new home design

November in review!

Happy Friday to you! (And you!) It’s time for another month in review here at TDC, just to catch you up on any projects you may have missed this month. This is the part where I always say I can’t believe how fast the year is going by…sooooo, holy canoly, I cannot even believe how fast the year is going by!! ;) I finished up the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/library-bookcases-done-boom.html">massive built ins</a> last month, so I kicked off November by sharing how an old accessory got a quick <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/redo-with-cece-caldwell-paint.html">redo with chalk paint</a> for the bookcases: <img alt="Redo with CeCe Caldwell paint " border="0" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr9BIYk1h5lSV0cPjZPZ8Pd7M2TdLC_qw7eDtoIOowMvMLdvnVucpeUbZNKl6gtoWb5OeFuTBbMHo6oWCkJXC0SE8l38JIuDoFGVYnts9z3PvpStpzk5x9ZHW8CcmT4KutUCH7WkiA1M/?imgmax=800" title="Redo with CeCe Caldwell paint " width="400" /> That little set of drawers has been hidden away for years, I love it now! We announced our annual Holiday Home linky parties <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/come-party-with-us.html">here</a>: <img alt="Holiday_Home_2012_banner" border="0" height="264" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4rh8ugp0yXI/UJb2ZPkcIkI/AAAAAAAAYQA/H_TfoT7rTQs/Holiday_Home_2012_banner_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" title="Holiday_Home_2012_banner" width="550" /> I’ve been working on my mantel to share next Tuesday! Can’t wait to see you at Layla’s! I shared about our holidays, debt free, in <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-holidays-debt-free.html">this post</a>: <img alt="Thrifty Decor Chick Dave Ramsey" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcHbPU6DsZIFW1VdNRyNov8JfcZcqUH4LXyHj0mNx3xU7kmtKSiQTBZASrClT0KT02jaO7BSIT9X1xGN5zIEsF40EnrvodIDCG08u0Lp3D7F0gort4lP57Z0Ujb3b1LW4FxuBGpLj1Xw/s1600/IMG_9971%25255B4%25255D.jpg" title="Thrifty Decor Chick Dave Ramsey" /> Yeah, that’s me and Dave. I was stupid giddy about that. :) I haven’t gotten to all the Financial Peace winners yet – some, but not all. The not-so-tiny mouse problem we had this month has taken more time than I thought, but you’ll hear from me this weekend for sure if you are a winner! I explained more about the accessories I used on the bookcases and the methods I used to decorate them <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-accessorize-bookcases.html">here</a>: <img alt="how to decorate bookshelves" border="0" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSGh0HEAiVyGURupOUrZg4Fwefi8jqskXEkv0WK19z6cCO7VcqBuAZfjiEF8ksuB9lY1RUurdZzK26zSnBY-bDUWP1YdjGB2R_5pjgSblFP4WwHAkU6Zg-NTbXIAjsQxahGSrPFQB0XM/?imgmax=800" title="how to decorate bookshelves" width="550" /> Accessorizing is way harder than it looks – I struggle with it every time! I’ve been thinking about Christmas for <strike>months </strike>weeks already, so I shared a few of my favorite advent calendars <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/42-sleeps.html">in this post</a>: <img alt="matchbox advent calendar jar" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMd8PSaNxKgjyhDK-LBHMG_chUjZgKrmHaZ5NsHjYxJT8hobsX8Q4sAE7c34tPoqqWylBUoP3JxCoKnl2-kUIEKhFSdEtcdPPNEN26LunwDyWMVs08E1C_ds06S09uJZZFbHVWBdzI2o/?imgmax=800" title="matchbox advent calendar jar" width="384" /> I love this one especially! So cute and no small toys – bonus. ;) We did some switching around and got rid of a couple things so that I could turn our loft into my <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/my-new-craft-room.html">“new” craft room</a>: <img alt="blue green craft room" border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEwLGK-q8IsJWXXg6vAi03BB7neEcZR6VJUwX-P9Mnil1FmOE6WIVBAevoBVaFSkCCZVUXlOJVYdGapVsCnvkMNJundV7RCAHUTUn6E1UE1pDs3awY9UJA7kNIu8YGPT-Lc2Whw6fH1M/?imgmax=800" title="blue green craft room" width="450" /> I’ve already used it that craft table more in the past couple of weeks than I have since I built it months ago! I love this bright spot! The safety stuff in our homes isn’t glamorous, but we need to think about it. I shared what we do in our home <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-safety-stuff.html">here</a>: <img alt="carbon monoxide detectors" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jb_g1bnrc3-KUnu5fiEcVmAXZ5n922ao1qwPKVTNTY2ur0X9kB5bRb10BMqwJBD-XIsgbSrGEGpl8Z22LAX64EbBXENigNJO28SPjjg5abG1wA7D5DiN0OklIZVQOnS0PJPHqxYcWcg/?imgmax=800" title="carbon monoxide detectors" width="360" /> It’s the stuff that puts my mind at ease, at least a little! I shared a personal story <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/home.html">in this post</a> about why home is so important to me and your responses were just lovely, thank you so much. They really meant so much to me. Over the Thanksgiving weekend I finished up my tried and true <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/festive-outdoor-decor.html">outdoor decor</a>: <img alt="greenery around door" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqjprrcif8BCeFehzHwkZwtN_lIP0T8T5-BFW66aQViL1n3ZiWWEaEC-p_1UTkYnMtD93j3pWsqiCPG8X0YN_hseC8p3iuoDSB-BlIkkwIwNBuN-1vkxv-uI6L5V3b_hDbK3i-aVnYIM/?imgmax=800" title="greenery around door" width="313" /> Can I just say that outdoor timers are worth their weight in gold? Even more when it snows. :) I shared a couple tips to finish up the month – how to make <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/binding-to-get-perfect-rug.html">a rug that’s too big</a> work for your space: <img alt="buffet in foyer" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHPvcdJ1Hkuu10CkL_R6xFUV15l-3fwTWclsod5Ma7N4YJJ_C2kEKSgnesbmgUe5oeAG6X494AEOgiV-O6XPvLH0TgUfO7M5ny-OPCntioRVuN-D0oPQ5HQQ3EXv342YWF7PBUiXS7uM/?imgmax=800" title="buffet in foyer" width="400" /> And how you can get a HUGE rug for a fraction of the cost. :) I showed you how I planned out the floor plan for the new basement furniture <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-i-space-plan-and-basement-sofa.html">here</a>: <img alt="microfiber sectional basement" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguevMwwJTGAPrIDS8UrQFvL0Tv9DhmA_3HwBMsirHACRII1ls62IAJqhHQEPXcJgBUErRY7CWq8YOfBpQ7OxCy_3GVGA6bIdlTtR0TRmVAZqgHLGYyQFost__oRUP_hrALZSAkZdD33U/?imgmax=800" title="microfiber sectional basement" width="320" /> It’s so nice to have a place to sit down there. :) You all shared more than 140 beautiful foyers and mud rooms in this month’s Show Us Your House party <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/show-us-your-foyers-and-mud-rooms.html">here</a>. So much inspiration for tiny to big entryways!  And of course there were TONS of amazing projects linked up at the Before and After Party! You can see all 400+ of them <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/november-before-and-after.html">in this post</a>. Don’t forget to link up again this Monday morning for the last Before and After linky of the year! Here’s the code for the button if you’d like to get it added to your post now: <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7326" height="225" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" title="beforeAndAfterButton_thumb[1]" width="146" /></a></div> <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/" title="TDC Before and After" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/beforeAndAfterButton_thumb1.gif" alt="TDC Before and After" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre> On a different note, I’ve been trying to get back to questions I get in comments on each post on a timely basis. TRYING. :) So if you’ve asked a question about a project in the comments I plan to have them answered by the end of each week (if not sooner). If you if have an email attached to your account I can just respond when you comment, but I know others may want to know the answer too. Have a lovely weekend!! My goal is to get the rest of the Christmas decor up by the end of day December 1st. Well, at least 90 percent of it. I always say this, and it never happens. But I’m saying it again…maybe this time it will work. ;) Have you finished? Started?

November in review!

Happy Friday to you! (And you !) It’s time for another month in review here at TDC, just to catch you up on any projects you may have missed...

9:53 AM

How I space plan (and a basement sofa!)

Hello there! How are ya? Today I’m sharing a little more progress on the basement, in the form of furniture! Yahoo!!! Before, when we used the basement unfinished (which we did all the time), we had a couple chairs and an old loveseat down there. The chairs were comfy but the loveseat was not, and it was small. I hated that we could never sit together. When we finished the space my main goal was to make the family room area as big as possible. Our upstairs family room doesn’t allow for much seating so I wanted the basement to have plenty of space to sit and lounge, but still have tons of floor space for the kiddo to play too. So you know how you think you want one thing, it goes all wrong, and then you realize after the fact that it was for the best? Well that’s the moral of this furniture-for-the-basement story. It was a long process – it started back in July when a friend was shopping for a new sectional. She was looking for inexpensive but big, and this one from Value City fit the bill: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVccjYlVH-ZO6elHay0W7ABcNMyD4OvOeKcpxn0SUjcXau_8eHEZHo_Wh5JSaqnUMp-02OFQo0ZKjh-vf8xlB0MHZKS2SAZBGrJCA6A2jKag-GQ-YMWCDQtJTwMod1bIK1y17lbA8H2u0/s1600-h/Capture%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="solace sectional value city" border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvqhceRSQC1szm-GWoS0WFsudqrEwyQsqK0t3C0xOisIdqkKLmC1Q_Q9tshVx8uOCdLurekX7xlOHNdDPDPDHnG8TAXLmmMBVAJGJcDBvf7KG0FQIvBt60qSqx9iVMImabIC5nVg_-Xw/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="solace sectional value city" width="527" /></a> I went with her to check it out and really liked it.  (This one is called the Solace by the way.) I wanted a more contemporary look for the basement, and this was perfect. And this thing is a BEAST. I mean, huge. JUST what I wanted! I measured our stairs, the landing on the stairs, the ceiling height, everything (I thought…), and figured out that we’d be able to get it down there…which was kind of important. ;) And then, because it’s was so big, I wanted to make sure it would work in the actual room. So I grabbed my trusty FrogTape and started measuring and taping, right on the floor: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkW5PNzkVtwZ9jdWOmBqALhaVKBJOHbM6yv4bfsCDCIg2tLtySJU5Hzv1c8D7Wbb3KLPCS_y4Ba9Vr38brdfqEosk97F_ldLoBMwkJkK4tftIYHK4nWNKCXuaiES4La0vnr1zgEYJuLg/s1600-h/IMG_2389%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="how to space plan funiture" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CmjRlRR9QNTfi1If00ymWCQUV8GdL52_ppodfUq6q-JBtjYnybmMOjyN3h2GYdDvUxjZinMEQIrhcDkUyTNjpmw4EVTE9Eg1Nut8GMX8AS_93_Tm_kuyBIBngOasDgiGFt-lEQSMJjk/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="how to space plan funiture" width="320" /></a> I actually did this once on the cement floor too, before the carpet was installed. I was a teensy bit anxious to get a place to sit. :) I measured it to the exact dimensions of the sectional to see how it would work. From this direction it was tight but if we moved the elliptical it would be fine. The shorter side worked too, we’d just have a smaller walk way over there: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcwzk5NdF-I-if0GtNZ_aNDMLX5PK3kYzpLZ0tMnWGMgexWU7Np3ojPhMcPq_YFcknUcsL__jAciXahRgOhXOe-hGmv5_KE_sxGXRbnJ4FghZXJoQVOauG21MggbfCSeLVzWyIVYGeqM/s1600-h/IMG_2391%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="space planning with painters tape" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZIpt0G7gbdSeGjXmmElXklLAv1o54NYwJEfFSVUxRpiSE5VKSdk_4wgAlYcS-wrrKy_hgECXTbPYBpe5_zzxdbajLM2iAIp6e1pDBlUqHScCQ2Cg7kaxuq-Z3r_aXiPwS4n7AtDJ-mE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="space planning with painters tape" width="320" /></a> Most of that stuff over by the wall was being moved anyway, so I figured it would be tight, but fine. We lived with the outline on the floor for weeks and then decided it would work and purchased the sectional. Delivery day finally came and I was GIDDY. After six months of finishing the basement we were finally going to be able to really use it!! But alas, I was wrong. :) They didn’t even bother taking the sectional off the truck. At first it was that they didn’t think it would make it down past our landing to the basement. Then they measured the door to the basement and realized the back was too tall to fit through. DANGUUUUH. So I stood in the driveway and waved goodbye to my long awaited sectional. The hunt was on again and I found another one pretty quick at a local furniture store (Kittles Rooms Express). This time I measured every possible angle to make sure it would work, for real this time. It did, and it was in stock! Score! I took those measurements home and just to make sure, laid out my FrogTape again: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU0fdIfs4r-6kWFDhh_8aE5Xz82lITBsIdPxypChsyHAD37jyjStJZQgBXq4IejHxfVGsYcv4tDGAdMfZCTug1grLlQi_JcdZ0YSUHpXlLOXMSTiu5PkZmJVDNSM4lvvudw4UqcVIMQY/s1600-h/IMG_2840%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="space planning with painters tape" border="0" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5TFCxDOthfYr0CczodcMy9Hr3TRqZjvU8jtsa6T4loN5Uh9R6B0pyYlFfF7HngJOtAIhj_CFVl74dYu0AxAHxYNPKt3qSAwRghPXpapvPOona8kYmPPR8MnVVpVaHn_3GFZjPIl5CY8/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="space planning with painters tape" width="360" /></a> This one had a different configuration that I was hesitant about at first, but now I’m SO glad we went with it. We lived with the new outline on the floor for a few weeks because we had to wait for the money from the first sectional to go back into our our bank account. And that took awhile because they messed up the transaction.  I finally went to order the smaller one and wouldn’t you know, it was out of stock. Gah. I know, I know…first world problems. There was a bonus though -- because it wasn’t in stock we got it at a big discount. It ended up costing less than some of sectionals I saw on Craigslist! I breathed a big sigh of relief when they got it all the way down the stairs on delivery day. :) We ended up moving things around a bit and were able to move the sectional back even further in the room than we originally planned: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLipSDkYAiE3Oo1A97PpwZ3kjrXu-jACC86isRfMcDSvmXhdfJQSyTVu0pSqif9bcoGsRK_d93tu9_VqjXtOzIsJJ_7r_Yz7U7TljqruLZDPi6zifvbDyDcZ7rAem4diDiNedwAtBXp8s/s1600-h/IMG_3738%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="basement family room" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrH5UAINTM1wnP7_8iyRnx4e0TqKwS21tPOBZmpcfoFgV37GfSOe3N-LwjEBXH-udBL6ii7rr6x-PM4TcvUF3oqoyAshsGMLjNnICo-SM0PdBydnioZv5oxqUqoIJyLxS7tNg2hoYHpCc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="basement family room" width="324" /></a> You can see the <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/03/moon-chairs.html">Goodwill moon chairs</a> in the background. Yes, I still spin in them. :) Like I said, I’m SO much happier with this layout – it makes the space so much more open. The first sectional would have broken up the room big time and we would have had to take a (long) walk around it every time to sit down. We wanted to go cheap but comfortable and cleanable for furniture down here – I wasn’t going to spend near what we did upstairs in the family room because I plan on this one getting beat up. We eat down there and I fully expect the kids to wear it out. It is microfiber, so it cleans up easily, and I must say, it is SUPER comfy: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ehyphenhyphenXAfV5UzgPZwy0_ckGm3sbWQTU9SorXGbgEvCCdd-_CSdNvJ_aAyTKanw9zH2Q6eO1MvN_zLnHTfXpACSRFMslfuJFmGo3hzfxTjSkqV5Couy5NoO7q9C0-sXjGSthBmfpFqG3Lsg/s1600-h/IMG_3741%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="microfiber sectional basement" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UQfpoxBM8fYVFCgoQrbewWJ9hH-GD5kPzzOKjQpMX4k4_oEw8u2pdULsxbXlmqzNxp2b2Vv4n8c0TAFc7EXcJmkIE7aQgINoxRSm5xnYWwUVNBitqfWfkl1Q41H1jL4k2HVSLOaM80M/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microfiber sectional basement" width="450" /></a> Of course I checked out the comfiness on the tush factor beforehand but I was pleasantly surprised when we got it in the house. The only thing I wish it had was detachable bottom cushions. I know some like having them attached but I like the option of flipping if something gets stained or messed up. The back cushions are not attached though, which is even more important to me cause I hate a wimpy cushion. This way I can flip them every month or so to keep their shape: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiILlRQfa0elhMJlRxQYRIOSy1VKXiuIlyl6qYt97EdhiDFVVmvLh4OHl6AUlx628qK3qUOJbr8iHkxTBr_Q8V94y8ZTFdOeRqIXTgDaFfwAHGCh3a65Ysf3LvZHosj4_-AVgcDGI0u8/s1600-h/IMG_3742%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="microfiber sectional basement" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguevMwwJTGAPrIDS8UrQFvL0Tv9DhmA_3HwBMsirHACRII1ls62IAJqhHQEPXcJgBUErRY7CWq8YOfBpQ7OxCy_3GVGA6bIdlTtR0TRmVAZqgHLGYyQFost__oRUP_hrALZSAkZdD33U/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microfiber sectional basement" width="320" /></a> I found a couple pillows at TJ Maxx that I LOVE, and I’ll be making a few more to cover the ones that came with it. I’ll show you those as soon as I find the perfect fabric. This was the first step in making this space comfy and usable for us and we love it. We are down there all. the. time. Finishing the basement is hands down the best thing we’ve done in this house. It only took us eight years to do it too. :) There’s so many things to do still, first up is the bathroom, and next I want to focus on the bar area you can see behind the sofa: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZMhe6gEwax4UXIHxONtBkxu3HE-__BBdd5mSlyaO7hZMBnNWnEre_N4jQnl2trjG_C8CAWNUPkyRGJ_6MZwh2RhXcDJGlEC_2VN4JRhAnIw5aK4nt1g3q5SOmyEwPVJ2hBSG_4qpD8w/s1600-h/IMG_3744%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="microfiber sectional in basement" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRkQakiAtmGovF41b6ZqQXbUaixGusawg3vSRHfZEoHEPuW9Pp3KMVziW1ACFpPWmNyD40vngHdzS20jqUzdtPenxuVQ9PXhQ6Swbx72RdBzFE1LTnQizGnimWXEShkEv1DBsJhyR_iE/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="microfiber sectional in basement" width="360" /></a> We’ll have a sink and small fridge hopefully, and maybe a small microwave? How FUN! My goal is that we never have to leave this level if we don’t want. Except for you know, sunlight. :) I have a HUGE project in mind for the TV wall. Huge usually means it will take me eons. I hope to hurry it along this time. We found an awesome ottoman for a great price too, but we had a little mishap with that (read = red wine) and it’s going to need a redo. More on that soon too, at least I hope! And have I mentioned how much I LOVE all the wall space down here? So many options for art and photos, I’m so excited about that. So that’s the story of how I space planned in the basement, bought two sectionals and finally got a place to sit after eight weeks. I’m so glad the first one didn’t fit down the stairs – now I realize it was all wrong for the room. So do you put painters tape on your floor? Have you ever bought a piece of furniture and had it not fit in the house or the space?

How I space plan (and a basement sofa!)

Hello there! How are ya? Today I’m sharing a little more progress on the basement, in the form of furniture! Yahoo!!! Before, when we used t...

8:50 AM

Binding to get the perfect rug

Hey hey! Whazzzzup. OK, I’ve been meaning to post about this little tip for months and months and just…I don’t know…didn't. And then a friend told me about the rug sale at Rugs USA yesterday (75 percent off people! GO. After you read this post!) and I found two rugs (crossing fingers they work) for hecka cheap, and then another friend mentioned she was bummed she couldn’t find any runners that were the right size for her space. So THEN I told her about this little tip and realized I need to just post about it and share it with you all! So say you have an awkward space, like our foyer that I showed you <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/11/show-us-your-foyers-and-mud-rooms.html">last week</a>: <img alt="buffet in foyer" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHPvcdJ1Hkuu10CkL_R6xFUV15l-3fwTWclsod5Ma7N4YJJ_C2kEKSgnesbmgUe5oeAG6X494AEOgiV-O6XPvLH0TgUfO7M5ny-OPCntioRVuN-D0oPQ5HQQ3EXv342YWF7PBUiXS7uM/?imgmax=800" title="buffet in foyer" width="400" /> I know it doesn’t look awkward, but I’ve ALWAYs struggled with the right size rug for this spot. Before we had the buffet piece in there, it wasn’t as hard. But after, when I wanted something long and skinny, but not too long, that’s when it got harder. A 4 x 6 rug would have to go under the buffet which looked odd to me, a 3 x 5 just kind of floated around and looked weird, and a regular runner (about 2 1/2 by 8 feet) was too long. We can’t have a rug up by the door because there's not enough clearance under it – by the way – if you are looking for a rug for an exterior door, make sure to check that. In my decorating days many a client would have to send back beautiful rugs they had searched for for weeks because the door wouldn't clear it. (Interior doors can be cut down pretty easily so it’s not as big of an issue there.) So anyhoo, last year we needed a new rug for the foyer, and my long, arduous search began again. I finally found a runner I liked at Burlington Coat Factory: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4SOjcR29fJJ8aAiBDrwkEviqiEuuwcVnTGQAT9IjWQO3H7qUA8ffHUfWTElErsNqeSpMIEGyPLWsxEP4xNJdL6N8xWufyKiIuazg_Y-6Me6nQvPBkZR-A1HTz9DGsbKuuME-1snZVEo/s1600-h/IMG_3726%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="binding a rug for the right size" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-t3C6lulxZ0n5uqtCPlr_-e3DxdPR3r8WoylQfkm2pGorkQL_aPvRekwFF_nDsQQviCqK6y7SS4x1aSC0s0zKnGJyvzlnvfvwjscysNDOBLa_T147VTYjdusmoNkv-XQ9-cNt3pqKNdI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="binding a rug for the right size" width="360" /></a> It was too long though, so I decided to try out a little trick I had learned long ago. Did you know you can have rugs cut down and binded to fit your space?: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4iz2BQTvfacmrR2_BCB9i9Qt6y16wM5D8Oq0ZCLSO8g5H7LlPr3A55B8oSEyctsZ1HIvK4ZexR1TvzTYWh_dP6UPAbfQfyyWqfaijI6fBz5lNHUJ4d71FnS_ZHJ2E93XtZCqkhDQW68/s1600-h/IMG_3732%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="binding a rug " border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TRD25NK10CWLKhw49ouWiKrbCKMItG24Y1v-g879sBdwgshr0hJ4PeqrjAwRcyypScp7C1RAWfDa_1U4Q589SAl75-B2iwc4ZemnqANegkFjbizaKsAiFyT-PyPrjYr2WBfflHYnesA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="binding a rug " width="320" /></a> Mine was eight feet, so I had two feet cut off and the one edge binded. I took mine to a local carpet store to do it. It’s been so long I can’t remember what the cost was, I think $30? My rug was a steal so it was worth it to me to do. And I’ve seen that you can do this on your own, but I’ve never attempted it. If you have, let us know! Only thing is you need to be specific with the carpet folks about the kind of binding you want. They did mine so that the “new” end looks different than the other: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiysMz-v2n4-hIU2RdtELL3YBy5Ovsj2g41W9Ly_gdixLk8rtjODhaA-wgw-3YnysiAFfyNAxvWFOYSP8LCyKLYPYDDNIBirDhrG-zSF-5dv_G4_bdoYB3b8ZBgyam5Q8T90UeE6dmaXJ0/s1600-h/IMG_3727%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="binding a rug for the right size" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq7GZv6L7u0JYt1R36i1g6uXPXsOVYvrgSN5G-okPQM0clOTzU6KfQUM4Y_zxNhBQvUMaHT623ajXBwSa5bHQAk6cbbUl6jEXrJuj-g035llHN9Q0SzXtMBDzxMJVJMl-VeAgzDR0IrKY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="binding a rug for the right size" width="290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSBB-6WFMDfSOa81kiqi-3WBrVw6vV5dJdvoY3AxLzOP-RvByfLwzcOZJ5I_CmWYUIftFNnMVZ2ftnv0G9nJ5SQMbu-9DHeBjpUej9CzqT7f4h0Fd1NyU71JuILqOyc195KVGhyL9DcI/s1600-h/IMG_3729%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="binding a rug for the right size" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBOj0J6Xn8jft1Y_PMCNjspbVJ5uC_d_QSddNBeMRiZGtPdgCOoEQlelI4YDTkbeB4WaMDaupVaYhITy6tnFR2s09h_FM_g2xLlsS4hyphenhyphenUdxKhsq7XsfvQau0jWbtBK92MVsCAzSFgYS5o/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="binding a rug for the right size" width="290" /></a>  I was going to take it back but then later decided it’s not a big deal. No one but me notices it. And you know if they did…THEY’D GET A COOKIE. I think it’s cheaper to have it done another way, where they kind of use the fabric stuff to close off the rough edge, instead of the thick thread. I know that probably doesn’t make sense, but look at some of your rugs and you’ll see what I mean. Or not. ;) So anyway, be specific about how you want it to look. I wasn’t. But now we can open our door and have a spot to wipe our shoes – both good things: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcbkCZOGJ_TJCoy4pPEdNhP_10dGc4_KQ-OKCv_KIis8cSNFN1w4lOMxoc3K95GMsN34hwWy1WOdSjJPtf3z_5RZP8uXVaYm8Pfg0luJ6s-DGpZx6U_VL6oSJcmwl6DxW24EA9HU1OK28/s1600-h/IMG_3733%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="carpet remnant into rug" border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQiCeICKCFi1GsnbDUrgBQdC9gDw7GIjTB33okV_B4qjGIpf5fiq90EKLAz-D-e1H73NERCOMd3m9Bo8Ecx0zRDQKCqOYOtA7VcEEQgRp3unV-6jAOQ7nFR4aRQBgKdlQ5FsUDhyLfbjc/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="carpet remnant into rug" width="500" /></a> The other great thing about this is that you can pick up carpet remnants from store and have them bound as well – so if you need a huge rug and don’t want to spend $1,000 and up, check out the remnants and have them bound! (Remnants are usually a fraction of the price of the carpet off the roll.) This is also great when you need an odd sized rug – say 10 by 14 or something like that. Awesome eh?? I like it, I do. Just do a web search for carpet stores or carpet binding near you and I’m betting something will come up. I think picking out a rug is just about one of the hardest decor decisions to make – it’s usually an investment, it is a BIG statement in the room so it has to be the right color/design and it can be hard to figure out the right size. Rugs USA has extended their 75 percent off sale by the way – check it out <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/control/rugs">here</a>. My <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/10/coffee-table-redo.html">charcoal rug</a> in the family room is available <a href="http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-moroccan-trellis/charcoal/200MTVS27E-508.html">here</a> too! And no, I’m not being paid to tell you this, it’s just an AWESOME sale. :)

Binding to get the perfect rug

Hey hey! Whazzzzup. OK, I’ve been meaning to post about this little tip for months and months and just…I don’t know… didn't . And then...

8:46 AM

Festive outdoor decor

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sk4iqV5JbiH21vKcJrI4dodo9Pnov6ssEoCbYxouTgaPFKEMPETMk6DQgasN3GgQmlvQNwQQB3m_p2wyHTJkLgL-lGrfXvR39is8xQkE-SgR9LLAGcAs5v6tFPZ9LFgjnIbTRInsmX0/s1600-h/header%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wreaths on shutters" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmzK_Lx7Q1MgplNct3jnjn5yaGSdlI8TtzR6sTFvrdYCCQfVS3RrF2IvH5isuWZRGh5_YrczVAPxK1fgQUdGtvEVqehbXxrb2BGNRFOxlsIlPAQh-rcE2jAsyDVsLsBSxbRhy3L6ni1s/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="wreaths on shutters" width="320" /></a> Hola! How was your holiday weekend? Great I hope! Ours was lovely – got plenty of time in with the family, did some holiday decorating (still tons to do), saw a GREAT movie (Rise of the Guardians – amazing) and just enjoyed being home. (Thanks so much for your wonderful comments on last week’s post by the way. They meant a lot to me.) I actually started the outdoor decor last weekend when it was nice and warm, but I finished it up on Saturday by getting more lights up and filling in the window boxes. I do pretty much the same decor outside every year because I found something that works (and that I LOVE) years ago and I just keep going back. There’s a few tweaks year to year, but not much.  Since I do the same thing every year, I’ve got it down to a science. It takes me very little time to get everything up and festive. And perhaps more importantly – it’s easy to take down! :) The window boxes were filled with greenery from the grocery store – a bundle was $4. Instead of just sticking them in as they came (which wouldn’t fill up much), I cut them down into smaller pieces and stuck them in the soil: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7CvMb5SipfznCO4sv57BnL1UOCekqkmgBPV4YgyNBg0Dq9Log2uviVIg06F_bQR1GbAIcHTteAHZgdc7is3z8tBiyP_uS-pSaFrbMKYRpBXkFZU4NDSeZB6EsgpT-ZuS5CWgTCdMcUao/s1600-h/IMG_3711%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img alt="holiday window boxes" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MfC65-M9R_OiF18JVRY527tsMnlC8lzds_C6a7viIEQelsVfcabWfUHmmAU3MIUHlr18ZRQBSHdQIw5PZ4JtjlMVS_P5zGYTL8QvTEAubCE6h4TGcH2Hyz5j1xfUlLTvPUQYBnjODuU/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="holiday window boxes" width="320" /></a> There’s fir, white pine, boxwood (and one more, I can’t remember the name of it! The droopy stuff.) in each bundle. I grabbed some red sticks from the hardware store (later found them for even cheaper at a nursery!) and cut each one in two to make them go further. I used to hang wreaths on our front windows, but a few years ago I started hanging them on our shutters instead. This is the part that takes longer than anything else but I love the look so it’s worth it! And it was super cheap too – I got the four wreaths years ago for I think $2 each at Joann’s, then the ribbon is just the cheapy red stuff you can get anywhere: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEievXFFPum9oNKbwbYvYoOurl2Ha0_LYhFo4sxdoh0iyMZJ4FeuQBVXIw2XXFAB64BLMlGtfhacNyd4BA82k12r1v-tTR5p27DQ2g7aH6AvNFkDUXweWrIs23lyfqxDXmPtbGHNb9nQGUM/s1600-h/IMG_3713%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wreaths on shutters" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIy15N27Fmt1bbH-b54om_YCphRZr9MjDIeBHK0-w0AbdZgGqox40genXVCZZ34STephJ9r26vb0V_TRqHMOs5HM5oUK2L0TpgYDVBieae611yd7WNQnHcr-xMkpwE1HbZtXTLHorU0Es/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wreaths on shutters" width="290" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvKb9ElWh7k47FcZpYN8C2LSnUxipnCehb0VC1Rt_tAMBi0GZSzGZn5QNYjU1q9FEtlHzKWUWfF3eUAdQ3JkiNjAZr24RHqZLMCHIscsgQtNk1Us64EEF8eEvMLLdratEGhPYimVcDg8/s1600-h/IMG_3712%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="wreaths on shutters" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX0ieyG3EL5l0kZvIT5nD8hhvMVwx4jmCIKcFGOyF7EXPKuUAnGtSXnHv2AwshniRSD3uesLyxe577uY58Nu4G2dSkpMSt_g_oEqZd_KAUN5-Q_GZYPtdqEQT6FJTbidxzsNtLrp-qXbA/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="wreaths on shutters" width="290" /></a> I had extra upholstery tacks from <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/08/diy-nailhead-trim.html">this project</a> so I just used those to put them up this year. Sometimes it’s thumbtacks, sometimes it’s nails. Whatever is handy. ;) I love how the red ribbon and green looks against the brown shutters! (Yes, they are a gray/brown, not blue. They always photograph blue.): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OwK35EJwF4b6C_QBPj4AEYv7M90OcC8VZK3ee-o0EYxHX9nXlt7U29VmZLeUOb9UIq2A0hvATl2ydprMwfls3jD6FFxtSFXP4q-Ia5qoY_xuCL9Rohq5zuNgTraopDpjmjYZcM-KU4Q/s1600-h/IMG_3709%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54iywiSTxALq8UWFMLCC2Hw9BzboJSQomKM6CkOTPaH7I-xS1tpFiw4BdBWmB0GIfmi_lyeHmfK-C5ygJZn61_um-97_a4mNE4x2KzWyoJ6B2fDNgFssDBH6ZOrcak2lQ419EHQSt_4Y/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="338" /></a> We have a teensy tiny front porch but I do it up BIG this time of year. I frame out the front part and the door with greenery, then just stick the lights in: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHH9k153hpFe1OfFFJLkdp-9kDSUM1lK80XR6XvUwZxwcxiqOUp2ecnEuum5BhuLMNKJH_x_VEsVxZ5AiGHunLr2DEim3JhQdeFlmP3R70g9M2Sh8Rzjm18zNzio4FRKptA1Yz5sDfi8/s1600-h/IMG_3708%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpn0slw5geeEvPGgRfBh9NM4fVq-EnRbpH56esD6t5sD-pOAKRLEyxw9gMLUMFKKyeuheKxxO6ijVYU6TfDULcGweVXbyuW6u9F3PvOMXd-riREbz4hjAa3eK1NdHM8jJ7s3EKyXRbJAQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="320" /></a> I used to wrap the lights around the greenery, but the first time a strand of lights went out I realized that was for the BIRDS. I just smoosh them in there now, using the greenery to hold the strands where I need support. Putting up the stuff takes not time at all anymore – I reuse my big cup hooks every year and screw them into the same spots: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6dhNbwDIytfJ-_mhQoYJE-sObOXklooPfmcdIY_Ik0nLpVptSAA8pRGMfdUD08fgDrH-2qBcgPsWz8uGt8TJrX25MAI-luJ1H6xdfNPWDjtEIkElLXCLPRFgXrBdaXjpO7jSwrb963U/s1600-h/IMG_2923%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="cuphooks christmas decorating" border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_CEhMOVIQnkQOYJuQS2N3UC3ZcNPg-WYYRxNPmJ_cBMRpR7-P2FO7Jx8-VCII6rVNfYUmmZj7C_v-Evu8cdRZPgjhIvYExJHVcEMwW8hczhSDgPFoU3EhTj20yE3R3AsVmwxn9szyB8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="cuphooks christmas decorating" width="320" /></a> Then I just hook the greenery in and they stay put! The porch makes the biggest impact and takes no time at all. I even keep the little swags of ornaments attached so I just put them up and I’m done: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcngHPym2LKIQodaT6TSJMo96JKKTPnHuku2GNVRF5crWAB0-0mipDYaeKEBeEJQ4Pb3H7ujk-qDKBIbdFSn9lHxoCDyyR_xVU45yVU2tbwLkPr8KWqFxUB3YzEVGPq_I7QfQyIKx8L4/s1600-h/IMG_3703%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="greenery around door" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqjprrcif8BCeFehzHwkZwtN_lIP0T8T5-BFW66aQViL1n3ZiWWEaEC-p_1UTkYnMtD93j3pWsqiCPG8X0YN_hseC8p3iuoDSB-BlIkkwIwNBuN-1vkxv-uI6L5V3b_hDbK3i-aVnYIM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="greenery around door" width="313" /></a> A couple years ago I wound red ribbon through the greenery, which was beautiful -- but more time than I wanted to take on it this year. The wreath is two put together – a flatter, white pine kind of wreath and a red one from Target clearance years ago on top. I have an idea in mind for a different kind of door decor, we’ll see if I can get it done this year. Of course I love it best all lit up at night: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5fyUQcl1qVjUYcz09aPrrJxyya1RDWMO06ugI3zVndWBDV9FBq_u_ZNPHtzWfi1xit6z46gT-QHiYf9_wptbhEtu-20OQwfWowilcaoM5jvaO4JH4lSVHXFmKpimn4SQsnybWNZnkPI/s1600-h/IMG_3700%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="greenery around door" border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-FP2nt4udLLI17vATjpp2XoQLiQr4TM0VSX6XI2mZ-1nrilIl7wVPCLDwQGbjX9uCuQJAjz_w-EDljQf1hDLaIoU-DOkaxtQpmvjKl-sHQt1eBoBexEJTjI2ZglNMBmqikoYDI_DdwM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="greenery around door" width="360" /></a> I plug everything into a outdoor timer so I don’t have to think about it again till the week after Christmas. That is, unless a strand goes out. Knock on wood… I always plan on doing luminaries or lanterns down the steps, but I never seem to get to it. So much left to do, like our big honkin’ tree inside! I love that the greenery and wreaths still make it look festive during the day and when the lights aren’t on: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0tS6dBg7FBWHvnK74m6FZ9wXei7tsU-5g8T1kMsoOkGb2YuCOcAYPHaW0ar_Izu0Fn4RFIPWZOc6jhe-LsHJw3CE6pP-XJPi70i7oNu5gesDeQixLhvbANtHhFZEqPzx7-gofg_uQbOg/s1600-h/IMG_3683%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img alt="traditional outdoor holiday decor" border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqANGZpOmiQ3bekITLnVRl0-ONJzPBz6HgNKxUU-lfmx8kIGBam4Rh2AloUluNWLPYE391kgkIkDbfTOf4_v8AiWXo4L9SwLIeaPpfdc0zP2gYiLIOBb_0jb4hxK1BC3Z13pZEfGzFss/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="traditional outdoor holiday decor" width="360" /></a> And I love how the landscaping lights highlight our cool shutters. (I love our shutters!): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdKFNtjmxRNDW4PTQEqroeigxjd1rpVzUoiujI0QH6EZJhiqAE4RXSkVbecHgKbjY6N2EO7Mquho3UdOtAV4hM62zUUkuZ83kEMq-6enPWmFOGd8MzS4YERkb6_XsGB-EYKNYX9xMTlk/s1600-h/IMG_3696%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img alt="traditional outdoor holiday decor" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyxozIlcOn890WqWuJHNWk4k-SjLH5qq-5hCTIaO-eDXQDGXWLDzKgDa9yggcDaC8d7LcrsG8aUYAENkGZgS7oX7Sip7FA5PFzDcwi6wNFK3yYjLaFBdXLOfG-FOb_68DEhQE7Xr5l08/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="traditional outdoor holiday decor" width="320" /></a> Of course I have to add some fun for the kiddo too – the red lights on the bushes are big round balls that look like Rudolph’s nose. :) (From Target two years ago I think?) And we still have to get the big lawn inflatable out too…yes, we are one of those houses. But the Bub LOVES it, so as long as he’s into it, we’ll put it out every year. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, can you believe it’s that time already?? I’m starting to feel the mushy, gushiness I feel every year when we pull out the decor. I love it! I’m a traditional girl at heart, especially at Christmas, and the front of our house reflects that: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJiJJoOVywiCboCwmVpot1b02ibd68OmLV39QP5T7nDhfdAzrd-NPK3Wd13U5wqQ4x-aTAfX445QTOAa2i_PyxMj2epPRJX3-jtCja1OQfdxgZetrqM4wfbtqvaJJJn660bx1fivirc0/s1600-h/IMG_3705%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img alt="traditional outdoor holiday decor" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbe-0PtyVzaD6qE0kfBA1gZ3H8J9xs28nDktwcngcuOWSDCcSlwuWXhX-AEDAWJdo_7YEz5ySKBnCyqEVAnjHIQbPGH_ByWS41VmrGe2JdnbRPqHSegpT_qCLY1-ie8IN4H0bHfSx-jK8/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="traditional outdoor holiday decor" width="400" /></a> When do you put your decor out, if you do anything outside? Are you inflatable people like us? ;) Or do you put a wreath on the door and call it done?

Festive outdoor decor

Hola! How was your holiday weekend? Great I hope! Ours was lovely – got plenty of time in with the family, did some holiday decorating (st...

8:56 AM

Home

This will be our first Thanksgiving at home since 2009 – we’ve been in hotels the past couple of years since we were fortunate enough to attend the Macy’s Parade two years in a row (and watched the band march it!). It was an amazing experience, both years.  We love to travel, that’s for sure, but the older I get, the more I just want to be HOME. Especially over the holidays. Especially Thanksgiving. I have a different perspective on being home during this holiday, and I was reminded of it again the other day. Almost 20 years (I’d love to lie right there and say 15 years) ago I was in my freshman year of college and Thanksgiving break was coming up. Everyone was ready to get the heck home. You remember that feeling? At first you’re so sad to be away from home, then you realize that newfound independence and love it, and then the holidays hit and you realize you just want some real food, your own bed and your Mom? Well, we were all feeling it. But I for me it was mixed with dread. I actually called the housing offices to see if I could stay in the dorm over that break. My heart broke when they told me I had to leave. They probably wondered who was this crazy girl who wants to stay alone in the dorms over a holiday? But I had nowhere to go. Due to years and years of unfortunate stuff, we were homeless. That Thanksgiving I sat in a rundown motel in a nearby town with my mother. We were lucky to even have the money to get that room. My friends would have taken me in of course, but it’s such an awkward thing on a holiday. (I did end up living with my best friend and her family that next summer – God bless them!!) My Dad and I weren’t talking much at the time, and I didn’t want my mother to be alone on Thanksgiving. So we stayed in that motel room. We found a buffet-type place that was open and ate dinner there. I always think about that motel, especially this time of year. I don’t remember much about that day, but I do remember the room with great detail. Fast forward 17 years or so, and I started visiting the True Value in that town because of my partnership with them. I would always look for that motel…I thought I knew where the location was. I never saw it though and figured it had been torn down. And then last year I took a different route to the store. And there it was. I knew it as soon as I saw it. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7GCV8E8h90yzM60p7y57uikFbbAVYFzTYRVmW1-7P-UK8cnZZ3ah6mc4gWAz4b1oIKY2HGzdVL9yYZs180l7jiAO08gDHFexkK-2vRIHTq7CTWMeN4zk3Rfa5r-_1BsCo_55i9QB8heM/s1600-h/hotel2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHLshIt4Bckeavx45R77fSewELGNdZC1i8q9PlFFhVJip5sEppBMoXohEZPYBP7UqeokoLkkTs17jwnm4bjNE-ECW9hN_1v8PybwlQQwNcD3tgxtkG78tPq3NHt34YZUiIn1K4Z1Lj8V1/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="" width="400" /></a> I drive by it about once a month now. Sometimes I see it and can go by without thinking too much about it. Sometimes, like last week -- something clicks, my heart starts hurting, and the tears flow. :) It was a sad, sad time in my life. I can say with certainty that not having a home is one of the worst feelings ever. I wouldn’t wish that on a soul. We all know childhood experiences help to create the person we are today. And for that reason, I wouldn’t want one minute of mine to be any different. That Thanksgiving changed my perspective on home. Yes, I was with my mother, and that was what was most important. But I wanted to be with her in our home. Any home. So there’s a clue into why I’m so in love with our home, the idea of home, what drives me to make it a space just right for us. It’s what’s behind my desire to help you make yours (no matter what kind of home it is) a place that feels cozy and warm and a place you want to be. I don’t tell you this for sympathy – I’m just working up the courage to hit publish. ;) I’ve just realized over the past couple of years that that day changed something in me, and I think that Thanksgiving may be why I’m even here today writing to you on TDC. :) I hope you and yours have a lovely holiday, eat tons of food and are happy. I’m taking a few days off to focus on the family – Happy Thanksgiving!!   P.S. I hit publish. :)

Home

This will be our first Thanksgiving at home since 2009 – we’ve been in hotels the past couple of years since we were fortunate enough to att...

8:32 AM

Show Us Your Foyers and Mud Rooms!

Hey all! How was your weekend? It was lovely here and I got most of the outdoor decor up. Just a couple more strands of lights and we’re done! (And it’s supposed to be near 60 all week – crazy!) It’s SO nice to have it up before the cold hits! Today we’re continuing with another space in our house tour that we’ve had going all year – this month was supposed to be just foyers, but I’m adding in mud rooms as well. We’ll finish up with laundry rooms next month. :) <img alt="Show Us Your House" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/image34.png" title="Show Us Your House" /> We recently changed up our laundry/mud room by moving the washer and dryer to the new laundry in the basement, so we have a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/laundry-room-to-mud-room-oh-yeah.html">dedicated space for our mud room</a> off the garage now. Let. me. tell. you. It is AWESOME. It still has no storage, the baseboards have been torn out (for a YEAR), the walls need paint badly, but it doesn't matter. We luuuuuurve it!! It’s a long way off from looking cute again, but at this point I don’t care: <img alt="yes, this is real" border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXryKv6hbStj19LglMJgqj42kcitAncTKF8-sSwLzyUtRYQGqhdBxagwUO6V2sW7EZIX4YgrR60mXcBbXWI-mia3XBefXfNIqvFs5791qXtvyORwJSUyBD-zSTQePTyAgE_9MjRNTAraM/?imgmax=800" style="display: inline" title="yes, this is real" width="305" /><img alt="" border="0" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCaJ0kFn2lhfeXrtVnjxX63sEfybd6T2vZOZNC1gNXkzP4O4VDzjEh3VqNN8uHCLCd1dyicPwIvBN3KmHXbQfkh4UB1p7Mc3-P57i4tBm7_NrxmPzn2_HLriPHt5sIF_-I8_fnf4H41c/?imgmax=800" style="display: inline" title="" width="280" /> There’s MUCH to be said for just being able to walk through a space!! :) Our entry way has cathedral ceilings and is just a tiled area open to the rest of the house. I found some old pics to show how the space has changed over the years – first, just after we moved in when I installed the wainscoting: <img alt="wainscoting" border="0" height="499" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/saucey2/House/Projects/IM000344.jpg" title="wainscoting" width="320" /> And then with a new rug, a little table and some art: <img alt="wainscoting" height="478" src="http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f43/saucey2/House/Living%20room%20and%20entry/DSC04090.jpg" title="wainscoting" width="360" /> Notice the pink walls? Yeah, they were everywhere. SO GLAD to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2012/07/pink-walls-begone.html">be rid of them</a>! I added a <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2010/07/before-and-after-party-craigslist-love.html">Craigslist dresser</a> a couple years ago and not much has changed since: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQ4K2dAWNiq48-tUEVH3HGi4EvsKIBub3jh2zTOvGjEV2aLkVhCxmq1HG1W5FxPWWHF7H5ovWZAp_QMAZCSZvt4CS-3xjDyqFEgvpTpTfex7m44xxB0okBaDHh7joXnimWiCssNXgJM8/s1600-h/IMG_3639%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="dresser in entry foyer" border="0" height="571" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh06SqwBAX0G0DfyaF9EtxA-B0uHe5-qOZHW7EH76yBtQoaTjJ9OxgBhuP3ba2I0SnXK26BaDTZP-3q_RJD3e_4ptgY1SdkgyrAMH4BWNFlcZ2P3UJ7uj2qTsCdut5gUUM-bOmKsLhg0cQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="dresser in entry foyer" width="400" /></a> One of the big projects I’d like to tackle next year is the tile: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrDR85T_rI3jnUjy5OV75BSqybRaReEpXqBdiWF4DxI7a4ernc3O4xIbZlPvgU9Uab8vNmCWYZ_twp_Y9mK93TYQSAfi5NnLNGRLGw13_YBVHTZ7vL0bVWbLwYFyA0pO3oJ49idG_WCE/s1600-h/IMG_3641%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rzlU-1YvGIUerVa2IT62DhCNy66jj-ZAnfs5IyJLnTaOo7pVO_38VuYDY2ue1YQbUb-SFIrv-0VVScv4TMZ8D8HYypgwRiHgQHNoZxKz3UQi2Yr0f8cbG4iuBfhxP1pOkz4v3mkr618/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="" width="320" /></a> It’s a gray tile that we picked out to go with those lovely pink walls so it comes across a little purple. We could have taken some of the tile out and extended the wood floors last fall, but I thought it would be best to keep the tile there for the winters. I didn’t want to stress about wet shoes/boots and snow on the wood floors. I’d love to do a creamy tile in a brick pattern perhaps? I painted the inside of the door black last year (I showed you the how-to <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/2011/10/how-to-paint-door.html">here</a>): <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFs4DjGXSscQYalvLdpX3fhRKx1LV-5eFvCn-Jmj_-XBSy_8OqbsiYBatqnLqO26NqjPcyips7A5wvh3EJkld3SbtY_0Ap1qL2cCoFqK_CarfLa-C-HiOWhPoxo3wG-Q3C4twADyvjc8/s1600-h/IMG_3644%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_3644" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHPvcdJ1Hkuu10CkL_R6xFUV15l-3fwTWclsod5Ma7N4YJJ_C2kEKSgnesbmgUe5oeAG6X494AEOgiV-O6XPvLH0TgUfO7M5ny-OPCntioRVuN-D0oPQ5HQQ3EXv342YWF7PBUiXS7uM/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="IMG_3644" width="400" /></a> I still plan on painting all of our interior doors darker – I love the look! That project is 349 on the long list. ;) That dresser will get a paint job soon too – the black looks a little heavy for me now. I’m just waiting till I decide on the perfect color. It’s always a fun spot to decorate – right now it’s super simple with fall-inspired decor: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCklu1aMW6iEfvcK_bvfI0-rNtcRyNmPA3RIFAPLENtvl9eHKSKzhyphenhyphenHbmEarEKLB9dn-BkadnDGYx-3m3y3G8nDRze6Jn844wIp8iQkvsVlekY2LzU8HDJgJPdmZwpvFtdIAnJ15ch8LE/s1600-h/IMG_3645%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fall candles" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7ZHLwcqk7oQnzyRVG83etlqJa0NwntIfZ9jMwXYJ7INFIK8EFbs8MeOEWlgZYqPdTl5uuxdzL87SAttDZiP5IUenj5GZ_PWEKiw0_vr87PsJEyR6Ea6wX5lww5P0nyINyxvmdNRqCZQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="fall candles" width="320" /></a> You can see more of how the foyer has changed over time <a href="http://thriftydecorchick.blogspot.com/search/label/foyer">here</a>! Now I can’t wait to see your entryways – foyers, hallways, mud rooms – whatever you make functional for your family! If you’d like to be considered for an upcoming highlight post, please add a link or this button to your post: <div style="padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px" align="center"><img alt="Show Us Your House" src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/image34.png" title="Show Us Your House" /></div> <pre style="border-bottom: #cccccc 1px solid; text-align: left; border-left: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-bottom: 10px; margin: auto; padding-left: 10px; width: 90%; padding-right: 10px; display: block; white-space: pre-wrap; background: #f0f0f0; height: 45px; color: #777777; font-size: 90%; overflow: auto; border-top: #cccccc 1px solid; border-right: #cccccc 1px solid; padding-top: 10px"><div align="center"><a href="http://thriftydecorchick.com/" title="Show Us Your House" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/image34.png" alt="Thrifty Decor Chick" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre> Now go ahead and link it up! <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=213857"></script>

Show Us Your Foyers and Mud Rooms!

Hey all! How was your weekend? It was lovely here and I got most of the outdoor decor up. Just a couple more strands of lights and we’re don...

8:08 AM

The safety stuff

Hello all! Hope your week was great! We are supposed to have decent weather so the Christmas lights will be going up outside. WHOO! Can’t wait! Well, I guess I can since I’ll be doing most of it. Can’t wait for the result. Today I want to talk about some of the necessary stuff when it comes to houses – the stuff that’s not pretty or exciting, but probably more important than anything else you’ll put inside. I started thinking about writing this post because of a local tragedy that happened here in Indy last weekend. There was an explosion due to some kind of natural gas issue, and it destroyed five homes and significantly damaged 26 others (knocking many off their foundations). It happened in a neighborhood like so many of us live in. The saddest news of all was that two people were killed. It’s just horrible and the photos are unbelievable. There’s a lot of investigation going on, but it did make me realize something – we’ve been missing an important alarm in our home for a while now. This was a good reminder to take care of it. While I was at it, I figured I’d share a few of the other safety precautions we take around the house. Of course there are the smoke alarms – it’s so important to keep those up to date with fresh batteries! And I’ve considered changing out the one in our son’s room to the kind that uses your voice to wake them up. Some kids sleep so hard and I think that is a brilliant idea. Do any of you use that one?  We always keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, close to the oven: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWco1fz4iI1thMhJOwEO3nn2pHZ3wMeSutrUA2kxY3rEOIfiUIcZarQa2AY2AInRwOYIlC9GPw3FIkD-6i3hWrcwDhNstryEi1Hy9tlVHtAFhwvwjwmxA57RcckyWwFppEnALBDDQpek/s1600-h/5%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="kitchen fire extinguisher" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN2uC8i0ziFBg7SeWlsoF4aM1wuimC1ckXitNo94oA0mFlHSaMKXFQMRx3GUfLsEnW0PL7ZtWIZFPNGXu6fHsbaVdRfgUitCXKXWKE0Manj2aRMw5BKGgj4s2Yb_IP3A6GxCqZOTOYSw/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="kitchen fire extinguisher" width="360" /></a> It’s just a little one, but it would be better than nothing. I always know we have it if we need it, but every six months or so I take a couple minutes to look at the instructions and read how to use it (again). It’s SO simple, but it’s not something I look at every day, so I forget how to operate it. I know in the heat of the moment I won’t want to take the time to read if it something is burning. Like dinner. It’s happened. Well…close. ;) Also, extinguishers have an expiration date of sorts – they don’t last forever. Ours usually last a few years. You just look at the little gauge and it will tell you if it’s full or empty: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgOwKDI-NIz8mBCZXfCHGUDU18g6GQ39JXjtjV14ALdALQmL1vUxCMaUQ7ca5-E8OZ_MUUXxvhZ0gnSQwbJ1SC9nvPLf3YG8dUHR7pYpZdEKC9UwHvmKqzOniT5OAx1JT1Aor7nqGSWA/s1600-h/3%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fire extinguisher gauge" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiypFqVc_gQ3HCUqrM94q8dFkXHTyJ70Vrtrv2-dN5A4KjJTGk-tGkeFWu0BNK8Zta2XdLT4WbOChL-sHaMq-3rk3w1jogwNxcqJOjmwYxWC5PdgLkOJoHPBSPTl5NK1xIVwGsqsRhFM/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="fire extinguisher gauge" width="360" /></a> Once it says empty you’ll want to replace it. (I’ve heard giving it a little shake every few months helps them keep longer.) And then there’s the stuff you can’t see – if you have a basement it’s recommended that you have a radon test done. The need for a test is higher in certain parts of the country, (Indiana has a higher concentration of radon in the ground) but no matter where you are, if you have a basement, I’d get one done. You can find them at the store if you want to try it on your own: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXP9hClSSMknvzvuZTEeB4ILevbGaIJnhp8IuzPJSXpEXP5QcMPjzwgIqKjwfkKTIwbNIe_eDTUPlT3-w79y9Qd0XTcQ69rMcVjR4vqcAIJo4rQrINX1z0QGBXso3KX383NvI1o-ndYkM/s1600-h/4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="radon test kit" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWx1h0AqMlEWNX2-CVBCO2Oc-iZX5eOSbBG1gbapK0JO3qvh_JEYoK_uODl5unNdWCqFgfQW0PTuGA-A9fxNt7wBo0tCP6JEc_IYBfJq0ZnvtXWjIMvNLqMJetod3CbnrNyhQp0DQa84/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="radon test kit" width="360" /></a> I found this one at True Value and the test is only about $10. You do need to send the test off to be read and I’m pretty sure you pay extra for that. We’ve had our basement tested twice – once about four years ago when we really started using the (still unfinished) basement. I just bought a test from a hardware store and sent it off. If I remember right they emailed us the results. The levels were low enough we didn’t need to worry, but because we finished the basement this year and I knew we’d be down there more than ever, I had a professional company come in this last time. They did a faster reading – it still took a couple days, but less than the test you send off. This time the reading was extremely low, which was a relief. But the levels can change, so we’ll have the test done once a year. I’ve talked to some who say there’s not much to the radon gas issue – but I have done enough research to know we’d rather be safe than sorry. And the one safety measure we take that I was reminded of recently is a carbon monoxide detector in the house: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqT7eIKEvB-nnJL_1mx3s-8tDmF7z0ZRjGxCR26mrdqaYOdFlTvTzSVaiYLkIFPN_0j8QNGrRLlrNOu7JO2un6SlMRl7aC5-ICqGoE4ZywDRKp6G9pedvxtJo70CVI0vuAXv-x3Me6oU/s1600-h/1%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="carbon monoxide detectors" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jb_g1bnrc3-KUnu5fiEcVmAXZ5n922ao1qwPKVTNTY2ur0X9kB5bRb10BMqwJBD-XIsgbSrGEGpl8Z22LAX64EbBXENigNJO28SPjjg5abG1wA7D5DiN0OklIZVQOnS0PJPHqxYcWcg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="carbon monoxide detectors" width="360" /></a> Last winter I kept hearing a beeping upstairs somewhere, and I of course thought it was a smoke alarm battery, so I went all over the place one day with my BFF holding the bottom of a ladder as I climbed to terrifying heights to change out batteries. I would do one, climb down, (we have tall ceilings up there), still hear the beep. Try another one, climb down, still here the beep. It was maddening. My friend FINALLY located the source – our carbon monoxide detector had expired. Of course my initial thought was PANIC – I thought the beeping  meant we had poisonous gasses running throughout our house, but I quickly realized it was telling us it wasn’t working any more. (It usually tells you what the “beeps” mean on the detector.) So it’s been awhile since that one pooped out on us (they last anywhere from a few to seven years), and this week I was reminded it was time for another. I found battery operated versions at my True Value and got a few – one for each floor: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02tbR-LyNeZJYQyzqlQ7f3Jidq0GTBWtQiL57uaqYyKegLg87LfMN0yvZW5o_FecdoMghyphenhyphenndrT3LLgdfmIiyMMaBX31QXMHCEvGUFMs7uivB82U1J1xbbsGUA9TyNq_LqFxPKasyldzo/s1600-h/2%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="carbon monoxide detector" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JH58m52rCPyMnaT632h7AGxw-5Wvm_o9Lhqq2hsbscFjsb12wO_y2O-fNm6FoIyW_RCVvOsSm37SJgB-lJ2OoMILfNAhc76D60Tr5F0rO-sUiPABvTtbvXYPT45FLlfTSxdiPA5_IBs/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="carbon monoxide detector" width="360" /></a> If you only have one in the home (or if you have a one level house), it is recommended you keep it in your bedroom. Our last one was a plug in type, but these are battery-operated so they will stay on during power outages. What’s nice is you can place these anywhere in the room you want. I put one in the family room on the floor behind a table, one next to the bed upstairs and one in the basement. It’s just a little thing but it already makes me feel so much better. There’s already so much to worry about, am I right? These range from about $20 to up to $60. I got the mid-range version that was $30. (I don’t see a huge difference in the pricier versions.) And while I was at True Value I picked up two extra carbon monoxide detectors to give away to two of you this weekend as well. Hopefully they will help put your mind at ease too! If you’d like to be entered to win one of them, just leave a comment here this weekend! I’ll pick a couple winners Monday and get them shipped off to you next week. Have a lovely weekend…are you getting ready for turkey day??   I was one of the bloggers selected by True Value to work on the DIY Squad. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program as well as my writing about my experience. I have also been compensated for the materials needed for my DIY project. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

The safety stuff

Hello all! Hope your week was great! We are supposed to have decent weather so the Christmas lights will be going up outside. WHOO! Can’t wa...

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