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The Kidney

DIY

2 Oct

Have I mentioned that we live in a kidney?

Okay, we don’t really, but that’s what my sister Grace has named our home. The Kidney. The longer I sit here and look around, I have to admit she’s kind of on to something.

You may recall that the husband and I did a complete DIY job on our former house. As in, we painted every surface, we replaced all of the floors and we completely ripped out the kitchen… without professional help. If you’re interested, you can read about our handy work here, here and here. Just when we were happy with the appearance of our home, and every wall was a beautiful shade of Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, we sold it.

So, you’re probably not surprised when I tell you that my new home needs a little work… and that I’m most definitely hiring a professional this time around. My husband has finally taken pity on my pre-arthritic hands (and the hands of everyone who volunteered to help me).

Why the mercy? Why The Kidney? Because my entire house is orange. And I’m not exaggerating.

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Every single room in my house is painted either Chrysanthemum or Peach Fuzz. I have Halloween-ish light fixtures. I have North Montgomery stained glass in my orange front door (vomit). I have orange counter tops straight from The Brady Bunch, for the love of God.

The kicker? This house is only seven years old. This is no tragic 70’s house gone wrong, this is just legit bad paint decisions. In fact, I had a painter in my house before we moved in a single box. That’s how orange it is.

Thankfully my painting lady understands emergencies, because the Revere Pewter is hitting the walls beginning on Friday. I’ll be painting my front door (because you guessed it, it’s orange too) and replacing light fixtures ASAP. I may even paint the backsplash, because I’m crazy like that.

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Not my exact color scheme, but this is definitely the inspiration. What do you think?

Any ideas on how to make my lovely orange counters work with the above color scheme? Here’s hoping those minor fixes go a loooooooooong way, because counters are really, really expensive. And I’m really, really over this Kidney.

At least I appear to be festive?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cammi says

    October 2, 2014 at 10:42 am

    I think new countertops may be in order 😉

    Reply
  2. Esha says

    October 2, 2014 at 11:10 am

    Sam,
    Don’t take this the wrong way, but I actually like to orange and black light fixtures. I think they are modern and unique. But that is my personal opinion and of course it is not my house. Congratulations on your new house. Can’t wait to see the updates to your house and of course again I love reading your blog! 🙂

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      October 2, 2014 at 11:32 am

      You’re right, Esha. They’re not that bad… but they don’t help my orange explosion. Plus, lights are much easier (cheaper!) to replace than the counters! 🙂 Thanks for being an awesome reader! Tell Aneesh that Dot says, “hello!”

      Reply
  3. Jodi says

    October 2, 2014 at 5:39 pm

    They do make countertop paint…you know for a temporary fix.

    Reply
    • Samantha Cotten says

      October 2, 2014 at 5:46 pm

      I know, but does it work on corian? I always thought it was just laminate… but I would totally try it.

      Reply
  4. Jane says

    October 3, 2014 at 8:30 am

    I thought maybe it was just me … After being in that house I felt like I needed a costume to fit in.
    The color palette you posted is my entire house ( hope that doesn’t make you change your mind).
    Totally agree on the light fixtures too.
    Hiring it done is the way to go. I’ve been painting for myself and everyone else for years. I know have torn a ligament and tendon in my right wrist. Not worth it.
    I hope I get to see the finished transformation. I know it will be perfect.

    Reply
  5. Val@ChickenScratch says

    October 10, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    YIKES! ORANGE! Our first house was equally that bad but in a dusty pink shade …on every. single. wall.
    But I think its really fun to buy existing and make changes and have the challenges a little bit. I’m sure you all enjoy it too considering all you have done. But good for you hiring it out! You deserve this Mama!

    Reply

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Let's help each other grow. 🌿

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I never knew I could be this person. I’m not super athletic. I have never dieted or counted calories. I never considered myself or my health. I always have watched other women make big physical changes in their lives, but I have never felt like I was capable to do the same.

If you’re reading this, and feel the same way I used to, trust me. 

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NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark Call it cli NEW POST: What I've Found in the Dark

Call it cliche, but I have a word to live by this year. If I'm being honest, it actually means a lot to me. I even have some semblance of "resolutions," which are really just mantras I plan to manifest into reality... and so far I think it's working.

What's your word for 2021? What are your goals, mantras, or resolutions for this year? Let me know in the comments. 🌸 Link in bio.

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L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday R: 01/08/2021, L: 12/26/2019, aka my 32nd birthday
R: 01/08/2021, or today. 

My husband took that first photo. He was being nice, and trying to celebrate my birthday. I never told him I hated it. I looked heavy, because I was. My skin was terrible - red, broken out, etc. I was anxious, and stressed (ha! The days before 2020!), and it very obviously showed.

Today I’m in the best shape since high school, which blows my mind. I am actively working every day on my skincare, my mental health, and my reactions. Do I mess up? All the time. This week even, I made major mistakes that affect more than just myself. It’s a constant work, but it’s worth doing. 

I see growth. I see a woman who is starting to feel uncomfortable, and that’s a good thing. Whatever goals you have, or path you’re attempting to journey this year, keep going. Don’t let setbacks end your fight. You can do this. 💪🏻

(Also, both daughters saw me make this image this morning. Both thought I was pregnant in the photo on the left. I definitely was not.😳)

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This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 This is 100 @onepeloton rides vs. 178. This is 159 lbs. vs. 129 lbs. This is broken and lost vs. strong and healing. 

I was so proud of myself in that first photo, and I’m still proud of that Samantha. Steps to a better you will slowly become strides. Thanks to her, now I’m taking flight. ❤️ #selflove #selfcare #peloton #weightlossjourney #weightlosstransformation #pelotonweightloss #pelotonmom #momofgirls #lifestyleblogger #momsofinstagram #momblogger #loveyourself #cottentales

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