Our Concrete Home

Backyard Patio

July 21, 2010 | posted by Andrea

This is the current state of one side of our backyard. Basically, its a big mud pit.

This is a general idea of what we want it to become. A concrete patio bordered with river rocks. The seams in between the concrete pavers will be planted with low creeping Thyme ground cover or something similar.

Originally, we were going to build a concrete or stone wall between the pool and the patio, but because of cost and permanence of the structure we have decided to use river rocks instead. I think this will be a better solution in the long run because it will allow the space to be flexible depending on what we are using it for.

The hut will house our pool equipment. Eventually the plan is to move the equipment along the side of the house, but the hut will have to do for now.

Inspiration

I really like the look of ground cover between the pavers. It really works in both a modern space and more rustic settings. Here are a few samples of how cool it can look.

Source

categories: Backyard

Feline Friday – Pixel Chillin

June 25, 2010 | posted by Andrea

categories: Feline Friday, Pixel

Windows and Doors

June 22, 2010 | posted by Andrea

I have been keeping a secret. For a couple months, Nate and I have been researching, visiting showrooms and weighing options. On what you ask? Well, after a very long deliberation, we purchased all new windows and doors for our house. Its a major investment and our first major reno on the house.

I was adamant to follow the proper homeowner protocol of getting three different vendor quotes, checking out the companies and really weight all our options before deciding.

We signed the contract back in May and now we are waiting. The vendor has told us it will take 2-3 days for the install. I can’t wait. Its going to be such a major boost to our house!!

Stay tuned – we should be scheduling the install in the next week or so.

categories: House Purchase

Feline Friday – Loki as the Garden Help

June 18, 2010 | posted by Andrea

I am very lucky to have a little furry helper in the garden.

This is what I was doing.

and this was how Loki helped me.

categories: Feline Friday, Loki

Let the recap begin!

June 07, 2010 | posted by Andrea

Its been a VERY busy few months for me and Nate. Lot of family stuff plus I had a chaotic election season (Vote June 8!) and Nate’s been in the thralls of school.

Any spare moment we were not at the office, we found time to get a few things done on the house. So let’s start with five big projects in our backyard.

1. Removing the Planters

Slowly, Nate and I have been removing the concrete planters along the back fence. It has required a great deal of patience and hard work to remove all the old growth and transport wheelbarrow by wheelbarrow of dirt to other places in the yard.

Nate also tackled the persimmon stump.

2. Corner Bed

Some of the dirt made its way into my new corner bed. Earlier I posted about my transplanted hydrangeas. I actually ended up moving them a second time, but this is there final destination!

I also transplanted some other plants in the backyard including our Pineapple and Mexican Sage. They are already doing quite well.

3. To the Dump

Nate took two trips to the dump disposing the old solar panels from the roof, the pool heater, the fiberglass sheeting on our patio, a concrete border from the front porch and countless other junk-able items. I’ll recap the removal of the fiberglass and concrete border in a separate post.

4. The Pool Equipment

Well, you may remember that Dad and I took out that nasty pool heater awhile back. Well soon after, we hired a local service to keep the chemicals in check. Leave it to the expert to find a “leak” in our system.

Basically, the equipment was super old and not doing a very good job. We made the decision to install new equipment that would be more efficient, quieter and effective.

Since the new equipment has been installed, our pool has been crystal clear so I think it was well worth it!

5. Light Fixtures

I was really happy to exchange the old spotlights on the back porch with new metal light fixtures. I was pleased that I was able to do the whole project by myself with no problems. It was a perfect project for a Sunday afternoon.

All these little improvements continue to make this house ours. I am really excited to share our vision of the completed backyard with you in the near future.

categories: Backyard

One Year Anniversary!

June 05, 2010 | posted by Andrea

Happy 1 Year Anniversary House! I have had such a great time getting to know you.

One Year Ago -

Now -

categories: Firsts

Great room and ideas…

June 05, 2010 | posted by Andrea

Nate and I stayed at a great hotel called Wine and Roses over the weekend. We were in Lodi, CA for the wedding of our good friends Scott and Summer. We had a fabulous time. It was a beautiful weekend surrounded by grapevines and good friends.

I had to share photos of our room because it was so kick ass and modern.

The bathroom was my favorite. Hands down, it had my favorite bathroom of all time. I would kill for a bathtub like that! Look at that floor and color combo. I love, love, love it!

categories: Decor, Travel

Don’t let this be you.

June 04, 2010 | posted by Andrea

Let this be a warning to everyone.

Wear gloves when working in the yard.

categories: Backyard, Gardening

Tomato, Okra and Chard – Oh my!

May 29, 2010 | posted by Andrea

All spring, my goal was to get my veg garden in. It was my #1 priority.

I first got rid of all the plants, weeds and rocks. Nate was a dear and helped my clear it all out.

I drew out my plan – three long beds with mulched space between.

Then I double dug the dirt about 1 foot or 2 deep along the entire length and added about 2-4 inches of dirt to each bed.

I installed 4 pots to give the garden some depth and then I began to plant.

The first bed (closest to the backyard) was planted with two rows of golden chard, marigolds, alyssum, a serrano pepper and a pot filled with apple mint, lemon balm and 1 eggplant.

The middle bed (the longest of the three) holds a small terra cotta pot planted with thyme, thai basil and alyssum plus two tomato plants, sweet basil, purple basil, 2 cilantro plants, two rows of okra and two cucumbers. I also planted more cilantro seeds so I would have the plants staggered a little.

The final bed was planted with purple bush beans, parsley and more basil seed, nasturtiums, alyssum and arugula. Another terra cotta pot holds two types of sage and more alyssum.

I also put a pot in front of my gas meter. It holds a second eggplant and mint.

The concrete bed that wraps around the house, holds to rows of lettuce.

I plan on planting two more tomatoes in pots for the backyard. I am still a little concerned that the tomatoes along the side garden will get enough sun.

categories: Gardening