well....this is awkward

Yes, we are still alive.

Yes, we bite at blogging.

Yes, we really enjoyed our summer off.

Yes, we love you.  Are you still here?  Anyone?

We can't believe it's been over TWO months since we've shared our lives with you! 

I'm going to give you a snippet of what I've been up to the past couple months.  You might have to LEAVE A COMMENT and tell Mia how desperate you are to hear from her!  She has a bad case of the blogging blahs.....but aren't you all just dying to connect with her again?  Show our girl some love.  We all want her back!

What have I been doing the past 2 months?

THE BATHROOM REMODEL.

And nothing else.

Oh. My. Gosh.  This is the beastliest project I've ever taken on, and mark my word, it's NEVER going to happen again.  I don't care if I can't afford shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toilet paper, razors or lotion for three solid years in order to save up for the professionals to take care of it for me,  I'm not ever doing this again. 

With that being said, I am trudging along, accomplishing about a million things I never imagined I'd ever do.  Every time I finish something, I just shake my head and say to myself, "Jilly, I can't believe you just did that!"

So remember where we were?  I had just finished setting the last tile, and I was confident I was never going to lay another tile as long as I lived.

I put up the first piece of paneling, and was well on my way to paneling the rest of the walls when my right-hand working girl and {new neighbor} Melanie burst my bubble.  Her adorable family moved in with us for the first week of the summer so they could finish a few things on their new home. Every time she showered downstairs, she noticed that no matter how careful she was, water was always splashing out onto the paneling.  She gently explained to me that I was going to have a serious mold problem in no time flat.

  

I say gently because she knew I was really close to being in the fetal position in a corner of my closet regarding any negative news about the shower.  And she is very kind.

I took a few days to let the news settle, then I ripped the paneling off at midnight (no small task) and chipped away the finished tiled edge so that I could continue the subway tile along the entire wall to ensure it was waterproof.

It was then that I realized the old drywall was 1/2" thick, and the new cement board I installed to put the tile on was only 1/4" thick.  After a day of trying to seamlessly join the two edges together, I realized it was never going to happen and tore off all the drywall. (in a mildly manic state, I might add.)

Of course with the drywall down, I could inspect the insulation, and I didn't like what I saw.  So, I put some brand new stuff in.  But first I had Amadeo, my electrician, come over and move that outlet to another wall.(if you live in the Phoenix area and want his info, let me know)

Then, I went right ahead and put some new sheet rock up.  All by myself.  Can you even believe it?  I really can't either.  Please don't show this picture to your husband.  I'm sure it's not done correctly.

I could spend a whole day telling you the time it took to trim out the window, but ain't nobody got time for that.  After the trim was installed, caulked, and painted, I put up the rest of the tile.

And then I grouted it.

I might add that sweet Melanie has been here for me, every step of the way.  She would come over and give me a little lesson and sound advice for every mess I found myself in.  I really have her to thank for all that I've been able to do.  She has given me major doses of encouragement when I have been ready to give up. (more times than I care to admit)

Oh, I forgot to tell you the amazing deal I got on all the subway tile.  I found it at a ReStore for $8 a box instead of the $22 a box from Home Depot.  Same exact tile, brand new and boxed up.  I bought 20 boxes and almost broke the axle on my van.  My bad.

I'm excited to tell you that I have completed several more things in the bathroom, but I've got to save the details for another post so that you'll come back.  I know my riveting bathroom tale is keeping you up at night (that makes two of us) so check back next week for more progress.  I think you'll like it!

And this is for you local girls.  (Phoenix area)  I have a friend named Kalli, better known on Instagram as @decordeals, who is having an absolutely amazing vintage sale this weekend in downtown Mesa.  She was nice enough to let me bring some of my hoard treasures to sell.  You are going to DIE.  It's really so, so incredible.  The prices are great, it's free to get in, the building is air conditioned.....what's not to love?  I will be there the better part of both days, so if you come in, please say hi!

Just a sampling of some of the stuff that has been set up.  You really don't want to miss this!  All unique, one of a kind finds.  This is the best selection I've ever seen in the east valley.

I'm happy to be back.  Now let's work on getting my better half and BFF back here, too!  It's just not the same without her.....and I'm counting on YOU!