Welcome friends!
I’ve been doing this project recap party for a few years now and it is always fun to look back and see what I’ve accomplished for the year. I actually thought I might not have much to share this year, given the fact that 2011 was a train-wreck of a year for me in so many ways. But, I did a few things around my parent’s house and my sis’s as well. It was fun to be productive and get some things accomplished. If you want to check out what I accomplished in 2010, you can check out last year’s post. I am bummed that all the links are gone from last year’s party, not sure what happened, except that Inlinkz was making some changes around that time and I can’t find the party code anymore. Oh well….
With the upside down period of moving from Birmingham back to Atlanta, I settled in at my parents in April and in May we got the opportunity to make over their back porch, which had never been touched in a decorative way. It was fun to see this space transform into a useful and peaceful place to be. Now, it’s my new office and I love sitting out here.
Here’s the really ugly before state. I wanted to be sure to capture it as it was. And this pic says it all.
Here’s the After! I know, you’re breathing a sigh of relief with me now. We have enjoyed this space SO much and it has added a new room onto the house. Porches rock!!
Also, in May, I helped my friend, Vicki, make over a thriftstore table that we scored in Port St. Joe. It went from blah and dated….
To pretty and cottagey in a beautiful creamy white paint.
We then moved into my bathroom at my parents’ house and did a complete overhaul on the 1970’s bathroom that was in dire need of an update. First thing that came up was the old mauve carpet and down went these pretty Allure vinyl plank flooring
On the walls, I added my famous beadboard wallpaper which I am still in love with. I have it in my own online shop now!
So, we went from this….. to this…..
And we we completely transformed that 70’s bathroom into a nice new space, with a few key changes.
Another thriftstore find in Port St. Joe with my friend, Vicki, we made this ho-hum lamp over too.
And it turned into a cute coastal inspired lamp for its new life.
And the biggest project of the year was my sister’s bedroom makeover.
We stenciled the feature wall in this really cool Moorish stencil. And the room went from the 1990’s…
Definitely needing an update.
To a beautiful modern glam master bedroom suite. That was a fun one!
So, that was my year! How was yours? 🙂
I’m truly trusting and praying that 2012 is a much better year for me. I’m in such a better state of mind than I was a year ago at this time and I’m so glad to be through the worst of all the life changers this year. In fact, I’m downright optimistic. There are a lot of foreclosure houses on the market in our area right now and I expect that 2012 will still have many available. We’ve already taken a few drive-bys and look-sees at a few of them, just to see what is out there.
So, I fully expect that this time NEXT year, I’ll be in a fixer-upper house. I’m saving every penny I can and hopefully will find something for less than $70K that I can fix up and make my own. My dad is completely on board with it and since he did renovations years ago on rental homes and also did a lot of work on my first house, he still has the building and fixing bug and would enjoy helping on a project like this. So, that is what is happening with me! I couldn’t be happier in anticipating the possibility of getting a fixer-upper. If I could find the perfect one, it would be a 60’s or 70’s brick ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, existing hardwood floors in a decent neighborhood. We will see what comes along in my price range and of course, y’all will be the first to hear when it happens. Just thinking about it makes me smile really BIG!
It’s time for you to share your projects too, so feel free to link up and let everyone else know about the party as well. You can use the button or just do a link back.
Mary says
Beautiful redo’s. All the best to you in 2012!
Jessie@Imperfectly Polished says
Good luck with your home search! Can’t wait to see what you do-I’m sure it will be fabulous:) Happy New Year to you and thanks for hosting!
Karen says
Oh Rhoda… you’ve been thru so much this year. I pray 2012 is much better for all of us.
I’m so excited to hear you’re looking for a fixer upper! Your blog is one of my favorites and I look forward to seeing all the new projects you’ll be tackling in the future. ‘Good luck in your search.
Happy New Year!
Cathy says
LOVE your projects! Good luck to you in 2012, a new home that is in need of some TC and your creative touches sounds like fun!
Cathy @ Room Rx
Betsy(@coastal-colors) says
Thank you for hosting this link party! You completed some amazing projects! I love them all! The stenciling in the bedroom is amazing! I love the lamp and the bath is adorable! I don’t think I would ever leave the porch; it’s so inviting! I enjoyed meeting you on Thrifting Day 2011! I know you have had a challenging year! I hope for you only the best in 2012 and this new year will be filled with many wonderful blessings!
Kim @ Sand & Sisal says
You did some fabulous projects!!! Loved them all! I’m sure you’ll find a good house to purchase soon! And I can’t wait to see what you do with it! Thanks for hosting. ~ KIM
ashley @ the handmade home says
Rhoda-I admire you in so many ways…from your resilient super extraordinary personality to your fabulous sense of style. Cheers to you and your new year…you’re one amazingly fabulous lady! ;}
Paula says
Even though you had a rough year, you managed to do some great projects. My favorite is the bathroom update you did with your dad in their house. I hope you do indeed find a house to buy and I look forward to reading about how you and your dad restore it.
laxsupermom says
Love that office makeover! I can’t wait to come along for the new house purchase and transformation! Thanks for sharing and for hosting this party.
Dana R says
Hi Rhoda! Blessings to you in the New Year! I would like to alert you to a neighboorhood for you to watch that’s in your area, but I don’t wish to share it publicly. We have a 70’s brick ranch that we are making over, project by project, and have turned it into a liveable modern-ish home. You are welcome to e-mail me.
Rhoda says
HI, Dana, I would love to hear more about that. I will definitely email you soon!
Arlene @At Home with the Grimms says
Hoping the new year is a good one for you Rhoda…..and I cannot wait to see what you would do with a “fixer upper”. I am hoping to paint my laundry room in January. My hubs wanted to know why I would want to paint the laundry room and I told him that I spend a lot of time in there and I would like for it to look pretty. I also hope to “redo” my bedroom. I am still on the hunt for fabrics that I want to use before choosing a paint color. We have lived in our town house for almost three yrs and I am slowly getting rid of the builder beige. Thank you for blogging! I always look forward to your postings and I have learned a lot from you. Happy New Year!
Beth@UnskinnyBoppy says
Thanks so much for hosting Rhoda! I am enjoying looking through all of these beautiful homes and projects by all the talented folks you have as readers! Happy New Year to you, my friend. I do hope that 2012 proves to be a much easier and relaxing year for you than 2011 has been. :hugs:
janet metzger says
Good Morning Rhoda,
My favorite project for 2011 has to be my Farmhouse kitchen restyle that you so graciously featured on your blog. It was a joy to work on and so satisfying to complete and all for under $500.00! I still walk into it every morning with a smile on my face.
Happy New Year my friend…see you at Haven!
janet xox
The Empty Nest
PS…LOVE your sister’s bedroom…well done!
Maury @ Life on Mars says
Your parents porch is amazing!!! Thanks so much for hosting! Happy New Year!
JD says
Miss Rhoda,
So appreciated seeing all the great projects you worked on this past year. Whew! Almost made me tired viewing them. Smile. I do believe you will find the “perfect” new start residence. I did after a similar experience and it was such a blessing and joy to me. A home of serenity and peace to me and I pray you find one also.
Best to you,
Susan (Between Naps on the Porch) says
Rhoda, love all of your projects this past year. The bedroom has to be my favorite…or maybe it’s the porch. Oh, I can’t decide, I love them both! 2012 is going to be an amazing year…you are going to shine! I can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you’ll achieve. 🙂
jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says
Hi Rhoda! Thank you so much for the party! I have enjoyed looking through your projects 🙂 I love that you live with your parents & that your dad is going to help you find a home! We certainly have that in common! 🙂 I do look forward to seeing what “fixer upper” you find!
Erin @ His & Hers says
You definitely made the best of your move–you must have had so much fun redoing parts of your parents’ house! I especially like the back porch makeover. Thanks for the fun party! 🙂
Suzy says
Thanks for hosting this fabulous roundup of projects. There is so much inspiration out there. Looking forward to putting some of it to use in 2012!