Couch Christening

We have had the sectional sofa from Su Casa for about 2 weeks now.  You know how sometimes you have to get used to a new piece of furniture? It will catch you off guard when you walk into the room until the day comes where you don't even notice it anymore because it just fits? That happened to us almost right away with the sofa. Believe me, we were not sad to part with our little green couch.  That Su Casa sectional was a breath of fresh air to our family room. It's more comfortable, it looks better and it has soooo much more room.

The second day we had the couch, I was so nervous to sit on it. Especially with the baby. We don't have a lot of things in our home of significant value, so it has become a very big deal to me that we respect how nice it is and don't let it get to the pathetic state our previous couch got to.  Well, wouldn't you know it? I sat down on the couch, nursed Olivia and even though she hasn't spit up for MONTHS she decided that of all times and places that would be the perfect place to spew lunch. And spew it she did. All over the cushion of our brand new gorgeous sectional! After a few seconds of sheer panic and a small but very high pitched scream I got my act together and grabbed the nearest cloth.  With one wipe, the spit up came up completely. Which is exactly what the salesperson at Fells Point, Jenny described when she told me about the fabric I chose. She recommended it for kids and pets and I am so glad I listened!

Joe and I are firm believers that it's important to respect the things that we work so hard to get, but that at the end of the day they are just material things. We have a baby now and that changes what it is important to us.  Joe's grandfather always used to say his favorite part of having something new was getting the first scratch on it. So yes, I hope that this sofa can stay in the same pristine condition for the next 20 years, but I know it won't. Olivia is surely going to draw on it, throw up on it or take scissors to it. But that's what we have been talking about for weeks... the memories we will make with this sofa and our growing family.

So our couch is officially christened.

To follow our couch story, keep tuning in! And you can also follow us on facebook and Instagram (@jamers1223). I have also been pinning some cool things from Su Casa on pinterest for all you pinners out there!

The Butterfly Effect

You ever think about the series of events that lead you somewhere? Seemingly small decisions over time end up having bigger ramifications than anyone could have ever thought. Let me give an example relevant to today;

When I was 5 and barely had a brain, my parents signed me up to play soccer. Through soccer I met a lot of people, one of whom was Matt McCorkle. We became friends through the years and because of Matt, I met Jason Rodgers, his cousin. We all went to Salisbury University together and remained friends. Jason got a job after college at APL which is where he met his wife Amanda. When things at my job went sour, Jason and Amanda were able to help me find a job at Apl. In fact, I sit in an office with Amanda and through talking about normal life stuff, one day Amanda mentioned how they pretty much furnished their entire home through Su Casa. I mentioned this to Jamie and she signed up for Su Casa's email newsletter. One day she got an email from them about a blog contest, she entered, got selected, and here we are today with an amazing new couch (temporarily on loan from Su Casa :)). Its basically the Butterfly Effect with less nosebleeds. 

BUT, it gets better. Because of this contest, our close friends Mike and Emily took a trip to the Ellicott City Su Casa to check things out for themselves after all the raving we have been doing about the store.  And lo and behold they’ve also fallen in love. In fact, they just recently purchased a new table set and hutch from Su Casa this past weekend. They also got 2 clocks and a decorative pin board which I will get pics of the next time I am over there to visit. See?? We aren't the only ones that are crazy about Su Casa!

Now, I know technically this contest is about our couch, not about Mike and Emily's new table and hutch. But we are sharing this with you for a few reasons...

1. We aren't nutballs. Su Casa is a really cool store and we think all of our friends should check it out.
2. We are supposed to blog about our life with the sofa. Mike and Emily are a huge part of our lives and they went to the store based on what they read and experienced with our new sofa.
3. They have had a really nice sectional sofa for a few years and now we can sit them just as comfortably in our home as they have always been able to do for us!

Here is what they chose for their new kitchen redo...

I am loving the distressed look and cute table settings. I expect the table to look like this the next time we come over for dinner:)

This color will go well with dark wood floors, which I think is their next home project. 

Here is the hutch that matches the table.  Great for extra storage in the kitchen and you can decorate the top for holidays!

Just as a sidenote to all of our wonderful, dedicated blog readers... our blog has been viewed over 1,000 times in the last 11 days. You guys are the best!!! We appreciate your time and all of your comments!

Su Casa PSA

Joe and I filmed a PSA last week highlighting the pitfalls of shopping in large home decor stores versus a local store focused on customer service and high quality merchandise. We hope it will provide you will some helpful tips and also encourage you to consider Su Casa the next time you are looking for that perfect item to finish off a room!

Enjoy!  http://vimeo.com/43580353

Home Décor 101

As a master craftsman, I have already shown you how to build a couch and the potential pitfalls. For this entry, I would like to share some information on proper Home Décor. See that accent over the “e”? That’s like the difference between an ordinary living room and one that the Queen will visit during her Jubilee. (Note to self; start referring to parties as jubilees). I’d like to help you get that fancy accent mark in your very own home. More specifically, I would like to let you know what the various arrangements say about you. You’re going to want to match your personality with the layout most suited to you style. Let’s start with one of the more common setups:

1. Loveseat and Couch Combo- What you’re really saying with this is “I will lie down here and you can lie way over there away from me”. If you’re lucky enough to have a couch with recliners on the end, never let a child call “shotgun” on one of those seats. Their little legs can barely reach the footrest, it simply isn’t right. This setup is ideal for open living spaces where you’re trying to pretend like you have a separate living room but no one is fooled.

2. Sectional- What you’re saying when you buy a sectional is “I don’t want to think about more than one piece of furniture, can you just mash all my pieces together?” And a master craftsman like me said “of course I will do this for you, you exceedingly lazy person”. And you said “thank you”. Oddly, as large as sectionals are, they’re ideal for odd spaces where you want to maximize seating without taking up too much floor space. One more important note is that there is a HUGE difference between people who have a “U” shaped sectional versus those with an “L” shape. Huge difference.

3. Sofabed- What you’re saying when you buy a sofabed varies; 1. “When you come to my house, you are too dirty to sleep on one of my beds”. 2. “I put my foot in my mouth a lot”. 3. “I don’t want to sit comfortably when it’s a sofa and I definitely don’t want to sleep well when it’s a bed”. For practicality, you can’t beat a sofabed. One of the main reasons I love my pickup truck is because it’s a car AND a dumpster. But I find they’re really only ideal for musty basements that are freezing and humid at the same time.

4. Futon- What you’re saying; “I would be really good at lifting a dead body”. Anyone who has ever taken the time to unfold a futon bed is either the Incredible Hulk or ambitious. A recent study conducted by me just now found that 98% of people who buy futons never unfold it or they’re in college. Unlike sofabeds, futons can actually be comfortable. Also unlike sofabeds, they’re incredibly painstaking to convert to a bed. Ideal for someone who hates themselves and their guests.

5. Loveseat with Two Chairs Combo- Discovered on Wikipedia that in Britain they refer to this as a “Three Piece Suite”. Generally when you buy this you’re saying “please sit on that loveseat while we tell you a story”. For parents who envision having a lot of heart-to-hearts with their child(ren), this is probably the least aggressive layout. Ideal for a second living room, most appropriately arranged in front of a fireplace.

Briefly I will comment on some additional arrangements that may seem foreign to Americans yet remain a viable option…

6. Divan- “I prefer to sit cross-legged and play the sitar”. In other words, I didn’t have the money for a couch so I put this box-spring mattress on the floor and gave it a fancy name. I’m also artsy.

7. Fainting Couch- “I’m very passionate”. Ideal to be set near a window so you can gaze out and ponder all the deep things you think like “why do all my lovers jilt me/ I am so often jilted!”

8. Canape- “I don’t want you to be comfortable, but I want you to know I am wealthy”, Ideal for people who are diabolical and/or have a monocle & tophat.

9. Ottoman- “I wish I was sitting on that couch and didn’t have all these feet on me”. I guess technically this is a piece of furniture you sit on, but usually because you didn’t arrive in time to get a seat on the couch.

10. Chesterfield- “I like to read classic novels by firelight in my den with a pipe and a Labrador at my feet”. Seems like the perfect couch for a snowy evening or Tom Selleck.

11. Chaise Lounge- “I prefer to lounge with my feet hanging off an edge”. Like a fainting couch, this is best situated by a window but instead of deep thinking, it is ideal for taking 3:00 naps on a rainy day.

I hope you found these tips to be helpful and eye-opening. While I am an expert on home décor, I no longer build the furniture myself due to mounting legal costs. In lieu of buying any of these pieces from me, I recommend going to Su Casa. I know I’ll be heading there for my next Chesterfield Ottoman. Until next time, I’m Joe Iskow. Take care.

Actions Speak LOUDER than Words...

Throughout the process of this blog contest, I have noticed several small details about the way that Su Casa has treated us that say a lot about the kind of company they are. I have been making mental notes of these small things and wanted to share some of them.

1. When we had to travel from the Fells Point to Ellicott City location in the same day, the two stores were in contact as we were en route and the representative at the second location knew it was us when we walked in the door. She had all of our selections for fabrics pulled and they were ready and waiting for us to look at when we got there. She had printed out a copy of our couch with all the measurements and options.  And this was all BEFORE they knew we were bloggers. The whole process right until we went to pay at the register was anonymous. It was only then that we told them who we were. 

2. When the sectional arrived, two young guys were there to move it in for us.  They did a great job, but what really stood out to me is what I overheard. They had to set the cushions down on my floor while they connected the couch parts together. I heard the one say to the other..."make sure that area is clean before you set down that cushion". That really surprised me that they would care to look and make sure my floor was clean before they set any part of the couch on it! 

3. I received a phone call from a Su Casa representative calling to make sure that everything had gone smoothly with the delivery of the couch.  If I had any issues or concerns, I had a name and number to call directly. 

4. I got a THANK YOU note in the mail this week. That's right... Jessica, who helped us make the final choice on our couch sent me a hand written thank you note. I was shocked when I opened it. I can't believe they took the time to do that. 

Overall, I have felt very well taken care of by the people at Su Casa. Our entire experience shopping in the store and dealing with the salespeople was completely a real experience. They had no idea we were part of the blog contest. If they had a little comment card, I would give them a 10 out 10, 5 stars, 2 thumbs up, a happy face and a job well done. Thanks Su!

A Couch to Build A Dream On

We started blogging as soon as we found out we had been selected as a contestant, not realizing that the contest officially started in June. So here is a repost from March to make sure it counts. This will be our last repeat post...



14 years.

Well, over 14 years. That's how long Jamie & I have been together. Just kids then when we met for the first time at 13 and still when we started dating at 17. With less than a year together under our belts, we made the decision to stick together through college despite the distance between Nashville, TN and Salisbury, MD. Those were the days when long distance meant long distance. There wasn't Skype or Facebook or Twitter or whatever is being created as I type this. We had PHONE CARDS that we tore through at dangerous speeds and worried our parents at the mounting cost of maintaining the relationship. But we made it through (despite a brief hiccup when Jamie lost her mind Freshmen year, her return was inevitable) and mercifully graduated to come home and finally be in one place together. Christmas Night of 2002 we were engaged and thusly the hurricane of planning began. In among the litany of plans, there was a seemingly innocuous purchase made. It turned out to be the first thing we ever purchased as a couple. It's one of the few things we have from that time that remains with us. This thing I speak of is a couch.

Ah yes, few things are as romantic as furniture. In fact, I believe Jamie may have said once before that "Joe, you're about as romantic as a couch". Laugh if you must, but normally the commitment to purchasing a couch is similar to that of adopting a pet. Additionally when you think about it, that couch has endured more than most things in our life. It was in our first, second, and now our third home. It's been upstairs and down. It's seen more "crashers" than I can count. It takes spills with dignity and cradles various rear ends with aplomb. The couch has lasted longer than some friendships. It's been a welcome respite from a long day at work and a comfy spot for a nap on Sundays. It's difficult to personify an inanimate object, but let me ask you this; If I asked you whether you wanted something in your life that was forever comforting and never asked for anything in return, naturally you'd say yes. Well my friend, you need a good couch.


As the sun slowly sets on our reliable old friend who has been with us for so long, I want to thank you couch. You held us from young married kids, to seasoned adults, and now parents. It only seems fitting that as we embark on a very new journey in our lives that we get a new couch. Olivia needs a place to curl up with her parents. Something to lean against when she starts to walk. Somewhere to watch her first Disney movie. An anchor for the fort she builds with her friends. Maybe one day she'll tell us that she's engaged while sitting on that couch. Maybe one day that she too is having a child. As silly as it sounds, a lot of our lives happen from the couch, they bare witness to a great many happenings in our life. I've forgotten a lot of things I've bought over the course of my life, but I always remember what buying that first couch represented and I now I will be grateful to Su Casa for the chance have another fond memory of just a plain old humble simple couch.

Extreme Makeover: Split Level Style

The Song Anna Sun by Walk the Moon fits this post perfectly.

Screen falling off the door door hanging off the hinges

My feet are still sore my back is on the fringes

We tore up the walls we slept on couches

We lifted this house we lifted this house

What do you know? this house is falling apart

What can I say? this house is falling apart

We got no money, but we got heart

We're gonna rattle this ghost town

This house is falling apart

We moved into this house four years ago.  As you know from previous blogs, it didn't have much going for it.  90% of the walls were covered in a thick stucco paint that must have been applied by a blind monkey.  I think the original carpet from the 70's was still here and the previous owner let their rottweiler and bulldog have free roam of the small carpeted area in the family room.

Joe and I weren't sure about all the work it would need and then we took a nice long look at the backyard with the pool and hot tub. And with that one look, we knew. This house would be the place. The place where our friends could come to hang out.Where BBQ's, birthdays, pool parties would reign and little did we know how many dance parties would occur.  For about three years this house shook every weekend. Our poor neighbors. But some of the best moments of our lives happened here in this craphole of a house.  Whenever I got sad about how awful it looked inside, I would remember how much fun we had had the previous weekend and how people felt comfortable to have a good time because there was no way you could run anything or cause any damage! I know Joe and I will never forget the pre-baby years in this house and we hope that our friends don't either.

Over the four years, we have slowly begun to fix things up here and there. Always knowing that one day in the near future we would have a family here.  We got pregnant in February of 2011 and had to step up the home improvements big time.  Here are some before and after pictures to give you an idea of what we started with and where we are now.  We aren't done yet, but who ever is when you are a homeowner?

Moving Day! We took down the sold sign and all of our friends and family came over to help us move in.  They were probably shocked at what we had chosen to spend so much money on.  Maybe that's why they have always been willing to come over and help us with our improvements! 

This is a picture of our living room shortly after we moved in.  Notice the giant sun painted on the main wall. How could you not notice really? That was there when we moved in and he became affectionately known as "Mr. Sunchez".  Joe decided it was too bright for him by the window so he gave him a pair of sunglasses and a moustache for flair with a permanent marker. And the green machine couch is there too! 

Mr. Sunchez and us before he disappeared under three layers of primer paint.

This is a picture from our champagne toast the night we moved in. You can see the horrible wallpaper on the right kitchen wall and the countertop I am sitting on that separated the family room from the dining room.

Here was one of our big demo days. The guys knocked down the wall and countertop separating the kitchen, dining and family rooms. It left us with a hole in the ceiling, no kitchen island and exposed flooring for about 2 years. We had to move the microwave and kitchen cabinets, rewire the electrical stuff (fancy terminology for someone who barely allowed to be the the hammer holder) and redo some of the plumbing. Thanks to all of our friends and Dads, this actually worked and opened up the room so much.  

 Here is what we used as our kitchen island during the LONG time of reconstruction.  It was kind of like a mullet. All business in the front and all party in the back.  It was what we could salvage from the cabinets that we had left after demo day. 

This year, the guys and Dads returned to tear up the nasty carpet and outdated kitchen floors. It was not an easy job and I was no help with a 3 month old baby that I was hiding in the bedroom to keep her away from dust and noise. 

And finally, here is where we are today! Walls have been sanded, skimcoated and painted. Celing fan replaced. Railing painted from black to white. Window trim painted from bare wood to white. Nasty carpet up, laminate floors down.  Old couch outta here and the brand new Su Casa sectional looking oh so at home in this space! I don't think it wants to go back to the store, it is happy here:)

View of the kitchen. Walls gone, island replaced. New curtains and light fixtures.  

There is still a lot of small details to be done, but overall we couldn't be happier with the way this house is shaping up. It was a LOT of hard work and probably the hardest thing for me was being patient while we slowly waited until we could afford to do things. Piece by piece we have put together a pretty decent looking home. And the final piece to the puzzle was definitely the sectional. I like it more than I even thought I was going to. I chose a light gray color and it looks AWESOME in the family room that is neutral and white and then right next to it is the blue kitchen with white accents. We hope to make it to Su Casa this month to check out some decor items for the kitchen and hallway. I will write another post to show you what we like since this post seems to not want to end!!

You can follow the contest here.