I just wanted to say how lucky you are to have hardwood floors and not worn broadloom. It's also nice that every room seems to have a window so you don't feel like you are living in a sunless cave.

Yes, the hardwoods are very nice. They were sanding them today and said he planned to have them stained before leaving tonight.

And yes, you are right about the windows too. Even though the view isn't a million dollar one, sunlight is still a wonderful thing to have.

So anxious to get started! I can't believe I have to wait another whole week to close ...

My bath window is located like yours. I added shutters half way down. Love pure light, they give me privacy and can still see the sky/sunshine. Bottom up shade could work the same for you. Right now I think you are seeing the unfinished as stark. Fun place to create a wonderful bath.

My shower curtain is closed near the window. It works for me and softens the area.

Went through your blog and loved all, the current plan and inspiration pics. They are great, my kind of comfort. I also held on to the green fireplace pic and did this in my livingroom. It turned out great and feels warm.

The shower curtain you posted would easily be done on your own. Fun idea I'd like to steal.

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Thank you; I'm very excited ... this compared to a few weeks ago when I was so depressed. It's an adjustment but being able to go in and decorate and do things will keep both my mind and body occupied for the long cold winter, something I very much need.

So I am full of new ideas today after taking the tour yesterday and finally getting some photos. I'm always open to more though, so share, share, share!!

Once you are in and start making it 'home', it will be wonderful. Good light and hardwoods can't be beat. I agree with the idea of half shutters or bottom up shades for the bath window. Are you allowed to paint? That will make a world of difference for you and the girls. Also, for the yard, definitely get a well-cover. Don't know where you are, but if you aren't way north, you could sow grass now which would make the yard pretty through the winter. I would also plant some cheery pansies which will bloom in the spring, too. I have had some that poked their blooms up through the snow!

Enjoy the adventure! Can't wait to see pics as you go! I need to go back to your link b/c I didn't see the inspiration pics first time. :)

Yes, thankfully I can paint however I want, as long as I don't touch their precious woodwork. I begged to paint it white but no go.

I already have my colors chosen; just waiting til closing day to get started.

I scored a really cool faux fireplace this morning on craigslist. It's narrow and will fit the scale of the small room perfectly (once it gets a distressed paint job and a couple of tweaks). I can't wait to put some tea lights in it and enjoy a "fire".

And yes, the backyard does have potential, mostly because it's small and I can actually afford to do something nice with it and have the time to keep up with it. My current backyard never got "finished" because it was so big and so expensive. This new one is teensy, just right for a small brick paver patio and my little wicker settee and chairs. :) Pretty flowers and some grass seed will go a long way.

I'll be posting here for help though; I'm really enjoying the comments and advice.

I like the shutter idea in the bathroom. I don't want a curtain to compete with the shower curtain, and I'd like to keep the natural light so half shutters are perfect. It's a second floor bathroom so it won't take very big ones to give the needed privacy and will still allow lots of light.