Inspired DIY

Looking for some old things?

I love browsing the web for old home parts and pieces. We just restored a 100 year old house and it was fun to salvage and hunt for items at places like this.
I love this site too.
Are you hunting for anything?
I love claw foot tubs. They are king of the house if you have one. We restored one in our old house and this site would have come in pretty handy.

(Photo via www.smallspacestyle.blogspot.com)
 

Open yr Mind to Open Shelves?

People might shy away from open kitchen shelving, but as I am in the process of planning a dream kitchen (planning peeps-just planning-still living in the galley kitchen) I think it might be an affordable and modern way to go. I could never be open like this in my kitchen:

(via mckb.com)
BUT... I could be this open:

(via Charlesandhudson.com)
and this open
and this open

I think that this type of shelving paired with traditional lower cabinets can be charming. I think it would safe money and allow for higher end appliances and such. Cabinets cost so much! What do you think? Would you rock these open shelves? Would it force you to be neat and tidy? I wonder if I would be tempted to go out and buy beautiful pottery or china? Would I want an all white modern dish scheme? Ah, dreaming.

Tear, Squeeze, and Toss.

Check out The House and I for GE caulk singles review. I liked the way the thought about the singles. They made a great point about how it could possibly be a greener choice to buy these single use caulk packets for small jobs. I had a few people ask me about how these could be greener? Well, if you are only doing small jobs then these are going to be used- large tubes of caulk are often left to harden and toss to the landfill be homeowners who only need a few ounces.

To Cork or Not to Cork?

What do you know about cork flooring? I am hearing that it is Eco friendly, a fully renewable resource, and durable. Do you have any suggestions or experience with it? I found this link about installation. Let's chat?
I was thinking about cork for a playroom.

More Cool Green DIY

I like this list of ideas for the green home. It comes from HGTV's Red Hot and Green.
 
   

Meanwhile Back at the Ranch

I am dying here. I have a guest coming in from Boston in the morning. Our friend Pat is coming to watch a soccer match with the hubby. Football is such a serious thing here! Manchester vs. Chelsea! Anyhoo, I am dying just thinking of Pat taking a bath or shower in our revolting tub/shower. It is like college housing here!
I am off to caulk/clean and will provide you some photos later today. What do you do when your rehabbing and have guests? Are you embarrassed like me? DO you try and cover the crud? Are you apologetic? Help!
 

Let us shower in the blue sky

Let us shower in the blue sky
Originally uploaded by * Elsa *

How to DIY yr own outdoor shower this summer!
Check out this article!
One can dream!

A little Trick for the Math Challenged

My hubby always helps me with my measurements as I detest math. I always get a bit flustered and stressed when measuring and cutting. Here is a simple tip to help those like myself!

another interesting resource for all things home

I discovered that you can buy from the government in a sort of ebay like format from this site.
I saw lots of tools, furniture, and builders supplies! I think it could get a bit addictive looking and wishing for cool items to show up. I am always on the lookout for library card catalogs for a cool tool storage. I though you might find this interesting and somewhat green...
Check out www.govdeals.com

Holy Caulk Love Affair!

OK. This new GE Caulk Singles product came in the mail and I am hooked. I hate hate hate (can you tell?) dragging out the giant caulk gun and trying to figure it out. I usually just made hubby do it. I can caulk super fast and easy now with this product! It is really as simple as they are saying! I had been wanting to caulk our living room ceiling that has settled a bit as most new builds will and needed a few touch ups. I took this caulk (white paintable acrylic), a chair, and a baby wipe and was done with half the ceiling in about 20 minutes. I love it. The white is super bright and I don't think I will even need to paint touch up! Yahoo. Seriously. Get yourself some Caulk Singles!