Dreaming About the ‘Splash

Yesterday I mentioned that zombies aren’t very good at buying birthday presents.  They aren’t very good at completing home improvement projects either.  I can’t be trusted with power tools so all the major stuff has to wait until Nate is de-zombified (real word)…or tax season is over.

That doesn’t stop me from dreaming up crazy projects instead of finishing the ones I can tackle on my own.

My latest obsession is our kitchen backsplash.  Watch yourself bare kitchen walls.

As a refresher (we have some new victims readers around here), here’s what our kitchen looks like now…




I love my kitchen.  Seriously. Love it.  But I think a good backsplash would really finish the room off.  There is always a “but” with me.  It’s a flaw.  I’m working on it.  Not really.

My newest obsession is white subway tile with dark grout…

via Kitchen Backsplashes

It took me about 3 years to come up with that one.  I’m on a roll.  I love the look a lot.  A lot, a lot.

I have a dilemma though.  Where do I end the backsplash around the hood?  I just can’t figure it out.  Nate won’t even humor me right now so I’m going to get opinions from strangers instead.  (I love blogging.  Seriously.  Love it.) 



I also love surveys so here you go….

(I should preface the following survey with: We aren't changing anything else in the kitchen so don't go giving me crazy ideas like taller cabinets, etc.  I come up with enough crazy things on my own.  But I do value all backsplash related opinions.)




Carry to share why you chose your answer?  Who’s digging the dark grout with white subway tile?  Or are you a fan of the classic white grout?

P.S. I have been horrible at commenting this week. I haven't forgotten about you all.  A virus has taken over my body.  I'll be back to my internet stalking ways soon!

Locally Grown

I think I’ve mentioned before that Nate is currently an accounting zombie. 

It’s really awesome having a birthday during a month when you’re husband is a zombie.  Zombies aren’t very good at buying birthday gifts.  And I’m one of those people who thinks their birthday celebration should last the entire month.  Can you tell?

I took matters into my own hands this year.  Along with increased cardio, I purchased my own birthday present. 

Do you like?

Because I love.  So much.

I fell in love with the sign when I saw it in Jen's living room during her holiday home tour…seen here! (I also want to move into Jen’s house.  Is that weird? Of course not.)  I needed to have that sign.  Happy Birthday to me!

I have Nate has such good taste.

Would you like a sign of your very own?  Head on over to Onion Grove Mercantile and check out Jen’s other lovely paintings.  Jen is a local Iowa girl so that automatically won her points in my book but her paintings definitely speak for themselves. Very unique..and awesome. She does custom orders (Think your very own state….shipped to you if you aren’t lucky enough to live in Iowa.). I wanted my sign in greens and that was no problem!

Anyone else buy their own birthday gifts?  What’s the favorite thing you purchased yourself for your birthday?

***I was in no way compensated for this post.  I bet Jen is laughing hysterically now.  I just love my precious sign so much that I had to share!***

Ike’s Couch

Earlier this week I showed you the progress that I am making in the office. I was hoping to have the entire room done but it’s not going so well.

I purchased some new curtains.  I wanted plain curtains because patterned curtains make me nervous.  It’s a Michelle thing. 

I purchased a new houndstooth rug.  (You can find it here.  I got it 50% off.)  I’m digging it.  Ike likes to roll on it.  Life is good.

But as you can see, the room is looking “bleh”. I need new art behind the couch.  I am leaning towards floating shelves with photos or a large map. 

I’m not sure if the lamp I picked up at Target is staying or not.

We also need a new couch.  This couch was free from one of my pharmacy school roommates.  It is even prettier without a slip cover.

I have two issues with buying a couch right now.  First issue…I am so stinking close to paying off my student loans.  So stinking close.  Right now I’d rather have the satisfaction being student loan free than having a new couch.

The second issue is Ike. This is Ike’s couch.  He loves this couch.  We have no clue why.  It’s fairly comfortable but the dog is in love with this couch. He’s always sneaking in here to take a nap.

Do you see that death stare that I am getting?  He doesn’t mess around.

“Hey Ike, do you think we should get a new couch?”

I told you.  He doesn’t mess around.

But unfortunately he’s the dog and the dog only gets the say on important things like bandanas and mudrooms. Poor neglected puppy.

Now is when I ask for your help.  What would you do with this space?  (I should clarify, what would you do with this space AFTER my loans are paid off.)

Here’s another angle looking back at the desk area to help you out.

Share your thoughts!  How often do people really ask for your honest opinion?  (Honest, not brutally honest.  I’m a sensitive creature.)  Any good couch recommendations? What color of couch would you go with?  Are you over maps or still digging them? How about floating shelves?  And wood floors?  (I’m still hoping to convince Nate on that one.)  Happy Leap Day!