Archives:

DIY, making do

Cloth Extension Cords: Vintage Style, Modern Safety

02/03/2014

020314-cloth-wires

Maybe it’s just me but have you ever noticed how an ugly extension cord snaking along the baseboard can ruin a whole room? Come on, you know you’ve noticed it too. And if you haven’t, you might now that I brought it up. (You’re welcome.)

I’m thinking about switching to something more like these cloth covered cords in the Dream House. Available in range of colors and styles, these cords are so cute I’ll probably want to find a way to display rather than hide them!

Continue Reading…


Warning: Undefined variable $post in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22

Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22
decorating, furnishing, furniture, secondhand stories

The Cabinet That Used to Be a Clock (We Think)

01/31/2014

013114-cabinet-05

One of the best things about furnishing the Dream House with secondhand goods is coming across things like this cabinet. We were browsing around an antique mall in a nearby town and came across the old wood cabinet with glass door. The little tag on it said something simple like homemade cabinet. How charming, right?

Continue Reading…


Warning: Undefined variable $post in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22

Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22
DIY, making do, small town life

Make Homemade Fire Starters with 2 Things You’re Already Putting in the Garbage

01/30/2014

fire-starter-01

What do you use to start a fire? Those store-bought fire starting logs? Well, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Moneybags! Crumpled up newspaper? Yep, that’ll work (and will perhaps keep print media running). Top secret documents that you need to destroy? Um, yeah, that’ll work too (although I worry about the kinds of people you associate with). Have I got a better fire starter for you! And it’s two things you would throw into the garbage anyway!

Continue Reading…


Warning: Undefined variable $post in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22

Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22
DIY, making do, small town life

How We Work With What We Have:
Our Makeshift Life at the Dream House

01/29/2014

012814makesiftlife2

This fireplace is a perfect example of how Mr. and Mr. Blandings make the best of what we have. We haven’t been able to get the fireplace inspected due to all the snow and cold so we’re not able to build a proper fire yet. Still, that dark boxy hole in the wall is just begging for some flames! Thank goodness for cheap IKEA candles and a cordless drill.

Continue Reading…


Warning: Undefined variable $post in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22

Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22
American made, decorating, furniture

We Found Our Affordable American-Made Sofa!
WELCOME TO THE DREAM HOUSE, ENGLAND SOFA

01/28/2014

012614sofa2

One of my first posts here on the blog was about our search for an American-made sofa for the Dream House. We’re trying to decorate the house with mostly secondhand goods, but we decided to splurge on a brand new sofa (and mattresses, too).  After toying with spending way more than our budget would allow, I stumbled upon a sofa in a local furniture store one weekend day. The sofa was not only in our price range (under budget even!), it was made in the United States. Sold!

Continue Reading…


Warning: Undefined variable $post in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22

Warning: Attempt to read property "ID" on null in /var/www/html/wp-content/plugins/hemlock-core/inc/social_share.php on line 22