The . Thome . Home .

Our Kitchen’s Journey.

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You would think that with our home on the market we would call it quits with putting $$ into it.  Truth be told, we cannot stop.  In fact, all of these last-minute additions we are putting together I think are a true winner for any buyer.  We’ve added window treatments in a few rooms, stained some wood here and there… and now our list of final check off’s seem to be taunting us to do more.  We are having our first open house next weekend, and have a bigger project to be tackled prior to that.  We will share more this week… but we couldn’t be more excited/honored to take part in it!

Now, our darling kitchen has to be one of my favorite rooms in the house.  It was a room that started off making your skin crawl, and has turned into a space I spend hours and hours in each day.  Look at the start of this room…

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Ahh! Right?? Then we transitioned into putting in new cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet, etc… and painted the walls a granny smith green that somehow tickled us years ago.  It was a HUGE improvement.

IMG_0859It only took us a few years in our house until our tastes in paint color/decor changed.  Which I think is all of the fun in home ownership.  Your choices will always change, and that is a good thing.  Don’t be so hard on yourself about a comforter you purchased, wall art, or rugs, give yourself a break.  You live, you learn.  So glad we learned granny smith green was not our deal.

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We painted the walls “Stone White,” and the rest of the space received all of the final touches these past few months.  Brand new appliances, hardware, wall art, rugs, painted shiny black pantry and window treatments (my favorite addition).

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We were slightly hesitant to adding more window treatments to the rooms, all in all because they stay with the home.  But, a little money invested does go a long way and the difference in the space is SO much better.  We also did a bamboo shade in the main bathroom, and are trying to fight the urge to do the entire upstairs.  What do you think? Go big and sell your home? We just might!   We purchased these roman bamboo shades from good ol’ Home Depot.  You can find them here…Home Depot – Palisades Bamboo Roman Shade   I love the contrast the shades add, how they brighten up the wood work and compliment the flooring. 

What a slow, but steady transformation of this space.  It just goes to show that you do not need to do everything at once.  Take it slow, take your time, wait till you find the things you love, and the space will come together.  It’s a journey… don’t stop believin’  Haha… why do I think I am funny?

A Weekend in Columbus.

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Just what the doctor ordered.  A trip to Columbus to visit friends, and just enjoy a few days out of our routine.  We left Friday afternoon, the boys were anxious to get to the destination.  Our dear friends Lauren & Trevor were gracious enough to have us in their new home for the weekend.  Which, with the Thome boys that takes a lot of guts, and plenty of patience.  We’ve known Trevor since High School, and met his amazing wifey years back and we adore them both.  They love our boys, and our boys are crazy for them as well.  We had a ball over the weekend.  Cookouts, beautiful weather, the Columbus Zoo, squirt guns for hours, and even some adult time after the boys bed time!

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image-75It is amazing what a small trip can do for you.  It is not always easy to get away, especially since we have put the house on the market.  But, we are so glad we planned this and got away from the real world for a hot minute.  It was refreshing, relaxing, full of laughs and good food.  Thank you to our dear friends for EVERYTHING! We owe you 🙂

Busy Staging.

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I have been busy busy busy here lately.  Sometimes I find myself thinking, how am I SO busy when I “don’t work” but, let me tell you, that just leaves tons of open-ended hours to be filling with things to do for your family, and others.  I have spent the past week touching up odd ends in the house.  We keep our house pretty squeaky clean for having children.  But, I am doing my best to walk through our house with “buyers eyes” and fix what I think should be tweaked.  I am repainting our foyer closet, adding some shiny black detailing.  Repainting a ton of trim, because who doesn’t love fresh crisp white trim? Washing floors, organizing closets, hanging art work, etc.  These kinds of things I actually enjoy.  Nothing beats the feeling of checking things off a list of things to do! Just going a mile a minute since putting the house up has left me craving caffeine and a little more sleep!  Other than spending far too much time in the closet, emailing, painting, cleaning, laundry, kid time, and family time… there has been zero time for blogging.  So, I am glad I just sat down to breathe for a bit and check in.  The boys and I made a pit stop at their favorite play ground this weekend, before we Clevelander’s were hit with rain/sleet (Oh Spring).  Here are some shots of our playground morning Saturday… and this post is short and sweet.  I am so tired my forehead might hit the keyboard.

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Farm Dreamin’

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Have a fantasy you can’t kick? No, I’m not talking about in the bedroom, that’s a whole other post (haha) just kidding.  Things you dream of that seem so reachable, yet unrealistic at the same time.  Mine has always been, for some reason, having a farm.  Lord knows I do not like to get “too dirty”.. but something in me has always wanted a chicken coop… or a cow… or a few pigs.  On Owen’s birthday my sister and I took the kids to the Lake Farm Parks to walk around and check out the new baby animals that were born this past month, and let me tell you, my farm dream just creeped up to a whole new level.  The boys, like most kids were simply smitten by the animals.  Owen was just tickled by the chickens.  Like, couldn’t leave the chicken coop for 45 minutes tickled.  Dan always hears about how I would love to have a chicken coop for fresh eggs.  And now he is tortured by the thought of 3 of us wanting one as well… he is out numbered.  Lord help us all.

Maybe it is the thought of taking care of all the animals? The mom in me that enjoys nurturing things.  Or the work ethic my kids would grow up with by helping, loving it and learning from it all.  Ever watch the pioneer woman on the food network? They are cattle ranchers, and their life style is just astonishing.  Her kids are unreal.. so dedicated, well-mannered, and just awesome.  Maybe it’s the idea of lots of land, giant garden beds, mature trees, and a pantry stocked full of via iced coffee because a Starbucks is 100 miles away.  I hope ONE DAY, whether it be in 10 or 30 years, we as a family will come up with some way to satisfy my farm fantasy.  Even if it’s neighboring a farm, that’ll do.  Until then, we will frequent visiting the animals, and I will day-dream of all the names I will give to our pigs, and cows… and picture a life of drinks in mason jars, and living off the land.  Hey, it could happen right?

IMG_4447The boys had their first experience with a “real” ice cream truck the other day at home… so when they stumbled across this one, they were consumed.  Brody asked his Papa if he could build him one this summer.  It was pretty cute.

IMG_4438The new baby calf and baby piglets were hard to say goodbye to, they were the cutest things ever.

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IMG_4382And look at that beast of a momma – bet you she’s not worrying about dropping the baby weight.  No sir, she’s just loving on her babies.  Like every momma should!

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IMG_4395Chicken coop lovin’  He kept saying “cock-a-too!?” Maybe thinking cock-a-doodle-do? Who cares, it was adorable.

IMG_4412It was a fantastic day to have a birthday.  Beautiful spring day …. lots of yummy food and playing outside.  Now we just have to sell our house, and find a yard big enough to house an animal or two!

Interested?

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This is happening….we are selling our home… it is beyond bittersweet.

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This house became a home the second we stepped foot into it over 3 years ago.  We know whomever purchases this home will love it as much as we do.  A lot of heart and hard work went into this home, and we’re kind of jealous of the next owner.  Here are all of our pictures, spread the word if you know anyone who is interested in buying a beautiful home, for an affordable price.

Let’s start outside, shall we?

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IMG_4517First floor, we have a nice foyer with a large closet, formal dining room, spacious living room, sun room, an eat in kitchen, and a half bath.  All rooms have beautiful white wood work, and tons of natural light from all the windows.

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Kitchen appliances are BRAND NEW, and stay with the home.  This room below is our newly finished sun room, with french doors to the outside.

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IMG_4558And the best picture I could get of our 1/2 bath

IMG_4522Going downstairs, into our brand new basement, which we adore and use 24/7.

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IMG_4557There is another half to the basement, which is our giant laundry room.  We have a new washer and dryer set that will be included with the home as well.

Let’s go upstairs! A large master bedroom, with his and her closets

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IMG_4535Another spacious bedroom, with a door to a balcony porch.

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TIMG_4540_1he third and final bedroom

IMG_4550_1Last, but not least, the bathroom.  With new fixtures, vanity and more.

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IMG_4525_1So, if you or anyone else you know may be interested, please contact myself, or Dan via email, and then we can call you back to set up a showing.  Please include your name & phone number.

thethomehome@gmail.com

The Details:

  • 3 bedroom
  • 1 1/2 bath
  • Eat in Kitchen
  • Newly Finished Basement
  • Formal Dining Room
  • Sun Room with French Doors
  • Brand New Maytag Appliances
  • New Washer + Dryer
  • Private Beach Club Access
  • Central Air
  • New Roof 2010

Owen Turns TWO!

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Owen turned two this week on April 30.  We have been having a fun packed week full of local hot spot visits, and outdoor play.  I cannot get over the fact that his crib was taken down this week (we waited a little longer 2nd time around) – the baby items are packed away in the attic and I am surrounded by everything “kid-like”.  It’s okay though, we’ve had a few rough nights getting him adjusted to such a big bed, but once he falls asleep he sleeps the entire night through!  Owen has always been ahead of his age, personality wise.  He is 2 going on 4, right along with his brother.   This little guy is SO rambunctious, mischievous, fearless (minus bumble bees) and just hysterical.  It takes only minutes when meeting him to understand this one’s personality.  It’s 100% either way, he is an intense child.  Happy, sad, angry, excited… he lays it all out there.   Dan and I were thrilled to of learned that he could now eat eggs.  YES! He passed the egg challenge! We’ve been celebrating all week-long with french toast and scrambled eggs for breakfast.  I would say in a two-year olds world, this birthday week hasn’t been too shabby.  We’ve kind of disappeared into the sunshine lately, and blogging was on the back burner.  But, I have plenty of pictures to catch you up on what we have been up to!

Happy Birthday Owen!! I hope you continue to be as passionate and fearless your whole life through.  You’ve taught mom and dad to “take a chill pill” and let you do your thing. You’ve helped your brother break out of his shy box, and have taught us all to seize the moment a little more.  You keep us on our toes! We love you more and more each day!

image-17Vegan Cupcakes by Vegan Sweet Tooth… DELICIOUS! He ate 3 mini cupcakes, but cried like a baby while we briefly sang to him… he did not want to have to wait to eat them! So we got through a few words of the b-day song, and called it quits.  Poor kid, just wanted to eat his cupcakes and go to bed.  He’s having a small party saturday, so candles and singing will be attempted again..  It’s his birthday, he can cry if he wants to!

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April Day.

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SATURDAY, APRIL 27 2013

MULCH.

WATER PLAY.

COFFEE CAKE MUFFINS.

TRUCKS.

SUN FLOWERS.

LADYBUGS.

 TABLES + CHAIRS

A day full of great things.  Playing in water without getting hypothermia.  Dark mulch beds to ring in the spring.  Setting up our craigslist patio table and chairs, my favorite piece.  Eating our coffee cake muffins, delicious.  Finding ladybugs.  Parking Papa John’s truck on our grass, kids loved it.  Trader Joes having sunflowers for $3.99, thank you.

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Egg Challenge.

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photo-30Today’s the day.  A few weeks ago Owen came down with a bad case of croup (again), so we had to push back his appointment with his allergist.  For the first time, Owen will eat eggs today.  One of the many allergens we will begin to “challenge” him with, to get to the root of his allergies.  The appointment today will last up to 4 hours.  So, I am off to pack my diaper bag full of anything I can think of to entertain this little one at the doctors.  Hoping for the best results, that eggs are no longer an issue.  Send positive non-hive-vibes his way today please! 

 

 

Avocado Ranch Dressing

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IMG_4203“I put that s**t on everything!” Franks hot sauce right? Well, this dressing could use that catch phrase all the same.   Dan loves buffalo chicken salads, as do I, and this dressing was a match made in heaven for it.  Usually with spicy buffalo chicken, we’ll use ranch dressing or blue cheese, and even though it cools the spice down, it is still a heavy condiment.  This dressing is bright, light, and fresh, a winner in our books.  What I love most about this dressing is how simple it is to make.  I did not measure any of the ingredients, just a little bit of this and that.  It is truly what your prefer more or less of.   This dressing is delicious on salads, for dipping veggies, and makes a tasty addition in wraps for lunch.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 Avocado 
  • Mayo
  • Sour Cream
  • Buttermilk
  • Parsley
  • Chives
  • Lemon zest and juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Garlic, granulated or minced.

DIRECTIONS:

In a small food processor, or a blender, start with an entire avocado, roughly chopped.  Add in the buttermilk (approximately 1/2 cup).   Add equal parts of  mayo and sour cream, we used about 1/3 cup.  Zest an entire lemon, and use the juice as well.  Add in about 1/4 cup each of parsley and chives to the food processor, and garlic (1 tsp). Blend until everything is smooth, add salt and pepper to taste.  Store in an airtight container, and keep it in the refrigerator.  Feel free to omit the mayo, and use double the amount of sour cream.  Make this recipe your own!

IMG_4215Our copy cat buffalo chicken salad with avocado ranch dressing, slightly adapted: Buffalo Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Ranch Dressing …  Originally From: Smells Like Home

Sticks, Stones and Dirt.

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Being out numbered by boys in my house isn’t so bad.  Some ask me if we will keep trying for a girl.  You know, try for a third, if it’s a boy, go again, so on and so forth.  And I have to be honest to say that’s a big NO.  Dan and I both believe that you are given what you are given.  A child, no matter what sex is a blessing.  So if we end up just having two boys, or three, or how ever many we are blessed to have, we will be happy.  Life with these boys is a riot.  Beautiful days outside quickly turn into needing a mid-afternoon bath because they are covered in dirt head to toe.  Every toy they pick up suddenly turns them into a super hero.  Every guest that comes through our house has to play right along with whatever character identity they are given.  Coming from a girl who isn’t all that into sports, or getting roughed up in the dirt, it’s taken some getting used to.  I’m a hairstylist, latte loving, blog reading, magazine hoarder, home decor obsessed, power walking freak.  But, I am doing my best.  I’ve learned that sticks and stones will not break my bones, and a little dirt won’t hurt me.

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