Bidding Adieu

After more than three years in the blogosphere and almost two years in the bungalow, I’m putting away the keyboard.  I have received both comments and emails asking about the two-month “break” since my last post, so it’s only fair to my readers to officially announce the end of the Bungalow Bliss blog.  Your readership has taken me by surprise, and your support has kept me going when my motivation to finish a project was low.  What began as a diary of home projects became an entrée to a world of fellow home lovers, artists, and vintage fanatics who encourage each other.  Whether we’ve connected in person, over email and Facebook, or through feedback on each other’s blog, I am grateful and extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you.  The projects continue, of course–I type this with dried paint on my hands–and you are always welcome to contact me by email should you wish.  Best of luck on your projects and the happiest of holidays to you! 

Best regards,

 

No More Black Sheep

With the completion of a major overhaul to the house, the neglected garage has just served as a hideous reminder of what used to be.  After spending May through August working on the bungalow’s exterior, I finally turned my attention to the garage as a way to eradicate any memory of the forgettable white appearance of the past.  With a few coats of paint and a much-needed replacement door, the garage now looks like a proud member of the family–rather than the shameful outcast.

 

 

Rusty, Recycled–and Right on Target

About a month ago, I was in trouble with the US Postal Service.  They stopped delivering my mail, even going so far as to return at least a few items to the senders.  I called the local post office to inquire, and the man on the phone, after a quick check of my address, informed me that I didn’t have a proper mailbox.  I was puzzled.

 

The Evolution of a Guest Room

A couple of weeks ago, I was faced with an unfortunate predicament: my dear college friend G and her husband were visiting from out-of-town and needed a place to stay, and my guest room was in no condition for providing accommodations.  Considering G was nearing her seventh month of pregnancy, the sofa (my trusty back-up) was not an option–so I missed out on the chance to visit with two of my favorite people.  Never again, I vowed, and I got to work.

Below is the guest room, in all its blue glory, when I purchased the house.  The two chains in the upper-left corner hung from a stylish glossy-black and brass ceiling fan.  It’s a shame I didn’t get a picture of it, really.  You would have loved it.

 

Murphy Joins the Pack

There’s a new critter at the bungalow!  Murphy is the sweetheart I met when I picked Abby up from doggie daycare a couple of weeks ago and brought home for a “sleepover” on Monday.  If I had to guess, I’d say the party isn’t ending anytime soon…

 

Late-Summer Diversions

Since finishing the bungalow’s exterior overhaul, I’ve been true to my word to thoroughly enjoy the last bit of summer–something even I doubted was possible.  I haven’t slipped into full-on laziness, but  I have spent a few Saturdays on antique hunts, dusted off the bicycle for a few rides downtown, and made amends with my neglected reading list–and I’ve loved every minute of leisure. 

Scored at a darling antique store in nearby Greenfield: a black-and-white enamel pail for dog food, an old gym basket for magazines, and a flour sifter (which I needed and, hey, why not go vintage?):