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Posts in category Home Improvement

Organize your “Little” Clutter

Aug11
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

Sometimes one of the most difficult de-cluttering challenges is what to do with all those ‘little’ items that just seem to accumulate and create a mess.  Try some of these ideas and use them as a stepping off point of thinking up some of your own creative solutions.

* Pick a drawer or cabinet/closet shelf and use one or more of these options to hold thumbtacks, paper clips, rubberbands, buttons, spare birthday candles, salt & pepper and sugar/sweetner packets, etc.

(1) a 6 or 12 count cupcake/muffin tin…if you want to be able to remove the items in total for use in other areas put cupcake wrappers or silicone inserts into the tincups first. Then you can lift out the entire paper cup, carry it to where you are working and then return it to the cupcake tin when finished.  This will also work for holding rings, chains and bracelets. You can spray paint the tin in whatever color matches your decor and it now becomes more than just a storage bin but adds to your overall look.

(2) Use an egg carton in the same manner as the muffin tin BUT cut out the inserts on one side of the open carton so that you have individual spaces on one side and an open flat surface on the other which can now accommodate scissors, letter openers, straws, nail files, etc.

(3) Apothecary jars, pickle jars, and other clear jars allow you to use various sizes and see what you have in them.

(4) Pick up pretty glasses at yard sales for .05 or .10 cents each and create a lovely visual display for your counter or cabinet when opened.  Another great buy at yard sales (or in your own overstuffed basement) are vases and candle jars in all sizes, shapes and colors that will match your decor….if the candle jars still have pieces of a scented candle in them, take a blunt knife and chop them up. This will reactivate the scent and become pretty and add a lovely aroma to your area.

(5) For less than $1 you can purchase small terra cotta clay pots for starting plants from seeds.  These can hold any number of small items in a very decorative manner and can be used in their natural state or painted with different colors or designs.  Simple, easy and very personalized to your own decor and styles.  You can also use the small size to hold qtips in the bathroom and a medium size to hold cotton balls. Again, they can be painted or decoupaged to match your personal decor giving you a completely finished and synergistic look.

(6) Need stylish office materials but don’t like the high costs in your office supply stores? Find a bathroom set at your favorite dollar store or discount retailer (like Target, Walmart or Kmart) that matches your office colors or adds a decorating splash of design. Use the toothbrush holder as a pen holder and the soap dish to hold staples, paper clips, thumbtacks or rubber bands.  Finish off your look with the matching waste basket. You now have a cohesive look and more money left to be just as creative in another space.

The key to creating a personal and very stylized look for a minimal cost is to think outside the box and use items meant for one thing as something completely different.  It is fun, can be turned into a family project and will be a source of pleasure every time you look at what you have created and realize that you’ve been financially responsible….so important in these economic times!

Posted in General Information, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas
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Display with Simple Elegance!

Aug09
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

Do you have a small alcove in your kitchen that is not deep enough for extra cabinets or large enough to accommodate even a small table? Always wanted a china cabinet to display your loveliest dishes?  Try a bakers rack (like this one from the Container Store).  Showcase your dishes, platters, pitchers, cookie jars….all the pieces of your set and then, if you choose, use the hooks to add the shimmer of your stainless or copper pans as a highlight.

You can sometimes find items like this that will fit perfectly within the area you’re trying to fill and create a beautiful display to be both admired and functional while keeping your cost to a minimum.

Posted in Decorating on a Budget, General Information, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas
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Updates That Only Look Expensive!

Jun16
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

Need to update your home’s appearance but have minimal funds available to do so?  Not a problem! Check out the following ideas.

* Can’t afford to paint the whole room? Give the walls a good wipe down with a damp cloth getting off fingerprints and dust. Then paint the trim a crisp bright semi-gloss white. This will pop your existing wall colors and offer a fresh, clean appearance. This is just as effective on your home’s exterior!

* Wash you windows, inside and out. Plus wash the screens and the window bases as these both hold on to a lot of dust and dirt that has been blown in during rainstorms or windy days.

* Thoroughly wash the area around your front entry and if necessary, refresh the trim and doors with paint. Then add a decorative wreath, floral spray, door knocker, or whatever fits your decor to the front door.

* Clean your window treatments.  Many drapery panels and sheers are machine washable. Put them through the gentle cycle and then hang while damp so they don’t shrink. If you have fabric blinds or shades, carefully dust on a regular basis so as not to let the edges get trimmed with dust.  Make sure and clean valances and rods as well.  Note: If your treatments are outdated or have frayed edges, replace them! There are many very inexpensive yet attractive options at stores such as Target, Walmart, JC Penney, Sears, Kmart, etc. that even boast designer names at generic prices.

* Need to refresh your cabinets?  Remove grease with a soft cloth dampened with a mixture of warm water and Dawn dishwashing liquid.  This will break down the grease. Then wipe with a clean dry cloth.  Next use an old time favorite, Murphy’s oil to give them a fresh sheen.

* Cabinets clean but inhibited by old hardware?  Maybe you have a lot of hardware to replace which creates a cost issue or you love the original hardware but not its worn out appearance. Either way, head to the hardware or big box store and buy a can of Rustoleum (or similar brand) spray paint. You can choose to create an unfinished, painted, metallic or hammered finish in a multitude of colors or  looks (bronze, oiled bronze, antique, etc).  Follow the directions for prepping and then spray them all, let them dry and then re-install. Fabulous!!

* Live in a historic or century old home with big heating registers that look like they haven’t been updated since the house was built?  Use the same painting method described above to update and refresh them while maintaining the home’s true character.

* Change your faucets.  The big box stores have a multitude of choices that look expensive yet are very affordable. This is also a project you can do yourself further reducing your cost. If you like your faucet, try adding a glass tile back splash.

* Have an old stained or scratched sink but can’t afford to replace it? You can buy paint specifically for painting sinks and tubs.  It is important to follow the directions and protect your tile or walls while doing so BUT the payoff is huge while the cost is minimal.

Posted in General Information, Tips and Ideas
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Hardwood, Engineered & Laminate Flooring

Jun15
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

Love the look of hardwood floors but not sure if you want to spend the money for solid wood? The alternatives of engineered wood and laminate flooring confusing you? Let’s take a look at the similarities and the differences.

Solid wood flooring is exactly like it sounds, planks of solid wood through and through. This is the most expensive of the three options and offers several choices. The type of wood can play a major role in your cost. Brazilian cherry, at the higher end of the spectrum, is often found in more upscale homes or as a border or inlay with other wood choices. Oak, the most common is very durable and looks as rich in natural tones as it does in the darkest stain. Maple, though a hardwood, is a bit softer than oak and great for standing on for extended periods of time which is why you find this in the kitchens of many century old homes. This is also currently very popular with its minimized grain and lighter appearance. Bamboo is very popular due to its environmentally friendly properties, light and airy appearance and more affordable cost.  All costs will be further affected by the thickness of the planks and whether you lay it straight or at an angle, which requires more cuts.

Engineered flooring starts with a man-made core, commonly plywood, then is topped with a thin layer (about 1/8″ thick) of real wood.  Adding to the convenience is the fact that it does come pre-finished which means that it is ready to use as soon as it’s installed. Another advantage is that the real wood layer is thick enough to allow it to be sanded and refinished once or possibly even twice before needing to be replaced. Though more expensive than the laminate alternative, this choice offers the appearance of real wood (because the top layer is real wood) while costing less than solid wood options.

Laminate flooring also begins with a man-made core but is covered by paper imprinted with a photographic image of a wood plank. This photo makes the floor look very realistic. A finish layer on top protects the image and adds to the durability of the floor. The downside of this choice is that laminate is not real wood and so cannot be refinished. Once it is worn it must be replaced. On the other hand, it is far less expensive than real wood and available in styles that replicate the look of almost any type of wood, including rare and exotic species.

When deciding which option to choose, consider the look you’re desiring, the durability you need and how much you want to spend. That way once you have completed the project you can sit back and enjoy the view!

Posted in Buying Tips, General Information, Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas
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Painting for Pizzazz!

Jun14
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

Sometimes the quickest, easiest and most effective update you can do is to simply add a splash of color and pizzazz to your space.  Here are a couple of tips to help you with what can be a fun and inspiring activity.

* To keep your costs down, check the “Oops” area of your big box store paint department.  You can often pick up a whole gallon of paint that was just a smidge off of the color someone else wanted for under $5.00!

* Walk out of the store with your paint chip and take a look at it in natural light or bright sun to give you a true sense of what the color will look like in your specific space.  If you have multiple lighting options, spend a couple of bucks and buy the paint sample so you can test it on all the walls of your room since lighting can certainly affect the finished look.

* Spend the extra money up front to give yourself good tools (brushes, edgers, rollers, etc). You will accomplish more in a shorter amount of time with half the work.

* Don’t be afraid to paint whatever you want.  A garage sale table painted in an eclectic shade may become a showpiece desk in your home office.  Mirrors, picture frames, chairs, etc. are just waiting to be refreshed and given a different life! Be creative and then enjoy your own creation, gracefully accepting the compliments of all those who see your work!

* Always be sure and prep your areas or items to be painted or you may end up redoing the whole thing again.  Sand and prime whenever necessary.

* When painting a room with built in china cabinets, paint the inside of the cabinets to match the walls.  This creates synergy and often a touch of elegance.

* Don’t see painting as a chore but rather a fun adventure you can share with friends. Invite people you enjoy laughing and having a good time with and offer to provide food and beverages (note: save the martinis for after the painting is finished!).  Have a great time, create a memory and make sure and offer to reciprocate the favor!

Posted in Tips and Ideas, Uncategorized
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All Around Curb Appeal!

Apr22
2011
Leave a Comment Written by mary.w

/Some homeowners exert tremendous time, effort and money creating a wonderful first impression for buyers to view as they pull up to their home. That is a good thing. What is not so good, is using your entire budget and effort in the front while ignoring the side and back portions of your home. You may draw them in with your beautiful front yard, flowers and swing under your covered front porch BUT if they walk out your back door to a moldy deck, trash cans, overgrown weeds and a yard that looks like the NFL just practiced there; well, the front yard is no longer at the forefront of their minds.

It is important to create all around curb appeal so that no matter where they are looking, they are excited about what they see. You wouldn’t think of just painting the front of your home and leaving the sides and back chipped and revealing rotting wood, would you? (Ok, now I know some of you said yes to this, but that would be the wrong answer so please continue on).

Before you head to the garden center or big box store, develop a plan on paper that includes cleaning, painting and planting needs for all exterior portions of your home. If you are not an avid gardener (as many of us are not) ask questions and learn which plants will offer the longest blooming life, most vibrant colors and require the least maintenance (this is at the top of my list!). If you don’t have a lot of yard, create potted plantings. You often see beautifully detailed flower pots on either side of a home’s front entry. Do the same at your side and back entry doors, too.  A simple thing that will yield great rewards!  See your home as a total exterior package and use your budget to maximize the entire picture.
READ MORE »

Posted in Selling Tips - Tagged appeal, back yard, creating curb appeal, curb, curb appeal, deckn, exterior appeal, first impressions, front yard, getting your home ready to sell, landscaping, painting, planting, side yard
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Declutter: Taking the First Steps

Jul16
2010
1 Comment Written by Alicia

first steps to declutter

You hear it time and time again. As a home seller, or just as a homeowner, you need to declutter your home. Get rid of your built-up storage, reorganize and make your house look spacious, empty and clean. As with most advice, the job is easier said than done.

So how do you begin the decluttering process? There are simple steps you can take in your daily life to prevent clutter in the first place. Starting now, say no to junk mail. As soon as you pick up a piece of mail that you know is junk mail, toss it in the recycle bin without wasting your time opening it. If you want coupons from an ad, make a list and cut out the coupons immediately before tossing the rest of the ad. Don’t save the junk mail for a later date. Better yet, register with the Mail Preference Service on the Direct Marketing Association website. According to an article from the The Daily Green, you pay $1 to have your name removed from mailing lists and your junk mail decreases by 75 percent in 90 days!

When it comes to decluttering your desk with old bills and paystubs, most people are afraid they’ll either need this information in the future or that someone will get hold of a private account number or personal information. The first fear, that you’ll need the information in the future, is a difficult issue to work though. Usually, after filing income taxes and receiving your tax return, you won’t need past paystubs. Medical bills are usually safe to throw away after a year or two of keeping them. If you’re afraid of people getting a hold of personal information, invest in a paper shredder and recycle.
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Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged clean house, declutter your house, home decorating, home ownership, how to sell, selling a home
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Decorate Your Patio

Jul09
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

decorating the patioWhat are you still doing inside at this time of year? When the sun goes down and the light of the moon illuminates your backyard patio, that is the time to relax in the cool, fresh breeze instead of the indoor air conditioning. Whether you’re throwing a party or you’re paying bills, you can sit at your outdoor patio table. And whether you’re showing off your backyard to a friend or your showing off your backyard to a potential homebuyer, you want it to look as appealing and impressive as possible. To ensure that you spend as much time outside as your schedule allows, and to make sure your backyard looks as spiffy as it can, treat it like another room in the house. Decorate!

Decorating an outdoor patio (or deck, terrace, porch, etc.) goes beyond taking a hose and washing away tree branches and squished bugs. You want to add features that make the patio comfortable, attractive and homey. Here are some ideas to get your own decorating project going: READ MORE »

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged buy a home with a patio, buying a home, decorating ideas, hoem improvement
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Red, White & Blue!

Jul02
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

usa flagThe beauty of Independence Day, or more commonly referred to as the Fourth of July, is that it’s a holiday that every single American can celebrate. It brings all groups together to celebrate one country. It celebrates the Declaration of Independence, declaring our independence from Great Britain in 1776. It celebrates the freedom we enjoy each day that we live in this country, freedom to worship, to work, to own our own homes.

To remind us and to celebrate this milestone of our country, we shoot off fireworks, attend parades, host barbecues, take boat rides and altogether enjoy a long weekend of good food and good company. While participating in all of this festive fun, we need to remember what we’re celebrating by showing our pride for America. America needs our pride and support.

READ MORE »

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged 4th of july, backyard barbecue, holiday, home ownership, independence day, july 4
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The Lowdown on Mowing

Jun19
2010
Leave a Comment Written by Alicia

mowing the lawn

We supply you with a plethora of articles with landscaping tips. For most of us, however, a grassy lawn takes up the majority of our yard space. So today, instead of focusing on the gardens in the corner of the yard or the trees scattered throughout the yard, we’re going to focus on the facts about how you can mow your way to a nearly flawless lawn.

Height

First off, mowing height and frequency mostly determine the health of your lawn. Hopefully you already know that the height of your blade can be altered on your mower. Although many homeowners opt to cut the grass as short as possible in order to cut down on how often they must do the chore, the truth is, the grass is much healthier when you keep it longer. This is especially true for grass in hot climate or during a drought period. The height of a blade of grass should never be cut more than one-third of its total height in one mowing. The ideal height depends on the type of grass your yard contains, but typical height averages range between half to two inches long.

Extra perk: By only cutting one-third of the lawn length at a time, you can usually leave the grass clippings on the yard without it looking bad. These grass clippings provide natural organic matter to the lawn, such as nitrogen, when they break down. That means less fertilizer needed and more natural nutrients for your lawn! If you have an open house or a gathering occurring at your house soon, collect the grass clippings in bags and distribute them on the lawn at a later date.

Frequency

How often you mow your lawn depends on the type of grass that your yard contains. If you live up north or in the Midwest, you most likely have a cool-season grass, such as bluegrass or fescue. These types of grasses should be cut to about two inches high, so when the grass is three inches long or more, cut it. If you live down south, you most likely have zoysia, buffalo grass or other types of warm-season grasses. These grasses can be cut to one-inch tall. On average, lawns should be mowed once a week, but obviously the actual frequency will depend on the weather and the health of your grass. When you mow, you should switch up the direction of your lines. This prevents the same grass from getting run over by the mower’s wheels during each mow.

Side note: Be careful around trees and gardens. Constantly nicking a tree trunk can cause damage to the trunk and prevent it from properly maturing. Instead, leave the grass closest to the trunk uncut and go back later with a trimmer. Better yet, surround tree trunks with mulch to prevent the problem in the first place. Also trim around gardens, fire pits, patios and other hard objects that could nick the mower blade and cause damage to the mower and injury to yourself.

Watering

How often should you water your lawn? Currently, numerous locations are dealing with water conservation issues that limit the amount of watering a homeowner can do. Consider installing an irrigation system that allows you to decide exactly how much water your lawn receives, when it receives it and where the water goes to. For more affordable options, purchase a lawn sprinkler, specifically for a lawn. Rotor heads will uniformly water your entire yard at the same time, spray sprinklers are good for when you have one patchy area of brown grass, and drip sprinklers deliver the water directly to the ground without wilting the grass. Watering and/or mowing early in the morning or in the evening is ideal, when the temperature is not at its hottest.

Hopefully this information was helpful. Next time you host an open house or a party gathering, instead of spending hours sprucing up your gardens, spend time bragging about your healthy lawn! This is, after all, what takes up the majority of most yards.

Posted in Tips and Ideas - Tagged grass, landscaping, maintenace, mowing the lawn, yard
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