Design/Interiors
Starnes' Name Up in Lights! (in a manner of speaking)
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times….2011 has already been filled with more highs and lows than I’ve experienced in my full 27 years on earth. That’s actually 27 plus 12 for those of you who insist on accuracy in the aging... [read more]
Gardening, Green Building
Recycle old windows into a nifty porch greenhouse!
When I bought my 1919 Craftsmen home, one of the things that charmed me were the antique windows; the wavy panes of glass that caught every beam of light and transformed it into a shimmery haze. Looking through these old windows into the house was... [read more]
Weekend 2: Patio (or My 6,000 Calorie Diet)
I'd like to proudly announce, we kicked the patio's arse this weekend!We seriously got so much done (and currently I hear Marc mixing concrete), it is hard to believe that it was only 1.5 days!We worked so fiercely I found it hard to keep myself fed... [read more]
Weekend 1: Patio
It was hot.It was sweaty.I **may** have gotten irrationally angry a couple of times.But it is at about 50% and it feels so good!Day 1:Thanks to our contractor neighbor Chris, we got this baby generally leveled in no time!I started to install the... [read more]
Some positive feedback
The architect called Tuesday with some positive news. He had spoken to both the building department and the conservation authority about our situation to get their opinions on whether we could obtain the necessary variance for the addition and... [read more]
And so it begins....
The Bobcat has been served, the road-bond gravel is delivered. Let's make a patio! [read more]
Help. I'm melting.
So far the only drawback of quitting my job is that it is HOT here! We don't have AC like we did at my office. (Where someone would always turn it down to 58 degrees and I'd end up wearing a sweater and socks with my skirt all day.)In general, the... [read more]
Back Yard To Do.
Well, of course, because I was so excited about hiring out for the back patio... we decided to DIY it.The architectural world is still a little slow around here, and Marc got spooked about getting laid off. The patio would have ate up a good chunk... [read more]
Front Yard Expanding Landscaping
Generally, I don't like landscape posts because the never seem like they look that fabulous or different, but I guess I'll share the minor stuff on the front yard first, then in the next post, the demo in the backyard.But first, here is the minor... [read more]
Lawn cutting, landscaping and too many Canadian Tire runs
With the promise of decent weekend weather for the first time this year, I knew it was time to start working outside. Cutting the lawn, washing some windows and putting out the deck furniture were all on my to-do list. Especially cutting... [read more]
Garage and addition: First meeting with the architect
It is always a good sign when an architect or contractor is too busy to start a project immediately. About nine months ago we touched base with our architect to start the process for the addition and garage. I met with him on Wednesday. Our... [read more]
Defining someday
Rebuilding the addition and building a new garage were always “someday” things that we were going to do at some point “down the road.” When we moved into our money pit 8 years ago, the five year time-frame seemed realistic. Unfortunately, with... [read more]
Spring is here
Spring is here which is a welcome relief after a long cold winter that never seemed like it was going to end. For most people, winter is the ideal time to concentrate on indoor projects, but I am not most people. A combination of a family vacation... [read more]
Before: The Flamingo Cabinet
I've regretted buying this cabinet since the drive home from IKEA 5 years ago. At the time we needed a place to put all if our 'nice/party' dishes. While this fits the bill, I just wish I would have spent a week on Craigslist and found an old, cool... [read more]
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