TV Multimedia Console, Part 1

George and I spent the weekend helping our daughter and son-in-law build a TV-multimedia console.  Brianne and Brian found online plans that would suit their needs, but desired storage with more of a mid-century flair.

How to Specialist: How to Build a TV Stand

The inspiration choices were narrowed down. However, it still wasn’t quite what they had in mind. They didn’t want all the wiring and electronics exposed, but were concerned about enclosing heat-producing electronics.

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Garage Laundry Nook: Part 2

As a good portion of the U.S. has been sweltering in this unbearable heat; we’ve continued to work on the garage laundry nook area while taking many water and puppy breaks. Wait. What? May I introduce little Tollach, better known as Tolly, our 9-week old maltipoo puppy.

He’s a cutie, but when he naps we’re back in the garage.  A lot has happened in one week in our garage. The new wall has been taped and mudded, the cabinets and wet clothes hang drying area are installed, the ceiling and walls primed and painted. Isn’t it amazing how paint improves any area? 😉

Garage Laundry Nook: Part 1

Most older homes, like our 1969 home, do not have laundry or mud rooms. The washing machine and clothes dryer are located in the garage. Not only is there something unpalatable about the cohabitation of delicate whites, lawn mowers and furnaces; but our garage had become a hoarder’s nest. We do not park our cars in the garage, so the decision was made to create a low-budget laundry nook area. 

We researched low cost ways to incorporate appliances, lots of storage, a utility sink, clothes hampers and a wet hang drying area. All in a small space. Reality check: We were not searching for “home-decor magazine-quality” laundry room plans . . . our space is in the garage! 😉 Plus, it had to be budget friendly. We found loads of inspiration online:

livingvintageco.com

Budget White Kitchen Makeover – Part 4

Ever the procrastinator, I’m finally posting the long-overdue cost breakdown for this project.  We really do mean BUDGET white kitchen makeover. 😉 I helped my sister make a wish list through browsing home magazines, bookmarked online sources and drawing amateur plans.  Then, we weeded it down to a realistic list.  Sweat equity from family and friends and ingenuity kept costs down to under $2,000.  I thought I’d break down some of the savings, expenses and share a few tips.

So here goes . . .

Inspiration: Both teachers, this was going to be our summer project. For months, my sister and I browsed home magazines and online sites. We saved inspiration to a Pinterest account. We gathered free or low-cost supply samples and viewed them in the morning/noon/evening lighting.  (You might change your mind after seeing your paint chips in a different light). Each paycheck, we purchased and stored supplies.  

Grandaddy’s and Grandma’s House

My grandparent’s, John Glenn and Lillian, moved back to the States into this home after an Army career that took them all over the world. This would be the last home that John, known as Glenn, and Lillian would live in together. Their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren loved to visit them often. An opportunity arose and my sister had the option  to purchase my Grandparent’s home, having been out of the family’s purview for several years.

John Glenn & Lillian Mae

Built in 1919, the old girl was showing her age. Situated in Ocean View, in close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, she is an Arts and Crafts bungalow, with an additional bedroom added in the 1950’s.  Massive oak trees once shaded the house. She has gone through many changes over the years. 

It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere

It’s that time of year, again.  I must get back to school and lesson plans. So how much can we cram in a weekend?

Spent time on the beach with George and Connor . . .

Attended an outdoor soireé featuring Alison Glass with her handcrafted fabrics and quilt sample ideas . . .

And made a tiki bar beer bottle opener for my friends. This was a very easy and quick project.

Supplies: 1″ x 6″ pine wood, drill and screws, drink bottle opener, 4 bottle caps, staple gun and staples, paint and brushes

How: Cut wood into 1) 22″ length for back, 2) 4.5″pieces for sides, 1) 4.5″ x  4.5″ piece for bottom  and 1) 4.5″ x  5.5″ piece for the front. 

Attach front to sides with screws. Drill holes into the bottom for drainage. Then, screw through the back into each of the side pieces. Screw on bottom piece (from bottom-side up).

Add decoration – there are a ton of design ideas online. I painted a clock face and attached bottle caps using a staple gun. Lastly, attach the bottle opener (ours came from Total Wine).

Remember, it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere  ; )  Have a good week! – – Joanne