If you think of The Brady Bunch when you hear the word Astro Turf, you might be old enough to have grandchildren. Let me guess? You are picturing the Brady’s back yard with that awful 70s fake lawn that seemed so cool back then. Well, a lot has changed since then. The Astro Turf of the 70s has metamorphosized into something far more attractive, realistic, and can be seen in many commercial applications. Rooftop bars at hotels come to mind when I think of the pretty, new turf

Dreaming about converting your backyard space into an inviting oasis by installing a pool?  It’s a great project, but one that demands careful planning and design.  Read here for my top 4 design elements to consider before seeking a contractor. #1: Pool and Equipment Placement: This is the first element most people consider when planning for a pool.  Where should we put it?  The answer seems easy enough, but there are important things to keep in mind.  How do you want to use

Re-purposing used oyster shells is one of my favorite DIY projects. I am always looking for new things to do with these gorgeous shells after we have an oyster roast. Recently, I had the idea of hand pouring candles into the shells for beautiful little gifts. Now that I’ve figured out how to do it, I’m having fun using them all around the house! They especially look good in clusters of 3, in a small bathroom on the countertop or near my favorite clawfoot tub. These would mak

SUPPLIES: · Bowl that fits the scale of your table · Smaller bowl that will “nest” inside the large bowl · Mini-pumpkins, gourds, squash – real or fake · Some cuttings from your yard (think vines/hanging baskets in fall colors) WHAT TO DO: Take the large bowl and place it in the middle of your table. You may need to spray paint the bowl like I did if it is wooden, just to make it look pretty with your décor. Next, place the smaller bowl in the center of the large bowl. I used

I’ve always loved Halloween-especially when my son was younger and we could plan his costume.  I saved his costumes year after year until he no longer dressed up for Halloween.  I’ve never been able to part with them because they hold such fun memories from when he was a little boy, so I came up with this idea to re-use them in a fun Halloween yard decoration. Step 1: Create the Ghosts: Creating a little ghost family to adorn your yard at Halloween is a cute idea that can be

I have been dreaming of a farmhouse sink in my kitchen for years, and I finally did it! There are so many choices in materials along with a wide price range so making a good choice can be stressful. This article will focus on things to consider to help you make the best decision for your kitchen. Consider Your Style When choosing a farmhouse sink, you need to consider the style you want for your kitchen. Going for an authentic farmhouse look? If so, you might want to try to f

People ask me all the time how I made the oyster shell light fixture in my bathroom, or what to do with the left over oyster shells after a roast. I’m always coming up with new ideas for what to do with them, because I think they are so beautiful and cannot bare throwing them away. In this blog, I’ll show you in 3 easy steps how to make a pretty oyster shell wreath with your left over shells. What You Need: Shells that are clean and dry Cordless drill Small drill bit Florist

Roman shades are a pretty addition to any window, and they serve multiple functions. I like to use them as a ‘layering’ piece for windows and add character and warmth to the room. This means that I’m not using them for functionality such as to block out the sun or for privacy, but rather to make the room more interesting. I’ve never really liked using Roman shades for functionality because they are hard to maneuver, and the cords usually end up getting tangled quickly. This i

Creating extra storage and de-cluttering is a great idea for any homeowner. Upgrading to an actual storage building to create space and help organize is a plus-not only for the homeowner, but for resale value as well. Thinking about a she-shed? What about a storage area in your back yard for lawn equipment, pool equipment and supplies, or holiday décor? Let me share with you our journey in building this cute little mini-version of our house in the tiniest corner of our backya

When looking for outdoor furniture, sometimes it’s hard to find pieces that are actually comfortable and that you want to sit in. Another dilemma is just trying to find pieces that don’t look like everyone else’s. There are so many pieces being mass-produced these days; it’s hard to find anything that is unique. I recently discovered, quite by accident, that a creative and cost-effective way to find perfect outdoor furniture is to simply re-purpose indoor furniture for outdoo

POMP Rating: (Possibility of Marital Problems): 🌵🌵🌵🌴🌴 It can get prickly at times. Factors for Rating: It’s pretty tedious. 🌵 It takes time and patience. 🌵 The hemp rope is hard to work with. 🌵 It looks amazing. 🌴 It makes the swing “swing” better. 🌴 It’s a great place to take a nap or have a cold drink. 🌴 Materials Used for Project: 1” Hemp Rope 13’ per side= 26’ total Rope and Cord online store Stainless Steel “S” hooks, 4 Ace Hardware Stainless Steel chain, 24”

Why I DIY I am a DIY’er for two main reasons: I love the creative process and I operate on a budget. Home décor is a passion of mine that I must feed; I re-decorate more often than most. When I get the desire to change out furniture either inside or outside, I figure out a way to avoid buying anything brand new. Here is how I got two great chairs for my living room on a budget by making slipcovers. Finding the Pieces: Know Your Personal Style I regularly cruise Goodwill www.