It's so good to see you 2014!

As the holidays come to an end and the new year begins I naturally tend to look back at all the positives and negatives of the past year. I graduated college, landed my dream job, traveled to Peru and used the skills I had to help anyone I could, had unforgettable experiences, traveled on my last summer as a student, ran in as many races as I could, watched my family come together and support each other as we struggle with illness, built relationships that will forever stay with me, and said goodbye to people who mean the most to me. It is challenging not to let the recent negatives cloud the fact that I had a wonderful year full of change and amazing experiences! The new year has never been a very exciting time for me and I never really understood the appeal. I never felt the rush (or desire) of starting fresh. This year was different. The new year couldn't come fast enough. I am so excited to see what 2014 is going to bring and how life is going to change.

Update on the house:

We were finally able to get the paper work settled and had our inspection on Dec. 31. Everything went smoothly and there was nothing drastically wrong with the house. Yayy! We did, however, stumble on some interesting parts of the house that give it a little more charm. (More on that later) At this point I am never surprised as to what we might find in this house. I am loving this adventure and enjoying every step of it! Things are moving forward and our closing date is set for January 21st.

As I was walking around the side of the house I stumbled upon this cute little free library. Just take a book and replace a book. How neat is that? Love this little neighborhood!

                                     

First project:

As I am patiently (ok, not so patiently) waiting on everything to get finalized I have been searching for things to do before we can get into the house. The first little project I found myself doing was just a simple chair. I have no idea what I plan to do with with it but it can't hurt to have a random chair, right?

Here is the before...I believe this was a yard-sale find. I just wanted to re-do something and this was the closest thing to me at the time.

                                     

...and I am halfway there. Just need to reupholster the seat. 

                              

Here is the finished product of my first little DIY and it came down to a total of around 12 dollars. 

                                   

Next up: 

I will be making my own headboard!