Author name: Karla Nathan

A kitchen makeover

Kitchen remodel, redos

47F7CF13-2918-4F77-A232-F82043A98FE3

When we bought this house, the previous owners had used dark paint throughout.  And this is how it looked with the renters in it.  

Not so inviting, huh?

8BE7033E-B9E7-416C-9729-23FFE2F7D4C5

This is how the previous owners had it. Over crowded, with a fridge so big it partially blocked the doorway.  But good bones, beautiful granite and backsplash, newer flooring, and solid cabinets that had been refinished  

 

713362BC-4884-4820-8CCE-2708AC11297B

To sell it, I thought it needed to be brighter.  

41ADFD25-1C45-478F-8767-AEFF7AF2CFF4

We also thought a counter depth fridge would look better, plus the ice maker didn’t work on the old one.  The stove had broken, and there was no dishwasher, so we purchased all three brand new.

B051A894-2EA7-4680-B43A-1DDC35C193D6

A cream and tan, indoor outdoor rug helped lightening it up too.

We added a new faucet, I scrubbed and polished everything, then painted the inside of the pantry a fresh white.

BF30928A-4465-43B0-B1EA-C7CA44813EC0The walls are a soft gray, the baseboards a clear, clean white, and the woodwork was oiled and polished.

EF830102-1F54-4C7F-8962-B7A6C9738816

But most of all, the renters’ debris was GONE.  They left a huge mess, dirty dishes, rotting food, stuff smeared everywhere.  

I kept it simple, basically, pristine and neutral, not decorated, but a basis for a new owner to decorate how they wish. 

D7F4BE52-0795-4D20-ACD5-2F39B99744E2

And you know that was hard for me!  I wanted to keep going and make it the way I like things, but I restrained myself and kept the room something that others could see themselves in.

 

 

 

What have I been doing besides raising goldendoodles?

how-to projects, Tutorials

3DF2A187-9B66-4FF6-99EA-A9C4B7AF1CB2
About a year and a half ago, we bought a house and 13 acres for our son’s family. 

Sadly, their circumstances changed, they can’t keep it.  They all moved out and renters stayed a few months.  Between cool, hippy projects my son did, that aren’t mainstream enough for new buyers, other projects that he began but could not finish ( since he thought he had a life time, not a year to do them) and the neglect that comes from strangers using a home-it needed a LOT of work.

613E4FC5-C878-471F-BFA6-2D5363843A4F

Also, the house was pretty dark from the original seller’s paint choices. I wanted to lighten and brighten, but not go so far as my own home, with its shabby chic, romantic style.  

So I chose a warm blue for the bathroom, and repainted the mismatched Formica yellow cabinet.  The butter yellow did not match the tan counter tops or the gray floors.  So I tied those colors together with paint.

B0C2FF7D-A174-448C-9E27-261751FFAF86

First, a bonding primer.

Next white.

Then I brushed on a color to match the counter top.

(See the paint in the bucket?  That is the original wall color, way too dark for this room)

941C1121-EB82-4CF8-AD4D-D5BDFB86DE70

Over all of that, a stone gray to match the floor.

Then, flecks of grey splattered with a toothbrush.  The grey is a Behr exterior paint that I used on the barn, so is very durable and every bit as good as using a clear topcoat over the other layers.

8A5A36C2-976E-47AA-81DD-78C8EB72F857

I wanted a farm house look.  And I didn’t want to spend any more money, we are already spending thousands on the place.

So I used what I had on hand and made it work.  Now, I love paint treatments, so in my mind a custom painted vanity (that was in good shape and not very old) is better than replacing it with a brand new one.

I hope buyers agree.

F5B687CF-99ED-4BBF-80C4-7E4A877C667C

I really really really really hope that buyers agree!

The bathroom was newly renovated when we bought it, so had “good bones”. 

E76B6433-0237-4AC0-8A80-4DCF90271DCE

But the people who remodeled did not paint the doors and woodwork they installed and left it as is.  The primer that comes on white woodwork from the lumberyard is not a bright, clear white and it grabs dirt.  So I am repainting it all with fresh white in a satiny finish.

D07B9E12-7D7F-478C-ADF0-A6150F9E5505

Including the cabinet doors.  

BD35D053-4EE7-44B3-B69E-7BE7C6E879F2

All of the rooms are getting spiffed up, and this is the first one all done.  I am afraid that I don’t have before, except ones from Zillow.  As I redo and stage, I can show some of them

Please wish us luck, I am afraid that I will need it!

 

 

 

We have been invaded!

dogs, Goldendoodle Puppies

A4B9A81B-E1C8-4D2D-8949-5C43B7F2BF3F

We have a door in our bedroom that opens to the patio and it has a big window.  The doodles now are running rampant through the courtyard, and discovered that they could see us through the window.  So, I opened the door, and they all scrambled and wriggled their fat, little, furry rumps up the step and into the house.

At first, they chilled with their mom while Rich and Twinkle watched the Royals together.

7A596473-5946-4304-85D6-131BDBBF17A8Then one noticed how cozy Dorothy’s bed looked.

FB6156CD-35ED-4DDE-97FB-3A1D5FCFE55AAnd climbed right in.

6119F685-ABC7-4BDD-BD81-9C4DA1D911C4

Dorothy wasn’t quite as into the snuggling as the baby was.

1CA21EA4-716F-4685-A1FF-CC3980E3738C

Her sister wanted to watch the Royals.

215EDDC9-088D-4245-B677-F9C5A5FA1EDB

But Twinkle had other ideas and decided that the pup needed a bath.

E592AE0B-286C-4975-A8BD-34B09EEA147B

I think Albie is a bit leery of the doodles now that they are bigger than he is.  He is still quite fascinated by them.

232E37BA-10CF-4A30-90A4-E03E67D9AA52As we all are!

 

 

 

My watercolor bluebird class for our workshop

bird song art event, cottage, paintings, Workshops

IMG_6222

Having never taught watercolors before and being extremely overworked, overwrought, and tired, recently- I was worried about this bluebird class.

IMG_6220

But I shouldn't have been! The attendees did a wonderful job. I was so proud of them and very impressed.  They each got a hand drawn page to paint after we used a big, blank page to get some practice done on.

69433404_10218103347082581_85371722072588288_n

Everyone's turned out just lovely.  And after painting them, they popped the pictures into mini frames to embellish with a rhinestone cluster.

IMG_6229

Nora even "branched out" and painted this sweet bluebird.

IMG_6180

Honestly, it was one of my favorite classes.  I had a wonderful time showing some painting tricks to friends.  And it made me wish I had more time to paint.  It was a lot of fun.

IMG_6179

I'll leave you with some photos of the studio, all spiffed up and ready for company.

IMG_6181

IMG_6182

IMG_6183 IMG_6184

IMG_6187

IMG_6190

 

By the way, if you would like to see puppy pictures, please check them out here:  https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

 

Treats from Karen- Carmel Apple Cake Pops

Food and Drink, friends, Workshops

IMG_6223

My pal, Karen, has a way with entertaining. And she is so good about sharing tips and tricks.  For our workshop, she gave us all a lesson in making caramel apple cake pops.  

IMG_6207

It was hands on, with everyone helping.

IMG_6215

Including on a lesson in making leaves from green candy melts and a toothpick.

IMG_6214

The cake mix was baked with apple cider.  The rest of the cider was used to make a special "Welcome Autumn" beverage for lunch, Caramel Apple Sangria. Oh my!

Chopped up honeycrisp apples floated in cider with white wine, spiked with caramel vodka.  I was wishing that I wasn't such a wimpy drinker, it was so tasty, I wanted a mugful instead of a sip. But I can't focus on doing anything but giggle if I have a mid day drink. And there was a watercolor class to teach, sooooo, I woefully had to stop myself from having more than a taste.

IMG_6207a

Karen wrote up the recipe for everyone to take home.

IMG_6212

If you ever get a chance to attend one of her workshops at the Cozy Castle, you really should.  Plus, it is in Florida, and that is a great place to visit.  (Did I mention it wasn't too far from the world's best place to visit, or should I say the happiest? DISNEYWORLD!)

IMG_6194

I sat our luncheon table with a fall theme, and cooked a wild turkey breast that Karen shot herself.

IMG_6195

It was good to have an excuse to get out a smidgeon of autumn decor.  I had told  myself that I wasn't going to do much fall decorating, since I am working on fixing up another house to get on the market, then going straight into Christmas decorating on November 1st for A Snowbirds' Song. 

IMG_6196

No time for Halloween, no matter how much I enjoy it.  So, a few mini, white pumpkins on the table will have to surfice.

IMG_6224

Our little workshop sure got me in the mood for fall and cheered me up.  What a beautiful day! Huge thank yous to everyone who came and for Karen's delightfulness. She and I hope to work together in the future too, I have been invited to teach at her "Beauty in Blue" during Blue Bonnet season in Texas.  Maybe we will see you there?

ps- pups for sale!!  https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

Karen’s Classes at the Cottage

bird song art event, dogs, Goldendoodle Puppies, We're having a party, Workshops

IMG_6227

After our trip up north to the fleas and the deer hunters' camp, we had a workshop at the cottage. Karen taught a class to craft this darling flower fairy, in warm, fall tones. (mine has a moonstone on the end of her magic wand)

IMG_6201

Here is her example in pink.

IMG_6202

All of the ladies made really cute ones.  If you get wonderful supplies, and are shown a wonderful idea, it is easy to come up with something wonderful, right?

Karen really came through with this one.

IMG_6199

We had a smaller group, a couple of people couldn't come due to illnesses.  So we cozied up on one side of the room with an intimate sized group, relaxed and casual.

IMG_6200

Having puppies to hold is a plus for any gathering too.

IMG_6198

I hope the guests had as much fun as I did.  For me, it was the best!

IMG_6197

Now, I just can't wait till A Snowbirds' Song, I love having friends in my studio. This little get together whetted my appetite for more.

 

By the way, if you would like to see more puppy pictures, please check them out here:  https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

And if you need a small to medium goldendoodle to snuggle yourself? They are for sale, just contact me.

 

A very welcome getaway

friends, Travel

IMG_6173

I certainly needed a break. It has been super busy around here, between hungry pups needing snugggles, getting a property ready to put on the market, malfunctioning machinery, blown circuit breakers in the studio, plumbers needed in our house, and more.

IMG_6149

What could be better than a getaway with good friends?

IMG_6172

At a beautiful location?

IMG_6150

Down the road from my favorite flea market?
IMG_6170
With crafting!!??

IMG_6174

Karen invited me to stay at Rawhide Outfitters Camp  

IMG_6156

Overlooking a bluff of the Missouri, in Northern Kansas. This is the third year in a row that I have been lucky enough to attend this gathering and enjoy the Whetshire's hospitality, and Tracy's expert cooking.  

IMG_6152

It is near Sparks and White Cloud, so we spent some time shopping at the flea markets.

IMG_6155

 I found piles of treasures!

IMG_6167

Tami provided a project for us to create one evening over wine and giggles.

IMG_6163

I was only able to be there for a day and night, due to pressing concerns at home.  But I adored every single second of the trip.  

And- I slept for a solid 9 hours.  I hadn't done that since the pups were born.  I came away rested and refreshed.

IMG_6172

 

Sugarwings turns THIRTEEN

celebrations, dogs, Sugarwings, We're having a party

6a00d83451ead569e200e54f05349d8833-800wi

Sugarwings and my blog are just about the same age. Here is the first photo I posted of her within a week or so of starting the blog.  I have no idea how many times I have shown pictures of her here, but there are enough that I know I will pay the fees to keep my blog going long after I am done writing it, just to look back as a journal of my life and of the grand fairies growing up.  

IMG_3374

Thirteen years.  

Really.

That flew by way too fast.  But I have always thought that whatever age she is at the time is the best stage ever. Then, I am pleasantly surprised to see just how much fun she is as she gets just a little older.  So, I am looking forward to seeing what 13 brings. And 14, 15, 16, on and on.  2 was adorable, but 12? What a blast!  I can't wait to watch her grow and just get better and better and better as time goes by.

IMG_6060

She has plans to be an oceanographer some day, and wanted her mom to throw an ocean themed party for the birthday bash.

68840036_10157693468053534_578471037516120064_n

It was just as cute as can be!

IMG_6065

The shark was great!

IMG_6061

The sea turtle cake was pretty cool too.

IMG_6064

The girls started at her Mom's, then flowed to the Double Tree for a swimming/slumber party.

IMG_6078

The next morning, after checking out, they came to see me the puppies. (Who am I kidding, this visit was all about the pups!)

IMG_6079

All of the dogs were happy to see them.

IMG_6080

I was too.

IMG_6082

I loved seeing that my girl had such nice friends to spend such a special occasion with her.

If you’d like more info about puppies, there is a blog with their whole story: https://karlascottage.typepad.com/cottage_doodles/

A busy month

family

IMG_6057

August has been busy.  Quite busy.  These guys are a big part of that.

IMG_5952

They came on August 4th.

IMG_6068

And our whole household has been affected. We have all been busy taking care of the newborns.

58766450052__4D6D8893-8759-4CE3-B602-E2CF369CB6A9

And then, we found out that my son's house needed to be put up on the market.  My husband and I have been working nonstop over there, getting it ready, since we are the owners.  With the help of a couple of handy man friends, the old out buildings  got torn down, and then we started cleaning out the barn and tidying up the yard.

There is a lot more to do, I have been pulling weeds, hauling gravel, and spreading mulch. There is some painting in my future too.

Our poor boy, tore his rotator cuff and while is usually a world class handyman himself, he can't do much to get the house market ready.

IMG_5980

In other big news, Dewdrop came back to Kansas from North Carolina to start the school year. She is a 3rd grader now, and can walk to class from our house with her Pop Pop.

Speaking of Pop Pop, the biggest news of all for August is-

MY HUSBAND RETIRED!

He is extremely happy. And the timing is good, he went from 80 hours a week working for a corporation to about twice that working on that farm.  Well, it seems like that many hours, we are working pretty hard over there to get it on the market in the next couple of weeks.  It worked out well that he has the time to do it now.  

 

Scroll to Top