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?

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(maybe)

Want to know why I’ve been slacking on posting?

This is why:

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I’ve been feverishly working on tiling the backsplash in our kitchen. It’s been a lot of sweat equity (and some child labor) but the results are stunning.

children_helping_tiles

I chose these beautiful carrara mable subway tiles from TheBuilderDepot.com.

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They arrived on a huge pallet and have been sitting in the garage for months. Once we got back from our trip I was having major DIY withdrawal. What better way to get back into the DIY game than tiling 80 sq. feet of backsplash! Heeheehee.

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I’ve rarely had a free moment, in fact when I actually did take a minute to sit down, Handy Dog took advantage of an open lap. (Ummm, someone needs to tell him he’s too big to be a lap dog.)

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What’s the rush Handy Girl?

The rush is self imposed, but I did want to finish before I left for Haven. I’m happy to say that I have a few more lines of caulk to run and the backsplash will be…stick a fork in it…DONE!

And then tomorrow morning I can hop in this swanky new 2014 GMC Acadia Denali and head to Haven!

2014_GMC_Acadia_Denali

(Totally love the hologram on the dashboard that displays speed, temperature, current song playing and more!)

Whoa, what’s with the new wheels?

Well, GMC is loaning the vehicle to me for the week. I’ll be working with GMC at Haven and theeennnnnn….

…on Sunday I’ll be working with some other bloggers to furnish and makeover another Habitat House in the Atlanta area. (Do you remember the big reveal last year?) It’s sure to be a lot of fun and a totally rewarding experience when the homeowner opens the door to her new home and is surprised to find it furnished for her!

I’ll be bringing a whole box of tissues this time.

Want to keep up with the action? Here’s how!

Follow these bloggers as they shop the World’s Longest Yard Sale this week:

You can follow the hashtag #GMCHTA (GMC Hidden Treasure Adventure) on Twitter and Instagram for live photos from the sale. And I’ll try to keep you in the loop through social media (mostly Instagram and Facebook) from the#HavenConf conference hashtag and beyond.

Want to read more about my adventures along the World’s Longest Yardsale last year?

Start reading here.

One more thing before I rush out. If you are going to Haven, you MUST…I repeat…you MUST hop in on one of the two classes Sandra, Traci and I are teaching. It’s called, “Let’s Case This Joint” and it’s going to be a total interactive hands on experience in molding, casing and trim installation. And there will be power tools! You might just have to put up with me and my “Dirty Handy” impersonation though.  “Go Ahead… Make My Day.”

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 Put a Ryobi cordless finish nailer in my hand and I start acting like a tough guy.

I’ll be back later with some more DIY tutorials. I promise. I haven’t been abducted by aliens, I’ve just been a little up to my elbows in grout.

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Disclosure: GMC is sponsoring my trip to Haven this year. I was provided with a loaner GMC Acadia Denali to drive to the conference and back. I was not told what to write or say. All words, ideas and photos are my own.

11 replies
  1. Bob
    Bob says:

    Your kitchen looks great. Ah tiling backsplash, I remember when I had to replace mine a while back, mine didn’t go on as easy though. It’s great that you got the kids involved. Awesome post!

    Reply
  2. Stephanie
    Stephanie says:

    Looks fantastic! And welcome to Atlanta – be sure to grab breakfast at Java Jive and some super-casual barbecue at Fat Matt’s!

    Reply
  3. Sarah
    Sarah says:

    I am also rushing to finish up kitchen projects before Haven! Got the last cabinet installed yesterday. Your class is on my list, since I hope to be putting up a lot of trim work in the next couple of weeks!

    See you soon!
    -Sarah

    Reply
  4. Andrea
    Andrea says:

    SO JEALOUS. Of your new backsplash (on the to do list). Of your amazing temporary ride. Of your opportunity to help a good cause. Are we long lost BFFs?

    Oh and I love the kids standing on the counter. I do that too.
    Andrea, RealPracticalHousewives.com

    Reply
  5. Janet
    Janet says:

    LOL with the dog. My 3 standard poodles are 45 to 50 lbs. each (I think yours has them beat) and there have been times when all 3 of them have piled on me at once in my recliner. Can’t even see me and I can’t move!!

    Reply
  6. Leen
    Leen says:

    Your kitchen looks amazing, been enjoying the Instagram pics!

    Have fun at Haven, wish I were going with you 🙁 call me when you get home and we’ll try to plan a get together.

    Reply

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