Just about every summer my GeeGee would paint the cement floor of her back patio. It was always this glossy battleship grey. We kids loved it because when it was wet it was damn near a slip-n-slide – are those things even around anymore? There’s also a great family story about my Grumps once painting a car – with a brush and leftover house paint. Therefore, when I claim that I come from a long line of DIY painters, I’ve got legit street creds. Back in college, furniture rehab was a necessity. … [Read more...]
The Year of the Challenge Envelope
“Hon, what exactly do you do with your allowance?” “Well, that’s my business.” “Yeah, but, you work from home…” “Hey, we made an agreement a long time ago that we each get the same amount of cash each week to blow as we see fit. No questions asked, remember?” “Yeah, but…” “Yeah, but, what?” “You’re right, forget I mentioned it.” Kiss kiss. Throughout 2014 this exchange between me and the Hubs reared its little head a few times. In each instance, I managed to dodge the … [Read more...]
Stripping Lessons
I’ve tackled many DIY projects throughout my 1980s colonial style house. You’ve experienced my “joys” as I’ve described my budget powder room makeover and my trash to treasure patio re-do. Hubs and I have painted almost every room, pulled up nasty green shag carpet, replaced cabinet handles and hinges, reupholstered chairs and benches, and completed a honey-do list that is varied and extensive. However, for the past 13 years we’ve chosen to ignore one particular room: the spare bathroom … [Read more...]
One Gal’s Trash
My mama raised me right. In our house, nothing ever went to waste. Leftover bacon grease was saved in a can on the kitchen counter. Aluminum foil was reused until it disintegrated. My lil’ brother and I often joke that Mom can spot the sales rack in a store faster than green grass through a goose (I cleaned that one up a bit for you Mom). But it’s not just good common sense instilled from Mom. My thriftiness can be traced to all sides of my gene pool. A couple of years ago my Dad introduced … [Read more...]
DIY Makeover Challenge: Can You Really Update a Bathroom For Less Than $500?
2010 was our “Year of the Money Pit.” In the middle of a major (read: expensive) master bathroom remodel, our home’s HVAC system ceased to work. Just shut right down. This unexpected, LARGE expense was followed closely by another surprise: our septic tank was failing and had to be immediately replaced. They say when it rains, it pours; well 2010 was our monsoon season. Consequently, I was put on a remodeling and redecorating diet for 2011 and 2012. No big projects allowed. I was relegated to … [Read more...]
Secrets of an Estate Sale Junkie
“Hello, my name is Kim, and I am an Estate Sale Junkie.” “Hello Kim!” I wasn’t always an ESJ. I started with what seemed to be relatively harmless excursions: thrift store perusing, perhaps the random yard or garage sale were as far as I explored. It all changed when, about a year ago, my Dad introduced me to the intriguing underworld known as the estate sale network. I’ve now come to understand that estate sales are different from the standard garage sale. A garage or yard sale is usually … [Read more...]