New Pillow Covers

In no way do I consider myself an interior designer, but my untrained eye noticed I definitely needed new couch pillows.  A few months ago, I bought a white sofa and loveseat off Craigslist.  The old pillows didn’t match the color scheme in the living room.

Before I receive any disapproving tsk-tsks or negatively shaking heads, YES, I know white couches get dirty.  In fact, they get dirty VERY easily.  I consider my Craigslist purchases as “pre-children” couches.  White is a great neutral and they look great.

Back to the pillows.  I considered buying new pillows, but didn't want to waste down feathers.  I felt bad stuffing the old ones in box and storing them in a rarely visited corner.  After taking a nap on the couch, I woke to find my face mashed against a pillow’s zipper.  Hmm…logic started to fill my head. 

I decided to remove the old covers and buy new covers.  I browsed through numerous websites, including Etsy, but couldn’t justify the prices.  I researched “easy pillow covers” and found Apartment Therapy’s brief picture tutorials on sewing envelop covers.  

My sewing machine skills are nonexistent.  One of these days, I’ll invest in a simple sewing machine and learn how to sew.  In the mean time, BF’s mom was very happy to help with my latest project. 

There was an hour’s worth of trial and error with the first pillow.  The first one is always an experiment.

After completing the first pillow, we finally got the hang of it. I measured and cut the fabric, while BF’s mom sewed. 

Bailey tried to help, but pressures of naptime were too overwhelming.

Essential Parts

BF, "Go ahead, turn on the faucet."
TMF, "Okay.  I'm so excited to use the faucet for the first time!"

TMF, "Uh oh, what was that noise?"
BF, "What noise?"
TMF, "It sounded like there was a clank."

TMF opens the sink cabinet door,  "Oh no!  There's water leaking!"

After inspecting the sink cabinet for a few seconds, BF simply says, "Oh, that's what that part is for."
TMF, "WHAT?" 

TMF, "How could you leave OUT a part?"
BF, "I didn't think it was essential, but apparently it is."
TMF, "What?
BF, "Oops."

Apparently the essential part kept the water hose connected.  That's kinda important.

Plumber's Putty

Being his usual resourceful self, BF installed our new kitchen faucet after the countertops were installed. 

While doing random chores around the house, I came across BF playing with what I thought was Play Doh or Silly Putty. 

Apparently he wasn't playing with one of my favorite childhood toys, he was using the Plumber's Putty to line the kitchen sink drain. 

Whatever, it looked like fun, but I still received a big eye-roll.

Island Life

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I am convinced a man designed this house.  Only a man would design a house without closet space and an oddly shaped kitchen.  (I apologize to male readers if I unintentionally insulted you.)

The kitchen was designed to have the range installed in the middle.  Since the previous tenants didn't properly take of the house, BF demolished the existing island. 

Before the installation of salvaged granite countertops occured, BF created a new island. 

 When selecting our new cabinets, BF chose two small options for the sides of the range.  I love having a sliding spice rack and storage for my cutting boards and cooling racks. 

BF and I agreed the island would look nice if it was extended a little farther.  I didn't want anything fancy.  Plus I wanted it to be easy and quick for BF.  I think the simple design looks fantastic. 

Perhaps this can be Bailey's future "Thunder spot."  Poor guy is terrified of thunder and fireworks.  He likes feeling snug and comfortable against a wall.

The countertop guys did a great job of matching different pieces.  The seams are barely noticable.  I'm sure I sound strange when describing how much I enjoy running my fingers across the countertops.