We Sold the Porch House! + Links 12/22/17

Happy Friday (and almost Christmas)!  I hadn't planned on posting today, but this was such a big week, I had to.  I mean, aliens!  Plus, a little closer to home, we sold the Porch House. That's right, after 10 months of renovating, we officially closed on Monday.  While it would be natural to feel a little sad parting with such a beautiful home after putting in All. The. Work!, we aren't sad one bit.  Because the new owners are...Garrett's parents!  A couple of months ago, Nana and Papa realized that the Porch House would be a good fit for them (they currently live in a 3000sf house on 20 acres in the country) so we changed gears and instead of putting the home on the market, we sold it to them off market, at cost.

There's so much I could say about the Porch House.  What a big project it was.  Our experience "flipping".  Off-market sales.  Budgets.  But for now, I'll just say that we are SO glad to be done.  We're happy for the Porch House.  Happy for Nana and Papa.  And happy to have more time back on our hands.  It's a great end to 2017!

Speaking of the year end, in the past few years, I've rounded up our year with a highlights post.  But this year I decided to do that on Instagram.  So check over there for all of my favorite photos/renovations/moments of 2017.  To say that we're excited about 2018 is an understatement.  Garrett and I have big plans for the Grit and Polish, and we couldn't do any of it without your support.  Thank you for being here!

Well it's Friday again, so grab a cup of coffee and jump in.

Aliens, guys.  For real!

Trends for 2018: warmer tones (I'm on board!) plus terrazzo, statement doors, and berets according to Pinterest.

An 1830s Farmhouse that is well-worn and stunning!

For Christmas this year, Garrett and I wanted to work towards one of our goals: make a great loaf of sourdough bread. I just ordered this cookbook and this beauty of a kitchen scale (both on Prime) for under the tree.

Jenna Lyons has a new apartment and it doesn't disappoint.  Especially her bathroom.

Actress Niecy Nash on making it in Hollywood with 3 simple words: "No matter what."

Travel goals.

Now that Christmas decorations are on sale, I'm picking up a few festive items for next year.  I bought these hand-carved wood animals, a tree skirt (LOVED this one too) and two brass-bell garlands.  Here are a few more awesome deals from one of my favorite retailers:

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A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!  We'll be back in 2018.

xoxo

-Cathy