Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My house is sparkly...my body is revolting!

WHEW! Nothing like a whole freaking day spent cleaning every nook and cranny. I guess if I actually did a periodic cleaning this wouldn't have been such a chore. I'd like to say I've learned my lesson and will do "frequent cleaning" but I just can't lie to myself like that. It's a good thing people come to visit or I'd be living in CRUD CENTRAL! But I gotta say...things are pretty squeaky and shiny! It would feel pretty dang good...if I wasn't numb from head to toe. Even my leg hairs are tired!!!


And....with the help of my super hero hubby....who didn't even say a word about the multiple massive holes I bored into the sheet rock.....my bathroom looks pretty dang cheery. He came home from work and took one look at my sad face (ok...I admit I practiced it in the mirror quickly before he walked in the door...shhhh) And he offered to use his rippling muscles to help me finish the job. This was my dilemma...


I had this idea to make small curtain rods to box in the sides of our neo-angle shower. We don't use this to actually shower ...it's just a place we wash muddy dog paws before we let them in the house. But I wanted to add some fabric and softness to the stark shower. My hubby wouldn't let me drill any holes in the ceiling (can't imagine why) and a REAL neo-angle shower rod is $160...are you kidding me...for a shower nobody uses...I think not! I sort of rigged up this concept for a semi-shower curtain... My first effort was a "major"..no make that "General" disaster! It flat out didn't work and I had the holes to prove it! Then I made a mad dash to good old HOME DEPOT and bought a plumbing flange and a threaded nipple (yes that's what it's called) and created my little half rods.

I bought two porcelain knobs to cap off the end of the hollow closet rod I used to cover the ugly nipple (sheesh I feel kinky just typing that) And VOILA' a semi-demi-shower rod!

So lets re-visit the before.........
And AFTER...........

BEFORE...........

AFTER......... The door by the shower leads out to the pool...so I wanted a kind of bright, happy, beachy feel.




I loved these little wall hooks...I figured they'd be great for hanging up beach towels and bathing suits.



It stills needs some tweaking...but I'll have time for that after my family leaves.

So this is it...my mom from Arizona, my SIL from Alaska, and my SIL from Utah will be here tomorrow night. Which means that I'll be away from blogland for a WHOLE WEEK...boy am I gonna go through some serious withdrawals. I'll miss you all...but I'll be back with all those boring vacation pictures that I can torture you with!

STAY SAFE! And I'll see you all in a week!

90 comments:

Michael said...

Yeah, I'm first. The bathroom turned out beautifully! I wish a little of you would rub off on me...I have my friend from Germany coming in on Friday and I'm nowhere near ready to have a house guest. Lots to do in the next 2 days!

Take care,
Michael :)

SmilingSally said...

You are a talented decorator! The solution to the bleak shower is very creative, and the flip flop hooks are delightful.

Unknown said...

Hi Nikki,
Everything turned out wonderfully!
Hope you have a wonderful vacation.
Diane

Lisa (aka) French said...

Gotta love the visits~~glad to see I am not the only OCD person about visitors in the home even if it's family~~I hate cleaning and long for the days I can hire a cleaning lady but not yet~~~soon I hope soon! We do the regular vacuuming and dusting and toilets, but when company comes it's a whole different ball game and my WHOLE family knows it I go on a rampage of sorts~~but afterwards it does a body good to have some organization! I have been doing it for the last few days and it feels good when it's over right? Love the hooks for the towels very cute very similar decor to my kids bathroom;) French

Picket said...

lol...girl you ain't right!!!! lol You always make me laugh! I love your creative ideas and they turn out looking fantastic...Man...now Crumpet & Oz will think you created a spa just for them!!!lol Have a great week with your family girl...they make it all worth while!

Anonymous said...

Nikki, thanks for visiting today. Have a wonderful week with your family. I look forward to hearing all about your week of fun.

Hugs...Jeanne

Suzann said...

Well, I'm lovin' that beachy bath. So cute! Happy to hear that Mr. Muscles was happy to lend a helping hand for ya. Enjoy your time with "the girlies" . Can't wait to hear (and see) your week away from blogland.

Suzann

Carry Grace said...

Enjoy your time with your family!

The flip flog hooks are adorable, and the shower curtain rod is pretty nifty too.

Tracey said...

Nikki,
The bathroom looks so bright and cheerful!
You did it again girl.....made me laugh out loud reading your post :)
What am I gonna do without that for a whole week?!
We will miss you in Blogland, but I hope you have a wonderful vacation with your family!!!
Tracey

ko said...

i'll cry if you are gone for a week!!!!!!!! I LOVE THE BATHROOM. AWESOME JOB! GREAT WORK! YOU Rock!

I hope you have a great visit! sleep well tonight after such a long hard day of cleaning!!!!!

still no power, still at my moms

kyley

Kathy said...

Every thing is perfect Nikki, WOW that bathroom ROCKS!!!, Your mum and SIL's are never going to leave you realise that dont you??, Hope you have enough energy for NY you are gonna need it, have fun will miss you and I for one will be looking forward to many many pics, have fun, perhaps Ozzy and Crumpet can keep us entertained while you are away??. Kathy

onlymehere said...

Believe it or not I'm actually looking forward to you "boring vacation photographs" bz I know you and they won't be boring! For all we know Oz and Crumpet will grab the camera and do a report from their perspective. I do love how your bathroom turned out! It looks like you swapped out the glass on the light fixture too from amber to clear. My favorite parts are the thong hooks though. Too dang cute for words! Have a fun week.

Unknown said...

God, you r hilarious, your posts just make my day. and once again the music is perfect. Great job on the rods. oh last week i was taking a toothpick and cleaning the sliding door floor , ugh. gross. Then this morning i took some cotton swabs and cleaned the shower stall crevices. I just about barfed. mishelle.

santamaker said...

Oh, my goodness, the big white furry boobs hanging over the bed got me on the floor! What a great description...I'll have to go back and take a look... I bet the decorator had no idea..LOL...I'm so glad you came by! I'm new to blogging but so far it's been fun and certainly a great excuse not to clean, cook or do laundry !
Have fun with your family and if you would like the big furry boobs hanging over one of your beds, let me know!
Be good,
Santa

Carolynn Anctil said...

Wow! Awesome job and so creative. It's an amazing transformation and looks wonderful. You really are very talented in the decorating department....hmmm....

Carolynn Anctil said...

P.S. Have a great week. I'll miss your visits. Be sure to stop by again when you get back to Bloggerland.

Bo said...

Gone for a week??? Oh, no...I'm beginning to have Nikki withdrawal already...But I'll pull myself together and wait it out...it'll help knowing you are out & having fun to tell us about. Your bathroom is a show stopper!
P.S.
Do have fun, but don't call me for BAIL $$$, 'cuz I ain't got none! LOL... ;-) Bo

Justine said...

Wow Nikki, it looks FABULOUS! I absolutely love it! Never would have thought of doing something like that, but it made a HUGE difference in there. Love the colors you used, the flip flop hooks, etc. Have a load of fun with your relatives and sheesh, don't go getting all blogger withdrawal! You can sneak online a teeny bit to say hey!

Justine :o )

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

What a clever solution!! Looks great.

Have fun with family and I agree with Justine - sneak online! LOL

bj said...

Hey girl...great job on the bath. It's as cute as a button.
nOW, go have fun with family. See ya when you get back...
I left you an award this morning but it can wait until you are home..
love, bj

Ocean Hammock Residents said...

The pool bath looks fantastic! I'm so relieved to know that I'm not the only one who mostly cleans before company comes.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

That is a great idea for that funky shower. Brilliant!

Ginny said...

Nikki, You are by far the most imaginative and creative person I have ever run across. I love the new shower curtain and how you did the bathroom.
Thanks for the respond about the headboard and pictures of the bathing beauties. I would like to tackle that for my guest bedroom and my master bath.
I cleaned our family room yesterday. It took me 2and a 1/2 hours to finish. I guess I need to do this on a regular basis too! Every bone in my body hurt afterward (well maybe it's because I'm old) LOL!
Will look forward to reading your blog when you return. Have a great visit. ginny

TinaTx said...

Your bathroom make-over looks great! I wish I could get my house 'company clean' in a day! After a marathon session like that I always tell myself I won't let it get that bad again - I'm really not even kidding myself, much less anyone else!
Enjoy your company and see ya in a week!

Anonymous said...

Hi Nikki, Your finished bathroom looks great. I like all of the colors you chose. It does look beachy and a perfect decor to match a pool. Every thing is lovely. You can come decorate my bathroom any time.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

GREAT before & afters! I love this little bathroom, good for you for persevering. Have a fun time with your family. We'll be here when you get back. :)

Neabear said...

What a great idea for the shower that is not really used much! Have fun while you are away. I am new also and found your blog somehow, I forget who I clicked on then clicked on then clicked on and so on to find yours. Glad I did though!

Anonymous said...

The bathroom turned out so cute! And you're a genius for coming up with that shower curtain idea! Have a fun week!

Darlene said...

WOW Nikki...what a great job on the bathroom...It turned out FABULOUS!!!!

We will miss you for a whole week but have a GREAT vacation and time with your family!!!

Salmagundi said...

Are you ever clever with that shower curtain. It looks great! Have fun and we'll miss you.

Sally

joelandbecca said...

so cute! I love that green. My husband asks if it takes people coming to visit for me to get things done around the house. Sad but true! I always have unfinished projects-oh well! Hope you have a great time!

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Cute bathroom and I love the music for this post !
I don't think I have been to your blog before ? DUH ! It's those senior moments you know .

Big Hair Envy said...

SO CUTE!!! I'm going to try to find some of those flip-flop hooks for my bathroom.

Have a wonderful time with your family. We will miss you, and can't wait to hear about your vacation!

Anonymous said...

Nikki, yer NOT "old" yet, I know, but you ARE of a "certain age"~~~ aged ENOUGH anyway, to let Steve hire a cleaning woman for you once a week!!! You've definitely got BIGGER FISH TO FRY than basking in bleach & scrubbing "stuff"!!! Besides, it's bad for brain ~~~ uh huh! All those fumes make one's brain go "fuzzy"!!! Really! *****No doubt you gals will have a BALL ~~~ are you sure your town is "READY" for ALL of you TOGETHER?!?! Happy memory-making! ENJOY!!! Warmly, Linda

Cyndy said...

That turned out fantastic!!!! My son and daughter-in-law just built a house and they have a room they built for my granddog with a shower just like this for bathing him. I'm going to have to show them this great way for a shower curtain!!!! Many thanks. I love this blog world for all the great ideas and info a person can find.

Wow, a whole week without your great blogs! We're going to miss you! But enjoy your visit and we want to hear all the details of their visit!!!

Nancy Rosalina said...

Hi Nikki, You don't mean it...A whole week! What are we going to do?? Well, have fun and come back with some great stuff! Love the shower project! Smart idea! Blessings, nancy

cedwards55 said...

Hi Nikki, I hope you have the best time ever with your family! I, too, go crazy with bleach and such when my sister is coming for a visit. I completely empathize with you. However, your bathroom looks so cool and all of the tweaking that went on with the rest of the house looks great too. Have fun... we'll miss you! Carol

Beth at Aunties said...

Nikki,
What a cute smarti pants you are? The shower curtain turned out great and was so creative. In fact your whole home looks beautiful. Isn't it amazing when company comes how the dust flies. Yours have flown the coop and now you deserve to have the very best time with your family! Heck, it us who will be going through the withdrawals with out you to brighten up our day!
Beth

Randi said...

It is REALLY unfair all the talent you have. I frankly am beginning to think you sucked some of mine from my mom and I even before I was inutero-how's that for kinky?

On another note, My Mom mentioned the two of you trying to coordinate schedules so you could get together. I hope you guys do! I am just annoyed that Erin and I can't be there to hear the two of you and all your hillarious-ness.

We love ya! Let the kiddos know that we think of them, and love them! See ya soon!

Michele said...

Oh girlfriend...it turned out perfect! Love it, love it!

Have a great time with your family...even tho we will miss you so!!!!

Hugz,
Michele

Raxx - A day in the life said...

Love the bath Nikki!! Girl I so agree!! Whenever my house is sparkly clean I'm too tired to enjoy it! lol!!

Adventure girl said...

I love it!
You are the same type of cleaner that I am.
Once in a while I will go threw a spell where I keeps things up, but not normally!

Rue said...

Hi Nikki :)

I'm writing you from my own personal hell LOL I just wanted to tell you that you did a fantastic job on ALL of it. I'm really really impressed and I know they will be too. Make sure to show them the befores ;)

Have a wonderful time!

hugs,
rue

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

A WEEK? What will we do?

Sweetie said...

Your bathroom redo is great! And - I sooooo remember the "Mr. Clean" song. Now I have it in my head and will sing it for the next two days! Enjoy your family.
Sweetie

Anonymous said...

You are so SMART! I would NEVER have figured out how to fix that curtain! It looks so cute--as does the rest of the bathroom. Those "bathing beauties" are so perfect for that spot. Your guest bedroom looks great, too. Is that where I'll sleep when I visit? No?Oh, so you want to put me in the pool house, huh? Well, that's OK, too! ;-) Have fun visiting with your relatives---ask your SIL if she knows where the Best Western at Lake Lucille is. That's where we stay when we visit Wasilla! Tell her I bought my souvenir Wasilla shirt at the new Wal mart there last Aug.! It's just amazing in Alaska. Have a great time---and don't mess up the house!

Constance said...

Your 'after' pictures of the bathroom were well worth the effort you and hubby put in !

100 TIMES BETTER WITH THE CHANGES YOU MADE :)

Have a great time with your family, Nikki. Blog-see you next week !

Deb said...

WoW! Nikki, great idea! I would have never thought of that! I really looks wonderful! Deb

squawmama said...

Looks marvelous Nikki... What a difference it made in the bathroom.. Job well done! My girls always asked me who was coming over when I did the deep cleaning thing. They still laugh about it today but in lifes hectic circle sometimes you just get by with the basics.. Have a great time with your family. WIll miss your post so try to sneak one in...

xoxoxo
Donna

Free Art Printables said...

So cute! I love it! What a great idea!

Anonymous said...

You are an absolute scream... I laughed all the way thru.. they turned out "great"...enjoy your company...hugs ~lynne~

cherry said...

I have a very similiar color in my guest bath..it is very energtic...your music is crackin me up.........you always make me smile. cherry

Southern Lady said...

Nikki, you've done it again! Your talent and creativity never cease to amaze me.

Your shower rod idea was brilliant and so pretty and colorful. You're not going to want to bathe your doggies in there, though. Poor things ... I guess they'll have to go to THE SPA ... lol

I know your mom and sisters-in-law will feel so welcome and loved after all you've done in anticipation of their visit.

Best wishes for a week filled with good times and sweet memories.

I'll look forward to hearing all about it when you return.

Sincerely,

Janie

Anonymous said...

Adorable !!!

Nice job, now have a fun time with your family & take lots of pics.

See you next week,
Kathy :)

Anonymous said...

Nikki, the bathroom turned out so cute! I love the bathing beauties, as much as I love the shower curtain... I think it's funny when people write about cleaning... as I sit in my sweatson the computer with a mountain of laundry
waiting for me to climb it! Oh ya I have to work in two hours too... Enjoy your family!!!! Patti

Unknown said...

Oh my word - It doesn't even look like the same room! I love it - everything about it - the color choices are perfect and so nice and cheery! Nice Work!

Blessings - Debbie

Mrs. B said...

So cute! It looks so bright and cheery in there now! Those flip flop hooks are adorable.

SG said...

LOVE IT! I love the color scheme and wish I could be so daring!

What an ingenious idea... you are very handy with nipples. ;)

Sandy said...

That old commercial for Mr. Clean sure brought a smile to my face! The bath looks awesome!

Life on the Edge said...

It turned out great! I love those little flip flop wall hooks! It really does have a nice beach feel to it. They are going to love it!

Kady

Anonymous said...

Great job. I really like the look for a bath off the pool area.

raccoonlover1963/Lisa Myers said...

Hi Nikki. Very crafty! Great job on the bathroom. It's kind of odd that a curtain rod was not installed when the shower was installed. Must be they thought you were planning on showering the entire room! LOL
Hope to see you visit soon. My internet is finally back up. Keep your fingers crossed that is keeps working!
Lisa

bj said...

miss ya but i know you're having fun!

Anonymous said...

I read your blog yesterday without sound. When I logged on just now and heard your Mr. Clean song, I laughed out loud! You are so funny!!! Thanks for the smiles.
Gail
homentx

Penny said...

I'll be there with my own pillow!
Everything looks so nice. Have a great week.

hUgs,
Penny

Anonymous said...

Nikki, I am with you on the cleaning for company thing. Don't you know that company is the absolute motivation for spiffing up your house. It works every time. I think your bathroom looks so beachy and wonderful. LOVE the half curtains.

Have a wonderful week. I'll miss you.

Hugs, Jeanne

AJ said...

Look.n.good. As always:) Hope you are having fun with your mom and sil's! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Anonymous said...

I love the bathroom! Very creative. And the pictures on the wall are adorable!

Coco said...

Such a cute bathroom! I love the colors

Nikki via The Scarlett Rose Garden said...

Well girl, after all of that fussing, it looks GREAT! Love the colors. I like the bathing beauties too.

The guest room is gorgeous but I must say I like the chocolate best, *snort*!

This fall weather has actually made me want to clean. I thought we only had to do that in the spring? LOL!

Rattlebridge Farm said...

Love the wall color and fabrics!

ko said...

COME BACK! I am having CRUMPET & OZZIE WITHDRAWALS! I MISS YOU NIKKI!
KYLEY o

Susie Q said...

This is a lovely bathroom! What a great job!

Now, I hope you are having a sweet time but you hurry home now...you are missed!

Hugs,
Sue

Beth Ann said...

I think it turned out just how you wanted! Very cute and bright, but cozy too! I love how you did the shower rods! Fantastic!!!!

bj said...

I hope you have a good Ozzie and Crumpet episode ready cause we are all NEEDING ONE !!

The Beauty Bargainista said...

wow! LOVE the bathroom! I hope you have a great week off with your family! We will all be waiting for you when you get back! :)

Picket said...

Hey Nikki..just came by to say I hope you are having a great time with your family...may y'all share many a laugh and good times during this time together...can't wait to hear all about it! Have a great week girl and Happy Fall!!!!!

Tracey said...

Hi Nikki,
Sure missin' you in Blogland! I hope you are having a wonderful time with your family :)
When you get a chance I have something for you over at my blog.
Happy Fall,
Tracey

Fifi Flowers said...

Your bathroom turned very beachy and FUN! ENJOY your company! See you when you come back and give us all the updates on your visit!

Kimba said...

It looks fantastic! I love the wall color and the shower curtain idea was brilliant! You definitely captured the bright, beach feel that you were going for.

Kimba

onlymehere said...

Tag, you're it. You may not have time for it with all these comments but if you want to do it come to my blog to see how! Hope you've had a great visit with your family!

Blogger said...

It's perfect!!! Love everything about that room, A+++++++ !!!

Bella :)

bj said...

wooo hoooo...you are home, safe and sound ! glad to have ya back, nikki...we all missed your smiling face !
love, bj

raccoonlover1963/Lisa Myers said...

Hi Nikki. You asked me about the "senior Chords". Back in the 50's all the high school seniors had them. The guys had chorduroy pants and the girls had the skirts like the one you see on my blog. They would take some kind of permanent marker and write all over them. Their boyfrin/girlfriend's name, their favorite TV show, favorite singer/song, their best friends, the name of the school and mascot, eg Hartford City Airdales. The chords and saddle oxford shoes was the way to dress in school in the 50's. My mother couldn't find her chords, but she knows she still has them. When she does, I'll take a picture of hers and post it.
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Nikki! I have missed you :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Nikki, Charli and I are so glad your back. We missed you! I'm glad your going to enter the Halloween contest. It should be fun!

Bo said...

Nikki's back...Yee-haw!! (That's Texan for...goody-goody)...We want all the details! ;-) Bo

Anonymous said...

Nikki's back. We missed you girl. I am worried about the stars of your blog. I hope they have been well taken care of. I bet hubby is glad to have you home. Ok, now for the scoop on your trip. Can't wait to hear all about it.

Hugs, Jeanne

Kathy said...

Hey Nikki your back, YAY!!!, How was NYC??. I moved while you were gone, long story but it involved a blog stalker you can find me here you are welcome any time. Kathy

Justine said...

Welcome back Nikki!!!!!!!!!!! Did you have a good time with your family? Can't wait to see pics and hear the stories!!!!!!!!! I know you just left my blog, but go back. Just put up a new post!

Justine :o )

 

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