Friday, January 28, 2011

Compare and Contrast

I was going through some photos the other day and came across these two.
So similar, yet so different.


At first glance, I don't think you really see the difference,
but take a closer look.
Look at the details. See what I mean?


The first picture was taken this past Christmas Eve in Sarasota, Florida.
The sand is so soft and white and warm.






The second photo is right outside my back door in Northern Illinois.
White drifts, dry ornamental grasses and snow.







Take it all in and don't overlook the details.
Happy Weekend!



Thursday, January 6, 2011

2011 Welcoming

Sure hope everyone is enjoying the new year! This is my first post of the year and I am inviting you into my Florida home. We purchased this home a little over a year ago and although we don't live here full time, it is our hope that we will one day soon.

This house was bank owned when be bought it and was sitting on the market for over a year. Prior to that it was lived in for only about a year, so it is essentially new. It was originally built as an investment property. The builders kept everything pretty basic and neutral, no " bells and whistles". We've made a few cosmetic upgrades to the house already and have grand ideas for future projects. There is no timeline for any project. We'll work as time and budget allow and, hopefully, one day it will be the home of our dreams. ( Really, it already is. I never imagined we'd own a home on a lake and just a mile inland of Tampa Bay).

These pictures are from last year. When I took them I had no idea that I'd be sharing them with anyone. This post will show the entry and living room. Photos of the rest of the house and completed projects will follow in future posts. As you know, it can take many years to turn a house into a home. Really, I'm only beginning to "know" this house. So, come in, and follow me as I make this house our home.

Painted the entry and living room. The walls used to be "builders beige".



Plan to lay hardwood floors in the living room and dining room.




The sofa and chair are seventeen years old but have been recently reupholstered.






I hit the jackpot when I found the coffee table. I saw it in a furniture showroom last year for $1100, but I snagged it from a consignment store for $200! Score!







Hope you enjoy the house tour and come back to see more.

Happy New Year!

Barb