15 TIPS to Decorate on a Budget

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNGXudb4gusqrdsmuTRDCfPmIX9tsBD_XkOmJYhRX8CpAwFoQqBG0TBU08fw28Y2PgKh-0rqlth0Px7MWrjf342d9IQ0F8xuFD46WsU6-kdEaGQuSuAQn-wqzaXZeX9waud_XhvGIvug/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="decorate on a budget, DIY tips, budget craft supplies" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNGXudb4gusqrdsmuTRDCfPmIX9tsBD_XkOmJYhRX8CpAwFoQqBG0TBU08fw28Y2PgKh-0rqlth0Px7MWrjf342d9IQ0F8xuFD46WsU6-kdEaGQuSuAQn-wqzaXZeX9waud_XhvGIvug/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Decorating your home on a budget is easier than you may think. You don't have to be an interior designer, super handy or even artistic. You just have to have a little inspiration, a willingness to get a little messy - and perhaps a <strike><i>glass of wine</i></strike> hot cup or coffee.<br /><br />Inspiration is the easy part!<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Blogs</li><li>Pinterest</li><li>HGTV</li><li>Decor catalogs</li><li>Online Decor magazines</li><li>"Window Shopping"</li></ul><br /><br />Once you've got lots of awesome ideas, you're going to need supplies, and I have a few tips on finding them, and how to save money on all kinds of decor and craft supplies.<br /><br /><b>Here are 15 TIPS for buying craft and art decor supplies - CHEAP.</b><br /><br />1. Home Depot and Lowe's paint stores sell the OOPS paint<b> </b>- cheap! Oops paint is paint that was mixed up to a certain color and either a customer didn't like it or never showed to pick it up. <i>At Home Depot this week I got two really pretty colors of paint in sample size (about a cup of paint) for .50 cents each. You can get gallons for a couple of dollars. Stop by the paint sections and ask for the OOPS paint when you're shopping.</i><br /><br />2. Again with Home Depot and Lowe's - If you're buying wood, big box stores will cut wood for free for you, or for a very nominal fee. JUST ASK. Check back by where they cut wood for customers for free. They usually have lots of scrap wood, which can be free. <i>JUST ASK! </i><br /><br />3. The Dollar Store - I used to be a DSS (Dollar Store Snob). I wouldn't set foot in one, but now I might possibly be their #1 shopper. The dollar store is perfect to stock up on: glass vases, mugs, plain white plates, glass beads, "silk" flowers and greenery, contact paper, anything - just wander around!<br /><br />4. Garden Centers (especially in Lowe's and Home Depot). Jute and twine and burlap. Huge rolls of burlap are available in garden centers - cheap! Same with jute and twine. There's no need to pay big money at fabric stores.<br /><br />5. Fabric - for small-ish sizes, check fabric remnants. Fabric remnants are always marked down and usually large enough to use when making pillow covers, seat covers, and smaller projects. Also, don't forget to ask clerks when the 50% off the red tags are for great deals on the best fabrics.<br /><br />6. Pallet wood is always hot. But it's not as easy as it sounds to pick up pallet wood. But if you know someone getting work done on their home, or an appliance delivered - these things are usually delivered on pallets, so ask to keep the pallets that most people throw away. Pallets = free wood.<br /><br />7. Thrift stores - mason jars, cutting boars, lamps, picture frames, canvases (you can paint over)... these are the things I always look for.<br /><br />8. Garage sales - Of course you love garage sales! Furniture, mirrors, frames ~ just be sure to look for good "bones".<br /><br />9. Acrylic paint, spray paint, glitter etc... Michael's, AC Moore, Hobby Lobby. Check the websites for coupons - <i>NEVER </i>go without one! (Or get the app for the stores so that you always have the weekly discount code right on your phone.)<br /><br />10. <i>ALWAYS </i>sign up for email alerts for your favorite stores. Even the dollar store has a mailing list. This way you will see the special mark downs <u>and </u>be able to add your coupon. When I'm in the market for canvases - I wait until they're on sale, and use a 40% coupon and pay very little!<br /><br />11. To save indirectly (read; gas), I rarely make special trips to specific stores. Frequently I ride with my husband when he has an errand at one of the big box stores, and then check the paints and wood scraps while I'm there. If I'm at the grocery store, the dollar store and thrift store are on my way home. You get the idea.<br /><br />12. Amazon. This is a post in itself. BUT, one trick I love is this: If you want something but it's not on sale, simply add it to your cart, but don't pay for it. Check your cart once in a while and if the item goes on sale, you will get an alert with the new price!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="31" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=fymoho-20&o=1&p=41&l=ur1&category=amazonhomepage&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="88"></iframe> </div>13. If you need fabric, do you have old sheets, curtains, blankets, shirts etc.? Maybe the pattern is perfect for what you need, and you don't need to buy fabric at all.<br /><br />14. <i>EVERYONE </i>has junk they don't want. Just let your family and friends know what you're in the market for. I just scored a beautiful old mirror that my parents gave me. My mother in law gave us a head board, which I plan to re-finish in the Spring.<br /><br />15. Rather than buy fiber filling, use old pillows (<i>of your own</i>) for the stuffing, or to re-cover. (I'm not suggesting you use other peoples pillows,<i> NO!</i> Dust mites and drool! I only tolerate my own dust mites and drool).<br /><br /><b>Tell me your tips on finding craft and DIY supplies! I would love to add them to the list!</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;"><b>HEY don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) </b>All the cool kids are! OK, well, my mom did... </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: orange;">Also, if you would like to join in some fun link parties, click <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/link-parties_11.html">HERE</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">PIN: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNGXudb4gusqrdsmuTRDCfPmIX9tsBD_XkOmJYhRX8CpAwFoQqBG0TBU08fw28Y2PgKh-0rqlth0Px7MWrjf342d9IQ0F8xuFD46WsU6-kdEaGQuSuAQn-wqzaXZeX9waud_XhvGIvug/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="decorate on a budget, DIY tips, budget craft supplies" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNGXudb4gusqrdsmuTRDCfPmIX9tsBD_XkOmJYhRX8CpAwFoQqBG0TBU08fw28Y2PgKh-0rqlth0Px7MWrjf342d9IQ0F8xuFD46WsU6-kdEaGQuSuAQn-wqzaXZeX9waud_XhvGIvug/s1600/15+Tips.jpg" title="" width="320" /></a></div>

15 TIPS to Decorate on a Budget

Decorating your home on a budget is easier than you may think. You don't have to be an interior designer, super handy or even artistic. ...

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Why Didn't I Think of That?

At least once a day, I think "why didn't I think of that?" to myself. This morning I was looking for a tip on pulling weeds (more on that later), and I thought I'd make a list of my favorite clever DIY tips and tricks, from our friends in blogland, or Pinterest, with a few tips and tricks I've learned along the way. <br /><br />If you think of any cool tips or tricks you use in your home, feel  free to jump in and leave me a comment! That said, here's my list I made while <strike>sulking and procrastinating</strike> getting psyched-up about weeding: <br /><a href="http://food.sndimg.com/img/recipes/10/38/93/large/picCG3UIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://food.sndimg.com/img/recipes/10/38/93/large/picCG3UIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Foam Soap Refill. Photo by gailanng" border="0" class="smallPageImage photo" id="i265410" itemprop="image" src="http://food.sndimg.com/img/recipes/10/38/93/large/picCG3UIA.jpg" title="Foam Soap Refill. Photo by gailanng" /></a><br /><a href="http://food.sndimg.com/img/recipes/10/38/93/large/picCG3UIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br /><br /><br />Make your own foaming hand soap and save $. Just mix 3 tbsp. liquid hand soap with 2/3 cup warm water and stir (don't shake) to mix. Obviously, you do have to use the foaming hand dispenser and not the regular kind. <br /><br />(photo/recipe <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/foam-soap-refill-103893">here</a>)<br /><br />Speaking of soap - who hasn't heard of the Dawn/Vinegar miracle? Probably you all have, but it bears repeating! Heat 1 cup of vinegar for 1 minute in the micro, and mix with 1 cup of Dawn. Particularly amazing at cleaning showers and tubs.  PLUS, spritz some on laundry stains - let sit for a few minutes, and the stain will wash right out. <br /><br /><br /><br />And similarly, did you know baby wipes are awesome for cleaning leather shoes? Dingy white leather sneakers get a new lease on life with baby wipes. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Dryer sheets have about a billion different uses, but my favorite is to give the dog a rub down when she's been out in the rain - no more stinky doggie. Plus, the dryer sheet gets rid of the static electricity and can help the pup with anxiety during thunderstorms. (We have a big dog, don't know if I'd do this on a little guy, but you could check it out.) <br /><br />Using tools? Here's a tip - flat thumbs are not sexy. Use a comb to hold a nail and save your digits.<br /><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/67/0c/6d/670c6d2230fddf3c5b233ac74c221e27.jpg" style="height: 429px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 645px;" /><br /><a href="http://www.home-dzine.co.za/2013/apr/186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" border="0" height="301" src="http://www.home-dzine.co.za/2013/apr/186.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>OR</em>, use pliers to hold fabric tacks or nails. Again, save your fingers, they aren't pretty when they're black either. Check out more DIY tips on the website <a href="http://www.home-dzine.co.za/diy/diy-clevertricks.htm">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><em>However</em>, a French Manicure <em>IS</em> sexy. This is a cute idea for perfect nail tips every time. (Not sure I'd go with yellow, but...) <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SlS5VP2szp69A0AHBbd_2DiNXQHglOqpH6ESnqYgH7p30byn4AV0LeUOGpq0DemjgTcB0xhAT78xWmAR3qajB7SSGtsB-Yh7PU7ysUoBka942M9E6rxjr3DgtHT4-gQNwYfEhqEVg-Y/s1600/DIY+French+Manicure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY French Manicure" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0SlS5VP2szp69A0AHBbd_2DiNXQHglOqpH6ESnqYgH7p30byn4AV0LeUOGpq0DemjgTcB0xhAT78xWmAR3qajB7SSGtsB-Yh7PU7ysUoBka942M9E6rxjr3DgtHT4-gQNwYfEhqEVg-Y/s1600/DIY+French+Manicure.jpg" title="DIY French Manicure" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo <a href="http://easyhomestead.blogspot.com/2013/05/diy-french-manicure.html">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Random fact, but, I love eggs. Not as much as ice cream, but they're up there!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7QZWqxXVUkJnlmSsAwfKZyGyHyBNxQInTHBVipyhwYCUjfmZqCMzEVthxS14Xmlbsoy2-u5rc6PTjKJRfIK9_BsNpsZPET-y71iPT_vPm2jq62UwrrsvJ4vqDk-nEx09iO6Sw7yPrTHg/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7QZWqxXVUkJnlmSsAwfKZyGyHyBNxQInTHBVipyhwYCUjfmZqCMzEVthxS14Xmlbsoy2-u5rc6PTjKJRfIK9_BsNpsZPET-y71iPT_vPm2jq62UwrrsvJ4vqDk-nEx09iO6Sw7yPrTHg/s400/056.JPG" width="400" /></a>Here's a cool idea. To separate eggs, I usually crack the egg into my hand and let the whites separate through my fingers, keeping the yolk in tact. Easy, but kinda yucky. This is not only cleaner, but a way cooler way to separate egg yolks! (Visit the website where I saw this <a href="http://butteryum.blogspot.com/2013/04/separating-eggs-neat-trick.html">here.</a>)<br /><br />How cool is that? Don't you want to just run to the fridge and grab an egg? <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Speaking of eggs. My lil guy loves to help cooking. His motor skills aren't quite up to egg-cracking yet, so we remove a lot of egg shell pieces. Just use a piece of the shell to fish out the tiny pieces from your cracked eggs - for some reason, the shell pieces are attracted to each other. (Awww). <br /><br />One more egg tip: fresh eggs are way harder to peel than the older eggs. So if you're making hard-boiled eggs, try to use the "older eggs". (Not <em>too old</em>, "green eggs and ham" makes a cute story, but I'm pretty sure would make you sick.) <br /><br />And now for something completely different: <br /><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/24/e8/56/24e8565ca5443767435014e8be1597ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/24/e8/56/24e8565ca5443767435014e8be1597ac.jpg" style="height: 281px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 40px 0px; width: 225px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Martha Stewart strikes again - make an extra fold in your wrapping paper to create a pocket for the card. Love it. <br /><br /><br />(Note: I don't buy expensive wrapping paper. I use a roll of brown paper used for shipping. You can decorate it with stamps, twine, burlap, etc...) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Now on to one of my favorite tips, because with very little effort, this cooking tip makes you seem like a <em>Chef</em> to your guests. So here it is:  <em>Everything tastes better with bacon</em>, and that's the truth! (You can use vegetarian bacon, too!). Make veggie bundles with green beans or asparagus. Nice presentation and delicious. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23Qi-Uw9tFVMj2YyjbYjZcuR8bsqgFfoQszBJGJZRupFKSO5o-hldPyuSnXHVt-T4idcweMO23Y6tz9kgJQYWrCVrUIFu2PHkwr3z-jWA-I6_sJxLSArDcTzIw6VXnkLqCSypu9vhNxg/s1600/Bacon-Wrapped-Green-Beans.jpg" imageanchor="1" sizcache04567054404492974="4 18 201" sizset="false" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="paleo friendly side dish" border="0" closure_uid_82658218="1" jquery182008095448076891676="4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23Qi-Uw9tFVMj2YyjbYjZcuR8bsqgFfoQszBJGJZRupFKSO5o-hldPyuSnXHVt-T4idcweMO23Y6tz9kgJQYWrCVrUIFu2PHkwr3z-jWA-I6_sJxLSArDcTzIw6VXnkLqCSypu9vhNxg/s1600/Bacon-Wrapped-Green-Beans.jpg" title="Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles" /></a><br /><br />Do I need to tell you that chicken, pork, shrimp and fish are awesome wrapped in bacon too? Visit skinnytaste.com for tons of cool recipes. <br /><br />Do you make your own wreaths? There are tons of ideas out there, so I bet you do!<br /><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/d1/60/24/d1602453928a9d8c5aaabec3121d3bd5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/d1/60/24/d1602453928a9d8c5aaabec3121d3bd5.jpg" style="height: 240px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 40px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here's a super clever idea for wreath making: go to the plumbing department at Home Depot and grab a six foot long piece of foam tubing for $.97! Snip the length you want and duct tape the ends together.  Wreath tutorial <a href="http://www.thepennyparlor.com/2010/09/coffee-filter-wreath.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/9e/f4/8a/9ef48a4c3a88e370c2158c0fb2222fd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/9e/f4/8a/9ef48a4c3a88e370c2158c0fb2222fd1.jpg" style="height: 320px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 40px 0px; width: 213px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Speaking of wreaths: Here's an easy way to hang a wreath with no damage to the door - hang a command hook on the opposite side of the door, like so. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So that's a pretty good list to start with.  I now have to stop playing and go out and pull weeds - Boo! I know, I'm a baby because I hate pulling weeds - so as I mentioned, I tried to look up "tips on pulling weeds", and didn't find any useful ideas. I'm not too happy about that, but I think I have a plan: <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="image pinImage" src="http://media-cache-ec4.pinimg.com/736x/18/ff/da/18ffda88fa9c9bb0cc73f50a9af046d1.jpg" style="height: 300px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 40px 0px; width: 400px;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>So what have you got for me? What are your favorite tips or tricks for around the home?</em></strong> <br /><br />Parties I'm at Saturday:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">SATURDAY</div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><a href="http://www.houseontheway.com/google-blog-hop/#comment-7766"><span style="color: magenta;">Google+ Blog Hop at House on the Way</span></a><br /><a href="http://cheeriosandlattes.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Saturday Show and Tell at Cheerios and Lattes</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://funkyjunkinteriors.net/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Saturday Nite Special at Funky Junk Interiors</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">A Bouquet of Talent Party at Life on Lakeshore Drive</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://sixsistersstuff.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Strut Your Stuff Party at Six Sisters' Stuff</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sassylittlelady.com/blog/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Show and Tell Saturday at Sassy little Lady</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://too-much-time.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Get Schooled Satuday at Too Much Time on My Hands</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.foxhollowcottage.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Power of Pinterest Party at Fox Hollow Cottage</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Your Great Idea Party at Or So She Says</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.itsoverflowing.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Overflowing with Creativity party at It's Overflowing</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://gingerbreadgem.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Craft Country Cottage Party at Old Red Barn</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://sew-licious.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Saturday SHOW-licious Craft Showcase at Sew-licious</span></a></div><div align="left"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: magenta;"> </span></div><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><br />Parties I'm at Thursday:<br /><a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"></span></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <a href="http://ahandfulofeverything.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Great Idea Thursdays at A Handful of Everything</span></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.the36thavenue.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Party Time at The 36th Avenue</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Share Your Cup Party at Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.houseofhepworths.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Hookin' Up with HOH at House of Hepworths</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://designeddecor.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Talkin' about Thursday at Designed Décor</span></a><br /><a href="http://domesticsuperhero.com/2013/04/25/sharing-with-domestic-superhero-8/"><span style="color: orange;">Sharing with Domestic Superhero</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://livelaughrowe.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Live Laugh Linky at Live Laugh Rowe</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://adelightsomelife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;"><span style="color: orange;">Home and Garden Thursday at</span> A Delightsome Life</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">The Inspiration Gallery at Craftberry Bush</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://madeinaday.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Made U Look Linky at Made in a Day</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.thevintagefarmhouse.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Creative Things Thursday at The Vintage Farmhouse</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.myrepurposedlife.net/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Catch as Catch Can at My Repurposed Life</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Time Travel Thursday at The Brambleberry Cottage</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Catch a Glimpse Party at A Glimpse Inside</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.52mantels.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">52 Mantels</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://staceyembracingchange.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Creative Inspirations Linky Party at Embracing Change</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.redflycreations.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Simply Create Link Party at Redfly Creations</span></a><br /><a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2013/05/home-sweet-home-120.html"><span style="color: orange;">Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home</span></a></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div>

Why Didn't I Think of That?

At least once a day, I think "why didn't I think of that?" to myself. This morning I was looking for a tip on pulling weeds (m...

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Free Project #2

With help from a little freckled person, I finished the second "free" project.  I had two mirrors, which were bought years ago on EBay.  They were from an old dressing table, and the mirror itself was somewhat scratched to begin with. So I figured they were the perfect guinea pigs for this project.<br /><br />First, I cleaned the mirrors with Windex. I debated on whether to paint the frames, but that may have to wait for another day, as my assistant was anxious to help with the sticker part of the project, and, it was getting dangerously close to nap-time. So I decided to keep the wood frames as is.<br /><br />I had a pack of stick on letters, which I originally got at AC Moore. You can get them anywhere, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Michael's, etc, and they come in all sorts of sizes and fonts.<br /><br />I picked out a phrase and placed the vinyl letters on the mirror. I'm pretty sure more organized people would recommend you measure and align the letters "just so".  However, I like to live on the edge.  I just slapped them on the mirror and hoped for the best.<br /><br />I taped off the edges of the mirror frame like this, so that I didn't get any paint on the frame itself, and painted the mirror with Satin White Paint. All the while my helper, insisted on guiding my hand while taping and painting - this was very helpful indeed.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mirror-003.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-758" height="225" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mirror-003-300x225.jpg" title="mirror 003" width="300" /></a> Paint over stick on letters <br /><br />After a 2 hour nap for my trusty side-kick, the paint felt dry. My much refreshed assistant happily removed the letters. All the while I calmly reminded him "pull gently" and "not too fast" and "steady does it". He interpreted this as "rip as hard, and fast as possible, like ripping off a band aid"...<br /><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mirror-0061.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-761" height="225" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mirror-0061-300x225.jpg" title="mirror 006" width="300" /></a> Always have a competent assistant<br /><br /><br />Fortunately, it seems there was a method to his madness, because the letters came right off, and there were only a few tiny spots of paint that had bled under the letters, which I scraped off with a sharp knife. And, that is project number 2 completed.<br /><br />I hung them in our little kitchen nook, and they look pretty cute.<br /><br />For which I am happy.  :-)<br /><br />]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mirror-011.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-762" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/mirror-011-225x300.jpg" title="mirror 011" width="225" /></a><br /><br />

Free Project #2

With help from a little freckled person, I finished the second "free" project.  I had two mirrors, which were bought years ago on ...

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Free Project #1

The first "free" project is complete! Inspired by Pinterest, I wanted to frame a couple of recipes to hang in the kitchen.<br/><br/>I have loads of sentimental recipes passed down from family members and friends.  I chose two that I love and make frequently. I know my great grandmother's English Butter Tarts recipe by heart, but it will be nice to see her name and the recipe every day.  She passed away about 20 years ago, and it makes me smile to think about her. Also, I have a hot cheese dip recipe, from my Mom, that I also have memorized, but it'll be nice to see it in the kitchen.<br/><br/>I had two small matching frames that I got on sale at Kinney Drugs.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/034.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-750" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/034-225x300.jpg" title="034" width="225" /></a> Spare picture frames[/caption]<br/><br/>I took them apart, and took the wooden frame down to the basement for a little black spray paint.  (I wouldn't normally spray paint in the basement - but as there were no kids home, it was sleeting outside, and this only took about 10 seconds of spray paint, I figured there was no harm).<br/><br/>Then I went to the computer, and found a font a wanted to use.  I typed out the recipe and printed it on brown packing paper... Then realized I'd forgotten to spell check!<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_751" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/036.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-751" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/036-225x300.jpg" title="036" width="225" /></a> Recipe[/caption]<br/><br/>So, I did it again, and voila!<br/><br/>Here are the finished recipes.  I haven't decided where to hang them yet.  But I will post a photo when the week of free projects is completed.<br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="225"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/037.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-752" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/037-225x300.jpg" title="037" width="225" /></a> Framed Recipes[/caption]<br/><br/> <br/><br/>[caption id="attachment_753" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/039.jpg"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-753" height="225" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/039-300x225.jpg" title="039" width="300" /></a> Framed recipes[/caption]<br/><br/> 

Free Project #1

The first "free" project is complete! Inspired by Pinterest, I wanted to frame a couple of recipes to hang in the kitchen. I have ...

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Thank God for Kids

<p style="text-align: center;">Note:<br/>This is the mushiest post I will ever write.<br/>Bear with me, and I will go back to my usual sarcasm tomorrow.<br/>***********</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">Growing up in my family, Christmas music consisted of Willie Nelson, John Denver, and The Oak Ridge Boys - to name a few. Oh, my sister and I complained about our parents subjecting us to those country classics.  We wanted to listen to modern Christmas songs, from Band Aid, and The Pogues "Fairy Tale in New York".  (Okay, they're not modern <em>NOW</em>..)  But secretly, my favorite Christmas album <em>was</em> The Oak Ridge Boys, and particularly the song "Thank God For Kids".  I think I liked it so much because it was reassuring to me.  <em>If The Oakridge Boys liked kids, then surely my Mom and Dad liked me!  Even if I did swim in ponds, and refused to wear dresses...</em></p><br/>Now that I have kids of my own, I really, really love that song. Because now I know the meaning behind it.<br/><br/>But today was, well, one of those days.  As you may know, we built our house about a year and a half ago.  It cost quite a bit of money, and took a lot of work to get it the way we wanted it.  We are in the house honeymoon period, and more than a little house proud.<br/><br/>However, despite our best efforts to keep our home clean, and to decorate, and DIY -  today I noticed the following:<br/><br/>The carpet in the living room has little drip stains dribbled from one end to the other (presumably milk).  There's a hole in one of the bedroom walls (another Tonka truck incident).  The kids bathroom has a water damaged baseboard, because the shower curtain is constantly left open.  Big A just had to pull out a toilet because someone thought it was okay to flush a q-tip.  There are air-soft "bullets" all over the yard, and Nerf bullets all over the house.  There's a half finished go-cart in the hedge row. The cabinet housing the trash, has something resembling spaghetti sauce permanently dripping down the inside of the door.  There are grimy fingerprints on <em>every</em> light switch and faucet handle.... And I could go on.<br/><br/><em>C'mon guys! This is our beautiful new home!!!</em><br/><br/>And then I heard <em>that song</em> today.  And I got a little weepy.<br/><br/>Because that song made me think - despite all that dirt and mess and naughtiness, thank God for kids.  I could live in a perfectly clean home, with no clutter and no mess.  But I'd rather be listening to my kids belly laugh, and run around chasing one another in the evenings.  I'd rather have them building forts in the living room, and helping me make meatballs in the kitchen. Regardless of dribbles and grime.<br/><br/>So that's the way it is.  "And we'd all live in a quiet house with-out Big Bird or Mickey Mouse and Kool Aid on the couch...Thank God for kids."<br/><br/>(*Now, had I won the power-ball, the kids would have their own house.  With a maid.)<br/><p style="text-align: center;"> (Listen to Thank God for Kids <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaidWcca1_g">here</a>.)</p><br/><p style="text-align: center;">(Or buy it: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002T19/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000002T19&linkCode=as2&tag=fymoho-20">Christmas With The Oak Ridge Boys</a>)</p><br/> <br/><br/> 

Thank God for Kids

Note: This is the mushiest post I will ever write. Bear with me, and I will go back to my usual sarcasm tomorrow. *********** Growing up in ...

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Black Friday

Today is Black Friday.  I don't like Walmart at the best of times, but I avoid it like the plague when it's Black Friday.<br/><br/>However, today I was gonna have to face my fears.  I needed to buy a flat screen TV for the kids play room.  It was half price, so heading out to the madness seemed unavoidable.  But the universe must have had different plans for me today, because as it turns out, I mis-read the Black Friday Flyer and missed the sale by 12 hours.  AND, I found out I missed the sale before I left the house!<em> Phew!</em><br/><br/>What to do?  What to do? (Looking around house...)<br/><br/>Having a lot of time on my hands is never really a good thing.  That's how my kitchen ended up Pee Wee Herman orange one year...<br/><br/>Anyway, I got thinking. We have at least 5 bulky 500 lb tvs sitting around. With technology advancing and new models being released every 30 minutes, what's one to do with all of the out of date tvs?<br/><br/>That's when it hit me: it's my duty to try to find a use for the old televisions.  And, with Pinterest and DIY blogs, where you can find brilliant ideas for upcycling <em>anything</em>, I <em>was certain </em>I would find an ingenious use for them.  Big A would marvel at how resourceful I could be....<br/><br/>But I was wrong.  After a little research it was obvious that not even Pinterest could help with an old tv.  I now know that I will not be upcycling my old televisions - I will be donating them to charity.<br/><br/>But just in case <em>YOU</em> are a little on the loony side, here are some ridiculous ways to get crafty with old televisions:<br/><br/>Here's my favorite.  Turn it into a mini-bar!  I can just see myself in a in a floral dress, checkered apron, and white heels, mixing up a martini for Big A:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/tv.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-638" height="300" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/tv-197x300.jpg" title="" width="197" /></a><br/><br/>Or, here's another wonderful idea. God knows how, but you could turn an old TV into a fish tank:<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/fish.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-639" height="239" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/fish-300x239.jpg" title="fish" width="300" /></a>This is the easiest and perhaps most useful of all the ideas I found:  tie a chain around the thing, and use it as a boat anchor.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/boat-anchor.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-640" height="246" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/boat-anchor-300x246.jpg" title="boat anchor" width="300" /></a><br/><br/>I don't know if this is cute, or disturbing.  You could use an old tv as a crib for your baby.<br/><br/><a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/old-tv.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-641" height="148" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/old-tv-300x148.jpg" title="old tv" width="300" /></a><br/><br/>And if by any chance your flat screen dies on you (the horror!), here's an idea.  Just gorrila glue on some legs, and you've got yourself a kitchen table!  <a href="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/table.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-642" height="240" src="http://www.fyimodularhomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/table-300x240.jpg" title="table" width="300" /></a>

Black Friday

Today is Black Friday.  I don't like Walmart at the best of times, but I avoid it like the plague when it's Black Friday. However, t...

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Storm Preparation

<strong></strong>I should be painting, but with the storm approaching, I'm choosing to lay low, and dream up comfort food to make before we lose power.  The threat of a storm always makes me think of my stomach, and a possible shortage of things to put in it.  (For those who know me, I'm sure this comes as no surprise).<br/><br/>However, I did prepare for the likely power outage, and getting into true survival mode, here's what I did:<br/><br/>Made coffee and put it in a thermos.<br/>Took a shower.<br/>Gathered 1 flashlight, which I found is not in working order.<br/>Found one battery powered lamp, which is in working order.<br/>Got laundry done.<br/>Ran dishwasher.<br/>Made spaghetti.<br/>Made Currant Tarts.<br/><br/>SO, as you can see, if we lose power, I'm completely able to survive.  I'll be clean, have a lamp, hot coffee, cold spaghetti, and little pies!<br/><br/>(Seriously, I do wish everyone in the path of the storm well. And hope everyone stays safe.)<br/><br/><strong>ENGLISH BUTTER TARTS (OR CURRANT TARTS) Makes 12-15</strong><br/><br/>This recipe was passed down in our family from my great-grandmother.  Everyone who tries one of these mini-pies asks for the recipe.  <em>Everyone! </em>  I find dried currants where you find raisins in the grocery store, and also in the bulk food section.<br/><ul><br/> <li>1/2 cup real butter room temperature</li><br/> <li>1 cup granulated sugar</li><br/> <li>1 large egg</li><br/> <li>2 teaspoons vanilla</li><br/> <li>1 cup dried currants</li><br/></ul><br/><h3><strong>For the Pastry</strong></h3><br/><ul><br/> <li>2 cups all-purpose flour</li><br/> <li>1/4 teaspoon salt</li><br/> <li>2/3 cup lard</li><br/> <li>3 -4 tablespoons cold water</li><br/></ul><br/><h2>Directions:</h2><br/><ol><br/> <li><br/><div>To Make the Filling:.</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Wash the currants and drain them.</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Stir the sugar and butter together well. Mix in the egg and vanilla until well blended. Stir in the currants.</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><strong>To Make the Pastry:</strong></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Mix the flour and salt together.</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Cut the lard into the flour and salt until the consistency is like crumbs. Gradually add enough of the water to make the dough hold together, and form it into a ball.</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Roll out the dough and cut out with a round cookie cutter and fit into muffin tins (regular size, not mini).</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div><strong>To Assemble & Bake:</strong></div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Put a large spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the filling into each unbaked tart shell.</div></li><br/> <li><br/><div>Bake @ 375 for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden and crust is done. (Don't over-bake - the filling should not be too brown or crispy.).</div></li><br/></ol><br/><em>Honesty report</em>:  I do not make pie crust!  I buy it and cut it to fit in the muffin tins!<br/><br/> 

Storm Preparation

I should be painting, but with the storm approaching, I'm choosing to lay low, and dream up comfort food to make before we lose power.  ...

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Bathroom Paint

<p style="text-align: left;">Well, it's a cold and rainy day.  Which is fine, because the bathrooms need painting, and it's been put off for too long.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">The first thing I have to tackle is choosing the right primer and paint.  Even if the bathroom is well-ventilated it's the perfect environment for mold and mildew.  And they're no fun!  So I think it's a good thing to prime with a moisture resistant primer.  The primer will help seal the drywall so that the high moisture won't cause any damage.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">Then select a paint with "mildewcide" to retard mildew and mold growth. You many not have to do this if your bathroom is used by adults who use the ventilation consistently.  But if you have kids, you're probably going to want to do all you can to save yourself work down the road.  One thing my kids do manage to do consistently is leave the shower curtain open!</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">It's also best to paint with a semi-gloss paint so that you can wipe down the walls easily.  I won't show you a picture as proof, but little hands leave lots of fingerprints, especially in the bathroom.</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">Choosing the color for your bathroom is entirely personal.  However, I think I'll follow the tactics of beauty salons that use a pinky-peach, warm beige, or soft tan color, because those colors tend to make the clients skin look good in the mirror.  And I'm down with lookin' good in the bathroom mirror!  Who cares if it's all an illusion!</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">I once painted a bathroom bright yellow (so cheery, I thought), but it made me look like the walking dead (so creepy, I realized).</p><br/><p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" data-height="192" data-width="262" height="192" id="rg_hi" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQQPYQWK4NPfR4b_2OQMgppk7V49WqryPwt3_G7LMKDLyqu9BachQ" width="262" /></p><br/><p style="text-align: left;">No one can have a good day lookin' like that in the bathroom mirror.  This time, the color we picked out is a warm beige, and I'm accenting with a forest green tile and dark brown accents.  I hope it makes me look good!  At least better than above!</p>

Bathroom Paint

Well, it's a cold and rainy day.  Which is fine, because the bathrooms need painting, and it's been put off for too long. The first ...

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Fall friendly advice

Hello!  Just FYI - in general, I don't like being practical, and some would argue that I am <strong>NOT</strong> very practical, but, nevertheless, it's time for some very practical home advice.  Can I say practical again? Annoying isn't it?<br/><br/>Yes, I'm grumpy that summer is coming to a close.  But, at least it's a little cooler at this time of year, it's in the 70's and 80's right now (as opposed to 90 or 100 just a few weeks ago).  And although we're still in shorts, it's cool enough to tackle some household chores in the next few weeks, to get ready for the cold weather. Dare I say, it's time to <em>winterize</em>?  Shudder.<br/><br/>Even in a new home, you need to take some time to get ready for whatever winter is going to hand us.  And, although I'd rather be splashing in the lake, or sitting by the camp fire, there are lots of things I'm going to be taking care of in our home and yard. Yup, winterizing.  The effort I put in this fall, will save money and time in the spring.  And give me more time and money next summer for lakes, boats and fires.<br/><br/><strong>Insulation.</strong><br/><br/>Attics require 12 inches insulation.  Without it, it's the same as leaving the front door open. A good rule of thumb is, if you can see the joists or rafters, you need more.  When we built our modular home, the upstairs was unfinished.  We <em>(I mean Big A - I drank coffee)</em> put in about 15" of insulation just to be extra certain we weren't going to allow our heat to escape through the second floor.<br/><br/><strong>Storm windows.</strong><br/><br/>If you have you have single pane glass windows, you could replace the windows, but for a fraction of the cost you could install storms.  Installation is fairly simple, and you could reduce the amount of heat lost out of your windows by 40%!  Uh, that's a no-brainer, right?!<br/><br/><strong>Gutters.</strong><br/><br/>Cleaning the gutters to keep them free of leaves and pine needles, is a nasty business, but it'll keep snow and rain off of the roof. You don't need roof damage!  Furthermore, clean and properly aligned gutters make sure the down spouts take the water away from the house, so you don't get damage to the rest of your home.<br/><br/><strong>Leaks.</strong><br/><br/>A drafty home is not good for your heating bill.  Before it's 5 degrees below, walk around the house on a windy day, and find the drafts.   Pay special attention to door and window frames, electrical outlets and recessed lighting. You can stop door drafts with door sweeps, weather stripping and caulk.  Similarly caulk around leaky windows and outlets.<br/><br/><strong>Furnace.</strong><br/><br/>Turn the furnace on to make sure its working.  The first run may produce a dusty smell, but that's fine and should disperse soon.  If not, have the furnace checked out.  Last week, by accident the furnace was turned on, and although it was not on purpose, not only were we <del>baked to death</del> nice and toasty, I smelled that distinctive smell, and knew our furnace is in working order.   Before you use your furnace, replace filters to keep it running efficiently.<br/><br/><em>(Note: allot extra time for your trip to Home Depot for the filters - it takes <del>me</del> at least 30 minutes to find the filter aisle, and 30 more to find the right size filter!)</em><br/><br/><strong>Leaves.</strong><br/><br/>Remove fallen leaves from around your yard.  By "remove fallen leaves", I mean rake.  Raking produces blisters, herniated discs, and sometimes head trauma (don't ask).  BUT, it's good for your lawn.  And although I dread raking leaves in the Fall, I dread raking dead wet leaves that are stuck to the ground like cement in the Spring, even more!<br/><br/><strong>Lawn.</strong><br/><br/>Cut the grass short before the first frost.  Long grass can bend and trap moisture in your lawn, which can cause mold. Eww.<br/><br/>If you do anything else in the fall to get ready for winter, let me know!  I'm all in for saving on the heating bill, and having more free time in the Spring and Summer!<br/><br/> 

Fall friendly advice

Hello!  Just FYI - in general, I don't like being practical, and some would argue that I am NOT very practical, but, nevertheless, it...

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DIY tips

Building a modular home or any home often leads to a loooooong to-do list.  Try to make your life a little easier with these DIY and home improvement tips from me.  Actually, some are more of a "warning" than a "tip", but you'll get  my drift.<br/><br/>Make a plan.  Your plan should of course reflect the order in which things should be done, time it will take, cost, etc.  I think you can see the value in this, so I won't pontificate on it, but I will tell you a true story.  And I will give you the moral of this story right now: Don't be me.  I didn't make a plan once (alright I try to go plan-less all the time, but I don' recommend it).  Anyway, I decided to repaint a bedroom.  I gathered all of my painting supplies, and set to work sanding and cleaning the walls.  Next, I primed the walls and let that dry.  I set to work painting for painting for the next two days, a really beautiful chocolate color.  It looked pretty darn awesome!  And <em><strong>then</strong></em> I painted the ceiling white. (In case you don't get it, a plan would have come in handy here. Take my word for it.)  Moving on...<br/><br/>Do what's necessary!  (Or, to be clear, don't do unnecessary things!)  For example, unless you can afford a landscaper (I wish!), use your natural surroundings.  Instead of removing trees, consider giving them a little trim, and leave them there.  Instead of moving a boulder, plan around it.  Our yard is full of trees, and yes, they're a pain to mow around.  But they're beautiful.  And frankly, it's easier to mow around them than to cut them down, drag away the branches, and cut up the wood.  Also, several boulders turned up when we dug our foundation.  Rather than haul them away, we kept the nice ones and plan to plant around them.  (In 2023.)<br/><br/>Budget your projects. The harsh reality is that your project, no matter how big or small will cost up <em>at least</em> 35% more than you anticipate.  This is something that bites me in the butt all the time!   I guess a good rule of thumb is to add 50% on top of what you think your project will cost, and if you can afford that, yay! Just painting buys me at least three extra trips to Home Depot!   Halfway through painting I need more paint, or the dog runs off with my paint brush (happened!), and I need to buy a new one.  And I never budget for those extra trips! Then end up eating only stale bread for two days to save money.  Again, don't be me!<br/><br/>Be realistic about your skills.  Some things you just have to be brutally honest about.  If your toilet is backing up into your tub and that "water" is flowing out of the tub and onto the floor, I don't have to tell you that if you're not a plumber you should probably call one, do I?  Similarly, if you think you can fix a faulty electrical outlet with a knife, well, you probably <em>really</em> need an electrician.  Whatever your project, think carefully.  Not only is your budget important, but so is your skill level.  If you get half-though a project and you find you can't finish it yourself, you're going to call a professional anyway, thus messing with your budget big time!  I'm really struggling with whether or not I am able to do my patio installation project myself.  But, it could be an interesting future post if I tackle this myself, and can't finish the project.  The title might be something like "Who needs a patio, when you could have a Shallow Hole?" or "How to find a good Chiropractor"...  We'll see.<br/><br/>Phew, all this talk of DIY and projects, and it's the weekend!  Home Depot in the morning <em>and</em> I think I have two things I'm gonna cross off my to-do list.  But it's not a promise.  More of a threat than a promise.<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> 

DIY tips

Building a modular home or any home often leads to a loooooong to-do list.  Try to make your life a little easier with these DIY and home im...

Read more »