The DIY'ers and my new rug.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/8492982155/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="The DIY'ers by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="200" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_m.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /> Welcome back to The DIY'ers.<br /><br />First, I want to thank everyone for leaving facebook messages & blog comments on <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/area-rug-shopping.html" target="_blank">my rug post</a> on Friday. You helped me make my decision and I'm going with Rug #1!! Check out the post <a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/08/area-rug-shopping.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see the options I was toying with.  <br /><br />But now on to the party! I'm excited to see all of your DIY projects and get some inspiration for my next project.<br /><br />Once again, we had some awesome link-ups last week and I'm here to share my favorites!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9438399855/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="front_porch_before_after by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="front_porch_before_after" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7318/9438399855_f9791db0d2_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thewandmakersmother.com/fred-finds-a-home/" target="_blank">The Wandmaker's Mother </a>shows off this great front porch makeover - look at that amazing front door!!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9441184660/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Linen Picture Frames by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="Linen Picture Frames" height="375" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3761/9441184660_bd909c662a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephanie from <a href="http://www.simplydreamandcreate.com/2013/07/linen-backed-picture-frames.html" target="_blank">Simply Dream & Create</a> shows off these beautiful linen picture frames</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9441184538/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Menu Board by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="Menu Board" height="375" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/9441184538_41c028075a.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thequestionablehomesteader.com/2-menu-board/" target="_blank">The Questionable Homesteader</a> shows off a $2 Menu Board</td></tr></tbody></table>And now it's your turn!<br /><br /><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="TheDIYers"><img alt="The DIY'ers" height="100" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><div style="font-weight: bold;"></div><textarea cols="18" name="Grab My Button" readonly="readonly" rows="3"><a href="http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20DIY%27ers" target="_blank" title="Running on Happiness"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8096/8492982155_c22507aecc_t.jpg" width="100" height="100" alt="The DIY'ers" /></a> />

The Rules? They're simple!

1. Take a picture of your DIY and link it up below. 
2. Text link back to Home Coming or pick up The DIY'ers button from the left sidebar and include it in your post so others can get involved in The DIY'ers.
3. Become a follower of Home Coming. I'd love to have you! 

The DIY'ers and my new rug.

 Welcome back to The DIY'ers. First, I want to thank everyone for leaving facebook messages & blog comments on my rug post on Frida...

Read more »

chalkboard sandwich board

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-zz0D1sTCVCJ9FcA9CBIXaRD16GwfW6ur7AN-PMo2aSoHFnrFl-8LsBm4FB8fGk0u1lTE1QFrkhhHYu00-D-ovOjsZz65pZacIefpbTM10VtSMZ-uTubghf-dqRHcDUpE03r0SwsitI/s1600/chalk_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf-zz0D1sTCVCJ9FcA9CBIXaRD16GwfW6ur7AN-PMo2aSoHFnrFl-8LsBm4FB8fGk0u1lTE1QFrkhhHYu00-D-ovOjsZz65pZacIefpbTM10VtSMZ-uTubghf-dqRHcDUpE03r0SwsitI/s1600/chalk_1.jpg" /></a></div>My brothers wedding is fast approaching. Yippeee!  It's going to be a weekend event at a lakeside resort -The couple is outdoorsy so it is no surprise that they are gravitating to wood and rustic decor for the event. <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fpeople%2Fpennypeople%2Ffavorites%2Fweddingbells%2F%3Fref%3Dcol_list" target="_blank">We've been collecting ideas on Etsy over the past year</a> and one thing that they wanted was a chalkboard sandwich board. You can write the days itinerary, welcome guests, or give directions to where certain activities are. I'm always up for a craft project so Aubrey helped me make one. If it survives the wedding  I'll likely reuse it for some Christmas shows I'm taking part in <a href="http://www.pennypaperco.com/" target="_blank">for my shop.</a> Anyhow, it is SUPER easy to make. So whether you want one for your wedding, trade show, or even for kids to draw on - here is how to.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZuGTkGIncTRptCfCZDXtyJtc6A0w0dj5yI4p6yHVNycYxq8jeyovEvm0DeN-qU-QoUJgEZeeuEcv02_fjxogB56SDHRvu8vXqzBgHptLcLrvM9ohg1BTaB6_vS518fVzHAZIRjAGX1Y/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKZuGTkGIncTRptCfCZDXtyJtc6A0w0dj5yI4p6yHVNycYxq8jeyovEvm0DeN-qU-QoUJgEZeeuEcv02_fjxogB56SDHRvu8vXqzBgHptLcLrvM9ohg1BTaB6_vS518fVzHAZIRjAGX1Y/s1600/wood.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Get two boards from Home Depot. They were pre-cut to this size so no waiting in line at the cutting tool. Get a pack of hinges. Screw the two boards together. Aubrey used glue to reinforce the hinges as it was going to be transported to the resort. But you could skip this step. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7ECjKCIUHVYSDx2FITGcGqj2uvP7vuUQmv7ufOPT8xgFY9X-3lShWT83_E5BtKH3gB8JrsU1kWhpECg4K7WkRLTgy14ySNOQ2bpkdPTCjXBoMHokG-e_4kH9F1BJA1zMKF0P3K0yld8/s1600/wood2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7ECjKCIUHVYSDx2FITGcGqj2uvP7vuUQmv7ufOPT8xgFY9X-3lShWT83_E5BtKH3gB8JrsU1kWhpECg4K7WkRLTgy14ySNOQ2bpkdPTCjXBoMHokG-e_4kH9F1BJA1zMKF0P3K0yld8/s1600/wood2.jpg" /></a></div><br />Once screwed together I started to stain... I used <a href="http://www.minwax.ca/wood-products/stains-color-guide/" target="_blank">Minwax stain in Special Walnut (No. 224) </a>. You can't go wrong with Walnut. I simply applied the stain with a brush and I did one coat. I wanted to make sure that the wood grain showed since I was going for an outdoorsy look.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGZTVuHtIDAoLiCFLaZlLSlcgx7VoSugzEniqNs0-TUQ6xRC60afQRt6FpUP4c39odo4rc-pPktnk49OY6wdclSc1-moABYh7PT8QVWZFKLoaikf5U7lA5q0usI8xSuKpYHXFbWbTQqI/s1600/wood+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJGZTVuHtIDAoLiCFLaZlLSlcgx7VoSugzEniqNs0-TUQ6xRC60afQRt6FpUP4c39odo4rc-pPktnk49OY6wdclSc1-moABYh7PT8QVWZFKLoaikf5U7lA5q0usI8xSuKpYHXFbWbTQqI/s1600/wood+3.jpg" /></a></div>Once dried, I taped with tape a border of where I wanted to paint chalk. (Not shown) I didn't paint over the tape because I was worried it may bleed through the tape - so I used it as a guideline for where I would stop painting. Both sides are painted.....<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcq3nJ9-6NTRFP5-jFKvBzVIpmqF3uDoN6CK7gxQrCuWnZGNR6OKuG25L2cUbMICQPJECWXIzbx_zUjWTgQWSQcyQlFV2UoRDMQv71ROFzI35GMEVdQGDosrtYGCvHcauoLhrIroNfY/s1600/chalk_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHcq3nJ9-6NTRFP5-jFKvBzVIpmqF3uDoN6CK7gxQrCuWnZGNR6OKuG25L2cUbMICQPJECWXIzbx_zUjWTgQWSQcyQlFV2UoRDMQv71ROFzI35GMEVdQGDosrtYGCvHcauoLhrIroNfY/s1600/chalk_2.jpg" /></a></div>That's it! Again, ridiculously easy so I don't even think I needed to post instructions but it turned out so well that anyone can do it. :) <br /><br />

chalkboard sandwich board

My brothers wedding is fast approaching. Yippeee!  It's going to be a weekend event at a lakeside resort -The couple is outdoorsy so it ...

Read more »

Don't Be A TV Diva When You Paint Walls

<div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/paintedroom_zps62f63e80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/paintedroom_zps62f63e80.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Fresh paint turns buyers on. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Painting a room is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get a home ready for selling. As a professional painter, homeowner and landlady, I’ve painted literally hundreds of rooms. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">That’s why it irks me to see people on TV, whether they are hosts of their own design show, DIY remodelers on a reality series, or models in painting commercials, paint the wrong way.<br /><br />If you follow their lead, if you paint the way TV teaches you, you’re wasting time and money and getting sloppy results.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Prep is Everything </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">No one on TV mentions preparing a wall for paint. Even if the room has been painted recently and looks smooth, sanding all the walls with a pole sander knocks down any dust and lumps. Sanding gets the surface ready to accept new paint. Patch and sand and then spot prime as needed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If you made lots of repairs or are changing color, a primer is a good intermediate step. Talk to the experts at your paint store about covering the old color with the new one you are buying. Careful prep is what makes the difference between a pro job and an amateurish attempt. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Get a Handle on It</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once in a while, a television camera catches a glimpse of a professional painter working in the background. Chances are the pro is doing it right. He’ll be using an extension handle on the roller frame. Meanwhile, the show's host starts rolling paint in the middle of a wall, holding the stubby roller handle. Oh, my aching wrist! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Please don’t roll paint onto a wall holding just the paint roller handle. Give your wrist, arm, back, and shoulder a break, and use your whole body to support the work of rolling. Face the wall, stand with feet apart, one foot slightly in front of the other and keep your back straight when rolling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Even a broom handle screws into a paint roller handle. If you're painting a room so small there's no room for a simple extension stick, it’s okay to hold the roller. Otherwise, stick with a stick.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Johnwithbucket_zpseadf0b9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Johnwithbucket_zpseadf0b9c.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Once you use a handle, a screen and a 5-gallon<br /> bucket, you'll never go back to dinky trays.  </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep a Clean Can </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />I frequently see blogging tutorials and television remodelers dipping a brush into a gallon paint can. Do not paint out of the original paint can. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Work out of a clean, empty 1-gallon can or work bucket. That way, when you’re done painting, you can return the unused paint portion and you'll have a clean can with a clean lip and a clean label to store the leftover paint in, clearly indicating the brand, color, finish, and any other specs that will come in handy when it’s touch-up  time.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Truth About Tape</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I laugh when I see televised rooms trimmed with blue tape all around all the windows and doors. This is usually an unnecessary step. Wake up, people. The 3-M company loves bloggers to endorse these products!  You're wasting your time and money. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Spend your money instead on good quality paint and you won’t be dripping and splattering. Baseboards might be the exception if your paint is likely to drip on them. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">A good angled 2-inch paintbrush and a steady hand is faster. Practice painting a straight line in an inconspicuous area. Use long strokes and keep your arm partially extended instead of putting your face up close and dab-dab-dabbing. Cut in the room first, and then roll walls. Make sure you cut in wide enough, especially around the top of the wall, where it meets the ceiling. Get a good 4- or 5-inch band of paint up there, so your roller doesn’t get paint on the ceiling. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Blog-painting_zps76514412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/Blog-painting_zps76514412.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Best Rolling Tips</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Instead of pouring your paint into one of those silly flat trays, pour it into a 5-gallon bucket with a painting grid in it. This is the professional method that saves bending over. And there's less chance of kicking over your paint.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Load your roller generously and remove excess using the grid. Start by rolling the wall in a "W" or "M" motion, then use long, up and down strokes. Do not lift the roller from the wall. Start your first stroke with an upward motion, because if you roll down on the first stroke, the paint can puddle under the roller and run down the wall. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your roller drips or smears instead of rolling across the surface, you’ve put too much paint on it. If it leaves skips or you have to press to get the paint to apply evenly, you’ve put on too little. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/abrasion-resistant-palm-coated-gloves_zpsb2b68fb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/abrasion-resistant-palm-coated-gloves_zpsb2b68fb8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">My favorite gloves are breathable, but <br />palm-protected, like these nitrile-coated ones.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dress for Success</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal">TV stars paint in high heels and cute dresses. You, on the other hand, need to dress right for the work. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Keep an outfit just for painting. I recommend pants with pockets so you can wear all your helpful tools. Consider buying a pair of painter's overalls if you do much painting. Keeping tools on your person saves steps and saves time. It’s frustrating to have to stop and hunt for a damp rag or your square of sandpaper. Keep a rag and an old brush for dusting in your back pocket, a 5-in-1 tool in another pocket, and sandpaper in another pocket. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes that will protect your feet and keep them happy all day. Your old sneakers might be a good choice. You’re bound to get some paint on your shoes. You want reliable support and safety, so going barefoot is not an option. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Wear cotton, latex, neoprene, or <a href="http://www.superiorglove.com/work-gloves/palm-coated-gloves" target="_blank">nutrile gloves</a> that will keep paint off your hands and save cleanup time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/mansanding_zpsea2ae29c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad351/2painters/mansanding_zpsea2ae29c.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Pole sanding. A dust mask like <br />this will protect you <br />from  dust, but not from<br />paint solvent vapors.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Dropcloth Facts </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Don’t use plastic <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/08/painting-your-home-heres-advice-about.html" target="_blank">dropcloths</a>. I know it’s fashionable for DIYers to recycle shower curtains or unroll yards of plastic sheeting, but almost anything is better than plastic for a dropcloth. Why? Because paint doesn't dry quickly on plastic, and you can easily track it around. Instead, use a purchased canvas dropcloth. It doesn’t have to be large. A 4- x 15-foot  "hall runner" dropcloth is versatile, economical, washable, and will last for years.  </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Saving money? Then old rugs or carpet scraps, cardboard, or bed sheets (two or three layers thick) will usually provide all the protection you need.  While painting, pay attention to what you are doing, and check your soles before stepping off the drop cloth onto carpeting or flooring. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">But wait. There’s More.</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Now that I have sounded off on one of my pet peeves – common painting mistakes – I hope I’ve enlightened you about the best way to add new paint to your walls. You are welcome!<br /><br />If choosing a paint color is difficult for you, I have written posts about<a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2011/08/finally-simple-formula-to-help-you.html" target="_blank"> paint colors</a> and <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/2010/04/how-to-choose-paint-color-easy-way.html" target="_blank">how to choose them. </a><br /><br />Please download my <a href="http://diyhomestagingtips.blogspot.com/p/ebooks.html" target="_blank">eBook</a>, <i>DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Fast and for Top Dollar</i>, so I can give you more advice on staging your own home for sale.<br /><br />Top Photo: Apartment Therapy</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>

Don't Be A TV Diva When You Paint Walls

Fresh paint turns buyers on.  Painting a room is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to get a home ready for selling. As a professional painte...

Read more »

Area Rug Shopping

<i>Note: I've added two new options to choose from with a couple of different patterns that I'm loving right now. I feel like they might have more life if I don't chose such a trendy pattern like chevron...</i><br /><br />I'm in the market for a new area rug and am thinking about pulling the trigger today (or at very least, this weekend), but I need your help!!  I can't decide which color looks best with my living room.  Help me decide?<br /><br />I'm torn between gray (to match the couch & curtains), pink (to match the lighting fixtures & other accents) or yellow (to match our <i>other</i> accent colors -  which you can't really see in this photo, but you can <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347984448/in/set-72157631705674311" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9347979456/in/set-72157631705674311" target="_blank">here</a>).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've quickly put together some photoshopped living room images with each of the colors I'm torn between. Yes, I know this photoshop work is shit - but I was in a hurry to get this posted - and I'm still re-learning photoshop!! <br /><br />So here they are. Let me know which color you'd choose if it was your living room?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9426805692/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="LR Grey Patterned Rug by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="LR Grey Patterned Rug" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7319/9426805692_98122719f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9426805350/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="LR Yellow Stripe Rug by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="LR Yellow Stripe Rug" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9426805350_32d6b18c0d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9426581406/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="LR Grey Rug by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="LR Grey Rug" height="427" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5516/9426581406_88b4f792b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9425123058/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="LR Pink Rug by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="LR Pink Rug" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9425123058_d19f9e92be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9425122680/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="LR Yellow Rug by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="LR Yellow Rug" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/9425122680_c7ec463a1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And if you're in the market as well, <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/rugs" target="_blank">RugsUSA</a> has a 50% sale running now! Get on it! <br /><br />

Area Rug Shopping

Note: I've added two new options to choose from with a couple of different patterns that I'm loving right now. I feel like they migh...

Read more »

DIY Weekend Projects

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9423350452/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Weekend Projects by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Weekend Projects" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3756/9423350452_ec37573e91_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Hubby's away much of the weekend at a bachelor party, but that doesn't mean I can't dream about a couple of DIY projects. Like these incredible sliding door DIY's. A sliding door is in our near future for our guest bedroom, so now it's just a matter of choosing what we want it to look like (and doing it, of course). Which one do you like better?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myrepurposedlife.com/2012/05/how-to-diy-faux-barn-doors.html" target="_blank">Sliding Barn Door DIY</a> // I never thought of building our own sliding door. But Gail at My Repurposed Life shows a pretty simple DIY for a barn door. Seems doable! <br /><br /><a href="http://theletteredcottage.net/diy-sliding-door/" target="_blank">Sliding Door DIY</a> // Kevin and Layla at The Lettered Cottage show a great installation of a sliding glass/wood door. But I wonder if we could DIY the door too....

DIY Weekend Projects

Hubby's away much of the weekend at a bachelor party, but that doesn't mean I can't dream about a couple of DIY projects. Like t...

Read more »

gold

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlCuuOp1eM-ihDGmjsD38uXKR8g3pl43GGJFnJGo9hfFyvWcEcuzPWo0LGPJVlwE5UKo9A_d7lGR_JxSwPIrfiN8tf_T3HAgceLtWR8RWh98ThxRl4TRZWp2qvMuCh8EYUqrmwVyoZGo/s1600/gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlCuuOp1eM-ihDGmjsD38uXKR8g3pl43GGJFnJGo9hfFyvWcEcuzPWo0LGPJVlwE5UKo9A_d7lGR_JxSwPIrfiN8tf_T3HAgceLtWR8RWh98ThxRl4TRZWp2qvMuCh8EYUqrmwVyoZGo/s1600/gold.jpg" /></a></div><br />I'm obsessed with gold these days. I'm trying to become a bit more "stylish" or "current" with my accessories now that Oscar isn't pulling at my jewelry (as much) when I wear it. A trend I've noticed I have liked is gold in accessories and I've been itching to have a gold watch - I had a gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet so I decided to spend it on a new watch and settled on t<a href="http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=12052&langId=-1&catalogId=25005&categoryId=341112&productId=22436547&imagePath=FS4815" target="_blank">his new Fossil beauty. </a> It goes perfectly with my relatively new necklace from <a href="http://www.joefresh.com/en/" target="_blank">Joe Fresh</a> and<a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F153074752%2Fcrystal-link-bracelet-chunky-rhinestone%3Fref%3Dshop_home_active" target="_blank"> this bracelet I bought from Etsy </a>that is remarkably similar to one at J.Crew that I had been eyeing. :) <a href="http://pinterest.com/littlehouseblog/personal-style/" target="_blank">I love Pinterest for helping me visualize things I like.</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC1zuC5AueGmq7-bGfdbw-yd2IywsnHE-QNYdObqG9yD91DoMfi0js4WeH_LolRrFLzjyPOcw71BD4u4sb8reuC_6YAG1WbOv_6EzgHPI8vIiYThu96YkawZVVa9v9gbPxWFBVM-9Ric/s1600/lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC1zuC5AueGmq7-bGfdbw-yd2IywsnHE-QNYdObqG9yD91DoMfi0js4WeH_LolRrFLzjyPOcw71BD4u4sb8reuC_6YAG1WbOv_6EzgHPI8vIiYThu96YkawZVVa9v9gbPxWFBVM-9Ric/s1600/lion.jpg" /></a></div><br />My gold kick isn't just arm candy. I picked up this brass bad boy (above) by our cottage last week and I <i>adore </i>it.  <a href="http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-4-best-antique-spots-in-cottage.html" target="_blank">PS., If you're looking for some good antique spots to visit in cottage country visit this post. </a> :)<br /><br /><a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Flisting%2F153074752%2Fcrystal-link-bracelet-chunky-rhinestone%3Fref%3Dshop_home_active" target="_blank">Bracelet </a> from <a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fshop%2FTopPopJewelry%3Fsection_id%3D13405489" target="_blank">Top Pop Jewelry on Etsy</a> / <a href="http://www.joefresh.com/en/" target="_blank">Necklace via Joe Fresh </a>/ <a href="http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=12052&langId=-1&catalogId=25005&categoryId=341112&productId=22436547&imagePath=FS4815" target="_blank">Fossil Men's Watch </a> / Bucket, Vintage<br /><a href="http://prf.hn/click/camref:11l3pT/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fpeople%2Fpennypeople%2Ffavorites%2Fjewelry%2F%3Fref%3Dcol_list" target="_blank">Ps., You can find more of my jewelry obsessions here. </a>

gold

I'm obsessed with gold these days. I'm trying to become a bit more "stylish" or "current" with my accessories no...

Read more »

What a mess!

Justin & I have our hands full with a <strike>spring</strike> summer cleaning project - the garage!! Look at this beast.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9413918697/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1314 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1314" height="427" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/9413918697_c4291b703c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22623969@N03/9416683714/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1318 by klacowsky, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1318" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9416683714_237eeb66ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />When Justin took down a couple of walls in the house back in September, we didn't want to rent a huge dumpster (and alert the city that we were remodeling without a permit...) but didn't have anywhere to put all the wood & sheetrock that he was ripping down. So in the garage it went.<br /><br />We've slowly been throwing all the scrap away in our garbage, but it's finally time to take this mess seriously.<br /><br />Wish us luck.<br /><br />

What a mess!

Justin & I have our hands full with a spring summer cleaning project - the garage!! Look at this beast. When Justin took down a couple ...

Read more »