Here we go again, a random collection of thoughts and happenings. I’ve had such positive response to this, and I love that I can speak a bit more casually and off the cuff.
⋅HUNTED INTERIOR GUEST BATH My sweet friend, Kristin, killed it once again with this beautiful space. The green is lovely, and that graphic pop on the window shade is perfection. She always gets the smallest details right, and her method for hanging the shower curtain might be my favorite. Head on over to see more of the space and get all of the details here.
⋅IMMIGRANT PORTRAITS I posted this over on my Facebook page this weekend, but wanted to share it here too. When we’re so used to only seeing the past in black and white images, it’s sometimes hard to remember how much color was appreciated and coveted.
⋅SAVINGS CATCHER Do you shop at Walmart? Admittedly it’s not my favorite, but when I can save about $50 a week buying the same things there as other stores I force myself into that place. I mean, that’s a good amount of thrift store budget. When I started staying home I did coupons and price matching. Sure, I saved money, but coupons are typically for products that claim to be food yet aren’t prepackaged preservatives and the time commitment was more than I cared to put in. I do price matching every week on produce, but Walmart now has an awesome program called Saving Catcher. You download the app on your phone, scan your receipts, and they will search the country for better prices and give you credit for what you overpaid on. It’s usually $5 here and $7 there, but that money adds up!
⋅GARAGE SALE I like things. And sometimes that like turns into an overstuffed storage area that makes my husband annoyed and me unsure of what I actually have. So this Saturday I’m going to be selling a good amount of those things during our neighborhood’s garage sale. From art to curtains, lamps to side tables – I’ll have a little bit of everything. There are actually several neighborhoods in this part of southeast KC that are participating, so if you’re in the area and enjoy sifting through other people’s things as much as I do not creepy at all, shoot me an email and I’ll give you an address…themakerista(at)gmail(dot)com.
⋅GOODBYE SUMMER We closed down the pool yesterday and it definitely brings a mix of feelings. It’s such a fun thing to have during the warmer months, but it’s nice to say goodbye to the maintenance and the cost! I’m attempting to wash all of the cushion covers in the next few days and finding a place to store some of the outdoor decor is proving to be challenging. We also found a rip in our liner last week and though we had planned to probably get a new one next spring, this makes it official. Truth be told I would love to completely redo the pool – I mean, this is stunning…
But to take a lined pool to a concrete with tile is basically like starting all over again and about twice as expensive. Other than the hole already being dug you’re not cutting any costs whatsoever. I’ve just never seen a pool liner that feels really beautiful and our oval shaped, plastic stairs, brick coping pool feels more dated than classic. Anyone know of any pool companies doing liners without dolphins or have you seen any nicely done pool updates? A new liner has me thinking new shape, new pool deck…the list goes on and on. Luckily we’ve got all winter to save some money and search for the best solutions.
⋅ONE ROOM CHALLENGE I’m thrilled to be a featured designer again this season, and the planning of this space has been in full effect! I loved transforming the basement for Micah, but this go around the space is a total reflection of me and my own style, so while there have already been hiccups along the way there always are!, designing it was really fun. I can’t wait to share more on Wednesday it’s been so hard to keep it a secret!
TNic says
Oh my gosh, I’m dying to know which room!! What an exciting bit of news to read here! Is it the master bedroom? Please post b/f I paint my bedroom, b/c I know whatever you do, I’ll want it! Lol 🙂 I like things too, by the way. I’ve tried to deny it, but there it is! And I like garage sales too. Sure wish I could come to yours!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see! 🙂
Ruthie says
Can’t wait to see what you do with the ORC this time Gwen! So exciting! I’m transforming our bathroom and nursery for this challenge! Isn’t it fun renovating and being pregnant?!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ha, I’m not sure that fun is always the right word. 😉 There are definitely spurts of energy and creativity and then spurts of exhaustion. Can’t wait to see what you do!
Claire M says
Bring on the ORC!! Can’t wait to see your next project. So inspiring and helps us all to think outside of the box. Your ‘bullet points’ are great too 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks so much Claire! Glad you enjoy them and excited to share the project tomorrow!
Cassie says
I’m so excited you’re doing the one room challenge again! It’s how I found your blog last year and I’ve been a loyal reader since. I’m also weirdly excited about the pool liner… Are you looking at graphite or black colored liners with no border? Since you have the brick coping I think the contrast would be killer. Here’s a pic I keep being drawn to myself (despite not having a pool… Yet), I think it goes without saying to ignore the backdrop and focus on the pool but I’ll say it anyway. https://goo.gl/images/av3h2v I’m so excited to follow along!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ooh, yes, that is visually helpful for me! I know there has to be a decent option out there, it’s just finding it. 🙂 And thanks so much for following along, I’m excited to share the space and plan tomorrow with you!
Lori Cook says
Gwen we are considering putting in a liner pool in our backyard because of the cost difference between liner and gunite. According to my pool people, liner pools have come a long way. I am anxious to start the designer process of it all. I love the picture you posted of the tile around the pool. So pretty!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Liner pools have totally come a long way, I just wish I could change a lot of our pool. 😉 I wish ours was a rectangle instead of an oval and I wish I could change the decking and coping – it’s just a sea of concrete and then brick coping. Also we have small plastic stairs that extend outside of the oval and if I was doing a rectangle I would do stairs covered in the vinyl that ran from side to side. It’s just a much cleaner look. If you’re getting to build from scratch that’s so exciting!
Ariel says
Speaking of pools, my friend at Pinterest Addict blog has actually done several pools in here time: http://www.apinterestaddict.com/2016/09/14/the-process-of-building-a-pool/ and http://www.apinterestaddict.com/2016/09/16/what-to-expect-when-building-a-pool-part-2/
Her’s look kinda nice actually!
I’ll also be doing the ORC, but since we only just moved this summer, our house is pretty much good to go. Instead, I’m giving back to my supporters/community and had a draw to pick a space in a fan’s house. So I’m redoing the family room in someone else’s home!
Can’t wait to see what you do 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
That’s so nice of you to do that! I’m sure your reader is super excited! Thanks for sharing those links. I’ve had trouble finding much talk about pools in a pretty way online. 🙂 I definitely wish we could start fresh and go with concrete (I’m always a sucker for classic and timeless) but we’ve been told it’s basically like starting over (which is definitely not in the budget). I appreciate you sharing!
Albertina || Mimosa Lane says
Can’t wait to see the line-up tomorrow. So glad you are in it!! So excited to follow along! xx
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Albertina! 😉
Mary says
Have you seen blessedmommatobabygirls pool liner? It’s taupe, makes the water very pale blue-green. She talked about it a few weeks ago on her Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ-zO5NjRw1/
themakerista@gmail.com says
I haven’t, I’ll have to check it out, thanks for the recommendation!