a few new house updates

So, I've been in major purge mode lately.  We have so much junk that we never use, and I want it out of here!  I've been taking stuff to the Goodwill, handing down baby items to friends, and- the funnest thing- selling stuff on eBay and craigslist.  Any money I make, I can justify spending on house stuff because, duh. Free money.  Some stuff has sold for a lot more than I thought it would (7 year old pottery barn pillow cases for $27!), some has sold for very little (99 cent never worn pumps), and some is sitting in our closets waiting for some lucky person to scoop it up at a bargain price (brand new subwoofer?  anyone?). Anyway, I'm having fun with it and enjoying the emptier closets and decluttering process.

Moving on, here are some of the updates we've done lately:

• Added a chalkboard behind the range.  Ordered a cheapo one off of amazon, then Doug used some "reclaimed wood" to create a chunkier border.

We had an engagement party for Owen and Leana last weekend.  She's now in charge of any and all future chalkboard drawings.

•  Bought new couch pillows that are more modern.  Next up for the couch is to order a new cover.  I'm thinking a medium grey.  And hopefully not as sloppy looking...

•  Another "reclaimed wood" project.  Doug built me a new media console for a "house-aversarry" present.  I make up holidays to get stuff ;)  I still need to stage it with cute stuff, but I love it so much!

I have never liked our old one, and I'm so glad to see it go!  

• An amazing Mother's Day present from my in-laws.  Replaced the clock, which had recently stopped working, on my gallery wall. 

•  New side table to replace the clunky mahogany one that was there before.  This change made a huge difference!

 And lastly, I found this gem of what the house looked like one year ago when I thought I would never have a home again!

And look at it now!