Clearly mother nature missed the memo on my epic curb appeal week. I'm pretty bummed out. I will have to post the finished pictures later than I had hoped... both the shutters and the exterior lights are done, I just have to put them on the house, and as anxious as I am to finish project curb appeal, I'll pass on electrocution in the rain, it's really not my thing. Here's a sneak preview of the shutters mid-build: And the removing exterior lights to update them: Don't … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2014
Painting Garage Doors
Post sponsored by Sherwin-Williams Paint. Create your own ideas here. Ecstatic doesn't begin to describe how I feel about the new paint on my garage doors. My house looks totally new and the curb appeal just took a huge leap. Here's a reminder of what I started with: We called it the "garagemahal." The doors had never been painted before! They were yellowing and looked terrible. The doors bothered me from day one, but sometimes I am funny about exterior home improvements; while … [Read more...]
Project Curb Appeal
Have I ever confessed that we bought our current home without ever seeing it? I don't buy jeans without trying them on, yet in 2012 we had just moved to town (I'm talking U-haul in front of our would-be house) and our rental fell through! We moved in with my parents for a couple months. The market here was warming up and after NINETEEN offers on different homes our realtor called and said, "I think I might have something" I replied, "go over asking price and buy it." I was sooooo pregnancy pukey … [Read more...]
Installing a Light Dimmer
image by Lutron.com Light dimmers make any room feel better. I was really excited when Lutron Electronics sent me a beautiful digital light dimmer. But I have a DIY confession: usually anything in front of a wall I change or update without a problem, but anything behind a wall: plumbing, electrical, structural, I am scared to touch. I am so happy to report that in spite of my behind-walls-phobia this dimmer installation was surprisingly easy! Our home has a light dimmer above the kitchen … [Read more...]
Painting a Kitchen Table
My happy yellow table is finished! I love it! My husband rarely thinks projects are a great idea, so when he continually said, "so.... what are you going to do about this table" I knew it was serious. In the spirit of full disclosure I must say that yellow is not my favorite color, but every time I thought of fixing our table it is the only color that came to mind. I tried to shake it, but finally gave in. When a friend was over I asked what she thought of painting a table yellow (because I seek … [Read more...]
Apartment Therapy DIY Contest
Apartment Therapy Image So... I just got an email that someone nominated my blog for Apartment Therapy's annual best DIY blog competition. I laughed a little and then I felt flattered. Now I'm thinking, I'll just put it out there and see if more than one vote is cast. Go here to vote if you feel so inclined. You will have to scroll waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down, then click +1 on the left. Check out the other blogs too, some are completely amazing! I am excited for this week, the yellow table … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Boxes
I love Valentine's Day. I'm not a mushy romantic and have no expectations from my husband... but I do melt over a personally made valentine from one of my kids like the best of them. I also love Valentine's boxes. Our boxes are not always the cutest and usually I am just hoping the scotch tape and Elmer's glue will hold long enough to make it through the class party. But, I love putting them together with kids. This year we used shoe boxes, fabric, insulation wrap from the hardware store, tape, … [Read more...]
Kitchen Table Woes
The table is done! Check it out here. I spend more time in the kitchen than any other room in the house. Not only do I cook and clean for my family of six, but the table is the hub of homework, projects and my laptop. I'm thinking I am not alone in feeling like I live in my kitchen. I was given a solid oak table from my aunt nine years ago that although not my personal style it was in great condition and I was always grateful for it: After years of beating (and three boys) I decided … [Read more...]
Paint Spray Gun vs Roller/Brush: To Spray or Not to Spray, that is the question
Paint spray gun vs roller/brush is always a debate, indeed that is the question. I have been eagerly awaiting the perfect day to paint my garage doors, and it appears I have only nine days left to wait: Yes, I realize most Americans are still in parkas, but let's chat during my scorching summer heat... I think I have the color and type of paint I want, now the question is to spray or to roll? Have you ever painted with a spray gun before? I have once and admittedly the result was … [Read more...]