porch & Patio Floor Paint - and it's proven to be the best one for me - but as much as I can rant and rave about it - someone else might be ranting and raving about another product that works just as well for them.


No, the secret lies in this ( and  you really really have to trust me on this one )


2 coats - a day apart - ESPECIALLY if you're going with white floors.
Skipping this process results in doom and gloom - trust me on this one
I've learned that lesson the hard way so that you don't have to.
It's oil based so you have to open the window but it's perfectly fine to paint a water based floor paint over it.
( this is the ONLY time it's ok to paint water based paint over oil based anything - but I'm sure you all know that )

Our bedroom floor looks the same almost a year later

The landing has held up very well too - if you want to learn a little about my skills as an acrobat while painting - you can check it out HERE

OK - Time for the second TIP - and this one is every bit as important as the first one.

You must stand over your better half's back while he works - at all moments.
Even if he's barking at you that he doesn't need a hawk standing behind him - do it anyway.  Sometimes scurrying away while they work just isn't worth it.

Once all the floors were painted - I laid out the quarter rounds against the edges of the baseboards - just to simplify things for my better half -
( I HAVE to simplify things - I know it sounds insulting but you'll see why in a moment )

Suzan says - John - do you think you could put the quarter rounds in - the floors are ready
John says - Well the Godfather is on
Suzan says - You've seen that movie 10 times since I've known  you - and God only knows how many times before I met you.
John says- Well it's coming to a good part
Suzan says -  How many times do you need to see a horse's head in someone's bed?

He later came up and went to work -

John says - I'm finished
Suzan says - Oh thanks so much -
John says - Now leave me alone - I want to watch some t.v.
Suzan says - So go watch t.v. !!!

And I ran in the room gleefully - figuring I'd start putting furniture back - when much to my absolute and utter shock, I saw something I couldn't believe.
I mean that - my brain could NOT register it whatsoever ( and my brain has had tons of experience registering the unbelievable )

JOHNNNNNNNNNNNNN - I shrieked
John says - what now?
Suzan says - YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME, RIGHT?
John says - WHAT?  OF COURSE YOU WOULDN'T BE HAPPY - I KNOW THAT BEFORE I START ANY BLOODY JOB
Suzan says - Please tell me you're joking ?
John says - Listen - you laid the wood out - NOT ME

Well he's put me in a spot - it's very hard to fight with logic like that.

I'm even a little embarrassed to show it to you - but hey - I didn't do it

Ta Da - the quarter rounds - done !



Suzan says - It absolutely cannot stay like that
Johns says - No one's going to see under the bed.
Suzan says - IT absolutely cannot stay like that
John says - Why do you turn every little thing into something huge
Suzan says - It absolutely cannot stay like that
John says - You're too much of a perfectionist
Suzan says - It absolutely cannot stay like that
Suzan says - Aren't you embarrassed?
John says - No - not at all - you're making a mountain out of a mole hill

Just so you know the why's when my makeover's take a little longer than expected.
I have to wait for him to fix these before I can place furniture -
And I have to wait for a night when there's no hockey on
Or a movie
Or a game show
Or the weather network.....................
Or a calender to hang.

Suzan says - What were you thinking John?
John says - I keep telling you I'm not a carpenter...............

But that's a lousy excuse - he's done baseboards all over the place here - to perfection -
He's built me a bench
He's deconstructed and reconstructed a box spring to allow it upstairs -
So......................tell it to the judge mister.

But at the very least - I've done my part.......................



Have a wonderful day one and all !
Hugs,
Me



Looking for inspiration?
Join me at these fabulous parties !!!

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014

I WANNA live there Wednesday # 101

WOW !!!  I feel like I've found the holy grail of IWLW's.
This is just too spectacular for words - so I won't bore you with any of mine today
Just what the listing reads -
and then I'll let the pics speak for themselves.

CARRIAGE HOUSE
4 beds - 4 baths
( 8 rooms total )
6,995,000
Brooklyn, New York
Realtor : DEBBIE RIEDERS
Images sourced thru CORCORAN.COM

If any of you buy this - you have to invite me to come for a visit -

Listing reads ( interesting !!! )

This rare Cobble Hill Carriage House, a former 1840’s Firehouse, is what real estate dreams are made of in New York City. Featured in many famous films over the years, it is impressive in scale with a 25’ wide x 85’ footprint, and offers three loft-like floors without the inconvenience of vertical townhouse living. The main floor weighs in at 2125 sq. ft. alone, and allows for an entertainment space unrivaled by ANY townhouse OR apartment in Brownstone Brooklyn. Add to that the drama of massive exposed wood beams, arched windows, a charming greenhouse, a perennial garden, an oversized reclaimed-brick wood-burning fireplace, 12” wide wood-plank floors, double height ceilings, a terrace off the 2nd floor, and oversized skylights, and you have a one-of-kind property with the warmth and grandeur only found in historical homes, but the open layout of more modern living. Currently configured as a two-unit home, with some very minor adjustments this home easily becomes a grand home with 4 to 6 bedrooms. It has been updated with central AC, and a Chef’s kitchen complete with a 48” Viking stove and granite countertops. Located in the heart of Cobble Hill, near Trader Joes, Barneys, every subway line, multiple schools, and Bklyn Bridge Park. Garage with monthly spots conveniently located across the street.
Additional features of this building include: Exposed Beam Ceiling and Double Height Ceilings, Parking Garage on Block w Monthly Spots, South Facing Garden and Terrace, Amazing Curb Appeal Close to All Transportation, Dramatic Staircase/Space for an Elevator!, 12" Wide Plank Oak Floors, Chef's Renovated KItchen, Huge Open Loft-Like Footprint, Reclaimed Brick Fireplace, and Super Flexible Layout.
________________________________________________________________________________
And here we go......... bet you'll have to look at each pic twice - this is truly spectacular !






OK - I WASN'T GOING TO TALK - BUT I CAN'T HELP MYSELF - THIS NEXT PHOTO?
OMG - HOW GORGEOUS IS THAT?
THAT BRICK REMINDS ME OF THE BRICK IN MY LAST PLACE :(
AND A SOLARIUM OFF THE BEDROOM?










OH.
MY.
GOD.
I SO wanna live there !
Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone
But a lottery ticket
Hugs,
Me

Looking for inspiration?
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