By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
A bathroom remodel can add much value to your home, but having a plan before starting your next project can make all the difference in cost, appearance, and time it takes to complete your project.
Having all the material available before getting started can ensure that the job is not on hold because an item is not available. Designs like staggered ceramic tile with smaller glass tile can add just the right touch to a shower. Make sure to price several options to make sure it meets your cost expectation and ask if the product is in stock or how long it will take to ship to this area. Handrails, medicine cabinets, mirrors, vanities, and various types of soup dishes are extra amenities. Changing shower head to low-flow can save money for years to come. Make sure to have a cushion in your budget for unexpected situations that can occur when the existing material is removed. Rotted wood along the walls and leaky plumbing can be additional expenses.
Having a well thought out strategy can make all the difference in assuring your next home improvement idea becomes a reality in the quickest time possible.
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
While my decision to put the least amount in my trash bin (reuse & recycle) with a future decision to reduce how much makes its way back into my house may not always be as easy during the holiday season, I found that planning ahead helped with this personal mission. Many of this month’s thoughts were for life on the go during this busy season of guest and events.
3 R’s for this month:
Reduce- This time of the year is notorious in our home for having an abundance of food that we purchased and guest contributed to the gatherings. Weeks leading to festivities I made sure to use up as much in my freezer, refrained as much as possible from going to the store, and bought zip block bags in preparation for food not consumed right away. I made sure to have a variety of recipes ready for leftover Turkey and other traditional meals so that no food would go to waste.
Recycle- Having a visible convenient place for guest to accumulate bottles and cans minimized recycle items making their way to the trash. As guest arrived, this area was pointed out and Austin’s Ronald McDonald House (RMH) pull tab collection efforts explained. RMH provide a home away from home for families with critically ill or injured children in Austin hospitals. Studies show that children recover 31 % faster when parents are involved in their care. By collecting pull tabs and participating in RMH recycling program, families are able to stay together during these critical times.
Reuse- While preparing the home for week long activities and guest, household items were reshuffled and rearranged for fresh new looks; avoiding the instinct to go shopping. A potpourri bowl became a convenient pull tab holder, ceramic art piece from the 90’s became a precious table centerpiece, working bench modified to create extra seating area to accommodate an increasing number of extended family, and wine from previous parties helped to continue the flow of the festive atmosphere.
Before you make your next purchase or decide to discard something think: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” ~Author Unknown
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
One of the bathroom trends is converting bath areas to showers. After removing tub, a walk-in shower was installed for a roomer more modern space. A pony wall was added and drain was relocated as part of the project. New shower head and handrails complimented the shower. The homeowner selected to use small glass tile as an accent to the walls. Frame or frameless glass door is another available option. Whether converting accommodations to be used differently or just improving existing areas, there are many options and no limits because of existing functionality.
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
Adding backsplash is a quick way to enhance the look of a kitchen with a variety of options. Tile can be added as a picture frame to bring focus to an area or a homeowner can select from various other classic patterns flowing diagonal, horizontal, or vertical. The use of mixing glass with porcelain, ceramic, or stone allows many textures for a variety of dimensional looks. No matter what option is picked for a space, a quick incorporation of backsplash is sure to flatter a kitchen.
By: Monica Peña (@casalinda )
While making a conscious decision to put the least amount in my trash bin (reuse & recycle) with a future decision to reduce how much makes its way back into my house, I find that being organized is the key to making such adjustments. Especially in the month of October, when it seems like the number of costume party invites seem to grow each year, it is increasingly important to know the place of items as to not make rash purchasing decisions. Many of this month’s thoughts are for resources for these types of events.
3 R’s for this month:
Reduce- While I continue to eliminate unnecessary items in the home that I have lived in for over 15 years, I also have found that there are true costume treasures in the over a decade worth of items and storing the right pieces can alter buying habits. Old toys can be turned into valuable accessories for outfits or home décor into creative props.
Recycle- More and more groups seem to have reoccurring costume theme parties each year, and many of us feel it necessary to buy another outfit as to not look as the last time. Instead think of swapping pieces or complete outfits with close friends for a different look the next time. The same vintage or renaissance outfit worn by one person will never look the same on another that will have an alter personality and varied accessories.
Reuse- If pieces are organized from past years, separate mixtures can be put together to create fresh looks. Wigs while first purchased for a daring 70’s look can be converted to symbolize a popular TV starlet the next year. If a household is really in order, even pieces from different holidays can be used to accessorize. The best example I found on this was a friend that used a Christmas table cloth lined in gold as a cape to complete his royal outfit. Consider purchasing bins of colors that reflect what is being stored to make items easier to find and ultimately give your imagination more choices on a smaller budget.
Before you make your next purchase or decide to discard something think: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
“Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something.” ~Author Unknown
Blog | admin December 6, 2011 | 
Comments (0) 
