Last weekend we took a quick family vacation with Connor's parents and his brother and his brother's girlfriend to North Carolina. We originally planned to ski, but the weather had something else in mind! With temperatures soaring to the mid-seventies in February, the ski resort shut down early and won't reopen until next season. Connor was very disappointed because he was really looking forward to trying out his new skis and wearing the pants I gave him for Christmas. After a bit of sulking though, we decided to make the best of it and enjoy some quiet family time. While the rest of the group went horseback riding at nearby stables, Connor and I drove down to Asheville to our favorite antique store, The Tobacco Barn. We woke up on Sunday to rain tapping on the metal roof. For brunch, we drove to Weaverville for crepes before we hit the road home. Even though there was no snow and we had to improvise on our ski trip, I think we all enjoyed getting away from home for the weekend and spending time together. Maybe next year we can actually hit the slopes?!
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An unseasonably warm Valentine's Day was perfect for a stroll downtown and an open air flower market. Our wedding florist hosted the first ever Flowerfaire at Wyche Pavilion and it was so romantic. We had reservations at Larkin's on the River, but left a little early so we would have time to pick out a bouquet beforehand. For dinner we ordered steaks and lobster and sides and dessert. We splurged and it was one of the best meals we've ever had. I can't wait to be back at Larkin's in a few months for a wedding reception. Connor and I have never done much for Valentine's, but we always pick out a different restaurant to try. To us, a delicious dinner is worth more than chocolates and gifts. Although he did surprise me with a pair of earrings I've had my eye on, so that made this year extra special.
To see before photos & catch up click here. We're eleven days into our kitchen renovation. This has been the biggest transformation by far, and our excitement for the final reveal is growing. We began by removing the existing cabinets and appliances, and pulling up the laminate floors. Once we peeled back all of the layers of paint, wallpaper, tile, and floors we could finally see what we were working with. The plaster walls were in good shape and we were very surprised to find original heart pine floors! This discovery meant we could refinish the existing floors instead of installing new vinyl which was a huge savings to our budget. While we waited on the floors to be sanded, we had our electrician install a new outlet for the refrigerator, move an existing outlet for the microwave, and remove some old wires from a box in the floor. Connor spent a couple hours under the house capping of the old sink plumbing and piping new hot and cold water lines by the window for the new sink. We also framed in an old doorway to make the wall smooth for cabinets. I painted a couple coats on the walls and trim before we were ready to install the new cabinets. We started by installing the two pantries and bridge cabinet where the refrigerator and sink used to be. Next, we added the row of bases that extend in front of the windows and add much more counter space. The new sink will sit in front of the window. Then, we installed the upper cabinets and microwave bridge. Finally, we were able to bring in our new appliances and were relieved when everything fit perfectly. Because we live in a very old home with plaster walls and wood floors, we had to shim the cabinets in several places to keep everything level, but once we have the end panels and trim up you won't be able to tell!
To finish up this project we still need countertops, a tile backsplash, and for the flooring to be finished. We're hoping to get everything done in the next few weeks, but I'm just so glad to have the fridge and microwave hooked up so we can quit eating out every day! |
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AuthorDusti McCraw Archives
December 2022
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