If you've been searching for a mattress that wouldn't break down and wouldn't need to be thrown away after several years, you came to the right blog post. I was like you until I found what I call our DIY Mattress. Our DIY Latex Mattress: the Savvy Rest … [Read more...]
The Kitchen Renovation of 2013 – 1 Leak. 1 Year. 1 Woman.
2013 Could be called the year of the kitchen renovation in our house. Or the year that nearly killed me. Or the luckiest year of our lives. I'm still debating the title. What I do know is that, I decided to take on my biggest DIY project to date. I re-built my own kitchen from … [Read more...]
Pretty Handy Girl’s Christmas Home Tour 2013
Welcome, welcome! I see you made it here from Songbird's beautiful home. If you are coming here first, be sure to check out Marianne's home: I can not tell you how excited I am to have you in for the tour. Last Christmas we were living in a demolition zone. So, it feels … [Read more...]
Holiday Home Tour & A Big Accomplishment
Guess what! BIG NEWS!!! I FINALLY finished our kitchen remodel. I completed most of the work over the summer, but had two key components that I had to install. They are big, chunky and I am truly in love with them. I've been waiting for some free time to get these puppies … [Read more...]
Painted Lampshade and a Quick Guest Room Makeover {Lowe’s Creator}
My mom was coming to visit his month. Since she's a repeat guest, I wanted to give the guest room a little mini makeover for her. With the addition of some new pillows, curtains and a painted lampshade I gave it a new look in an afternoon. Here's the before: And the … [Read more...]
Lutron Maestro Occupancy Sensor Follow Up
Well, it's been a while since I installed the Lutron Maestro Occupancy Sensor in our Art & Craft Studio (+ toy room, train room, general overload of stuff room.) And I can honestly say that I LOVE IT! I changed the timer to keep the lights on for 30 minutes after sensing … [Read more...]
Hanging a Key Box from London
One of the souvenirs I brought back from our London trip was this adorable little carved bird key box. The colors, the wood and the artistic way it was carved spoke to me and told me that I had to have it in my kitchen! Despite the lack of space in our suitcases, I was … [Read more...]
What’s Up with that Handy Girl?
What's going on with that Handy Girl? She didn't post anything on Friday or Monday? Has she succumbed to jet lag after her trip abroad? (nope) Did she cut her thumb off on a saw and can't type? (nope) Was she abducted by aliens? (maybe) Want to know why I've been slacking … [Read more...]
Ilkley, UK – A Home Tour of an 1880 Row House
I've known Karen and her sister Anne since fourth grade. Karen was my best friend growing up and ultimately, my maid-of-honor. Anne is her older sister. During play dates, Karen and I were silly girls who avoided (the more mature) Anne, as we played top secret spy games under the … [Read more...]
A Lazy Girl’s Patriotic Summer Mantel
My name is Pretty Handy Girl and I am addicted to my Christmas mantel. Yes, I have used it since December 2012. I needed to enroll myself in a program that would help me get unhooked from holiday mantel décor. Truth be told, I needed a little help from my friends to change my … [Read more...]
Summer Tour of Homes – Welcome to My Home
Welcome, welcome! I'm so glad to see you made it. I hope you didn't get lost. Did you just get here from Angie's house at the Country Chic Cottage? Her home is so cozy and beautiful (so make sure you didn't miss her stop on the tour!) I'm so glad to have you over … [Read more...]
Building a Window Seat with Storage in a Bay Window
Building a Window Seat with Storage in a Bay Window You know when you dream about the finished product on something that you've been planning for a long time? And then you finish and your dream becomes a reality? And you think to yourself, am I still dreaming? All those … [Read more...]
Mudroom Tour – 2013
We made some serious progress this past week. Not only did we make a big dent in the "to do" list in the kitchen, but we also finished painting and installing the trim in the mudroom. It's really nice walking past this little paper flower spring wreath and into a finished room! … [Read more...]
How to Create a Meaningful Home in Three Steps
Creating a meaningful home isn't an overnight process. I think many people are discouraged with their dwelling if it isn't the home of their dreams. I look at creating a meaningful home in three stages. Each stage is important to loving the home that you have now, even with its … [Read more...]
Sneak Peek of our Kitchen
I am so thankful for all the comments and well wishes you have given me over the past six months. Many of those comments have lifted my spirits during the long kitchen renovation process. Your belief in me has truly allowed me to take on projects I would have probably shied away … [Read more...]
Installing Cork Tile Flooring in the Kitchen
One of the best decisions I made in our kitchen renovation was adding cork tile flooring. I was exuberant when Globus Cork agreed to work with me on my kitchen renovation! Now that they are installed, I am in total love with the cork flooring. It is warm, water resistant, cushy … [Read more...]