Home Remodel

After 9 days of total mess - furniture displacement and layers of dust, we replaced our Entry Hall tile, Living Room, Hallway and Dining Room carpet for Hardwood Floors. Hurray!!! When the project began, we moved all the furniture out and started in the Entry...total NIGHTMARE!...The tile lay on 3 - 4 inches of concrete and was such a pain to break up and remove, not to mention all the dust, dust, DUST!!! The carpet was very easy to rip up, along with the padding, tack strips and all the staples. Next came the base boards and a good sweep of all the rooms. Last, was building up and replacing the Entry sub flooring so that it was level with the other rooms.

We could have, as it would have been more economical, but in the end we paid to have the Hardwood Flooring installed. It took 1 1/2 days and it is positively BEAUTIFUL!!! HONESTLY, I'D DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!!! I LOVE IT 200%! Thank you to my wonderful husband for his hard work and patience with me! And many thanks to our wonderful kids who pitched in when they could! I'll give my husband some time to regroup...but as for me, this project was so worth it.

Our "To Do" list has a few items checked off now...1. Furnace Replacement - 3 installed. 2. Air Conditioning Units - 2 installed. 3. Carpeting 3 upstairs Bedrooms, Hallway, Staircase, 2 main floor Offices and main floor Family Room. 4. Hardwood Flooring installed on main floor Entry, Living Room, Hallway and Formal Dining Room. We're making progress! :)

Special People & Special Moments Frozen In Time

Fill Your Home With
Special People & Special Moments,
Frozen In Time, Through Photography.
Surround Yourself With Those You Love Most!

Bringing Outdoors In

We're blessed to live in such a beautiful world...
Why not bring some of that Beauty indoors?
There's nothing like flowers to brighten a room,
lift a spirit, add color to any decor or
simply add fragrance that permeates any Home!

Bring in some of your favorite blossoms, twigs,
budding branches or fresh fruits & vegetables
and turn any room into a cozy retreat!

Inspirational Kitchen Ideas

These are some Kitchen Inspirations that I really love! Why? They're classic and never outdated. While Hardwood floors in the kitchen, laundry and baths are currently really popular, it is NOT POPULAR when plumbing, refrigeration or dishwasher leaks occur! It can cause wood to buckle and totally destroy hardwood sections! Personally, while I love hardwood flooring in a home, there are certain rooms that are better served to have tile. Clean up is easy for both and there are so many selections to choose from.

The Miracle Of Paint

Paint is the easiest and least expensive way to transform any room. Color is everything! It can make a room feel inviting, warm or rich. It can calm the spirit, ease the mind and create a feeling of tranquility. It can energize, awaken and lift.

A number of years ago, I did an apprenticeship for an Interior Decorator and learned a great many things from this gifted artist. One of the things learned is that, at least at that time, there were actually only 3 paint manufacturers who supplied the exact same product behind varying labels and prices. My experience with paint, over the past 15 years, is that most inexpensive paint lasts about the same as your most expensive brands. They are all made of pretty decent quality. The truth is...most people change the color of their walls/decor long before a paint warranty has expired. So go ahead and do what works within your budget and personal preference. There are so many home improvement stores throughout the U.S. that offer free classes on products and technique. Don't be afraid to experiment!...The worst that can happen is that you'll hate a color and begin anew.

Here are just a few things to consider...
1. Oil base - Lasts longer and tool/supply cleanup is more difficult and requires a cleaning solvent. Acrylic (Water Base) - Lasts well and is a soap & water cleanup...No other cleaning solvents are necessary.
2. Varying Paint Sheens - Flat is simply that...a matte color, difficult to wash walls and more recommended if you have an adult friendly ONLY kind of home. Semi-Gloss has a somewhat glossy sheen to the color, is easy to wash walls clean when something gets on it or a child gets to it with crayons. I highly recommend this sheen if kids are in the home or for bathroom usage, where humidity is higher. I love a Gloss sheen for Interior/Exterior doors, interior trim and bathroom ceilings. Why? Easy to wipe clean and maintain a nice new appearance for years to come. For bathroom ceilings, I prefer to prep them with a good scrub down of half & halft vinegar/water mixture to remove any mildew or mold spore bacteria. Then I will prime with a sealant that protects against mold/mildew made specifically for bathroom ceilings. Lastly, I paint with a semi-gloss or gloss sheen.
3. A paint job is as good as its prep job! Make the time to be thorough and tape off. It is worth the added grunt work and can really make the difference between "Perfection" and "Sloppy."

Happy Painting!!!