Unless you thought ahead last year and swept Michael’s post-Christmas sale you’re probably in the same boat as everyone else- seeing all these gorgeous Christmas displays on Instagram and Pinterest and wondering how they do that (and how do they afford it?!). The secret is, they don’t usually buy pre-made garlands (or at least some don’t), because they’re crazy expensive! They make their own. Well, guess what? Even if you don’t have the gift for arranging greenery (I DON’T EITHER), you can make a beautiful garland that will impress all your holiday guests!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
I was checking out the Balsam Hill site and their eucalyptus garland is on sale for $119. Ha. I need six to do my stair and upstairs hallway railing. Quick math: that’s too expensive. So, I decided to transform the Mixed Pine Lighted Garland that I got a couple years ago from Michaels (on sale at the time for 50% off because I procrastinated long enough). They’re currently on sale for about $20.
Step one: Check to make sure the light kit is working (ask me why I put this first) and then lay it out on a flat work space (like the dining room table).
Step Two: Flatten out all of the branches evenly on both sides of the garland. Nothing should be sticking up or hiding underneath.
I found the Eucalyptus Garland on Amazon for about $10 each. They come looking flat and sad, but fluff nicely once you mess with them a little.
Step Three: Lay the eucalyptus flat on the fir garland. The foot of the garland should be lined up with the female end of your light kit if you want to drape them naturally (in this picture the plug end that goes into the wall is at the bottom of the picture).
This is what they look like up close:
This is what it looks like part way done:
Step Four: Starting at the base: Pull each eucalyptus branch away from the base and wrap the fir branch (that is directly below it) into the elbow, wrapping it across to the other side. Do this on the other side as well. This will make an X of fir branches over the eucalyptus.
Step Five: Once you’ve made Xs everywhere there is a eucalyptus branch, go back and arrange the leaves. You’ll see that on each branch there is a short leaf and a long leaf. Put the short leaves on top of the fir branches you twisted and the long leaf underneath.
This is what it will look like:
Here’s one more: (Don’t mess with it more until you get it up where it’s hanging, because it will move around a little once you get it hung).
Step Six: Hang your garland. I hang it on my railing with the flat part against the railing (the part that was laying on the table) so the fluffy side is out. I use the wire from the end of the garland to secure it to the top of the post but your method will depend on the size of your posts, etc.
Step Seven: Do your final fluffing! Here’s where you eyeball it and move leaves around if it looks a little thin in some places or too full in others.
More arranging:
Step Eight: Plug it in and enjoy!
Lighted and ready! (Those FABULOUS Wine Bottle Cork Lights are super reasonable and lots of fun).
And now I’m ready to go Christmas tree shopping!
I’m totally psyched I have this (mostly) done and that each strand costs only $30 to make.
Do you repurpose old decorations? Please share in the comments below! And, of course, check out more great content on our blog!
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
One of the things I get the most compliments on at our house is my giant, black and white canvas gallery wall. It is always a work in progress (sort of like arranging built ins) because I add to it on a regular basis. In fact, this wall has been in work for upwards of eight years!
We have five kids, and three of them are now grown: in college or graduated from college and newly in the work force. That definitely makes me feel old sometimes, but it helps me tremendously to have photos of the people that I love (AND MISS) in a place where I get to look at them on my way up and down the stairs, every day!
The problem with canvasses, obviously, is the cost. Regularly priced large, custom canvasses easily run into the hundreds of dollars. I can’t afford that, but I LOVE the look.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
I can tell you that I’ve paid about $20 for each of my canvas prints and check out the awesome results:
The trick is PATIENCE (and having downright adorable children): getting on the email list and waiting for sales. Easy Canvas Prints is awesome because it seems like they are “having huge sales” all the time. I’m not sure why it’s not just the price, but whatever. They also generally have free shipping if you purchase a few so I’ve done them in sets.
The other thing is… Once I had a huge order (a Christmas order for grandparents and parents) and one of the canvasses was damaged and one of the others looked as though it was smeared. I emailed them and they reprinted the ENTIRE ORDER free and set it right back out the next day. Their customer service is top notch and I’m always surprised how quickly they print and ship. I am a very happy and loyal customer!
I’ve also had quite a few color prints done and the detail and colors are spectacular.
I have various color prints all over the house, too, but I’ll admit, the black and white wall is my favorite.
Tip: If you have them where you REALLY want them, use 3M double sided mounting tape on each corner so they won’t wiggle around when people walk by. But, that stuff stays, so make sure it’s really where you want them before you commit!
I use Easy Canvas Prints to print canvasses for grandparents and parents, because there’s nothing they’d rather receive then great photos of the people they love!
Do you like color or black and white canvasses better? Let me know in the comments below! Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
This site also contains affiliate links through //Commerce/Sovrn. //Commerce or our Publishers may be compensated when you click through links on our site.
Even though we are currently living in balmy, soup-pot-climate North Carolina, my extended family hails from Southern Vermont. Sometimes, missing home, I get on Zillow and start searching properties up North. Although I’m quickly dissuaded when I visit during sub-zero winters, there’s no denying the charm of New England, and specifically, Vermont homes. One of the features I noticed during a late night search a few weeks ago was the complete awesomeness of the dreamy, warm fireplaces in Southern Vermont.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
Fireplaces in Vermont have some intangible things that set them apart, from the primitive originals to the new build copycats, I think you’ll love them, too. Check out the gallery!
*All photos are listing photos from Zillow and belong to the respective listing agents.
I struggle with choosing between the deep/tall primitive style and the cast stone mantel! I’m sure either one could really define the style of a room, though.
Which one of these is your favorite? Please share in the comments below! And, of course, check out more great content on our blog!
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
Even though we are currently living in balmy, soup-pot-climate North Carolina, my extended family hails from Southern Vermont. Sometimes, missing home, I get on Zillow and start searching properties up North. Although I’m quickly dissuaded when I visit during sub-zero winters, there’s no denying the charm of New England, and specifically, Vermont homes. One of the features I noticed during a late night search a few weeks ago was the varsity level pool game going on in Southern Vermont.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
I don’t know whether it’s the design that incorporates the natural landscape, the extensive stonework (stone diving boards???), or the breathtaking views, but the poolscapes I saw were amazing.What do you think?
*All photos are listing photos from Zillow and belong to the respective listing agents.
And although it would be a chilly dip, I think we can include a natural swimming hole in this mashup!
Thanks for stopping by and check out more of our design mashups, cool projects, and DIY transformations on our blog!
Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
It’s that time of year again! The rest of you up North are probably enjoying cooler temperatures and those of us down South are decorating for Fall and still sweating our butts off. Anyway, by putting out my Autumn inspired decor it gives me hope that we will soon have cooler temperatures. Check out this awesome, easy entry table set up!
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
Here is the breakdown on the big pieces:
The demijohn is from Pottery Barn, but you can get an Imax Recycled Glass Demijohn quite a bit cheaper (but watch Pottery Barn for sales and free shipping)! The glass pumpkin cloches are also from Pottery Barn (I picked them up around March last year in their clearance section and they were a steal!). The lantern is also from Pottery Barn that I bought about ten years ago.
The other item you’ll see here is the linen tablerunner that I recently picked up, which gives it the right subdued hue and backdrop for a whitewashed pumpkin arrangement!
Then there’s the EVER versatile Faux Eucalyptus Arrangement that I use in pretty much EVERY season because it just works! It doesn’t get much easier than flattening out the leaves and arranging them a bit in a recycled florist vase. Simple. Easy. Classic.
What are you doing for Fall Decorating? Where do you stand on the neutral pumpkin debate? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by and check out more DIY and great projects on our Blog! Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
A few years ago we had a pool installed and had NO idea what we were doing. You don’t know what you don’t know, right? Never having had a pool before (other than the above ground one the previous owners put up and we were tearing down), I really had no idea. We did an okay job, but if I had it to over again there are a few adjustments I would make. As for the finished product, I was ultimately happy and here’s what we ended up with:
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
We loved the pool, so here are the basics of what we learned and some tips along the way of what to do, and of course, what NOT to do.
Hardscaping: Hardscaping around the pool is your friend. The more, the better. You need more than a three foot apron. Insist.
You know what happens when you trim your grass? It all goes in the pool. I know you keep seeing all those super cool paver designs with the grass in between on Pinterest. Or the pool coping that runs right up to the edge of the grass. If you don’t have a landscaper and a pool guy, HARD PASS.
No matter what kind of hardscaping around the pool you do, do MORE. I know some people love the jungle, tropical look around the pool, but I don’t like it. Think: snakes and leaves in the pool. When we moved into our new place the pool was surrounded by gardens and bushes. I came face to face with a giant snake sunning itself on a branch by the pool without even realizing it. Then I asked Rainman, very nicely (and I’m sure very calmly), to get out the napalm and make the greenery go away.
Can you believe how overgrown this was??? NOT relaxing.
Also, think about where you live and how hot the surface will get. Concrete is okay where we are, even though it still gets VERY hot. If it’s in the budget: the best pool surface for hot climates is light travertine. It’s beautiful and stays cooler.
When we installed our pool one side had tiered decks and a slate patio, all connecting to the pool coping. With the exception of the grass running up to the pool on the outside, it was awesome!
I’ve had so many questions about our awesome (and durable) deck chairs, shown above. You can buy them from Amazon with matching blue cushions.
2. Lighting: You need at least two in the pool. Period. Pathways around the pool should also be lit in the evening for safety.
Think about night swimming (with teenagers this definitely happens). You want well lit spaces where no one can get lost in the shadows.
If you can, get more than two. Think about the shadows that each light will cast. Shelves or tanning ledges create shadows, as do depth changes. If you plan on using your pool in the evening, get more lights.
We discovered after our pool was installed that there was an additional light we could’ve installed that came with the kit. If we’d have known that, we would’ve paid extra to have it put in. We only had one light and it was in the shallow end, so there was a shadow in the deep end, and I was a nervous wreck watching for drowning kids.
3. Depth: That depends.
What are you planning to do in it? If you’re planning on diving you need an eight foot deep end. Some areas (like our current home) won’t accommodate deep pools because of the water table. If you only wade, you really only need a 4-6 foot pool.
I’ll admit I miss our eight foot deep end (the new pool is only six feet deep). We used to watch the kids and their friends have diving and trick competitions off of the big diving board and it really was a fun time.
The pool we installed had a graduated deep end with the ability to rope off the shallow end (which was still sizable) for younger kids. It was a handy set up for kids of different ages.
4. Do I need a dedicated vacuum port?
YES. So, if you’re unfamiliar, hoses for vacuums either run off of their own port, or theres a port inside the clean outs (the flapper windows on the side of the pool). It’s more work for the pool contractor, so if you don’t ask, they’re not going to offer the dedicated port.
Why the dedicated port? If you don’t have a separate port for the pool you can’t vacuum the bottom of the pool and run the skimmer at the same time. That means that you either have bugs on top of the pool, or debris on the bottom. We have gotten around this by unhooking the vacuum about 45 minutes before we want to swim. It sure would be handy to be able to use both though.
What kind of vacuum? Look, you need a vacuum unless you’d like to spend HOURS a day vacuuming your pool. I’m not exaggerating. We have tried several different kinds of vacuums, but my favorite by far are the suction vacuums. Generic types are available (comparable to the Kreepy Krauly), complete with hoses, for less than a hundred bucks and I bought a Complete New Generic Suction Vacuum Set annually to replace dry rotted hoses, etc. If the vacuum is still going strong, but your hoses are cracking, you can buy replacement hoses instead of a whole new set for less.
I know there are some slick and EXPENSIVE motorized vacuums out there, but I just can’t convince myself to trust the electrical cord sitting in the water. No thanks.
5. Yes, you want the salt pool.
If you’re having a new pool installed, it’s probably about the same cost as the regular chlorine pool, anyway. Did you know that the salt pools are not actually salty (like the ocean)? The salt runs a chlorinator. The water is silky smooth and doesn’t bleach out swimsuits or turn hair green.
I don’t know if it’s true of every salt pool in every climate, but we added salt A LOT. However, the chemicals seemed easier to balance in the pool, and I had teenagers to haul salt from Lowe’s about every two weeks.
Our current pool is chlorine and I hate it. We will probably convert it before next season to salt as I’ve spent a small fortune this year trying to get the green out of my daughter’s hair, and it would probably be cheaper (not to mention more enjoyable) to have the salt pool. I’ve also found the chemical balance in the chlorine pool to be much more finicky and I spend quite a bit more on pool maintenance (with a pool half the size!).
6. How big does your pool need to be?
Everyone’s needs are different, but we went with the biggest size the installer had available. With four growing kids (at the time) and half the neighborhood swimming in the summer, I was psyched we got a pool that big. At 20X40 feet, with a 10X10 side bump-out, and 36,000 gallons it was a whopper and I loved it.
Your contractor can offer guidance on the size and shape of the pool that’s right for your family. Consider lots of options: depth changes, deep ends for diving or slides, tanning ledges, extra long thin pools for lap swimming, etc.
7. What kind of inground pool should you install?
Well, this is sort of the million dollar question! There are three basic options for in ground pools: vinyl, fiberglass, and gunite. You should research this before you contact pool companies because if you don’t know what you want, many pool contractors “specialize” in one type (read: they have experience or make more profit off of certain types) and they will talk you into that even if it’s NOT the best kind for you.
Considerations: Size matters with respect to cost.
Gunite is the Daddy Warbucks pool. If money is not a concern, this is usually the choice because it is generally quite a bit pricier than the other options. They are awesome because they are hand poured in special concrete you can literally configure them ANY way you want to. These are more expensive than either of the other options regardless of size.
For a very small pool, it may be slightly cheaper (and MUCH faster) to install a pre-molded fiberglass pool. These are handy, stay clean, are quite durable, and are easy to repair if something happens to the finish. If your dogs go into your pool, these are a better choice as they are less likely to tear than vinyl pools.
Once you start looking at very large pools (like the one we installed) fiberglass pools get way too expensive. We went with vinyl and we loved it. Remember, you do have to budget every decade or so for a new vinyl liner as they warp, tear, fade, or just wear out over time. At about 5K a pop in our area, it’s no small thing.
Tip: If you choose a vinyl liner, SKIP THE EDGE DESIGN. They’ll ask you what design you want around the edge and what color the rest of the pool should be. Make it all the blue you choose with NO EDGE DESIGN. Trust me. It was the first time our contractor had the request, but if your liner lasts a long time, the thing that dates it and makes it look old is the stupid design around the edge. I went with a deep blue and it looked awesome. No outdated edge design, just beautiful blue all the way. For a gunite pool and a fiberglass I’d do the same thing. Any kind of decorative trim at the top ends up looking dated.
8. How do you find a contractor?
You can look on the internet, but I recommend asking a friend. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with lukewarm feelings about their pool contractor. They either loved them, or hated them. So, if you ask, you’ll find out.
Beware of companies with prices that seem to good to be true. In the town where we had our pool installed, there was a contractor who quoted us 10K less than the contractor we ultimately chose. After doing more research we saw that there were no positive reviews because they never actually finished pools. They would be in and out of a property for months and sometimes YEARS (then when they were sued for not finishing the job they would open up under a different name and go straight back to work ripping people off).
The company we chose did ONE POOL AT A TIME. We gave them a small deposit to secure our place in line and, once they started, they were at our property every day from start to finish of the project.
They’ve continued to be available for questions and troubleshooting every time I’ve contacted them since then for the last eight years (even at our new house with a pool they didn’t install!).
For those of you in Eastern NC I highly recommend Crystal Coast Pools at (910) 330-0969. I’m not a paid affiliate, but we think they’re great!
9. How much does it cost a month to run a pool?
Running a pool pump seems to cost about $200 a month in Eastern North Carolina. That doesn’t include the cost of chemicals, shock, chlorine tabs, or salt. In our salt pool (36,000 gallons) we usually spent about $150 a month on chemicals during the summer and about $200 to open it, balance chemicals, and buy shock for the summer.
Buying shock and chlorine: We kept having problems with the stuff from the big box stores and the nice lady at the pool store recommended Zappit Pool Shock. It works much better and is cheaper. I buy my own shock and chlorine tabs (I purchase big buckets once a season online) but also found a local pool store that does free water samples. Then I don’t have to mess with trying to guess what I need to add and how much (they sell me the chemicals). It’s way easier.
10. Is caring for a pool a lot of work?
Yes. But, if you actually use it, it’s well worth it. If you’re not up to it, consider that even in NC where costs are relatively cheap, pool maintenance contractors charge about $75 an hour to care for your pool for you, plus the cost of chemicals, etc. If you don’t take care of it, then you have an expensive frog pond to deal with in the back yard.
11. What kind of fence do you need and pool safety equipment?
When you are interviewing pool contractors, find one that knows the local codes and will include those items as part of the installation. Many municipalities have rules on pool fences, self closing gates around the pool, door chimes leading to the pool, etc. The pool contracter should be knowledgeable and willing to complete the process for you.
In addition to the required items we like to have a pool safety ring on hand and when smaller kids are swimming we use the float ropes that mark where the shallow end transitions to the deep end. If we are having any kind of an event where we have lots of kids swimming I post responsible teenagers at two corners to act as lifeguards. It’s important to have a healthy fear of swimming pools and to create a safe environment for your family and friends.
12. Do you need a pool cover?
We never invested in a pool cover at our old house because we didn’t have big trees and there wasn’t much debris blowing into the pool. I just assumed that the grueling process of turning green swamp water into clear blue water was a necessary part of the Spring-pool opening process (which took no less than a month, several hours a day, sweeping algae and messing with chemicals). What a pain.
Then when we got to our new house, there was a cover for the pool in the shed. With lots of big trees we thought it would be a good idea to cover it. So, we covered it the first winter, winterized the pool with chemicals, and crossed our fingers (this isn’t a fancy cover, it’s basically just a gigantic tarp held in place by water bags and a layer of water on top of the tarp). When we uncovered the pool in the spring, after siphoning off the water on top of the tarp, we peeled it back to find: crystal clear water. Now, our current cover is the ugliest pool cover I’ve ever seen (it looks a lot like a giant, black trash bag), but until we budget in a new safety cover, it’s working fine and I’d never go back to spending a month opening the pool.
Ugh, it’s so ugly. I have my eye on a safety cover because I have nightmares about someone falling onto the pool cover and getting trapped. Hopefully we’ll get that into the budget soon.
13. Do you need to bury your wastewater/backwash line?
For those of you who already have pools, you’re like, duh of course it needs to be buried. Well, no one offered to conveniently run a waste line out to the ditch behind our house, and every time we backwashed the pool we pissed the neighbors off. Yup. We’d turn it on and it would shoot out at the fence and eventually settle into a mud pit right by their gate. We tried using temporary attached hoses but they usually worked themselves loose and then created a bigger mess than before (while also soaking us in the process). I had to time backwashing the pool around their mowing schedule to keep the peace in the neighborhood.
So, bury your backwash line.
14. Should you add extra features like cooling systems (for very hot climates), heaters (to extend pool season), or integrated hot tubs?
Look, I know they cost more money, but if you’re already laying out the money to install a pool, you should get what you want. If you’re a lap swimmer and can extend your swimming season a few months a year, then get an insulating cover and a heater. If you live in the deep south, get a cooling system or you won’t want to be in your hot tub of a pool in August. The biggest thing to remember with all of this is that it’s WAY, WAY cheaper to do during the initial installation than to add it after the fact!
POOL TIME!!!
So, here’s the fun part! This is our pool installation process in pictures (and I’m stressed just looking at it).
Most pool contractors will require a current survey. We blew up the survey and made copies so we could draw the shape and size of the pool on the survey. Then we measured the size we wanted and spray painted the lines on the grass to see what it really looked like in the yard. The kids fake-swam across the pool and decided it was big enough.
You’ll need to call the dig people and make sure you aren’t running into any problems where you want to install it (those of you that have septic systems- do you know where your tank and drainage field are?- plan accordingly!).
After the pool contractor dug out all that dirt, me and Rainman built a retaining wall at the back of the property so we could use some of the dirt to level the yard (that previously had a steep angle of bank). Of course, we did this to save money, and it was some of the most back-breaking work we’ve ever undertaken.
The retaining wall and dirt leveling took a while, and the contractor didn’t need to remove too much as we offered the excess dirt for fill to neighbors. Soon, the walls were framed with the metal band, plumbing and electricity installed, the floors smoothed with the concrete mix, the vinyl liner installed, and WATER!!!
Tip: If you call the local fire department, they will sometimes fill the pool cheaper than off of garden hoses (OOPS, our bill was $500 that month).
Once the dirt was all leveled out, and the pool filled, the concrete coping was poured around the pool.
After the pool was finished, we added an eight foot privacy fence on top of the retaining wall for a secluded paradise in the back yard.
And finally, a finished pool the whole family can enjoy (complete with extended decks and hardscaping)!
Thanks for coming along and sharing our DIY journey!
Do you have things you wished you’d known before you installed a pool? Please share in the comments below!
Check out more of our great DIY, decor, and inspiration posts on our Blog. Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
Here’s my secret: I don’t spend money on any of my home decor anymore. I use my Amazon points to decorate and I was dying to get this Ethan Allen vase. The “small” size that I got is 14″ dia x 18″ high, and is handmade in ceramic and ivory glazed in Italy. I just LOVE it. It replaced the antique bowl and pitcher in the entryway and is a MUCH better scale. I rehomed the others in the guest room and they’re just perfect in their new spot. My understanding is Ethan Allen sells directly on Amazon and from it’s own site, so I chose the free shipping on Amazon.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
Isn’t it just the BEST? I’m trying to decide what to find for a fall arrangement, although I’m not willing to admit summer is coming to a close.
What do you buy with your Amazon points? Let us know in the comments below!
Thanks for stopping by and check out more of our great home decor and DIY inspiration on our blog. Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
Chances are you don’t have your Dream Pantry set up yet, and neither do I. But, it’s absolutely the RIGHT time to start planning and collecting the types of containers to use. Then you can design your pantry around the functionality you want to have! There are two basic types of jars I have, upcycled and purchased. I will show you where I find the best of both worlds.
And, yeah, I have a jar for that.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
Most of the jars that I am using currently live on top of our sideboard. The big jars inside the sideboard (which will eventually become a baking station) will remain accessible for cooking when the sideboard becomes the base for the island/breakfast table nook. But, the rest of the jars will live in the pantry or in the glass and metal cabinets (that are not yet actually hung on the wall). By the way, I am loving the sideboard, and it is going to work fantastic for what I want.
As you can see, my kitchen renovation is started-ish, but I’m betting it will be years before we put in the time and effort to get it finished. In the meantime, we’re collecting pieces for the kitchen, and the metal cabinets I found are a house for my found and upcycled jars. Freebies are my favorite. So, where do I get all these free jars? They’re from things we bought and used, and now I can reuse them for all kinds of stuff.
Classico Pasta Sauce is our favorite, and it comes in an intentionally reusable mason jar. We use our sauce, soak jars overnight, pull the label off, and then run them through the dishwasher. We use them for all kinds of stuff, nuts, etc. And honestly, I find having them out and visible makes for healthier snack choices for kids AND adults.
The other jars are from salsas, mushrooms, olives etc, and I LOVE the assorted sizes.
If you’re impatient to start your jar collection, you can get reasonable Mason Jar Sets on Amazon but, I recommend waiting and getting the free ones as you use food jars!
But, what about those GIANT jars, you ask? They’re my FAVORITE, which is why I have so many. What you can’t see is that they have a rubber seal on the lid that keeps them air tight and perfect for all your dried items in the pantry (dried beans, assorted noodles, quinoa, flour, dog biscuits, etc).
These are Anchor Hocking jars: the smaller one is the 1.5 Gallon Anchor Hocking Montana Jar and the larger ones are 2.5 Gallon Anchor Hocking Montana Glass Jar. I love these, hence the collection. I found them quite a bit cheaper on Amazon than any other sites which is awesome because the jar websites usually charge for shipping (which I don’t like doing because I’m spoiled by my Amazon Prime).
And, guess what, I’ve gotten almost all of them FREE because I use my Amazon card points!
Do you have any favorite jars for upcycling?
Thanks for hanging out and check out other DIY and project ideas on our blog. Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
I stumbled across Tom Howley sort of by accident. I kept pinning these gorgeous kitchens to my Kitchen Crush board on Pinterest, and then I started noticing that the ones I really loved were from just a few different cabinet makers. There’s a catch, though, Tom doesn’t make cabinets in the US, which is probably why I’d never heard of them before. But, maybe if we spam him with requests, he’ll open a cabinet design store here just for me. Check out the awesomeness they put into every detail and design.
*This post may contain affiliate links (I am not a Tom Howley affiliate). Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
All photos are from tomhowley.co.uk
I’m just showing you these, so you too, can dream of a fantastic English kitchen. One of the details I love most is that the cabinets are all installed like builtins. I ADORE this detail. There is no recessed toe kick like American designed kitchens. Doesn’t it look clean and wonderful? (Imagine not needing to sweep out from underneath the cabinets every time you cook). The other main difference seems to be that there is nearly as much attention paid to the surfaces that you don’t immediately see as the exterior finish on the cabinets.
The inside of every drawer and cabinet is beautiful. Underneath the cabinet. The toe kick. Everything. Gorgeous.
Below you can see the builtin dish pantry that is just gorgeous. Real wood liner, interior lighting, and glass shelves highlight serving ware. The knobs are gorgeous and the glass is perfect. How perfect is the curve on the island seating (in the foreground)???
The combination of open shelving (cabinets without doors) and pantry style hidden storage in different depths really gives the kitchen character. You’ll notice with all of the designs that they alternate the depths of the cabinets, not just the height, to add interest. Even in one color, this kitchen is far from uniform and totally stunning.
Built in drawer organizers are just exquisite. No IKEA here, just perfectly crafted organized kitchen-ness.
Spice nooks built into the range alcove in the same color as the cabinetry, protected from heat, but handy while cooking. Sigh. That’s definitely on my list.
Top notch, professional cooktops, in an easy to clean finish: check.
You can see the quality and craftsmanship of the drawers and the detail in the finish and design. I also love that they added a mini backsplash in the same quartz. It’s all incredibly clean.
The mantel top look is very classic, and it’s a beautiful blend in the same hue.
Close up of the details around the inset drawers and awesome hardware.
Not only is the built in beautiful, but it has strong wooden shelves on the bottom (the lower part without glass doors) for everyday dishware and use.
One of my favorite things about Tom Howley kitchens is that they’re designed for real, actual cooking. I don’t think I’ve seen one without this very functional design that ensures cabinets are not exposed to the cooktop heat. The cooktops are fully enclosed with well vented hoods. I LOVE it. It makes so much sense.
Close up of hardware details.
This is such an amazing shot. The built in pantry/dish cabinet is completely framed in and just appears to have always been there, on that wall. Beautiful. And I love the color against the light floor.
Another shot of total dish pantry awesomeness.
What I really dig here, again, is the variation while it’s still uniform in color. There is molding variation, missing doors, glass doors, depth changes… but all still cohesive and lovely. Did you happen to notice that even with the cooktop on the island, there is still a vent above, flush with the ceiling?
Exquisite details in the drawer for organization and integrated dish drain on the countertop.
The finish doesn’t get much better than this, does it?
These open shelves achieve the same look as open shelves, except I’m betting this is way more usable space as there’s less concern about falling dishes and they’re a bit more protected from dust build up.
Open shelving at a different depth integrated into bank of wall cabinets.
Even the wine rack integrated into the island is awesome.
It just so happens, this is totally our plan for building in our fridge and freezer, except we’re going to take it all the way to the ceiling. But, yes, fridge and freezer flanked by pantries. It’s gorgeous.
But, I’ll bet your pantries aren’t this beautiful inside. Know what I’m saying? There’s no beautiful wood finish with built in organizers on the doors. Tom, are you listening?
No detail is overlooked. Seriously? Check out the side of the pantry. Also, don’t miss the string of task lighting perfect for this work area.
But, the details just get better. Carved labels inside your pantry??? Yes, I mean it. And, oh yeah, I can have a usable workspace, with the stupid toaster and crumbs, that can be closed off from view the rest of the time? Yaaaaaaas.
Favorite. Kitchen. Detail. Ever. Tom, you had me at mouse door.
You can see more labels here (I don’t know that I’d go this far, because I like to move things around so other people in my family can’t find them). But, I love the idea. and that it’s an available option.
Okay, so the next few are just to show you how amazing the interiors of the pantries are. I’m just blown away because we just don’t do this here. It’s next level.
Aren’t they just amazing??? I’ve considered a trip to the UK just so I can visit a showroom.
Tom, if you’re reading this, please come to America. We love you.
As for the rest of you, read more of our awesome blog here. Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.
This is the third year in a row I’ve been able to put out my Flag Buntings for Memorial Day through July 4th. I’m super happy with how well they’ve held up. Honestly, I don’t like the red, white, and blue thing too overdone, so I take down the regular flag. I love the old-fashioned buntings and I tend to skip the flag decor on the porch. No pillows or mixed baskets. It’s just a cleaner look and much more classic this way… they’re enough all by themselves.
*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see full disclosure at the end of the post.
For those of you looking for a quick front porch update, the buntings and vinyl coated hooks were super reasonable from Amazon and are an awesome addition to the festivities.
Thanks for checking out our blog and find more DIY projects, updates, and decor here. Cheers!
*Legal stuff:
I am honest about my experiences with different products and write because I enjoy it. I do however, have the opportunity to earn money for my writing, also.
Slavetodiy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Each of your purchases via our Amazon affiliation links supports our cause at no additional cost to you.
If a blogger links to an Amazon product (with a special code for affiliates embedded in the link), and a reader places an item in their “shopping cart” through that link within 24 hours of clicking the link, the blogger gets a small percentage of the sale. Amazon links are not “pay per click.” If you click on the product link and stay around Amazon and purchase something else, however, I will get a commission on that sale.
Slavetodiy.com is also a VigLink affiliate advertiser which works similarly.