A Sneak Peak

Here you go . . .a little sneak peak at the living room area of the lodge. We're getting things up on the walls, furniture is in it's place and we're just waiting for kitchen cabinets. More posts to come with exciting pics of our progress. Also, we're still on the search for a black fridge and black gas stove. If you know of anyone who has one - LET US KNOW! We're on the search.

Are you thinking fall?

I'm not! That's for sure, but every couple of weeks we have to, as our precious pumpkin patch needs tending to. We always plant the week of 4th of July and look at these beautiful pumpkins growing. We planted about 400 seeds this year - about double of last year. We should have about 800 pumpkins. Last year we sold out in a matter of days - hopefully that won't happen this year. About 2 years ago we started a pumpkin/Christmas tree farm named "Pines and Vines", the trees are pretty small but they are holding thier own! Got creative craft ideas for pumpkins, let me know! I am always looking for a great way to decorate and put them to use.

Where's the chair?

I know, right, you can barely see the chair because it's camoflauge!!! Haha! Anyways, we had these hideous chairs recovered and Brandon suggested camo. Of all the beautiful fabrics out there to choose from - this would not have been my choice. I forgot to take a picture of the baby blue they originally were. But I got them for free from my work when they were cleaning out the basement. Structurally, they were solid and knew they'd be a good pair of chairs to incorporate. What do you think?

End Table Project 101

Ok, so I know you've always wondered how to create an end table for free right?? Well, it's free if you have an old window and a saw. Brandon and I (mostly Brandon) made this great table (although I was the mastermind behind it)! We took an old window from the saw mill that we saved and cleaned it up a bit. Brandon took a small tree and cut even pieces for the legs. It's soooo cute and fits perfectly between our couches. Check it out! An end table for free!

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Farmer Brandon

I thought I'd take a break from lodge updates to show you our "new" tractor. We were given this tractor by Brandon's company. We just had it refurbished and farmer Brandon is glowing! He used it last week to till the land for the 400 pumpkin seeds we planted. Here is the before and after pictures.

All in a Weekend's Work

Progress was made this weekend on finishing the ceiling, installing the beam, starting on the shower tile work, making the trim and hanging it. There are never enough hours in a day but Brandon managed (with help from other) to get all of this done. We're kicking a%& and taking names! Courtney made a trip to IKEA to pick up some smaller items and found a coffee table at basement bargain price for $30.

Here is Brandon and Jay installing the 30 ft. beam.
This week we're hoping to get the finish the tile work in the shower, get the floor stained, toilet in, make a bathroom vanity, put up baseboard trim and order cupboards. Wish us luck! We're hoping to get the majority of the furniture we have in storage moved out this weekend and into the Dirschell Lodge!

We're Beaming with Joy!

Want to add an old fashioned, rustic feel to a room? Here's how to make a beam to hang on your ceiling:

1.Take new boards and bang them up with hachetts, chains and hammers

2. Stain the boards a dark color

3. And waaaahlllla, you've made yourself an beam that looks like it's hundreds of years old. We're in the process of making a 30 foot beam to go across the entire room. We're loving how it's turning out and hope to install it this weekend!

Fun Features

We're getting to the fun stuff now, all of the extra touches that will make this project shine! Here is a light fixture that will hang over the dining room table that Brandon installed tonight.

Also, I picked up this great hammock find at ElderBeerman - originally $150, marked down to $50 and I had a $30 gift card -$20 smackers!

This last week we also had the cedar shakes put on the ends of the lodge. They lend a nice touch to otherwise boring grey siding.

The Lodge that Love Built

Have we mentioned how many people have helped with the lodge lately??? A shout out to Sean, Korey, Tom, Jay, Bryan, Jill and Denny and Adam for his tools. Sorry if I've missed someone - this is not to mention all of those that have made a "donation" to help us along which would include a beverage fridge, tools, furniture, and much more!

Here are a couple of pictures of the knotty pine ceiling that looks great! Tom, Jay and Bra ndoncompleted most all of the ceiling, until they ran out of boards. This makes it look like a real cabin.

This week we'll work on completing the ceiling, staining the cement (I'll let you know how that turns out) and getting kitchen cupboards ordered. We're gaining ground! More updates to come.

Happy 4th of July Weekend!

Hello Everyone- Sorry I haven't posted in a while and thanks to the firefighters for reminding me! We've had lots of progress in the past couple of days. Walls have primed and painted a warm tone of beige, window trim has been installed, and the ceiling boards have been stained and polyurethaned. Thanks to Jill and Denny for all the help this weekend!

Here Brandon and I are with our nephews and brother-in-law Brandon watching fireworks.

Below is a picture of Brandon painting. Please note that I am helping with most all of these tasks, Brandon just isn't the photographer that I am. Also, I've been a busy bee searching out auctions, garage sales, and antique malls looking for items to decorate with.