Ramblings of a Business Woman...

Hi. Remember me? I know it has been a while... so thanks for hanging in there, loyal Jenna Sue-vians. <br /><br />It has been brought to my attention that many of you have been waiting on an update, and well, I can't give you a house update. It just does not exist. But if you would like an update on me, read on... (warning: very long and random ramblings ahead) <br /><br />My recent MIA status can be attributed to the fact that my entire life revolves around this one <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/" target="_blank">thing</a>. This thing I have always wanted and worked so hard for. Now that it's a reality, you can be sure I'm grabbing this thing by the horns and taking it as far as it can go. <br /><br />I know some of you are wishing and struggling to get on the same path, so this rambling may be relevant. (feel free to continue even if it's not.) <br /><br />I've been working at this business for well over a year now (exclusively for 9 months). I wrote about <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2011/11/next-chapter.html" target="_blank">my journey</a> once before on my last day of being an employee. It's still very surreal and humbling to me, and I hope I never lose that feeling, because I believe that is what fuels you to continue and aim higher. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRsLpDMlcImXLow5Dm8TJ5e8gGTxzcOLC9wT9iDExnwzS_L_2nV_tm1bqyZRHPQKZHAa4KKltY8Zgqc9JTyWXgGBJV6r_PoSJ_CMFJQBuAdfPSAasKLDMV9K7ainaQmgsN4DaU8dcaBLp/s1600/JaxMag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRsLpDMlcImXLow5Dm8TJ5e8gGTxzcOLC9wT9iDExnwzS_L_2nV_tm1bqyZRHPQKZHAa4KKltY8Zgqc9JTyWXgGBJV6r_PoSJ_CMFJQBuAdfPSAasKLDMV9K7ainaQmgsN4DaU8dcaBLp/s640/JaxMag.JPG" width="530" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Jacksonville Magazine, June 2012</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Growing up we didn't have a ton of money. This was made apparent by my group of classmates starting in the second grade. I transferred to the "good" elementary school across town, where the kids all lived in fancy two story houses (anyone living in 2 stories was rich, of course), and they wore brand name clothes and had cable television and got to travel and use good shampoo and conditioner (which, to me, was Pantene Pro-V). Instead I was stuck with channels 3, 10, 13 and 48 (I can't believe I still remember them), yard sale clothes and Suave. <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I had an amazing childhood and it was full of love and happy memories and simple pleasures (the kind that money can't buy) and I wouldn't trade it for the world. But I never forgot the feeling of wanting more from life, and those deep-seated desires are what push me today. I want to succeed for my family and be able to buy them nice things and make them proud. I also want that private yacht and an island with my name on it in the Maldives, damnit, and I'm gonna do what it takes to get there.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7Wr6zt25f7BPTqlmetm4C58gHN_aB35T8-r5FqI3mr9eaKAfRTPiJeaOR3D7PaIqWPUbsx5suxgiPAbQXaqjOc7BBqOG44BhIjMc6VMTRpWqUC1IG0HVWXpYXtFexzukQKoJU6sxO7lf/s1600/IMG_3588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7Wr6zt25f7BPTqlmetm4C58gHN_aB35T8-r5FqI3mr9eaKAfRTPiJeaOR3D7PaIqWPUbsx5suxgiPAbQXaqjOc7BBqOG44BhIjMc6VMTRpWqUC1IG0HVWXpYXtFexzukQKoJU6sxO7lf/s640/IMG_3588.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This mentality has given birth to constant upward growth since day 1... and then summer hit. I knew it was coming. Every month cannot be more profitable than the previous forever. So I did what I always do when things get slower... pour myself into every aspect of my work and figure out how to make it better. Create <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/alphabet-i-love-you/" target="_blank">new designs</a>, reach out in <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign" target="_blank">social media</a>, add new <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/framing-guide/" target="_blank">site content</a>, add more <a href="http://www.jennasuedesign.com/nursery-inspiration/" target="_blank">site content</a>, streamline my <a href="http://stamps.com/" target="_blank">shipping</a> process, source new/better vendors, organize my finances and finally figure out this sales tax thing (a total nightmare in Florida, btw) and the list goes on. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaqF7RKOm2TCvaS4P18htCnm00LDw1iMtDw2x_Qq7CPRk7r_AmFDDFkB9iO9z7y6GatMZ95AoMRoqbNk8DfFPj-1-lWlZlRj5X9-4Fd3uGbVxQVMR8NDX6w5wbLE7uGYpMWBBrTi84Ifp/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaqF7RKOm2TCvaS4P18htCnm00LDw1iMtDw2x_Qq7CPRk7r_AmFDDFkB9iO9z7y6GatMZ95AoMRoqbNk8DfFPj-1-lWlZlRj5X9-4Fd3uGbVxQVMR8NDX6w5wbLE7uGYpMWBBrTi84Ifp/s640/image.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Custom city map in a Detroit Starbucks</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />The thing to realize is, for as many things as you think you have figured out, there will always be something new to come along and throw you for a loop. Sometimes they are good changes and sometimes bad--but you have to learn to adapt. You would think that after all this time I would have my system perfected, but no. I still find myself adjusting colors and printer settings to get an exact match, and trying to hunt down unsmashable shipping tubes to protect the prints, and searching for better and more cost effective packaging solutions, and so forth. The quest for perfection never ends (not if you want to grow, at least.) <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkLbhmFjjuABgxF3CmiEK0cP-eMU0Z7-rvRkH00Ew2tzdPrfhHeDyWHv37uwjAdLiBRuUdIkX-rDWGFE2oxseIigKr3Qu4Lkl32ji6ogokfq7BxvkdR1_BkZNPfa-6ruzl_YzjIupZ3gc/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkLbhmFjjuABgxF3CmiEK0cP-eMU0Z7-rvRkH00Ew2tzdPrfhHeDyWHv37uwjAdLiBRuUdIkX-rDWGFE2oxseIigKr3Qu4Lkl32ji6ogokfq7BxvkdR1_BkZNPfa-6ruzl_YzjIupZ3gc/s640/Capture.JPG" width="636" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Print production line, Christmas 2011</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I think the hardest thing for me is lack of control. For the most part, I run every aspect of my business and make all the decisions. I know what I need to do and quite honestly don't trust anyone with something this significant to me. Which also means I'm working 100 hours a week because I wear every hat in this business (owner, graphic designer, web designer, advertising, marketing, accounting, customer service, shipping, logistics, delivery driver...). But I love it, because I'm accountable and don't have to stress about anyone else not doing their job (and of course no one is going to work as hard for you as you do for yourself). <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeNm2HWBi-qQsfN4o44kA6u_DgxzbauN1HpK6SiJsYQA2yfThdifz2LfVfVf0aYUm0mbDf3FGQVY90dbqVjOAtLWXrasbuQ-KqQkZHfrNl2D9wjpCfh0Ir3wfXYFmGZd8lpRkc3VoRgdr/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeNm2HWBi-qQsfN4o44kA6u_DgxzbauN1HpK6SiJsYQA2yfThdifz2LfVfVf0aYUm0mbDf3FGQVY90dbqVjOAtLWXrasbuQ-KqQkZHfrNl2D9wjpCfh0Ir3wfXYFmGZd8lpRkc3VoRgdr/s640/IMG_0834.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>30x40" Buenos Aires City Map</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />But there will always be areas beyond my control such as my printing vendor, postal workers, technology and machines (my nemesis), and sometimes (but rarely) even customers. Lately I've been dealing with these issues moreso than normal, and I'm not gonna lie, it's stressful. I feel like business and life would be perfect if only it were all in my control. There is nothing more frustrating than having to rely on someone/something else that lets you down, especially when it impacts such a crucial part of your life. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvuEfhSx_xM80j2_sU_X4iuM3eoYW7gM3GNclynLJb5l1v5R0GETFChDVAlDsNYCo-X1PgVID13PX-NWGLtQY6W1Ch_KoISDoIDS5tWaq4_0f3_NZRseGIhAwrtaXqauGsSuijjl8Osxw/s1600/IMG_0836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvuEfhSx_xM80j2_sU_X4iuM3eoYW7gM3GNclynLJb5l1v5R0GETFChDVAlDsNYCo-X1PgVID13PX-NWGLtQY6W1Ch_KoISDoIDS5tWaq4_0f3_NZRseGIhAwrtaXqauGsSuijjl8Osxw/s640/IMG_0836.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Yesterday's PO trip</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I had hoped by now we'd be starting a family and buying a larger house to grow into. That hasn't happened yet, and is perhaps the hardest to deal with in the "things I cannot control" category. As much as I love this house and am proud of all the work that went into it... I'm getting the itch to move on again. <br /><br />I'm not sure how normal this is, but it seems I have a "2 year itch" biologically wired into me. All of my relationships since age 15 have lasted about that long (excluding Brad, thank goodness), we decided to move out of our first house after 2 years, and here we are, approaching our second year in this house and I'm daydreaming about our next house. For whatever reason, I can only deal with routine for so long before I need something big to come along and change up my life. <br /><br />I have been feeling a little off lately without a house project to work on, and I wonder if it's the lack of a sense of accomplishment, or just the pressure to keep blogging... which I certainly don't want. Business <em>has</em> to come first. The need to remodel my living spaces with always be with me though, which means this blog will probably be around for a while--even though I can't always be updating it with new projects (and instead you'll get a big irrelevant mess of a post like this). <br /><br />Only time will tell when we sign the papers on our next house, but I'll have to suck it up and stick it out a bit longer because of this little rule that self employed people have to have 2 years of tax returns before their income counts. Sigh. Come on, April 2013! <br /><br />So, in conclusion, that is where I'm at if you were wondering. And to make this post more relevant, I'm still trying to decide if I want to spend upwards of 5k on a built in closet system or add it to the down payment fund on the next house. What would you do?<br /><br />If you've made it this far.... you get a free print. Just kidding, but I am having an epic map poster sale starting Saturday 7/21 <a href="http://fab.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. 3 days only, get it while you can!<br /><br /><br />I promise I'll be back.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Ramblings of a Business Woman...

Hi. Remember me? I know it has been a while... so thanks for hanging in there, loyal Jenna Sue-vians. It has been brought to my attention th...

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Recessed Office Lighting Upgrade

There's been a serious problem looming above my head for a long time now.<br /><br />Literally.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLm9AzKBlyAV-mb7VIBn24IxkNRS8uk_VOziIFhbLCSAU86usJAX8GWaXsNYQZERDC1pn7-m1pjLivLBy2WVex-kRXta9ZqVZuaY3qoye9Gwh2tJ7Y-5MxWsPrt5F5lri9WPbpTjg6mhS/s1600/IMG_8582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLm9AzKBlyAV-mb7VIBn24IxkNRS8uk_VOziIFhbLCSAU86usJAX8GWaXsNYQZERDC1pn7-m1pjLivLBy2WVex-kRXta9ZqVZuaY3qoye9Gwh2tJ7Y-5MxWsPrt5F5lri9WPbpTjg6mhS/s1600/IMG_8582.jpg" /></a></div><br />See those 3 pitiful little bulbs? They haven't been providing nearly enough light for my work space—not only that but the color temperature is all wrong.<br /><br />We installed that light fixture way back when we first bought the house, before I started working from home and needed sufficient lighting. <br /><br />Lately I've been finding myself having to run up next to the window or even go outside in order to color match my work. Enough was enough, so I kindly asked my husband if he would be willing to go back up into the attic (his most favorite thing, especially during the summer...) and install some recessed lighting. Luckily he obliged.<br /><br />We headed to Lowe's to pick out our new setup.<br /><br />While in the recessed lighting aisle, I spotted this handy color chart which explained the different color temperatures, and what works best for different situations.<br /><br />I immediately knew what color I needed...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB8nccEXlSo66kd7fz2D8wfWDg93RaZiSYA4qFVJG9_fXC2q6-oUwW9hSTzOs0zQ43dNkSdBvBEnmJEoUqci3_4KiSVQ5qdfrLfA4_d58TOM2IwDxdImiMnEYmHC06q_kiL5Obz7k8a4y/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipB8nccEXlSo66kd7fz2D8wfWDg93RaZiSYA4qFVJG9_fXC2q6-oUwW9hSTzOs0zQ43dNkSdBvBEnmJEoUqci3_4KiSVQ5qdfrLfA4_d58TOM2IwDxdImiMnEYmHC06q_kiL5Obz7k8a4y/s640/IMG_0782.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It was like they wrote this description just for me. 5000K it was.<br /><br />We located the only 5000k bulbs we could find...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaAKFzszyYzeCsrj5s9NjIvzOkd_D4o34ipBjHZZ9cHtXOmFjDPazEjqiEQ1vmrCky19EtIFNQ-MVxrRk1ob4S8ZjBIODJAQ1aeB64jDU2xFqigBcDzhGWO4PXTZJ75o1Pin4QS8xpgHx/s1600/IMG_0783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLaAKFzszyYzeCsrj5s9NjIvzOkd_D4o34ipBjHZZ9cHtXOmFjDPazEjqiEQ1vmrCky19EtIFNQ-MVxrRk1ob4S8ZjBIODJAQ1aeB64jDU2xFqigBcDzhGWO4PXTZJ75o1Pin4QS8xpgHx/s640/IMG_0783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />$25 a piece.... pricey, but I guess artificial daylight doesn't come cheap.<br /><br />We also had to buy the light housings, LED compatible dimmer switch, Romex wire, and a 4" arbor and drill bit adapter to cut the holes. Total for 4 lights: $255. Sigh. At least it's a write-off?<br /><br />Back at home, we unloaded everything and got to work. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsSuIRQQojcmKA5to5_URqETrOVDhandCLmcDk7ghbv0sTZ-a5bw2xt0mjiUJiwB-Xgll4AuXRTU1YBo4G_eyAkck34UMt4vcG8j-jy-YJReV_eG0gvg1Zv2VkQanMHKxLcRXvGwlQG-X/s1600/IMG_8584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsSuIRQQojcmKA5to5_URqETrOVDhandCLmcDk7ghbv0sTZ-a5bw2xt0mjiUJiwB-Xgll4AuXRTU1YBo4G_eyAkck34UMt4vcG8j-jy-YJReV_eG0gvg1Zv2VkQanMHKxLcRXvGwlQG-X/s1600/IMG_8584.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />First up was marking our ceiling holes using a tape measure and laser. Then it was hole cuttin' time:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBexGmMEZYhphZZCsC2p7Uk6R6ugwMgYLYF06wbMO-RN5XNXeHGgZFmGixp26Jfz_OA-x7I_HlHzUIIDwJgh7ywqvlmMN7RQFIpckWovV2FlTr1Q0oX-JpUQJwYWlIswDsYxhugG9nOPq/s1600/IMG_8586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRBexGmMEZYhphZZCsC2p7Uk6R6ugwMgYLYF06wbMO-RN5XNXeHGgZFmGixp26Jfz_OA-x7I_HlHzUIIDwJgh7ywqvlmMN7RQFIpckWovV2FlTr1Q0oX-JpUQJwYWlIswDsYxhugG9nOPq/s1600/IMG_8586.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX9Z_X63idAdaeqpQijbrRLXNtkr4e5nds2BjzXnTOzcA8bvOVHFK1XYP8l62Td2qWiy33CqQ_vILaRDSy_HWp2XoL2_q3FtXVNW1YofpW2YaVmrABVncudyxgDv6sqQWQWpxSnfpCnEE/s1600/IMG_8587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghX9Z_X63idAdaeqpQijbrRLXNtkr4e5nds2BjzXnTOzcA8bvOVHFK1XYP8l62Td2qWiy33CqQ_vILaRDSy_HWp2XoL2_q3FtXVNW1YofpW2YaVmrABVncudyxgDv6sqQWQWpxSnfpCnEE/s1600/IMG_8587.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Ta-da!<br /><br />Here's all four holes:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwk-yQQfbsFlm19Z-V6UwEaaNkxWmM_1V79I5HhCig3dUPpsTcd5X6HyL8Ei29bRCvOh2DR02Wxwz-S3DafAROdKCnt6JfevuXTU3_YBkWHl3xstXfT7STnKbbg2_tMyq0DOc2a73hXw2/s1600/IMG_8589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwk-yQQfbsFlm19Z-V6UwEaaNkxWmM_1V79I5HhCig3dUPpsTcd5X6HyL8Ei29bRCvOh2DR02Wxwz-S3DafAROdKCnt6JfevuXTU3_YBkWHl3xstXfT7STnKbbg2_tMyq0DOc2a73hXw2/s1600/IMG_8589.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Next, it was time for the wiring. We did as much of it as we could on the ground, so there would be minimal attic time.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPApBrZkTCkMbwE8IKs1d1oGV1_A4sSdVJlQnOObhJ_PJH6orSNfkenzyC2tnIvK7KT3-8bAWnUoa8Na5McjbkLBNZL7bS9iI-2rMhVX99NbH2tq3D-7DzyiOte0QT20i2AwEeAAwU1ADd/s1600/IMG_8590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPApBrZkTCkMbwE8IKs1d1oGV1_A4sSdVJlQnOObhJ_PJH6orSNfkenzyC2tnIvK7KT3-8bAWnUoa8Na5McjbkLBNZL7bS9iI-2rMhVX99NbH2tq3D-7DzyiOte0QT20i2AwEeAAwU1ADd/s1600/IMG_8590.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />We just followed the instructions that came with the lightsand connected one piece of Romex (with one black and one white wire) to each housing.<br /><br />Here's a close up of the light:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJZuS22sKTD4QrWjIg1BzK-JzCFKQl_WVvsQBouHc7yQ7_qcraennzRKMhwWLBfcc7VDFr5z5NS9WIgoW2IoC8j6L7L5_kxsUhFhAT8ZJOSajGKomypJ1D_ZoCrtOiAwNcMh8InYOndbX/s1600/IMG_8588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJZuS22sKTD4QrWjIg1BzK-JzCFKQl_WVvsQBouHc7yQ7_qcraennzRKMhwWLBfcc7VDFr5z5NS9WIgoW2IoC8j6L7L5_kxsUhFhAT8ZJOSajGKomypJ1D_ZoCrtOiAwNcMh8InYOndbX/s1600/IMG_8588.jpg" /></a></div><br />After the Romex was connected, we pushed each one up into the hole and secured it in place using the metal clips on the side. Then we popped a bulb in each one.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboT7rGoCk3q66qbbO29PsfymGqKTQb9TgUbY46zfOMo8KyTaL-GjDPMDZxfWnDIfNXCmGT8EyeY1l7CFH1sJ-q3gh8BWnfdz_2U1WcmdAEOD2j4W_I5_ajEx3_PM30yJn7IcOBgbIyeOi/s1600/IMG_8593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhboT7rGoCk3q66qbbO29PsfymGqKTQb9TgUbY46zfOMo8KyTaL-GjDPMDZxfWnDIfNXCmGT8EyeY1l7CFH1sJ-q3gh8BWnfdz_2U1WcmdAEOD2j4W_I5_ajEx3_PM30yJn7IcOBgbIyeOi/s1600/IMG_8593.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After everything was in place, Brad went up into the attic and finished off the wiring. I have no idea what exactly he did up there, so if anyone has questions about this process, feel free to leave a comment and I'll make him answer.<br /><br />After the attic time, he came back down and proceeded to install the dimmer switch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50O3J4LSR7hRVPSRvtlvek2mAgvbFrG4N8eoUPepXAhoECOO34OMsRqBWeWqwqYE1niVaV4U8j1iSTRLR1LtY65ioG3iSZQJ5gcEuLSP7a4vlKh5Rbp-jnOqBMYgxYxFJxaHkMdWf2mu6/s1600/IMG_8601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50O3J4LSR7hRVPSRvtlvek2mAgvbFrG4N8eoUPepXAhoECOO34OMsRqBWeWqwqYE1niVaV4U8j1iSTRLR1LtY65ioG3iSZQJ5gcEuLSP7a4vlKh5Rbp-jnOqBMYgxYxFJxaHkMdWf2mu6/s1600/IMG_8601.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And then there was (day)light...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAhtcBtAQBJFRabn5nh3seIr5LibeP7Uu6wEpLzT1BxKU3D2pGO-8Dcd8Kz5q09BOWaORIheFg59suZmga_o_g0XHXG-R6e9kKHtXnVbuh6akLJCVU85uvlr-0L1cNAkXv6zNy-dGTVLv/s1600/IMG_8594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAhtcBtAQBJFRabn5nh3seIr5LibeP7Uu6wEpLzT1BxKU3D2pGO-8Dcd8Kz5q09BOWaORIheFg59suZmga_o_g0XHXG-R6e9kKHtXnVbuh6akLJCVU85uvlr-0L1cNAkXv6zNy-dGTVLv/s1600/IMG_8594.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Here's a before and after of how the room looks under each type of light:<br /><br />Old:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWpNACaLFDFyjyptX18oZY72Dp71EO7mBvBgUd47L5C4ZVJXRfZYVLobcnVGfRCsFeB6NCAsg5OUuh5wHeU2b7apAwk3WJJFpzCQCXi45XI4K15Q3_l_dyFh9XJdD-zuSTKPXueCn2u6X/s1600/IMG_8605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWpNACaLFDFyjyptX18oZY72Dp71EO7mBvBgUd47L5C4ZVJXRfZYVLobcnVGfRCsFeB6NCAsg5OUuh5wHeU2b7apAwk3WJJFpzCQCXi45XI4K15Q3_l_dyFh9XJdD-zuSTKPXueCn2u6X/s1600/IMG_8605.jpg" /></a></div><br />New:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJpZDmRmj_Jn3CrbKjfM3pfCm4HgCtDM1Nc_bjXhDDepVkVsX5NtUCOAy2Ndc6qWK-mESXbeeNjj3OkJfAaNaSfyTbmt-KVXqaOl0_M9RhKE9Yod3zZc8vaLsLBwUbtl2RQnhK_4UZ59W/s1600/IMG_8606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJpZDmRmj_Jn3CrbKjfM3pfCm4HgCtDM1Nc_bjXhDDepVkVsX5NtUCOAy2Ndc6qWK-mESXbeeNjj3OkJfAaNaSfyTbmt-KVXqaOl0_M9RhKE9Yod3zZc8vaLsLBwUbtl2RQnhK_4UZ59W/s1600/IMG_8606.jpg" /></a></div><br />Much better, right? No more orange cast on my colors!<br /><br />One thing I learned is that the higher/cooler color temperature you go, the lower luminance output you'll get. Ideally, I would have liked the lights brighter, but the LED output at this color temperature just isn't as high as your typical fluorescent light. I may swap them out with a lower color temp or add two more lights in the future if I decide I want things even brighter in there, but for now they are working out just fine.<br /><br />As for the old light fixture, I'll most likely swap it out for a simple, low profile fan in the near future.<br />Oh, and if anyone is wondering what happened to this <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2012/01/in-works.html" target="_blank">rug</a>....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJl_sH1OLHP0L9QaBRgpFb1k0unnLUYCWHqyduSf97f4B8xWLBg80IUmt9GDbTyGYZ6kmEcmO0VTO3gXwuCc9msSI0sjWX8serbDf6qv2Vd9FGVyLkyUSa7HVxyUDKWULrmTTq_CDvNtf/s1600/office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJl_sH1OLHP0L9QaBRgpFb1k0unnLUYCWHqyduSf97f4B8xWLBg80IUmt9GDbTyGYZ6kmEcmO0VTO3gXwuCc9msSI0sjWX8serbDf6qv2Vd9FGVyLkyUSa7HVxyUDKWULrmTTq_CDvNtf/s640/office.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Well, I took this shot right after it arrived in the mail. Unfortunately though, there was a stained/soiled area that I noticed and couldn't remove, so I went to exchange it, and found out that they were out of stock. Ugh. This was last year, and I haven't had a chance to check back up on it (or maybe I've just been too lazy/unmotivated...) Either way, I'm not sure I want it anymore because of how easily soiled it gets, and also it doesn't grip the floors and that could get annoying. I am okay with living rugless for right now.<br /><br />We still want to add recessed lighting in the living room (which desperately needs more light) and our bedroom, although we'll stick to a more cozy color temp (probably in the 3000k range). Now that we have a few rooms under our belt (kitchen, sunroom, master bath, and office), we almost have the process down to a science. <br /><br />So, what do you think? Anyone else considering adding recessed lighting, but don't know where to start/don't have the tools? I think it's definitely worth the cost and effort... it really updates the overall look of the room, plus LED lights are super energy efficient and you'll hardly ever have to change the bulb. If you're still on the fence, go for it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div>

Recessed Office Lighting Upgrade

There's been a serious problem looming above my head for a long time now. Literally. See those 3 pitiful little bulbs? They haven't ...

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Oarn't you glad I'm back?

Happy Father's Day! How are you all celebrating today? What did your Dads/husbands get this year? I unfortunately couldn't be with my dad today, but I did spoil him this year with something he's been wanting forever...<br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://dealzon.com/pictures/deals/12946/large/rca-46la45rq-46-inch-1080p-lcd-hdtv-refurbished-.jpg?1299433931" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dealzon.com/pictures/deals/12946/large/rca-46la45rq-46-inch-1080p-lcd-hdtv-refurbished-.jpg?1299433931" /></a></div><br /> <br />a 46" LCD flatscreen. I know this won't make up for me moving 3000 miles away, but it should help pass the time between visits. I hope he's enjoying a good movie in HD on it right this moment. Love you, Dad :)<br /><br /><br />Thanks for hanging in there while I took a couple weeks off to visit with my family and give the whole D&R/blogging thing a rest for a bit. It was a good break to relax & refuel.<br /><br />I've returned today with a quick master bedroom update.<br /><br />Remember this empty space above our headboard?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsArsVzPCe06XUSluDdvfhD7ZmTnJnRmgvgpebR9eEhwFdX_taAxaF0lJ_C9T4lC40U_InneKkeweZua_x0qhczDmW_U3tNkDjv5EkmdAmWAPiZ20OIUacfove0P8bpeQM73qSOJoA2sq/s1600/IMG_7617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsArsVzPCe06XUSluDdvfhD7ZmTnJnRmgvgpebR9eEhwFdX_taAxaF0lJ_C9T4lC40U_InneKkeweZua_x0qhczDmW_U3tNkDjv5EkmdAmWAPiZ20OIUacfove0P8bpeQM73qSOJoA2sq/s640/IMG_7617.jpg" width="503" /></a></div><br /><br />Well, originally I had decided that a long, skinny piece of driftwood would be the perfect addition. Then I realized they were extremely hard and/or expensive to just stumble upon... so I took matters into my own hands and decided I'd make my own with a tree branch I cut from our front yard.<br />To aid in the natural "weathering" process, I threw it in the pool and let it soak for about a month. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStIXADgrYaK2j_iaJGLoA3q7k3LUX8XFH9Lt-wPIiY3rzqiUtywcOUaiuSyNVQJHr8T-4coyuVtzaQ2FwwBAEIFl8rRwj-xsiE1SCIAxEj3FsMccWrGo96WRtM0wR6ufR-PQuv0kwtUEI/s1600/IMG_8457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStIXADgrYaK2j_iaJGLoA3q7k3LUX8XFH9Lt-wPIiY3rzqiUtywcOUaiuSyNVQJHr8T-4coyuVtzaQ2FwwBAEIFl8rRwj-xsiE1SCIAxEj3FsMccWrGo96WRtM0wR6ufR-PQuv0kwtUEI/s1600/IMG_8457.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The next step was peeling the bark off... which I wasn't really sure how to approach.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBI_7yGch5HqfHX0PgiUdYlTOoe0XAa-A4f5kQGiCwDDgnezbzzXi_HUoGBlaswNaAY518yw8VDQ5R6hK9Wt1qP-2vCTi58ukvEEJixzQ91UTvGbCwAaHnSJy3v3JdWsfpqx9QVYukuB4/s1600/IMG_8460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBI_7yGch5HqfHX0PgiUdYlTOoe0XAa-A4f5kQGiCwDDgnezbzzXi_HUoGBlaswNaAY518yw8VDQ5R6hK9Wt1qP-2vCTi58ukvEEJixzQ91UTvGbCwAaHnSJy3v3JdWsfpqx9QVYukuB4/s1600/IMG_8460.jpg" /></a></div><br />After I took this picture, I set the branch aside and decided I'd get back to it after my family had left town.<br /><br />But then my plans changed.<br /><br />The day after my family arrived, I had rented a Pontoon boat for a group of us and scheduled a fun day of boating and exploring the city by river. I had this boat reserved for over a month and our whole route planned and everything.<br /><br />When we get to the marina, I give the guy my name and he says "Oh... uh... yeah, the boat blew its' engine and then our backup boat sank. Sorry." <br /><br />Yeah... thanks for telling me earlier. <br /><br />Our neighbor/boat captain friend, Joe, who was with us tried calling every marina owner he knew to try and get us a replacement boat, but it was too short notice and our boat day was ruined.<br /><br />As we were leaving, I spotted this old oar that had been rotting away in their boat graveyard. I pointed it out to Joe and he decided to take it as our parting/consolation gift. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qXfJYx2Qq3lQHWWhC-RrSr9bfwnVfwjw5DnJpw2Krs9xmGB-aUjiBkgI43rjbuMRjY1AJE4TlQuf2ij7UZZYXWjSIWgOulBNs8EAo-qvVt11R8IJwqOPPXt9WYxgeGrbteDWPPY-7CnT/s1600/IMG_8535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8qXfJYx2Qq3lQHWWhC-RrSr9bfwnVfwjw5DnJpw2Krs9xmGB-aUjiBkgI43rjbuMRjY1AJE4TlQuf2ij7UZZYXWjSIWgOulBNs8EAo-qvVt11R8IJwqOPPXt9WYxgeGrbteDWPPY-7CnT/s1600/IMG_8535.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I wasn't sure what I was going to do with it at first, but once we were back at home, it hit me: hang it over the bed!<br /><br />A few pulls of the nailgun trigger later, and it was up:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1S2an9B8ElC3EYLWI4657pkNSCpzdlRn3x4uUuOYK_lWAzyTHisyY6-sHAak5SA0xzDoqDBqpK_VyZMJao1WN8YwDO2SF2_v_Q63K36HvSjBwBEwqfIbvllghSyUa-T9RSxBWQFBmDtK/s1600/IMG_8574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1S2an9B8ElC3EYLWI4657pkNSCpzdlRn3x4uUuOYK_lWAzyTHisyY6-sHAak5SA0xzDoqDBqpK_VyZMJao1WN8YwDO2SF2_v_Q63K36HvSjBwBEwqfIbvllghSyUa-T9RSxBWQFBmDtK/s1600/IMG_8574.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3e2X5d0ocRxjOvverKbi5TomJPVm7zsRBcqj67h2P8M9zhzt6WQrnsT-HykkOXN8EmzSwUhc8jPONYBeJ3pceQqzaC8N8kd8XTWlhCvYADAnNwmO8a17OaOtRXoF3dHaEBUhc9dNchyphenhyphenb/s1600/IMG_8571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3e2X5d0ocRxjOvverKbi5TomJPVm7zsRBcqj67h2P8M9zhzt6WQrnsT-HykkOXN8EmzSwUhc8jPONYBeJ3pceQqzaC8N8kd8XTWlhCvYADAnNwmO8a17OaOtRXoF3dHaEBUhc9dNchyphenhyphenb/s1600/IMG_8571.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1raY9hE5u-qdovH3y99V2ZdS8Dc9-U2-tKXHod1gC9buI7LxA97zUeJKqN7iJRGv0iO3wxa464-r4luyzgyWuxzje1CRa-as6nvZWvmUmlwdw0M9qRGYhBhpj6VeCJAjw_Ek4ACq6MEeE/s1600/IMG_8547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1raY9hE5u-qdovH3y99V2ZdS8Dc9-U2-tKXHod1gC9buI7LxA97zUeJKqN7iJRGv0iO3wxa464-r4luyzgyWuxzje1CRa-as6nvZWvmUmlwdw0M9qRGYhBhpj6VeCJAjw_Ek4ACq6MEeE/s1600/IMG_8547.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love it not only because it's nautical, but now I have a symbol of our family trip that I can look at every day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrECMCEcrG51WqDqChO5I142bbXOWpEZ4W71YjR5sBHi9wGv001T12Ij1rA4F__kz6hCWIitTeKbvbbQ5Z8016FOSjK_VSgMTDJWwYVmg7MdtlvZ0FNfYnSx1Up8WUtWaiNUSx10B-Dx7/s1600/IMG_8567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrECMCEcrG51WqDqChO5I142bbXOWpEZ4W71YjR5sBHi9wGv001T12Ij1rA4F__kz6hCWIitTeKbvbbQ5Z8016FOSjK_VSgMTDJWwYVmg7MdtlvZ0FNfYnSx1Up8WUtWaiNUSx10B-Dx7/s1600/IMG_8567.jpg" /></a></div><br />I will call this look... "simplistic nautical romance." I like it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LbGF-ebIfOmZBGEFa2iFg1N8_W0bX400knMuHYW3KABba80xCm1xrqj8AFTiNhsJ9ADUdaESsDbXJOE4hBsGmWPcVZdLr5Se8UnPJEUF3E-iY40OvMQ-8trFFnlZpVmZCJzKbLm0-cuY/s1600/IMG_8559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LbGF-ebIfOmZBGEFa2iFg1N8_W0bX400knMuHYW3KABba80xCm1xrqj8AFTiNhsJ9ADUdaESsDbXJOE4hBsGmWPcVZdLr5Se8UnPJEUF3E-iY40OvMQ-8trFFnlZpVmZCJzKbLm0-cuY/s1600/IMG_8559.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WCBzbNSlWdUlFOwufTw8kdZw4I46IEajbIy2fY2CoD7cqM8wasLu0GTjuWOK4QoBVcUt82m977W1lOp9331bya5f_YSy5Tpuu2594Rp5dsuKf8iAlZVI39MpaU-txWEes-Iz18tOnRNi/s1600/IMG_8565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WCBzbNSlWdUlFOwufTw8kdZw4I46IEajbIy2fY2CoD7cqM8wasLu0GTjuWOK4QoBVcUt82m977W1lOp9331bya5f_YSy5Tpuu2594Rp5dsuKf8iAlZVI39MpaU-txWEes-Iz18tOnRNi/s1600/IMG_8565.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />This engraving is pretty awesome. I believe it stands for "really rad paddle."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k-yO_akaBjZ1KJi3qoysbST5GR-5UCbnaMQodJ5N8B-99Ay8y-6-pqt5NInTCozZLozAiQ_5Ngh7RDHkATIdskohhdHtOAX_xkReDHUyhSNlHgRc4Bv4VT8DjtoigAz057TByYu_yTEC/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k-yO_akaBjZ1KJi3qoysbST5GR-5UCbnaMQodJ5N8B-99Ay8y-6-pqt5NInTCozZLozAiQ_5Ngh7RDHkATIdskohhdHtOAX_xkReDHUyhSNlHgRc4Bv4VT8DjtoigAz057TByYu_yTEC/s1600/IMG_8568.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And of course, Susie wants you all to know that she approves of this update.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSvPC95chJ9BqooLAQxjVb727fzzLEX4tOMTGeiT7tzG9ETa5Q7KlfWK9TuF_hwC3tu8ECj7mVSF0GZHHNAFDK461wnrAWcIIvaISiJjA6n21WArJL6zXGQlFdJG3-rkctSn5ijHhe1c8/s1600/IMG_8579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSvPC95chJ9BqooLAQxjVb727fzzLEX4tOMTGeiT7tzG9ETa5Q7KlfWK9TuF_hwC3tu8ECj7mVSF0GZHHNAFDK461wnrAWcIIvaISiJjA6n21WArJL6zXGQlFdJG3-rkctSn5ijHhe1c8/s1600/IMG_8579.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />That's all I've got this time... but Brad and I just finished a much needed office lighting upgrade, which I'll be back with tomorrow.<br /><br /><br />I'm off to bake some <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2011/11/11/chocolate-pumpkin-pie-brownies/" target="_blank">healthy brownies</a> for a BBQ at a friend's house who is a new daddy. Check back tomorrow for my office update!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Oarn't you glad I'm back?

Happy Father's Day! How are you all celebrating today? What did your Dads/husbands get this year? I unfortunately couldn't be with m...

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A 15 month ORB handle update.

Flashback to <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2011/01/d-weekend.html" target="_blank">January 2011</a>. I was just starting to accessorize our new home and began spray painting everything in sight, including all of the dated brass fixtures.<br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/doorhandlebefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/doorhandlebefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />After:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/doorhandleafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/doorhandleafter.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Yes... I know it's upside down  ):</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />That was using Krylon's ORB spray paint, with no prep other than a thorough cleaning.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/krylon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n571/jennasuedesign/Jacksonville%20Home/krylon.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br /><br />Fast forward exactly 15 months later... and here's the same handle from the last pic:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMNzDbx6TtFEFL6pisgaNuBbO8txUbyPJChK9f6zamy-_MPNiaRtTKEP4vsMfpLaikCdDFyXGt1HHz5OOukIamNuSgtGFa3v3O7oSMmB_4TpnBn4YP52sjaTG9qNHrzmII2qB3FojihTJ/s1600/IMG_8440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMNzDbx6TtFEFL6pisgaNuBbO8txUbyPJChK9f6zamy-_MPNiaRtTKEP4vsMfpLaikCdDFyXGt1HHz5OOukIamNuSgtGFa3v3O7oSMmB_4TpnBn4YP52sjaTG9qNHrzmII2qB3FojihTJ/s1600/IMG_8440.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Looking good, right? <br /><br />Well... here's the other side of that handle:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaXOIcXGKdIJWGRM8yPekvMKcDpDs1O5T1_jXMHVQdMghREed2fHIrQozPR-oDXKQrO0t8D82iD7Gybr5NDK9J4paqEXverL-OKRB7Z9dQ3kZEq2sOHQXcMcsp-BaauMXTVc1DdZE4Dfq/s1600/IMG_8441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaXOIcXGKdIJWGRM8yPekvMKcDpDs1O5T1_jXMHVQdMghREed2fHIrQozPR-oDXKQrO0t8D82iD7Gybr5NDK9J4paqEXverL-OKRB7Z9dQ3kZEq2sOHQXcMcsp-BaauMXTVc1DdZE4Dfq/s1600/IMG_8441.jpg" /></a></div><br />Yikes.<br /><br />I've been putting this off for a while, because I had much more exciting D&R projects to fill my time. But enough was enough.<br /><br />Here's how every other door handle in the house was looking:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEpgthVoaSwGgNFAeQQ3RCCUNO0RThERwd3EZpIq8mm3JkVGNvfxLWPkHF6DrRMO-QOv3UdBESj82xjJOvz3BUjsyXjwWHGNbDvFNMROn6SeOX8x62dIW11cV-_Y1ekweAoVcIS1u6Ib8/s1600/IMG_8442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZEpgthVoaSwGgNFAeQQ3RCCUNO0RThERwd3EZpIq8mm3JkVGNvfxLWPkHF6DrRMO-QOv3UdBESj82xjJOvz3BUjsyXjwWHGNbDvFNMROn6SeOX8x62dIW11cV-_Y1ekweAoVcIS1u6Ib8/s640/IMG_8442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some were fine, some had a few nicks, and others were a hot mess.<br /><br />I decided I'd go by the book this time, and that meant sanding and using deglosser. I read that sandpaper (even fine grit) was just too rough for the finish, so I spent about 3 hours and 6 handfuls of steel wool trying to prep the surface as best as I could.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XeCQqb9CU0CnxMohh8etZxBkxqoZdu4lyEevwU9Zj6PpA3nmL9txYzOX8uayG906VfNOuwn1NGm0r8cp0ShLFw-8h_axbfleWbmCow7UcMj87QN5PX-q3rEOQG2a_WNwuSR4WSQKQ73C/s1600/IMG_8443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XeCQqb9CU0CnxMohh8etZxBkxqoZdu4lyEevwU9Zj6PpA3nmL9txYzOX8uayG906VfNOuwn1NGm0r8cp0ShLFw-8h_axbfleWbmCow7UcMj87QN5PX-q3rEOQG2a_WNwuSR4WSQKQ73C/s1600/IMG_8443.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you can see, the old paint didn't fully remove, which literally would have taken days (especially with this intricate style handle and hard to reach spots). So I called it a night and came back the next morning with fresh hands.<br /><br />For this round, I decided to try Rustoleum's version. We had used it several months back on our guest bathroom fixtures, and those are still going strong. I also prefer the brown/gold fleck quality it has over Krylon's, which was more of a flat black indoors.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuZ42QB0xSnCaE9bewOcSfYfnjpuvUnlAGyY3n-PXCC-fzD5npnvTwYQaG-NzOSYhc4VmzNlbeYo-3RLXVlP_dL0O8ehSFml3tY-GchO_X7ab2YjtrJ61urgHxSDqXT2b3H-d9KtGmun6/s1600/IMG_8445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDuZ42QB0xSnCaE9bewOcSfYfnjpuvUnlAGyY3n-PXCC-fzD5npnvTwYQaG-NzOSYhc4VmzNlbeYo-3RLXVlP_dL0O8ehSFml3tY-GchO_X7ab2YjtrJ61urgHxSDqXT2b3H-d9KtGmun6/s1600/IMG_8445.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />After thoroughly wiping with deglosser, I applied the first coat:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_MOgBBeZUbrZfLcCUsGPssPuk7q1d0RbuPAPkRgYH-YnTBGbX90G7fdTR5AEvbyvkaC84z9uewWLM0FIJ8cH5XLgLnRYNVsn7Ebie05Nwk8dwKQP5A-sdvN-YzFVVOe8BtAQ7ohkcciO/s1600/IMG_8446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_MOgBBeZUbrZfLcCUsGPssPuk7q1d0RbuPAPkRgYH-YnTBGbX90G7fdTR5AEvbyvkaC84z9uewWLM0FIJ8cH5XLgLnRYNVsn7Ebie05Nwk8dwKQP5A-sdvN-YzFVVOe8BtAQ7ohkcciO/s1600/IMG_8446.jpg" /></a></div><br />Four or five light, even coats later, these babies were ready to go:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s8f_RyreLhfwsVARC3Kslf71hr8njLJRPABFo41p-k8HGqAcPpC7EpiHtC1ImyX7MTkaRFrjakbsOVasHSJLjVYBpJ2cw5TKyxPOkKAQu4rEIvB6tN5TVlAwQAANx-2hkyauxI4n7GBy/s1600/IMG_8455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s8f_RyreLhfwsVARC3Kslf71hr8njLJRPABFo41p-k8HGqAcPpC7EpiHtC1ImyX7MTkaRFrjakbsOVasHSJLjVYBpJ2cw5TKyxPOkKAQu4rEIvB6tN5TVlAwQAANx-2hkyauxI4n7GBy/s1600/IMG_8455.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Note: The coloring always looks lighter outdoors/in the sun.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><br />And we're back to square one...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVul-a951yb22e2OM6eLzysXZ_C7heUcLXMVJHZvr2IouMc-XGql2Qb9mBF2rRNBtw4A3rbW-ZLCwZsb3GHcpc-gI9PgX9xQ5AXDhJdnUipDrBog7x9cvKNR1pUEl0I7B0KYe2ZUc8-mf/s1600/IMG_8463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVul-a951yb22e2OM6eLzysXZ_C7heUcLXMVJHZvr2IouMc-XGql2Qb9mBF2rRNBtw4A3rbW-ZLCwZsb3GHcpc-gI9PgX9xQ5AXDhJdnUipDrBog7x9cvKNR1pUEl0I7B0KYe2ZUc8-mf/s1600/IMG_8463.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVj6IvTJBk6r1jelQIaXu5dPVgD8NYnebqz7oqY-SXUNy2voA97yIg5z1EmL8aTZ-cf6wmH8FbNIGXaeSu-fQDqcH1ATBGRKG9Ej5Io4fd_awtMXt573dCRxL5j61Ktj-4OSfITKhVOtU/s1600/IMG_8467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVj6IvTJBk6r1jelQIaXu5dPVgD8NYnebqz7oqY-SXUNy2voA97yIg5z1EmL8aTZ-cf6wmH8FbNIGXaeSu-fQDqcH1ATBGRKG9Ej5Io4fd_awtMXt573dCRxL5j61Ktj-4OSfITKhVOtU/s1600/IMG_8467.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...for now. When I was using the drill on one of the screws, the metal on metal contact did scratch some of the paint off. I do not have high hopes for these things, quite honestly. Maybe we just have to be more careful about banging hard objects against the handles...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But the good news is, our guest bath finish still looks great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASouA3IXWeqgwyzIyVMyaepeMnwrIIUocrQtUIJd-X_gQTlJUpnAPbPZKLYCh8nVgWjChOc6R8qlbR0aD-dkAmUAOyWCo226imnipuQ40IRa9532lgxpMWLSrOG0HT4fhjvhDKci6HEYy/s1600/IMG_8474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASouA3IXWeqgwyzIyVMyaepeMnwrIIUocrQtUIJd-X_gQTlJUpnAPbPZKLYCh8nVgWjChOc6R8qlbR0aD-dkAmUAOyWCo226imnipuQ40IRa9532lgxpMWLSrOG0HT4fhjvhDKci6HEYy/s1600/IMG_8474.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54cu3zBxIbQ_mA71f7MOpU_OR6N8qz-kfDMSKcs7XK79xc58EIvfWUpIKBb9pXunRqBcy9WxdHu4GzYefWgPmCSrliBn90_DuwSiZdeg4mLm-VVHzuU-gWQz6vvOhX6P7M2Q6mmN4Jdvj/s1600/IMG_8473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg54cu3zBxIbQ_mA71f7MOpU_OR6N8qz-kfDMSKcs7XK79xc58EIvfWUpIKBb9pXunRqBcy9WxdHu4GzYefWgPmCSrliBn90_DuwSiZdeg4mLm-VVHzuU-gWQz6vvOhX6P7M2Q6mmN4Jdvj/s1600/IMG_8473.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />I think as long as they don't encounter blunt force trauma with anything metal, they will hold up. But we all know life happens, and that can't always be prevented. Check back in 15 months for another update :)<br /><br />*******<br /><br />In unrelated news... I've been published!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i47.tinypic.com/2py9kk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i47.tinypic.com/2py9kk4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Yep, that's our bedroom wall</em></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />I'm so honored and humbled to have been chosen for an interview for Jacksonville Magazine's June 2012 issue. <br /><br />But the most exciting part of this week begins in just 6 hours, when I head to the airport to see my family for the first time since Christmas. They <em>never</em> travel (they haven't even been east of Utah!) so this will be such a good experience for them. I can't wait to show them how the South/East Coast lives... maybe I can convince them to move here :)<br /><br />Time to get back to cleaning/laundry/yardwork/grocery-ing before they arrive. Have an amazing week, everyone!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuljJWZlecsnv-kb02LatBvmMp7FxANlOfNjHb5BjBbKYL-eqzZGTn3P-26bmjFvqRBEiR2CqIGNquE35XwPKpt-UIj-6xpVlBXhRvMncG7u2yUiIR1g7Mq6HSSMvuaUJWd-Lrbj4ccOEI/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />

A 15 month ORB handle update.

Flashback to January 2011 . I was just starting to accessorize our new home and began spray painting everything in sight, including all of t...

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