2 Bathroom Updates in Springfield....

Earlier this year, my Godfather contacted me for some bathroom remodeling advice.  His home is nearly 30 years old in Northern Virginia and I can remember playing there as a child, watching football games, and of course fajita night!  He is semi-retired and more then likely leaving the area in the next 5 years or so.  His bathrooms were original and we were looking for simple updates that he would enjoy now and that would also be neutral for the next buyer.
 
First we set our eyes on the hall bathroom, see the before photo below.



{30 year old Bathroom, Circa 1983+,-}

 

The update is simple, transitional, easy to maintain, and provides ample storage.  We went with a 12 x 12 porcelain tile on a brick joint on the floor a solid surface tub/shower surround and vanity top.  The plumbing fixtures are Kohler and the cabinets are a warm maple finish.


{Hall Bathroom After}

Next we tackled the master bathroom.  Here we were looking to pick up more functional drawer storage at the vanity and we planned to convert the existing tub to a shower. 




{Existing Master Bathroom}



{Existing Master Bathroom}

During the demolition we learned that there was wasted space behind the existing tub surround, so we took the opportunity to turn the new shower space to make the bathroom feel more open.  My Godfather liked the color combination in the hall bath so much we repeated the cabinet, plumbing fixtures and tile in the master, though this time adding a 12 x 24 porcelain tile to the shower wall and a 1 x 3 to the shower floor.
                                                            

                                                             BIG REVEAL.......



{After Master Bathroom, with better vanity storage}

 

{Larger Shower we were
able to create by turning
and capturing unused space
 found during demolition}
 


 My godfather is incredibly happy with these improvements, we finished on time, and he is now able to enjoy these refreshed spaces. AND.... I didn't break the bank and he can still fully retire on time as planned!!!!!!



a(MUSE)...in Rehoboth Beach, DE

Matt and I were lucky to enjoy a wonderful beach retreat this past weekend.  Deciding where to eat is always such a challenge as there are so many wonderful restaurants, we typically end up doing a "progressive dinner" or a "tour of Rehoboth" as we like to call it.  We do this with our dear friends Holly and Brandon who live at the beach year round.

Typically the night consists of 3 - 4 tastings, 1 at each locale spanning the course of 5 - 6 hours.  Our 2nd stop on our "tour" this past Saturday was a(MUSE). We have walked by a(MUSE) several times during our visits though never actually dined there, Saturday seemed the right evening to try it out.  Boy, what we have been missing!!!! We ordered several small plates to share, a short rib (which was OUTSTANDING) and potted chicken just to name a few.  Take a look at the beautiful presentation of the potted chicken below.

As we sat at the bar taking in the ambiance, I thought what a lovely setting.  I spend most mornings combing Pinterest for new and creative ideas, I couldn't help but notice something I had pinned recently.... a 2nd purpose for Mason Jars.  At a(MUSE) the pendant lights are Mason Jars!  How great to see this concept employed, I could definitely see this is a rustic chic kitchen project!




{At a(MUSE) Mason Jar Bar Lighting}

{Mason Jar Lighting on Pinterest}

AND THEN HE GRADUATED......

This past weekend my baby Brother graduated from High School and what a beautiful event it was!  Seems just yesterday I graduated the same high school and he was headed towards kindergarten. 

Several changes since my graduation from Poolesville in 2000, for instance girls wore gold and boys wore black robes; or the fact that we used to be home to the Poolesville Indians, in lite of a PC mascot they changed to the Falcons.  I graduated with a little more than 100 classmates while Steven held his own with over 350! 

The weekend was a special time to celebrate all of Steven's accomplishments, how far he has come and all the opportunities that await him this fall!


{My high school graduation 2000 with my Grandparents,
I couldn't find the family photo}



{Steven's 1st day of school, his expression is priceless,
not sure he knew what he was in for}

{Sunglasses photo with Steve and my younger sister Christina}

 



{Family Photo}