We are 2 boys customizing our “plain box”1972 ranch house in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas Texas. Patiently making her everything we want her to be. It doesn’t always work out the way we want it. Thus our mantra…….
“2 Grown Men vs a 40 Year Old house”
This blog, which began as a way to keep friends and family updated on the purchase of our first house together, has become a way to showcase all those changes we have made…..and still want to make.
James is a creative manager for a major retail store and self-proclaimed “organized hoarder”. Jamie is a regional sales manager for a San Francisco based software company. With sawdust in our hair and paint under our finger nails, we have begun to customize this house to truly make it Our Home. We both travel constantly for work, have a limited budget, and have absolutely no idea what we are doing most of the time.
Stick around and see how it turns out.
It should be a fun ride.
(All of our work is overseen by Harley Davidson, our rescued Doberman)
If you would like to contact us, and we would LOVE to hear from you …..
James Angus: james@thecavenderdiary.com Creative Director
Jamie Bolton: jamie@thecavenderdiary.com Operations Manager
THE CAVENDER DIARY 
I’m following you!
love you!
This is so fun! I feel like I have been invited over for a cocktail….Thank you for sharing! The house is as I would have imagined…Gorgeous!
Cathy Shields!!!! You are always welcome for cocktails!!! Next time you’re in Dallas come by and we’ll even let you see the parts that don’t get photographed…
Hey I found this Blog looking at things on Pintrest and I love your home.
I was wondering if you could tell me where you bought the huge print of the Indian chief.
LOve love love. I have a home in Idaho. And always looking for a painting or print and I just fell in love with cowboy and native american decor!
Great Job!!!!
Kristen, we are so glad that you found us. That’s Chief Sitting Bear by the photographer Edward “Sherif” Curtis. It’s actually printed on a thin scrim, I had to build a frame and cover it in canvas to strech him over. I picked him up at Ikea about 4 years ago, before we even had wall space to put him. Sadly, Ikea doesn’t sell them anymore, but you can by his photos online (Ebay has some) or buy a book (Amazon has plenty) and frame a few of the pages.
I found a PFD of the photo on line and took it to Staples and had it printed as an Engineeing print. Total $4.99 !
saw your blog listed on the Homies List… decided to stop by!
You guys are amazing… I love your DIY style & attention to details. All your “stuff” is soooo interesting! I would imagine friends who visit just wander around looking in all the nooks & crannies (my grandmother used to say that) of each room. Could you show more of your kitchen sometime. I’m always interested in what people do to change their kitchen up with little $$$ & a lot of pizzazz!
You two are the bomb!
Christine, I am so thrilled that you found us, and “over the moon” that you like what you found. We do have a LOT of stuff, I’m a stylist, so I don’t part with anything….you should see the garage. Oy! We are currently updating our kitchen, still working on the posts…..it looks VERY different.
I love your site, a couple dear friends of mine are from Peru, they swear Machu Picchu will change your life..Jealous here
And Pinterest rocks!….
my surname is cavender too!! and i am from the uk!! nice house!! cheers Lee.
Hey guys! I am loving your home, style and projects. I just went crazy pinning stuff. I want to subscribe to your blog, but I only see the “subscribe via email” option. Do you have the RSS button somewhere that I’m missing or is that the only way via email? Thanks!
Becca
Becca, I think that I have added the RSS Feed to the blog. Please check it out again and let me know if its working. I was able to subscribe to it thru Google. Jamie
you have a new follower… great design! can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next.
Welcome Nichole, we’re glad to have you!! We have lots of plans for this shack…stay tuned and watch all the fun!
Well yall are just too cool!! I stumbled across you from the HOUZZ site while lapping the screen at ideas for our home. My partner and I just moved out of “Big D” proper and up the road a bit to “disturbia” (suburbia). Its really not too bad…. We have a son and the schools are stellar up yonder!! Anyway.. love your house!!! I wish I could send you some pics of our lil shanty so you could help us bring it out of the 80’s.
Keep up the good work!!
Seth, you are just too sweet!!! We’re so glad that you found us AND that you like what you found! Our child is permanently furry, so schools aren’t an issue….. But we certainly understand the importance. Send some pics of your place. I LOVE telling (I mean advising ) people how to decorate.
All our best
J&J
Love that dog and love your new kitchen!!
Thanks Marya, we are in LOVE with both as well….so glad that you found us!
Good evening! I stumbled across your bedroom’s focal wall on Pinterest…AND NOW I’M HOOKED ON YOUR BLOG! Your home is ah-mazing! I love your relaxed, put-together style. I’m your newest follower…thanks for sharing your home.
Tina
Tina,
What a treat to return from vacation ( almost, we are still in Puerto Rico ) and find that you have discovered us! Welcome aboard!!!
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I just became totally obsessed with this!! I will be stalking this blog everyday now. I am loving some of the ideas. Our 57 Lake Highlands home needs help, so I am always looking for ideas!
Trisha,
You are so sweet !!!! We’d love to have y’all over sometime when you’re in Dallas !!!
I was looking up photos of different colored fence stains and saw we have a similar horizontal fence. I like your choice in color and love your website. I ordered soap from Judy too. Thanks for the updates, photos are beautiful. xoxo, Illinois
Aww thanks Jennifer, we’re so glad that you like our little place on the web. Our stain is “russett” but we only added 1/4 of the colorant….When we build the deck it will be that same color as well. Keep watchin’!
I am officially obsessed with your home and style. And so thrilled to see your follow back on Pinterest. My “Potter House” board is the home my fiance and I just bought (a 6 month long ordeal of a short sale) near Santa Cruz, Ca. I’d been struggling to find a style that fit us and our large puppy (120-pound Rhodesian Ridgeback) but I love your use of colors and textures and can’t wait to start putting some of the ideas in place, especially in our family room with the big rock fireplace. We need to redo the kitchen and master bath but those will have to wait until our bank accounts recover from the home purchase. I grew up in Phoenix so the Southwestern/Native American influence makes me feel nostalgic and you do such a great job bringing it all together.
I would so love your advice/input as we start our own journey…and a long journey it will be!
Nicole,
You are so sweet, I wanted to respond immediately, but our internet has been down all weekend. So now I can tell you how glad we are to have inspired you. Our house is just a mix of “US”. We both grew up in small Texas towns; Jamie showing horses and me rearanging my bed room monthly. Our style is hard to pinpoint, Western-Modern-Lodge-Ranch…and we are NOT minimalists. Arizona is one of my favorite states…also New Mexico, Colorado, and of course, Texas. I’m so jealous of your beautiful house (stalked you on Facebook), and a big, rock fireplace! Be still my heart.
We’d love to give “pointers” in any way we can. It takes time. I’m amazed at how much we have done in 2.5 years……at this rate our place will be perfect in about 2 more…or maybe not,
(I won’t have anything to blog about if we finish)
Welcome aboard…I hope we give you lots more ideas….
Love your front door paint color of red/orangey — do you know what brand/exact paint color it is?
Need to paint mine this shade; recently I painted it a shade of turquoise but I think red/orange will compliment the house paint better.
thanks – let me know if you can soon
Hi Amy,
Let me run to the garage and check….(sound of footsteps jogging) …Ok,…there were 2 oranges, took us 2 tries to get the color just right , but Jamie says it’s Behr Sweet Mandarin…..We’d love to see a picture of your finished door
Love all the ideas you both have come up with.So amazing!! I also love to decorate rustic ranch, vintage ranch and lodge look. Thanks for the inspiration. I used to work retail also in Western Wear .
Thanks again..
Thanks Joanie!!!
We’re glad you’ve been scoping us out. We are just a couple of Texas boys doing the best we can with what we have. I promise to stalk your site tonight ….and steal a little inspiration from you !
James
Hi guys, I just discovered your blog because of the Houzz feature, I have to say I’m pretty much infatuated with the whole package. I love your style (even though it isn’t quite my style, I completely relate) and attention to detail, and how you explain how you do all your cool ideas (like all your fabulous Christmas decorating).
I lived in the Houston area for about 30 years before moving to the Pacific Northwest. I had to drop the y’all’s right away because people up here don’t get it. But after 12 years, Texas is still in my blood.
I’m an artist (www.joanteedart.com) and avid DIYer… thanks so much for the inspiration!
Hi Joan,
We’re so glad that you did discover us. We do have a pretty unique style….not everyone gets it.
Your art is just stunning!! You understand color…..How anybody can wear all black and live in a white box is beyond me. Colors evoke emotions…love, love, love your pieces.
I don’t think I have any Texan accent until I travel and I have to over-pronunciate some words for Yankees….Sheesh.
Love the new picture!..can’t wait to see what you guys have in the works for 2013..
A bathroom and a deck…hopefully..Happy New Year, Sweetie!!!!
Warm fuzzies each time I find fellow eclectic enthusiasts! Been dreaming for a ranch-style home to call my own… just not in the stars, yet. I will just have to live vicariously through your creative & inspirational blog!
AAWwww Rachael…aren’t you just the sweetest. How nice to find your comment. We’d love to have you share in or mis-adventures of home ownership. So glad that you found us.
James and Jamie, I found your blog through an email from Houzz on 26 Dec. I then spent the next day and a half of my Christmas vacation laying on my Mother’s couch in East Texas reading your entire blog. Suffice it to say, I really enjoy reading about your projects and now try to catch up with you every few days. Y’all are awesome!
Ann, Thank you for letting us know that you’re here. We never tire of hearing from people that we’ve reached. (sometimes, we wonder if anyone is out there at all) …Stay tuned, we have w-a-yyy more to blog about…
Hello J and J… just wanted to let you know I’ve only today discovered your blog (thanks to Mrs. Limestone’s pic of your paintbrush organizer). I am now an excited follower! Your projects are so inspiring (I mean the wood holder, the star, wow), and I love your writing style. Thanks for making me feel better on an otherwise dreary (sick-with-the-flu) day. Opening your blog is like unwrapping a late Christmas present that I’m fairly certain will keep on giving through the year.
“Unwrapping a late Christmas present” is the best metaphor I’ve ever read describing our blog. Hands down. We’re so lucky that Mrs Limestone sent you our way…… And we promise to not disappoint in the years to come,
Welcome aboard!
Hi Guys,
Just found your website, thanks to my son! He sent me the link to the paint brush holder and soup cans! So cool! And you are in Dallas!! We are out here in West Texas, trying to organize our garage and our workshop barn, sure could use your help! Did I mention Jim makes a mean green chili stew!? Just saying, in case you are out this way! I signed up for e-mail alerts. Looking forward to your next project.
Christine
Hi Christine!! We LOVE green chili! OOOHH but how we wish that we had a barn. I went to Texas Tech, so I’m familar with West Texas….and your son obviously has great taste.
So glad that you are here watching us, hope we keep you entertained with the rest of our home remodel.
I am officially in love… While getting ready to re-do our basement family room I have been trying to describe to my husband the style I’m going for. White antlers, arrows, i have a few vintage globes, thinking about a chalkboard ‘wall’ for my boys. Then I discovered your blog.
It has helped me fill in the gaps! Pendleton blankets and pillows, yes please! (my dad owns every pendleton shirt ever made) And your pictures have helped me show my honey what the look is that I love. I also have a love of English Pyrex and Catherineholm, but that’s for upstairs.
Thanks for sharing your home! Love from Minnesota. :0)
xo~jen
Awwww Thanks Jen for the love, and for pointing Catherineholm out to me – how cheery all that vintage stuff is. I’m sure I’ve seen it before…but it just never registered.
We’d love to see how your family room turns out…Pendleton all the way…I can never have enough. And it should keep all of y’all warm on those Minnesota winter nights.
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE EVERY ROOM ! Thanks for the pictures and updates. What a BEAUTIFUL HOME.
Thanks Krystal, It’s alway so nice to hear that from people…..We “put ourselves out there” and hope someone likes it….Great to know that it worked…welcome aboard
I thought you guys might like some of these things that are on sale! The acrylic cowboy hat is either fantastic or ridiculous… I can’t decide which!! http://fab.com/sale/19379/?navEmail=1&utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=friday_nightly_sale_list&utm_campaign=nightly_sales_mailer&email_user=anne_hiney%40mac.com
Thanks Anne, we are always late for a Fab.com sale. Lots of things I like……The acrylic cowboy hat is an ice bucket, trust me, I have been to dozens of parties where that thing is full of ice,
Kinda want one now,
An ice bucket!!!! Now I NEED one! Love it. 🙂
I feel the same way, found a small version on Amazon
Great blog from what I’ve looked at so far. I’m Maple from Hart, Austria and I was so thankful to have seen
this blog. Actually, I’d really like to get in contact with you. Perhaps we could exchange emails?
Hi! I found your blog through an organizing website. Your home is gorgeous! So many great organizing ideas…thanks for sharing your home, project, and ideas. You guys have wonderful style and I felt such warmth in your space. Wish I lived in your neighborhood!! Julie from Georgia
Hi Julie , you are so sweet , glad that you like our place …… Trust me its a constant work in progress. Love Georgia! All those trees and red clay, wish you lived in Dallas!
2 Grown Men vs a 40 Year Old house with the work being overseen by your Doberman. Lol! I love it! Your house (and garage) looks awesome!
You are so sweet, Harley monitors everything we do in this house…we wouldn’t have it any other way. Soo glad that you found us!!!
Hi, guys. I just have one little suggestion, and I hope you won’t take this as being critical.
I really enjoy reading your posts, but on my iPad it takes a long time to load everything because there are so many posts that show on the home page and they have a lot of photos. (Don’t cut down on the photos though!)
My suggestion is that you adjust the number of posts that show on the home page to perhaps just two or three, maybe four.
Although I can read through everything, the last thing to load is the “Like” button, and I enjoy clicking the “Like” button to let you know that you did a great job.”
Keep up the great posts, and I sure hope you won’t take this as being critical or mean, just helpful. Thanks!
Hey Buddy,
You’re not being critical at all. I have the same problem on my iPad sometimes too. (Can’t figure out why some pics sometimes display sideways too.) We are working on doing just that. We hope to move away from WordPress soon and restructure the whole blog (slightly…I hope)
This is still new to us….and a big learning process
Stay tuned – and keep hitting “like”
Hello gentlemen!
I came across your wonderful site as I was running a search for local firewood vendors here in Oak Cliff [Yes that’s right, we’re neighbors! YAY]. The search brought up your plumbing pipe firewood holder…I am digging it. too cool. We live in the NorthCliff Conservation District.
Thank you for sharing your projects. you both have a great eye…great taste.
Regards,
Ismael
Hi Ismael, so glad that you found us. We love the Cliff. Someday we hope to move up to the fancy part…..until then, we’ll just keep obsessing on this house.
It’s beautiful. Well done, boys. I’m VERY impressed.
Thanks Liz, if we ever finish with this house we’d have to move and start all over…….so we have something to write about
I forgot how cool your blog was!!! 🙂 Next time I go to Dallas im going to show up at your house, so i can have a REAL tour.
How could you forget? I spend more time on this than at work……and you’re not the first to threaten a “stop by” ….we’re ready for ya!
Omg! You guys are so creative! I love all the DIY projects you are doing. I just found you on pinterest..my second home….lol I showed my husband the cart you made for your wood. Love it! He needs to make one for us. We live in Michigan, brrrrrrr. It gets really cold here. We heat our home
with wood, so that would be perfect for our living room. Thanks for sharing with us. I’ll be following you guys.
Hi Joyce, I have to tell you how much we love that log holder…..it just rolls right over to the back door and we fill it up…we don’t have fires that often in Texas (maybe 3 times a year)I know you will get wayyyy more use out of it in Michigan…. Thanks for following along, and yeah, Pinterest is pretty addictive.
I’m laughing and smiling. Long ago, I found your blog (through some google search, I’m certain). I pinned your photos to a just-launch Pinterest, specifically for a client (I make stuff). I eventually deleted that customer’s board, and then realized . . . NOOOOO! I could NOT find you. “Oak Cliff, TX, design blog, two men” . . . I had to choose my search wording carefully . . . Pinterest searches for items I remember, all to no avail. So here I sit, doing another google search—“Diane Keaton’s Kitchen”. I saw and recognized your smiling faces and nearly spilled coffee all over the laptop keyboard. I found you! Thank you for all the hard work you put into this blog. Your home is an inspiration! With much love from Fort Worth.
I’ve done the same thing, with other blogs of course, I’m so glad that you discovered us all over again. We put a lot of ourselves in this and it’s great when it resonates with someone. Especially someone in Ft Worth, we love that city……..almost as much as we love Oak Cliff. We still make it there occasionally, for the stock show mostly. Anyhoo……Welcome back,
Hey guys! I’m thinking about moving my washer and dryer out to the garage. They’re currently just in a closet in our family room, and with 8 people in our house, the laundry really piles up. Has your w/d always been in the garage and if not, was it difficult to move it out there? I know we’ll have to have a vent for the dryer and plumbing for the washer, but anything is better than a mountain of laundry in our family room! Also, is your garage insulated and heated?
Thanks y’all!
Kim in Plano
Hi Kim,
Funny that you should mention this. The washer/dryer were in the garage when we bought the house, glad too, because the previous owner left before pictures and they “consumed” the old kitchen. Our garage is NOT insulated, and this past week has been below freezing for several days. There is now a small leak from under the machines, possibly behind the wall…no one can tell. The plumber said it was coming from the dryer….that’s right…DRYER. So now were are waiting for an appliance repairman to “look at it” on Monday…while the puddle gets bigger and bigger. Ughh! Not sure if being in the garage caused this….at least it’s not leakng in the family room. Am I right?
That is good to know! Our garage isn’t insulated either, and that was one of the things I was concerned about. I’d LOVE to know what y’all found out about the leak on Monday! Was it really coming from the dryer?
And much better the garage than the family room! (even tho it’s already happened) Grrr.
Thank you for your reply. Now we’ll see what the hubby says about moving them out there.
Merry Christmas y’all!
Good News Kim, the leak was unrelated to the cold…Someone…OK, it was Jamie….didn’t connect the connection for the steam on the dryer very well. All it took was a tightening, by hand. Love the machines out there and not where I have to hear them.
Oh boy… you missed the best place on the planet for letters. http://www.baycitycargo.com just take a look….
Hey, just found your blog and I’m glad I did! You’ve done wonderful things to your home! Though your style is not my style, there are more than enough creative ideas to steal, I mean “borrow” and use in my own~~thanks! Um, I lived in Texas briefly in the 70’s when hubs was stationed at Ft. Hood. Man, that is one huge state~and so much beauty and diversity! Well, gotta go, seems I’ve used up my allotment of exclamation points, I need to replenish my supply….
Just found you blog! Love your home and your humor!
From your neighbor over in Fort Worth!!
Hi Marilyn, We love Ft Worth….Jamie used to show horses in his youth, and Ft Worth is like a second home to him….We never miss the Stock Show. Welcome aboard!!!
Gentleman! I am blown away! I just found your site through Kelly at Eclectically Vintage. I would love to continue following you and sharing creative ideas together. Your home is lovely!
Awww shucks Alison, We would love to share more creative ideas with you…so glad that you found us!!!Headed to Soiled Rotten right now, BTW
Hey Guys!! OMG I love your Blog! I too found you on Eclectically Vintage today! I clicked FOLLOW right away! We just purchased a 1965 “groovy” lake house in Michigan and are trying to make it a rustic/modern/eclectic place of Bliss…on a limited budget as well! I can’t wait to read every page of your blog, gleaning lovely ideas all over the place…am already planning my banquette!!!! Can’t wait to see how you cover the cushion! Keep inspiring us!
Hi Anne! So great that you found us! Hope we offer tons of inspiration for that lake house!! We’d love to see pictures of the transformation!
Gentlemen, Great stuff. First noticed your site through Pinterest (bzwrthy77). Fellow Dallasite now obsessed with your Pinterest boards. Seriously though, you have a great home.
You guys are damn cute too. When’s the home tour? 😉
Ivan
Buzzworthy77@hotmail.com
Hi Ivan! Don’t worry, I’ll find you on the Pinterest……if you like my pins…….I know that I’ll LOVE yours as well…..glad you like the abode as well!
Found you from another Blog….love your creativity and style. And sense of humor!
Debra
Hi Debra! Thanks for the sweet note! Glad that you finally found us!
Love your blog ! Found it when I was looking at “horizontal gates” for the fence I’m building- but kept reading and now I find ur in Oak Cliff 🙂 I’m an Okie now, but from Plano, and everytime I hear Oak Cliff I think of Edie singing “oak cliff bra” 🙂 I’ll be back to read more 🙂 it’s great to see you pick up the prairie style- too often overlooked! 1972 was a great year! For houses and peeps (like me! Lol)
Angel
Hi Angel, we are just thrilled that you did finally found us! And we just love The Cliff……I saw Eddie and the Bohemians at a dive bar in Denton when I was in high school…..many, many moons ago. Forgot about that song, but pretty sure that I have the cd somewhere……I’ll have to dig it out……
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Thank you for dropping by my amateur craft blog with your warmth and for following, too.
Do take care. 🙂
Hello James and Jamie….I’ve joined your blog!!! 🙂 No longer will I roam the Cavender halls of style and DIY as the anonymous, un-subscribed wraith that I was. With my hammer held high and my hand on my crayolas, I salute you.
Hi Michael!!!! Welcome aboard!!! Hope we can keep you inspired with our humble projects and pictures……
Hello! First time lurker, full time follower! Love your blog! Just found your little gem today and am soooo happy!!!!!! Keep up the good work and can’t wait to see what the future holds! ❤
Hi Abby, Welcome!!! So glad that you found us too. If you can read all 400-something posts we’ve done…I promise to add a few more every week..Hehehe
You guys rock! Stumbled upon this while Google’ing “Horizontal Fence” and I’m glad I did! LOVE your style! Not to mention your writing skills:) You are FUNNY!
Hi Steve. That horizontal fence was a huge thorn that I insisted on having implanted. No one wanted to build it. So glad that I stuck to my instincts, and forced the son-in-law of my contractor to build it. By waving cash at him, of course. AND so glad that you found us. Good to know that I translate as “funny”. I’m just a dude, living with another dude, and documenting our tile-choosing decisions and occasional cocktail recipes.
Stick around, there’s way more to come.
Can I ask where you purchased the shed shown on the side of the house? I need this!
Hi Emily, Jamie found it in a Skymall catalog, about 3 years ago. Sadly, they don’t sell the same one anymore. But there are many similar others online…..
Can’t wait to make this recipe! We lived in South Texas for several years and visited the Shiner Bock Brewery, it was a destination for sure! We treat ourselves to Shiner every once in a while, it’s available here now. Shared your recipe on Facebook, I know it’s going to be good!
Hi Joy, we had a cold snap last week, and it’s now much cooler. The beginning of fall always makes me think of soups/chili……and just last night Jamie said that he needs to make his Shiner chili soon……I thought, “Yes, yes he does!”
I just found your blog tonight! Have already sent link to my daughter. We’ll both love it! I have to ask: Do you know Jon and Clif Garins in Oak Cliff? They’re great friends of ours. My husband grew up in Oak Cliff, as did his parents. (We live in Hurst now.) So much in common….
Hi Linda! So glad that you found us. We love living in the Cliff, never boring. Hope it doesn’t grow too quickly. It’s that small-town feel that we love the most. We don’t know John or Clif……what is their blog called? We’d love to check them out.
Found your blog while doing research on Shiny Brite Christmas Ornaments for my Etsy shop. Can’t wait to read more – Thanks for sharing!
maybe I can pick some tips from you guys I sure need all I can get. It’s me the 1950’s house, 3 dogs and two grown people that live here and its not even my own home but its been thrown at me like it was. So I am following you to see. Merry Xmas guys!
Your home is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen….So warm, inviting and relaxing. You are both so very talented and inspiring….Also GREAT taste in dogs! 🙂 Please keep sharing! Happy New Year!!
HI Sherry, Wish we had more commments like yours….makes us smile so hard. Happy New Year to you as well….and Dobermans are the best.
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Thank you so much for the kind words!!!!
so I saw your house on the cottage of the month, and I thought, who lives here? sweet, lots of American Indian stuff, fiesta ware, so I had to look you up. and now you are on my list of favorite bloggers. I also have a wide variety of things I collect!! my fave is galvanized anything. thanks for showing your house, and with a twist of humor, what’s not to love!!!!
Angela (from NJ!!!)
Aww shucks Angela, So glad you like our humble little place……and I always strive to make a “Favorite blogger” list….
Just found your blog and love it. I haven’t found a diy/decorating type blog that I’ve wanted to actually READ (vs. just skim photos) in years but you guys truly have some interesting little tidbits, especially for a girl like me who grew up antiquing and collecting with mom. Take care!
Hi Kelly, so glad that you did find us. Just a couple guys here documenting our house adventures…..and anything else that we find interesting. You have a few years to read through …..enjoy.
Hey Guys, I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy your site, every Stinkin bit of it! And even better I found you from googling Ravinia Heights. We’re Neighbors! Hope to run into to you someday.
Awww thanks, Donna. What a great way to start our day with your comment. We love this neighborhood, but have learned that we are a little more Kesler Plaza, than Ravinia. Still wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
I just found you guys the other day and bookmarked your site immediately. I’m very picky when it comes to blogs (a real snob). I’m in love with you guys! I am working my way through your entire site at the moment, enjoying it all. So much eye candy. You should be very proud of all you’ve accomplished. Looking forward to checking in with you on a regular basis. XOXO
Hi Candace. We just LOVE getting messages like yours. Yepp, we’ve been chucking along at this blog for 5 years now…..there’s a lot of “backlog” to keep you entertained. And way more to come…Welcome aboard!
hi, lovely blog! I’m wondering how you’re liking the brilliant white paint you used in your bathroom? I’m trying to find the right whites for our house in San Francisco and have been looking at this one….on another note we are delighted to be celebrating today and all weekend this historic day of equality!
Hi Erika, We love the Brilliant White paint. Just love…..I’m not a fan of white paint, but this one is sooooo clean looking. And really bounces the light around. Go for it. And YES! How awesome is this country? Of course we live in Texas…and Texas will secede from the union if they have too because of the bible and guns……but we still are in great spirits. (Now if only someone would ask me to marry him)
I have exactly same 8 drawer Haywood/Wakefield. I am interested in selling it. I would be very interested in what you paid for it.
Hi Lana, it was a while ago….but I think Jamie got them down too $300. We’re still not sure it is Heywood Wakefield, can’t find a single mark on it anywhere. Love it just the same though.
Just a suggestion for removing concrete in the future(I realize its’ too late for you, but you didn’t ask first). Years ago, dad was trying to remove part of his driveway that needed replacing with a sledge hammer and not getting very far. He hired a young laborer to help him. The young man asked if dad had a jack (for changing his truck tires). The young man dug a small trench along the drive way edge, put in the jack so he could raise the concrete. As the jack rose, the concrete cracked into pieces. He removed the whole section of driveway by breaking it into manageable pieces with the jack.
Pounding concrete with a sledge is just trying to work against its strength. It has the solid ground behind it. which helps prevent you from breaking it. Concrete was never meant to bend or be pliable, so if you try to make it do that, it breaks.
Glad the jackhammer worked quickly! Those things can really beat you up!
Ahhhhh physics! Who knew? Sounds like great advice……but pretty sure we will never remove concrete again. Or will we? I’m thinking of pulling up the front walk and replacing it with pavers now
I have enjoyed reading and getting caught up with your projects since I found you earlier this year. I do like your “saturated”, layered design style. (this is a good thing. i.e. “saturated” color in design is always a good thing. Pastel, not so much).
Two things:
Who is the designated duster at your house? as this must be a full time job….
I do love all the stuff, but dearly HATE dusting.
And,
write faster. I’m all caught up now.
Penny, LOL. a while back I tried to write 4-5 posts a week. Some of them were good, and some seemed like filler. Quality over quantity….I can tell you that I have about 40 drafts written, and the bathroom is a bit farther along than y’all have seen. I’ll do my best to get back to 12 posts a month. Promise.
As far as dusting…….we share that. At least every Saturday morning we do a good cleaning. Working on the bathroom seems to stir up a little more dust than usual……but that should be over with soon.
Thanks for reading along…..
Hi James & Jamie, I love all of your ideas on your blog. I have a question. I was brought to your site via a link on Etsy for a firewood cart. I believe it is beside your fireplace and is made with industrial pipe. It appears to be an oil-rubbed bronze (look). It does not look like black pipe or regular galvanized pipe. Can you tell me what it is please?
Hi Kitt, just regular black plumbing pipe from Home Depot. Promise….pretty sure it says that in the tutorial….
I found your blog by accident…and thrilled about it. You two are talent and determination personified! Got to get to Oak Cliff for a drive by sighting (I live in Allen). Can’t wait to see what you do for Thanksgiving!
Awww, Thanks Margaret. So glad that you DID find us. Looks like we will be hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year……No clue how we’ll make it special just yet. Better start planning.
Hey! I just found ya’ll! Well not that ya’ll were missing and/or lost. LOL! I love your blog. I also am excited to know there’s another organized hoarder here in the Metroplex. 🙂 I love all the holiday decorating and all the beautiful remodeling. My husband and I do all our own remodeling so I know how it is. We have champagne dreams and a beer budget. LOL! I will keep checking in with ya’ll to see what’s next on the project list.
Aww thanks, We are also dealing with a beer-budget. But making it work. Since we can’t afford to move, We have vowed to price our house out of our current neighborhood. Should be fun to watch….So very glad that you found us.
You’re one of my favorite blogs – different and interesting. I made your Drunken Fig jam with my son and it was awesome. I hope you keep blogging – I’m reading!
Hi Jeanette, no plans to stop anytime soon. So don’t worry. We lost most of our fig tree last year in a freeze, but she’s coming back strong…….hope to make more fig jam next summer. Glad that you like what we do. Our style is a little different than all the others…..and we like that too.
Thanks for sharing….Ive been desperately searching for just the right articulating sconces for our bedroom…. Stumbled onto your site and will forever stalk your design sense! We’re in the process of moving a log barn from my farm in Texas to our new farm in NW Ark to use as the bones of our new house… I’ll need all the inspiration I can get….
Hug the Dobe for me….
I miss Dallas but I don’t miss 630….😉
Hi Dawn, You have no ideas how much “log barn to Farm House” excites me….send some pictures of the progress our way…we’d love to see. (The Dobe needs a hug right now, she’s stressed from her Christmas Card photo shoot)
Hello,
I can’t wait to see your house Christmas decorations. What would it be this year?
James
Hi,
I Adore your home! What is the color of the walls on your living room? It goes perfect next to the dark granite color brick fireplace, and everything else for that matter! If you remember, please let me know.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Adriana, Most all of our house interiors are Martha Stewart Fawn…kind of a “grocery bag” khaki. We LOVE it. Although home Depot no longer sells Martha’s paint…they should still be able to mix it for you in Behr. Ohhh check this out for more info…https://thecavenderdiary.com/2013/08/17/the-cavender-paint-colors/
Hi James and Jamie and Harley:
I absolutely love you guys and am so glad I stumbled upon your blog. I can relate to all your projects as I myself am restoring a 1926 Spanish bungalow. Although I love modern and things that actually work, the charming elements to an older home are undeniable. LOVE what you have done with your home and your overall style. Looking forward to seeing more of your projects! All the best for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Awww, thanks Carolyn. Wish we had a Spanish bungalow. We’ve been trying to add some sort of character to our rectangular box. So glad that you found us…..stick around, much more to come (like a master bathroom some day)
Hey! Wake up over there! I’m sure I need to see photos of bathroom remodel progress, the deck all decked out backyard landscaping and whatever else you’ve been changing as soon as possible please!
LOL Penny! I never realize that anyone reads this stuff until they start telling me that I’m not writing it….Deck looks amazing, pics to come soon. Bathroom is moving slowly. Jamie has been busy planting horse troughs with desert sage and just found an amazing Turquoise pot to make into a fountain. (Got a bit distracted with a book deal…but that will be over soon, I promise) Then back to the bathroom.
I was looking for ideas for DIY dog beds and ended up here. And now somehow I’m totally invested in your bathroom remodel. I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Hi Sarah, Wish I was as invested. We’re so close to a “functional” bathroom …and I got distracted writing a book on, get this, DIY dog beds (sort of). Don’t worry. We’ll be back on track soon. We have 20 boxes of assorted bathroom fixtures just waiting to be installed….as soon as I finish this manuscript. Promise. Stay Tuned.
I just found your website today by happy accident – doing a google image search for something “halloween yard” themed and bam, a couple of links later, there you were. I have a very full life but now have to DROP EVERYTHING and start from the beginning of the blog to get to know you two even though I’m already in mad love. I am a native Texan (by way of El Paso so jussssssssssssst barely), I saw Wes Anderson references within a matter of minutes and you guys have Neiman Marcus written all over you. Plus, your pictures, your dog, your house – swoon. Big (and most notably, newest) fan – thanks so much for putting this out here – you are everywhere I want to be. You are stylized, crazy cool, authentic, witty – you should get business cards! Will touch back as I come up for air – I needed a new house crush and yours is it fo shizzzzzzz 🙂 All the best!
Hi Tamra, We don’t get nearly as many messages like yours as we would like to. I started blogging as a way to meet “like minded” people – I mean people who don’t mind fun clutter – and slowly they are coming my way. I actually worked at Neiman Marcus in the 90’s (for about 5 minutes) and Jamie just shops there. Love Wes Anderson…..I’d like to say that my mustache was inspired by the Grand Budapest, but I had it first. Speaking of Halloween yard art…I’ve been working on a Grim Reaper figure for the front yard for years now, might do him this year, but sadly…our trick-or-treaters don’t wear costumes and that bums me out. How come we have all the Halloween spirit? HHHmmm…Anyhoo, so glad that you found us..hope we keep you entertained.
How very kind of you to reply – it feels like receiving a signed 8×10 glossy from a celebrity! Thus far, I am up to 2013 of you and Jamie and your house’s lives. My take away of the moment is where on earth do I get me some orange sheets? OMG, I’m dying. I’m not going to tie you up, but I do want to pass along this – we have a huge (huge huge) Halloween yard display/home haunt. As I speak, there are two nine feet Grim Reaper forms in progress on my back carport. If it is cool, I’ll send you pix to your email address listed as they are built out and come to life…er, death? (Helpful tip – it’s all about the monster mud). We live on the Gulf Coast of Alabama in a quiet subdivision and the first year we moved here we had 30 trick or treaters. Two years ago we had OVER 2k (you read that right). Last year we were at around 1000 before it started storming. All that to say that the adage of “if you build it, they will come” is true. Kinda like this ass kickin’ site of yours. Here we are, thank you for sharing. So glad I found you guys (and if you’re in Alabama in October, come on by 😉
OK, Orange sheets are getting harder to find. Those beautiful, straight from the Crayola Box, Orange sheets are jersey from Target. The kind they make for back to school. Wish they made King sized (I like sheets extra big on a queen bed) and I wish I had bought more. I also have orange flannel….but they aren’t nearly that same color. Secondly….TWO grim reapers? You have me beat already. Please send pics. Seriously, We’d love to see everything you do.
Omg. I just found your blog after a search for St Labre Indian School toys and am FULLY falling in the rabbithole. You are funny! And I love me an “organized hoarder”, a title I aim to earn soon haha. I see years of delicious posts to enjoy, so I’m gonna be here a while 😊. I feel like I did when I discovered Game of Thrones in the 7th season- the glorious binging begins! I intend to pig out on your words of seasons past in rapid succession. Thanks for giving my Saturday a purpose 🖒😘
Hi Tiara!!! So glad that you found us!!! And yuppp….there’s a few years of posts to keep you occupied for a while. “Organized Hoarder”..that’s me. When we moved in to the Cavender House, we each scaled back on the possessions……but that was just futile. Even after I built spaces just for storage. HA!! We’re are still cramped. Tell me more about this “Game of Thrones”?? We have yet to watch. (or Downton Abbey, either) even thought EVERYONE tells us to watch both shows…..don’t think we have enough time. We’ll need several free Saturdays just to catch up with everyone else…….
I love your blog! I have been reading it for the past couple years. I am house crazy too–my theme is mexican. I am a freelance graphic artist and also have a side gig making wrought iron and mosaic tables, check out my website: http://www.casalauramosaics.com.
Thanks Laurie! So glad you have been stalking us. I love a house full of treasures and memories. LOVE your mosaics too….Big fan of Diego and Frida Khalo you know. We have pretty similar serape pillows on the back deck too.
That is gorgeous!!!!!
I have always love your house especially at Christmas time. Your receipes are really out of the extraordinary and I hope try some one day.
Where do you store light bulbs?
In the utility closet…..Are you trying to find one?
Found your blog searching for lean-to shed plans and I am so happy! Your Christmas decorations are spectacular and your wisdom and insight even more so. Then lo and behold, I find that we’re practically neighbors! I was born in Dallas and currently live in southeast Dallas. Look forward to following you.
Hi Marcia!!! So glad you found us. Please say Hi if you see us around…maybe at the State Fair.
Why no email address for Harley? 😉 Just found you guys and love what you’ve done so far…
Harley refuses to split the internet bill 3 ways. We’ll be glad to pass any messages on to her for you.
Very inspirational. Love your ideas. I moved into s new home and need shelving.
Hi Guys! I left you an email about transforming a photograph you posted. I hope you gt it! Thanks.
Enjoying your blog! I bookmarked it a few YEARS ago and was revisiting bookmarks tonight and caught up on what I’ve been missing. I’m checking the “notify me of new posts via email” box b/c that’s what was not happening (note to self). Your Christmas post was a-mazing! We miss Dallas and also have a “Harley dog” in the family. Keep up the good work!
So glad you could get caught up with us… and our excessive holiday decor. Sorry I haven’t been blogging so much lately… I’ve been working on a Christmas collecting book. Stay tuned. and hug Harley for me.
Thanks for the Charley Harper info. At my age I wonder how I had never heard of him! I literally stumble onto your website when googling him. Thank you and I will be back often….
So glad that I could turn you on to such an amazing illustrator. He inspires me almost daily….
It’s almost summer again! I NEED CLOSURE……did the main bath survive last summer’s remodel? I NEED TO SEE PICTURES! A a rating on the bathtub choice. I need a new adult size tub.
Will you be posting photos of your pool? I miss that you don’t post as often as you used to. I love following your blog.
Hi, boys. Can’t stay long, just stopped by to say hello from San Antonio and take a look at your Shiny-Brite’s. Shiny! And brite! Happy New Year, y’all.
Hi Roy! Please stay a little longer. Happy New Year to you as well.
Happy New Year Roy!!!!!
Hey! Stumbled on your page by doing a search of a horizontal picket fence. That house and fence looks amazing. Great job! I am in the process of doing the same to my house, renovating that is and I too live in Oak Cliff. Do you think the guy who built your fence is still doing work? Would you happen to have a contact number/ information? Either way, great job on the house!
Hi Tony, Sorry to say that the guy who built our fence passed away.
Charley Harper – Inimitable❤️
GREAT JOB on the Garden/Tool Shed! I am going to use your pics as my template, so a huge thank you for sharing your work and design! 🙏🏼🌈
Thank you for getting me motivated with your story and projects!
BTW- Very cute family , including Harley 🐶🐾💙