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By Aimee, October 7, 2010

The projects at my parents home are getting closer and closer to being done (and are almost ready to show off). Things that we learned? When dealing with 20 year old plumbing, be prepared for the worst to happen. Oh, and it did happen! I don’t have photographic proof, who has time to take photos when the water is going sky high? But not only did the on/off valves not hold and needed to all be replaced, one of them in the bathroom really broke apart! We had to remove the copper compression ring on that one to repair it properly, and if you have ever had to do that, then you know that it’s not easy or fun.

So, what should have been an easy switch turned into quiet the project. Here’s a little video of how things should have gone had we not had to do so many other things to the rest of the plumbing! We think that Delta Faucets are easy to install, and have really loved working with them.

I can’t wait to show you all the finished project though! We are so close to being ready for the after shots. What is on your to do list this weekend? Are you doing any DIY projects in your home?

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By Aimee, September 14, 2010

The change of the seasons always puts me in the mood to do a good clear out. Actually, I get these moods often, even when the seasons aren’t changing, but the fall season seems to bring it on even more than any other time of the year. I think it’s because I know that we will soon be stuck indoors for the long, cold, winter months. Being stuck indoors in a disorganized or cluttered space isn’t my idea of a good time. How about you?

I really love these boxes from SmockPaper.com! I haven’t seen them in person, but I think they would be fun in my office space, to hold stationary, photos, and all the other things that get unruly in the office. I imagine them sitting under my fish tank, which has a goldfish that is the same coloration as the koi on the boxes! How fun would that be?!

The big things that I have been tackling this clear out are books, clothing, bathroom do-dads, and holiday decorations. It’s tough, but I always try to go through all my Halloween decor as I pull it out to start decorating. I am trying really hard to whittle it down to just a few things that I really love (for all holidays), so that it’s easier and faster to decorate. Sadly, I think decorations are my weakness.

Does the change of the season make you want to tackle your house with a good clear out too?

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By Aimee, May 27, 2010

Today I rescued two baby robins from my parent’s window well. The nest was in a tree not too far from the window, and had obviously been broken apart (probably thanks to the snow storm on Monday). My mom was in the basement this morning and saw movement in the window. And luckily for the baby birds, the parent birds were aware of where they were. I was able to get them out with a pond skimmer, almost like a net, but they didn’t seem to like it that much. I’m sure it was scary for them.

Here is one of the babies after being rescued. This one seemed to be a lot more scared of the ordeal than the other one was, and found it’s way into a bush to hide. I had to get it out of there though so it would go over to where the other baby was, who was getting worms from mama bird.

Also, I called the wildlife department to find out what we should do next. They said that the best thing is to get them back up into the nest. With the nest half gone, that wasn’t an option. They said that if the babies are on the ground and the parents know where they are, they still have a good chance of surviving, other than cats and dogs. The cats are going to be the biggest problem, as my parent’s neighborhood is full of strays and pet cats that live outside.

We did our best though, and now will just keep our fingers crossed that they make it.

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By Aimee, January 12, 2010

Winter isn’t my favorite time of year. Not by a long shot! I need the sun to feel completely happy, and the cold, well, it may feel nice sometimes, but it gets old fast. The good thing about it is that it forces me indoors, which in turn gives me the chance to take on indoor projects. Isn’t that how it always goes, our thoughts turn to our homes in January?

Luckily, we have a MAJOR project in the works. Here is the “before” photo:

I cannot tell you how excited I am about it, but let’s just say, every time I go in my kitchen now I do a happy dance. Why? We are replacing our tile counter tops! The major reason why I never wanted to get tile in the first place is that it is so hard to keep clean. I seriously cannot wait for a nice, smooth, easy to clean surface! We are so grateful because we are getting new, Wilsonart HD tops, complete with an under-mounted sink! I say grateful because it is coming to us in exchange for our documentation on our blog, The Stylish Nest. Oh, and I will be posting bits here as well of course!

In addition to our major project, I have two other projects on my mind, the basement and the laundry room. And as for the basement, major clutter clear out and then some major fun! We want to create a better work out space, and I would really love to get our air hockey table cleared off (and the area around it) so it is actually playable. What is it with smooth surfaces? They are like clutter magnets!

Oh that pesky laundry room!

The laundry room is currently someplace between a guest room and junk room. It used to be a craft/art area, but when we replaced our mattress the old one ended up in the laundry room. The idea of having a guest room (for whom I don’t know, since we don’t have guests) was always a nice idea floating around my mind. I loved the idea of having two bedrooms to decorate. However, in the real world where space is precious, the guest room is a bit redonk. Like I said, we really don’t have guests. If we ever did, I would feel horrible putting them in that room anyway… it’s the COLDEST room in the house, and the mattress should really just be in the landfill it’s so broken.

My two ideas for the room: 1. Get it back into mad scientist mode. 2. Make a big closet. Should be fun to see what really happens. Maybe we’ll just end up hibernating instead.

Do you have big projects in store this winter?