Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

I had grand ole' plans for this little hall bath when moving in. Paint, fun tile, pedestal sink, new mirror and lights. Let's not forget my idea of covering the off center built in. Now that we have lived here for a bit and after looking at all our to do list I'm thinking this little space may be put on the back burner. Technically it's not THAT bad. Well it is, but I wonder with a few smaller changes if it can be brought back to life. You can see a couple of images down where I actually added a few things that we had around the house to the shelf and I can confidently say I don't hate it. Maybe a good paint job, a deep scrubbing on the grout and new mirror plus lights may help this little bath along. Of course that may lead to a new counter, sink, and faucet, but the actual vanity has good lines so at least there is that. Who knew such a small bath could give me such a run for my money?

I think once I nail down the mirror it will help with the whole direction of the bath. Now just to bite the bullet. Any favorites?

A Few Steps Forward

When we first walked through the house this was the part we instantly knew would need the most work. It was really dark and didn't feel at all welcoming. The glued down industrial ceilings, the dark paneling, heavily draped windows, etc made the back half of the house feel beyond dated and most definitely not a space we would want to hang out in. I knew from the beginning that the bones were good and with little money the space could be transformed and have the same modern feel as the front of the house. The Mr had major doubts, but trusted me. Fast forward to new drywall ceilings, many coats of Sherwin Williams Alabaster, removing the heavy curtains, new lighting and what we now have is a space for people to hang. It opens up to the backyard and once the pollen dies down a bit I can only imagine the get togethers that will be had in this space. Oh, and once a tv goes up on the wall to the left it will make for a mighty fine spot for football watching from the outside patio. I'm giddy just thinking about it!

Next on the never ending list is to finish out the "mud room" behind the fireplace. I bought the hooks so step one is complete. Ha.

You can see the before here and one day there may be a true after.

chalkboard | sideboard found locally{similar} | lamp bought at scott's antique market | black shade | art from West Elm maybe a year ago {similar} | kids chairs {these are cute too} | metal light fixtures |

The Wide Shot

This is from where I sit at the kitchen table. Hard to tell in the picture but the counters have a fancy little swirl in them. When we do redo the kitchen we plan on keeping the cupboards here, but not so much the counters. They serve more as a built in and I am head over heels for the vintage glass. Before we bought the house I had a chance to talk to the owners who lived here for over 20 years. They were sweet as can be. I assured them I didn't want to change the house completely. I wanted to honor the years they spent loving this home just give it a boost to fit our family. This is one of those places where I saw sippy cups from their grandbabies and years of collected dishes. I feel like it's now my turn to fill them will treasured pieces.

Of course after a much needed paint job. I find in every instagram pic and blog post it's so easy to crop out the ugly. As a blogger it can be hard to find the balance. I know so called "pretty" pictures are more popular, but is that cropping out reality and giving a false sense of perfection? This girl, at this computer, writing these words, is in no way perfect. I have really bad days and really good ones. I have pretty house corners and widen that lens and it can become quite a mess. I am sure this applies to many of us. On the outside or in that tight shot all seems well, but once we look a little closer there can be hurt, pain, worry, uncertainty etc. These are the moments where I am so grateful for a Risen King. One who can look past all our mess and straight into who He called us to be. He can give us hope when all feels lost. Will one prayer fix that mess in a second? Maybe and maybe not, but that prayer lays it at His feet so it ino longer is our weight to carry alone but one to be shared with the one who knows all. That day He laid His life down for every one of us. To give us hope in a world that can sometimes be hard to part of. To be that hope amongst all the hate, all the pain, and amongst the joy. He died that day to share our lives, the pretty and not so pretty. He is mine and I am His. I am forever grateful.

If you happen to live in the Birmingham, Huntsville, Gadsden, Tuscaloosa , Montgomery, Auburn, etc area then we would love to have you at one of our services if you don't have a church home already. Let me know if you live in the Birmingham area and would like a friend to go with. I am always available!

If you don't happen to live in any of these areas we have online services during Sunday services. It's a live feed so you really can take part.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16