tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48317304441218182242023-11-16T02:02:27.170-06:00Texas Revamped by Teresa Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-81391728511144977742018-05-17T12:04:00.000-05:002018-05-19T21:40:03.277-05:00Home Tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Y'all come on in. Yes, that is truly how a Texan welcomes you to their home! Although the TV show Dallas put a lot of attention on our City in the 80's, there is a lot about that show that is not really Dallas.<br />
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We don't all wear Cowboy boots, or Cowboy hats. We don't all have an interest in oil and certainly don't all have a ranch!<br />
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But, it also brought to the attention that Dallas could have style. Not just in the way that people dressed, but in their homes.<br />
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The 80's brought Texans to attention and we have continued to embraced our homes and demanded that homes have style, details and a sense of comfort for our families. A place to easily entertain. We love to host a party! We like our brick and stone. We want a mix of materials to keep things interesting.<br />
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I've been fortunate to live in many different cities and states over the years. Including Tampa, Denver, Atlanta and at least 4 different cities in Texas. I am always surprised at how Texas homes and buyers are more demanding in what they want. Other homes in other states are often dated, boring and priced at much higher price than the homes in Texas. HGTV has brought attention to stylish homes and the value of a good design to the World. So y'all the gap is closing! We now see the value of a beautiful home, maintaining our investment, and keeping things current.<br />
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All that to say, come on in y'all and take a look around....let's step inside. I love how you can quickly see all the main areas of my home when you enter the front door.<br />
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Welcome to my living room...I'm not all white sofa's and chairs over here. I do love that look, but, it's just not practical in my world. I have pets, kids and since we move a lot because of my husbands job, I need durable. Pieces that will hold up well and look great in many different scenarios. So I choose my neutrals in darker colors, leathers, chenille's, dark wood...<br />
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I am also a big fan of dark wood floors. As time marches on I also tend to become more aware of our environment, so, when we move to a home and it needs an update I look for low VOC and sustainable materials. I can't always afford them, but, I look for the best option in my price range. There are many ways you can update and be respectful of our Earth. With that said. Wood floors are an investment for any size home. So, I want them to look great, add character and warmth to a home. Mine are NOT hard wood in this case! I chose Cali Bamboo floors, they met all the requirements. LOVE them! I chose the Distressed Java 5" 5/16 width. They are a nice medium color that lend themselves as a great backdrop to many different styles and colors. They have a 50 year warranty, are equal to hard wood floors and look and feel great.<br />
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and no we really don't have many reasons to light a fire but we love to decorate a mantle and make things cozy in the winter time. I like plenty of room to stretch out with a good book or have my 4 kids and their friends over. So I chose two complimentary sofas and a big over sized chair for this room. Our home is open. The previous owner loved dark colors. Possibly a left over to the late 90's Tuscan themes. Those colors just were not me. I knew I wanted the home to feel light, bright and comfortable. We got rid of the light brown ceilings and painted them crisp and white. I know not everyone likes a white ceiling but I like light to flow through my home, a white ceiling allows natural light as well as lamp light to flow easily from one space to another.<br />
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From our living room we can easily walk into the breakfast room and kitchen. Pull out a chair and sit for awhile with a glass of ice tea. Yes, y'all it is sweet and cold! I'm a bit traditional, I bought my first antique piece when I was 16 years old from the money I earned at my first job. It was a lovely piece from a local estate sale. My friends thought I was crazy. LOL. I love old wood and the history of a beautiful piece of furniture. My kitchen table is Tiger Oak and was hand made in France by my husbands great, great grandfather. They brought it with them to America. I love that we have the documentation and history of this table. The Antique ice box was my grandfathers. It was in the house he grew up in. Covered in a hundred layers of paint, he was using it to store dog food for his hunting dogs when I spied it and bartered him out of it! The new containers for dog food and the hours helping him at the dog kennel where he raised his Walkers and Beagles was worth it. The bonus was my momma spending the rest of the summer helping me strip it and bring it back to life. I refinished it in 1985 and it still looks beautiful today. I love the pieces and the memories they bring.<br />
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Another thing that is important to me in a home is LIGHT! Good lighting is so important. When we bought this house there was a single bulb fixture in every room and/or a ceiling fan single light in the bedrooms and living room. It was dark. I added the can lights in the living room, kitchen, and Master bedroom and upstairs game room. I also added under cabinet lighting, the two birdhouse style pendants over my kitchen island. I love lamps too. I want to be able to see to do a project with these old eyes of mine or turn things down and cozy up with soft lights and snuggle with my honey.<br />
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Do you spy my corbels? I have lugged these around to the last 4 houses I've owned. I bought them on clearance and knew they were perfect for a project...I just didn't know it was going to take me so long to find the right project! HAHA...my husband shakes his head when I bring these things home. I love how such a simple detail draws your attention to this bar area. I also chose to have my counter increased from the measly 12" it was so that you could really sit and eat or lay out a buffet! I don't know why builders always make the bar area more like a shelf than a place to actually sit and eat?!</div>
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The tile floors were original to the home. I like to choose my battles and expenses! Like I said we move often and this home might be a 2 year, 5 year or forever home. We will see. The floors were in good shape, no broken tiles and although I prefer something a little more modern and lighter, they worked well with all the choices I made for the home. So they stay.<br />
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I love white kitchen cabinets! I love that the look and feel clean. Love that they stand the test of time and it's so fun to decorate with such a bright backdrop. My counters are a leather finish of Quartzite in Fantasy Brown. Y'all, I LOVE my counter tops! I would have loved anything that was the green with pink flecked laminate that was there previously but when I saw this stone I knew that was it. It holds up in the kitchen. We cook a lot. We have 6-7 people busy in this kitchen at times, so spills and messes happen. With a simple wipe all is forgiven. They are beautiful in every light. I wanted to do a butcher block counter top for a long time. I decided this was my opportunity to shake things up and install a warm piece of butcher block on my kitchen island. It's been great. I sealed it with Watco Waterlox sealer. It is been in for over a year now and has warmed up even more but handles the day to day abuse my family throws at it.<br />
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Come on over to my dinning room. This is where our family eats 50% of our meals. We eat breakfast and lunch mostly in our breakfast room. But, we have an extra mouth or two on most nights so we usually wind up in the dinning room.<br />
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This room used to have a door coming from the kitchen and a door to the office. The doors hit each other and limited the space you could use for your table and chairs. I removed the door from the kitchen because I knew it would never be closed and just was in the way. I also removed the door to our office and added a barn door there. I wanted something that was interesting to look at and wouldn't cause a disruption to the flow of the room. My barn door is new. Yep, it is a simple pine shaker door. I bought the barn door hardware and installed it. I then took my new door and debated about a minute with painting it white or a pop of color. I then decided I really wanted an old door but y'all they are crazy expensive in Texas! A good reclaimed barn door can run from $800 on up and they don't last long. You have to be willing to buy them on the spot. So, I took nails, chains, screws and hammer and went to work beating up my "new" barn door. My dad wondered several times why I was beating up a perfectly good door. I then took 3 colors of Minwax stain, walnut, honey and classic black. I love how the door turned out. It works for me and I don't have to worry about it getting scuffed, a dog rubbing against it or children slamming it. The more dings the better.<br />
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Speaking of offices, let me show you ours. It is tucked behind that door and works perfectly for a place to work outside of the hustle and bustle of our home.<br />
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My husband offices from home so this space is used everyday by one or both of us. I chose a color that would be stimulating but still relaxing. This is SW #9057 Aquitaine. It is a lovely blue gray with just a slight green undertone. We also decided while we were doing the work we would add 6" baseboards to this house. Do you like large baseboards or do you prefer you baseboards to be smaller? I really like the beefy baseboards. I recently had the honor of restoring my childhood home. I realized that the original baseboards in that home from 1940 were 5". I guess that is why I always prefer them larger. It's what I was used to seeing.<br />
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Speaking of color. You probably noticed that the rest of my home, accept this office and my daughters bathroom are all the same color. I do like to use a "whole" house color. It creates a nice backdrop for your home and allows you to choose colors or trends by incorporating them into your furnishings and window treatments. I chose SW #7036 Accessible Beige for my home. It is a Greige not a gray. I tend to like a little more warmth in my home. I had it lightened by 25% for the majority of my home. I used it at regular tint for my media room and upstairs bathroom and carried the color across the ceiling in my upstairs rooms. I wanted to carry out the "media" room feeling of a little darker and cozy space.<br />
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Let's run on upstairs and look at that space before we head back down to see the bedrooms and baths downstairs.<br />
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Here you can really see the way our Cali Bamboo floors have such a rich color variation and you can see the character of the distressed wood. We use this space for family movie night, to work out and hang out. In a pinch we can add the air mattress and have a fully guest suite for our out of town visitors. This space really is the definition of flex space.<br />
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Our bathroom is perfect for this space. The plumbing was here but the space was left incomplete. So we enclosed the space with walls, added a shower and created the perfect 3/4 bath for our needs. Through those double doors is a fabulous 6' X 11' Storage closet! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfG9LCSN1_6d4prKOe8Rzc5cpIQmKTHJH0yS76RdPA8K5-NQ7j9UztObl2ZyjlKbhOXN8rmpQtWe4hZ3ItQC1lDd2YP_RmNI2hq1zSAPcoFQrW74SmOEAPhxu5LD4I_81OeKbIdFaXnrU/s1600/Brookvista.MLS29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfG9LCSN1_6d4prKOe8Rzc5cpIQmKTHJH0yS76RdPA8K5-NQ7j9UztObl2ZyjlKbhOXN8rmpQtWe4hZ3ItQC1lDd2YP_RmNI2hq1zSAPcoFQrW74SmOEAPhxu5LD4I_81OeKbIdFaXnrU/s640/Brookvista.MLS29.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's head back down and we will wrap this tour up with a view of our bedrooms and other bathrooms.<br />
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First we will peek into my teens room and the bathroom that she uses daily and also supports most of our guests.<br />
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We have fairly generous rooms in this home. The secondary bedrooms are 12' X 13'. That allows our daughter to have her desk in her bedroom. She likes that she can use it as a vanity space as well. Since we chose a whole house color I asked her to work with me and not against me. You know what I mean. At first she was bummed and wanted to really make this room her own. So we started discussing ways to do that. She found these fun gold circles by Wallpop and added them to her room. She then found the cute jewelry holder shaped like a dress form at a local garage sale! Yep, she is her mother's daughter. Shhh...she likes to pretend otherwise! Her bedding was where she could really bring in her favorite colors and patterns. All in all she loves her room and I'm happy that it is easily to transform with her as she continues to grow and her taste change. The other fun little update we did for this room was add the cute flower shaped fan. Isn't it fun?<br />
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She loved the Aquitaine color we used for the office so we chose that for her bathroom. She thought it was meant to be when a shopping trip to Target turned up this gold polka dotted shower curtain. So fun. You can't really see her beautiful quartz counter tops in this picture but she chose Calacatta Classique for her vanity top. I was able to find it as a remnant at the stone yard so the savings allowed us to add this higher priced material to her space.</div>
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And if our guests want to stay on the main level we have a room just for that....be our guest.<br />
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This room is a generous size, again it is 12' X 13', but I wanted to use a queen size bed for our guests. that proved challenging with the way the room was designed and where the doors and closet were. I usually don't like to put a bed in front of a window, but in this case, it truly was my only option. I ended up using my traditional canopy bed. framing the window as the back drop of the bed.<br />
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Now if you'll walk across the house with me I will share my Master suite with you....when you step in from our hallway this is what you see. Again, I love how open the house is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsYv8lEhIHzXBUQT1zq24ojUWEk95j5TtG4S45jxG8Wyd0iebRmHhvIf__fq9WOC7SRz5GHCD658fKijFbAGRHbuC0EOXH6gkgcW20kVvWiAEox9hiMRk3Romtq7Fub4PKAjTP0SaBjQ/s1600/Brookvista.MLS27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsYv8lEhIHzXBUQT1zq24ojUWEk95j5TtG4S45jxG8Wyd0iebRmHhvIf__fq9WOC7SRz5GHCD658fKijFbAGRHbuC0EOXH6gkgcW20kVvWiAEox9hiMRk3Romtq7Fub4PKAjTP0SaBjQ/s640/Brookvista.MLS27.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I've read that glass block is passe. However, I find that it really works well in a bathroom to allow light and privacy. I also like the texture it adds to this space. So I kept our glass block. This bathroom had a Jacuzzi tub that was leaking and a prefab shower that was tight and dark. Only one single bulb light fixture in the room. I added lights above the vanity, above the tub and above the shower. I also chose a tub that is new but touched on the charm of the past.<br />
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Marble tile in a warm beige/gold color make this room feel inviting. I liked adding the modern vessel sinks to mix it up and keep it a little more interesting. Do you like to mix old and new? It keeps people on their toes.<br />
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My husband is just over 6'2" so I raised his vanity slightly and he loves not having to stoop to use his sink.<br />
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Again, I love my floors!! Never tire of feeling the smooth finish under my feet or enjoying the beauty of them. I don't use a lot of area rugs. I have in some homes but I don't want to hide the beauty of these floors. Yes, my 130 lb. Great Pyrenees is indoors most of the time, especially in the summer. The floors are so durable they don't get marked up at all by her big paws and claws! Now that is something to like.<br />
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This room is where my husband and I unwind. We like to read, watch a little news, chat and catch up. Of course we also sleep here. ;) We've often had a very small Master bedroom. Not every home allows so much square footage to be in a bedroom. I love that this really feels like a Master Suite. We have room for our necessities and a sitting area. My pink lamps are my "girly, girl" item in this space. My husband doesn't like a lot of frills, so I keep the room comfortable for him and add the lamps for me! I've also heard padded headboards are OUT, people! Can you believe it? Well, I'm hanging on to mine for awhile. I love to sit against it. I often wonder why I didn't have one sooner. This one is 6 years old but is still in great shape. COMFY! In my book that is worth keeping awhile longer. Do you listen to all the in's and out's of design. Since I design spaces for clients, I do keep up with them, but, like I tell my clients, your home is your home! It has to work for you and feel comfortable for you.<br />
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Having pieces that make you smile or feel comfortable to you are part of making your house become your home. If you invest in good quality pieces you can have those for a lifetime. My canopy bed is 25 years old and the night stands still by my bed today are from that set. They are in perfect condition so I don't feel the need to replace them and I like the size function they lend to my space. Again, use what you love in your home.<br />
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Now, if your not afraid of a little Texas heat, let's step through my bedroom door and take a look at the back patio.<br />
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This is where we kick off our shoes and chill during the hot days of summer. I recognize that a pool is a luxury and we didn't always have one. This is a sport pool (only 5' deep in the center) just big enough to swim a little, play some water volleyball or get cooled off. We also have a hot tub to warm up and relax those tired muscles in the winter.<br />
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Do you spy my little pool cabana? I'll write a post on it soon. I love it. However, my HOA does not. We have neighbors that have heavy plastic lawn sheds and several play houses. One play house is 8' tall! But, my little pool cabana is frowned upon. So, I'm not sure how much longer it will be here. But, it is a fun little spot. I can't wait to show it to you and let you see how we created a little hang out space for teen or adults alike.<br />
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Well, thank y'all. It was so nice to spend time with you and have you take a look around. I hope you enjoyed your time here. Come back anytime. I'm not Motel 6, but, chances are I'll have a light on.<br />
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Dallas, TX, USA32.7766642 -96.79698789999997632.3496592 -97.442434899999981 33.2036692 -96.151540899999972tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-67096817206145364602017-11-07T08:18:00.001-06:002018-05-17T15:18:09.431-05:00Home Tour! Lovely West Kessler located Oak Cliff.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Home Tour!<br />
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Wow, it's been such a journey. I was able to purchase the home I grew up in from family friends who bought it from my parents 27 years ago. Hard to believe it's been that long, but the calendar proves it has. This project allowed me to act as both designer and General Contractor. I was able to stretch myself and tackle a personal and professional goal. I took the home back to it's studs. Updating all plumbing including the sewer line, electrical, added insulation and re-worked the floor plan for today. There wasn't a single area I didn't touch.<br />
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This is how the front looks today.<br />
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This is the front of the house when I bought it and how it looked when I was growing up. I've always LOVED the old Austin Stone around the front door. Yes, that is a front porch that is 4' off the ground and does not have a railing of any kind. Oddly enough no one has ever fallen off or been hurt on that porch. Now I do know two rowdy twins that used to jump off it across the bushes to see who could jump the best.<br />
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I wont share ever before picture at this time. Maybe on another post. I also have lots of childhood photos in this home. I could share but that might be a bore. Right now I'd like to invite you in to take a look around at this lovely 1940's Kessler Tudor (Architect George Kessler designed the master planned area of Kessler Park in Dallas, he also designed many of the homes.) This home wasn't in Kessler proper but it was one of his designs. The house has had 4 owners. Do you have areas like that where you live? Old enough that people refer to a house as "The Stephens" house, or the "Stark Sisters" place? That is what Oak Cliff is like in Dallas. It is an area rich with history, art and culture.<br />
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I didn't want to make this house a "new" home. I wanted to respect the character and charm of what it was and where it is. That dictated a lot of my design choices. I wanted it to keep that story book feeling it has always had but make it work for how we live today. Tell me what you think and if I accomplished that goal.<br />
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This is the view when you walk in the front door. All the wood floors are original to the home. We removed 2 large Coleman Floor furnaces. I am blessed to know a true artists with wood floors. He took pieces we salvaged from another room and pieced them in seamlessly where we removed the stoves and removed walls or widened openings. The home is not truly an open concept house. It was like most homes of that time that every room was it's own space. We did have an arch to our dinning room. I took the arch out and both increased the width and height of the opening from the living room to the dining room. I also took a wall out between the dining room and kitchen so that the rooms are more open to each other and lend themselves to the way we live and enjoy our homes today. No one wants to be blocked off from where everyone else is. Unless your asleep, ha! I also took out a coat closet that made the entry feel tight and closed.<br />
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This home, like many, had 8' ceilings. We had an abundance of attic space in this house. So I raised the ceiling in the living room. It's amazing how raising the ceiling in just one room and increasing the height of the doorways can make all the ceilings seem higher. I chose a soft antique white with just a hint of yellow through the main part of the house. I carried it onto the ceiling in this room. The ceiling height is now 14' which also allowed for can lights and a fun and modern over sized fan!<br />
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The large picture window that was functional when I grew up in this house had seen better days. The old cloth pulley's had broken and the window had several layers of paint. I replaced all the windows in this house to a more energy efficient home. I decided instead of adding a non functioning picture frame window to this room I would add a sliding door to the porch. It was a great idea. So more useful.</div>
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We kept the original fireplace but added a gas stove. The windows stayed in their original location beside the fireplace but I was able to add a pretty leaded glass to this area. </div>
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The dinning room is basically the same as it always was accept now the wall is open to the kitchen and the door that used to close off the upstairs is gone. The beautiful chandelier is not original to the home. It had a brass one. This one was an anniversary gift to my mom for their 15th wedding anniversary. They've now been married 62 years. You do the math. ;)<br />
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I added a little plate rack where a recessed area used to be for the doorbell chimes! We actually had long brass chimes that were the door bell. I had to widen the space and then I added trim, glass shelves and dowels to hold the dishes.<br />
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Isn't that chandelier pretty?!<br />
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You can also catch a glimpse of the kitchen. I had so much fun with this kitchen. It had a wall with a swinging door that closed it off from the dinning room. There was only 4' of counter space. A tiny L shape of cabinetry in a galley kitchen. The hot water heater took up half the pantry and the niche fro the refrigerator was only 4' tall! My parents entertained a lot and hosted many family gatherings. Often feeding 40-50 people. The previous owners used to host large community gatherings and she catered. I take my hat off to these women. I honestly don't know how they managed. But, I love how the kitchen turned out. First I wanted a statement piece. I had old flooring and I loved the way the bottom looked. So I attached it to the ceiling exposing all the grooves and age. It turned out beautifully. I then gutted the space and began to design a plan that would maximize the space, storage, and counter space. I needed this kitchen to perform and wanted it to look fabulous in the process.<br />
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I stuck with a black and white color theme. It allowed me to keep the vintage charm but still appeal to today. It is a timeless kitchen color combo for good reason. Classic shaker cabinets were chosen, a honed leather counter top in black granite came next. LOVE it! Feels great, easy to work with. Most people think it's soap stone, but, without the fuss. It's just a great counter top. We added this a fun vent a hood to top off this great Samsung 5 burner gas range, and do you see the corner of the drink refrigerator? People this kitchen has everything you need. We tucked the microwave into a lower cabinet. Added a high performing pantry in black with slide out shelves, so nothing gets lost in the back.<br />
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And the marble back splash is pretty but OH be still my heart when I saw this back and white marble diamond pattern tile! This tile is sharp and a little sexy. It really draws your attention towards it.<br />
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The floors are done in a black porcelain faux slate. I chose a more modern size and they really do work well. This kitchen has so much storage. We moved the back door over, added a window above the sink to match the two existing windows, took out a tiny little 3/4 bathroom that served as both master and guest bath. It used to open to the kitchen and the master bedroom! UGH. Not a fan of that design but I guess it did work for years.<br />
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The old bathroom is where the pantry and back door are now. Do you spy the pantry? And we now have space for a large French door refrigerator! There are cabinets for everything. I truly do love how this kitchen turned out. Sticking with the foot print of the home and due to the location of the staircase, my options were that this would still be a galley kitchen. But, now it is a galley kitchen that can manage anything you can cook up. ;) Pun intended.<br />
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I added the leaded glass doors to this area and a shelf for our coffee cups.<br />
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Ok, I'll hush about the kitchen. Come on back to the hallway and we will look at the bedrooms, bathrooms and office.<br />
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This bathroom feels like it could have been the original 1940's bathroom. It is in the same location and I decided to keep everything in it's original location. This was the main and largest bathroom in our house growing up. I used some of that beautiful marble black and white diamond tile to accent the top of the bath. What isn't here anymore is the window that looked out onto the long ago enclosed porch, the wall heater, the pink and burgundy tile, the cast iron plumbing, the knob and tube wiring. You get the picture. I did choose a beautiful mosaic marble floor tile in a very traditional pattern. I love the variation of colors it gives to the room. The walls are a soft green. You probably noticed the kitchen is a burnt orange. This home and arts district area lend themselves to a little more color and fun. I was going to replace the linen cabinet, but there was nothing wrong with it and I would have had a custom one made to fit the space. So instead I had all the old lead based paint stripped away and did a little McKenzie Child inspired paint technique. I wanted it to be folksy and whimsical. The vanity was a fun steal of a deal at our local Lowe's! It was a display that was being phased out. the marble top was perfect for this room and since it was a former display the faucet came with! Don't you love it when you find a great deal that works for your home?<br />
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Just behind this bathroom in the hallway is the new indoor laundry! Now, before you get all excited this is a sliver of a space that originally was another coat closet or the vacuum closet as we called it when I was growing up in this house! But, the house had never had an indoor laundry space. It was inside the garage. Always. When I started the project I had envisioned enclosing the space between the house and the detached garage. That quickly became a complicated and expensive idea. Don't you hate when reality rains on your parade?! Well, I had to find an indoor laundry option. It's one of those modern conveniences that we've all kind of gotten spoiled to.<br />
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My challenge was I didn't want to take away from any of the existing rooms. The house is 2100 sq. ft. It's not huge but all the rooms were nicely sized and I wanted them to stay that way. So I took a sliver from the good sized guest room closet and added the space to this hall closet! Now there is a full size front loader that is stacked. It's a vent-less system by Bosch which is awesome. There is room for brooms and a small laundry caddy. I used an original french door from the house from a doorway that was removed. Honestly people there was a at least two, often 3 doors in every room! I guess it was the original owners vision of open concept. Or it just helped the whole house attic fan that used to be in the ceiling of this hallway. We also took that out. It didn't work and isn't needed with Central air and heat. We also have great insulation in the walls and attic now! Anyway back to the door, it was fun keeping it and putting it on the barn door hardware. It is great when you want to close off the laundry.<br />
At the end of the hall is our guest room... I think this bedroom may have been the largest or at the very least the same size as the original Master. It is a 14' X 15'. It had 3 doors!! One to the original screened in porch that was later enclosed for my brothers, one to the hall and one to the front living room. It has one now. It's now private, cozy and inviting. We replaced the original old window with a large picture frame window. It is beautiful. It is definitely one of my favorite features. It is 5' tall and 4.5' wide.<br />
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on the other side of the hall is the Master Suite. Yes, when I re-worked the floor plan I knew I wanted a master suite. Not a bedroom with a bathroom down the hall or a tiny little 3/4 or 1/2 bath. I wanted it to feel like Master Suites you find in homes today.<br />
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Let's take a look...<br />
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I shortened the length of the hall and took out a door to the original master bedroom and moved where the hallway ended and the door was. This was the middle bedroom and smallest of the three in the home. It was also my bedroom growing up. I also gutted the original closet to incorporate that space as usable space for the bedroom.<br />
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This room also had a floor furnace and a wall was removed. Again, amazing floor guy! the original hardwood floors are just beautiful. Warm and feel great underfoot.</div>
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I love the space that this room now has and how comfortable it is.<br />
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The real challenge and room that proved most rewarding was adding this master bath! This used to be my parents master bedroom!! Can you imagine?<br />
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The claw foot tub is new but is still cast iron and feels like it could have always been part of this home.<br />
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I found this beautiful old dresser that we had converted to the vanity. The vessel sinks are a nod to modern day and have a gorgeous water color design in the glass. I was very pleased that the plan allowed for a large walk in shower. The tile is a porcelain with a Carrara Marble pattern. The accent tile on the ceiling and band around the shower are a mix of glass and marble and the shower floor is a marble mosaic.<br />
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Just off the Master bedroom is the office. It was originally a screened in porch. My dad and a friend from our church enclosed it in the late 70's for my brothers bedroom. It worked wonderful for an office space.</div>
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The bonus space is upstairs. We designed it to be a loft style bedroom with a tv area and a full bath.</div>
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I used the same soft green on the walls and ceiling as the downstairs bathroom and we painted the small space behind the bed a fun aqua blue.<br />
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This room used to stop where the cork flooring is now. It was called a rumpus room. The ceilings were only 5 1/2' tall. We increased them to a hair under 8' to make it a space that passed that codes for today. The 3/4 bath allows this space to work for guest, game room, media room, whatever you need it to be.<br />
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That wraps up the inside of the home. If you follow me out back, I'll show you our garage. It truly is a blessing and a sought after commodity to have a garage. Many homes in this area did not have them. Ours is large and detached. We also have a little pergola area we added for entertaining.<br />
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I covered the space between the house and garage with a lattice and clear plastic lattice roofing. It allows enough sun in for my planter boxes to thrive and it keeps people from getting wet going from the house to the garage. Again, I admire all the years that people went out in all types of weather to get to the garage. Modern living has spoiled me and I wanted this home to feel good for those who love all things vintage but also appeal to the modern family that loves the character of older homes.<br />
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The pergola was added with left over materials. WE put a metal standing seam roof on the property. We only bought a few extra boards for the roof structure. Everything else we had. I love how it turned out.<br />
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Well let me walk you back out to our circle drive. Oh, you noticed we went across a bridge? Yes, we have a spring fed creek that splits our yard with lovely stone retaining wall with it's own observation deck. Doesn't it look like a fairy tale? I love this house and love that I was able to give it a new lease on life for another 75+ years.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed the tour. Come back anytime! </div>
Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0711 N Hampton Rd, Dallas, TX 75208, USA32.7512146 -96.8573301999999797.2291800999999971 -138.16592419999998 58.2732491 -55.548736199999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-1046449960751121432016-10-18T09:02:00.003-05:002016-10-18T15:01:07.756-05:00Shout out! Lowes @Chalk Hill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have done several home remodels. I've also done several flips. I've done them through small companies, local companies, big box you name it. I've done it. The past 3 flips and 3 home remodels it was decided that I'd focus on one stop shop. Using my local Lowes. My current Lowes is in West Dallas at Chalk Hill. They have proven to be a great resource.<br />
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Doing a remodel for a home you are going to live in takes time and you often want a more custom look to your remodel. For this we've used several resources through Lowes that meant Special Orders. Yes, your Lowes can do that. Don't see a 6 light Chandelier? Speak to your Lowes specialist. Not finding that particular range you've been dreaming of? Speak to the Appliance manager. Work with a Pro-Services representative if your unsure of where to begin. We knew this would be a full remodel since we were taking the interior of the home back to the studs, moving walls as we changed the floor plan for todays lifestyle and relocating a few doors and windows. The team at Lowes did not let us down by helping us order enough lumber for new framing, sheetrock for new walls, green board for wet areas, and the thousands of nails we've used. Yes, there is often way more to a remodel or in this case re-build! <br />
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I am not sponsored or paid to give this opinion. I simply wanted to give credit where credit is due! From the managers down to the paint specialists I've been helped with the professionalism that you would find at many designer show rooms. They've shown me the best way to save, the best options for my needs and helped me find the look for my desired goals. Thank you, Lowes!<br />
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By the way, can not wait to show you some of our finished spaces! Keep checking in and thank you so much for following and sharing this journey! </div>
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~Teresa</div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-30208196197713389232016-03-27T21:03:00.001-05:002016-04-07T14:06:42.508-05:00#FixerUpper - Dreaming up a new bathroom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Ok, I do love my house. Love coming home. BUT, people, make no mistakes that I love the pink and burgundy tile! Oh, me oh my. I was over it by the start of high school. But, no one I ever knew changed tile. It was a major part of your home and installed to last. Especially the heavy set tile of 1940's. <br />
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<a class="irc_mil i3597" data-href="http://emojipedia.org/smiling-face-with-smiling-eyes/" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwiN6fvwmuLLAhVHOSYKHa68DyYQjRwIBw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiN6fvwmuLLAhVHOSYKHa68DyYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Femojipedia.org%2Fsmiling-face-with-smiling-eyes%2F&psig=AFQjCNEJAlPrE-EsAXYuJmWvkzDGMOGJOg&ust=1459214265003951" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a class="irc_mil i3597" data-href="http://emojipedia.org/smiling-face-with-smiling-eyes/" data-noload="" data-ved="0ahUKEwiN6fvwmuLLAhVHOSYKHa68DyYQjRwIBw" href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiN6fvwmuLLAhVHOSYKHa68DyYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Femojipedia.org%2Fsmiling-face-with-smiling-eyes%2F&psig=AFQjCNEJAlPrE-EsAXYuJmWvkzDGMOGJOg&ust=1459214265003951" jsaction="mousedown:irc.rl;keydown:irc.rlk" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LD4Az2li7Dq0VG-7X7DDcXXQaFsLDC_uLHXVADgumq7eKke3fl6zEoNRI2pPMDM_Qkb7j25DU4V56jqkhj8NA4fjpWX6PE_rzPDQYDs7IRUXwS0Pj6L0e07YhL5CsnPWZr7gXpK5b6o/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LD4Az2li7Dq0VG-7X7DDcXXQaFsLDC_uLHXVADgumq7eKke3fl6zEoNRI2pPMDM_Qkb7j25DU4V56jqkhj8NA4fjpWX6PE_rzPDQYDs7IRUXwS0Pj6L0e07YhL5CsnPWZr7gXpK5b6o/s200/IMG_2982.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAMAhFwuwdoVUZByrzvVX-Yb-hlvlM1xf5T_3sIs-Rzza0WSCd1vo59w81AR61gyzAYia4JmPtZiNezfj9R76nl70OMwoUq2FNTnpx407caJZtWDULBz949jGRsS3dQSrIGS8Lnt91CE/s1600/IMG_2981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAMAhFwuwdoVUZByrzvVX-Yb-hlvlM1xf5T_3sIs-Rzza0WSCd1vo59w81AR61gyzAYia4JmPtZiNezfj9R76nl70OMwoUq2FNTnpx407caJZtWDULBz949jGRsS3dQSrIGS8Lnt91CE/s200/IMG_2981.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LD4Az2li7Dq0VG-7X7DDcXXQaFsLDC_uLHXVADgumq7eKke3fl6zEoNRI2pPMDM_Qkb7j25DU4V56jqkhj8NA4fjpWX6PE_rzPDQYDs7IRUXwS0Pj6L0e07YhL5CsnPWZr7gXpK5b6o/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a> Yes, I've heard the comments that it is coming back. I've heard from the purists that it is so retro and in great shape and is part of what makes your home special. Yes, I've heard from my ultra conservative father that there is nothing wrong with your tile. If you have to do something to it just have it re-glazed. It will be as good as new. Well, people, I listened to none of this. I'm contrary that way. ☺️ <b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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I do want to respect this home and the beautiful details that you expect to find in an older home. So, I am keeping a mosaic tile floor. Very similar to the one that is in pink! But, um, is in a beautiful, classic marble. Then I am lessening the amount of tile used. If someone waltz's into this house in another 75 years and hates the tile I chose they wont have so much to deal with. I've chosen to update the old 4X4 pink squares with a classic but still current subway tile. <br />
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As a reminder this is a 75 year old house. Being an old house it has a few hidden secrets. My decision to remodel the bathroom and take all the existing tile out of there lead us to discover a rusted through pipe deeply hidden in the heavy mortar holding all that glorious pink tile in place. YIKES! It would have been a matter of time and not a long time that the whole floor would have fallen through. So gutting this bathroom ended up being the right call.<br />
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I also revealed a huge stash of razor blades!! Yikes. Odd but true fact. Back in the 20's, 30's and 40's homes and hotels had slots built into the medicine cabinets or a small brass plate on the wall for men to "safely" dispose of their razor blades when the blade became dull. I can only imagine the DNA on all those blades. The rotted wood is all being cleared out and we will rebuild the base for the bathroom and make sure the floor and foundation will be strong and sturdy for the future. Oh, and the window that leads to the enclosed porch is going bye-bye. <br />
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We've decided to work with Lowe's Pro desk for this remodel. We've remodeled 6 homes this past year with #Lowes. My dad owns many properties that he rents out or flips. There are many ways to save money on a remodel or when building a home. As a designer and married to a husband who is an architect we have some resources open to us that others don't. However, I have found consistently that Lowes will work with you and goes above and beyond to help you find the item you need. Also, it's great to choose resources that are close to your project. This cuts down on delays and delivery problems. Here is a peek at the tile that I've chosen for this bathroom. This bathroom will now be a guest bathroom. Nothing was overly fancy about our home growing up. Life over all was simple for most homes in the area. I don't want to break the bank with this bathroom, but I do want it to be inviting and to feel special for our guests. I chose basic subway tile for the bathroom but am highlighting it with Carrera marble and pretty patterns. Let's take a peek:<br />
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And of course we need to round things off with a new toilet, beautiful sink and oh so pretty fixtures.</div>
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I'm still on the hunt for the perfect mirror. Love, love, love putting all the details together, don't you? I can't wait to see it all come together and see the new "old" bathroom! </div>
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I do appreciate many of the details of this old house. I will be keeping the bathroom cabinet. But, I will visit my local Lowes store to pick up new moldings to trim it out and will be ordering new doors for it. I love that it has a built in hamper! Did you grow up with a hamper in the house? </div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com2Kessler, Dallas, TX, USA32.7601976 -96.83777989999998732.7334916 -96.878120399999986 32.786903599999995 -96.797439399999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-67149051785400099082016-03-26T19:52:00.001-05:002016-03-27T21:39:31.208-05:00Going home!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've thought about this topic a lot and been asked about it often in the past few months. Can you ever really go home again?<br />
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Yes, yes, you can. I also believe that your home is wherever you make it and shared with those you love and hold dear. <br />
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I've been lucky enough to come full circle so to speak. I've bought the house I grew up in. My parents purchased the home in 1968 when my twin brother and I were two. It was a big step and dream for these young parents of twins. It was also the place I called home and imagined I would always live. Or at least that my parents would and I would come to visit. I would imagine all of us feel this way when we are growing up. I only knew a handful of people that ever moved when I was growing up. Back then people bought their home and settled in. It is where they lived, loved, raised their families, fought, cried and just experienced all that life threw at you. The walls were strong, safe and embraced each member of the family at the end of the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_VUOO6amPLrl8dPhe5HLHMoOENIFMOhs4-Pozbi4RzdDt7tFeQnNeCgGqqtDdfZfV34hLX50KgMdWRhXB0AmOQ40Hci8MLqKCJeL4SYHvugw_xq9QHP01HunsIIGDxS4lu6kyvyT1Ts/s1600/Home.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_VUOO6amPLrl8dPhe5HLHMoOENIFMOhs4-Pozbi4RzdDt7tFeQnNeCgGqqtDdfZfV34hLX50KgMdWRhXB0AmOQ40Hci8MLqKCJeL4SYHvugw_xq9QHP01HunsIIGDxS4lu6kyvyT1Ts/s320/Home.1.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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My parents sold our house in 1986. They moved to a bigger and newer house. They created a new home as empty nesters a term that wasn't yet in vogue. They were excited and giddy as they handed me my new "house" key. I was perplexed and bewildered! How on earth could they sell our home?! I mean that was home, how do you sell that? HAHA! I was young, just finished my first year of college and I got a call from my parents that they had a place for me to put my belongings in storage. Well, the joke was on me. House sold and new house was all ready set up with our belongings. I must have looked like I was going to faint because my momma took my arm and said, "It's okay, honey. Your going to love this house!" I'm not sure I loved it but I was so happy for them. It was hard not to embrace their excitement of something newer, bigger and different. They also opened the door to the idea that people do move. Um, now that I've moved 13 times, I'm not sure a family home is even in my wheel house. That was until our dear friends who have bought our house and moved into it in 1986 and raised their family and lived their lives there decided to move. They are now embracing their dreams as empty nesters and headed to the family ranch! <br />
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It was one of those meant to be moments. Everything fell into place so smoothly. Doors literally opened on both sides to make this transition come to reality. It was very surreal to find that I was able to walk into the doors that I grew up in and suddenly know I was home. <br />
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Here are a few pictures from the days I spent at this house growing up. I am excited to share my remodel and other memories along the way. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrpqWzjK8b4JuViVDqTWyruUfrUiOnaIHUKPezmVvetxmodyVsuWlhq5ybhpoqQFl2rbKe-nnMouIOrsEVzeLE-_bVN90ome9spCY0_o22_uG594xwtnDB9SC5rwyqGznVof9XMgWBKY/s1600/Home.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrpqWzjK8b4JuViVDqTWyruUfrUiOnaIHUKPezmVvetxmodyVsuWlhq5ybhpoqQFl2rbKe-nnMouIOrsEVzeLE-_bVN90ome9spCY0_o22_uG594xwtnDB9SC5rwyqGznVof9XMgWBKY/s320/Home.2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easter at our house '69</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54b1zrnvxlvjqd0V7IGOzX9xFPZQa3CTHmL-CWfacmFm-Wc25xLcXeQnKT7Trvnd1ue9WaShIJ7arB9DeW1rTa-kw-HqtDVpySqGjSQLucVqic3SgPlLGQSqxvhqH9J7-Was3E3rVt-A/s1600/Growing+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54b1zrnvxlvjqd0V7IGOzX9xFPZQa3CTHmL-CWfacmFm-Wc25xLcXeQnKT7Trvnd1ue9WaShIJ7arB9DeW1rTa-kw-HqtDVpySqGjSQLucVqic3SgPlLGQSqxvhqH9J7-Was3E3rVt-A/s320/Growing+up.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to school Our house!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Graduation pics with Grandpa at our House</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Days</td></tr>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Kessler, Dallas, TX, USA32.7601976 -96.83777989999998732.7334916 -96.878120399999986 32.786903599999995 -96.797439399999988tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-17187049177217862762016-03-20T23:35:00.000-05:002016-03-26T19:33:08.575-05:00Finding your Homes style...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">There are various rules of thoughts when buying an old house. Do you re-imagine it? Make it something brand new? Like blowing off the top and adding a second story. For example and taking a basic ranch and transforming it into a Colonial.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsHFEG2G8pn8rTKRv1kK1CvlybQqNIAFdwqHpWvMSrX6ufXEgX-t0my8T62UPOzboI0fwBoOw2aDt5YEPUPulR83M7kj55lRxnzDLR9fTt9BWIxiT6GwZ6x2cpEa3JY9QAEfBDs4tJVw/s1600/small-ranch-before-two-story-remodel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsHFEG2G8pn8rTKRv1kK1CvlybQqNIAFdwqHpWvMSrX6ufXEgX-t0my8T62UPOzboI0fwBoOw2aDt5YEPUPulR83M7kj55lRxnzDLR9fTt9BWIxiT6GwZ6x2cpEa3JY9QAEfBDs4tJVw/s200/small-ranch-before-two-story-remodel.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz3Az6SSSlO1JLa-jsGa-RrQjOv35vfee2FPTJKSMG5fCb5ipbv_onoJkE0ZFL50yNp4jEVeCpa7Euryqfqq2HPDBR_KScpU3FbzIarcQOV0uRjgczmjWzP6jLfcRybqTMF09NVU4nP0/s1600/two-story-Colonial-after-remodel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz3Az6SSSlO1JLa-jsGa-RrQjOv35vfee2FPTJKSMG5fCb5ipbv_onoJkE0ZFL50yNp4jEVeCpa7Euryqfqq2HPDBR_KScpU3FbzIarcQOV0uRjgczmjWzP6jLfcRybqTMF09NVU4nP0/s200/two-story-Colonial-after-remodel.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or you could basically ignore the old house you bought and transform it into something modern and new. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNLSUIXNqK0a2dfRr0La4qlyayGydU9rC2YkNUMzzzFfFGoTi73DYrhdH-DI_Nylm1iDhrmD4SvNCJ9h2NvtzsX800yglmDjt-S5IBQ9QvE3Xf_aRljgXeLCjK1S1tmzj05JHx4fSgJ0/s1600/Basic+Old+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxNLSUIXNqK0a2dfRr0La4qlyayGydU9rC2YkNUMzzzFfFGoTi73DYrhdH-DI_Nylm1iDhrmD4SvNCJ9h2NvtzsX800yglmDjt-S5IBQ9QvE3Xf_aRljgXeLCjK1S1tmzj05JHx4fSgJ0/s320/Basic+Old+Box.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPygC8pwvJoZw6AhHU-pdLqGh_gpMlx7mWO5b8XWg_pwTY9G9QabJhHe0X5sm9H4Ly54COF0EvyywpfoAFX4O6LjSVD8fV-pNq6yXfIUCj70OQiU0qgICvHPh736gx7ZqzVJ1NctUV3s/s1600/Modern.idea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPygC8pwvJoZw6AhHU-pdLqGh_gpMlx7mWO5b8XWg_pwTY9G9QabJhHe0X5sm9H4Ly54COF0EvyywpfoAFX4O6LjSVD8fV-pNq6yXfIUCj70OQiU0qgICvHPh736gx7ZqzVJ1NctUV3s/s320/Modern.idea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've chosen to embrace the home that she was built to be. My house in the middle of the block is a very, very fine house...beautiful, yet simple brick and stone one and 1/2 story Tudor. Classic details and simple lines for everyday living. I will be opening up a few of the rooms to add light and function and reimagining others. I've chosen to kick the pink and burgundy tile to the curb but will install beautiful classic mosaics that will stand the test of time and honor the 1940's. Re-wiring and re-using many of the original light fixtures, restoring some elements and adding others that make living in the home work for today's lifestyles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so excited, we've started DEMO! Follow along as I respect the beauty of this lovely old home and reveal her new potential. Bye, bye to low arches, pink tile and a tiny, tiny kitchen space. Hello, open, bright and lovely!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPp57Iuhx9BFUnd-mQif-YnNhdsDHkWApRUNR81BnL6xgbX2ddPHsiArtnqpMHlburPhGlqdTr_i5u8glYPwSn3Ntn8XlDgruo3RNyw8edV1gYXVY0-bubnpB834kD0fj_SOHVDPy9C8/s1600/Demo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPp57Iuhx9BFUnd-mQif-YnNhdsDHkWApRUNR81BnL6xgbX2ddPHsiArtnqpMHlburPhGlqdTr_i5u8glYPwSn3Ntn8XlDgruo3RNyw8edV1gYXVY0-bubnpB834kD0fj_SOHVDPy9C8/s200/Demo.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPqAr3oG16O9OOU_GGtw8OH4t9yghgzm8boyQaO2ge2FC2y-ie4oMWI1VnDmdWaW5xzOpnSaqQmOKGjOhj_IvDn3jNrA3VVtfptVeKtf3B19XU3aYVrtr9vHSknReHXxA6nzDLUuWnw0/s1600/Demo.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPqAr3oG16O9OOU_GGtw8OH4t9yghgzm8boyQaO2ge2FC2y-ie4oMWI1VnDmdWaW5xzOpnSaqQmOKGjOhj_IvDn3jNrA3VVtfptVeKtf3B19XU3aYVrtr9vHSknReHXxA6nzDLUuWnw0/s200/Demo.2.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT097vDLdtauv6PVqTEBQ7Blq_SBzXPPhOJUonGNMLa6AYJpnkQOhluxWyY45ThYlR58mEpXU59xJcEGzr97CpaMHKXqtSDEVXqueWhpQ-sjGyCz_ptizz4PPO9WNFeX_HzZMUwXMllw0/s1600/Demo.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT097vDLdtauv6PVqTEBQ7Blq_SBzXPPhOJUonGNMLa6AYJpnkQOhluxWyY45ThYlR58mEpXU59xJcEGzr97CpaMHKXqtSDEVXqueWhpQ-sjGyCz_ptizz4PPO9WNFeX_HzZMUwXMllw0/s200/Demo.3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With the demo comes lots of dust and a lot of clarity. We've assessed our budget, reviewed our skill set, negotiate with several subs and contractors. We are now dividing the project into two phases. Technically 4 but two of them are happening simultaneously. I have registered as a General Contractor and will be managing the main level of the project for our home. We will still use a larger General Contractor to work on the upstairs re-working of the roof, stairs and the new addition. This is definitely a bigger scope of work than we are used to managing and we want a seamless finished product. Phase 1 & 3.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Phase 2&4 are the yard. This was what we originally thought of as Phase 3. But, reality hit. The yard was in a very natural state of affairs. There was a lot of clean up and clear out of plant material and debris so that we could find and see the house. We also lost a few more trees because they were growing too close to the retaining wall and house and actually causing damage. We have now done a very complete clean up and clear out. We've built a fence and will add a semi-circle drive to the front of the home, rebuild the retaining wall and add wrought iron fencing so that we create security around the creek. This will complete phase 2 and leave us with a beautiful pallet for new plants - phase 4.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean up!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qaInlkPFK2L7RconlEduoeEoijUM99UN5mbodCBtSrOI5x1PH1MUjxhSoslZkz7m6mzmmemmMHt8jYxpEkIf39aZL6-fh3fy3qtUxxeJgR_Mu4TlIzOz3M3ljh1XL9p0JRCQU6pZEFs/s1600/Debris+Clean+Up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qaInlkPFK2L7RconlEduoeEoijUM99UN5mbodCBtSrOI5x1PH1MUjxhSoslZkz7m6mzmmemmMHt8jYxpEkIf39aZL6-fh3fy3qtUxxeJgR_Mu4TlIzOz3M3ljh1XL9p0JRCQU6pZEFs/s200/Debris+Clean+Up.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="112" /></a></span></div>
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It was so awesome getting Phase 2 the yard clean up under way! Can not thank the City of Dallas enough for their bulky debris clean up crew! They did a wonderful job cleaning up our debris. It wasn't a small task but they stuck with it and did a great job!<br />
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX 75208, USA32.7472564 -96.8304101999999632.7339014 -96.850580199999953 32.760611399999995 -96.810240199999967tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-89838727729067316982016-02-22T10:14:00.000-06:002016-02-22T10:15:15.953-06:00Now what with your Old House Remodel?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>This Old House Remodel...</i></h2>
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The best place to start was laid out on my previous post with tips and advice. Now you've done it! Your standing there with the keys in your hands smiling and quaking in your boots at the same time. What have you done?</div>
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Take a breath and remember the long term goal. Your gonna get there! In fact we can journey through this together.</div>
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Now that you have your house, a plan and a contractor it's time to think of the BIG issues.</div>
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Most homes that are as old as 50, 75, 100+ years old have some issues that will costs money and you wont see the benefit. That meaning it's not pretty but necessary and you will feel the impact of the changes.</div>
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<b><u>Wiring</u></b>. Many homes have what is referred to as Knob-and-Tube wiring. This wiring is very dated and can be a hazard. Most cities require that if you are doing any remodeling that you include updating all the wiring in your home. This does add a chunk to your budget. It is a necessity. Your contractor will have it bid out and be able to give you a clear understanding of costs and timing. The good news is if your going to have many of the walls opened up this is perfect timing. Fortunately, with the house we just purchased some of the wiring is up to date and in good shape. We have about half the house to re-wire. We also will need to replace and update our breaker box. The box on the house is original and it has a known safety concern. That is another costs. We also have a fuse panel in this house that is for some of the area. That is a required update as well. </div>
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Things to consider while you are updating your wiring: What type of computer or TV cables will you use? Call your Cable company or Internet provider or someone who specializes in this and have them layout a design for those cords and cables. Perfect time to have them in the walls where they should be than draped across your house! Another thing to consider are you going to have an alarm system? Call your provider and have them also layout the wiring and keep as much of it in the walls as you can. How about a surround sound system? Plugs! Does each room in your older house have 1 plug or non at all? Decide where you will need or use plugs in each room and lay them out. Much easier and cost effective to add this while your walls and ceilings are cut up than to retro fit later. This is a simple way make your home feel and function for today (modern) but keep it's classic charm.</div>
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<b><u>Lighting - </u></b>Lighting is one thing that is usually lacking in a period home. Sometimes electric lighting wasn't original to the home. So a single light bulb light maybe all that is in most rooms. Some rooms may not have any lighting at all and are solely dependent on lamp light. To me lighting makes a house inviting and function better. While your electrician is still on site and working layout where you want your lights. Consider a combination of can lighting, flush or semi flush mount, ceiling fans with lights and or chandeliers and pendants. Think through the times of days the rooms are in use. Where furniture will be, what the room is used for. Will you need task lighting? Do you want dimmers for mood lighting? Will you be reading or doing crafts in the room? Lay the lighting out well. Yes, lamps and task lighting can still be added too. Layering lighting gives a home balance and lends comfort to a room. I also like to repurpose or use original lights when possible. They are intricate and beautiful pieces many times. With that said not all of them are safe. The wiring my have started to deteriorate or fray. The lights may not have proper grounding. Having a piece re-wired is still often times more cost effective than buying new lights and will give you a unique one of a kind fixture that fits perfect in the style of home and is more valuable than a reproduction.<br />
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<b><u>Plumbing</u></b> - Old homes can be riddled with plumbing issues. From Cast Iron or Clay pipes that have succeeded their lifetime, lead pipes, pipes that are not the proper size for the current use of the home, etc...now is your chance while the home is having walls and floors opened up to address this. Talk it through with your contractor as to what is there and what are the most urgent needs to be addressed. Plumbing like electrical can be a big hit to the budget. Don't be naïve but also you don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water. Review your plans and see where changes to the plumbing are needed. Address where you want new plumbing to run. Know what changes are your responsibility and what issues or expenses may be the Cities. Now that you've gone over the in's and out's with your contractor talk to an expert. A reputable and knowledgeable plumber that is used to working with antiquated plumbing issues will be key to the success of your project. That patch work quilt you've discovered can be repaired and keep your water flowing and your toilets flushing but you need to hire someone with experience to help walk you through what is next. Be prepared that more may need updating or repaired than the new bath or kitchen lines you were envisioning. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lead Plumbing pipes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixed Materials</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Rusted Pipes</td></tr>
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Thing to investigate before you buy, find out if the plumbing has been updated and to what extent. Plan to replace old plumbing made from materials that won’t hold up, even if it doesn’t seem to be a problem. It eventually will be. You don't want to tear out all your new materials for an old plumbing problem that you didn't address. <br />
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<li>Talk to neighbors about which sub-contractors they would recommend. My neighbor recommended a plumber who has replaced plumbing in old houses being converted into apartments — I knew that was the kind of experience I needed.</li>
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<li>Get a second opinion before you start any work. Find out exactly what access the plumber needs, Don't create extra work and expense by tearing out areas that are not needed for access. Most plumbers will do a walk through and assessment for free and this will give you valuable information that will help you with the ongoing job.</li>
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<li>Don’t spend money on new finishes and fixtures until the plumbing repairs are completed. You don't want to waste your money or cause damage to those new materials by an underlying or lurking problem.</li>
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<b><u>Outdated Windows</u></b> - If your home has it's original windows you may be captivated by the wavy glass and charm of the rope sashes. Regardless that most of the sashes are deteriorated or broken and many of the windows haven't operated in years, this does not deter you from loving this "original" charm! Choosing windows with a period look and feel will be important if you want to keep the historical accuracy and charm of your home. With that said updated windows will help button up and create a more energy efficient home. New windows will also add function and beauty that will breathe new life into your home for the next 100 years. Some might ask if you ever save old windows. The answer would be yes, I do believe in stained or leaded glass from the original home if it is there is a wonderful and often valuable asset to your home. Hire an expert to evaluate the stained or leaded glass. Often times minor repairs or new frames may be needed. This can be an extra costs and sometimes as much as replacing the window but the over all beauty and value out weigh simply replacing. If it is a large window and you are concerned about energy loss you can also have these encased with clear glass on each side. This will protect the leaded and stained glass but it will also create an energy efficient window for years and years to come.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New windows with period details</td></tr>
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Restored Stained Glass</div>
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<a href="http://www.oldhouseguy.com/wood-storm-windows/">http://www.oldhouseguy.com/wood-storm-windows/</a></div>
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When replacing windows to exact period details with new windows the costs can go up. Weigh your options. Choosing to replace the windows on the front of the house with exact replica's or details will save you some money than replacing the whole house with the more exact period detail windows. Choosing a simplier designed new window for the rest of the house will be more cost effective. </div>
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What you need to know. If your home has an HOA or is in a Historical Society then you need to contact them first. Chances are this hot topic has been discussed. There maybe certain vendors you are allowed to use. There maybe detailed specifications that you have to consider. Again, a little upfront research will save you from buying materials or making costly custom decisions that you may not be able to use. </div>
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If you are restricted from replacing windows or you just have a love affair with all things original then this article from DIY Network maybe helpful for you.</div>
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<a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/doors-and-windows/how-to-make-old-windows-more-energy-efficient">http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/doors-and-windows/how-to-make-old-windows-more-energy-efficient</a></div>
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<b><u>Roof</u></b> - Don't overlook your roof. Again, if you are in an HOA or Historical society you may be bound to using certain materials or limited in the changes to your roof. Talk to your contractor. Know if you are adding on to the home or making changes that will change the roof line. Choose materials that have a good R value. The roof is important for buttoning up the energy efficiency of your home and for creating a comfortable and inviting home.</div>
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Why R value matters, read this article from HGTV:</div>
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You next want to choose the best attic insulation for your home and geographical area. Most older homes have little or no insulation in their attics and walls. However, addressing the roof and attic area will give you more return on your money than trying to go back and insulate your walls. In fact you can create other problems by putting insulation in walls without proper vapor barriers. </div>
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We are making these decisions now on our Old House Remodel. I will keep you posted on the materials and choices we choose. I hope you find this information helpful.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "palace script mt"; font-size: 26.0pt; line-height: 107%;">~Teresa</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-37281308154052669652016-02-19T19:30:00.001-06:002016-02-20T09:30:01.635-06:00This Old House remodel!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For many of us that is a way of life. We have chosen the path less traveled and bought an old house. Or we sat around watching Flip or Flop, This Old House and Fixer Upper and are just anxious to find a diamond in the rough and make it our own. Then s</span><span style="font-family: "georgia";">ome do it for financial reasons. Buying the worst house a real "Fixer Upper" in a great neighborhood. Some of us do it because we love the architecture, and unique qualities that come with an older home. Whatever the reason you should think before you leap. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">My best advice for anyone buying an older home. It isn't for the faint of heart or for everyone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">1. <u><b>Do your homework</b></u>! Before you buy the money pit and have no idea what you got yourself into know what you are buying. Homes that are 50, 75 and 100+ years old do come with charm but they can also come with expensive problems. Not every house is worth saving just because it has amazing plaster moldings! Sentimental and love at first sight can not be the deciding factors that make you buy a home. <b><u><i>GET AN INSPECTION</i></u></b>. I don't care how much charm the home has. Get it inspected. Know what you are buying. You can't live in a home that hasn't had it's wiring kept up to code, it's plumbing is failing and the foundation is ready to crumble or it's riddled with asbestos. Have a thorough inspection even if you are buying the home AS IS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">This lets you know what you are facing and where the biggest costs are. Some items sound scary than they are. Take a breath after looking at the report and talk to specialists to determine what is involved and what the costs will be or the health concerns are.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">2. <b><u>Have a budget</u></b>. No matter how much you love that old house you need to be realistic. Most of us don't have buckets of money lying around. Know the AS IS appraisal value and the projected appraisal with repairs. Make sure you aren't over spending on the project. You don't want to be upside down in a home. It is the biggest investment for most Americans. Set a budget leaving 10-15% contingencies for unexpected expenses and keep your all in purchase and remodel budget at 80% of the final appraisal value of the home. This will insure that you are upside right on your home. You will be proud of the finished product and living in a home you love without the stress of being house poor.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">3. <b><u>Have a plan</u></b>. Know if you are moving walls, adding an addition, increasing a bathroom or kitchen. Have a clear idea of the changes you want then sit down with a <i>designer </i>or <i>architect</i> to come up with a floor plan and full set of plans to submit to the city for permitting. Bringing in an expert at this part of the game is important to make sure your dreams can become a reality. Some walls are load bearing, or have plumbing or gas lines running through them. These can still be addressed but may costs more. Be realistic about where to spend your money and what can or can't be done. Maybe a wider opening versus no wall is a compromise you can live with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">3. <b><u>Hire a contractor</u></b>. I am a designer and avid DIY'er. But, big whole house projects take longer if you are doing them yourselves. You also will need permitting from the city and required to bring many items up to code once you break into that 100 year old plaster. So, don't get yourself on the bad side of the city or possibly with a shoddy finished product. Hire a licensed general contractor that is fully insured. Go over the plans, your wish lists and must haves. Get a detailed budget. Don't be afraid to have up to 3 but not more than 5 General contractors submit bids for your project. You will need a clear understanding of your budget. Compare apples to apples on the bids and don't be afraid to ask for clarification on details or areas that don't seem to be covered in the bid. Have they addressed the biggies? Updating electrical, plumbing, gas? Did they include replacing windows, adding insulation? Will roof changes or additions be needed and are they spelled out? Make sure whatever contractor you finally choose that they have a good reputation, references, proof of insurance and that you communicate well with them. This person will be like an extended length of your family for months! You better at least like them at the start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">5. <b><u>DIY</u></b> - Wait, DIY? Yes, you can save big money by doing some of the work yourself. Yes, you did just pay an architect for plans, and hire a General Contractor. But, an easy way to keep a handle on your budget and feel extremely proud of this old house is to make it your own and what better way than to include a DIY project. Now, I am not by any means suggesting you do it all. Pick a project. Refinish an old cabinet to have installed in the kitchen or dinning room. Do a custom paint finish on the laundry room wall. Install a specialty tile in the new powder bath. Build a custom coat rack to go by the back door. You know your skills and limitations. Here is a chance for you to flex your design muscles and put a stamp on your home. Make sure you discuss and have an understanding for the jobs you want to tackle with your contractor. You don't want to delay his job and you don't want a conflict because he is coming in to do plumbing and has the water off on the day you started a big tile job. Communication is key. Many homeowners will choose to do the demo. Again get advice from your contractor before practicing your kung fu on every wall in the house. Not all walls will be coming out and some will need extra precautions. However, with some advice and clear understanding Demo can be a great way to get involved and save money on your project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">6. <b><u>Create a Design File</u></b> - Keep a folder or binder where you add photos of designs, colors and details that you love. You will start to see your sense of style and the feeling you want for your home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">Here are some of my favorite photos from my current file: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">7. <b><u>Be patient and Keep a Sense of Humor!</u></b> Remodels big or small take time. Changes to the plan of work can change a time line. Permits take time to obtain to start. Subs may run over on a previous project and can't start when expected. Surprises inside the walls, attics or basements can throw a kink into your plans or even need a professional assessment before continuing. Even simple things like illness and the weather can cause major delays on a project. I often tell people when they get their time line from their contractor to be prepared for the worst that it takes double and the reality that 2 extra months is probable on a 8-12 week project. Sing hallelujah if you come in right on time. Most projects have some sort of issue that causes a delay and it does not mean you are not getting a good contractor or tradesmen. It means life happens. Laugh when you can. Take a deep breath and hold on to the big picture. Your project will be completed and you will love your home and it's story. Isn't that part of the charm of an old house? The stories within those walls! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">With all this said, I hope you follow along with me over the next few months. I have done it. I have bought a 1940's brick and Austin Stone Tudor home in Texas. The home has a lovely story. I will be the 4th owner of this house. My parents were the second! Yes, I am going "home" again. The third owners were long term family friends and an important part of bringing this dream a reality. I've bought the house I grew up in and it will be a labor of love to respect the beauty of the home but bring it up to today's lifestyle and what it will need to be home to families for another 75+ years. I'm hanging on to my advice and my sense of humor. <img alt="*;) winking" class="yahoo-ignore-inline-image" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1455926327609_6996" src="https://s.yimg.com/ok/u/assets/img/emoticons/emo3.gif" title="*;) winking" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";">I will chronicle the before, during and after. I will share design tips and decisions based on respecting a period home but keeping with styles and function for today. I have a few fun DIY's and tutorials planned. It should be a busy few months. I look forward to your comments and questions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"> I've finished the inspection. I've hired our contractor. I did the design! (Benefit of being a designer and married to an architect! YAY!) And we are ready for permitting.WHEW! Lot's of work. Fingers crossed no surprises there. Here is a sneak peak at the new layout for our first floor. </span></div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-89686608314624858752015-12-08T15:59:00.004-06:002016-10-17T16:35:08.194-05:00White Kitchen LOVE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I realized I never updated you on my kitchen! Needless to say we've been busy living life. Funny how that happens. Do you ever struggle as a blogger to get it all done?<br />
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Do you remember the before?</div>
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Builder basic cabinets, with orangey oak tone coloring circa early 1990. Laminate countertops with a tiny little island that could accomodate 2 bar stools. Old half broken appliances in basic white. Zero, zilch personality.</div>
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So, I had to Revamp it! ;) I love how it turned out. What we did. Bought cabinets on Craigslist and added to the island, creating glorious storage! Completed the island with a custom farm table top and paint finish. Relocated the wine rack. Trimmed out all the cabinets with crown molding, purchased at Lowes, and base trim molding, enclosed the area above the sink with a custom cornice board that I created custom for the space with wood and trim. Painted all the cabinets in a creamy white, Sherwin Williams PURE White SW7005, topped with a beautiful granite picked at the granite yard where I contracted a cutter to cut and install. Additional can lighting and two pendant lights, all new appliances including my new gas range (Appliances are all Samsung Appliances including the Samsung Smart Refrigerator RF28HMELBSR, purchased through Lowes! Completed the look with a beautiful and sassy faucet from Wayfair and Daltile subway tile backsplash. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Do you see the space behind the sofa? There used to be a short 28" poy wall. I added custom millwork to create a bookshelf area and topped it with granite. Now it is a functional space that showcases my cookbooks and a few favorite accessories and is a perfect spot for drinks or desserts when we are entertaining.</span></div>
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This once dated, boring space is now functional, full of storage, and beautiful! It makes me happy to walk into this room everyday. I love cooking and entertaining in my kitchen. What is your favorite thing? What do you love about your kitchen?</div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Denver, CO, USA39.7392358 -104.99025139.3486558 -105.635698 40.1298158 -104.344804tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-49715964765277783132015-08-25T15:33:00.000-05:002016-10-17T14:16:42.282-05:00Rub N Restore, Inc. Leather Restoration<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's back to school and this year that meant a rental for two of my college age kiddo's. That also meant furnishing said rental on a dime, um, or as few dimes as possible!<br />
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A few of the items were their own bedroom sets, a few pieces donated from mom, dad and family friends, but in the end we had to buy some things. Mainly things for the living room. We found several really nice inexpensive pieces on Craigslist. We found a Pottery Barn Leather sofa that was 2 years old! The cushion were perfect condition and the couch was great looking and very comfortable. It had a stain the owner said was from a toddler spill on one side. Looked like something oily, and some water stains. The owner said she tried to clean it with tips from a friend and it stained the leather. No weird smells. She replaced it with a new one and just wanted to get rid of this one. $150. YES please!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw4nC_sqCXZoumIGspJIel1rMIPzRpe-X-avTkk5-WKYvLP4VAyaacCtTTssD0FWib1iFpxyAJlsLtJR5DVYAX4lmivhaXTvpNgrsEihBmpGbfC7LhaMsB1diwSJ2WrJzhbWvlRRdGmU/s1600/Sofa+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirw4nC_sqCXZoumIGspJIel1rMIPzRpe-X-avTkk5-WKYvLP4VAyaacCtTTssD0FWib1iFpxyAJlsLtJR5DVYAX4lmivhaXTvpNgrsEihBmpGbfC7LhaMsB1diwSJ2WrJzhbWvlRRdGmU/s320/Sofa+before.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The next piece we were on the hunt for was a leather chair to complete the living area. We found a leather chair with a FREE ottoman $50, originally from Haverty's as one of their custom pieces. SCORE again! The cushions were still in great shape and very comfy and the leather felt like a well conditioned ball glove. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTxr0TkVehlIld9qx1lWlSLO66MHC19gOOw69Wg1uqtZinXTGNhmcaXpPLQVfxBYlM6aaGWnAyhofO8dI994PRlNssqp-_BJnDK0wkzfE9Js3Myl5mWW6QRGwcnGEAx-jXbY2pR_00ws/s1600/Chair+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRTxr0TkVehlIld9qx1lWlSLO66MHC19gOOw69Wg1uqtZinXTGNhmcaXpPLQVfxBYlM6aaGWnAyhofO8dI994PRlNssqp-_BJnDK0wkzfE9Js3Myl5mWW6QRGwcnGEAx-jXbY2pR_00ws/s320/Chair+before.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After a little research I stumbled across a great little product called <a href="https://www.rubnrestore.com/" target="_blank">Rub N Restore</a> . It is a leather dye. I purchased their cleaner, a 16 oz. bottle of their camel colored dye and a 16 oz. bottle of their sealer. We tested the camel color on the seat cushion of the chair. Oops! the color looked more like the original color of the chair online - should have paid more attention to the color description. Too light for the look we were going for. We kept the Camel color for future projects and bought a 16 oz. bottle of the Mahagony color for $59.99. The ottoman is showing our first coat of the Mahagony.<br />
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The chair had a few minor surface cracks in the leather, but there were two that were deeper and went all the way through the leater on one arm. I used a thin line of super glue on the deep cracks and then lightly sanded with 500 grit sand paper then wiped with a damp cloth. We used the cleaner on all pieces. It made a huge difference on the sofa and we almost skipped dying it but decided we loved the rich Mahagony color. The cracks were not visible once we dyed them. Nice surprise.<br />
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Bingo! Mahagony was the magic color. The kids now have a rich colored, high end leather set. Yes, I'm feeling a little envious. ;) Below is the final color. </div>
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The chair has two coats of the sealer. Couch had one at time of photos, but we did do two on it as well. LOVE it. They look so good. We did front back and bottom of all cushions. We ended up with about a 1/4 of a bottle left for touch ups. Yes, I put the college kiddo's to work helping "rub". The room mate loves it and when her parents came in they thought we had bought new furniture! The set is in great condition and a higher end, higher quality look than we thought they would have or could afford.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vguODzT_Qj7JSCvX53AYY5KJIrUoZWWtgyJcJofEra2MQlbaCC9PsofvF-Ud2gA9cjZCPq20mJ8N3tYgltFhDEnAeJj6CRyerwxpzWf4bczGKQ5yOWw8-DUahtsiH6Q4njBNdqI2GFU/s1600/chair+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vguODzT_Qj7JSCvX53AYY5KJIrUoZWWtgyJcJofEra2MQlbaCC9PsofvF-Ud2gA9cjZCPq20mJ8N3tYgltFhDEnAeJj6CRyerwxpzWf4bczGKQ5yOWw8-DUahtsiH6Q4njBNdqI2GFU/s320/chair+after.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.rubnrestore.com/" target="_blank">Rub N Restore</a> was delivered quickly and on time. I did watch several of their You Tube videos before taking the plunge. As shown in their videos it was easy to use. We did 3 thin coats of dye allowing to dry a few hours between each coat and then using a blow dryer on cool for a few minutes for good measure. We did two coats of the sealer and allowed it to dry for a full 12 hours before sitting on it and then another full 24 hours before it was put into regular use. The biggest draw back is it is time consuming but in less than 24 hours we had 3 recolored pieces. We did buy extra gloves, we used an old toothbrush, q-tips, and a toothpick wrapped with an old t-shirt to get into all the cracks, creases, and seams. We also "buffed" the piece with an old t-shirt between each coat. The product was easy to use and the results were amazing!</div>
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Below are two of YouTube tutorials by <a href="https://www.rubnrestore.com/" target="_blank">Rub N Restore</a> , Inc, leather that I watched. I hope you find them useful.<br />
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Where to buy and get more info click on the link: <a href="https://www.rubnrestore.com/" target="_blank">Rub N Restore</a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike> <br />
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Let me know your thoughts...</div>
Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com2Texas, USA31.9685988 -99.90181310000002718.1432428 -120.55611010000003 45.793954799999995 -79.247516100000027tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-9347865111520947402015-08-25T15:15:00.000-05:002015-08-25T15:35:32.180-05:00Swiffer/Bissel Steam Mop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: red;">UPDATE 8/25/15: </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Loved the Swiffer Bissel while it lasted. Unfortunately that was only about 3 1/2 months. It just didn't work one day. So bummed. We now have a Shark Steam Mop. It doesn't seem to put out as much steam as my Bissell did, which is surprising but it does clean well and I do love a steam mop. They will rock your world. Six months and going strong with the @SharkSteamMop. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">#SharkSteamMop #OutLastBissel #BisselSteamMopDidnotLast</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Original Post: 12/7/13</span><br />
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I am loving this little Swiffer/Bissel Steam mop! I've been wanting a steam mop and looking at various options and on impulse a few weeks back bought this. Loved that I could get it at the grocery store. <br />
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It is very easy to use. Leaves the floor feeling very clean and makes quick work of sticky spills and stubborn dirt. I really like the little light on the front that lights up the shadow areas in the corners. It will make neat nick's heart go pitter patter and for those who procrastinate and dread cleaning enjoy the task. It's easy and fun to use.<br />
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What I would love to see changed in a new model is the water reservoir. It needs to be bigger! I don't live in a tiny apartment. I'm in a good sized home with tile and wood floors. I use my mops. I also have a family of 6 and several fur babies so sweeping and mopping are a daily task. I would like to not have to refill for each room and sometimes in the middle of the room. What do you think Swiffer? Can you and Bissel knock out a design with a bigger water reservoir? Also would love to have a little more steam. The out put is decent and definitely cleans but having a wider mop surface would allow for more steam and make the job a bit faster. Just a thought. However, if nothing changed I would still be happy with this product. It is easy to use, affordable and has a nice length on the cord to ensure ease of use.<br />
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Good idea Swiffer/Bissel!<br />
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-83059494999167719082015-06-05T09:26:00.000-05:002015-08-25T20:29:09.657-05:00A little summer fun!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Mom, I'm bored!............<br />
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It's summer! We just got started and the little rumbles have started. Yes, we have camps, friends, swimming and more....but still today's kiddo's are used to busy.<br />
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So, I decided to give my crew a little break from the boredom. Have you seen the customized canvas shoes? A friend showed me a beautiful pair of Tom's that she had customized by <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 28px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/sneaker.doodlez?fref=photo" target="_blank">Sneeker Doodlez ®</a>.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVhKY0haW7e7744PzZehNjSZrVXINs51tOMEJyIUcJ4MsNY7ANP-GxI4ndjB-q1nmkFkSltLBdsMi9pyngp-ozIkiP7v1nk1CJTiXIyPpisMu4BgkyXiRPw2fD2PcxHYuaXRkx5JAHME/s1600/Sneeker+Doodlez.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXVhKY0haW7e7744PzZehNjSZrVXINs51tOMEJyIUcJ4MsNY7ANP-GxI4ndjB-q1nmkFkSltLBdsMi9pyngp-ozIkiP7v1nk1CJTiXIyPpisMu4BgkyXiRPw2fD2PcxHYuaXRkx5JAHME/s200/Sneeker+Doodlez.2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn63YPrlYi-9WPrZ0vG3IWToRCPkYGvgMtCpH18-PzJHVHWVzLuZ4o6kZrXmQE-8GTUMZfGgIlnnBz6VXBxlof8KMjw4EeKkIBhF-uQzvU9FSHCRG6JscprNIlnIJx-0jbtaZU-sLurUs/s1600/Sneeker+Doodlez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn63YPrlYi-9WPrZ0vG3IWToRCPkYGvgMtCpH18-PzJHVHWVzLuZ4o6kZrXmQE-8GTUMZfGgIlnnBz6VXBxlof8KMjw4EeKkIBhF-uQzvU9FSHCRG6JscprNIlnIJx-0jbtaZU-sLurUs/s200/Sneeker+Doodlez.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 28px;">Aren't they amazing?!</span><br />
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 28px;">If you want a pair for you, mom, then please check out her site!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 28px;">But, for our little group of pre-teens the agenda for the day was to break the boredom and give my crew something fun to do.... so we ate lunch and headed to Wal Mart. Don't all your amazing fun crafting projects include a trip to Wal Mart? HA! We zoomed over to the shoe isle and found our canvas shoes. My only rule was they had to be under $10. Next stop the marker isle. Yes, we used a multi colored package of Sharpie markers and we grabbed a can of Scotch Guard on our way out for good measure. So for under $30 we had a craft project for 3 and were on our way back to the house.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 28px;">Now, when you have pre-teens and teens around you have to remember that this generation is very visually stimulated. Especially girls! So who could start with out perusing a few fun and talented images on Pinterest to get the party started? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.5px; line-height: 28px;">Then two and half hours later, a few frozen juice pops, lots of giggles and way too much fun voila!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnBWnMCkhxm0BT_TcKI-81zpK28_tdOEIIURgEm0Ow78-uRj6vat_egDGe94pfpTAyPmnOWv5C4Rrs07wkssYXU4DWp_dFmdpHIUo2h40hCvWe3OnZVkHxjSC3wP34mRtUjs2xxDmaRA/s1600/Canvas+Doodling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxnBWnMCkhxm0BT_TcKI-81zpK28_tdOEIIURgEm0Ow78-uRj6vat_egDGe94pfpTAyPmnOWv5C4Rrs07wkssYXU4DWp_dFmdpHIUo2h40hCvWe3OnZVkHxjSC3wP34mRtUjs2xxDmaRA/s320/Canvas+Doodling.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Um, hello! Shut the front door, how cute are those? Now we have some oh so fashionable girls and I haven't heard I'm bored all day. ;) Hope your having a great summer. Let me know your thoughts for our little break in summer boredom.</div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0United States37.09024 -95.712891000000013-36.418582499999992 99.052733999999987 90 69.521483999999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-54736275900604423412015-04-13T15:22:00.001-05:002015-08-25T15:32:56.125-05:00Amish Dutch Glow Scratch Mender and Wood Butter<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I bought it. Yes, I jumped off into the deep end and got suckered by the commercial.<br />
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I have two pieces of furniture that I was anxiously awaiting this product for. An antique table that was scratched during a recent move and a table top that developed a crack in the surface due to changes in humidity. Changing humidity often effects your wood furniture and if you are in a dryer climate it will cause the wood to shrink and pull back often causing a speration or cracking in wood pieces.</div>
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So far the hype is just that. The scratch mender went on and did hide the scratch immediately, I applied it and then went back some time later and wiped off the excess. It left a very shiny area on the table. But the scratch wasn't noticeable. Then 4 hours later I walked over to check the table and there was the scratch. Not as noticeable but definitely visible to the naked eye. BUMMER. I then followed the directions for the wood butter to use on the crack. It left a very white stripe where it filled in the space, but I was hopefully that it would fill in the area and dry to match the wood. Twenty-four hours later it had dried and there were a few places that it held most had dried out and left gaps and where the product was still in place it was a cream color. It dried slightly darker but definitely no where close to the color of the stain. So for now I will look for a permanent repair. I would say that Dutch Glow scratch mender and wood butter are not worth the costs of the shipping. There are other products that do a better job with temporary fixes that are less expensive and easier to access.</div>
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**Pictures to follow.</div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-42689479626203691282014-11-21T14:44:00.000-06:002015-03-11T13:52:49.581-05:00FSBO! 2009 Kings Dr, Flower Mound, TX ***SOLD***<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Update: We sold our home in less than 30 days and for full price! Flower Mound is a beautiful area to live. Hope the new owners love the house and the area as much as we did!<br /><br />Yes, this blogger is moving! Relocating to another beautiful city and blessed to get to see another part of this country. Exciting times.<br />
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With that said. We need to sell this beautiful house in Texas we've had the privilege to call home.<br />
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FOR SALE BY OWNER: 2009 Kings Dr, Flower Mound, TX 75028<br />
4 bdrm/2.5 bath/3 car garage detached - Hard to find 1/2 acre lot - Pool!<br />
$334,900.00<br />
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This home features a beautiful private yard with 1/2 an acre to enjoy with family and friends! A sparkling pool, extended patio and decks, lush trees that provide shade and comfort from the hottest summer days, 3 car garage with extended storage, and a fully decked attic floor with 6' 1/2" of clearance space. The home is very functionable with the mater bedroom, office and family room down, and 3 additional bedrooms, bath and second living space up. Open concept is bright and light. Kitchen has been fully remodeled with painted cabinets, granite countertops, subway tile backsplash, and Bosch stainless steel gas cooktop, double ovens, ss Frigidaire microwave and a custom farmhouse table island. Home has updated lighting, new interior paint and new carpet. This home is well maintained and ready for a new family to love it.<br />
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Please email: havey.family6@yahoo.com with questions or to set an appointment.<br />
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Flower Mound, TX 75028, USA33.0478852 -97.06059979999997732.9413847 -97.221961299999975 33.154385700000006 -96.899238299999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-68228997656188267542014-10-26T08:20:00.001-05:002014-10-26T08:20:57.555-05:00Kitchen Reveal!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This kitchen has been a labor of love and I am so excited that it's done. It is now a happy, functional space that my whole gang of 8 can gather in for food, game night and family fun! It's perfect for entertaining and I am so happy with the kitchen. I hope you can enjoy another "White Kitchen" story. Click on the slide show below to enjoy the kitchen as she is now and to see the before pictures. Friends have said it's like walking into a totally different space. Here is what we removed the old island and repurposed that cabinet where the small unused desk space was. Patched the tile floor and counter sunk the plug. The cabinets were good wood and sturdy so we added moldings, sanded, primed and painted them out in a beautiful snowy white. Subway tile back splash with an accent tile above the cooktop. We fitted the kitchen out with Stainless Steel appliances and took my farm table apart and made her over with new counter height legs that we distressed and painted out. The popcorn ceilings were removed and new halogen can lights and two new lanterns brighten up the space. A pop of paprika red paint was added and the space is now bright, open and happy. I am so happy with how it turned out. What do you think of our "White Kitchen" story?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="true" height="384" mozallowfullscreen="true" src="http://files.photosnack.com/iframejs/embed.html?hash=pdni43ls&t=1414328655" style="border: none;" webkitallowfullscreen="true" width="576"></iframe></div>
Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-49189109063929869272014-09-18T08:29:00.000-05:002014-09-18T08:29:44.154-05:00Exciting changes!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The popcorn is gone. The island was removed, tile patched, floor plug counter sunk and a new floor plug is in place. The walls are painted, the granite is in, cabinets are primed and backsplash is chosen....It's getting closer to reveal day!!<br />
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I'm also excited because this house has more painting to do and I'm talking to Home Right about their Finish Max paint sprayer! Wouldn't that be an awesome tool to add to the tool box. I all ready own 3 of their paint sticks that I used to do the guest room and I have their heat gun which is a DIY'er must have when you are working with pieces that are covered in old paint.<br />
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So, let's take a sneak peak at the still rough around the edges but quickly improving kitchen!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-1hr_kkmfktmV3aL8QQeeEv1z5V2goEBwEGsJDc7maIh9TnO9LxAmc9iOGjHjfLFmag6CbkaskUWs3ERqgEkJyym4WLBYAlMSnRwT_PCQ-ew_ck0m58OhrAqdz2VvjQhMHXtMVA2T6I/s1600/Granite2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-1hr_kkmfktmV3aL8QQeeEv1z5V2goEBwEGsJDc7maIh9TnO9LxAmc9iOGjHjfLFmag6CbkaskUWs3ERqgEkJyym4WLBYAlMSnRwT_PCQ-ew_ck0m58OhrAqdz2VvjQhMHXtMVA2T6I/s1600/Granite2.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas ReVamped! ©</td></tr>
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New Granite going in, checking for level. LOVE the color, white ice. Going to the granite yard is always a fun day time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas ReVamped! ©</td></tr>
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Popcorn & fluorescent lights gone! Love the red, it makes my heart sing. Cabinets are primed & you can see sneak peek of my new light fixtures! Things are looking so different and I'm loving it. Hope it helps inspire you to embrace your space and make it your own.<br />
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-49478601876294075832014-09-10T11:04:00.000-05:002014-09-18T13:31:09.454-05:00Don't drink the Kool-Aid!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
No, I'm not about to share a bad Kool-Aid story. HA, it's just an expression you hear around my little corner of Suburbia. You know where everyone buys into the theory that something is a good thing and you should do it because everyone else is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9lmVRzXjvmYyD4HMTYwMpU5b4fFUneiOeL6hDVug5oc3PEfxXWa5-tmf4vKuBxvu3zqHq6KWiqOz0mS7xt6ITW8Mf9PDdSvWK8eRFzmedHrqcJJst591WI6NBX2saSm0kVIZ4r876C8/s1600/11908922_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9lmVRzXjvmYyD4HMTYwMpU5b4fFUneiOeL6hDVug5oc3PEfxXWa5-tmf4vKuBxvu3zqHq6KWiqOz0mS7xt6ITW8Mf9PDdSvWK8eRFzmedHrqcJJst591WI6NBX2saSm0kVIZ4r876C8/s1600/11908922_7.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Um, well, like my momma used to say, "If everyone was about to jump off a cliff would you join them?" Maybe not the best analogy since I did dive off a few cliffs with friends in the 80's. But, you get the picture. Right?<br />
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Not everything is a good idea. I sometimes wonder what a Homebuilder was thinking. Did they actually take a look at the idea they had for the moldings, pass thru's, niches, plant ledges, etc they put in a home?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWzqokTqST0j_0uvOrrd_AyppMujFPkJwl0L6JRea9n_XrxkqZoLusCmIgYCyQ7VPffWsS-lq1OzL2bdF5-MZxLGMrfyoUNRctxVz0NTu02paRzlhujX9_ET5kTdzwzMU6jkxxeDhjUc/s1600/11908922_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWzqokTqST0j_0uvOrrd_AyppMujFPkJwl0L6JRea9n_XrxkqZoLusCmIgYCyQ7VPffWsS-lq1OzL2bdF5-MZxLGMrfyoUNRctxVz0NTu02paRzlhujX9_ET5kTdzwzMU6jkxxeDhjUc/s1600/11908922_8.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Could be it's just they allowed a sub contractor to run amuck? <br />
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I can imagine a day on the job might go something like this?<br />
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"Hey, Charlie, I'm short on drywall. What if I just leave this opening in the stairs? Do you have some extra spindles? That would look cool."<br />
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"Yea, that's a good fix, Bob. I'll fill it in with railing and spindles. Oh, and I've got a lot of this extra trim. Instead of taking it back why don't I frame out that space above the mantle. Chicks love the little extras."<br />
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"Hey we might get a bonus, I think we've got this designer stuff down." Followed by fist bumps all around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg905QpNkgltMksyamLc5pJuH7bmjHEPdUkUTBLmGuBoapF-Zk-b15XvlUxdpIiipTqjWz0fI-x8Bo-eRbX43eijAbluJR3z-UEHzi_YaYaBT1ZU0v6rT3FoeVtgxCpGceD5h4_4ywUYSk/s1600/11908922_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg905QpNkgltMksyamLc5pJuH7bmjHEPdUkUTBLmGuBoapF-Zk-b15XvlUxdpIiipTqjWz0fI-x8Bo-eRbX43eijAbluJR3z-UEHzi_YaYaBT1ZU0v6rT3FoeVtgxCpGceD5h4_4ywUYSk/s1600/11908922_5.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then you have the 80's. Everyone in the 80's thought you had to have an island in your kitchen. Who cares what size the kitchen is, or how it will affect the layout. Stick that baby in there or you won't be part of the "in" crowd. Let's not forget those other lovely 80's details that were truly just builder saving options that got sold to the naive home owner as must haves for a current and modern home. Popcorn ceilings, fluorescent lighting, pass through windows. These are not classic details or items that add architectural detail to your home. I mean who wants a pink tile bathroom, Avocado green stove and a plant ledge that is 12' from the floor? Snap out of it people. Embrace your home and throw out the Kool-aid. 1970's can keep their faux paneling and their indoor terrariums too. </div>
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So, what's a homeowner to do? I mean the builder built it that way. Your stuck, you can't do anything now. Do you hear that vinyl record screech to a halt? Says who? This is where you have to embrace the lessons your mother taught you and beat to your own drum. Show your personality and think outside of the box. Be that person that kicks out the kitschy and pulls in classic, tried and true. </div>
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Now that the Kool-aid is gone and the haze is beginning to clear you need to look around and take a real look at what you like and don't like about your home. We are in full blown ditch the track home, builder rubber stamp mode over here. Yes, I've thrown out the kool-aid and taken my own advice and looked at my home with fresh eyes. Time to highlight it's strengths and give it interest where it's deserved. </div>
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The popcorn is being scraped sanded and cleared, spindles have been knocked out and new drywall has healed the awkward hole, and we've opened up those tiny pass throughs. and opened a wall. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9TFQUafIlO4r6SWlZDR5oAkJWellntrnbJ1HGnVdNHUGuH0pMNfILAC_dKC67ZQ7KT4OHAGhBKJ9qkhWcwkvO__dbKujWxwPPhkCqdTfKwCjF7yP3trL6DXHIHoGmG7yPlsRRDTouck/s1600/Kitche+Fix.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9TFQUafIlO4r6SWlZDR5oAkJWellntrnbJ1HGnVdNHUGuH0pMNfILAC_dKC67ZQ7KT4OHAGhBKJ9qkhWcwkvO__dbKujWxwPPhkCqdTfKwCjF7yP3trL6DXHIHoGmG7yPlsRRDTouck/s1600/Kitche+Fix.1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't wait to show you more. Must save some for the reveal. Have you ever stopped and wondered why a builder added or left something out of your home? What are some of the best changes you've made to a home to ditch the Track Home or dated feeling in your home?</div>
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<b>UPDATE: </b>Personally love Kool-Aid and in no way mean disrespect to the drink. Yes, I do understand the negative term and reference to "Don't drink the Kool-Aid" is linked to a much more serious and horrible event. However, this is a tongue and cheek expression and only meant as humorous expression and used with creative license. </div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-64614032990036089492014-08-01T12:12:00.002-05:002014-08-01T12:12:24.611-05:00Summer Savings....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow, this summer has flown. In our home we are looking at school clothes, backpacks and school supplies all ready. YIKES!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYSazxEMF8vFoDYEbLuNy6vG0RvjOYO7LxPBlwjEx8p9j7ezOQSO2I9lNrkNnAab5VXkIIUkWC1XXZnfAh47WQLvg7p1AX0tICLsgDf9yhbqe5bad7Cfz0x8D5Bnmpg5eA0bKQaW0n-4/s1600/Goofy+boys!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYSazxEMF8vFoDYEbLuNy6vG0RvjOYO7LxPBlwjEx8p9j7ezOQSO2I9lNrkNnAab5VXkIIUkWC1XXZnfAh47WQLvg7p1AX0tICLsgDf9yhbqe5bad7Cfz0x8D5Bnmpg5eA0bKQaW0n-4/s1600/Goofy+boys!.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I hate to see it go. I will totally miss lazy mornings, the sound of kids splashing in the pool, sticky fudge pop wrappers left on the counter, and late night dinners on the patio. Still time left for a few more great summer memories for 2014. But, what I won't miss are end of summer SALES. Don't you love the fun of seeing what great summer items you chose not to pay crazy prices for at the beginning of the season and seeing if that treasure you coveted most made it to the end of season sale? I do. I love the bargain. I love the fun of seeing the price fall and the treasure become mine. If I don't find that original item I often find something that works even better. It's part of the fun of waiting on the deal and then putting it all together to create a beautiful space!<br />
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Here are a few sales you don't want to miss. I think I will find a fun outdoor rug for my patio. Where do you like to find end of season savings? What has been your favorite summer find?<br />
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<a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/outdoor-furniture/outdoor-furniture-collections/?cid=email&dtm_em=ef75ca27d0ede462799cb62f4cfbc884&j=527&e=harvey.family6@yahoo.com&l=26_HTML&u=262025&mid=7200679&jb=669&et_cid=527&et_rid=harvey.family6@yahoo.com&et_dos=812014&cid=" target="_blank">Crate and Barrell</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/category/sale/outdoor.do" target="_blank">World Market</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.pier1.com/dept/outdoor,default,sc.html?icid=modal-promo-pillows_outdoor" target="_blank">Pier1</a><br />
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<a href="http://sunnylandfurniture.com/" target="_blank">Sunny Land Furniture</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/shop/outdoor/all-outdoor/?cm_re=F1D14-_-TopBanner-_-Extra15Outdoor" target="_blank">Pottery Barn</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/sale/index.jsp" target="_blank">Restoration Hardware *Clear The Decks Sale</a></div>
Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-24013748378727639952014-07-31T12:20:00.000-05:002014-07-31T12:21:51.408-05:00Consumer Reports Article 5 Ways A Thermostat Saves You Money!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sharing this great article by Dan DiClerico from Consumer Reports. You can click on the link to see the original post. Hitting the hottest part of summer in Texas sharing money saving tips on those electrical bills is essential! What do you do to stay cool and save money during the heat of summer?<br />
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<a data-rapid_p="1" data-ylk="sec:content;slk:provider;itc:0;tar:www.consumerreports.org;ltxt:ConsumerReportso;" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/index.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE01" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406826858422_1136" style="background-color: white; color: #324fe1; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="ConsumerReports.org" class="provider-img" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406826858422_1135" src="https://s.yimg.com/os/801/2013/01/14/cr-color-PNG_044120.png" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.3333s ease 0ms; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; display: inline-block; margin-right: 5px; max-height: 30px; opacity: 1 !important; transition: opacity 0.3333s ease 0ms; vertical-align: middle; visibility: visible !important; width: auto;" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 18.200000762939453px;"> </span><br />
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<cite class="byline vcard top-line" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406826858422_1228" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 12.100000381469727px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406826858422_1234">By </span><span class="fn" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406826858422_1232" style="font-weight: bold; margin-right: 5px;">Dan DiClerico</span><abbr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1406826858422_1227" style="display: block;">55 minutes ago</abbr></cite></div>
<a href="https://homes.yahoo.com/news/5-ways-thermostat-save-money-161500523.html" target="_blank">5-ways-thermostat-save-money</a><br />
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Thermostats control nearly 10 percent of the nation’s energy use. In your home, it's probably closer to 50 percent, since heating and cooling account for roughly half of the energy consumption of the average residence. Programmable thermostats are supposed to save energy by automatically controlling temperatures. That wasn’t the case with the early-generation models, which is why the product was dropped from the Energy Star program in 2009. But many programmable thermostats from Consumer Reports' latest tests combine superb ease-of-use with impressive energy-management features. Here are five innovations to consider if you’re in the market.</div>
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<b>Proximity sensing. </b>Also called geofencing, this feature allows a thermostat to track your location, typically through a smart phone app, and automatically adjust the temperature. For example, the<a data-rapid_p="8" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/thermostats/thermostat-ratings/models/overview/allure-energy-eversense-99051726.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE03" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">Allure Energy EverSense</a> thermostat will turn your air conditioner on or off in the summer once you (and your app-equipped smart phone) reach a set distance from your home. Honeywell’s Lyric thermostat uses a similar technology, plus its Smart Cues provide maintenance reminders, extreme weather alerts, and other helpful information.</div>
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<b>Home energy display.</b> If you’re like most Americans, you learn about your home’s energy consumption at the end of the month when the utility bill comes in the mail. Thermostats with a home energy display give you that usage information in real time, including visual prompts for when your home is running efficiently or inefficiently. That’s a better motivator to conserve. The Home IQ web portal that comes free with the <a data-rapid_p="9" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/thermostats/thermostat-ratings/models/overview/ecobee-eb-smarts1-01-99051725.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE03" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">ecobee EB-SMARTS1-01</a> also provides estimated energy savings in real dollars. Two more models to consider are the <a data-rapid_p="10" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/thermostats/thermostat-ratings/models/overview/american-standard-acculink-azone950-d123364.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE03" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">American Standard AccuLink AZone950</a> and the <a data-rapid_p="11" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/thermostats/thermostat-ratings/models/overview/trane-comfortlink-ii-smart-control-tzone950-99051724.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE03" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">Trane ComfortLink II Smart Control TZone950</a>. </div>
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<img class="editorial" src="https://s3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/HohkbdLF9cy1b6yKrsz15A--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTE1MA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/cms/homes/ConsumerReports.org/264842-thermostats-honeywell-rth9590wf.jpg" style="-webkit-transition: opacity 0.3333s ease 0ms; background-repeat: no-repeat; border: 0px; display: inline; height: auto; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; opacity: 1 !important; transition: opacity 0.3333s ease 0ms; vertical-align: bottom; visibility: visible !important;" width="150" /></div>
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<b>Auto scheduling.</b> The <a data-rapid_p="12" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/thermostats/thermostat-ratings/models/overview/nest-learning-thermostat-99045232.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE03" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">Nest Learning Thermostat</a> is the best example of this innovation, which enables the thermostat to program your temperature preferences based on settings you make during the first week. Auto-scheduling can take the guesswork out of climate control, though we found the Nest somewhat hard to operate during that initial period of interaction. </div>
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<b>Price response.</b> Thermostats with this feature will automatically adjust your home systems during peak demand periods, when the price of electricity may be high. For example, on very hot days when demand spikes, the thermostat will turn your central AC up a degree or two. That could be a huge energy and money saver, though most homes in the U.S. still don’t receive time-of-use pricing from their utility company. If your home has a smart meter, ask your utility company if it also offers time-of-use rates, as well as recommendations for a programmable thermostat with price-response capability. </div>
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<b>Voice recognition.</b> Usability is key to energy savings, and what could be easier than adjusting your thermostat from the comfort of your sofa. That’s the beauty of the <a data-rapid_p="13" href="http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/appliances/heating-cooling-and-air/thermostats/thermostat-ratings/models/overview/honeywell-rth9590wf-99051716.htm?EXTKEY=AYAHRE03" rel="nofollow" style="color: #324fe1; text-decoration: none;">Honeywell RTH959OWF</a>, the industry’s first voice-activated programmable thermostat. It’s not quite Siri-like in its response. Instead, you choose from about a dozen pre-set commands, such as “make it cooler” or “I’m feeling cold.” This thermostat is also incredibly easy to program and connect to the Internet, making it our highest-rated thermostat.</div>
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<i>—Daniel DiClerico (@dandiclerico on Twitter)</i></div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-85626723371282817822014-07-22T21:43:00.000-05:002014-07-31T12:57:05.094-05:00Let's Spice It Up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a fun day. Paint bought, fabric chosen, trim purchased....A new kitchen is starting to sizzle!<br />
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Here's a peek at the colors that will be spicing up my kitchen soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvizuqI8-fATq69speV2hVigamG02QTBgAT48EuWYcsqn5UxMcCE8SPVzkFYxdo00YaDWUvhpGyJr0wHiY7KYY7yILF7G-49Xkcvs8dF40Iv5Qf7qBGkqytTf57hv7M39O2Vtyo04RgM/s1600/kitchen.colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvizuqI8-fATq69speV2hVigamG02QTBgAT48EuWYcsqn5UxMcCE8SPVzkFYxdo00YaDWUvhpGyJr0wHiY7KYY7yILF7G-49Xkcvs8dF40Iv5Qf7qBGkqytTf57hv7M39O2Vtyo04RgM/s1600/kitchen.colors.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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and where did I get the inspirations for my colors?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr7gJd-6H0PjiBA3-ZWQ4VOaR5QDhqHF_puZmxLa3X2479_0UKDHmall5LUKJFWdVnTv9IiCXOZGVIWBSmnWx5nI6sTS9bHE83IpYePGaHKvuUbLSQoTS44SW9APOfqwVb3Lk4sdxTKQ/s1600/Inspiration.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvr7gJd-6H0PjiBA3-ZWQ4VOaR5QDhqHF_puZmxLa3X2479_0UKDHmall5LUKJFWdVnTv9IiCXOZGVIWBSmnWx5nI6sTS9bHE83IpYePGaHKvuUbLSQoTS44SW9APOfqwVb3Lk4sdxTKQ/s1600/Inspiration.jpeg" height="320" width="286" /></a></div>
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My colors originated with this vintage cracker tin from my grandmother. Love the chippy old style and love that the colors are also trendy colors in today's color schemes.</div>
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Some of you may also be wondering about fabric in the kitchen?! The fabrics are being used in window treatments and for cushions on a couple of stools that will be updated. Stay tuned.</div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Dallas, TX, USA32.7801399 -96.80045109999997532.3531349 -97.44589809999998 33.2071449 -96.155004099999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-14808714777523291372014-07-20T17:32:00.000-05:002014-07-29T07:35:12.467-05:00What's cooking?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Well, it won't be me for the next 2 weeks! That is the timeline I am setting for painting, painting, painting. It is the start of our kitchen make-over. After a delay and a ton of summer fun things are ready to get started.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I received the new legs for the farm table...can not wait to see the transformation of this much used and loved piece turn into our kitchen island/dining table! I could not part with this table that is perfect for our large and noisy family but I didn't like it in our dining room and it swallowed up the space. It didn't fit in our kitchen with the island. There are struggles when you choose to downsize your home and you have pieces you loved that were a perfect fit in a larger home. This is that moment for me...so we pulled out the kitchen island and drew up plans to transform the table to work in our space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Bye-bye went the old off centered tiny island! YAY.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACtnNsmK_CEjBqKcWHaAcSytCpI_bBtE47QzhPUBUB-zI1EFPAN4yTwv99tf2XTeDuoPI0q3hfGRyChqcoVtBVBAwOGOk84SncrD-EqpD4QvtxCkNsykBcGRQAzeoOo8jQuc-diRUtw/s1600/Chan's+Camera+293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ACtnNsmK_CEjBqKcWHaAcSytCpI_bBtE47QzhPUBUB-zI1EFPAN4yTwv99tf2XTeDuoPI0q3hfGRyChqcoVtBVBAwOGOk84SncrD-EqpD4QvtxCkNsykBcGRQAzeoOo8jQuc-diRUtw/s1600/Chan's+Camera+293.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YRyzramzyyslXL_NVeLvUjlGb01yLoYNexI5pLANb86dCn7RG6aW_LbD5uAtCB2pZisNXAzxRokvI-mf9w7WLncZPOaoK7XvtuD2UX0DAzktDvGf2oXdoyYj3VIehniMj1-shyRBdkc/s1600/11908922_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3YRyzramzyyslXL_NVeLvUjlGb01yLoYNexI5pLANb86dCn7RG6aW_LbD5uAtCB2pZisNXAzxRokvI-mf9w7WLncZPOaoK7XvtuD2UX0DAzktDvGf2oXdoyYj3VIehniMj1-shyRBdkc/s1600/11908922_9.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">We're ditching the popcorn ceiling, have taken down the pot rack and are having the lighting re-worked to start.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The cabinets are going a bright and clean white. Counter tops are being chosen. After several days of research and interviewing different paint manufacturers I have taken a break from my tried and true Sherwin Williams and will be using Behr Premium Plus Ultra for my cabinets. I will let you know how it turns out. Exciting times are happening! What's cooking this week for you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**A little bummed that my HomeRight Paint Sprayer never showed up. The company said they were sending me one to test and review....but it didn't show. I am now reviewing paint sprayers and will be purchasing one for this project. I will let you know which one I choose and review how well it worked.</span></div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-9853373586087989442014-05-28T15:37:00.001-05:002016-10-17T16:48:09.982-05:00Remembering Holly!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Life takes little detours. We have taken the past few months off from remodeling our home to spend time with Holly. We feel it's important to let those you love know how much you love them while they are here and it's important to give of yourself and your time. This Saturday we will host an official Memorial to honor and celebrate Holly's life...Today I share a recent memory and journal post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiResvpprRA6-1LCAn5SxXu36aBfz0GJqhGUwCxaazYWa7ZXXAidT-JycIfByOYjXt8eS0zZncg8agsBCKkLDB169kMaJ8a1mjgCAtu16JUADs0rsGoxz7tuUPJd9GrJsFKK9jt_JK1iXc/s1600/Granny+Lou+&+Holly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiResvpprRA6-1LCAn5SxXu36aBfz0GJqhGUwCxaazYWa7ZXXAidT-JycIfByOYjXt8eS0zZncg8agsBCKkLDB169kMaJ8a1mjgCAtu16JUADs0rsGoxz7tuUPJd9GrJsFKK9jt_JK1iXc/s1600/Granny+Lou+&+Holly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Memories...by Teresa Stephens Harvey</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #38393c; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I wrote this one short month before Holly would leave this world.. I did not have a clue at that time that we would be saying good-bye so soon.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #38393c; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">We miss her dearly. We still seek to honor her by finding our happy and thankfully for a life of great memories and stories we share we all laugh often with her as the common thread in those moments of laughter. We will have tears. We will feel moments of loneliness and loss. But, we will never ever forget the amazing gift and spirit of Holly. Our lives have a light and an extra layer to them because we were blessed to experience the gift of having Holly in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #38393c; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Our journey was not perfect. The walk with Cancer is never easy. We pray none of you ever face this journey but it Cancer enters your world we hope you remember to look for the moments of happy. The gifts to be found along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #38393c; font-family: "arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">This is the journal entry I wrote on April 8...today I look for my happy and my hope is that all of you look for yours too. ~Teresa</span><br />
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Tuesday, April 8, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a21984;"></a><a href="http://teresastephensharvey.blogspot.com/2014/04/lessons-learned-along-way.html" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(84, 85, 89); background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #a21984; text-decoration: none;">Lessons learned along the way...</a><br />
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There are days that are hard. You learn that in life rather quickly. Days you don't feel all that well. Days that you feel kicked before you get up. That is just part of life. Sometimes you are left with the darkness after a thunderstorm without any signs of a rainbow.<br />
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If you're a caregiver you put those days behind you as quickly as possible because you see first hand that your worst day is a piece of cake to the one you are caring for.<br />
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Our family talks about choices a lot. I believe that life is made up of a thousand choices and depending on the ones you make with a whole lot of help from God behind them that regardless of your circumstance, your health or your position in life you can have a good life. You can have a life that makes a difference. <br />
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My sweet Holly has terminally ill cancer. The statement itself is like a stone in my heart. However, until a few months ago that seemed to be such an abstract statement. We have an amazing faith, prayer team and support group. Doctors that have kept up with every trick in the tool box to keep this cancer at bay! No one wasn't willing to do whatever was physically possible to fight this fight!<br />
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However, sometimes, the physical fight isn't enough.<br />
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Holly's cancer has advanced. The tumors in her brain have refused to respond to treatment.<br />
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Now we have another choice...<br />
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Cancer takes away many dreams in life. Holly will never get married, have children, watch her family grow. God gives back in other ways. Holly has spent her time being an awesome Aunt to her nieces and nephews. Holly has spent her extra time volunteering at Children's Hospital rocking babies who are ill and need love. It's amazing to see one dream be answered with NO and have another dream provided.<br />
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Holly has had the opportunity to travel, to build amazing and lasting friendships, and to work in a job she enjoys and that challenged her. Those are blessings that both enriched her life and led to enriching others.<br />
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I have watched a feisty, funny, beautiful spirit become more so. Holly has never wallowed or let Cancer define her. She has instead chosen to walk with Grace, to look for joy, to seek ways to fill her time and mind with positive things in life. And I am so thankful that I get to share this journey with her.<br />
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So, when we sat down for our family meeting recently the heartbreaking reality that sometimes Cancer wins hung heavy in the air. Our kids listened with mixed tears glistening in their eyes as they bravely held them back. My son sat in stoic silence. Several questions from our curious lot finally surfaced...but what did not ever surface is that this was defeat. We may not have our happily ever after this time but we will have our happy. We will find our joy and share our time with Holly in love. We will continue to enjoy our great family and AMAZING friends. Our choice is to lean on faith, to find joy, to look for the best in every day. We prepare now to explore that we may have to let Holly go. To let God take her home and to lean on our faith that we will share time with her again in a different place, setting and time and it will be filled with a new HAPPY. We will pull together as a family and look at the lessons we've been gifted and look for the new ones we will learn.<br />
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Psalm 41:3</strong><br />
The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness. (NIV)</div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-77315197340929440522014-04-07T09:36:00.001-05:002014-07-31T11:54:37.832-05:00Kitchen Make Over!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's time. Life is never going to fully settle when you have all that goes on in our world BUT sometimes you just have to set a date.<br />
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That's what we've done. We are re-doing the 1987 outdated, popcorn ceiling, dark cabinets, beige laminate kitchen! Can you say ba-bye fluorescent lighting? Oh, yeah!<br />
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There is nothing more motivating that changing out a tired outdated space in your home for something clean, new and current. The kitchen is the heart of our home and we promised ourselves to wait a year when we moved in to make any changes and we did!! So the dreaming, the planning, and the desire have built up until everyone in the house is ready to see it come together.<br />
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Here is a peak at the before....<br />
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The island has all ready been ripped out...I can't wait to show you what we did instead of a standard island in our kitchen space!</div>
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<!-- End Google Tag Manager -->Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-15843179776871308782013-12-02T15:32:00.000-06:002013-12-02T22:49:40.254-06:00Updates...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I recently had the privilege of being hired by a client who had a meticulously maintained home that was ready for some updates!<br />
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This home was full of history and memories and a life time of love and family...so the challenge was to honor the memories and family that lived there and give them an updated look to their home that still reflected "their" memories and make room for future ones.<br />
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Here's where we started.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Revamped <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">© </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Revamped <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">© </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Revamped <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">© </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Texas Revamped <span style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">© </span></td></tr>
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The home was a monotone sea of pecan finished wood. The copper tile back splash was all the rage in the 70's and the Tapan oven was top of the line in it's day. The gingerbread moldings were everywhere and lovely with an old fashioned charm. Time marches on and what was oh so fashionable then just left the space looking a little dark and showing her age for today. A face lift was needed!</div>
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So, with a lot of discussions of what the home owners loved about their home. The beautiful beams in the ceiling, the swirled texture in the plaster, the lovely wood floors, the flow of the room and the terrific built in's, it was time to address the things that no longer worked for them. The dark enclosed feeling in the space, the appliances that were no longer working at their best, the heavy feeling of the rooms compared to other areas of the home and the reality that no matter how well you maintain sometimes things begin to wear out. This also opened the door to address a few modern ideas. New built-in pantry shelving to their mud room, a water line run to the refrigerator for an ice maker and sliding shelves added to the cabinet spaces to add to the form and function of the space. </div>
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We still have some things to do...but, I can't wait to share how beautifully she has transformed. Soon there will be new bar stools, window treatments, and a bit of Christmas cheer but I think we're far enough along to show you our progress!<br />
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First we had to mess up a little...<br />
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Then we needed to do a few field trips. Our favorite was to the granite yard!<br />
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So many beautiful choices and we found the perfect choice for this home.</div>
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The painting was finally done, the hardwood floors were refinished a richer color to compliment the existing wood tones while still making a statement of their own, the kitchen flooring was ripped out and a new choice was chosen, the granite and new stainless appliances were installed. Now she was ready to be loaded!</div>
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Can you say CHA, CHA, CHA, CHANGES?! ;) I can!<br />
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With a new furniture layout, lighter walls and cabinetry you can now appreciate all the beautiful furniture and collections in this home. Furniture was moved in a bit to make the seating area inviting. The bookshelves were re-loaded with a mix of books, photos, and collectibles. An update from the dishes and glassware that was there before. The office nook is now showing off without furniture blocking it from view and a few personal accessories added to warm it up and keep it inviting when you need to sit down and pay a bill or two. The China hutch turned out lovely with it's new trim work and crisp white color pallet, the home owners collectibles sparkle and show off to their finest! I love it and loved working on this project. I hope you love it too. We are doing a restoration to the master bathroom and a face lift to both secondary bathrooms that I will share soon. <br />
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While working with this home the goals were keeping the best of the character and charm, while brightening up the space. Adding some beautiful updates expected in today's homes and improving the function for the home owners needs. All combined to make a warm and inviting space.<br />
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0Dallas, TX, USA32.7801399 -96.80045109999997532.3531349 -97.44589809999998 33.2071449 -96.155004099999971tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4831730444121818224.post-19466486089107425922013-10-29T11:10:00.001-05:002013-10-29T11:10:50.916-05:00Handy Dandy....Clean!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Are you always looking for ways to keep your home problem free and running smoothly? On the hunt for a few handy dandy household tips to help along the way?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Me too!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Here are a few of my favorite tried and true tips you may want to use:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">1. Once a week pour 1/2 cup bleach down bathroom sinks and put 1 cup in each toilet when you leave for the day, upon your return pour boiling water down the drains and flush all toilets. This will free any build up of hair, soap scum, etc. and help keep the clogs at bay.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7HdC2Kxg7emBKrrw_U89sqhcYND69E5r53wP2WusJF6KBcmrrcQduGzb___EU7Hmw6HrvCy09ek4-hqpeNxOWxD8ZdhfbLXYuh2x4XAkAp38IfYJtFLCDG4rTQr0fqvZy-EyZb15v5I/s1600/Lemon-Juice-Olive-Oil2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7HdC2Kxg7emBKrrw_U89sqhcYND69E5r53wP2WusJF6KBcmrrcQduGzb___EU7Hmw6HrvCy09ek4-hqpeNxOWxD8ZdhfbLXYuh2x4XAkAp38IfYJtFLCDG4rTQr0fqvZy-EyZb15v5I/s200/Lemon-Juice-Olive-Oil2.png" width="142" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">2. Keep a jar of all natural furniture polish ready to go. I use 1/4 cup lemon juice combined with a 1/4 cup olive oil. Shake well and use to wipe all wood furniture at least once a week. It will keep it clean and beautiful for years to come. Also keeping a furniture marker that matches your wood tones keeps everything looking it's best for small touch ups.<br /><br />4. Designated Shoe Caddy. If room allows set up a shoe station in your home. We keep an old wooden tray by the back door. Great spot to remove soiled shoes and to corral them from ending up all over the house.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">Great looking choice!<a href="http://www.buygooddirections.com/14-w-x-34-l-x-2-1-2-h-circles-boot-tray-venetian-bronze.html" target="_blank">Shoe and Boot Tray</a> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5. Showers can start feeling like a science project rather quickly. You can keep it feeling spa like with a few quick tips. A squeegee and a Mr. Clean Magic eraser make quick work of your shower. After showering run the squeegee down the tile walls and glass walls of your shower. At least once a week (I do twice a week) take the Mr. Clean magic eraser and run over the entire surface of the shower then rinse thoroughly. At the end of every week I use baking soda on the shower tile then spritz with apple cider vinegar to keep it disinfected. Fresh and clean, easy breezy! You can use a adhesive hook to store your squeegee directly in the shower and a mesh laundry bag on another hook to hold your Mr. Clean eraser, and a small plastic sealed container of baking soda and a small spray bottle of apple cider vinegar. Keeping your supplies close by helps to get the job done.</span></div>
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6. Microwave! One of my favorite easy cost effective cleaning jobs is 1 cup of water. Yes, that is it. Take one cup of water and place it in the center of your microwave and turn on for 5 minutes. The microwave will be filled with steam. Remove the cup, be sure to use a dish towel or small hot pad to handle, then take a clean paper towel to make quick work of cleaning all residue and build up of splattered food. If odors are lurking you an slice a few lemon slices to add to the water or add a few drops of a favorite food grade essential oil. How easy is that? </div>
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7. Granite Cleaner - I love cleaning with vinegar as an all natural cleaner but I do caution my clients on using vinegar on natural stone that is sealed. Vinegar is a corrosive and over time it will degrade the seal and integrity of the stone. A good alternative is Green Works or a homemade spray with equal parts of water and isopropyl alcohol with a drop or two of your favorite degreasing dish soap mixed in a spray bottle. Another option is equal parts peroxide, water and a few drops of lemon juice mixed in a spray bottle. Any of these are good options. After cleaning my granite with any type of spray I always take a clean, damp cloth to rinse clean. </div>
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I hope you have found some of these tips useful! A clean, fresh smelling home is a happy home! Do you have a favorite tip to share? I'd love to hear from you. </div>
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Time to Design...http://www.blogger.com/profile/12469924853282496769noreply@blogger.com0United States37.09024 -95.712891000000013-41.116323 99.052733999999987 90 69.521483999999987