New Chapter

Last year, I was dabbling in the real estate industry attempting to get my real estate license because I LOVE everything to do with houses.  Half way through the program I decided sales, working weekends and nights, and contracts are NOT my thing.  It doesn't utilize my more dominant artistic side what-so-ever.  Talking to my long time friend and co-worker, Wendy, she asked me why I never pursued Interior Design.

"You're so into it, it's always been your thing."

A light bulb went off.  Wow... so many signs in my life have always pointed to me that Interior Design is what I should be doing.  The books on my shelves, the magazines in my mail and email, my Instagram and Facebook feeds, are all Interior Design.  I even have a blog about it.  Hello, Carrie!!!?

I have always dreamed about the career, looking at it like a completely unattainable goal.  Why though?  It's not like trying to become the President.  (Even though it seems anyone can do that now).

I, like most people, thought I'm not naturally good enough to do well at my dream career.  But it was time to get rid of that self doubt.  That's what school and work experience are for.  I'll learn as I go.  Nobody should waste their life not reaching for what they'd really love to do. 

So right away I signed up for an Interior Design degree and certificate program at my nearest school that offered it.  I have been happily working away at my degree now for almost a year and am loving every second of it!

Last month I also applied to a position as an Interior Designer Assistant.  I got the job and I couldn't be more excited.  Each work day is so majorly fun to me.  The Designer I work for is so talented and I'm learning so much. Being entry level, I feel very grateful to have the position I am in.

The same day I was deciding to go back to school another friend posted this:

I am not a fan of inspirational quotes.  But this one spoke to me.  hahahaha!  I can do it!  It's still my desktop wallpaper.  I laugh and get my butt back in gear when homework starts slowing me down.

Pet Grooming will always have a special place in my heart, but I'm ready to work on my new goal.  You know when something just fits?

The Bathroom Complete

I guess I can't have a bathroom remodel blog up and not an after section!  If you didn't see that blog, check it out here.

So here is the after.  It's absolute heaven to call this bathroom my own.  Especially after all the hard work we put in.

The light blue paint is a color I am in love with called "Pebble" by Behr paints.

I laid and grouted the ceramic floor tile myself.  Brian did the tile cutting.  As for the shower surround, we hired a guy referred to us named Nacho to do that.  After my little floor project I felt like leaving the smaller Carrara marble tiles to the professional.

The floor tiles and the marble tiles were both purchased at Lowes.  The accent tiles in the shower surround were from a tile speciality store called Strictly Stones in Anaheim.

The toilet is always a topic of conversation because it is a dual flush by American Standard.  Its model number is 3381-216.  It's a really cool modern design and I love anything energy or water efficient.  But, it's by all means no whimp when it comes to pressing the #2 button!  It has more flush action than a standard single flush toilet.

The vanity, mirror, and crushed marble countertop were bought from Builder's Surplus in Santa Ana, CA.  Brian and his dad did the install.

The light fixture is also from Lowes.  It's the Portfolio 4 Pacer Brushed Nickle Light #93240

The heavenly deep whirlpool tub was from Home Depot.  It is an American Standard Everclean Integral Apron 2425 RHO.  It's been in there for a few years now and we haven't had a single problem.  I love it.  So does our son.

Overall everything turned out amazing.  We couldn't be happier.  Especially as a mom, I need my private oasis, with 8 vanity drawers, to escape the day and relax!

Starting the Bathroom Remodel

We decided to tackle our larger bathroom that was in serious need of an update.  It had gross white tile and ancient sliding shower doors in the tub.  The counter and floors were cute, for the 50's, but it's time for a change!  Plus, I HATE that toilet!  It is the kind where the seat is not even a complete circle.  It had a gap like a public one.   Here it is before:

Searching around the internet I found this image as my favorite as inspiration:

We were expecting to see crazy amounts of mold and water damage in the shower area.  The tiles in the shower were broken and cracked in lots of areas and the faucet had been leaking into the wall.  There definitely was some mold but way less than we expected.  We of course were as careful as possible removing it all.  The only thing we plan on keeping is the tub, and that's not a promise either.  Here it is in the first demo stage:

To see the finished project click here.