I have a list a mile long of projects for our house. For the past five years of our marriage, we have rented, so this is the first home we can "change." Many of the projects I want to tackle include tile, but we have never tiled before. So, we decided to start with this small, flat, okay if it is un-even space.

It is such a simple change, but it adds so much more character to this space. I still plan to add a couple of changes to the fireplace, but for now, we can now say "we can tile!"

Thankfully, my husband took charge and did 90% of the work. I simply sat there, talked, and added mortar to the tiles.

The first day, we laid all of the tile and let is dry for 24 hours before adding the grout.

Day two, we (Justin) added the grout. I did nothing but empty the buckets of water. I think I like projects. ;)

Day three, we caulked the edges. We then cleaned the tile to remove any water residue and excess grout.

First tile project = success

It's April, and the sun has been shining! It was a long winter for me. There were many dark days (literally and figuratively). There were days when I laid on the couch and never made it outside. Vitamin D is a beautiful thing. So, friend, get outside! Let the rays hit your skin! Put your hands in the dirt! Paint something!

Now, to the point of this post: Since I have the energy to actually do normal tasks (cook dinner, make the bed, go on a walk), my mind has been itching with decorating ideas! I thought I would share my living room for this spring (and probably summer because I love it that much).

We bought our home a year ago in May. It isn't our forever home, but it is our home for now. My dream home is a white farm house, and I plan to build it one day. But, that will have to wait. I already have the floor plan (that I have been drawing out since middle school). Ha!

My feed is always full of beautiful farm houses. It makes me dream (and covet). Seriously, I don't get on Pinterest because it causes discontentment in my heart. But, having a perfect farm house is not my reality right now. My goal is to add as much character (with simple decorating and EASY fixes) to our "normal" house as possible.

So, every few weeks (or maybe sooner if I get my act together), I will share how "I" decorate my not-so-farmy-house as a farm house.

First up, my living room. My walls are still a brown/cream. I want to paint them. But, my walls are so high, I can't do it myself. And the painter quoted me $1600. Soooo, they remain cream. One day, they will be WHITE!

I receive comments all.the.time about my white couches. I know, I have two big dogs. And yes, I will change my ways when I have kids. But, guess what, these beauties are slipcovers and can be bleached. Can your non white couch do that? We eat on our couches, we let kids climb all over them, and we just wash them when needed. I have added some subtle hints of pink throughout the living room. I would have so much more pink in my house if it wasn't for that pesky husband that also happens to live here. I think I want to add end tables? What do you think? Do you put end tables if you have a table behind your couch?

This is our sixth "home" and the first with a mantel! So, it gets the most of my decorating attention! I plan to add some kind of "chimney" to the wall. Maybe shiplap? If not, something super simple (and cheap). I would also love to tile the black hearth section. I have also considered adding a new mantel/covering the one that is there. It is super shallow, and I would love something deeper (to hold more stuff, obviously!)! That gas fireplace was so so cozy this winter!

Comment with questions or general love!

Fireplace Makeover

Hello Spring, Goodbye Those Winter Blues