House before and afters

Where does the time go?  We've been busy checking things off that big "To Do" list!

The Week of July 7th, Jay was out of town on a work trip and, (because this is how it goes) our daycare was closed that week.  So, Ella had a mini-vacation at Grandma Jolyn's!  Which meant, I was all alone at the new house.  I tackled a few things, including painting the outdoor lights.  They were forest green.  Ugly.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

I used Rustoleum spray paint in a Bronzed Copper finish. They took a few coats, but I think the results look great, and much easier on our budget!  At some point we can replace the lights, but for now, I think the change looks great!

Also, a little fun fact for you.  Jay installed them upside down, leaving off a topper thingy-a-bobber for a much more modern lantern-style light.  Love it! 

When Jay returned, we tackled the ugly faded green shutters.  The results are pretty great in our opinion!  I don't think the pictures do them any justice, but trust me, it looks a million times better. 

BEFORE:

 (sorry, Jay had already removed the shutters from the lower window...)

AFTER:

 Million times better!

Now I just need to get the green storm door painted....

This weekend Jay worked on the landscaping.  There are still things to do, but he made some pretty great progress in the backyard.  There were 2 areas in the backyard with former garden plots.  We don't have any time to tackle a garden this year, so we're taking it out and putting sod in.  Jay rented a tiller.  Let's do this!

BEFORE:

 

AFTER (PART 1):

Big improvement!  Apparently the entire south Metro is re-sodding their lawns.  Jay had trouble getting sod on Saturday, went back Sunday and had the same problem.  So, there are still areas to cover with sod, so when we get it completely done, I'll have to update with another "after" picture of this area!