• Printables

    November 2013 Printables

    I’m so excited for November since it is Emily’s and my birthday month! But before the month gets going, I need to share our November Printables.

    Nov 2013 Printables 1

    This month features some neutral-colored-Thanksgiving-dinner-setting-printables (oh my goodness, that was a mouthful.) The set includes a place mat, place cards, and napkin rings to help you and your family get into the spirit of the holiday. You can even write out all that you are thankful for on the placemat while waiting for the turkey to finish cooking! And of course, there is the regular calendar, which throws a bit of color into all of that neutral-ness.

    Nov 2013 Printables 4

    Here are some close ups of the place card and napkin ring in action.

    Nov 2013 Printables 3

    Nov 2013 Printables 2

    Aren’t they fun with those ugly cool vintage turkeys?

    Download this printable from THE GALLERY.

    Nov 2013 Printables 5 Nov 2013 Printables 6

    Nov 2013 Printables 8 Nov 2013 Printables 7

  • Home Decor

    Mason Jar Ring Pumpkin

    As I am sure you have learned by now, I have become quit the collector of all things junk. I have a mountain of yarn, a garage full of interesting and some not so interesting curb finds and canning supplies coming out the wazoo. Pinterest is usually my source for new inspiration to utilize these materials. When I came across the Mason jar ring pumpkin, I thought it was so cute, I just had to give it a go.

    Canning Pumpkin 5

    This project is made up of 18 canning rings, leftover white spray paint, jute and rope. Total cost to me, $0.00. The perfect price!

    Here’s how I did it.

    First, I gave the lids 2 coats of white spray paint on each side and let them dry.

    Canning Pumpkin 1

    canning pumpkin 2
     

    Next, I gathered up the bands and organized them to face the same direction and tied them together with the jute.

    canning pumpkin3

    Then, I spread the lids apart, tucked in the rope stem and was finished.

    canning pumpkin 4

    If I were to make this again, I would probably use a few more rings but this is just what I had on hand and it still looks great.  I knew I had made something pretty cool when even my 3 year old knew what it was. My husband is excited that I have made use for some of this clutter we have around here.

     

     

  • We Dig It

    We Dig It October 2013

    Each month we will be sharing some of our favorite finds from around the web. Enjoy!

    1. This laundry room is awesomely pretty and would surely help the chore of laundry go a little smoother.

    Laundry Room - thehouseofsmiths

    2. This neutral bedroom is so calm and lovely.

    3. Cool chalkboard painted horses (and other animals) are great for place settings and decor in a kid’s room.

    4. Bunk beds are fun and we love the color combos in this room.

    black bunks

    5. How cute are these dinosaur tails?!?

    6. No mantle for a holiday vignette? Check out this neat way to decorate a piano.

    Check it Out

  • Tips & Tricks

    Tips for Hiring an Electrician

    Shortly after moving into our home, we realized there were a few short cuts taken when our home was built in the 80’s. This is especially true with the electrical work.  All of the little quirks were things that we could live with, but having them done makes our lives easier. We have been putting these things off now for 4 years and it was finally time to take care of them. As you know, I am a total DIY girl. But sometimes I realize there are things I can’t or shouldn’t do myself, like replace ceiling fans at the peak of a cathedral ceiling, troubleshooting the wiring of an outlet in our bathroom, and adding coach lights to both sides of our garage.

    After a lot of time and a couple of headaches, I came across the perfect electrician for the job.

    Lights 1
     

    What is gray, crisp and hangs from the ceiling? A careless electrician. To avoid hiring this type of careless electrician, I have provided you with a few tips that will save you time and frustration.

    Lights 2
     

    Tips for Hiring an Electrician

    1. Make a list of all the work you’re wanting accomplished. Is it a repair, renovation, or adding/changing out new/existing light fixtures? Analyze what you would like done, to find the right electrician experienced in the area your work is in. If you are having an electrical problem, be sure to hire someone with knowledge and experience in troubleshooting. Do a little research. Start looking for lighting fixtures, ceiling fans or anything else you may need. The more information you have the better your end result will be.

    2. Read reviews online, talk to your family, friends and neighbors to see who they have hired for their electrical needs. Good customer service skills and a great personality can go a long way. When I was calling around , I spoke to a person that was extremely rude to me on the phone. Needless to say, I didn’t hire him. I have a rule; If you are rude to me on the phone, then I am not going to pay you to be rude to me in my home. Also, check reviews to see if the candidate is neat and tidy. Who wants to clean up someone else’s mess? Remember, you can always ask for a list of references too.

    3. Call up any potential electricians. Make  appointments for them to come out for an estimate. Be up front about the time frame you are expecting the work completed in. Also, define up front all the work that needs to be done.  You will get a much more accurate estimate. Sharing only a portion what you want done will only lead to confusion later.

    4. Before hiring, check that the electrician is insured and certified. This will save you a lot of problems in the long run.

    There you have it, a little research will help you hire a professional and get the job done right. If are looking for a recommendation and you are living in the Rochester, New York area feel free to email me.