Before & After Warm Fuzzies

I came home yesterday afternoon, walked in my house, let out of sigh of relief and thought "finally."

Our dining room is finished. Here are a few before pictures of our monstrous green wallpaper (it was on the ceiling, too):

Looking at this heightens my gag reflex.

Here's the room now:

I realize that pumpkin orange may not be the color for everyone, but I love orange. I think it's energetic, warm and inviting. Perfect a room that's meant for entertaining, conversation and laughter.

Just when I thought that was reason enough to get that warm, fuzzy feeling that all was right in the world, Ty instructed me to look outside at our backyard. To preface, the former homeowner was an obsessive gardener, and I guess she wanted to be surrounded by all the things she loved. All corners, sides and hidden spots in our yard were planted.

I, on the other hand, bought a new plant on Saturday and by yesterday afternoon it appeared to be on its last leg. Let's just say gardening is not my strong suit, and considering that, in the year we've lived in our house the yard has gotten a little out of control. I wanted to hire a crop duster to drop weed killer over the entire backyard because we were definitely at the point of purging and purifying for a more simple landscape scheme. One that even I could manage!

Here are some before and after glimpses:

This picture was taken last summer when the crape myrtle was still there, the fence was covered in ivy and a million other massive plants were squelching our backyard pool oasis.

Here is our crape myrtle-less (well, the stump is still there), ivy-free fence and backyard now. May I point out the fantastic power washing my husband performed on our bricks? He's still got a little ways to go, but it looks fantastic.

This is a picture of our house from last summer. Please note the ivy stretching along the fenceline to the left.

And here's a picture of our fenceline now ... completely purged of all obnoxious, all-powerful, overtaking ivy.

As I've mentioned before, I love each little step that we make toward making this home our own. Now I have indoor/outdoor warm fuzzies!