Budget Shopping for a Remodel

I hate the word budget.  It's so restricting.  I wish the word didn't exist!  Especially when it comes to a remodel!  I think I've used the word "budget" more in the past two months than I've used my own daughter's name! And that's saying a lot considering we're borderline terrible two stage...

I like to think I'm a pretty darn good bargain shopper, though.  Charlie would agree, however he says it doesn't work in the end if I buy every single bargain I find! Haha!

We've scored some really great bargains for this remodel project and it has really helped that stupid budget thing!  Here's some of the items we're most excited about…

We found this flush mount light on clearance at Menards for $32!  We plan to use it in the entryway hallway.

(Product Link)

These little beauties we picked up during our very first ever trip to IKEA!!!!  We bought two.  They'll hang over our vessel sinks in the the new master bathroom!  And HELLO! at $14.99…that's a steal y'all!

(Product Link)

This past weekend we ran into Lowe's to return some unused flooring and happened to spot these with a bright yellow tag.  I loved the simple lantern, homey feel they had.  They were considered outdoor lighting, but they'll be finding their spot on our nightstands very soon!  They were originally $49.99, marked down to $29.98.  

Did you know that a lot of times Lowe's will mark down their clearance items even more, just to move product?  They totally will.  $29.98 is a great price for a bedside lamp, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask for a little more of a discount.  The employee working in the electrical department never even questioned me and pulled out these beautiful little yellow stickers!  Woop Woop!  

(This item isn't showing up on Lowe's website.  It was in the regular lighting department, in the aisle with the floor lamps and specialty lighting.)

We bought these vessel sinks from Menards.  Only $88 each!

(Product Link)

Of course that meant we needed those fancy expensive vessel sink faucets!  I didn't realize how much those things could cost! We went to buy these at Menards.  They weren't my favorite, but my favorites were not in the budget.  They happened to be out of the brushed nickel finish so we came home empty handed.  I decided to do a google search in the hopes of finding something I loved at a price my budget would love.  Then, these appeared on the screen!  

(Product Link)

Amazon.com to the rescue at half the price of the others!  Only $59.90 each!  That meant we got two for the price of one. literally!  And, even better, I actually do LOVE this one!  I cannot wait to see the finished bathroom project! 

If you're following along on Facebook, you may have already seen this sneak peak!  Our flooring was installed this weekend and we could not be happier!  I AM IN LOVE!  I am also in love with best friends who just so happen to be awesome carpenters and pro tile installers!  We may be DIY'ers, but that does not mean we should DIY our way through a tile install!  This is something you want to make sure is done just right.  We were pleased to hand over this job to our pro friend.  We're beyond grateful for them giving up their weekend to help with our project and make my dream flooring a reality!  

(Product Link)

Make sure to check the in-store price on this tile because the online price is higher.  We also noticed that they carried this same brand of flooring, only a different color and it was $1 cheaper per piece for some reason.  We talked to the manager and he sold us our tile at the cheaper price!  It ended up saving almost $500!  

We bought this line of bath towels at IKEA, also.  I may be totally out of the loop here, literally, but these towels all have a small loop on them so you can hang them up on hooks!  So simple.  Totally sold me on them.

(Product Link)

Did you know H&M online has a "home" line?  I'm honestly not sure if these items are carried in-store or not.  We purchased online on Cyber Monday and got everything 40% off!  I can't wait to see how this looks in our finished room!  

(Product Link)

(Product Link)

When we picked up those awesome lanterns at Lowe's, we also noticed these mirrors down the center aisle in a box of clearance items.  I wasn't positive where or how I would use them, but marked down from $58.98 to $9.29, I'm certain I'll find a place! (These aren't showing up online either, so head to your local store and ask an employee using the item number!)

I think we've done pretty good so far!  We've worked really hard at sticking to that dreadful budget and these awesome deals really helped!  What's your favorite!?!?  So far, the flooring has my heart….. :) I am so excited to see the finished project! 

Thanks for stopping by today y'all! Hope you can find some bargains of your own, soon! 

Subscribe

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Linking up:

Love of Family & Home

Baby # 2 - The Big Gender Reveal

The title makes it sound like we just found out, like yesterday.  However, we found out baby # 2's gender when I was just 17 weeks pregnant.  I'm 31 weeks now.  Yes, this post has taken awhile! There are lots of things I have dreamt up in my head for this blog and oh-so-many projects I'm dying to tackle.  But right now, white-washed vaulted ceiling boards, can light placement, electric fireplaces, lack of insulation and custom wagon wheel chandelier design have my mind spinning.  Not to mention an almost 2 year old attempting to potty train and a Mama with an aching back and pelvis.  (sorry...was that TMI?  Oh well...)    

Ok, so the point of this post....the gender!  We decided to have a 4D ultrasound at 17 weeks to find out the gender a little early.  As in "we", I mean my Mom.  We had a big gender reveal party when we found out what Paisley was and my Mom was excited to do the same for this one.  However, the date my gender scan was scheduled with my doctor was the day before we were leaving town for our annual Thanksgiving trip to Nashville.  I couldn't move the appointment up and with everyone's demanding schedules right before the holiday and leaving town, we couldn't arrange a good time for a gender reveal party.  My Mom recommended just going ahead and paying for the 4D ultrasound (at a different facility) to find out the gender early and having the big reveal party we wanted.  So we took her up on the offer and made the appointment! 

Charlie was convinced it was a girl again.  I really had no clue.  We went in for the appointment and anxiously awaited our name to be called.  They finally called our name, got us in a room, put me on the table, and started the ultrasound.  We waited and watched as the ultrasound tech moved that little wand thing all over my belly.  We could clearly see the baby.  It was moving.  It was fine.  But, the tech continued moving that little wand over and over and over again.  Baby #2 did not want to cooperate.  The tech had me go pee and come back.  No luck.  She turned me on my left side. No luck.  My right side. Nothin'.  She tilted that bed so far back I was practically upside down.  That kid was not opening it's legs.  FINALLY, she said I think I see it, but I want to make sure.  So she continued to move me around and press that wand firmly onto my stomach.  Finally she touched her keyboard to capture the image and said "there it is....IT'S A…..

GIRL!!!!  We had a lot of fun with our gender reveal party, as you can see!  The pink silly string was so fun and everyone really loved being a part of it!  We had everyone split up.  If they thought it was a girl, they stood on the left.  Boy, on the right.  Then everyone got silly string to spray at one another, not knowing what color would come out!  

So, it's official.  Our little family of three will soon be a family of four and Paisley will be a big sister to a sweet baby girl.  We couldn't be more excited...and happy that we saved all of Paisley's clothes!  


The big due date is April 13th so we don't have too much longer!  Let's just hope she comes out a lot less stubborn that she was during that ultrasound!  

Check back next week.  We'll be talking about some of the cool things we've picked up for our remodel, some great product deals and decor plans, plus revealing the name we agreed on for Baby Girl #2!  

Subscribe

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Valentine's Day Photo Shoot

While the guys were busy working on the remodel this weekend, I got to spend some time with my favorite little guy!  My best friend's little boy is seriously the cutest thing ever! She wanted to take a few pictures for Valentine's Day so we gave him some lipstick kisses and dressed him in his best tie!

Here's a few of my favorites!

I could look at those baby blues for days!  

This one's definitely gonna break some hearts… :)  Good luck, Jen.

Make sure you're following along for updates on our remodel, baby #2 gender reveal and baby name reveal!!!  

Subscribe

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Mommy Must-Haves Giveaway!

We've teamed up with Yummi Pouch and several other brands to bring you another awesome giveaway!  Check it out below!
________________________________

Our collection of mommy must-haves features many fabulous items to pamper your new baby as well as some things for yourself! One lucky mommy will win this amazing gift set!

Undercover Mama

Website | Facebook | Twitter

$30 Gift Certificate to Undercover Mama - Retail value: $30
Undercover Mama nursing tanks are the stylish and affordable alternative to an expensive nursing wardrobe. They attach to any bra. Make any shirt a nursing shirt with Undercover Mama.
Undercover Mama is a mom invented, mom owned and mom operated company. Our mission is to provide Nursing moms with stylish and alternative nursing tops that make nursing easier. For more information visit undercovermama.com.

Fairhaven Health

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Milkies Milk-Saver and Milkies Freeze - Retail value: $58
The Milk-Saver collects your leaking breast milk as you breastfeed - allowing you to store extra breast milk effortlessly with each feeding! The Freeze provides convenient first-in, first-out milk storage in your freezer (stores as much as 60 ounces!).
Our mission at Fairhaven Health is to develop products to safely and naturally promote fertility, pregnancy wellness, and breastfeeding success. From preconception through pregnancy and nursing, Fairhaven Health is there - every step of the way - to provide clinically-proven products to hel you along your journey to parenthood. For more information visit fairhavenhealth.com.

Healing Hazel

Website | Facebook | Twitter

3 accessories of the winner choice - Retail value: $55
Winner may choose from Healing Hazel, Hazelamber or 100% Baltic Amber necklaces and bracelets
Healing Hazel is your One Stop Shop for hazelwood, hazelamber and 100% Baltic Amber necklaces and bracelets. Now in more than 900 retailers in Canada and Usa. The 1st and only brand to meet CPSC (Consumer product safety comission) safety requirements. For more information visit healinghazel.com.

Yummi Pouch

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Yummi Pouch Mini set of 6 - Retail value: $14.99
Yummi Pouch Minis are convenient, refillable and reusable food pouches to hold blended snacks for your child. Yummi Pouch Minis feature a resealable bottom opening and top mouthpiece. The contents are enjoyed by removing the large cap and drinking from the spout. Yummi Pouch Minis are great for easily feeding infants homemade blended snacks on the go.
Yummi Pouch reusable food pouches encourage healthy snacks for active kids. Our eco-friendly food pouches are freezer safe, dishwasher safe, BPA-free, Phthalate-free, and can be filled with healthy blended snacks and easily taken on-the-go, no spoon required! For more information visit yummipouch.com.

Ubbi

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Ubbi Cloth Pail Liner - Retail value: $17
Using washable diapers? We have just the thing! Ubbi cloth pail liner is a waterproof, odor resistant bag. Bring out the green in your Ubbi diaper pail. Our pail liner is washable and reusable, biodegradable, and TPU coated. It has a 7 gallon (26.4l) capacity and is waterproof, PVC-free and odor resistant. Featuring a drawstring closure and door knob hanger.
Enter the world of Ubbi... where innovative products are created with parents and children in mind. Under the Ubbi name, you will find unique, quality products that are designed to be easy to use, helping to simplify parents' lives while keeping babies as happy and safe as can be! For more information visit ubbiworld.com.

Toofeze

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Toofeze Teether - Retail value: $19.99
Toofeze by Oh, That Baby! Ltd. is simply the COOLEST baby teether ever and an invaluable parenting tool. The cool stainless steel disk chills instantly in ice water for fast pain relief. The soft silicone handle is never too cold too. Made from all-natural ingredients, dishwasher safe, pediatrician recommended. Toofeze is award winning and can be engraved to create a unique gift. Ages 3 months+.
Oh, That Baby! Ltd. is a mom/daughter owned and operated company based in Colorado. "Let's face it, every baby cuts teeth. And when they do, everyone else close to them feels their pain! When we relieve a baby's discomfort, we alleviate the stress, frustration and anxiety felt by those around them." The company's mission is to improve the lives of babies and their families during the most difficult phase of development. They believe every baby deserves a Toofeze. For more information visit toofeze.com.

Buttons Diapers

Website | Facebook | Twitter

2 one-size Buttons Diaper covers, 2 daytime inserts, & small wet bag - Retail value: $36
A quality and affordable two-in-one diapering system that consists of: wipeable PUL covers, and super-soft absorbent inserts that snap into the covers to stay in place! They fit babies from 9-35 lbs, have two layers of stretchy waterproof PUL throughout, and double gussets at the legs to keep messes in. With 8 adorable colors to choose from, and a tiny red button logo on the back - your wee one will be as cute as a button!
Buttons cloth diapers were born at home. As a husband and wife team, we designed our diapers to be easy to use and affordable for everyone - the way it should be. We believe in keeping our lives simple, even when it comes to diapering. Our company is based in the beautiful Skagit Valley of Northwest Washington, where our family enjoys hiking, biking, sailing, and splashing in puddles. For more information visit buttonsdiapers.com.

Booby Trapper

Website | Facebook

Eternity Booby Trapper - Retail value: $48
Featuring an exclusive dual-rim design, Booby Trapper is the only nursing cover to keep fabric off the bust area to allow for complete eye contact and air circulation for the nursing pair. We are giving away our extremely popular Eternity pattern, a gender-neutral trendy print.
Designed by a mother of 3, Booby Trapper was born out of a recognized need for a superior nursing cover. Blankets and one-rim covers just wouldn’t cut it as her daughter hated having the fabric flop in her face and she was stuck using her only free hand to hold the fabric away constantly both for air, eye contact and to check for a proper latch. After many trials, Booby Trapper’s revolutionary, dual-suspension design was achieved and now mothers everywhere are able to nurse much more comfortably in public without having to fight with their covers! For more information visit boobytrapper.ca.

Koble

Website | Facebook | Twitter

1 Stone Grey and 1 Big Apple Red Portable Changing Shield - Retail value: $70

• The evolution of the baby diaper changing pad is here. A large, clean surface in a clever little pouch!
• Completely covers all safety approved changing stations - no more disposable changing pads!
• Extra large size (27 x 40) shields even the most athletic babies from yucky public spaces
• Lightweight durable fabric easily wipes clean is machine washable and machine dryable
• Openings in shield allow safety belts to be used when changing on public stations
• Quilted body pillow for comfort
• Attached storage pouch makes it easy to store changing shield for transport and easy access
• Drawstring pouch closes tight to keep changing station germs contained inside
• 55% Polyester 45% Nylon. Free of BPA, phalates, and PVC. Scandinavian design born in NYC. Made in China.

Koble is Norwegian for "connect". We use Scandinavian design principles to bring you attractive, clever, affordable designs that work to make your life better. Our first line of products are made for the special people who take care of the smallest people - moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nannies, and many more. We know from experience that there are plenty of opportunities to make life easier for these folks! For more information visit mykoble.com.

Omaïki

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Mama Maxi pads (2) + Mini-Maxi pads (2) + Bamboo panty liners (2) + snack sacks duo - Retail value: $63.50
Feminine protection starter kit (very comfortable and absorbent, made of bamboo/coton, holds in place with snaps closures) + one Gustö-duo, which includes one snack bag and one sandwich bag (Colors/Prints : winner’s choice)
Omaïki started in 2007, with Anouk & Ariane: moms, best friends and business partners. The brand offers a great and complete line of high-end products, made in Canada: cloth diapers, training pants, night time panties, feminine pads, swim diapers, snack sacks and more... For more information visit omaiki.com.

Enter to win this Fabulous Gift Set! Retail value: $412

Follow the social media pages of your favorite brands to enter this giveaway.

Tip! You are not required to follow all the pages. Each page you follow is simply an additional giveaway entry. If you would like to follow many of the pages, we recommend entering over the course of several days and liking a maximum of 20 pages per day so facebook doesn't flag your account for unusual activity.

This giveaway is open to the US and Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Operation Remodel - Progress

Operation garage to bedroom is in full swing!  It seemed like it was taking forever to get going, but now progress is really taking place!  We have had quite the Winter here in Southern Illinois.  We've had more snow and ice this year than I care to even mention.  And, we're supposed to be getting more this week.  Awesome.

Soooo, just to recap.  What was once a garage is becoming a master bedroom, walk-in-closet and en-suite bathroom.  Charlie lost his garage.  This meant we had to build a shed to hold all of our tools and garage things until (our money tree grows) we can build a separate garage.  That took several weeks.  

Then, we actually had to have our concrete jack-hammered up to make room for plumbing.  Can I just take a moment to tell y'all how fortunate we are to have awesome friends that just so happen to own a concrete business!?!?  

Look closely.  Through the dust you'll see the amazing Todd and Duane from Flowline Concrete!  They are such pro's. Seriously.  Having people you trust help you through such a delicate process makes for a much happier husband! :) 

The concrete was dug out and pipes were ran for our shower, toilet and vanity.

Then the guys came back and the concrete had to be re-poured. 

Then, it was time for walls!  The closet is on the left and the bathroom is on the right. 

Thanks to panoramic iPhone photo's , you can somewhat get an idea of what this whole space is looking like...

It was also my brilliant, time-consuming idea to vault the bedroom ceiling.  Our pole barn home is 12 foot tall, with 8 foot drop ceilings.  I decided it really didn't make sense to use ALL of that extra space for storage.  Surely some of it could be used for design purposes don't y'all think!?

Yes, I think so too.

My Dad and Charlie carpenters were thrilled.  That means a little extra work.  The ceilings have to extend up past 8 foot and be dry-walled.   And then of course the install of the actual beam and vaulted planks will be a blast...

Can you also imagine some really cool sliding barn doors on the bathroom and closet door openings???!!!

Quick DIY tip for ya.  Once your drywall is cut to proper size, coat your electrical outlets with lipstick. If wires are already ran, roll them into the box.  Then, place your drywall on the wall, pressing firmly where the outlet is.  Once you remove your drywall, you'll have a cute little lipstick line to cut on! :)  

(Important note: Girls, make sure you are home to dig out an old lipstick that's no longer needed!)

That's pretty much where we are now.  We're hanging drywall, getting ready to have the garage door and opener removed, then starting on that fancy vaulted ceiling.  

Our number one helper, Paisley, apparently finds shopping for lumber quite boring!  A nap sounded like a much better idea…. 

We may or may not have a giveaway coming up tomorrow, so make sure you check back in!

Thanks for stopping by!

Practice makes perfect….{Photography}

Did you get to check out our update last week? We're making some more progress on the remodel.  The pipes are all laid and the concrete is getting re-poured tomorrow!  Then a few walls will go up and hopefully the progress will speed right along!  We're down to about 10 weeks to be safe, so we really have to put this project in fast mode, pronto! 

I've spent the last several months practicing my photography skills and I'm not complaining one bit!  I got to spend some time with one of my favorite little guys during Christmas time, take some family pictures for one of my best friends,  my first senior pictures session and even an engagement session!  

Here are a few of my favs…

That's all for today!  Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you have an awesome week!  

Linking up:

Love of Family & Home

Hello 2014…Updates

Hey y'all!  So we basically skipped right through November and December and somehow ended up in January of 2014, already! How did this happen???

I have to say, that being pregnant at this time of year, really makes the time fly by.  I'm already 26 weeks and all of these holidays and family gatherings sure have helped pass the time!  

We've been busy, just like everyone else.  Holidays are such a fun, crazy, hectic time, aren't they!?

Are you a big blog reader?  If so, have you noticed all of the end of the year, "Best Posts of 2013" posts popping up everywhere!?  I love the round-ups and the highlights, but just a warning.  You won't find that in this post!  We've only been blogging a little over a year.  The lessons this blog has taught us and the journey it's taken us on are more important to us that the popularity of our posts.  

When we first started blogging, I was always concerned about the quantity of posts and making sure we had new material posted at least 2-3 times a week.  I was always trying to come up with the next project and found myself up way too late many of nights typing away, just to make sure a post went live at 7 A.M. the following morning.  I would stay near a computer at times I knew big link parties were going live just to make sure I was one of the first to link up.  I was basing everything on a number.  Number of page views in a day.  Then, all of these became uncontrollable when our computer decided to finally take it's last breath.  

The first two weeks passed by and I was trying to make a plan and figure out how to write on my lunch hours or make the big jump and finally purchase the Mac of my dreams.  Neither of those happened and several more weeks passed.  Instead, I spent the first 22 weeks of my pregnancy over the toilet or in bed.  The expensive Mac investment got put on a back burner and we got wrapped up in LIFE.  It was nothing short of wonderful, actually. :)  Well, minus the toilet and bed thing..

We discussed whether or not we would continue with the blog once we had a new computer since it had been so many weeks since our last real project post.  We both decided it was something we started together, enjoyed doing together, and that we loved having the opportunity to document the journey of our growing family.  We weren't giving it up anytime soon.  

Instead,  I think it became crystal clear WHY we would without a doubt be continuing.  It wasn't about the amount of posts, the link parties we joined, the number of comments on a post, or the number of page views in a day.  It was about the time we spent together.  The lessons we learned about working as a team.  The memories we make.  The fun we have.  The passion we have for DIY'ing.  

What matters most is that it's about US.  

Us.

Not the amount of comments, readers and page views.  All of those things are just an added bonus.  

Now, before you close the browser and never read our blog again, just hear me out!  All of those things are an amazing, wonderful, added bonus and without them, we would have never stumbled into blogging in the first place.  So, we are more than grateful for all of you who have taken time to read our posts, leave us a sweet comment or email us telling us we've inspired you.  We love you for all of those things.  It's just important for us to realize and understand the true importance of Bonfires and Wine and what it means to us.  

So from here on out, no promises on the amount of posts in a week or the topic of which they may be!  

So for today…we'll finish with a little update!  

We've officially started the process of renovating our garage into a master bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet!  

Yesterday, our pretty concrete was jack-hammered up to make room for new piping and hopefully by next week, we'll start building some walls!  Here's a little sneak at some of our favorite pins from our "remodel" board which is currently housing all of our inspiration!!!

(Source Unknown)

(Source)

(Source)

So, there's three of about 100 inspiration photo's that we have pinned!  

Here's the facts so far:

We're constructing a vaulted ceiling in the bedroom portion.
We're going to be tiling (our first time) a walk in shower.
The bathroom vanity will be a one-of-a-kind, custom. 
We bought our new bedding from the H&M home line and we love it.  (not our typical style)
We're installing an electric fireplace in the bedroom.
A very large gun safe will take up a large amount of space in one of these rooms which I'm not totally thrilled about.
Our current bedroom will become Paisley's new big girl room.  Baby # 2 will get her nursery.
^^^ That means we're designing, not one, not three, but FOUR new rooms. (yikes bikes)
We bought our flooring already.  It's from Lowes and it looks like rustic, knotty barn wood.  It's practically made for me. 
Most importantly - I've placed an 11 week time frame on the remainder of this project and Charlie is not happy about that.  (baby #2, please do not come any earlier than 38 weeks, ok?)

What's to come:

Soon -  a photography post.  I've had the opportunity to occupy many of weekends with photo shoots and I'm excited to share some of my favs! :)

Soon - Before pictures of what used to be our garage.

Later - Baby #2 baby gender/name reveal.  (if we can decide on a name, that is! )

Later - Big reveals of those FOUR new rooms!

Later, Later - Welcome baby # 2!!!!!!!!!!!

Disclosure: all of the above has been made possible because I finally bit the bullet and we purchased our very own MacBook.  Charlie loves it.  I love it.  However,  I want anyone and everyone who ever touches it to treat it like an egg.  A very fragile egg.  I want it in it's case at all times.  Nowhere near children.  Or drinks.  Or food.  Or smells.  Or outside.  Or toys.  Or heat.  Or cold.  Or anything.  Apple is very proud of their products and make that clear on the price tag! So, thank you Christmas and family and holiday bonuses.  We finally own a computer that I hopefully won't break.  (fingers crossed)

Ok, enough rambling y'all.  Thank you sooooo, sooooo, much for sticking with us and stopping by again today.  Check back if you want to follow along!  We're looking forward to what the future holds for B&W!