Good Quotes:
Can a person be tired and invigorated at the same time? There wasn't a choice in the survey for "tired but happy", which is what I would have picked if I could. - Smallcitybeth in Canada
Congratulations, Cure Class of Fall '06! I have to admit to having had a challenging time keeping up with you and all your comments, but have been continually inspired by what a supportive, enthusiastic AND productive class you have been. I have also been impressed with how many Canadians we had this time (what is going on up North, eh?).
As you head on into the new year remember that this has been the "easy" part and that the real challenge lies ahead. Everything you have learned and/or done will carry forward but you will be alone as you continue to look after and improve your home (unless, of course, you join us for another Group Cure). Keep going! Rather than let you home slip back into its old ways, keep working in little ways each day and you will enjoy more and more energy returned to you from your more vital home...
It is these daily habits that really keep you home in shape. In the final section of the AT Book you will find instructions for carrying the Cure forward. Use these and add to them with your own.
Without further ado, I present to the blog those who have worked and revealed to us as the Class of Fall '06 and announce the next Cure to start on Monday, March 5th:
Cure Class of '06:
• Anne in Reno after Curing her new home
• Opponax says she's only 91% done, but it looks great
• Graduate student Amy in Richmond is done with phase one!
• Tara has a nice style tray...but we'd like to see more ;-)
• Anna in Saskatchewan has tackled A LOT and says she's still got a bit more to do
• Abby fell behind a bit, says she's really satisfied with all her progress
• Cathy in MN's before and after slideshow!
• Skywaykate's photoshop skills were invaluable. She promises to continue.
• Alana in Canada is done and has a slideshow featuring her kitchen with its "winter" colour scheme
• Marilyn's final Cure pix are lovely, even though she says she's not entirely done
• SmallcityBeth in Canada's final slideshow is a virtual housetour!
• MamaChilanga's hallway is as beautiful and colorful as her living room
• More ideas and pix from Alana in Canada
Good Quotes:
Well, kids, I guess something must have worked right. I was mostly finished with my cure when a Realtor friend of mine called and asked if I wanted to sell my "cured" place. I said that I had thought about downsizing off and on over the last year. She said she had a cash buyer waiting for me if I wanted to sell. I said I needed xxx number of dollars. She said "no problem". They came to look and I had a full price sale the next day. - Windwolf
(The last post is here - all Worksheets are here - The Book Blog is here)
Congratulations all! It was so awesome to see the energy that people brought here (SO POSITIVE!) - and you even invigorated me to paint one of our walls with the paint that has been waiting for 2 months. Looks great, though, so thank you.
I'll join in full ... after exams ... :)
I'll be there (again)! Putting March 5 on my calendar right now!
Yay, us! (and I'm so glad the next Cure isn't all that far away. March 5th. I'll be there.)
Lisa -- I've just been catching up on your blog. I like your new fabrics! (and thanks for the great idea about aquarium stones for filling the draft stopper. I've been wondering what to use!)
Olya, good luck on your exams. I'm rooting for you.
Really enjoying looking at everybody's slide shows! (sorry mine goes on for a year and a week and a day!)
May I repeat -- Yay, us!
(And thanks for the great graduation post, Maxwell, and for all your support through the book and the blog.)
As I said in the last thread, and I'm going to repeat here, a quote from Dag Hammarskold:
"For all that has been, thanks. To all that will be, yes!"
WOW, the bathroom looks so much larger -- wonderful idea! Generally, I like white bathrooms, but the paint has made a pronounced improvement.
Not that it matters, but the pics of the "winter" kitchen scheme aren't quite posted quite yet.
This was great! But, I still have to post my pics...which means I have to clean the house again (I've been really busy)...and I can't do that until Monday because I have a performance tomorrow night. So...I hope this thread will still be here in a couple of days!
Just checked back in - I'm prepping today for Cure pics and will do my best to get them up tonight (got to buy more film, & get it developed). Everything has taken longer than expected the past day or two. The upside is that my to-do pile will nearly vanish, the house looks more festive than ever, and my friends are all happy I've finished the house (they've hardly heard from me at all, just due to time crunches on my end).
Yes, I'll be back as well March 5 to join everyone - will be tackling the kitchen. I believe I've tackled everything else, this time!
Maxwell, I'll see if I can get more of the style tray on-line. Most of it is in an envelope on my desk. Glad you like it !
Leela! How is your foot?
And how dod the tidies up room go over with your dd, Tara?
Looking forward to both your "afters."
Here's a good criterion for decluttering: do you have space for the Christmas stuff?
The kids desperately want to put up the tree: there's no free corner!
We like to build and display a gingerbread house: where? (The kitchen table doesn't work because we do school there and eat!)
And now, this being the first Sunday of Advent, I need a place for the advent candles and wreath!
So, I'm thinking, if you have room for Christmas decorations: you'll have the space you should have the rest of the year!
Sorry Tara, that didn't make any sense!
And how did the tidied up room go over with your dd?
Alana, yes, that did all make sense.
I have room for Christmas decorations, in part because garlands are going to be a large part of it. I did have to move the plant stand into the MBR to make room for the tree, but I'm fine with that.
DD was happy with her room. I need to add one of the wall-top shelves, but otherwise it's done & everyone is happy.
I'm off to finish chores. I've GOT to stop leaving myself such a big to-do list for the weekends!
In the last Cure post, Alana said:
" "Deep treatment" does not mean to redecorate every room or do a "one room cure" on every single one, one week at a time, though some of us, OK, me, I did that. That's called "going overboard" and it's a weakness--not a strength!"
You too? Glad I'm not the only one! I did the one-room cure on 3 rooms - MBR, DD's rm, & the living room. And yes it is exhausting!
Hi -- I haven't posted in forever, but I did want to say congrats to all and that I am going to schedule the one room cure of the bedroom to start March 5th so that I can participate again. Best to all for the holiday season and new year!!!
wow! i'm totally honored to be in such super company. i've decided i'm going to keep up with my flicker page as i work to finish stuff; knowing that people were "looking in" was definitely motivating -- and the comments were great. i'm definitely psyched for march 5th! maxwell, i don't know how you kept up with us all, had a beautiful baby girl, did thanksgiving, prepped for the holidays and still found time to breathe, but you did. BANG -- a 21 gun salute to you.
It's so quiet on here now! I am putting the March Cure on my calendar, it will be my motivation to make some decisions about the living room. Until then I will keep posting on flickr should I complete any other exciting projects, but I don't have any planned right now other than working on my Style Tray and hunting for real-life approximations of some of that stuff (but in my price range, of course). I did a lot of Alana's going overboard this Cure and I'm pretty happy right now with the bedroom, office and bathroom. The living area is a work in progress and the kitchen and master bath are both just low on the priority list right now. They are as organized and functional as they possibly can be in their current state and will be dealt with when plumbing and electrical stuff can be addressed properly. So happy holidays everyone! Enjoy a little respite (without too much backsliding, of course), and we'll have to reconnect in the spring!
On the upside, the mister just admitted the state of the problematic and uncomfortable couch with squishy pillows, I am hoping this may lead to a mass reupholstering of both that and the ottoman in the future. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Wow! Is it really '"finished? For me it's still just beginning! I'd like to echo the Thanks that everyone has shared...I thought I was the only person "destuffing" until I ran across the blog. It's been fun to see how much some of you have really grown! There is hope for me yet! March 5th--I can't wait!
MamaChilanga - I love your art!
Saw this and thought of you guys, I don't know if anyone on here has heard of this goofy site but it's the search for the perfect desk chair...
Link in my name.
Alex: Which piece did you like?
All: Finally got the bedroom rug and pillow!
Here are pics.
Still need ideas for a new headboard or bed, better nighstands, and an alternate duvet.
Check it out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15376711@N00/314945227/
Just had to come out of lurkdom to comment on that video, Anne in Reno. Too strange: but fun. In fact, I'm in my own executive sweatpants right now!
You know, Mama, some curtains like the pillow might help remove the blandness from your headboard wall. The rug sure is pretty, though.
Too busy?
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemID=25430&itemType=PRODUCT&iMainCat=336&iSubCat=854&iProductID=25430
Well, I had my party on Saturday - it was fun and I got a lot of compliments! I added new post-cure photos to my flickr page (link in my sig) and I'm really happy with how everything came out.
I had a "free table" at the party that went over big - almost all of my remaining outbox stuff got new homes with my friends!
My studio and guest room are still not done, so I'll be working on them over the holidays. Even though I didn't get everything done that I wanted to, I'm proud of what I did accomplish and I'm proud of everyone here too! Everyone's photos look so fantastic!
I'm not sure what I'll do for the next round - maybe a one room cure on the studio. I'd also like to cure my yard, but March won't be warm enough - I'll save that for the summer.
Love the idea of a free table at your party!
Might try it myself when we have neighbors over for a holiday open house in a couple of weeks...
Oh those curtains. I love them. They are exactly the sort of thing I would use as my "base" piece and do a room around them. The design seems reminiscent of the era I love and the colours....be still my beating heart.
The only way these curtains would be too busy is if it is too close in scale to the pattern on the duvet. Hard to tell what the scale is from that sample.
Assuming it is ok, a solid easily sewn slipcover will take care of the headboard.
I like the curtains, I think they would look great with the rug and pillow, I just wonder if they might not be too much when combined with the smaller pattern on the duvet. But that's probably just me, I am generally very reluctant to mix patterns (can you see why my house makes me crazy sometimes?) and if it makes you happy then it's not too busy at all.
Hmmm. I've been re-thinking these curtains. I remember reading somewhere that when mixing patterns it is best to mix different kinds: ie, floral and check and stripe as well as to vary the scale. These orange and blue and green (and brown) curtains are 1) not quite in the tonal range of blue (pale vs bright) or of orange (reddish vs. "pure") and the green introduces a new note altogether.
I think a stripe would pick up on all the colours and yet not run the risk of looking 1) out of scale, 2) too busy and 3) not-quite-right colours. But that's just me.
Where did you get the pillow? Maybe there's a curtain panel or two there that would do?
In cure news, I FINALLY cleaned the last "stripping" brush--with mineral spirits--and now can put away the stripper and the spirits in the locked cabinet downstairs--and make a much needed trip to our hazardous waste disposal site to get rid of the left-overs (and a few batteries to boot!).
Thank goodness it'll be warmish tomorrow (about zero celcius). Last time I tried to make a run to the Eco-centre I nearly blew up the car with the heater blowing full blast on an empty can of stripper!
Great work, everyone! I'm even impressed by the progress of the people who thought they didn't do much. Little changes make a huge difference. :)
It's been great fun! See you all in a few months for the Spring Cure!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ldy-tara/sets/72157594351901674/
My Graduation photos are uploaded! While I haven't had a party yet, I've gotten a lot of compliments from visitors, and I may host a small party later, but nothing is firm at this point. It's been great doing the Cure with all of you, and I will be back in March!
If you have your heart set on a gravy boat, then go for it. I did. At great expense and effort, my mom got me one that matches my "good china." Sadly, we hardly ever use it. If I'm serving a sauce with our meat (and I do about once a week) I just grab a small creamer from the cupboard. The gravy boat is too large for our small table!
Hey if anyone's still around, I have a question for y'all. I found the perfect pendant lamp (link in my name) and have been told that you can rewire those in-line switches if you want them hardwired instead. But what I need is the metal piece that covers where the cord goes into the wall, and I don't know what that is called. Anyone? Anyone?
Sorry, Anne. I'm afraid I can't help.
But check out my new hallway art!
Anne -- I don't know what it's called either, but that definitely is the perfect lamp! Good sleuthing!
Mama C -- great hallway art!
(finally when I "refreshed" there were new comments!)
I haven't done anything Cure-ish, but I'm always glad to see that people are still out there, and achieving things.
Great artwork, Mama. You truly have a talent for it. I don't suppose you'd consider opening your own gallery some day?
Sorry, Anne. I'm not even sure what you're reffering to. I hope you found it, whatever it is. Nice pendant!
Virtually nothing has been accomplished here in the last week or so. The bathroom is still askew, bedroom curtains are hemmed but crooked (one too long, one too short!) and so on.
I have been doing the dishes consistently, though--not letting them pile up. That's something!
Alana -- interesting about your bedroom curtains, did I start a trend of one too long, one too short? Maybe we could tell people that this is the latest style? :)
I've noticed that Susie in England has posted on the latest open thread -- sounds like she's doing well on her Cure on Her Own.
I think that this is the time to enjoy the season, and deal with askew things and too long/too short things in the New Year, if possible.
Anna, About the lamp. Yes, any cord can be changed from a switched to hardwired. Instead of just using the cord as is, I would recommend taking the whole lamp to a lighting store. Or there may be a lampshade store or lamp repair guy in your town. They can rewire the lamp with the proper cord and all the connecting pieces, and even give you the exact length you need for hanging. It's an inexpensive fix. Great looking shade!
Well, Beth, I think we could start a trend. But you are right: it isn't the season to fuss. Today and tomorrow I'm concentrating on getting things picked up and the place clean. No more projects--unless they are Christmas related until the New Year. I'm also sinking into my annual depression big-time so I'm not terribly motivated to anything, either! Not to worry: things will get better when the days get longer again. Just have to ride it out.
Alana -- Hope the depression doesn't get too bad. When I was lamp-hunting, I noticed some lighting that is supposed to help seasonal affective disorder (I think those are the words that S.A.D. stands for...) I've put a link in my name to a store here that carries them -- I expect there are stores near you that are suppliers for the same companies. Don't know if this would help, but I thought I'd share the link anyway. (Link in my name.)
Alana,
Great fixture -- it'll look great in your place.
I would call the cover plate at the ceiling of your fixture an escutcheon plate.
ho, ho, ho!
How is everyone?
I've finally put up some new pics: though there is nothing really new to see. The "red Christmas" kitchen pics are in there, though, so I hope you'll enjoy those smallcitybeth. And the "after" pics of the dining room (side by side the "befores" in the Before, during and after set) are kind of like those pics in the game: "spot the ten differences."
I was poking about and saw belledame has added to her style tray! Good for you. I hope no one is going to be shy about letting us know when there are new pics!
I hope everyone has a terrific Christmas. Can't believe it is almost on top of us, already!
And thanks for looking into those lights for me, too. The days turned sunny for a while and that was a big help--
Oh, and a happy Hannukah and Kwanza too--and Winter Solstice and whatever particular celebration you hold dear this time of year. Didn't mean to sound insensitive!
Hi, Alana!
You're right, I do like the red in your kitchen! In fact, I like all your new pics. I will do proper comments on them early in the week. Right now, I mustn't let myself get distracted from the task at hand, which is putting together a 50th birthday present for a friend that I've known since Grade One! She's picking up her presents (Christmas & birthday) tomorrow evening, so I must keep working away at it!
But thanks for the link to your new pics.
Is anyone else out there? I keep checking to see if the comment total has changed, and tonight I thought, yay, it's 39 instead of 37!
Happy everything, everybody!
Are you going to do a Spring Cure? If so, I'd like to join. I just have to ... uh ... buy a condo and move in first, because this San Francisco rent is killing me.
Ok, I need to read. You have the date up the top in bold. =/ March 5th, I'll be there!
If anybody is still around, I updated my After pics a little and I'd love some feedback on my plan for the living/dining area. Hope everyone is enjoying their break! Guess I'll see everybody back in March!
anne (in reno),
i'm glad you're still curing away. i am too! i want to finish my living room by the time we get to the next cure when i plan to do my bedroom. i too have posted more pix...
Anne (in Reno) and Abby -- I've just been to look at your new pics! Great work, both of you! I've been just coasting along, and enjoying my cured space (haven't exactly got back to my shredding project yet. gotta do that...) Every time I come to the AT site, I do a quick check on book blog -- "Nope, still 42 comments. Sigh." Tonight, I thought, "44 comments! Oh boy, somebody's been doing something!" It's so good to know that someone's still curing. Thanks for sharing your pics!
Hey guys, thanks for the comments, and abby I love your new paint color! I'm going to keep updating, slowly but surely, and it's so great to see others doing the same!
Hi everyone! I just wanted to de-lurk and say that I'm getting really excited for the spring cure. Thanks to all of you for sharing your pics and ideas; it's helping me get motivated and inspired to begin this process. So I've bought the book and started to do some preliminary thinking, planning, and organizing...now if I can just get up the courage to take (and post) some "before" pics! I have some pretty hideous hand-me-down furniture. :)
Hi, Lisa! Glad you'll be in the Cure! It's a fantastic experience. I was nervous about taking and posting "before" pics for the Fall Cure, but everyone was so supportive and helpful, that I got over my nervousness and had a blast! Hope you will, too. "Talk" to you in March.
Oops. sorry about the double post!