Here ya go Bristol...peek a boo

Happy Monday peeps, I was chatting with my friend Bristol over at Honey Bend this weekend. She wanted me to post more photos of my house. I will ablige her and bore you all to bits. There were only a few spots I could muster up for photos this morning, as dishes from last night are still in the sink in the kitchen (sorry, sick kid) so, here you are Bristol...

Living room, I love the colors, or lack there of.. I was a high color gal in my last house and I need a break from it, so, for the time I am going with this. Lord knows I will change my mind..sooner than later, Im sure.. My favorite little bugs, besides my 3 adorables mind you.. These are just teeny tiny frames with kind of "botanic" specimen bug photos. Ive had these forever. At first they were in Ryans room sort of collage-ish. But I wanted them where I could see them more. That pedestal in the back ground I CHERISH-love and love some more..Its just one of those things that "send me"
I know, you all probably have seen this tray, blogged about it, love it-and the coffee table. My neighbor actually made that coffee table for me, and the bookshelf below, but its not gotten painted yet- Eventually it will look like a built in, all trimmed out to be a permanent fixture in the room..And my books, you know a girls gotta have her books..
Not very good looking. Maybe I should paint this today...Ill let you know..
Lastly, here is something that is another CHERISHED thing, beautiful black and white of my first born, and his mommy..Dont you love the big hair!!! Look at thos teeny hands. Okay, I gotta go love this boy up now.. Have a great day. Bristol-- hope you like what you see. Ill go clean up and snap a few more..

Have a great Monday everyone!

My littlest Treasure Happy Birthday Rea..

Happy Birthday Reagan!

There are so many things in the world I am blessed by, I could go on and on. About 3 years and 8 months ago, I (we) were blown away by the news that, oh, what???? we're pregnant! again? ARe YoU SuRE??

Another little blessing...

You see, as the story of Mr and Mrs Villa goes, we could try as hard as we wanted, but children would be a hard go.."Chronic non ovulator" written across my forehead in big red pen. The days at the fertility doctor just ran into one another. Many many months on clomid and all different kinds of "helper" drugs were purcha$ed and purcha$ed, to no avail. We were heartsick and I knew that soon, BV would be wanting out, wow-Ive never said that before. But, he was from a very large family and was just itching to be a Daddy. Who could blame him, hes perfect at it!

Anyway, we had to quit it. We were so in debt that we needed to refinance our house to pay the Dr bills that didnt get us anywhere. I was near crazy, thinking that I wouldnt have any kids, and soon- be left, for a "womb- able to deliver" we paid off our bills and decided to get a few extra $$ and do what, you ask? Well, it was mr and mrs Vs first renovation! We were in hog heaven working side by side, ripping out walls-and making a good marital foundation. My fears of being left-to be by myself faded away. A few months into the overly ambitious renovation-guess what. Lisa got pregnant!!! Yes, all my myself- okay, I had help. BV was with me all the way:)

Ryan Jay was born 9 months later, we were extatic.The kind of extatic that makes you walk around on air for months and months. I finally had my family. End of story..Right? Welllllll.

Flash forward to 2003 Miracle city, mr and mrsV concieved-again, all by ourselves- Finn Patrick was my little 10 pounder rolly polly angel from heaven! This really couldnt get any better. EXCEPT for 9 months later..WHAt? what the...Im a chronic non ovulator! This cant be happening?! BV gets his walking on air shoes on again. We are extatic! Irish twins..

The photo finish. My sweet Darling little lady,petite 7 pound cherub entered our lives

(and mommy got a tubal for her 40th birthday!!)

This life couldnt get any better, I am a woman complete. All goes to show you...

Just what thinks that little old ant, think he can move that rubber tree plant?

Everyone knows an ant- CANT- move a rubber tree plant

everyone, sing.. But shes got--HIGH HOPES!!

Happy Happy Birthday my little darling, you are the sunshine and rainbows in all our lives. We love you to the moon and back. and then some...

These milestones in their lives, their birthdays are so special to me, they are certainly the best thing in my life.

my peeps, my loves. My little slice of heaven on earth, AMEN!

:)

The coastal nest and the crackheads....grrrrr

I know it looks under construction, thats because it is! The doors are locked and the windows are LOCKED!!! Dosent that mean, keep out??? Dosent that mean dont come in and take my stuff? This is not your property-stay out..
Well, I guess it had to happen sometime. Keeping the honest people out was easy, in the summer time it was always easy..too many people around to get caught. Nope, not last night..I am sad to say that my moderately secure cute little coastal nest out at the beach has been broken into....grrrr.... GRRRRR.. BobVilla is so funny, things like this just roll off of his back. "Honey" he says, "you cant do anything about it"...going on..."If they want in bad enough, they will find a way..."

THEY???THEY!!!!! I am so sick of other people thinking that my stuff is their stuff. Those"alley cruisin, bike riders" you know who they are, I am sure they are in your neighborhood too, helping themselves to your stuff. Hanging around in the shadows. Those crack heads. Im sick of it- and them. I am sorry if I sound harsh, but WE bought the items they are ours. So, now we have security. Good security, too. I am happy to say we have our first sleep over guest, and he is irritated, too. "He" shall be nameless, as it makes the story a bit juicier, dont you think. He, will be prepared, for anything--
The electrical was being installed today, this means the crack heads are lurking in the tall sea grass, waiting to pounce, to capture the copper wire,the motherload, of all things. to rip out the wire that was just installed, drag it down the street to get enough money at the local "dealer" to trade it in for a dime bag, I guess, I really dont know what they get for it. I just know they want it. GET A JOB!!!

So, all you girls wanting to come on a vacation, bring your blow up matress, your camping out sleeping bag, and some heavy rocks in a pair of your hubbys socks. Its going to be fun!!
Campin coastalnest style..Giddyup.

My Sunday with BobVilla and the Beach......

Hi There! Well, here is how my sweet Bobvilla and I spent our MLK day, it was just gorgeous outside here in the Pac NW, we knew that we had lots of work to get done outside at the beach cottage, so we saddled up the ford f150 and away we went. With the children in good baby sitting hands we were off....Here, oh my..is it Ree and her Marlboro Man?? no, no.. wrong state, plus no horses today. Gorgeous view, huh?

Soon after we arrive to our little beach town, I had to drop BV off at the cottage to get ready for the day and go get us a couple a mochas, because, its really cold at the beach today! 29? At the beach?? what the...BRRRRRR-- Anyway, heres my favorite little coffee shop.

Well, while I had a little alone time, I thought it was in my (and yours) best interest that we take a little ride round the hood..you know what that means- Lets check out the neighbors, shall we? This is Nancy's house at the beach, shes a good friend who comes (or, use to) to the store and shops when shes in town.What a vacation get away-- Now, when I was a high schooler (back in the 80's) yes, I said 80's, let me hear you say "metal health will drive you mad...bang your head...--excuse me, I was flashing back there for a minute, okay. Now, back to Nancy's house, when I was a, shall we say, adolescent, my friends and I would always drive out here to this particular stretch of beach, because it is, number one, far from town, and also because it was so gorgeous out here. (plus we could play the casette tapes really loud on our hugely gigantic "boom boxes" (memba??) and build roaring fires on the beach..Im remembering another story, but I am getting off track..Nancys house was one of those houses that I remember, vividly..because it was vacant. For years! No one lived in it for the longest time, then fancy Nancy bought it, and gutted the whole thing, its just fantastic now. see the tennis court??

You will have to click on this photo below to see the latest edition to the grounds @ nancys- she got a totem pole!! I am sure its authentic, since there is a Reservation just a stones throw from here. They do awesome work, isnt it gorgeous!!!

Now This is another friends Pams house, I helped her inside this lil cottage of hers, its ADORABLE if I do say so myself.. Thanks for letting me help ya Pammy, it was fun and turned out so well. Total coastal living inside this cutie pie...she wasnt home though. No ones around today, cept me and the fabulous BobVilla, coupleaworkinstiffs...Heres another one of Pams places, she sold this last summer, isnt it a totally darling Cape Cod?Okay, we better get back to the coastal nest, bobs mochas cold now... This is what I get for farting around and taking you with me. Hes going to be pissed at us!! Its all your fault...Ohwell, lets move forward, were almost there...Heres looking back as we go up the hill towards the house. Its totally rockin beautiful today. Its dungeness crab season here, I am not sure you can see any of the boats out there, but theres at least 8 that I can see.. MMMMmmm, dont you love crab season???

Okay, so here we are, I actually took this toward the end of the day, since I am mostly cleaning crew and fire pit manager at this stage of the game, I cleaned up "real good like" today. Its really starting to take shape round the beach house, I am getting excited! So, when you and I were out slacking off, spying on the neighbors, BV and his magic tools got one of the sides of the house sided. We chose beautiful beveled cedar siding, its really gorgeous. My man is so handy!! Arent I lucky?? Why yes I am!!! Okay so, this is the last shot of the ol blue pacific as we were leaving, the temp on the truck says 28, and that cold for the beach! And me..Hope you all enjoyed the trip.. Buckle up, so we can get home fast.. Im FREEZING!!!

Thanks Martha.......Ive been Tagged

Here I am!

My friend Martha, over there at Elizabeth Hill Cottage has tapped me on the shoulder this morning and given me the "all exalted nod" from her throne on the hill.

Seems as though little Martha is a snoopy gal and would like more "sensitive" information on she who manages the coastal nest...me..

First off, I want to slip in a disclaimer for those who can hardly take it..I am a tad boring, to perfection. I am just a simple girl, with 3 kids and a pretty cool partner (husband, clarify..)

Like to hear it? Here we go...

*My 4 jobs..*

Charlies restaurant- I was a "bus(ty) boy" (girl) This was in 1984, I graduated HS and declared my independence. With my hair piled high, pink and blue eyeshadow on-and my cassette tape stereo cranking "ratt"(memba them?) took off for the big city and bright lights--only to make $2.60 (plus tips) and hour, needless to say, came home after a few months (couldn't make it on own..$$$) and went to local college.zzzzzzzzzzzzz..

Frame IT!-custom picture frame store manager- at local mall while going to local college. Adored this job, as my artsy fartsy side was blossoming and I could frame IT! at the store, because business was VERY slow.. again,zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..

Costco Wholesale- left home once more, after college- bright lights- big city (again) Got in at bottom level Warehouse employee. Official title "caller" remember those poor saps that would have to empty the cart, read the number of the item in your cart to the cashier and transfer it to another cart? That was me. Quickly rose to cashier, now I have lightning quick 10 key speed skills, just from that job..Also, sometimes, I wake up transferring the 30 pack toilet paper and calling out the numbers in my sleep.(really scares poor Bob Villa) Made lots of good friends there and had a great time after work. (heavy duty party time)

Grand Heron- My mamas fabulous interiors shop. Been here ever since I left the big city-Seattle. I adore this job, although we have had a major set back (gigantic wind and rain storm in December) wrecked our whole (historic, former masonic temple building), blew out all windows and very impolitely tore the roof off and deposited it very UN neatly in our parking lot beside the building. As of today, we are still waiting to hear from our lovely insurance adjuster. Interested in hearing more of our poor story on the business? check out passed posts on my blog. It ll let you know anything you would like to know..miserable as it is (Grand, as it was...)

Okay, that's my job history.

*My 4 fave movies..remember, no judging!*

I could watch Urban Cowboy over and over again. I ADORE John Travolta in this movie. In fact, I watched it 2 times this week. Bob Villa lovingly calls me Sissy once in a while and I get a hiney twinge every time, sorry!

Terms of Endearment is another FANTASTIC tear jerker. Haven't seen it lately, still LOVE that movie. The bond that mom and daughter have is so, awesome.

Bueler???? Bueler.....nuf said...

Im not sure if I can put this in a movie category, but I totally love and enjoy to watch Greys Anatomy, I love that nasty McSteamy, hes so sexy and pathetic at the same time.

Only ever lived in good old green and wet Washington State

*4 Favorite foods*

my home made tacos

my moms pot roast

my grams potato salad, which my mom makes now

chocolate woof. I know, but you can imagine.

*4 Favorite places Id rather be*

A cozy bed, flannel sheets, pouring down rain on the rooftop serenading me to sleep.(alone, no BV and no Kids!)AHHHH..

Rolling around in all the money we will make on the beach house (cross your fingers) oh, to be debt free!!!

Time travel back- picture me and my bazillion cousins at our lake place, appx 1975, not a care in the world, just being a kid with all my peeps swimming, water skiing sun tanning with baby oil. Drinking Shasta grape pop and eating baloney sandwiches and Frito's (oh, I think this could go under food, too)

Another time travel back, (remembering I do not want another child)but being in that recovery room after I had my first born, holding him and looking at him, all the effort I had just went through, with Bob Villa by my side, starting my family with him, my one and only. I savor that (and the other 2) moments with all my heart. I gotta go get a Kleenex :)

*4 things I look forward to this year*

Getting our Grand Heron put back together, and GETTING BACK TO WORK, A girls gotta decorate, man!

Finishing the beach house

taking a vacation with the family, we usually go down the Oregon Coast.

chasing the kids round the garden and yard.

4 people Ill tag...

Could someone PLEASE tell me how to link? I am a complete idiot and cannot figure how to do this while I am writing a post..so grateful, first one who lets me know will get a nice treat..via the mail from the coastal nest. Now there's some incentive for you girls wasting all your time this Saturday..

Hope that will satisfy "inquiring minds"

That was kinda fun, thanks Martha!!

Here are a few photos of mine to get the inspiration going, I guess. This one here on the left is a before shot of my Reagans room. It had horrible "off the rack" home depot wallpaper with an ungodly boarder. Had to go-- Here on the right is the-after- simple yellow walls, creamy enamel paint trim and a sweet little vintage iron bed. LOVE IT!! What do ya think?


Here is a lovely "before" photo of mine and BobVillas room. Do not you adore the vintage wallpaper and lovely green tape boarder?(heavy sarcasm, here) I only am sorry I didnt get a great photo of the fixture. It was just so bad.. A few days of peeling wallpaper, filling in cracks, taking out the lovely steele blue carpet, (only to reveal gorgeous preserved hardwood floors)-thank you previous owners-
and loads and loads of my favorite "coffee with cream" color paint, and Voila, the love nest of mr and mrs Villa...



Now here is the so sorry state of the living room-sans 3 different heavy layers of drapery. Whats up with that, this sheer we just left on so no peepers could see all our tools, I am definately NOT a drapery person, although I can be talked into anything at least once, especially if it looks good.. More pink paint, yes fleshy pink, also some lovely fleshy pink carpeting to go with it..egads!!!


I really should take more photos of the living room, but I believe there are some, elsewhere in my blog under home sweet home. Anyway.. If anyones interested in before and afters, here you go. Off to get Finn from preschool.Then to home depot for stuff for the beach cottage.. Have a great day

Your buddy here in Washington State, where yes-- the big yellow orb is actually out!!! The light, it burns!!!!
YAYAYAYAY!!!!
xo-
Lisa

The wheels of progress turn slowly, my friends...

I am so disgusted. FURIOUS in fact- so, please be aware that a rant will ensue. I am sorry, I just have to.......

THE INSURANCE "GAME" S U C K S!!!! BIG TIME. I cannot believe that we STILL to this very day, January 14Th @ 4:30pm west coast time,(wind storm was Dec 3rd, mind you) we still have not heard anything from our adjuster. Only to let us know that is our RESPONSIBILITY to secure the roof, which If you remember, is laying on the ground in our parking lot like a wet newspaper. My dad has had a very large construction company atop the building 4 times, its still leaking like a sieve. EVERy Day we go and empty the many many buckets of water that have found their way to the floor, everyday we hear nothing. Let it be known that we have dutifully followed the instructions of "him" almighty insurance adjuster- the first time "he" appeared, 5 days after the storm. Still no phone calls, no return calls and no response. I AM GETTING TIRED OF STAYING IN LIMBO MODE! Save the building, dont save the building. The stress on my parents is unbelievable, kind of like one of those life changing moments where you wake up and your hair is white- and when you went to sleep your hair was brown. You know the folklore, I can see the wrinkles and stress on them everyday- new. It is shameless and "insurance man" should be spanked-hard. We are waiting.........still..

SORRY!!

Thanks, I feel better-a little

LOVE YA

Lisa

Beach cottage progress...

We went out to the beach last night to deliver yet more lumber. As you can see, there have been some changes. The windows are really really nice and add alot to the small space. They are almost 6 inches wider and 8 inches taller than the original delapitated windows that were originally in the property.



The front porch is gone-thank god- that thing was really rotten and needed to be taken down. We will be putting up a shed dormer style porch- very simple style. Large 6x6 posts holding it up out toward the street.

I am excited! we are really making some progress. We had to higher a new electrician, we have been waiting for the 1st one for, well since November-ridiculous. I am not into it any longer, dont really care if he is a friend of the family or what. My brother (who is also flipping) has also been waiting for him, and has since turned me on to this new guy. Oh well, time is money they say in the world of house flippers (like I know..sheesh, we are so "small potatoes") I just hope someone will buy the place from us..

I have more photos, but dont want to bore you with t0o much of a "wood and tool show" Although, it makes bobvilla horny..(hi honey)

Well, whatchathinkin??? got any big ideas? nows the time to let it out.. Waitin to hear from you

Lisa
coastal-mess.. Oh, I mean
coastal nest

Creating coastal casual...

Morning!

For all of you that are wondering how the old beach house is coming, I have a few ideas I am kicking around, since it is time to get that project up and running again. I am not sure how many have read about the condition of the "said property" when we purchased it. It needed extensive foundation repair- WWWAAAAAYYY more than we were expecting, so posts and beams have taken the place of beauty- thus far, and taken a large, beastly bite out of my dreams for a stylish, hip coastal retreat. sigh...

Steve is off of the overtime list at the good old post office and going to be channeling all of his "extra" and "family" time into getting this baby electrified, heated and plumbed so our children may come out there with us while we work. It has not been in any kind of condition for any child with a dislike for the cold, wet, windy weather that has been coming out of the Pacific Ocean these winter days.

I adore the huge subway tile look, especially white tile with dark grout. The cottage will have an open concept with peaked cielings and exposed beams. Remember, its very tiny, the whole thing is about 1000 square feet (thats including 2 bedrooms)

I am wondering if I could achieve this subway tile look a different way, I was thinking if painted a faux tile back splash in the kitchen and used a glazing compound over the top, for the shine effect. It might look pretty snazzy, and for alot less money. whatdoyathink? I am also thinking that I am going to use a high grade of plywood for the flooring do big squares on the diagonal in warm browns and creams and then distress the heck out of it with crackle and wire brush. I know its a daring look for a flip, because a vanilla shell is what appeals to alot of people, but I want to get the most out of this house, there are NO homes out at Pacific Beach that are in this location that sell for under $ 300K. For the investment of $120 I really want to make bank.

I know the dear magpie will have suggestions galore, so let them rip. I am up for anything, girls. All suggestions are appreciated. (although I have made up my mind, me thinks)...

Its only paint, and time-- which I have alot of lately. Have a day, girlfriends!!

xo-
Lisa

Happy Birthday!This is my biggest, best little man, about 11 years ago- exactly- I pushed him out into the world, with all my might. He will never really know the extent to which his daddy and I went to to get him here, nor does it really matter, I knew someday he would come to us, born from parents who wanted him more than anything!

He is the best thing that has happened to me- EVER! More than just a son, he is a great friend, brother, son and grandson who lives with passion everyday!

Happy 11th Birthday Ryan

Mommy (and daddy)

LOVE YOU SO!!!

wont you please leave a birthday greeting for my boy today

My Winter White..... Hey Mo, HEY MO~!

For the love of WHITE!!!!!




Well, well, my little friend Angela at Cottage Magpie has had quite an influence on me tonight, its not enough that early this afternoon, I went traipsing around to find the blog that showcased her today, and sang her praises to my new friend Kim @ todays creative blog, now shes got me taking photos of all my winter white. WINTER WHITE?? White in general, is my fave! I dont care if its vintage white, crisp white, crackly white or dirty white.. not to mention white crackle, white ironstone or white painted wood... I CRAVE it! a girl can do so much with it. Didnt you know that whites the new black? ha ha. No, I think whites the new beige, or cream, better yet.

I have been using it since my first ever owned home. I still have a few of those pieces today. I am sure I will never part with...#1 my lovely colums stacked by some decorating books. Cherish these, had them in the shop for 2 years, no one even looked at them..LOVE LOVE LOVE the white shelf, this is now in my kitchen, was periwinkle blue (again @ the shop) its made out of metal and I find it absolutely perfect where it is. These are a few of my most coveted white treasures..

My best to all you girlies tonight, are you decorating, or lurking about the blog world? We just got done hooking up our (hubby-me) Christmas present to eachother. New Sony receiver, cd player and bose speakers, needless to say, WE irritated the neighborhood- and our children...
All enjoyed listening to a few songs from ABBA, ACDC,METALLICA, and last but not in any way least, some fantastic OLD Elton JOHN!!!

Hey cottage nest, I think I might have found my groove. Ever exercise to metallica???? WEE HEE!! bang that head girlfriend!!!-- I know, I know, Its the 80s baby- Ill be forever stuck between Motley Crue and George Michael (oh no, such a tough spot!!!)

Nighty night!!
Lisa

Cozy winter

Well, Happy New Year to ya!! I hope everyone is happy and healthy tonight, as the children trot off to bed, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I just want to cuddle up and read my January issue magazines coming through the post.

We took the tree, outdoor lights and all remnants of Christmas down yesterday, I usually hate to see it all go, but this year was a bit different, with the death of my shop and all. I wanted it to be gone, not forgotten, just... a new slate.

It will be one month tomorrow that we had that horrible storm here in Washington State, and to date, we have only heard from the Insurance Adjuster one time. What a bunch of &*%$#s! (go ahead and fill it in yourselves) I really am flabbergasted at the audacity they have. Mom and Dad have an excellent policy, with lots of coverage, but still... nothing! CRAZY man, CRAZY..

I snapped this photo just before I started the post, I love my coffee table, its fun to have my favorites back in the room. I know, I know, its a little dark, but I wanted you to be cozy with me, here in the coastal nest.

Kind of a random post tonight, Maybe I should get to bed starting to babble...nighty night girls!

Oh, by the way, I am dipping a toe into alot more blogs since I have so much time on my hands, being jobless and all. I am excited toget to know a few of you a bit more this year.

take care-

Lisa