Updates to the house...

...part 2. New fans were installed by my handsome handyman : ), wallpaper was taken down, walls & front door were painted, new hardware put in the bathroom & kitchen, lights updated, had the floor tiled & added bamboo blinds & curtains. On my list: put up molding in the master bath, take down wallpaper in 2nd bedroom & paint, as well as get a new fan & make my own dining room ceiling light. In the spring I would like to redo the outdoor bar, stain the patio, outline the natural areas with stone & work on my vegetable garden. Updated pics to come...

Updates to the house...

...part 1. I love what my house has become since I first moved in last year. Everything about it makes me happy & I'm so proud that I've done everything myself (w/a little help from my sweet boyfriend/handyman ; )). Not many people I kn0w can say that. It's cozy, colorful, cheerful, quirky & has so much character. It's not straight out of a catalog...it's taken time, imagination & loving thought. It's a space filled with my artwork, antique/dumpster/garage sale/goodwill/consignment finds turned new again, family hand-me-downs & all of my favorite things (including the many animals :)). It's been hard work & is an ongoing project, but it's perfectly me. Independent, original & proud...

Change of heart...

...on the color of my front door.

A lot of DIY happened over the

holidays & this was the first change.

I like the black, feels more modern.

More pics to come...

Antique postcards...

...from Abilene

transformed into ornaments

for Jeff's family.

Red & Green Salad...

...that I made for the

Christmas party today.

It turned out so good

I wanted to share.

Ingredients

1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (15 ounce) can peas, drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1/2 cup minced red onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup sliced radishes
1 cup creamy salad dressing or lite mayo
2 tablespoons milk or sour cream

Directions
Combine the corn, peas, beans, onions, celery and radish.
Whisk together the salad dressing and milk or sour cream. Pour over salad, toss and refrigerate overnight.

Luigi & Angelo...

...in their holiday collars.

Cute boys.