It’s time for some board and batten

<p>Hey heeeey! Hope your weekend was great! </p> <p>I got SO MUCH DONE in the family room over the weekend – so much that I’m crazy sore today. Me thinks I’m getting too old for the days of nonstop DIY. We’ve been living with <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno" target="_blank">our family room</a> half way done for a couple weeks now – I’ve gotten very little done up till now. I was out of town for a trip three days, then I was sick for most of last week with a crappy cold. I didn’t feel like doing anything. </p> <p>Yesterday was the first day I felt good and had a mostly free day to get things done. I can live with half way for a while – then all the sudden I can’t handle it one. more. day. and I go into beast mode. There’s something about this time of year – I want to NEST like you wouldn’t believe. I want to decrapify my entire house, fluff everything, start thinking about fall decor…all that stuff. And none of that is happening if I have the family room taunting me. :) </p> <p>There’s so much for me to do in the room, it can become overwhelming. So I’ve been focusing on a few walls at a time. I painted the walls in one end of the room already and I’m still patching some of the board and batten and touching up paint there. But the biggest area that’s been bugging me is this side of the room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnuLEHbe7hOj2Qlb0ROOPXvBQ0Y-Fk21zqZjxo_KeVDMfDaPS24YiM7OBmW6pCgpJn7aW59KttjuBPMGot7flpJZsbugSmYJj917nnE13Amv9iU98F1LQn1OvhL0nE0zpcUPF0c6eM6w/s1600-h/IMG_9718%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjwCcarVZtycw5lUlE1R_vge2sq_qoZWDEbXiY2bM7qOdP6xFxIWg89ElU9bcQCzw6N_8s0qS17A1tV5q9BkzeqWp4cfyO8LImu1OzSve018wQzyZY9zYxyP1KlS2nMNmcLVlt7qHoE0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It was really a mess, as you can see. My first plan of action yesterday was to finish up extending the crown molding. This is a little trick I use to make the crown appear thicker. You all know how I love me some chunky trim! </p> <p>I’ve seen a method where they attach baseboards to the wall, I think upside down? And then you install the crown over it. A few things though – I already had the crown up in the room, so I’m not taking it down just to put it back up. Also, that’s a BIG added expense in a room this size. Third – I had already done this trick in the office so I needed to continue in throughout the space anyway. :)</p> <p>It’s quite easy – it just takes a lot of trips up and down the ladder. (I should have legs of steel at this point, really.) I use this inexpensive decorative trim:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVbW5iyS1vzRiLoly4LmuwmrrszcRfkwON2YqLfEQNSjefy06AxveTyds7j0z0gn-aXqyz0Gh6Ej8wuePJAI_XHewQBD_DATst9s8LsOS8iFuCqt6_eIMp6z4Zn-mjDyT_GVpgsgqyVcA/s1600-h/IMG_9719%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beefing up crown molding" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhvn9bu0LPI-qqiejFnV3BzayibvvpPdNVZWrh7bbHQ8SPLxSNbtMNm5-tzqkbZPdQY_5_JDLe9kNCOFGpgXnkNgpNTGez1AyNw4z8aeAQPROm7ZkA36z4tQYepsn7tk-Op-sEVsfoz8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="beefing up crown molding" width="500" /></a>You can find it at Lowe’s and Home Depot. I just place it about an inch below the current crown. You can use a piece of wood or something as a spacer so you have the same distance around the room – I just use my level as I go around so it’s fairly consistent. </p> <p>The great thing about working so high up is when you cut the piece too short <em>for the third time</em> and just put it up anyway cause it’s making you cuss,<em> </em>nobody will know: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9cRRI90QIGtNXDVq0pW7zUSpUC_cDW5wdwVaN1h5zfOnu4O4vlbSxaKFHHce0jGAuvyK0EqcaW_PUUn3xOAmQwUYcf5tW83nFjyEihR56oXQGI8k2V9fEIBqYWYxKakiZvn7iIdzw1g/s1600-h/IMG_9721%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY thick crown molding" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4BOo_CoOHspNfS4wpe4mz5vdV0SDX0ZWgZoFkxo9-KiRo1fNc4E_5ybt3aqkS5_Ydd7MHtqfPuuU63NA0-INkGhtDxch8HUhLNIZVQ6huAUn01lF_ntgE9QtoABYdVDq-q0gMwekDjZw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DIY thick crown molding" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Caulk and spackle people. <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/06/caulk-and-spackle-my-bffs.html" target="_blank">Caulk and spackle</a>. </p> <p>It took three coats of semi gloss white (legs of steel) until it was covered, but it looks so good! Chunky!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJxJK9JKgeO2Mh7rV69MXVsjJ_XLu1MuFIdOIhs7pfiAZweDvXuHbbfC1HRwBO3T440zQhoA4SbD7U9GIfZF1oSp2o0NiuvpbD9MMT1ujRhoJ7CKnERDHZFnd6gtq88uJgpRgYM1ktI0/s1600-h/IMG_9734%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="making crown molding look thicker" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kfPsXj3uYxZJn0K3bdbOr56nlqXxqCRIFS7hzR1c0tANkl0WmplZTR0EXLT1zuK-PTlu24N9GtKgHlRXOTWgK5ZMyetI20pTljizwpOYnDW1bleviZNzYFIgrygrCt0YfqwNU4T5DAI/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="making crown molding look thicker" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The day we tore down the wall one of the guys mentioned how I was going to have to redo all the crown in the family room to match up with the office because I had used the baseboards underneath. It fooled him, it will fool others. ;) </p> <p>So I mentioned I was in beast mode yesterday and this is where the rest of the work came in. Here’s a shot of this wall just after I finished installing the small trim: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHaKXapFHU7KPM3S36lQ9Cc4XgNU3okXVkNZGZUaD8QQPo0x2m1jfmm7RSTaAUqx1NEmJFYWqKkaCLC3qYZjwU8BEQZZa-Gr6CIlA1Zm26-QivzWdugbXnqItdIGeBxlAKITE3YpOAVo/s1600-h/IMG_9723%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="780" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbWUs7XRnXnT5cdoVt2zwVsY9_bjcstGtdIEPA9p_uVQhkwH0b_c9DGoX7v-HNUpH_-CLfwXVacweNWt2sWe7oMzNjIyjFt8MAqnZfCsxDP0EBKByeP4JKtbToOi8MY-OsxNpnbjTZgw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="485" /></a></p> <p>It hadn’t been painted yet, obviously. We had to patch a few holes from the TV hanging there before and the darker rectangles on the wall were from the molding I had had up there forever. Nearly eight years – I’ve been ready for a change for awhile. </p> <p>After caulking the baseboards in three places, painting them, painting the bottom part of the wall three times in semi gloss white, installing all the board and batten and most of the decorative trim, finishing up the crown and painting the walls <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/a-new-wall-color-kind-of.html" target="_blank">their new color</a>, I ended up with this: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxTkQihMQ_zBImTJ-KQModGHpkokladqBiJhISLWzqj9E4StuorwgzwWvKfBvs8Zxa4J-KEfLGsA1G0TLGD5abjnpL__xnNUgEqwp3QuQD1p30OQIoLP4wAY0Kao0cUhdTqE0ibukj10/s1600-h/IMG_9728%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="white board and batten" border="0" height="761" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKirdAuAWvqwgBgko1VtJL2ghxYxCwQkk0xKeCFuHNUMwsIbI5nwObWVmlX6uP4OsP_PXXBtlzVdZJl2Ipg-9f0kYlfBLOsotz36xLfUdu9X8MVSgvX8ea080_U2n4maqZxNd74jcmDMQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="white board and batten" width="500" /></a></p> <p>And I LOVE IT. Whoa, I LOVE how the white looks against our floors and the furniture. Yummy. </p> <p>OK, so this spot is still far from done. I still need to finish that small decorative trim at the top of the board and batten – I ran out:<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi804B3_gJlCao4PutlNxWYnB3gh7b2nwjqaPWh4D4aaLdo-DinWW3kBjoQs35IIz5sYsHEPKs2uCi8gkV7Uz35NkqFxrocTOK1yTZPs0ab3dsW951rGzGIeTgz4TtiihM8PHE-v4h_gUc/s1600-h/IMG_9735%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxA79MZgmmcNQLNnzS1czHwEsuoVKgxzU6dp5i1PKqMVlvU5ipxKdNByuFvuaGVjSmd5jFrkN2_4G5jCWKLwpnwrRCPjXYd51Ou7BRmNJP8MrpkF5ujRpqOSA17nzjvFTSv_2q7h8w9E/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="500" /></a></p> <p>The door trim in the background still needs to be finished and painted. And the biggest thing is caulking and painting all the boards on the wall. </p> <p>But it’s closer and it looks SO much better so I’m celebrating that!:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrpguJpT6409wbxKWu2uIxoAVN2JuG24Wz9pHsHZn18AzUoPin_yUP8wpeExLtL3Dd2pwTzQeND736pVGgCYqkM5OGLUUdSdZ29vVd_koll4f1YO0S8AQIYSvNy9uZEz8WGewnjyKhxo/s1600-h/IMG_9730%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="long table world market" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD5b-zZgCMii3yAWAmWcRrlWtjtmC2hXXRdJ6JttUVoI3cweW8OoBi-LiloxcFrQHfeqVuWKOkKu3LthZ189BP7fpZ5G-zpZ7N1Sui9uTx0DRea1EJO5fZWelEfVxv4UGyPpFvl41nvi8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="long table world market" width="500" /></a></p> <p>I’m trying not to think much about the decor just yet – but the accessories will change up on that table. It’s a bit too neutral for me. And I want to paint that mirror a fun color, I just have no idea what it will be. :) </p> <p>But the wall looks a ton better and I’m SO excited about the direction of this room. I still need to patch a few spots on the other wall, finish up the board and batten on the other side of the room (there’s not much) and then I’m putting all of my attention on the fireplace. I want this space done by the end of September – that’s my goal. Sooner would be awesome!</p> <p>**To see my how to install the board and batten look, go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/03/progress-board-batten-in-office.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />**For more about that awesome table and where it used to sit go <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/04/a-little-somethin.html" target="_blank">here</a>. :) </p>

It’s time for some board and batten

Hey heeeey! Hope your weekend was great! I got SO MUCH DONE in the family room over the weekend – so much that I’m crazy sore today. Me th...

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Merry Monday Link Party #17

<h2 align="center"><span style="color: green;"><strong>Welcome to Merry Monday Link Party #17!</strong></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August2button.png"><img alt="merry monday link party, link party, linky party, merry monday" class="alignnone wp-image-5977" height="400" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August2button.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: red;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="color: red;"><strong><br /></strong><b>Hello and welcome to another week of Merry Monday! First a few announcements, and we'll get right to it! </b></span><br /><br /><strong>Merry Monday Link Party #17 Announcements:</strong><br /><ul><ul><ul><li><strong><span style="color: red;">We have a new host on the Merry Monday Party! It's Amanda from <a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank">The Kolb Corner</a>. She has a wonderful blog and I hope you all hop over to visit her. </span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="color: red;">Our Fall Dollar Tree/99¢ Store craft tutorials contest has officially started! We'll be running a separate inlinkz link up in conjunction with the Merry Monday party where you can link up your <span style="text-decoration: underline;">current</span> Dollar Tree or 99¢ Store fall craft tutorials, recipes, home decor, or party decor. The winner will win a $25 Visa Gift Card! *Open to the U.S. and Canada. The majority of your craft project must be made with Dollar Tree/99¢ Store items to be eligible to win. * See below for rules and link-up*</span></strong></li></ul></ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Updated-Dollar-Store.jpg"><img alt="Updated Dollar Store" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5950" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Updated-Dollar-Store-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><ul><ul><ul><li><span style="color: green;"><strong>This is also your last chance to share your recipes featuring bacon on the Merry Monday Link Party for the August 30th bacon recipe roundup. The Saturday before Labor Day is the unofficial <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Bacon_Day" rel="wikipedia" target="_blank" title="International Bacon Day">International Bacon Day</a> and <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">My Pinterventures</span></a> will be featuring some of your bacon recipes in a post celebrating International Bacon Day. *Not all recipes will be featured*</strong></span></li><li><strong>This week's party guest hosts are Bernadyn <span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">from <a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">B is For</a>, Paris from <a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank">My Big Fat Happy Life</a> and Shonee from <a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank">Hawthorne and Main</a>.</span></span></strong></li><li><strong><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party,</span></span><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1izcftZi5ORNN2ABUJbzUuOQyvNPkIxWEXZ43GQeq8EU/viewform">please sign up!</a></span> We have party spots open in the month of October.</strong></li><li><strong>All features will be pinned to the<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/"> Merry Monday Linky Party Pinterest board</a>, so follow along to see the top features of the party.</strong></li></ul></ul></ul><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">On to the Merry Monday Link Party #17!</span></h1><h2 style="text-align: center;">Meet the hosts of this party</h2><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/New-August-Hosts.png"><img alt="New August Hosts" class="alignnone wp-image-5978 aligncenter" height="160" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/New-August-Hosts.png" width="640" /></a> <strong>*We would appreciate a follow in at least one of our social media platforms. Let us know you followed via Merry Monday so we can follow back!*</strong><br /><ul><ul><li><strong>Host Erlene @<a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank">My Pinterventures</a> ~<a href="https://twitter.com/erleneamat" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+ErleneA/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://www.hometalk.com/mypinterventures" target="_blank">Hometalk</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11033183" target="_blank">Bloglovin </a> </strong></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li><strong>Co-host Julia @<a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Happy House and Home</a><span style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit;"> ~ </span><span style="color: black; font-style: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/julesklimek2011" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: inherit;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyhouseandhome?ref=hl" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Facebook</a> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: inherit;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/juliaklimek/" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> </span><span style="color: black; font-style: inherit;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JuliaKlimek/posts" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Google+</a> </span><a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/7257423" style="color: #589ba4; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> </strong></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li><strong>Co-host Misty @<a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank">The Lady Prefers 2 Save </a></strong>~ <b><a href="https://twitter.com/LDYPrefers2Save" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Theladyprefers2save" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/LDYPrefers2Save/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/+mistyoverstreetprefers2save" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/theladyprefers2save" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC38I5WlAHgr8RWwSSel_dtw" target="_blank">Youtube</a></b></li></ul></ul><ul><ul><li><strong>Co-host Amanda @<a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank">The Kolb Corner</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/Thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Twitter </a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Facebook </a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thekolbcorner/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/+AmandaKolbthekolbcorner/posts/" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/thekolbcorner" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/12445561" target="_blank">Bloglovin </a></strong></li></ul></ul>  <br /><h2 style="text-align: center;">On the Host's Blogs</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"> <strong><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">My Pinterventures</span></a></strong></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Shoyu-Chicken.jpg"><img alt="Shoyu Chicken" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5894" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Shoyu-Chicken-240x300.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/back-school-palooza-giveaway" target="_blank"><img alt="rp_Back-to-School-Palooza-Button-1024x1024.jpg" class="alignnone wp-image-5939 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Back-to-School-Palooza-Button-1024x1024-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/tour-blogland-my-pinterventures/" target="_blank"><img alt="blogland logo" class="alignnone wp-image-5940 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/blogland-logo-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/shoyu-chicken/" target="_blank">Shoyu Chicken</a> ~ <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/back-school-palooza-giveaway/" target="_blank">Back to School Palooza Giveaway</a> ~ <a href="http://mypinterventures.com/back-school-palooza-giveaway/" target="_blank">Tour Through Blogland</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">Happy House and Home</span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/perfect-prime-rib-every-time.html" target="_blank"><img alt="perfect prime rib 1" class="alignnone wp-image-5980 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/perfect-prime-rib-1-243x300.jpg" width="243" /></a> <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/fall-dollar-store-craft-contest.html" target="_blank"><img alt="Updated Dollar Store" class="alignnone wp-image-5950 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Updated-Dollar-Store-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong> <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/firefighter-sign.html" target="_blank">Firefighter Sign</a> </strong>~ <strong><a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/2014/08/easiest-cookies-ever.html" target="_blank">Easiest. Cookies. Ever</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The Lady Prefers 2 Save</strong></span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7138" target="_blank"><img alt="Newspaper" class="alignnone wp-image-5981 size-medium" height="200" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Newspaper-300x200.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7115"><img alt="hair-mask" class="alignnone wp-image-5982" height="200" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/hair-mask.png" width="366" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7098"><img alt="brunch-frittata" class="alignnone wp-image-5983 size-full" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/brunch-frittata.jpg" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7155" target="_blank"><img alt="Updated Dollar Store" class="alignnone wp-image-5950 size-medium" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Updated-Dollar-Store-300x300.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7138" target="_blank">10 Creative Ways to Recycle Newspaper!</a> ~ <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7115" target="_blank">DIY Aussie 3-Minute Mask, Only $0.50 A Treatment</a></strong></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7098" target="_blank">Freezer Cooking Session: Frittatas!</a> ~ <a href="http://theladyprefers2save.com/?p=7155" target="_blank">Fall Dollar Store Craft Contest</a></strong></h3><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">The Kolb Corner</span></a></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/easy-homemade-granola/" target="_blank"><img alt="Homemade Granola" class="alignnone wp-image-5979" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Homemade-Granola-210x210.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"> <strong> <a href="http://thekolbcorner.com/easy-homemade-granola/" target="_blank"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Easy Homemade Granola</span></a></strong></h3><hr /><h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"><span style="color: black;">Meet Your Guest Co-host</span></span></h1><strong><span style="color: red; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;"> If you're interested in being a featured co-hosts for the party,</span> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1izcftZi5ORNN2ABUJbzUuOQyvNPkIxWEXZ43GQeq8EU/viewform">please sign up!</a></span> We have opened up party spots in the month of October.</strong><br /><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">B is For</span></a></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/B-is-for-new-button-180x180.png"><img alt="B is for new button 180x180" class="alignnone wp-image-5934" height="200" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/B-is-for-new-button-180x180.png" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Guest Co-host Bernadyn @<a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">B is For</a> ~ <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BNadyn" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/BNadyn" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.pinterest.com/BNadyn" target="_blank">Pinterest </a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%20http://instagram.com/bnadyn" target="_blank">Instagram</a> <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/BNadyn" target="_blank">Stumbleupon</a> <a href="http://bloglovin.com/bnadyn" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%20http://www.sverve.com/profile/" target="_blank">Sverve</a> </strong><br /><ul><ul><ul><li><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;">I stay busy tackling various creative projects while juggling my life as a mom, wife and friend. Some of my favorite things to do include writing, reading, traveling, photography, baking, cooking, DIY, arts, crafts and spending time with my family as we go on adventures. I am married to my best friend and together, we created two awesome kids, Brody and Brielle, who are the driving force behind this blog. </span></div></li></ul></ul></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">My Big Fat Happy Life</span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2831-224x300.jpg"><img alt="IMG_2831-224x300" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5984" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_2831-224x300.jpg" width="224" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-size: 13px;">Guest co-host Paris @<a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank">My Big Fat Happy Life</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/mybigfathappyli" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mybigfathappylife" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mybigfathappyli/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/113743483344502551918/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/mybigfathappylife" target="_blank">Instagram </a></strong></h2><ul><li>My name is Paris. I love to travel, take photos, drink coffee, scrapbook and make desserts. I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my 4 year old daughter while she learns through play. We are Disney addicts and spend our summer afternoons at the pool.</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">Hawthorne and Main</span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RoundProfilePic_zps5c4af539.png"><img alt="RoundProfilePic_zps5c4af539" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-5985" height="300" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RoundProfilePic_zps5c4af539-300x300.png" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Guest Co-host Shonee @<a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank">Hawthrone and Main</a> ~ <a href="https://twitter.com/hawthandmain" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hawthorneandmain" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hawthandmain/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> <a href="https://plus.google.com/115783921817307829466/posts" target="_blank">Google+</a> <a href="http://instagram.com/hawthorneandmain" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </strong></div><ul><li><span style="color: black;">I am a girl who loves to craft and create. I enjoy paper crafts, wood projects, creating home decor, sewing, gardening, you name it, and if I haven't done it before I probably am interested in trying.When I get going on a project it takes up my whole life until it is finished. That can be a good thing and bad thing. I whip out my projects usually pretty quick but leave the disaster of a tornado behind me. </span></li></ul><h2 style="text-align: center;"> On The Co-host's Blogs</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">B is For</a></span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="B's collage" class="alignnone wp-image-5986" height="472" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Bs-collage-300x283.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/2014/08/filipino-dish-palabok-with-twist.html" target="_blank">Filipino Dish - Palabok with a Twist</a></strong> ~ <a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-bouqs-company-review-by-b.html" target="_blank"><strong>The Bouq's Company Review by B</strong></a></div><div class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #313131; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/2014/08/brody-brielles-vist-to-mosh-megaladon.html" target="_blank">Brody & Brielle's Visit to MOSH Megaladon Sharks: Part 1 {WW}</a> ~ <a href="http://b-is4.blogspot.com/2014/08/askawayfriday-with-saving-everyday-with.html" target="_blank">#AskAwayFriday</a></div><h2 class="post-title entry-title" style="color: #313131; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mybigfathappylife.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">My Big Fat Happy Life</span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MBFHL1.jpg"><img alt="MBFHL" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5989" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/MBFHL1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/dinosaur-swamp-small-world-play/" target="_blank"><strong>Dinosaur Swamp Small World Play</strong></a> ~ <a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/guest-co-hosting-wake-wednesday-linky-party-30/" target="_blank"><strong>Guest Co-hosting - Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party #30</strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/well-hello-there-scrapbook-layout/" target="_blank">Well, Hello There Scrapbook Layout</a></strong> ~ <strong><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/tips-1st-day-school-photos/" target="_blank">Tips for 1st Day of School Photos</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.mybigfathappylife.com/weekend-galveston-texas/" target="_blank">Weekend in Galveston, Texas</a></strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: green;">Hawthorne and Main</span></a></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/HawthornePosts.jpg"><img alt="Hawthorne and Main Posts" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5992" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/HawthornePosts.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/fall-banner-free-printable.html" target="_blank">Fall Banner - Free Printable</a> ~ <a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/favorite-things-friday-5_22.html" target="_blank">Favorite Things Friday #5</a></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/bewitchin-project-block-party-4.html" target="_blank">Bewitchin' Projects Block Party 4</a> </strong>~ <strong><a href="http://www.hawthorneandmain.com/2014/08/kitchen-cart-turned-gardening-station.html" target="_blank">Kitchen Cart Turned Gardening Station </a></strong></div><h3></h3><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;">Feature Posts</h2><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">Most Clicked</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August3Features.jpg"><img alt="August wk 3 Features" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5990" height="500" src="http://mypinterventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/August3Features.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://suzy-homemaker.co.uk/blog/entry/how-to-replace-a-headboard-for-free.html" target="_blank">How to Replace a Headboard for FREE</a> @The World of Suzy Homemaker </strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.theofficialblogguide.com/photography-for-bloggers-part-1/" target="_blank">Photography for Bloggers - Part 1 </a>@The Official Blog Guide</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://www.mypapercraze.com/?p=2523" target="_blank">{FREE PRINTABLE}After School Checklist For Kids </a>@My Paper Craze</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://denverista.com/daily-planner-pages-free-printable/" target="_blank">Daily Planner Page {Free Printable}</a> @Denverista</strong></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: green;">My Feature Picks</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>*Don't forget to visit the other hosts to view their feature picks too.*</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">I love this DIY Fall Wreath with Sparkly Leaves! Go check out how to make your own at <a href="http://sparklelivingblog.com/2014/08/diy-sparkly-autumn-leaf-wreath/#comment-19109">Sparkle Living</a>! </span><br /><br /><img alt="Sparkly Autumn Leaf Wreath sparklelivingblog.com" height="426" src="http://sparklelivingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/SparklyAutumnWreath.jpg" width="640" /></div><hr /><h2 style="text-align: center;">Features will be pinned to the <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/">Merry Monday Linky Party Board</a></h2><a data-pin-do="embedBoard" href="http://www.pinterest.com/pinterventures/merry-monday-linky-party-features/">Follow Erlene Amat | My Pinterventures's board Merry Monday Linky Party Features on Pinterest.</a><br /><h2 style="color: black; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #339966; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">If you were featured, grab the Merry Monday Linky Party feature button and display it on your blog, feature page, or sidebar</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><strong></strong></span><br /><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><span style="color: red;"><strong><img alt="Happy House and Home" src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/Co-hostFeatureButton_zps013324ef.png" title="Happy House and Home" /></strong></span></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com" title="Happy House and Home"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab20/ErleneA/Co-hostFeatureButton_zps013324ef.png" alt="Happy House and Home" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br />

Perfect Prime Rib ~ Every Time

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlUecw5uBmPzMlBrdDVM9d9UxQ-j6NLhvLCkuzdVWH5mmokAjxe-tzwDx9lOnzE-BgrHZhOXerxToBNzVZ6l7oWPtBGSn3m94ArzkCLuw-s5IDbM8CHmebISZekzZF9LYQxE72sJUhKA/s1600/perfect+prime+rib+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="prime rib, prime rib recipe, how to cook prime rib" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlUecw5uBmPzMlBrdDVM9d9UxQ-j6NLhvLCkuzdVWH5mmokAjxe-tzwDx9lOnzE-BgrHZhOXerxToBNzVZ6l7oWPtBGSn3m94ArzkCLuw-s5IDbM8CHmebISZekzZF9LYQxE72sJUhKA/s1600/perfect+prime+rib+1.jpg" title="" width="518" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photo </span><a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/magic-prime-rib-recipe-126865" style="font-size: small;">source</a></div><br /><h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Mageirocophobia<span style="font-weight: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Do you know what that is? It's the fear of cooking, and it's a real phobia. </span></span></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I think I had it yesterday. </span></span></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></h1><h1 style="line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span class="fn" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: inherit;">Last night I had to roast a Prime Rib. The thought terrified me. </span><i>(Slight exaggeration - it's not like I needed medication or anything, and I really wasn't particularly fearful. But I was a little nervous.) </i></span></span></span></h1><br />Honestly, I'm not a big fan of Prime Rib. Or, let me re-phrase that, I <i>wasn't </i>a big fan of Prime Rib.<br /><br />I've never cooked a Prime Rib, so I did what any resourceful girl would do, and text a "cheffy" friend, who informed me that it was "easy" and to keep the internal temperature of the meat under 125. That wasn't much help.<br /><br />So, I jumped on my computer and after a few minutes found a recipe for <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/magic-prime-rib-recipe-126865">"Magic Prime Rib"</a> on food.com, by Chef Potpie. I like magic.<br /><br />The recipe sounds too good to be true...<br /><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">But it isn't. It worked perfectly.</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Magic</span>. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Not only do I now <i>love </i>Prime Rib, I will cook it this way fo-eva.<br /><br />Try it and see!<br /><br /><span style="color: red;">Pre-heat the oven to 350F. Take a 5 1/2 lb boneless prime rib. Rub it up with a spice mixture. (I used 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder)</span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">Put the roast in a roasting tin, in the oven for exactly one hour. Don't open the door to look at it. </span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">At exactly one hour, turn off the oven. Leave the roast in the oven for exactly one more hour. Don't peek. </span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">Without removing the roast, set the timer for 1/2 hour and turn the oven back on to 400F. </span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">After the 1/2 hour, remove the Prime Rib from the oven. </span><br /><span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">Remove the roast to a cutting board, and let sit for 15 minutes before you carve. </span><br /><br />So that was easy. But I was nervous. And then I sliced it ~ perfectly done ~ medium rare, with a dark brown crispy outside. Whaaat?!<br /><br /><div><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I was feeling pretty happy about conquering my prime rib phobia at this point, so I managed to prepare a quick au jus: </span></span></div><div><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Add two to three cups of water to the pan drippings, and bring to a gentle boil, while you scrape up all of the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp instant coffee (yes, coffee.). Let the au jus gently simmer for a few minutes. Taste and season with salt if it needs it. </span></span></div><div><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="fn" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><i><span style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter! (Above) </span></span></b></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would like to join in some fun link parties, </span></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: red;">head on over <a href="http://happyhouseandhome.blogspot.com/p/where-to-party.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;">HERE</a>!  </span></i><i><span style="color: red;">So much inspiration! </span></i></span></div><br />

Perfect Prime Rib ~ Every Time

photo source Mageirocophobia . Do you know what that is? It's the fear of cooking, and it's a real phobia.  I think I had it yesterd...

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Fire in the dryer

<p>Hey hey! Welcome to the weekend! It’s rainy and dark this morning and I LOVE it. Rainy days make me feel so relaxed – I’d take a couple a week. :) </p> <p>So today’s post is a brief one but I was surprised when I learned this so I thought I would share it with you all. </p> <p>A few weeks ago we noticed that every time we dried our clothes they came out of the dryer smelling AWFUL. Like…fire. </p> <p>I was annoyed that something would be wrong with the dryer considering it’s only a couple years old: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJzYqWBrlTxTsnFEqmszFLPbT6XQi8pdourl_-o5_nOdfwe6fdKp-Iv9ujyNcTiBnWYHNk5-reH6D3L24wLW5ZwrYTOxNafFH72S4C7Jk1yqBMuNzXdkNJJebLn3Mi9bkxCncccwlvsG8/s1600-h/IMG_6986%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="laundry room gray " border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9RN4vZjARE-KwzObYW7kwMHl56ydVQm_FaeZ7Q9cT5AY2w-bsyk6iFvLPujzNJlo7iUhdkQifo1luUPCBVx6_6XlOxFZ0ncAXENExaEKcFuzMp_-IFN3t8WPimmiQd5HGNa1iEqLS1w/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="laundry room gray " width="500" /></a></p> <p>Yes, <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/laundry%20room" target="_blank">the laundry room</a> still isn’t done. We’re the only ones who see it so it’s down on the list. :)</p> <p>I did some research online to see if it was something we could fix ourselves. We already clean out the lint every time we use it and at least a couple times a year we clean out the duct in the wall that goes outside. (SO important to do that – just do it yourself with a cleaning kit and a wet dry vac if your ductwork is short enough. Before we moved our laundry room ours ran through our garage so we hired out.)</p> <p>So I couldn't figure out why we would smell fire. More specifically our clothes smelled like we had been sitting by a campfire. I read online that it is usually due to lint catching on fire inside the machine – which totally freaked me out. We stopped drying clothes in it for a few days till our appliance guy could come out and take a look. </p> <p>To my relief but confusion right away he said it was nothing to worry about – and he asked if we had just painted inside our house. Funny he said that because that’s something I read online but dismissed it because we hadn’t been painting. THEN he asked about our floors – the ones we had <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/08/family-room-reno-week-four.html" target="_blank">just had restained</a> in the family room and kitchen. </p> <p>I was standing there wondering how in the world he would know we had just done our floors and told him yes and asked why. He explained that any oil-based or petroleum product will react with the gas dryer and cause the kerosene smell. Kerosene – THAT was the smell! </p> <p>CRAZY. I had no idea. Our dryer is just below the floors that were refinished so that explains it. Funny thing is, when we first had the floors installed years ago our old gas dryer was on the same level as the floors and I don’t remember the clothes smelling like this. Maybe I was avoiding laundry at the time, who knows. ;)</p> <p>So…if you ever do any work to your home that involves oil-based paint or have floors refinished – look out for that smell. We had aired out the house after the floors were done but it wasn’t enough obviously. I opened a bunch of windows that day and from then on they didn’t smell again – of course! </p> <p>He said opening windows helps but otherwise you just have to wait till the floors really cure before it will go away. Crazy. </p> <p>The good thing is that nothing was wrong with the dryer! Bad thing is we still had to pay for a service call. (He gave us a discount since it was so brief.) </p> <p>Anyway, just thought I would share that little tidbit! If you notice that smell and <em>haven’t</em> had any work done in your home then get it checked out for sure. If you have and notice the smell around that time, it’s most likely from that. </p> <p>Anyone ever had that happen? Do you all clean out your dryer ducts regularly? It goes a long way to avoiding dryer fires! </p>

Fire in the dryer

Hey hey! Welcome to the weekend! It’s rainy and dark this morning and I LOVE it. Rainy days make me feel so relaxed – I’d take a couple a we...

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The best things I’ve ever done

<p>Hello my friends! Our recent family room renovation has had me thinking lately…about the things that I’ve done in our house that have made the biggest difference. Some are little that only cost a few bucks. Some are bigger, but all are projects that I look at every time I walk by them and say “I’m <em>so glad</em> I did that.” </p> <p>There are a lot of them, but these are my favorites. :) </p> <p>This one is just “looks pretty” item but it was so easy and cheap! Last year I added some <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/06/diy-craftsman-garage-door.html" target="_blank">$10 hardware</a> to the garage door to make it look more like a custom carriage door and less like the basic one that it is. I LOVE how it looks every time we pull up to our house: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivbdCEUacp9H7CqDi78qi1nszpY0nWkrln8yJakFb3MDCy4i0VLd76HUuFgq6RjViAXZ-cIUZLvF2fyw3qu_tk2npbU_5BBzEKOIHPwqlwvcAcH7pbHXRl2_OP59SmEJyh2t3uGLJnsbE/s1600-h/IMG_5683%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="diy carriage door hardware" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7aw4i0LeQ4o-sNEuJi3MXUBxBBn47ZgmmWlYOAT0Ad13YhmfSjJNvTAyGDrXwmZN3XCE64of7_dzX56LI7oTLKreq2cm9ryRMwj_1UIp8gu3ZAGtooJO_gq-_EfDx2WJso8vfa44qVU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="diy carriage door hardware" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s such a little thing but it makes me so happy. They’ve held up well too – no rusting at all. I’ve heard these kits went up in cost a bit but I believe they’re still under $30 – not too bad. </p> <p>One that wasn’t so cheap but was still cheaper than paying someone were the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html" target="_blank">DIY bookcases</a> in our dining room. They are the first thing you see when you walk in our house and they make a BIG impact: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUKBGQpGWspk0AcAJbaOPNhMj_sduEX8OJ7Og73yyeh7qI6NG_HOT3ojgmfkELUBUBcG7lKn3YKTQtT22A_h37SZFjLsW6uPN_y02hCFjArSTN3yme1IOEc4ims6bxDGDWy1HRJJdz48/s1600-h/IMG_7236%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DIY built ins with kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQJ9-Ou62xrWm8z0sCdVj6ko_-a9ts39PzLcZFCEkpx9BepqLpCfEJKZcce6-cG_MlNu15V8CNeW5i8xZKdS1Zdkneb8nCO1q-KlS2l6wpC6RQLfhWrmFw9j1uoUoMr_168vaTQohQxc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DIY built ins with kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Our plan all along was to make this less of a dining room and more of a lounging space – but I’m playing with the idea of a larger table again. We’ll see. I’m SO proud of these built ins – not only because they’re pretty but because they are a perfect functional solution for us. The added <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/07/dining-room-pretty-organization.html" target="_blank">serving ware storage</a> is an extra bonus. </p> <p>Another cheap and easy project that I am SO glad I did – adding <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-private-window.html" target="_blank">some privacy to our bathroom window</a>: </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwRMVix5dk5xZtuOd7liRQkyAmYoJryM0vH32IwivuDgMhrognA0dHOkE8JqkRcdBnnIflBbLLS_4RfYVqGu2DhMKH7RMGDHZibc5_vIOZIWvQaDkGuiAtQnIinbLcgFWzqnVa3-We3A/s1600-h/IMG_4679_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="covering window for privacy" border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQ7DwwY8h8LrdTcHs2bfeDuyUd-KfHxnqyExOoY08D95jauq37RS96F2U5jky_snEpeH-wKVooASrMHE5Q47yjpAI87iCFV6bZ5A9B3qP9BA4N0c7s4hYgQageC9JWD3AArMD-LUIWgY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="covering window for privacy" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5E6oVYs62e5uCcZpZWsb6t-xZz8x344HvauXCvNEgn93tzrY_B65XDrWbUg6sJx7rwSUJ1qAfEAjve5CFCG9waYxuzOsnv19ByEsLA7Bq5Tc_EzdxaNBQy2BVDnG0uf5O2rmEgAnegSE/s1600-h/IMG_4693%25255B14%25255D%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="privacy window" border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4ogJkJcXkNG1uTCKvMBgGtr6Gbzd9A-QldJF1GfaYMIJVUgL6PR8JwtR6eZ1IkZriddluF7yuuMhz7jYeN-Ev6phbN8Qf6J8EdO4cBxWxoKg-kuu5KU6lKUty7fvo88ODWm_aaVgqjg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="privacy window" width="290" /></a> </p> <p>It took months before I stopped ducking when I walked by it at night, but now we’re used to it and I LOVE that it offers privacy but still lets the light in. And it was just a few bucks! I thought I not being able to see outside might bug me, but it doesn’t at all. </p> <p>Of course a BIG one, the project that got me thinking about all of these – the removal of the wall between our family room and office. Oh that was a happy day!: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKuIyk0xck_CbPiOUko8OAR8lT-0Q1Kq46BCs0RqWPS4YARfkioeR1skCA1BSWQsqj6A7PfiJ74SIenCXFATavvs2gdSoWYP1SQfGWEB7Hiwp5-IZkD1CvBqpAasSmOPbe99bbHE12VI/s1600-h/IMG_9385%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="removing a wall" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXc4eh8esExx3EmHIhSFY7FuOWUJGMi9ds7ZXfJVgmd8nZobqcVheZriI1OvTC5XYsfnEQJ8dnErG7LwssrZwtYRUKPkP-ZYq3g0jmUofFwp0d_RESpK7JxDCdazCPc1wGc3ri51SFOV0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="removing a wall" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It’s come a long way since this photo but this shows where the walls were. From the very first day all I could think of was that it should have always been like this – and I knew it was the right decision. This project is the most expensive of all I’m mentioning here, but it’s nothing compared to the estimates we got to add on to the house. (And it was a whole lot less mess too.) You can follow along with the progress on this room <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno" target="_blank">here</a>. </p> <p>Years ago I wanted to brighten up our kitchen and I started by covering the black outdated tiles on our backsplash with <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/06/beadboard-backsplash.html" target="_blank">white beadboard</a>. It made a HUGE difference in this room: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFVhhmX8u2SV7hnPG1Bp7w3aPGQZmTbjTMyyg0QvS-Uy_ADf2v9ozg7AQsL16h1wTRp0R7ge8ldXIz4OLcB-46BFn58upvkdgvyIa8v6MqLCj3dIWoioofsb9RmkmbBPNx4946a5zgxp4/s1600-h/IMG_5555_thumb1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="beadboard backsplash" border="0" height="676" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUzti_U4Ym-_s0p7qUmkJ3ykMS2tocePOT1Ur5Oq00gtULQw6Usimp4bfEzCwU6fGPchLNdgRpILq97044b4Fd0gHH28sjJbwddDzayR7ftbkfcM8px-OCJYZqmpcD2EybJTaf3GQ04c/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="beadboard backsplash" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Yes, someday I will paint the cabinets, but in the meantime I can’t believe the difference it made in this space. All for less than $50 if I remember correctly. And yes, it’s held up incredibly well, I have no complaints! As long as it’s painted in a glossy white paint that you can wipe up easily there shouldn’t be any water or mess issues. </p> <p>Another big project was our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2014/04/master-closet-reveal.html" target="_blank">master closet storage</a> that I created out of kitchen cabinets: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIs2rB8UzcXrWHepRu8TOVn4TqZ-WhPAx0MKPRzyL8mJDBhTvRw0lhOjh0eAty8oLFfyVx6Fk4zDEVGLs-aKOOQfy3r1gtMm-uEY06RAJS-zotEWlpNYw4cbDPiX3vFQHOJlMp57q5Ixs/s1600-h/closet2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="closet system with kitchen cabinets" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifeYKfAzfsH4X4WTDrnpVT5_6C2Qw2ZviW9Fd-dzP7kgsRxRmeg_P59wujl8O7nMK9B8kPw59Mmr65_Gxn2xyAuFhNg2JtH_e1X2CtF60sTpQXGnWXH0j98OzPV13CD7wVmvGdlCr0I_4/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="closet system with kitchen cabinets" width="500" /></a></p> <p>Our closet was truly the thorn in my side for years and years – an utter disaster area and I was so fed up with it. I wanted more storage but wanted it to be closed storage – not just shelves that I knew we would clutter up like before. The cabinets have worked BRILLIANTLY. Ugh, why didn’t I do it earlier?? I still have plans to add shelves in the corners for even more storage. Again, the cost of the cabinets was way, way less than a custom closet system. </p> <p>And finally, I know I mention it a lot but <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-take-carpet-off-stairs.html" target="_blank">ripping the carpet off our stairs</a> was one of the BEST things I’ve done, both for looks and functionally: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ub8mCOG7Her0dB4Rk0TqsEySu9-UIw45CYLxSx4VzMksotVtaib6eejTZGy1vjDf8jEIViS_ll322Sf4mx4WduwVVQnwj3vMzMuozevLED_MUKblGy1wpGJTpf6v2SAdRyMp9mogGP4/s1600-h/IMG_9274%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="taking carpet off stairs" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAARbNrjI6JerCuzOtLDlppkwxkQt_3pdvJZyfPtM7meKrKsDhHaY7XUxg4qxHB4gWqO34H8xoSO5g9S9Bu5r-ci0c_yOjyD1fobj_p2twoOOeG5U-PQmKvlhS2NkiVATHyb4WgCWn9mU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="taking carpet off stairs" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>It is SO much easier to clean wood stairs than carpet! Just last week we had a drink spill down the steps and it was so easy just to wipe it up. All I do is vacuum them once every week (or two!) because we have three cats and a dog and you do see the fluff balls after awhile. Many have worried about how slippery the wood stairs are and I can tell you without a doubt that our carpeted stairs were more slippery than these. We each slid down the carpeted stairs a few times – it hasn’t happened once with the wood (knock on wood!!). This is just the case for our home, but I still think in general it’s easier to slip on that curved edge of carpet. </p> <p>Because we had real wood under our carpet this project cost me less than $50 – I just needed some wood for the landing, stain and supplies. It was one of the cheapest projects but also one that was a lot of work. Pulling up the carpet and tack strips was no joke – but so worth it in the end! </p> <p>There you go – my short list of the things that have made the biggest difference in our home, both in appearance and function. Function is HUGE for me – if it’s not going to work well for our family I’m not going to do it no matter how pretty it is. </p> <p>Are there things you’ve done to your home that you think made a big difference? Things you want to do that you know you would love? </p>

The best things I’ve ever done

Hello my friends! Our recent family room renovation has had me thinking lately…about the things that I’ve done in our house that have made t...

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Fall Dollar Store Craft Contest

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyeVdz3QWfQ7E2vwNI4XlQrsL0cNBRbjQDid5DOmUgu6nIx0bA6s_5rCqM64ECt9arb0daViW2sSq4f6hiSxXQKa77KpzyXb7SDX5NDHxZoPJKVo8rvwHbHeqHYPKWzTPNKQM6zd2Cq8/s1600/Updated+Dollar+Store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyeVdz3QWfQ7E2vwNI4XlQrsL0cNBRbjQDid5DOmUgu6nIx0bA6s_5rCqM64ECt9arb0daViW2sSq4f6hiSxXQKa77KpzyXb7SDX5NDHxZoPJKVo8rvwHbHeqHYPKWzTPNKQM6zd2Cq8/s1600/Updated+Dollar+Store.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Calling all crafters!</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><span style="background-color: white;">Do you love the Dollar Store? We do too! </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;">That's why the host and co-hosts of the Merry Monday Link Party (Erlene, Misty and myself) are currently hosting a <i>Fall </i></span><span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD5" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat !important; background-size: initial !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(27, 142, 222) !important; border-bottom-style: dotted !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 20px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static;"><i>Dollar Store</i></span><span style="background-color: white;"><i> Craft Contest</i>. We’re looking for creative ways to use dollar store items to create fabulous fall crafts. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><span style="background-color: white;">So come an </span><b><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: red;">link up </span></i></b><span style="background-color: white;">any projects or crafts you've made recently using Dollar Store finds. </span></span><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white;">I have been out shopping myself and have a couple of ideas ~ What have you come up with? Come and show us!<br /><br />Enter you craft <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD3" style="background-attachment: scroll !important; background-clip: initial !important; background-color: transparent !important; background-image: none !important; background-origin: initial !important; background-position: 0% 50%; background-repeat: repeat !important; background-size: initial !important; border-bottom-color: rgb(27, 142, 222) !important; border-bottom-style: dotted !important; border-bottom-width: 1px !important; cursor: pointer !important; display: inline !important; float: none !important; font-size: 20px !important; padding: 0px 0px 1px !important; position: static;">tutorial</span> to the contest, by linking up below August 10th through September 10th. The winner will receive a $25 Visa Gift Card or Paypal cash.</div><div style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white;"></div><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="435013" style="background-color: white;"><div id="descriptionContainer_435013"><strong>Rules of the contest:</strong><br /><ol><li>Fall crafts tutorial must be created using <i><strong>current</strong> </i>Dollar Store or 99 Cent Store materials - 90% or more of crafts must be dollar store items. *If you don't have these stores in your area, it can be a local dollar store.*</li><li>Please mention in your post which store we can purchase the items used in your craft submission.</li><li>Enter up to 5 current Dollar Store or 99 Cent store craft tutorials. </li><li>Fall crafts include - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, General Fall themed craft decorations</li><li>Craft tutorial must be current and using this year's dollar store inventory. Please don't link-up non dollar store fall craft tutorials - these will be deleted. </li><li>Open to the United States and Canada only. </li><li>Contest starts August 10, 2014 and ends September 10, 2014 at 9pm PST.</li><li>Each person gets two votes to vote on their favorite fall craft tutorials.</li><li>Winner to be announced September 14th, 2014.</li></ol></div></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;">We'll be running a separate inlinkz link up in conjunction with the Merry Monday party where you can link up your </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px; text-decoration: underline;">current year</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;">Dollar Tree or 99¢ Store Fall craft tutorials. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><span style="color: red;"><b>TO JOIN IN THE FUN, </b></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SIMPLY </b></span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;">LINK UP YOUR DOLLAR STORE PROJECTS!! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><br /></span></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;">*Open to the U.S. and Canada. The majority of your craft project must be made with Dollar Tree/99¢ Store items to be eligible to win. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.24799919128418px;"><br /></span> <br /><!-- start InLinkz script --> <br /><div class="InLinkzContainer" id="435013"><a href="http://new.inlinkz.com//luwpview.php?id=435013" rel="nofollow" title="click to view in an external page.">An InLinkz Link-up</a></div><script src="http://static.inlinkz.com/cs2.js?v=007" type="text/javascript"></script>

Fall Dollar Store Craft Contest

Calling all crafters!   Do you love the Dollar Store? We do too!  That's why the host and co-hosts of the Merry Monday Link Party (Erlen...

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Island dreaming

<p>Hello all! I’m excited about our <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/family%20room%20reno" target="_blank">family room renovation</a> for many reasons, but one of the biggies is that I feel like I can finally move ahead with the kitchen as well. I’ve been planning it for literally YEARS but wasn’t sure about a few things until we were able to move things around. It’s still a long way off – I won’t start till next year. But I am wanting to move ahead with the island expansion sooner than later. </p> <p>Could be because it now looks like this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xd7HVS2E2O6cIXjEG9H6B6Q-PN8YumgOchWHZacKRmjnPDuJBmi-6tlCVLIaQuNaBJg7HHyE2rtiYvsNCH5u9_-WN9WE4VLZd4uJFCfqdAX1_K9CfrXxU1iLdpy3bE4_P3UuD-TmUKk/s1600-h/IMG_9531%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrB1bCO2wdR-UxCFaDKkYYPchdYEjNjJbl0rLR4SKO6ByeQZ9bGnyhrtKtH4c6f1gyRZaSY9UyuhLqje1Zlei_7LFQ9YSjTvJsN7nD89vdFhEmkEWvTW4lVMyctz47rYnBVfagQsn1cHk/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Instead of this: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpd68dxil-uyu-la1cKIrNzTqfbVcpKre9e2SMQ395Nwvm3nFB7PfQnSTbM-hHiVvSTnWNF-EM-YWYzpzwniJYVCerYGzKQmbqqG4e8Fc8VOMxHm9FasRnw2Y7xoIDPv1P-t6_gXONlE/s1600-h/IMG_9049%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wood counter on island" border="0" height="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrD7tAVl-RKOTBSIYXHDYGiNbsjzdmnoCnLOdEmBf__XMOVqvRqdEEYrReTvHQawT-4SZvp6Q9RhfEBWppQQO7TqHTLhl7sZByh5QdGOCKOC3f427noEQHZfXTGsLR6y8OeKrh5ZqYyIo/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wood counter on island" width="500" /></a></p> <p>It was torn up to put the hardwoods underneath and I can live with it like that for awhile, but soon it will drive me crazy. Not there yet. Soon. </p> <p>So like all big projects, I have to sit on it for awhile and daydream about what I want. I find when I do that I end up with something that functions and looks good – both are important to me when I DIY. </p> <p>My plan is to expand the island two directions – length-wise and width-wise. When I say width I mainly mean extending the sides out to kind of “frame” the stools, like this: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvwxK-0cU_48ZGEL-LYwn0HAbPbD7uO_nrp_bNxm7p2cl7umax7x-ssd8JJAR89PW1zdi_R_3C6DkmhkNbTR_x_2yueppNpH3UZ6K51F_Hkw56JM9MO1utw4iwMef0l-65AHYJoNDneIw/s1600-h/IMG_54791.jpg"><img alt="kitchen island with sides built out" border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bGXWLq9-TnQfPz9lhZgod0ToipACqW4OI555mo3NGP3b2brzAM89VQfs_TDF3sg4wfvAOOmezV6-CMEthvBNgR0f8oZu1Ur_klL9vJM4rvBQ32jo4ss6CsH2ZxCMtoseQDnqGpnHcaQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="kitchen island with sides built out" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center">(<a href="http://www.migonishome.com/p/house-tour.html" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>So it won’t be much wider – maybe a few inches. But I love this added detail on islands. </p> <p>I loved this idea too: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8jpR5_bmy5D40llZx9jzdZecGiViHqkc-UUhjtjJPMorutkGjt_dTcPSh6AZC7PgKMV9TIeO3R_fFSocyPMJIJ6TgYkY49QrpGE9UL85MgRVUEI8FDWYVBsu6sT-iOqqpSLuUqvkft8/s1600-h/shelves22.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="extra storage kitchen island" border="0" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRFizxt78fzp8XMYW_6oxQDZJgKJaJoUdX7vFVYGH1MYYGl62bu2I4CDq6A2ZFqclx8YOxJqOi5qEdppddVDQh7RsVqz8vgBQnwYPdUgE6_Uom2htfMLXIB989N-PBgqVgd6joxbeIvFY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="extra storage kitchen island" width="550" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.giesendesign.com/design/890x563/white-custom-ideas/white-custom-kitchen-island-pictures-29116.html" title="http://www.giesendesign.com/design/890x563/white-custom-ideas/white-custom-kitchen-island-pictures-29116.html">(source)</a></p> <p align="left">The added storage is never a bad thing, am I right? I think that is brilliant. It’s easy to access the cabinets too, which is important. </p> <p align="left">I’ve always planned on a small bookshelf at the end of the island for cook books and other things we grab often (stop laughing…I cook sometimes): </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_b_ZeQiwBrsrM-U1UVB3D37YF22ErKa7ALnOW21rFPokc4E2n5TCTw7yoLo6iCffEzICMQmw_d5K5AVocN-kQG3TGGMsjiVMGWYEhtSsrj4VFb6HxC6l7s8MO6Y5eBivNdTc8p1oQZU/s1600-h/8325abffb06f0cc4056ee212a78c41571.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="bookcase in island" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTXsYfmJ76nT9z9dViPXYM0GG4BhDKWfImFE08W3oc3OZzyC3v-JvFLzxNp2NhIfP3BaWbYrvh4gQgQb2NHm5p_qq-GeF79Scdb1npa4CK12PSmprE4WDHAutZh1dr86r13xsJi_Hn8o/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="bookcase in island" width="300" /></a></p> <p>But I may not have room for those cookbooks because now I’m dreaming of having a food station for the animals in the island, like this: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_ETd6Z8TifjMBRATjElvXKby3nnMneFY1a3Til6ad8nDXFiEwGmiEQYfSE2PI2xoldSNrbX6XvDMNECcM9ETDdlTpV-OJEzqDsteVNYC7EOEXw8hJuMptiXYJ28c_mdrxpb28ZVqta0/s1600-h/animalstation3.jpg"><img alt="dog food station" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlodg98-alF53CeomRfrV2aes-ZJOUEw1KfTBdhVlYSMsq6hJEvqCqGKOeGbZs69gDFyLFVziAPgxGRlKr0Z9edod0eg7ucZYlRh4oNub9YM1Ob50nRZ6gdGLb8vOBd9xmF1ohVNDaYM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dog food station" width="400" /></a></p> <p>I shared a bunch of food storage ideas <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthriftydecorchick.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F01%2Fthe-feeding-station.html&ei=l1nzU7LNKIbvoATuu4KgCA&usg=AFQjCNEXlznsNQv5vS1ZSEERJShd0YabJQ&sig2=F0vtbkRDKQgDyLDo7sJkOg&bvm=bv.73231344,d.cGU" target="_blank">here</a> and I could totally DIY this one. </p> <p>But the BIG thing I want to do in the kitchen island is take the microwave off the wall and put it in there somewhere: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyh2PYm2e8IdfiyzDCho4pkOE4OYOZxu6anVKLifFXlusU8n0qxSRxI1pknbATOJqnIg6LopvuxSHAuw43uIGiP9Ytb8e7MC4pKvJFn1JU4Fc2kF0WRah1acUAkd_9u1fjOCkumx8QKIs/s1600-h/101956645.jpg.rendition.largest1.jpg"><img alt="black island marble counter" border="0" height="555" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-z5MwFrsHiKq424a3l6KOlCxW6aQP83TJk81mXGVYwiqzUaUX-AErAFRnzDothbZ3yEi0tYgzpD_oevzPWC9mED3yohX_fMTMYklyTWAzwnJ3d8HNF1aqFHenQmVg7u395SgSjsql1M/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="black island marble counter" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/storage/kitchen/turn-your-kitchen-island-into-storage-central/?sssdmh=dm17.584646&esrc=nwstoragewk1&email=3848197775#page=6" title="http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/storage/kitchen/turn-your-kitchen-island-into-storage-central/?sssdmh=dm17.584646&esrc=nwstoragewk1&email=3848197775#page=6">(source)</a></p> <p>I know this isn’t for everyone but I think it’s BRILLIANT. Of course we would need a smaller microwave that vents differently, but I love the idea. I could put a vent hood over the oven where the microwave is now.</p> <p>Some are built in seamlessly: </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-LMrSejwOIfbVhV-U0CHn7-mmd-WGgMnyhyphenhyphenfXPhHErHD1cdUBgAP2LikEBC5vJ8DLr8lbaSorJkdNerq_ErTHkThYEVvBGh8d2MhtA1QHNFbjQUaXOthR3sjQcWXuat9cyfpjzP_2vY/s1600-h/98793b69abbc3f69b0274a2803a621501.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="built in microwave kitchen island" border="0" height="666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxk57lfOWROjlHyOOzjduJ20i3QXUFDxcWTQp-mz1W6cu7RLE0Z9eIbER7LYqcHTvHX3lxOLUSXGKLKa090C9nZVjI1pYxdgArcVw8_NX7KLEsRP1CA7Lx13UyMjTJEUt41TFwWip8oU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="built in microwave kitchen island" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/storage/kitchen/turn-your-kitchen-island-into-storage-central/?sssdmh=dm17.584646&esrc=nwstoragewk1&email=3848197775#page=6" title="http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/storage/kitchen/turn-your-kitchen-island-into-storage-central/?sssdmh=dm17.584646&esrc=nwstoragewk1&email=3848197775#page=6">(source)</a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgooMhEjpUG5n0lqEQw2E3C9wNofd4kgEAxDokVuQaJX7BMV9qCMRgt_LQZHPGeAH0S0MC4QpgeZ3p4vseqSaYdtM9CX463qYnO5ffTWdLWLraJ3rsbcuyaLGlsark6nNZpuKKvs2UA4Ds/s1600-h/cde599d987d0c8fe90eeba00a3e6b48f2.jpg"><img alt="microwave storage in island" border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocPExAcyWeYTwpyhWEFADQnFWoI5OjwZjpsMrxiCWRmfZIqXW4vSn-ePQwE6arpaWESVDiANi-GVIyjfxSTtH969mfLEdvcyfRr7U_t_lOoQWMzUs9Jl5LgWRHC14_RNWj1fpwtS0gaY/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microwave storage in island" width="550" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.houzz.com">(source)</a></p> <p>But I think I could create something that would work just as well – I don’t need it to be completely built in. Sitting there is just fine. :) </p> <p>I loved this whole kitchen but this one is a good example:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA44ZUyrP0ZlRWrfetbWyn7nBKyILC4OBOyUDXCF3qqU8ZCrquKyVvKawY_1ZyWLnNWSflY2dZFFP7SWcgRQmaXNhyESYXmlAmI16GiJDlmva9UQidvwCH0XybYCILOzbn8nrAyfRuLPA/s1600-h/ed006826x1024%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><font color="#4c4c4c"></font><img alt="microwave built in island" border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFf0Mt_qkxNTECa1ndh6QfZ1l1QoI-YTZGsoAK6Z7AylKSuRX9dU5r_dr-T7AUDCmBLRSCibj9mkqJez5W_IkpOukULAua2mFA2i48Sf0tavsDXe9fAFwGMjChnHjwYJj44rQMBezEj0/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microwave built in island" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://simplyswider.com/schoolhouse-pendant-light-kitchen-island/" title="http://simplyswider.com/schoolhouse-pendant-light-kitchen-island/">(source)</a></p> <p>And this is a similar island set up: </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVXaDTd88Ddc4MCRC4V3IuwPK6VFED4wLj9JLu3euoj1jKTxAIHxZblu7McbM4DI3T2HBlRUcppKvHyyXrXczz37p9CjmtWsnFpZOtCrBWA7KCi9PQ4zByL7qMMpEqvf0mP9iGqOoCHWQ/s1600-h/ChrisKauffmanskitchenrangesubwaytile%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="microwave in kitchen island" border="0" height="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGCew3TZBiWOYl2otsOykdq8PmTY2WRbyZzYEcyX_eTusatUo6TH8fpYAOi_6jMhjbl4acrhaakEJBV1rxedZDbg3zR5TLH-mAS0kDCjVykAThZwC9MkSM1F54m5zPIxWOwyLstV1xJw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microwave in kitchen island" width="500" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://chriskauffman.blogspot.ca/2012/11/finally-our-completed-kitchen-from.html" title="http://chriskauffman.blogspot.ca/2012/11/finally-our-completed-kitchen-from.html">(source)</a></p> <p align="left">Love the pretty detail on that one! </p> <p align="left">So that’s my plan – add storage, shelving, a food station and a microwave. It will be ten feet long by the time I’m done with it. ;) We were able to move the island out a bit so after it’s extended there will be plenty of room between the stove and the island. We’ll still be able to walk around it when the door is open so it won’t feel cramped. </p> <p align="left">I’m excited about this project – just not sure when I’ll tackle it since I have so much to do in the family room. But I have a plan in mind and that’s half my battle! </p> <p align="left">Do you have a big kitchen island with a ton of storage? Is your microwave down low? I’d love to hear your experience with it!</p>

Island dreaming

Hello all! I’m excited about our family room renovation for many reasons, but one of the biggies is that I feel like I can finally move ahe...

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