A Courtyard Entrance
Over the weekend, I took my husband to see a house that I had visited once before (not this house). The home has a long narrow-ish approach. Of course, I started doing what I always do
in my mind
.... I started thinking about all of the changes I would want to make.
The list starts small and modest....paint, wallpaper removal, minor architectural details....etc. It quickly escalates to gutting the kitchen and baths. And what about the curb appeal? I think the home needs a courtyard entrance.
An entrance that would create a bit of mystery while inviting you to venture onward.
I would love to have guests greeted with welcoming
. Maybe a
....Namaste!
My husband loved the house, while I am still undecided. After all, the list in my head is long :).
Tulips
How are all of you? Please tell me that one of us is sitting on a warm sunny beach? This weather is really getting to me...more snow last night. I know, most of you are sick of it, too. I'm thinking of tulips, and tulips make me think of spring.
My open letter to Spring....
Dear Spring, It's been a long time. I don't care what that oversized rodent saw...shadow....no shadow...you need to come NOW!
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| Sunken Garden Canada |
And now for the happy news..
The winner of the Pajama Giveaway..
Congratulations Jennifer @ The Pink Pagoda!
I'm sure your pajamas will be pink.
This is really funny because I met Jennifer by winning one of her giveaways over two years ago. It's a full circle moment.
And speaking of circles, where are you Mr. Sun?
I'm sure your pajamas will be pink.
This is really funny because I met Jennifer by winning one of her giveaways over two years ago. It's a full circle moment.
And speaking of circles, where are you Mr. Sun?
White Bricks & Links
| One of my new favorite exteriors (I know it's not new, but new to me is new...to me) is white painted bricks. Someone can do a grammar check to see if any of that sentence is remotely correct, I'm busy and people don't read they only look at the pictures (fact). It may be because I probably won't be finding a home like this or this in Florida. Those posts led to an argument with my dad over property and lot size.....the argument was crazy (aren't all parent/adult child arguments crazy?), but It was nice to hang up (literally) and know that he reads my blog! I would love to find a brick home, but it will probably be stucco (Florida) and paint it white!  |
| Houston Home |
Black Shutters, for sure.
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| Phoenix Renovations |
A metal roof, why not.
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| Michael Kelley Photography |
Boxwoods, you know it.
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| Exocentrix Landscape |
A little fretwork, works for me. |
| Richard Manion Architect |
What do you think? Be honest....weren't you shocked to hear that my dad reads my blog? Hi Marty!
Here are a couple of fun links for your weekend reading.
If you have ever wondered how to get noticed, you may not want to try this marketing idea, but it worked.
If you are eagerly awaiting Downton Abbey, Simply June has some pictures from Season 4.
Be nice, don't fight.
Here are a couple of fun links for your weekend reading.
If you have ever wondered how to get noticed, you may not want to try this marketing idea, but it worked.
If you are eagerly awaiting Downton Abbey, Simply June has some pictures from Season 4.
Be nice, don't fight.
Real Estate Eye Candy
I think I may be starting a series.....or not. Last Monday, I was showing you a home that made me want to start over. As expected, that was good until the next one came along.
Just like a bad Jennifer Aniston movie (sorry Jen, but other than you...why would anyone go?) there will always be others.
I think I fell hard with the Chippendale detailing on the gates. That double brick drive with the grass insert leading to the front door is making me want to explore the home further.
I have always loved long stairways that wrap around a foyer....the thought of climbing those stairs is not as appealing.
Abundant white trim and millwork.
I love the drapery panels on the right and the roman shade on the left.
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| All Pictures Courtesy of SLC Interiors |
It's cool and crisp today.....isn't it August? Looks like Mother Nature is still mad at me.
I'm off to do laundry and spray painting. What are you up to?
Curb Appeal...How Do You Get It?
Curb appeal is an intangible. It is a phrase used by real estate agents and homeowners, alike. There are television shows, books, and articles telling you how to get it. When you see a beautiful home with great visual appeal, it is often hard to pick a specific element that completes the look...it just works!
I was recently sent this article that gives a break-down of some key features that will help you increase the curb appeal of your home. Here are a few of my favorite features
Add or paint shutters
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Add or paint shutters
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Plant shrubs and flowers
For even more curb appeal ideas, you can read this. Do you have any favorite tips for enhancing the visual appeal to your home?
Friday's...in The Garden...Rhododendron Ambush
Hi Everyone...I was in my friend's garden
This week, I ambushed my friend's rhododendrons. I have been telling her for the longest time..."You're house has no curb appeal, because you can't SEE your house".
Her house is actually really cute, once you find your way around the rhododendrons. I won't show you a picture of her home because she has no idea I am doing any of this....she is on vacation. Good thing she doesn't read my blog. A few landscapers gave her various advice on the best way to tackle these overgrown bushes. Two said "tear them out and start fresh". Another said he could trim them back for $500.
This is a quick reference on how to prune a shrub
I don't want to do a tutorial on this because you can kill the plants if you prune too much. For some good tips on pruning rhododendrons, go here. If you are doing more than just shaping and pruning...you should consider hiring someone who knows how. I worked for a few hours and took off this much
Since my friend is out of town, when she returns....if she is still speaking to me....I'll suggest I come back for round 2. This will give you an idea of how it is shaping up
It is starting to look so much better. I hope her husband isn't mad. They are having a pool installed, and I want to be on the "swim" list. Don't let your shrubs get this out of control! It is much cheaper to have them pruned than it is to replace them or deal with a huge pruning bill like this would have been. Was this considered trespassing? I have a feeling she will let me know.