Let There Be (More) Light Fixtures!

This morning I did more shopping.  I first stopped at Panera for the daily coffee, then stopped at a flooring store to price hardwood.  Only in America do you have literally hundreds of floors to choose from!  I told the sales rep that it would be so much easier if I had just six floors to choose from.  It was a bit overwhelming, and especially without the trim pieces, I really couldn’t make much of a decision.  But the prices came in around $3.99/square foot.  The floor rep highly recommended engineered wood as opposed to actual hardwood.  Interesting.

I then headed to Menard's.  I was on a mission to find a matching light fixture for the one I installed in the entryway.  I needed one for the upstairs landing (the gold fixture there matches the gold one I just took down) and screams 1991.  I was informed by the southside Menard’s that the fixture I was looking for was discontinued for new models.  Well, I figured it was worth a shot at the northside store!

But sure enough, they were out, as well.  But it ended up working out even better.  I also wanted to replace two more ceiling fans today on the lower level.  I wanted to update the sagging one above the dining room in the kitchen, and I wanted to update the one in the formal dining room.  But the more I thought about it and shopped, the more I liked the idea of a hanging light fixture instead of a ceiling fan for the formal dining room.  I called Dad to see what he thought, and he said go with the ceiling fan.  Hmm…I called Mom, and she liked the idea of the dining room light fixture.  I called my brother, and he said either is fine!  Ha!  Well, I ended up going with my gut instincts and purchased a hanging light fixture instead of a ceiling fan.  No offense, Pa!

But here is the best part:  the fixture I found is a model that actually matches and accents the model I was looking for in the upstairs landing area!  And that fixture matches the one in the entryway!  Unbeknownst to me, Hunter made a set of light fixtures that coordinated with each other.  I just hung up one in the entryway (that I purchased two years ago), and now this was going to be visible from that area, so it was necessary to match!  What better than a matching fixture from the same brand?!

I also picked up more paint in order to stay ahead of my painter.  He is blazing through, so I picked up some dark grey paint for the Master Bedroom.  This is when it gets fun!

Today was a shopping day!

I also saw a set of outdoor light fixtures that were a steal (2 for $16) but were sold out.  I asked if I could buy the store model, and the guy said nope.  Oh, well.  That project will be another day...and there are quite literally over 100 to choose from on the Menard's wall.

Once back at the house, I was thrilled to find that a couple of helpers showed up!  Of course, I had to hide from them first (my go-to place is underneath the stairs in the closet), but after they found me, they were eager to work.  I was eager to show my sister the progress on the house (she loved the fireplace, so maybe it’s not so bad!), but the girls were eager to play or help or do SOMETHING!!!

The new living room in daylight.  My sister likes the fireplace, so maybe it's ok!

Of course, Lil’ Evie let me know exactly how dirty parts of my house were.  As she walked by the stairs, “Mess.”  Yes, honey, I know.  Thanks for reminding me!!!  As if I didn't get the message, though, she informed me each time she walked by!  I better get to cleaning!  :)

So we decided to clean up the mess in the master bedroom.  They were great help.  One of the best parts about working on a home is the time with family!  On all of my projects so far, the family has pitched in and been my biggest supporter!  I love it!  So today...Thanks, girls!

 

My big (little!) helpers!

The one on the right couldn't stand my messy floors!

Uh oh...someone noticed photos were being taken.

And then it's all downhill form there!  Little sis is learning from big sis!

Two adorable girls!

After cleaning up the living room, the girls headed out, and I got to work on the ceiling fan over the kitchen dining area.  The original fan was gold and dated, and the blades actually hung down from excessive heat.  Needless to say, it needed replaced.  I had already replaced the massive gold kitchen light fixture, and I wanted to match that color.  The fan went up pretty easily, so I was happy about that.  And it looked great!  But I'm in agreement with my dad.  As night fell (so early now!), the light put out from the new candelabra bulbs in these fans is just a joke.  I'm not a fan at all.  You seriously feel like you are squinting with the lights.  They are just not bright at all.  Something about saving electricity.  But at the expense of seeing?!  No thanks!  But it's up, and it's going to stay.

The original gold ceiling fan.  Notice the droopy blades!

The original fan.

Replaced with a new Hunter fan!

It looks bright...but the candelabra bulbs are actually pretty dim.  The room is dark!

I also took up a little bit of the kitchen floor today to see if I could match the laminate color.  Why not just run that into the formal dining room and carpet the living room?  That would save me thousands of dollars!  Of course, after removing the pieces under the fridge area, I noticed mold.  This place definitely had a water leak.

 

That was basically all the big projects today.  My painter came back and started the green room upstairs.  He is on a mission, too!  He wants to finish by the end of the month, a goal I think we are both very excited about!  Another day of moving forward!